Eric Bennett couldn't reveal the source of these funds, so he could only say he was a rich second generation, that the money came from his family. As a result, Brian Carter was afraid Eric Bennett would lose money, and actually didn't want to join.

Eric Bennett had no choice but to bring up a successful case to prove himself: "Actually, I've already made a game, and I've already made money from it."

Brian Carter was stunned. "What game?"

"Ahem." Eric Bennett coughed twice. "Lonely Desert Highway."

"Pfft!" Brian Carter almost spat out his drink.

"That silly game was made by you?!" Brian Carter was completely shocked.

Previously, he had even complained to Eric Bennett, saying that it must have been some heartless, rotten designer who made such a scammy game, but it turned out he was complaining right to the creator's face...

Eric Bennett was also helpless. "It really was me..."

The scene was extremely awkward for a moment.

Brian Carter blinked, then suddenly gave a thumbs up: "Wow, impressive, Eric! I never would've guessed you had such talent for game design! For this game to get so popular, you're a genius! No wonder I felt a strange sense of familiarity when I played it before—so that's why!"

Eric Bennett didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This Mr. Carter really could change his attitude in a flash!

"Alright, alright, enough with the flattery. Let me just ask you one thing: are you in or not? I'll pay you a salary, three thousand a month, regardless of profit or loss, and you won't be held responsible for anything," Eric Bennett said.

This time, Brian Carter's attitude was completely different. He nodded vigorously: "No problem, no problem, then I'll follow you, Eric. You know, I may not have many strengths, but I'm definitely reliable!"

After learning that Eric Bennett had already made a successful game, Brian Carter felt he wasn't just messing around, but was actually doing something with a bright future, so of course he couldn't wait to join!

Eric Bennett also agreed wholeheartedly with Brian Carter: "Exactly, exactly, it's your reliability that I value! So don't tell anyone else about this, okay? Out of all the classmates I know, I think you're the most talented. I haven't asked anyone else."

Brian Carter beamed with joy. "No problem, no problem."

"Alright, that's it for now," Eric Bennett said, having nothing else to add. "There's still a ton of prep work to do on this end, so just go do your thing for now. I'll let you know when there's progress."

Brian Carter kept nodding. "Alright, don't worry, I'll head to the bookstore this afternoon to see if there are any professional books, buy some to study. Don't worry, I definitely won't hold you back!"

Brian Carter turned and went back to the dorm to pack up and get ready to head out.

"Actually, there's no need to buy professional books to study..."

Eric Bennett shouted this sentence in his heart, but after raising his hand, he ended up saying nothing.

He started to doubt whether his decision to recruit Brian Carter was the right one.

Could someone this responsible and reliable really help him achieve his goal...

But then he thought again, based on his years of understanding of Brian Carter, this guy was indeed reliable, but also definitely limited in ability.

Letting him go all out reading professional books wouldn't affect the big picture.

Chapter 11: Changing Mindset

Brian Carter packed up his things and went out, heading to a nearby bookstore to buy professional books on game design.

Eric Bennett had no idea if he'd be able to find any, but with so many big bookstores, he was bound to dig something up, right?

Actually, at this time, some online shopping platforms had already appeared, including websites dedicated to selling books.

However, many people hadn't caught on yet, and even some slower students hadn't set up online banking.

Someone like Brian Carter was a pretty traditional student—when he thought of buying books, his first choice was still to go to a bookstore, flip through some of the content, and then decide whether to buy.

Of course, this situation would change dramatically in the coming years.

Eric Bennett went back to his bed, opened his laptop, and started thinking about what to do next.

In the afternoon, Brian Carter came back.

He was carrying seven or eight books, including a thick tome about two fingers wide, size 16k, titled "Advanced Programming Overview."

Besides that, there were a bunch of other books.

For example: "A Survival Guide Beyond Code," "The Ultimate Program Development Management Manual," "Code Complete," "Design Patterns," and "A Guide to Cervical Spondylosis Rehabilitation."

Brian Carter felt he'd made quite a haul.

Eric Bennett flipped through the books Brian Carter had brought back, and finally his gaze landed on "A Guide to Cervical Spondylosis Rehabilitation."

You really came prepared!

You even thought about possibly getting cervical spondylosis in the future?

But the biggest problem programmers face isn't cervical spondylosis, it's death from overwork!

Besides, you're not even going to be a programmer!

Earlier, seeing how dedicated and hardworking Brian Carter was about this, Eric Bennett almost thought he'd picked the wrong person.

But after seeing the books Brian Carter picked, Eric Bennett was sure.

Brian Carter was his best partner, no doubt about it!

Look at that—he went all the way out to the bookstore and only picked out these few books.

To say they're useless isn't quite right—they're at least somewhat related.

But to say they're useful... what use are they, really!

A classic case of busywork.

Eric Bennett patted Brian Carter's shoulder. "Brian Carter, we're doing design, not programming."