Chapter Fifty: The Girl Sentenced to Life

"Come help me draw comics."

"Huh... comics?" Dai Xinhua, who was nervously awaiting her verdict, was stunned by this unexpected answer. She stood rooted to the spot, staring straight at Luo Chen.

Could it be that Luo Chen actually liked those doujinshi she drew so much that he wanted her to keep drawing them? The thought made Dai Xinhua look at Luo Chen with a strange expression. Surely that couldn't be the case.

"I'm not asking you to draw more doujinshi—I'm talking about comics!" Luo Chen could tell from the look in Dai Xinhua's eyes that her mind had wandered off again, and he couldn't help but explain with a wry smile.

Luo Chen happened to be missing a skilled artist. Whether it was for comics or illustrations for video backgrounds, the girl before him should be more than capable.

"Really, just comics? Nothing weird?" For some reason, Dai Xinhua had a bad feeling. Was it really possible that after what she had done, simply drawing comics for him would settle everything?

Was there some kind of scheme behind this?

"Really, all I need is your help with drawing, nothing strange at all." Luo Chen looked at the puzzled girl and silently added to himself: although the duration will be long, and the quantity quite a lot.

......

In the spacious study, a young girl was bent over her work, drawing with intense concentration. From time to time, she would look up to ask the boy standing beside her a question. Around her ankles lay discarded sheets of paper—a clear sign that her efforts had yet to satisfy him.

Would anyone take a job with no days off, no salary, no benefits, and a boss who was downright annoying?

In truth, Dai Xinhua didn't want to do it either. But after sneaking a glance at Luo Chen watching her from behind, she could only sigh, her face full of misery as she continued to draw.

"I told you, I'm not asking for doujinshi. Be serious!" Luo Chen pressed his hand to his forehead in exasperation as he surveyed the scattered sketches on the floor. He reached out and gave the beret on the girl's head a rough ruffle before withdrawing his hand at her startled protest.

"I... I get it." Dai Xinhua shot Luo Chen a reproachful glance, blushing as she straightened her hat and her now-messy hair, then picked up a fresh sheet and began drawing anew according to his instructions.

Luo Chen casually picked up one of the discarded drawings, noticing yet another feminized, cat-eared, boyish character. He couldn't help but twitch his lips—this was hardly the first.

Since recruiting Dai Xinhua as free labor, Luo Chen had been describing to her the characters from those blockbuster comics in his memory, hoping to see if her skills could meet his standards. But unfortunately...

Luo Chen glanced at the feminized versions of Luffy, Naruto, and even Saiyans on the floor. He had to admit they were cute, but this was not at all what he wanted.

He could tell the girl wasn’t doing this on purpose—she must be so used to drawing yaoi and doujinshi that she couldn’t help herself.

"Alright, let's call it a day. When you get home, think over what I asked, alright?" Looking at the sky darkening outside the window, Luo Chen realized he wouldn’t be getting what he wanted today.

"Hm? I can go?" Dai Xinhua, still hunched over her work, raised her head in surprise. She had thought she wouldn’t be allowed to leave until she had satisfied him, and had already steeled herself to draw all night.

"It’s late. Won’t your family worry? Just come back and try again tomorrow," Luo Chen said, feeling a pang of guilt for the confused girl. He was still annoyed about her drawing those doujinshi, but was it right to take advantage of her ignorance this way?

Earlier, in the schoolyard, Luo Chen had told Dai Xinhua she could make amends by drawing comics for him, promising not to pursue the matter further. They would call it even. But he hadn’t specified how long or how many drawings she would owe him. In reality, until he found a replacement, she would be handling all comic work for him.

No helpers, no pay, no breaks—not even knowing when it would end.

It had been a punishment born of anger, and Luo Chen had expected her to bargain or refuse. But to his surprise, Dai Xinhua had agreed without hesitation.

And seeing how seriously she was working now, Luo Chen, who had felt so justified before, suddenly felt a pang of guilt.

"It’s fine. If I go home now, I’ll just be alone anyway. My family... they’re all busy," Dai Xinhua said, tilting her head up at Luo Chen. Something seemed to cross her mind, and her mood visibly dimmed.

"The characters and backgrounds you described to me earlier—they’d make for really interesting comics. But..." She glanced at the discarded sketches on the floor. She truly wanted to do well, but always caught herself slipping into old habits. Maybe she just wasn’t cut out for this?

"You’re actually doing great. A few more sketches and you’ll get the hang of it. Don’t worry, I believe in you," Luo Chen said—not just to comfort her, but because he could see from her drawings that she had a solid foundation, even if her male characters always ended up a little too effeminate.

It was a habit, but the last few drafts showed she could adapt. She just needed time.

"Really?" Dai Xinhua looked down at her drawing. After so many failed attempts, she had lost confidence. She hadn’t managed to produce a single piece that satisfied him. Was she really up to this?

"Of course. You’ve already worked so hard. Maybe it’s just that I’m too demanding," Luo Chen said with a gentle smile, coming closer to rub her head in encouragement.

This time, Dai Xinhua didn’t resist his hand as she usually would. Blushing, she let him ruffle her hair until she realized he had no intention of stopping, at which point she shot him a fierce glare.

Feeling the warning in her eyes, Luo Chen awkwardly withdrew his hand. He had to admit—the feeling was addictive, and he was reluctant to stop...

Many thanks to the reader "Passing By" and to "Single Noble Husky" for the 500-point tip, to "Guarding Your Smile" for the 400-point tip, and to "Overcast Day" and "Lonely With You" for the 100-point tips—much appreciated! Lastly... please recommend and bookmark the novel!