Chapter 284: Director Topaz's Thick Thighs, the Soul of the Interastral Peace Company!
The time for the meeting with Topaz soon arrived.
Just as planned, Songque attended as the studio owner while Su Mu acted as the Game Director. Together, they arrived at the headquarters of the Interastral Peace Entertainment platform, a subsidiary of the Interastral Peace Company in Canghai City.
"W-What should I do, Big Boss Su Mu? My legs are shaking... What if I mess everything up?"
Staring at the grand entrance of the Interastral Peace Entertainment platform, Songque leaned against a nearby pillar, her legs trembling like a sieve.
Su Mu smiled. "It's fine, I've got everything under control. Just act like your usual self and say whatever comes to mind."
He added another reminder: "Also, now that we're on company grounds, don't call me by that name anymore."
Su Mu liked to do things thoroughly, and Kevin shared that sentiment. His new identity was named "Chen Ye."
Names in Shenzhou often carry symbolic meaning. Su Mu's original name represents Water producing Wood, and in the cycle of the five elements, Wood produces Fire. Thus, he chose this name.
The original meaning refers to a flourishing fire or brightness, extending to mean "radiant" or "splendid."
It was a wish for Su Mu's future to be booming and prosperous.
Of course, Su Mu's first thought at the time was: *Should I just call myself Xiao Huohuo?*
This "Chen Ye's" resume was "perfectly ordinary." He graduated from the Kyoto Academy of Fine Arts, initially working in game design and art direction. Later, he was "incidentally" scouted by Songque and joined her studio, subsequently releasing the explosive mini-game *Syobon Action*.
Upon close inspection, one would find that Chen Ye's experiences were remarkably similar to Su Mu's, but Kevin felt this was inconsequential.
After all, with so many people in the world, it was normal for individuals to have similar paths. Not intentionally avoiding suspicion was a form of avoiding suspicion itself. Furthermore, he believed it would be easier for Su Mu to play a role that wasn't far removed from his true self.
As the saying goes, "clothes make the man," and with the "four great sorceries of Asia" combined with technology's ability to alter perception—aided by Dr. Mobius—the current Su Mu could stand right in front of Seele or Bronya, and they likely wouldn't recognize him at first glance.
Looking at the somewhat unfamiliar face in the mirror, Su Mu couldn't help but give a wry smile. Now, even he could hardly recognize himself.
Though Mobius was sharp-tongued and mischievous, she was undeniably reliable.
"G-Got it! Big Boss Chen! Then... let's head in!"
Seeing the "Cowardly Sparrow" evolve back into Songque, Su Mu nodded. It seemed his game had given Songque immense confidence, allowing her to recover in such a short time.
As soon as they reached the reception desk, they found a young man who appeared to have been waiting for quite a while.
"You two must be Miss Maria and Mr. Chen Ye? Welcome to Interastral Peace Entertainment! I am Scott..."
The man was exceptionally enthusiastic, stepping forward to shake hands with Songque and Su Mu.
However, his eyes were constantly scanning the two of them.
Su Mu was similarly observing the man named "Scott." Although he had never met him before, his intuition told him the moment he saw him: this was a man who absolutely could not be trusted.
In fact, Su Mu had already heard of Scott's notoriety from Carole. This man would stop at nothing for a promotion and had ruined countless novice game developers.
Don't be fooled by his smiling face and humble posture now... people like this are never to be trusted, or they'll stab you in the back when you least expect it.
Actually, Su Mu's decision to join Interastral Peace Entertainment was partly to settle both new and old scores. Many malicious rumors slandering him previously had been spread by Scott. While he knew business warfare was often that unadorned and ruthless, he felt no need to back down since the opponent had made their move.
"Haha, Mr. Chen Ye is truly young and promising... To become the Game Director of a studio at such a young age, I am truly envious."
"Not at all, Mr. Scott's words flatter me too much. How could I compare to you? Everyone knows that under your management, Interastral Peace Entertainment has been flourishing with endless talent..."
"Too much praise, too much praise..."
"Hahaha..."
In just a few exchanges, Su Mu and Scott were acting like old friends, skipping straight to calling each other "brother."
Songque, standing to the side, widened her eyes in shock.
She suddenly felt very slighted.
