Our Life 2: Qiu "Autumn" Lin Step 3 Design Sketch ✨
[This is a bonus sketch that was made to nail down the look. It's not the actual sprite sketch. The posing will be a bit different in-game, but the design will be the same]
So. Turns out they were right the first time! After doing a 180 in disposition in Step 2, 18-year-old Qiu has flipped all the way back around. At least with the four year time skips. As it was going from a child to a teen, the change from minor to young adult was gradual.
Things were hard for Qiu during those formative years, from internal and external pressures, but they never were cut out for being out for themselves. They've always cared far too much. As Autumn pulled themselves out from the strain they'd gotten crushed by, they offered the parts of them that were free to others. More and more, Qiu accepted the attention they were given with kindness rather than dismissal. And when that wasn't enough for them, when they knew at their very core that they could do better for the people who by fate or chance crossed their path, they became the one putting in the effort.
And before they realized it, Qiu Lin was the willing, magnanimous top dog of Golden Grove once again. It seems being a charmer is like riding a bike, you never really forget. Except, with several more years of social experience behind them and after going from cute to genuinely attractive, they're even more of a threat to hearts everywhere. You'll struggle to find a living human being around their age who's never had at least a passing fancy for Autumn. They're not humble about it. But they sure are entertaining when they get smug, so it's mostly allowed. And in general, they can be rather dramatic. It's simply their way. Humorously, but understandably, their main group of friends consists mainly of those few people who weren't ever swooning for them; Tamarack, Renee, and Vianca (they're friendly rivals). Baxter had fallen for Qiu when the two were young, but he's left town and no one hears from him these days. And, of course, how the MC fits in depends on you. Maybe they're another true blue friend, a full hold-out against Autumn's popular appeal, or perhaps they're the only person who's adored by the person everyone else adores.
Because of how bright they normally shine, it's easy to tell when Qiu is stressed or overworking or struggling with themselves. Their first instinct is to begin pulling away and closing off again. But Autumn is surrounded by people who are there for them as much as Qiu had been there for them. So they're supported through whatever they face.
They've already had their identity embraced by their loved ones. At this age, Qiu no longer considers themselves undefined, they know with certainty that they are genderfluid. Qiu has both they/them and he/him pronouns to express this part of them. But those pronoun sets are used individually at specific times rather than interchangeably.
Qiu uses nail polish to signify their current pronouns. With painted nails, "they/them" is appropriate and with unpainted, "he/him" is correct. They had a flash of brilliance one day and have brought back into fashion that old sign of coolness which is fingerless gloves. Those help draw attention to Qiu's hands and show off their nails better. With texts and online messages, Qiu swaps out different profile pics.
One truly drastic change for Mx. Lin at this stage is that they don't carry around a notebook anymore! Losing papers is no joke- they just use the notes app on their phone to jot down reminders. But, yes, Qiu does tend to misplace their phone rather often, so the overall problem remains unresolved. And they haven't given up on handwritten messages entirely, that's simply saved for things more personal and important than telling themselves they have ballet practice next Tuesday.
Autumn does still perform ballet and go mountain biking. Those long-time favorites have stayed an important part of their life. As for what their future holds now that they're legally an adult, we can only imagine. The possibilities are endless.
In Step 3 Qiu has three potential hairstyles, which you can choose yourself or let be determined by what happened in Step 2. Their optional accessories are a necklace and different earrings. Their bag, jacket, gloves, nail polish, and earphones aren't determined by the player. Those are worn whenever an event calls for it.
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Well everyone, you voted and here they are, with an absolutely fantastic look in my opinion. I'm really happy with Qiu, how they started and how they ended up. Writing for them is honestly a joy, haha. I hope you like them, too 😊
Comments (71)
Yes yes, 4 years late, but if I may, Qiu how do you feel about marriage 🥰
I am screaming this is so perfect
Crying screaming barely breathing. My eyes have been blessed. My crops are flourishing. This is so good
Someone call a doctor because I think I have a fever... oh wait no it's Qiu because they look so hot!
Gender envy is not enough, I require gender COVETING
I'm loving the detail on Qiu's pronouns depending on their nailpolish! It's very unique and I'd love to see which events calls for which pronouns <3
Qiu!!! 🥰🥰 the part where it says "Maybe they're the only person adored by the person everyone else adores" made my heart flutter
Same! I'm so excited for my OC's relationship to blossom with Qiu in OL2! They're basically my ideal type but in 2D form haha
you can see bits of both of their parents in their face 🥺💞 they look like both of them simultaneously
The idea of the painted nails is literally so smart, really cool.
