Starting as a Manga Editor
Author: Xiange
Date: February 20, 2025
Chapter 55: Locked In
“I’ll walk my cousin out,” Li Xue said, noting Lin Shuang’s intent to leave. She didn’t urge her to stay, instead turning to Tang Yao with a soft tone. “Mind waiting a bit?”
Tang Yao nodded.
Li Xue rose and escorted Lin Shuang out of the café.
Ding-a-ling—
The door opened, morning light flooding in, clearing the café’s stale air.
Lin Shuang inhaled deeply, then glanced back. “Honestly, the air in there’s awful, the decor’s dated, and who still uses retro doorbells? Can they even turn a profit here?”
“Not sure. I don’t come often,” Li Xue replied, shaking her head. “I’m not big on coffee… Anyway, thanks for coming, Cousin Lin.”
“No problem,” Lin Shuang said, pausing at the entrance. Instead of leaving, she started chatting. “I should apologize—rare for you to ask a favor, and I couldn’t help much… But I’m curious. You’re not one to casually agree to things, especially if it means asking someone else. Why help this time?
When you called, you sounded so serious I thought you wanted me to vet a boyfriend.
I even prepped this morning, since I’ve bragged about my people-reading skills.
When I saw that girl, I nearly asked if you’d found a girlfriend…”
She wasn’t kidding.
For a split second, she’d wondered.
Li Xue’s call had been unusually solemn, and Lin Shuang knew her cousin rarely sought favors.
It was easy to overthink.
“…” Li Xue seemed speechless for a moment, then said, “Not that serious… Even if I had a girlfriend, it wouldn’t be this complicated.”
Lin Shuang, intrigued, pressed, “So why help her? Owe her something?”
“No,” Li Xue shook her head. “Just a good friend.”
“I see…” Lin Shuang glanced at her, surprised. “Didn’t peg you for a softie.”
Li Xue caught her drift. “It’s not about that… Do you think her project has no chance at all?”
“No one can say for sure,” Lin Shuang replied, eyeing the skyscrapers glinting in the morning sun. “No venture fund manager can swear they’ve never misjudged. We’ve all missed—some crazy ideas just work, defying reason. So, I won’t say zero chance…
Honestly, your friend’s got solid ideas, better than eighty percent of the entrepreneurs pitching for cash.
But… ideas are one thing. She’s too naive, too young, too full of herself.”
Li Xue asked, “You mean the monetization?”
“Not just that—her take on mobile gaming’s off too.” Lin Shuang shook her head. “In short, she’s overconfident… No real dive into the gaming market, just a brainstormed idea she thinks will print money. Without competition or comparison, it’s not that simple…”
She glanced back at the café, picturing the pretty girl, and chuckled. “Adorably clueless.”
“…” Li Xue pursed her lips, her expression shifting, as if irked…
Lin Shuang noticed, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “Have you read her proposal?”
Li Xue nodded. “Yes.”
“What’d you think?”
“It’s good.”
“I see,” Lin Shuang smiled, checking her watch. “I should go.”
The two stood at the café entrance, chatting in the morning light. Though not as striking a pair as Tang Yao and Li Xue, they still turned heads.
Passersby glanced over, some popping in for coffee.
The café’s business spiked that day.
But as the crowd grew, Lin Shuang, though unfazed, wasn’t thrilled.
More importantly, the conversation felt amateurish, their views clashing.
“Mm,” Li Xue agreed, adding politely, “Thanks for coming.”
“No worries. Let’s grab dinner sometime—Grandma misses you,” Lin Shuang said, starting to leave. After a few steps, she turned back with a pointed look. “Cousin… one last thing: rose-colored glasses can cost you, especially with friends and money. Even pros like us get dazzled by entrepreneurs—laypeople even more so.
Good or bad doesn’t matter.
But don’t let ‘friendship’ drag you into a mess. It’s not worth it.”
“Thanks for the advice,” Li Xue replied calmly, nodding.
Lin Shuang said nothing more, striding to her car in her heels.
Li Xue watched her go, waiting until she was out of sight before taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.
