The literary era since 1979

Upon learning that Yongsheng agreed to cooperate in the comic-book movie adaptation of "Chinese Hero" and that Hongxing would provide guarantees for his safety, Ma Rongcheng immediately stopped pretending to be sick and decisively went through the discharge procedures. However, he did not return to work at Yulang International Company immediately.

Instead, he and Cui Xingzhong came to the office building rented by the "Mingkong" Publishing Company and visited the office space of the future comic publishing department.

Then, with an efficiency beyond Fangyan's imagination, the two of them quickly produced a list of cartoonists and painters.

"This Wen Qiming, nicknamed 'Niu Lao', is Shangguan Xiaobao's apprentice. He has practiced martial arts since he was young. He also learned boxing, karate, free fighting and taekwondo. So he is good at fighting comics, but he has not been the main writer of a comic so far."

Cui Xingzhong handed over his resume with his photo attached.

"His ability and talent are unquestionable, he just lacks an opportunity."

Ma Rongcheng added: "If he could be given a chance to create and publish, he would definitely join us."

Fang Yan did not answer immediately, but instead focused on the next question, "What about this 'Xu Jingchen'?"

"He is from Yulang International Company just like us. He has been working with Mr. Huang since he graduated from high school at the age of 17."

Cui Xingzhong gave a brief introduction.

"Wouldn't that mean he is Huang Yulang's confidant? Would he be willing to switch jobs?"

Fangyan frowned.

Ma Rongcheng explained that although Xu Jingchen joined Yulang International Company early on, his work was basically to serve as an assistant producer for Huang Yulang's "Dragon Tiger Gate" and his own "Chinese Hero". Over time, he became frustrated and resigned from the comics industry.

He later switched to advertising design, but not long after, he ambitiously published his own comic book work, titled "Manga Boy".

Unfortunately, it was discontinued after a few issues due to poor sales, but I still missed the comics, so I returned to Yulang International Company.

"Although he has big problems in story conception, plot design, and plot arrangement, his painting skills are outstanding."

Cui Xingzhong said in a serious tone.

This pertinent evaluation is not much different from what Fangyan thought.

Just from Xu Jingchen's famous "King of Fighters VS Street Fighter" comics, we can see that he has difficulty controlling even the fan culture.

The plot has no logic, the characters are ruined, and there are too many eye-catching plots to count, such as the passionate kiss between Iori Yagami and Chun-Li.

Of course, in terms of shockingness, "The King of Fighters VS Street Fighter" is far inferior to the 99 Hong Kong comic version of "The King of Fighters".

"I have worked with Xu Jingchen for a long time. He has both obvious strengths and weaknesses. But if we can find a screenwriter with some of Fang Sheng's skills to form a partnership, we can achieve great things." Ma Rongcheng recommended sincerely.

"Then count him as one."

Fangyan put a check mark on Xu Jingchen's resume.

"Next is 'Wen Riliang', nicknamed 'Fatty'..."

The recruitment list Cui Xingzhong mentioned includes both cartoonists with unlimited potential and excellent painters who meet the dialect requirements.

"I didn't expect that you guys would come up with such a detailed list in just a few days!"

Pan Yaoming couldn't help but sigh.

"To be honest with you two, I originally intended to set up my own company after the contract expired in 89 and set up a publishing house to specialize in comics. So for a long time, we have been paying attention to the works of our company and our peers outside."

Ma Rongchen smiled.

"No wonder!"

Pan Yaoming suddenly understood. "But now that we have received Mr. Fang's invitation, we have completely given up on this idea."

Cui Xingzhong's eyes were full of respect.

"It's not possible to recruit all the people on the list, right?"

Fangyan raised his hand and turned the list back to the first page.

Cui Xingzhong nodded and said, "If the remuneration and conditions are in place, I expect to get 60% to 70% of the salary."

Fangyan asked: "Have you estimated how long it will take?"

"According to your request, I plan to prioritize recruiting painters with superb drawing skills and strong creativity before signing potential cartoonists." Cui Xingzhong's tone was somewhat cautious. "Conservatively speaking, we should be able to recruit the first batch within two months."

"Okay, follow your plan."

Fangyan took a sip of tea.

Ma Rongcheng said weakly: "Mr. Fang, there is something I want to ask you."

"Are you thinking about the fantasy novel I'm going to turn into a comic book?"

Fangyan grinned.

"Nothing can be hidden from you."

Ma Rongcheng and Cui Xingzhong looked at each other with embarrassment on their faces.

"You can read it if you want, but you have to sign this first."

Fangyan winked at Pan Yaoming.

Pan Yaoming immediately understood and took out two confidentiality agreements from his bag:

"It's not that we don't trust you, but everything has to be done according to the rules and regulations. In case there is a problem, firstly, we can find out which link or which person has the problem as soon as possible, and secondly, we can avoid suspicion between each other. I hope you don't have any grudges."

"how could be!"

When Ma Rongcheng saw this, he instantly realized how much importance Fangyan attached to this fantasy novel.

Fang Yan saw the two of them sign their names neatly and quickly, and without any hesitation, he handed the first draft to them.

Ma Rongcheng and Cui Xingzhong passed the book around and were quickly attracted by the plot of Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky.

The story is set in the late Sui Dynasty. The protagonist Chen Jingchou, on the orders of his master, embarks on a journey to find the five legendary ancient artifacts, namely the Xuanyuan Sword, Pangu Axe, Fuxi Qin, Shennong Ding, and Nuwa Stone, and embarks on a journey to restore the State of Chen. There are two versions of the ending in the game.

One ending is centered on "Xiaoxue". After Tuoba Yu'er was killed by Dugu Ningke, Chen Jingchou gave up saving Tuoba Yu'er for the safety of the Central Plains. Tuoba Yu'er also sacrificed herself for Chen Jingchou and turned into a reincarnated soul. Six hundred years later, Xiaoxue turned into a human form again and came to the tombs of Chen Jingchou and Tuoba Yu'er to worship, and the story ended with a tragic period.

Another ending is centered on "Tuoba Yu'er". After Tuoba Yu'er was killed by Dugu Ningke, Xue'er decided to sacrifice herself to save Tuoba Yu'er. After that, Chen Jingchou and Tuoba Yu'er spent the rest of their lives happily. Six hundred years later, Xue'er turned into a human form again and came to their tomb to worship.

Fangyan has not yet decided which version of the ending to use. He plans to wait until the comic is serialized and then decide based on the readers' feedback.

Just as he was waiting patiently, Ma Rongchen's head was buzzing and his eyes were staring at the manuscript paper.

So this is a fantasy novel!
It is completely different from martial arts novels, integrating many oriental elements such as history, immortality, metaphysics, Taoism, and mythology.

Compared with "Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky", this "low-level" comic book "Chinese Hero" is really outdated! (End of this chapter)