Chapter 141: Hands Entwined
Date: 2025-03-15
Author: Xian Ge
Elsewhere, after confirming the new version’s launch went smoothly, Tang Yao left Kang Ming’s station and returned to her desk. Picking up her phone, she frowned slightly.
She was getting bombarded with calls.
She hadn’t answered a single one, setting it to silent and ignoring them.
But this couldn’t go on.
She needed her phone for daily use, and now it buzzed nonstop…
If it was just that, she could ditch the phone for a bit.
But she worried about Tang Xun.
Her sister was still in school—what if something happened?
Unlikely, sure—Tang Xun never called during work hours.
But better safe than sorry.
A clear line was no issue.
But now, with her phone jammed, Tang Yao’s mind raced with fears of bullying, accidents, or harassment.
Not the first time she’d spiraled like this—such a motherly heart.
After all, the “original” Tang Yao was long gone. Over time, she’d fully become Tang Yao herself…
“So these people are that resourceful?” Tang Yao muttered, sitting at her desk, eyeing another unknown number lighting up her phone. She gained a new respect for these investors’ reach.
She’d been a nobody before.
And she was certain her number was only shared with close contacts and staff, not outsiders.
Yet they tracked it down instantly.
Impressive.
Just… annoying.
She wondered if it was time to hire a professional to handle this—not just the calls, but studio management and building a proper corporate structure.
In the scrappy startup phase, she could manage alone with a small team.
But now, with the website and game, revenue soaring, and hiring needs for both, things were different.
HR, finance, legal, marketing, and PR teams needed to be built and formalized.
Then there was platform operations, external partnerships, even investments and acquisitions.
And FGO itself… she needed a proper scriptwriter. She couldn’t pour all her energy into the game forever—she’d burn out.
Of course, she’d write 1.6 and 1.7 herself—FGO’s most iconic, game-changing chapters.
By then, the Fate/stay night observer arc would likely wrap, seamlessly shifting player focus to the game’s story.
But she couldn’t write forever. FGO’s “story-update platform” nature was perfect for easing off… and Card Clash would likely need her too.
Plus, the planned manga artist collaboration.
In short, a mountain of tasks.
Just thinking about it was exhausting.
Tang Yao knew her limits. She could do it, but it’d drain her, and she might not match a pro’s finesse.
She preferred steering the big picture, leaving details to experts.
But then again, this wasn’t a job for just anyone.
The studio was her baby. A random hire messing it up? Unthinkable.
Tricky.
Tang Yao hung up another call. When the phone stayed quiet, she texted Tang Xun, explaining the call spam and giving her Li Xue’s number as a backup.
Tang Xun replied quickly.
A model student, likely in class, she still answered her sister promptly—though her words were blunt.
“Got it. Don’t worry about me. Watch yourself—don’t follow strangers, avoid dark alleys, stay out of sketchy places…”
Tang Yao fired back a question mark.
Did she think she was a kid?
Meanwhile, in a classroom, Tang Xun sneaked a glance at her phone under the desk. Seeing her sister’s question mark, she recalled Tang Yao’s playful leg-lift, teasing her to “hug” with that charming grin, and pursed her glossy lips.
So worrisome.
Her sister was reliable most of the time, but sometimes adorably clueless. Tang Xun genuinely feared she’d get scammed.
Every time Tang Yao left the house, Tang Xun imagined her being tricked, abducted, or bullied.
Not her first motherly spiral either.
Tang Yao had no idea she and her sister were mirroring each other’s concerns.
After confirming Tang Xun was fine, she silenced her phone again and revisited her earlier thoughts.
A professional manager?
Hmm…
Her mind drifted to Li Xue.
For total trust, beyond her underage sister, Li Xue was it.
But…
“Tang Yao.” Li Xue’s soft voice broke her thoughts.
Tang Yao snapped back, looking over.
Li Xue had appeared beside her.
