Bab 64: The Shrine of Wandering Souls (2-in-1)
After Xena overheard everything, things became a bit awkward.
However, while Ren and Jada felt a bit awkward, Yueyue was having a blast being taken around by Xena.
Ren and Jada followed them as they walked around the lake.
At some point, Jada slowed her pace and glanced in a particular direction.
Ren noticed and followed her gaze.
A bride and groom in white evening dress and wedding attire were having their photos taken in the golden light of the setting sun.
Nearby, on the lawn, tables were set up with flower baskets and a red carpet, indicating a grand wedding.
A wedding?
Ren looked at Jada. Judging by her emotional expression, it seemed she wanted a wedding too.
After all, every woman dreams of a grand wedding.
"Should we have a Western or traditional wedding?" Ren suddenly asked, holding Jada's hand gently.
Surprised by the question and the hand-holding, Jada thought for a moment. However, her initial excitement faded quickly. She rubbed her temples, sighed deeply, and shook her head, "We don't need a wedding."
"But... I can see you want one. Besides, we're getting married. It wouldn't feel right not to have a wedding," Ren insisted, thinking Jada was just being shy.
"It's not that. It's because of Yueyue."
"Yueyue?"
"Yes. Even though she's too young to understand now, she'll eventually figure out we had her before getting married. It sets a bad example," Jada explained, shaking her head slightly.
"Kids have short memories. Besides, we're doing well, aren't we? How is that a bad example?" Ren argued, thinking Jada was overthinking it.
Jada laughed self-deprecatingly, "Getting drunk and sleeping with someone you just met, then having a child with them—that's not a good example. Not everyone is lucky enough to meet someone like you."
In truth, while raising Yueyue, Jada had often felt a twinge of fear and regret, especially before she found Ren again. What if she had met someone bad instead of Ren? It's dangerous for women to drink alone. She didn't want Yueyue to ever think that was okay.
Seeing Jada's determination, Ren sighed, "Alright, no wedding then…"
He wrapped his arm around Jada's waist, "But we're still going on a honeymoon. We can call it a family trip. Yueyue won't know anything."
"Okay…"
Jada nodded obediently while being held by Ren.
Meanwhile, Xena was playing with Yueyue. She liked kids and enjoyed playing with Yueyue, which made her forget about the events of the previous night.
However, when she noticed that Ren and Jada had wandered off somewhere, she started looking around for them. When she turned around, she saw them holding and kissing each other in public!
What are they doing? Kissing in public!
This is outrageous! How can they be so shameless? They're making it hard for a single woman like me!
I need to find a boyfriend soon!
She couldn't believe that a successful game company owner like her couldn't find a boyfriend. She only had modest expectations: a bit handsome, a bit talented, and with a good personality...
...
Ren and Jada had no idea about the emotional impact they had on Xena.
After playing all day, they returned home.
"Let's get our marriage certificate tomorrow," Ren suggested.
"Okay."
"Are you sure you don't want a wedding? I really don't think Yueyue will care," Ren still hoped to change Jada's mind. He wanted to give her a complete marriage.
"No, it's fine." Jada shook her head and changed the topic, "You mentioned wanting to draw another comic?"
"Yes, but not just me. We have assistants now. I can provide the script and oversee the storyline while they draw. Meanwhile, I can focus on another comic myself," Ren said gently, holding Jada's hand. "You want to grow your company, and I can't just be lazy."
He had initially planned to live a relaxed life, but as things changed, so did his mindset. If Jada hadn't agreed to marry him, he might not have been so motivated.
"I don't understand business or licensing deals, but I can help by taking care of Yueyue and drawing comics," Ren continued. "By the way, we'll need a new magazine. Picca Comics caters to a female audience, but my new comics will be more male-oriented. We don't want to lose readers."
His system provided various comics, many of which catered to different demographics. Ren preferred drawing male-oriented comics but would occasionally draw female-oriented ones if his points allowed.
"Don't worry, just focus on drawing. I'll handle the rest," Jada said with a gentle smile, leaning her head on Ren's chest. "What should the new magazine be called?"
"Hmmm…" Ren rubbed his chin.
Suddenly, a name came to him, "Let's call it Shrine of Wandering Souls, to match Picca Comics."
"What's the connection between Picca Comics and Shrine of Wandering Souls?" Jada asked, confused.
"They're both places for gentlemen to gather," Ren explained, but Jada looked even more puzzled.
Just then, the door opened.
Yueyue peeked in shyly, "Daddy, Mommy, I want to…"
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Task Assignment
"So... what do you think?"
