Chapter 142

Sarah's POV

I set my phone down after ending the call with Philip Baker. Although we had been discussing serious business matters, I had maintained a light tone throughout our conversation. The moment I hung up, I immediately dialed Caroline Gluck's number,cutting straight to the point.

"Do you know what merchandise Annie's brand offers?" I asked without any preamble.

Caroline seemed pleased to receive my call. "I know the general situation,"she answered promptly. "Everything related to Annie is now fully handled by Susan Moore, and I'm just a regular employee in some department at Howard Technologies, so my knowledge is quite limited."

"Doesn't that mean you're somewhat isolated there?" I asked with a hint of sympathy in my voice.

"Not exactly. Initially, they wanted me to get involved, but I kept telling them that Annie's work wasn't very good, saying it wasn't as good as yours," Caroline explained. "The reason I'm in this position is because of my loyalty to you."

Hearing this I felt a twinge of guilt and suggested, "Would you like to come work for my company then?"

"I'd rather not," Caroline declined immediately. "Your comic company is just starting out and needs funding. If I joined, you'd have to pay me a salary,which wouldn't be cost-effective for you."

I didn't respond to her reasoning, and after a moment, Caroline asked, "By

the way, why are you suddenly asking about merchandise?"

I took a deep breath. Being pregnant. handling all this pressure without anyone's help was truly exhausting. Without thinking, I answered."Because I'm planning to produce merchandise too."

"I can help take a look at Annie's display window to see what they're selling, and I can even compile detailed information about materials and such into a document and send it directly to you," Caroline enthusiastically offered.

"You're amazing!" I exclaimed excitedly. "Could you also help me find some merchandise manufacturers? Philip said he would help, but he's Annie's ex-husband, and I don't completely trust himn. I think manufacturers you recommend would be better."

"Tll ask around for you," Caroline agreed readily.

"I'll wait for your good news," I said before hanging up. I leaned back against the sofa, gently caressing my pregnant belly. I suddenly realized the irony of my situation. While other pregnant women were resting quietly at home, I was busier than I had been before pregnancy.

Soon after, my phone rang-it was Caroline. "I've sent al the contact information to your phone," she informed me cheerfully. "Including screenshots of the products in Annie's display window."

Looking at the information on my phone, I couldn't help but smile. The contacts Caroline provided could produce almost everything in Annie's collection. "Thank you. When I start making money, I won't forget your tremendous help."

"Then I'll be waiting for your grand success!" Caroline replied.

After ending the call. I began dialing the numbers on the list one by one,discussing potential collaborations. The manufacturers either requested face-to-face meetings or demanded advance payments, concerned that I might be a scammer. Without hesitation, I transferred money directly to them. For those who insisted on meeting in person, I politely declinedand instead offered to pay partial deposits.

Seeing my sincere commitment, the manufacturers agreed to work with me.This filled me with excitement, and I was surprised at how easily things had been resolved-even easier than enchanting men, making them fall in love with me and willing to spend money on me.

I almost regretted my past choices. If I had known working was this simple, why did I look for men after my divorce? Wouldn't it have been better to throw myself completely into a career?

After arranging for merchandise production, I began contacting marketing companies. My previous comic company had a decent marketing department, and rather than risking working with unfamiliar people, I decided to contact those I already knew.

I called my former contact directly: "How's business at our company these days?"

The marketing manager answered with a wry smile in his voice, "Income is declining every day. If we don't find a way to turn things around soon,we might have to close down."

I immediately offered an opportunity: "Would you like to work with me then? I have a comic that needs marketing to increase its influence."

After consideration, the manager quoted an amount. Although it sounded substantial, it was insignificant compared to the money Philip had given

me. I was even shocked by how low it was, though I didn't show it.

"Tll pay a portion first, and you can show me what kind of results you get,

" I suggested. "If the datalooks promising. I'll invest in higher-priced promotion."

The mention of money and the prospect of larger contracts immediately motivated the marketing manager. "No problem. When will you transfer the funds?"

Although my pregnancy made me reluctant to go out, I could see the manager's urgent need for funds. "Send me your account information,and I'll go make the transfer now."

Supporting my belly, I slowly got up and walked to the door, then instructed my driver to take me to the bank. Upon arrival, I waited in line,submitted the completed form, and honestly explained the purpose of the transfer.

After receiving the receipt, I immediately notified the manager that the money had been sent, and he quickly replied: "Got it. Wait for my good news."

Returning home, I opened my phone to finid my work being widely promoted online. Many people had checked out my comic out of curiosity and discovered it was actually quite good. More and more people began following my work, and merchandise sales were rapidly increasing.

It seemed the marketing manager was truly capable-the promotion attracted real readers, not just fake fans. My mood improved significantly.If just this small investment could generate such attention, what kind of effect would more investment bring? Would my work become a hot topic on all platforms?

Just imagining the entire nation focusing on my work excited me, though I tried to contain my enthusiasm. I felt a headache coming on. I had grown accustomed to relying on men, simply stating my needs and letting them handle things. Now everything depended entirelyon myself.

Despite feeling exhausted, I experienced an indescribable sense of accomplishment. After calculating costs, I realized that even after deducting various expenses, I would make considerable profit-perhaps even more than Annie.

My mood lifted noticeably, and even my physical fatigue seemed to disappear. Lying on the sofa, I took out my phone and sent a,message to Howard: "I'm pretty amazing, aren't I?"