Started as a comics editor

Chapter 300 Almost there
The hustle and bustle of the New Year gradually subsided, and the city's pulse began to beat again at the rhythm of the workday.

After a short holiday break, Avalon is up and running again. The festive decorations haven't been completely taken off yet, but the languid atmosphere in the air has been replaced by a mix of weariness and pent-up energy.

Tang Yao pushed open the office door, and a smell mixed with the scent of paper, ink, and electronic devices wafted out, yet it felt subtly unfamiliar to her. The inertia brought on by the long holiday was really strong, so much so that even sitting in the long-unused office chair, she hadn't recovered yet.

Post-holiday syndrome.

Tang Yao sat blankly in the chair, feeling unwell. Her body was protesting against getting up early and against work, and her mind was completely blank. If she hadn't told Xun beforehand, Xun would have forcibly pulled her out of her warm bed in the morning, stripped her clothes, and helped her change. She would have been jolted awake.

She might still be sleeping right now...

"So why doesn't reality have a way to separate people?"

Tang Yao started to have random thoughts, staring at a pile of documents waiting to be processed, not knowing where to start.

Actually, this isn't the worst of it.

If she's just lacking energy, she can do something else to get back into the swing of things.

What made her even more uncomfortable was...

Li Xue hasn't returned yet...

The figure who always arrived earlier than her, who took care of everything perfectly, and who arrived at the office earlier than her almost every day, was now thousands of miles away.

Although the two kept in touch and chatted almost every day during the holiday, talking about everything.

Apart from that matter of revealing the truth.

But because of the screen, she always exudes a restrained sense of distance.

Every time Tang Yao picked up her phone, she felt a little uncomfortable communicating through a screen... Of course, this only applied to Li Xue.

But when I finally went back to work, the feeling of unease didn't ease; instead, it made the emptiness even more pronounced.

"call……"

Tang Yao raised her hand and gently patted her cheeks, trying to dispel the sticky fatigue and inexplicable boredom.

I may not want to work, but I can't put off anything.

The work after the New Year came rushing in like a long-awaited tide.

First up were the New Year's event data reports for several major mobile and online games, a thick stack of which sat on her desk. The heads of the marketing and operations departments were already eagerly awaiting the reports and debriefings.

Thanks to increased user activity during the holiday and generous event rewards, games such as Dungeon & Fighter and Hearthstone achieved new highs in daily active users and revenue, with data curves as beautiful as a meticulously drawn blueprint.

Needless to say, mobile games are another story. Although FGO did not have any new singularity updates, its performance in the New Year event alone was outstanding.

only.

While the project is impressive, the pressure to balance adjustments and update content in the new year is immense. After all, the number of project teams is increasing, but Avalon's scale is not keeping up. Tang Yao needs to make quick decisions about the direction.

Following the revamp of the AG platform (formerly Avalon Game Assistant), the major upgrade to features for end users before the Lunar New Year, including the game library, details page, rating system, and creative workshop, received a warm response. In particular, the trailer for Left 4 Dead attracted a large influx of new users.

But more crucially, and with a more far-reaching impact, was the service channel for game developers that was quietly added during that upgrade.

As soon as the holiday ended, relevant feedback and data began to be compiled and sent to Tang Yao.

Initially, there were only sporadic inquiries via email and messages in the background, asking about AG platform's access policies, technical support, and revenue sharing models for independent developers or small studios.

But soon, the number of such inquiries began to rise steadily, and some well-known independent producers in the industry even expressed preliminary intentions to collaborate through private channels.

Clearly, the potential of AG platform as a potential publisher and technical support platform, as well as the powerful capabilities of the Morningstar engine shown in the Left 4 Dead trailer, have begun to attract attention and discussion among developers, and this is happening faster than expected.

The marketing department and platform technology team need to immediately come up with a more detailed B2B cooperation plan and developer support program to transform this spontaneous interest into a substantial start to cooperation.

Tang Yao certainly couldn't just leave the matter entirely to her staff and let them fall into a trap.

So she also had to participate, and even take the lead.

what……

Of all the work, the most important and most heart-wrenching was undoubtedly the news from the Left 4 Dead project team.

