Chapter 388 A probability-based lottery is impossible! Sit down and eat together.

When Pony Ma finally paused and looked at him with expectant eyes,

Jiang Jing slowly set down his teacup, his tone calm yet very resolute:

"President Ma, I understand what you mean. We can open the recharge channel."

Pony Ma was delighted upon hearing this.

But Jiang Jing immediately changed the subject: "However, after the number of players stabilizes, I will consider opening some paid content that does not affect game balance."

"For example, extra character slots, purely cosmetic outfits without attribute bonuses, or some convenient services."

He watched Pony Ma's smile freeze instantly and continued: "However, the gacha mode you mentioned earlier, probability-based card drawing, is absolutely impossible."

His tone was decisive: "We will not put any items that affect game strength or have scarce functionality (such as Guild Creation Tokens) into the probability card pool."

"These items will only be sold at a marked price when the time comes. Players can purchase them directly according to their own needs and financial ability, and there will be purchase quantity limits. It is absolutely impossible to engage in that probability-based nonsense."

Jiang Jing's merciless rejection was like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the fire of "pay-to-win" that had just ignited in Pony Ma.

The excitement and anticipation on Pony Ma's face instantly froze, replaced by a trace of awkwardness and embarrassment.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to try to argue a bit more.

But looking at Jiang Jing's calm yet firm eyes, and the barely concealed resentment toward "gacha probabilities" that seeped through his words, he eventually swallowed his words.

"Uh... haha, Chairman Jiang certainly... has his own persistence and philosophy." Pony Ma gave two dry laughs, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"It was my lack of consideration, lack of consideration. Games, after all, should prioritize the player's experience. Chairman Jiang, your insight is excellent, truly excellent!"

He was secretly muttering to himself: This guy... it seems he has stumbled quite a bit in gacha games before, his resentment is so deep...

But the instinct of a businessman made him immediately adjust his mindset and pull the topic back to the original purpose.

"Then, regarding the matter of investment, what do you think?"

Jiang Jing did not answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his teacup and took another sip leisurely, seemingly savoring the tea aroma, but actually weighing things quickly in his mind.

What could Tencent Group's investment bring him?

Promotional resources?

With the terrifying popularity of him and Xingchen Technology right now, any random Weibo post would be a headline; there is simply no need to rely on Tencent Group's channels.

It could even be said that right now, it is Tencent Group that needs to ride on his popularity.

Risk sharing?

It's simply a joke.

An epoch-making product like "phantom world" currently only has potential for profit; there is no market risk whatsoever, it is purely a sure-fire business.

Capital support?

Money is the thing he lacks the least right now.

The sales revenue of "phantom world" itself is an astronomical figure, coupled with the massive cash flow brought by the export of beauty serum and Prosthetic limb, his capital pool is bottomless.

Thinking about it this way, Tencent Group's investment cannot bring him any substantial help.

Instead, it would be like him voluntarily giving a piece of the fragrant meat in the pot to the other party.

Isn't it better for him to eat it all by himself?

Why should he let others get a share of the profits for no reason?

Moreover, once Tencent Group is allowed to invest, even if it is a small percentage, it means that in some future decisions, there might be different voices.

Although he is not afraid of this with his level of control, it is ultimately an extra layer of trouble.

The reputation and resources of Tencent Group have limited appeal to him at the moment.

With his thoughts cleared, Jiang Jing already had a decision in his heart.

He set down the teacup, his face still bearing that calm and breezy smile, but he did not answer Pony Ma's question directly.

Instead, he pointed to the signature dishes that had just been served on the table, which looked, smelled, and tasted excellent, and said in a relaxed tone:

"President Ma, these dishes look great. Let's eat first; we can talk about these things... later."

This sounded polite, but the meaning of evasion and rejection was already as clear as day.

Pony Ma was such a shrewd person; he instantly understood the subtext of Jiang Jing's words.

A trace of barely concealed disappointment and gloom flashed deep in his eyes, and the last shred of hope in his heart was extinguished.

However, he quickly adjusted his emotions.

Because he knew in his heart that if he put himself in Jiang Jing's shoes, holding such a trump card, he would absolutely never easily let others invest to share the profits.

Being the sole decision-maker and controlling everything, isn't that good?

"Haha, yes, yes, yes, let's eat first, let's eat first! Look at me, I was only focused on talking business." Pony Ma immediately laughed it off, very cooperatively steering the topic away.

He began to enthusiastically introduce the characteristics and origins of each dish to Jiang Jing, as if the investment proposal just now had never happened.

The several Tencent Group executives behind him, although still maintaining professional smiles on their faces, could not help but reveal a trace of disappointment in their eyes.

They knew very well that if this investment could be facilitated, it would be a huge benefit for them personally and for Tencent Group, and their worth and status would rise accordingly.

Unfortunately, reality is harsh.

Pony Ma knew it clearly in his heart: Jiang Jing being able to agree to attend the event this time was already giving him plenty of face.

It allowed him and Tencent Group to earn plenty of attention and prestige in the industry and before the public.

Establishing and maintaining a good personal relationship with Jiang Jing himself was far more important than pursuing a momentary commercial cooperation.

Having figured this out, his mindset became more peaceful, and his hospitality became even more attentive and thoughtful.

Jiang Jing and the others began to eat.

He glanced at Zhou Wanqin and Lin Hong, who were standing on both sides behind him like javelins, and casually pointed to the empty seats next to him: "Wanqin, Lin Hong, don't stand there, sit down and eat together."

Both women were stunned upon hearing this.

Zhou Wanqin immediately responded in a low voice: "This is not appropriate. We have our duties and need to ensure your safety."

Lin Hong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, we are fine just staying on the side."

Jiang Jing waved his hand indifferently, his tone carrying an unquestionable air: "Protect what? Lei Zhen and the others are outside; nothing will happen."

"Besides, this is President Ma's territory, it's very safe. Don't have so many rules. Sit down and eat together; we won't be able to finish all these dishes."

Looking at Jiang Jing's persistent gaze, Zhou Wanqin and Lin Hong looked at each other. Knowing they couldn't win against him, they had no choice but to sit down in the empty seats next to him.

They picked up their chopsticks and ate in small bites.