186 Preparation

The partnership between Tora and Suzuki caught the attention of KiShin executives. While some had mixed reactions, Shin, indifferent to opinions, prioritizes a meeting with Mira before heading to North America to meet Steve Jobs.

Shin has also tasked Orio Masayoshi with managing negotiations between Apple shareholders interested in selling their shares to KiShin. The allure of KiShin acquiring shares at a slightly higher price than the stock exchange value is enticing, especially given Microsoft's growing dominance in operating systems, causing Apple's stock price to plummet.

Outside KiShin's building in the parking lot, Shin strolled toward his Porsche 959, entered the car, and drove off. As his car glided onto the road, numerous onlookers couldn't help but admire its exterior.

Smiling, Shin headed to the Mejiro neighborhood in Toshima Ward, home to Gakushuin University where Mira is currently studying. When Shin's opulent car graced the university entrance, the surroundings were already buzzing with activity. Observers couldn't hide their curiosity at the sight of the luxurious vehicle.

Unfazed, Shin stepped out of the car to find Mira. Spotting her waving from a distance, he smiled, approached her, and took her hand. Amid the glances from onlookers, Shin couldn't ignore the subtle disdain in their expressions. It seemed they assumed Mira, with her bulging stomach, was involved with a wealthy man.

A woman wearing thick makeup and red lipstick snorted, remarking to her friend, "Look, someone's already secured a future."

Her friend nodded and shared her opinion. Some people quietly discussed among themselves, aware that Shin and Mira were still present. They maintained a subtle and silent tone, considerate enough not to let Shin and Mira overhear their conversation, making it seem like a private exchange.

Sensing the crowd's judgment, Shin furrowed his brows and remarked, "I told you that you could study at home. Now many people will think poorly of you."

Mira smiled kindly and responded, "Come on, we already discussed this. Besides, why should you care about others' opinions anyway?"

Shin felt helpless as he sighed. Holding Mira's hand, he walked to the Porsche 959 and simply said, "I just care for you."

Mira chuckled as they entered the car, "Don't worry about me. Besides, you still have a business to attend to..." She paused, noticing a newspaper on the side of the seat. Picking it up, she read the contents and saw a photo of the Chairman of Suzuki Group and Tora Corporation Chairman shaking hands, accompanied by the headline: "Suzuki Group and Tora Corporation, the two largest conglomerates, join forces in video game innovation!!!"

The article then elaborates on the collaboration between Tora and Suzuki, featuring a reporter's question to Chairman Asahi of Tora Corporation: "By joining forces in video game innovation with Suzuki Group, are you confident that the two companies can surpass KiShin in terms of video game console performance and game creation?" Mira furrowed her brows upon reading this.

Chairman Asahi's response caught her attention: "We possess extensive research capabilities, making video game console performance a non-issue. In terms of electronics, Tora and Suzuki have more expertise than KiShin Electronics. We only lag behind KiShin in video game creativity. However, through the joint partnership, the creative teams of both companies will collaborate, and you can expect our companies to produce exceptionally well-made video games. That's all I can say."

As Mira read this, she glanced at Shin, who was currently driving the car. She asked, "The partnership between Tora and Suzuki seems quite alarming. Aren't you worried?"

Shin chuckled while steering the wheel, "Why would I be worried?" He paused, glancing slightly at Mira, and continued, "After all, in terms of electronics and video game advancement, we already have a clear plan laid out in our portfolio. Besides, Tora and Suzuki are unaware that KiShin is on the verge of venturing into computers for now." With the developments of the 32-bit era that KiShin is preparing, it marks the beginning of the 32-bit era, 64-bit era, and 3D era. That's why Shin has already initiated the development of a Game Engine.

Mira gazed at the confident Shin and smiled; perhaps this is why she liked Shin so much—his confidence and commitment to his words.

Meanwhile, on November 9, 1992, in the USA, Las Vegas, Nevada, at Comdex, IBM left many attendees bewildered. Why? They unveiled a product called "Angler," an 8.5 inches high, 2.75 inches wide, and 1.75 inches thick device. The person introducing the device explained its features to a media reporter covering the advanced technological gadget.

As the people were bewildered, their curiosity and interest grew as they examined the "Angler" device. The presenter demonstrated its touchscreen capabilities, interacting with the screen using a stylus. Not only was it a cellular phone capable of making calls and sending messages, but it also featured a calendar and more.

"Angler" doubled as a handheld fax machine, allowing users to send and receive faxes. Despite its multifunctionality, IBM acknowledged that it was merely a prototype and not the finalized product.

The people felt a sense of regret; had they known the price and if it were affordable, they would have eagerly embraced such a device. Simultaneously, they acknowledged that its size surpassed that of the KRS 1 phone, making it less pocket-friendly. However, the functions of the "Angler" alone were compelling enough to pique their interest.

Meanwhile, IBM, having observed the games list on the KRS 1 phone, decided to incorporate a list of games into their finished product, the Simon Personal Communicator. The research for the Simon Personal Communicator accelerated, thanks to the involvement of a Japanese company named Mitsubishi as the hardware manufacturer.

Japanese companies, known for their prowess in electronics, demonstrated their capabilities at COMDEX. Suzuki Electronics, for instance, showcased their latest electronic products, including televisions and speakers.

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Top 3: The first chapter will be released at the usual time of 00:00 +08 GMT, followed by the second chapter at 12:00 +08 GMT, and the third chapter at 18:00 +08 GMT.

Top 2: The first chapter will be released at 00:00 +08 GMT, the second chapter at 06:00 +08 GMT, and the third chapter at 12:00 +08 GMT.

Top 1: The first chapter will be released at the usual time of 00:00 +08 GMT, while the second and third chapters will each be released within a one-minute interval.

In summary, for the top 3, following the first chapter, the second chapter will be released after 12 hours, and the third chapter will follow in 6 hours.

Regarding the top 2, after the release of the first chapter, each subsequent chapter will be released every 6 hours.

As for the top 1, it will follow the usual schedule. After the first chapter, each subsequent chapter will be released after a one-minute interval.