"Makaino Joji, this guy pisses me off."
"Why?"
"His acceptance speech."
"It's like he is talking to me, weeks ago while doing my best getting used with dip pens."
"We'll be better than him in no time, on closer look they're appraising his artwork."
"You sure is confident, Hiro." 
"Self-confidence, hard work, and luck. Is what it's all about right?"
"That's what is just thinking." Well obviously having Hiro around lightens up the atmosphere of doubts and fear in this room, I have to clear my mind off things and think of everyone else involve in this club more. Their hard work and confidence are what keeps us up until now.

"Uhm, Aki can you take a look at my background if it suits your style?"
"Whoa, this is amazing Reina, this is just too good also nice perspectives!"
"Come on now, you don't have to praise me that much. Hehehe"
"But this is just too great, all you have to do is fit this out with the panels and learn about the screentone and some background techniques."
"I see, thank you! I'll study it."

Right, I have the best people with me I shouldn't doubt their capabilities and skills even under pressure. I am sure we can make it happen to our dream, it is closer than I expected.
"Dinner is ready!"
"Oh Yui, thank you! Didn't even notice the time."
"So what are we having for dinner!"
"Wakana Eatery special dish! Spicy Curry and Tamagoyaki."
"I remember your family owns a small restaurant just across the street near the school right."
"Yes, our artworks are still hanging there, HAHAHAHA!"
"What that is just embarrassing come on."
"I told my mom to remove it but she said it is our childhood memories of our rivalry."
"Fine, I won't lose to you as always." 
"Same, I won't ever lose to you but for now we are comrades in defeating our common enemy."
"Sorry to break the fun but are we really going to win?" I shouldn't have said that but I have to let it off my heart or I will have doubts this entire day or weeks.
"Oy, Oy, Aki are you sick or something? That's not the Aki that I know of."
"Yes, you are contradicting yourself after being confident these past weeks."
"I know I just had to let it go so I won't be bothered by it, sorry."
"Yosh, Yosh, here Aki eat up." Yui being sweet to me is strange
"Eeek, Yui, cheater you are taking advantage of the situation." Reina being jealous is also strange.
"What's up with you two, maybe its Aki's popular phase now!." Hiro's jokes are at it again.
"Shut your trap! So what's is going on here?"
"Nothing."

"Yeah, nothing."
That was an obvious dodge but it is still strange for these two girls, I wonder are they just trying to cheer me up, whatever.

"Thanks for the meal, now I shall get back to work."
"I'll go wash the dishes and get back to practice."
"Don't push yourself too hard guys, I'm going to take a bath and sleep."
"Sure, sure!"
"I'm next after you."
"Shut up you pervert."
"WHAT?!"
"I can see through your eyes!"
"Was I thinking out loud, again" Hiro's dream shattered
"I swear if you do something towards these girls later at night, I am unfriending you and send you to the police."
"Yes, Sir!"
"Anyway, I think Makaino's editor already told him he can start a series when he finished high school."
"WHAT HE HAS ALREADY AN EDITOR?"
"No doubt about it, he won the award, or even if it is not there is an editor that will take a liking to you anyway."
"An editor, I'm jealous and motivated at the same time."
"I feared about it since there is a good editor and a bad editor, so you just don't go and take one then that's it."
"What do you mean?"
"Amateurs need to follow their editors' suggestion, even if its all BS that is why we are good for now."
"That's when Luck comes in huh?"
"Mangakas can not choose their editor so they've just got to hope for the best."
"So what's good and what is bad?"
"Like an editor, you can never get in touch in the morning and when you caught him in the evening or after work hours he's just chilling in the night club with girls."
"WHAT THE HECK?"
"That is just a hyperbole, don't take it seriously and post in on the internet like something."
"Don't surprise me like that, you know everything is serious right now."

"I'll tell you another story but this one is said true, a newbie who had a one-shot story in another publishing had an editor who to him to keep working on a promising manuscript he had and on the last one, when he finished reading it he took a shredder and shredded it right the mangaka's eyes."

NOTE: Manuscript in the world of mangaka as represented is the final draft made by the manga artist which is handed to the magazine in order to publish it. If a name is approved by an editor it turns into a manuscript. 
"That's awful and horrible! Today he'll get sued for doing those kinds of actions, so what's next?"
"You shouldn't underestimate newbies. That author did not stop after getting rejected a lot of times and getting insulted by that editor" 
"Wow! I guess that's not a bad story, after all, it just made the mangaka even more strong and shattering all his doubts and fear."
"Later when he applied again in the same publishing the editor back then is now the editor in chief and apologized for what he did and acknowledges the mangaka's passion and skills"
"Then, what did the mangaka do?"
"The mangaka thanked him."
"Isn't it like something from a manga?"
"It may or may not but I am relating to that newbie, and how passionate editors are about manga."
"I want to meet an editor! Let's work on this and present it to an editor!"
"Yeah, let's do this! I'll start with the front cover tomorrow."
"All we need is a manuscript and we'll meet one right?"
"Yes, I just to finish the main stuff, let Reina do the backgrounds and Yui for the effects and we can send it."
"I'm getting excited, let's break our doubts and fear, get out of our comfort zone, Aki!"
"I'm gonna do an all-nighter it is up to you if you're joining me on this adventure."
"I want to join too, its weekend tomorrow after all."
"Yes, forget about sleeping tonight! We are doing Secret School Club!" 
"YEAH!"
"YAY!"

"As a child, Kenji Yoshikawa did everything by himself and dropped it once he was bored. But his family is full of mystery, especially his father, a retired mangaka. After finding out the secret behind his father's actions, he decided to pursue becoming a mangaka. After this, surprisingly, he somehow managed to get into a harem due to his manga works."

