A Bold Proposition and a Past Revealed

Liu Wanqing raised an eyebrow. “Is this… how you young people play these days?”

“This is the normal procedure, and…”

Bai Jingjing felt a pang of regret, realizing she had spoken too quickly without discussing whether to accept the job.

“And what?” Liu Wanqing pressed.

“Furthermore, I actually don’t have much time recently,” Bai Jingjing blurted out, steeling herself. “Besides preparing for exams, I’ve also taken on commissions for illustrations.”

Liu Wanqing’s lips twitched. “So, you mean you’re unwilling to accept my rental proposal?”

Her tone was devoid of overt emotion, yet it lacked its usual gentleness, hinting at something subtly dangerous.

Bai Jingjing formulated a tactful response. “If I had more free time, I would be very willing to accept this job, to be Teacher Qing’s temporary girlfriend.”

‘It’s just a matter of not having time, you see. At least my sincerity is clear.’

“Hmph.”

Liu Wanqing let out a soft chuckle, then settled into her usual chair, slowly turning to gaze out the window as if admiring the scenery. “Bai Jingjing, you and Luo Xuan… you have a relationship, don’t you?”

Bai Jingjing paused, slightly taken aback. “Luo-jie and I are good friends.”

“You’ve misunderstood me. I’m referring to *that* kind of relationship, one that has happened between the two of you, and is very likely still ongoing,” Liu Wanqing stated calmly. “It’s quite peculiar, as I recall Luo Xuan mentioning in the group chat that she was finding a girlfriend for her best friend.”

“I understand, Teacher Qing,” Bai Jingjing quickly said, pressing her palms together. “I’ll take the job.”

Liu Wanqing pursed her lips. “I wasn’t trying to threaten you. I was merely pointing out that while you were being a girlfriend to Luo Xuan’s best friend, you still found time to sleep with Luo Xuan. How is it that now that arrangement is over, you suddenly don’t even have time to sleep with me?”

Bai Jingjing’s mouth parted slightly, utterly speechless.

In all fairness, Liu Wanqing wasn’t wrong; Bai Jingjing wasn’t *that* busy. Moreover, she was already scheduled to come to Liu Wanqing’s house for tutoring during this period, so becoming a girlfriend and sleeping over seemed like a rather convenient arrangement.

‘How did that saying go? When you’re tired from studying, just sleep.’

“Alright, Teacher Qing, but there’s no need for the rental fee,” Bai Jingjing said, settling back onto the edge of the bed. “After all, you’ve helped me so much.”

‘If I don’t accept so much money, I won’t have to be as meticulously attentive as I was with Sister Xia Chu; I can just fulfill a portion of the duties.’

‘It’s still the same principle: at worst, I just lie down in bed.’

Bai Jingjing was already sitting on the edge of the bed; with a slight softening of her lithe waist, she could easily lie down, and Tuan Tuan would sway a few times.

“Fine, that works.”

Liu Wanqing lowered her long legs, adjusting her posture slightly. “Then, let’s begin.”

‘Ah, we’re starting already?’

Bai Jingjing blinked innocently. “Shouldn’t we… take a shower first?”

Liu Wanqing raised an eyebrow. “Do we need to shower just to get to know each other? Or are you suggesting we get to know each other’s bodies?”

“…Get to know each other?”

“You said it yourself: first, we get to know and understand each other, then we go on a few dates, and *only then* do we do the ‘lewd’ things.”

Bai Jingjing’s face flushed. She had fabricated that line in a moment of desperation, merely tossing it out, expecting Liu Wanqing to simply hear it and move on.

‘I never thought you’d not only listen, but take it seriously.’

“Since we’re getting to know each other, go ahead and ask,” Liu Wanqing said, folding her arms. “What do you want to know?”

Sitting face-to-face, Bai Jingjing had a clear view of the majestic “snow peaks” on Liu Wanqing’s chest. While slightly less grand than Xia Chu’s, that was only because Xia Chu’s were exceptionally large, not a flaw on Liu Wanqing’s part.

On the contrary, Liu Wanqing was also very well-endowed, a very large and soft ‘big sister’ type.

Bai Jingjing averted her gaze, calmly contemplating for a moment before asking, “Teacher Qing, why are you so determined to learn to draw in an everyday style?”

‘She already excels at more challenging styles, having long since become unparalleled. Why would she bother learning a ‘beginner’s village’ skill?’

‘With millions of followers, why would she still strive for improvement?’

When Bai Jingjing first saw the number of followers on Teacher WQ’s Weibo, she was so shocked she nearly bit her tongue.

“Because my fans want to see it.”

“…Eh?”

“Because my fans want to see heartwarming, everyday styles,” Liu Wanqing explained. “One day, while I was looking through comments, I suddenly saw someone express a desire to see a particular character in their daily life, to witness their warm and happy existence.”

Bai Jingjing blinked blankly. “Is that so?”

“That character’s original setting was quite tragic, so I completely understand the fans’ feelings,” Liu Wanqing continued. “That’s why I thought I’d try to draw some pictures that evoke warmth and healing.”

‘Ah, this, this…’

Bai Jingjing suddenly remembered a time, long ago, when a young artist, quietly confined to a hospital, would spend their leisure hours poring over the masterpieces of their idol, Teacher WQ.

