We moved to Golden Courtyard

“That’s right, then I’ll choose the reward.”

As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Rita with ill intent.

"Well... well... I do have a few requests..."

"Go ahead and say it! I'm in a good mood right now, I'll agree to whatever you say."

I'd like to go with you to that period costume exhibition this weekend.

"Huh?" Xu Qi was taken aback. "That's it?"

"that's all……"

"Why don't you just say so? I won't refuse you. Besides, this is a company matter. Even if you didn't bring it up, I would still take you there."

“It’s different. If I don’t tell you, you’ll have to explain this to Mei on Friday, and this costume exhibition this weekend might turn into a private time for just the two of you.”

"Forehead……"

Xu Qi was speechless for a moment; he had indeed not considered this point.

"I didn't mean to stop you from bringing Mei and the others, but you absolutely have to bring me along."

Xu Qi was puzzled again.

Why be so persistent?

"The cheongsam you tore last time—'Huanxi Sha'—was actually something I planned to wear to the ancient costume exhibition. It's one of Rita's few hobbies besides being a maid, so... I wanted you to accompany me."

Because I want to show you everything about myself.

At this moment, Rita no longer concealed her feelings, and this burning emotion inevitably softened Xu Qi's expression.

"Rita..."

"Ok?"

"Remember this: no matter what happens, you are not allowed to leave me, understand?"

Rita's heart skipped a beat! Xu Qi's expression, while warm, also revealed a hint of seriousness.

He realized... or rather, Xu Qi had always been aware of it, but because he trusted himself, he never said anything, and even pretended not to understand his own hint just now.

"This is the master's order. If you are willing to let me be your master for life, then this is my order for life—you are not allowed to leave me. Can you do that?"

……

Rita's mouth was slightly open, her emotions surging so much that she couldn't help but let her eyes well up with tears.

She buried her face in Xu Qi's arms, greedily savoring his scent.

"I will not leave... Rita, I will be your maid for life."

He comforted Rita's back, but Xu Qi's gaze wasn't very kind.

Still nothing... Rita revealed the secret that had always been buried deep in her heart.

He was somewhat worried, so he could only keep emphasizing this and praying... praying that his relationship with Rita would have a happy ending.

The more I learn about Rita, the more I love her.

She deserves a perfect ending—if anyone tries to hurt her, they are the most malicious bastards in the world, and Xu Qi wouldn't mind making that kind of life disappear from the earth.

He was never pedantic, a fact already established in Guangcheng.

"Alright, the press conference is about to end. If Eden and Bronya see us like this when they come off the stage, they'll probably be furious."

Rita chuckled, looked up, and wiped her eyes.

She just...cried...

"Why are you angry?"

"Let me think... They're dealing with the media and reporters on stage, while we're all flirting backstage. It's really inappropriate."

"Let them be angry. Anyway, it's me holding you, not them."

If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, Xu Qi would have burst out laughing.

So adorable—Miss Maid!

375. Bronya, Vodka!

The press conference and the cooperation negotiation meeting with the Gold Group can both be said to have concluded successfully.

What's most striking is that, almost immediately after the press conference began, ETStudio's stock price started to surge, predictably hitting the daily limit...

Moreover, it is foreseeable that such limit-up moves may last for about ten days.

This is why the board of directors reacted so enthusiastically when they learned that the Gold Group would be collaborating with ETStudio—after all, it was a matter of real, tangible benefits.

And thankfully...

Fortunately, Director Yang's problem was resolved before the press conference.

Otherwise, the thought of having sought Eden's help only to have such a despicable person share in the spoils would make Xu Qi feel disgusted.

At the same time, with Eden's arrival, it means that the production of Alahatto Seed is about to truly begin to ramp up and move forward.

Tomorrow, the dubbing work for the first episode will begin.

Although the coloring of the characters has only been barely completed so far from the first episode, the final scene is still undecided as to whether to use 3D or original artwork.

But it's perfectly adequate for voice acting.

Having a moving image is already a great condition for voice actors.

After all, in the animation industry, the most terrifying situation is that you can only do voice acting based on the director's storyboards.

That means you can't even figure out what you're watching, yet you're expected to deliver a voice that's both emotionally rich and appropriate.

Is it unreasonable to ask someone to do something they can't?

It's not entirely true, otherwise how could they be called voice actors...?

In short, it's foreseeable that the work ahead will be incredibly busy.

After all, the company will definitely leverage the influence of this press conference to release a PV for its first round of promotion—given the current pace, if they want to make a PV...

Xu Qi estimates that some content from later episodes will need to be drawn in advance.

And then there's the music...

Although Eden is now in charge of this part, the progress has still been delayed considerably.