"An editor… thank you for the compliment, although I'm not sure I quite understand." Seiji tilted his head.
He didn't understand what Editor Yoshizawa meant by that. Although he knew that she was praising him, he didn't know just what he did that was so praiseworthy.
Saki merely smiled upon seeing his confused expression.
What was an excellent editor supposed to be like?
Different people would have different answers to this question.
When Saki was still new to the editing job, she had discussed this question with Head Editor Souzou Hattori before. His response had left her with a deep impression.
"An excellent editor doesn't need to be good at everything. The editor only needs to be good at the basics, but these 'basics' aren't so easy to truly be good at.
"Let's take talking things over with the author as an example. Many people believe that an excellent editor should be able to accurately assess a story and give the author some good recommendations to help the author improve the story. Or, if the story is a failure, the editor should help motivate the author and encourage the author to remain passionate and continue writing… This view on how editors should be isn't wrong, but I don't believe it to be entirely correct, either.
"Reviewing a story, giving authors advice, reassuring the author, or encouraging the author, none of these are the 'basics.' They're add-on parts to an editor's job. Of course, it'll be good if an editor is good at these things, and if they're not good, an average level is fine as well, as long as the editor doesn't mess things up.
"I personally believe that there are two parts to the 'basics' of communicating with authors. The first is to help the author understand the current situation, and the second is to help the author recognize him or herself.
"The first part is relatively easier to do a good job on, but the second is much harder.
"Being able to do a good job at helping an author to understand the current situation means this person passes as an editor. However, being able to help the author recognize him or herself, if someone can do good at this, that makes them an excellent editor, and it doesn't matter even if this editor is average at everything else. At the very least, while I'm the Head Editor here, I'll view any editors that are capable of doing this as my top editors.
"Although the group of people known as authors seem to have many similarities, they're actually all unique personalities. Also, their true personalities are typically contained within themselves, and very few of them will express their true personalities. In fact, it's difficult to ascertain whether or not an author's personality on the surface is their true personality or not.
"Being able to help an author understand him or herself, know what type of person they are, and just what they want to create, as well as what they're capable of creating… Being able to ignite the author's passion and talent and create a story that's suitable for the author's personality, or even surpasses the author's talent, this type of editor is quite rare.
"After all, being able to see through to an author's true personality, and use the right wording to help the author come to a realization, such a thing is truly difficult to accomplish," Head Editor Hattori sighed as he said those words with sincerity.
At the time, Saki was still only a newcomer and didn't quite understand what the Head Editor had meant, but she remembered those words.
After she slowly got used to the job of an editor, she gradually began to understand what the Head Editor meant.
To help an author understand him or herself was truly difficult.
Some author's personalities were easy to understand, and some were difficult to understand. Some of the ones that were easy to understand might not even be the author's true personality. And even if the editor was able to understand the author's personality quite clearly, helping the author to recognize himself was an even more difficult task.
Even if one told the author directly, the author may not be able to accept or comprehend, and the author might even resist or become angry. Only the precisely right wording would be able to accomplish the task.
Yet, such a difficult task was accomplished so naturally by the boy before her!
"I actually said nothing more than a bunch of useless words, which at most helped him to recognize his own willpower."–'Those aren't useless words at all, nor was it something to be described as 'at most,' Harano… no, Haruta-kun.' Saki was truly praising him in her heart.
She didn't explain things to him, because he wasn't an editor, and she knew that he had no interest in becoming an editor. It was fine if only she knew.
After splitting up from Editor Yoshizawa, Seiji went and purchased a drawing tablet to use with his computer before he returned home.
After he returned home, he immediately told Shika that he had been victorious in the little competition, and showed her his drawing as well as Demon Soldier Sensei's drawing.
"This Sensei is a good artist as well, but Brother Seiji's drawing is still better as I expected," Shika said sincerely. "I'm really looking forward to Brother's completed artwork for all the insert art."
"That will take quite a while to completely finish. I'll go as fast as I can, so that we can publish quicker." Seiji smiled and showed her the drawing tablet that he had just purchased.
"If I use this, I'll be able to draw on the computer, which will be more convenient. This will improve my speed without making my quality suffer."
Afterwards, he went to the study and connected the drawing tablet to his computer and tried using it out.
After he confirmed that the drawing tablet worked properly, Seiji opened up his self-named dating sim system and exchanged for an [Art card – Drawing tablets].
A new card appeared in front of him. It had a black shadow smoothly drawing on a whiteboard, continuously drawing various scenes.
Seiji laid on his bed and activated the card, which transformed into a light that shot into his brain.
He had the same feeling as when he activated [Writing] cards previously. His brain felt like it heated up for a moment before seemingly coming to a sudden realization.
He sat down in front of his computer again, opened up the relevant software, and picked up the drawing tablet and pen.
When he put pen to tablet, he was able to smoothly draw lines without any novice unfamiliarity that should have come from learning to use a drawing tablet for the first time.
His drawing speed had indeed increased.
There wasn't a huge increase like after he activated the [Writing] card, but he felt that was only natural, since he was still drawing by hand after all.
After a while, Seiji discovered that not only did his speed increase, his drawing quality had evidently increased as well!
Compared to drawing on paper, drawing on the computer using a drawing tablet made it easier for him to add details, which helped to increase the quality of his artwork.
'Very nice.'
Seiji immersed himself in drawing.
Later that night, Seiji who was still immersed in drawing received a phone call.
The caller ID showed that the call was from Airi Fuuma.
He recalled the figure of that little girl who had short sky-blue hair and a sweet-looking face, and immediately picked up the call.
"Good evening, onii-chan…" A nervous sounding voice greeted him.
"Good evening, Fuuma-chan."

Airi recalled the events that happened before with great clarity as she heard this gentle male voice.
When she was panicking, anxious, and scared because she mistakenly believed she had accidentally killed her own older brother, he was the one who had coaxed her and called an ambulance as well as encouraged her to contact her father. He even stayed to accompany her until her father's friend arrived…
A few times after that, Airi kept thinking about if she should contact this gentle princelike big brother who had helped her out. However, due to her various emotions, she didn't manage to work up the courage to call him.
That was, until yesterday, when her parents mentioned inviting him over to their house and thanking him. She immediately volunteered to be the one to contact him.
"Onii-chan, are you free tomorrow?"
Seiji looked at his computer screen.
"I have something to do, but I'm not completely busy… is something up?"
"Daddy and mommy said that they would like to invite you over to our house for dinner."
'Dinner… they probably want to thank me.' Seiji mulled it over.
"Sure." He agreed to go.


Translator note: Apologies to the readers. This series is currently on hiatus. We ask for your understanding!
A 30-year-old Chinese NEET is reincarnated into the body of an otaku that choked to death on instant noodles. As he comes to grips with his new life, he realizes that this world is subtly different from Earth. The denizens of this world are far better looking, and this new world also possesses futuristic technology as well as mysterious Yin Yang masters! 
After reincarnating, he realized that he was endowed with a miraculous game-like system, which enables him to increase his own stats and transcend the limits of the human body. This system even has a game-breaking ability to save and load in real life!
In this new world that’s akin to a 2-D game, he just wants to enjoy life and head for a glorious future... However, he is quickly embroiled in a complex plot. Can he unlock his true potential and utilize his system to break the shackles that confine him and discover the truth about his previous body’s circumstances? 

Great! We finally have a top-level mangaka!"
With the hands of Li Yalin and Minano Matome held together, Otosuna Mihari's nerve finally relaxed. She was afraid that Li Yalin would not agree. If they miss such a top-level mangaka, their new issue will not have top-level mangaka.
Now with chief editor… I mean, with chief editor effort a top mangaka finally joined, how can Otosuna Mihari not be excited?
After all, this is an all or nothing situation. With her magazine getting bigger and stronger, even if she just a new editor she will also feel proud, right?
 
"Minano chief editor, I'm a little curious on why you appoint Otosuna editor to find me? Of course I don't despise Otosuna editor, but she does not have much power as a newcomer. It's impossible to make a decision even if she found me, isn't it?"
Looking at Otosuna Mihari who kept patting her chest, Li Yalin's eyes turned to Minano Matome with full of doubts.
Minano Matome is very bold and has the means. She can use her own methods to cover up Li Yalin's contact information and even find him by just his name and bank card. More importantly, she is willing to invest a lot of money to dig him.
 
In this case, Minano Matome should be more cautious, but she sent a new editor to contact him. What is going on?
Li Yalin would like to know the answer.
"About this issue… "
When Li Yalin asked this question, not only him but it also attracted Otosuna Mihari's eyes. After all, what Li Yalin said is very reasonable and Otosuna Mihari herself knew that she will screw up if it wasn't for chief editor arrived in time.
"In fact, it is very simple. Because the magazine has just been established, the female editor who is close to Li Yalin sensei's age and has a good face is only Otosuna. According to my guess, a schoolboy such as sensei should be easily captured by bishoujo."
Minano Matome didn't keep them in suspense. She answered Li Yalin question very quickly, but her answer is quite hard to accept.
At least after she said this, Li Yalin's expression immediately stiffened and the corner of his mouth twitched subconsciously. What expression should he show now?
 
