Penguin's Targeting

"Since you're so sure, how about a bet? If my new game succeeds, I won't make things hard for you—just a public apology, deal?"

After a moment of disarray, Wang Chuan posted a message on social media.

He casually tagged everyone he knew, then waited for replies.

Since you want to divert attention, I'll play along—but I wonder if you can still slip away yourself~~

Because this incident had blown up so big, even Tian Boxun's apology had only siphoned off some of the heat.

Still, plenty of players and media were keeping a close watch.

Wang Chuan's message had barely gone out when it was spotted by gossiping players and reporters.

That tone? That attitude? This was a head-on clash with Tian Boxun!!!

In comparison, the media were even more excited.

These days, news about Wang Chuan had been keeping plenty of journalists fed!

Not enough material for today's report?

No problem—write about Wang Chuan!

No hot topics lately?

No problem—write about Wang Chuan!

Soon after Wang Chuan's post was shared widely, Penguin's Tian Boxun quietly replied with four words.

"Just wait and see!"

After that, he went silent, posting nothing more.

Clearly, he intended to let it rest for now.

"What a shame, what a shame~~"

Wang Chuan looked genuinely regretful.

If the other side had kept playing along, he could have stoked the heat even higher.

But since they weren't cooperating, he couldn't carry it alone either!!

Helpless, he had to give up.

Still, the current buzz was already enough to promote "Soul Knight."

Tian Boxun might look down on him, but Wang Chuan agreed with one thing he'd said.

Games, in the end, come down to results.

So what he needed to do now was push hard—strike while the iron was hot and launch "Soul Knight."

In some Penguin studio.

"Damn, are these people dogs? I already apologized, and they're still hounding me."

Tian Boxun's nerves were frayed from the comments on social media.

He'd gone into that apology unwillingly in the first place.

Who would've thought that after apologizing, these people would only get worse?

After a moment's thought, Tian Boxun simply turned off the comment feature.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Even though he looked calm on social media, the truth was he wanted nothing more than to go toe-to-toe with Wang Chuan.

But he couldn't.

Because in the public eye, he was now tied to Penguin.

Anything that hurt Penguin's image was off-limits.

"Hmph, people are backing you now. When your new game flops, let's see who's still on your side."

Tian Boxun knew it well.

Right now, everyone was on Wang Chuan's side mainly because "The Stanley Parable" had blown up, putting a halo over his head.

But once Wang Chuan failed, that halo would vanish.

Then how could a washed-up rookie producer compare to him, with his backing?

"Ring ring ring!"

Just then, the phone on his desk suddenly rang.

Tian Boxun picked it up and saw it was his boss, Ding Ke, who was in charge of the gaming division.

"Hello, Manager Ding. This is producer Tian Boxun. What are your instructions?"

After a moment's hesitation, Tian Boxun answered the phone, his tone dripping with humility.

"Tian Boxun, you've really stirred things up this time!!!"

Ding Ke's voice carried an air of authority, the bearing of someone in power.

"Manager Ding, I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I swear I won't let it happen again."

Tian Boxun sensed trouble and immediately started apologizing without hesitation.

He knew that no matter what, you never argue with your boss.

Otherwise, even good things could turn bad.

"Mm, you are at fault. Here at Penguin, we don't need to resort to underhanded tactics for game promotion."

"Also, don't bother with Wang Chuan anymore. It's obvious he's just trying to ride Penguin's coattails to hype up his new game."

Whether it was because Tian Boxun had owned up so quickly, Ding Ke's tone softened a bit.

"Yes, yes, Manager Ding is right. If you hadn't pointed it out, I'd have fallen for it."

"Right, by the way, how's The Parable of Illidan coming along?"

"Rest assured, Manager Ding. I've been working overtime every day, and the game is mostly polished now."

"Good. In that case, I'll make the call—let your game go head-to-head with Wang Chuan's new one. Any objections?"

Ding Ke's voice came through slowly.

"None at all."

Tian Boxun froze for a second, then spoke with excitement.

"Mm. I'll give the Public Relations Department a heads-up. Don't worry about the promotion."

"Your job is to crush Wang Chuan in the numbers. Make him understand that Penguin isn't some stray cat or dog he can just provoke!"

"Yes!!!"

He hung up the phone, and all his earlier worries vanished.

He knew Ding Ke was unhappy with his actions and had intended to punish him.

But since Wang Chuan was involved, the punishment had been downgraded to a warning.

Now he was supposed to steamroll Wang Chuan and show off Penguin's fangs.

As for why a giant like Penguin would bother targeting Wang Chuan?

Simple. Penguin had invited Wang Chuan before, and he'd turned them down.

Of course, that wasn't the main reason. Penguin was a domestic titan, after all.

They wouldn't deliberately suppress someone just for refusing to join—that would hurt their reputation.

But taking a swing at Wang Chuan's momentum, knocking him down a peg? That was fair game.

"Hahaha, Wang Chuan, let's see how you fight me then?"

"I've got Penguin's backing, Penguin's resources. You're just some ordinary producer with nothing. What are you gonna use to compete?"

Tian Boxun laughed heartily, already picturing his triumphant victory.

Compared to Tian Boxun's easy confidence, Wang Chuan was far more exhausted.

The buzz around Soul Knight had been cranked up to the max thanks to his stunt.

What remained was the game itself—it needed to launch as soon as possible.

Though it was still in development, Wang Chuan was confident he could get it out quickly.

He'd already finished Soul Knight's framework with the help of the Memory Searcher.

The remaining work had been handed off to the outsourcing team.

What really bothered him now was how Soul Knight would make money??

It seemed simple, but it touched on the future direction of Huangtu Game Company.

He'd set two goals for Soul Knight in his mind.

Once those were met, the game's mission would be complete.