"Kogahara Tsubakiaki?"
Ishino Mika and Urobuchi Gen both looked up, their eyes turning to Aoki Haruhi.
Isn't that Kogahara Tsubakiaki?
The latter broke out in a cold sweat under their gaze.
Interviewing Kogahara Tsubakiaki could not only boost the producer's fame and popularity but also make the report even more sensational. It would at least elevate Onmyōji to the next level in the future. Even with a niche audience, Kogahara Tsubakiaki would be a great draw.
It could even simultaneously boost both their popularity. Logically, it should be a mutually beneficial situation.
But Aoki Haruhi didn't see it that way.
What is this reporter thinking?
An interview? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Aoki Haruhi had no intention of letting his Kogahara Tsubakiaki persona be exposed, nor did he want the world to know he was actually the developer of a galgame.
I'm a serious game developer, aiming for AAA masterpieces that will stand the test of time.
How could I make others know I'm Kogahara Tsubakiaki?!
"Hmm... well, Kogahara Tsubakiaki is a rather introverted person. He actually doesn't really want to be exposed to the public eye," Aoki Haruhi said. "I'm truly sorry."
"Huh?" Katayama frowned unhappily. "That's a real shame."
She had come specifically for Kogahara Tsubakiaki. Without an interview with the producer, the article felt incomplete.
Thinking about it, Kogahara Tsubakiaki wasn't just introverted; he was practically an enigma.
"In that case, we can't force it," Katayama said dejectedly.
Still, she secretly admired Aoki Haruhi's marketing skills and resolve as President.
In fact, the more mysterious a person is, the more curious people become, and the more captivating they become.
This was also a fascinating marketing strategy.
In a way, it was similar to the approach Pokeni took with his galgames.
"Mr. President, now that Onmyoji 2 has been released, what's your company's next game? Will you continue to focus on galgames? Could you give us a little hint?"
Katayama smiled and made a "little bit" gesture.
"Hmm... well..."
Aoki Haruhi smiled politely in response. "We don't have any new game development plans at the moment."
In truth, while he said this, several game candidates were already swirling in his mind. He just hadn't been able to finalize a decision yet.
He was determined to move beyond galgames this time—to finally "go mainstream."
The choice of game was crucial. He couldn't afford to repeat the mistakes of Elite Academy.
Even now, Aoki Haruhi still believed Elite Academy was a good game.
It was quick and cheap to develop, had strong gameplay, and its pixel art style was perfect for the Red and White Machine era.
The only thing that had led to his downfall was being dragged down by Kogahara Tsubakiaki. It was incredibly difficult for galgames to break into the mainstream market.
Yet he couldn't bring himself to keep making galgames forever.
Is there a way to successfully break free from the galgame industry?
This was Aoki Haruhi's biggest concern.
"Let's discuss it after the New Year," he said.
"There's no need to rush. Sometimes slowing down actually makes things move faster," Aoki Haruhi replied.
The New Year was indeed fast approaching; the company would be closed for vacation starting next week.
Whether in Japan or China, the New Year holiday was the biggest celebration of the year.
"Hmm?" Katayama Reiko was slightly taken aback.
As she carefully considered his words, she detected a hint of philosophical depth.
Slowing down... actually makes things move faster?
What an interesting President he is.
"I see. Your words make a lot of sense, Mr. President."
Katayama Reiko smiled slightly and glanced back at the photographer, her eyes asking—
Did you capture that moment?
The photographer gave her an "okay" gesture.
"Mr. President," Katayama Reiko continued, "have you ever considered adapting Elite Academy into a galgame?"
Huh?
Aoki Haruhi was slightly taken aback.
"What do you mean?"
"Well... please forgive me if I'm mistaken." Katayama Reiko bowed slightly. "Pokeni is best known for its galgame development, yet Elite Academy appeared mid-development. It's quite intriguing."
"Because these are two completely different games.
Moreover, I've confirmed that you are the producer of Elite Academy yourself.
I originally assumed that not using Kogahara Tsubakiaki meant he was dedicating all his energy to the sequel of Onmyōji.
As the company president, you must have your own reasons for producing Elite Academy."
"Elite Academy's sales haven't been very good, while Pokeni excels at galgame. That's why I'm curious—would you consider remaking Elite Academy into a galgame?"
Huh?
Aoki Haruhi's body trembled.
A sudden flash of inspiration struck his mind.
This young woman... she's got some real ideas!
That's right.
If Elite Academy isn't selling, why not consider releasing an 18+ version?
It might even revive the game.
But combining Elite Academy with a galgame...
Aoki Haruhi couldn't immediately grasp the implications.
However, if they were to modify it, they definitely couldn't use his own name.
"Hmm, that's a secret," Aoki Haruhi said with a smile.
Ishino Mika, standing beside him, felt her pupils constrict sharply.
No way...
President, are you really planning to transform the Elite Academy into a galgame?
How could a simulation and management game ever be combined with a galgame?
Please Support me by becoming my patreon member and get 20+ chapters.
[email protected]/Ajal69
change @ with a
Thank You to Those who joined my Patreon