What this fake loli chief editor mean is she regarded him as a young teenager who only think and walked with his lower body as soon as he saw bishoujo?
Not only Li Yalin, but Otosuna Mihari opened her mouth subconsciously. Originally, she also speculated whether chief editor's able to see her ability and wanted to cultivate her. It turned out to be a pure honey trap.
So other than the face, the rest is useless?
Otosuna Mihari really wants to find a corner to calm down.
"Looks like I have miscalculated. I should have came to sensei in person."
Li Yalin is speechless and Otosuna Mihari is depressed. Minano Matome on the other hand sighed, apparently also understands her mistakes.
"You can't say that. Although Otosuna editor is still a newcomer and have little experience, I can see her love for this job. Her pleading momentum even startle me. Not everyone can do what she did. "
Li Yalin is not willing to guess more about Minano Matome's thoughts. What he is focusing now is Otosuna Mihari depressed appearance.
She was hit hard by Minano Matome's words. Although it was not a major setback, she will get more sad if no one comforted her.
Although they only met for the first time, Li Yalin liked this interesting bishoujo editor when watching the anime. He want her to be his editor if it's possible.
Maybe now is a good opportunity.
"I appreciate the work attitude of Otosuna editor and I am willing to work with such an editor. Minano chief editor, can I choose Otosuna editor as my editor?"
According to Minano Matome's attitude, Li Yalin will be an important mangaka for the new magazine in the future. This level of mangaka will have its own right, such as choosing an editor. As long as the demands are not excessive, the magazine will not refuse.
So for this request, Li Yalin was not afraid that Minano Matome would refuse.
"Oh? Li Yalin sensei hopes to work with Otosuna editor? As you can see that Otosuna editor as a newcomer editor is not suitable for Li Yalin sensei's editor. But if sensei insists… "
"Otosuna editor, are you willing to serve as Li Yalin sensei's editor?"
Although Minano Matome looks like a loli, she is actually quite thoughtful. Li Yalin's previous attitude was enough to show that he was not moved by the beauty of Otosuna Mihari, and the so-called beauty trap is actually a whim of Minano Matome.
If not, she would not appear so quickly and even come up with a contract so quickly.
That's why Li Yalin's words even surprised Minano Matome. He actually took a fancy of Otosuna Mihari? The beauty trap joke actually worked? Or does he really appreciate this newcomer editor?
No matter what, Minano Matome had no reason to refuse Li Yalin. So her eyes soon turned to Otosuna Mihari and asked her.
"I?"
Li Yalin would suddenly say this. Otosuna Mihari who was still depressed failed to respond. Now she hears the question of the Minano chief editor. She pointed her nose subconsciously.
Be the editor of Yalin sensei?
Me?
"You don't want to?"
"No no no! Of course I am willing to be Li Yalin sensei editor! It's better to say… please leave this job to me!"
Originally, Otosuna Mihari was still in a trance and failed to react. But when Minano Matome see her. As she spoke excitedly, she subconsciously shuddered and finally calmed down.
For Otosuna Mihari, the best opportunity is placed before her. From newcomer editor to magazine's top mangaka editor is simply a rocket-like triple jump!
What's more, she really likes Li Yalin's Cat Eye. Being able to serve as his editor is simply her dream job. If she refuses this, she feels that she will regret it for the rest of her life.
Shaking her head again and again, Otosuna Mihari could not miss this opportunity!

