15 Manager Han joins

Shin was currently playing this world's version of Tetris. The game was rather dull, consisting of parentheses since it was created back in the 1960s.

Shin contemplated the possibility of acquiring the rights to Tetris from its licensor. 

Based on the memories of his predecessor, he knew that the licensor for Tetris in this world was a company called the "NewLand Company." However, he also knew that this company was facing financial difficulties and was on the brink of bankruptcy. Shin saw an opportunity to purchase the Tetris license from such a struggling company.

Mira stood beside him, and Shin inquired, "Mira, do you happen to know the licensor of Tetris?"

Mira nodded and replied, "It's the NewLand Company, right?"

Shin confirmed her response and continued, "I've been thinking... Once we've accumulated enough funds, maybe we can try to buy the Tetris license from them."

Mira appeared surprised by the idea and remarked, "Really? But isn't Tetris considered a somewhat ordinary game?"

Shin shook his head in response. If the people from his previous life were to hear her describe one of the most successful games as "somewhat ordinary," they would likely scold her.

"You might not realize it, but that game has incredible potential."

---

A young man found himself invited by his classmates to visit a mall for some fun.

"Hey, Shoji, where are you taking me, anyway?" the young man, Kube, asked with curiosity.

Shoji, another young man in a high school uniform, chuckled and replied, "Come on, Kube. You're really out of touch with the latest trends. We're going to play some Mario."

"Mario?" Kube looked puzzled.

In no time, they reached the mall's second floor, an entertainment hall with a gaming area. The video game machines were already occupied by numerous players.

Shoji cursed his luck and said, "Damn it. Someone beat us to it."

"Hmm?" Kube curiously examined the video game machine.

The screen displayed Super Mario in action, instantly capturing Kube's attention.

Shoji explained to Kube, "See that? It's called a video game machine. It's a game console where you can play Mario."

Kube became interested, and after a while, the person currently playing the game finally stood up because they had been defeated.

Shoji hastily pushed Kube into the chair in front of the video game machine.

Kube was confused, but when he turned around, he noticed a crowd of people who had been waiting for quite some time, and they were not happy that Shoji and Kube had taken the machine.

Shoji quickly instructed Kube, "Here. Insert 100 yen, and the game will start. Go ahead, you get three lives for every 100 yen."

Kube nodded and inserted 100 yen. The game began, and Kube grappled with the unfamiliar controller. Due to his inexperience, he quickly lost a life. The people waiting to play couldn't help but laugh at Kube's clumsiness.

Shoji shook his head in amusement.

Kube waited for Mario to respawn, but the screen just went black.

It dawned on Kube that he needed to insert another 100 yen.

Determined not to lose this time, Kube persevered, but he ended up spending another 2000 yen in a short period.

Shoji grew concerned for his friend as Kube seemed to be spending a lot of money.

Shoji reminded him, "Kube, is it really okay to spend that much?"

"It'll be fine! I'll just have to break my piggy bank! I need to get that mushroom to advance!" Kube stubbornly declared.

"Alright," Shoji reluctantly agreed and even gave Kube some of his own money.

Kube nodded gratefully and continued playing, fully immersed in the game.

"Get that mushroom!"

"Grab the flower! It lets you shoot fire!"

Kube played with determination, ignoring the growing pile of yen he was spending.

***

Shin was in the midst of a discussion with Mira and the company employees when his phone began to ring.

"Hello, Mr. Suzuki. This is Lee Han," Lee Han's voice came through the phone.

"Hello, Manager Han. What's the matter?" Shin inquired.

"Could you please stop calling me 'Manager Han' all the time? 'Mr. Han' will suffice," Lee Han's voice carried a hint of resignation.

Shin felt a bit awkward and responded, "Alright, Mr. Han."

"I've decided to accept your proposition," Lee Han's voice continued, "I'll be joining your company."

Shin was taken aback and exclaimed, "Really!? Then I warmly welcome you to our company, Mr. Han."

With a smile, Shin proceeded to ask, "May I inquire why you decided to leave your position at the Ikeburo Center, Mr. Han?"

A weary sigh emanated from Lee Han through the phone as he explained, "I didn't want to remain on a ship where the captain blamed everything on his loyal crew. Furthermore, dealing with a captain who favored his spoiled child made the situation unbearable." Lee Han had grown weary of the arrogant son of the general manager, who seemed to harbor a grudge against him.

Shin empathized with Lee Han's sentiments, having experienced similar challenges in his previous job at a game company. He nodded and said, "I understand."

Shin could relate, having worked for a game company in his previous life, where he was loyal to his boss, only to meet an unfortunate end at the hands of that very boss.

Nodding, Shin expressed his understanding, "I see."