DHI3SV? Chapter 233: Brand New Version "Millennium Feather"! Senti's Character is Launching?
Otto's sudden question truly gave Su Mu a fright. Honestly, this was a family matter; why ask an outsider for an evaluation? How was he even supposed to answer?
"Don't worry, we're just chatting casually," Otto said, seemingly sensing Su Mu's hesitation and reassuring him.
"To be frank, she isn't suited for it," Su Mu began, starting to speak his mind now that he had Otto's guarantee.
"Oh? And why is that?" Otto seemed surprised, as if he hadn't expected Su Mu to answer so bluntly.
"The reason is simple: I don't feel a professional attitude from Theresa." Su Mu shook his head. "In my opinion, she clearly cares more about livestreaming and being an idol than being the next CEO."
Su Mu wasn't just talking for the sake of it; this was his genuine observation. Ultimately, whether in Honkai Impact 3rd or in this world, Theresa had a fatal problem: Otto protected her far too well. The Theresa in the game wasn't incompetent, but her succession to the position of Overseer was rushed; she didn't have enough time to prepare before having to face the mess Otto left behind.
The Theresa of this world wasn't much better. As long as Otto remained CEO, Theresa would never be suited for the role. Otto was simply too exceptional; with him around, Schicksal's problems didn't even count as problems. But if you swapped Theresa into that seat, the various affairs would leave her overwhelmed.
From a successor's standpoint, her professional attitude was indeed lacking. If she truly wanted to be the heir, she shouldn't be in Arc City; she should be flying back to Schicksal HQ to serve as acting CEO under Otto's direct guidance—not singing, dancing, and rapping here.
"I see... you're right about that." Su Mu's words made Otto nod in agreement. "I handed the branch affairs to Theresa hoping she would get more experience... but as you said, she'd rather be an idol and a streamer than Schicksal's CEO."
Su Mu could actually understand Theresa. Not everyone was like Otto. Someone with Otto's talent, ambition, and ruthless efficiency in handling complex affairs was a rarity. Theresa wasn't without merit, but compared to Otto, she was clearly in over her head. They simply weren't in the same league.
"But it's unavoidable... after all, sigh..." Otto let out a long sigh. "You know, I only have one granddaughter, and she is destined to inherit my legacy. That's why I've tried to recruit as many talented people as possible during my tenure—so that when she takes over, she won't be in total chaos. But she's always lacked peers and friends... and all of that is my fault."
"I designated her as my successor early on, intending to leave her everything good... but I never realized my actions caused her so much harm. Because of her status, peers either feared her or approached her for her power and position. She grew up with no real friends."
"I couldn't bear to see her lonely, so I thought letting her do something she liked might help her make friends. That's why I helped her debut as the idol Teriri. Seeing her shine on stage—that was a smile I had never seen on her face as an heir. Since then, I've wondered if I made the wrong choice. Perhaps she is better suited for that life than for leading Schicksal."
"However—" Otto's tone turned grave, and his expression became incredibly heavy. "Just recently, Theresa told me she wants to quit the idol industry. She doesn't even want to continue livestreaming."
his words made Su Mu pause. He had never heard this from Theresa.
"Theresa said she wants me to arrange more work for her. She wants to improve as quickly as possible so she can take over Schicksal from me. I thought she was joking at first, but I asked her again yesterday at the hospital. She looked at me and said very seriously that she would work hard to meet my expectations and become the new CEO of Schicksal."
Something was wrong. Seriously wrong. Was that really something Theresa would say? Was Otto actually joking? ...But looking at his face, he clearly wasn't. When things are this abnormal, there's always a hidden reason. Had Theresa been infected by a "diligence virus"? He must be dreaming.
Su Mu shook his head. "Isn't that a good thing? If Theresa is willing to work hard as the heir, it means your retirement is close."
Otto closed his eyes and sighed. "If she truly thought that way, I would indeed be happy. But I know my granddaughter; she is forcing herself. And if that's the case, I'd rather remain CEO. I cannot spend my golden years at the expense of my granddaughter's misery."
"I think something happened to make her this way... but she's no longer the little girl who tells me everything, so I have no way of knowing her true thoughts. That's why I came to Arc City—not just to confirm with her in person, but to talk to you. You are the only male friend by her side; I thought you might know something."
Otto looked at Su Mu, waiting for him to speak.
"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you," Su Mu shook his head. "I have no idea what she encountered to make such a choice... but I'm certain that quitting being an idol and stopping the streams is not her true wish."
Su Mu didn't believe Theresa would suddenly become a dedicated Overseer-in-training overnight, nor would she abandon the idol career she had worked so hard for. Had she run into some insurmountable problem?
Otto made a request: "If possible, as Theresa's friend, I hope you can find out why she is doing this."
Su Mu nodded. "Theresa is my friend; I'll do my best."
Otto nodded and leaned back against the pool edge, closing his eyes. "In that case, I'll leave it to you... I'm going to soak a bit longer. You head out first."
Once Su Mu had left, Otto opened his eyes. "It seems he really doesn't know anything." He shook his head. "Was I really overthinking? Regardless, Su Mu doesn't seem to show any signs... he probably doesn't have those feelings for Theresa."
Thinking of this, Otto sighed. If he really became Su Mu's grandfather, this kid would eventually make him cough up blood from irritation. "Friends, then? That's fine. With a friend like Su Mu, Theresa will have maximum support once she becomes CEO. He can help solve the difficult problems..."