At the same time.
At Mu Zongyuan's cemetery. 
Old Master Mu and the others arrived at 10 o'clock.
Mu Zongxi and the other main members of the Mu family were present, except Mu Zining.
"Zining went to discuss an important matter today." Mu Zongyuan explained to Old Master Mu. "She won't be able to make it back in time."
Mu Zining had always been busy, so Old Master Mu wasn't surprised. He nodded. "It's fine."
Turning, he was ready to go when he saw Mu Nan standing on the side of the road, standing tall and looking in the direction of the intersection on the left.
"Xiao Nan?" Old Master Mu paused for a moment and asked gently, "Why aren't you going up?"
He thought Mu Nan was timid and didn't dare to go up.
"I'm waiting for my mom." At the mention of Ning Wei, Mu Nan's expression improved a lot. He looked down at the time on his phone. "She'll be here soon, I'll wait two more minutes."
"Your mom?" Butler Mu was shocked. "How is your mom coming?"
The other Mu family members all felt strange as well.
With the summit nearing, flight restrictions were strict. Last night, they had heard Mu Nan's call with his mom and knew that she had been in Beijing at the time. 
After Mu Nan left, Old Master Mu had also focused on Ning Wei's affairs. 
In the past two days, the Mu family became increasingly afraid of looking down on Mu Nan, since they all remembered Ning Wei's affairs. 
Why was she arriving so soon?
"A ticket just happened to be available," Mu Nan paused for a while and then casually spoke. As he was talking, a commercial car drove over slowly. "She's here."
Only when they saw Ning Wei coming out of the car did they dare to believe it. 
It was just that they were still doubtful.
Only a few members of the Mu family knew Ning Wei. After meeting more than 10 years later, they didn't quite know what to say to her.
Old Master Mu noticed that Ning Wei's legs had gotten better. He greeted her and then walked up the steps solemnly.
Only the chief planner of the Mu family glanced at the car that Ning Wei had arrived in.
"What is it?" asked someone next to him.
The chief planner paused for a moment and said hesitantly, "Doesn't that car look like the Liu family's?"
The license plates of the big families in Beijing had specific area codes. 
The Liu family's license plate was quite arrogant and easy to remember. 
"Yeah, now that you mention it." The person paused and squinted at the car. "The first four consecutive numbers are the same…"
The two exchanged glances, thinking how Ning Wei had been in Beijing last night and had managed to come to Shanghai in one night under the summit's strict circumstances. They exchanged shocked glances…
…
After leaving the Liu family's house, Qin Ran didn't return to Gu Xichi's place.
She went inside a dessert shop not far away instead. 
She had never liked sweet food and was addicted to spicy food. However, she was recently hooked on desserts.
Cheng Juan was just two blocks away from here. The street wasn't sealed off, but the street next door was completely sealed off. 
Qin Ran held a spoon with one hand and her phone with the other.
Her phone showed a message from Yan Xi—
[Great God, I have time tomorrow. Do you want to eat hotpot together? I can show you my new song.]
At the mention of hotpot, Qin Ran frowned. 
But she didn't reject him and replied with an "OK".
Sitting opposite her wearing gold-rimmed glasses, Minister Qin handed her a document. "Miss, this is the contract I'll be signing with Pinnacle Studios in the afternoon. Take a look."
The contract with Pinnacle Studios was mainly overseen by Qin Ran, and after signing the contract, Lu Zhixin asked the middle-aged man to let her witness it with her own eyes. 
Taking a bite of cake, Qin Ran put down her phone and reached out to accept the contract. 
The Qin family's contract had always been professional and was very similar to what Qin Ran described, other than a clause that she hadn't noticed before. "Only one internal test quota?"
Qin Ran paused slightly when she saw this clause. 
"The Sixth Master requested for this." Minister Qin glanced at her. "Miss, have you been drawing recently?"
"Yes." Qin Ran nodded without an ounce of guilt.
Minister Qin nodded, somewhat understanding why Lu Zhixin was at his wit's end with her.
So many people in the company's programming department had come for the God but had never had the chance to see her. 
No wonder Lu Zhixin didn't like talking to those people.
Otherwise, what if they asked where the God had gone in the middle of their chat? What could Lu Zhixin possibly say? That Qin Ran won't be going to the laboratory and had run off to draw again??
"By the way, this is the trial contract for the comic book. You can sign it first." Minister Qin took out another contract and handed a pen to her. "News of the Qin and Mo families' cooperation will probably be released in the afternoon."
Qin Ran read through the contract and signed her name. 
There were two copies. 
"I'm going to bring these two contracts to Pinnacle Studios. Once he has stamped his signature, I'll hand you the other copy. I'll contact you again tomorrow." Minister Qin put away the contracts and bid her farewell.
After getting out and getting into the car, he called Lu Zhixin.
He reported to him about Qin Ran's state today.
…
Pinnacle Studios.
Mo Zhihuai was in the office, asking people to check on Editor Shen.
There were few secrets in the company, but one day, Mo Zhihuai had found out about the grievances between Editor Liu and Editor Shen.
Standing beside him, his secretary reported, "The two of them have personal grievances. Editor Liu has wide connections, so the development will actually be better if we hand Magic Lamp to him. As for Editor Shen… he automatically applied for a transfer and will be leaving tomorrow."
He was demoted from chief editor to an assistant.
"Okay." After listening, Mo Zhihuai's Adam's apple rolled, and he waved his secretary out.
When there was no one left in the office, he took out his phone and opened Magic Lamp's avatar on his friend page. 
He was speechless for a long while.
He couldn't do anything regarding Editor Shen's affairs. He didn't know what personal grievances the two editors had, but Editor Shen had even submitted the transfer request himself. 
Mo Zhihuai wasn't surprised by this kind of transfer.
He couldn't intervene easily, either.
After a long while, he took out his phone and sent a message to Qin Ran.
Then, he stood in his office, thinking silently for a long while, until someone knocked on the door and said that the Qin family was here. 
"The Qin family?" Returning to his senses, Mo Zhihuai adjusted his suit. "Take me there."
Since the Qin family was based in Beijing, the Mo family didn't have much contact with them. However, the Qin family's reputation had been rising recently, and there had even been rumors in the circle that the four major families in Beijing more or less had economic lifelines in Continent M.
When the Qin family came to him for cooperation, Mo Zhihuai had been in disbelief. 
After all, even the Mo family hadn't obtained the Qin family's cooperation case. 
It wasn't until Minister Qin called him that he really believed it. 
He took the elevator down and happened to bump into Minister Qin in the corridor. 
"Minister Qin." Mo Zhihuai wore a black suit, looking tall, handsome, and gentle. He greeted Minister Qin very politely. 
Minister Qin's expression was different from when he was complaining to Qin Ran just now, and his expression was very majestic at the moment. He nodded solemnly to Mo Zhihuai in greeting. 
They entered the conference room to discuss cooperation.
At the editorial department, Mu Zining returned with Editor Liu and witnessed this scene. 
They couldn't help but exchange glances. 
They didn't recognize Minister Qin. 
"Who was that just now? It's the first time I saw Young Master Mo showing someone so much respect."
"I don't know, I think his surname is Qin. Does Shanghai have such a family?"
"Have you guys forgotten the rumors inside the company? It's an impressive family in Beijing who wants to cooperate with us…"
"…"
They continued gossiping. 
A male author next to Mu Zining smiled and glanced at her. "It's probably because of the internal quota test. Young Master Mo's comics have been adapted into movies and television shows, and big celebrities are even acting in them. He's definitely interested in this because of you."
"Not necessarily." Mu Zining smiled and said casually, "The company has many other outstanding authors, like Magic Lamp."
"No, she can't." Recently, there had been many rumors about Magic Lamp in the company. "She doesn't have many works under her. Zining, I congratulate you in advance for cooperating with one of Beijing's big families. Are you still afraid that no film and television company will find you?"
The Qin family's promotions were no small thing. 
The cooperation between the two companies wasn't so simple. One was the best family in Shanghai, and the other was an impressive family even more powerful than the Mo family.
The cooperation between these two families was enough to shake the industry. 
Mu Zining smiled and said nothing. 
Not far away, Editor Shen also heard this sentence. He paused and remained silent. Magic Lamp was indeed inferior to Mu Zining, so it wouldn't be surprising if this promotion was given to Mu Zining.
Fourth Young Master Liu had always been the scornful type. He glanced at Mu Zining and said, "Let's ask the Third Young Master later."
While talking, he glanced at his phone. 
He read the WeChat message he just received and his face instantly went dark.
"What's wrong?" Mu Zining noticed the change in his expression.
Without answering to her, he walked up to Editor Shen and sneered. "Editor Shen, you're really impressive!" 
Upon hearing this, Editor Shen turned to face him and frowned. "Editor Liu, what are you implying? Don't beat about the bush."
"You've only been paying lip service, really impressive." Editor Liu stared at him with sharp eyes. "You want to continue snatching my people? Okay, I'll watch how you send them to the top. Editor Shen, I'm waiting for you!"
Without so much as an explanation, he turned around and directly entered his office. 
Mu Zining glanced at the two, raised an eyebrow, and followed him.
Editor Liu's expression was vile when he entered the office. 
Although he was the Liu family's illegitimate child, he was still considered a small overlord in Shanghai because the family recognized him. He was aware of what kind of person could be provoked.
When he first started out as an editor, the Liu family had been in power. Hence, he had survived in the cracks without causing much trouble.
Now that the Liu family had stabilized and Liu Xiao didn't care much about him, he had moved daringly against Editor Shen. However, no one dared to say anything. 
He had a list of who couldn't be provoked in Shanghai, and Editor Shen was obviously no longer on the list.
"What's the matter, why are you so angry?" Mu Zining looked at him and sat down on a chair. 
Fourth Master Liu bit a cigarette with obscure eyebrows. "Those two people are blind."
…
Outside the editorial department, Assistant Cao came over on high heels. 
"What on earth happened?" Editor Shen looked at her anxiously.
"Your Magic Lamp." Assistant Cao looked complicatedly at him. "I heard from someone in Editor Liu's department that she personally told Editor Liu that she wants to follow you. When else has Editor Liu lost face like this?"
"What?" Upon hearing this, Editor Shen stood up directly and paced about in his office. His thoughts were complicated, and he was actually rather touched. "This Magic Lamp…" he whispered.
"She really loves you." Assistant Cao paused. "Are you touched?"
After thinking about it, she asked again, "Erm… How old is she?"
"What nonsense are you thinking about?" Editor Shen glanced at her and frowned. 
Nodding, Assistant Cao suppressed her inner thoughts. "Let's talk about it next time." She straightened her expression and lowered her voice. "I heard from Editor Liu that Mu Zining called him Fourth Master in private before." 
"In Shanghai, you know what kind of person you have to be for Mu Zining to address you as Fourth Master?" 
Editor Shen suddenly looked up.
He knew about Editor Liu's background, so he had given Magic Lamp to him previously. However, he didn't expect things to become complicated. 
Fourth Master Liu.
In Shanghai, the word "Liu" alone was enough to crush a person.
He directly dialed Magic Lamp's WeChat.
Magic Lamp seemed to be eating at the moment. Editor Shen heard the familiar lazy and casual male voice beside her, but he didn't care about that anymore and said directly, "Magic Lamp, what did you say to Editor Liu? You're simply messing around!"
On the other end, Qin Ran responded nonchalantly, "Your three-dimensional matter is to move to the branch?" 
"I'm asking you about Editor Liu." After feeling touched, Editor Shen now felt desperate. "Do you know how he is…"
"Editor Shen, are you free tomorrow?" Qin Ran directly interrupted his long theory. 
Editor Shen paused, his reins having always been held in Magic Lamp's hands. "Yes."
"Shall we eat hotpot together?" Qin Ran reached out and took the milk tea from Cheng Juan. 


[Two-faced Languid Rich Male Lead vs. Deeply Hidden Beautiful Female Lead] 
Qin Ran had grown up in the countryside. She disappears in the third year of high school and ends up suspended for a year. One year later, she is brought to Yun Cheng by her mother to attend First Middle School. 
Her mother tells her: "Your stepfather is from a prestigious family, your brother is a genius, and your younger sister is a top student. Don't be an embarrassment to them." 
Anybody who is anybody in Beijing all receives a warning from Master Juan of the Cheng family: Master Juan's wife is from the countryside and doesn't know how to socialize nor make connections... her temper is also really bad, so please be tolerant of her. 
One day, when Master Juan is investigating a certain big shot, his subordinate stares at the sockpuppet—an online identity used for purposes of deception—he had accidentally revealed. It's from the wife that supposedly doesn't know anything... He falls into silence. 
The two bigshots has probably been hiding their sockpuppets from each other in order not to make the other party feel inferior.

Translated by: ShawnSuh
Edited by: SootyOwl


As the conversation started to steer in an unexpected direction, Seo Kwang felt a sense of crisis. On the other hand, Juho looked completely unfazed, drinking from the straw peacefully as if completely unaware of what he had just said. Feeling burdened by what he had just heard, Seo Kwang looked at Juho with narrowed eyes.

"Don't you do anything stupid after you're done with that manuscript!" 

"Stupid? Like what?" Juho scoffed asked nonchalantly. However, Seo Kwang remained serious.

"Whenever I see you, I get the feeling that you'll die early." 

"OK, that's just a-whole-nother level of trash talk." 

"It's not trash talk. It's a legitimate thought. You tend to rush things, you know." 

Seo Kwang had often felt like Juho wouldn't live as long as the others, something that caused him significant anxiety. Anything rushed tended to yield a similarly precarious emotional experience. Then, seeing that Juho had stopped talking, Seo Kwang rubbed his eyes and corrected himself in a hurry, "As in… like a dog." 

