When they finished eating, Li Chen turned to Zhang Mei and said, "Now that the stress of your mother’s hospital bill is settled, we should start talking business."

Zhang Mei nodded in agreement, replying, "Oh, okay."

Li Chen got up and went to his room to retrieve his laptop. He returned, placed the laptop in front of Zhang Mei, and said, "I want you to have a look at my business plan and tell me what you think."

Zhang Mei focused intently on the business plan, absorbing each and every detail. Li Chen patiently waited, not interrupting her as she delved into the content. After a few minutes, Zhang Mei looked up from the laptop, her expression one of deep thought.

She said, "Li Chen, this is perfect. If you pursue this plan, you have the potential to become very successful."

Li Chen grinned and replied, "That’s the plan."

Zhang Mei leaned in and raised some concerns, "But to develop a game, you’ll need someone who’s studied computer engineering to see if it can be programmed. And you’ll need working space. Starting a business requires a lot of financial resources."

Li Chen’s confidence remained unwavering as he affirmed, "I know."

Zhang Mei continued, "You still believe you can start a business?"

Li Chen leaned back in his chair, his determination shining in his eyes, and said, "I don’t think, I know I can."

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Li Chen got up to answer it, revealing Tang Ziyi standing outside.

Tang Ziyi greeted Li Chen, saying, "Good afternoon, Brother Chen."

Li Chen replied with a friendly smile, "Hi, how are you doing?"

Tang Ziyi, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head and said, "Sorry to bother you. I just wanted to check if you have any yard work that needs to be done."

Li Chen welcomed him in, saying, "Come in, let’s talk inside."

Tang Ziyi walked in and greeted Zhang Mei politely, saying, "Hi ma’am"

Zhang Mei chuckled and said, "Hi, don’t call me ma’am; I’m too young for that."

Li Chen introduced them, saying, "Zhang Mei, this is Tang Ziyi. Tang Ziyi, this is my friend and new housemate, Zhang Mei. You can call her Sister Mei."

Tang Ziyi smiled and responded, "Nice to meet you, Sister Mei."

Zhang Mei returned the smile and asked, "Can I give you two some space to talk?"

Li Chen declined, saying, "That won’t be necessary." He then turned to Tang Ziyi and continued, "Please, have a seat."

Tang Ziyi, a bit puzzled but compliant, sat down. Li Chen looked at Tang Ziyi and asked, "Would you take a job if offered?"

Tang Ziyi eagerly replied, "I would happily take it. I need the money."

Li Chen nodded, then turned to Zhang Mei and asked her to pass the laptop to Tang Ziyi. His reminder came when he saw Tang Ziyi, who had graduated in computer science, and Li Chen wanted him to review his business plan to get his opinion.

Tang Ziyi, still puzzled, looked at the laptop’s contents and began to read. As he read, a wide smile gradually spread across his face. Li Chen couldn’t help but chuckle and encouraged him, saying, "Read anything you like."

Tang Ziyi looked up with excitement and told Li Chen, "You won’t believe this, but I have the same game idea written at home."

Li Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really?"

Tang Ziyi confirmed, "Yes, but I just never had the resources to put it into action. These things need a lot of money."

Zhang Mei, now comprehending the situation, chimed in, "You studied computer science?"

Tang Ziyi replied with pride, "I graduated top of the class."

Zhang Mei was pleased and said, "This is perfect, Li Chen."

Li Chen agreed, saying, "Just as I was thinking about my second employee, he made his way here."

Tang Ziyi, still bewildered, decided to ask, "What’s going on?"

Li Chen smiled and explained, "I am starting a tech company, and that game will be our first product."

Li Chen’s vision for the game was indeed unique. He wanted to create a groundbreaking fighting game that would revolutionize the gaming industry. Here’s the idea he had:

**Game Title: "Quantum Combat"**

"Quantum Combat" was not just another fighting game; it was an innovative fusion of science fiction, martial arts, and strategy. Li Chen aimed to blend the realism of hand-to-hand combat with the limitless possibilities of quantum physics. The game was set in a near-future world where martial arts met cutting-edge technology.

