Chapter 29: Crisk Resolved

Eventually, Nancy believed in me and led me to the costume room next door. As soon as I entered, I was drawn to the damaged costumes displayed on mannequins throughout the room. Upon closer inspection, I noticed tears along the seams and back areas. I even ran my fingers over the fabric, confirming the damage was significant.

Confident I could handle this challenge, I headed straight to the tech department. After a brief discussion with the team, I settled in front of a computer and started coding. The sight of me typing rapidly at the keyboard left both the secretary and executives completely stunned.

“Don’t Mates supposed to be just an artist? How does he know programming?” one whispered.

Another chimed in, “That’s quite a leap in skills! The boss must really trust him, though I doubt these costumes can be saved.”

Only the secretary remained supportive, suggesting, “Well, the costumes are already damaged. What’s the harm in trying?”

Namry maintained a serious expression, her brows furrowed in concentration, but she said nothing. The team ignored their earlier discussions and focused entirely on my work.

As a gaming company with unlimited resources, Nancy’s firm had access to top-tier technology and projection equipment; they were industry leaders. I wrote a program that used projection mapping on the damaged costumes worn by the models, perfectly recreating their original appearance. The effect made it look as if the characters had just stepped out of the game after an intense battle, complete with stunning light effects that added an immersive touch.

Once everything was set up, I turned to Nancy with a confident smile and said, “All done. Let’s test it out!”

“Let’s go!” Nancy urged, and our entire group rushed to the gaming expo venue. After an intense rehearsal, the results exceeded everyone’s expectations. The secretary’s eyes lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, “Mr. Yates, you’re incredible! This concept is going to blow everyone away.” Everyone present was mesmerized by the effect, their astonishment evident.

Nan looked at me with newfound respect and admiration, saying, “Owen, you’re not just a top-tier artist, but you’re also a programming wizard! You’re truly my…”

I chuckled internally at my hidden talents but maintained a modest smile. The costume crisis was successfully resolved, and those who had doubted me earlier fell silent. The secretary gave me one last admiring look before returning to her duties.

In the backstage area, Nancy looked at me with genuine appreciation and applauded. “Owen, you’re amazing! You cook well, you draw well, and now you program. Don’t you think Yvette…”

I shook my head gently and replied, “Yvette never had feelings for me. Whatever I am or become wouldn’t matter to her.” Then, I added with determination, “Besides, I’ve decided to use a new pseudonym.”

“What?” Kancy’s eyebrow shot up in surprise. “Owen, what are you thinking? Everyone’s trying to work with the real Owen Yates right now! If you come back, I’ll support you fully—you’ll…”

I gazed into the distance and said softly, “I just want a new name for a fresh start.”

Although Nancy didn’t understand, she respected my decision. She could not help but mumble, “With a new name, they’ll be able to find you…”

I didn’t quite catch what she was muttering, nor did I care. My decision to change my pseudonym wasn’t random; it was tied to Lila. After all, “Owen Yates” was a name we had built together, and I couldn’t make it solely my own.

Nancy urged me to think of a new name while showing me the livestream of the gaming expo, chattering endlessly in my ear. I gazed up at the ceiling in exasperation, wondering how someone as quiet and distant as Twee had become best friends with someone as vivacious as Nancy.

Soon, the secretary brought great news—the gaming expo was going smoothly. Although we didn’t win first place in the popularity vote, we secured second place, with major news outlets covering the event. Given our rough start, this outcome far exceeded Nancy’s expectations.

Just then, I thought of my new pseudonym. “Let’s go with Rowan Moore.”

Nancy’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she snapped her fingers and said, “Perfect! Rowan Moore it is!” She came to the secretary and instructed, “For Owen’s—I mean Rowan’s—costume design feature, write that our new lead artist, ‘Rowan Moore,’ has joined Aurora Gaming Studio!” The secretary nodded enthusiastically, saying, “Right away, Ms. Lane!”

As soon as the secretary left, Nancy casually draped her arm over my shoulder, wearing a playful smile. “Owen, you did brilliantly today. We need to celebrate with a party!” I gently removed her hand, laughing. “There’s no need for that. I’m just doing my job as part of the team. With how well you pay me, it’s only fair I deliver results.”

However, Nancy wouldn’t take no for an answer and pulled me along, grinning. “You’re no ordinary employee—you’re our savior! Come on, let’s go!”

After spending the morning dealing with the expo, I was actually getting hungry, so I decided not to refuse. Just as we were leaving, we ran into Zia again. She was holding some files while watching the gaming expo livestream with her colleagues, and her eyes lit up even more dramatically than Nancy’s reaction earlier, if that was even possible.

Bushing over, she practically glowed with excitement. “Yates! You were absolutely incredible! The way you turned the situation around was pure magic—I saw it on the news, and I’m in awe of how talented you are!”

I smiled and acknowledged her praise, sensing her genuine passion for the industry and sincere admiration. Nancy watched us, looking intrigued, and asked, “You two know each other?” Then, a little whispered, “Owen, since your marriage to Yvette, I’ve never seen you pay this much attention to any woman. Is she special?”

I gave her a warning glance and said, “Mind your own business.”

Ignoring Nancy’s mumbling, Zia exclaimed enthusiastically, “Yes, we’ve met twice. Mr. Yates is incredibly kind…”

Nancy’s smile grew slightly lighter as she asked, “In that case, why don’t…” Before I could interrupt, Zia eagerly accepted, “Working with Mr. Yates’ assistant would be an honor. I look forward to working with you.”

Seeing her excitement, I felt conflicted. I wanted to minimize my romantic entanglements, fearing I might get tangled in Yvette’s complicated relationship. However, seeing her innocent enthusiasm and thinking about the potential hardships in the future, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. So, I sighed and nodded, saying, “Alright, let’s work hard and grow together.”

Zia’s smile widened. Little did I know, this decision would quietly alter the course of her life forever.