Qin Bingbing almost laughed out loud at Xiao Feng’s remark. What did he mean, “using a voice changer”? This was her natural voice!

“I’m not using a voice changer, really! What would I even gain by lying to you?”

“Alright, let’s just start the game. No need to waste time. If you’re really a girl, why not just send a photo?” Xiao Feng said, immediately feeling a little naughty. How could he so casually ask a girl he’d just met for a photo? He knew she probably wouldn’t agree—but to his surprise, Qin Bingbing, determined to prove herself, replied firmly.

“Fine. Add my QQ. I’ll send you a short video I recorded myself. Then you’ll see—I’m really a girl, not fake!”

Xiao Feng blinked in surprise. “Whoa, that’s intense? A video?”

“Yes! Otherwise you won’t believe me. I hate being doubted. Videos are harder to fake, right?”

“No need. I was just messing around. I believe you now—let’s play!”

Truth was, Xiao Feng had only meant to joke. Besides, it was a video. If she turned out unattractive? Well, it was just “Prince Qiao” anyway. But if she was stunning? Totally irrelevant to him. He’d only get to look. Out of sight, out of mind.

For the rest of the afternoon, Xiao Feng teamed up with Qin Bingbing in-game while chatting casually. Gradually, they grew comfortable with each other. By evening, Xiao Feng knew quite a bit about her personality and hobbies—everything except her appearance. Qin Bingbing, with almost no social caution, had opened up completely, sharing every hidden grievance and quiet thought.

She came from a wealthy family. Her mother had passed away when she was young; her father was constantly traveling for work. Growing up, it was just her and two nannies in a silent, empty house. Academically gifted but starved of parental warmth, she developed severe social anxiety. After high school, she avoided university—fearing the wider social demands. Online and in games were the only places she could speak freely. In real life, aside from her father, she barely uttered a word.

Why had she trusted Xiao Feng so deeply? Because no matter what she shared, he listened, comforted, and encouraged her—offering gentle examples to guide her. That afternoon built genuine trust and warmth in her heart. It was the innocence of someone with little real-world interaction. Fortunately, Xiao Feng wasn’t a scammer. With her trusting nature, she’d be dangerously vulnerable otherwise.

“Xiao Feng… can we add each other on QQ?”

After confirming she was a girl, her voice felt like a soft balm to him. He genuinely couldn’t resist that naturally sweet, gentle tone.

“Of course. If anything upsets you later, tell me. Need a gaming partner? I’m here.”

He accepted gladly. Helping someone with such deep social anxiety brought him quiet satisfaction.

Qin Bingbing glanced at her QQ contacts—a tiny list. She’d created this account back in first or second grade. Even now, friends were countable on one hand. Besides the newly added Xiao Feng and a few relatives, one name stood out: *Little Fengfeng*.

A childhood friend from elementary school. After she transferred, his avatar never lit up again. He’d been her hero then—stepping in whenever classmates bullied her for being quiet. Ten years had passed. Was he okay? Would she ever see him again?

Lost in memory, she pulled an old photo from her drawer. In it stood a sunny little boy and a shy little girl.