Chapter 25: Did You Drink Pesticide?
With grain in hand, there is no fear in the heart!
On just the second day, Kings of Pesticide brought over twenty million in cash to the company. Naturally, Zhao Dongye would not foolishly leave that sum sitting in the bank. It was the era of expansion, a time to push the reputation of Kings of Pesticide as far as possible, letting everyone know about the game, drawing in more players, and ensuring dominance in the shortest time.
“Spend all twenty million, and keep pouring in every day’s earnings for the next half month. I want our company’s Kings of Pesticide ads to blanket the entire online world. I want everyone to know this game.”
Faced with the immense challenge from the Penguin Empire, Zhao Dongye’s fighting spirit blazed even brighter. He knew well, given the Penguin Empire’s strength, it wouldn’t take long for them to create a similar game. When that happened, their powerful platform would surely strike a heavy blow against Kings of Pesticide.
Thus, now was the moment—during this window of opportunity, while there were no rivals—to spread Kings of Pesticide as widely as possible, attract as many players as possible, and become the undisputed leader. Only then, when competitors emerged, could they remain unshaken.
With such vast funds and more pouring in each day, Zhao Dongye was truly flush with cash. Those advertisements he’d once wanted but couldn’t afford were now within reach, and he wasted no time, investing heavily and without hesitation.
The massive injection of capital opened every channel; now, anyone online would see Kings of Pesticide ads wherever they looked. The top commentators in the gaming world began to play Kings of Pesticide, releasing a surge of exciting videos. Streamers started broadcasting the game, and, benefiting from these promotions, naturally helped spread the word.
Almost overnight, ads for Kings of Pesticide flooded everywhere. Simultaneously, the game launched events rewarding players for inviting friends—generous prizes, rare heroes, and skins awaited those who brought in enough new participants.
The S1 season activities for Kings of Pesticide were announced in real time, with a prize pool of a million Huaxi coins. Competitive tournaments were organized, boasting high rewards, prompting many renowned domestic gaming teams to declare their participation.
Beyond traditional channels, Zhao Dongye’s wealth enabled news media to run related reports.
“This is a game of a new era. Its craftsmanship is exquisite, gameplay simple, fair and just—an excellent choice for leisure. The mobile MOBA mode opens a new chapter in Huaxia’s gaming history, marking our industry’s rise to the forefront of the world.” — as reported by Game World.
“A new game is sweeping Huaxia. Suitable for all ages, beloved by young men and women alike—find a quiet corner, invite some friends, and enjoy your own gaming time. Kings of Honor is worth having.” — as one telecom operator directly advertised via SMS.
...
Shan Yingying was an ordinary office worker. After work, she liked to use her phone, chatting, browsing moments, as usual. After her bath, she lay comfortably in bed, beginning her nightly routine as a “night owl.”
“Why are so many people inviting me to play this Kings of Pesticide? The ads are everywhere. Is it really that fun?”
“Since I have nothing else to do, I’ll just download it and see. If it’s fun, I’ll play. If not, I’ll delete it.”
Pouting, Shan Yingying tapped to download the game. It finished quickly, installed, and launched.
“This Angela is adorable, with her big braids, twisting and turning.”
“Wow, this Li Bai is so handsome!”
Anything that appealed to girls needed to be cute, charming, or stylish—Kings of Pesticide had all these elements. Though Shan Yingying rarely played games, she was instantly drawn in by the heroes, especially the skins, which tempted her to buy.
Of course, girls generally weren’t skilled gamers, so the controls needed to be simple and intuitive. Kings of Pesticide fit the bill—anyone, even those who’d never played before, could quickly learn through easy tutorials and enjoy a satisfying experience.
Shan Yingying was no exception. She had never cared much for games, hardly played at all, but once she started Kings of Pesticide, she unknowingly played for hours.
“Haha, you silly Arthur, trying to catch me? Watch the ball!”
Delighted, she laughed aloud at the fun.
“Little Daji is so sneaky, hiding in the bushes to ambush me again. It’s infuriating! Next time, I’ll get you with my laser.”
After being killed, she fumed, plotting revenge.
“Li Bai’s skin is just too cool. I must buy it, and I want Phoenix Ascendant too!”
Seeing handsome heroes and skins, she was like countless other girls—buy, buy, buy! Within hours, she spent several hundred yuan on heroes and skins, satisfied and ready for her “cute” journey.
“Oh! It’s already midnight, time to sleep soon. Well, I’ll invite some friends, rally the girls together. This game is just too fun. Maybe I’ll get Little Luban to play—the adorable Little Luban, here I come.”
At midnight, Shan Yingying’s alarm pulled her from the game. Without hesitation, she enthusiastically recommended it to her friends.
The influence of girls was powerful: not only did they draw in their closest friends and confidantes, but they also pulled in men who never played games, sometimes just to keep the girls company and share a bit of joy.
Unconsciously, invisibly, more and more people began playing Kings of Pesticide—especially young men and women. Now, not playing it meant you felt embarrassed to chat with others, as it made you seem outdated, behind the times.
“Have you drunk the pesticide?”
No one knew when this phrase started circulating in friend circles, becoming a common greeting. It wasn’t an insult, but a question asking if you played Kings of Pesticide.
“What? You’re still a Bronze? Want me to help you rank up, boost your stars?”
Friends began to team up for games. In an era when everyone had a phone, playing together was convenient—just a message, a call, or a shout in a group chat, and instantly five people could join.
Unlike PC games bound by various limitations, mobile games could be played anywhere, anytime—as long as you had enough data. Whether in the restroom, waiting for a bus, after meals, or riding public transport, you could squeeze in a match whenever you had ten minutes to spare, passing time and easing boredom.
Kings of Pesticide took off. Its advantages shone, cementing its dominance in the industry and astonishing countless people with its sheer force.
From the moment twenty million was invested, its toxic charm spread across Huaxia. On just the third day, downloads broke ten million, with nearly as many registered players. Average online users reached two hundred thousand, and peak evening numbers soared past two million.
Yet this was only the beginning. As more people played and loved the game, its kingly aura was just showing the tip of the iceberg.
Within a week, downloads exceeded fifty million, average online users reached half a million, and peak numbers broke ten million, securing the throne as Huaxia’s gaming leader and the world’s undisputed top game.
After half a month, when the Penguin Group launched its aggressive promotion and announced their competing game, Kings of Pesticide’s downloads shattered the unprecedented mark of one hundred million. In other words, one in ten people in Huaxia played Kings of Pesticide.
More importantly, daily active users exceeded twenty million. From elementary students to seniors, celebrities to ordinary folk, everyone played. Whether on bustling streets or in lonely corners, you could see people playing the game, hear their excited voices.
Such terrifying numbers shocked all of Huaxia, and even the global gaming industry was deeply shaken. No one had ever imagined a game could reach such heights, amassing such a vast user base, such irresistible appeal, and an enviable ability to generate income.
PS: Please collect, recommend, click—all kinds of requests. Thanks to Tornado Rush Dragon for your reward. Thank you for your support!