Chapter 379

A Long's consideration came entirely from the heart—he wanted both his in-laws and his best friend to witness his joy, and without any one of them, it wouldn't be perfect.

Wei Ming sighed: "I don't even know if I'll be in Hong Kong then."

A Long said: "Then let's hold it in Shanghai. My parents returning to the mainland is easier than us going to Hong Kong."

Wei Ming smiled and returned to talking about *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*: "Jin Yong only gave you the rights to *The Condor Heroes*, right?"

"Yeah, I think it's better if you handle the negotiations—you've got more clout. Maybe you can secure the entire *Condor Trilogy*, plus *Drunken Master*, *The Smiling, Proud Wanderer*, and *The Deer and the Cauldron*."

He believed Jin Yong's wuxia novels had the most value in these six long epics.

Wei Ming shook his head: "Getting the entire *Condor Trilogy* is already enough. Adapting other authors' novels into comics may leverage their popularity, but the cost-to-benefit ratio is low—we only hold comic rights, and for printed volumes we still have to split profits with the original author, with almost no derivative value."

He'd only consider collaborating with Jin Yong during the magazine's growth phase; once we dominate the Hong Kong comics scene, it loses meaning. The *Condor Trilogy* alone could sustain serialization for years—more than enough.

A Long pondered a moment: "You're right. After Li Zhiquing finishes *The Condor Heroes*, let someone else take over *The Return of the Condor Heroes* and *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*."

Wei Ming: "Do you have anyone else available?"

A Long shook his head: "Not yet."

Although there are still a few comic apprentices without representative works, Li Zhiquing's style and skill can't be replaced by just anyone.

Wei Ming said: "So we should start training new talent. We also need more works. Since you've been to Japan and seen the three major shonen weeklies, have you considered turning *Maniac Comics* into a weekly?"

Hearing Wei Ming mention this, A Long perked up: "Of course I have. I think weekly serialization is ideal for comics—biweekly is too long; it drains reader enthusiasm. But with our current manpower and story creation capacity, launching a weekly would mean sacrificing quality."

Wei Ming: "Then channel all company profits into training newcomers. Host comic events to scout potential talent among readers—or even good storytellers. I can afford long-term losses."

A Long nodded: "Hong Kong's comics market—even with Taiwan added—is nowhere near Japan's size. It probably can't support three weeklies, but one can. Let *Maniac Comics* become Hong Kong's only comic weekly!"

Wei Ming thought this kid had become even more otaku after Japan. He waved his hand: "Easy, easy~"

A Long sat down and picked up another copy of *Alley Cat*: "After going to Japan, I realized Toriyama is already Japan's top manga artist. Thank goodness Japan isn't full of Toriyamas—if it were, we'd never have a chance. But under Japan's manga culture, many artists nearly as skilled as Toriyama get selected by the three major weeklies. That's incredibly enviable."

Wei Ming mused: "Many famous Japanese manga artists started as assistants—it's a unique master-apprentice tradition. Geniuses like Toriyama, who jumped straight into manga without ever being an assistant, are rare. So if you spot promising talent, keep them close as your assistants. Eventually, your school will branch out."

Like Eiichiro Oda (*One Piece*)'s master is Nobuhiro Watsuki (*Rurouni Kenshin*), and Watsuki's master is Takeshi Obata (*Death Note*).

A Long smiled: "I'm currently focusing on training Liangzi—he can help me shoulder a lot of the workload on *Qin Shi Ming Yue*. But I'm too embarrassed to let him call me Master."

Liangzi was A Long's classmate from Beijing Film Academy, the only one among three who chose to stay in Hong Kong.

Wei Ming thought a moment: "Say, once Liangzi is trained, could you manage two series at once while still handling *Qin Shi Ming Yue*?"

Because Wei Ming had one work he trusted only to A Long—no one else had the skill or trustworthiness.

"Two series?" A Long smirked. "My brush can keep up. Can your stories?"

Wei Ming pulled several notebooks from his bag: "This is *Qin Shi Ming Yue*. This is *Feng Yun*. This is *Happy Ghost*."

Writing these is simple—no need for a week. Three days is enough.

A Long flipped through them: "This is way too sparse. It's all outline."

"Then what are those few screenwriters for? They share the screenplay profits with me too."

A Long took the scripts and continued dreaming of the weekly: "When we go weekly, release every Saturday. Let teenagers stay home on weekends reading comics instead of running around as gangsters. It'll reduce social instability."

Wei Ming: "Why Saturday? Make it Monday."

"Monday?"

"Yes, Monday. On weekends, no one's around to discuss comics, no one's fighting over the latest issue—how do you spread influence?"

A Long thought about the logic, then couldn't help raising his thumb: "Only you could think of that!"

Afterward, the two discussed how to recruit and train new talent, expand the artist roster, and even considered poaching from Huang Yulang. When they got excited, the office echoed with maniacal laughter.

