Chapter Twelve: The Dragon King Rebukes His Ministers in Fury

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How can we run a game well with these pests around?
Let’s get rid of them all!
Security has worked hard today; here’s a bonus.
“Gu Wangcai, Gu Fugui... Meng Goudan, Meng Feifei... Starting tomorrow, you’re all off the payroll.”
“Yes, that’s right. You’re all fired. I’ve thought it through—this company means a lot more to me without you.”
“Gu Meng! How can you do this? I am your second uncle’s family friend Gouzi’s biological father!”
“Gu Meng! I am your xxx’s xxx’s xxx!”
“Gu Meng! I really held you in my arms... a pampered pigeon raised at home!”
“Gu Meng, President Gu! Please don’t fire me. How can I survive outside this company? No!”
“Gu Meng! You’re heartless; you won’t have a good end!”
Gu Meng shot the last man a cold glance. “Hmph, I’ve taken note of it. I will definitely recover the five million you embezzled. If you don’t return it, prison awaits. Just wait.”
Gu Ritian left Gu Meng all the evidence of these relatives’ illegal acts, just in case. Every one of them could be nailed with a single report.
Everyone was stunned.
Even Wu Mengyou, the CEO’s secretary who knew Gu Meng was planning a big move, was left speechless.
Firing them all? That bold?
Wouldn’t this affect the company’s operations?
But thinking of their usual behavior, Wu Mengyou relaxed. It probably wouldn’t harm—if anything, it might be for the better.
The meeting room fell silent; the employees still seated exchanged glances, afraid to speak.
No wonder it’s Little Gu, so commanding and decisive, achieving what Old Gu never dared.
Truly exhilarating!
I’ve long disliked this group of deadweight relations—no talent, arrogant attitude. Little Gu’s purge is a breath of fresh air.
Just a bit scared that firing so many at once might be risky.
Now the Dragon King has gone mad. Should we kneel and shout “Long live the Dragon King”? If you’re one of us, don’t make a move...
Gu Meng had no intention of such awkward theatrics. He propped his chin with one hand and summarized:
“As you can see, we had five heads of the Maodou department; I had no choice but to fire all five. Six managers across various units—fired as well.”
“Look at them—all company management, all my uncles, aunts, distant relatives.”
“They’re rotten to the core; my heart breaks.”
“My father entrusted Maodou to me, and yet it’s ended up like this. I am deeply grieved.”
“I’ve wronged Maodou, disappointed my father and the players. I wish I could fire myself!”
Everyone knew: this wasn’t Gu Meng’s fault but the legacy of Gu Ritian. Was he indirectly criticizing his own father?
No, this was Gu’s declaration—he would sever ties with the old family workshop style, where father and son led the charge externally while appointing incompetent relatives internally.
“The reason Maodou has suppressed many competitors yet never truly grown is clearer to me now.”
“The problem lies not outside but within Maodou itself. If we rot here, the games rot everywhere!”
“If you all rot, competitors and players everywhere will rise up, leaving Maodou with no place to hide!”
“Think about it—Maodou has only risen for a few years. Remember the hard times making art films? Competitors watched us daily!”
“Now, Maodou is on the brink. This is a critical moment of life and death. With my father gone, I alone must carry the burden. I haven’t slept for three days, thinking about what to do.”
“After much thought, I have come to four words—”

