Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

Chapter 34: Zanichi's Connections

As Zaboru pedaled home from his office, the crisp night air helped clear his mind, but nothing could prepare him for the sight that awaited him at the front door. His mother, Keiko, stood there with her arms crossed, a deep frown on her face.

"So, Mr. CEO, you finally remember you have a home, huh?" Keiko said, tapping her foot. "Skipping lunch that I made and almost missing dinner—are you hoping to get acquainted with my slipper?"

Zaboru paled, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "M-Mom, I'm sorry, okay? I found a place for my office and got too caught up in work... I lost track of time, hehe."

Keiko let out an exasperated sigh before shaking her head. "Go eat your dinner. I kept it warm for you. I made fried rice. Your father already ate, and remember—if you start talking about business before you finish your meal, I will introduce you to my slipper."

Zaboru shuddered at the threat but quickly switched to his best flattery technique. "H-How could I, Mom?! I'm starving! And your cooking is the best in the whole universe!" He exaggerated with a bright grin, hoping to soften her mood.

Keiko saw through his act but couldn't help but smile. "Hmph, just eat."

Zaboru wasted no time, rushing inside to devour his meal. As he scarfed down the delicious fried rice, he caught his father, Zanichi, grinning from across the table, clearly amused at his son's scolding.

Once Zaboru had finished eating, he washed the dishes and immediately went to his father

"Dad, how about the manufacturer you mentioned? Can they mass-produce ZEPS and the plastic casing?"

Zanichi nodded, leaning back in his chair. "I spoke to my contacts. They run a factory that specializes in mass-producing televisions. That means they already have experience working with internal components and plastic casing. They can handle the parts for ZEPS, but assembling the full machine might be tricky—you'll have to figure that part out separately."

Zaboru listened carefully, his heart pounding with excitement. His father's connections were turning out to be far more valuable than he expected.

"As for the cost," Zanichi continued, "they're asking for one million yen to produce 300 units, including the casings. As for the game cartridges, those are much cheaper—probably around 500,000 to 600,000 yen for a decent batch."

Zaboru's eyes widened. "1.6 million yen total? That's… that's actually within my budget!"

Zanichi smirked. "Of course. That's why I pulled the right strings for you. This Saturday, we're going to visit the factory, and you'll speak directly with the owner to explain what you need."

Zaboru felt a rush of gratitude. "Dad, this is incredible… thank you so much!"

Zanichi gave a proud nod before asking, "By the way, did you manage to find office space?"

Zaboru grinned. "Yeah! And it's cheap—only 200,000 yen per year!"

Zanichi nearly choked. "Per year?! Where the hell did you find rent that low? Now in 1991, anything at that price would have to be a haunted house!"

Zaboru scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Well… I may have gotten a special deal. It's actually one of Ayumi's brother's hideouts. He let me rent it at that price in exchange for early access to my games."

Zanichi chuckled. "Hah! So you already have your first hardcore fan, huh?"

Zaboru laughed. "Seems like it. Akechi-san really loves ZEPS. He was totally absorbed in it when I saw him last time."

Zanichi nodded approvingly. "Smart move. That kind of fan loyalty will help you in the long run."

"By the way," Zanichi added, "do you need more PCs for your office? Right now, you only have your personal one, right?"

Zaboru hesitated. "Yeah… I'll definitely need more for my future employees. But my budget is tight. I don't think I can afford to buy extra PCs right now."

Zanichi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I happen to have four spare PCs in my office. They're barely used, and I can bring them home for you. Consider it an investment in your company."

Zaboru's eyes lit up, but then he hesitated. "...But Dad, I still haven't paid you back for the 400,000 yen you invested earlier."

Zanichi chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "Like I said, son—you don't need to worry about that. I want to help you achieve your dream. Besides, once your company takes off, you'll be making far more than what I've given you. Right?"

Zaboru's expression turned determined. "Absolutely, Dad! I'll make sure your support wasn't in vain. Thank you so much!"

Zanichi nodded. "That's my boy."

With his heart full of excitement and gratitude, Zaboru returned to his room to practice his drawing skills, determined to refine his art for the games he would soon create.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Keiko sat beside her husband on the couch, resting her head on his shoulder. "Anata," she murmured, "are you sure Zaboru will be okay? This involves a lot of money… and it's his money, too."

Zanichi smiled, wrapping an arm around her. "Don't worry, honey. Our son is exceptional. He's talented, hardworking, and smart. And with me guiding him, I'll make sure he succeeds."

Keiko let out a small hum of approval but clung to him even more than usual. "Mmm, I see… Zaboru's dad is so amazing ~"

Zanichi coughed, blushing slightly at his wife's affectionate words. "H-Hey, what's with you tonight?"

Keiko giggled before pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Well, since our kids are asleep… maybe it's time for us to go to bed, too~"

Realizing what she meant, Zanichi smirked, quickly lifting his wife into his arms as she let out a surprised squeal. "Heh. Don't mind if I do."

As he carried her toward their bedroom, Keiko giggled, enjoying the moment. With their children already fast asleep, it was their time now.

To be continued…