Tang Yao sat there blankly for a while, barely managing to pull herself together. Then, Li Zhongzhi, the project manager of "Survival Road," a reserved man with a strong science and engineering vibe, came to her door.

He stood in Tang Yao's office, his eyes filled with excitement.

"President Tang! Overseas! The overseas response has exceeded expectations!"

Li Zhongzhi said excitedly, "Thanks to the reputation we built up with Undertale and Outlast, and the buzz from the TGA nomination, the trailer for Left 4 Dead has exploded in popularity and discussion on several major overseas gaming communities and forums! The trailer views and related analysis videos on Tube have increased exponentially! Players are asking about the release date and platforms!"

Speaking of which.

He took a deep breath, trying to appear more composed, but his speech was still very fast: "Players' expectations are at their peak, which is a good thing, but it also puts more pressure on us. Our team originally planned to release it in March to allow enough time for simultaneous optimization and testing of multiple platforms and language versions."

Now that overseas buzz has picked up, the requirements for a simultaneous release are even higher. Any delays on any platform or language version, or serious localization issues, could trigger a backlash and waste this valuable momentum.

Li Zhongzhi's expression turned serious: "So, President Tang, the project team is under tremendous pressure right now. The engine team is working hard to optimize the performance of different platforms, the localization team is working overtime, and the workload of QA testing is increasing exponentially... Everyone is working non-stop."

"Are you... suggesting we postpone the release date?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Yao looked up and blinked: "If the assessment by all parties really proves impossible, then I agree. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I don't know if you've ever heard the saying—no one remembers a garbage game that was released on time. The balance between quality and timeliness is very important."

"..."

Li Zhongzhi was taken aback.

Nobody remembers a terrible game that's released on time...that's so true.

But then.

Tang Yao added, "But don't overthink it. I was just saying it offhand. And it's not an ironclad rule. It's true that no one will remember a garbage game that was released on time, but it's even worse if it's repeatedly delayed and the final product is still garbage."

Many people don't actually know this.

This quote comes from Marchin, co-founder of CDPR.

Ironically, after multiple delays, Cyberpunk 2077's release in 2020 was still a disaster at launch...

Now nobody will remember that garbage game that was released on time...

“That’s not what I meant, Mr. Tang.”

Lee Chung-ji realized what was happening and explained, “Although it was indeed very hard work, everyone felt that completing all the work before the release was not a problem… It’s just that, as you mentioned before, we made an entertainment mod of Chainsaw Man internally and put it in the Workshop. On the one hand, it serves as a demonstration, and on the other hand, it shows players that the Workshop’s demand might not be able to keep up, as well as the related tools.”

"That's it..."

Tang Yao listened quietly, then pondered for a moment: "Then you should focus on ensuring the quality of the game's initial release, and postpone everything else."

"Understood. Thank you."

Li Zhongzhi breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and then smiled and said, "Then there's no problem... and I'll try my best to arrange it after the game is released. I estimate that the delayed content can be launched within a month."

"It's okay if it's a little later."

"Yes, it's related. We'd actually like to do it too, especially after seeing today's update."

Li Zhongzhi shook his head slightly, then couldn't help but glance at his boss's beautiful face: "The Chainsaw Man comic is really... amazing. It's an eye-opener for us. In fact, if we weren't so pressed for time, we really wouldn't want to give up the idea of ​​launching a Chainsaw Man MOD. It's really fantastic."

"..."

Tang Yao was slightly taken aback, then remembered the latest chapter of "Chainsaw Man" that was updated today, and smiled.

Nothing was said.

soon.

Li Zhongzhi left.

But then Yuan Yanbo, who was in charge of overseas distribution, came to the distribution department.

After all, the holiday is over and there isn't much time left before the release of Left 4 Dead.

Yuan Yanbo walked in a hurry and got straight to the point as soon as he entered: "Boss, as expected, the AG platform has encountered some trouble when it was launched overseas."

Tang Yao reached out and patted her cheeks again.

