Chapter 70: The Secret Weapon
Middle East Games Con
The Middle East Games Con is the largest gaming exhibition in the Middle East, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) in the United Arab Emirates.
The exhibition hall consists of 12 exhibition halls and 2 conference halls, equipped with world-class facilities.
It attracts around 20,000 gaming industry professionals and visitors, making it a massive-scale event.
The Tomatam Games headquarters, boasting the best view of La Mer Beach in Dubai.
Sitting on the representative office sofa, both Song Si-ho and I were pestering Mujahid, who had a warm, easygoing smile like the owner of a dumpling shop.
“So, we’re really participating in Games Con?”
“Hahaha, how many times must I say yes?”
“But… With just days left? And at that scale? We can just waltz in like that?”
“Normally impossible. But we got lucky.”
“Lucky?”
“One of the companies originally set to participate suddenly went out of business. Thanks to that, a booth opened up. Of course, there were plenty of companies lining up to take the spot, but I happen to have a strong connection with the exhibition director. Luckily, he gave us the opportunity first.”
“So, Mujahid-nim pushed for our Studio SH?”
“Of course. I have no doubt that Hunting Pig will do well in the Middle East.”
This guy—he’s unexpectedly straightforward, despite his easy going demeanor.
Just like Sulayman hyung had hinted.
He might seem laid-back and vague at first, but when he considers someone his own, he takes care of them thoroughly.
“But isn’t the timeline too tight…?”
Song Si-ho expressed some concern.
After all, setting up a booth required preparing banners, signs, and other promotional materials—not a small amount of work.
“Don’t worry about that part either. We’ll prepare the booth part on our own. I don’t think publishers are there to do that. Just give us a guide and our staff will prepare it.”
He’s really reliable.
For a moment, I thought I saw a halo shining behind Mujahid’s head—must’ve been my imagination.
“Still, don’t get your hopes up too much.”
Mujahid suddenly pours cold water on the heated atmosphere.
Just as the mood was heating up, Mujahid abruptly threw a bucket of cold water on it.
“It’s just two booths, after all, and they’re positioned at the far edges. It won’t get much exposure to visitors.”
“Ah…”
Usually, large game companies set up anywhere from 50 to over 200 booths, so our setup would inevitably look small in comparison.
But still, it was better than nothing.
A hundred times better than doing nothing at all.
“We’re currently planning various marketing strategies for Hunting Pig. We’re discussing how to make the most efficient use of the various channels we have, so it might take some time. In the meantime, participating in an exhibition like this will help us get a feel for the Middle Eastern gaming market and gain some business experience with industry professionals.”
In short, he was saying not to expect too much but to take it as a learning experience.
“I completely understand. Thank you for looking out for us.”
“Hahaha, you’re welcome. If the game does well, we all benefit, so we have to give it our best.”
The three of us stood up, exchanging firm handshakes and determined glances.
And so, rather unexpectedly, Song Si-ho and I ended up staying a few more days in Dubai.
Dubai International Airport
“I should be helping you out, but I’m really sorry. I have an important schedule lined up in Korea.”
CEO Lee Jong-hoon couldn’t hide his apologetic expression.
“It’s just sitting at the exhibition booth for a bit, nothing more. We’ll wrap things up nicely.”
Although I was currently interning at Buksan Ventures, I was also undeniably an investor holding shares in Studio SH.
If it could contribute to their growth, it was something I had to do.
Besides, I really liked Dubai.
Was it because the place was full of millionaires? Everyone seemed friendly, exuding a relaxed and easygoing vibe.
After breaking away from the hustle and bustle of life in Korea, I didn’t mind soaking in this leisurely atmosphere.
Just then, Chairman Lee Seung-hwan, who had been standing next to CEO Lee Jong-hoon, grumbled.
“Hmph. Looks like you’re getting cozy with those snobbish foreigners. Why don’t you just settle down here for good?”
This old man sure held a grudge.
He was still sulking because I didn’t take care of him properly while getting introduced to people at the banquet last time.
But I knew exactly how to smooth things over with Chairman Lee Seung-hwan.
“Oh, come on. No matter how nice it is here, nothing beats having a drink and playing Janggi with you in a place with good air and good water. That’s the greatest happiness in my life. Let’s set a date when I get back, okay?”
“What?”
The chairman, who had been pointedly turning his back on me as if protesting, perked his ears up.
Then, slowly, he turned his head toward me.
“You mean that? You’ll play Janggi to your heart’s content when you’re back?”
Why did the way he said “to your heart’s content” sound so terrifying?
Still, my top priority was easing his mood, so I smiled and replied.
“Of course. Just make sure you practice hard. My Janggi skills have leveled up recently.”
“You cocky brat. You must be underestimating me, thinking I’m still the same as before. You’ll regret it. You have no idea how much I’ve… ahem. Never mind that. Just be prepared when you get back.”
After leaving that warning, Chairman Lee Seung-hwan briskly turned around and strode toward the gate.
But I clearly saw it—the satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
After saying my goodbyes to the two of them, I headed back to my accommodation and checked my schedule.
Today, CEO Song Si-ho had decided to properly enjoy sightseeing in Dubai and had wandered off somewhere on his own.
There was still plenty of time before the exhibition, so it wasn’t much of a problem.
And as for me, I also had an important appointment lined up for today.
[Ring-ring-ring ♬]
“Yes, hyung-nim. Got it. I’ll be out by 4 o’clock. I’ll take a taxi… Ah, fine, I’ll do that. See you in a bit.”
Today was finally the day I was invited to Sulayman hyung’s house.
I insisted on taking a taxi, but he wouldn’t hear of it and kept insisting on sending a car, so I eventually gave in.
I checked the time on my phone and hurried to get ready.
First, I checked my outfit.