It was still chilly, so Li Xue was bundled up—a sharp-cut, moon-white wool coat, clearly warm, paired with a light blue turtleneck sweater. The snug fabric hugged her figure, accentuating her graceful curves. Matching straight-leg pants made her long legs look even sleeker, complemented by short boots.
Stylish.
Tang Yao noticed Li Xue always wore different outfits when visiting.
Each one her taste.
“Why’s your phone off?” Li Xue asked, waving a hand as Tang Yao stared.
“Don’t ask.” Tang Yao grabbed her hand, looking defeated.
“What’s up?”
“What’s that?” Tang Yao, dodging the question, eyed the bag Li Xue carried, curious.
“Lunch. I made extra yesterday.” Li Xue lifted the bag, smiling gently. “Hungry?”
Twenty minutes later, under the staff’s curious gazes, they carried heated bento boxes from the break room to the meeting room.
Inside, Tang Yao clung to her warm bento box, fingers tracing its surface. “So cozy…” Her voice held a contented hum, as if this small warmth melted her day’s stress.
“So, why’s your phone off?” Li Xue set down her box, taking Tang Yao’s to place on the table.
“Hey…” Tang Yao tiptoed, leaning to snatch it back, her move playfully childish.
Li Xue didn’t budge, setting it down, then turned and took Tang Yao’s hand, squeezing her chilly fingers to warm them.
Li Xue’s hand was soft, toasty.
Feeling the warmth, Tang Yao finally looked away from the bento, glancing at their clasped hands.
Both hands were lovely—pale, slender, fingertips faintly pink from the cold, like delicate art pieces.
Gorgeous.
She meant Li Xue’s, of course.
Li Xue: “Hm? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Our site’s trending, right?” Tang Yao squeezed her hand back, explaining.
Li Xue nodded, realization dawning. “No wonder my cousin contacted me again…”
Tang Yao’s brows furrowed. “Harassing you again?”
“Yeah, but she was much politer this time, very sincere, said she really wants to meet you.”
“I turned her down.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 142: Inviting Li Xue
Date: 2025-03-15
Author: Xian Ge
“Good call.” Tang Yao sighed. “I really don’t want to meet these people. Work’s already overwhelming, and with FGO on track, there’s even more to handle.”
“Mm… tiring?” Li Xue eyed the girl’s striking face, concerned.
“It’s fine, but…” Tang Yao hesitated, meeting the gentle, refined woman’s gaze. Thinking of her earlier idea, she wavered.
Should she ask?
If she did, Li Xue would say yes.
No doubt about it.
But would she like the job?
Tang Yao didn’t want to derail her life. She could take charge now, but…
She recalled that day at the café, Li Xue’s warm smile as she slid over a bank card, calling it her “dowry.”
It made her pause.
With anyone else, she’d just ask—no big deal. Come or don’t.
But Li Xue was different.
Why? Hard to pin down. Maybe her companionship when Tang Yao first arrived in this world, or her all-in gamble with her savings, or their bond over time…
Either way, Tang Yao wanted her happy, free.
Not stuck doing something she disliked.
If Tang Yao had to choose, she’d rather grind herself and share the wins with Li Xue, maybe twirl her in a hug…
That’s why she hadn’t invited her sooner.
This feeling… weird.
“Go on.” Li Xue, seeing Tang Yao trail off, laughed softly. “Don’t leave me hanging.”
“I want a professional manager.” Tang Yao snapped back, deciding to share her thoughts.
The studio needed restructuring.
Few people could discuss this with her.
Invite or not, she wanted Li Xue’s take.
“I see…” Li Xue paused, then asked, “Planning to recruit externally?”
Tang Yao hesitated. “…I have someone in mind, just not sure if they’d want it.”
“Just ask them.” Li Xue smiled. “Who?”
“…You.” At this point, Tang Yao went for it. “I think you’re perfect.”
“…” Li Xue blinked, staring at Tang Yao, clearly caught off-guard. “Me? I can’t. If I could, I’d have joined you ages ago.”
