Chapter 390: Ripples

Coincidentally, in the high-level office of Nathan's Gate, Dwight Payton was also watching the news broadcast by this 'East Coast Television Station.'

"Excuse me, are you queuing here to buy 'Rage Against the Titan'?"

"Yes, actually I came the day before yesterday, but the comic's distribution in our city was too limited, so it's been out of stock for two days. The store said that at noon today, 120 copies would arrive, so I came early to queue."

"Wow, 120 copies? That's a bit few, isn't it? I see there are at least 300 people here. Are you sure you can get one?"

"I should be able to, right? I counted, and there are about 87 people ahead of me, but I'm not sure if those in front will buy more than one copy."

"So, are you a fan of that lucky Andre?"

"Yes, I started liking him two months ago. But I'm not really into comics; my friend strongly recommended it to me, saying it's really good."

At this moment, the TV screen switched to another customer.

"You're here to buy 'Rage Against the Titan,' right? Can you tell me, sir, what made you queue up here?"

"Of course, I like it. I decided to buy it for my collection. I've already read the comic 'Rage Against the Titan' at a friend's place. The art style is very unique, the characters are beautiful, and the plot is exciting. Unfortunately, the first edition is no longer available. You know? The first edition of 'Rage Against the Titan' is now being bid at 300 gold shields in the secondhand book market, but no one is selling."

"I'm a fighting fan, I love cold weapon combat. I came to buy it on the recommendation of Delaro—yes, Glaro from the Eagle Club. I heard this comic has the best way to exercise for ordinary people, with illustrated explanations."

"Haha! I'm a fan of Andre from now on. I've also read this comic—it's super awesome! I actually already bought the first edition for 400 gold shields, damn those profiteers. This time queuing, haha, of course, I'm here for business. I'll take 20 copies to school and sell them. Great idea, isn't it? What? The store limits two per person? Damn it, I should have brought a few more people—"

"I'm here to support my idol. Lucky Andre is super beautiful, a true prince. Why didn't I buy it before? I finally saved up 12 gold shields."

"No, I didn't come for 'Rage Against the Titan' initially, but now I've decided to buy one. Since so many people like it and recommend it, it must be good. 12 gold shields isn't expensive, right?"

Dwight Payton chuckled, turned off the TV, and turned to the few people seated at the desk with a hint of satisfaction: "See? I knew Amo's comic would be a hit, and you doubted my business acumen. Given the current situation, this comic's future sales will surely reach 100 million copies. It will be the hottest comic this summer, with殿堂级 sales."

"Mr. Payton's business instincts are, of course, beyond doubt."

This was said by a middle-aged woman sitting next to Carl, her expression complex: "But I think Nanette Drew's contribution is crucial. She recreated this comic, and across America, over a hundred fighting critics and comic reviewers recommended it simultaneously—that's not something anyone can achieve. But Dwight, I don't understand how this relates to why you called us here today? And you specifically made us watch this news."

"Of course it's related."

Dwight Payton glanced at his assistant: "Go ahead, Carl, tell them about your new plan."

"Everyone, I'm sure you've noticed that sales data has increased over the past two days. According to our store feedback, this is because Andre's comic is popular, sparking many people's desire to spend on their idol. This gave me an idea: could we try bundling Andre's comic with our products?"

Carl looked at those present: "For example, selling a Lucky Andre set and giving away a copy of 'Rage Against the Titan'?"

The eyes of those present lit up slightly, showing signs of deep thought.

"Is that feasible?"

The Chief Marketing Officer of Nathan's Eastern Division spoke: "To attract customers, the giveaway needs to be sufficiently scarce."

"It is feasible!"

Carl nodded affirmatively: "I've already consulted Ms. Drew, and she has promised to produce a deluxe edition for our Nathan Sports Group. However, the Rising Sun Publishing House also has a request: they hope we can help promote this comic with our advertising resources, ideally sparking a topic and sales frenzy across America."

"That can be considered, if suitable conditions are met."

It was the middle-aged woman again, her eyes gleaming with intelligence: "I think if this 'Rage Against the Titan' comic truly reaches殿堂级, we could consider deeper cooperation, such as character portrait rights, weapon and armor image licensing, product placement, etc. We need to secure a favorable contract early. Think about it—how much profit have other殿堂级 comics brought to their publishers? For instance, 'Black Bat Man'—to date, their total peripheral revenue is around 350 billion? Arcadis Company sold 14,000 sets of the fourth-generation Bat suit, which is level-12 equipment."

Carl was momentarily stunned, exchanging a glance with Dwight Payton across the table; they hadn't thought of that.

"Alright, I was foolish. I saw the comic's potential but didn't do any preparatory work."

Dwight smiled wryly, then looked seriously at those present: "It seems we've reached a consensus, haven't we? No one questions this business opportunity? OK, then the Marketing and PR departments will first assist Carl in formulating the giveaway plan. Additionally, set up a temporary 'Rage Against the Titan' project team, drawing company staff to participate, led by Ms. Bellman, responsible for negotiations with Rising Sun Publishing and Andre himself—"

Just as he was speaking, a landline phone in front of Dwight suddenly rang. It was an emergency line, meaning something requiring his attention had occurred.

So Dwight Payton immediately interrupted the conversation, picked up the receiver, and within moments, his face turned pale.

"Damn it, Edward Jewelry Company has beaten us to it."

He immediately stood up, looking at those present with a commanding gaze: "We have no time to waste here, everyone. Move quickly! We must act before Edward Jewelry Company signs a contract with Rising Sun Publishing!"