We moved to Golden Courtyard

After translating 32 cuts, Liu Qi asked, "Did you notice any problems?"

Susana was still puzzled.

"His expression! Kira's expression! It's so stiff, it's the kind of classic expression in the industry, all hatred, you can't see a trace of human feeling."

Just tell Seele exactly what I said.

"what……"

Susana still didn't quite understand, but she remembered everything Liu Qi said.

"To be honest..." Liu Qi found a pipe from somewhere, lit it with a lighter, and took a puff. "I'm a little disappointed this time."

Susana leaned back slightly.

Normally, smoking is not allowed in the office, but Susana is not so rigid as to regulate even this.

"Was it because she had to redo too much of the work in episode 26? At least back then, you could still see that her drawings showed signs of her serious thought process."

But now... the original artwork that is a complete textbook example is neither Alahato Seed nor the artwork that I, Liu Qi, need.

If Miss Seele insists on continuing to paint like this, then her career will be in jeopardy…

Liu Qi looked up at Su Shana, her eyes filled with a sense of oppression.

"That's about it."

······

"That's what Teacher Liu said."

Standing before Seele, Susana looked at the frail-looking girl with some concern. The other was a genius animator for E.T., and it was rare to see her being reprimanded like this by the animation director.

It's also rare to see... all the cuts she drew being sent back for redrawing.

The girl lowered her head, her ocean-blue eyes seeming to have lost some of their luster. Seele nodded and whispered, "I understand."

"Um, Miss Xier, please don't take it too seriously. Teacher Liu is just straightforward, so perhaps..."

"It's okay... I don't mind."

Really?

Watching Seele sit quietly at her workstation, continuing her original artwork, Susana couldn't help but feel a pang of worry.

……

Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?

In the office, Xu Qi looked at Su Shana with a slight headache.

"I thought it was just that Miss Seele wasn't feeling well, after all, only a small cut of chapter 26 was rejected, but who would have thought... this time it was rejected entirely."

Xu Qi held his forehead.

This is indeed not Susana's fault, and the fact that she took the initiative to report this matter shows that she made the right judgment—Miss Seele is probably not just in a bad state.

The question now is... exactly what kind of situation is bad?

After thinking it over, Xu Qi felt that he would feel more at ease if he went to see it himself.

If all else fails, another artist could do the job, but as a key talent being groomed by ET, the company, from top to bottom, pays great attention to Miss Seele.

Moreover, temporarily replacing the original artist is ultimately just a temporary solution.

If possible, it would be best to understand Seele's current situation.

"Well, Manager Xu, I think it might not be a good idea to go to Xi'er at this time."

"Ok?"

Xu Qi looked up and saw the little bear girl in front of him.

As the "Sleeping Dragon" in the story of the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix, Su Shana may be a bit slow-witted, but she actually has her own set of methods when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

This is why, at such a young age, she was entrusted with important responsibilities by Delta among a group of production teams.

Noticing Xu Qi's gaze, Su Shana quickly spoke up.

"Um! I was just saying, Manager Xu, just take it with a grain of salt..."

"Stop with all the nonsense, just tell me your thoughts."

“Oh, oh,” Susana took a deep breath and composed herself.

"Manager Xu, I think that although Miss Xier looks weak, she is actually very opinionated. She must have been reflecting on the fact that her original artwork was rejected."

If we were to approach her rashly now, it might... put unnecessary pressure on Miss Seele.

That makes a lot of sense...

Xu Qi pondered for a moment, then realized who he should go to first.

······

Stuffing the drawing board into her backpack and leaving get off work on time is Liu Qi's motto in life.

Unless there is a serious emergency, she will never work overtime.

But today... was a bit unexpected.

"Dong dong."

"Please come in."

When Xu Qi walked into the office, Liu Qi blinked and even rubbed her eyes, as if to confirm that she hadn't seen things wrong—Manager Xu!?

In an instant, Liu Qi tossed the bag aside, and the antique-style woman slumped into her chair, looking at Xu Qi with a leisurely and languid air.

"Oh, isn't this Manager Xu? What brings you here? Is there any task you wish to assign to me?"

This guy really doesn't hide his desire to flirt with me at all...

Xu Qi sighed.

Today, Liu Qi's alluring figure was wrapped in a white jade-like ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), while a light green gauze dress draped over her shoulders, concealing her delicate collarbones.

Her chest was encased in white breast tissue, which accentuated a perfect and alluring curve.

It must be said that compared to Teacher Xiao Yun, Teacher Liu Qi is far more feminine.

"Don't worry, we won't make Teacher Liu work overtime for no reason."

"Oh?"

"I'd like to invite Teacher Liu to a casual meal after get off work. Would you do me the honor?"