Otto picked up the wine and took a sip. "In that case, my happy retirement with Kallen is finally within reach, isn't it? Haha..." He let out a smile, already fantasizing about his post-retirement life.
By the time Su Mu left the bathhouse, it was nearly 9:00 PM. He dressed and walked out, only to see Susannah peeking around a corner. When their eyes met, she shyly retracted her head before jumping out again as if she couldn't contain herself.
"M-Mr. Su Mu!"
"Just call me Su Mu, no need for titles... didn't I say that before?"
"O-Okay... I-I'm sorry, I know this is wrong, but I have to ask: what did you and Lord Otto talk about?"
Su Mu was startled. He hadn't expected Susannah to ask this. Probing into others' private conversations was indeed impolite. He asked, "May I ask why you want to know?"
Susannah scratched her head. "Because... it concerns Lady Theresa, doesn't it?"
So Susannah knows something too, Su Mu thought. It wasn't surprising, since she had been by Theresa's side since the New Year.
"Because it's about Lady Theresa, I really want to know..." Susannah grew excited, her small fists clenched and her eyes turning into stars. "Is it... is it that Su Mu and Lady Theresa are getting married soon? Lord Otto came to discuss the wedding details, didn't he? That's wonderful! Lady Theresa won't have to be alone anymore..."
??? Wait, what? Susannah's words almost made Su Mu choke. Do you know you're making things worse with that comment?! He held his forehead in helplessness. "Where on earth are you hearing these rumors?"
Susannah looked confused. "But everyone is saying you like Lady Theresa? That you even made 'The Day You and the Stars Disappeared' just to confess to her."
Great. Su Mu now knew exactly what kind of people were spreading these rumors. Good grief, do people actually believe this stuff? Looking at Susannah's "wise" eyes, Su Mu wanted to tell her not to believe everything she read on the internet. What a 'genius'...
Just then, his phone rang. "Senti? Why is she calling at this hour?" Su Mu looked at the screen and answered. Senti's voice came out like a machine gun.
"Whoa, Su Mu, are you really marrying the Principal? I'm telling you, kid, don't let power and wealth blind you! If you really can't find a girlfriend, just tell me! The life of a kept man is miserable; have you already prepared the steel scrubbers (meme)?!"
Su Mu stared at the sky in silence. Fine. The second "genius" had appeared.
He gave a bitter laugh. "I don't know where you heard that... and what's the use of telling you if I can't find a girlfriend? Are you going to be my girlfriend?"
Senti exploded. "W-What! You—you jerk! I treat you like a brother and you want to pick me up!" she was so startled she fell off her chair with a crash. It took her a while to scramble back up, clutching her backside. "What is in your head! I meant I could introduce you to someone! My Mount Taixuan has plenty of beauties! ...Wait, you're clearly just making fun of me, aren't you?"
"You actually noticed?"
"don't act all shocked! I've had enough! I call to check on you and this is the attitude I get? Our friendship is over!"
"I think you're here for a laugh, not out of concern. If you're really bored, go to the firm and meet Carole."
"Meet her? For what?"
"didn't you always want to be a character in Honkai 3rd?"
"You—you mean? In the new version, my invincible and handsome Senti is finally going to be implemented?! WOO-HOO—!! I'm going to the firm right now—wait, it's late, I'll go tomorrow! Su Mu, I love you to death! truly my best bro!!"
With that, Senti hung up immediately. she was undoubtedly off to brag to Fu Hua. Classic Senti, Su Mu thought. He had easily distracted her with a few words. He shook his head and looked back at Susannah, only to find her watching him with a very strange look.
"What is it?"
"N-Nothing... it's just, Mr. Su Mu, although you are my idol... even so, dating multiple girlfriends at once is not allowed!" Susannah mustered her courage, her face flushed. "How can you betray Lady Theresa? That's wrong and unfaithful!"
Su Mu sighed. This girl's perception was fundamentally flawed. After much explaining, Susannah finally nodded with suspicion, accepting the "fact" that there was nothing between Su Mu and Theresa. Realizing her mistake, she apologized profusely.
"I'm so sorry! because everyone was saying it, I just... I didn't think it was just a rumor! I'm truly, truly sorry!!"
Su Mu naturally couldn't blame her. when enough people spread a rumor, it easily becomes "truth." And even if he didn't take it seriously, Otto had still flown all the way to Arc City despite knowing it was a rumor.
After clearing things up with Susannah, Su Mu didn't stay overnight at the villa. He didn't know how to handle Otto's request yet—should he ask Theresa directly? But it was late, so he headed home. If he stayed over for several nights, his two little girlfriends would definitely have words.
On the way back, Su Mu thought about the new Honkai Impact 3rd version. Although Carole and her team were now in charge of the project, he was still the Chief Game Director and couldn't completely let go. The new version was titled "Millennium Feather," and Senti's character, the Herrscher of Sentience, was finally making her debut.
Beyond that, there was the June launch of Titanfall... and he had to keep updating the boutique mini-games on the Interastral platform. Cat Mario was finished and ready for upload. He needed to make his "side account" a powerhouse.
Su Mu weighed his tasks and sighed. There really wasn't enough time; if only a day had forty-eight hours. If other developers heard him, they would definitely give him the middle finger and curse him for being such a "grind-lord." Sigh, that's just how it is for a grind-lord—all I think about is how to make games better, while everyone else has so much more to worry about.
END OF CHAPTER