"A dog?" 

"You know, they grow really fast!" Seo Kwang said, feeling relief when Juho chuckled. Then, leaning back on his chair, Seo Kwang tossed the rice puff up into the air and caught it with his mouth. Glancing over at Juho, the translator said, "Well, since you've already committed to it, you might as well give it all you got." 

"What?" 

Then, Seo Kwang took the rice puff in his hand and crushed is, the snapping sound fading into the air. 

"It's already hard enough as is to wait." 

Given that the white book would be a collaboration between Wol Kang and Yun Woo, almost all of their fans would feel like Seo Kwang. Juho rubbed his chin. He was well aware of the expectations that would be put on him when he agreed to finish Wol's book. 

"You mean you can't wait to find out if I'll make a fool out of Wol Kang or not." 

"That's part of it," Seo Kwang said. Curiosity of that was bound to exist when taking up a task that had been left unfinished by another person. 

Massaging his shoulder, Juho replied, "I wonder if you'll be the first one to show up at my door to beat me up for doing Mr. Kang a disservice." 

"Me? Beat up Yun Woo? Nah, I doubt that. I'll just keep it at cursing you out." 

Juho imagined the disappointed look on his friend's face, something with which he was well acquainted. In his past life, Juho had learned for the first time that disappointing someone could hurt significantly more than getting beat up. 

"I gotta see him, no matter what," Juho murmured, resting his chin on his hand. Meanwhile, Seo Kwang stared at Juho with a slightly disconcerted look.

"Don't do anything extreme, my friend." 

Although it was better to stay alive, Wol Kang was still nowhere to be found. Juho remembered having heard about Wol from Yun Seo at one point. According to her, he had been incredibly stubborn and tended to do whatever he pleased. Apparently, he had also tended to be rather unpredictable, which meant that he would only show up when he felt like it. 

"Sigh..." 

Juho was tempted to draw him out somehow, but the young author's position didn't allow him to focus solely on Wol either. Between the late author and Juho, there existed a crow. 

"Is everything OK?" 

When Juho looked up, he saw his editor's shiny head. 

"It's nothing," Juho replied and asked, "How's the manuscript?" 

"I think we can keep it as is." 

Juho was paired up with a new editor, someone assigned by the editor-in-chief. Looking quite nervous, the new editor took the manuscript from the young author. Due to the nature of the work, most editors tended to be quite sociable. Those who weren't so tended to work hard to improve that aspect of themselves. The editor in front of the young author seemed to fall under the latter category. Staring at his balding head, Juho asked, "Are you hot?" 

"I'm sorry?" the editor asked, looking up, his face glistening. 

"You seem to be sweating a lot," Juho said. 

"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern." 

The new editor's attitude was somewhat rigid. Remembering the editor-in-chief, whom he had met at one point, Juho nodded. The editor-in-chief had been confident in the editor's skills, and Juho hadn't gotten a bad impression from the editor either. Besides, in Juho's mind, it was more interesting that there were editors as diverse as authors. 

"This part here..." 

"Yes?" Juho replied, looking at the spot his editor was pointing. It was the part where Juho had lost control of his emotions while writing. Then, placing the final draft next to the first draft, the editor started his explanation, rushing slightly to get the words out of his mouth.

"So, this book is definitely on the darker side of things." 

"You think so?" Juho asked, tilting his head. Although the young author hadn't intended for the novel to be heavy, he was also aware that it wasn't light-hearted either. 

Seeing the look on the young author's face, the editor added in a hurry, "Not that it's a bad thing. The struggle between the crow and the protagonist is completely justified." 

"Right," Juho replied calmly. 

Then, clearing his throat, the editor added, "It almost feels as though the two characters have dedicated their lives to fighting, but at the same time, it doesn't make you wonder if it's really necessary to fight that hard, which only happens because the narrator specified what the crow is to him. There's something very convincing about their struggle." 

Juho listened intently to his editor and his feedback. As far Juho could tell, the editor was speaking very cautiously. 

"But, things get a little less straightforward toward the end of the story." 

"Less straightforward… Right," Juho said, nodding in agreement. By then, the editor seemed to be much more at ease. 

"The crow becomes much too metaphysical toward the end, which, in turn, makes the narrator look like he's losing his mind. Of course, that isn't to say that it's wrong in any way! The narrator definitely has issues that he needs to deal with. Personally, I was hoping that the story would stay a bit more rational," the editor said, wiping the sweat off of his forehead with a handkerchief. 

"I understand. It's something we've already discussed," Juho said.

Just as he had said, the editor had suggested that the author take a slightly less ambiguous approach toward the end. Since Juho had been thinking something similar, the author had been able to take up his editor's suggestion. On the other hand, Juho tended to go overboard with the abstract, and Nam Kyung had often pointed that out to him. In actuality, it had been a habit that had come with age. As Juho grew older, his stamina also naturally diminished. Therefore, when he wrote, he left things ambiguous rather than being deliberate. The contrast was comparable to the difference between a sinking beer bottle and a professional swimmer diving into the water. Then, pushing the edited version toward the editor, Juho said, "So, I made some changes accordingly." 

"The ending is what makes this book what it is! You never fail to impress me, Mr. Woo," the editor said, holding the edited version of the manuscript in his hands with a bright smile. Having a feeble appearance to begin with, the smile on his face made him look even more innocent. 

Staring intently at his face, Juho said, "All thanks to you." At which point, the editor's cheeks flushed bright red. 

"Your writing never ceases to amaze me, Mr. Woo. It's truly an honor to be working with you," the editor said. Juho remembered hearing the same remark when they had first met. As they were being introduced to each other, the editor-in-chief had said, "He reads your books the most out of the entire editing department. Eventually, he'll follow in my footsteps as editor-in-chief." 

Back then, the editor had sweated profusely. Although appearing calm, the sweat had indicated to the young author that the editor had been trying as hard as he could to remain that way. 

"I've read 'The Crow.'" 

"Right." 

"I was... overwhelmed," the editor had said, covering his mouth. At which, Juho had chuckled awkwardly. Then, after explaining the strength and charm of the book bashfully, the editor had asked, "I assume that there are some changes you'd like to make?" 

From then on, the two had gotten into a heated debate, which had been very exhausting. It had been as if the editor had learned from the editor-in-chief himself. Because of that, Juho had found himself having no time to work on the white book. Having finished revising the manuscript for 'The Crow,' Juho let out a deep sigh. 'NOW, I can focus on Mr. Kang.' At that moment...

"So, are you planning on going back to Mr. Kang's manuscript?" the editor asked out of nowhere. However, Juho remained unfazed, as it wasn't entirely unusual for the editor to bring up that subject. The fact that Juho was working on Wol's unfinished book was already widespread news. As the young author nodded, the editor said, "Well, if you need any help, please don't hesitate to call me." 

"Actually, the chief asked me personally to show him the manuscript once it's finished," Juho replied with a smile.

Then, looking toward Juho with sincerity, the editor wiped the sweat off his upper lip and said bashfully, "I just don't have the guts to ask for a favor like that. So, are you planning on showing it to the chief?" 

"No. I haven't even started on it yet. I can't make any promises just yet." 

At that, as if the answer had left him wanting more, the editor rubbed the back of his neck and said, "Break a leg, Mr. Woo." 

With that, as Juho rose from his seat, the editor offered to give him a ride, which Juho accepted. Juho waited for his editor in the underground parking lot. As several cars went past him, Juho stood with his arms crossed, lost in thoughts about the white book. Then, noticing the moon in the still-blue sky, Juho stared at it dazedly. At that moment, a car came to an abrupt stop nearby. When Juho looked ahead, he saw somebody familiar getting out of the car in a hurry.

"Mr. Woo?" 

He was a reporter who had interviewed Juho at one point. Remembering getting bombarded with questions by him, Juho sensed trouble, sighing internally and thinking, 'Of all people…' 

"What brings you here?" 

