.
As James and Zaboru sat in the car with their driver, James suddenly received a call. After answering and listening for a moment, he turned to Zaboru and said, "Boss, it seems Bruce Lee left the U.S. today—he's gone back to China. That means we won't be able to meet him now."
Zaboru was surprised but nodded calmly. "I see. In that case, we'll focus on meeting Jackie Chan instead."
In this version of the world, Jackie Chan was born in 1960—six years later than in his previous life. Despite the shift in timeline, Jackie had already gained considerable fame in Hollywood. Several of his hit Hong Kong films, such as Police Story, had been released and were well-received by international audiences. His mix of action and humor had won over fans across the globe.
To the public, Jackie was known mainly for his comedy, charm, and lighthearted roles. But in Zaboru's eyes, Jackie Chan was criminally underrated—especially as a martial artist. People admired the laughs, the energy, and the stunts, but few truly appreciated the precision and dedication Jackie brought to every fight scene. He did all his own stunts, many of which were dangerous, and his mastery of martial arts was not just for show—it was real.
Zaboru held deep admiration for him. He saw beyond the slapstick to the discipline and bravery it took to perform at that level. For Zaboru, Jackie was not only an actor but also an artist and a symbol of passion. That's why he was determined to secure Jackie Chan's image rights for ZAGE's upcoming action-adventure title, for ZEPS 3. He believed Jackie deserved to be the centerpiece of a game that highlighted action, comedy, and expertly choreographed sequences—just like his films.
Before long, Zaboru arrived at the designated address—a modest, humble home with a distinctly Chinese atmosphere. The architecture, decorations, and serene layout all reflected Jackie Chan's roots and personal taste. Zaboru walked up to the front gate and rang the bell.
Moments later, the door opened, and Jackie Chan himself stood there with a welcoming smile. "Ah! It's Zaboru Renkonan! Come in, come in," he said warmly.
Zaboru smiled and nodded politely, and together with James, stepped into Jackie's home.
The house was tidy and simple, but it carried a warmth that instantly made it feel welcoming. Despite being a globally recognized movie star with access to immense wealth, Jackie Chan had no interest in living extravagantly. He valued a peaceful, modest life, and most of his fortune went to charitable causes—a reflection of his humility and character.
Jackie soon returned with a small tray of tea and traditional Chinese snacks. He set them down gently and offered with a smile, "Please, help yourself. Sorry I can't offer anything fancy."
Zaboru smiled as he picked up one of the delicate cookies and took a bite. He followed it with a sip of tea, nodding approvingly. "It's fine, Jackie. This is really good."
Jackie chuckled and took a seat across from him. "James mentioned you had something you wanted to talk about?"
Zaboru nodded, setting his cup down. "Jackie, as you might know, I own a video game company." Then, switching into fluent Mandarin, he continued, "And I'd like to speak with you about something important."
Jackie blinked, caught off guard. "You speak Chinese?" he asked, surprised but impressed.
Zaboru smiled. "Yes. I've studied it seriously—especially since ZAGE has subsidiaries in China that I manage from time to time."
Jackie leaned back, curious and now more attentive. It wasn't every day someone came in speaking his native language so naturally. Whatever Zaboru had to say, Jackie was ready to hear it.
"Next, I want to create a video game with you as the main character," Zaboru explained, his tone serious but excited. "For that, I'll need the rights to use your image and likeness in the game."
Jackie Chan listened carefully, his expression thoughtful. "The game… it's not going to be anything weird or disrespectful, right?" he asked. "I don't want my image tied to something that could damage my reputation or go against what I stand for."
Zaboru smiled and shook his head. "Absolutely not. You have my word. We will ensure the game upholds your legacy. In fact, our plan is to build a game inspired by the roles you play in your movies—full of action, humor, and your signature fight choreography. It'll be something that captures your spirit and style on screen. Think of it as a tribute to your work—something that enhances your image, not risks it."
He continued, "We'll make sure it celebrates what you're known for: incredible stunts, comedic timing, martial arts mastery, and charm. The goal isn't just to create a good game, but one that honors everything your fans love about you."
Jackie Chan thought to himself that, in many ways, he and Zaboru were quite alike. Unlike many billionaires he had met or heard about, Zaboru carried a rare humility—one that felt genuine, not forced. Even from the rumors and stories circulating in the business world, Zaboru had always been known as someone who stayed grounded despite his immense success. And now, seeing it firsthand, Jackie was impressed.
As Jackie brought out tea and a plate of traditional Chinese cakes, he noticed Zaboru's eyes light up with sincere delight. Without a hint of hesitation or pretense, Zaboru began enjoying the snacks, smiling between sips of tea and bites of the pastries. That small moment spoke volumes to Jackie.
In Zaboru, he saw someone authentic—someone who didn't pretend to be above others because of money or power. And that authenticity built instant trust. Jackie could sense Zaboru's character, and it made him feel even more confident about doing business together.
Jackie Chan smiled, his expression both amused and intrigued. "I might not know much about video games," he said with a chuckle, "but I do know about your company. Isn't ZAGE considered the biggest and most successful video game developer in the world right now?" His tone held a mix of curiosity and light admiration.
