Luye pulled out a tablet and showed Luo Xiaolu several illustration drafts.
“To keep things representative, I picked artists with wildly different styles,” she said.
Luo Xiaolu flipped through them one by one. Even someone as elegant as her couldn’t help but widen her eyes slightly.
No wonder—this world’s ACG culture really is twenty years behind, huh?
These manga styles are way too extreme!
Some had CLAMP-style characters with eyes taking up half their faces; others used a Western comic style that could make Lux look plain ugly. And JOJO-style art? Seriously?!
Ever seen Kaori Miyazono drawn in JOJO style? Give me back my tears, damn it!
Finally, one caught her eye: delicate, dreamy art showcasing flowing golden hair. It matched Luo Xiaolu’s mental image of Kaori about seventy percent—until she noticed the exaggerated curves and fanservice-heavy vibe.
“This one,” Luo Xiaolu said, glancing at the artist’s name—
Daidai Dashixiong.
“Ah, Teacher Zhou Shuren, this artist used to draw eroge manga!” Luye added earnestly.
“Tell him to tone it down. Might work wonders,” Luo Xiaolu replied. She had a soft spot for artists like this—no reason needed.
“Then him it is,” Luye said, jotting notes.
Luye’s greatest strength was her quiet kindness and diligence. No matter how tricky Luo Xiaolu’s requests were, she’d always try her best.
They moved on to discuss physical book details. Though copyright belonged to Penguin Group, the editorial team deeply respected the author’s vision—for publication, animation, everything.
Maybe that’s why Penguin stayed number one.
By the end, both had finished two cups of coffee. Luye smiled.
“Oh, Teacher Zhou Shuren—another author heard you were here today. She’d like to meet you.”
“Me?”
Did a fellow writer-track me down to Penguin Building? Don’t abuse author status to force an idol meetup! So shameless!
Luo Xiaolu shook her head with a sigh.
This damn, unstoppable charm of mine…
No one mastered narcissism like Luo Xiaolu.
“It’s Teacher Xia Mo—your senior.”
Xia Mo?
The name clicked. *Becoming a God Through Campus Romance*—top-ranked that season, silver award winner.
A true legend.
When Xia Mo rose to fame, Luo Xiaolu was still battling for third place in Sakura Province’s underworld, worlds away from writing. A few delinquent “biographers” once tried documenting her “legendary life.” She beat them up. “I’m not dead yet—why write my bio?!”
Such a senior… no way she’s *my* fan? If anything, she had way more fans. So why meet *me*?
To be friends?
This damn, unstoppable charm of mine…
“I’ve got time. Sure, let’s meet,” Luo Xiaolu said with a smile.
Luye took a call, stood up brightly.
“Teacher Xia Mo’s already downstairs.”
…Like I could say no?!
“Where would Teacher Zhou Shuren like to meet?” Luye asked.
Conference room felt too formal. Luo Xiaolu had downed two coffees already—no café or bubble tea shop appeal.
“Right here,” she said. Maybe it *was* business.
Two minutes later, Luye ushered in a girl.
“A girl?” Luo Xiaolu perked up instantly.
“This is Teacher Zhou Shuren—and Teacher Xia Mo, who wanted to meet you,” Luye introduced cheerfully.
From the moment Xia Mo entered, Luo Xiaolu’s gaze locked on her.
Around eighteen—freshly adult, thinking she’s hot stuff but still naive.
What stunned Luo Xiaolu was her look.
Cute face. Zipped yellow tracksuit jacket (hiding whatever’s underneath), baggy pants, ~150cm tall, slightly greasy short hair, headphones dangling… Every detail screamed unapologetic otaku slacker.
Oh my god!
This was the freedom Luo Xiaolu craved most!
Zero care for others’ opinions. Wear what you want. Flaunt your otaku pride openly—why not?!
She’d bet anything that jacket hid a giant anime-print tee.
To be the “world’s most elegant literary girl,” Luo Xiaolu faked it daily. Sure, the act had its perks… but deep down? She ached for this raw, judgment-free authenticity.
Xia Mo, huh? You’ve got my full attention.
“Hello, I’m Zhou Shuren,” Luo Xiaolu said calmly, offering a hand with a practiced smile.
“Tch!”
Xia Mo’s lip twitched. Ignored the hand. Sat right down.
You *did* just scoff, didn’t you?!
Luo Xiaolu’s hand froze mid-air—then lowered smoothly, smile intact.
Awkward silence hung thick.
Luye stepped forward, sensing tension. Luo Xiaolu shot her a narrow-eyed glance. Luye stiffened.
“I’ll leave you two to chat—I’ve got work!” She vanished out the door in a flash.
Only the two remained.
“I’ve long admired your reputation, Senior. Meeting you today… truly…” Luo Xiaolu glanced at Xia Mo’s slacker aura,
“…impressive presence!”
She delivered the line flawlessly, face perfectly composed.
“That’s right! I’m Xia Mo—silver award winner of this contest! A senior who started writing three years before you!” Xia Mo stressed “silver award,” smirking proudly as if demanding respect.
Huh?!
Luo Xiaolu was genuinely startled.
Oh my god—so adorably clueless!
A naturally airheaded, zero-EQ yet kinda cute otaku girl? Rare these days!
No wonder otaku life softens the brain—clearly an innocent, sheltered soul!
Xia Mo’s eyes burned with quiet hostility.
Luo Xiaolu? Secretly delighted.
