"We're paying overtime here, alright? I know they're tired. Let them think about their paycheck, their new car, their girlfriend's cosmetics—whatever gets them motivated. Keep those printers running!"
Jason slammed the phone down, yanked out the cord, and rubbed his temples, feeling the constant vibration.
"We need to hire more staff. What kind of boss gets worn out like this every day?"
Stretching, Jason decided to step out and clear his mind.
"Hey, you know what? I've never been prouder to work at this publishing house. When I tell my friends I'm with Marvel Press, you should see the envy in their eyes!"
"Don't think I haven't noticed. I've got friends begging me for a copy already. My God, all these years in the business, and I've never seen a comic blow up like this!"
Two employees near the door whispered to each other. Despite their exhaustion from days of overtime, they still felt a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm.
"You two just idle? Need me to have you sweep the stairs?"
Jason happened upon them, eyeing their lax demeanor.
"Sorry, boss!"
They hastily straightened up and got back to work.
Both sighed inwardly. How did Jason catch them every time they slackened off?
"Keep it up. Bonuses are on the way when this is done."
"The boss knows best!"
Jason didn't reprimand them further. Training was necessary, but so were incentives.
Carrot and stick!
The admiration in each employee's eyes shifted from pure respect to something more akin to worship for their young and handsome boss.
Jason didn't linger and knocked on the door before entering Tom's office.
Tom was still issuing instructions amidst a mountain of paperwork, but he smiled when Jason entered.
"Jason, have a seat. What's on your mind?"
Even though he'd been pushed to his limits, he was happy and energized!
What did it matter if he got sidetracked a bit? The other employees were looking off, too.
Besides, Jason was right, and the comics were selling well. Congratulations!
"It's nothing. Just feeling a bit worn out. Needed a walk, loosen up. Jason replied.
Tom chuckled. "It's normal to feel tired, especially when your comics are killing it!"
He glanced at the towering stack of orders, feeling a bit surreal.
Such great sales, it's incredible!
He added, "Honestly, I never expected this theme to create such a stir. I've never seen anything like this in all my years. Jason, you're onto something big here. Congrats! Your folks would be proud up there."
"Thanks. I owe it to you, Tom. Your support's been invaluable." Jason replied with a smile.
Tom waved it off. "Don't butter me up. You're the one making waves now. I'm just along for the ride!"
"No problem." Jason smiled back.
Tom then said, "Oh, Jason, isn't lillyback? I think about you every day. If you're free tonight, come over for dinner. Lilly misses you, too!"
"Sure thing. I've been wanting to try lilly's cooking again. Just give me a shout after work." Jason agreed.
Tom had a daughter named lilly, three years younger than Jason. They'd been close since childhood, almost like sweethearts.
...
...
Back in his office, with the phone silent, Jason savored the quiet.
"Congratulations! The comics have been out for three days, and we've sold 470,000 copies, earning 470,000 exchange points."
Good news. That's what this was. Listening to the system, Jason's heart skipped a beat.
Drawing comics, publishing, and sales—none of that mattered as much as these exchange points Jason had worked so hard for.
And he could see them growing steadily.
What did that mean? It meant the comics were still selling well, and he was on his way up!
"Having this system sure makes things easier. It's already tallying profits for the publishing house."
High spirits spurred Jason on. Following the system, he quickly started work on the second volume of the Captain America.
Grabbing his pen, Jason found the lifelike sketches practically appearing under his hand.
After putting away the comics, though it was late, Jason was too happy to care. He didn't forget his appointment.
He rode with Tom, chatting easily, and they soon arrived at Tom's house.
Entering, they stepped into a spacious living room. Tom had been a publishing executive for years, so his home was comfortable, a duplex with stairs leading up.
It wasn't lavish, but it had a warmth that couldn't be described. It felt like home.
"Lilly, aren't you always wanting to see your big brother Jason? Look who's here!"
With Tom's call, a girl in a white dress hurried down the stairs. Lilly had grown into a stunning young woman, graceful as an elf.
Jason's eyes widened slightly, the weariness he'd been carrying melting away.