Starting as a Manga Editor

Chapter 196: External Assistance

"By the way, Tang Yao, when do you plan to release this game?"

Just as Tang Yao was contemplating her decision,

Si Jinliang spoke up again, rubbing his hands together like a fly and looking at her expectantly.

Indeed.

During this period, while FGO was promoting its collaboration event, Dou Pai wasn't neglected either. Si Jinliang and his team from the former Mingyu Technology had been working like madmen, researching daily how to make the game better and better while speeding up its release for players.

Through their efforts, Dou Pai improved day by day.

Now,

the game has entered its final stage.

"After FGO's collaboration event concludes,"

Tang Yao snapped back to reality and thought for a moment before continuing, "Don't worry, it won't take long before players can experience it." "Hmm..."

Si Jinliang felt somewhat embarrassed yet also anxious.

Although the game received positive feedback internally, with everyone enjoying it thoroughly—even staff who'd never played card games before could quickly grasp it and have fun—

when it came to actually releasing it to players... Si Jinliang couldn't help recalling past failures.

Thus, he was torn between wanting to redeem himself by releasing it quickly and fearing history might repeat itself.

However, seeing Tang Yao's delicate, fair profile eased his worries somewhat.

With her overseeing things this time, perhaps they wouldn't fail miserably again?

The whole company agreed that Tang Yao was beautiful.

Si Jinliang knew many staff members even blushed in her presence—

several in his own team did.

They often praised her looks, figure, and personality.

But Si Jinliang believed one had to look beyond appearances... to truly appreciate how extraordinary this boss was.

Working together on Dou Pai,

he'd come to recognize her brilliance—she was knowledgeable, decisive, unafraid to confront issues, took responsibility without evasion or excuses.

She had all the qualities of a great leader.

Though embarrassed to admit it, he sometimes relied on her.

Occasionally,

he even wondered if Tang Yao were less beautiful, might more people notice her inner excellence?

Of course,

he'd never voice this thought aloud,

fearing retaliation from Li Xue.

At this notion,

he chuckled and shook his head, then suddenly asked, "By the way, Tang Yao... the game's still using its old name from Mingyu Tech days. Have you decided on a new one?"

Tang Yao looked curious. "Hmm? Is keeping the old name bad?"

"Well..."

Si Jinliang appeared awkward. "The name 'Dou Pai' carries no advantage—it's practically tainted. I don't recommend keeping it."

"Any personal hang-ups?" she asked casually.

"None. I just want to create a successful card game for my own peace of mind. Mingyu Tech is ancient history."

He shook his head. "Dwelling on a name is pointless now."

"I see..."

Tang Yao looked thoughtful. "Let me consider it. You all brainstorm some names too, and I'll discuss with Ms. Li later..."

Here,

she paused, lowering her gaze.

Lately,

Li Xue seemed to be avoiding her.

That incident must have really bothered her.

"...I know I shouldn't ask, but I have to."

Seeing Tang Yao's expression, Si Jinliang recalled recent rumors. "Did you and Ms. Li argue?"

"No..."

Tang Yao instinctively denied.

Si Jinliang hesitated. "Then..."

"It's nothing."

Regaining composure, Tang Yao didn't wish to discuss Li Xue. "Focus on new game names."

"Alright."

After some hesitation, Si Jinliang dropped the subject.

...

That evening.

Tang Residence.

Having adjusted to their new home, both sisters were settling in comfortably.

Both Tang Yao and Tang Xun were pleased—

Tang Xun had even adopted a cat.

She seemed to be moving past past hardships, though still appearing cool and aloof normally.

Yet clearly, she'd become more optimistic overall.

After dinner and showers that night,

Tang Xun knocked lightly on her sister's door before entering as usual, intending to check if Tang Yao needed help drying her hair.

But upon opening the door,

she found her sister kneeling adorably on the bed, typing intently on her phone—not messaging someone, but seemingly researching something with great focus.

"..."

