Chapter 235: Chapter 143: Award Nomination and Thesis Completion

(Thanks to Alstonkk for the generous reward of a hundred thousand. Much appreciated!)

"I am deeply disappointed by your company’s decision. This isn’t about a little extra commission or a breach-of-contract fee—it’s about your lack of respect for an outstanding illustrator. I am extremely angry over the humiliation suffered by my artist..."

Austria.

Anna sat expressionlessly in front of the computer, composing a sternly-worded email.

She had just learned from the publishing house’s project assistant about the group’s new decision — the renowned Vierein Studio would be competing with Lady Detective Cat for the opportunity to illustrate "The Little Prince."

Anna was drafting a letter of protest.

After sending the email expressing her displeasure to the contact inbox, she closed the computer and leaned back on her wheelchair.

Today, Anna wasn’t wearing any extra hair accessories, her dark hair was tied back with a Central Asian-style woven ribbon.

She was quietly pondering, her fingertips gently playing with the blue ribbon, the study light casting an oily shine on her face.

Due to the publishing house’s disregard for Lady Detective Cat, Anna felt discontent, but compared to the sharp language in her email, her face remained as cold as ever, betraying no obvious emotions.

As a child, her aunt taught her that anger is merely the powerless display of the weak, and apart from exposing your vulnerability, it doesn’t resolve actual issues.

At the same time, Anna believed that if the market survey were conducted fairly according to Scholastic’s conditions, her elder sister Detective Cat wouldn’t be at risk of losing.

An increased commission, plus a separate postcard set and an illustrator’s portfolio—such rewards were rather generous.

In a strict sense, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Of course, as a manager, even if it might not necessarily be a bad thing, the protest letter should still be written.

This is to give a voice to the represented illustrator, express a stance, and strive for maximum benefit,

After thinking for a moment,

Anna took out her phone from her pocket and found Osborne’s number in her contacts.

After a couple of soft rings, the phone was answered.

"Hello, is this Miss Anna?"

Osborne’s voice came over the phone.

"Yes, Uncle Osborne, this is Anna." The girl’s tone was warm and polite, not at all changed by Osborne’s poor attitude during their last call.

"I’m calling to specially thank Uncle Osborne."

Anna said, "I saw the invitation from Scholastic’s official account to Detective Cat, I’m sorry for the trouble, Uncle."

"Anna, these are words... sigh, it should be Uncle Osborne apologizing to you."

Osborne chuckled wryly, "Detective Cat is a very talented illustrator, thank you for recommending her to me. Scholastic Group is honored to collaborate with such a high-level illustrator."

"Anna, your perspective is remarkable, much better than mine. Your grandfather used to say that switching to studying business was putting the trivial above the important and that people become uncouth. The old man was right to criticize, and I apologize for my poor tone during our last conversation, Miss Anna."

"Uncle Osborne, are you satisfied with Detective Cat’s performance?" Anna asked calmly.

"Very good... I should say, outstanding."

"I see, but her agent contacted me a few minutes ago, saying there was a communication issue with the publishing house, and the Scholastic Group intended to replace Detective Cat with another studio. I thought Detective Cat couldn’t meet the publishing house’s requirements and wanted to apologize to Uncle Osborne."

Anna’s tone was apologetic.

"Uh, Anna, saying that is too much—let’s not make it uncomfortable. I believe you know Detective Cat’s level, so don’t put me in a tight spot."

"So it was just a misunderstanding?"

Osborne chuckled wryly again.

He understood now that Detective Cat’s agent was no pushover, having gone to Miss Elina to complain after receiving the group’s decision.

He knew Anna always had a fondness for this online illustrator Detective Cat, and it was normal to know her agent if she could recommend her to the Scholastic Group.

Osborne was aware of the standard of Detective Cat’s submitted work, and he assumed Anna was aware too.

Everyone understood the situation clearly, so to say she couldn’t meet the publishing house’s requirements and apologize to him.

How could he find a way to step down gracefully?

"Although the Vierein Studio situation is quite complex, I assure you, the marketing department’s investigation will be conducted justly and openly, with no manipulation allowed. Anna, you should have confidence in Detective Cat too, right?"

"It doesn’t matter. Even if the group looks down on Detective Cat, it’s only her lack of competence to blame. I am also grateful for Uncle Osborne’s efforts." Anna’s tone sounded sincere.

The more Anna spoke like this, the more embarrassed Osborne felt.

Miss Anna, the last heir of the Ilena family.

The only time she ever called him to handle something, and his tone was so blunt, dismissing her recommended illustrator and speaking harshly to Anna.

As it turns out, the illustrator Anna valued was not only highly skilled, but Osborne also complicated the matter by trying to build his connections within the art department. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

He even felt ashamed for himself.

Osborne didn’t know how many times he had chuckled wryly.

"Miss Ilena, I’m seriously afraid of you. Please don’t shame your poor Uncle Osborne anymore, this matter was indeed handled poorly by me. Anna, whatever you request, as long as it’s not too excessive, I agree." Osborne said helplessly, "But the market survey decision has already been set by the group executives, and it’s really difficult to change."