Chapter 14: Popularity Countdown

### Chapter 14: Popularity Countdown

A week passed quickly.

In the conference room of Manga World Publishing.

"Everyone, here's the reader popularity survey report from the last issue."

Yang Dahai handed out the reports and then projected them onto the conference room screen.

Ayumi Ito nervously picked up her report and carefully examined the rankings.

She even ignored what Yang Dahai was saying during the meeting.

The last issue of *Manga World GoGo* featured seventeen works, and among them were four new works by debut authors, including Lin Qingshan's.

None of the new works made it into the top ten, which made Ayumi Ito feel somewhat disheartened.

But it was to be expected; even the most dazzling debut work would have a hard time competing with established manga series.

"...Congratulations to the work by Teacher Kuxuan, responsible for by Yuhao, for taking first place in popularity this issue!"

"Clap, clap, clap—!"

Suddenly, all the editors stood up and applauded, led by Yang Dahai.

Ayumi Ito was startled but quickly joined in the applause.

After the applause died down, everyone sat back down, and Ayumi Ito saw the popularity ranking for *Edge Runner*.

*Cyberpunk 2077: Edge Runner* ranked...

15th place.

Ayumi Ito felt a bit down. With only seventeen works serialized in the last issue, 15th place meant third from the bottom.

Among the four new works, it was also only second in popularity.

She looked at the other three new works she had some impression of. The one that ranked higher than *Edge Runner*, titled *Psyche Mage*, was in 13th place.

It was two places higher than *Edge Runner*.

At this moment, Yang Dahai was mentioning this.

"And the top new work this issue, by Teacher Zhexuan, is *Psyche Mage*! Let's congratulate him!"

A tall, thin man with glasses stood up with a smile.

Immediately, everyone in the conference room, led by Yang Dahai, applauded the thin man again.

...

"Moshi moshi..."

Ayumi Ito heard Lin Qingshan's familiar voice from the phone. She had called him right after the meeting ended.

It was also part of her job to inform the manga authors about the popularity rankings.

"Teacher Qingshan..."

But Ayumi Ito wasn't sure how to approach informing Lin Qingshan about the low ranking.

"What's up?"

Lin Qingshan said casually, "Just say what you need to."

"It's about the popularity ranking for the last serialized manga. *Edge Runner*'s popularity..."

Ayumi Ito still didn't know how to phrase it.

"Is it last place?"

"No, no, no, not at all..."

Ayumi Ito quickly clarified.

"Not last place, huh? That's pretty good then. It's much better than I expected."

Lin Qingshan said cheerfully.

It was indeed much better than he had expected.

After all, this was just the first issue of serialization, and his first chapter wasn't particularly explosive. It was unrealistic to expect an instant sensation.

Even if he was a transmigrator or a system host, it was unlikely that he could break all the rules and amaze fans right from the start. It wasn't like competitors would declare him a threat right away.

It was quite good that he wasn't in the last place.

"But this time *Edge Runner* only ranked 15th..."

Ayumi Ito sensed that Lin Qingshan really didn't seem to mind, and she said.

"15th... Let me see, with seventeen works serialized last time, that means third from the bottom, right? That's okay, hahaha!"

Lin Qingshan laughed.

"Teacher Qingshan, don't you... feel sad about it?"

Ayumi Ito was taken aback and asked.

"There's nothing to be sad about. I'm still a newcomer, and *Edge Runner* just started. Let's not rush..."

Lin Qingshan actually started comforting Ayumi Ito.

"..."

[Translator: sauron]

Ayumi Ito was momentarily at a loss for words.

Was it that Lin Qingshan was so carefree?

Or was it that he just didn't care?

"But we have a rule in the editorial department. If a work's popularity ranks in the bottom four for four consecutive issues, or if the popularity drops more than 20% for three consecutive issues, the work will be canceled..."

Ayumi Ito bit her lip and said.

"Ah? But we're only in 15th place right now?"

Lin Qingshan said, surprised.

"But what if next issue it's in last place..."

Ayumi Ito said anxiously.

"Don't worry... that won't happen."

Lin Qingshan shrugged.

He couldn't possibly stay in the bottom spot for the next issue and then continue to be last for the following four issues.

Well, it was possible, given that while *Edge Runner*'s setting was excellent, the early plot wasn't particularly outstanding.

Lin Qingshan believed that *Edge Runner* would really shine from the third episode of the original animation, and for his adapted manga, around the eighth chapter.

The most spectacular parts were naturally the death of Maine in episode six and the plot of the last two episodes.

Those were the truly epic moments.

Thinking about it, the first six chapters of *Edge Runner* did face some risks.

The early plot was a bit frustrating and even uncomfortable.

If there was anything good about it, it might just be the numerous cyberpunk settings and the artwork comparable to the original animation's level.

If readers weren't interested in the setting or artwork, and considering the competition was fierce with high ratings each issue, there was indeed a chance of *Edge Runner* being canceled.

But it didn't matter.

Lin Qingshan was just in it for the money, and that was already satisfying enough.

The rest of *Edge Runner* could be published as a single volume with a future publisher if needed.

"Don't worry, we'll take it slow. No rush. By the way... want to grab a meal this weekend?"

He asked with a smile.

"Ah? We... go out to eat?"

Ayumi Ito was momentarily stunned. Lin Qingshan's invitation seemed like a date.

Her face turned a bit red.

"Not just us. Qianli should come too. But you know, if it's just me and Qianli, it might be misunderstood."

Lin Qingshan shrugged.

So that's it...

A man and a woman going out alone could easily be misunderstood as a date.

But with a man and two women, no one would have any doubts.

"Well... okay then."

After all, Ayumi Ito had no friends here, and she couldn't stay cooped up at home all weekend...

(End of Chapter)