Chapter10: Warm-Up Promotion

"How was it? Did you get to see Pichu?"

When the employees returned back to the Pokémon Biotechnology office building, their colleagues were buzzing with curiosity.

An art department employee who had visited the lab exclaimed, "I saw it! Boss Ethan wasn't kidding; it's a completely new species, and it even releases a small electric charge!"

"It's adorable! Honestly, if the company gave us each a Pichu, I'd stick around until retirement," joked another employee, grinning.

Now that some had seen Pichu firsthand, the rest were more inclined to believe. Seeing was far more convincing than any rumor.

"Did you know? This little yellow creature was actually created by Ethan himself!" whispered one employee.

News spread quickly. The revelation that Ethan, who'd once seemed so unreliable, was actually a talented designer took everyone by surprise.

In Ethan's office, Annie had entered, her eyes wide with excitement. "Mr. Grave, did you really create Pichu? That's… incredible."

Ethan, keeping his composure, nodded as though unaffected by the praise.

"Annie," he said, "talk to the operations team and have them post an announcement on Weibo: 'Pokémon Biotechnology has successfully designed a brand-new species, Pichu. It's been approved for the market and will be unveiled soon.' Just text, no photos or videos."

Annie raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Wouldn't showing more get us a better reception?"

"That's exactly why we won't," Ethan replied with a sly grin. "Posting a simple announcement will bring out the skeptics. Once they've had their say, we'll hit them with photos and videos. The shock and reversal will work in our favor. Even Jerry might jump in."

Annie considered this, then nodded. "That would definitely stir things up sir."

"Exactly. Let them mock us. I might even pay to boost it on the trending lists. Then, when we're ready, we'll reveal Pichu and start taking pre-orders."

Word of the plan spread through the team. At first, some were confused, but after Annie explained, they nodded in admiration, acknowledging Ethan's strategy.

Pokémon Biotechnology's Weibo account, formerly Lulu Biotechnology Co., had a rocky history. When the name change was revealed, netizens flocked to the page, jeering.

"Did they think a name change would fool us?"

Some followed the company for amusement, and many were vocal critics. But now, the official page posted a new announcement:

"Pokémon Biotechnology proudly announces the successful design of a new species, Pichu! Evaluated and approved, Pichu will be available to the public soon!"

Instantly, the comments section flooded with skepticism.

"Oh, please. We all know the state your company is in. The Weibo manager should find a better job and stop helping to promote this company!"

"Let's not forget Pokémon is just the rebranded name for Lulu Biotech, it's the same company that trashed its reputation with shady marketing!"

"The joke of the day: I heard they couldn't even get a real bio-designer. Who's creating these 'new species'?"

"Pichu? Sounds like a knock-off. Hilarious!"

Netizens delighted in the mockery, and the topic began trending. Some revisited the original scandal, recalling how Ethan had been accused of copying Fowler's designs.

"Last I heard, they only had a handful of employees left. How could they pull off something like this?"

Even industry insiders chimed in, expressing their doubts.

Before long, Jerry Fowler himself posted on Weibo, stoking the speculation.

"If someone once faked a scandal, they're probably faking other things too. I've heard rumors a certain someone tried selling their company recently but found no buyers."

His post, signed with his handle "Ancient Power," left little doubt about whom he was referring to. He was clearly implying Ethan might be faking the Pichu announcement to drum up interest.

As netizens continued to speculate and laugh, none of them could have guessed how Ethan's reveal would soon turn the tables.

...

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