Chapter 100: DIY Mod

“This girl is truly extraordinary…” On the way home, Bai Renzong was still reminiscing about the “Rainbow” that Han Jiayi had just served.

This appetizer was absolutely world-class, and its appearance immediately pulled back the shortcomings of Han Jiayi’s “Cloud Rainbow” against Yang Hua’s “Prairie Heart.”

Previously, Cloud Rainbow could only serve as a standalone dessert, while Prairie Heart was merely one element of the set meal.

Because Cloud Rainbow possessed an overwhelming presence, it required matching dishes of equal impact in a full set meal; otherwise, the overwhelming impression would be the dessert, which was unqualified under the principles of French cuisine.

But now, the “Rainbow” dish that could rival Cloud Rainbow as an appetizer had appeared.

If they could craft a complete set meal where every single dish reached this level, Bai Renzong felt that Cloud Rainbow was absolutely superior to Prairie Heart. Ultimately, who would prevail would be decided by the finished sets of both sides.

“Lao Bai!” The moment Bai Renzong stepped through the door, Wang Bei jumped before him. “Shall we accept this business cooperation? There’s a decent request right now.”

“Is it local?” Bai Renzong inquired curiously, though he already suspected the odds were low.

Shops seeking exploration were typically newly opened ones, and in recent years all new openings fell under Illusion World Group, which would never approach him for cooperation.

The rest were either small shops suppressed by Illusion World Group, barely surviving and unable to afford fees, or established shops that managed fine without them.

“It’s local!” Wang Bei beamed triumphantly. “Truth be told, finding a suitable local partner is surprisingly difficult. They’re not part of Illusion World Group but a branch of a renowned Western restaurant from another province. The price is reasonable too—eighty thousand.”

“Oh, I see.” Bai Renzong understood at once. “Then we can take a look.”

“Hmm! Then I’ll reply to them?” Wang Bei nodded eagerly.

“Did you mention my style?” Bai Renzong pressed, “I told them straight.”

“They specifically asked for honest feedback and proper criticism.” Wang Bei nodded gravely.

“Then— I’m at ease.” Bai Renzong exhaled in relief. “I’ll certainly offer honest criticism.”

This cooperation arrived at the perfect moment. This month Han Jiayi was too occupied helping her strike for a second Michelin star, and video dissemination had slowed. Without new revenue streams, this month’s income would suffer significantly.

The game and movie appreciation content was already prepared, merely awaiting food appreciation material to intersperse naturally.

In the evening, after Han Jiayi returned home.

“Hmph hmph.” Han Jiayi bounded in from the doorway like a kindergarten student clutching a small red flower.

“Hard work.” Bai Renzong greeted her from the stairwell.

“Wait just a moment; I’ll start cooking right away.” Han Jiayi replied with a grin.

Soon the meal was ready, and they sat facing each other at the table.

During the meal they spoke little, eating in companionable silence.

Yet when Bai Renzong glanced up, he found Han Jiayi smiling slyly at him, as though waiting for praise.

“Truly…” Bai Renzong shook his head with a sigh. “You’ve become quite skilled at this. Stop looking at me that way.”

“Okay.” Han Jiayi beamed, plucking a drumstick for him and adding, “Eat more.”

She paused, then added, “Shall we play games later? Today I did so well—I think I deserve a reward.”

“Hmm.” Bai Renzong nodded. “Remember, there’s a business cooperation in a few days?”

“Mm-hmm.” Han Jiayi answered cheerfully and resumed eating heartily.

After the meal they washed the dishes side by side.

Only when they settled in to play did Bai Renzong ask, “When did you come up with the Rainbow idea?”

“Just… just that day when you…” Han Jiayi mumbled shyly.

“What!?” Bai Renzong frowned. “Speak up.”

“The day you made me cry with your spraying!” Han Jiayi glared at him, cheeks puffed.

“Oh…” Bai Renzong turned away, murmuring, “Sorry…”

“No, it’s not that. It was just that I… that day was a bit too sensitive.” Han Jiayi said, embarrassed, then quickly changed the subject. “Why does it keep telling me I’m wet and to stay away from rain? There’s no rain in the game.”

“Because the humidity is high today and we did physical work, the character sweats easily. Just wipe with a towel; otherwise you’ll catch a cold, sneeze, and attract zombies.”

“No problem, I brought tissues!” Han Jiayi grinned triumphantly. “This game really is fun.”

“It’s just missing a few minor details.” Bai Renzong replied. “For example, there are cat toys, dog leashes, dog food, and dog houses, yet no option to raise pets.”

“Right, and there’s a console but you can’t play it.” Han Jiayi nodded repeatedly.

“There’s a mod for that. Download it and you can play. It also reduces boredom. And there’s a portable music player mod that lets you listen, further cutting boredom.” Bai Renzong pointed at the Creative Workshop. “Want to make a pet-raising mod?”

“Don’t be silly… Do you think mods are that easy?” Bai Renzong glanced sideways. “Even though the engine is open, you still need some understanding of programming.”

“Then let someone else do it!” Han Jiayi said with a grin. “I’ll ask my friend at Youyou Studio…”

“Is that appropriate?” Bai Renzong hesitated. “This sounds like using public resources for private gain.”

“How is it private gain? I’m asking as a friend, and I’ve helped him before.” Han Jiayi said seriously. “Tell me what kind of pet mod you want.”

“Cats and dogs could catch small animals like birds, squirrels, fish, and rabbits. How about that?” Bai Renzong set the question aside at once and asked excitedly, “Then using cat toys or walking dogs reduces boredom, but cats and dogs need food and water every day.”

“And their meowing will attract zombies?” Han Jiayi asked eagerly.

“Hmm! That works, but it can’t be all benefits or the balance breaks.” Bai Renzong nodded. “Still, how do we get the cats and dogs? They can’t be born with them, can they?”

“Make taming props, and use dog food and fish as bait?” Han Jiayi suggested tentatively.

“Cats actually prefer meat…” “That’s the spirit!” “Mm-hmm.” …

The two discussed while playing, and Han Jiayi sent the requirements to the studio.

“Can you finish in three days? Hehe… Thanks!” Han Jiayi tapped away on her phone with a smile.

Is this not using public resources for private gain? Bai Renzong thought, amused. I like it.

Suddenly an idea struck him: through this mod he could conduct an experiment and open another business cooperation avenue—game promotion.