273 Monopoly

In the KiShin HQ, within Shin's office, a CD cover featuring a 2D drawing of a man with a mustache, top hat, tuxedo, monocle, and cane sits on the table.

Curious, Mira couldn't resist asking, "What is this video game?"

Shin proudly responded, "It's our new PC and KS1 game we recently completed," presenting the Monopoly game he developed with Microsoft.

Mira and Lee Han examined the CD cover, and Lee Han read the name aloud, "Monopoly?"

Shin nodded, expressing nostalgia, "I wanted to share this game with those close to me, so we could play together."

"Play together?" Mira inquired, intrigued.

Upon hearing Shin's desire to play with those close to him, Lee Han felt touched but politely asked, "Mr. Suzuki, am I included?"

Shin, with a chuckle, reassured, "Of course, you're included," patting Lee Han on the shoulder. "I've known you for years, after all."

Lee Han couldn't help but smile at the gesture.

***

In the KiShin game developers' department at KiShin Rules Headquarters, Shin, Mira, and Lee Han entered a bustling room dedicated to game development.

Upon their arrival, the game developers greeted them politely before returning to their work.

They've grown accustomed to Shin's regular visits to the game department.

"Good morning, Boss Suzuki!" greeted the video game director with a respectful bow.

"Mr. Hajime, my wife, my friend, and I are here to play the recently finished game, Monopoly," Shin announced with a subtle smile.

"Monopoly? That game is awesome!" exclaimed Yuta Hajime, leading Shin, Mira, and Lee Han to the game testing section where computers were lined up, and people were engrossed in 'testing' the game.

*Cough...* Yuta Hajime coughed, subtly reminding the testers to focus on their task instead of casual gaming.

The testers, initially treating it as a mere cough, shifted to a serious demeanor upon realizing it was the video game director and Boss Suzuki. They greeted Shin with a bow before diligently 'testing' the game.

Beside Shin, Mira chuckled at the scene. "They seem very serious about their job," she whispered to Shin.

Shin smiled faintly, observing the seriousness, while Lee Han maintained a solemn expression.

"Here, Boss Suzuki and Lady Suzuki," Yuta Hajime led them to unoccupied computers. Shin and the others powered them on and launched the game 'Monopoly.'

A few game developers in the testing section were treated to the sight of their boss, Shin, seated at a computer with his wife and a middle-aged man beside him.

A few game developers who approached closer overheard the boss explaining the game mechanics to his wife and the middle-aged man.

"What's Boss Suzuki doing here?"

"I heard from Director Hajime that the boss is here to play the 'Monopoly' game."

"Really? That game? I didn't know the young boss would give so much attention to such a game..."

"Of course, it's one of the boss's ideas, after all..."

"There are so many good video games with the boss's ideas, but it's the first time I've seen him play a video game with his wife and an executive in the company..."

"Well, that PC game can be played in multiplayer, after all..."

"Yeah, multiplayer makes the game more interesting to play..."

While the game developers discussed among themselves, Shin, in the midst of explaining the game to Mira and Lee Han, opened the 'Monopoly' game through MS-Dos.

Mira and Lee Han did the same, and after opening the game, the Monopoly introduction played out, with the animation unfolding and the catchy soundtrack playing.

Mira nodded to the beat, humming along to the Monopoly game's soundtrack.

Following the animation on the table featuring cards and a paper with the word "Monopoly," the options menu appeared.

Mira inquired about the international options, specifying whether to play with American, British, French, etc., cards.

Shin adjusted her options, with Yuta Hajime guiding Lee Han through the process.

Afterward, Shin clicked "New Game" in the file section and added players based on the names of the computers Mira and Lee Han were using.

With the setup complete, it was finally time to start the game.

Each player received $1,500.

"Watch me bankrupt you, Shin," Mira declared with a faint smile.

"Let's see," Shin replied, rolling the dice. As the car-shaped game token moved on the board, it landed on an unowned property—Connecticut Avenue, priced at $120. The animation of the deserted place played out.

Seeing this, Mira chuckled, "You want to buy that? I'll offer you $20. What do you think?"

"$20? You're such a cruel capitalist, honey," Shin smiled at the offer.

"Look who's talking? I heard you bought an internet service provider company in the States," Mira joked.

"Now, now, you're getting personal," Shin sighed, then turned to Lee Han, saying, "Han, I'll give this property to you for $300. What do you think?"

Lee Han, with narrowed eyes, responded, "300? That's too much for such a deserted property... what about $50?"

Shin smiled, "Oh right, you're also quite skilled in negotiations, Mr. Han..." then added, "150."

"55," Lee Han stood firm.

"149."

"70."

"140, final offer."

"Alright..."

After reaching an agreement, Shin took action on the computer to transfer the property to Lee Han.

Observing this, Mira snorted.

Meanwhile, the game developers and testers watching their higher-ups play the Monopoly game found it quite interesting.

As Shin and the others delved deeper into the Monopoly game, their absorption was such that they failed to notice the many game developers observing their play.

Adding to the intrigue, Shin found himself increasingly frustrated by the realization that he was losing; bankruptcy was looming.

On the other hand, Lee Han's exceptional skills in the game brought a smile to the middle-aged man's face as he played with remarkable proficiency.

'Hey... Don't tell me Lee Han is addicted to this game now?' Shin couldn't help but ponder as he observed Lee Han's serious and engrossed demeanor in the gameplay.