Agreeing to Create Bad Games, What the Hell Is ‘Titanfall’? Chapter 244: Today Is a Good Day

Discussions about "Gu Sheng's fall from grace" were rampant.

Among those observing the situation, there were two types of people.

One type watched for amusent, while the other also watched for amusent.

There was a ti when Gu Sheng couldn't understand the aning behind the two jujube trees outside Lu Xun's house.

Now, he seed to comprehend it.

Led by Kora, manufacturers and peers who misunderstood the situation—completely viewing *Garden Warfare* as Golden Wind's prized gem—were even more enthusiastic than Shen Miaomiao in checking the daily sales data from CDEA.

Watching *Garden Warfare*'s reviews stagnate at 69% mixed reception, its sales gradually declined from an initial daily high of 150,000 copies to 120,000, then 100,000, and now 80,000...

They were overjoyed, beaming with delight, absolutely thrilled.

Among them were those like Kora, who held grudges against Golden Wind.

And then there were those who simply wanted to see Golden Wind take a massive fall.

After all, the fall of a rising star was far more entertaining than its rise.

When you stood high enough, it was only natural for many to hope you'd end up like Icarus—your wax wings lted by the sun, plunging into hell for eternity—just to satisfy their innate human malice.

The other group, led by Yiyou, were the "pure spectators." These people knew Golden Wind's plans and were aware that Gu Sheng was about to unveil an unprecedented masterpiece.

Though few in number (since not many knew about Golden Wind's sniper strategy), their enthusiasm was unmatched.

So even cheered Kora on, gleefully shouting, "Golden Wind is dood! Gu Sheng has fallen from grace!"—thriving on the chaos.

They were utterly amused, never tiring of the spectacle, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

And Shen Miaomiao? She was the most entertained of them all!

Kora, you absolute saint!

If not for you, *Garden Warfare* would've easily hit a million sales this week!

But thanks to your ddling...

Those sales numbers, tsk tsk.

Not quite halved, but hitting a million copies in a week? Impossible!

Now, on the seventh day...

According to CDEA's data, *Garden Warfare* had only sold 650,000 copies by 8 PM the previous night!

And based on her earlier calculations, with a total cost of 38 million, the ga needed at least 731,000 copies sold to break even!

731,000 - 650,000 = 81,000

They were still 81,000 copies short of the breakeven line!

Worse, given the current trend, *Garden Warfare* wasn't even selling 80,000 copies a day anymore!

In other words...

As long as nothing else interfered—no sudden marketing pushes, no zero-commission backstabs from Yan Sheng—

She could comfortably lose out on about 10,000 copies!

Though 10,000 might not seem like much, just a fraction of the weekly sales...

The multiplier was insane!

Fifteenfold returns!

Losing a asly few hundred thousand could instantly turn into millions!

This was one of those rare golden opportunities!

She had to seize it.

"...What are you thinking about? Why are you grinning like an idiot while eating an egg?"

Just then, Gu Sheng's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Is the egg that good?"

"Huh? Yeah!"

Shen Miaomiao snapped back to reality, nodding emphatically with a serious expression.

"It's delicious! Today's tea egg is extra tasty! Here, try it."

She shoved the half-eaten tea egg toward Gu Sheng's mouth as a joke.

But to her surprise, Gu Sheng didn't hesitate—he took a bite and ate the remaining half.

"Mmm..."

He chewed thoughtfully.

"Doesn't taste that special to ?"

"But... I already ate half of it..."

Shen Miaomiao fidgeted, lips slightly parted as if wanting to say more, her cheeks tinged pink.

"Huh?"

Gu Sheng was baffled, thinking she was still hungry.

"You want more? I'll go buy you another one."

Their eyes t. Shen Miaomiao's bright, fox-like eyes sparkled as she suppressed a laugh.

Then she stood up, grabbed Gu Sheng's hand, and took a bite of his nearly finished pancake.

"There! I'm full now!"

"That's all it took?"

Gu Sheng was surprised.

"Just that one bite?"