…She felt annoyed.
Just say my amateur opinion doesn’t count—why the roundabout lecture?
What’s with the ‘presumptuous,’ ‘adorably clueless,’ ‘full of herself’ jabs?
You don’t know her, yet you’ve got her pegged after one meeting?
Guess you’re the only sharp one here.
“…” Li Xue shook it off, took another deep breath, composed herself, and reentered the café.
Inside, she saw the once-empty place now bustling, all eyes subtly fixed on one spot.
Following their gazes, she spotted Tang Yao.
No surprise… she stood out anywhere, her looks and presence too striking.
But what caught Li Xue off guard was that, despite the stares, Tang Yao just shifted deeper into her seat, unbothered. She was calmly reviewing her proposal, brows furrowed, lost in thought.
Li Xue knew she usually minded attention.
Was she that shaken?
“…” Li Xue observed for a moment, then approached and sat beside her. “How’re you holding up? Mad I didn’t back you up earlier?”
“Miss Li, what’re you saying?” Tang Yao snapped out of it, turning with a wry smile. “I’d be a jerk to blame you… This isn’t small potatoes. As her relative, speaking up could’ve stirred trouble. I’m already thankful you set this up.”
“But it didn’t pan out.”
“Yeah, didn’t pan out…”
“How do you feel?”
“Like… your family’s obsessed with winter. I know it’s rude to poke at names, but with ‘Frost’ and ‘Snow,’ you guys really lean into the cold.”
“…” Li Xue hadn’t seen that coming, laughing despite herself. “My dad’s generation was terrible at naming… Wait, that’s not what I meant.”
“I know… just had to get it out.” Tang Yao’s face grew serious as she eyed her proposal. “I’m disappointed, sure… but I’m not giving up.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 56: Reaching Out
Li Xue studied Tang Yao’s determined profile. Hearing her refuse to quit, she wasn’t surprised, just smiled faintly, about to respond.
But Tang Yao cut in. “Miss Li… I’ve got two paths ahead, and I’m torn. Can we talk it over?”
“Two paths?”
“Yeah.” Tang Yao looked sheepish. “It’s embarrassing to backtrack, but since this flopped, I’ve got no choice. First path: stick to quitting, but contact Shang Tao, admit I’m ‘Teacher Sanliu,’ say Fate/Zero will serialize, use its buzz to negotiate upfront that, no matter the manga’s performance, the Literature Hall must license it for a mobile game.
Then, use the monthly manuscript fees for early game prep… until the tankōbon earns enough to fully launch it.
But it’s slow, might miss the mobile game window, and convincing the Literature Hall’s tricky. Plus, copyright could get messy since the magazine owns it…”
She paused.
“Second path: crunch hard, finish Fate/Zero fast… hope the story and free release keep the hype, wrap it up quick, and with that momentum, find a publisher for the tankōbon to cash in fast.
But even at top speed, I can’t update daily. Time’s tight, and tankōbon publishing takes time too—might still miss the window.
And I’m not sure I’ll find a publisher. Just reader love and hype might not seal the deal—could drag out talks.”
“…” Li Xue stared at Tang Yao’s lovely face, floored by her plans.
After a long pause, she asked, “You… just thought of these?”
Tang Yao nodded. “Yeah, wanted your take.”
Li Xue gazed at her, then chuckled softly. “I thought you’d be devastated.”
“…” Tang Yao went quiet, her shoulders slumping. “I am bummed… but I get Miss Lin’s point. There’s no precedent.”
“But,” she straightened, patting her cheeks, “understanding’s one thing—I still believe an anime-style, low-social, low-competition, gameplay-light, story-heavy mobile game has a market. I don’t want to quit, so I need another way. Wallowing won’t help.
Those are my best shots, flaws and all.
Which do you think’s better, Miss Li?”
“…” Li Xue smiled, delighted. “First, reach out your hand, then I’ll tell you.”
“Hm? Reach out? For what?” Tang Yao blinked but stretched out her hand.
Li Xue didn’t reply, just turned slightly, took Tang Yao’s hand, and slipped something into it.