"I'm here on work-related business," Juho replied briefly. Nevertheless, the reporter still seemed happy to see the young author. Naturally updating Juho on how his life had been, the reporter started to investigate. At which point, the author realized that it was too late to run. 

"That reminds me! I was shocked when I heard about Mr. Wol's unfinished book! I didn't even know such a thing existed." 

"Me neither," Juho said. Whenever he would take a step back, the reporter would follow him even closer. 

"When I heard that you were working on it, though, I just couldn't contain myself." 

"Thank you," Juho said, trying to be sparing with his words, waiting desperately for his editor's car to arrive. 

"Are you working on it right now?" 

"No, not yet." 

"Have you always been a fan of Wol Kang?" 

"How can one not be?" 

"Well, it's just that you've never mentioned his name before." 

Juho forced himself to answer the reporter, resisting the urge to sigh. However, the reporter didn't let up. 

"How was it staying with Mr. Lim? I've been very curious about that." 

"There's not much to be curious about. He invited me, and I went." 

"C' mon, Mr. Woo. Every reporter knows how Mr. Lim can be. He's notorious for not taking visitors." 

"I think you might be better off asking Mr. Lim himself," Juho said in an attempt to deflect the reporter's attention away from him. However, the reporter didn't budge, determined to focus on Juho. 

"How'd you feel when you were invited?" 

"... I was glad. Wait, is this an interview? In that case, I'd much rather meet in an official capacity." 

"Well, not necessarily. But, are you saying yes to a potential interview?" 

"Not necessarily. As you're already aware, I have work to do." 

"It'll be just a minute, Mr. Woo. I won't publish anything." 

"As it should be. Especially if you wanna interview me in the future," Juho said with a smile, and the reporter smiled as well, asking, "I assume that you've already read the book?" 

"Of course." 

Suddenly, the reporter asked desperately, "Could you please tell me what it's about? I'm a huge fan of Wol Kang. He was my hero growing up." 

With the corner of his mouth turned up, Juho replied, "I don't think so." 

At that moment, a car arrived, and Juho turned toward it. As Juho started walking toward it, he felt a hand clasp his shoulder, which was followed by a voice that said, "One last thing, Mr. Woo." 

"Yes?" 

"Isn't it a lot of pressure?" 

"What is?" Juho asked, playing coy, and the reporter clarified himself, "Finishing the job left behind by a dead author." 

Then, as if having caught on to the situation, the driver started to honk, which reverberated through the parking lot. Looking into the air for a brief moment, Juho replied, "Well, I had the urge to do it. What can I do?" 

With a brief goodbye, Juho got in the car and left. Meanwhile, standing in place, the reporter stared at where the author had been standing.

Yum Woo is the youngest author in history to enter the literature world. His debut work was a massive hit but this success was short lived for the unprepared.

A miraculous second chance comes his way one day.

This is the beginning of that journey.

October 14, 2011 – Friday 4:30pm, Nabla Observer, West Ouigab
 
I just closed my laptop after I saved the finalized the draft for my article tomorrow in a flash drive for my editor's consideration. At first, I loved it when I was promoted to a feature writer because of the pay but also I can write whatever I want to write about. A few months in on the job, however, I realized that's not the case. The editor refuses most of the stuff I propose and replace them with topics he wants instead. 
 
I understand however why the editor wants this control. The previous feature writer basically wrote articles that not many people read. That resulted to the newspaper receiving a lot of mails and e-mails every day from a lot of our readers, all suggestions on what to write about. The previous feature writer basically ignored the suggestions and kept on writing stuff he wants to write about. The editor too could not do anything because the previous feature writer has many friends among the newspaper's sponsors. It also didn't help that the previous feature writer was the oldest employee in the newspaper before he retired. 
 
Since I took over, we have received less and less suggestions from our readers which meant that they liked what I was writing, and that the editor's ideas for articles are actually good and attractive to the readers. The editor also let me take all the credit, so it's not like I can complain. I like the editor as a person as he treats every journalist in the newspaper fairy and generously; I just felt more freedom writing real articles about real news, real events, and real people. 
 
I find writing these feature articles very tedious. The draft I just wrote up is one good example. Who cares if a Nabla artist's painting sold for 3 million BGC? That's so stupid. It's not like it's a beautiful painting either. Even my 5 year-old nephew can paint something like that. I bet the painter just splashed different colors of paint on the canvas and called it a day. And critics called it his masterpiece. How pretentious. I bet the editor knows that it's stupid too; he knows however, that it's an interesting topic for people. 
 
I might have volunteered for demotion had it not for my goal of becoming one of the bosses of the newspaper. I was about to crack an entertainment company's terrible practices towards its artists when I got promoted after the previous feature writer suddenly resigned. Because of the sudden promotion, I had to pass my assortment of notes about the case to Madi, a fellow journalist. 
 
I really didn't make friends in the newspaper, and Madi is just an acquaintance at best. Thankfully, he was able to complete my investigation and added more before publishing an article under our names. I discovered at first that the entertainment company would send their new artists to gigs and keep the pay, under the excuse of exposure and compensation for the signing fee. 
 
In addition to my discovery, Madi also discovered that that company finds promising artists and sign them to what is almost a sl*ve contract. They would offer these hungry artists at least a 5 year exclusive contract and would ask the artist to publish their work under the company's name. It's basically giving up their copyright. In addition to the unreasonable conditions, the company would include sky high penalty fee if ever the artists break the contract. 
 
The artists, having no other entertainment company approach them would sign the devil's contract hoping that it will change their lives for the better. Many of them however would just end up trapped in the company's metaphorical dungeon until their contract is over and leave just as desolate as they have been when they entered the company. Worse is that they lost years they can never get back. 
 
Unfortunately, even though the article made me and Madi's names famous, it did not do anything to that evil entertainment company at all because how legally tight the contracts they gave. The best the article did is to warn aspiring artists to be careful choosing an entertainment company to sign with and read the contracts they are offered thoroughly. 
 
I arrived in front of the editor's office, knocked on the door, before entering. "Oh. You're submitting early, Ophelia?" The editor said as I walked in to his office. "Here. Read it first." I replied as I passed him the flash drive I saved my draft in. Two minutes later, the editor finally looked up from his computer. "Good. We can print this tomorrow. I'm guessing you're clocking out early?" The editor asked. "Yes. I don't feel too well." I lied. "Okay. You worked hard. Call me tomorrow if it gets worse." The editor said. "Thank you sir." I replied. 
 
I was about to leave his office when the editor called out to me. "Ophelia." I looked back to see him wearing a more serious face. "How is it going with the author by the way? Didn't you tell me you personally know his agent?" The editor asked.  
 
"I do know his agent. I called the author himself even but I was refused to even have a phone interview. It's been ten months since then and he still hasn't gotten back to me; I don't think he will either in the future." I replied wryly. "What? Is he dead or something?" The editor asked, now frowning. "Oh. No, no. Maybe he just doesn't want the attention. His agent showed me his upcoming book that will be released next month, so I called Mr. Grimmauld again. It's just that he blocked my cellphone number." I explained. 
 
"I see… I've met plenty of people like him, so I think you're right. It's just unfortunate we can't get an interview. Well, as long as he's alive, he gives Ouigab City's authors more prestige." The editor said. If there's an interest the editor and I have in common, it's T.L.D. Grimmauld who wrote the new fairy tales. "BUT… I still hope you don't give up convincing the agent to set up a meeting with the author, alright? You can go." The editor said. "Yes sir, I will try again for the nth time." I replied and walked out the office.
 
I know that my comment just now was sarcastic, and that the editor did not intend to offend me, but I'm a journalist, and the editor recognized me as one so he should have realized that it's not like I haven't done anything I can to meet the author. He should also know how frustrating it is for a journalist to not get a good scoop even though they're close to it.  
 
I have gotten really close to an interview with Mr. Grimmauld; it's just that the person blocking my way is not only a person I know; he's also a good friend. Chala, when I was just a rookie journalist, helped me get access to places a rookie author like I was should not have accessed. Not only that, over the years, he helped me write articles about Teungeb's literary circles. Even though we used each other in the beginning, a strong friendship started from it and lasted even after twelve years later. 
 
