Like a Whip Cutting Through the Wind 3

Okay...I had to let sheer momentum carry me through it, but I got the beginning drawn!

That's great, Huyan Zhuo. Would you like a drink?

Y-yes, please. Is this an energy drink?

No, it's some of Fuuma Kotarou's special ninja brew.

Urk.

...It should at least be good for you!

O-okay then, I'll try it. (Slurp)

Yuck. It tastes like steel, copper, and cardboard...

But, I think it did help me feel better! Okay, time to dive back into the

？！

Oh, yeah, good point. I want to take a look at your current draft, anyway.

...Yes, I guess you're right.

And I do feel better now that I know what the hook is.

All right, let's see what you've got.

...Hmm, hmm.

... ...

Hmm...

Oh? Is that draft finished?

Not just yet. Hm? Where'd you Knights of the Round Table go?

Hahaha, we were starting to feel the pressure get to us, so we decided to go surfing for a bit.

Hey, nice. You down for some surfing, Master?

Sweet! I'll make plans for later, then!

Oh, we know how to surf as well, so we would love to accompany you.

Yeah? Too bad.

Well, like, if you ever change your mind, just let me know!

Hahaha, if we all go surfing together, we'll have to bring Mordred along too, or we'll never hear the end of it.

？！

(Gulp) Wh-what do you think so far, Chloe?

It's not bad. It's not bad, but...

B-but what?

...Hey, how 'bout we do some shopping?

Shopping?

There's a looot I want to discuss, so.

(Terrified)

You'll be fine as long as you're with Chloe, Huyan Zhuo. We'll hold down the fort here in the meantime!

Yeah! Have fun while you're out!

See you later!

Anything you're looking for, Huyan Zhuo?

Well, um, I could use more art supplies. And...some more rom-com reference material.

Got it. Sounds like we've got some good shopping ahead of us then.

？！

That would be great!

Phew. We sure bought a ton of stuff.

？！

Oh, here, let me wipe that off for you.

Aww, don't be shy♪

So strong...

So, what can I get you?

I'll have a coffee float, please. How about you, Master?

Hehe, we're both getting coffee then. Although mine will be much sweeter, being a float and all...

So you like your coffee black, huh? I'll remember that.

Hehe, what a great choice. Soda can be so refreshing in summer. I think it's perfect for you, Master.

？！

Strawberry sundae for me, please!

You're really digging in, huh, Chloe?

Well, it IS Master's treat. Right, Master?

You're the best, Master! I love you♡

Incredible. She just came out and said it... That's the kind of bravery I'm missing!

Too bad♡

What incredibly brazen impishness... This is what I've been missing...

？！

All right...

Now that you're more relaxed, Huyan Zhuo... let's get this meeting started.

You mean I don't even get any time to rest!?

You can rest plenty once you finish the draft.

So I don't get any breaks until it's over!?

Nope.

...Well, I guess that answers that... Okay, what's this meeting about?

Y-yes. Technically...

Well, the thing is...

Eep.

So far, yes. But, well, the thing is...

？！

Hmm. How can I put this?

Well, first off, I'm very happy with Huyan Zhuo. Er, the character Huyan Zhuo.

As the protagonist, she never loses sight of what she wants, and even when she stumbles, she keeps moving forward.

But as an older woman, she's also wise in some regards. In a lot of ways, she feels like your own ideal.

But as a model student, she's also wise in some regards. In a lot of ways, she feels like your own ideal.

You're making me blush...

No, the problem is in her partner.

Bwaaa...?

You're being way too distant with him!

...

I can tell the protagonist loves him, but I can't tell why.

Just being nice and having a great smile isn't enough to win readers over!

(Shocked)

It's a classic rom-com trap.

Both halves of the couple need to be equally charming!

It's not enough for Huyan Zhuo to just be the prettiest girl in school or to just be kind, sweet, and all that.

We need scenes showing us the partner's inner thoughts and feelings, or things he's actually done.

And if there are any scenes that can give us some heartfelt interactions with Huyan Zhuo, we need to see those, too.

That's how the readers will come to love him, which will ultimately lead to loving Huyan Zhuo.

I-I see. But, the problem is, he's...

I get it. I do.

But you'll never finish this book if you pull back now!

As your editor, this is the hill I'm choosing to die on.

Ghhh... Nghhh...

Huyan Zhuo, what you, the artist, need right now...is courage!

C-courage...!

Go on, Master! You should cheer for her, too!

？！

Courage...!