Rebirth: Once Again With You

"A…fairy tale book?" Dai Shenqiang echoed his words with a confused look. He had stopped reading those at kindergarten, so mentioning it left a taste of unfamiliarity on his tongue.

"Yes, I know a person who has a similar art style. He drew children's book illustrations occasionally as a hobby. I think you will also have a greater chance of that rather than continuing with this."

Li Caiyi's eyes brightened at hearing that. "Jingfei, from your way of speaking, do you feel like Shenqiang's art has some chance?"

Shao Jingfei nodded. "The manuscript is mediocre at best, but I actually see some potential in his art. Both of you will fare much better if you work separately, at least for now. Learn more by writing and drawing more, then when your skill has improved, maybe you can start doing co-project again."

Li Caiyi's smile was brimming with happiness as she looked at Dai Shenqiang. "Isn't that great? If Jingfei is the one who said it, then there's no mistaking it! Shenqiang, why don't you give it a chance?"

Dai Shenqiang hummed unconfidently, so Shao Jingfei added some pieces. "If you are interested, I can refer your drawing to that acquaintance of mine and see his opinion on this. He is an experienced one, so I can vouch for the authenticity of his words."

"No, it's not like I don't trust you or anything. It's just this is too sudden, and I need time to think about it."

"Ah, so you are the same type as Caiyi. I understand. Then take your time to think about it. If you are interested, then contact me." Shao Jingfei said before pulling out a business card from his apron's front pocket.

Li Caiyi wondered if he had prepared such things before this talk but decided not to comment about it.

Dai Shenqiang received the card with both hands, and his expression had eased a lot. "Thank you. I was really nervous before, so I can't properly say it, but I think you are really amazing to be able to do a great job at such a young age."

"Hm? No, I'm just a company slave. There's nothing amazing about it." Shao Jingfei waved his hand lightly.

"No, I respect you so much! If I later become interested, is there a chance you can be my editor too?"

Li Caiyi could see the invisible ears and tails moving around excitedly as Dai Shenqiang looked at Shao Jingfei, full of admiration. However, Shao Jingfei didn't seem too pleased by it.

"Eh, I appreciate it, but I would rather girls admire me, not guys."

"Well, can you be my editor too?!"

"I am technically working for a different department, so I can't say for sure." Shao Jingfei said as he averted his gaze from Dai Shenqiang's passionate one.

Li Caiyi giggled at their interaction. "Isn't that good? You found yourself a fan now?"

"Like I said, I will respectfully decline a guy fan. I only accept a girl fan." Shao Jingfei replied.

"Don't say that. I think you are the third man I respect after my brother and father."

"Too heavy," Shao Jingfei grimaced before clearing his throat awkwardly. "I think we can wrap up our meeting here if there's no other question. Ah, of course, you don't need any more words from me, Caiyi. Since you have heard it enough on a daily basis."

"Yeah," Li Caiyi nodded weakly, recalling the times when Shao Jingfei would remind her to write a new book at least thrice a day.

"Thank you so much for your input. I'll contact you as soon as possible." Dai Shenqiang rose from his seat. "Thanks for you too, Caiyi. I'm sorry we can't get through the evaluation because of my inadequate skill."

"No. What are you talking about? It's because I can't come up with a suitable story at our level, so it's partially my fault, too."

"Guys, if you apologize to each other like that, I'll feel bad too for evaluating your works so lowly." Shao Jingfei said. "On second thought, I regret nothing. Just work hard and improve for now, and bring a better manuscript for me to see. Impress me."

"Yes! Then I will take my leave now." Dai Shenqiang bowed slightly at Shao Jingfei.

"Let me see you off." Li Caiyi also stood up before following him to the entrance.

Outside of the cafe, Li Caiyi carefully asked him, "Shenqiang, are you really fine?"

"Yes. On the contrary, it was refreshing to see a person's genuine opinion for once. I have never shown anyone my art before, except you and my family. And it's not like Brother Shao said that to be mean. He had a very reasonable explanation behind his critics, and I learned a lot of things just from talking with him."

Li Caiyi observed Dai Shenqiang's very bright expression, devoid of any dissatisfaction, and heaved a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad you think that way. It's a shame, though. You must have spent a lot of time drawing that manuscript."

"And I bet you must have spent a lot of time making the storyline, too."

"That's different. I only wrote a few lines, but drawing a panel can take a few hours."

"Haha, you're right, but don't worry. It's all worth the effort if I can listen to some good advice in exchange. My eyes are wide open now. Caiyi, as Brother Shao said, both of us need to learn a lot before we can start making our project work. Let's do another project like this once we are more experienced if that's okay with you."

"Of course, I'm down for it!" Li Caiyi nodded enthusiastically.

"Great! Don't reject me when you become famous later!"

Li Caiyi guffawed at his joke. "I should say the same to you."

"Anyway, my brother looked delighted when he came home yesterday. Do you happen to know what happened to him?" Dai Shenqiang asked curiously.

Li Caiyi blushed a little when she recalled their kiss yesterday. Looking at how expectant Dai Shenqiang was to listen to her answer, she coughed before answering.

"I do not know what you are talking about. If your brother is happy, then ask him. Why are you asking me?"

Dai Shenqiang smiled knowingly. "If we're talking about my brother, I can count most things that could make him happy using one hand. I was just asking casually, but I guess my hunch is correct. Should I call you sister-in-law from now on?"

"Y–you kid!" Li Caiyi glared at Dai Shenqiang in embarrassment, but the latter made his escape before she could do anything to him.

"Haha, this is indeed good news! See you later, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law!" Dai Shenqiang stuck his tongue out before running away.

"Shenqiang! Get back here!"