If Mr. Grimmauld's agent was anyone else, I would have even resorted to bribery. It's just I value my friendship with Chala too much and it's not like he didn't let me take a peek at what Mr. Grimmauld is like either. The fundamental reason stopping me more importantly is Mr. Grimmauld himself. If he doesn't want to be interviewed, then there's nothing I can do. Now that he's become even more famous and established his name internationally, I bet Mr. Grimmauld would keep to himself even tighter than the time I talked to him. 
 
In the end, the only articles I wrote about him are the analyses of his stories, the coverage of his book sales and international recognition. Other newspapers, TV news, and radio news also reported similar articles like the ones I've published about him, but the only difference is that I can brag to them that I was able to talk with Mr. Grimmauld personally and has an idea about his personality. 
 
Thinking about this only made me feel more frustrated so I took a deep breath and walked back to my cubicle. After sitting down for a few minutes, I grabbed my car keys and wallet, and finally left the office.
 
I drove my car out of the parking lot and headed for Monna Park, the real reason why I got off the office early. I usually don't get off work before six in the evening but tonight, I have something to see. Last week, when I was doing my research at Monna Park for my article about the best places in the city that one can relax at for free; my attention was caught by a young man named Yawat who was performing for free by the park's lake, with a small crowd watching him. 
 
He looks to be in his early twenties but I can't be certain because of the way he dresses and the huge vintage looking sunglasses and hat he wore. If one looks at his build alone, one would mistake him for a professional swimmer or runner. If I hadn't heard him singing before I saw his appearance, I would have laughed at what could have looked like a professional athlete holding a guitar, surrounded by legitimate sound equipment set-up. 
 
Because of how great he sounded though, I decided to stay and watch his whole performance. I was a little disappointed when his set ended but when I looked at the time, an hour already passed. Thankfully, he promised that he will bring his band with him tonight and with that, I'm filled with anticipation as I drove closer to Monna Park.

A/N : Alt Title - Jack of Entertainment 

Title : Jack of Arts

Synopsis:
Tayaw is a talented musician who never got to fulfill his potential. After losing his purpose in an unfulfilled life full of regrets; he is given the chance to go back in time and do everything over again.Along with a mysterious gift and an unclear mission, Tayaw starts a new life, this time making his mark to the world.
"Tayaw is a once in a hundred years musical artist! I just wish he was born in my generation"
- Buddy Rich, two-time Gramophone Award winner
"I admit he's a good musician, but he's an author first and foremost. He is changing the world of literature for the better."
- Helena Paddington, Outcault Prize for Fiction winner, Sohlman Prize for Literature winner.
"Despite being a musician and an author, he is to me, the greatest blessing to the film industry. This is his era."
- Heo Dong-jun, two-time Academy Award winner for Best Director and three-time nominee.

"I don't like him. Why does he use actors who didn't train and grind on the stage? He says he doesn't like my acting? What the hell does the kid know about acting? I've won awards for f*cks sake!"
- Merrell Street, five-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor, three-time Toby Award winner for Best Actor.




---------------
A ground work for a novel idea in the future.
---------------
English is not my first language so excuse my limited vocabulary and bad grammar. thanks

"No matter what other people may say, we are the protagonists of this world." 

—Akaashi Keiji (Haikyuu!)

Christian paused the anime that he is watching for a few hours. He took a deep breath before placing his mobile phone to the drawer besides his bed. He stares at the ceiling, observing the movement of the blades of the ceiling fan. The blades are spinning nonstop, unless the ceiling fan will be turned off. Just like in a movie, the story revolves on a particular character which is the protagonist. It will stop revolving once the movie ended. But sometimes, the audience tend to ignore the supporting characters as they were too focused on the protagonist. In a ceiling fan, we can only see its exterior which is the blade and the bracket. But the ceiling fan won't be a 'ceiling fan' without its interior parts, such as the motor and the wire. 

These random thoughts kept running in his mind. How he correlates the ceiling fan to a movie, it seems stupid. But it is his job after all. To write an interesting story that will caught not just the teenagers, but also different generations' interest. In order to produce a good movie, the reference story must be solid. A building must have a solid foundation to stand through different phenomenons. The plot, characters, setting, sequence of events, everything. Everything must be solid and strong. However, you need skills to create a good story. The creativity of words, the structure of each statements and of course, the grammar. Nowadays, grammar is big deal to teenagers. It seems like it is the standard of being intelligent. Also, you need an inspiration. As a writer, you need to identify your motives or intentions on writing. What inspires you to write, maybe your purpose on writing. It's important because it gives you encouragement whenever you are experiencing a writer's block. Lastly, you need to have experience. Those experiences are very important. Experiences may give you ideas about your story. Also, you may use your experience to improve the storyline. You just have to play with lines. 

A good story must be carefully made. It is somehow similar to a baby. It depends on the parent on how they will raise their baby. In a story, it depends on the author. 

Christian Simoune, a writer who is currently having a hard time thinking about a plot. It is very rare to see him struggle on writing a story. He produced a lot of stories, and those stories does have a movie. His penname, Toshiko Ryouta. 

Recently, his novel editor gave him three months of deadline to finish his story. It is for the novel prize award. Christian on the other hand, felt comfortable about it so he agreed. For the first week, he seems determined as he thought of a story plot. He even presented the plot story suggestion to his editor earlier than the planned date. But his editor said, "Cliché." So he discarded all his draft and think of a new plot. A month had passed, the deadline has come but he doesn't have anything to present. His editor is disappointed, and even mocked him. "Tan Enuo, not participating in the Novel prize award? Shame" His editor said in a teasing voice. Christian is disappointed to himself, and rushed. Two months and he still doesn't have a strong and concrete plot. 

Disappointing. He thought. 

Christian's editor asked him if he could still do it. Christian, being a prideful man says he could do it. But behind his direct statements, he is doubting himself. His editor left, giving Christian personal space. 

Christian took his phone to watch some movies for him to gain inspirations. He searched The Teenage Mutants, which is a cartoon. The main characters really caught his attention but at some point, he felt guilty. He is guilty that he gave the supporting characters less importance. Christian realized that the supporting character is like a ladder. A ladder that is used for climbing higher ends. 

Suddenly, Christian thought of something making him paused the cartoon he is watching. 

What is the life of an extra. 

Christian thought it was a good plot, so he immediately wrote it down and make a draft. He can't wait to share it to his co-workers, especially to his 'egoistic' editor. 

The next day, Christian is fully energized as he went to his workplace earlier than ever. The security guards greeted him, with a confused look on their face. "You seems early, Mr. Simoune."  One of the guards told him. "I'm just motivated." He replied ecstatically. The security guards gave him a worried look as he entered the elevator, pressing the his office floor button. 

When he entered the office, it's unusual that he is the only one inside. Well, it really is unusual when he is always late. Minutes had passed, his co-workers came one by one as they gave Christian a disbelief look. His editor finally came, and it is the signal that he should start sharing what he thought last night. 

Christian cleared his throat to get his co-workers attention. "I know it's unusual that I came early than everybody, but I thought of a plot." He said with a cheerful tone. His co-workers are exchanging looks, and his editor is surprised. They even joked that maybe he is sick or something. He rolled his eyes as he continues his announcement. "It's about the life of an extra." He said with full of pride. His co-workers on the other hand, couldn't understand what Christian meant by his statement. "Would you expound it for us?" One of his co-workers said. 

"A movie always includes: protagonist, antagonist and the supporting characters. Usually, the director put depth on the protagonist's story. Sometimes, the back story of the antagonist, of why did they turned to be the bad guy. It sounds cliché, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the watchers tend to not give importance to the supporting roles." Christian paused for a while to catch his breath. "What if we take a closer look on their story." He continued. 

