Chapter 166: Chapter 166: I, Ethan Jones, Act with Prudence - Part 1
On the following morning at 9 a.m., after freshening up, the siblings enjoyed breakfast in a restaurant of the Biltmore Hotel. Built in 1923, this luxurious establishment stands as a historic landmark in Los Angeles, and indeed across America. Its opulent lobby, adorned with golden columns and murals, vividly brings to life the mid-19th century Gold Rush era. However, such lavish decor fails to capture Ethan's attention at the moment, as his focus is on a stack of newspapers provided by the hotel.
Today's headline in the "Los Angeles Times" reads—["Star Wars" is the best fairy tale movie since "The Wizard of Oz"! Ethan Jones's creativity in gaming is unmatched!]
The "New York Times" front page declares—["Star Wars" is a film filled with surprises and thrills, taking us to a wonderfully new world! Ethan Jones's game is a perfect summary of the movie's plot, and the dark depths of space have me utterly captivated!"]
Even more direct, the "Chicago Tribune" front page proclaims—["The movie and game of 'Star Wars' have me spellbound; all I can remember is 'May the Force be with you'!"]
Ethan's lips curl into a smile at such sycophantic phrases.
Ah, but actually, his mouth hasn't stopped smiling since yesterday!
"Wow, Ethan, are you this happy?"
As Ethan grins foolishly, a pale hand waves in front of him. Lifting his gaze, he sees Evelyn, who has finished her breakfast, looking at him with a smile in her eyes.
"Although I understand the success of 'Star Wars' is exciting, I thought you'd be accustomed to success by now. Starting with 'Snake,' our games have been on a sales rampage, achieving continuous success for three years! Even if this success can be called miraculous, after a night to digest it... can't you eat properly?"
"Eh?"
Evelyn's hands are clasped, her chin resting on her hands, her head tilted slightly.
Her eyes, fixed on Ethan, are filled with amusement.
She admits the success of "Star Wars" thrilled her, and witnessing the fervent public adoration made her incredibly happy. Yet, after a good night's sleep at the hotel, she's accepted the reality of their success and returned to normal life. But Ethan... this fellow who shared the experience, how can he still be grinning like a fool?
While vanity and the desire for success and praise are common, and Ethan does look even more handsome smiling, constantly grinning seems a bit too foolish, right?
"Oh, Evelyn, you don't understand—" Her curiosity makes Ethan shift, "This success is different from our previous ones because its name is 'Star Wars.'"
"Just that name alone will benefit us for a lifetime."
Indeed!
What thrills Ethan Jones the most is hitching a ride on the "Star Wars" bandwagon. As the world's second-largest IP by global revenue, only behind the hundred-billion "Pokémon" and crushing Marvel and Mickey in North America, it's a once-in-a-century tidal wave even in the flow of time.
By catching this golden legend of a trend, he's essentially acquired an indestructible status—a status that will be mentioned by the masses regardless of time and place.
Although last year's "Pac-Man" also achieved a similar effect, being the first AI in the gaming field, and likely to remain prominent as AI companies use it for training, with countless papers citing their work, that's more of an academic matter.
For the general public, the space opera of "Star Wars" is far more accessible.
Besides, having such a status is always better, right? When most of the world lives for fame and fortune, Ethan Jones manages to ascend the pantheon time and again.
Wow~
Isn't that more exciting?
Unfortunately, this time-proven popularity isn't something that can be explained in just a few words. Without his previous life's memories, Ethan might think of "Star Wars" as just another success. But since Evelyn doesn't grasp the cultural impact of "Star Wars," when Ethan keeps saying his happiness stems merely from the name "Star Wars," all she can show is a mix of helplessness and indulgence.
"Okay, Okay, Okay..." Evelyn concedes, "I may not grasp your point, but I support your emotional outpouring."
"After all, living joyfully each day is what matters most, right?"
"Of course!" Ethan nods, his smile unwavering.
But before he could continue his musings, Evelyn adds, "However, while we indulge in happiness, shouldn't we also consider our company's situation?"
"Our usual absenteeism might not impact the company much, but now..."
Evelyn presses her lips together.
"I guess our company's phones might be blowing up?"
"Or maybe, there are a lot
of people looking for us worldwide?"
She speaks in a speculative tone, yet her words carry certainty.
Yes!
This is exactly why Evelyn finds Ethan's behavior somewhat mad!
On the very day their product explodes in popularity, the two company heads vanish as if off the face of the Earth?
What kind of company is this...
Too much like child's play, right?
But Ethan sees no issue, "Oh, Evelyn, don't sweat the small stuff."
"We're not out here playing; we're gathering market feedback for our new product."
"This is laying the groundwork for better development of our next product."
"I'm sure they'll understand."
Evelyn can't help but laugh at his shameless remarks.
"Oh, Ethan—can't you have a bit of shame?—"
She looks at her brother, helpless.
Ethan, trying to keep a straight face, looks back puzzled. After a moment, unable to hold back, he bursts into laughter and hurriedly eats his breakfast.
He knows Evelyn is speaking the truth. As leaders of a company, they should be commanding from the base during a product launch. But at the same time...
He's also human!
He loves flowers and applause!
He adores public praise and adulation!
Because it makes him happy!
Of course, after basking in the glamour, Ethan hasn't forgotten the essentials. Driving back to the company, they face Eulise Noble again, the company's executive manager nearly in tears at their return.
"Oh my God! You're finally back!"
"If you hadn't shown up, I was about to call the police! No—if you hadn't appeared, I think our country's president would've personally issued a missing persons alert for you!"
Eulise, looking like she hasn't slept all night and completely worn out, dumps a mountain of documents in front of the delinquent bosses for immediate attention.
A quick browse, and Evelyn punches Ethan's arm in frustration. In the past 24 hours, they indeed became missing persons—
Professor Barbara Babcock from Washington called to congratulate them, saying Darth Vader had stormed through the DoJ by noon, from the DoJ Secretary connected to the president down to the ordinary office workers, no one in Washington was unaware of their capitulation speed, even outpacing Gaul chickens. Knowing her connection to Destiny Game and with many having children at home, the professor asserted that soon, those people might ask her for autographs on their behalf. If this happens, she hopes they'd visit Washington to satisfy some children's curiosity.
Professor Vinton Cerf from Virginia sent a fax due to his hearing issues, 'angrily' demanding the latest "Star Wars" arcade machine. He 'insisted' his 'bad student' Evelyn send him fifty units immediately to Arlington, near Washington. As for the cost, he mentioned the DoD was willing to fund their research with five million dollars, and advised Evelyn not to be surprised since their toilet seats cost ten thousand dollars each.
If those professors couldn't visit California due to their locations, Principal Fred Terman actually drove over. Accompanied by Eulise Noble, the principal witnessed the hustle at Destiny Game's headquarters and the factory's efficiency. He smiled, suggesting Evelyn and Ethan visit him once they're less busy, as he felt Destiny Game's headquarters seemed a bit cramped. When they start building their research team, moving to a larger location would become inevitable.
Catching up on these messages, Evelyn glares at Ethan.
Then, standing up, she hurries to the communications room to return the professors' calls.
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