Chapter 139 Acquisition

When I got home in the evening, I told Lin Yan everything about the meeting, focusing on their technical background, their concerns, and my personal impressions.

Lin Yan took off his suit jacket and raised an eyebrow as he asked me, "It sounds like you have a good impression of them? Are you optimistic about this team?"

"Well," I took his coat and hung it up. "They seem like a group of technical people who really want to build something. They're down-to-earth, have ideas, and aren't boastful. It's just... like they said themselves, their tech stack isn't 100% aligned with my project direction, which is a bit of a shame."

Lin Yan loosened his tie and casually dropped a bombshell: "That's easy. Since you're optimistic about the team and are concerned about the technical stack, why not just acquire the entire studio?"

I was shocked. "So they're making such a big deal right from the start? An acquisition?"

"Right," he said, pulling me to sit on the sofa and explaining everything logically. "After the acquisition, they'll be Iron Stone's people. You can deploy some core staff to fully dedicate themselves to your game development based on project needs, while the rest can continue with their existing expertise or conduct preliminary research on new technologies. Doesn't this solve the technology stack issue? And with stable financial support, they can focus more on their creative work."

"But...they went out on their own just to gain freedom, right? Would they be willing to be acquired?" I still felt a little uncertain.

"That depends on the art of negotiation and the conditions offered," Lin Yan smiled like a shrewd fox. "You can set up a bet agreement or a flexible contract. For example, during the project period, they enjoy resource support and retain a large degree of creative autonomy. After the project is completed, they can choose to renew the contract or leave with the results. For them, they don't have to worry about operations and attracting investment, and they can still work on the projects they want. They may even have access to larger platforms and resources. I don't believe they wouldn't be tempted."

I thought about his words carefully, and it seemed... that there was some truth to them?

"You're right, that's the truth..."

"Since you think it's feasible, I'll have the investment department start drafting a preliminary contract tomorrow, focusing on clearly spelling out the flexible terms and creative autonomy to demonstrate our sincerity."

Lin Yan has strong execution ability and immediately came up with the next plan.

But I suddenly felt a little scared again and grabbed his arm: "Hey, Lin Yan, is this really the decision? I... I'm still a little panicked. Acquiring a team means I'm responsible for them. Can I really be a good leader? What if the project fails? Wouldn't it implicate them..."

Lin Yan turned around, put his hands on my shoulders, his eyes serious and firm: "Ruirui, look into my eyes. You definitely have this potential. You are just used to studying alone and taking all the responsibilities on your shoulders. It doesn't mean that you don't have leadership and decisiveness. Your understanding of technology, your passion for the project, and your ability to attract like-minded people are all what an excellent creator needs. Believe in yourself, and believe in my judgment of people, okay?"

Looking at his eyes full of trust and encouragement, my inner anxiety was slowly eased.

I took a deep breath, "Okay... I hope everything goes well."

Seeing that I had finally relaxed, Lin Yan resumed his slightly teasing expression and leaned over to whisper in my ear, "Keep going, honey! I'm waiting for you to become the all-powerful Chen Dachuang! I really want to play the game you created soon."

My face flushed with amusement at his words, and I punched him. "What's that Chen the Chief Creator?... When it's finally made, I'll let you be the first to play the beta version, okay?"

"That's settled!" He smiled and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll just wait for Mr. Chen's good news!"

Although the road ahead is unknown and full of challenges, with his support and professional advice, the stone in my heart seems to have finally found a place to land.

Next, it’s a tough battle.

After discussing the acquisition of the studio with Lin Yan, I still felt a little nervous.

This step seems a bit too big, going directly from seeking cooperation to becoming a potential boss.

But Lin Yan was very determined and believed that this was the most efficient way to quickly obtain an experienced team while ensuring that the initiative of the project was firmly in my hands.

A few days later, Lin Yan's assistant sent me a preliminary draft of the acquisition intention contract. The terms were clearly listed, and even took into account the independence and project autonomy issues that the studio might be concerned about. It provided a flexible plan of "retaining the original creative freedom during the project period, and choosing independence or renewal depending on the situation later."

I gritted my teeth and made an appointment for a second meeting with the head of the studio.

