Chapter 27

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Chapter 27 Stars On The Sky(27)

The projection equipment was on, and the sophisticated laser three-dimensional pic appeared layer by layer, like building a house. The light from the equipment drove the darkness away and people can see again. Gao Yusheng let go of Zhai Chen’s hand as if nothing happened, leaving Zhai Chen lost in his own mind.

“The online map app’s functioning depends on civil satellites, so only the roads and important buildings can be shown and what’s inside a community, a shopping mall or an amusement park are unavailable.” The demonstration presented a model of a shopping mall. The project leader, holding the control panel, started.

To Zhai Chen, all the pics and explanation were merely meaningless, useless information flow which left his brain as soon as they got in. All he was doing was to stare at the back of Gao Yusheng’s head, as if it were a flower. He did that on purpose, right?

“We all know that there’s a difference between punctuation map and other map, and that is: it leaves marks. No matter where you’re heading, as long as you mark a place and give a name, the map will remember it, and make sure that you can find this place whenever you want after this process.” The project leader proudly explained the characteristics of the punctuation map, which is the key for it to stand out from many competitors.

Marks… Marks…

“Brother, why do dogs pee at the root of a tree?” The little Tian Ci reached out a short finger, pointing at Huang next door, which was raising a leg to pee under a big elm tree.

Zhai Chen didn’t know that at that time. He asked Huang’s keeper so that he could answer the little guy: “so that it can mark that place and remember the way back.”

“Well, if I go far one day, I’ll leave a mark, too, so that you can find me.”

“Are you a puppy?”

Mark a place to remember the way…

Zhai Chen’s fingertips trembled a little, the answer goes without saying.

After the introduction of the functions of the punctuation map, the cornerstone of this business project– finding places finally came in sights.

The recently launched “finding places” function allows store owners to mark their places on the map, and then the users of punctuation map can go there to confirm whether the “name, location and content” are like described or not. That is, “finding places op”. The first three arrivals can get red packets for reward.

Although there’ll be only cents in a red packet, everyone can have a good time. During this, almost all shopping malls of all sizes in the country participated in it. The owners don’t need to pay anyway, and it can attract customers. And customers can try one shop after another while shopping and it’ll be a surprise to win a red packet.

“By the spontaneous behavior of users, up to now, we have basically mastered the internal structure of 61.3% of China’s large shopping malls.” The project leader switched to another three-dimensional map, which is a real map of a well-known commercial center in the city. The place-finding mode turned on by simply a click and almost all the stores are marked with names. Click the name then the brief introduction written by the owners will be shown.

Gao Yusheng didn’t need to listen to these things at all and had been glancing at Zhai Chen. He found that Zhai Chen finally regain conscienciousness and was moving to the side of him slowly and unexpectedly. Mr. Gao lowered his head to hide his emotions and made some room for Zhai Chen to stand beside him.

Ji Xianyu knew about this project, and he had tried it on his cellphone. But when he saw this product completed, he was shocked: “How do you ensure the authenticity of these profiles?”

“There is a complete mechanism to evaluate users’ data. The shop can’t be shown on the map without users’ confirmation. At the same time, those who upload false data will be punished and forbidden to participate.” The project leader patiently answered all the questions the sponsor had.

There’re few online maps work in shopping malls, and it is difficult for civil satellite technology to achieve such accuracy. By manually marking the stores to show them on the map, and then the punctuation Company remodels and integrates them. After this, people will be able to use online maps in shopping malls just as outdoors. The commercial project is to use this three-dimensional map to interact with customers.

3D navigation in shopping malls.

What’s the meaning of this? Everyone there was aware of it. The two staff who followed Ji Xianyu couldn’t help but made a heavy breath. At present, this can’t be seen anywhere in China, or even across the world. Its practical function and its being the earliest technology of this sort means high users’ loyalty.

Ji Xianyu, a financial investor, immediately saw the value: “If you want to have an eye-catching logo on the map, or even get a recommendation, the store owners will have to pay a certain fee?”

“Yes. It can also inform users of large-scale business activities nearby in real time.” Gao Yusheng raised his hand and asked the project leader to run a simulation of the activity notification.

On the map shown on the phone for demonstration, there’s a “nearby activities” and it had a flashing dot telling them that a “celebrity concert promotion, guest: XXX”. Such activity notification, of course, needs to be purchased by the owners.

“You can also issue coupons with this map!” Xian Yu venture employees also began to offer ideas, seemed close already.

“The cash flow is temporarily managed by the punctuation map company and and the settlement will be made with the merchants once a month. The amount of cash flow will be enormous during this period and can be used somewhere else.” Another Xian Yu employee eagerly stated his opinion and looked at the simulated shopping mall map as if he was looking at a goldmine.

