Chapter 136 - Laying Out Their Business Options (1)

"Ohhh... Why study in this magazine and not just search it on the internet?" Stephen curiously asked. His fingers were continuously flipping the pages.  In his mind, it would be more convenient to look for good locations if Sofia had searched them online.

"This magazine has more detailed, reliable, and credible opinions about the district 7. They filtered all contents before publishing them. On the internet, I might just trouble myself with misleading information," Sofia said, her elbow rested on the table while her hand supported her head. Then, she looked at all her members in the eye.

Surely the internet gives convenience than an articled written in a piece of paper. But, she was completely aware that it would also be so easy to fabricate anything on the internet. To make a place look nice could be done in just a single filter. And there are many fake accounts that could easily support something that is purely not authentic. This was one of the many reasons why she was not active in social media before.

"Ah, that makes sense," Stephen muttered a response. He then looked at the content and started reading.

"So, what do you need us to do, Sof?"Clark inquired seeing that Sofia had something set for them.  Then, he suddenly remembered something that he was also concerned about, "You know, there is a streamer on our social media official page that is actually calling out for you to fight her, Sof. There is an ongoing debate of whether you'll accept her challenge or not."

"I've seen the post myself. That Krista19 user started last night before I went to sleep," Sofia responded.

"Oh, I see," Clark softly whispered. He had not seen the entire posts for it was already buried along with other replies.

"Be careful and watch out for those kinds of streamers who used subtle and wicked schemes just for their views and fame. It's better to handle them professionally and profit from them," Sofia said. This matter had almost slipped her mind. In fact, she was no longer thinking about the issue of the streamer. It was only when Clark mentioned it that she was reminded about it.

"There are really shameless people that exist everywhere," Clark sighed and shook his head in disappointment. He also understood the hidden goal of the streamer that was provoking Sofia in social media. It was too obvious that they don't need to be an expert investigator to seen through her schemes.

"I'll handle that girl later. I have something more important in my mind," Sofia said.

"Haha, I'd really look forward for that girl to deliver a public apology. She had been trash talking about you whole day! How clueless!" Joey grinned.

"Since we are all here now, let's talk about the prize money that we obtained and how to use it. We can split it if you want to take the cash. Or, we will use it in full under our squad," Sofia started.  She straightened her back and sat properly. 

"How do we use it in full, Sof?" Joey questioned.

"Earlier, I have asked sister Jing to open a joint account for us under the Chronos squad. It is because we have a contract under their press company. So, our income in the contract would go there directly. We can use that account to put the prize money that we won. Anyway, we will be sharing the money equally," Sofia explained.

"I don't have much experience in dealing business. But, the financial literacy seminar that we had attended last time gave me some ideas about it," Joey responded. His face was full of eagerness and enthusiasm as he looked at Sofia.

"Let's start this business, Sof. Hehe," Clark slightly chuckled. For some reason, he could not feel even a tiny bit of hesitation with the idea that they would start their business.

"Yeah, me too! And Sof, I am just worried. Are we sure about this? We will really open to start our business now?" Claire asked. Her expression was opposite to Clark and Joey's excitement. There was a bit of reluctance in her tone.

"What's wrong with starting now?" Sofia asked her.

"I don't think that we are ready. I mean, we are still young. What if we fail? Our money will be wasted," Claire explained.

"Ah, it's just money. It is meant to be spent. One way or another, we will lose it in our hands. But, it is better if we let it flow. Spend the money and let it come back doubled," Sofia easily stated.

Claire suddenly felt like Sofia was from another planet. How could her friend have this kind of principle? It was as if Sofia is not worried about the money if they will lose it!

Seeing that Claire looked completely at loss, Sofia offered a sympathetic smile to her.

"Failure is always part of the business industry. The trick of conquering failure is to learn where you failed and avoid losing again. This is just like we are playing the game. There is no certainty of victory during our match. But in the end, why do we still play?" Sofia asked them.

"Because it's fun," Claire was the first to answer. The rest of the boys also nodded their heads in agreement with Claire's response.

"Exactly! Even if winning is not guaranteed in every match, we still play because we are having fun. There is pleasure in engaging in business, guys. Especially when our money starts to roll," Sofia glanced at Claire and then gestured Stephen to hand the magazine back to her.

"I don't know. It seems that there is too much work to do in business. And we are still students, so, yeahhh..." Claire expressed as she thought that they were still green in the field.

"I'm not going to say that there is no work. We must hustle to earn more. But the work will be worth it, Claire. Imagine when you are using your assassin in the jungle to level up your character. Grinding EXP in the game and in business is all the same, but in real life, we will be farming money in our profit. Just imagine how exciting it would be to join the corporate world." Sofia understood that it would be easier if she would relate gaming in business for these teens in front of her were more adept in gaming.

She completely understood where Claire's doubt came from. Perhaps, the idea of their group engaging in a more serious responsibility was too overwhelming for their young minds. 

But, for Sofia, if they waited for another year to pass before starting their business, it would be a waste of time.

"Okay, I guess we don't need to wait. There is no better time to start that today, hehe," Claire smiled sheepishly at them.

"This is still your decision, guys. I won't force you into joining me. But I hope, you will." Sofia stated. At the back of her mind, she genuinely wished that these people would take the opportunity that she was offering to them. 

The other four members looked at one another and were silent for a long time.

"If you are hesitant, we will still be squadmates. The money of every income in the future game will be split and you guys can take your share," Sofia added when no one said anything. She suddenly had a feeling that her group may felt wary that they would not be part of the Chronos squad if they won't agree to her.

"We will join you, Sof. Hehehe It would be epic when our squad would become a corporation. That's just too cool!" Joey finally said. He already imagined himself wearing a tux and drinking a glass of champagne.

"We will follow your plan, Sof," the other three said in unison.

"By the time we graduate and go to college, we might have a steady cash flow," Sofia told them. 

"Sof, do we have a business advisor that will give us guidance?" Clark inquired while thinking about her mother. The business companies that her mother was handling are not simple. And the reason why these companies reached where they are now was because of her mother.

"Right now, we can't afford to hire an advisor. Once we expand and stabilize our income, we will get an advisor. Are you thinking about your mother's line of work?" Sofia guessed.

"Yes, I am. I'm just curious if we also need an advisor," Clark explained.

Sofia nodded to acknowledge Clark's concern. 

But in reality, Sofia alone is enough to decide their business ventures. She was a peerless figure in her past life and she had known most of the business events that would unfold in the next years to come. With the right resources and her past memory, it would be more than enough for them to go directly towards the top.

"I went strolling in our district earlier with sister Jing to see the situation of our community so we can start a small business. I have seen several opportunities for us to initiate our ventures. These are our options," Sofia said. She then pulled the mobile phone to check all the photos that she had taken earlier.