Chapter 177: New Year
Date: 2025-04-05
Author: Xian Ge
While readers were losing their minds, Tang Yao was being dragged out of her room by her sister to clean the house.
The New Year was approaching.
Though the sisters had few fond memories of their hometown—tainted by their deadbeat parents, even sparking some resentment—the customs they’d absorbed in childhood were hard to shake.
What to eat on specific holidays, what to do—those traditions didn’t fade with time. If anything, they grew stronger.
At least for Tang Kaoru, they did.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have insisted on yanking Tang Yao up, insisting on a house cleanup.
“Kaoru, we just rented this place not long ago. Is it really that dirty?” Tang Yao mumbled, stumbling out of her room, one strap of her top slipping to reveal porcelain-pale skin. Her silky hair was a mess, strands clinging to her cheek, eyes half-closed like she hadn’t fully woken up.
“It’s tradition… to sweep away the year’s bad luck. It has to be done. Plus, it’s past noon—how are you still not awake?” Tang Kaoru turned, eyeing her groggy sister.
Maybe because they’d lived together so long, Tang Yao had let her guard down. Her style had shifted dramatically.
She used to sleep in frumpy, all-covering pajamas. Now? A breezy white camisole, its delicate straps baring her snowy shoulders, hugging her perfect curves. Below, tiny hot pants clung to her toned hips, showcasing long, radiant legs that gleamed under the light.
Probably because it was the holidays.
Tang Yao was fully relaxed.
The outfit was cute, but in the dead of winter, it looked chilly.
Good thing Tang Kaoru had cranked the heater before waking her, or she’d have been freezing.
“Sis… snap out of it,” Tang Kaoru said, staring as Tang Yao, standing still, closed her eyes again, looking ready to crash. Sighing, she stepped closer, calling out and reaching to tug the fallen strap back over her sister’s delicate, pale shoulder.
Halfway through, Tang Kaoru noticed something, glancing at the soft, exposed curve. Her fair ears reddened. She looked at her swaying sister.
This relaxed during the holidays?
She’d been so adamant about pajamas before.
“I’m awake…” Tang Yao, oblivious to her state, muttered stubbornly at her sister’s words.
But maybe sensing the nearby warmth, her body betrayed her, leaning forward to wrap her arms around the slender, graceful figure in front of her.
Tang Kaoru, caught off guard, squirmed briefly.
“Just… let me doze a bit more. Just a sec…” Tang Yao’s arms slid under Tang Kaoru’s, hugging her tightly.
“…”
Tang Kaoru gave up, wrapping her arms around her sister, resting her pale chin on her shoulder, letting her cling.
It was cozy.
Really cozy, pressed together like that.
And…
Tang Kaoru inhaled softly through her delicate nose, catching the faint scent from her sister. She tightened her hold. Tang Yao never used perfume—just shower gel, and body lotion only when Tang Kaoru insisted on applying it. Yet she had this sweet, almost milky fragrance.
Tang Kaoru loved it.
Seeing her sister refusing to wake, Tang Kaoru shifted, leaning closer to Tang Yao’s slender, pale neck, sniffing again.
She was curious—where was that scent strongest?
Tang Yao, half-asleep, didn’t notice at first, unbothered.
But as their curves pressed closer, with Tang Kaoru wiggling and adjusting, rubbing against her…
It felt… weird.
Tang Yao stirred.
“Kaoru, why’re you squirming?” she asked softly, eyes opening.
Tang Kaoru froze, then said, “…You won’t wake up. What else can I do? I need to clean.”
Her warm breath grazed Tang Yao’s neck.
Tang Yao shivered, her body tensing. She let go fast. “I’m awake!”
Tang Kaoru didn’t cling either. She hadn’t come to cuddle… and sniffing for the scent’s source was childish. She didn’t want her sister knowing.
She released Tang Yao, saying, “Let’s clean then. Even just sweeping’s fine.”
Halfway through, she noticed Tang Yao’s odd expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Tang Yao shook her head hard, turning to her room. “I’ll change and then clean. It’s chilly.”