Tang Yao looked down.
…A bank card.
She frowned, slowly meeting Li Xue’s refined, gentle gaze. “This is…”
Li Xue propped her chin, tilting her head at Tang Yao’s parted lips. “A dowry, or call it a bride price… There’s 1.7 million in there.”
“Dowry…” Tang Yao echoed, still confused, but as it sank in, she glanced at the card again, her face growing solemn.
Then, she handed it back. “I can’t take your money, Miss Li.”
Li Xue didn’t seem shocked, asking, “Why not?”
“Remember what I said?” Tang Yao pressed her lips together, earnest. “1.7 million—that’s probably all you’ve got. Even if I’m sure about the game, I can’t promise it’ll work. If it flops, you’re left with nothing… It’s too risky. Even a one percent chance of failure—I won’t bet your future on it.
I’m grateful, but I can’t take it.”
“…” Li Xue watched her firm refusal, a smile spreading across her face.
She leaned closer, straightened, and rested a hand on Tang Yao’s shoulder, locking eyes. “Tang Yao, if I needed to borrow money, would you lend it to me?”
“It’s not the same. My savings don’t even hit 30,000…”
“But if I was desperate, would you?”
“…Yes, I’d keep what Xun needs and give you the rest.”
“Exactly.”
“But my little bit…”
“Tang Yao,” Li Xue cut in with a laugh, “you know, I make 35,000 a month… No boyfriend, no parents to support, my hobbies are manga and cooking. I wear the same skirt and blouse daily out of laziness, and I ration calories to stay fit, so I can’t even enjoy food… Saving’s more habit than choice.
I’m not saying I’ve got cash to burn—it’s my earnings plus childhood red envelopes and allowances. I wouldn’t throw it at just anyone.
I like watching my account grow—it feels like my past paid off.”
“Then…” Tang Yao began.
“Hear me out,” Li Xue shook her head. “Even if you lost it all, it wouldn’t ruin me… And giving money to strangers is one thing, but to you, it’s different.
Your game plan—I don’t fully grasp it, honestly. Different fields and all.
That’s why I stayed quiet earlier—I didn’t want to mess it up, not because I was scared to get involved.
But… I know you. I’ve seen your manga, your work at the magazine. Even after my cousin shot you down, you didn’t sulk—you brainstormed backups on the spot.
Outside, she said your proposal’s decent but you’re adorably clueless… I think the opposite.
The proposal’s not the point.
You’re the key. I’m lending this willingly.
Plus, you’re a manga artist. Lin Shuang doesn’t read manga, doesn’t know your work’s worth… but I do. Even if it flops, you’ve got manga to fall back on—no sweat.”
Tang Yao: “…”
“And,” Li Xue added, a bit shy, “we’re friends… I hate admitting it, but I don’t have many close friends IRL, let alone confidants.
You’re the only one, and I don’t want this to come between us.
I’m not sure you get it… If I don’t lend this now, and later the game fails because you missed the window, you might not care, but I’d wonder why I didn’t help.
That guilt would push me away. I know myself—I’d avoid you out of shame…
You get it? Your best friend’s struggling for cash, you’ve got spare money but do nothing—how do you face them after?
I don’t want that. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to sit here idle while you stress… I’d rather give you all my savings to chase your dream, even if it tanks, so we can sit together, you griping, ‘Miss Li, you shouldn’t have lent me that.’”
“Because money can be earned back, but lost friends can’t.”
“By giving you this today, no matter what—whether you quit editing, succeed, or fail—we’ll still be friends.”
“So… do you need me as a friend?”
“…” Li Xue laid it bare, analyzing from a place of friendship, not finance.
Tang Yao met her gaze, lips tight, emotions swirling.
She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t touched.
Friends, huh.
Li Xue held her stare.
After a long beat, Tang Yao decided. She glanced at the card on the table. “Miss Li, if the game fails, I’ll be yours.”
Li Xue blinked, blurting, “…Then maybe don’t take it and just call it a flop?”
