Arya smiled gently. "I don't play games, but I'm the one who illustrated this story!"
"What?!" Toph exclaimed.
The others were amazed too, staring at Arya with surprise, which made her feel a bit shy.
"Don't look at me like that!" Arya smiled, looking down. "I've loved drawing comics since I was a child, especially
stories with a fine art style. The characters and plot of this game are adapted from a comic book I created."
Everyone was even more astonished. Only then did they realize the renowned comic artist Ari was right before
them!
"Y-You're actually the author of this... game, 'Emerald Lake'!" Toph exclaimed, finding it unbelievable.
"Arya is low-key. It's not just you guys. Even I didn't know. She's actually sold the rights to several of her works."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtGraham smiled, his face filled with pride. "This silly girl isn't good at negotiating prices, so those rights were sold
without much consideration.
"She spent several years on Emerald Lake, pouring her heart and soul into it. Naturally, I couldn't just sit by and do
nothing! So, I returned last year to negotiate the contract details for her and managed to secure a fair price."
With business mentioned, Zuko asked curiously, "How much was it sold for?"
"I won't reveal the exact figure." Graham smiled. "It's a business secret. But I can reveal a little... It's a seven-digit
number, not including royalties!"
Toph's eyes lit up, and his interest grew. He bombarded Graham with questions, his voice filling the entire lounge.
Zuko cleared his throat heavily, and Toph finally quieted down, only to see Zuko and Lina glaring at him. Confused,
he received a signal from Lina.
He turned to look at Renee, but her icy expression startled him!
"Uh, Toph, you're too noisy!" Zuko intervened. "You should eat more to quiet your mouth! Oh, right, take Renee
outside and get some food!"
"Psh!" Toph clicked his tongue. "Are you trying to use me as a free waiter? You've been bossing me around since we
were kids. I won't fall for your tricks!"
"You..." Zuko's frustration was almost visible.
Lina squeezed his hand, amused and exasperated.
At some point, Renee clung to Toph's arm, leaning against him.
Toph had not clearly realized this. He always believed Renee to be quiet and submissive, the one who put up with his
loudness and encouraged his gaming hobby.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"Let's go get some food together later," Lina said with a smile. "I'm quite interested in this game as well. Arya, tell
me how to play it later?"
"No problem!"
As the two women got up and walked out, Zuko also took Graham along, leaving a moment of privacy for Toph and
Renee.
Zuko let out a breath of relief, meeting Lina's equally relieved gaze, and the two shared a knowing smile.
"It's really strange." Zuko shook his head. "Why am I so concerned when it's my little brother in a relationship?"
Lina had the same sentiment.
There seemed to be a gap between them and Renee at the moment. In the past, they could discuss anything
openly, but now they had to choose their words carefully. If they accidentally said something that upset Renee, Toph
would face difficulties.
Back in the resting room, Renee did not look too good.