Chapter 32: Competition

### Chapter 32: Competition

It's not just Zhou Wenwei who thinks this way. The popularity of *Edgewalker* has been rising, as anticipated. After all, *Edgewalker* is serialized in *Comic World GOGO*, a well-known industry magazine that only publishes seventeen titles from thousands of submissions.

These seventeen comics are all selected from hundreds of entries, making them a significant focus for manga fans.

One of these fans has come directly to the source of the issue.

"By the way, Qianli, aren't you at the end of the semester right now?" 

Lin Qingshan blinked and asked, "Don't you have exams or term papers to prepare for?"

It was the end of May, approaching June.

This is the time when college students are preparing for exams and vacation.

Gu Qianli was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, saying, "Don't try to change the subject."

Lin Qingshan felt a bit awkward and gave a sheepish laugh. He then stepped aside to let Gu Qianli in first.

"Pochita~"

Gu Qianli immediately went to interact with Pochita, hugging it and sitting down on the living room sofa.

"Why did you suddenly come to find me?" Lin Qingshan continued to ask.

Gu Qianli smiled and replied, "Don't worry, I'm not angry just because you killed off a character in your manga."

"Isn't it normal for some characters to die in a manga?" she added.

She seemed very calm about it, as she's an experienced anime fan.

Perhaps unknown to others, Gu Qianli, who appeared to be a successful and wealthy woman, was actually a long-time anime enthusiast.

With manga having so many works where female leads die, the death of a side character wasn't something to be too upset about.

After all, character deaths are common in novels, films, TV shows, and other forms of art.

However, Lin Qingshan's abrupt killing of a side character without any setup was indeed unexpected.

But Gu Qianli had already seen the drafts of Mann and Dollio's departure, so she wasn't too bothered by Pira's death.

"I actually really like your work, Qing Shan. *Edgewalker* is a great story…"

Gu Qianli said.

"But I still hope Lucy will survive."

She looked at Lin Qingshan with some hope, saying.

David had a tragic story… If Lucy also died, what would be the point of David's survival? Especially since Lin Qingshan had been developing the relationship between David and Lucy in recent chapters, including Gu Qianli, many fans were heavily invested in their pairing.

So Gu Qianli hoped the female lead, Lucy, would survive.

Lin Qingshan's eyes twinkled as he patted his chest, saying, "Don't worry, Lucy will definitely survive until the end!"

"That's good…"

Gu Qianli smiled slightly.

"By the way, we're planning a gathering next weekend. Come with us."

Suddenly, Gu Qianli said.

"Ah?" Lin Qingshan blinked in surprise.

…

"Teacher Yang, this week's reader popularity survey for *Psychic Sorcerer* is ranked 12th. Congratulations!"

"12th place?" Yang Shuzun, who was on the phone, sounded somewhat dissatisfied.

His popularity had dropped by one place…

He was one of the contestants in the *Comic World* Newcomer Award, pen name Itchy Mouse.

Since *Psychic Sorcerer* began serialization in *Comic World*, its highest rank had been 11th place, never breaking into the top ten.

Even if it was just once.

If that were the case, it would be acceptable.

Being 11th place meant he was the highest-ranked newcomer in the *Comic World* Newcomer Award.

However, another newcomer had surpassed him in the previous few weeks, even making it into the top ten several times.

[Translator: sauron]

"Zhexuan, tell me, what's the ranking for *Edgewalker* this week?"

Yang Shuzun asked, unable to hide his frustration.

He had been following *Edgewalker* and admired its exquisite artwork and its refreshingly bold background settings. Even as a competitor, he found it deeply immersive.

Was this really a work that a newcomer could create?

Looking back at his own *Psychic Sorcerer*, Yang Shuzun felt a pang of inadequacy.

*Psychic Sorcerer* was his first self-created work. After working as a manga assistant for eight years, he was confident in his experience.

This time, he wanted to debut officially with his own work and win the Newcomer of the Year title!

Therefore, his *Psychic Sorcerer* had a traditional setup and followed a "classic" style, which meant it was rather conventional.

It was a standard work with elements borrowed from predecessors, combined with his own additions…

It couldn't compare to *Edgewalker*, which was imaginative and refreshing.

However, the recent chapter of *Edgewalker*, with Pira's exit, gave him some hope.

Perhaps… readers might turn away from *Edgewalker* because of Pira's sudden and bizarre death?

But the editor on the phone replied apologetically, "Sorry, *Edgewalker* is ranked 7th this time…"

Yang Shuzun's heart sank, "I see… I understand."

"However, Yang-sensei, we still have a chance. The award voting starts in three months. As long as you continue to produce great content, we still have a chance to turn things around…"

The editor's words made Yang Shuzun smile bitterly.

With the current situation, did he really have a chance?

But…

"Alright, I'll do my best."

Yang Shuzun took a deep breath and said into the phone, "Please continue to guide me, Zhexuan. I'll need you to keep an eye on the plot issues closely."

"Sure! I'll do my best as well!"

After hanging up the phone, Yang Shuzun's expression grew sharp.

Having been a manga assistant for eight years and finally presenting his first work, he was now thirty years old. He had limited chances left to achieve fame.

This time, winning the *Comic World* Newcomer Award was crucial!

After all… the winner would have the opportunity to serialize a full-length work with *Comic World* and even get their work adapted into an anime.

The hundred thousand yuan prize was less significant compared to that.

So no matter what, he had to go all out!

(End of Chapter)