Chapter 48 - Ambition

In the spacious painting room, Xu Mo, Gali, and Lorna worked diligently at their respective tables. The room was organized with three desks, each occupied by one of them, while Gale and Lorna worked closely together.

Gali was immersed in her drawing, capturing the essence of the gourd in her artwork. She had become so engrossed in the comics that she was completely absorbed in her task, neglecting other distractions. Her fascination with the storyline was evident as she continued to create with great passion.

At one point, Lorna glanced over, enjoying her potato chips while working on her own project. She was focused and smiling, brushing aside crumbs as she drew. Xu Mo entered the room, greeted Gali with a gentle pat on the head, and took his seat to start his own work.

"Don't let the sound of Gali's work disturb you," Xu Mo said in a deep voice, settling at his desk and beginning his drawing.

Gali, engrossed in her manga reading, barely acknowledged Xu Mo's comment as she continued to work with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Lorna was visibly pleased, her face brightened by her contentment with the task at hand.

Xu Mo, while working on a comic, noticed Lorna's intense concentration. He couldn't help but feel a bit of curiosity about her deep immersion. His attention was drawn to her focused demeanor, making him wonder if she was too absorbed in her task.

The sound of a brush moving behind Lorna caught Xu Mo's attention. He looked around, puzzled. It seemed that something was amiss, as if Lorna was manipulating something beyond her usual tools. He couldn't see the source immediately but felt a sense of confusion.

A few minutes earlier, in the living room, Li sat leisurely, sipping tea while keeping an eye on the news. A paintbrush moved across a canvas on its own, seemingly guided by an unseen hand.

The news anchor reported on the state of the comic industry, noting the revival of comic books and their resurgence in popularity. Xu Mo, lying on the sofa with a cup of coffee, listened with interest. The news highlighted a significant comic rush in New York City and mentioned that some comics involved mutants, causing speculation about the industry's future.

Xu Mo reflected on the state of the comic industry. Despite the industry's struggles and lack of recognition compared to other entertainment forms, he believed there was potential for growth. He thought about how the Japanese comics industry had managed to attract diverse audiences through various media, including games and merchandise.

While the American comic industry was seen as niche, Xu Mo believed that integrating elements from successful industries like gaming could reinvigorate interest. He was determined to attract more fans and rejuvenate the comic market, finding innovative ways to engage new audiences and bring fresh vitality to the industry.