Starting as a Manga Editor-Chapter 214: Mutual Exchange

At the same time.
Yan Yun had described Kang Ming as one of their core team members - energetic, full of ideas, passionate about game development, but otherwise nothing particularly special. This same Kang Ming now stood before Tang Yao, confidently declaring: "Don't worry, I've tested it many times. There's absolutely no way it'll reveal anything beyond what the camera captures."
"Alright."
Tang Yao nodded lightly, reassured: "Thanks for your hard work."
"Not at all, I actually found it quite fun."
Kang Ming rubbed his hands together like an excited fly, glancing at the camera: "This is my first time working on something like this, but the process was enjoyable. Your concept was solid - just tricky to implement. But Shi Wanglin, Sun Gong and I love tinkering with these unconventional ideas. Honestly, we're really looking forward to seeing the final effect. Big guys like us sitting in front of cameras always feel mismatched with the costumes, but you're different... hehe."
Tang Yao shot him a look: "So you think I'm perfectly suited for this?"
"Absolutely! In fact, you'd have better impact without the costume at all!"
As their working relationship progressed, Kang Ming no longer treated Tang Yao with the same initial 'awe'.
While his admiration never diminished... most staff who worked with Tang Yao long enough knew this boss was incredibly capable, yet her daily demeanor resembled a high schooler's.
Adorably so.
Of course.
This was her usual self. When firmness was required, she could be as resolute as anyone.
In fact, many core staff rejecting headhunters' offers had something to do with Tang Yao herself.
After all, everyone was thoroughly satisfied with this young leader.
Beautiful, capable, unpretentious, charismatic, and above all - generous.
...Though she did call people idiots when angry.
Well.
That might not count as a virtue.
Yet staff strangely didn't mind being scolded.
As for why...
Best not dwell on that.
"...Get back to work."
Hearing Kang Ming's words, Tang Yao extended a slender finger, feigning annoyance as she pointed elsewhere.
Kang Ming left smiling.
They were young, admittedly lacking experience, even insensitive to interpersonal nuances.
But precisely because they were young, their passion for realizing creative ideas bordered on fanaticism.
Even if it meant learning on the job.
Energetic, vigorous, and passionate.
Perhaps this was their most remarkable quality after all.
"......"
Tang Yao watched Kang Ming leave, shook her head, and was about to resume writing the livestream proposal when—
Li Xue arrived.
Her hurried footsteps preceded her as she called out before reaching Tang Yao: "Tang Yao!"
"Hmm?"
Tang Yao's hands hovered above the keyboard as she turned in surprise.
Li Xue approached, smoothing her hair and adjusting her appearance slightly before announcing cheerfully: "I've successfully recruited someone!"
Tang Yao blinked: "Who? Who did you recruit?"
"The creator of 'Essence', Wei Chi."
"???"
Li Xue began explaining: "Their studio dissolved, so I tried inviting him to join Avalon..."
The recruitment process proved unexpectedly simple.
Wei Chi, somewhat disillusioned and lacking funds to continue development, accepted Li Xue's olive branch after brief consideration.
That's right.
He joined with his game, his sole condition being maintaining its purity - no in-app purchases, no ads, no grinding, purely experience-driven as originally envisioned.
Knowing Tang Yao's objectives, Li Xue agreed after some thought.
"......"
Tang Yao's lips parted slightly in astonishment upon hearing this.
Then—
She sprang up from her chair, embracing Li Xue's soft figure while giving a little hop of joy: "Amazing! Miss Li! I never imagined you could actually recruit him!!"
This was fantastic! The creator behind a simplified 'Monument Valley'... though success in such games depended heavily on timing and circumstances.
But having such an innovative mind join Avalon was nothing but gain.
Especially bringing his game along.
"......"
Li Xue froze momentarily, then suddenly felt everything had been worthwhile...
"Oh right, would you like some reward?"
After releasing the hug, Tang Yao regained composure, suddenly conscious they were at the office... especially after their recent foolish incident, this physical closeness felt... odd.
She created some distance while changing topics.
"Reward?"
Li Xue seemed unaware of any awkwardness, still holding Tang Yao's slender waist.
"You've accomplished something significant."
Pretending not to notice, Tang Yao smiled lightly: "As your boss, shouldn't I reward you?"
Li Xue asked curiously: "Then... any request is acceptable?"
"Any reasonable request, yes."
"Then I want to see you in a skirt..."
Li Xue blinked: "Any style works - not for public wear, just privately for me. Though knee-high socks would be ideal if possible..."
"...?"
Tang Yao stiffened abruptly: "You think I'd agree?"
"You said any request!"
"I said reasonable requests."
"Is wearing a skirt unreasonable?"
"......"
Tang Yao fell abruptly silent, speechless.
Li Xue added: "You promised. You're Avalon's boss now."
Tang Yao glared lightly at Li Xue, murmuring: "We'll discuss later..."
"No! Just two days ago you were telling me how you tricked your sister... promising baths together during New Year that never happened."
"I regret telling you that... but this time I mean it! No tricks! After... after 'Hearthstone' launches!"
"Fine."
Li Xue eyed Tang Yao skeptically before whispering: "Then I'll buy the skirt."
"......"
Tang Yao didn't respond, releasing Li Xue with some regret.
Perhaps mentioning rewards wasn't wise... now she'd have to figure out how to evade this later.
Li Xue, however, seemed quite pleased, immediately picking up her phone to browse something after being released...
Tang Yao rummaged through her desk, producing a document: "Stop searching for now... I need you to contact someone about this game too."
"......"
Li Xue immediately set down her phone, accepting the document: "'Fantasy Journey to the West'?"
"Yes."
Tang Yao nodded: "This will be ANF's second co-operated game, if all goes well."
"Gacha mechanics?"
"No, turn-based."
"Turn-based? Like traditional turn-based online games? Would that work as mobile?"
"It will."
Tang Yao nodded again, explaining: "The more classic the game type, the broader its appeal. Same with card games and turn-based systems."
"We'll use this opportunity to build ANF's gaming division's initial player base."
"Besides, remember these games will feature in livestreams - having diverse genres is better."
"I see."
Li Xue nodded, then glanced again at the game's name: "So what's special about this one?"
"Several innovative concepts."
Tang Yao began answering automatically, then suddenly remembered something: "Actually, never mind the game's specifics... since I agreed to your request, shouldn't you agree to mine? You're doing the next livestream with me!"
Li Xue: "......"