*Big Boss Su Mu, you have a lot of nerve criticizing me! You say I have a rehearsed routine, but yours is just as bad! No, at least when I tell fortunes, my blessings are from the heart. Barely a word coming out of your mouth right now is true!*
Songque saw zero sincerity between these two; she only saw the elaborate charades characteristic of adults, which left Miss Maria deeply shaken.
She hadn't realized before that Big Boss Su Mu was such a "slick operator."
For Su Mu, who had lived two lives, these pleasantries and social niceties were governed by a formula. After all, the workplace is often a mess; if you lack strength or a background, you have to be observant and well-spoken.
It was simply the "professional fake smile" skill of a veteran worker.
To an outsider, he and Scott looked like they had become brothers instantly, but in reality, both Su Mu and Scott knew exactly what was going on.
This was just an act. Whoever took it seriously would be a complete idiot.
"Putting everything else aside, Brother Chen Ye, that *Syobon Action* of yours was way too intense! I still haven't recovered from playing it..."
"Is that so? Brother Scott, haha, to be honest, I have many more 'wholesome' games just like that one."
"Haha, then I shall look forward to it..."
Seeing the two of them practically walking shoulder-to-shoulder like lifelong friends, Songque supported her forehead and sighed helplessly.
*Big Boss Su Mu, I feel like my presence here is entirely redundant... You could probably handle these people all by yourself, couldn't you?*
*Is this what a reliable adult male looks like? Big Boss Su Mu isn't much older than me, so why does he feel like a slick veteran who's been in the workforce for decades?*
*Strange, truly strange...*
After a round of mutual flattery with Scott, they were officially on a "brotherly" basis, with Su Mu calling him "Big Brother" and Scott calling him "Little Brother"... the intimacy made them look like long-lost siblings.
"Since Brother Chen Ye calls me his 'Big Brother,' then I must give you some advice."
"I'm all ears."
"Director Topaz is waiting upstairs. When you see her, don't underestimate her just because she looks young. Director Topaz is a member of the Strategic Investment Department's 'Stonehearts.' Her ability and vision speak for themselves..."
Scott took on the persona of a warm-hearted mentor, starting to teach Su Mu "interview tips."
"This Director Topaz of ours... I heard that when she joined, she scored top marks in actuarial science, micro and macroeconomics, interstellar finance, and management tests. Even her physical test was nearly perfect. The only subject she didn't pass was... Business Etiquette. She skipped the test entirely. ['What I hate most is formalism']—apparently, that's what she said."
Su Mu couldn't help but glance at Scott. Truthfully, this intel was quite valuable. To meet a VIP, one must first understand their preferences to cater to them, or at the very least, avoid landmines.
However, he didn't believe Scott's kindness came without a price; he was building "social capital."
"Thank you for the tip, Big Brother."
"Ai, no need for thanks. Since I've taken the liberty of calling you my little brother, I have to give you a welcoming gift. After today, we might be colleagues working together. Helping each other is only natural."
If Su Mu hadn't been an old hand himself, he might have been moved to tears by Scott's hospitality. He had seen plenty of workplace "seniors" who welcomed newcomers with brotherly warmth only to stab them in the back later.
Especially in the high-pressure environment of the Interastral Peace Company, one shouldn't expect genuine emotion between colleagues.
After the exchange with Scott, Su Mu and Songque reached the top floor of the Interastral Peace Entertainment platform. Guided by others, they were soon led into a reception room.
Topaz had been waiting there for a while.
This was Su Mu's first time facing Topaz. She indeed possessed an extraordinary aura—as a member of the Strategic Investment Department, she was already a legendary figure in the industry despite her youth.
Her competence was unquestionable, as was her sharp intuition.
And truthfully, those thick thighs were indeed top-tier... practically "King of Kings," a ham sausage where each segment is better than the last...
After all, in *Honkai: Star Rail* from his previous life, Topaz charmed Trailblazers everywhere with those legs.
Of course, a small portion of people were also drawn to Topaz's pig... cough, Warp Trotter.
"You seem to have gotten quite close to Scott? If you take my advice, it's better to stay away from him."
To Su Mu's surprise, Topaz's first words were a warning to stay away from Scott.
"What... surprised? You might wonder why, as Scott's superior, I'm telling you to stay away from him?"
Topaz smiled slightly, getting straight to the point without formalities.
"The reason is simple. Both Aventurine and I see an opportunity in you—an opportunity to make Interastral Peace Entertainment glorious again... Mine and that guy's visions rarely align."