He leaned back slightly and added with a playful grin, "Alright then, tell me—how much are you planning to pay me for using my image?"
Zaboru returned the smile and gave a small nod, speaking with confidence. "Here's what we're offering: we'd like to acquire your image rights at an initial rate of two million dollars per year. This would begin after the official launch of the game. It's a long-term partnership, not just a one-off deal."
Jackie raised an eyebrow, interested but still listening.
"But there's more," Zaboru continued. "You'd also receive five percent of the total sales from the game. And as you may already know, five percent from a ZAGE title can be huge. We're expecting this to be one of the most successful action-adventure games on the market—if not the most successful."
He leaned in slightly. "We're building this around your legacy, your persona, and your cinematic identity. It's not just about your image—it's about bringing the spirit of your movies to life in an interactive format. You'll be the face, the name, and the soul of a game that's meant to be both a tribute and a celebration of everything you've accomplished on screen."
Jackie tapped his fingers on the table, clearly impressed. "Hmm," he muttered thoughtfully, then looked up and smiled. "That actually sounds better than I expected."
Zaboru nodded. "We want to do this right. Not just for the success of the game—but to honor you."
Jackie Chan thought about it for a moment and realized it wasn't a bad deal at all. In fact, it was easy money from his perspective—he wouldn't need to do anything physically demanding or time-consuming. All that was required was to grant the rights to use his image.
"Fine, I agree," he said with a smile, nodding confidently. "Besides, I'm curious myself to see how the game turns out. It sounds exciting."
Zaboru's face lit up with satisfaction. "Perfect!" he said enthusiastically. "James and the ZAGE legal team will take care of drafting the contract. We'll send everything over to you soon and follow up for your review. Everything will be handled smoothly."
Jackie nodded once more, pleased with the arrangement. The agreement felt right—not just financially, but in spirit as well.
Jackie Chan smiled and nodded, still clearly impressed by Zaboru's grasp of Mandarin. With a curious tilt of his head, he asked, "How can you speak Chinese so fluently, Zaboru?"
Zaboru chuckled lightly. "I studied it seriously. I've traveled to China quite a bit—partly out of personal interest, but mostly because ZAGE has several subsidiaries there that I oversee directly. To manage things effectively, I had to immerse myself in the language and the culture."
Jackie nodded thoughtfully. "Not many CEOs take that kind of initiative. That's pretty admirable." He paused, then asked, "Do you enjoy being in China?"
Zaboru nodded with a genuine smile. "Yeah, I really love it there. There's something special about the energy—so much tradition alongside rapid progress. The culture, the food, the people... I always feel inspired every time I visit."
The two continued their conversation, gradually shifting into lighter topics. They talked about the similarities between their experiences in Hong Kong and Beijing, laughed about cultural misunderstandings, and even shared opinions on classic martial arts films. It didn't feel like a formal meeting anymore—it felt like two men from different worlds bonding over shared respect.
Eventually, Zaboru pulled out his phone and asked, "Would it be okay if we took a picture together?"
Jackie grinned. "Of course."
James Yoel, standing nearby, quickly snapped a photo of the two standing side by side—Zaboru beaming, Jackie flashing his iconic smile.
Afterward, they exchanged phone numbers, sealing a connection that was more than business. It was the start of a genuine friendship.
Then Zaboru politely excused himself from Jackie Chan's house, offering a final handshake and bow of appreciation. Jackie smiled and waved as Zaboru stepped outside, the door closing gently behind him. The meeting had gone smoother than expected, and as soon as Zaboru got into the back seat of the car, James looked over with a wide grin.
"I guess that was a success, huh?" James asked, his voice full of satisfaction.
Zaboru nodded, the adrenaline still fading from the encounter. "Yeah… thank God it went well. Jackie agreed, and now we've got one of the biggest names in martial arts history onboard." He leaned back in the seat, relaxing for the first time that day. "I still want to talk to other icons. Bruce Lee, Mike Tyson... people like that. But for now, we take it slow. Timing is everything."
James chuckled. "You're building quite the roster, boss."
Zaboru smiled to himself. He knew he might not fit the usual image of a corporate CEO. He had just spent the day grinning like a kid while meeting Jackie Chan—and before that, Michael Jordan. It might seem unprofessional to some. But to him, it was personal.
Back in his previous life, those men were untouchable figures—legends he had admired from a distance through flickering screens and old videotapes. He had memorized their moves, watched their interviews, studied their charisma. They had inspired him through hard times. And now, here he was, shaking their hands, talking business, and even exchanging numbers. It was surreal. It was magical. And it was his reality now.
The car made its way through the streets. Eventually, they arrived at a private airstrip where Zaboru's sleek jet waited, engines humming softly in the distance. As they boarded, James glanced at him.
"What's next?"
Zaboru smiled. "We go back to Silicon Valley. It's time to make all this real." Zaboru can't wait to brainstorm the next game.
To be continue
AN :Zaboru might really be fanboying right now, but that's exactly what I intended. If I were in his position, I might do the same. You'll see—my MC doesn't have to be perfect at everything. I write him the way I like. So I'm sorry, but there are some advice I won't follow, even from you guys, because if I listened to everything, there would be no "me" left, and it would erase my passion for writing. Anyway thanks for Reading.