C19 Tong Miaojie's Popularity Soared!

As soon as the news about the "Starlight" comic tour was released, Miaojie's fans lit up the internet, tirelessly promoting the event across forums and social media. This genius young cartoonist was gaining more recognition, and the "Starlight" series was selling out fast.

The comic tour was scheduled for June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, featuring live signings, behind-the-scenes stories of "Starlight," and exclusive merchandise. Tickets for the event sold out in seconds, leaving Miaojie astonished. "Am I really this popular now?" she wondered, quickly dismissing the thought as impossible.

A few days before the tour, Miaojie was called into Gu Aoxuan's office. "Miaojie, the 'Starlight' series tour is our main focus this quarter. I know you’ve been working hard, and you know my high standards. I want everything to go smoothly. This is your first major event since joining us, and I have high hopes for you," Gu Aoxuan said, maintaining her usual stern demeanor.

Miaojie was used to her boss's strict style. Despite Gu Aoxuan's reputation as the "most intimidating woman" in the Arts Department, Miaojie appreciated her rigor, which had led to the department's success.

Miaojie's department was the heart of GM Cartoon Empire, contributing over half of the company's annual profits. The department's perks were the envy of the entire company, offering two company-paid trips a year and 30 days of extended leave. GM Cartoon Empire was a giant in the industry, attracting top graduates from art schools nationwide. Each year, their administrative offices overflowed with resumes from prestigious universities, but only a select few were ever hired.

Tong Miaojie managed to land a position at GM Comics right after graduation, not just because she started collaborating with them during her freshman year, but also because Gu Aoxuan recognized her unique talent and potential.

Becoming a successful cartoonist requires innate talent, but hard work is even more crucial. Many people lose their drive early on; they start with enthusiasm but give up quickly when they don’t see immediate results, leaving the industry without making a mark.

Gu Aoxuan recalled the talented graduates the company signed a few years back. Despite their exceptional skills, they all left, disheartened by their lack of success, eventually switching careers.

This time, however, Gu Aoxuan was confident she had found the right person in Tong Miaojie. She was born to be a cartoonist, and no one was more suited for the job. Gu Aoxuan was deeply invested in Miaojie’s success, even proposing the idea for the "Stardust" comic exhibition tour. Although initially met with strong opposition from the company’s higher-ups, Gu Aoxuan never gave up.

In the Arts Department, hosting a comic exhibition tour is common, but at GM Comics, only the most seasoned, accomplished cartoonists get that opportunity. As a newcomer, Miaojie was far from qualified.

Thanks to Gu Aoxuan’s persistence, Miaojie’s "Stardust" comic exhibition tour received approval from the top management. Since Gu Aoxuan took charge of the Arts Department, its performance has soared, but GM Comics hasn’t seen a popular, powerful cartoonist in a long time, which has been a sore point for her.

Over the years, Gu Aoxuan’s attempts to promote new talent have repeatedly fallen flat, becoming a running joke in the comic industry. This time, she was determined to change that narrative.

As the biggest rival to GM Cartoon Empire, EP Comics has recently cultivated superstars like Nangong Jin, whose comics are incredibly popular. Every book signing sees countless fans lining up all day just for a chance to meet Nangong Jin.

This time, Gu Aoxuan's goal is to nurture a new star cartoonist who can rival Nangong Jin, and Tong Miaojie is her ultimate ace. Coincidentally, Tong Miaojie, like Nangong Jin, graduated from the prestigious Central Arts University's art program.

For this comic tour, Gu Aoxuan teamed up with the company's PR and external relations departments to promote the event. GM Company placed numerous billboards at bus stops and subway stations, and even ran ads for the "Stardust" tour on the central LED screens in the heart of the city.

Tong Miaojie snapped back to reality as Gu Aoxuan eagerly awaited her response.

"Um... I'll definitely do my best, don't worry, Editor-in-Chief," Tong Miaojie said, making a fist to show her determination.

"Miaojie, do you know why the company is hosting a comic tour for a newcomer like you? This is an opportunity many veterans don't get, yet you do."

Tong Miaojie thought to herself, "Isn't it because I'm beautiful? I was the campus queen at Central Arts University." But she honestly replied, "I... I don't know."

"Miaojie, you're different from other newcomers. You're carrying the future of GM Cartoon Company's Arts Department. We've been under pressure from EP Comics because we don't have a Nangong Jin, but now I've found you. In my eyes, you have more talent than Nangong Jin, and surpassing her is only a matter of time," Gu Aoxuan said, growing more excited.

In Tong Miaojie's heart, she simply loved drawing comics. She enjoyed turning everything she saw into heartwarming and funny comics, which was her favorite thing to do. As for the rivalry between the two companies, she had no interest; she just wanted to do her job well.

Gu Aoxuan noticed that Tong Miaojie was silent, realizing she might have been a bit too emotional. Regaining her usual composure, she calmly explained the next phase of work to Miaojie.

"Miaojie, regarding the Nangong Jin situation, don't stress too much. Just do your best; I won't pressure you," Gu Aoxuan reassured her, determined to avoid past mistakes and soothe Miaojie's concerns.

"Okay, thank you, Chief Editor. If there's nothing else, I'll head back now." Watching Miaojie walk away, Gu Aoxuan let out a sigh of relief.