"Furthermore, Scott does things without principles. I don't like that. If someone doesn't even have a basic bottom line, they will eventually lose quite miserably."
Su Mu narrowed his eyes. Since they entered the room, Topaz's gaze had been locked onto him.
She hadn't even acknowledged Songque beside him.
"Ah, sorry... I forgot to introduce myself. I am Topaz. I dislike formalism, and I prefer to be open and honest in business... Sincerity is always the best way to build trust, isn't it?"
"I-I'm Songque! Nice to—Ouch! I, I bit my tongue!!"
Watching Songque, who was in so much pain that tears were almost falling, Topaz couldn't help but chuckle.
"It seems Miss Maria is a bit nervous... These are specialty pastries I brought back from a business trip. Please help yourself if you don't mind. Rest assured, this is just a simple meeting intended for us to get to know each other."
She pulled back her smile and turned her gaze toward Su Mu.
"Now... shall we talk business?"
Su Mu sighed. The Stonehearts indeed had sharp eyes; she saw instantly that Songque wasn't the one calling the shots. However, this was within Su Mu's expectations. He never expected Songque to win Topaz over just by talking.
His goal in bringing Songque was the same as when he brought Kiana to the Golden Courtyard.
It was to "establish a persona."
As you can see, our studio has a great atmosphere, and the owner is hands-on with everything. While her ability might be a bit lacking, her attitude is definitely there...
To put it plainly, it was using the lingering "innocence" of these fledgling girls to gain the other party's favor.
Though "clear and foolish," they were hardworking and upwardly mobile... didn't that make them look like a piece of unpolished jade?
Sometimes, acting foolish is a form of cleverness.
Songque pitifully nibbled on the pastry Topaz had offered. "Big Boss, d-did I mess up..."
Her aggrieved look was truly heart-wrenching.
"I'll take over the conversation with Director Topaz now."
Su Mu gave Songque a small smile before turning his focus back to Topaz.
However, even Topaz didn't notice that as Songque ate the pastry, the corner of her mouth curved up slightly, and a glint of cunning flashed in her eyes.
*Do you like my 'Grandma Songque' school of acting? Did you really think she was just some innocent, wide-eyed rookie?*
Seeing Su Mu and Topaz's discussion enter the main phase, and seeing the flash of astonishment in Topaz's eyes when Su Mu brought out *Genshin Impact* for a demo...
Songque knew their mission was a resounding success.
---
By the time they emerged from the Interastral Peace Entertainment platform, the sun was already setting.
Songque stretched lazily against the sunset, her graceful curves fully on display.
"How was it, Director Big Boss? My performance wasn't bad, right?"
She looked at Su Mu with a grin, like a child waiting for praise.
"The effect was outstanding. Clearly, Topaz liked you."
Su Mu smiled. What could be more effective at lowering someone's guard than a seemingly innocent and 'foolish' beautiful girl? This wasn't a conspiracy; it was a top-tier overt ploy.
As for whether that innocent 'foolishness' was real or an act, it didn't matter at all.
"Phew... with this, our cooperation with Interastral Peace Entertainment is officially settled, right?"
Songque looked at the files in Su Mu's hands. Just a moment ago, the Songque Studio and Interastral Peace Entertainment had officially entered into a partnership. Interastral Peace Entertainment would provide maximum support for the development of *Genshin Impact*, while guaranteeing the independence and integrity of Songque Studio, including autonomous hiring rights.
Furthermore, Topaz herself was the head of this project. Any issues could be directed to her immediately.
"It feels like it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, hehe."
Songque chuckled.
"After all, Big Boss Su Mu's game is just too incredible. Even Director Topaz was shocked at first sight! She probably never saw a game like that before..."
Su Mu nodded. The meeting was indeed much easier than expected. Topaz was surprisingly straightforward, even stating that research funding didn't require meetings and that she could approve it for Songque Studio immediately.
That was a testament to her confidence in her own judgment.
Of course, the most important reason was that the product Su Mu presented was sufficiently stunning.
At the end of the day, she was simply paying for his ability.
"This matter is finally behind us. Next, we put all our effort into the development and production of the game..."
Su Mu calculated the next steps in his mind. The most difficult hurdle had been cleared. Next came the part he was most familiar with.
Work time.
END OF CHAPTER
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