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Secretary Wu pressed the remote as she listened to the Dragon King’s proclamation, following Gu Meng’s earlier instructions.
Four grand characters appeared behind Gu Meng, written in a bold, flowing script:
“Maodou is doomed!”
“Huh? These four words?”
“Is the company going bankrupt?”
“I should have quit earlier.”
“We’re the leftovers here; with no strong resumes, finding another job will be tough.”
“Sigh, I actually liked Little Gu, but now…”
“Quiet.” Gu Meng rapped the table.
“The company will continue, but we must undergo a thorough reform.”
“This ‘doomed’ is not only the challenge Maodou faces but also its cure.”
“The only way to save Maodou is to kill Maodou—the old Maodou—and bring forth a new Maodou.”
“I’ve dealt with those who must be dealt with today. Here, meritocracy rules; the capable rise, the incompetent fall.”
Actually, not many remain—just over two hundred. Maodou was never a giant.
During past turbulent times, many old employees were poached, and entire influencer teams left en masse. Now, Gu Meng has also fired the nepotistic factions; the PR team and others deserve nothing less than a thorough purge.
Most left now are fresh interns and the remaining third-tier actresses who can’t afford astronomical contract penalties.
As for the photography, voice acting teams, trainees, and the newly established motion capture studio, though led personally by Gu Meng, many talents have left.
People strive for better prospects. Teacher Bu, for example, jumped ship to a company specializing in adult games as a senior partner. She also starred in Maodou’s final work, “Pure Love.”
Good, next time I see her, I can tease her as Boss Bu.
I had a close teacher-student relationship with Teacher Bu; not just a polite term among entertainers.
After transitioning from short videos to interactive films, Gu Meng minimized his on-camera appearances to enhance player immersion, relying heavily on voice acting for many scenes.
Back then, I studied hard under Teacher Bu, staying overnight at her place all the time.
Regardless of whether the “Maodou Film King” title is deserved, he was a motivated young man.
I hope after replacing me, he too has become a star in another world.
As for everyone else, good riddance—I don’t care.
Not to mention poor sales of previous titles, layoffs were long overdue. Gu Meng no longer wants to focus on romance games or return to live-action interactive films; no need to keep such a large team.
Now, with the system I’ve acquired, my goal is to become the Kami of the gaming world.
I don’t care much about Maodou’s past achievements.
I even want to cut ties with those shady projects like Crooked Mouth Dragon King, Return of the War God, Code Bean Emperor, and Young Ameng.
Those were all led by Gu Ritian. Under my leadership, there will be no borderline content!
With my system, why rely on gimmicks? To be the Kami of gaming, the gameplay must speak for itself!
The “Pure Love Warrior” game has been turned around by me; I’ve played it and know the gameplay is excellent with no borderline content.
It’s a good game that won’t disgrace the “God” title.
Emm...
I just hope the “Easter eggs” left by Meng Juju aren’t too outrageous.
Putting aside needless worries, Gu Meng continued:
“Due to the inherited issues, our company might no longer be able to produce those borderline games at the previous scale. Therefore, I have decided to carry on my father’s legacy and continue to transition toward legitimate games!”

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“Additionally, ‘Pure Love Warrior Simulator’ might be the last title under the Maodou brand.”
Gu Meng always felt the name Maodou sounded strange, like some company that’s hard to speak of. It’s time to turn the page and change it.
“To mark a clear break from the old Maodou, our company will be renamed.”
Secretary Wu pressed the remote at just the right moment, and the background changed to four characters:
“Game Metaphysics.”
“This is the future I promise you. I pledge that Game Metaphysics will become a world-class game company, remembered by all players.”
“And you all will be the pioneers of Game Metaphysics, proud to work here.”
“I’ve said my piece. Does anyone want to speak?”
Now, Gu Meng was radiant, exuding a powerful aura of dignity and strength.
Years later, this scene would be recalled countless times by veteran employees of Game Metaphysics, never forgotten.
Gu Meng himself felt he looked cooler now than when he acted as the Dragon King.
Posing, feeling great, posing, feeling great!
Applause broke out, growing louder, the atmosphere reaching a crescendo.
But just then—
“Report, boss!”
“Huh?”
I was asking if anyone wanted to speak, but someone actually dares to interrupt?
Can’t you see I’m posing here?
Look at the air!
Who is it? Do you want to dance the Mazda dance too?
Oh, it’s Wu Mengyou, my trusted junior.
One of the rare competent workhorses in the company.
A precious legacy left by Lao Deng. That settles it.
“What’s the matter?”
“Boss, we have big trouble! Our new game just launched today and is already trending with criticism.”
“Huh?”
“They say we made ‘Green Turtle Simulator’ and betrayed all Maodou fans. Players in Donghua City are already gathering downstairs to protest us!”
“Huh?”
“They also say we falsely advertised. The game can’t help you pick up girls and you can only offer tribute to a villainess. The promotional videos apparently backfired.”
“Huh?”
“It seems a hidden ending was uncovered—the heroine is a total scumbag with many boyfriends and some bizarre opinions. The male lead can only forgive her and accept reality to continue the marriage.”
“Huh?”
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