"Yep!" Shen Miaomiao nodded, her cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk's. "Just that one bite."

Gu Sheng sighed in amusent, shaking his head at Little Nezha's unpredictable appetite, then finished the last bite of his pancake.

He took the wet wipe she handed him and cleaned his hands.

Just as he was about to tidy up the breakfast bags, his phone on the table buzzed.

*Buzz—*

*Buzz—*

Gu Sheng flipped it over and chuckled.

It was Yan Sheng.

Before *Garden Warfare*'s release, he'd contacted Yan Sheng once to discuss collaborating with XunTeng again to expand *Sekiro*'s market reach.

Truthfully!

In this matter, whether it was Gu Sheng or Golden Wind, they could've acted unilaterally.

After all, Golden Wind and Yiyou had no exclusivity agreent—*Sekiro* could launch anywhere.

Discussing it with Yiyou was purely out of goodwill, given their long-standing partnership.

This was a discussion, not a request.

Hell, it could've just been a notice.

But Gu Sheng chose not to be that forceful.

Yan Sheng clearly understood this, and Yiyou appreciated it.

So—

"...After careful deliberation by our executives and unanimous approval from the board,"

Yan Sheng's voice ca through the phone,

"We fully support and agree to your proposal. We will collaborate with XunTeng once more and join Golden Wind at this year's Higashitsu Gaming Festival."

*Now that's what I call cooperation!*

Gu Sheng exhaled in relief.

He'd been worried about how to proceed if Yiyou rejected the proposal.

Force a partnership with XunTeng?

Would Yiyou retaliate by banning Golden Wind's gas from Yiyou X2?

That would be a lose-lose for both sides.

Gu Sheng didn't want that.

After all, the dostic gaming market had only recently stabilized, and he was focusing all efforts on expanding beyond China.

Now was not the ti for internal conflicts.

Fortunately, after so hesitation, Yiyou chose peace, deciding to team up with XunTeng again for a second joint offensive against Kora.

"On behalf of Golden Wind, I sincerely thank you, President Yan, and the entire Yiyou Group," Gu Sheng said earnestly.

"Ah—"

Yan Sheng waved it off.

"No need for thanks between us. But what about XunTeng's stance?"

"I haven't brought it up yet,"

Gu Sheng laughed.

"How could we act without your approval, President Yan? We wouldn't dare make decisions behind your back!"

"To be honest, our entire company has been waiting anxiously for your response these past few days!"

*Ew—*

Shen Miaomiao, listening nearby, rubbed her arms.

*Disgusting, Old Gu!*

You strong-ard Yiyou into accepting a collaboration with their archrival after a week of deliberation, framing it as a "discussion" when it was practically a notice.

And now you're playing the victim, acting all "We wouldn't dare without your blessing."

*Ugh! Such a tea master!*

But on the other end, Yan Sheng laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying the deference.

"Don't say that! Director Gu, the fact that you considered Yiyou and waited for our decision is already greatly appreciated!"

*Oh no!*

Shen Miaomiao, who had been quietly observing, stiffened at the word "appreciated."

She quickly swung her legs off the desk.

*Don't you dare appreciate us, President Yan!*

Your gratitude might cost millions!

Today was the seventh day since *Garden Warfare*'s release—the final day for rebate settlent.

If they could just make it to 8 PM, she'd secure her returns.

So now, Shen Miaomiao was on high alert, determined to eliminate any possibility of breaking even!

"Ahem—President Yan, it's , Shen Miaomiao."

She cut in hastily.

"Oh! Little Director Shen is there too!"

Yan Sheng, clearly caught off guard, hurriedly greeted her.

"Do you have any instructions, Little Director Shen?"

"Instructions? No, no. Director Gu happened to be here, so I overheard,"

Shen Miaomiao grinned.

"But regarding *Sekiro*'s importance, I'm sure Yiyou already understands."

"What I want to say is, while we've achieved so victories against Kora before,"

"They're still an industry giant,"

"So for Higashitsu Gaming Festival, we need detailed, ticulous marketing plans,"

"After all, this is our top priority."

