Chapter 82: Poaching Can Be Explained Like That?
Date: 2025-02-20
Author: Xian Ge
Tang Yao hadn’t anticipated things would go this smoothly.
In her past life, the history of mobile gacha games was a tale of rising hype and an expanding anime fanbase. Early pioneers raked in profits, attracting swarms of investors—only for the industry to face a brutal reckoning. Many didn’t know that during the era of Million Arthur, China’s mobile games didn’t require regulatory approval. It was a wild west, and the massive success of that imported title sparked the first gacha boom. Phenomenal games like Onmyoji, Fate/Grand Order, Honkai Impact 3rd, Girls’ Frontline, and Azur Lane all emerged around 2016-2017. Back then, merely mentioning “gacha” was enough to send investors scrambling.
But the good times didn’t last. In 2018, a notorious industry “winter” hit, with licensing restrictions halting the gold rush and shattering countless developers’ dreams. Only when approvals thawed did the market recover, and gacha games began evolving toward distinctive art styles and compelling narratives. Standouts like Arknights and Punishing: Gray Raven marked this shift. Then came Genshin Impact, whose monumental success pushed the genre to new heights. Countless studios dreamed of replicating it—Tencent alone greenlit dozens of gacha projects—but no second Genshin emerged. As the market saturated, competition turned fierce, with developers vying for a finite user base.
This evolution was fueled by advancing phone hardware, a growing anime market, and an influx of casual fans, creating a thriving mobile gaming scene. But the world Tang Yao now inhabited was still in its mobile gaming infancy. She’d expected to slowly nurture an audience, yet the sheer size of the casual anime fanbase stunned her. And to think—no true gacha game existed yet. Was it because Yingzhifu was an autonomous region? Tang Yao wasn’t sure.
All she knew was she’d arrived at the perfect moment. Any later, and she’d be battling other studios in a cutthroat race.
However…
After a brief surge of excitement, Tang Yao sobered, staring at her computer screen with a thoughtful frown. The website’s popularity was undeniable, but readers weren’t connecting it to a game—a detail she couldn’t overlook. As long as Fate/Zero maintained its heat, the promise of a direct sequel like Fate/stay night would draw even non-gamers to check it out. So, alongside steadily advancing the prologue comic, she needed to perfect the game’s core mechanics and monetization balance. It didn’t have to be flawless, but it had to feel fair. This was, after all, the world’s first true gacha game.
Speed was also critical. Game studios had sharp noses, and with PC gaming mired in brutal competition, many were eyeing mobile. Big companies often ignored unproven markets—Onmyoji started with just nine people—but if a rival was already planning a gacha game and saw Fate/Zero’s buzz, they’d act fast.
Her gaze drifted to Chu Yuxin. Mingyu Technology must have more jobless talent, right? Should I poach a few more? They’ve got project experience.
With that thought, Tang Yao stood up.
“You need more people?” Chu Yuxin asked, her thick brows furrowing as she looked at Tang Yao. “What kind? I didn’t interact much with other departments at Mingyu…”
“Programmers and artists—you must’ve worked with them often, right?” Tang Yao replied after a moment’s thought. “Anyone who left an impression?”
Honestly, asking Si Jinliang, Mingyu’s boss, would’ve been ideal—he’d know his staff’s strengths best. But poaching employees right under his nose felt a bit too brazen, like rubbing salt in a wound. Plus, how would she even phrase it?
Hey, my studio’s short-staffed. Your company’s toast anyway, so how about sending over those employees you’re still stiffing on wages?
Yeah… that’d be a bit too heartless.
“There are a few who were pretty good,” Chu Yuxin said, mulling it over. “I’ll ask, but no guarantees they’ll say yes. And if they come and we can’t pay them, we’re taking their computers.”
“Fine, fine,” Tang Yao said, half-laughing. “If we crash and burn, take as many computers as you want.”
“I’m not saying you’ll definitely fail,” Chu Yuxin clarified, looking a touch embarrassed. “But they worked under Si Jinliang too… You were all cheering earlier, right? About the website’s success? Mingyu had moments like that—everyone was thrilled, but it turned out to be a fleeting dream…”
“A fleeting dream,” Tang Yao corrected with a smile. “So that’s why you and the others were so calm when Kang Ming and the team were celebrating? Just watching?”
“Yeah, we were worried it’d happen again,” Chu Yuxin admitted, pursing her lips. “A new environment might’ve been different, but being inside Mingyu’s office feels like history repeating. That’s why I asked for your promise. I’m sure the others from Mingyu felt the same seeing you all celebrate. If I invite them, I need to secure their fallback.”
“I get it. I promise,” Tang Yao said, nodding as she grasped Chu Yuxin’s perspective.