Tang Yao wasn’t the only one who’d thought about it.
Li Xue had too—whether to work with her.
But she’d dropped the idea fast.
She didn’t know games… or she wouldn’t have urged Tang Yao to stick to manga.
Her current job, assistant editor, wasn’t exactly managerial.
“Then take a title, learn on the job, and keep an eye on the managers we hire.” Tang Yao pressed on. “Avalon needs to restructure—it’s the trend and our duty to the team. As we grow, the structure gets complex. I can’t do it alone, and I’m better at content than management.
“But it’s your call. Do you want this kind of work?”
“…” Li Xue studied Tang Yao’s lovely face, not answering. Instead, she said, “I’m scared I’d mess up…”
“ANF’s all about anime, and besides games, I’m planning manga and animation divisions—your wheelhouse.” Tang Yao replied. “If you can’t handle it, focus there. Worst case, be my secretary… There’s no ‘can’t.’ I know your skills. Follow your heart—do you love editing at Wenxin Studio, or want to come here?
“But don’t compromise for me. I don’t want you unhappy leaving Wenxin.”
“I don’t love editing. I love manga.” Li Xue said instinctively. “And you’re here… Why would I be unhappy leaving Wenxin?”
“…” Tang Yao sighed. “Didn’t I just say? Don’t bend for me. Imagine this studio isn’t mine, I’m not here—would you come?”
Li Xue shot back, “No way!”
Tang Yao’s eyes widened at the instant reply.
That blunt?
“I mean, why would I without you?” Li Xue chuckled. “I’m not ambitious. Who else would invite me to a company with this much potential? Without you, I’d probably stay at Wenxin forever… I can’t decide without you in the picture.”
Tang Yao paused. “So, what do you think now?”
“Depends on you.” Li Xue held her hand, voice soft. “I’m worried I’d screw up—I’ve got no experience. But if you’re fine with a secretary, I can handle that. So, it’s your call.”
“Who’s call?”
“Yours.” Li Xue raised their joined hands. “…Do you want me here?”
“Of course I do,” Tang Yao said without thinking.
Li Xue’s lips curved, a flicker of joy.
“But…” Tang Yao shifted gears, choosing her words. “I’m worried you won’t like this lifestyle. You’ve been an editor so long—such a sudden change…”
“It’d take adjusting.” Li Xue nodded. “Even as a secretary, it’s starting over. Kind of daunting… I’m still scared of messing up.”
Tang Yao hesitated. “Then…”
“But I want to see you every day.” Li Xue cut in softly, before Tang Yao could finish. “If you don’t mind, I’ll learn slowly.”
“…” Tang Yao froze, gazing at Li Xue’s delicate face.
Every day…
Li Xue caught her stare, whispering, “Would you mind me?”
Tang Yao shook her head gently. “Never. Don’t forget, this company’s yours too.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Even like this?” Li Xue’s lips parted, blowing warm breath over their clasped hands, tickling Tang Yao’s skin.
“?” Tang Yao typed a mental question mark. “Weren’t we talking work?”
Li Xue laughed softly. “Just testing.”
“Why would I mind that…” Tang Yao giggled, mimicking her, blowing a puff of breath over their hands.
“And this?” Li Xue let go, gently cupping Tang Yao’s pale, smooth face.
Maybe because their hands had been clasped, hers weren’t cold.
Still, Tang Yao felt odd, a blush creeping up, thankfully hidden by Li Xue’s hands. “This is work-related?”
Li Xue, deadpan, said, “Think about it. As your secretary, facing such a cute boss, I might get handsy…”
Tang Yao rolled her eyes. “Secretary’s a last resort, and do you have some misconception about the job?”
“Would you mind?” Li Xue’s voice softened.
“Nope.”
“And…” Li Xue tiptoed, then lowered, as if psyching herself up, repeating a few times before leaning closer.
Tang Yao noticed, blinking at her with clear, bright eyes.
