Convenience Store Aqi [Lead Planner and Concept Artist]

In high school, Lu Yan was the least studious kid in the neighborhood. He was always carrying a notebook and keeping to himself. Among all the kids whose parents had forbidden them from going near him, Li Xingqi was the exception. She was always quietly rebelling, and somehow she and Lu Yan kept crossing paths.

Only later did she realize that she really couldn't avoid crossing paths with him.

After graduating and joining a game company, she found that for every character and world she designed, one particular concept artist could always draw the world exactly as she imagined it.

Then she noticed that every one of his paintings concealed a variation of Qi, just like the Qi on the convenience store clerk's hat downstairs from their office.

The hugely popular game Night God Sunset recently launched a promotional campaign with GS Convenience Stores. Several stores had been decked out in outfits matching the colors of characters from Night God Sunset.

The convenience store downstairs from their office had gotten the same makeover. When she went to buy a co-branded drink, her colleague told her the promotion had been so popular that everything had sold out. Still, Li Xingqi couldn't resist going to take a look. She had a hunch and wanted to verify it for herself.

When she found that the drinks were sold out and the clerk she wanted to see wasn't there either, disappointment washed over her as she realized she couldn't confirm her suspicion. Thinking fate had passed them by, Li Xingqi was about to leave.

She turned around and saw that familiar hat, then a familiar face after he took off his mask. He held out the last bottle of the co-branded drink, just as he had when he treated her to a drink more than ten years ago.

Later, the owner of GS Convenience Stores asked him why he no longer worked the night shift.

#There's someone waiting for me at home, so I don't work nights anymore.#

Game narrative designer and game character concept artist, childhood sweethearts, rekindled love after a breakup. The story starts in their youth, then jumps ahead to their working years. No college years in the main story.

Also: The line #There's someone waiting for me at home, so I don't work nights anymore.# really did come from an interview with actor Jiang Qiming. I checked with the editor, and inspiration from a single line is fine. Once again, bowing to actor Jiang Qiming in thanks. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Blurb dated 23.6.14

Theme: Love requires open communication