Hopefully there won't be any problems; that's the most urgent thing right now.

First, resolve the personal issues of teachers Xiao and Liu to ensure consistency between the first and second parts of the discussion.

II. Preparing for the upcoming PV production.

3. The background music and the first opening theme of Alahatto SEED were decided.

Either one is a headache.

Of course, we should live for the moment and enjoy life to the fullest. In any case, the first phase of cooperation with the Gold Group was very pleasant and smooth, which is definitely worth celebrating.

First and foremost, there are tangible rewards. Everyone in the company received full performance evaluations this month, and an extra bonus was awarded as a benefit.

Then came the celebration.

Except for a few essential departments that need to stay on duty, the entire company will have a half-day off in the afternoon. Employees are free to arrange their own activities, and this does not count as compensatory leave or annual leave.

Of course, you can also choose to stay at your post, in which case your salary for that day will be calculated at three times the holiday rate.

The benefits are indeed great... but it's tough on the finance department.

Of course, Xu Qi couldn't take a break, not for the triple salary, but because he knew Seed's progress was too good for him to take a break.

Even at Seed Studios, the vast majority of employees did not choose to take a holiday.

On the one hand, they can earn more money, but on the other hand... the arrival of the Gold Group puts immense pressure on the employees of Seed Studio.

Everyone knows how much importance and expectations the company places on the Seed anime.

At this critical juncture, no one wants to be the one who holds everyone back.

Of course, for Xu Qi, after work, it's time to have a proper celebration. The group isn't large; it's still the same four people as last time.

Including him, there's Rita, Delta, and Bronya.

It turned out to be the same barbecue stall as last time, which is quite disappointing...

Just a month ago, the four of them weren't exactly close, but in that short month... it felt like a whole year had passed.

Cheers!

The glasses clinked together, and four bottles of beer were downed in no time.

To the two Russians, the only difference between this stuff and water was that it was slightly steamy.

As for Xu Qi and Rita, while they might not drink a huge amount, they could certainly finish a bottle.

"Ah!~~"

Delta let out a satisfied sigh.

"Byd, I've brought so many animations, but I've never had so many as this. Not only are there enough people, but the production team is also stronger than ever before! I, Delta, have never fought a battle with such resources in my entire life!"

So who did they rely on?

Everyone first looked at Bronya, and then followed Bronya's gaze to Xu Qi.

Why are you looking at me?

Looking back on everything Xu Qi had done over the past month, even someone as demanding as Bronya would find it difficult to find fault with him as a supervisor.

Unbeknownst to him, he not only gained a foothold in the company, but also truly helped himself.

On the day of the shift handover meeting, he appeared in the conference room and truly turned the tide and saved the day – that was also the day Bronya was most enamored with Xu Qi.

So I couldn't help but say, "The best decision I've ever made in my life was poaching you from the subway company to work at ETStudio."

Ah... Xu Qi couldn't help but scratch his head and blush after being praised by Bronya.

"Xu Qi, you can't make excuses tonight."

The first round of beer was just an appetizer; Bronya pulled out a bottle of vodka and filled it to the brim.

"Supervision?"

"The first toast is to you for withstanding the pressure and not letting a scoundrel like Miss Jiang infiltrate the production of Seed, nor for not being afraid of a despicable person like Liu Yizhi!"

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp—the small disposable plastic cup, when filled, probably held about 4 ounces!

Xu Qi quickly stopped him, saying, "Supervisor, don't drink like that! I can't hold my liquor as much as you!"

By now, Xu Qi knew exactly how good these two Russians were at drinking; he could drink ten of them under the table, let alone one!

"You don't need to drink! I'll drink it myself; this is my toast to you."

After saying that, he filled it up again.

Delta and Rita exchanged a glance, knowing that Bronya was getting drunk, so they remained silent and watched the scene unfold with great interest.

This shows... Bronya is genuinely happy.

It's been a long time since I've seen her so unrestrained.

"The second toast is to your tireless efforts. You were supposed to be handling your own affairs at Mount Taixu, but you still came back to help me, Bronya, to remove Director Yang, the biggest cancer in the company!"

"The third toast... is to you. During Seed Studio's most difficult time, when we faced betrayal and had no music to play, you helped me solve this very real problem..."

Having said that, he had already downed his third glass of vodka.

Even Bronya couldn't help but feel dizzy at this moment.

Her cheeks flushed a captivating blush, quite alluring.

Just when Xu Qi thought it was over, Bronya raised her glass again!

This was really bad! Xu Qi quickly snatched the cup away and pleaded with Bronya, "Don't drink it, Bronya, don't drink it. I appreciate your kindness, I appreciate it all!"

376. You can take Bronya home.