Xu Qiao gave a reply. Dianxing Game Company is located in the high-tech park of the next city, and it takes less than an hour to reach the capital by high-speed rail.
The next afternoon, Gao Ming came over and made an appointment with Xu Qiao to meet in a cafe.
When Xu Qiao walked into the cafe, it was a weekday during the office hours for white-collar workers, and there were not many people inside. There were only a few people sitting in twos and threes, some reading newspapers, and some typing on keyboards.
He dialed Gao Ming's cell phone number, looked around, and saw the man sitting by the window in the corner taking out his cell phone. Xu Qiao hung up the phone and walked towards him.
"Hello, Mr. Gao."
Gao Ming looked up and was stunned when he saw Xu Qiaoshi wearing a mask and a hat.
He only showed a pair of eyes, but people subconsciously felt that there should be an outstanding face under the mask, and he should be young. He has a slender figure and a very special temperament. Even if you can't see his face clearly, he can still stand out in the crowd.
The most important thing is... Gao Ming felt that the young man in front of him seemed familiar.
But Xu Qiao did not leave his full name on the drawing he submitted, only the word "Xu". So Gao Ming thought about it in his mind, but couldn't figure out where he had seen this young man before.
Gao Ming stood up and motioned for Xu Qiao to take a seat. After Xu Qiao sat down opposite him, he called the waiter and asked, "What would you like to drink, Mr. Xu?"
“American style is fine.”
When Gao Ming was ordering, Xu Qiao glanced at him twice.
He was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, wearing rimmed glasses and looking gentle and handsome.
Soon, the coffee was served, and Gao Ming said after careful consideration: "Mr. Xu, I am the executive director and manager of Star Game Company. I saw the drawings you sent to the mailbox and I really appreciate them."
Thinking of that day, Gao Ming still feels a little scared.
The remuneration offered by Dianxing for painters is not low. The five- to six-figure price for a design draft has attracted a large number of painters to submit their works.
Exquisite drawings flowed into the company mailbox one after another, with delicate lines and beautiful colors. Xu Qiao's drafts painted with colored ballpoint pens were mixed in among them, and at first glance they looked like doodles.
The new member of the art department who was in charge of reviewing the first draft took a look at it, muttered "What the hell is this drawing?", and was about to move Xu Qiao's submission into the trash can.
Gao Ming happened to pass by and heard the muttering. He glanced at it casually, which saved several drawings from being thrown into the trash can.
The magnificent imagination and the extremely rational and beautiful setting made Gao Ming easily immersed in it and he immediately contacted Xu Qiao.
Fortunately, fortunately, I almost missed it.
Gao Ming took out the printed drawings from his briefcase: "Mr. Xu—"
His voice stopped abruptly.
I saw Xu Qiao opposite me had taken off his mask, took a sip of coffee, and looked up when he heard his voice.
Gao Ming's breath hitched. The young man in front of him could be described as beautiful.
The sunlight penetrated through the transparent floor-to-ceiling glass, enveloping him, giving his face a clear boundary between light and dark. The faint smile on his face was harmless, and the arc at the end of his eyes was casual, seeming a little frivolous, but his eyes were cold enough.
Pretty, but not feminine.
Most importantly, isn't this Xu Qiao
Gao Ming's eyelids twitched.
He is considered as a passerby who hates Xu Qiao. Ever since Xu Qiao made his debut, he has not been very fond of this little star who only has a pretty face but no real substance.
Yesterday, he was cursing the movie Xu Qiao was acting in online.
This is ridiculous, how could Xu Qiao be the incredibly talented painter Xu
Before coming here, he had imagined many times what kind of person the "Xu" in the drawings was.
He could be a young painter who has returned from studying abroad, a carefree lecturer at an art academy, or a middle-aged man who dresses casually and looks sloppy.
In short, it is definitely not like Xu Qiao.
That's ridiculous.
The words of praise were stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say them out. Gao Ming hesitated for a moment and asked, "Mr. Xu Qiao, may I ask who are the authors of these drawings?"
"It's me." Xu Qiao saw what he was doubting and chuckled.
There was silence.
Gao Ming didn't say anything, and Xu Qiao wasn't in a hurry to speak either. He just drank his coffee leisurely.
"Uh..." Gao Ming tried to suppress the disbelief in his eyes and laughed dryly, "I've never heard that Mr. Xu can paint."
