Ideas

[Ginza]

[Cartier Store]

In the distance, the customers and Higeki observed as the saleswoman efficiently processed the payment through a bulky credit card terminal. The terminal was connected to a telephone line, allowing it to communicate with the credit card company's computer mainframe.

With a deft motion, the saleswoman swiped Shin's credit card through the terminal. The device read the magnetic strip on the back of the card and transmitted this information to the credit card company's mainframe computer. 

The mainframe computer swiftly verified the authenticity of Shin's credit card, authorizing the transaction. As a result, millions of yen were deducted from Shin's credit card to purchase the Trinity Ring. The saleswoman congratulated Shin on the successful purchase.

For the onlookers, this payment method appeared remarkably smooth and convenient, requiring no checks or cash. However, from Shin's perspective, the credit card payment process felt frustratingly slow. After all, it was 1990, and such transactions were still in their early stages. While he couldn't do much about it now, he contemplated the idea of introducing PayPal in this world in the future. Online shopping was gaining popularity, especially in prosperous countries like the USA, Europe, and Japan. A more efficient payment method could disrupt the credit card industry, which offered slow processing and charged high fees.

However, Shin's current focus remained on his company's research and development of handheld consoles. He knew he could explore the idea of setting up an online video game store that accepted PayPal payments in due time. It was then that he remembered Amazon from his previous life and wondered if it existed in this world.

Recalling the founder of Amazon, a data-driven individual with a "control the data, control the world" mindset, Shin pondered the potential impact such a company could have in this world.

The saleswoman, noticing Shin lost in thought, gently inquired, "Mr. Suzuki, we will begin customizing the ring. May I ask for your fiance's name? We can engrave it on the ring." When Shin remained unresponsive, she continued, "It would be helpful if you could write her name and your address on this paper, sir." She presented a sheet of paper and a pen to Shin.

Shin snapped back to attention and nodded in response to the saleswoman's question. He took the pen and inscribed both his and Mira's names.

"Thank you for choosing Cartier, Mr. Suzuki. We will deliver the ring to your address in a few hours," the saleswoman said with a gracious smile, offering a formal bow.

"Thank you," Shin replied with a polite smile, reciprocating the bow.

Once they concluded their business, Shin and Higeki exited the store together. Higeki scratched the back of his head and remarked, "I still can't believe it... You're finally getting married."

Higeki gazed at Shin with a complex expression, and he continued, "Don't forget to invite me, bro," patting Shin's shoulder as he spoke.

"Of course," Shin replied with a smile. Despite Higeki's flaws, such as his womanizing tendencies, he had admirable qualities as a loyal and considerate friend.

"Thanks, bro!" Higeki cheerfully replied.

"No problem," Shin said, maintaining his smile.

As they strolled toward the parking lot, they engaged in light conversation.

"Keep me updated, bro," Higeki requested as he approached a striking motorcycle. He offered, "Want a ride, bro?"

Shin shook his head in response, not particularly fond of motorcycles. He recalled a near-accident from his previous life when he had almost been crushed by a truck and another incident when he had skidded on a slippery road. These experiences had left him with a lasting motorcycle-related trauma.

"No?" Higeki appeared puzzled. He remembered that in the past, Shin had dreamed of owning a motorcycle but couldn't due to his strained relationship with his father. From Higeki's perspective, witnessing Shin spend millions at Cartier suggested a newfound closeness with his father.

Higeki didn't press for more information and simply stated, "Alright. Feel free to reach out anytime with the phone number I gave you." With those words, he revved up his motorcycle and rode away.

Shin shook his head, still smiling, as he made his way to the parking lot where his car was parked. He opened the car's door and drove off.

---

Meanwhile, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, the headquarters of the NewLand building played host to an important meeting. The struggling NewLand company was discussing KiShin's interest in acquiring Tetris.

Archie Scott, the CEO of NewLand, was deep in discussion with his employees when his assistant entered the room.

Archie shifted his attention to the assistant, Alec Foreman, who reported, "Sir, I conducted research on the company called KiShin Company in Japan. I found that they are not listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and there is limited information available about them."

Archie's expression turned grave as he inquired, "Is there anything else?"

Alec Foreman shook his head as he continued, "There's more, sir. While our information on KiShin Company is limited, we did uncover that KiShin is a Tokyo-based gaming company. They began by distributing arcade machines to various stores and malls in Tokyo. However, they eventually shifted away from the arcade business and focused on selling a product called the FamiCom, which is akin to an arcade machine but designed for easy connection to home televisions."

Archie, who had initially been solemn, became quite intrigued. "An arcade system that connects easily to home television? Can you provide more details?"

Alec nodded and explained, "It's somewhat similar to Atari's bulky and large console but in a more compact form." He placed an image on the meeting room table, displaying a KiShin FamiCom.

Everyone in the room leaned in, their interest piqued. One image showed a close-up of the FamiCom, while another displayed a television screen with Super Mario Bros. running.

Alec then distributed papers containing information about the KiShin FamiCom and its video games. Archie and the others read through the details with curiosity.

Archie couldn't help but wonder aloud, "I wonder if we could create a similar console..."

Lucas Blurke, an investor in NewLand, couldn't contain his laughter and promptly burst Archie's dream bubble. "Archie, we can't even cover our rent, let alone embark on developing such technology."

Archie and the rest of the attendees joined in the laughter, realizing the impracticality of such a venture given their current financial situation.