Tense

Tang Yao didn't know what happened in the Editorial Department afterward.

But the speed at which this incident escalated was far beyond her imagination.

After all, a highly popular manga, Fate/Zero, had appeared in the manga awards. After a day of buzz, everyone at Wenxin Hall knew about it.

So, as soon as Ding Yilong's remarks about taking the blame came out, coupled with Kang Ming fanning the flames.

Less than an hour.

The entire company had basically heard about it.

Zhao Fang Sheng's office.

Bang--

The door was kicked open again.

This time, it was still Shang Tao who kicked the door open.

However, perhaps because he heard Shang Tao's hurried footsteps before the door opened, Zhao Fang Sheng was relatively calm this time. After Shang Tao kicked the door open, he calmly picked up his thermos and took a sip of tea: "What is it now? You're always in such a rush. You're over fifty, can't you learn to be calm?"

Shang Tao was panting. Compared to the last time he kicked the door open, this time he wasn't just sweating profusely, his face was also full of panic.

As soon as he entered, he got straight to the point and shouted: "Vice President! Ding Yilong is forcing Editor Tang to resign! And the author of Fate/Zero has decided to release the work online for free serialization!"

"Pfft--"

Hearing this.

Zhao Fang Sheng, who had just asked Shang Tao why he couldn't learn to be calm, spat out the tea he was drinking.

At the same time.

The eleventh floor.

Break room.

Tang Yao was listlessly lying on the table, playing with her phone, killing time.

She really didn't want to stay in the Editorial Department and face Ding Yilong, but she also didn't want to go home yet.

The main reason she came to the company was to meet Li Xue and confirm their meeting.

So, she could only wait in the break room for Li Xue's lunch break.

It was fine, just a little boring...

But soon.

She wouldn't be bored anymore.

Because... Shang Tao called.

Seeing the caller ID, Tang Yao hesitated for a moment before answering. After a brief chat with Shang Tao.

As expected, Shang Tao talked about what had happened not long ago and started earnestly persuading her not to leave.

Of course, there was also the matter of Fate/Zero being serialized for free...

However, Tang Yao only replied politely that it was a personal choice.

But after she finally managed to deal with Shang Tao, before she could catch her breath, another call came in.

This time it was an unknown number.

Tang Yao answered it again, and the other party introduced himself as the Vice President of Wenxin Hall...

Tang Yao was quite surprised by this.

Of course, he talked about the same things, but added a few more sentences. For example, the Vice President promised to deal with Ding Yilong immediately, and finally seemed to offer Tang Yao a position as editor-in-chief to replace Ding Yilong.

But Tang Yao had been offered too many empty promises in her past life, so she didn't take the bait... and she had already made up her mind, so she still replied politely that it was a personal choice and promised not to poach the Third-rate Painter to another magazine.

Then, the other party was even more unwilling to give up... He said a lot more, wanting her not to resign.

But Tang Yao didn't change her mind.

Finally, Zhao Fang Sheng had no other choice but to ask for the contact information of that 'Third-rate Painter'.

Tang Yao hesitated for a moment, then gave it.

Of course, she gave him her own backup number...

And after Zhao Fang Sheng got the contact information of the legendary 'Third-rate Painter', he was still not resigned and wanted to say something else.

But Tang Yao saw Li Xue... She had no patience to listen to him continue. After apologizing, she hung up the phone.

"..."

Li Xue had indeed arrived. She was standing beside Tang Yao, still wearing her classic black and white matching outfit, with barely noticeable light makeup, exuding an elegant and dignified aura.

However, her breathing was a little uneven, as if she had run over, slightly disrupting her mature aura.

"Miss Li... why so early?"

Tang Yao looked at Li Xue beside her, a little surprised: "Isn't it lunchtime yet?"

"I'm worried about you."

Li Xue gestured for Tang Yao to move over, then sat down next to her, patting her chest and letting out a long sigh. "I was just working when suddenly everyone was spreading rumors that the male Editorial Department was fighting. I went to the Editorial Department but couldn't find you, so I figured you'd be here..."

"Fighting...? Huh? Who's spreading such ridiculous rumors?"

Tang Yao's beautiful eyes widened, her face full of disbelief. "I only said a couple of things, how could it escalate into a fight?"

"Well, the news I heard said there was a fight..."

Li Xue panted slightly, smoothing a few stray hairs from her temple while holding Tang Yao's hand with her other.

