After reading the contract, Ziyan Liuyun couldn't calm down for a long time. She was sure she had to be dreaming.
She'd heard about the treatment at third-rate guilds before, and this was definitely better than what lifestyle players in those guilds received—especially the monthly base salary, which third-rate guild lifestyle players didn't get.
"Why are you being so good to me?" Ziyan Liuyun looked up at Shi Feng with her glistening eyes. She wanted to know the reason.
"Don't get the wrong idea—I just need a cook. I saw that you work hard and take things seriously, so I'm hiring you. But if you slack off and don't meet my standards, get lost. I don't keep dead weight around." Shi Feng suddenly spoke in a stern voice. He wanted Ziyan Liuyun to know that becoming his cook wouldn't be easy, because people never cherished things that came too easily.
Ziyan Liuyun was so startled by Shi Feng's rebuke that she lowered her head and didn't dare ask any more questions. His attitude made it perfectly clear—he truly did need a cook, and she had simply been noticed by chance. So she picked up the pen and signed the contract.
This was her last chance in her moment of despair, and she had to seize it.
"Boss, should I make them here?" Ziyan Liuyun immediately slipped into her role, acting very respectful. She glanced around—the environment was quite nice and quiet, though the rent wasn't cheap.
"Right. From now on, you'll make everything here. I've already set up a membership, so you can come in anytime. There are enough funds in there to last you quite a while. Nobody will bother you here, the equipment is complete, and the success rate will be much higher. If you have no objections, get to work. In thirty hours, if I don't see nine hundred cups of Ice Juice, you can leave too." Shi Feng was satisfied with Ziyan Liuyun's attitude, and after saying his piece, he turned and walked away.
As for guiding Ziyan Liuyun toward the path of combat leveling, that would take some time—she'd need to be led gradually. Besides, Ice Juice was extremely useful to him, and having Ziyan Liuyun produce it wasn't a bad choice at all.
Ziyan Liuyun watched Shi Feng leave, gazing at his retreating figure. She felt deeply grateful toward him and resolved to do her very best—she couldn't let her boss down.
After leaving the Chef's Association, Shi Feng returned to the Blacksmith's Association.
At this time, more and more blacksmithing players had gathered at the Blacksmith's Association. They chatted in small groups, either discussing how to improve success rates or talking about the rivalry between the mysterious blacksmith and Yichui Maimai. Both of them were envied immensely—they were idols to aspire to.
"Did you see the post Yichui Maimai just put up?"
"Of course. I didn't expect him to be so furious—swearing to fight that mysterious blacksmith to the bitter end, and even saying whoever backs down from this price war first is a coward."
"Ugh, I'm so jealous of them. They actually got their hands on Bronze Blueprints. If only I had a Bronze Blueprint—I could at least wangle my way into a third-rate guild."
"What do you even know? I've heard from blacksmithing players in guilds that Bronze Blueprints have an insanely low drop rate, and the success rate is shockingly low too. Selling them for three or four silver coins right now is pure loss. With stats like the Gleaming Breastplate, the losses are even bigger. But the guilds are thrilled—they're actually thanking Yichui Maimai for his move, because how else would they get to buy everything at rock-bottom prices?"
"Honestly, I can't stand that Yichui Maimai. Wouldn't it be better for all of us blacksmiths to make money together? Why does he have to fight the mysterious blacksmith to the death? It's a lose-lose."
Hearing these discussions, Shi Feng thought for a moment and then smiled faintly. Judging by Yichui Maimai's behavior, he was clearly starting to feel the squeeze. His silver coins were definitely running dry, and he had to be buying them up in bulk now—which would push the silver price up considerably. This was the perfect time to sell.
He really ought to thank Yichui Maimai. Without him, the equipment market wouldn't have become this lively.
Now, at regular intervals, a massive amount of silver coins was flowing into his pocket. Even though he'd spent a good deal, his total was still growing at a crazy pace—it had already reached three gold coins.
At the front desk, Shi Feng rented the intermediate Forging Room for another five hours and began a new round of forging and crafting.
Before starting, though, Shi Feng logged into the virtual hub to check the price of Divine Realm game currency. He wanted to sell some of it—just letting it sit in his pocket was a waste.