Transmigrated as the Domineering Scumbag Alpha Forced into Marriage by a Delicate Subordinate (GL) - Chapter 20

The next day was filled with a soft drizzle. The coffee shop was separate from the main hotel building, nestled deep in the garden. Qin Jue and Tang Yun walked in, stepping through the wet mist, their clothes imbued with an unshakable scent of fresh grass.

The coffee shop was filled with familiar faces. Everyone was tacitly aware of the situation. Less than half an hour later, Lewis entered with a cheerful smile and greeted everyone.

Those present were game developers interested in partnering with Black Swan. Lewis casually sat down near the door. He had no PowerPoint slides and no printed materials. His background granted him a detached status in this negotiation. He listened with a slight smile as the potential partners boasted about their profit models, occasionally nodding in agreement, but showing no obvious preference.

When Qin Jue spoke, Lewis showed respect by sitting up and listening attentively. Qin Jue used Xun Dao to present Changfeng Technology’s experience. However, the success of an IP sometimes required a convergence of many coincidences. Lewis’s occasional eye contact with Qin Jue hit right on key points. As an insider who had thoroughly analyzed Xun Dao, Tang Yun took notes throughout and was privately startled several times. Yet, observing Qin Jue from the side and back, the CEO maintained a serene smile.

“I understand all your intentions. Today is just a preliminary meeting of interest. I hope we all found it worthwhile,” Lewis said, shaking hands with them with a smile.

Outside the white walls of the coffee shop, the rain had just stopped, and the sun struggled to break through the clouds. Qin Jue stood by the door, admiring the rare sight of blue sky and white clouds for a moment, when she was predictably called out by the person behind her.

“CEO Qin’s taste is still so refined,” Lewis chuckled.

“When the sun breaks through the clouds, it is a beautiful sight,” Qin Jue smiled and nodded.

“When does Mr. Lewis return home?” Qin Jue asked.

“Unfortunately, I’m flying tonight. No time to see more of the scenery here,” Lewis shook his head with slight regret.

“There will certainly be opportunities to travel in the future,” Qin Jue smiled.

“Next time, I hope CEO Qin will do me the honor of accompanying me for a walk in the ancient city,” Lewis said.

“Of course,” Qin Jue understood.

With the coffee with Lewis concluded, Qin Jue’s mission for this business trip was complete. Although there were still sessions scheduled for the afternoon, they held no value for Qin Jue. Thus, she bid farewell to the host and left quickly with Tang Yun.

On the way, Tang Yun hesitated several times, wanting to speak. Qin Jue asked a flight attendant for a blanket, comfortably lay down, and lazily watched Tang Yun, saying, “Ask whatever you want.”

Tang Yun finally had the chance to speak. She cautiously asked, “Did we reach an agreement with Mr. Lewis?”

She felt as if Qin Jue and Lewis, two exceptionally perceptive people, understood each other’s thoughts and intentions just by looking at each other, while she had been present for the whole thing but was as useless as a wooden puppet.

Qin Jue yawned, tapping her fingers on the armrest between her and Tang Yun, and whispered, “Yes and no.”

Changfeng Technology’s standing in the industry guaranteed them a seat at Black Swan’s negotiating table, but human initiative was also quite important. Qin Jue had long since gathered all available reference materials. Even the clothes she and Tang Yun wore were within her consideration.

Lewis liked traditional culture, so she and Tang Yun both incorporated some traditional elements into their attire, such as her pearl necklace and Tang Yun’s cross-collar blouse. This wasn’t about flattery, but about creating the initial illusion for Lewis that they were kindred spirits.

Tang Yun, of course, didn’t understand this.

She and Qin Jue were only a few years apart in age, yet their mentalities seemed decades apart. Tang Yun doubted she would possess Qin Jue’s effortless command even at Qin Jue’s age. She sincerely asked for guidance, but Qin Jue was vague, saying only, “Once you’ve suffered enough losses, you’ll naturally understand.”

