I Fell In Love With My Friend's Younger Brother Who Has A Low Sense Of Presence. - Chapter 29

Chapter 29 Do You Understand?

In the conference room, Mr. Huang, a man in his thirties, stood at the podium and spoke eloquently. “Mr. Nan, both our companies are very serious about this anime collaboration. We’re looking to find our best concept artist to join.”

Nan Yanzhou sat in the middle of the conference room, his hands casually resting on the table. He asked expressionlessly, “Okay, so you say you’ve already chosen someone?”

“Yes, Mr. Nan,” the man continued. “I want Su Shixiao to join this project. His character and scene concepts are unique and appealing, and his drawing skills are among the best.”

“Well, let’s ask him first if he’s willing to join. If he’s not willing, don’t force him.” Nan Yanzhou nodded in agreement. “What’s the progress on the Mirror Image project? Come up and tell us.”

…

That afternoon, Su Shixiao was called into Mr. Jin’s office. There was another man sitting there. Su Shixiao smiled politely and nodded, “Mr. Huang.”

Seeing him get straight to the point, Mr. Jin said, “Xiaoxiao, Mr. Huang wants to talk to you about something.”

“Well, I really admire your abilities, so our company has an important project coming up soon, an anime collaboration, and we’d like to invite you to join us. We’d like you to be in charge of character and scene design. Would you be willing to join us?” Mr. Huang stated directly.

Su Shixiao knew the project he was referring to—it was the one they’d discussed on their last business trip. He knew how important it was, but hesitantly asked, “I’m just an intern. I’m afraid I’m not up to the task.”

He hesitated because he was worried he wouldn’t do well and ruin the project Nan Yanzhou had worked so hard to secure. After all, he’d only been back at the company for a little over two months. He also had to work on the first draft of his graduation project and was worried he wouldn’t have enough time.

“You have strong personal abilities, and having seen your work, we’re sure you’re up to the task. That’s why our team decided to invite you to join,” Mr. Huang continued. “And Mr. Nan has already approved the project and believes you can do a great job.”

Su Shixiao: “But I’m busy with my graduation project and dissertation, so I might be a bit busy.”

Mr. Huang noticed his hesitation and smiled, patting him on the shoulder. “It’s okay. We’ll give you Saturdays and weekends off, so you don’t have to work overtime. And this project should be finished in two or three months, so it won’t affect your graduation project. Think about it carefully. This opportunity is a good one for you.” Experience.”

Su Shixiao nodded in agreement when he heard that not having to work overtime on Saturdays and weekends wouldn’t affect his graduation project and would be a good opportunity to practice. “Well, I’d appreciate your guidance, Mr. Huang.”

Seeing him finally agree, Mr. Huang was overjoyed. “Report to my team’s office tomorrow and have a meeting to sort out the process.”

Having joined Mr. Huang’s project team for over two weeks, Su Shixiao was busy every day conceiving character scenes based on the plot. He’d already redrawn some scenes seven or eight times, but still couldn’t quite get them right. He’d start drawing the moment he opened his eyes, constantly thinking about them.

Now he was retreating to the sofa on the rooftop. The thought of his graduation project theme, which he hadn’t yet figured out, made his mind explode. At this stage, the most important thing for him was that he hadn’t yet decided on a theme.

He lay flat on the sofa, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds, his mood slowly calming down.

Nan Yanzhou pushed the door open and saw him lying on the sofa. He slowed his pace, walked over, and leaned over to look at him. “Su Shixiao, are you feeling down?”

Su Shixiao only had eyes for him. Just as he was about to stand up and walk away, he grabbed his wrist faster than he could think. Then, realizing his mistake, he let go and smirked for a few seconds. “Mr. Nan, why are you here?”

Nan Yanzhou didn’t react at all and just lay down with him. “Answer my question first. What’s wrong? Don’t say you’re fine. I see you look so worried.”

Su Shixiao always kept everything to himself, and for the first time, he opened up to someone. “The first draft of my graduation project is due in three weeks, and I haven’t even decided on a topic yet. I’m feeling a bit antsy.”

He had unconsciously begun to trust and rely on Nan Yanzhou, and he had clearly sensed this change, though he didn’t know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.

“I think you’ve been staying home too long and haven’t found any inspiration.” Nan Yanzhou turned to look at him. “You should go out and collect some inspiration. We’re going camping this Saturday. Why don’t you come with us? A change of scenery might give you some inspiration.”

Su Shixiao didn’t agree immediately. After a pause, he said, “Hmm.”

“Su Shixiao, what do you mean by ‘hmm’?” Nan Yanzhou tilted his head to look at him teasingly.

Su Shixiao avoided his gaze, and seeing him deliberately teasing her, he turned away in anger.

“Su Shixiao, you haven’t answered my question yet.” Nan Yanzhou leaned close to his ear and continued teasing.

Su Shixiao suddenly felt the heat on his face and the warm breath he exhaled as he spoke, causing him to stiffen instantly.

“Why aren’t you talking?”

He said, patting his back.

Su Shixiao couldn’t help but roll his eyes at him. “Nan Yanzhou, you’re so childish. I agree to go camping with you, understand?”

Satisfied with his answer, Nan Yanzhou sank back into his seat. “Hahahaha, Su Shixiao, this is the first time I’ve seen such a lively side of you. Quite adorable.”

Su Shixiao ignored him and asked, “Are my brother and the others going on your camping trip too?”

“Yeah. What’s the matter? Your brother and Xiaobei are going too, so why aren’t you going?” Nan Yanzhou asked, glancing at him.

“Not really,” Su Shixiao sat up. “It just feels a little weird.”

Nan Yanzhou: “What’s so weird about going together?”

“It’s just… the first time I’ve been out with them alone.” He had never been out with his brother and Xiaobei, let alone their friends. He’d always been with his family.

“Your brother told me you don’t like going out and just like staying home,” Nan Yanzhou said.

“That’s true.”

Anyone who grew up alone at home probably enjoys staying home, right?

“By the way, Mr. Nan, what are you doing on the rooftop?”

“I wanted to come up here to take a break and smoke a cigarette, but who knew I’d see an emo guy?”

“Oh, you can smoke now. You can go back to work after you’re done.”

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Yeah, I feel much better now that I see you.”

This surprised Nan Yanzhou, and at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel happy.

“You’re quite good with words.”

Su Shixiao also realized that what he had just said was a bit ambiguous, and his ears blushed slightly. Nan Yanzhou stood up, took out a cigarette and a lighter. Neither of them spoke again. He quietly finished his cigarette, stood up, and straightened his clothes. “Let’s go.”