His co-workers looked at him, and they seemed amused. Christian could hear his co-workers laughing and whispering. He felt disappointed because he thought it was a great idea. But, he heard someone speaking from his back. "Doesn't the story makes the supporting character the protagonist? I mean it really depends on the author." His editor spoke. It made him unease and confused. He couldn't seem to understand what his editor means. But a phrase popped up on his mind. 

'the author's view'

Christian Simoune, a famous author.  Throughout his journey, he faced a lot of challenges. Unfortunately, He tends to feel burned-out writing because of those challenges. As time passes by, he experienced unusual events.  Will it help him reach his goals despite of the challenges he is facing?

But after a long time, His journey reached to an end. Is he happy? Is he satisfied? But the important question is, 

"Did he reached his goal?"

"WHAT happened?" Blue asked Light because the latter heaved a sigh.
Light glanced at his phone screen again. He received a message from an unknown number.
Unknown: Hello, HeavenlySweetPotato! This is Mimi, your assigned content editor. There had been changes in the company and you fell under my care. Let's work together for a long time!
He kept his phone, and his gaze landed on Blue. "Nothing."
Blue understood that she needs to shut up, so she entered the car and sat silently on the shotgun seat. She fastened her seatbelt and Light sat on the driver's seat. When everything was set, he drove off.
"You can work at your own home tomorrow. I have somewhere to go. We're heading to my house for you to pick up your car." Light told Blue and the latter just gave him a nod. They arrived at the Lim family's residence in no time.
Blue's car was already parked in front of the door to the Lim family's house. The family driver stood by the side. Blue stepped out of Light��s car and walked towards her own car. She got her keys from the driver and drove to her home. She didn't bother to bid her goodbye to Mrs. Lim because she knows that the woman is already asleep.
Blue entered her house when she had arrived and walked towards her turtle's aquarium. She smiled when she saw that the little turtle was sleeping. She patted its shell lightly and went to her room to change her clothes.
When she finished doing her evening routine, she turned on her laptop and opened the writing app. It's been days since HeavenlySweetPotato sent her a chapter and she had already written her part. She's just waiting for the author's response.
She wrote a new chapter of her web novel, Freely, and posted it to the Words by You app after she checked every words and punctuations. She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep after posting.
 
 
LIGHT went straight to Brian's office when he went to the Moonflower Publishing Company's building. The guy was busy with his computer when Light entered. He only noticed Light when the latter knocked on the door.
"You're spacing out." Light remarked and sat at the visitor's chair. The editors of the company doesn't share an office. Each of them has an office where they should work, making everything convenient for them.
"You already know about your new editor?" Brian faced Light with a problematic face.
"Yes. Why is your expression like that? You're resigning?" Light reckoned, and he didn't expect that the guy would really give him a nod.
"Dad is getting old. I know that they're not telling me that they need me to take over the company. The time I spent as an editor was already enough to fulfill my wishes."
"Good luck."
"Hah, I should be the one saying that to you. Your new editor is a girl. As I had observed, she easily drools over handsome men." Brian paused. "But what I'm thinking about is why she chose to be an editor when she graduated as cum laude in her first course. Her first course is related to fashion. She might be a director already if she pursued that profession." He continued.
"She has her own choice. It's not our problem if she chose to be an editor. If she messes up, it's your fault."
"What the heck? Am I the editor-in-chief? Why am I always the one who's at fault?" Brian hissed and continued to type on his keyboard.
Someone knocked on the door so the two guys turned their heads and saw a girl with a shoulder-length hair, wearing a body-hugging dress and a pair of high heels.
The girl opened the door and entered Brian's office gracefully. She smiled at the two guys and winked at Light.
Light felt goosebumps all over his body.
"Editor-in-chief asked me to bring these files to you." The girl smiled at Brian as she handed the files to him.
Brian faked a cough and spoke, "Light, this is Suzuki Miyoki. Everyone in the company calls her 'Mimi.' She's your new editor."
At that moment, Light thought he didn't want to go to the company anymore.
"I'm HeavenlySweetPotato." Light introduced himself. He didn't tell his actual name and didn't even think of shaking hands with Mimi.
But… Miyoki? The girl who stole Blue's thesis has the same name! What a coincidence!
"May I know what your full name is, Mr. Author?" Mimi spoke with a coquettish tone and pulled herself close to Light. The latter wanted to run and lock himself at home. He should have talked to Brian through the phone and continued to work with Blue.
"My name is Light Lim." Light answered, his voice void of emotions. He nodded at Brian and left the place.
Maybe fate was really playing with him because as he looked behind, Mimi was smiling widely as she followed Light.
"Why are you following me?" Light stopped walking and faced the girl. Mimi's smile grew bigger.
"I'll send you outside."
"I can walk by my own. This isn't the first time I went here. I'm not too stupid to suddenly get lost." Light spoke with a cold voice.
"Excuse me! If you're going to talk, make sure that you aren't delaying someone. Talking boldly at the middle of the hallway, we can't pass through!" Light heard a familiar voice so he turned his head to the person who spoke. Their eyes widened when they saw each other.
"Pepper Mint." Light greeted and Pepper just nodded at him. Her gaze landed on Mimi's face.
"Why are you here? Planning to ruin someone's life again?" Pepper threw the question to Mimi and the latter's face paled.
"I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here because I'm the newly hired editor." Mimi seemed to realize something. "Oh, you're SweetLullaby, right? You're under my care now. As well as SakuraKiss."
"Hah, it's better to switch companies than have you as an editor. Weren't you a fashion designing graduate? You even graduated as 'cum laude.'" Pepper emphasized the last two words. "What are you doing here, then? You're still not contented?"
"Why are you telling me these words? We doesn't seem to know each other. This is our first meeting."
"Let me tell you, I know how your mind works. Don't mess with me." Pepper turned around to leave the building. When Mimi was lost in her own thought, Light took the chance and left the building.
 
 
BLUE picked up her phone when it suddenly beeped. She's resting for a while after she finished drawing clothes for the first half of the files Light had sent her.
Pepper sent her a message.
Pepper Mint: I'm going to call you.
When Blue read all the words, her ringtone can be heard in the whole house. She answered the caller. She still haven't said anything when Pepper started to rant.
"Hey, Blossom, you know who I encountered a while ago? It's Suzuki Miyoki! That traitor ex-friend of yours." Pepper started. "Damn, she's our new editor! If you're going to change companies, I'll go with you!"
Blue was lost in her own thoughts. Miyoki… she's back?
"Calm down, Pepper. But, how did she end up being an editor? Isn't she a fashion designing graduate?"
"I asked her that question but she said, 'We doesn't seem to know each other.'" Pepper mimicked Mimi's coquettish tone.
"Hah, let her be. I'll deal with her, okay? But… we changed editors? No one told me."
"My Brian is resigning. That's why we're assigned a new editor. I want to cry. No, no. I don't have the will to write anymore. My everyday inspiration… I don't have any reason to contact him anymore!"
"Your birthday is near. Why don't you invite him? Use that as an opportunity to wrap him in your hands."
"I never knew that you could be this smart."
"…"
"Then I shall prepare for it. It should be a costume party!" Pepper exclaimed. Her mood lifted when she thought of this.
"You're turning 28 and…"
"That's the point! I want to experience the feeling of being young again."
"Then do what you like." Blue responded and sighed. Of course, she'll be invited in Pepper's birthday party, meaning, she also needs to wear a costume. Should she dress up as No Face from Spirited Away?
"Okay, okay. Tell me if you encounter any problem with Miyoki. I'm hanging up now." Pepper ended the call and when Blue was about to go to the bathroom, someone knocked on her door.

Blue is a fashion designer envied by her colleagues because her name is remarkable in the fashion industry, but little did they know, she's also a web novel writer in Words by You, a writing platform famous in their country.

Light is a web novel writer in Words by You, main genre is Mystery/Thriller, but little did his readers know, he's also a manhua artist, famous in that industry.

These two people, they don't get along very well.

What if one day, they need to work with each other?


Note: the photo used for the BC is not mine. Full credits belong to the real owner.

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