Chapter 173: Postponed
Date: 2025-04-05
Author: Xian Ge
“It just hit me—livestreaming.”
Tang Yao, seeing Li Xue’s surprise, explained, “In terms of engagement, livestreams are stronger. They’re great for boosting an account’s visibility.”
Livestreams’ interactivity transforms content consumption into a shared social event, turning passive viewers into active participants.
This real-time, two-way, entertaining experience is what sets livestreams apart from pre-recorded videos. It’s key to building user loyalty and commercial value fast.
In this world, livestreaming was budding. Numerous platforms, big and small, existed, mostly PC-based, centered on talent performances, with user donations as the main revenue stream.
The mobile internet era was just dawning.
FGO’s success played a big role. Beyond showing game publishers the potential of mobile games, it made livestream platforms realize that 4G technology, good for gaming, could also support mobile streaming.
Phones’ portability far outstripped PCs.
If every phone could stream… the profits would be massive.
The mobile internet era was like that—every industry could be reshaped or rise. The internet world was flipping upside down. Sharp players seized early leads, while deep-pocketed laggards could catch up with cash. But decisions, operations, and strategies were critical.
One wrong move could lead to a nosedive into oblivion.
In her past life, Tang Yao saw a certain search engine botch every mobile-era choice…
She wouldn’t claim her choices were flawless, but with past-life experience, she could dodge most pitfalls and ride key trends.
Livestreaming was one such trend.
When she proposed the Rin Tohsaka VTuber concept, she’d already considered livestreaming. But Avalon’s core wasn’t streaming, and ANF was focused on user growth. Tang Yao worried premature streaming could disrupt ANF’s vibe, so she held off.
Li Xue’s mention of Rin Tohsaka’s account sparked the idea again.
“Is ANF suited for livestreaming?” Li Xue mused, frowning. “Most platforms are already throwing cash around, right? So many competitors…”
“I get you,” Tang Yao nodded.
While this world’s livestreaming wasn’t at the “thousand-streamer war” level, there were plenty of platforms.
But…
Tang Yao smiled. “We can do it—ANF-style, like anime-themed livestreams. Think of it as a test. We don’t need a new section; just try one stream, see how users react. It won’t hurt to experiment. If it flops, we go back to videos.”
“Fair point.”
Li Xue nodded, agreeing, but then raised another issue. “Can Rin Tohsaka’s face-tracking system work for livestreaming?”
“Uh… hard to say.”
Tang Yao thought, then shook her head. “Our videos are manually tweaked. Livestreaming’s different, so we’d need to ask the tech team.”
For Rin Tohsaka’s videos, she’d used Live2D with webcam face-tracking. She’d outlined the approach, but tech nerds like Kang Ming and Cai Quan handled the execution, even building a tool. The results were decent.
“I’ll go ask now,” Li Xue said, standing.
Half an hour later, Li Xue returned, brows furrowed. “No go. Kang Ming said their tool’s a hack job, using a modded open-source face-tracking SDK. It’s fine for videos, but livestreaming needs too many changes. They can’t do it short-term, even with compromises. Definitely not before the New Year.”
Tang Yao sighed. “Then we’re out of luck.”
“But,” Li Xue added, “they’ll tinker during the holidays, see if they can crack it after the New Year. They seemed excited.”
“Really…”
Tang Yao pondered. “Ask them if they can turn the tool into a user-friendly client app.”
Li Xue blinked. “Client app?”
“Yup, just tell them to explore that direction,” Tang Yao nodded. “And assure them funding’s not an issue.”
Livestreaming or a client app—it was an experiment.
Success? Jackpot. Failure? No big loss.
Money wasn’t a problem. Tang Yao wouldn’t shortchange them.
Kang Ming and the early crew were so proactive—she couldn’t let them down.
It was the best way to motivate new hires too.
“Got it, I’ll tell them,” Li Xue said.
She didn’t fully grasp Tang Yao’s vision, having never seen the VTuber boom, but she trusted her instincts. “The year-end video?”
“Postpone it,” Tang Yao decided. “If livestreaming’s off and they’re tweaking the tool plus working on the game, let’s not pile on. There’s no rush. Once the tool’s ready, videos will be easier. Kang Ming said there’s hope post-New Year, right? If it works, we’ll livestream then, promote Card Clash. Save the first stream’s buzz for the second game.”
“Sounds good. I’ll tell Cai Quan,” Li Xue agreed after a moment’s thought.
“Cool.”
Tang Yao nodded, then remembered something. “No hurry, though. Sit down. Holidays are coming—how’s the year-end bonus going?”
After a grueling year, with Avalon’s sole game raking in record revenue—a fact clear to all staff—it’d be unfair not to give hefty bonuses, especially to those who’d been with Tang Yao from the start.
She’d discussed this with Li Xue ages ago.