I love him sm
Seriously almost hyperventilated in an airplane bathroom seeing this before takeoff
I’ve fallen in love omg 😳
CRYING FORREAL……
i love mx lin so bad i love them
OMG!! I cant wait!! They look so beautiful and cool at the same time😍
Looks great, can't wait to see him coloured in :)
"going from cute to genuinely attractive" THAT'S TRUE they're so pretty!!
AWW! They look so beautiful! It's nice to see how much they have grown over the years and it will be really interesting to know the real Qiu through personal moments and see how they treat the MC depending on how close they are... I"M SO EXCITED!!!!
Someone send help I am one of the adoring masses
They’re absolutely wonderful!! The silly smile on my face rn
Omg am so excited!!! Also everyone at school still liking Qui at stage 3?? I'm ready for the drama with that and my MC who's a bit insecure/Jealous 👀 the possible pain, and then, the comfort 😭
more like everyone in general. step 3 is post-graduation.
LOOK AT THEM THEYRE SO GREAT!! I CANT WAIT FOR TAMARACK NEXT I COULD CRY
Such a cutie!
OH MY GOD LOOK AT THEM!!!!!!! i cannot wait to see tamarack,, i love these babies sm😭♥️
THEIR HAIR! 😍😍😍😍 Dear future spouse~
This is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life
THEYRE HERE OMG!!
AHHHHHHHH
I COULD CRY!!!! Now I'm even more excited to see step 3 Tam
i love them……. also ”the only person who's adored by the person everyone else adores” yesssss i can’t wait for my mc to be that person it’s gonna be so good 😮💨
I’m already so in love with them!! Waiting for this game is torture 💔
IM SO EXCITED OMGGGGG LOOK AT THEM!!!! 🥺💕💕💕
OMG QUI💕💕💕💕💕 I CANT WAIT
That small Baxter detail sent me c': <3
😭😭😭😭😭😭B A B Y I can't wait to meet them😭😭
omg I adore this. (I can't wait to see Tamarack, too! Ahh!!) The sketch and the ways it sounds like Qiu has grown. Props for representing genderfluid people so nicely as well. Autumn's journey, from just growing up, to understanding who they are better is one I greatly look forward to.
Oh god i smiled so much seeing this that my face hurts 😅😍
Can't WAIT to see this in color I LOVE THEM SO MUCH❤️❤️❤️
I think my heart stopped when I saw this reveal. Omgggg!! <3
Aaa, I absolutely love them! And all three hairstyles look amazing on Qiu/Autumn 🥰 I can’t wait to see my precious bb girl Tamarack’s design for Step 3~ ✨
❤️
I love them so much 😩😩😩
of freaking course they're gorgeous. No, no I'm not pressed! I'm just screaming into my pillow trying to figure out how I'm going to befriend this person and get to know them without staring too long- What's the appropriate amount of staring/eye contact???
Screaming and in love
Baby all grown up 🥺🥺🥺
What a cutie 😭
I had the silliest smile while reading this whole text, I'm so excited to get to know all of Qiu and I'm sure my journey with him (and Tamarack) will touch me as much as my journey with Cove did. I really just can't wait for this game!!
Oh my gosh I love them all. Qiu grew into such a beautiful person.
They're wonderful!🥺 The nail polish, the outfits, the hairrrr😍😍 omg I love them.❤️🤭 Qiu looks absolutely wonderful. What a gorgeous person~. 🥰
I love them so much 😭 I've been waiting for step 3 Qiu and I'm so happy rn
I don't even know what to say right now I'm feeling so many emotions at once and I mean this in the very best way
the nail polish touch is everything to me... loving this design for them! ❤
SCREAMINF AND JUMPING UPNAND DOWN OH MY GODDDDD
i’m in love 😭🥺
They are beautiful and I adore them <3
I love the long hair!!! They look amazing <3 can't wait to meet them in-game once more!
Awwwh their design is so similar to what I pictured in my head - the overall fashion and hairstyle. Love it all! And i really appreciate the detail of the painted nails. Thank you for writing and designing such a fantastic character
I’M OBSESSED WITH THIS DESIGN WHAT A CUTIEEE <3 I love your handling of their identity too, it feels so genuine to them. excited to see Tam’s next!!
Oh my god I am freaking out they are so cute!! Wonderful!! Love them <3
LITERALLY SCREAMINF AND CRYING RN WHAT THE HELL HOKYSNEKENEKDNDKD THEY LOOK SO PRETTY
the long hair. i’m staring respectfully
Beautiful sketches, love their designs, so excited to see the progress
I love everything about Qiu so much 😭
no bc i am screaming
Seeing the progress is one of the best things to see!
OMG They are so gorgeous!!!
I CHOKED THEY'RE PERFECT
LOVE IT
IT'S HAPPENING