Unexpected Group Chat and Whispers

[Exclamation Mark Boss,]

Bai Jingjing cautiously inquired, [May I ask what kind of group that is?]

[!: It’s also an artist group, but everyone inside is… quite renowned, and there are even people from major companies recruiting for submissions. Everyone is truly eager to meet you, especially since Teacher WQ is such a rare sight.]

Liu Wanqing, being a mature and steady older sister, was hardly one to join every group and chat idly all day like a youngster.

[!: Of course, while Teacher WQ is one aspect, everyone is also keen to get to know you. I’ve seen your work, and your art style is exceptionally spirited.]

Bai Jingjing involuntarily twitched the corner of her mouth.

She knew, of course, that the other party was merely being symbolically polite; the real reason was their desire to learn about Liu Wanqing through her, and perhaps even to have her relay messages sometimes.

Still, receiving praise from an industry heavyweight put her in a rather good mood.

The other party sent a group invitation, and Bai Jingjing clicked ‘agree’.

[‘Xiaobai’ has entered the group chat.]

[Administrator has changed your nickname to ‘Big and White Xiaobai’.]

The change was incredibly swift; Bai Jingjing hadn’t even fully registered it before her name transformed.

The group, which had been discussing other matters, erupted into an immediate uproar the moment the entry notification appeared.

[Oh my god, isn’t this Mrs. Bai?]

[Oh my god, it’s the big big big shot.]

[Oh my god, it’s Mrs. Big White Bai.]

The myriad of peculiar nicknames made Bai Jingjing’s heart thump.

It was strange, indeed, how her name became so ‘white’ and ‘big’ after those extra words were added, making it far too conspicuous.

However, upon closer inspection, Bai Jingjing found the people greeting her somewhat familiar. Like the Exclamation Mark Boss, they were all well-known artists in the circle.

Bai Jingjing also noticed a few individuals who, though unfamiliar and not appearing to be artists, had company names in their titles.

Something like ‘Mikuyou’, ‘Big Yellow Chicken’, ‘Bullhorn Network’…

In the past, Bai Jingjing had even attempted to send job applications to these major companies, only for them to vanish without a trace, never even receiving a reply. Yet now, they were vividly present before her eyes.

Amidst her excitement, Bai Jingjing’s feelings were tinged with a touch of complexity.

[Big and White Xiaobai: Thank you, esteemed seniors. I’m busy with studies, so I’ll be logging off for now.]

She then swiftly went offline.

Everyone was too enthusiastic, and Bai Jingjing found herself a little overwhelmed. Moreover, as a newcomer without famous works, becoming the focus of so many prominent figures made her quite uncomfortable.

Perhaps it was best to get some proper rest, then wake up and study hard.

Zzzzz

On this calm Wednesday afternoon, everyone was striving diligently for their bright futures.

Bai Jingjing, having undergone a sudden shift in identity, rekindled her former aspirations and confidence, finding a renewed drive for learning.

Xia Chu worked with great ambition, preparing for a swift and powerful return.

Luo Xuan sat on the sofa, sighing mournfully, her eyes fixed on the soap opera playing on the TV screen, wondering if she should do something to avoid being the only idle person around, feeling out of place.

Meanwhile, Liu Wanqing received several private messages from friends in the industry.

After posting on Weibo, many people had already inquired, and Liu Wanqing had casually brushed them off. But these latest private messages, she found somewhat baffling.

[Xing (TL Note: A play on words, ‘xing’ meaning ‘punishment/criminal,’ implying something is scandalous or too much, often used humorously), ah, Teacher WQ, you are too xing.]

[Teacher WQ, how should I put it, I actually understand you quite well. After so many years, you’re looking for that feeling of youth.]

[But isn’t it a bit *too* youthful?]

Liu Wanqing felt utterly bewildered, so she grabbed one person and asked, [What exactly is going on? What are you all talking about?]

[Ah, it’s just that, someone here knows your girlfriend, pulled her into the group, and was about to speak, but she said she had to go study.]

Liu Wanqing raised an eyebrow.