NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Unexpected Acclaim
"I've been waiting for over ten years for a comic like this. Maybe all those comics I read before were just waste paper. Who would've imagined that Captain America was actually a scrawny boy transformed? If they sold that potion, I'd give up everything for it. I don't know where the author gets such a rich imagination. With just a vial of serum, he's overturned decades of my image of Captain America and brought back our childhood dreams. I just want to say, author, please hurry up and draw more!"
As a comic critic with his own following, the fans left comments one after another.
"The comic is amazing! Who knew Captain America could be this super?"
"Author, you've changed my outlook on life for decades. I don't believe in science anymore!"
"Those old American teams were weak, always shouting 'long live the country' every day. Look at this!"
"I won't be able to sleep tonight. I believe in fairy tales again!"
"Oh my God, you're right. I need to buy a copy right away!"
"It's late already. When I go, there might not be any left!"
"Can it really be as good as they say? I never thought Captain America could be so imaginative!"
"Yo Yo Yo... It's another genuine fragrance fest!"
"I don't know about the others, but I'm already in love with this author named Jason Walker!"
"Jason Walker? Isn't that an American? Thats awesome, Captain America drawn by a American as it should be!"
"Once upon a time, I believed in science. Then I saw Captain America."
In just one night, Captain America swept through all of New York, transforming from an old-fashioned hero into a modern, high-tech Captain America.
Jason read the online comments with a widening smile. He closed his laptop gently and stretched in the warm sunlight. He knew this version of Captain America would be a bestseller, but he didn't anticipate this level of success. The sales projections were already astronomical, promising a significant return.
Realizing it was noon again, Jason decided to check on lunch. He stood up and walked towards Tom's office, only to find the publishing house in chaos.
Phones were ringing incessantly, and employees were bustling around.
"Marvel Press, Captain America just ordered 5,000 copies? I'm sorry, they're sold out already. We're ramping up production."
"Okay, understood. The proofs have been approved. Quality must be top-notch. Make sure the workers are paid overtime!"
When the employees noticed Jason amidst the chaos, they couldn't help but admire him, though they were too occupied to chat.
Entering Tom's office, Jason found him deeply engrossed in work. Tom gestured for Jason to take a seat, smiling wearily.
"Got it! Jim, we've been partners for years. Can't fool you. You've seen the market demand. I can't handle it all here. Let's do this: as soon as the new comics are out, I'll send them directly to you!"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Tom hung up and turned to Jason.
"What's up?"
Jason felt a pang of guilt. "Isn't it lunchtime? I was wondering if my lunch was ready."
That innocent question almost provoked Tom, usually so composed.
"Lunch? Young Master! Can you think about lunch at a time like this? Captain America's orders could keep us printing for six months! The bookstore owners are waiting like hungry wolves! I'm going to have to push our printers to the limit!"
Jason chuckled awkwardly and turned to leave. "I'm sorry to bother you. I'll handle it."
Tom quickly shook his head, pulling out a thermos and a stack of documents.
"Here's your lunch, and here are the calls from the printing house. And don't think my old bones won't hold you accountable. Deal with them yourself!"
Regretting his thoughtlessness, Jason took the lunch and returned to his office, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
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