With the first week's results in, a proper celebration was in order. Ichin directly booked a hotel banquet hall and even covered the costs for the Shanghai studio members to come join in, so everyone could celebrate together.

The Shanghai team, just like the Tokyo side, had been taking language classes, so casual communication wasn't a problem.

On Wednesday, the celebration banquet kicked off. Over a hundred people gathered in the hall, the atmosphere lively and festive.

At Hazuki's invitation as host, and urged on by the loud cheers of the crowd, Ichin helplessly walked up to the stage and took the microphone.

Glancing around at the members below, he thought for a moment before speaking:

"Originally, I hadn't prepared a speech, but since Hazuki made me come up, I'll just say a few words. Our studio has been around for two years now. It's not that long, really. In the first half year, we were just ten people. We finished polishing Slay the Spire, then developed Hollow Knight, which was our first step forward.

"After that, we gradually expanded our team and began development on Persona. Thanks to everyone's efforts, the project went smoothly. In just a year and a half, the game released successfully, sales far exceeded expectations, and both players and media alike gave it unanimous praise. For that, I want to thank all of you for the hard work you put in during development. Without you, our company wouldn't be where it is today."

At that, Ichin bowed deeply from the heart.

Thunderous applause followed. For everyone here, being part of the company and making games together was something to be proud of.

When the clapping died down, Ichin continued:

"Now that Persona has been released, that doesn't mean our company will stop moving forward. It's May now. After this, everyone will have a week-long vacation. Once that's over, we'll continue expanding our staff, and we'll be developing at least two new projects.

"One of them I can tell you about now—it's a high-quality indie-scale 2D platformer, supporting both online and local two-player co-op. Hazuki will be the producer for that one, picking the team members to develop it. After the break, we'll have a meeting. Anyone interested can volunteer.

"As for the other one or two projects, those will be large-scale, at least a year of development, with higher technical and financial demands."

His words instantly filled everyone with excitement.

Except for veterans like Yagami and the others, most didn't know what plans were coming. They had only been guessing. But now, hearing there were already several well-prepared projects lined up, the anticipation skyrocketed.

Their boss might be young, but his strength was undeniable. Even the newest hires admired him greatly. Whether it was planning, programming, art, or even music—Ichin had outstanding skills. Truly, an all-around talent.

Seeing everyone's excited expressions, Ichin smiled.

"In short, you don't need to worry about the company's future. As long as you're willing to dive deep into game development and keep improving yourselves, I can guarantee that everyone here will have the chance to show their strengths and find the role that suits them best. That's all from me. Now, let's officially begin the banquet—eat well, drink well, and enjoy!"

Handing the microphone back to Hazuki, Ichin stepped down and returned to Utaha's side.

With Utaha and Eriri present, the Yukinoshita sisters—Haruno and Yukino—were also naturally in attendance as shareholders.

All the girls had dressed in beautiful gowns tonight, dazzling and radiant, turning heads everywhere.

As Ichin sat down, Haruno raised her champagne glass with a smile.

"So, Ichin-kun, what are your plans for the one-week break? With the game selling like crazy, are you going to strike while the iron is hot and keep pushing promotions?"

"The previous promotions were already enough. Plus, the ads are still running," Ichin shrugged. "As for what I'm going to do… what else? Classes, of course. I'm still a student."

His answer left Haruno speechless.

True enough—after watching Ichin's speech earlier, she had almost forgotten he was just a first-year college student.

Shaking her head, she sighed sincerely.

"What a pity. Why did little Utaha get to you first? A guy like you would've been the perfect son-in-law for the Yukinoshita family. But I can only imagine it… because asking Yukino to actively chase a boy is impossible."

Yukino's cheeks flared red at her sister's words. She glared at Haruno.

"Stop talking nonsense, and don't drag me into this. Our family doesn't just have me—we have you too."

"Eh~~ me?" Haruno laughed.

"Ahaha, no way. The age gap's not much, but with my personality? Ichin-kun's too sharp. He'd see through me instantly. Impossible."

So you actually thought about it, huh.

Utaha, listening, didn't get upset. Just as Haruno said, whether it was Yukino or Haruno, being friends was fine, but anything beyond that was close to impossible—even if Utaha weren't in the picture.

Well, maybe Yukino had some chance. Despite her stubborn streak, she was still a pure-hearted girl. If they truly spent more time together, anything could happen.

But reality was clear: Ichin was already taken. Utaha had no intention of doing anything to jeopardize their relationship.

After chatting a bit, Ichin picked up his wine and called Umiko over to greet the Shanghai studio members.

"You should all know her already—Ahagon Umiko, head of the Tokyo programming team," Ichin introduced. "Moving forward, the Shanghai side will also continue recruiting. If we can bring in F—"

The words cut off, but the implication was enough to make the Shanghai members exchange looks of surprise.

It seemed their boss's ambitions weren't small. The three games already developed were all different genres, and even the upcoming projects were set to diversify further.

Umiko, who had expected this, just smiled. She too was full of anticipation.

*