“I mean, your exclusive manga artist,” Tang Yao clarified, cheeks flushing from the ‘dowry’ talk. She shot Li Xue a look. “I’ll draw whatever you want, any genre, till I pay you back.”
“Phew… thought I could buy you that cheap,” Li Xue teased, her own cheeks pink from her slip. “So, you’re taking it?”
“Yeah,” Tang Yao took a deep breath, solemn. “Miss Li, thank you. I’ll use this wisely, and no matter what, I’ll pay you back…”
“Good,” Li Xue said, relieved, dropping her hand from Tang Yao’s shoulder. “Now…”
“You free?” Tang Yao pocketed the card, stood, and pulled Li Xue up without hesitation. “Help me find an office space.”
Li Xue’s choice and words seemed to melt any lingering distance between them.
“Already?” Li Xue tilted her chin, thinking. “Buy me a milk tea, and I’m in.”
“…Didn’t you say you’re watching calories!?”
“I’m not alone now,” Li Xue said, wrapping an arm around Tang Yao’s slim waist, grinning. “Gaining weight together’s fine!”
Tang Yao: “…”
In the end, Li Xue ignored her cousin’s warning.
Whether her call was smart, whether she’d gain or lose, was unclear.
But she’d already won a true friend.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 57: Co-Leasing?
“Thanks.”
The two stepped out of the café.
Tang Yao took a deep breath, turned to the older woman beside her, and thanked her again.
Honestly, she was still reeling.
She hadn’t expected Li Xue, after all the twists, to step up as her angel investor.
“One ‘thanks’ is enough,” Li Xue said, rolling her eyes lightly before softening. “Don’t act like you owe me. I told you why. If you see me as a friend, skip the formalities. Use the money freely—I’ll give you the PIN. If you need me for big transactions, just call.
Though, best to transfer it to your name. If you don’t mind the hassle, we can hit the bank later.”
“Doesn’t feel right. Maybe you keep it, and I’ll make a weekly expense sheet,” Tang Yao suggested, then reconsidered. “You can give me what I need each week.”
“No, once or twice is fine, but more’s a chore. Take it all,” Li Xue refused firmly. “I trust you. Just promise not to spiral if it flops.”
“…” Tang Yao fell silent, unsure how to respond.
“And don’t get distant,” Li Xue added, sensing her thoughts. She nudged Tang Yao’s shoulder. “Or I lent it for nothing.”
“…” Tang Yao knew overthinking was pointless, and she wasn’t one to dwell.
So, she didn’t push, just took Li Xue’s warm, soft hand and said earnestly, “I’ll keep this gratitude in my heart…”
But before she finished, Li Xue spotted something ahead, gripped her hand tighter, and pulled her forward. “Tang Yao, there’s a milk tea shop!”
Tang Yao followed her gaze.
There really was one…
She blinked, her words fading as she was tugged along.
She glanced at Li Xue’s profile, noting the exaggerated excitement, and after a moment, smiled—a smile as captivating as a blooming cornflower.
No need for words; they’d moved past formalities.
Half an hour later—
“You’re really drinking it…”
Tang Yao and Li Xue emerged from the shop, each with a cup.
By 10 a.m., the heat was rising.
Late summer still brought warmth, and drinking milk tea this early…
Tang Yao had thought she was joking.
“What, you think I wouldn’t?” Li Xue sipped her iced tea, the chill cutting through the heat, her face glowing with real joy.
Seeing her delight, Tang Yao lowered her cup, saying, “Miss Li, you’re not fat. Why bother? I like your figure—it’s perfect.”
“But not being fat doesn’t mean no limits,” Li Xue turned. “Clothes hide a lot. Next time you shower with me, you’ll see…”
Tang Yao sighed. “Your clothes aren’t thick.”
“That’s not the point,” Li Xue said, eyeing Tang Yao’s enviable curves. “You wouldn’t get it.”
Tang Yao shot back, “What don’t I get? I’m a girl too. I don’t shower in clothes, I strip…”
She trailed off, cheeks warming.
Though she’d accepted her situation, she still minded a bit.
But it was out, so she sipped her tea instead.