The plane landed. The driver was waiting at the airport. By the time they drove back to the apartment, it was almost midnight. Qin Jue went to the kitchen to heat up a cup of milk to help her sleep. Turning around, she found Tang Yun unwrapping a delivery package.

“The clothes you bought?” Qin Jue asked.

“Yes,” Tang Yun nodded.

Qin Jue suddenly became curious. She had genuinely never seen a three-figure suit before. She immediately sat down at the best viewing spot in the living room and urged Tang Yun to put it on for her to see.

Tang Yun returned to her room, changed out of the silk blouse Qin Jue had picked, and put on the set she had purchased—made of some unknown fabric. She turned three times in front of the mirror, feeling like something was just not right.

She slowly walked out of the room, acutely catching the curve of Qin Jue’s lips. If she couldn’t distinguish between genuine happiness and the prelude to mockery by now, she had wasted her time with Qin Jue.

However, Qin Jue seemed to recall basic human decency this time. She tried hard to suppress her laughter, only saying, “It’s fine. As long as you like it.”

It was clearly still a mocking tone.

Tang Yun indignantly returned to her room and took a selfie in front of the mirror. After some thought, she sent it to Xin Xin, asking, “Does Big Sister look good in this?”

The angel-like younger sister enthusiastically praised her the next morning: “Beautiful! Big Sister is the most beautiful!”

Tang Yun felt vindicated.

The next day was the department meeting. Tang Yun wore her newly purchased suit to the company. Synchronizing her time with the big boss had this disadvantage: she had no time to prepare at the last minute. She headed straight to the conference room, where most people had already arrived.

This was a full project department meeting, where each team reported its progress. Guan Li, a technology veteran, sat in the main seat, listening.

The first to present was the Brave Warrior development team, which was almost non-existent. The presenter was Tang Yun’s senior, Xiao Jianming. He had specially tidied himself up for the presentation and looked several years younger once he was clean-cut.

Tang Yun opened her laptop below. Xiao Jianming would present first, giving her time to review her own content.

Lin Hao brought a cup of coffee and sat next to Tang Yun. Ordinarily, a complete newcomer like Tang Yun shouldn’t represent a team, but Lin Hao was a man of his word. He couldn’t find fault with Tang Yun, so he wouldn’t stop her from showcasing her talent.

“Don’t be nervous. Here, have a pick-me-up,” Lin Hao pushed the coffee toward Tang Yun.

It was espresso, barely covering the bottom of the cup, black and strong. Tang Yun gritted her teeth and downed it in one go, wincing at the bitterness.

“I have a cup before every important event. It’s so bitter I completely forget to be nervous,” Lin Hao chuckled.

Tang Yun took a deep breath, feeling the sharp bitterness in her breath. She was certainly not nervous anymore. Only one thought remained in her mind: So bitter.

“Please note that in the past cycle, we have thoroughly reviewed the development history of the Brave Warrior series. Considering the continuous departure of existing players, we believe we should lower the operational threshold to attract new players of all ages. Based on this, we plan to launch a groundbreaking sequel. Please look at the large screen for the specific concept,” Xiao Jianming announced clearly.

Familiar BGM entered her ears. Tang Yun subconsciously looked up. The large screen showed a Metroidvania-like UI design paired with side-scrolling platform levels. The character executed a massive attack when stepping on the BGM’s drum beat, slicing a bloody path through the enemies.

Tang Yun was stunned. Isn’t this her design?

“Tang Yun?” Lin Hao called her quietly. In Lin Hao’s wide, shocked eyes, she saw her own pale face reflected.

“What’s going on?” Lin Hao hissed.

“I don’t know,” Tang Yun was completely distraught.

She stared intensely at Xiao Jianming’s screen. The game’s main character and level visuals were different, but everything else—the core gameplay and concept—how could it be exactly the same as hers?

