Chapter Ten: Dressed in Full Regalia for the Rendezvous and a Confession Behind the Mask

The message I sent in the QQ group was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating

ripples .

Old K: "Holy crap! Ah Zhe, you've come out of seclusion?! I thought you quit the game!"

Asuka: "Tetsuo is awesome! You've gotten over it so quickly? What kind of new daughter are you planning to create this time?"

Pudding: "Wow, welcome back, Zhe-ge! Looking forward to your new work!"

Looking at these familiar yet long-lost IDs and words, I was filled with mixed emotions. Once upon a time, this was my only solace, and later it became a place of heartbreak I avoided at all costs. But now, I can finally face them again with equanimity, facing this hobby that I once both loved and feared.

I didn't explain much, I just replied, "I haven't thought about it yet, but I have this intention."

Actually, a new image has gradually become clear in my mind.

She is no longer the unattainable "Sakurajima Mai" I had to look up to. She should be gentler, more down-to-earth, and her eyes should sparkle with a warm and resolute light, like Xiaoya's. She is a brand new dream that I wanted to create for someone.

This thought made my heart race.

Saturday arrived quickly.

The restaurant I arranged to meet with Lin Ya and Xiao Ya was a Japanese restaurant located in a high-end office building in the city center. The environment was quiet, but the prices were quite high. It was clear that Lin Ya genuinely wanted to thank me.

I put in a lot of effort for this "formal" date. Instead of a casual T-shirt and jeans, I changed into a carefully chosen, well-tailored beige-gray casual suit, paired with a pristine white shirt. I even went to the hair salon to get a haircut, making myself look more energetic and mature.

When I stood in front of the mirror, I was a little surprised myself. The man in the mirror, while not exactly handsome, was at least clean and refreshing, and his eyes held a confidence he hadn't had before.

I arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes early. Guided by a waiter, I entered an elegant private room. Pushing open the Japanese-style wooden door, I saw that they were already there.

Lin Ya was still dressed in a smart black pantsuit, exuding a powerful aura. But Xiao Ya, sitting next to her, was a real eye-catcher.

Today, instead of wearing cargo pants or a cute yukata, she wore a simple, light blue dress. Her short hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, and her light makeup made her already delicate features appear even more refined. She sat there, quietly sipping her tea, like a lily quietly blooming in the morning light.

When she saw me come in, she immediately looked up, her eyes instantly lighting up with surprise.

"Zhe, you're here!"

"Sister Ya, Xiao Ya." I greeted them with a smile, and then sat down opposite Xiao Ya.

"You look very handsome, Zhe." Sister Lin Ya looked me up and down, a smile of approval on her lips. "It seems our Xiao Ya has good taste."

"Master!" Xiaoya's face flushed red instantly, and she playfully pushed Sister Linya away.

I smiled sheepishly.

The meal was very enjoyable.

Sister Lin Ya truly lives up to her reputation as a knowledgeable "expert" in the field. She shared many interesting anecdotes about Kigurumi making with me, from the "ancient times" of using plaster molds to the "modern technology" of 3D printing and high-precision painting. I listened with great interest. She was also curious about my experience making architectural models in college, and we talked about the properties of different materials and the techniques for fine processing, discovering many commonalities.

Xiaoya, on the other hand, mostly sat quietly to the side, resting her chin on her hand, listening to our conversation with a smile. She would occasionally refill my tea or use serving chopsticks to put a piece of tempura on my plate, her actions natural and considerate.

I could sense that Sister Lin Ya seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally creating opportunities for Xiao Ya and me to communicate. She looked at us like a loving parent, her eyes filled with satisfaction and... a hint of barely perceptible slyness.

“By the way, Zhe,” after a few rounds of drinks, Sister Lin Ya suddenly put down her chopsticks, looked at me, and said seriously, “Xiao Ya told me that you want to… customize a new skull?”

My heart skipped a beat; I knew the real issue was coming. I nodded: "Yes, I have that idea."

Have you decided what role you want to play?