I took out the clothes I had prepared earlier from the drawer and laid them out on the bed.
“Even if it’s just visiting a close hyung’s house, I should still be properly dressed.”
I put on a white thobe—a loose, ankle-length garment made of cotton—and wrapped a white ghutra around my head, securing it firmly with a black agal.
“Okay. Perfect.”
It was the quintessential Dubai local attire.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.
Then, I grabbed the large bag I had stashed in the corner and unzipped it.
“I really went through a lot to get this… Whew.”
This was my secret weapon, painstakingly secured from Korea after countless efforts and struggles.
The ultimate gift (or rather, bribe) to instantly win over Sulayman hyung’s family.
“They’ll like this, right?”
They were people who could get anything they wanted.
At first, I had no clue what kind of gift would suit them.
“Would luxury goods even mean anything to them?”
That approach felt wrong no matter how I considered it.
As they say, the best gifts come from the heart.
So, I abandoned flashy purchases and focused on something requiring genuine effort.
“Let’s do this.”
After pumping myself up with a determined shout, I was about to head out the door.
Then I hesitated and took a step back.
I peeled off my outerwear, put on an extra layer of undergarments, and then put my local outfit back on.
“With this… even a cheetah’s fangs wouldn’t get through, right?”
One can never be too careful.
As I walked out of the hotel entrance, the driver I’d gotten familiar with waved at me cheerfully.
But the car was… unexpected.
“Is… is this the right car?”
“The boss sent it especially for you.”
The car had a white body with striking red lines, exuding a luxurious yet commanding presence.
It was a Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s top three luxury car brands.
As I got in, tiny lights flickered above me like stars.
“He could’ve just sent a taxi…”
But I let it slide.
I knew that for hyung, this was nothing out of the ordinary.
Still, I underestimated just how much of a beginning this was.
The Rolls-Royce carrying me drove into a residential area and approached the grandest mansion within the complex.
The massive gate automatically swung open, and the first thing that caught my eye was the garage lined with about twenty supercars. “
“So that’s why the car changes every time I see him.”
One look at the garage, and it all made sense.
After getting out, I followed the driver’s guidance and stepped onto the garden, which looked like a sprawling soccer field covered in lush green grass.
The garden was already bustling with people, but as soon as I appeared, Sulayman hyung shot up from his seat and rushed over.
“You must’ve had a hard time coming here!”
“Not at all, hyung-nim. I got here comfortably thanks to you. I really appreciate your consideration.”
“Of course! I had to make sure of it. Come on, everyone’s been waiting just for you.”
A grand buffet was laid out around a fountain, where water sprayed vigorously into the air.
In a space that looked like a café, three people dressed as baristas were stationed.
There were half-moon-shaped seating arrangements on the lawn, where people of all ages, from elderly gentlemen to little girls, were seated.
And every single one of them was staring straight at me with eyes full of curiosity and expectation.
It was a bit overwhelming, but knowing they were Sulayman hyung’s family made a smile naturally spread across my face.
“Everyone, this is my ahu Song-nim from faraway Korea.”
He stepped forward and greeted me first.
Sensing the cue, I stepped forward and greeted them first.
“Assalamu’alaikum. I’m Song Dae-woon. It’s a great honor to meet Sulayman hyung-nim’s family. Please take care of me.”
A brief silence followed.
Clap! clap! clap! clap!
“Finally, we get to meet! This man just wouldn’t stop talking about Song every time he came back from a business trip. Hohoho, I nearly grew calluses on my ears!”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Sulayman’s father.”
It was an overwhelming welcome.
One by one, Sulayman hyung’s family members lined up to shake my hand, even down to the three-year-old toddler who had just started walking.
“Please start eating first. I’ll give my ahu-nim a quick tour of the house and be right back.”
Following hyung’s lead, I stepped inside the mansion that looked more like a palace.
“Wow…”
A gasp of awe escaped me.
The living room alone seemed three times the size of my entire house.
But the most striking thing of all was…
“Is this a gold mine or what?”
The wall clock was gold, the plates were gold, even the chairs were gold—an entire wave of golden hues washed over the interior.
The chandelier hanging from the ceiling was the size of a hot air balloon, making the one at my house look like a mere firefly.
Particularly, the bathroom—adorned entirely in gold—was the epitome of luxury.
Just the thought of using it felt almost disrespectful.
As I gaped around the house with my mouth hanging open, Sulayman hyung gave me a sly grin and guided me to the backyard.
“No way… This house even have something like this?”
A swimming pool was a given.
There was also a gym, and even a golf course.
But the highlight was the private zoo inside the estate.
Even at a glance, its scale was anything but ordinary.
“I was planning to introduce you to my beloved cheetah today, but it seems he’s not feeling well, so I left him in his enclosure. Such a shame.”
Seeing Sulayman hyung sigh deeply with genuine regret made a chill run down my spine.
‘Thank you, cheetah-nim, for being under the weather today.’
After finishing the house tour that felt like exploring an ecological park, we returned to the garden.
From then on, it was just a comfortable meal.
“Hahaha, really?”
“Kuhahaha! Song-nim sure has a knack for telling funny stories.”
As expected, my deep-sea fishing tales were a hit, no matter where I went.
Sulayman hyung’s family was warm and kind, and they looked truly harmonious.
I had worried that having three wives might cause some discord, but they seemed to get along like real sisters.
And once again, the desire to one day build a harmonious family like this ignited like wildfire inside me.
“Someday…”
As the atmosphere grew even livelier, I glanced around and then caught everyone’s attention.
“I’m truly moved by how warmly you’ve welcomed a stranger from a foreign land like me. So, I’ve prepared a special gift for all of you.”
It was finally time.
Time to unveil my secret weapon that would leave everyone speechless.
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