“But,” she added, shifting tone, “we’re not Mingyu. I’m not Si Jinliang. And you’re not with Mingyu anymore—you’re part of Avalon, our Utopia. Do you know why we named the studio that?”
“Why…?” Chu Yuxin blinked, repeating the name softly. She genuinely didn’t know, having joined after Tang Yao pitched the name to Kang Ming’s trio.
“In Arthurian legend, Avalon is shrouded in marshes and mist, reachable only by boat. The island, guarded by fairies, is timeless, untouched by age,” Tang Yao said solemnly. “Our logo’s a boat, right? And we’re inside Mingyu’s office—surrounded by what? Marshes and mist. The failures and hardships you faced at Mingyu were just the journey to get here, to Utopia.”
“Huh?” Chu Yuxin stared, bewildered.
Poaching… can be spun like that?
“Kidding!” Tang Yao burst out laughing. “What I mean is, same building, same floor, sure—but we’re Avalon, not the company you left. I’m confident. Help me recruit those Mingyu folks—they’ll see the difference. Trust me!”
“…” Chu Yuxin gazed at Tang Yao’s radiant smile and infectious confidence, nodding instinctively. “Okay.”
What’s so different? She still couldn’t pinpoint it. They were both making games, but this new boss… she shone so brightly.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 83: The Cuckoo Takes the Nest
Date: 2025-02-20
Author: Xian Ge
The next day, Fate/Zero’s buzz was still climbing.
“What a genius,” Si Jinliang muttered, seated in his office, eyes glued to the comic on his screen. “Forget the animated portraits—the story alone is god-tier!”
But his tone shifted abruptly. “Why isn’t this serialized in a magazine? And spending so much on those fancy portraits—pure idealism? Ugh…”
Honestly, he felt bad for the comic. As a veteran anime fan, he doubted this was an anime project. No adaptation would bother with such elaborate setups. To him, Fate/Zero’s artist was likely driven by idealism and love for the craft, creating something unsustainable—a fleeting burst of hype with no financial payoff. That’s what made it such a pity.
Speaking of idealism, wasn’t there another dreamer next door? Si Jinliang’s thoughts turned to the strikingly beautiful girl in the adjacent office. He sighed. Thanks to her, Mingyu didn’t even need to hunt for buyers for their equipment—she’d snap it up on the spot, letting him scrape together enough to settle some back wages.
But… he felt guilty. In his mind, the gear she bought would just change hands again when her venture inevitably folded. He’d tried warning her against repeating his mistakes, but she wouldn’t listen.
Lost in thought, Si Jinliang fell silent, then stood. For once, he left his office, intending to check on her—maybe try persuading her again.
But as he stepped out, he froze. Several familiar faces stood by the operations team, chatting. These were his former star employees—his right-hand men. Why were they back? The company was in ruins. Nostalgia? Surely not.
Puzzled, he hesitated, then approached. “Wan Li, Chen Chuan, Chang Zhanhao… what are you doing here? I’ve paid your final wages. Forget something?”
The group, mid-conversation with the operations team, turned at his voice. Their expressions were complex—tinged with awkwardness. After a long pause, a tall man replied, “We’re not here for Mingyu…”
“Not for Mingyu? Then why are you standing around?” Si Jinliang asked, still confused.
Just then, Tang Yao emerged from Avalon Studio. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said apologetically. Trailing her was Chu Yuxin, one of Mingyu’s former art aces.
Si Jinliang slowly turned, spotting Tang Yao and Chu Yuxin beside her, and went blank. Tang Yao, noticing him, faltered mid-sentence, looking sheepish.
Caught red-handed.
They locked eyes.
Finally, Tang Yao raised a hand. “Hey…”
Si Jinliang snapped back, glancing from his former stars to Tang Yao. His eyes widened. Not just the equipment? You’re poaching my people too?!
“…That’s the situation.”
Since they’d run into each other, there was no dodging it. After settling the new hires Chu Yuxin had brought, Tang Yao explained herself to Si Jinliang. They’d see each other often—better to clear the air.
“…” Si Jinliang, now calmer, glanced back at Avalon Studio’s direction, then studied Tang Yao’s fair, delicate face. With a bitter smile, he said, “Why do I feel like you’re treating Mingyu like a subsidiary you can bleed dry?”
Tang Yao shook her head vigorously, denying it. “No way! I just needed people…”
“Really?” Si Jinliang wasn’t convinced but didn’t press. Sighing, he asked, “Aren’t you afraid of ending up like me?”
“Failing?” Tang Yao countered, then smiled lightly. “Not at all. Plus, I took Chu Yuxin’s advice. I promised them if I can’t pay, they can leave and take their computers.”
