Lunch time with Mu Yue

After returning home, Lin Yuxuan immediately ordered a graphics tablet and pressure-sensitive pen online.

That’s right—she didn’t even own proper drawing equipment yet.

If Tang Yawen found out she could draw at this level without any tools…
who knows what kind of expression she’d make?

Once the order was confirmed, Yuxuan checked her balance.

A few thousand in WeChat, less than ¥5,000 in her bank account.

“That’s all I’ve got? Looks like I really do need to find a stable income like in the simulation. Otherwise, I’ll be eating grass before long.”

Since the simulator’s predictions often came true,
following its suggested path gave her a real advantage.

“I could join the C-Club as a cosplayer. But that requires a lot of upfront investment—expensive costumes, makeup, photography. High returns, but I need money first. I’ll save up for that.”

“The other option—drawing commissions for the art club—is better for now.”

“I can earn money and send my work to Teacher Wenwen for feedback. Two birds, one stone. Efficient use of time.”

Decision made.
Tomorrow, when she visited Mu Yue, she’d ask Li Yanan if there were any available jobs.

“Maybe I should draw something now—show Li Jie tomorrow to prove I’m capable.”

Yuxuan wasn’t confident.
Her figure drawing was still pretty basic.
Would she even qualify?

She grabbed a ballpoint pen.
Better start with something familiar.

A cute girl, of course!

She saw one every time she looked in the mirror—
how much more familiar could it get?

You always draw what you know best.

****

2 hours later…

Yuxuan had no idea what was wrong with her hands—every sketch turned out… suggestive.

Each drawing emphasized the *generous curves* of the female character.

“Why does every girl I draw have huge boobs?! Can’t I draw flat-chested girls at all? Why do all my compositions look like doujinshi covers?!”

She was starting to question her own artistic soul.

But she didn’t realize: *you can’t draw what you haven’t seen.*

She spent every day looking at her own “heavy burden.”
Of course she couldn’t draw anything else.

****

“Looks like I really need to study harder.
When you need skills, you regret not learning earlier.”

No other ideas came to mind.
She picked the least suggestive drawing from the pile.

After all, she had to show this to a classmate.
Can’t be too scandalous—she still had a reputation to protect!

She checked the time—almost 11 PM.

“I wanted to play one more simulation round… but it’s way too late. I stayed up late yesterday too. I’m about to collapse… Better get some sleep.”

She really wanted to keep playing.
But self-preservation came first.
Simulations were exhausting—she didn’t want to die from overuse.

She’d just become a beautiful girl!
She hadn’t even flirted with any other girls yet!

To keep hugging cute girls…
she had to stay alive!

****

The next day, noon.

Yuxuan arrived at the cooking club, carrying her pink bento box.

“Xuanxuan, you’re here early today?” Mu Yue smiled, her apron fluttering happily.

“Mhm~ I made something tasty—wanted to share it with you.”

“You like cooking too? Then I have to try it~”

Did she make this… for me?

Mu Yue’s heart fluttered.

This was the first time a girl had ever cooked for her…

“I made mapo tofu. I figured you’d like it spicy.”

Last time, Yuxuan had been so overwhelmed by spice she nearly cried.

But the moment Mu Yue opened the box, a wave of rich, numbing aroma hit her.

She took a small bite with her spoon—
flavor exploded on her tongue.

A warm current flowed into her heart.
As a fellow cooking enthusiast, Mu Yue could *feel* Yuxuan’s gentle, passionate soul through the dish.

Yuxuan watched Mu Yue close her eyes after the first bite—silent, motionless.

“Is it too spicy? Want some water?”

“No, silly~ I’m not that weak. It’s just… so delicious. It really suits my taste…”

Mu Yue had meant to say “I really like it,”
but the words slipped out differently.

She realized the double meaning too late.

Her face turned bright red in an instant.

But Yuxuan, blissfully unaware, just beamed with pride.

“I’m so happy you like it~”

All her effort had paid off.

“You can sit anywhere. I’ll finish cooking and we’ll eat together.”

“Actually, I’ll step out for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

Yuxuan headed next door—to the art club.

Though Mu Yue often appeared in the cooking club, she was actually the *president* of the art club.
Her presence in the kitchen just gave the wrong impression.

“Is this your drawing?”

Li Jie studied Yuxuan’s artwork in silence.

It was a busty witch in a black cloak.
The outfit covered her arms and legs completely—
but left her chest and lower stomach exposed.
The contrast was… noticeable.

Yuxuan had no choice.
Her simulator-granted skill had a quirk—it could only draw busty girls.
And the more she tried to make it normal, the more suggestive it got.

This was the least problematic piece she’d managed to create.

“Do you think I’m good enough?”

“Your technique is solid. But your style… we’ll have to assign you specific jobs. You want to take on commissions here?”

“Yeah. I can draw every day.”

“Alright. I’ve got one for you. It’s Wednesday—finish it by Sunday. Digital line art in Photoshop. Just email it to me when done.”

“Got it.”

After exchanging contacts, Yuxuan returned to the cooking club.

“You’re back~ Go wash your hands, time to eat~”

The petite girl in the apron waved her spoon cutely.

“You look just like a sweet little wife right now~”

Yuxuan said honestly.

Mu Yue’s face turned as red as a ripe apple.

“Hmph~ Then come sit down and eat already~”

She pouted, placing a steaming bowl of rice in front of Yuxuan.

Yuxuan barely held back a laugh.

Mu Yue is so cute… I really want to grab her face and kiss her right now~

But that was just fantasy.
She was afraid of being rejected.

She picked up her spoon and mixed the mapo tofu into her rice.

She assumed the tofu had cooled by now—
but to her surprise, Mu Yue had reheated it.

Mu Yue watched Yuxuan eat with the stainless steel spoon,
as if she wanted to say something—
but kept hesitating,
finally swallowing her words.