Chapter 398
With Black and White Rabbit dominating the market, she needed approval from Keyuan, its rights holder.
General Manager Zeng had sworn up and down days earlier to personally broker the deal – a minor matter she’d delegated.
Hearing Kieran’s company and name now made her freeze momentarily before cool composure returned. “Explain.”
Logically, Black and White Rabbit’s copyright rested with Keyuan’s Zeng. Why involve Kieran?
Secretary Liu pressed her lips. “Zeng admitted forgetting the copyright ownership. Years back during their financial crisis, they sold assets – including the game rights.”
Alarieka’s eyes sharpened. “To Kierose Group?”
Secretary Liu nodded: “Yes, Director Zeng said that other copyrights of Black–White Rabbit might be negotiable, but we’re after the gaming rights. That’s beyond Director Zeng’s authority – we need to approach Mr. Argent from Kierose Group.”
Alarieka leaned back in her chair: “I recall Kierose Group has no gaming division. Why would they acquire Black–White Rabbit’s gaming rights?”
Secretary Liu lowered her voice: “Rumor has it Mr. Argent did it for his wife.”
Alarieka remained expressionless: “Explain.”
“Black–White Rabbit is hugely popular among young women. Ms. Roschelle Whitaker, Mr. Argent’s wife, adores this IP. I heard he’s gifted her Black–White Rabbit collectibles from around the world. To please her, he spent a fortune securing the gaming rights. Director Zeng mentioned Mr. Argent plans to develop a Black–White Rabbit game too.”
When Alarieka started her business years ago, she’d paid to erase all online traces of her past to protect her company’s image. By now, few remembered those events – even Secretary Liu knew nothing of her history with Kieran Argent, treating this as mere gossip.
Alarieka showed little reaction.
She responded flatly: “Noted.”
Secretary Liu studied her expression cautiously: “Alarieka, I’ve verified their game concept differs from ours. Perhaps we could negotiate with Mr. Argent?”
Alarieka remained silent, deep in thought.
Her company’s upcoming game, Bunny Gang, was a casual title targeting children aged eight and above. Black–White Rabbit’s theme would be the perfect launch hook to attract players.
Securing its gaming rights was crucial for the project’s future.
This meant they needed those rights – urgently. Her team was waiting.
Normally, this wouldn’t require her personal involvement.
Yet she never imagined Black–White Rabbit’s gaming rights would land in Kieran Argent’s hands. Worse, he coincidentally planned his own Black–White Rabbit game.
The hardest part was dealing with past relationships and events.
Alarieka closed her eyes, saying nothing for a long while.
Secretary Liu watched her anxiously.
She couldn’t understand why her decisive boss had turned reticent. Maybe exhaustion from the new game’s launch and bug fixes?
The office silence stretched too long. Secretary Liu fidgeted, hesitantly suggesting, “Ms. Huston, Zhang from the gaming division mentioned she knows Mr. Argent. She volunteered to negotiate with Kierose Group for the Black–White Rabbit copyright.”
Alarieka opened her eyes, murmuring, “Let her try first. Report back if unsuccessful.”
Relief washed over Secretary Liu. Though young, Alarieka demanded meticulous work. Company perks were generous, yet everyone feared her scrutiny.
“Actually,” Secretary Liu ventured, “Mr. Argent seems willing to license the rights. His piano–themed game for Ms. Whitaker won’t compete with our life–simulator project. As a businessman, he’ll maximize profits – especially given Black–White Rabbit’s steep price.”
Alarieka remained silent. “Send Zhang Lan’er in.”
After briefing Zhang Lan’er, Alarieka gave terse instructions for the Shanghai trip. The Bunny Gang project consumed massive resources – a sprawling animal–world simulator requiring company–wide effort. Everyone banked on its success for bonuses. Including Alarieka herself.
Black–White Rabbit was the perfect launch theme. She had to secure it.
Yet she hadn’t exactly lived quietly these past years. Mr. Argent must have heard of her ventures. Their parting had been bitter. Given his pride, he’d likely refuse if he knew she wanted the license. Zhang Lan’er’s mission might fail.