However, Shen Nianzhi had always felt a sense of unease about this. She remembered a few months back, when she informed Gu Xiqiao about Sima Jun’s intentions of accepting her as his disciple, how she bluntly turned such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity down, saying that she wanted to become a doctor instead.
Right now, using that very same pair of crystal clear eyes, Gu Xiqiao stared back into her soul. Although her expression seemed warm and accepting, Shen Nianzhi pursed her lips. She unconsciously wished to stop listening to what her friend would say in response.
Of course, she still listened to every single syllable that Gu Xiqiao would utter.
“If you really want me to go, then you best forget about it. Mr. Sima’s achievements are undoubtedly impressive. As for me, I’m just a small side character. I don’t think it’ll be wise for me to accept the award.” Gu Xiqiao’s smile faded away immediately after that. She thought she had long gotten over that issue; seems like her mood for the rest of the day had been destroyed.
‘I knew it!’ Shen Nianzhi almost started yanking her hair out. ‘She rejected the offer! This girl’s rejected an important opportunity! Again!’
Again?
Fame and fortune was now a low-hanging fruit, dangling right in front of her face. If she accepted this award, her name would spread all over the globe. She only needed to appear at the awards. Shen Nianzhi’s emotions were riled up thinking about this. And yet, Gu Xiqiao herself said no to this offer! Did she fully understand what this meant?!
“Miss Gu, I know that you are aspiring to become a doctor. But you’re really talented in painting. I don’t wish to see you waste away something you’re born with.” Shen Nianzhi’s expression was dead serious. She really was thinking about this in Gu Xiqiao’s best interests.
This feeling of hers was further intensified after her trip overseas, which has broadened her horizons by quite a bit. She learned a lot during this trip, and it made her fully appreciate just how great a painter Gu Xiqiao was. There were only a handful of artists China had ever produced. It pained her greatly to hear one of these people turn down the award.
Gu Xiqiao’s facial expression softened up after sensing the concern in her voice. She added a little more sugar in Shen Nianzhi’s coffee. Smiling subtly, she replied, “More so than anyone, I am aware of my own decisions. Trust me when I say I like painting, it is by far, my most favorite hobby. Even if I don’t become Sima Jun’s apprentice, even if I don’t attend the Biennale, painting will remain my favorite pastime. I will never give up on it.”
Shen Nianzhi’s tense face loosened up upon hearing what Gu Xiqiao had to say. One word at a time, her mind registered Gu Xiqiao’s words.
If the world of art could be described at an ocean, it would be an incredibly deep one. After spending a few months abroad, she has finally achieved enlightenment. Unfair treatment was unavoidable, even for people as great as Sima Jun, what more to say of herself? She could not guarantee that she would remain a pure glass of water forever.
Never would she expect that Gu Xiqiao possessed such a profound idea toward art. Art to her was just art. None of what she did was for the sake of fame or glory.
If someone was to tell her what Gu Xiqiao did today, she would just shrug it off with a laugh. How on Earth was it possible for someone to remain so indifferent to a golden ticket for success?
And yet, this seemingly joke-like scenario was playing out in real life in front of her. Despite being announced the winner of an International Biennale, nothing said could move the mountain that was Gu Xiqiao.
Shen Nianzhi finally realized how serious Gu Xiqiao’s conviction was.
After she bid her friend farewell, Shen Nianzhi covered her eyes with her palm. Through the slits between her fingers, sunlight penetrated and shone into her eyes. For the rest of the day, she remained in a dazed state. Her phone rang for half an eternity before she realized what was going on and answered it.
After staying one month abroad, it was safe to say that it has been a while since she last met Luo Wenlang and the rest of her friends. And so, with Luo Wenlin tagging along, Luo Wenlang reserved a private table at a restaurant for dinner.
“You’ve changed a lot,” said Shen Nianzhi as the eyed the well-dressed Luo Wenlang, as well as the brand-new car he arrived in. His face was confident and attractive, no longer the shade of drab gray that he once had. He now was completely the opposite of the boy whom she grew up with at the orphanage.
Luo Wenglang ordered a few dishes. “Well, I guess you haven’t seen Yao Jiamu then. He’s the one who’s changed a whole lot. Though, he has something to deal with today, he couldn’t make it for tonight. We’ll meet up someday in the future.”
Hearing Luo Wenlang say that intrigued Shen Nianzhi. She couldn’t believe that so much had changed in the span of just a single month.
“Me and Yao Jiamu, are really lucky fellas,” said Luo Wenlang suddenly.