Among the works, there was a girl character, drawn adorably, but whose background setting was incredibly tragic—how to describe it? As miserable as the young artist themselves.

He was overcome with an overwhelming sorrow that he couldn’t shake, so he left a comment in Teacher WQ’s comment section, expressing his hope that the teacher could draw some warm and healing everyday scenes. Seeing a character with a similar fate find happiness, the young artist would empathize, feeling as though his own life might also take a turn for the better.

Bai Jingjing quietly wiped away a bead of cold sweat.

‘That was me!’

‘Thankfully, she hadn’t debuted then and wasn’t using her current name.’

“Alright, I’m done speaking,” Liu Wanqing’s voice softened again. “Now it’s your turn. Why did you embark on the path of an artist?”

Bai Jingjing rubbed her small hands together. “Well, my reasons are quite complex; it’s just that…”

“Then let’s simplify the question,” Liu Wanqing interjected suddenly. “Aside from financial reasons and personal interest, what other motivations do you have?”

“…Eh?” Bai Jingjing froze for a moment, caught off guard.

Liu Wanqing poured her another glass of water, placing it on the edge of the table. “I’ve read all the text you’ve posted when sharing your artwork. You strongly emphasize putting your name on your illustrations, especially your outstanding pieces, and you write more extensively to express your hope that others will remember you because of your art.”

Bai Jingjing remained silent, for every word Liu Wanqing uttered struck a chord.

“So, you pursue fame and recognition within the profession of an artist, don’t you?”

Bai Jingjing hesitated for a long moment, then gently nodded her small head.

Three years ago, as a freshman in high school, she was forced to leave school due to family changes. The young man, having not yet found his place in this world, became isolated.

Yet he knew he would eventually leave that small hospital room and return to society. But during those nights of waiting, the young man couldn’t help but feel lost and afraid.

He hadn’t had the chance to find his place in this bustling world, nor a social identity of his own.

It was then that he discovered Teacher WQ, a leading authority in his field.

From that small, nascent art studio, a grand dream took root: to become a renowned artist like Teacher WQ, to face the world with significant influence.

“I know it’s difficult, but I’ve been working hard, practicing every day, and I’m also about to… enter school, to study systematically… perhaps in the future, I might be able to… achieve that.”

Bai Jingjing nervously clasped her small hands, her words a little incoherent.

Liu Wanqing watched her silently for a moment, then suddenly sighed. “That approach won’t work for you.”

Bai Jingjing’s mouth fell open, astonished.

‘…What?’

“Simply honing your technical skills will never get you there; at best, you’ll gain a small following of loyal fans,” Liu Wanqing stated softly but firmly. “Fame doesn’t grow just by improving your drawing technique. Once your skill reaches a certain level, it’s enough. You haven’t truly entered this circle, at least not with a recognizable name.”

Bai Jingjing nervously twisted her fingers, afraid to speak.

“Major game companies won’t seek you out, and if your portfolio lacks a recognizable character, you’ll forever remain a small fan artist, taking on commissions for personal enjoyment,” Liu Wanqing said, pushing the water glass a little closer to Bai Jingjing. “People might save your art, but they won’t remember your name.”

Had these words been spoken to any other girl, they might have burst into tears. But the girl opposite merely had slightly reddened eyes as she cautiously asked, “Teacher Qing, is there still hope for me… still a chance?”

Liu Wanqing had no way of knowing that last winter, as the person on the hospital bed lay dying, Bai Jingjing had asked the doctors with that very same tone.

Otherwise, Liu Wanqing would certainly not have remained so calm.

“Of course there is,” Liu Wanqing said, picking up her phone. “First off, your name isn’t good.”

Bai Jingjing blinked. “Is it not good? I thought it should be simpler, easier for people to remember.”

“While it’s true that a memorable name should be simple, you can’t choose a name like that,” Liu Wanqing explained. “To be blunt, the name ‘Xiaobai’ is far too common; it’s everywhere in every circle. Your ‘Xiaobai’ needs to stand out.”

Still not understanding, Bai Jingjing could only continue blinking.

“Simply put, you need to add a character, but the core will still be Xiaobai,” Liu Wanqing said, extending a hand towards her. “Let me use your phone and Weibo for a moment. I’ll help you change your name and follow you.”

“Oh… oh, alright.”

For the first time, Bai Jingjing truly felt the pressure emanating from a genuine ‘big sister,’ finding herself somewhat led along. By the time she snapped back to reality, her phone was already in Liu Wanqing’s hand.

“Let me see… There, it’s done.”

Liu Wanqing operated on both their phones for a moment, then returned Bai Jingjing’s.

At this point, the name displayed had changed to “Xiaobai, Both Big and White.”

“Teacher Qing, you… I…”

‘Isn’t this too… too lewd!’

“This is perfect, trust me,” Liu Wanqing said, rapidly operating her own phone. “Also, you were missing a few things. But don’t worry, you’re not anymore.”

‘Eh?’

Bai Jingjing couldn’t understand her words at all. She tilted her head, pondering for a while, but still couldn’t figure it out.

However, when she looked down at her phone again, she saw that her unread messages had suddenly turned to “99+”. Additionally, there was a striking “Follower Update” —

[WQ: Thank you all for your concern over the years. I’m announcing that I’m no longer single. @Xiaobai, Both Big and White]

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