Lu Qing had never imagined that his sister, who had been in a slump, would return to her most "normal" state after receiving her "answer."
In fact, such "normalcy" was the greatest anomaly.
Looking back at her beside him—her natural expression, caring eyes, flawless face, and her still-damp hair from a recent shower—she appeared to be a perfectly healthy sister, offering thoughtful and reasonable advice, selfless and magnanimous, without any hidden agenda.
"Are you serious?"
Lu Qing wanted to confirm once more.
After all, what he feared most was that Su Ling might be deceiving him.
Now, however, it seemed that his sister wasn't being duplicitous but had instead returned to her most perfect state—no, even happier than her happiest moments since arriving here. She was in a state of pure bliss.
She was so happy...
The aura around her radiated "confidence" and "reassurance."
This was strange.
Why had she transformed like this? Why had she even changed her previous way of thinking, willingly suggesting that he go next door to accompany Bai Xing?
Lu Qing couldn't figure it out.
When something is out of the ordinary, there must be a reason.
Then, Su Ling pointed her slender finger at the livestream paused on the tablet screen and said with a smile:
"Brother, you've said that in the Vtuber world, the mindset of the person behind the avatar is the most crucial factor, directly affecting the live performance and, consequently, the subsequent earnings.
Now, Sister Bai Xing is facing such a significant emotional issue, so of course, it makes more sense for you to step in and resolve it personally.
Besides, I suspect that the suggestion I just made is exactly what she most wants and needs at this stage. She just hasn't said it outright, afraid you might think she's overstepping."
"..."
Lu Qing thought carefully.
He realized that Su Ling's words weren't without merit.
From his perspective, for the person behind the avatar to convey a sense of "companionship," they first needed to experience what "companionship" truly felt like and then internalize that feeling, transforming it into their own understanding.
As for Bai Xing, she had lived alone for so long, and her grandmother, who had once been by her side, was now bedridden. A young girl who had lost that sense of companionship would cherish even the smallest gestures, like being walked home hand-in-hand.
Looking at it this way, the answer was clear.
What Bai Xing lacked was indeed something called "care."
That was why, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't replicate the "original" feeling of Tanghua's performances, and no matter how much Tanghua taught her, she couldn't grasp the essence.
"You're right."
Lu Qing had been enlightened by his sister's words, but he still needed to confirm her sincerity to avoid any missteps.
Thinking this, he suddenly asked:
"Will you come with me?"
"Huh?"
"Will you come next door with me? I'll take you along, like visiting a neighbor, and you can observe the Vtuber's performance firsthand. It'll help you gain more knowledge."
Lu Qing spoke calmly and steadily, using the most appropriate tone to convey genuine concern for Su Ling.
This was the thirty-second divine skill—"The Choice Is Yours."
This skill could instantly uncover the other person's true intentions. Whether they chose to "go" or "not go," it would provide a wealth of useful information, turning a disadvantageous situation into one with full clarity.
In other words, it was the core secret technique from "The Way of Qing"—"Turning Light into Shadow,"
abbreviated as "Light to Shadow."
Now, it was Su Ling's turn to feel uneasy.
If she hadn't genuinely intended to lend her brother to the "thieving cat" for the day to help resolve the current issue, she might have already revealed her true feelings.
How terrifying.
When had her brother become so sharp and difficult to handle?
His words were filled with caution, as if he had deciphered every trick in the book of manipulative tactics.
Su Ling felt that her brother's level had risen far beyond what it used to be. Trying to control him now seemed unrealistic.
Her brother had already bared his heart, so she needed to stay firm in her resolve, continue down this path, and earn his admiration. Saving his weary soul was her true purpose, the meaningful and worthwhile task at hand.
As for Bai Xing...
[If lending you my brother allows him to find some healing through you as well...]
[Then this decision isn't entirely unacceptable.]
[Given my brother's evaluation of you—far exceeding my expectations—it's clear that he holds you in high regard. To him, you're not just a casual junior or a source of income as the person behind the avatar. You're the one he's chosen as the sole female lead—
more suited than even me to be the heroine of his new work.]
[So, consider today a test. I hope you don't disappoint me.]
With this in mind, Su Ling said:
"No need, Brother. You should go alone. I still need to practice the piano, so I won't waste any more precious time."
Her expression was natural, without a trace of flaw.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Afraid he might not believe her, she added: "Besides, Brother, you spend every evening at home with me. The care I receive far exceeds what Sister Bai... what Sister Bai Xing gets.
So, if you don't help her today and instead bring me along as a neighbor visiting, she'll definitely feel constrained, and the issue won't be truly resolved."
The near slip-up in her wording made Su Ling's heart tighten slightly, but it didn't matter. The message she needed to convey had been delivered.
Sure enough, Lu Qing understood his sister's meaning.
The "companionship" his sister enjoyed every night was something Bai Xing could only dream of.
So, she was willing to share a part of that "companionship," providing "personal space" for the two of them without interference.
Only then could Bai Xing experience genuine "care."
Compared to the interactions she had during the day at school, under the watchful eyes of others, this would be far more profound and deeply desired.
"Alright."
Having said this much, Lu Qing no longer hesitated. He simply nodded at his sister, stood up, and walked to the coat rack to grab his jacket.
"Su Ling, you're really considerate."
Before leaving, he couldn't help but praise her,
"Often, I wonder if my health is so poor that I hallucinate every day and night, imagining that heaven has blessed me with a sister like you—
obedient, well-behaved, flawless, and always able to empathize and think from my perspective.
You know what? Something like this, I wouldn't dare write in my books before."
He turned the doorknob, stepped one foot out, and was about to leave.
Then, he heard Su Ling's light, relieved laugh as she said:
"Then, can I take it to mean that Brother didn't choose me as the heroine in his later works because he thought I was too perfect?"
...
...