Ruan Guangjian immediately stopped his work and began creating the concept sketch for Wind Ink Master·Ruan.

Since the overall concept had already been perfected, various ideas quickly emerged, and Ruan Guangjian captured them one by one.

The pressure-sensitive pen quickly traced outlines, and in just over two hours, the sketch for this hero was complete.

Although more detailed refinements would continue for several days, even this simple sketch revealed the hero’s characteristics. That sense of elegance practically leaped off the page.

In the front view of the artwork, Wind Ink Master·Ruan sat in a bamboo grove playing a flute. The giant brush and wine gourd floated in the air around him, lifted by the fierce winds surrounding his body.

The background of the picture showed ink-wash style mountains and white clouds, which complemented the ancient Huaxia wandering knight attire that Wind Ink Master wore.

Of course, strictly speaking, what Ruan wore wasn’t standard wandering knight attire. It incorporated some elements of ancient scholars’ robes, giving the character both the refined dignity of a scholar and the bold spirit of a knight. The two qualities were perfectly combined.

Behind Ruan was the silhouette of Mordister, suggesting the friendship between the two heroes.

Ruan Guangjian reviewed it once more, slightly modified some layout details, and then sent the sketch to Min Jingchao.

When the official results of the submission contest were announced, this sketch was released along with the hero’s design concept.

…

At Slackin’ Internet Café.

Pei Qian finished his last sip of coffee and closed his laptop.

After another busy afternoon, the mind map of relationships between departments had been greatly improved.

However, there seemed to be too many lines, making even Pei Qian feel dizzy looking at it.

“It doesn’t matter. As long as I keep organizing and reviewing it regularly, it will be effective.”

“If I successfully avoid being backstabbed just once, then this mind map won’t have been made in vain.”

Pei Qian uploaded the mind map, deleted the source file, and handed the computer back to the waiter to put away, preparing to head home.

But out of habit, he opened the GOG forum on his phone and scrolled through it, suddenly finding a pleasant surprise.

His post had been selected by the officials!

It seemed that only about twenty minutes had passed, and players were already frantically commenting with jealousy.

The consecutive adoption of two new heroes had made players envious and simultaneously raised participation enthusiasm to unprecedented levels.

Pei Qian was very pleased. Min Jingchao had good taste!

He could tell that this hero’s mechanics were good, which was why it was adopted so quickly.

But what kind of packaging did he plan to give this hero?

Pei Qian scrolled to the post’s main content and checked carefully.

After reading the hero’s name, story introduction, skill descriptions, and that original art sketch, Pei Qian fell silent.

He stared at his phone screen, unable to speak for a long time.

What the hell was this?!

How did a perfectly good, happy wind man end up being associated with Ruan Guangjian again?

And Ruan Guangjian had selfish motives; otherwise, why would he draw this Wind Ink Master so handsome while turning the coin-wasting hedgehog Mordister into a comedic character?

Even more outrageous was that these two heroes appeared together in Wind Ink Master’s original art, making the contrast even more obvious!

Pei Qian could even imagine what kind of narcissistic expression Ruan Guangjian had on his face while drawing this artwork.

And what was this about “Ruan is Mordister’s close friend”?

Who’s your close friend? Don’t try to get chummy with me!

Pei Qian was speechless. Ruan Guangjian always managed to inflict mental damage on Mr. Pei without warning, and somehow, he was completely immune to Mr. Pei’s retaliation.

Could this be what they call a natural enemy?

Pei Qian was angry, but since the officials had already accepted it and the 5% skin revenue was secured, it no longer mattered whether this hero was a happy wind man or a happy artist.

Closing the post, Pei Qian discovered that his account had received a private message.

The title was: “Mr. Pei, thank you very much!”

Pei Qian: “?”

This seemed to be Min Jingchao’s account.

He quickly opened the private message to check.

“Mr. Pei, I understand your good intentions. Don’t worry, both Master Ruan and I will keep this hero matter confidential for you. I will handle this according to the standard player submission process.”

“I know that for you, 5% of skin revenue means nothing. You care more about whether GOG can triumph in long-term competition with IOI, and your friendship with Master Ruan Guangjian…”

Reading this, Pei Qian’s heart skipped a beat.

What the hell does this mean?

Are they not going to give me that 5% revenue?!

I have no interest in the latter two things! If you dare not give me that 5% revenue, would you believe I’ll immediately arrange for you to go to the African savanna to play “who’s taller” with the giraffes?!

He quickly continued reading.

“However, rules are rules. You submitted this design proposal as a player, so naturally, you should receive this 5% revenue. I know you don’t need it, but I still must strictly follow the regulations and transfer this revenue to your account. Please don’t mind.”

Pei Qian was stunned for a moment, then fell into wild joy.

Good, young man, you’re on the right track!

