People in the alley: A woman dressed as a man shouldn't be foolishly filial, Zhuang Chaoying

As she stepped off the awards ceremony stage, Zhuang Chaoying tightly clutched the medal, certificate of honor, notebook, and prize money she had just received.

As soon as he stepped off the stage, Wang Yougui hurriedly pulled him aside.

"Xiao Zhuang, this is great news! Come with me, I'll tell you as we walk!"

Zhuang Chaoying was completely bewildered by this sudden turn of events and subconsciously asked, "President, is the awards ceremony over?"

As Wang Yougui spoke, he handed Zhuang Chaoying his cotton-padded coat. "Put this coat on. We'll be done soon, so let's leave a little earlier."

The two walked quickly out of the venue. Zhuang Chaoying hurriedly put on her cotton-padded coat and stuffed the prize money directly into the large pocket of her down jacket. The thick wad of money made the pocket bulge.

A short distance away, a military green jeep was waiting.

Zhuang Chaoying hesitated, worried that Huang Ling might fret. "President, my wife is waiting for me. Should I go back and tell her?"

Without waiting for a reply, Wang Yougui pulled Zhuang Chaoying to sit in the back seat: "It's only eleven o'clock now, it won't be long before it's over, don't worry. Xiao Zhuang, I've already extended the stay at the guesthouse to the sixteenth."

Although Zhuang Chaoying still had doubts, she nodded: "President Wang, what exactly is it?"

Wang Yougui calmly took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, pulled one out and handed it to Zhuang Chaoying. Zhuang Chaoying took it and held it in her hand, then took the match from Chairman Wang's hand, lit it with a "sizzle," and lit Chairman Wang's cigarette first.

Wang Yougui took a deep breath, rolled down the car window a full circle, leaving a small crack, and exhaled a wisp of smoke before slowly saying, "Xiao Zhuang, the deputy director of Kyoto TV station personally invited us over this time to discuss something important with you. It's Toei Animation from Xiao Rizi, you know? They've taken a liking to your science fiction novel 'The Magic Card Game' and want to buy the rights."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Chaoying's eyes widened in surprise. What? Toei Animation wanted to buy the rights to "Cardcaptor Sakura"?

This is a great thing!

Haha, when I was writing this book, I borrowed a lot of ideas from Little Days Comics. I never thought they would turn around and want to buy the copyright.

This world is truly amazing; it's like a circle, going around and around until it finally comes back to us.

Since the opening of the area, China and its people have entered a special honeymoon period.

In the past two years, the phenomenon of cultural invasion has become quite serious. Anime and TV series such as "Ikkyu-san" and "Attack No. 1" have been frequently broadcast on domestic television and are very popular.

Now that my work has caught the eye of Xiao Rizi, I must seize this opportunity and not let it slip away easily. I need to make a fortune off them.

The car stopped, and Zhuang Chaoying opened the door. A magnificent building came into view, with the four large characters "Kyoto Hotel" hanging on it.

The Kyoto Hotel is not a place for just anyone.

He closed the car door, straightened his clothes, and followed behind Wang Yougui.

Upon reaching the entrance, Wang Yougui stated his name, and the restaurant staff immediately led them to a private room.

Zhuang Chaoying followed behind, looking around at the surroundings. She saw that the interior of the restaurant was decorated in a magnificent style with crystal chandeliers.

There were paintings and calligraphy on the carpet and on the walls.

Zhuang Chaoying entered the private room and found it to be very large, with a huge round dining table inside, and many people sitting around it, including a man in a suit.

Wang Yougui reached out and pushed Zhuang Chaoying forward, introducing her: "Director Wang, this is Zhuang Chaoying, pen name Zhuang Anhe. Xiao Zhuang, this is Director Wang, the deputy director of Kyoto TV Station."

Director Wang was a man in his fifties with a kind face and a refined appearance.

He stood up, smiled, and warmly shook hands with Zhuang Chaoying: "So you're Xiao Zhuang, you're quite the handsome young man. This is the person in charge of Toei Animation. They've come all this way for your novel's copyright."

Seeing that the station director had stood up, the others followed suit and stood up as well.

At this moment, a young man with a neatly parted hairstyle strode forward and bowed deeply: "Zhuang Sang, Kou Ni Qi Wa, Bo Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi, Du Du Du!"

As he spoke, he gestured in the air, trying to make Zhuang Chaoying understand what he meant.

Zhuang Chaoying only understood the first greeting, after which Yamamoto, the person in charge of the little life, started chattering in a bird language.

Fortunately, the translator quickly got to work, introducing Yamamoto as the person in charge of Toei Animation in China. Then the two shook hands, and Zhuang Chaoying sat next to Director Wang.

"Xiao Zhuang, don't be shy. Mr. Yamamoto came here specifically to discuss a collaboration with you. Your visit to Beijing coincided with Mr. Yamamoto's meeting with me regarding the copyright issue of 'The Magic Card Game.' What are your thoughts, Xiao Zhuang?"

Zhuang Chaoying bowed slightly, placing her hands neatly on her lap: "Director Wang, I don't know much about these things up there. I'll follow the organization's arrangements and listen to you!"

After hearing this, Director Wang burst into laughter, pointing to the wine glass on the table as he laughed: "Xiao Zhuang, I like your personality. Come on, let's drink and talk."

Yamamoto, who was sitting to the side, had done his homework before coming and knew a little about the culture of Chinese banquets.

Since Director Wang suggested drinking, he understood that it was a way to communicate, and since the chairman had entrusted him with this important matter, he was determined to handle it well.

He raised his glass without hesitation.

Seeing this, the translator quickly followed suit and translated: "Mr. Zhuang, I'd like to toast you!"

Seeing this, Zhuang Chaoying didn't hesitate. He picked up a small cup of baijiu in front of him, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp. The spicy liquor slid down his throat, burning his heart.

I quickly picked up a piece of food with my chopsticks and put it in my mouth to suppress the urge.

At the dinner table, everyone toasted and drank, creating a lively atmosphere.

Some people fawned over Director Wang and Mr. Yamamoto with beaming smiles, while behind them were waitresses in neat uniforms who helped pour drinks and hand out towels.

They really know how to enjoy themselves.

Zhuang Chaoying was repeatedly urged to drink by this group of people, and gradually she became dizzy and her head became heavy.

Fortunately, Chairman Wang noticed this and occasionally helped him avoid drinking a few glasses of wine.

After a hearty meal and drinks, we finally got down to business.

Director Wang took the towel handed to him by the waitress and gently wiped his face. His face, which was originally flushed from the alcohol, gradually regained some clarity. He cleared his throat.

"Xiao Zhuang, I've read some of your works, especially '2030,' which depicts a bright future for everyone. It's very imaginative and forward-thinking."

I haven't read *The Card Game*, but my middle school daughter absolutely adores it; she's completely engrossed in it. Just tell Mr. Yamamoto what you need; don't be shy with them!