“Don’t fall back asleep,” Tang Kaoru said, exasperated, starting to follow.
“I won’t. Wait a sec,” Tang Yao stopped her, shutting the door.
Inside, Tang Yao exhaled, slipping the strap off her shoulder. She glanced down, cheeks pink. “This body’s such a hassle…”
Soon, Tang Yao emerged, now in a white sweater and jeans, her lithe, graceful figure accentuated perfectly.
“Alright, tell me how to clean,” she said, revived, standing tall. “Where’s this bad luck you mentioned?”
It’d been a bit awkward, but with her ever-present sister, Tang Yao bounced back fast.
“Just dust and sweep. We’ll each do our rooms, then the rest,” Tang Kaoru said. While Tang Yao changed, she’d tied her hair into a crisp, youthful high ponytail.
“Got it,” Tang Yao said, eyeing her sister’s hairstyle. She gathered her own long hair, mimicking the high ponytail.
The sisters got to work.
As Tang Yao had said, the place was newly rented, and Tang Kaoru kept it tidy, so it wasn’t dirty. Barely any dust.
“Cleaning” was more like going through the motions.
In under an hour, they’d tidied the 100-square-meter apartment and returned to the living room.
“Ugh…”
Though it wasn’t filthy or taxing, bending to wipe tables was tiring.
After washing her hands, Tang Yao flopped onto the sofa, head on her sister’s toned, slender thighs, letting out a long sigh.
Tang Kaoru, unbothered, was scrolling on her phone. Noticing her sister, she said nothing, just guided her head to settle comfortably, ensuring she wouldn’t roll off.
“Kaoru,” Tang Yao said, staring at the ceiling. “New Year’s almost here.”
“Mm,” Tang Kaoru replied.
Tang Yao chuckled. “Another year older. Any thoughts?”
“Not really,” Tang Kaoru said casually. “It’s the same every year… but this one’s better. You made a lot of money.”
“Then call me Big Sis,” Tang Yao teased, bold.
Tang Kaoru’s face was out of view, but she shot back, “Not happening…”
“So stubborn…” Tang Yao smiled, unfazed, gazing at the ceiling. Her grin faded slowly.
New Year, and over half a year in this world.
She wasn’t going back.
She’d grown used to this identity, this home.
She had a tsundere sister, a beautiful, kind friend.
What would she become?
She didn’t know.
But… it was nice.
“Sis…” A soft voice broke her thoughts.
She’d said no, but slipped it out anyway.
“Keep calling me that,” Tang Yao said, turning from the ceiling, smiling. “Kaoru, the tsundere trope’s out of style, you know.”
“Who’s tsundere?” Tang Kaoru retorted, startled. “I just think you worked hard this year…”
“That’s exactly tsundere,” Tang Yao said, reaching out, playfully poking her sister’s prominent chest—too eye-catching to ignore.
A soft, springy sensation.
Tang Yao froze, realizing what she’d done, embarrassed.
It was instinctive.
But Tang Kaoru didn’t react, saying, “I’m not… Instead of fussing over me, check the readers’ reactions online. They’re freaking out.”
“Hm?” Tang Yao blinked, confused. “What readers?”
“Chainsaw Man,” Tang Kaoru said, handing her phone over. “You updated Chapter 22, right? Forgot?”
“…”
Tang Yao paused. She had forgotten.
Now that she thought about it… the chapter where Makima got “gunned down” dropped today.
Were the readers’ reactions as expected?
Musing, she took the phone, opening an anime forum.
The text was small, but she squinted and read.
As expected, readers were buzzing about Chainsaw Man’s latest chapter…
[Thief Third-Rate! What are you doing!!! Crazy plots aren’t enough? You kill her like that!?]
[I’m done! What’s this twist!? Everything was fine—Eternity Devil defeated, victory party, everyone smiling, Denji and Makima’s sweet moments. Things were looking up! Then you cut to a massacre!?]
[I don’t think it’s that simple. Makima’s not as innocent as she seems. Betting on a big follow-up.]