Yuan Yanbo spoke quickly, clearly having already sorted out the issues: "The biggest obstacle is not from direct competing platforms, since online distribution of PC games is not currently popular overseas. The problem lies in our own mobile game business."

“Our main mobile games, such as FGO and Hearthstone, have always been distributed and operated through GP Play in overseas markets. Now, we want to launch the PC client on the AG platform simultaneously overseas, and use it as the sole release and launch platform for Left 4 Dead on PC. GP Play seems to be somewhat dissatisfied with this, feeling that we may pose a certain degree of competition.”

"Although their contact person didn't say it explicitly, they implied that if we insist on using the AG platform as the only entry point for Left 4 Dead on PC, it will greatly damage the partnership that we have built on mutual trust on the mobile platform. Subsequently, our mobile game resources, recommendation priority, and even... we cannot rule out the risk of being removed from the platform."

After listening, Tang Yao slowly lowered her hand, her face showing little surprise. She simply asked curiously, "GP Play shouldn't be involved in the independent PC game distribution business, right? Its core strategy should be mobile applications as the main focus, while expanding its PC game library to enhance ecosystem synergy?"

The GP Play here is not the one Tang Yao was familiar with in her previous life.

It's not even a business under the search engine company.

It is a software platform of a certain mobile phone manufacturer.

"It wasn't involved."

Yuan Yanbo nodded: "So I guess they saw our potential. After all, they have distribution channels for our games, including single-player games... What they are worried about is that the AG platform may grow into a channel that competes with them in the future, especially on mobile devices."

"It's not that bad... We're not big enough to make them act like that. They probably just thought of it casually and mentioned it offhand. They're definitely annoyed, but who would think that our small company is a threat?"

Yuan Yanbo: "..."

Small, small company?
Tang Yao continued, "However, as the only platform for the PC version of Left 4 Dead, AG Platform's core strategy cannot change. This is not only related to our determination to build our own ecosystem, but also a key step in demonstrating AG Platform's capabilities to global players and developers."

Yuan Yanbo frowned upon hearing this: "Then GP Play..."

"We need to reassure them, or rather, temporarily lower their guard."

Tang Yao replied softly, "First of all, let's make it clear to GP Play that the core positioning of the AG platform at this stage is to serve as a launcher and enhancement platform for Avalon's own PC games. It is not an app store that intends to compete with GP Play on the mobile platform."

Going forward, our internal mobile games will still be available on their platform, and even our AG platform will be available on GP Play. At the same time, we will absolutely not introduce third-party mobile games on a large scale.

"This……"

Yuan Yanbo hesitated for a moment: "Isn't this putting the cart before the horse? Our AG platform is for... and our platform will also be limited by GP Play."

"I only said that we would not introduce third-party mobile games on a large scale, not that we would not introduce third-party PC games."

Tang Yao shook her head slightly and smiled, "Many things are different if you look at them from a different perspective. AG platform doesn't have much influence on mobile devices right now. It's one thing in China, but it's hard to compete with mature distribution platforms overseas. But PC games are different."

"As for being limited by the GP Play platform, it's not that bad yet. We're still far from where we are; the platform has only just launched... Most importantly, even if it does become limited later, I'm confident that our AG platform will be able to enter the sights of most game development teams and players."

"—With our game."

Any digital game distribution platform initially only provides services for its own first-party games.

Even Epic, with its aggressive strategy, launched its platform in connection with Fortnite and the Unreal Engine.

Therefore, Tang Yao did not believe that Avalon, with its strong exclusive IPs as its core, could not make the AG platform successful by releasing game after game!
Even if we can't become Steam, can't we at least become Battle.net?
First-party games, community features, achievement system, workshop... and discounts too.

As long as Avalon can gain an advantage with first-party games, and players continue to invest in the platform, it will create significant sunk costs, such as game libraries, achievements, and friend lists.

In this situation, players are already accustomed to the AG platform's interface, functions, and community, so there's no reason for them to change it anytime soon.

At that time, it would always attract some PC games to be released on the AG platform.

of course.

This road is not easy to walk on.

But it's not to the point that it's impossible.

"Our game..."

