New Century Anime Warrior

Chapter 112 In a Corner No One Knows

"So, this is how islanders understand 'having to pay extra'?"

Si Hua looked at the draft contract that Lin Xiaoxia handed him, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

After agreeing on the general direction of cooperation with Matsutani Takayuki, Si Hua handed over the remaining work to a professional negotiation and legal team consisting of Lin Xiaoxia, Zhao Yue, and Sister Liu, and he himself no longer participated in the detailed negotiations with the Japanese side.

After two days of intense negotiations, both sides finally reached a consensus and finalized this draft contract with some very subtle clauses.

Of course, the intensity was only on the island nation's side, since they were the ones who needed their help.

Si Hua's earlier subconscious use of the "add money" joke was actually just an attempt to imply that the Japanese side should make more concessions during negotiations.

But to their utter surprise, they took it as a genuine offer to give Si Hua money, and even assumed it had to be in cash.

Looking at the clauses concerning cash compensation in the draft contract, Si Hua could only say that the Japanese have a certain sense of humor.

"That's how it seems right now." Lin Xiaxia's expression was also a bit strained.

"After the contract is signed, a one-time [Special Authorization Fee for the Island Nation] will be added." Si Hua read out the contents of the cash clause word by word.

"What they mean is to add an extra exclusive licensing fee on top of the original import fee, ostensibly as a special remuneration for Sino-Japanese cultural exchange."

Lin Xiaxia explained, "This was also suggested by Kanzaki Jun."

"No wonder he's the god of wealth who deals in peripheral products; his mind is really sharp."

Si Hua sighed and then asked, "What does this prepayment of box office revenue to the island nation and prepayment of copyright fees mean?"

"In other words, what was originally supposed to be a revenue-sharing arrangement after the film's release is now being paid in advance in cash of 3000 million yen, interest-free and without any additional conditions. It will be deducted from the film's revenue after the release, and there's no need to make up the difference if the film doesn't earn enough."

Lin Xiaoxia was worried that Si Hua hadn't understood, so she added, "It's actually like giving money in advance. Externally, it's called a prepayment, but internally it's like replenishing your cash flow. That's the idea."

Si Hua was truly speechless.

"The problem is, I'm not short of money right now."

This isn't Si Hua bragging; the studio received strong support from Nan Lin and Huanqiu during its setup, so it didn't cost much money.

"5 Centimeters Per Second" earned a substantial amount of money in Japan due to its positive reviews and strong market performance.

On the gaming side, there's also the long-term niche title "Fringe Walker," which is priced so cheaply that it's worth buying for collection.

There's also the revenue sharing from the copyrights of the various musical works they own.

Not to mention the interim bonuses that Disney just gave out.

Although the money was sent to Si Hua's personal account under the guise of remuneration, Si Hua actually used it to further invest in the studio.

This also forced Nanlin and Huanqiu to make additional investments according to their respective shares.

It's fair to say that the studio has no shortage of cash on its books.

"Well, they mean well, so let's be merciful and accept it."

After carefully reviewing the draft contract twice, Si Hua nodded in approval. "Shall I sign it now?"

"Takayuki Matsutani suggested holding a small signing ceremony, which would also be part of the publicity."

"However, it's likely that most of the media coming will be from overseas, since this film is rated R and it's not convenient to promote it domestically."

"However, a reporter from the international news department will probably come to give a brief report."

"Alright, let's schedule it for tomorrow then." Si Hua thought it was a good idea, after all, he was currently riding high.

Previously, it was always others who used themselves as bait, but this time, Si Hua wanted to see what it was like to use himself as bait.

"Report!"

Recently, due to the huge overseas success of "Frozen", many of Si Hua's fan groups and forum sections have become very lively.

"Who will report from below?"

"General, I am a humble country boy from Japan, and I spend my days in the gossip circles of the pleasure quarters and Kabukicho district of Japan."

"So you're a hero who sacrificed yourself for the greater good? Come on, quickly report what juicy gossip you have—cough cough, I mean, what is it about?"

