Chapter 83

Chapter 39: Premature Bubble Dragon

For Fang Mingyuan's request, Miyamoto Shosei naturally responded with enthusiasm. In fact, even if Fang Mingyuan had not mentioned it, Miyamoto Shosei would not have sent adult comics or publications that conflict with Chinese law to China, as it would be difficult to pass through customs. Moreover, if discovered, it would damage the reputation of both the "Shounen Monthly" and Fang Mingyuan.

"Adult comics? What are those?" Fang Bin privately nudged Fang Mingyuan.

"Those are comics for adults, not suitable for teenagers," Su Aijun naturally knew what Japanese adult comics were, but with so many people around, he couldn't explain in detail to Fang Bin, so he just glossed over it.

"Fang-kun, this time I have another mission. I hope Fang-kun can authorize our company to launch the animated version of 'Yuu Yuu Hakusho' at the appropriate time. Our executives are quite optimistic about its future prospects," Miyamoto Shosei saw a hint of embarrassment on Fang Mingyuan's face, marveling at his precocity for knowing about adult comics in Japan, and helped him change the subject.

Fang Mingyuan's spirits lifted, and he said with a hint of surprise, "Mr. Miyamoto, you're already preparing for the animated version? Isn't that a bit early? After all, only one issue has been serialized?" This would undoubtedly bring in another sum of money, which was naturally beneficial for the current Fang Mingyuan.

Miyamoto Shosei smiled, "Fang-kun, based on our experience, after at most three more issues, someone will likely contact us about the animation rights. After seven to eight issues, there should be a promotional trailer for the animation, so it's better to prepare early. Since this is Fang-kun's first collaboration with us, after discussion by the magazine's executives, our company is willing to provide this service free of charge." To win Fang Mingyuan over, "Shounen Monthly" was determined to go all out. Even if it meant losing money, the magazine lacked influence in the Japanese comic industry, and the appearance of "Yuu Yuu Hakusho" provided a perfect opportunity.

Fang Mingyuan calculated that it was indeed about right. After seven to eight issues, it would be nearly half a year, and by then, "Yuu Yuu Hakusho" would have progressed about a third of the way through its plot. If adapted into an animation, it would likely be around 60 to 70 episodes. The subsequent episodes could be produced and released continuously.

"Alright, I trust Mr. Miyamoto's integrity. I'll leave this matter to your company," Fang Mingyuan made his decision instantly. Being unfamiliar with Japan, entrusting "Shounen Monthly" with the operation was a good choice. They would gain fame, and he would benefit, which would also strengthen his relationship with "Shounen Monthly" and lay a solid foundation for his future work.

Miyamoto Shosei was overjoyed, not expecting Fang Mingyuan to agree so readily. He resolved to secure the best profit-sharing for Fang Mingyuan.

Fang Mingyuan and Miyamoto Shosei formally signed the authorization contract, with "Shounen Monthly" officially handling the promotion of the animation rights. Regarding the copyright transfer fees, Fang Mingyuan requested to receive shares in the company as much as possible.

Miyamoto Shosei hesitated for a moment, "Fang-kun, although there are precedents in Japan for receiving shares through copyright, I must remind you that this could result in receiving nothing."

Fang Mingyuan smiled confidently, "Mr. Miyamoto, I believe that as long as your company carefully selects partners and chooses high-quality animation producers, 'Yuu Yuu Hakusho' will definitely succeed. I have confidence in this! Even if I end up with nothing, I won't regret it! And by reducing this expense, there will be more funds for production and promotion, ensuring the high quality of the animation."

Seeing Fang Mingyuan's determination, Miyamoto Shosei did not say anything more. They reached an agreement.

Next, Fang Mingyuan took out a game proposal and handed it to Miyamoto Shosei. Miyamoto Shosei curiously flipped through a few pages and was stunned. He tightly held the proposal, "Fang-kun, what is this?"

"I believe Mr. Miyamoto has understood. This is a casual game, which I call Bubble Dragon. It's a small game like Tetris. I hope that Enix Corporation, a shareholder of your magazine, can turn it into a real game. I don't think this will be difficult," Fang Mingyuan smiled slightly, "If your company is interested, we can discuss the transfer and authorization of the game and its subsequent versions when you come next time. If your company is not interested, I hope Mr. Miyamoto can contact Nintendo for me, and I am willing to pay a 5% commission fee to Mr. Miyamoto."

Miyamoto Shosei was almost jumping with joy. As a subsidiary of Enix Corporation, he was well aware of the popularity of Tetris in Japan. After just a few glances, he understood that this was a game with the same potential as Tetris, with low production costs and minimal hardware requirements, suitable for multiple platforms.

"Fang-kun, there's no need to wait until next time. I will send this proposal back to the company as soon as I return to the hotel. I believe we will have a response within three days. Thank you for your trust in me!" Miyamoto Shosei took the proposal and bowed deeply to Fang Mingyuan before rushing back to the hotel.

Fang Mingyuan invited him to stay for a meal, but Miyamoto Shosei politely declined, too eager to act.

Watching Miyamoto Shosei's hurried departure, Su Aijun and Fang Mingyuan could only shake their heads.

After a discussion, Fang Mingyuan decided to leave the four assistants Miyamoto Shosei brought in Fengyuan. He would visit Fengyuan every one to two weeks to bring the latest drawings and check their work. Huaizhuang Town was a small place, and bringing a few Japanese back would only cause trouble. Although Miyamoto Shosei repeatedly assured him that the four assistants were left-wing members and would not make any unfriendly remarks about China, for safety reasons, Fang Mingyuan decided to leave them in Fengyuan and asked Su Aijun to find them accommodation and a studio at Jiaotong University.

As for the students from the art institute that Su Aijun found, Fang Mingyuan interviewed each of them and selected eight out of twelve, signing contracts with them. They would work and learn alongside the Japanese, aiming to master the work within three months.