As soon as William finished speaking, the students in the game room buzzed with excitement.
"That's a great idea! If you really do that, I'll place an order right away. The last EPS game I bought cost me 12 pounds, and it wasn't nearly as fun as yours. I think I could sell 100 discs easily."
"Only 100? I could sell over 200 just in my community. There are so many school kids there; they'll go crazy for a game like this."
"Ryan, you're such a marketing genius! I didn't even think of selling in the community. I was just planning to tell my classmates and friends. This game will definitely be a hit in my neighborhood."
"Maybe we could apply for a display area at school, set up a few laptops, and let students try it out. If it catches on here, we can promote it at other universities. What do you think?"
"That's a good idea. Let's try it at our school first. Guys, let's form a sales team. Testing it here won't take much effort or money. Anyone want to join? Apply with me."
"Count me in! I'm on board."
"Me too! We could apply through the School Game Interest Club. We might get a response by tomorrow if we apply today."
William listened to everyone enthusiastically discussing promotion ideas, and his heart swelled with joy. Ultimately, over 50 people agreed to purchase the games from William for 4 pounds and sell them for 6 pounds.
William knew the price was low, but the game was unknown, so a lower price was necessary for promotion. He could earn over 3 pounds per sale, while leveraging these 50+ people as a free promotional force. It was like hiring 50 salespeople without much cost, sparking enthusiasm for the task.
After all, each sale meant profit. These students were experienced; many had developed games before and recognized a good game.
William enlisted Robert and several top law students as legal advisors in exchange for 25 game discs each.
Once everyone discussed terms, resolved legal issues, and agreed on details, William took out paper and pen to record each person's name and the number of discs they wanted.
Most were first-time salespeople and requested modest amounts, but no one asked for fewer than ten. A few marketing students requested over 200 each.
After tallying the requests, William was startled to find the paper showed a total of 1050 discs, averaging 20 per person.
Robert and others organized the legal documents and read them aloud.
Using the game copyright as collateral, William collected a 4-pound deposit per disc, promising to deliver within a week.
William had researched London's disc pressing market rates: under 10,000 discs cost 0.8 pounds each, 10,000 to 50,000 cost 0.6 pounds, and over 50,000 cost 0.5 pounds.
He recalled that in 2000, a disc in Greater China cost 5 RMB for non-legitimate copies, with legitimate copies exceeding 100 RMB. His brother-in-law once bought a legitimate Warcraft copy for over 100 RMB.
After collecting payments and signing contracts, William held 4200 pounds, feeling exhilarated. This was his first capital since his rebirth, and he hadn't expected such an easy start.
William returned to his dorm, grabbed the game master tape, and rushed to the disc pressing company he had contacted.
The company mentioned they could produce less than 10,000 discs in under three days. William set a week's deadline with his classmates to allow extra time for unforeseen issues.
He used the game copyright as collateral, knowing some classmates might exploit any hiccups. Many were informants for game companies, eager for any opportunity.
Unwilling to risk it, William ordered 5000 discs directly.
5000 discs would cost 4000 pounds in three days. With remaining funds and some savings, William planned to register two companies within three days.
The highest personal tax in the UK could reach 50% for annual incomes above 150,000 pounds, while corporate tax was only 26% for profits exceeding 300,000 pounds, dropping to 24% after 2012.
Robert's reminder prompted William to register a company immediately.
Legitimate tax avoidance is a common practice among companies worldwide, as it is legally permissible.
Successful companies like Apple and Starbucks earn millions in England without paying taxes. The English government even provides tax refunds to them.
Why? These companies exploit tax system loopholes. They conduct profitable transactions through Ireland and the Netherlands, ensuring their English operations show only 10% profit. Employee salaries further reduce taxable profits, resulting in annual losses on paper, allowing them to benefit from tax refunds.
Despite apparent losses, these companies amass substantial profits, with Apple holding billions outside the US, avoiding US taxes by keeping funds abroad.
William aspired to emulate these corporations, as legal tax avoidance was not criminal. Even the English Royal Family engaged in tax avoidance, and William wasn't about to pay excessive taxes.
That day, William approached a company that helped register businesses and set up two companies.
One, Devonshire Industries, was registered in England. William hoped it would become a national pillar like Stark Industries.
The other, Ireland Import and Export Company, was registered in Ireland.
Since both were within England, William received operating licenses the next day.
On the third day, William used the Irish company to contract 5000 discs with the pressing company. After paying, he transported them to his dorm.
He called Robert Carter, asking him to visit, as William needed assistance with some contracts.
Robert soon arrived, and after inviting him in, William said, "Robert, could you help me draft a few legal documents? I'll compensate you, of course."
Robert asked, "What legal documents?"
William explained, "I registered companies as you suggested. One is Devonshire Industries in England, the other is Ireland Import and Export Company in Ireland. I need your help drafting contracts to assign Plants vs. Zombies copyright to Devonshire Industries and authorize the Irish company to sell each disc for 1 pound."
Robert eyed William curiously. This guy had changed a lot. William had never discussed legal matters before. "Are you sure you're a computer science student and not in law? Where'd you learn tax avoidance? Funds in Irish banks avoid taxes. Good thinking, William."
William grinned inwardly. "This is basic tax avoidance. Apple's methods would surprise you even more."
"I read about legitimate tax avoidance. Robert, will these contracts cause any legal issues?"
"Why would they? It's a common practice in England."
After Robert helped draft the contracts, William handed him a box of 50 discs, saying, "You know my situation. Here's your compensation. When I'm richer, I'll treat you to a feast."
"No problem, William. You'll be rich soon. I should cozy up to you now to secure an internship later. Law students like us serve the rich, right?" Robert joked.
William knew Robert was joking. A University of London graduate wouldn't join his employee-less shell company.
William laughed, "Deal, Robert. When I succeed, you'll be my private lawyer."
"Deal, William," Robert agreed, high-fiving.
They joked, discussed details, and Robert left. William called classmates to arrange disc pick-ups at his dorm. He spent the day distributing discs. After the last alum left, William lay on his bed, contemplating his next move.
After half a month of continuous busyness, having nothing to do left William feeling restless.
I should meditate. William hadn't practiced magic much recently. He needed a safe way to use it without exposure, as revealing his ability could lead to him being treated as a monster.
Cross-legged on his bed, William meditated, his mind focusing inward. He noticed a significant growth in his mental power.
If fifteen days ago his mental power was the size of a sesame seed, it was now as large as a walnut.