The core team at CC Comics, including Kieran Shawn himself, are all die-hard fans of God Z! The contract was too long, and after Nora Scott finished reading it carefully, she rubbed her eyes. Leaning back, Nora rested against the chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest, lost in thought. This was a contract that completely protected her interests. It encompassed all her demands of Mihua Comics and added several clauses in her favor, clearly considering her thoroughly. Such eagerness, however, made Nora hesitate. After pondering for a while, she hadn’t made up her mind when Kieran Shawn sent another message. [Kieran Shawn]: God Z, we can guarantee that CC Comics will never repeat Mihua Comics’ history. Nora’s eyelids lifted, and her calm eyes suddenly brimmed with amusement. Just that one sentence... Back then, when Zero and White joined Mihua Comics, they brought in a massive fan base and traffic, allowing Mihua Comics to stand out among countless similar sites and secure its position. Due to the popularity of Mihua Comics alongside Zero and White, numerous talented comic creators were attracted. At that time, Mihua Comics couldn’t afford promotions or events, relying solely on these creators’ works to draw in traffic, leading to a flourishing of diverse styles, with any random comic topping the charts being a masterpiece. That was also the pinnacle period for Mihua Comics. But, it lasted only for three years. Three years later, internal conflicts arose within Mihua Comics’ senior management, leading to several rigid demands for profit—prohibiting authors from ending their comics on their own; axing comics with poor performance; interfering with authors’ storylines by altering key plot points; editors encouraging authors to draw sensational content for attention... The bottom line was: authors had to follow market trends and couldn’t exercise creative freedom. Zero and White had flexible contracts and could leave anytime, but it was different for others; their works were ruined wantonly, and they were stuck with the contracts. Later, some left, some retired, and Mihua Comics dug its own grave, losing its reputation and failing to recover despite attempts to save face. The downfall of Mihua Comics was a significant blow to the entire comic industry at that time. In the past two years, traffic was diverted among major websites, and comic works were inconsistent, with no site able to recreate its former glory. [Z]: Okay, I’ll send you the contract. Profit is fundamental to survival, which is understandable. However, in this field, passion is crucial. Popular works just need an understanding of techniques and reader psychology. But only those with dreams and enthusiasm can create works with soul. The contract entirely serving her interests and Kieran Shawn’s persistence and assurance certainly made Nora see the word "passion." After a long while, a reply came from the other side. [Kieran Shawn]: Have you agreed? Inside the editor’s office. Upon seeing the reply, Kieran Shawn shot up, too excited to stand steadily, and fell to the ground with the chair. Chaos erupted in the office. Nora waited a moment before receiving Kieran Shawn’s follow-up response. [Kieran Shawn]: God Z, are you in Fenton City? I saw the news today that you attended the C&K comic con. In the office, seeing this reply, Kieran Shawn couldn’t help but get excited again, his heart racing wildly, ready to jump up his throat anytime. God Z really attended their C&K comic con! In an instant, Kieran Shawn slumped. He wasn’t there in person. Not even a chance to "brush past" God Z. [Kieran Shawn]: Our CC Comics company address is also in Fenton City. If it’s convenient, we can come to you to sign the contract. The words conveyed excitement and urgency. It was obvious that Kieran Shaw was simply eager, but with the entire internet calling her "God Z," she glanced at her reflection in the glass and couldn’t oblige. [Z]: Tomorrow afternoon, you go to Virtue Retreat, and the front desk will hand you the contract. [Kieran Shawn]: That restaurant? [Kieran Shawn]: So is your new work confirmed for tomorrow? Kieran Shawn asked because the contract was for Zero’s new work, not Zero herself. [Kieran Shawn]: Can I have a look? This request was reasonable, as CC Comics had the right to know in advance about the works they signed up for, so Nora naturally couldn’t refuse. She lifted her hand to control the mouse, opening a folder titled "New World." Although she liked using paper storyboards to sketch and design characters, it didn’t mean she was an old-fashioned creator limited to traditional methods. During actual creation, she’d use computers and drawing tablets. She had drawn the first two Chapters’ drafts a few days earlier and scanned them into the computer, so there was a backup available now. She packaged the first two Chapters of the new work and sent them to Kieran Shawn. As soon as she hit send, she heard a knock at the door. "Knock. Knock. Knock." It was Marcus Shaw’s voice, cold and emotionless. As food took priority, Nora placed the mouse down and headed out the door. As soon as she exited, the aroma greeted her, brightening her mood. After washing her hands, she strolled back to the living room, where Marcus Shaw had already set the table, with everything neatly arranged. However, Nora’s attention was caught by the books on the coffee table. "Where did these books come from?" Nora stopped and asked. They were all books on mechanics and woodworking, and judging by their appearance, they seemed quite old. The books in the study, she’d gone through them all, familiar with each of them, so it was evident these weren’t hers. Halting the action of pulling out a dining chair, Marcus glanced at the coffee table, realizing he had forgotten to tidy them up. After a pause, he said honestly, "Found them at home." "Went back to your house?" Casually picking up a book and flipping through it, Nora asked, "Interested in these?" Marcus replied perfunctorily, "Just browsing." It wasn’t as simple as "just browsing." During the weekend, staying here alone, Marcus felt aimless, so he took a walk in Nora’s study and became interested in the drawings on her desk. Wanting to study them but finding them incomprehensible, he thought to start with the basics. But the books on Nora’s shelf were difficult for him, full of jargon that made his head hurt, and some were even ancient texts, even more unreadable. After sending photos to Oliver Scott, he learned they were all professional-level books, and Oliver advised him to begin with entry-level ones. He remembered that there were many similar books at home, so he returned to find more straightforward ones to study. After a brief glance, Nora put the book back and said, "Instead of reading these, you might as well ask Easton." He definitely didn’t have the guts to bother an elderly man bedridden with illness. Fortunately, Nora didn’t press further, casually walked over, sat down, and began her meal. Marcus worried about her being picky with food, waiting at first for her "feedback," but she remained silent throughout, quietly finishing her meal. Only after setting down her chopsticks did she slowly speak, "Are you short on living expenses?" After a moment of pause, Marcus replied, "No." Nora seemed slightly disappointed. Marcus: "..." What was that about? Nora said nothing else, gave him a couple of looks, then stood up and left, leaving the task of cleaning up the dishes to him. Marcus ruffled his hair, watching her leave, his gaze eventually settling on her slender and fair hands, obviously well-cared for and unaccustomed to housework, and thus he swallowed back his suggestion of "division of labor." After all, she only stays here for two days a week. Nora entered the bedroom. Marcus got up to clear the dishes, when suddenly his phone rang. He took it out to find it was a red packet sent by Nora. So when she asked about living expenses earlier, she was planning to hire him as a long-term worker?! Meanwhile, in a small study. Just after sending the red packet to Marcus, Nora leaned back in her chair and opened the latest message from Kieran Shawn. [Kieran Shawn]: God Z, did you lose your storyboard drafts?