Facing pressure from multiple sides this time, Takayuki is ready to fight back properly.
Last time, those guys from the television stations were obviously not beaten enough, and they didn't learn their lesson.
So this time, he has to make them feel the pain properly.
"President, there's a call for you, it's from a business manager at YOO Network. Would you like to take it?"
Just as Takayuki was pondering how to counterattack, the assistant's internal phone rang.
YOO Network?
Takayuki briefly pondered for a moment and immediately recalled this company.
It's a network company that has risen to prominence in the past two years starting from an internet portal website.
The company's rise has been quite rapid, comparable to his own pace of development in the gaming industry.
After four or five years of struggling, it has now almost dominated the landscape of Japanese internet portal websites.
Its status is roughly equivalent to the early days of hao123 in China.
"Put the call through," Takayuki said.
"Okay."
Takayuki picked up the phone, and soon a very polite voice came from the other end.
"Hello, President Takayuki, I'm a business manager at YOO, named Rinto Nakamura. I'm usually responsible for investment and business cooperation projects, and I'm very pleased to be talking to you on the phone."
"Hello, Mr. Nakamura. May I ask what this call is about?"
"Well, you've been having a lot of trouble lately, President Takayuki, haven't you?"
"You mean the attacks from baseball players and television stations?"
"Exactly, that's it."
"Yes, there have been some. What about it?"
"We want to help you, President Takayuki, because I believe we should be on the same side. Helping you will also benefit us."
Takayuki frowned. "Why do you say that?"
"Because if we help you suppress the television media, and even the newspaper groups, you can get rid of trouble again, and we can expand our influence when the television media is weak."
"Well, that would indeed be beneficial to me, but even if I weren't around, wouldn't you still find a way to suppress the television media?"
"That's true, but actually, we can't decide whether to confront the television media head-on. Because there's still some risk involved. However, if it's helping you solve your troubles, then maybe we can make a decision."
"And what's the cost? You help me, it seems I should pay some price."
"400 billion yen. We'll acquire 20% of your company's shares, and then we'll also help you solve your current troubles. And in the future, you'll receive strong support from our internet portal, whether it's publicity or future internet development, it's very beneficial."
After listening, Takayuki immediately understood.
They want to invest.
400 billion yen, hmm, that's about four billion dollars. If you calculate it like this, my company is already valued at two billion dollars? That's terrifying.
Valuations are somewhat elusive; although some data can be relied upon, much of it is based on the judgment of the parties involved.
Takayuki didn't think his company was worth two billion dollars, but this internet platform is currently very wealthy and doesn't mind spending money.
"This investment of 400 billion yen also includes decision-making rights, right?"
"Of course, after all, if we're investing so much money, we naturally hope it can earn us more money. And President Takayuki, I'm sure you think the same way? Earn more money, live in a bigger house, and if you want women, you can have as many as you want."
"I'm sorry, I'm not interested," Takayuki refused directly.
There was a brief pause on the other end for a few seconds, then the voice continued, "President Takayuki, won't you reconsider?"
Takayuki didn't answer the question but instead asked, "You're not just a business manager, are you? A mere business manager can't decide on a 400 billion yen investment."
"... Well, let me formally introduce myself. I'm Ame Nagao, the president of YOO Network. President Takayuki, I sincerely hope to invest, and I can assure you that we won't easily influence your company's decisions."
"Not easily influence means you can easily influence the company's decisions."
"President Nagao, about your desire to invest, I'm very grateful, but we actually don't need it. And about your offer to help, I'm equally grateful, but I won't use the company as a bargaining chip to exchange with others."
"President Takayuki, the trouble you're facing this time is not small. Attacks from four major television stations and from the baseball field. Your small company definitely can't handle it."
The other party was obviously exaggerating.
The television stations might be planning to gang up on him, but the baseball side seemed more like the decision of some individuals, not the entire baseball industry attacking him. He didn't think his game could anger the whole industry.
At most, it would just annoy some guilty-minded individuals.
And besides, he really didn't need their help because he had already thought of some ways.
"President Takayuki, you don't have to answer so quickly. I also understand that the company is yours alone. It's hard to let go of some rights, but you can expand more quickly. This is definitely more beneficial than harmful. If after some time, you're suppressed by various industries, causing a decrease in market share, the value of your company will depreciate rapidly, which is not cost-effective."
"I understand, but this is my own decision. If it fails, it fails, and it's not a big deal. I can always rely on my parents."