You were supposed to have a fake marriage with the diva, so how did you become her father?

Chapter 164 Temporarily Avoid Your Edge

Because he was so close to reaching 1 million popularity points, Lu Ran's intuition told him that there would definitely be a special reward when he reached 1 million popularity points.

So now, he needs to figure out a way to quickly reach 1 million popularity points.

His gaze shifted to the code on the computer screen.

Games? Software?

What if he could create a social game or software that becomes popular nationwide, gaining popularity from another angle?

People who don't usually pay attention to movies and music might be attracted by a useful app or a fun game.

Moreover, as a former programmer, this is his true calling.

"System," Lu Ran asked tentatively in his mind, "what will happen if my popularity surpasses 100 million?"

The system remained silent as always, offering no response.

Lu Ran's question was a waste of time.

Never mind, since we've come this far, we have to give it a try no matter what.

He sat up straight again, created a new folder, and named it "Lu Ran Universe".

The first document: "Draft Design of Social Function of 'Moments'".

The second document: "Overview of the development of the 'Jump Jump' mini-game".

The third document: "Conceptual Concept of the Short Video Platform 'Kuaiyin'".

He started with the simplest one – "Jump Jump".

It's not because the game is important, but because he wants to get his popularity to 100 million first.

This mini-game that once swept through WeChat groups has rules that are extremely simple, yet it possesses a terrifyingly addictive quality.

More importantly, it is not difficult to develop and can be used as a trial project.

If your system's popularity reaches 1 million, there will be special rewards, which you can adjust at any time.

He had only written the first two lines of code when he realized the problem.

If it were made in the form of a WeChat mini-program, relying on existing social media platforms...

WeChat simply can't drive the market now; it doesn't have any built-in mini-games or open game interfaces.

It seems the order of things needs to be rearranged.

What Lu Ran needs now is a more independent platform.

Mobile APP.

Let's create another "WeChat" first.

Lu Ran began drafting the development of a social media app, named "Moments," which is very straightforward and easy to understand.

He estimated the workload: he could complete the core gameplay code by himself in one or two weeks.

For art resources, you can ask the animation department for help. Shen Yuege's studio also has newly signed designers.

The most troublesome part is the server and backend – the program may be small at the beginning, but if it becomes popular, the concurrent access volume could be terrifying.

"We need to find a reliable technical partner." Lu Ran rubbed his temples.

Just then, the study door was gently pushed open.

Shen Yuege walked in carrying a cup of hot milk, wearing a silk robe and with her long hair casually draped over her shoulders.

Seeing Lu Ran still in front of the computer, she frowned: "It's already midnight, aren't you going to sleep?"

"Right away." Lu Ran took the milk; the temperature was just right.

Shen Yuege leaned closer to the screen, saw the technical documents and code, and paused, "What is this? A new script? Why does it look like a bunch of code?"

"It's... a new project, I guess," Lu Ran explained, taking a sip of milk.

"A project?" Shen Yuege was even more surprised. "Why did you suddenly decide to write code?"

"The ultimate goal of entertainment is technology," Lu Ran joked, then said seriously, "Actually, I want to try a new direction. We've already made a name for ourselves in music, film, and animation, but digital entertainment is still a blank slate. And..."

He paused, then looked at Shen Yuege: "Don't you think that there's nothing fun about cell phones these days?"

Shen Yuege thought for a moment and nodded: "Indeed. Apart from making phone calls, sending messages, and occasionally browsing the web, there doesn't seem to be much to do. But I found a few interesting games before, I can share them with you if you're bored, they're called 'Sheep vs. Zombies'."

Lu Ran: ...

"Aside from the two creative, visually stunning, and incredibly fun games you mentioned, the market is actually quite untapped, right?" Lu Ran said. "That's why I want to create some innovative apps that allow people to relax during their spare time."

Although Shen Yuege didn't understand for a moment why Lu Ran used so many positive adjectives before these two games, she still agreed with Lu Ran's opinion.

Moreover, Shen Yuege saw the light in Lu Ran's eyes; Lu Ran always had this expression whenever he had a brilliant idea.

"Do you need my help?" She naturally sat on the armrest of Lu Ran's chair, leaning slightly against him.

"Not for now." Lu Ran felt the warm, soft touch on his arm, and his heart skipped a beat. "But do you know any reliable programmers? They need to be technically skilled, and preferably have some entrepreneurial passion too."

Shen Yuege pondered for a moment: "There really is one. My senior from university, Zhou Mingzhe, a genius in the computer science department. After graduation, he went to Silicon Valley, and returned to China two years ago to start his own business, something like... mobile office software, but it seems to have failed. I heard he's been looking for a new project recently."

Are you in Shanghai?

"Yes. He contacted me last week to ask if the studio needed technical support." Shen Yuege took out her phone. "Should I arrange a meeting with him?"

"Let's do it." Lu Ran said without hesitation, "The sooner the better."

If Zhou Mingzhe is truly capable and happens to be going through a career slump, then he would be an ideal technical partner.

After sending the message, Shen Yuege looked up at him and said, "You just got promoted to executive director, and now you're making an app and writing scripts too? Do you really think you're made of iron?"

"The capable should do more," Lu Ran said with a smile as he shut down the computer, his hands unconsciously moving to Shen Yuege's legs. "Besides, isn't this supported by Boss Shen?"

"Come on." Shen Yuege blushed slightly but didn't try to pull away. "Let's make this clear first: the app is fine, but you can't stay up all night anymore. Look at your dark circles..."

"Yes, sir." Lu Ran stood up and naturally took her hand. "Shall we sleep together tonight?"

"Dream on!" Shen Yuege shook off Lu Ran's groping hand.

Just as she stepped out of the study, Shen Yuege suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, my dad called today and praised your script for 'Hero,' saying it had the potential to 'establish a new school of thought.' My dad was so happy that he drank two glasses of wine that night, and he got drunk again."

Lu Ran laughed: "As long as Dad is satisfied, it's just that his alcohol tolerance still needs some work."

"However..." Shen Yuege hesitated for a moment, "There seems to be some new activity at Starlight Entertainment."

"What's that noise?"

"I heard they're also preparing a movie, but for some reason, they haven't announced it yet," Shen Yuege said in a low voice. "Do you think it's possible they're afraid it will clash with your style again?"

Should we temporarily avoid your sharp edge?

...