43 Acquisition I

*Click*

The television screen blinked to darkness as Shiko turned it off, diverting his attention to his father, Shiro.

Shiro's expression was unusually serious as he observed KiShin's remarkable rise in the business world. It was a highly profitable venture, unlike the video game industry of the past that he had disliked, dismissing it as an unprofitable and frivolous dream of his son.

However, his disapproval had deeper roots. Shiro remembered his parents struggling when they faced bankruptcy in the arcade industry. Those difficult times had left a lasting impression on him, contributing to his disdain for video games.

But now, the landscape had changed. Video games were on the rise again, and this time, things might be different.

"It's a shame that KiShin isn't listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. We can't invest," Shiro commented with a hint of regret in his voice.

Shiko noticed his father's genuine interest in investing and decided to share his own intentions, "Actually, I was thinking of investing in that company. Seki even tried to contact them, but they declined to go public, and we couldn't get a piece of their success."

Shiro nodded in understanding, "Of course, they wouldn't agree so easily. The company is incredibly profitable now, and the owner likely wants to keep all the profits to himself. However, he may come to realize that for further expansion, he'll need to consider going public or allowing investors to join in."

Shiko concurred with his father's assessment, and they both contemplated the potential investment opportunity.

---

Shin and Mira had been together for some time now, and their relationship had evolved significantly. Physical contact between them was a natural and cherished part of their bond, and they openly discussed their plans while nestled in each other's arms.

Shin had proposed marriage to Mira some time ago, but she had expressed her desire to finish her university studies before accepting. 

"Would you like to visit Osaka together, Mira?" Shin inquired with tenderness in his voice.

Mira was taken aback by the suggestion. Her parents resided in Osaka's Chuo ward, and the idea of introducing them to her boyfriend was both nerve-wracking and exciting.

"Are you suggesting we visit my parents?" Mira asked, her nerves palpable. She wasn't scared but rather anxious about her parents' reaction to her newfound relationship.

Shin chuckled softly, reassured by Mira's response. With the efficient bullet train, they could reach Osaka in just a couple of hours. It was during this discussion that Shin realized, despite the company's skyrocketing revenue, he hadn't yet acquired his own vehicle or car.

Shin contemplated the idea of acquiring a place and a car in the near future. However, given the company's tight finances, he understood the importance of being prudent with their money. He realized that taking things step by step was crucial, as one wrong move could jeopardize their financial stability.

---

Early in the morning at 9:00 am, Ishigi warmly welcomed Lee Han to their modest studio. Hikaru and several employees also greeted Lee Han with formality, adhering to Japanese customs.

Ishigi then ushered Lee Han into his office to commence their business discussion. The conversation began with some pleasantries and Ishigi's flattering remarks about KiShin's company. However, Lee Han eventually got straight to the point.

"My boss wishes to acquire your company," Lee Han stated plainly.

Studio Director Ishigi came to a sudden halt, his expression frozen in disbelief. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. "You want to buy my company?" he asked incredulously.

Lee Han could sense Ishigi's feelings of betrayal. Initially, Ishigi had assumed that KiShin sought animation-related services for a project. He never expected them to be interested in a full acquisition.

Seeing Ishigi's indignation, he responded, "Please hear me out, Mr. Nurakami."

Ishigi, no longer concerned with politeness, retorted angrily, "I will never sell my company, not to you or anyone else! If you have nothing else to discuss, you can leave."

This was a far cry from the more accommodating Ishigi of the past. He was resolute in his decision.

Lee Han, however, wasn't ready to give up so easily. He quickly retrieved a document and placed it in front of Ishigi. "Please, Mr. Nurakami, take a look at these terms before you dismiss the offer."

Ishigi, clearly frustrated, tossed the paper back at Lee Han. "I don't need to read it. I know it's going to be the same unbearable and inhumane terms as always." He had seen these tactics from other corporations before—greedy attempts to exploit employees and deepen the culture of overworking.

Lee Han observed Ishigi's concern for his employees and the company, prompting him to quickly provide reassurance. "Mr. Nurakami," he began, "I can't speak to your past experiences with other corporations, but I promise you that what's written in this document is genuinely different, and it aligns with your vision." As he spoke, he retrieved the paper that Ishigi had previously discarded and placed it back in front of him.

Although Ishigi was still harboring some anger, he decided to take a closer look at the paper out of curiosity. Unbeknownst to both Lee Han and Ishigi, several employees and the creative director were intently eavesdropping, their ears pressed against the walls of the studio director's office.

One of the employees whispered to the others, "It looks like we've run into bad luck once more. It's yet another terrible company trying to take everything for themselves."

The others nodded in agreement, sharing their colleague's concerns. Hikaru, the creative director, quickly gestured for silence to ensure they could hear the conversation more clearly.

As Ishigi continued to read through the paper, he found himself genuinely surprised by its contents. "Are these terms for real?" he asked Lee Han in astonishment.

Lee Han responded with a reassuring smile. "Absolutely. These conditions were established by my company's CEO himself."

Ishigi regarded Lee Han thoughtfully, maintaining a level of caution. "We should have a lawyer examine this carefully. I don't want to overlook any potential hidden traps, or discover later that this was just a façade and not the actual terms and conditions."

Lee Han continued to smile, nodding in agreement. "Of course."

"If these terms and conditions are indeed genuine, then I have no objections to selling my company to KiShin and making it a subsidiary," Ishigi declared. However, those who had been listening from the other side of the wall were left shocked by Ishigi's unexpected change of heart.