"According to my humble understanding, Si Hua's new R-rated film has been scheduled for release on September 22nd. I personally saw the poster outside a late-night arthouse cinema today."

"Holy crap! That legendary R15 movie is already finished?"

"Wait a minute, I haven't seen any promotional information on Weibo or other entertainment sections."

"Isn't that obvious? This is an R-rated animation. Where in China do you think you can find promotional information for an R-rated work?"

"What? R-rated? Isn't Si Hua the pure love warrior who starred in '5 Centimeters Per Second' and Disney's family-friendly films?"

"A pure love warrior, is that alright?"

"Isn't a game like 'The Edge Walker,' with its gory and violent scenes, also about pure love at its core?"

"What you said makes so much sense!"

"So, in other words, Si Hua is secretly providing welfare to the people of this island nation from a corner where nobody knows?"

"How do you know it's fan service? Horror movies are also rated R."

"You guys are obviously fake fans. That little thief's new work has already been submitted to the ethics committee of Japan for review. It's supposed to be about idols and the Japanese entertainment industry."

"Idols and the entertainment industry, and R-rated? I get it."

"Is this a unique feature of island nations? Is it really just about welfare?"

"Any brothers or sisters want to fly to Japan with me to see the thief's new work live?"

"I must be crazy, I read it as 'taking a plane'."

"You are not alone—"

"I...I...I want to go to the scene and give them a thorough moral critique. Why are these esteemed young people of China making R-rated works?"

"Heh, you're criticizing me now? You're really pushing your luck."

"Just tell me if you want to see it or not!"

"----think!"

"Ha, men."

"I'm a woman!"

"what?"

Silky Smooth Studio.

Su Wanqiu leaned her buttocks against the edge of Si Hua's large desk, her arms crossed.

The movements were very elegant.

Seeing his flushed face and panting breath, it was quite amusing.

However, if Su Wanqiu were to wear a black stockings business suit, the scene might become even more ambiguous.

But she was still wearing her home clothes, her hair was haphazardly tied up, and she had no makeup on.

And Si Hua's flushed face and heavy breathing weren't because he was looking at her—

"Damn! Why is this game so hard?!"

Si Hua slammed the controller down, about to unleash a torrent of curses, but Su Wanqiu interrupted his spellcasting with a single sentence.

"Think carefully before you start criticizing: who designed this game?"

"—Damn it!"

Si Hua almost suffocated.

"Is this level of difficulty really normal?" Si Hua became increasingly angry as she thought about it, and finally couldn't help but ask.

"Most people in the group can complete the Early Access version. Although they generally agree that the difficulty is indeed high, it is still within an acceptable range."

"Moreover, everyone believes that this kind of indie game, which looks like a small-scale production, has such a high level of difficulty, which may be a big selling point."

"So, you mean I'm a complete noob?"

This is illogical. I didn't find it this difficult when I played it in my previous life.

Is there a problem with the numbers?

"How about we create a separate producer mode? In the promotion, we can say it's a super easy mode specially prepared for Mr. Si Hua?"

""

"Keep swearing!"

Si Hua's skin is getting a little red again.

Having finally caught his breath, he asked, "How much longer until it's finished?"

"Actually, this Early Access version is already more than 90% complete, but the numerical values ​​are hard to control."

I told you it was a problem with the numbers!

Su Wanqiu thought for a moment, "Our game team recommends releasing an Early Access version first to gather player feedback."

"Let's go straight to Early Access. No rush to advertise. Let a small number of players discover the game on their own and help us improve the data."

"What about the pricing?"

"The base game costs 48 yuan, and each subsequent DLC costs a fixed 36 yuan."

"We are preparing for the official launch before December."

"After the official version is released, Sister Wanqiu, please arrange for some people to continue developing the DLC content, and then shift the main work to FTL: Faster Than Light."

Looking at the calendar, Si Hua rubbed his chin: "Let's try to get FTL onto EA before Labor Day next year."

, 7

"Okay, I understand. I'll go and make the arrangements right away."

35

So, in a corner unknown to anyone, SilkSmooth Studios quietly launched the Early Access version of The Binding of Isaac.