Very understanding!

Pei Qian had almost asked Assistant Xin to order a one-way ticket to Africa.

But seeing this paragraph, Pei Qian realized he had misjudged Min Jingchao.

Originally, Pei Qian wanted to question Min Jingchao about misinterpreting his intentions and packaging this hero as Ruan Guangjian, but now he decided not to pursue it at all.

This hero could be packaged however they wanted, as long as they gave him that 5%!

“Very good. As long as you, Min Jingchao, remain in Tenda’s game department for one day, I’ll ensure your wealth and prosperity, and definitely won’t eliminate you first! Even if you make money in the future, I absolutely won’t blame you!”

After mentally issuing Min Jingchao an iron guarantee, Pei Qian became very happy and walked out humming a tune.

Just as he reached the door, he happened to run into Ruan Guangjian, who had left his studio for a walk after working hard.

Pei Qian smiled and nodded in acknowledgment to Ruan Guangjian.

Ruan Guangjian nodded back in greeting.

Watching Mr. Pei’s departing figure, Ruan Guangjian pondered: “Judging by the timing, Mr. Pei should have already seen the sketch of that original art, right?”

“He seems so happy?”

“Not bad, being able to help Mr. Pei emerge from the gloom of the overseas version failure of ‘Beautiful Tomorrow’ with just one painting!”

Ruan Guangjian also went for a walk, humming a tune.

…

May 11th, Wednesday.

Tuoguan Fitness Hangdong University branch.

“Bye-bye, Coach Yaling!”

Several student-like individuals waved goodbye to Li Yaling as they left the gym.

Li Yaling smiled and waved back at them, only returning to the gym after everyone had left.

After sitting down in the rest area, Li Yaling took out her phone and scrolled through web pages.

“Coach Yaling has brought so many new students to the gym recently. You’re practically holding up half of our gym’s business. So impressive!” another coach praised.

Li Yaling smiled and humbly said, “Coach Miao, you’re joking again. I wouldn’t dare claim half the business; everyone’s just being supportive.”

Coach Miao casually grabbed a banana from the snack area, eating while saying, “Coach Yaling is too modest. By the way, our gym seems to be expanding rapidly lately. With Coach Yaling’s outstanding abilities, shouldn’t Mr. Pei arrange for you to be a branch manager?”

Li Yaling shook her head: “I’m not interested in being a manager. Managers have to handle this and that, too troublesome.”

“I just want to be an ordinary coach, teaching others to build muscle.”

“Oh, the Cannes Film Festival seems to have opened today.”

Coach Miao threw the banana peel into the trash bin: “Cannes? Film Festival? Not interested. It’s all art films made by foreigners, what does that have to do with us?”

Li Yaling nodded: “Yes, I didn’t pay attention to it before either, but it seems ‘Beautiful Tomorrow’ is also participating this year. I wonder if it can win any awards.”

Coach Miao remained uninterested: “I don’t think so. Those foreigners have their logic for judging awards, and the cultural differences are too great. What’s the point of competing on their turf, by their rules, with our hands tied?”

“Anyway, ‘Beautiful Tomorrow’ has already been successful domestically, proving it’s a good film. Why bother seeking validation from foreigners?”

Li Yaling smiled: “You have a point, but what if? Good things are appreciated everywhere.”

Their conversation ended there. Li Yaling stood up and stretched, preparing to take advantage of the lull to get in some training herself.

Just as she stood up, she saw the front desk girl rise: “Mr. Pei, you’re here.”

Li Yaling turned to look. Mr. Pei was casually strolling through the gym’s main entrance, looking around as if searching for something.

When he spotted Li Yaling, Pei Qian’s eyes lit up.

Found her!

“Coach Yaling, I need to talk to you about something.”

Li Yaling was taken aback: “Mr. Pei, you’re not asking me to be a branch manager, are you?”

Hearing this, Pei Qian nearly laughed in exasperation.

What are you thinking?

With you being such a dangerous element, you still want to wreak havoc on another branch?

Dream on!

Pei Qian shook his head: “No. Let’s sit down and talk.”

Hearing it wasn’t about becoming a branch manager, Li Yaling was a bit confused.

Besides that, what else could it be?

The two sat down in the rest area, and the front desk girl brought over two glasses of water.

Pei Qian took a couple of sips, found it tasteless, and set it aside.

“I came to ask if you would be willing to accept a job as a full-time coach, responsible for the fitness training of ten players.”

“I must say, this is a very arduous task that requires extremely high-end professional knowledge to be competent. But accordingly, I will also provide you with more generous compensation.”

“As long as you agree to accept this task, you can ask me for any conditions needed during the training process, and I will do everything possible to meet them.”

As Li Yaling listened, her eyes began to shine.

It sounded like a very interesting and challenging job!