This time we didn't do it outside, but invited them directly to the "Iron Stone" company - although it is just a small office at present, it at least looks like a place to discuss business.

They were still dressed casually like technicians, and were a little reserved when they saw me.

I pushed the draft contract over, trying to sound natural and sincere:

"Everyone, after our last conversation, I'm very impressed by your professional abilities and ideas. I have a thought that might be a bit presumptuous... Have you ever considered joining Iron Stone directly?"

They were obviously stunned and looked at each other.

The person in charge picked up the contract and looked through it carefully, his brows sometimes furrowed and sometimes relaxed.

I went on to explain, "I know you're going it alone for creative freedom. Don't worry, Iron Stone's core goal is to create creative, engaging games. We share the same philosophy. If you join us, your immediate task will be to work together on the project we discussed earlier. During this process, you'll be able to leverage your existing technical expertise and ideas, and Iron Stone's resources can even support you in pursuing other technical pre-research or smaller projects of your interest."

I paused, looked them in the eye, and threw out the "trump card" that Lin Yan taught me:

"Furthermore, with Iron Stone covering the majority of development costs and personnel expenses, you can focus more on technology and creativity, without having to worry about operations and raising investment. Once the project is complete, we can discuss whether we want to continue our collaboration or have our own plans."

Several people in the studio talked in low voices.

I could see the hesitation and weighing in their eyes.

After all, going from being the boss of your own business to working for someone else does require an adjustment in your mindset.

After a while, the person in charge put down the contract and looked at me, his tone more serious than before. "Mr. Chen, to be honest, this proposal is a bit sudden. But I have to say that the conditions you offer, especially the terms regarding project autonomy and future options, are very sincere. When we do it ourselves, we often have headaches about funding and other chores. Being able to focus on development without distraction is every technical person's dream."

He paused, exchanged glances with his companions, and seemed to have reached some kind of consensus. "We need some time to discuss this internally and with our families. But in principle... we're very interested in this proposal. Your game idea itself is very challenging, and we're eager to give it a try."

A huge weight finally fell from my chest, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I tried to remain calm. "Of course, this is a serious matter, and it deserves careful consideration. I await your good news."

After seeing them off, I almost immediately called Lin Yan to report the situation.

On the other end of the phone, Lin Yan chuckled softly, his tone full of understanding: "See, I told you. For technicians who really want to make something, a stable environment and resource support are more attractive than anything else. Honey, you talked well."

"It's mainly because of the good contract terms you drafted," I said honestly. "I can't say anything that tempting."

"You set the direction, you expressed your sincerity, and that's enough."

He paused, his voice softening. "What would you like to eat tonight? To celebrate this milestone?"

"Whatever, it's up to you."

When I relaxed, I felt a little tired, but more of a sense of security that everything had settled and anticipation for the future.

"Okay, I'll reserve a seat. I'll pick you up in the evening."

After hanging up the phone, I looked out the window.

The small "Tie Shi" company may soon welcome its first batch of formal technical backbones.

Leading a team, managing projects... these things that used to make me feel overwhelmed just thinking about them now seem like they are really about to fall on my shoulders.

Are you scared? A little bit.

But as Lin Yan said, we have to try it.

Moreover, it is to turn the world in my mind into reality, which makes my blood boil just thinking about it.

When I was having dinner with Lin Yan that night, he saw that I was still a little daydreaming and tapped my plate lightly with his chopsticks: "Don't think about it, the contract hasn't been signed yet, just eat well first. Even if it is signed, I'm still here."

I came back to my senses and smiled at him: "Yeah. I just feel like... it seems like it's really about to begin."

"Isn't it good to start now?" He picked up a piece of meat for me. "I'm still looking forward to playing the masterpiece created by Mr. Chen himself. By then, I will be the Chief Experience Officer and I will find faults."

"Then you have to be strict." I laughed too.

"Of course." He winked at me. "However, let's let Mr. Lin recharge you tonight and replenish your energy so you can continue the battle tomorrow."

"...Lin Yan! Let's eat!"

My face turned red again in a shameless way.

This guy always manages to change the atmosphere in a second!