[Her head’s got a hole! She can’t come back, right!?]
[Denji’s got a chainsaw in his head…]
[Revive her! Third-Rate Thief, bring Makima back next chapter!]
[Guns… could this tie to the Gun Devil? I need the next chapter! But it’s on break next week!]
[Seriously! Dead or alive, I’d take it. I trust Third-Rate Thief’s plotting, but why the break!? Why stop here!? I’m a mess, can’t focus on anything, just want the next chapter!]
[Thief! You’re done after the holidays! This plot’s trash! The manga’s ruined!]
[Same! Unacceptable! Redraw it!]
[…]
Clearly, Tang Yao’s choice to pause here had readers riled up. Some debated Makima’s fate, others cursed the break, called her a thief, or claimed the story had collapsed.
It was chaos.
Tang Yao checked ANF next.
Since ANF lacked a mobile app, with adaptations still in progress, the text was tiny.
Still, she powered through the eye strain, browsing the site.
As expected, discussions were even hotter.
Not just ANF users—readers from other platforms had joined. Manga fans who’d heard of Chainsaw Man but were busy with school or work hadn’t checked it right away.
Now, with the New Year and news of the “heroine’s death,” they’d flooded in.
ANF’s site and manga section were buzzing more than ever.
Noticing this, Tang Yao felt a pang of regret. The timing was short. If they could’ve held something like a New Year’s anime gala, they might’ve converted these curious readers into users.
In her past life, Bilibili scaled back its New Year’s gala as the site pivoted. But before that, the gala was a year-end user magnet, launching unknown creators and viral hits.
Later, though…
Balancing anime fans and mainstream tastes was tough.
The shift from gala to a broader “New Year Event” showed Bilibili chose the latter.
“Done,” Tang Yao said, shaking her head, pushing the thoughts away.
She couldn’t go back. No point dwelling.
“You’re not worried?” Tang Kaoru asked, taking the phone, voice tinged with concern.
“Nope,” Tang Yao said, sitting up, kneeling on the sofa. She untied her messy ponytail, shook out her silky hair, and grinned confidently. “It’s all part of Big Sis’s plan!”
“Even the part where they say the story’s ruined?” Tang Kaoru eyed her. “They seem pretty worked up…”
“That’s ‘cause they haven’t seen what’s next,” Tang Yao said, shaking her head. “After the holidays, those saying it’s ruined will see how wrong they were. Makima’s not that simple. Ever heard of the Control Devil?”
“…” Tang Kaoru looked blank.
Tang Yao chuckled at her expression, hopping barefoot off the sofa. She pulled her sister up. “Don’t overthink it. Enjoy the New Year. Big Sis’ll handle this. You just study and stay happy.”
“…” Tang Kaoru’s eyes lowered, lingering on Tang Yao’s delicate, pale feet. “But…”
Before she could finish, Tang Yao stepped forward, scooping her into a hug. “Kaoru, it’s a rare holiday. Don’t stress about nonsense. Come on, say ‘Happy New Year’!”
“…”
Tang Kaoru’s hands rested on Tang Yao’s shoulders, gazing at her confident, radiant sister. She didn’t continue.
She just thought… her sister was stunning.
This moment, she’d never forget.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 178: As It Should Be
Date: 2025-04-05
Author: Xian Ge
The New Year itself wasn’t always joyful.
The real joy came in the anticipation.
For most, the promise and excitement of what’s coming trumped the actual moment.
Like how Fridays feel happier than the weekend itself—people feel happiest right on the cusp of bliss.
The New Year was like that.
For many, the actual holiday brought a subtle gloom. As the first, second, and third days passed, an indescribable unease set in—a mix of loss, anxiety, maybe from farewells, aging, or financial stress.
For adults, the New Year often ended the moment Unforgettable Tonight played.
But Tang Yao was luckier.
In her past life, she’d felt those pangs countless times.
In this parallel world’s first New Year, she didn’t.
Maybe because she faced no major pressures. She had money, her sister by her side, no homesickness.
So, she enjoyed this year.