It was Miss Li—no big deal.
Maybe it was her imagination, but saying it felt like breaking a barrier.
She recalled… she wasn’t the type who looked slimmer dressed. Xun, she wasn’t sure, but probably not either.
Li Xue, unfazed, replied, “I’m different.”
“How so?” Tang Yao, ever direct, scanned Li Xue’s curves. “I don’t believe it.”
“…” Li Xue lowered her tea, hooked Tang Yao’s arm, and started walking. “Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it.”
Tang Yao froze, then caught on. “Wait, prove? Now? Where? I believe you, I believe you.”
She looked panicked.
“Pfft… What’re you thinking? Who showers in the morning? At least wait till night,” Li Xue laughed, turning to see Tang Yao’s flushed face. “Aren’t we looking for an office?”
“…” Tang Yao glared lightly.
She’d thought they were heading to a restroom or something…
False alarm.
…
Jokes aside, business beckoned.
Tang Yao didn’t want to waste time—she aimed to lock down an office today.
So, they started hunting agents.
“How about this one?” At a rental agency, Li Xue, arm linked with Tang Yao’s, pointed at a listing with her tea-holding hand.
Tang Yao wasn’t used to being arm-in-arm, especially with someone as striking and carefree as Li Xue, who kept brushing against her…
But she adapted, studied the listing, and shook her head. “Too big, too pricey. Don’t need that much space.”
She’d considered a small apartment.
For a startup, any workspace would do—she wouldn’t live there.
But Li Xue suggested an office.
“The location’s decent,” Li Xue said, sipping her tea. “2.5 per square meter…”
“Still too expensive and big,” Tang Yao insisted. “I’d rather rent a small, cheap apartment in a quiet area. Can’t splurge—money’s for essentials. This is prime downtown, rents are insane…”
Offices here were costly, even the smallest 100-200 square meters.
She didn’t need that.
“Fair,” Li Xue agreed, lowering her tea. “I suggested nearby partly for selfish reasons—thought I could help after work. If nothing fits, do what you think best.”
“Oh…” Tang Yao pondered. “Maybe something smaller?”
She pulled Li Xue along to check more listings and asked inside, but suitable offices were rare.
They circled the area with no luck.
“Nothing nearby,” Tang Yao sighed, exiting another agency, brows knit. “Might have to go for an apartment…”
“Yeah, follow your plan,” Li Xue said, hiding any disappointment. She’d hoped Tang Yao would be close, but if nothing worked, so be it.
“There’s one more agency ahead. Last shot,” Tang Yao decided, leading Li Xue on.
This time, surprisingly, she found a match.
“Co-leasing?” Inside the agency, Tang Yao blinked at the agent.
“Yes,” the agent confirmed, subtly admiring the two. “The tenant’s a startup that eagerly leased a whole floor, but now they’re folding. Lease term’s long, can’t sublet it all—it’s too pricey. So, they’re renting out part. The landlord’s fine with it, so it’s like co-leasing. You’d need to negotiate details with them.”
Tang Yao mulled it over. “Could you take us to talk to them? It’s at the Tech Trade Center, two streets over, right?”
“Correct,” the agent stood. “Wait a sec, I’ll get the responsible agent.”
“Hold on,” Li Xue interjected, asking, “What does the other party do? The co-leaser, I mean.”
She felt it mattered, since Tang Yao would share the space.
The agent frowned, recalling, “I think… games?”
Author’s Note: Sorry… Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve, gotta wake up early, so only one chapter tonight (I’ll make it up after release). Plus, the odd update times have gotten complaints, so I’ll try to adjust.
Also, Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone.
(End of Chapter)
Translation Notes
Names: Kept as Li Xue (黎雪), Tang Yao (唐瑶), Lin Shuang (林霜) for authenticity, with natural English flow.
Cultural Terms: “Tankōbon” retained for manga volumes; “angel investor” and “PIN” adapted for clarity.
Tone & Intent: Preserves Tang Yao’s resolve, Li Xue’s warmth, and Lin Shuang’s skepticism, with dialogue polished for natural English dynamics.
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