August 6th.
Hoenn Region, Devon Corporation.
An ORAS analyst adjusted his glasses and murmured, "This kind of approval rating and sales trend... really doesn't look like it's from a completely independent game!"
Just then, everyone in the room shot to their feet in unison. The analyst froze for a moment before scrambling up as well.
Everyone spoke in unison, "Good day, Vice President!"
A man with light blue hair, dressed in a well-tailored suit, exuding handsomeness and a warm smile that felt like a spring breeze, entered.
"I'm just passing through... Please carry on with your work."
Everyone's eyes glimmered with admiration and respect.
Steven Stone.
The heir to Devon Corporation, inheritor of billions, and the Champion of the Hoenn League.
A man who carried many prestigious titles, yet remained remarkably approachable.
"If it's the Vice President, he'll surely accept my proposal!"
The analyst hesitated for a moment. His glasses flashed with determination as he picked up a proposal and rushed forward.
"V-Vice President," he stammered, "I have a proposal I'd like to submit!"
Steven gave a slight nod and smiled apologetically.
"Sorry... This isn't really my area of expertise."
"No, no! This is a game with tremendous potential. If we secure its overseas publishing rights..."
The analyst flipped through the proposal as he spoke. "The cost won't exceed seven figures, but the returns could be four or five times that!"
"How about this—I'll give it to the President for you," Steven said with a small smile.
"I can't guarantee it will pass, but thank you for the proposal."
The analyst was overwhelmed with gratitude, bowing at a ninety-degree angle. "Thank you, Vice President!"
Steven might not have much interest in business, but he could read data. His light blue eyes, with a glint like polished minerals, scanned the proposal, and he frowned slightly.
"Lu Ye... Who mentioned that name to me before...?"
Trusting his intuition, Steven rubbed his forehead, trying to recall.
"Ah... I can't remember."
"Never mind, just make sure he gets a warm reception!"
---
Meanwhile...
Liang Dayou shouted excitedly, "Lu bro, we're about to hit the jackpot!"
Lu Ye wasn't particularly interested in money. His main concern was giving his Pokémon a better living environment.
Hearing Dayou's words, Lu Ye's eyes brightened. He immediately hailed a cab to the city center.
This time, Lu Ye was smart and brought all three of his little companions along. His struggling finances couldn't handle another mishap.
An Eevee perched on Lu Ye's shoulder, its cuteness attracting plenty of attention. Of course, Lu Ye's good looks didn't hurt either.
Despite his somewhat underhanded tactics in battles, Teacher Lu was still a sunny and handsome young man.
At the café, Dayou sat in the corner, waving him over.
Scanning the surroundings to make sure no one was eavesdropping, Dayou slammed the table excitedly.
"In less than a week, we've sold 20,000 copies! This thing is about to blow up!"
"It's alright."
Lu Ye remained calm.
At 20 Pokedollars per copy, even with 20,000 sales, the net amount after taxes and cuts wouldn't exceed 200,000 Pokedollars. If monthly net profits reached a million, Lu Ye would already be thrilled.
Besides, he'd just spent over 1,000,000 Pokedollars on a water replacement for Squirtle, so it didn't faze him much.
Dayou froze.
They made so much money—wasn't that enough for Lu Ye?
Or maybe Lu Ye's ambitions were far beyond this?
Dayou's face grew serious, feeling a bit ashamed.
"You're right. It's too soon to be celebrating..."
Lu Ye blinked.
Are you imagining something ridiculous again?
On the coffee table, Eevee curled up like a large pudding. Lu Ye rubbed its little head, making it squint in comfort.
"Go on."
Dayou licked his lips nervously, glanced around, then reached for his Slowpoke.
"Slow?" Slowpoke tilted its head.
"It's like this," Dayou coughed.
"Several game companies have approached us about buying out the rights to Plants vs. Zombies. The offers are generous, but they're waiting for you to decide."
"Buying out the rights?" Lu Ye frowned. "Revenue sharing is fine, but a buyout is too much of a loss."
A buyout meant Lu Ye would have no connection to the game afterward. These companies were betting on the game's potential, which was why they came so early.
Dayou nodded. "I think so too. Only two companies offered revenue sharing."
"Piplup Inc. wants to buy out our entire studio for 5,00,000 Pokedollars, with a 5% performance bonus."
"Devon Corporation offered the overseas publishing and mobile game rights for 2,000,000 Pokedollars and a 20% revenue share."
Lu Ye paused.
Classic Piplup Inc.—why buy the game when you can buy the whole studio instead?
"I think cash is the safest bet," Dayou whispered.
"Should we go with Piplup Inc.?"
Lu Ye considered for a moment. Mobile games were the future's cash cows.
As long as he didn't sabotage himself, a quality mobile game could be a continuous money-maker.
Besides, he didn't have the energy to handle the overseas market. Letting Devon Corporation handle it was a win-win.
"Accept Devon Corporation's offer," Lu Ye said. "When do we sign the contract?"
"Devon has a branch in Modu. We should finalize it by tomorrow."
A 2,000,000 Pokedollars, though reduced after deductions, would still help pay off some debts.
Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction.
"Financial freedom, here we come!"
---
August 7th, Friday.
Lu Ye put on a casual suit. The person in the mirror looked outstanding—almost like a real gentleman.
He nodded. "Looking sharp."
Dayou also donned a suit, though his looked a bit bulky, making him resemble a real estate agent.
"What if I get nervous?" Dayou wiped his sweat.
"We're the stars here," Lu Ye smiled. "Let's go. Maybe we can score a free lunch."
Dayou: ???
Devon Corporation, a multinational enterprise dabbling in energy, games, and Pokémon items, had a sleek lobby with gleaming floors, plush sofas, and elegant plants.
The well-dressed professionals coming and going made Dayou nervous.
A receptionist led them to the meeting room. The accountant and manager stood up to greet them, bowing and shaking hands.
The manager smiled respectfully. "Mr. Lu, it's an honor!"
"You know me?" Lu Ye asked, surprised.
"The Vice President specifically told us that Mr. Lu is a powerful Trainer, and we should treat you well," the manager explained.
"I didn't expect you to be so young—you're truly exceptional!"
Dayou elbowed Lu Ye, whispering excitedly,
"Wow, Lu bro! You know their Vice President?"
The corporate atmosphere had already stunned Dayou. But now, Lu Ye's quiet connection to a major corporation's VP amazed him even more.
No wonder Lu bro's vision is beyond ordinary!
Lu Ye blinked.
"What's your Vice President's name?"
The manager's tone turned reverent.
"Hoenn Champion—Steven Stone!"