Vacation

After discussing the improvement plans for driver safety, the atmosphere in the pit area calmed down.

Nakayama Takuya said to the group of United States, "Alright, I have some things to take care of back in Tokyo. The drivers will come back on Thursday when they're surveying the track. These next few days, consider it a company perk and enjoy experiencing the local culture and customs of Japan."

His assistant stepped forward at the opportune moment and handed Mark a thick envelope.

"This is the budget for the cultural experience arranged by the executive director," the assistant added with a smile. "The executive director said, 'Don't try to save money for the company, have fun.'"

Mark opened the envelope and saw a stack of Yukichi Fukuzawa and a gleaming gold credit card inside. He immediately whistled.

His team members behind him immediately erupted in Beast cheer.

"Hooray! I knew coming to Japan was the right decision!"

Akihabara! Here I come!

"I'm going to the used bookstore in Jimbocho!"

Kevin's goal was different. His eyes gleamed, and he rubbed his hands together excitedly. "A custom car shop! I want to go to the legendary underground custom car shop! I want to see those JDM monsters with my own eyes!"

Looking at this group of guys who had instantly switched from business elites to college students on vacation, Nakayama Takuya shook his head helplessly and returned directly to Tokyo.

Mark Cerny and his group, on the other hand, were like huskies released from their cages, plunging headlong into the bizarre and dazzling ocean of consumerism in early 1990s Japan.

Over the next two days, this "<High-Speed Pursuit> Core Promotion Team" traveled to every corner of Tokyo and Nagoya.

Kevin, through a friend at a car magazine, managed to sneak into a legendary tuning shop that didn't even have a sign.

Faced with a room full of gleaming engine parts and several heavily modified Civic ready to race at any moment, he finally managed to order a set of rare parts—enough to fill a shipping container—by gesturing and spending a sum of money, and prepared to ship them back to the United States.

It wasn't until Wednesday night that the group dragged their exhausted bodies and suitcases stuffed with their spoils back to their hotel in Nagoya.

Mark Cerny looked at the game cartridges, anime merchandise, and car magazines he couldn't understand scattered all over the floor, feeling as if his room had just been transformed by Godzilla.

Just then, the phone on his desk rang.

"Mark, how was your vacation?" It was Nakayama Takuya's relaxed voice on the other end of the phone.

"Great," Mark said, glancing at the group of people grinning foolishly around a pile of souvenirs.

A low chuckle came from the other end of the phone, "Having lots of energy is a good thing. Take a rest, and get ready to start work tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Mark Cerny clapped his hands at the group of overly energetic guys in the room.

"Alright, cowboys! Holiday over! Get some rest tonight, back to Suzuka Circuit tomorrow."

Thursday, Suzuka Circuit.

After two days of "cultural experience," Mark Cerny and his entourage once again set foot on this land steeped in the roar of engines.

Their faces still bore the weariness of indulgence, but their eyes had rekindled the flame of work.

"Alright, cowboys, the holiday's over." Mark clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back. "Let's check our positions first."

When they arrived at the Sega booth in the "Motopia" theme park, everyone stopped in their tracks.

The corner that Kevin used to jokingly called a "sardine can" has been completely transformed.

The spacious area was cleverly divided into an experience area and a rest area. There was ample space between the dozen or so VR Racing simulators, and several sets of high-end sofas and coffee tables were arranged in a staggered manner. There was also a bar offering free drinks. A huge screen was playing Sega's game promotional videos.

The entire exhibition area was designed to be simple, high-end, and stylish.

"Okay, I take back what I said earlier." Kevin whistled, his face full of undisguised admiration. "The execution of these Japan colleagues is truly impressive."

"A good idea needs equally good execution to come to fruition." Mark Cerny looked at everything before him and nodded in satisfaction.

Just then, a middle-aged man wearing a press pass and carrying a voice recorder walked over quickly, followed by a photographer carrying a camera.

"Excuse me, are you Sega's Managing Director Nakayama?" The man's tone was uncertain, but his eyes gleamed with the excitement of discovering big news.

Nakayama Takuya stopped, glanced at the <F1 Newsflash> press pass hanging around the other person's neck, and nodded with a smile.

"I'm Watanabe, a reporter from <F1 Newsflash>." The reporter quickly handed over his business card, his attitude respectful. "I didn't expect to meet you here. We know that Sega is the sponsor of the McLaren Team this year. Did you come here specifically to watch the race?"

That was a very skillful question; it confirmed the identity while also giving the person ample face.

Nakayama Takuya accepted the business card and calmly replied, "Hello, Mr. Watanabe. Watching the game is part of it, but we're here primarily for work."

"Work?" Watanabe, the reporter, immediately seized on the key word, bringing the recorder closer. "Could you tell me if it's related to the collaboration between Sega and McLaren?"

"Of course." Nakayama Takuya looked past the reporter's shoulder toward the bustling Motopia amusement park not far away. His voice was soft, but it was clearly transmitted to the recorder.

"We believe that the allure of F1 shouldn't be limited to just watching. Fans crave a deeper sense of participation. Therefore, Sega is here to present a gift to fans worldwide."

He paused, and under the expectant gaze of reporter Watanabe, said, word by word, "Sega's latest racing arcade game, <VR Racing>, will have its global premiere at Suzuka Circuit."

"World premiere?!" Watanabe, the reporter, and the photographer behind him were both taken aback.

They initially thought it was just a routine commercial sponsorship event, at most just adding a logo to the race car. They never expected Sega to bring such an important game launch to the F1 Grand Prix!

This is absolutely big news!

"Yes." Nakayama Takuya pointed to the Sega booth in the park. "Our experience area is ready. Mr. Watanabe, instead of listening to my pale description, why not experience it for yourself and see what it's like when technology brings the passion of the racetrack right to your doorstep?"

These words were perfectly worded, both announcing major news and subtly sabotaging their own booth, while also demonstrating their sincerity.

Reporter Watanabe put away his recorder. "Thank you, Executive Director Nakayama! This is truly amazing news! We'll head over right away to experience it!"

After saying that, he grabbed the photographer and practically ran towards the Sega booth, afraid that if he was even a second late, someone else would snatch this exclusive news.