But even joy had an end.
On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, Tang Yao gathered herself, rising early to head to the company.
She had to hand out the “return-to-work” red envelopes herself.
Her happy holiday and work enthusiasm didn’t mean others felt the same.
That post-holiday melancholy? She’d lived it plenty in her past life.
The best cure for staff? Those red envelopes.
Work was unavoidable, but a perk gave them something to look forward to, right?
Tang Yao got that and was eager to give her team a boost.
At the company, it was still early, so few staff were around.
But Li Xue was already there.
Tang Yao had coordinated with her, after all.
After the holiday, maybe thanks to good rest, Li Xue looked even more radiant. Her sleek overcoat hugged her tall, slender frame, paired with black skinny pants that traced her elegant legs, and heeled boots that screamed charm.
But…
Miss Li seemed to have gained weight.
Not dramatically—no beer belly or anything.
Her figure was still balanced, curvy, but she gave off a… fuller, rounder vibe.
“Li Xue,” Tang Yao called, quickening her pace.
Li Xue looked up, her eyes lighting up at Tang Yao.
They’d chatted over the holiday, but hadn’t met.
Honestly, Li Xue missed her…
But before she could close the gap, Tang Yao asked, “Did you gain weight?”
“…”
Li Xue froze, her joy evaporating. She deflated.
She’d dreaded that question.
She’d noticed it herself—she might’ve put on a little.
But she’d been watching her diet!
“What’s wrong?” Tang Yao asked, puzzled, as Li Xue stepped back.
Li Xue studied Tang Yao.
Post-holiday, Tang Yao hadn’t gained an ounce—her lithe, curvaceous figure as striking as ever.
That stung. Li Xue pursed her lips, eyes flickering with a mix of grievance and defiance. “Is it that obvious? Maybe my clothes are just thicker…”
“Oh~” Tang Yao grinned, catching why Li Xue retreated. Seeing her like this—so unlike her usual poised self, now adorably flustered—she stepped closer, teasing. “Let me take a closer look—”
She reached for Li Xue’s coat.
“No way!” Li Xue blocked her, ears pink. “Wait till I slim down.”
“I don’t mind,” Tang Yao said, finding Li Xue’s flushed ears adorable.
She pulled back but tilted her head, eyeing Li Xue playfully. “Honestly, you look great. You were too skinny before. Now? Healthier, vibrant. I like this figure—feels like it’d be comfy to hug. Wanted to try, but you wouldn’t let me…”
Li Xue blinked, her regret seeming to deepen, though maybe it was Tang Yao’s imagination.
Unfazed, Tang Yao pulled a plump red envelope from her pocket, handing it over. “Enough teasing. Happy return-to-work, Miss Li. First envelope’s yours.”
“…Thanks,” Li Xue said, taking it.
“No need. Come on, let’s hand out the rest,” Tang Yao said, stretching. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing them in a warm glow.
Footsteps echoed as colleagues trickled in.
The new year had begun.
They started distributing envelopes.
Surprisingly, Tang Yao had braced for forced post-holiday smiles.
But the reality differed.
Most staff were genuinely beaming, as if returning to work made them happy.
After handing out envelopes to everyone present, Tang Yao sank into her chair, murmuring, “What’s going on…”
“What’s that?” Li Xue asked, returning with a cup, catching Tang Yao’s muttering.
Tang Yao turned, puzzled. “Why do the staff seem… happy to be back?”
“Because of you, boss,” Li Xue said, sitting with her cup, chuckling. “Forgot the huge bonuses before the holiday? Your generosity was obvious. Avalon’s in rapid growth—those who got bonuses feel validated, newcomers see hope. Everyone’s got something to aim for.
“Plus, I heard from staff who jumped ship—Avalon’s vibe is different. Other game companies? Their leads focus on squeezing players’ wallets. Here? From grunts to project heads to you, the boss, once a project’s on track, you’re debating if a dragon’s spray pushing a hero back to 15 HP is balanced…
“No one’s even mentioned monetization.”
