Hayao Nakayama picked up the teapot and filled the cup in front of him with tea, the amber liquid looking exceptionally clear in the white porcelain cup.
"Taste it, this year's new tea." His voice wasn't loud, but it was deep, steady, and full of vigor. "Gyokuro from Shizuoka, I had someone get it for me."
Takuya Nakayama cupped the teacup with both hands, mimicking the original owner's actions from memory, first smelling its aroma, then carefully taking a sip.
A unique freshness and mellowness spread across his tongue; it was indeed a good tea.
"It's very refreshing, thank you, Father." He put down the teacup and praised it sincerely.
Although he was more used to soda, he could still put on a show at this moment.
"Hmm." Hayao Nakayama was noncommittal, his gaze returning to his son's face. "You've graduated from university. What are your plans next? Are you preparing to continue your studies, or…"
Here it comes, the main topic has finally arrived.
Takuya Nakayama composed himself, met his father's gaze, and said clearly, "Father, I've decided. I want to work at Sega and develop games!"
Hayao Nakayama's fingers, holding the teacup, paused slightly.
He looked up at his son, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes. "Work at Sega? Develop games?"
"Yes." Takuya Nakayama nodded, his attitude clear.
"Nonsense!" Hayao Nakayama's brows furrowed, and his tone became a bit sterner. "Do you know what Sega's situation is like right now?"
"Of course, I know." Takuya Nakayama immediately responded.
He couldn't let the other party think he was acting on impulse.
"In the past two years, our SG-1000, and the subsequent Mark III, have been suffocated in the market by Nintendo's Family Computer.
Especially last year, after the release of super mario bros., the sales of the FC saw explosive growth.
Now, all the capable third-party developers are shifting towards Nintendo." He deliberately explained in detail to show that he wasn't ignorant.
Hayao Nakayama listened to his son's clear analysis, and the displeasure on his face lessened slightly, but his doubts remained, becoming even more cautious.
"Since you know all this, why do you still want to plunge into the quagmire of game development?
You just graduated, have no practical development experience, and your understanding of market operations is just theoretical.
Game development isn't something that can succeed with just a burst of passion and some small-scale tinkering in university clubs."
"Father, experience can be accumulated and the market can be learned." Takuya Nakayama sat up straight, his tone carrying the unique drive of youth, and a hint of confidence from the future.
"I know what you're worried about.
Words alone are not enough; please give me some time to prepare.
When I officially start working, I will give the company, and you, a surprise.
At that time, you can judge whether I am truly suited for this line of work, alright?" He deliberately didn't speak too boastfully, leaving room, but the sparkle in his eyes couldn't be hidden.
…
Three days later, in a cafe not far from the Toshiba Building in Shibaura, Minato Ward, Tokyo.
Takuya Nakayama sat at a window table, holding a newspaper and reading it idly.
A cup of Blue Mountain coffee sat on the table.
Soon after, a young man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a striped suit pushed open the door and entered the cafe.
He looked around, and upon seeing Takuya Nakayama, he walked towards him and sat across from him, while also ordering a cappuccino from the waiter.
"Takuya, long time no see! Why did you suddenly think of coming to Toshiba to see me?" The man leaned back in his seat, looking at Takuya Nakayama across from him.
This man was Ito Ryoji, a legendary figure at Tokyo Institute of Technology and a very good senior of Takuya Nakayama.
When he was still interning at Toshiba, he was already secured by Toshiba with a high signing bonus, which showed his talent.
Now, Ito Ryoji works in Toshiba's computer department.
Takuya Nakayama showed a slightly shy smile, scratched his head, and said, "Ryoji-senpai, I just missed you! And… I also wanted to ask you some questions."
"Come on, there's no need to be so mushy between us.
This is the first time you've come to Toshiba to find me since I graduated.
Just tell me directly what's up." Ito Ryoji smiled and waved his hand, signaling Takuya to get straight to the point.
Takuya Nakayama nodded, lowering his voice and saying, "Senpai, I heard… your Toshiba has recently been researching foreign computer technology?"
Ito Ryoji's eyes flickered.
He asked calmly, "Yes, what about it? Are you interested in that?"
Takuya Nakayama chuckled, showing a "you know what I mean" expression.
"Senpai, I'm working at Sega, so I have to understand the industry trends, right?
I heard… that the Soviet Union recently released a very interesting computer game?" He deliberately emphasized the words "computer game."
Ito Ryoji's brows furrowed slightly, seemingly deep in thought.
He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Where did you hear that?"
Takuya Nakayama's heart leaped with joy; there was a chance!
He said mysteriously, "Senpai, don't worry about where I heard it from, just tell me if it's true or not!"
Ito Ryoji stared at Takuya Nakayama for a few seconds.
Then, he sighed softly and said, "Alright, since you put it that way… I won't hide it from you.
We have indeed noticed some developments from the Soviet Union, but…" He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "However, the specific situation isn't very clear yet.
You know, the Soviet Union… information is quite restricted."
Takuya Nakayama thought, "This is it!" Sure enough, coming to Toshiba this time was the right choice!
"I heard there's a very interesting game from the Soviet Union called 'tetris.' Have you encountered it?" Takuya Nakayama leaned forward slightly, a hint of imperceptible urgency in his tone.
That's right! What Takuya Nakayama was going after was this puzzle game, tetris, which almost everyone who has played video games has heard of!
"tetris" is the English translation of its Russian name, tetris.
"tetris?" Ito Ryoji pushed up his glasses, the gold-rimmed frame flashing a glint under the light.
He repeated the awkward name, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly trying to search for relevant fragments in his memory.
"I think I heard that their computer lab developed a game… but, you know, our department mainly researches their hardware technology.
We don't pay much attention to those 'unprofessional' toys."
Ito Ryoji paused, then asked again, "So you want me to help you get one?"
Takuya Nakayama clasped his hands together above his head.
"Only Senpai understands me best.
If I were a girl, I'd marry you!"
"Get lost! Not that routine again! Do I look like I'm lacking women?" Ito Ryoji laughed and scolded.
Seeing that Ito Ryoji seemed somewhat swayed, Takuya Nakayama quickly pressed on, "Senpai, please help me out!
You have wide connections at Toshiba, and you're resourceful; you definitely have a way!
If you can really get this game, I'll treat you to drinks!
The best sake in Tokyo, as much as you want!"
Ito Ryoji thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "I understand.
I'll keep an eye out for you."
At this moment, the waiter brought Ito Ryoji's cappuccino.
Takuya Nakayama picked up the Blue Mountain coffee in front of him and raised it to Ito Ryoji, signaling, "Thank you so much, Senpai!
I'll toast you with coffee instead of alcohol!"
Ito Ryoji had a helpless expression, clinked his cup with Takuya Nakayama's, and then still pointed at Takuya Nakayama's nose.
"After this is done, I'll definitely make you bleed a little, kid!"
"As you wish!" Takuya Nakayama playfully gave a military salute.