Taking a deep breath, Tang Xun thought critically:

So much for claiming inflexibility,

or being unable to do yoga poses.

Look at that posture.

Liar.

Approaching the bed,

she was about to speak when

Tang Yao noticed her and brightened visibly.

Before Tang Xun could say anything,

Tang Yao set her phone aside and patted the mattress. "Xun, perfect timing! I wanted your advice."

"..."

Surprised by this rare request, Tang Xun climbed onto the bed, curling her long, fair legs beneath her in an identical kneeling pose—

truly sisters.

Eyeing her sister suspiciously, she asked, "About what?"

"Well..."

Tang Yao hesitated, then said seriously, "Promise not to laugh first."

Tang Xun simply stared.

"Fine, laugh if you must."

Scratching her cheek, Tang Yao blurted, "How would you feel if someone suddenly kissed you?"

She'd decided this stalemate with Li Xue couldn't continue.

She refused to let their close relationship deteriorate over this.

If Li Xue was truly upset, she'd apologize—

not let things fester like this.

But unsure how Li Xue felt or how to broach the topic,

she'd considered seeking outside help.

Initially, search engines came to mind, but their answers were too generic.

Then she thought of her sister.

"..."

Tang Xun fell silent abruptly.

Studying her sister—Tang Yao's stunning face slightly flushed from her bath, fair skin tinged pink, wearing simple pajamas that somehow accentuated her curves to almost bursting—

she acknowledged inwardly:

So beautiful.

She'd always known her sister was gorgeous—the type even other women would admire.

But she hadn't expected this day would come so soon.

Clenching her fists slightly, she asked, "Why ask this?"

"Just answer first."

Tang Yao evaded, widening her gem-like eyes expectantly. "How would you feel?"

"Indifferent."

Tang Xun averted her gaze. "So who kissed you?"

"...Not like that."

Tang Yao blinked, then shook her head. "Not someone else."

Tang Xun's lashes fluttered. "You?"

"Mm."

After a pause, Tang Yao inexplicably admitted, "Maybe I treated it as playful, but afterward the other person seemed bothered..."

"So you're asking me?"

"Yeah, you're a girl too, right?"

"I am... wait, girl?"

Tang Xun whipped her head back, eyes widening at her sister.

Tang Yao looked at her as if this were obvious. "What, you think I'd kiss some guy? Am I insane?"

"..."

Recalling recent suspicions, Tang Xun froze momentarily.

Could it really be...

She spaced out.

"Xun?"

Noticing her sister's prolonged silence,

Tang Yao shook her gently by the shoulders.

Snapping back, Tang Xun's gaze refocused on her sister's exquisite face, resuming her usual cool demeanor. "You kissed someone?"

Tang Yao sought guidance earnestly. "Yeah, would they mind? How should I apologize?"

"..."

After a long silence, Tang Xun looked at her radiant sister, suddenly leaned in, and kissed her.

"Huh? Why'd you kiss me?"

Dazed, Tang Yao touched her lips, perplexed.

Tang Xun countered, "Do you mind?"

"Uh..."

"With someone like you, as long as they're a friend with normal orientation, who'd mind? Idiot."

With that parting remark, Tang Xun hopped off the bed and fled in her slippers.

In that fleeting moment,

Tang Yao thought she saw her sister's ears turn crimson—

but quickly dismissed it as imagination.

Tang Xun had made it clear:

with normal orientation, no one would mind.

So that was it.

Watching her sister leave, Tang Yao flopped onto her back, staring at the ceiling.

Then everything should be fine?

...

Though she'd gotten her answer from Tang Xun, when Tang Yao planned to approach Li Xue the next day—

unfortunately, Avalon's workload surged with Dou Pai and FGO's collaboration nearing release.

Thus, several days passed without proper conversation between them.

Time waits for no one.

Busy days slipped away unnoticed.

By the time Tang Yao realized,

FGO's event and Dark Night Decree's launch day were upon them.