Xu Qiao glanced at the inside of the cafe. It was a graffiti wall with easels and paints piled in the corner, open to customers.
Gao Ming saw him asking with his eyes and coughed: "Mr. Xu, can you demonstrate it?"
Putting on the mask again, Xu Qiao walked over, picked up a paintbrush from the turbid bucket, and pressed it on the sponge to absorb the moisture.
The painting supplies provided to customers for free are naturally not that good. The brushes are forked, the paint is dry and lumpy, and the paper is the cheapest kind.
Xu Qiao looked at Gao Ming: "What are you drawing?"
"Mr. Xu, please feel free."
Xu Qiao nodded, picked up the palette, dipped the tip of the brush in paint and began to paint on the paper. Before long, a picture of deep forest and clear springs gradually took shape.
Gao Ming saw that his brushstrokes were free and easy, and looked comfortable and smooth. His painting skills were evident in just a few strokes. The style was indeed similar to the drawings he had sent to the company's mailbox, so his doubts were reduced a little.
Continuing to read, Gao Ming looked a little surprised: "Mr. Xu also dabbles in calligraphy?"
He has been learning calligraphy since he was young, and his handwriting is very impressive. Looking closely at Xu Qiao's paintings, you can see that they have a certain charm of calligraphy.
The branches stretching upwards are vigorous and powerful, flowing like clouds and water, like cursive calligraphy. The trunk is the center of the seal script, and the fish playing in the spring are clearly visible, as delicate as small regular script.
Without answering the question, Xu Qiao rinsed the pen in the bucket, placed it on the pen holder to dry, and then turned to look at Gao Ming: "Is it ok?"
Gao Ming smiled awkwardly and touched his nose. He turned around and wanted to go back to his seat, only to find that a lot of people had been attracted to the back without knowing when, and they were all watching Xu Qiao painting, and there were three or two girls taking pictures with their mobile phones.
Gao Ming couldn't help but be thankful that Xu Qiao was wearing a hat and mask so that he would not be recognized.
When the people around saw that Xu Qiao had finished the painting, they started discussing it in a low voice.
“What a beautiful painting!”
"Mom, this brother is so handsome too." A baby voice.
"Can you tell that they're wearing masks?"
The waiter in the coffee shop came over and asked, "Sir, would you like to take this painting away?"
Xu Qiao shook his head.
So the waiter carefully put away the painting, apparently to frame it.
After returning to his seat, Xu Qiao noticed that many people were looking at him vaguely, but he did not take off his mask.
"I admire Mr. Xu's painting skills." Gao Ming took out the printed drawings again, "Can you explain these concept drawings?"
Xu Qiao turned the coffee cup on the cup holder and briefly explained it to Gao Ming.
Gao Ming wants to make a doomsday-themed game and has done some research on various current doomsday hypotheses. Most games on the market with similar themes are just old wine in new bottles, but the world described by Xu Qiao is very novel.
He was a tech geek and couldn't help but listen attentively. He only started to ask his own questions when Xu Qiao stopped talking.
Gao Ming pointed at the alien monster hidden in the blue-gray glow of the painting and said, "Mr. Xu, I saw that you commented next to it that this is an anaerobic intelligent creature. So how does this intelligent creature solve the problem of high energy consumption of the brain?"
"There are also silicon-based organisms. As we all know, the atomic structure of silicon is not conducive to the formation of large molecular chains. It is extremely easy to break and cannot form living cells."
Xu Qiao: “…” I didn’t realize you were so adventurous.
Is it necessary to dig so deep just to make games? Is it still research
Glancing at him and meeting those inquisitive eyes, Xu Qiao rubbed his temples.
Borrowing paper and pen from the waiter, Xu Qiao drew biological anatomy diagrams and the bonding relationships of elements, and gave Gao Ming's explanations in the fields of biology and chemistry.
In the book "The Journey Back to the End of the World", under the worldview perfected by world consciousness, every creature has its rationality and evolutionary basis.
No one can say for sure whether these creatures really exist in the universe, but the logic itself is self-consistent.
Gao Ming was amazed: "So this is possible!"
Xu Qiao put down the pen and paper, stirred the coffee in front of him, feeling tired.
"I benefited a lot from discussing these things with Mr. Xu. I really want to say that my imagination was too narrow before. When making games, imagination and creativity are extremely important."
