12 Arrogant superior
"What's the matter, Manager Han?" Shin asked.
Shin wondered why Manager Han would call so early in the morning.
"Mr. Suzuki, you'll be surprised to know that many people are already playing your video game machines," Manager Han's voice sounded through the phone.
Shin was quite surprised, but he replied calmly, "Really? That's great."
"You don't seem surprised," Manager Han chuckled.
"Hehe, I just like to act calm," Shin said with a smile.
After their conversation, they ended the call.
Mira, who was beside Shin and heard that their Video Game Machines were already being played by many people, exclaimed excitedly, "Looks like those kids got there really early!"
Shin shook his head in response and chuckled, "Those kids must have been eager to go to the Ikeburo Entertainment Center at 9 am."
Mira nodded and said, "Maybe they live near the Ikeburo Entertainment Center."
Shin smiled and said, "Wanna go there? The delivery for the components might be arriving later."
Mira nodded in agreement, saying, "Let's go!"
---
When Shin and Mira arrived at the Arcade Section of the Ikeburo Entertainment Center, they were surprised to see that many people were already there.
The lively atmosphere created by the kids playing and some adults also trying out the video game machines had attracted the attention of other adults who frequented the Panchinko and Gashapon sections.
As a result, a crowd had gathered, with many people curious to see the unique pixelated game the kids were playing.
They were eager to try Super Mario themselves but couldn't find an available spot at the moment.
Over time, some of them either returned to playing Panchinko or watched the kids play with interest.
"Wow! I expected some people to be playing, but I didn't expect it to be this popular, Shin," Mira exclaimed in surprise.
Shin smiled, feeling gratified by the sight. He knew that soon, not only these people but thousands, if not millions, would be interested in his video games and consoles.
They spotted Lee Han there, observing the scene with his hand on his chin.
When he saw Shin and Mira, he greeted both of them.
"You see, a lot of people unexpectedly took interest in your Video Game Machines," Lee Han exclaimed.
Seeing Shin smile and nod, Lee Han asked, "Are the video game machines for sale now?" He tried his luck.
"I don't think so, especially now that the video game machines are earning," Shin shook his head.
Lee Han had expected that answer and nodded.
They had a conversation for a while, and Shin excitedly observed the lively atmosphere around his Video Game Machines. Finally, he decided it was time to return to his apartment, especially when he received a text notification that his delivery had arrived.
---
Shin and Mira had already gained experience in assembling the video game consoles, so in just a few hours, they had successfully put them together.
Meanwhile, in Manager Han's office, he received the earnings report for the day. Along with it came the 14,000 yen payment for the rent of the KiShin Video Game Machines. Although he didn't have precise figures for the tenants' earnings, his subordinates always made rough estimates. Lee Han was somewhat shocked to see that the Video Game Machines, despite his initial doubts, had earned at least 33,000 yen.
While Lee Han knew that the KiShin Video Game Machines had been played by many people early in the morning, he wasn't sure if they remained popular throughout the day. However, he hadn't anticipated that these video game machines would become so popular that they'd likely remain occupied for most of the day.
Lee Han considered calling the General Manager or the Assistant General Manager to discuss the possibility of purchasing KiShin Video Game Machines.
To be precise, Lee Han held the position of Section Manager, responsible for overseeing the game section, which included capsule toy machines, photo booths, and the karaoke section—particularly popular among visitors to the Ikeburo Center.
Lee Han had decided to call the Assistant General Manager, who happened to be the General Manager's son, Ito Kimura. The young man was inexperienced and displayed arrogance due to his high rank, especially when addressing lower-ranking employees.
The phone rang, and when it was answered, a young man's voice spoke, "Hello, Section Manager Han. What's the matter?"
Lee Han hesitated to voice his opinion, considering that Ito Kimura was known for his arrogant behavior.
"Mr. Kimura—"
"Call me by my title, Section Manager Han," Ito Kimura interrupted Lee Han.
"Assistant General Manager—" Lee Han started again.
"Don't add 'Assistant.' It sounds unpleasant. Just call me General Manager, please, Section Manager Han," the young man interjected with annoyance.
"Ge-General Manager Kimura..." Lee Han emphasized the title, perhaps as flattery or perhaps as a subtle mockery, a sentiment the young man wouldn't fully grasp.
Ito chuckled, and his smug smile could be heard through the phone.
Lee Han gritted his teeth in annoyance. One of the reasons he had left Korea was because of encounters with wealthy second-generation individuals who acted superior to others. Unfortunately, it seemed that such individuals existed in this country as well.
Lee Han sighed helplessly before saying, "I have a proposal to discuss with you..."
"What is it, Section Manager Han?" Ito asked with a hint of interest.
Lee Han proceeded to express his enthusiasm and interest in the KiShin Video Game Consoles.
However, Ito remained nonchalant throughout the conversation and simply stated, "Oh, that? I thought it was a big deal. Sigh..."
The disappointment in Ito's voice was apparent over the phone.
Lee Han couldn't help but feel a twitch in the corner of his mouth.
Ito continued, his tone dripping with arrogance, "There's no need to buy it. In fact, there's no need even to consider buying it. And as for the potential popularity of those video game machines? Don't make me laugh!"
"You yourself mentioned that it didn't earn much on the first day. On the second day, it got lucky, but that was only because it happened to be a Sunday, drawing in more visitors to our Ikeburo Center. So, yes, the video game machines rode the coattails of our Ikeburo Center's existing reputation and popularity to make some money. But mark my words—it will only be profitable on Sundays!" Ito concluded, his words flowing rapidly.
Lee Han couldn't find a rebuttal, and he realized that arguing with this young man, who exuded an unwarranted sense of superiority, would be futile.