The colleagues from the Xun Dao team couldn’t help but glance at Tang Yun. Tang Yun’s back was drenched in sweat. On stage, Xiao Jianming remained composed. Guan Li occasionally nodded with a slight smile.

Had she been plagiarized by Xiao Jianming?

“Excellent. The idea is interesting. It seems a bit rough right now but can be polished along this direction,” Guan Li commented.

“Next? Lin Hao, who’s presenting for your team?” Guan Li asked.

Lin Hao glanced at Tang Yun, his voice lacking confidence: “I…”

Tang Yun took a deep breath and stood up.

The meeting agenda had been distributed to the entire department. Her name, Tang Yun, was clearly listed as the presenter. She clenched her fists, swallowed hard, took off her glasses, and walked up to face everyone.

Xiao Jianming brushed past Tang Yun, his eyes fixed ahead.

“Hello, CEO Guan and colleagues. Our Xun Dao Phase 3 project plans to update with a new dungeon focused on gameplay and supplemented by story. We may consider introducing new characters later. This is our current dungeon concept…”

Tang Yun tried to stabilize her trembling voice and began her presentation.

Silence. Complete silence in the room.

“Interruption. Secretary Tang, I have a question. Did you and Xiao Jianming discuss this beforehand?” Guan Li spoke.

“We… exchanged some ideas,” Tang Yun said.

“Then, Secretary Tang, do you know that our industry always encourages broad exchange but strongly opposes plagiarism?” Guan Li asked.

As Guan Li uttered the word ‘plagiarism’, the room erupted in murmurs. Plagiarism—that was a serious accusation.

“CEO Guan, I believe that when two things are similar, we should be careful about determining who the originator is,” Lin Hao stood up and said.

“Lin Hao, sit down. Your question is easily resolved. Secretary Tang and Xiao Jianming can each present their development logs. We’ll know who’s first immediately,” Guan Li smiled.

Tang Yun tightly pursed her lips and opened her development folder. On stage, Xiao Jianming was doing the same. All of Tang Yun’s actions were projected directly onto the large screen. From creation to presentation, all files were within the last ten days.

Xiao Jianming turned his laptop around to display it. His development log could be traced back to last year. The Brave Warrior series had been struggling with a new concept for a long time. He was the direct person in charge.

“Junior, you… were too hasty,” Xiao Jianming said.

Tang Yun stared intensely into his eyes. She couldn’t see even a hint of guilt in Xiao Jianming’s gaze. Who came up with this gameplay? Who implemented it? Who worked tirelessly day and night to produce it? Did he really dare to claim it?

“Alright, Secretary Tang. As you can see, the work in our project department is tough. Perhaps it’s not suitable for you.”

The unchanging smile on Guan Li’s face finally disappeared. His expression was stern, and all eyes in the room followed his gaze, landing on Tang Yun.

“Miss Tang’s resume is clean. I hope it can stay clean in the future. Therefore, please resign yourself,” Guan Li concluded.

Tang Yun swayed.

The stares felt like sharp swords boring holes into her, but she knew she hadn’t done anything wrong. She absolutely could not back down here. Tang Yun gripped the table and stood straight, her eyes stinging as she stared at Xiao Jianming’s face.

“I didn’t plagiarize. He copied me,” Tang Yun said through gritted teeth.

“Miss Tang, we are all adults here. I don’t want to make a scene, so don’t make things difficult for others.”

“We can also follow official procedures and dismiss you,” Guan Li said.

The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was holding their breath, waiting for Tang Yun’s response. At that moment, the doorknob of the conference room turned. The water in the periphery of Tang Yun’s vision shimmered. Qin Jue walked in, treading on the hope that she didn’t know where it came from, and stood opposite her.

“CEO Qin, this… I can’t easily handle Secretary Tang’s matter. What do you think?” Guan Li curved his lips into a smile.

Qin Jue’s cold gaze swept over Guan Li’s face, then Xiao Jianming, Lin Hao, and finally settled on Tang Yun.

“Tang Yun, immediate suspension,” Qin Jue said.