To ascend, I had no choice but to create games

Chapter 454: Chapter 270: Pioneers in the Field of Culture (Second Update)_1

“What’s with all the teachers lately?”

In the manga editorial department, the editors felt that something was off with the artists they were managing.

Several diligent manga artists had unexpectedly taken a week off, while a few who drew romantic comedies had abruptly added battle scenes, and even those who weren’t into gaming had introduced a new character who loved gaming—and these new characters were all quite realistic.

Upon contacting other publishing houses, they discovered that manga artists at other magazines were also experiencing similar issues to varying extents.

Mr. Zhongshan’s artist, Mr. Liu Liuzi, was undergoing a similar situation. Although he hadn’t taken a hiatus, there were some issues with his latest manuscript submissions.

The romance had become more delicate.

...

That naïve sense of romance had grown fresher, the usually stoic male lead was now starting to blush, and the female lead seemed to have been drawn a bit cuter.

As the person who had introduced Mr. Liuzi to the industry, Mr. Zhongshan sensed the change immediately.

“Mr. Liu Liuzi isn’t in love, is he?” Mr. Zhongshan wondered aloud.

“How’s that possible, manga artists don’t have time for love,” another editor said. “But it would be trouble if he’s fallen for someone at a hostess club.” @@novelbin@@

“What should we do then?” Mr. Zhongshan fretted. “Mr. Liu Liuzi is one of our mainstays. He just got first place last time; we can’t afford any slip-ups.”

“We should still go and take a look. Also, could Mr. Zhongshan try to get some information out of him to see if something’s up with the others?”

Caring his colleagues’ expectations, Mr. Zhongshan bought some snacks as gifts during the lunch break and went to visit Liuzi.

The apartment was not far from the editorial office, just a ten-minute walk away.

He had sent an email to communicate in advance, but hadn’t received a reply.

This abnormal situation heightened Mr. Zhongshan’s unease, and he immediately rushed to Liuzi’s apartment with the snacks in hand.

Following proper etiquette, he pressed the doorbell three times. Mr. Zhongshan waited a long time, but no one came to the door, so he pressed it three more times.

When there was still no response, Mr. Zhongshan became even more worried.

Just as he was considering whether to call the police, the door opened to reveal a disheveled Liuzi, who stared at Mr. Zhongshan at the door for a while before saying, “Oh, it’s Mr. Zhongshan.”

“Ah, Mr. Liu Liuzi, you’re okay. I’m sorry for dropping by uninvited, but I was really worried about Mr. Liu Liuzi’s recent condition, so I came,” he said.

“Mr. Zhongshan, come inside and we’ll talk. You’re always too long-winded,” Liuzi replied.

Mr. Zhongshan nodded and followed Liuzi into his room.

The room was permeated with a peculiar smell, a mix of sweat and the scent of takeout food, which easily evoked the image of a workplace after an all-nighter.

Liuzi opened a window to air out the room, then relaxed in a deck chair on the balcony and said to Mr. Zhongshan, “Just make yourself comfortable; no need to be formal.”

Mr. Zhongshan, quite adept in these situations, took a can of beer out of the fridge without hesitation. After gulping it down, he felt much better.

The previous strict work attitude gone, Mr. Zhongshan relaxed completely.

Lying opposite Liuzi, Mr. Zhongshan said in a relaxed tone, “It’s much more comfortable at your place, Liuzi. The editorial office is too oppressive.”

“I always want to say, you people in Sakura Country live such repressed lives. You divide your language into honorifics and humble forms, dress for work according to status, are particular about the angle of tilting your seals, and even have specific dates for disposing of trash. Is this any way to live?”

“Exactly, I’m more at ease hanging out with you, Liuzi.”

After another sip of beer, Mr. Zhongshan loosened his tie and asked, “Liuzi, what have you been up to lately? Surely you haven’t started dating?”

“Women would only interfere with my time for drawing manga and playing games.”

Mr. Zhongshan looked intently at Liuzi and asked, “What if the woman liked your manga and enjoyed gaming with you?”

“…”

“And what if she was pretty and cute too?”

“…Um…”

“You actually have someone like that! Girls like that are either non-existent or scammers!”

“Well… there is one, but… only in a game…”

“Ah, games, then it’s not a big deal. Is she from Horse Girl Derby, an idol game, or a fleet game?”

“You could say she’s like a goddess.”

“…I think no matter how lonely, it’s not okay to get involved in suspicious religions,” Mr. Zhongshan responded.

“No, it’s that… you know…”

After further explanation, Mr. Zhongshan finally understood which Goddess of Art was being referred to.

Mr. Zhongshan played games too, but only traditional ones from Sakura Country.

He avoided adult games; he didn’t have the patience for the Soul Series and settled for playing horse-raising games, fulfilling the role of an equestrian enthusiast.

However, in these types of games, he usually just left them open without active involvement, unlike those who grinded for hours on end.

Learning that Liuzi had been addicted to “Princess Dungeon 2” recently, Mr. Zhongshan felt as if he had uncovered the truth.

No wonder Liuzi’s manga had more elements of romance; it was because of this game.

Just going by the name, Mr. Zhongshan assumed it was a dating simulation game, and his mind preemptively started to imagine its content.

Eroge!

Definitely eroge!

The game must include various princesses one could pursue, like the Slime Princess, Succubus Princess, and Kuba Princess served up on a platter, complete with tsundere and yandere characters, even the neighbor’s wife, daughter, and old grandma, all equipped to possess the necessary charm.