Extra: Helian Qing

23K 944 260
                                    

T/n: Yan Jin is Xu Luozhao's partner, and maybe husband. He was mentioned back in chapter {...}

'•' for same character usage that got completely lost in translation. I hate when word play gets lost:(
______________________________

Five years ago, Helian Qing saw Han Yang for the first time. Back then, a friend of his hosted a youth web-game competition, and had sent him, Xu Luozhao and Yan Jin, invitations. Having no significant interest in that contest, he attended the event nonetheless, since his friend was the one who had sent him the invite.
  

At the venue for the event, Helian Qing's attention was divided between the competition itself, a chattering Xu Luozhao, and the documents in his hands.
  

"Hey ey ey, you came here to watch the contest. You don't have to worry about work all the time, you know!" Xu Luozhao poked Helian Qing, "Look at how much effort our country's little flowers[1] are putting into bettering themselves. You should show a bit of enthusiasm too, and give them a little encouragement."

Helian Qing continued to write notes on the documents to highlight the areas which needed modifications, not even attempting to lift his head as he responded: "I'll leave the matter of giving encouragement to you, with my share included as well."

"Tch, you're such a dull man." Xu Luozhao humphed.

  
Yet a short while later, he poked Helian again, saying, "The creativity of the one from this group's is pretty darn good! Although their technical know-how is inadequate; creativity-wise, they're more original and bold."

"Mn, courageous indeed," Helian Qing said effortlessly.

"You didn't even look, so how can you say it was courageous," Xu Luozhao spat.

"And you're talking as if you can read and understand code," Helian Qing retorted.

"Why am I even still asking you?" Xu Luozhao turned towards the presenter on the stage after he spoke, gesturing that he had a question to ask.
  
As friends of the investor, Helian Qing and Xu Luozhao were VIP level honoured guests. So once the host saw him raise his hand, he put aside his own speech and handed the floor over to him. Even though that man did not have much of an understanding towards game programming, he did however play more than a fair share of games during his school days. Thus immediately after the hand over, he began asking a few questions pertaining to the game's plot and design elements.
  
With Xu Luozhao kicking things off, the other judges also became interested in the creative aspect of that game, asking their own questions as well. At first, the contestants on the stage answered the questions without a hitch, but slowly they became unable to the questions they were given. Prompting one of the group members to ask the team of judges apologetically, "The creative concept was done by another one of my group members, so would it be possible to allow him to come on stage and explain it to all of you?"

The youth's request was permitted and the host asked for that teammate the lad had mentioned to come onto the stage.
  
"Hello to all the guests, judges and teachers." The young man on the stage bowed respectfully after saying his greetings. "My name is Han Yang and I'm a student of Y-City No.1 High School."
  
The uniquely refreshing tone belonging to that youth standing on the platform, floated into the dull man's ear, prompting the pen in his hand to stop—his head raising slightly as he looked towards the stage and at the teen, who had just given his self introduction.
  
His height was rather short; probably not even tall enough to reach the man's own shoulder.

His face was very good looking—fair and clean. Wearing a white school uniform, he gave off the impression he was someone who was quite clever.

His voice sounded quite nice—crisp and refreshing; possessing a clean and penetrating timbre only a youth could have.
  
I can't tell whether or not he's sixteen... Helian Qing thought to himself.
  
With this teenager, Han Yang, now on the stage, he more or less explained the design of game, as well as, his source of inspiration for the creative concept behind it. At the start, he was a bit overcautious and reserved, but as he slowly explained his own plan, his words began flowing without any hindrance. From his description, everyone could easily construct an outline then build a complete image of the game's workings in their minds.
  
After he spoke, he noticed the judges were all unmoving, staring at him in silence, causing him to be unable to prevent a blush from staining his face, "I'm sorry, did I say too much?"

Contract MarriageWhere stories live. Discover now