228 Cadabra

After the release of KS1 in Japan, video game enthusiasts in the United States were just discovering its existence.

"Damn it! Why didn't the media cover the release of KS1, the latest video game console from KiShin?" A blonde man slammed his hand into the wooden table in frustration.

"Well, I'm not really blaming the media, but rather KiShin... They only decided to announce now that their latest console has been released in Japan," another person said, trying to calm his blonde friend.

"Actually, a friend of mine mentioned that KS1 and its video games were featured in some gaming magazines. Although I enjoy video games, I rarely buy gaming-themed magazines; I prefer the more matured ones," added a black-haired man.

"I feel the same way," their chubby friend chimed in, bringing a moment of silence.

Later, one of the guys broke the quiet by saying, "Even if we were aware of KiShin's latest video game console, the KS1, it wouldn't have mattered since it wasn't available in the USA yet."

"That's true," everyone agreed. Perhaps KiShin delayed announcing the KS1 in the USA to prevent disappointment among American gamers.

"Well, let's just play 'Chrono Trigger'..." suggested one of the guys, and everyone nodded as they headed to their hub.

This time, the once-proud group of video game players looked somewhat miserable as they played on SKES.

While they still enjoyed the game, the knowledge of another console, the KS1, being out there left them feeling a bit dissatisfied.

After all, they'd have to wait a few months, probably until November or December, as KiShin didn't provide an exact date but mentioned it would be a few months after the release in Japan.

Before KS1 becomes available in the USA and other parts of Asia...

Meanwhile, in New York, a man with thick, naturally wavy black hair parted on the left side of his head—specifically sporting a short-back-and-side style—was en route to the president's office.

Employed at D.E. Shaw & Co, a hedge fund company, the man held the position of vice president.

Initially, he worked as a computer engineer at the hedge fund company, focusing on designing and developing algorithms used by D.E. Shaw & Co for trading stocks, bonds, and various financial instruments. Additionally, he was responsible for maintaining the training system.

Impressed by his skills, the higher-ups were satisfied, leading to a salary raise. Over the years, the man ascended through the ranks, ultimately reaching the position of vice president.

However, the man sensed that something was missing. Although his current role at the company involved easier tasks than before, focusing on strategizing for the company, he harbored personal ambitions and dreams.

With the advent of the internet, the man foresaw its potential, sparking a compelling idea that consumed his thoughts.

As the idea lingered in his mind, he found it difficult to sleep at night. Despite jotting down his thoughts on paper, he initially believed it would suffice to bring him peace. Yet, after a few days, the idea persisted, and he couldn't ignore it any longer.

Realizing that his subconscious mind was signaling something crucial, he understood that a mere plan on paper wouldn't be enough. Actions were required to bring his idea to fruition.

Hence, he found himself on the way to the president's office, intending to submit a resignation letter.

After knocking on the door and entering his boss's office, the president, named David E. Shaw, was in the midst of organizing the company's portfolio.

David looked up and identified his talented employee, furrowing his brows but asking, "Oh, Vice President Jeff, what brings you here?"

Jeff, holding a paper, walked to the front of his boss and stated, "Mr. Shaw, I am here to submit my resignation." He placed the paper on his boss's desk.

David frowned and questioned, "You're resigning?"

Jeff nodded in affirmation.

David furrowed his brows and inquired, "Is it because you're uncomfortable with the company, or perhaps you're dissatisfied with the salary?"

Jeff shook his head and replied, "No, not at all. The workspace is fine, and I've learned a lot here. The salary is also quite good."

Confused, David asked, "Then why? Why are you resigning?"

Jeff smiled and said, "I want to pursue my own dream."

Upon hearing this, David was slightly surprised. He looked at Jeff, chuckled wryly, and remarked, "I can't stop a man's dream, can I?"

Jeff just smiled as David patted him on the shoulder.

"Just remember, if you fail, you can always return to this company..." David said this, but deep inside, he felt a twinge of regret that his company would be losing a skilled individual. Filling Jeff's role as vice president, given his four years of expertise as a computer engineer and his proven success in the company, would undoubtedly be challenging.

After resigning, Jeff headed to his house in Upper West Side Manhattan. Upon arriving home, he shared his plan to start a company with his wife.

His wife, currently juggling various part-time jobs despite being an experienced novelist and researcher, had some of her books published by a bookstore named Ruki, which offered better deals than most others.

"I'm thinking of building a website, specifically an online bookstore," Jeff explained to his wife.

Scott nodded, furrowing her brows, and responded, "Okay, but I don't think it's such a unique idea. There have been several online shopping platforms, and that isn't limited to books alone."

Jeff smiled and explained, "I know, but that's not the point. The goal is to gather data on customer preferences—whether it's their information, preferred books, or even their ideal prices, etc. My plan isn't just to create an ordinary online bookstore; rather, it's to build a framework with a data algorithm that predicts customer preferences. With that, we could enhance the overall customer experience."

Upon hearing her husband's ideas, Scott felt that his concept was innovative and unique. While online shopping was already established on the internet, she doubted whether other companies had incorporated such a sophisticated data algorithm into their frameworks.

"What do you plan to name your company?" Jeff's wife inquired. Jeff responded, "Cadabra... Cadabra, Inc." Pausing to explain, he added, "Cadabra is a magic word that signifies 'appearing out of nowhere,' much like our online bookstore where books will magically find their way to customers through delivery."

His wife posed a critical question, asking, "Should we reach out to book publishers to have their books sold on our Cadabra? Will anyone be willing to participate?"

Pausing at her question, Jeff returned with his own inquiry, stating, "I heard that you've already published some of your books with a bookstore named Ruki?" Observing his wife nod, he continued, "While they offer better terms compared to other publishers, they're experiencing financial losses. Most of their books, primarily novels from Japan, aren't generating enough revenue. Even though Ruki is owned by KiShin, a renowned company, they aren't providing any promotion for the bookstore, resulting in financial setbacks."

His wife nodded in understanding.

Jeff proposed, "This seems like a bookstore that deserves attention, right? Why don't we negotiate with Ruki and make their books available on our future site, Cadabra?"