The three Xian Yu venture capitalists all fell into an inexplicable excitement.

Zhai Chen looked at them and poked Gao Yusheng with his elbow. “Now I know what it’s like to see a salted fish turns over.”

Gao Yusheng chuckled.

The project leader nearby overheard it and was worried like hell. He tried his best to tip his CEO, hoping that he would tell the rude bodyguard to behave in case the guard offends the sponsors.

Fortunately, Mr. Ji didn’t hear it. After turning on the light, he looked at Gao Yusheng with his eyes shining: “The punctuation map has no financial license, right? Then the subsequent cash flow…”

“Two partners have been finalized,” said Gao casually. “If Mr. Ji is interested, we can talk about it.”

Xianyu venture capital is a company with financial license, although sparrow is small and dirty. Of course, Ji is also interested in it. However, we can’t be too eager to talk about business. Ji Xianyu kept his style and went out with Gao Yusheng with a sigh of relief: “the function is online, and the previous negative news can be ignored.”

The ability of a product to resist risks increases as the degree of user dependence rises.

Gao Yusheng shook his head. Negative news can cause a lot of damage to a network company. Although most of the lost users had been saved through the publicity in these days, a small number of them still haven’t come back: “Hold a new briefing before putting the new service into use and clarify the previous problems. Don’t forget to invite Mr. Ji.”

“I’ll be there.” Ji said happily, patted Mr. Gao on the shoulder, trying to get along with him. “How about we go have a drink tonight?”

“I’ll pass,” Gao Yusheng took Mr. Ji’s hand off his shoulder and sent him out. “You’d better go back and get me the money as soon as possible. We’ll have a drink then.”

Ji Xianyu: “…” Gao was so straight forward.

The news briefing’s scheduled on this weekend. With the confirmation from the sponsor, all departments had nothing to worry about and began to actively prepare for the launch of the new product.

Gao Yusheng looks at Zhai Chen: “weekend.”

“Alright, alright. I know. I’ll spare time to give you 8 hours of perfect care, right?” Zhai Chen put out a funny tone.

“Eight hours of care is a sanitary napkin slogan.” Gao Yusheng corrected his words.

Pretending not to hear Gao’s complaint, Zhai Chen fell in the sofa again. Found the portrait of Tian Ci he drew before and compared it with the person standing against the light in front of the window.

… Nothing alike.

Giving up his “abtract” painting, Zhai Chen scratched his head in distress. There were so many questions to ask, but he just couldn’t spit them out.

Gao Yusheng put down his cup and looked at him quietly. The mobile phone that specially for contacting with Yuan Xiaoai suddenly rang. Zhai Chen made a silent gesture, put it on speaker and started to record it.

“Yusheng, it’s me.” Yuan Xiaoai affectionately called his name, just like lovers who had known each other for many years.

“I know, what do you want?” Gao Yusheng answered coldly. Zhai Chen had already come over there to listen with one hand on the table.

“I persuaded the star master, and he agreed to forgive you. The premise is that you have to confess before God!” Yuan Xiaoai sounds quite excited. Obviously, it’s not easy to persuade the star master to exempt Gao Yusheng from punishment.

Gao and Zhai looked at each other, Gao Yusheng carried on the conversation: “How to confess?”

“Tonight, you take 100000 yuan in cash to 1326 in Caizhuang new town. Give the money to the star envoy there and he will tell you what to do. You have to listen to me and do as I say. The punishment is too brutal for you to bear!” Yuan Xiaoai’s voice suddenly raised, made her sound like a psycho, and it quickly turned to a gentle persuasion. “Yusheng, do you hear me? I can’t live without you. I can’t watch you die.”

“I see.” Gao Yusheng answered and hung up. He quickly switched to the monitor interface. The map shows Yuan Xiaoai’s current position, which is on the 13th floor of Caizhuang new town. Gao Yusheng marked a dot and typed “1326, suspected high-level den”.

“Call the police. It must be a trap.” Zhai Chen, who had been dealing with gangsters for years, thought it was not really a redeem for Gao Yusheng. Maybe the executioner ambushed in room 1326. Even if this time Gao can run away from it simply by giving them money, the greedy cult leader can’t be easy to be satisfied. If they got 100000 this time, they may ask for double next time.

Gao Yusheng pursed his lips and made a call via inside line: “Secretary Zheng, I want ten thousand in cash before you’re off duty.”

“Mr. Gao, in terms of security, we should ask the opinions of your bodyguard, which is written in the contract.” Zhai Chen knocks on the table for attention, trying to tell this spoiled how dangerous it may be.

Gao Yusheng blinked and looked innocent. He called the police, and handed the phone to Zhai Chen.