Her words were perfectly reasonable.

Shen Miaomiao was pleased.

She couldn't outright threaten, *"Don't touch my Garden Warfare project, or else!"*

So she had to hint subtly, steering Yan Sheng's focus toward *Sekiro*.

*Just one more day—don't screw this up for !*

Yan Sheng agreed solemnly. "You're absolutely right, Little Director Shen. With the Higashitsu lineup being finalized soon, we must prepare thoroughly."

"But that ans..."

He hesitated.

"We won't have the bandwidth to address *Garden Warfare*'s review-bombing issue."

"No! No no no!"

Shen Miaomiao's eyes lit up, and she snatched the phone from Gu Sheng.

"Leave *Garden Warfare* as it is! We can't tip off Kora—let them think we're powerless and scrambling!"

"That way, *Sekiro*'s marketing will have the elent of surprise!"

Shen Miaomiao was sharp.

Especially when rebates were involved.

Her wit and reflexes went into overdrive!

*"Tsk—"*

Yan Sheng inhaled sharply, impressed.

"Brilliant insight, Little Director Shen!"

After so small talk, the call ended.

Shen Miaomiao was ecstatic!

*Woo-hoo!*

*Success!*

Everything was set—just wait for that bank notification tonight!

"Let's go!"

She jumped up, dragging Gu Sheng with her.

"Go? Where? What for?"

Gu Sheng was confused.

"It's cold today—let's buy hotpot ingredients! Nine-grid tonight!"

Shen Miaomiao was already buzzing with excitent, ready to celebrate.

Gu Sheng sighed. "But it's only 9 AM... We just had breakfast..."

"Morning ingredients are fresher!"

Shen Miaomiao couldn't wait, buttoning up Gu Sheng's coat.

"Co on, let's go—"

She pulled him out of the office, skipping work for the day.

...

*Thud.*

The door closed behind them.

Shen Miaomiao humd cheerfully in the hallway: *"Today is a good day~ Everything's going my way~"*

Behind her, Gu Sheng chuckled while changing shoes. "What's up with you today? You've been hyper all morning."

Today's Little Nezha was unusually energetic!

Though she was usually carefree and cheerful, today was different.

From her bouncing during grocery shopping to her nonstop chatter on the way ho,

Everything radiated excitent.

Like she'd downed two pounds of energy drinks.

"We're havin' hotpot t’day! Can’t I be happy?"

Shen Miaomiao changed into slippers, hung her coat, and skipped off to change into pajamas.

anwhile, Gu Sheng washed the ingredients, prepping them for cooking.

As he worked, Little Nezha's voice called out:

"Old Gu! Old Gu!"

"Hmm?"

Gu Sheng, rinsing duck intestines, turned around.

Little Nezha sat cross-legged on the sofa, waving at him. "Co here! I've got a surprise for you."

"What surprise?" He dried his hands and sat beside her.

"Close your eyes,"

Shen Miaomiao grinned, gesturing eagerly.

"Close 'em!"

"Why?" Gu Sheng was puzzled but complied. "What's the mystery?"

The next second, his voice caught in his throat.

He felt Shen Miaomiao lift his sweater.

Gu Sheng tensed, abs tightening instinctively. *Little Nezha's getting bolder lately... Does she not realize how dangerous this is?*

*"Holy shit!!!"*

All desire evaporated instantly.

An icy sensation shot from his waist straight to his brain!

He looked down to see Shen Miaomiao stuffing her freezing feet under his sweater!

*"HAHAHAHA!"*

Mischievous giggles and exasperated shouts filled the living room.

*"Shen Miaomiao, THIS is your surprise?! Using as a foot warr?!"*

"Your abs make great insulation~ This sweater's pretty warm."

*"That's MY body heat! Not the sweater! Get them out!"*

"Just for a bit~ Please? Pretty please?"

*"They're freezing! You'll give diarrhea!"*

"Relax~ The company covers dical..."

*"I swear to god—"*