Gao Ming had completely put aside his prejudice against Xu Qiao. "I remember my mentor once said to me: The life forms that humans can imagine are all based on existing knowledge reserves. But the universe is beyond imagination, and it is meaningless to explore alien life based on Earth life."
Xu Qiao looked at Gao Ming's excitement and couldn't bear to interrupt him, but it was already late. Seeing that Gao Ming wanted to continue talking, Xu Qiao said with a half-smile, "I don't think Mr. Gao is here to have a scientific discussion with me today, right?"
Gao Ming coughed. Now he not only confirmed that those imaginative drawings were drawn by Xu Qiao, but also had a certain understanding of the breadth of his knowledge.
It is not easy to create a painting that combines imagination with solid painting skills. It is also not easy to have an in-depth understanding of various subjects. It is even rarer to have both.
Gao Ming picked up the refilled coffee, feeling excited.
He left his family and founded the Star Game Company, hoping to start his own business. At present, all the work of the company revolves around this doomsday game, and it can be said that everything is devoted to it.
But starting from scratch, he faced many difficulties. The appearance of Xu Qiao helped him to find a way out.
The company originally wanted an original artist who could draw the world described by the game planner, use pictures to illustrate the specific images, and provide an artistic basis for subsequent game production.
But Xu Qiao's paintings come with a complete world view and setting, which is simply a combination of planning and art.
Xu Qiao can also give unique suggestions on gameplay and process design, and even in development, Xu Qiao seems to have some insights of his own.
Before meeting Xu Qiao today, Gao Ming came with the purpose of communicating with the painter. But after communicating with Xu Qiao, his mind changed.
What game companies lack most is talent.
Putting down the cup, Gao Ming said, "To be honest, our Star Game Company is in its early stages and has a lot of vacancies. Mr. Xu, in addition to asking you for drawings, I would also like to invite you to be the game's world view consultant and technical support consultant, and serve as one of the main planners."
Xu Qiao curled the corner of his mouth. Is he trying to use him as ten people
Gao Ming seemed a little embarrassed: "Of course Mr. Xu's main job is still to design concept drawings."
Xu Qiao sniffed the rich coffee aroma and spoke slowly, "Mr. Gao, you know my current job. I will be filming a movie after the New Year. I have no problem drawing the design draft. More importantly, I can only give opinions and suggestions within my time and ability."
Gao Ming nodded: "That's enough."
"I admire Mr. Xu's talent, not just his outstanding painting skills. More importantly, your way of thinking, your aesthetic accumulation, and your extensive knowledge of professional knowledge are all urgently needed in the gaming industry."
"In terms of scene concept design, character design, suit design, weapon prop design, UI design, and illustration promotion, we will focus on Mr. Xu's ideas."
"Also... as one of the main planners, Mr. Xu, your identity is somewhat sensitive, and we need to interact with users on Weibo. I wonder if you can register another account for communication purposes?"
"That's no problem." Xu Qiao agreed straightforwardly. Registering a pseudonym was nothing compared to the work content.
After all these issues are settled, it is time to discuss the final step: salary and benefits.
If this step cannot be negotiated, then everything said before will be in vain.
Gao Ming asked, "I wonder what Mr. Xu's expectations are for compensation?"
Xu Qiao smiled lazily, and in response to Gao Ming's question, he said, "Mr. Gao, how much do you think I'm worth?"
Gao Ming fell into deep thought.
It would have been fine if I didn’t come to see Xu Qiao today, but after meeting him, it would be impossible for me to give up on such a person.
After a long while, he said slowly, "One million."
Xu Qiao curled up the corner of his mouth into a smile. Based on the fact that a design draft by a well-known artist could be sold for a price of even two hundred thousand, Gao Ming not only asked him to be responsible for the main art design work, but also asked him to do other work including planning and even technical work.
Such a price obviously shows lack of sincerity.
Gao Ming turned the coffee cup in his hand and said softly as if he had made up his mind, "Plus 30% of Dianxing's shares."
Xu Qiao raised his eyes and looked into his eyes.
"Mr. Xu, the company currently has no way to pay a higher remuneration. 30% of the shares is considered Mr. Xu's technology investment. What do you think?"
Gao Ming has shown his sincerity, so he will not go too far and take the opportunity to raise more conditions.
Xu Qiao extended his hand to Gao Ming: "It's a pleasure to work with you."