Tang Yao also brought it up to distract Li Xue. Who knew if she still held a grudge over yesterday’s teasing…
“It’s sorted. Per your plan, we allocated a profit share to a bonus pool,” Li Xue said. “The rules and distribution table should reach you soon. Since our departments are new, and I’m not an expert, it took a while.”
She was meticulous about this.
Year-end bonuses couldn’t be slapdash. Incentives were a cornerstone of management.
Mess it up, and problems would snowball.
Avalon was in rapid growth, far from stable, with new hires daily. Figuring out fair, transparent distribution was a hassle.
Luckily, Li Xue’s management know-how helped untangle it.
“No worries, as long as it’s done before the New Year,” Tang Yao said, then grinned. “Thanks for the hard work… Oh, Miss Li, did you set aside a bonus for yourself?”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 174: Huh?
Date: 2025-04-05
Author: Xian Ge
“Me? Why would I need a bonus?”
Li Xue blinked, then shook her head. “I’m too busy to shop. I’d just save it. And don’t think I forgot—you went behind my back, telling them to give me a share of annual profits. Do you know how much Avalon’s profits are? You just…”
As a shareholder, Tang Yao hadn’t forgotten Li Xue.
After this New Year, Li Xue would be seriously rich!
“You earned it,” Tang Yao chuckled. “What, you don’t want the money?”
“It’s not necessary,” Li Xue said casually. “Instead of piling cash on me… how about explaining why you bolted yesterday? What’s with the ‘guess’!?”
“Uh…”
Tang Yao’s face froze. She hadn’t expected Li Xue to circle back. She pivoted fast. “Why don’t you go tell Cai Quan about Rin Tohsaka’s account now?”
“You were dodging on purpose, weren’t you?” Li Xue slid her chair closer, cupping Tang Yao’s soft cheeks.
Tang Yao paused, then mumbled, “Guess?”
“!!!”
Li Xue, irked, kneaded Tang Yao’s cheeks, glaring lightly.
But she blanked on how to retaliate, stuck.
“…”
Tang Yao, seeing her struggle, giggled. “Miss Li, if you’re out of ideas, how about letting me off?”
“No way! Tell me why Makima died! What’s next for the plot!” Li Xue shot her a look. “Or else…”
Tang Yao cut in, “Or else what?”
“…”
Li Xue fell silent.
She realized she couldn’t do much to Tang Yao. Her “revenge” was just cheek-squishing—hardly punishment, more like a treat for herself.
Tang Yao’s cheeks were so soft…
She couldn’t exactly hit her, right?
Looking at the poised, slender girl before her, Li Xue thought it’d be inappropriate.
She really had no leverage.
Tang Yao, catching Li Xue’s conflicted look, stifled a laugh.
This big sister, agonizing over revenge? Adorable.
“…”
Li Xue saw Tang Yao’s smile and guessed her thoughts, giving her a mild glare.
Tang Yao’s radiant grin only grew brighter.
Li Xue got mad for real.
Biting her glossy lip, she stood decisively.
Tang Yao, startled by the move, didn’t react in time.
Li Xue parted her long legs and plopped onto Tang Yao’s lap, facing her. Cheeks flushed, she gritted her teeth. “Or I’ll sit here and not move!”
“…?”
Tang Yao, feeling the weight, froze, stunned by this “revenge.”
Li Xue, doubling down, leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Tang Yao’s slim waist, pulling them into a hug. Her glossy lips nearly brushed Tang Yao’s nose.
Her warmth seeped through their clothes, breaths mingling.
They were close enough to count each other’s lashes.
Tang Yao snapped out of it. “Sorry! I’ll talk! I’ll tell you the plot—get up! We’re at the office!”
“…”
Li Xue blinked, as if just remembering where they were. She jolted up like she’d been shocked, scurrying back to her seat, pretending nothing happened.
But her flushed ear tips betrayed her.
“What was that?” Tang Yao, cheeks pink, glanced around. No one noticed. Relieved, she looked at Li Xue, half-laughing, half-exasperated.
“Revenge…”
“That’s your idea of revenge? Does that even count?”
“I’m heavy…”
“Well, yeah…”
“!”
Li Xue shot Tang Yao a resentful look.
Tang Yao, catching her gaze, stood her ground. “You said it! You are kinda heavy, and…”
She subtly glanced at Li Xue’s shapely hips pressed against the chair.
Her lap wasn’t a seat… and that size…
Tang Yao didn’t say it, but Li Xue followed her eyes, guessing. Her face reddened, and she fired back, “Yours are just as bad!!!”
“Nonsense!”
“They’re practically the same!”
“That’s slander.”
“Then sit on my lap. I’ll prove it.”
Li Xue, irked by Tang Yao’s denial, huffed.
“…”
Tang Yao paused, eyeing Li Xue’s crossed, shapely legs. Honestly, she was a bit curious…
But…
“Miss Li, you think I’m that dumb?”
“…”
Li Xue met Tang Yao’s peach-blossom eyes, sensing something. Her expression faltered, uneasy.