**Gameplay:**

1. **Quantum Martial Arts:** Players would take on the roles of martial artists, each equipped with special suits that allowed them to harness the power of quantum physics. This granted them extraordinary abilities, such as manipulating time, gravity, and matter.

2. **Innovative Mechanics:** The game’s core mechanics revolved around manipulating quantum fields in real-time. Players could slow down time, control gravity, and even reshape the environment to gain tactical advantages.

3. **Character Customization:** Players could create their own unique characters, choosing from various martial arts styles and quantum abilities. The level of customization extended to appearance, fighting techniques, and even the design of their quantum-powered suits.

4. **Story Mode:** The game featured an engaging storyline that explored the consequences of tampering with quantum energy. Players would uncover a sinister plot by a secret organization seeking to control these quantum powers and have to stop them.

5. **Multiplayer:** "Quantum Combat" would offer intense multiplayer modes, including one-on-one battles and team-based matches. The dynamic environments and quantum abilities added an extra layer of strategy to every fight.

6. **Strategic Battles:** Success in "Quantum Combat" required not only mastering martial arts but also outsmarting opponents by predicting their quantum moves and countering with creative strategies.

**Graphics and Design:**

Li Chen envisioned stunning, realistic graphics combined with futuristic settings. The characters’ quantum suits would glow with vibrant energy as they executed their mind-bending moves. The fighting arenas would be diverse, ranging from high-tech laboratories to ancient dojos.

**Innovation:**

Li Chen’s game would be groundbreaking for its integration of real science into the gameplay. He aimed to collaborate with scientists to ensure that the quantum concepts presented in the game were as accurate as possible, making "Quantum Combat" not just entertaining but also educational.

Li Chen believed that "Quantum Combat" would appeal to gamers who craved action, strategy, and innovation.

Li Chen, Zhang Mei, and Tang Ziyi delved deeper into discussions about the game project. It became increasingly evident to Li Chen that Tang Ziyi possessed a trove of bright ideas, which could elevate the game far beyond his initial vision.

"Li Chen, have you completed the company registration process?"

"Absolutely. We’ve got that part sorted. Now, all that’s left is finding the right office space. We can start small and expand as the business grows."

"Wait, are you serious about this venture?"

"Deadly serious. Tang Ziyi, starting today, you’re joining the team. No more yard work."

Tang Ziyi scratched his head, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty playing on his features. He finally spoke, appreciative but cautious.

"Thank you, Brother Chen. But, if it’s not too much trouble, could I perhaps work on your yard today? I’m in need of some money."

"It’s not a problem at all. I’ll provide you a loan, and we can deduct it from your first paycheck. Does that sound alright to you?"

"I don’t want to impose, but your help would mean a lot."

Li Chen didn’t hesitate, swiftly making a 10,000 yuan transfer to Tang Ziyi’s account, a gesture of goodwill.

"I hope this eases your situation."

Tang Ziyi rose from his seat, moved by Li Chen’s generosity. Instinctively, he tried to bow in respect, but Li Chen caught him with a firm but friendly gesture.

"Remember, there’s no need for formalities like bowing."

"I’m sorry, Brother Chen."

With gratitude in his heart, Tang Ziyi accepted the loan, knowing that this new journey was about to change his life for the better.

The discussions extended late into the evening, with Li Chen even arranging dinner for the trio. As twilight approached, Tang Ziyi expressed his intent to depart.

"Well, it’s getting late, and I should make my way home."

"Nonsense, it’s too late to walk back now. I’ll give you a ride."

"Really, there’s no need. I can walk."

"Where do you live?"

"In the 6th district."

"That’s quite a distance from here." Zhang Mei exclaimed.

"I’m used to the walk."

"Just accept the man’s kindness, alright?"

Tang Ziyi felt a bit embarrassed but relented.

"Okay, thank you, Brother Chen."

With their plan in place and their conversation still lively, Li Chen offered to drop Tang Ziyi home and assured him that he’d return the next morning to search for the office space. The journey back to Li Chen’s place was smooth, and upon arrival, Tang Ziyi entered his home eager to share the exciting turn his day had taken with his family.