Chapter 242: Solid Footprint In Mainstream Society |
In the afternoon, Long Qi Jia successfully joined the music company, and Chu Ge received the good news, feeling genuinely happy for him.
He was a shy, introverted, and good-looking young man, and being from the Black Room, even though they hadn’t communicated much, Chu Ge had always had a good impression of him. Of course, he didn’t want to see Long Qi Jia succumb to employment pressure, get exploited or scammed, or worse, get involved in something sinister.
In this day and age, having supernatural powers could lead one down a dark path in the blink of an eye because exploiting others is the easiest way to make money.
Just like Du Lianfeng and his associates, they might not have been so bad at the beginning, and that’s why Zhong Yi had once associated with them. But once they started using their abilities for greed, things soured, and they went further down a dark path, unable to turn back, only advancing deeper.
Including Zhang Qiren… Chu Ge still had mixed feelings about him. According to the information from their last conversation, he seemed to be in the process of rising to prominence, with a different air about him. But did that mean he had more blood on his hands? After all, he was swindling gang members abroad… Hmmm…
Speaking of this, did he just indirectly hinder Zhang Qiren’s recruitment efforts? Zhang Qiren probably didn’t lack fresh talent.
Scratching his head, Chu Ge decided not to dwell on these thoughts. They were futile, and it was better to focus on working on the comic script.
Writing a script was different from writing a book because it involved visual storytelling rather than words. Adapting a novel into a script wasn’t a straightforward process; it required some adaptation while staying true to the source material. To be honest, the best person to write a script based on a novel was the author themselves, provided they were well-versed in scriptwriting. Unfortunately, many authors didn’t have this skill or the authority to do so.
Luckily, Chu Ge had expertise in both areas.
In fact, Chu Ge had long contemplated revising the previous chapters of his story. The style and tone were somewhat inconsistent, and he had different ideas now. However, revising previous chapters was a delicate task that required utmost caution; otherwise, it could lead to unforeseen consequences. So, he had temporarily put it aside. But portraying the story in comic form would allow him to unify the style without changing the plot, which was a good thing.
In no time, the script for the first three episodes was ready, and it flowed smoothly.
Around the same time as the completion of the script, Qiu Wuji sent over the character design drafts. “Take a look at these character designs. What do you think?”
Character designs weren’t just simple illustrations. They were quite detailed, including profiles, back views, expressions (crying, smiling, angry), as well as a breakdown of clothing and weapons, even close-ups of belts, and more. With just a glance, Chu Ge found it fascinating.
Such modern techniques in the hands of an ancient sword immortal were genuinely interesting.
Apart from cooking, which didn’t count, was this the first modern skill that Qiu Wuji had truly mastered? Simultaneously, she was learning to drive, though she hadn’t obtained her driver’s license yet. This comic book was the best proof that Qiu Wuji was walking the path of a modern person.
It took five months.
Three of those months were spent in love. Hehe.
Upon closer inspection, he realized how amazing it was.
Qiu Wuji had initially focused on the early character designs, which didn’t include herself. It mainly featured Chu Tiange and some early supporting characters. Among them was a female character who was Chu Tiange’s childhood friend.
Of course, Chu Tiange had been tragically tricked out of his harem by the creator god, which led to their relationship changing from childhood friends to comrades, without any romantic ambiguity.
Chu Ge had never met this female character, but at the same time, with just one look, he recognized who she was.
Angry, sad, happy—every expression was vivid and lifelike. Her lively eyes seemed to be able to move, making her appear almost lifelike.
Every fabric texture, every wrinkle in the clothing was three-dimensional and realistic, as if you could tell exactly what material it was made of.
This wasn’t just comic book artistry; it was a blend of immortal techniques into comic book style, creating a sense of virtual reality that made it seem like you were viewing a real scene.
Could this be too incredible? When this comic was released, it might become even more popular than the book…
“Um…” Chu Ge cautiously asked, “When did you meet this girl?”
“After I traveled here to read your book, I went back and met all the characters in the book that I didn’t recognize,” Qiu Wuji said with some pride. “So, I truly have no equal when it comes to drawing this comic. I really know what each character looks like!”
“…” Chu Ge hesitated. “You’re certainly talented, but maybe it’s a bit too much. Have you considered toning it down a bit? This comic might have too much of an impact when it’s released.”
“I’ve thought about it,” Qiu Wuji replied. “I made these character designs extremely detailed, but when it comes time to actually draw, I won’t be able to maintain this level of precision. Immortal techniques, a slight difference is as good as a thousand miles. When the time comes, it won’t be as exaggerated.”
Chu Ge remarked, “Your typing has become faster.”