Tang Yao froze for a moment, looking down at their clasped hands.

When she looked up again.

Li Xue had already turned to face her. "Can't I hold it?"

"It's not that I can't..."

Tang Yao noticed Li Xue's palms were covered in sweat and asked curiously, "But you don't actually think I got into a fight, do you?"

"Mmm... let me calm down."

Li Xue nodded, taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart.

She didn't know why she had been so nervous upon hearing the news... Perhaps it was because she was afraid her rare friend might get hurt.

"How could that possibly happen?"

Tang Yao felt a mix of amusement and touched emotion. She could tell Miss Li had rushed over immediately.

And it was the first time she had ever seen this older sister so anxious and flustered.

So, she squeezed Li Xue's soft, small hand back and said softly, "But thank you..."

"..."

This time, it was Li Xue who looked down.

...Tang Yao's hands were beautiful, the kind that could be hand models. They were fair, tender, warm, and soft.

"Hmm?"

Tang Yao noticed Li Xue looking down as well and joked, "Can't I hold it?"

"No, it's just..."

Li Xue immediately averted her gaze and changed the subject, asking, "So, have you made up your mind?"

"Yeah, I've already written my resignation letter."

Tang Yao had nothing to hide from Li Xue and told her honestly, "No matter what, I can't stay long. Just thinking about how to resolve the issue with Fate/Zero gives me a headache."

After all, she hadn't intended to do a serialization in the magazine from the start...

"That's true... Might as well use Ding Yilong to pass the buck."

Li Xue nodded upon hearing this. "Then you can legitimately do a free serialization."

"Actually, I didn't think that far ahead. I was originally planning to fool Shang Tao, act first and report later, release it for free, and then inform them that the 'Third-rate Painter' didn't want to serialize in the magazine."

Tang Yao frowned, "But that Ding Yilong, he's really... how should I put it, just throwing himself out there to take the blame?"

"Then he deserves it."

Li Xue seemed amused upon hearing this. "He dares to say such arrogant things, I don't even know where he gets his guts..."

She shook her head and didn't continue. "Since you've made up your mind, then resign... But don't write an application, write a notice."

"Mhm, I just remembered that too. I'll go back and change it later."

Tang Yao nodded in agreement. She had only done it to get rid of Ding Yilong earlier, but she would definitely change it later.

After all, she wouldn't have much time to come to the company from now on.

And she hadn't had a chance to mention the game project to Kang Ming just now.

Time would be tight from now on, and she'd have to go back and tell him about it later. She wasn't sure if he'd be willing...

Tang Yao drifted off for a moment.

Meanwhile.

Li Xue thought for a moment and continued, "By the way... who called you just now?"

Tang Yao snapped back to attention. "Vice President Zhao Fang Sheng."

"As expected, you've already caught his attention."

Li Xue showed an understanding expression, seemingly not surprised. "So, what did he mean...?"

"He wants to keep me, and he wants the 'Third-rate Painter's' method, but I managed to brush him off."

Tang Yao recalled the other person's words and continued, "And he also dangled a carrot in front of me?"

"Dangled a carrot?"

Li Xue didn't quite understand but didn't dwell on it. "If he calls again, if possible... try not to burn bridges."

"Huh? Why?"

"Collected volumes. Do you still remember what I said yesterday? I think Wenxin Hall would be a good choice."

"..."

Tang Yao was stunned. "But Fate/Zero gave up the serialization opportunity with a magazine under Wenxin Hall. Is that possible?"

"It's possible."

Li Xue nodded and said seriously, "Trust your sister, I'll find a way then."

"Then I'll do my best."

Tang Yao looked at the exceptionally serious Li Xue and agreed again. "But this matter, it's okay on my end, but what about the Third-rate Painter..."

"You'll have to figure that out yourself. Who told you to use a pseudonym?"

Li Xue chuckled. "Just admit you drew it yourself. A beautiful girl mangaka is quite a gimmick..."

"..."

Tang Yao ignored her. Admitting it was impossible; it would be too troublesome.

Maybe... I should let Xun guest star?

"Also."

Just as Tang Yao was considering whether to let her sister guest star as the 'Third-rate Painter'.

Li Xue spoke again. "Do you have time tomorrow afternoon?"

"Hm?"

Tang Yao looked up. "Of course."

"Then I'll arrange to meet that relative tomorrow. I'll come find you then."

Li Xue encouraged her. "Don't be nervous."