Her lips parted, about to speak.
“Let’s drop it,” Tang Yao cut in, pivoting. “Childish… What’s your New Year plan?”
The holidays started in two days.
“I’m going back to my hometown,” Li Xue said, swallowing her fluster. “You and your sister staying here?”
“Yup,” Tang Yao nodded. “It’s always just us. We don’t have ties to our hometown.”
Li Xue’s heart sank, her earlier thoughts forgotten. She looked at Tang Yao with pity. “I can’t stay with you…”
“It’s fine. Not our first New Year. Rest up—you’ll be busier next year,” Tang Yao said, smiling. “Here’s to next year, too.”
Li Xue didn’t reply, pausing before saying, “I’ll come back early… Any local specialties you want?”
She didn’t want to limit their time to “next year”…
“Nah, I’m not into specialties. I’ll just tell you Chainsaw Man’s next arcs,” Tang Yao said, lifting her chin, thinking briefly. “So you don’t do something crazy like sit on my lap again. I’m not sitting on yours…”
“…”
Li Xue, seeing Tang Yao loop back, pursed her lips, her eyes dimming.
She was sharp enough to know Tang Yao saw through her little feelings.
What did she think of her?
“Wanna hear?” Tang Yao extended a fair hand.
Li Xue blinked, then smiled softly. “Of course. Makima’s sudden death—if readers riot and I don’t know what’s next, I’ll be too worried to enjoy the New Year.”
She scooted her chair closer to Tang Yao.
Everything seemed normal.
Except her palms were sweatier than usual.
“…Who’d do that in public?” Tang Yao, noticing, whispered. “Only you. If you’re gonna sit, wait till no one’s around. Regretting not getting a private office now?”
“…”
Li Xue froze, blinking, feeling Tang Yao’s words hinted at something… but she didn’t dare believe it.
Tang Yao didn’t give her time to process, asking, “I’ve drawn the next chapters. Wanna see?”
“Yes.”
Li Xue gripped Tang Yao’s hand, gazing at her striking profile, answering instantly.
The 25th of the Lunar New Year.
At Avalon, most staff were on holiday, save for essential personnel.
That day, Avalon distributed year-end bonuses to employees.
Also that day, Chainsaw Man Chapters 21 and 22 dropped on schedule, with a notice of a New Year break next week.
And then, almost simultaneously, two groups exploded.
The staff? Thrilled to bursting!
The readers? Just plain exploded…
(End of Chapter)
Translation Notes
Names:
Transliterated using Pinyin for consistency: Tang Yao (唐瑶), Li Xue (黎雪), Cai Quan (蔡全), Kang Ming (康鸣). These retain Mandarin phonetics for accessibility.
Character names (Makima for 玛奇玛) and titles (Chainsaw Man for 电锯人, FGO for Fate/Grand Order, Card Clash for 斗牌, Rin Tohsaka for 远坂凛) use established English equivalents.
“ANF” is kept as the fictional platform’s name, contextually clear as a video/manga site.
Cultural Nuances:
Workplace Dynamics: Tang Yao and Li Xue’s playful banter reflects Chinese office camaraderie, translated with warm, teasing familiarity (e.g., “adorable pinch” for 可爱捏).
Holiday Context: The Lunar New Year (旧历新年) and bonuses are key cultural markers, rendered with festive weight (e.g., “hefty bonuses” for 好好发一笔奖金).
Internet Culture: Livestreaming’s rise and VTuber concepts mirror China’s digital trends, translated with relatable tech enthusiasm (e.g., “thousand-streamer war” for 千播大战).
Technical Terms:
Industry Terms: “直播” (livestreaming), “互动性” (interactivity), “用户黏性” (user loyalty), “移动互联网” (mobile internet), “面补系统” (face-tracking system), “SDK” (software development kit), and “客户端软件” (client app) align with tech contexts.
Manga Terms: “休刊” (publication break) and “剧情走向” (plot direction) fit manga workflows.
Business Terms: “年终奖” (year-end bonus), “激励机制” (incentive system), and “盈利分配” (profit distribution) reflect corporate management.
Adjustments:
Narrative Clarity: The livestreaming discussion and Chainsaw Man’s cliffhanger are detailed vividly, balancing tech/business context with manga fan hype.
Emotional Tone: Tang Yao’s teasing, Li Xue’s flustered affection, and their mutual care are tuned for natural English flow, preserving emotional depth.
Dialogue Flow: The playful back-and-forth, from cheek-squishing to lap-sitting, adds humor and warmth, grounding industry plot points in character moments.
Character Dynamics:
Tang Yao’s Playfulness: Her dodging and teasing of Li Xue shine, translated with cheeky confidence.
Li Xue’s Affection: Her bold “revenge” and subtle feelings are rendered with flustered warmth.
Team Dynamics: The staff’s bonus excitement and reader reactions hint at Avalon’s growing success, translated with collective energy.
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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