Chapter 25: Unexpected Confessions and New Beginnings

Her question stemmed from more than mere curiosity. Because Xiao Yuqin was a troubled child, as an elder sister, it was imperative for her to understand her sister’s true feelings.

If her suspicions were correct, it meant the ‘tragic romance’ club was about to gain another member, for Xiao Yuqin only had eyes for Xiao Ji. Alas, her sister’s future seemed rather bleak!

Furthermore, Qian Surou worried that her sister’s personality might be too overbearing, fearing she might force Xiao Yuqin into something. Given the circumstances, it was difficult not to entertain such thoughts.

“She kissed me—”

Qian Xidong had no intention of evading the topic, yet she wasn’t prepared to reveal everything. Instead, she shared just enough information to spark further speculation.

She couldn’t recall the exact emotions she had felt in that moment. Only one thing was certain: she couldn’t simply dismiss the matter with an excuse of self-abandonment.

“So I thought, since I don’t have anyone I like anyway, I might as well accept her feelings.

While I’m not as clear as you, Sis, about my preference for girls, I also feel that gender doesn’t matter. It’s probably just a desire to find someone to love.”

This was a lie.

As she casually hung the plastic bag on the handlebars, she felt her own heart sway and tremble, much like the bag. What drew her forward was the encouraging smile of her sister before her.

Her sister never discouraged anyone. She rarely displayed opposition or anger. Even when she was the one hurt, she would always find an excuse for those who had wronged her.

“It’s certainly not a problem. I know Xidong is a very earnest person. Even if it starts as a fleeting thought, it will eventually blossom into genuine affection… I’ll support you.

However, Xiao Yuqin is a little too dependent on Xiao Ji, so you might have a tough time!”

her sister said. This was always her sister’s first instinct: to praise others. Always ready to find the good in people, her sister would then guide them with positive encouragement.

Qian Xidong understood this deeply, and naturally, she had fallen the deepest.

Yet, this impartial kindness was undoubtedly cruel to those who loved her profoundly.

Using driving safety as an excuse, no conversation took place until they pushed open the apartment door. In the brief moment she went to the washroom to splash water on her face, she emerged to find a scene straight out of a TV drama.

Her sister leaned against the wall beside the door. Upon seeing her emerge, she pushed off the wall with her hips to stand up.

Then, as if teasing a child, she called out, ‘Watch me change!’ A small notebook adorned with a red maple leaf then appeared in her hand.

“I’ve written down my experiences caring for Xiao Yuqin, and some of the things she likes.

However, Xiao Yuqin’s favorite is still Xiao Ji, so if you don’t put in some effort, you won’t be able to win her away from her sister’s wing!” Qian Surou said, tucking the notebook into Qian Xidong’s palm.

‘Can your wing shelter me forever?’ Qian Xidong swallowed.

‘No, and neither can Ji Yushu.’

“You really do love to meddle!”

Qian Xidong sighed, saying, telling Qian Surou to focus on herself, to start a new relationship soon, and bring another beautiful sister home.

“Why are you suddenly bringing that up? Anyway, Xidong, give me your clothes for laundry.”

It was an abrupt change of topic.

Nevertheless, Qian Xidong complied. She returned to her room, changed into loungewear, and tossed her discarded T-shirt and pants into the laundry basket.

As for her underwear, she had learned to wash them herself since middle school.

Even when housekeepers were present, her self-conscious nature insisted she handle them personally, let alone when the person was her elder sister.

Just half a year ago, she had been terrified that her sister might discover strange marks on her underwear.

After handing over the laundry basket, Qian Xidong firmly closed her room door. Suddenly, as if all strength had drained from her, she slid down the door to sit on the floor.

A moment later, the old washing machine rumbled to life. It felt as though the vibrations of the washing machine reached her, and under the cover of its immense noise, unbidden thoughts began to stir within her once more. Perhaps, back then, she should have gone all the way, just as Xiao Yuqin had suggested.

***

After Qian Xidong confessed her relationship with Xiao Yuqin, Qian Surou felt a surge of confusion. The plot seemed to have deviated from the game’s narrative. There had been no warning signs.

She had never noticed any interaction between the two girls. Yet, in reality, they were intimately close. It was hard to imagine Xiao Yuqin, now dating Xidong, would continue to sabotage Xiao Ji’s relationship at all costs.

If the game’s plot could be altered, why should she continue to act as if she were infatuated with Xiao Ji?

Qian Surou harbored doubts. However, since she hadn’t yet fallen for anyone else, she saw no harm in continuing her ‘role-play’.

Though she still didn’t know what the consequences would be, she had no intention of ‘poking the tiger’s whiskers’ and experiencing it firsthand.

Shaking her head, she awkwardly cleared her jumbled thoughts. Her gaze shifted to the computer screen directly in front of her—

“Two-dimensional art is quite popular, isn’t it?”

Trained in classical art, Qian Surou predominantly painted portraits, landscapes, and architecture. Transitioning to a two-dimensional art style wasn’t overly difficult for her.

Although she had considered pursuing gallery collaborations and continuing with oil painting, the current era valued novelty, and only works with high uniqueness, creativity, and artistic merit truly found their place.