Zhai Chen: “… ”

Thanks to the help of Mr. Gao, a warm-hearted citizen, the police raided four high-level dens based on the comprehensive analysis of yuan Xiaoai’s action track and telephone recording these days. According to those people, there are only five meeting places with idols of god in the city.

After receiving Zhai Chen’s call, they were very excited.

“The last shelter was also in Caizhuang new town. No wonder we haven’t been able to find it for so long.” Ma shook his fist left and right. They ignored the suspicious place, didn’t even think about doublecheck Caizhuang new town.

“We’ll raid this one tonight and catch their leader. And it’ll all be over.” Captain Fan made a quick peptalk.

“No, we have to catch the executioner.” Fang Chuyang’s still frowning when he is equipped. He didn’t think it’ll be all right after their seizing this stronghold. They had caught four star envoies and countless believers, but no executioners. Those executioners are the real murderers. There can be no peace until these killers got captured.

“That’s why we catch the leader, the one they call the star master.” Captain fan agreed with his opinion that there is only one star master in a city and this star master must know who the executioners are. However, the four envoies don’t even know the name and appearance of the star master. This den was their only hope.

Since this executioner’s in charge of collecting money, he must be trusted by the star master.

The employer and the bodyguard took the lead in arriving Caizhuang new town. Zhai Chen found a rice noodles shop, pulled Gao Yusheng in and ordered their dinner while waiting for the police.

This time-honored rice noodles shop was very famous. There was no vacant seat but a lot of noise in the shop. It was crowded, and the waiter was carrying four bowls on a tray, rushing between tables and guests.

Seeing the crowd, Gao Yusheng was uncomfortable. He stepped back and tried to leave: “There is no vacancy, let’s find another place.”

“There!” Zhai Chen saw a table available, pulling Gao Yusheng to tread past. There are two people sitting on this square table who looked like a mother and her daughter. “Are these two seats reserved?” Zhai asked.

The old woman shook her head.

Gao Yusheng reluctantly sat at the greasy table and Zhai Chen went to order. The woman at the same table had a dull look. She ignored Gao and stared at her daughter. The girl was about 14 to 15, having her rice noodles happily.

Zhai Chen came over with two bottles of soda, put in straws and handed Gao Yusheng a bottle: “This place isn’t fancy, but the rice noodles are delicious. The store used to be in the old town until it moved here and became inconvienient for me to eat here often.”

“OK.” There’s no need to answer. Gao Yusheng made a response to show that he was listening and then took a sip of soda. He was wearing a long sleeved shirt. Even with the air conditioner on, he was still sultry in the crowded shop. A sip of iced drink must be nice for him.

“When I was a child, I promised to take a kid to eat all the delicious food in the city. I’m bad with the directions, but I’m good at remembering names. I know where has delicious food.” Zhai Chen said, seeing a guy carrying rice noodles coming out and shouted numbers, he immediately raised his hand.

Gao Yusheng’s hand clenched the bottle suddenly.

“Then did you fullfil the promise?” Asked curiously the girl eating rice noodles.

“No,” Zhai Chen took a pair of chopsticks and gave them to Gao Yusheng. “I lost him.”

Gao Yusheng looked down, and the hot air of chicken soup and rice noodles hurt his eyes.

“Zhao Mengmeng, have your rice noodles, no talking!” The girl’s mother began to scold and stoppped her chatting with Zhai Chen.

Zhai Chen held the bottle and took a sip. He looked at the girl who is pretty and obedient. He can’t help but talk to the girl: “Your name is Mengmeng. Is it because you’re cute?” (Translator’s note: Here are two different Chinese characters that pronounced the same.)

“No, I was named after a verse from a poem.” The little girl shook her head and corrected Zhai Chen.

“It’s beautiful. My nephew is also called Mengmeng, but we named him after lemon the fruit.” Zhai Chen pointed at the lemon logo on the bottle.

The little girl looked at him and smiled. She wanted to say something but her mother slapped her suddenly and the girl dropped the chopsticks in her hand. The woman’s eyes were wide opened as if they were going to come out. She said: “I’ve said that a million times, don’t talk to a good-looking man. The more handsome a man is, the more evil he will bring. If he continues, he will destroy you!”

All the people were stunned. The girl who had not finished eating was dragged away by her mother with tears in her eyes.

Zhai Chen murmured: “It’s not my fault to be good-looking.” The other guests’ eyes were drawn to him.

Gao Yusheng lowered his head and took a bite of rice noodles, pretending not knowing him.

“Would you stop being shameless?” Fang Chuyang heard this when he entered. He went straight to Zhai and slapped him on the back of his head.

Zhai Chen’s face almost touched the rice noodles. He kicked Fang Chuyang and passed the rice noodles left by the little girl to him: “You’re right on time. This is for you.”

“My ass!” Fang Chuyang took the bowl that the waiter had just brought up, and started to eat.

