Chapter 224: I Just Slapped Everywhere
Sang Zhe had figured it out.
This Gongzi Shuiming was clearly the decoy Bai Ming had brought in.
The aim was undoubtedly to win over Hua Jianglian, making it easier to play the emotional card during negotiations.
Businessmen generally excel at these negotiation tactics.
Although Sang Zhe thought this girl looked quite charming, with an air of intellect and calmness, you could never let your guard down against a commercial rival.
So throughout the encounter, Sang Zhe kept a watchful eye on this short-haired, office lady type.
——
——
During dinner, it turned out to be just as Gongzi Shuiming said.
The other female authors were openly vying and secretly competing with one another.
Sang Zhe and Hua Jianglian were just focused on scarfing down their food.
The only good thing Sang Zhe found about female authors was this: they ate little, so there was no worry about someone snatching her food.
After finishing, most of the authors continued to chat.
Sang Zhe noticed that only a few authors were led by special attendants to the third floor.
Gongzi Shuiming just happened to be one of them.
When the attendant came to escort them, Gongzi Shuiming turned with a light laugh, saying, “Ladies, please.”
Sang Zhe still held onto Hua Jianglian’s hand tightly, her expression wary as she looked at her.
Hua Jianglian, however, had an excited little face, clearly more interested in the third floor.
Upon arriving on the third floor, the decor changed again.
This time, it was no longer high-end and elegant, but rather solemn and serious, like a proper conference hall.
A round table, seven or eight chairs, and beside each seat stood a servant.
Sang Zhe saw several authors already seated and suddenly wondered what would happen if there wasn’t a seat for her.
As it turned out, her worries were unnecessary.
Sang Zhe easily found the seats marked with her and Hua Jianglian’s names.
Clearly, Bai Ming had prepared everything in advance.
The atmosphere on this floor was evidently heavier than before, as all were top authors from Fusa Pavilion, and no one spoke, creating a tense mood.
After Sang Zhe sat uneasily, a few authors turned to look at her and Hua Jianglian.
Clearly unfamiliar with her face, they were trying to figure out which group she belonged to as a newcomer author.
Sang Zhe didn’t dare to talk, sitting quietly, waiting for Bai Ming to show up.
However.
After waiting till the end, Sang Zhe never saw Bai Ming.
Once everyone settled, the sect leader, a cultured middle-aged man, droned on with some pleasantries, before switching topics:
“Next, let the great boss behind Fusa Pavilion, the leader of Floating Splendor Commerce, give his annual speech to all you top authors.”
He powered on a large communication device, and a hologram flickered to reveal the comically dressed Sad Frog.
“Welcome, dear bestsellers. Welcome to this gathering.”
“Those who can sit here have all been tested by the market and stand out amid a thousand trials as top authors.”
“Here, I have good news to announce.”
Sad Frog softly said: “To encourage your creative enthusiasm, and to help Fusa Pavilion produce more quality works that meet market demands.”
“I have specially prepared twenty million spirit stones to host a bestseller competition!”
“From now on, within the next month, the new work by any author with the highest subscriptions will earn a reward of ten million spirit stones!”
“Second prize is five million, and third prize is two million!”
Immediately, all the authors present began to murmur among themselves.
Clearly, even for top authors, this was an incredible windfall.
Meanwhile, Sang Zhe didn’t care much about what Bai Ming had said.
She was just curiously looking around.
…Wait.
Didn’t we agree I’d come to the third floor to see her?
Why was it just a screen? Where is she? She’s not even at Fusa Pavilion!
If she isn’t here, what’s the point of dragging us all to Fusa Pavilion?
Sang Zhe was confused about what Bai Ming was up to when the screen ended.
As chatter erupted below, the sect leader cleared his throat and announced:
“The president has invested heavily to host this competition to encourage us best-selling authors to actively explore market trends and reader preferences, ensuring Fusa Pavilion produces quality works long-term.”
“If anyone has insights on current market trends, feel free to share for discussion.”
“Let’s start from the left. This… uh, Mr. Sang Zhe?”
All eyes turned to Sang Zhe.
Sang Zhe: “…?”
“Um, no, I mean…”
She was about to explain that she wasn’t an author when Hua Jianglian suddenly jumped up, excitement all over her face:
“I have something to say!”
…I knew it. Sang Zhe facepalmed in despair.
“I think Fusa Pavilion’s works are generally too restrained right now. We’re still stuck in traditional stories of love under flowers and lucky coincidences.”
“I believe we shouldn’t stick to traditional tropes and story templates, but should break free and write more of what readers love!”
“Like ‘贴贴’!” she proclaimed passionately.
“I think in both novels and comics, we should focus on portraying the main couple getting close! Couples in love shouldn’t hold back or feel shy; they should just go ahead and stick together!”
“In the morning, start with a good morning kiss, feeding each other at the table, bathing together, sticking together, during meals, and sleeping—stick together until the end of the world! Hehe, hehe…”
Sang Zhe watched in disbelief as she started somewhat appropriately, but her expression grew more and more unhinged, even adopting a near-obsessive grin, making her feel a bit creepy.
What market trend is this?!
You’re just projecting your own lewd desires, aren’t you?
When did I not notice that my sect leader is this thirsty and creepy?
The other authors looked equally uneasy, even Gongzi Shuiming’s expression was oddly shocked.
In the end, the sect leader cleared his throat again, and after Hua Jianglian wiped off the drool at the corner of her mouth, she offered an awkward chuckle:
“In conclusion, I think our works at Fusa Pavilion often gloss over what readers want most, making it frustrating when they finally get to a crucial moment only to find something else—it’s simply unacceptable!”
“So I strongly recommend everyone write more ‘贴贴’ scenes to meet reader and market demand.”
After saying that, she confidently sat down.
She even poked Sang Zhe gently and whispered, “So, how was that? Doesn’t it make sense?”
Sang Zhe: “…”
Although Sang Zhe didn’t get why Hua Jianglian was so confident.
At this moment, she could feel the awkwardness from the surrounding authors.
The sect leader chuckled awkwardly, “This lady Hua’s viewpoint is quite… um, unique. Next—”
“Humph.”
Suddenly, a cold snort echoed through the room.
“What nonsense, do you even understand creation?”
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