Moreover, the domestic market was experiencing a harsh winter. Entry into the industry often required introductions from others. Having lost her family’s prestige, Qian Surou genuinely lacked confidence.

Qian Surou resolved to delve into popular aesthetic art, where ‘looking good’ was the sole criterion.

She then began to study the newly arrived digital tablet and drawing software.

Perhaps due to her astonishing comprehension, or perhaps having previously practiced such an eclectic drawing style, she picked it up with exceptional speed.

The final imitation bore a sixty to seventy percent resemblance to the original. The issue was that her rendition leaned towards impasto, with a somewhat somber palette and a slightly more three-dimensional feel. It lacked the original’s vibrant simplicity.

The most crucial step was to first develop her own style.

Using a scanner, Qian Surou digitized some of her old sketches and paintings.

She absorbed stylistic insights from popular artists and embarked on a solitary journey to explore a new style, reveling in the freedom, leisure, and isolation of the process.

She decided to stay up an hour later than usual each night and dedicate two hours during the day to studying manga-related techniques.

Fortunately, her painting efficiency was remarkably high.

After toiling for several hours, Qian Surou uploaded several somewhat rough line drafts to an online art platform.

Consulting the prices offered by her peers, she officially began to accept commissions. Simultaneously, it was finally time to meet her next client.

***

After her half-day shift ended, Qian Surou changed in the dressing room and took a taxi to the designated location.

She had thought Miss Yan, her previous client, was already a rare type of customer. However, this new client proved to be even more ‘hardcore’.

Their initial meeting involved a walk in the park. After chatting with the young woman in the black suit as they strolled, Qian Surou’s mind was brimming with knowledge about electrode applications and efficient information screening.

According to the woman, she was a private assistant earning half a million annually. Her duties ranged from assisting with meeting minutes and asset management to arranging her employer’s itinerary.

She also served as a detective, a bodyguard (though her combat skills seemed purely for show), and even handled custom orders and welding tasks.

Recently, she had been cramming electrode knowledge, preparing to take the welding process engineer exam. This was simply because her employer was designing a precision device and needed an extra pair of hands.

Observing her heavy dark circles, Qian Surou felt that what she needed wasn’t a dating cure but rest.

Although she considered offering her shoulder and a comforting embrace to this poor elite individual, the young woman appeared terrified and offered a reason Qian Surou had never heard before—

Physical contact phobia.

She even had a certificate from a psychologist to prove it.

With a look of tender affection in her eyes, Qian Surou quietly listened to the young woman’s stories of job rejections and the painful loss of her ex-girlfriend.

She nearly teared up. Consequently, she fiercely criticized the former boss who had fired the young woman, as well as her current employer for exploiting staff.

The sun, uncharacteristically mild, left the entire park deserted. It was clear that simply basking in the sun and chatting had significantly improved the young woman’s mood. Qian Surou felt uneasy about earning money this way.

She suggested moving their ‘date’ to a youth sports center. She rented a court at her own expense and taught the young woman how to play tennis.

As it wasn’t the weekend and the tail end of summer, there was hardly anyone around.

The automatic ball machine was, without a doubt, a perfect outlet for pent-up energy.

“You can shout out whatever’s on your mind at a time like this!” Qian Surou yelled, hitting a return ball. “Every time I go to the supermarket, all the special offer products I want are sold out!

So unlucky! Those awful aunties, it clearly says ‘limit one per person,’ but they bring their grandkids, even two or three-year-old toddlers! It’s outrageous!”

Hahaha, the young woman laughed. She then shouted that her employer’s tasks were truly annoying. Then, inexplicably, she added that perhaps they weren’t so bad after all.

This couldn’t help but make Qian Surou wonder if the other person had some peculiar quirks.

After venting, they casually rallied for a while longer.

They also tried out the latest VR sports gaming equipment. Due to her poor sense of balance, Qian Surou turned the racing game into a death-defying joyride, making the young woman believe she was intentionally holding back.

After completing the commission, Qian Surou discussed with the coffee shop manager about shifting her work hours to the evening shift, from afternoon until nine p.m.

She also requested leave for the upcoming military training at the start of the semester. This was to proactively prepare for life after classes resumed.

Of course, Du You University didn’t have dreary evening study sessions; everything relied on self-discipline.

The following day was bright and clear. The morning world was empty and quiet; the morning rush hour had likely passed.

Qian Surou had arranged for a small truck to pick up their belongings and urged Xidong to prepare the items they needed to move. The newly rented three-bedroom apartment was exquisitely furnished and didn’t lack furniture.

Two days prior, she had already tidied up the place, making it look brand new, and added some practical small items.

“Sis, are you planning to bring Mom back this weekend?”

Hearing Xidong’s question, Qian Surou nodded and stated that she would find certified professional caregivers in the next two days.

It was crucial that they be legitimate, so even if her mother could manage herself, the cost could be close to ten thousand yuan.

However, her coffee shop wages could cover a portion, and she could seize the opportunity to study when there were few customers. Her painting career had also begun to take off, so she wasn’t as anxious mentally.