Her beautiful eyes looked on expectantly, but she didn't immediately agree like a lovesick fool. Instead, she revealed a thoughtful expression.

The woman in ancient costume pondered for only a moment before revealing a radiant smile.

"Of course... Supervisor Xu is treating, how could I, a mere animation supervisor, refuse?"

……

Since we're having dinner with Teacher Liu, we can't go to those shabby little restaurants.

On the banks of the Huangpu River, inside a villa with flowers and birds, one discovers a hidden gem: the interior of the villa has been transformed into a charming little restaurant.

and……

"The owner here was introduced by a friend of mine. Today it's just the two of us, so it's like we have the place to ourselves."

Aside from the riverside restaurant, the unique decor with its bridges and flowing water... it's clear that this hidden gem of a restaurant isn't for the average person.

Booking a venue is less about money and more about power.

Who exactly does this Supervisor Xu know that would allow them to get special treatment in such a place?

771. A woman three years older than her husband is like holding a gold brick.

I randomly found a spot near the river and sat down.

In fact, this was Xu Qi's first time here. He had just made a phone call to Eden's secretary, Anna, before leaving get off work.

Ask her to help prepare a slightly upscale dining location where you won't be disturbed.

And then I arrived here.

As the two sat down, melodious music drifted from the second floor of the villa. Liu Qi couldn't help but laugh and said, "Manager Xu, you really are... giving me a real eye-opening experience."

Xu Qi also looked puzzled.

After all, all he said to Anna on the phone was—a place where he could treat her to dinner.

"However, no matter how beautiful the scenery or how exquisite the arrangement, since Manager Xu is hosting a dinner, the dishes should at least be presentable, right?"

"Ah... I think it should be okay."

"Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually quite a gourmet, and I'm very particular about food."

Xu Qi smiled but remained silent.

Since it was prepared by Anna, it must be at least above standard.

Sure enough, just two appetizers were enough to brighten Liu Qi's eyes.

"How was it? I guess I didn't disappoint Teacher Liu."

Liu Qi leaned back and looked at Xu Qi with a playful expression, saying, "Manager Xu, if you've gone to such lengths not to pursue me, then you must have something you want to ask."

Just as he said this, a waiter served some food.

With a blank expression, like a robot, he placed the plates in front of the two people and then quietly left.

After listening, Xu Qi thought for a moment and then got straight to the point: "What does Teacher Liu think about Xi'er's matter?"

Liu Qi raised an eyebrow. Rather than saying she had already guessed it before she came, she figured that Manager Xu couldn't possibly be pursuing her...

It's really outrageous for a man with so many families to still be so charming and philandering outside.

"How well does Manager Xu know Xi'er?"

If we're talking about the fact that the other party is also a pilot of the EarthNet exoskeleton armor, then they must be far superior to you.

"She can be said to be the youngest concept artist in ET. She has only been in the industry for two months and has already become a formal concept artist in ET. There may be some talents like her in other companies."

But it's different at ET. We have very high requirements for concept artists. No matter how talented someone is, they have to go through about six months of ups and downs before they can become a formal concept artist at ET.

Therefore, Seele's talent is far beyond your imagination.

Xu Qi suddenly realized.

Previously, I only knew that Seele was highly talented, but I didn't have a specific impression of her. Now... I think I can understand. No wonder Bronya cherishes her so much.

"But no matter how talented he is, he's still just a kid who's been in the industry for less than three years."

"Ugh?"

Liu Qi took a sip of red wine, and a blush rose to her cheeks, making her look exceptionally charming.

She was truly a beauty of unparalleled grace and charm, captivating all who beheld her.

"What I'm about to say might make people think I'm just jealous—no matter how talented an animator is, without time to hone their skills, they're ultimately nothing special."

After saying that, she looked at Xu Qi with her beautiful eyes, seemingly waiting for his response.

"Hmm... I can understand some of what Teacher Liu is talking about."

"Oh? How do you understand?"

Xu Qi smiled.

"No matter what, I am also a creator. Take writing for example, those with exceptional talent can reach the pinnacle of writing skills in less than a year."

But... for an article, it's ultimately just a fancy exterior.

Some things don't need to be said outright; Liu Qi already laughed heartily—because she understood that Xu Qi understood her.

At the same time, the intensity in their eyes as they looked into each other's depths was even more apparent.

"Teacher Liu's words were not out of jealousy, but rather a reminder... I don't understand painting, so let's talk about writing. A lot of writing skills require time to refine."

Some writers possess a profound and powerful style; even in straightforward narratives, their work retains a rich and nuanced quality. This is not something that can be achieved simply through talent… what is needed is to write more.