“Hey, you!” Zhai Chen stared at him, wanted to take it back but he thought it’s disgusting. He turned around and reached out chopstick to Gao Yusheng’s bowl.

Looking at his natural and smooth move, Gao Yusheng silently pushed the bowl towards him.

Fang Chuyang is here, then the other police officers should be in place. When they’re done with the noodles, the work shall begin.

Caizhuang new town wasn’t change. The residents seemed to have forgotten what happened before. The children playing scooter were still messing around the yard. 1326’s not in a unit with Li Ting’s place. It’s on the other end of the building.

The corridor here is darker. The light in front of the elevator on the first floor was broken. Zhai Chen could only put his hand on Gao Yusheng’s shoulder to let him lead the way like a guide dog.

“Can you protect me if there is a power failure?” Gao Yusheng asked Zhai in the dim elevator.

“Of course I can! None of us can see in the dark. I am used to be blinded so my hearing’s better than anyone else. I’m sure that I beat their teeth off. I’m like those Kungfu masters in martial arts novels. They are all blind, but they can find people by feeling the wind. We are invincible.” Zhai Chen was talking nonsense, and suddenly a mask got on his face.

“Put it on, don’t let them remember your face.” When they arrived at 13th floor, Gao Yusheng took the lead and stepped out.

Zhai Chen held the mask. He doesn’t care. But after being taught a lesson by Fang Chuyang last time, he realized that he can’t lead disasters to Mengmeng. So he put it on just as told.

Room 1326 was silent and the door was closed. The Spring Festival couplets were on the door. This room was just like others.

Zhai Chen took a picture of the doorplate. This is it. Gao and him looked at each other, and then Zhai sent a message to Fang Chuyang. After receiving the reply, he called Fang, kept it on and put it in his pocket.

Gao knocked on the door three times. Someone looked out of the spyhole: “Who is it?”

“Yuan Xiaoa sent me here. My name is Gao.” Gao Yusheng stood right to the spyhole for the man to comfirm.

“Who’s that next to you?” the man inside are very alert and ask more questions.

“My brother, he’s worrying about me coming by myself.” Gao Yusheng touched Zhai Chen. Zhai Chen immediately picked up the plastic bag and showed it to the man inside. There were 100000 cash all piled up in the bag.

Seeing the money, the man didn’t think much and let them in. He was a young man with a cigarette in his mouth, not a star envoy as yuan Xiaoai said to be. He checked around as Gao and Zhai went in and closed the door when he was sure there was no one else in the corridor.

The room was a bit messy. No sofas but lots of cheap, square mat that is often sold in the night market and printed with fancy cartoon pictures in the living room. The surface of the mats looked burnished. They should be often sat on. There were also four people in the room, each occupying a mat, bowing down with extremely complex movements and chanting. It’s hard to recognize but it sounds prayers for god’s forgiveness.

“What are you doing here?” The young man put out the cigarette and looked up and down with his black eyes.

“To repent, I heard that the star master agreed to spare his punishment, we came to deliver the money,” Zhai Chen patted the plastic bag in his hand, dodged the man reaching for it, took out a cigarette and handed it to him, “Bro, we are not believers. We don’t know the rules. What about the star envoy here? “

The young man took the cigarette and glanced at the locked bedroom door, showing a strange smile: “The star envoy is busy. You put the money on the altar, kneel and kowtow, then read this.” He handed Zhai Chen a piece of paper that was very similar to a take out list. The red paper had a lot of incantations printed on in black.

“Is the envoy in the bedroom? The man who sent us said that we must give the money to the envoy.” Zhai Chen looked embarrassed.

“Yes. He’ll come out later. Go and pray first.” The young man couldn’t get his eyes off the bag of money and said absently, urging them to put it on the altar.

“In the bedroom, good.” Zhai Chen deliberately raised his voice a little so that Fang Chuyang could hear it through the phone. He handed the incantations to Gao Yusheng and was about to place the money.

“Ah!” In the bedroom where the sound insulation was not very good, a girl’s scream suddenly came out and quickly stopped by something.

Zhai Chen got nervous. The voice was clear and high-pitched. It was clearly a little girl! He looked at Gao Yusheng, took a deep breath while putting money, and then turned around and kicked open the bedroom door with a bang.

Mengmeng! The girl in the restaurant!

The bedroom was a complete chaos. A fat, middle-aged man was facing the door with his butt, pressing the frightened little girl under his hand!

“Big brother, help me!” The little girl ran away from the hand on her mouth and crawled out shouting.

“Fuck!” Zhai Chen kicked the man without trousers under the bed.

“Fuck!” Fang Chuyang sweared at the same time downstairs. He took off his headphones and raised his hand, “ Go go go!”

☞

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