I hesitated for a moment, and instead of answering directly, I looked at Xiaoya.

Xiaoya seemed a little nervous too; she subconsciously straightened her back and looked at me.

I took a deep breath, met her gaze, and slowly said, "I want to... create an original character."

"Oh?" Sister Lin Ya raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "Tell me about it."

“She…should have shoulder-length short hair, like Xiaoya,” I said, sketching the image in my mind. “Her eyes are big and bright, curving into beautiful crescents when she smiles. Her demeanor isn’t that of a high-and-mighty idol, but rather…like the girl next door, kind, warm, and full of strength. When her friends are in trouble, she would lend a helping hand without hesitation…”

I didn't continue. Because I saw that Xiaoya, sitting across from me, had slightly reddened eyes. She was biting her lip tightly, trying hard not to lose control of her emotions.

The private room fell silent.

Sister Lin Ya looked at me, then at Xiao Ya, a knowing glint in her eyes. She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and smiled, saying, "Sounds like a great role. Our studio will take this job."

“Furthermore,” she paused, turning her gaze to Xiaoya, “you, Xiaoya, will complete this skull independently.”

"Me?!" Xiaoya suddenly raised her head, looking at her master in disbelief. "But, Master, I... I've never made one independently before..."

“There has to be a first time.” Lin Ya’s tone left no room for argument. “Besides, this role has special significance for you and for A Zhe. Wouldn’t it be best if you created her yourself?”

"I believe in you, Xiaoya." Lin Ya's voice softened. "You should believe in yourself too."

Xiaoya looked at her master, then at me. My eyes were also filled with encouragement and trust.

Finally, she nodded firmly, her voice still trembling slightly, but full of determination: "Okay! I...I'll take it!"

***

After that meal, I became a regular at the studio.

Whenever I have free time, I rush over there. Ostensibly, it's to discuss the character details with my "personal producer," but in reality, we both know it's just an excuse.

I love being in that space filled with creativity, watching Xiaoya diligently working on my "daughter".

I watched her, wearing goggles and a mask, intently working on the raw scalp of the head, fine beads of sweat sliding down her forehead; I watched her, holding her breath, holding a paintbrush, drawing the first eyebrow line on that blank face; I watched her experiment again and again to mix the hair color closest to my imagination…

I became her primary audience member and her most loyal supporter. I would order takeout for her, hand her a cup of hot tea when she was tired, and clumsily tell corny jokes to cheer her up when she was annoyed by a small flaw.

Our feelings for each other grew stronger and deeper with each passing day of companionship and as our head gradually took shape.

Finally, on a sunny afternoon, the skull that carried our collective efforts was completed.

When Xiaoya picked it up from the workbench and handed it to me, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

It was a face so familiar, yet so perfect. Her shoulder-length hair was carefully trimmed into a playful curve; her large eyes sparkled like glass under the light, seemingly filled with starlight and tenderness; the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, carrying a shy yet determined smile.

She's like... another Xiaoya. An idealized Xiaoya who stepped out of the world of anime.

“I…I named her ‘Xiaoguang’,” Xiaoya looked at me, a hint of shyness and anticipation on her face, “‘Xiaoguang’ as in ‘the light of dawn’. Because…she’s like a ray of light, illuminating…”

She didn't finish her sentence, but we all understood.

“I like her very much.” I reached out and gently stroked Xiaoguang’s cheek, my voice trembling slightly with excitement. “She is beautiful, even more beautiful than I imagined.”

That day, I did not bring "Xiaoguang" home immediately.

At my request, Xiaoya helped me complete Xiaoguang's first "transformation".

In that studio that belonged only to the two of us, I once again put on that familiar, layered set of restrictive clothing.

Kigurumi leather, a cute printed dress specially made to match "Xiaoguang", white over-the-knee socks...

Once all the preparations were complete, I sat in front of the mirror. Xiaoya stood behind me, holding the "Xiaoguang" head.

"Are you ready?" she asked softly.

I nodded.

She carefully placed the scalp on my head.