C3: Helper part 1

Sitting in front of my computer, I had a general understanding of the current situation. The game industry is the direction I'm aiming at, but even if I've decided to make a game, it's not that simple.

Despite the advanced technology available, where building the underlying code for developing games isn't necessary, art, music, modeling, and other aspects can't be avoided.

At this moment, I feel a bit embarrassed. First of all, I don't have the title of game designer, So I have very few resources to use. Although I can estimate, based on some classic small independent games from my previous life, that these resources might still be enough, the key point is that I don't have much money.

After all, I recently graduated, and even though I'm located in the suburbs of the capital, the cost of living is still quite high. I've only saved more than 10,000 yuan in total.

I need to put the system aside for now because it requires me to produce work before I can start collecting points. Additionally, the system doesn't provide any functionality for converting points to money, which is frustrating!

"I need to find a way to make money," I thought to myself, touching my chin.

While searching for various information on the Internet to learn about different aspects of the game industry in this world, I began conceiving ideas in my mind.

However, after exiting the webpage, I noticed a folder on my desktop. My eyes lit up when I saw what was inside—more than a dozen colorful scripts.

The content was the story of some cheerful ladies playing Beach volleyball. The story had a positive tone, fully demonstrating the vitality, youth, body cough cough... and high spirit of the young girls.

According to my memories, these manga weren't drawn by me but were given by a senior sister from my college who wanted my help painting them.

Looking at these invigorating scripts, I suddenly decided in my heart.

I already had an idea for my first work that could bring in some money—a domestic matchmaking game featuring beautiful girls, one that was loved by players in my past life: *Magic Mirror*.

It was selected as the second most praised game in 2018, and topped the global daily best-selling list on the Steam platform, with a total of 71,000 reviews, of which nearly 69,000 were positive. Even most of the 2,000 negative reviews were for playing tricks and Memes review.

The reason for choosing this game is simple. On the one hand, this game, which involves game modeling, can be said to require minimal effort. On the other hand, most of the content of this game can be self-produced at my level.

The unique characteristics of this game, without requiring much financial promotion, give it a distinct advantage over other games.

In terms of quickly accumulating the initial funds I need, *Magic Mirror* seems to be the best choice.

Of course, some of the questionable content will need to be changed.

"However, relying on myself alone will take some time. I need to find a helper," I thought, as a plan began forming in my mind.

But before anything else, I need to solve my hunger problem. Feeling a wave of hunger, I grabbed the keys and my fruit 18X 36D from the table, ready to go downstairs and find a restaurant to solve my immediate issue—my stomach.

...

"Never underestimate the meat cutters of any Lanzhou noodle restaurant in China. What amazing knife skills!"

I picked up a piece of beef with my chopsticks, as thin as a cicada's wings, and couldn't help but sigh. This is it, it's skinification, not the inflation where things get shorter. Dipped in the ramen soup, the beef gave off a crystal-clear appearance, almost too beautiful to eat, an irresistible treat.

Six thin slices of beef were spread across the ramen noodles, with chopped green springy onion and coriander on the side. In the past life and this parallel world, one thing is certain: The beef is incredibly thin.

Though the amount of meat wouldn't even be enough to stick between my teeth, nevertheless the noodles were still delicious—firm, chewy, and mushy from within with the soup base made from boiled beef bones that added a rich flavor.

After finishing the meal, I paid the bill and left the noodle shop. On the way home, I dialed a phone number.

After three rings, the phone was picked up and I answered.

"Sis, the drawing you gave me before is done. I'll send it to you"

"And by the way, are you free tomorrow? I need to discuss something with you."

"No problem, see you tomorrow afternoon at Island Coffee near the Garden Community crossroads."

Hanging up, I stretched. The plan to earn my first pot of gold was set with "Magic Mirror."

But I had to do all the work alone. Based on my estimates, it would take me about two months to complete it, and that was with nonstop grinding.

If possible, getting some help would be ideal. If not, well... I'd figure something out.

...

One o'clock in the afternoon.

I arrived at Island Coffee at the agreed time. In the lobby by the window, a girl, about twenty-four years old, sat wearing glasses and listening to music with her headphones on. She wore a white casual suit, blending into the laid-back vibe of the cafe.

"Sister Ruan, thank you for coming," I greeted her as I approached.

"It's no trouble. I live nearby," she said with a light smile, taking off her headphones.

Before I could speak further, Ruan Ningxue, beaming, cut me off. "So, Chen Xu, have you finally decided to join my studio? I've told you before, that focusing solely on comics is not the best move."

"You should start with doujinshi, hone your skills, then pivot. Many renowned artists started with fan works!" She leaned in, clearly excited.

"And I've seen your colored illustrations—you're talented in that place!" She said meaningfully

I coughed awkwardly. "Uh, I appreciate your praise for me, senior, but that's not why I asked you here today."

Ruan Ningxue was my senior at school. Just like I once dreamed of being a cartoonist, she had the same goal.

However, unlike me, who faced setback after setback, she started drawing doujinshi—fan works. She even managed to earn a decent living from it. In her words, becoming a top-selling doujinshi artist first, then transitioning into a full-fledged cartoonist, was a more secure path to success.

As for what kind of doujinshi? Well, they're mostly fan books about love stories, some of them quite idealized... others not so much.

As my senior, she thought highly of my skills and was constantly trying to recruit me into her team.

Sensing that the conversation was about to derail again, I quickly jumped to the reason I needed her help today.

"Wait, you're switching to game development?" she asked, wide-eyed as I'd just said something unthinkable.

"My original idea was just to tell stories to people. Whether through comics or games, they're both just mediums," I explained with a smile.

"There are plenty of creators who started as comic artists or novelists and transitioned into game designers or even directors," I added putting more money on my argument.

After all, in this world, thanks to technological advancements, the barriers to entry for many creative fields have been lowered. Cross-disciplinary success stories weren't uncommon.

"That's not the point!" Ruan Ningxue rolled her eyes. "You're saying no pay, no meals, and now you're asking me to illustrate for free? Chen Xu, are you trying to exploit me?"

If I weren't her junior and someone she was still keen on recruiting, she would've stormed out. I knew I must have sounded like a scammer.

Evil capitalist! Trying to exploit her labor for free!

No, even capitalists don't go this far!