“With a gorgeous boss handing out envelopes, thanking everyone for their hard work—who wouldn’t be happy?”
“Really…” Tang Yao blinked, maybe because she’d been a worker and gamer herself.
She naturally believed effort deserved rich rewards.
A game had to be good before monetization even came up.
Hearthstone’s card-collecting model was solid, so she wasn’t rushing to push monetization.
She hadn’t realized the staff saw Avalon as different…
It was different.
She knew card games and profits inside out, but Kang Ming, Si Jinliang, and the planners they’d hired never brought up monetization either. Their talks with Tang Yao were about balance, fun…
And that felt right.
Like Feng Ji’s essay said… games shouldn’t start with “sustained profits” or “keeping players hooked for thousands of hours.”
They should be about creating something fun.
Reflecting on her past-life game company days, Tang Yao’s eyes lowered. “I hope… Avalon stays different.”
“Different how?” Li Xue asked.
“Nothing,” Tang Yao said, shaking her head, smiling. “Just hope they don’t complain later. First half of the year’s gonna be busy.”
It was too early for big dreams.
To make fun things, you needed money first.
“True, Chainsaw Man resumes tomorrow…” Li Xue nodded, listing off, “ANF’s site and manga events need pushing, FGO and Teacher Rumi’s Nightfall collab promo starts, and Card Clash, our second game… We’re booked all spring.”
“Yup, but…” Tang Yao said, puffing out her chest, beaming. “It’s a chance—an chance for Avalon to truly rise.”
“This spring, let’s make the whole anime world remember our name!”
(End of Chapter)
Translation Notes
Names:
Transliterated using Pinyin for consistency: Tang Yao (唐瑶), Tang Kaoru (唐薰), Li Xue (黎雪), Kang Ming (康鸣), Si Jinliang (司金亮). These retain Mandarin phonetics for accessibility.
Character names (Denji for 电次, Makima for 玛奇玛) and titles (Chainsaw Man for 电锯人, FGO for Fate/Grand Order, Card Clash for 斗牌, Nightfall for 入夜) use established or contextually fitting English equivalents.
“Third-Rate Sensei” (三流老师) is kept as a nickname, reflecting fandom’s playful tone.
“Teacher Rumi” (如迷老师) adapts the pen name for a natural English equivalent.
Cultural Nuances:
Holiday Traditions: The Lunar New Year (过年) and cleaning customs (扫清霉运) are key, rendered with festive weight (e.g., “sweep away bad luck”).
Sibling Dynamics: Tang Yao and Kaoru’s playful intimacy reflects Chinese familial closeness, translated with warm, teasing familiarity (e.g., “tsundere trope” for 傲娇).
Workplace Culture: Avalon’s unique vibe and red envelopes (开工红包) mirror Chinese corporate morale-boosting, translated with relatable enthusiasm.
Technical Terms:
Manga Terms: “复刊” (resume publication), “休刊” (publication break), and “剧情把控力” (plot control) fit manga contexts.
Industry Terms: “拜年祭” (New Year’s gala), “二次元圈子” (anime community), “宣发” (promotion), and “收费模式” (monetization model) align with digital and gaming platforms.
Game Terms: “卡牌游戏” (card game) and “游戏平衡” (game balance) reflect gaming design discussions.
Adjustments:
Narrative Clarity: The sisters’ holiday bonding and Avalon’s ambitious spring are detailed vividly, balancing personal warmth with professional drive.
Emotional Tone: Tang Yao’s confidence, Kaoru’s subtle care, and Li Xue’s flustered charm are tuned for natural English flow, preserving emotional depth.
Dialogue Flow: Sibling teasing, online fan rants, and workplace banter add humor and energy, grounding manga and industry plot points in character moments.
Character Dynamics:
Tang Yao’s Optimism: Her playful confidence and strategic vision shine, translated with vibrant charm.
Tang Kaoru’s Devotion: Her quiet admiration for her sister is rendered with tender sincerity.
Li Xue’s Warmth: Her playful vulnerability and loyalty to Tang Yao are translated with affectionate flair.
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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