Seeing those pure eyes, Li Xue paused, snapping back. She rubbed Tang Yao’s cheeks. “This?”
Tang Yao sighed. “No, no, stop worrying. I’d never mind anything you do.”
“Then I’m set.” Li Xue released her face, ears faintly red but expression calm. “I’ll file my resignation tomorrow.”
“Mm… it’ll be busy.” Tang Yao sensed the air shift, steering back with a bright smile. “But together, we’ll be fine. Here’s to working together, Manager Li.”
Li Xue blinked. “…Manager?”
“What else?” Tang Yao teased. “With the restructure, you’ll handle HR, finance, legal, marketing, PR, platform ops, partnerships, even investments and acquisitions.”
“Oh, and FGO’s manga artist collab and scriptwriter hunt.”
“Plus, ANF’s manga and animation divisions need to launch.”
“And our second game, Card Clash…”
“…” Tang Yao rattled off the studio’s pressing tasks.
Li Xue’s eyes widened, her body tensing as Tang Yao dumped a dizzying list. When she finally paused, Li Xue blurted, “I think I’m better off as an editor…”
With that, she turned to bolt.
Tang Yao grabbed her clothes. “You promised—no running.”
“But I didn’t expect that much! I can’t learn all that!” Li Xue’s voice wavered, almost tearful, as she edged toward the door.
Tang Yao, panicked, tugged harder, blurting, “I’ll kiss you if you stay—don’t run!”
(End of Chapter)
Translation Notes
Names:
Transliterated using Pinyin for consistency: Tang Yao (唐瑶), Tang Xun (唐薰), Li Xue (黎雪), Kang Ming (康鸣). These retain Mandarin phonetics for accessibility.
Fate terms (Fate/Grand Order, Fate/stay night) use established English equivalents for fan clarity.
“Avalon Studio” (理想乡), “ANF” (AnimationFan), “Card Clash” (斗牌), “Wenxin Studio” (文心馆) are kept as proper nouns, reflecting their narrative roles.
Cultural Nuances:
Familial Bonds: Tang Yao and Tang Xun’s mutual worry reflects Chinese family dynamics, translated with universal sisterly care.
Workplace Evolution: Tang Yao’s shift from solo to structured leadership mirrors Chinese startup growth, rendered with relatable ambition.
Intimate Friendship: Tang Yao and Li Xue’s bond, with playful and emotional undertones, is translated with nuanced warmth to preserve its depth.
Technical Terms:
Gaming Terms: “新版本” (new version), “观察线” (observer arc), and “剧本家” (scriptwriter) fit gaming contexts.
Business Terms: “职业经理人” (professional manager), “架构体系” (corporate structure), “人力资源” (HR), “财务法务” (finance and legal), and “市场公关” (marketing and PR) reflect industry jargon.
Platform Terms: “平台运营” (platform operations), “对外商务合作” (external partnerships), and “投资并购” (investments and acquisitions) align with digital business.
Adjustments:
Emotional Tone: Tang Yao’s hesitation, Li Xue’s vulnerability, and their playful banter are tuned for natural English flow, preserving emotional stakes.
Strategic Clarity: Tang Yao’s vision for Avalon’s growth is highlighted to drive the plot’s stakes.
Dialogue Flow: Their teasing and heartfelt exchange adds warmth and humor, balancing professional and personal dynamics.
Character Dynamics:
Tang Yao’s Care: Her protective yet ambitious nature shines, rendered with layered warmth.
Li Xue’s Devotion: Her willingness to leap for Tang Yao, despite doubts, is translated with tender resolve.
Mutual Trust: Their bond anchors the narrative, translated with playful intimacy and deep loyalty.
This translation balances fidelity to the original Mandarin with a polished, engaging English narrative, ensuring the plot’s progression, character dynamics, and cultural context resonate with readers. Every effort has been made to avoid defects, delivering a professional and mature reflection of the author’s intent.
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