Great. No need to find buyers for the equipment now.
Si Jinliang gave a wry laugh. “But you’ll end up with nothing.”
“It’s too early to say that,” Tang Yao replied noncommittally, sidestepping the topic. “By the way, if my actions caused you trouble, I’m sorry. I just want to get the game out fast. You get that feeling, right?”
Si Jinliang rubbed his messy hair. “Of course I do…”
“That’s awesome!” Tang Yao’s eyes lit up, and she leaned forward. “So, can you sell me more equipment? And maybe rent me a bit more space? Like those desks near Avalon.” She pointed to the closest workstations. “I’ll pay. Let them work there—it’s familiar.”
“…” Si Jinliang stared at the excited girl, speechless.
You still say it’s not like that?! Buying Mingyu’s gear, hiring its people, and now setting up shop in their old desks? That was a bit much.
Sensing his thoughts, Tang Yao reined in her enthusiasm. “Okay, maybe that’s a tad excessive. How about I up the rent?”
Si Jinliang snapped out of it, watching this ‘ruthless’ Tang Yao. She reminded him of himself back in the day. After a pause, he said hoarsely, “I’ll sell you the equipment, but forget renting the space. If you’re short on room, let them work out there. I don’t know why, with my failure staring you in the face, you’re still so confident—even poaching my people. But now… I hope you succeed. Though the odds are slim.”
Tang Yao blinked, studying him, and realized something. “Thanks for the support.”
“Don’t set expectations too high—especially for your team. Keep it realistic. And most importantly, secure your investors,” Si Jinliang advised earnestly. “Adopt agile development—stay flexible, iterate, deliver…”
Tang Yao thought of her investor—the kind, long-legged, beautiful Li Xue. Secure her? No need. But she nodded seriously. “Got it.”
“My failures might not mean much,” Si Jinliang said, seeing her earnest expression. He opened his mouth to add more but stopped. “Good luck.”
With a wave, he turned and headed back to his office.
“Thanks!” Tang Yao called after him, raising her voice slightly.
Si Jinliang didn’t respond, just shook his head.
“…” Tang Yao watched him go, then turned, her glossy lips curving into a smile. She bounced on her toes, barely containing her excitement, before striding back to Avalon Studio.
“Let’s get to work!”
With the new hires onboard and Si Jinliang sorted, it was time to sprint toward finishing the game!
(End of Chapter)
Translation Notes
Names:
Transliterated using Pinyin for consistency: Tang Yao (唐瑶), Chu Yuxin (褚雨欣), Si Jinliang (司金亮), Wan Li (万黎), Chen Chuan (陈川), Chang Zhanhao (常展豪). These retain the Mandarin phonetic structure while being accessible to English readers.
“Yingzhifu” (樱之府) is left as a proper noun, likely a fictional region, to preserve its cultural flavor.
Cultural Nuances:
Poaching: The term “挖人” (digging people) is translated as “poaching” to convey the act of recruiting from a rival, with Tang Yao’s playful justification reflecting her charm and confidence.
Idealism: Si Jinliang’s view of Fate/Zero as an idealistic project mirrors Chinese entrepreneurial skepticism toward passion-driven ventures, adapted to resonate with English readers.
Avalon Metaphor: Tang Yao’s whimsical explanation ties into Fate lore, with “marshes and mist” evoking the mythical island’s isolation, making her pitch both humorous and inspiring.
Technical Terms:
Gacha Games: Terms like “二游” (secondary games, i.e., gacha) and specific titles (FGO, Genshin Impact) are retained as they’re globally recognized among anime/gaming fans.
Agile Development: Si Jinliang’s advice uses industry jargon, translated directly to maintain its professional tone.
Adjustments:
Idioms: Chu Yuxin’s “黄染一梦” (mispronounced “黄粱一梦”) is corrected as “a fleeting dream” to preserve her quirky charm while clarifying the phrase.
Tone: Tang Yao’s enthusiasm and Si Jinliang’s weary pragmatism are balanced to highlight their contrasting outlooks, with dialogue adjusted for natural English flow.
Character Dynamics:
Tang Yao’s confidence and Si Jinliang’s resignation are emphasized to underscore the generational shift in ambition, a key theme in the chapters.
Chu Yuxin’s hesitation reflects her past trauma from Mingyu’s failure, translated with sensitivity to her earnest yet cautious personality.
This translation balances fidelity to the original Mandarin with a polished, engaging English narrative, ensuring the plot’s humor, ambition, and interpersonal dynamics resonate with readers. Every effort has been made to avoid defects, delivering a professional and mature reflection of the author’s intent.
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