Qiu Wuji, “…”
Chu Ge sent a blowing-a-kiss emoji.
Qiu Wuji sent an emoji of hitting someone with a frying pan.
Separated by a wall, the two of them looked at the chat box and simultaneously smiled.
In the past, Chu Ge used to chat online while living together with Zhang Qiren, and it felt silly. But now, even though he was doing the same thing with Qiu Wuji, it felt warm and comforting.
It was quite strange.
“Today they mentioned that we’ve been feeding them dog food for three months,” Chu Ge said.
Qiu Wuji didn’t quite understand, “So, what’s the big deal?”
“We’ve been together for three months,” Chu Ge explained.
“Clearly not! That ‘Early Autumn’ thing was their misunderstanding. At that time, I wasn’t your girlfriend, completely innocent!”
Chu Ge muttered, “I think it’s about the same.”
“No, it’s not! This immortal doesn’t get captured by smelly men so easily!”
“Alright, alright, it’s not, it’s not… Hmm, it’s winter now.”
Qiu Wuji immediately understood, “I’m not cold. Sleep on your own. Go away.”
Sighing, Chu Ge said, “You’re not cute at all.”
“Are you feeling itchy? By the way, I just remembered we haven’t practiced the Plum Blossom technique today.”
“…We have so many things to do. Let’s not practice for now.” Chu Ge immediately backed down and sent the script for the first three episodes. “Let’s start drawing the main content. I also need to write more. I’ve run out of drafts, and if I dawdle, I’ll have to go on hiatus.”
Qiu Wuji received the script but didn’t open it immediately. Instead, she opened her diary document.
November 7th, Continued:
I don’t feel like hugging him at all. I hate the way he looks like he’s trying to coax me to sleep with him all day long.
Tomorrow, I won’t talk to him. I won’t even chat with him online. That’ll drive him crazy.
…
The next morning.
Chu Ge was brushing his teeth and peeked his head into the room, “Good morning.”
Qiu Wuji was already in the kitchen making breakfast, not saying a word.
Chu Ge thought she didn’t hear him and didn’t mind. He casually said, “Old Zhu sent a message saying that when he returned this morning, he’d already bought the studio. He temporarily registered it under his name, but once we get to Nanjiang, he’ll change the business address and legal representative to me. By the way, he also employed some studio employees who are willing to come to Nanjiang.”
Qiu Wuji quickly forgot about last night’s diary. “So fast?” she asked.
Her response was so quick that Chu Ge had no idea she had originally intended to ignore him. “We took some shortcuts. Technically, it shouldn’t have been this fast… but it’s a good thing. With more people, you can delegate tasks. You can focus on characters, and let others handle things like backgrounds, plants, and textual work. It’ll save you a lot of time and increase efficiency.”
“Yeah, I was thinking about that while drawing last night. Originally, I planned to do it all myself, which would have been a waste of time.”
“Also,” Chu Ge suddenly smiled, “I think when the time comes, the legal representative should be changed to you. From now on, Qiu Wuji will be a real figure in this world.”
Qiu Wuji stared at him blankly, her heart slightly stirred.
He was still considering this matter. The “Dao” in his heart never stopped, but she slacked off and felt it was enough.
Indeed… it wasn’t enough. Leaving aside many details she didn’t understand, even the original Qiu Wuji was just a prototype of the character from the book, a presence only as an ID on the internet. Even when she became an internet celebrity and had photos, that was still in the realm of the “internet.”
Even if the comic author signed as Qiu Wuji, that was still a “pen name.”
Only by registering a real studio as a legal entity could she truly exist in reality, leaving the most solid footprint in mainstream society.
If Autumn left and Winter came, what had departed was the previously nonexistent Qiu Wuji, and what awaited was the pure, white snow, waiting for a bountiful year.
The journey to Shanghai turns out to mean this to me.
Unable to contain the ripples in her heart, Qiu Wuji instinctively hugged Chu Ge’s waist tightly, leaning gently against his chest, whispering softly, “Chu Ge… I really want to hug you.”
Chu Ge had his toothbrush stuck in his mouth and mumbled, “Wh-why are you suddenly saying this? I haven’t even brushed my teeth…”
Qiu Wuji laughed softly, “You really are a fool.”
The phone rang, and Qiu Wuji answered it.
It was Zhu Mengmeng, “Qiuqiu~ Dad told me. He said we’re going to start a comic studio together, which is great. I’m checking out office buildings now. Do you want to come and take a look?”
Qiu Wuji tiptoed and lightly kissed Chu Ge on the lips before whispering, “I’ll be going out first… Work diligently and complete our world, my… Creator God.”
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