Gao Ming held it with a deep smile on his face.
He wanted to use shares to retain Xu Qiao. As for whether Xu Qiao was worth the 30% stake, it would be proven in the future.
After seeing Gao Ming off, Xu Qiao checked the time and met with the lawyer he had agreed to meet with.
After confirming that there was no problem with Mo Chenghong's contract, Xu Qiao decided to sign with him. He really needed a professional agent so that he could worry less.
After finalizing the contract and signing it the next day, Li Feifei drove the high-end business car provided by Mo Chenghong to the bottom of the apartment and took Xu Qiao to the new residence.
In the car, Li Feifei was extremely excited. Xu Qiao confirmed that he saw Li Feifei's legs trembling with excitement.
"Brother, the business cars provided by SSE are far worse than this!!"
Xu Qiao: “…” Okay, I got it.
The signing has not been officially announced yet. As the studio is busy at the end of the year, Mo Chenghong said that he would wait until "Liao Jiang" is finished broadcasting after the new year, and then he would arrange specific work for him. Xu Qiao can also take this time to take a vacation.
Xu Qiao had no objection.
The new residence is located in a high-end residential area with a good location and a complete security system. The house is a two-family house on one floor, a large duplex structure, facing north and south, with plenty of light in the living room. The decoration is ready, you can move in with your luggage, and you can add more when you need it.
Li Feifei parked the car and went upstairs with Xu Qiao. When he opened the door, he looked at the house and exclaimed, "We are rich. We are really rich. Brother, we are rich."
Compared to the apartment where Xu Qiao lives, this large duplex is absolutely impeccable.
In the next few days, Xu Qiao packed up his things in the apartment and moved in. After struggling in the apocalypse for a few years, he didn't have high requirements for housing. But Xu Qiao still bought some green plants and flowers to make this home more lively.
At the same time, as "Liao Jiang" continues to air, its reputation is slowly fermenting.
"Liao Jiang" now has a super topic. Unlike several small web dramas in the same period that received mediocre responses and did not make much of a splash, Liao Jiang's super topic is very lively.
More and more up-loaders are spontaneously editing and composing music to produce content, fan writers are fanciing CPs, and fan artwork of the Fairy Lady is widely circulated. As for what the content is, Xu Qiao took a curious look and fell silent after discovering that it was content that was rated R-18.
Come on, Si Cheng is still a child.
Clicking into the super topic, the discussion about Xu Qiao in the first few episodes mostly focused on his appearance, while in recent episodes, more and more voices began to discuss his acting skills.
I shouldn't have doubted Director Hu. The performance was really good. Xu Qiao's acting was really great.
I was drawn to this drama because of his looks, but I was really moved by Xu Qiao's acting later on. His humility and affection were really touching!
As the series airs, the three days that Guan Han guest-starred have almost been aired.
Compared to the good reviews of several leading actors, Guan Han received wave after wave of criticism.
I checked out Guan Han's shots, and they were really perfunctory. It was obvious that she didn't act well. It must have been too difficult in post-production, and she tried to cover up her half-hearted acting through editing.
Even if it's just a small web drama, can't you just act well if you take the job? Meng Xuan's character has almost no expression and a paralyzed face, but she can act like this.
I'm a bit disappointed. I watched the show with real feelings and thought she was dedicated, humble and eager to learn. I watched the promotional video before and the water dungeon fight scene really amazed me. I didn't expect that even that outstanding scene was replaced by someone else.
Some people also defended Guan Han.
Logically speaking, if the actors perform poorly, it is also the director's fault, right
An industry insider would like to say that sometimes the director should not be blamed. As far as I know, Guan Han signed a three-day filming contract with the crew. If Guan Han cooperated, the filming would be possible, but she obviously did not have the attitude, so the director had to give up for the sake of progress.
Yes, filming is not a one-person job. The photographer has to carry dozens of kilograms of equipment, and the lighting, props, costumes and makeup all have to be kept under close watch. How many people have to repeat the work behind her when she takes care of the filming? The director can't do anything about it.
Guan Han had a smooth career all the way and had never suffered any hardship. She became famous after starring in a few idol dramas, and had never been scolded so one-sidedly by anyone. For a moment, she felt angry and annoyed.
Who knew that a guest appearance in a small web drama would attract so much criticism.
She took two breaths and dialed a number: "Brother, help me."