After Yueyue left, Jada looked at Ren and asked.
Just now, Yueyue had come in and said she wanted to learn how to dance.
Ren frowned, "But can she stick with it? Dance training, like stretching, is painful. If she quits after a few days, it won't be worth it."
He was worried that Yueyue was just being impulsive. The first time they saw Xena dance, Yueyue said she wanted to learn too, but nothing came of it. How could he be sure this time would be different?
Children are naturally fickle.
"I don't see any problem with Yueyue taking an interest class," Jada said, smiling. "Learning dance can improve a girl's posture and figure. And if she starts, I'll make sure she doesn't quit halfway."
"Then why did you ask me?" Ren muttered as he watched Jada's enthusiastic expression. He then took out his phone and started searching for something.
"What are you doing?"
Seeing Ren fiddling with his phone while talking to her, Jada was not pleased.
"Looking for dance classes," Ren glanced at her. "If she's going to dance, I want her to learn something I approve of..."
"Just so you know, Latin dance is out of the question! All that close contact is inappropriate! And find a female teacher, not a male one..." Ren started rambling.
In his previous life, he had seen short videos of various dances, like Latin dance and Cha-Cha. While many viewed these as standard and artistic, Ren didn't like them. He didn't want his daughter constantly around boys, wearing mature outfits, and making intense expressions while shouting "Cha-Cha-Cha."
He'd much rather Yueyue learn classical dance.
Seeing Ren worry like an overprotective father, Jada couldn't help but laugh. Understanding his concerns, she said, "Don't worry, we won't choose those dances. She'll learn classical dance, and we'll find a female teacher for her."
"That's more like it."
...
Saturday
Yueyue's dance class was quickly arranged, and Jada took her to meet the dance teacher.
Meanwhile, Ren was with his assistants.
Looking at them, Ren sighed in relief.
He had enjoyed a lot of free time thanks to his assistants. But after today, that free time would end, and his assistants would be busy drawing Ultraman and other things.
Seeing Ren's expression, the assistants felt nervous.
He had gathered them all today, looked at them, and then sighed.
Were they going to be fired?
They had been quite comfortable working here, with occasional snacks, guidance on their drawings, and a manageable workload—luxuries not afforded by other manga artists.
Getting fired now would be a big loss.
Seeing their anxious faces, Ren laughed and waved his hand, "Don't worry, it's not bad news. In fact, it's good news."
He then looked at Jaz and Claire, "Jaz and Claire, you've been working on Cooking Master Boy for a while, and I think you're well-suited for it. I'm handing this manga over to you."
!!!
The assistants were stunned.
"What do you mean? You're not drawing Cooking Master Boy anymore?" Claire finally asked, coming to her senses.
"Not exactly. I'll still handle the main storyboards and final reviews. But since the company's strategy is changing, I need your help. Do you agree? Of course, there will be a salary increase, and your names will be credited."
"Even without the raise, it's fine!" Jaz was thrilled.
Cooking Master Boy was a popular series, and being entrusted with it would significantly enhance their careers and was a testament to their skills!
But...
"Can we really do it?" Jaz asked, lacking confidence.
"Don't doubt yourselves. Although you're still a bit inexperienced, you've grasped the basic style. Besides, I'll be reviewing your work. If there are issues, I'll point them out, which will help you improve," Ren reassured them.
"Yes! We won't let you down!" Jaz smiled brightly.
"What about us?" Claire and Warren looked at Ren, eyes full of hope.
"You two also have tasks." Ren took a folder from a chair and divided the stack of drafts inside. He handed one set to Claire and the other to Warren.
"These are the settings and storyboards for two new series. You each will be responsible for one, along with me."
"Three projects at once?" The assistants were astonished.
Three projects meant Ren would be creating storylines and contributing to two series' artwork?
Was he a human printing machine?
"Yes, thanks to your help," Ren smiled.
Ren gave Warren Ultraman Tiga and Claire Magical Girl Madoka.
This was a well-thought-out decision. Over time, Ren had noticed Claire's art style closely matched that of Magical Girl Madoka, so she was a natural fit for it.
Warren quickly became engrossed in Ultraman Tiga, a series that catered to male interests like giant robots.
Claire, on the other hand, frowned as she looked at her storyboard.
While she appreciated Ren's meticulous storyboarding, she had concerns about the plot.
"What's wrong?" Seeing Claire's expression, Ren's lips curled into a knowing smile.
He knew she had doubts about this manga.
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