While Sherry Lansing was busy with her resignation and handover, Lin BaoCheng visited United Games Company.
It had been some time since the company was founded. The framework was already in place, game development staff had been hired, and equipment purchased.
With the initial US$10 million in capital, and without building a factory, developing one arcade game was more than feasible.
Since the company's founding, Lin had invested US$4 million and assigned a financial officer to safeguard his interests. Beyond that, he hadn't interfered. He didn't place much importance on this joint venture, so financial oversight was enough.
Phil Smith and Wade Thomas, however, took it very seriously. Phil led the company's setup, while Wade provided support through Goldman Sachs channels.
Some of the developers had even been recruited from Atari and Fairchild Semiconductor via Goldman's network — rare talent.
Phil hoped the company would produce several hit games, allowing him to profit greatly. Wade, though a Goldman executive, was the least wealthy of the three partners. With his 5% stake in United Games, he pinned high hopes on its success, hoping to multiply his fortune.
Now that equipment had arrived and staff were in place, Lin couldn't delay any longer. Game development required his input. He couldn't let the company sit idle waiting for him.
Since Lin rarely visited, Phil and Wade also came to meet him.
Phil said: "Allen, the company is ready. All that's left is for you to lead the team in developing a game."
Wade asked: "Do you have an idea for the company's first game?"
"I've already decided," Lin nodded. To their delight, he continued: "The game will feature a cowboy as the protagonist. For now, let's call it Western Cowboy."
"It will be a pistol‑shooting game, a side‑scrolling action title. The screen moves left to right, with the cowboy battling enemies in gunfights. The style must be distinctly Western. The details will depend on the developers' execution."
"I think the Western theme will have a big market," Wade said. In America, cowboy themes were very popular. Whether in film, novels, or games, Westerns always had strong appeal.
"Allen, you'll need to guide the developers. I worry they won't fully grasp your vision," Phil added. He knew Lin's input was crucial. That was why he had invited Lin to co‑found the company and given him the largest shareholding.
"I'll do my best. But you know I'm very busy," Lin replied. He would spare some time to guide the developers, but not too much. After all, this company wasn't under his control.
Phil and Wade had no objection. This had been agreed upon from the start.
Lin met with the developers, explained the theme, and outlined gameplay ideas. Story and details would be up to them.
He didn't check whether they fully understood. He simply told them to design the characters and style first. Next time he visited, he would review their work against the original game in his mind.
If it didn't match, revisions would be required — wasting time and money. But Lin preferred wasting development resources over wasting his own time, which was far more valuable.
By evening, Lin left United Games and returned to Beverly Hills.
When he arrived, his father Lin HaiShan and mother Zhao HuiLan were already at the villa.
"Dad, Mom, you're here? You didn't even let me know," Lin said, sitting beside his mother.
"What's there to notify? We're only going back to Hong Kong tomorrow. It's not like you won't see us," Lin HaiShan replied.
Zhao HuiLan asked: "Son, it's your sister's birthday. Will you come back?"
"I won't," Lin said. "I've already told her. Tomorrow, when you return, just bring my gift along."
"It's only a birthday. Not going is fine. Your career is more important," Lin HaiShan said. Before Lin's success, birthdays at home were simple — longevity noodles and a few eggs, nothing extravagant.
"Your father's right," Zhao HuiLan agreed. "But son, while your career is important, so is your health. Don't overwork. Take care of yourself."
"Mom, don't worry. I eat well, live well, and won't neglect myself," Lin smiled. "Dad, Mom, after you return to Hong Kong, stay a while, then go to Japan for a trip. I'll arrange guides for you."
"We'll see," Lin HaiShan said. "We've already traveled plenty in America. Foreign countries are different from Hong Kong, but no place is better than home. If we want to travel again, we'll do so. But we prefer staying in Hong Kong."
Zhao HuiLan nodded: "Your father's right. Son, don't worry about us. We'll take care of ourselves."
"That's fine. Play when you want. Just don't think about saving money all the time," Lin said. He wouldn't force them to travel. If they didn't enjoy it, it would defeat the purpose.
The next morning, Lin drove his parents to the airport, watching as they passed security with their bodyguards.