Chapter 44: Breaking the Mold

**Chapter 44: Breaking the Mold

The next day arrived quickly.

"Mr. Qingshan, you're here," Ito Ayumi greeted with a smile as Lin Qingshan appeared.

However, she was taken aback, her expression stiffening.

At that moment, Lin Qingshan was holding a golden little dog—Pochita.

Pochita was no longer the small puppy it had been when it first met Lin Qingshan and Gu Qianli. After a year, it had grown almost into an adult dog.

Naturally, it no longer needed to stay in the pet backpack. Lin Qingshan had attached a dog collar and leash, allowing it to walk by itself for a change.

Ito Ayumi recognized Pochita but was confused by the sight.

"Mr. Qingshan, are you bringing Pochita along for the collaboration meeting today?"

Ayumi asked, somewhat helplessly.

"Oh… Sorry, I didn't think it would be a problem. Isn't your company pet-friendly?" Lin Qingshan blinked, genuinely puzzled.

He had subconsciously brought Pochita along.

"It's not that… Never mind, please come in first. I'll have Pochita looked after by the receptionist."

Ayumi said.

"Alright," Lin Qingshan agreed, having no intention of causing trouble.

Ayumi took Pochita to the receptionist. The dog, being well-behaved and accustomed to socialization, settled down quietly next to the front desk, understanding that Lin Qingshan had important business to attend to.

With Pochita cared for, Ayumi led Lin Qingshan up to the office floor of the Manga World company, where the editorial department was located.

As soon as Lin Qingshan arrived, he felt uneasy.

[Translator: sauron]

Wow! The familiar atmosphere of a serious workplace!

People hurried with documents, some stared intently at their computer screens, others made formulaic friendly smiles on the phone...

The seemingly busy yet stern workplace ambiance...

It felt so familiar!

It gave him PTSD!

Lin Qingshan's skin crawled.

"Mr. Qingshan, please wait here for a moment. I'll go inform them," Ayumi said, guiding him to the break room and pouring him a cup of tea.

"Okay," Lin Qingshan agreed.

Ayumi quickly disappeared, but soon returned.

"Mr. Qingshan, everything is ready on our side. You can come in to discuss the game adaptation rights now."

She said softly.

"Alright."

Lin Qingshan stood up and followed Ayumi into a meeting room.

As they entered, Lin Qingshan walked straight in.

"Everyone, this is Mr. Qingshan, the author of *Edge Walker*," Ayumi introduced him to the room.

Lin Qingshan looked around at the people in the meeting room. There were about a dozen people, divided into two rows, perhaps indicating opposing "sides."

The attire was all business suits, indicating professionalism.

However, which side was his and which was the one interested in acquiring the adaptation rights?

Lin Qingshan was somewhat confused. It seemed they had already discussed the terms and now only needed his formal agreement.

At this moment, a middle-aged man near the outside of the room stood up with a smile and extended his hand to Lin Qingshan.

"Hello, Mr. Qingshan. I'm Cai Liqian from the Business Department of Manga World. I'm in charge of negotiating the rights for your work."

Lin Qingshan realized this man was his contact and shook hands with him cooperatively.

"This is Mr. Liang from Light Speed Game Development Company, who is interested in acquiring the adaptation rights for *Edge Walker*."

Cai Liqian introduced a young executive wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Liang Zhiyuan looked young but serious, fitting for a company head.

Liang Zhiyuan observed Lin Qingshan, who appeared younger than him, with a slender build and a height of around 1.8 meters, resembling a bamboo pole. His long, disheveled hair and youthful, handsome features gave off a vibrant, almost manic energy.

Especially since Liang Zhiyuan knew that Lin Qingshan had created *Edge Walker*, a manga that could be described as wildly eccentric.

The feeling intensified.

"Hello."

As Liang Zhiyuan assessed Lin Qingshan, Lin Qingshan greeted him with a big, somewhat unsettling grin, revealing his teeth and extending his hand.

Lin Qingshan intended to offer a friendly smile, but his sudden expression was a bit eerie, almost startling Liang Zhiyuan.

Despite his surprise, Liang Zhiyuan maintained his composure and returned a more restrained, friendly smile as he shook hands with Lin Qingshan.

"I didn't expect Mr. Qingshan to be so young. Actually, I'm a fan of yours. I really like *Edge Walker*."

Liang Zhiyuan said warmly.

To others, this might seem like a polite gesture to build rapport, but Liang Zhiyuan genuinely meant it. He was indeed a fan of Lin Qingshan and had become a regular reader of *Comic World Gogo* because of *Edge Walker*.

"Thank you for your support."

Lin Qingshan smiled sincerely, not doubting Liang Zhiyuan's words.

Just as everyone was about to sit down and start the discussion, Lin Qingshan unexpectedly asked, "By the way, since you're acquiring the adaptation rights for *Edge Walker*, do you have any ideas about the type of game you want to make?"

Everyone in the room was taken aback.

How could Lin Qingshan jump straight to this question before they even settled in for the discussion?

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(End of Chapter)