Wei Ming also told A Long about becoming chief consultant for CCTV's *Journey to the West*. When he mentioned *Journey to the West*, A Long said: "If this subject can be given fresh treatment, it's better than original works—naturally popular, no need to split royalties with the original author, and plenty of room for copyright exploitation."

Wei Ming smiled: "Exactly."

They didn't fall asleep until past two in the morning.

The first person to arrive at the company the next morning was Xu Jinjiang. He wasn't from *Maniac Comics*, but A Long gave him cover art work to boost his income—and made *Maniac Comics* covers artistically striking. He earned a few hundred dollars monthly for two issues.

He was now drawing the cover for "January 1982, Issue 1." With the New Year's spirit, this issue's cover would feature all the popular comic characters. The two were discussing the design.

Wei Ming reminded A Long: "You came back yesterday but didn't go home. Remember to visit today at noon."

A Long nodded: "I'll call Yingying. We'll meet for lunch downstairs—kill two birds with one stone."

Xu Jinjiang hurriedly said: "Brother Ming, I brought A Long some steamed buns for breakfast. Didn't expect you'd be here too. Want to share?"

A Long said: "You eat them all. I've got instant noodles."

"Instant noodles? Then I'll just make some. Haven't had them in ages." Wei Ming reached to rummage through the cupboard—he'd only eaten them twice in Hong Kong, sesame oil flavor, nothing like the later beef stew or pickled cabbage versions.

Wei Ming was holding his bowl of noodles, listening to their cover discussion, when more people arrived—two of the company's only female employees: A Zhen and A Zhu.

A Zhu handled reception and clerical work—the company's face. A Zhen handled scripting and some copywriting for *Happy Ghost*.

This also served as a subtle provocation to the male-dominated comic company, spurring their drive.

But Wei Ming's presence became their real stimulus—they swarmed around Teacher Wei.

Luckily, Huang Guoxing arrived. Wei Ming called him into A Long's office.

"Xingzi, how many more episodes of *Sha Seng's Diary* left?"

"Teacher Wei, I've got two episodes in reserve. Two or three more and it'll be done."

After all, it's a short story.

Wei Ming said: "Then you should start thinking about a new project. Any ideas?"

Huang Guoxing shook his head, grinning sycophantically: "I'm just waiting for the boss to lead me."

Gan Xiaowen was the company's comedy manga face. Now that Gan's *School Days of a Rebel* was booming, Huang was envious.

They were still young. Expecting them to create great stories themselves was unrealistic—just drawing well was enough. So Wei Ming's ideas still led.

"Fine. This trip to Hong Kong, I'll write you a script."

"Funny?" Huang Guoxing cared most about this.

I haven't even written it yet—how would I know? Wei Ming laughed: "About the same level as *School Days of a Rebel*."

Too bad *The Mask* was already created last year—Wei Ming had seen it in Frankfurt. Otherwise, this idea would've suited Huang perfectly, and could've even sold a Hollywood adaptation later.

More artists arrived one by one. Wei Ming greeted them all, gave a few encouraging words, and prepared to leave—when suddenly, the sharp click of high heels echoed.

Wei Ming turned and first saw a pair of black silk-stockinged legs.

Then he heard several people swallow hard.

"Little Li!"

Feng Zhiming, a teenage comic apprentice, rushed over. Others craned their necks too—no one paid attention anymore.

Because of business ties between Longning Toys and *Maniac Comics*, Wei Lingling once brought Li Zhi here. Since then, Li Zhi's elegant figure had deeply imprinted itself on the hearts of these otaku artists.

A Zhu rolled her eyes: "Scheming thing. All she's got going for her is those few ounces of chest. If I squeezed mine, I'd have the same."

Actually, Li Zhi wasn't dressed revealingly—just a short skirt, silk stockings, a white blazer. Standard urban lady attire. Add her growing sense of style and her exceptional figure, and any outfit would flare into exaggerated curves.

That damn figure!

She carried two bags, smiling gently: "Our boss told me to bring everyone some toys—place them around the office to lift your moods… Oh! Teacher Wei, you're here too!"

Wei Ming smiled faintly, eyes half-lidded. He sensed Li Zhi had spotted him the moment she entered—even before speaking, her first glance had searched for him, confirmed his position, then she began her speech.

Wei Ming walked over, glanced at the toys in the bags: "Historical Miao."

"Yes. They're officially on sale this month. I brought a few for each artist."

The left bag held plush versions, larger. The right held plastic ones, smaller.

Wei Ming told her to put both bags on the table and let everyone choose.

The plush toys were snatched up immediately. Those who missed out poked at the plastic ones: "Any Qin Shi Huang?"

Seeing none, they took a Kuafu Miao instead. A few plastic Historical Miao remained unclaimed, so they were placed in the common area.

These were for display. The plush ones were for hugging, sitting on, leaning against.

Wei Ming watched it all: "Alright, I've got other business. Don't bother seeing me off, A Long. I'm staying at a hotel tonight—no need to leave the door open for me."

Li Zhi hurried after Wei Ming: "Teacher Wei, aren't you going to the toy factory? Could you give me a ride?"