Inside Mitsui Chuta's private office at Sony Headquarters, the tension that had filled the meeting room earlier quietly receded, leaving only the lingering fragrance of top-grade Gyokuro tea.
There was no cold metal or glass here; instead, the room was furnished with stable wooden furniture and several ink wash paintings with profound artistic concepts.
In a corner, an antique vase held a few elegant white plum blossoms, revealing the owner's refined taste and the leisurely comfort of having shed a heavy burden.
Mitsui Chuta personally poured a cup of clear yellow Gyokuro for Takuya, the steam rising gently.
The approval he had deliberately suppressed in the meeting room now ascended with the tea mist.
"Takuya-kun, this game you conceived for the LD player is truly a genius idea," Mitsui Chuta's voice was much softer than it had been at the negotiating table, carrying a relaxed ease as he let down his guard.
"It's a perfect match for Sony LD's characteristics."
Takuya took the teacup with both hands; the warm touch from his fingertips seemed to dissipate some of the fatigue from the negotiations.
He nodded slightly, calmly accepting the praise.
"Mr. Chūta, you flatter me. I just happened to grasp some inspiration."
He then shifted the topic naturally, his tone relaxed, but his eyes held an undeniable expectation.
"Speaking of which, regarding the promotion of cooperation with Bandai, I wonder if Mr. Chūta has made any progress on your end?"
Mitsui Chuta took a sip of tea, his gaze flickering behind the thin mist of the teacup.
His face still held a gentle smile, but this smile now carried a deeper meaning.
"President Yamashina at Bandai is a person who values old connections and also prioritizes profit, so I do need to mediate a bit."
He set down his teacup, tapping his fingertip lightly on the purple clay lid, his tone resolute.
"Takuya-kun, please give me some time.
It won't be too long; things are progressing."
This promise somewhat reassured Takuya, but it also implied that Yamashina Makoto would be a tough nut to crack.
The atmosphere in the office became even more harmonious due to this brief exchange.
Mitsui Chuta seemed to be in a talkative mood, his fingers lightly tapping the table, and the conversation inadvertently turned to Sega.
"Sega's recent development momentum is truly remarkable," he said casually, as if chatting about everyday matters, but his eyes subtly swept across Takuya's face, carrying a hint of inquiry.
"Especially under your leadership, Takuya-kun, there have been surprising moves repeatedly."
"I am quite optimistic about Sega's future," Mitsui Chuta picked up his teacup, his fingertips gently caressing the warm cup wall, and added seemingly carelessly, "If there's an opportunity to hold a portion of Sega's shares, that wouldn't be a bad thing.
What do you think, Takuya-kun?"
This seemingly casual chat actually contained hidden barbs.
Takuya's heart tightened slightly, but the smile on his face remained unchanged.
"Mr. Chūta, you overpraise me.
Sega's success today is entirely due to the wise leadership of my father and various predecessors, as well as the tireless efforts of our company colleagues."
He paused, his tone sincere, "I am young and inexperienced, and currently, I am only focused on doing my part well.
As for major matters like company equity, it is truly beyond my ability to comment on or decide."
This 'Tai Chi push-hand' technique, with a needle hidden in cotton, both stated his inability to interfere and maintained politeness, while also praising his own company's high-level management.
Mitsui Chuta, upon hearing this, a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes.
He knew this young man was slippery but did not press further, merely laughed heartily, smoothly glossing over the subtle moment.
"Takuya-kun, you are too humble.
The younger generation is truly formidable."
The two chatted a bit more about industry anecdotes, and the atmosphere became relaxed again.
Soon after, Maruyama Shigeo and Ken Kutaragi also entered.
Maruyama Shigeo still wore a formal smile, but when he looked at Takuya, his gaze was much more complex, no longer the initial disdain.
Ken Kutaragi appeared somewhat tired, but his gaze towards Takuya held a recognition unique to technical professionals for an excellent product manager.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mitsui Chuta, Maruyama Shigeo, and Ken Kutaragi politely escorted Takuya, Director Yoshikawa, and their One line out of the Sony Headquarters building.
A week passed quietly, with both teams engaging in almost sleepless detailed discussions and legal Docking.
Finally, in that familiar meeting room at Sony Headquarters, the atmosphere was solemn.
A thick contract lay silently in the center of the conference table; the weight of the paper seemed to carry the shared expectations of two giants for the future, as well as the countless sleepless nights of negotiation.
Director Yoshikawa and Takuya sat side by side, representing Sega.
Across from them were Maruyama Shigeo and Mitsui Chuta from Sony, both wearing standard business smiles, though only they knew how much reluctance lay behind those smiles.
Under the sharp gaze of both parties' lawyers, like that of a hawk, Director Yoshikawa took a deep breath, picked up the specially prepared Parker gold pen, and solemnly signed his name at the end of the contract.
Then, he pushed the contract and the pen towards Takuya, his eyes filled with relief and trust.
Takuya took the pen; it felt slightly heavy in his hand.
He did not hesitate in the slightest; the pen tip glided across the paper, making a faint but clear rustling sound.
Every stroke appeared steady and powerful, just like him, always able to maintain his course amidst turbulent waves.
Suzuki Masao stood to the side, watching the signature being made, and his admiration for Takuya deepened further.
This young man was simply a prodigy, always able to leverage seemingly impossible situations with a composure and foresight beyond his age, and each time, he made people feel that this was exactly how things should be done.
Although the signing ceremony was low-key, it was of great significance.
Sony had gone to great lengths to ensure the confidentiality of this project, even increasing security outside the meeting room compared to usual.
After the ceremony, Sony's legal team and relevant personnel politely departed.
Maruyama Shigeo merely shook hands with Director Yoshikawa symbolically before hurrying away.
Mitsui Chuta, however, deliberately stayed behind, a meaningful smile on his face.
He walked over to Takuya, lowering his voice slightly, with a hint of mystery.
"Takuya-kun, congratulations.
Happy to cooperate."
Takuya returned a smile: "Mr. Chūta, congratulations to you too.
I hope our cooperation can usher in a new era."
"It will," Mitsui Chuta nodded, then changed the subject.
"By the way, regarding Bandai, I have already communicated with President Yamashina."
Takuya's gaze sharpened slightly, his heart stirred.
"President Yamashina Makoto has agreed to meet with us," Mitsui Chuta's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, like a stone dropped into a calm lake.
"The meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, at Bandai Headquarters.
I will also be attending."