Yuan Yanbo was slightly taken aback, then looked at Tang Yao's unusually calm, fair and beautiful face.

Tang Yao started patting her face again to cheer herself up... Yuan Yanbo couldn't help but smile when he saw this, and his unease instantly dissipated.

Yes, Avalon's success today is thanks to this young boss and the high-quality, creative, and even trendsetting games she has created.

Even relying solely on first-party games, AG platform can still achieve widespread recognition!
"I understand."

Think of this.

Yuan Yanbo took a deep breath and solemnly said, "I will immediately organize a team to draft a detailed plan."

Tang Yao nodded.

soon.

Yuan Yanbo left.

The office finally enjoyed a brief period of respite.

That feeling of exhaustion, forcibly suppressed by work, stubbornly resurfaces like a reef exposed after the tide recedes.

Tang Yao took a deep breath and did not immediately bury herself in the pile of documents.

She stood up and walked to the window.

Outside the window, the early spring city sky was covered with a light gray haze, like a thin veil that had not yet dissipated.

The constant flow of traffic between buildings silently signaled the complete end of the holiday.

Tang Yao finally recovered.

just
Watch and watch.

Her gaze involuntarily fell to the business suit that Xun had forced her to wear... The well-tailored fabric outlined smooth lines, but also clearly highlighted the full curve of her chest, giving it an undeniable presence.

Tang Yao subconsciously raised her hand, her fingertips pressing gently against her chest through the fabric, as if to encourage herself or to soothe the subtle discomfort caused by the restraint.

"...I already said it's not suitable."

then.

She muttered to herself, sounding somewhat resigned to her fate.

However, this discomfort caused by the clothing was quickly overshadowed by deeper emotions.

"Why are there so many problems..."

Tang Yao slowly lowered her hand, letting out a very soft sigh, filled with work pressure and longing for someone far away... which dissipated into the silent air.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city.

Su Deqiang sat in front of the computer, staring at the screen in disbelief... He was truly shocked!

The latest episode of Chainsaw Man is being displayed on the screen.

Countless doors hung upside down in the sky, and the ground was covered with nameless plants and countless severed fingers.

Sudden.

A door above opened, and thick, asphalt-like darkness dripped down from it.

Just as the main characters were on high alert.

Next scene.

Sudden change in painting style.

A lone astronaut helmet came into view, its metal visor reflecting something.

Then the camera zooms out.

What followed was... countless corpses wearing bulky spacesuits, arranged in a way that was absolutely horrifying!

They were precisely cut in half at the waist, their upper bodies bent forward, their heavily gloved hands clasped together in prayer in front of their chests.

And right in front of his praying upper body were his own severed legs, which stood there alone.

One, two, ten... countless astronaut remains, their upper and lower bodies facing each other, the praying upper body facing their own legs, forming a strange passage leading to the boundless darkness at the deepest part of the scene...

It was as if they were lining the street to welcome them.

At the end of the passage, in the darkness, a figure slowly emerged!
Humanity's dream of exploring the universe and its stars, the bravest and most fearless symbol... is now being dismembered, distorted, and molded into a procession that bows down to the darkness.

The scene evokes a sense of absurdity and blasphemy...

It's truly terrifying!

Su Deqiang felt a chill run down his spine!
He thought that after experiencing so many third-rate teachers suddenly going crazy and all sorts of bizarre plot twists, he was used to it!

did not expect!
I can't get used to it!

I can't get used to it at all!

Every episode is a surprise! Every episode offers a completely new experience!

Yes.

This is the first episode of Chainsaw Man after the New Year! And the latest one! The Demon of Darkness has arrived!

"Not... a third-rate teacher! You... huh?"

at last.

finish watching.

After reading the latest chapter, Su Deqiang had only one thought besides extremely strong anticipation: Is this something that humans could come up with?

"Wow, this is awesome... If it were made into an anime or a game..."

Su Deqiang couldn't help but flip back to the beginning and read the comic again, and then he was left with nothing but shock.

He recalled the live stream from last year, and the voice of that third-rate teacher when he revealed his identity. It sounded so young and gentle!

How did they even come up with that?!

Yes.

While some suspect that Avalon is using the fact that the third-rate teacher is a woman as a publicity stunt, Su Deqiang doesn't think so.

Because she had personally witnessed a third-rate teacher change the name of his social media account... something like... Tang Yao?
At that time, Avalon was still relatively unknown and was promoting his own comics.

He suddenly remembered this incident because Avalon had been in the limelight recently.

That's right...

Tang Yao is such a gentle name! So how did they even come up with this plot?!
And Tang Yao doesn't just draw comics! He also writes original concepts and storylines for games! He was incredibly moved by the sixth special ability in FGO!
This is just one of the games!
There's also Escape, Hearthstone, Undertale...

"That's outrageous... So how did she do that? What is her identity in Avalon? Why is she everywhere?"

Su Deqiang stared at the screen, suddenly very curious... very curious about the identity of this mysterious third-rate teacher, and became extremely interested.

……

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, in Li Xue's hometown.

Outside the window is a quiet winter courtyard, where sunlight streams through the glass windows, casting warm dappled patterns on the floor.

Li Xue, dressed in simple pajamas, sat in front of the computer, her posture still dignified even at home.

Wearing pajamas at home with an impeccable sitting posture creates a strangely cute effect...

On the computer screen in front of her was the latest chapter of Chainsaw Man, which had just been updated.

Li Xue read slowly, her gaze calmly sweeping over the impactful images: the upside-down door, the forest of fingers on the ground, the dripping thick darkness... but when the demon of darkness appeared, her breath still paused almost imperceptibly.

soon.

She slowly scrolled the mouse to the last page, the screen light reflecting on her fair and serene face.

"Hoo..." A very light breath escaped from between his lips, breaking the silence of the room.

"Wow...that's amazing, that imagination."

Li Xue's voice was soft, carrying a heartfelt sigh, not fear, but a pure appreciation for the creativity that fused absurdity, horror, and a certain strange beauty into one.

This imagination feels so familiar.

She could almost picture in her mind the focused yet slightly mischievous glint that might have flashed in Tang Yao's beautiful eyes when she conceived this scene.

Think of this.

Li Xue couldn't resist opening the comic discussion forum.

really……

"Aaaaaah! My scalp is tingling! I'm covered in goosebumps! This visual... it's so cultish! It's so damn impactful! I declare the appearance of the Dark Demon a memorable scene!"

"That's really amazing! How did they even come up with that idea?"

"Those praying upper bodies facing their own legs...this composition...this metaphor...I'm kneeling! I'm truly kneeling! Third-rate teacher, please accept my utmost respect."

"SAN value reset to zero! The way the Dark Demon made his entrance was absolutely stunning!"

"Awesome! I can only say that a third-rate teacher is awesome!"

"Wow, that's amazing... I'm really curious, what exactly is the status of this third-rate teacher in Avalon?! She draws comics so well, and she can also frequently guest star in scripts for game projects. How is she so capable? Does the boss treat her like a precious treasure?"

"..."

I saw the last reply in my field of vision.

Li Xue suddenly smiled. What do you mean by "worshipping"...would you worship yourself?
Tang Yao would definitely curse the idiot readers if she saw this...

Ok.

Li Xue chuckled as she imagined someone getting angry.

However, the smile on Li Xue's face quickly disappeared, replaced by a hint of melancholy.

Tang Yao...

Once your thoughts touch upon that name, you can never take them back.

The cold, lifeless scene on the computer screen seemed to fade instantly, replaced by the familiar office in the Avalon building.

That figure should be sitting in an office chair right now.

That person might be frowning at a mountain of documents, slapping their cheeks to combat post-holiday blues, or perhaps... staring blankly at the gray sky outside the window.

A strong, warm longing, like the winter sun shining outside the window, quietly enveloped Li Xue.

The chilling shock brought by the comic book images was completely melted away by this longing, leaving only a slight throbbing in my heart and an irresistible urge to go back.

Li Xue tilted her head slightly, her gaze passing over the computer screen and landing on the desk calendar placed on the corner of the table.

The return date was clearly circled.

almost……

(End of this chapter)