He and Yao Jiamu? Shen Nianzhi had no idea what he was talking about. Still, she didn’t want to come off as being too intrusive. She was more worried about how to break the news to Mr. Sima.
What she didn’t know was that a few days later, she would become another member of the ‘lucky fellas’ Luo Wenlang spoke of.
***
After the meal, with mixed feelings, Shen Nianzhi arrived at the Sima family house.
“What did you say? She rejected the award?” Sima Jun could not believe his ears. He stood up immediately upon hearing that, splashing piping hot tea all over his body and the table. “Are you absolutely certain that she said that?”
Shen Nianzhi nodded. “That’s right, she wants to remain anonymous.” With pursed lips, she continued. “Would it be possible for us to return that painting to her?”
Mu Yunfan was sitting nearby. He had been waiting there since the afternoon when he heard Shen Nianzhi had gone off to find Gu Xiqiao. To his disappointment, despite waiting for such a long time, Shen Nianzhi came home empty-handed.
In just a split-second, a dejected look surfaced on his face. His heart sank like a boulder thrown into the ocean. Without saying a word more, he went upstairs to his study room at the center of which the oil painting of the village was hung.
Downstairs, Meng Yufan dug her nails into her palm as she lowered her gaze.
“Nianzhi, give me some time to process this situation.” Sima Jun let out a great big sigh. No one in the right state of mind could ever turn down an award at a Biennale, no matter which place it was being held at.
He could not comprehend just what sort of person could stand so firmly in the face of such great rewards. Countless people threw themselves at Sima Jun’s feet, begging to be accepted as his apprentice. It was acceptable that she turned down such an opportunity. But the Biennale award? That was some next level stuff.
Was she still sane? After all, this award was like the icing on a cake; nothing bad could ever come out of accepting it.
Shen Nianzhi walked out the door in silence after hearing what Sima Jun had to say. Loosening her grip, Meng Yufan rushed outside to catch up with Shen Nianzi. “Shen Nianzhi, will you tell me who this For A Millenium person is?”
“I’m sorry but that is confidential.” Shen Nianzhi paused, turned around and shook her head. She recalled Gu Xiqiao’s despondent expression whenever she talked about the world of art. Maybe she really disliked this place?
And so, her lips remained tightly sealed.
“Can’t you tell me that?” Meng Yufan laughed. Then, with a warm and gentle voice, she continued, “There will be an art exhibition three days later in the Imperial Capital. Renowned artists from all over the world will be invited here. There appears to be three participants from B University. Did the dean of your faculty enter the exhibition in your stead?”
Shen Nianzhi knew what she wanted to say right after hearing Meng Yufan’s words. This exhibition would be her first step into the oil painting industry. It was of extreme importance to her and Meng Yufan was threatening to take that chance away from her!
“Tell me who she is, and you’ll get your place in that exhibition. If you refuse, don’t even think about entering any sort of exhibition from now on.” Meng Yufan’s gaze at Shen Nianzi was mocking.
She was the daughter of the art faculty’s dean. Not only that, she enjoyed a close relationship with Sima Jun. She could choose to go with either one and the outcome would be one and the same–Shen Nianzhi would be made a pariah of the art world. This was especially easy considering how little support Shen Nianzhi had They could breathe out effortlessly and she’d topple like a house of cards.
“Of course, if you tell me who that person is, I’ll let you have what is yours.” Meng Yufan smiled sweetly at Shen Nianzhi. Success was already in her hands; she thought that this offer was something Shen Nianzhi could never refuse.
“Miss Meng, I will never tell anyone about the person’s identity.” Shen Nianzi’s face was ice-cold when she stared back at Meng Yufan. She had already witnessed firsthand how cruel this young girl was; right in front of her. She had crushed a kitten to death with her high heels. No doubt, if she leaked Gu Xiqiao’s information to her, she’d do something crazy toward her friend.
Shen Nianzhi suddenly felt fortunate about her exchange with Gu Xiqiao earlier today. She felt relieved that she did not drag Gu Xiqiao into such a mess.
Seeing Shen Nianzhi’s back receded into the distance, Meng Yufan’s face darkened. “You think I’m joking? You’ll be on your knees begging for forgiveness in a couple of days!”
Meng Yufan whipped out her phone and called someone.
***
[Ding! Random mission activated: Help your target, Shen Nianzhi!]
[Mission Completion Reward: 300 points!]
Gu Xiqiao, who was in the middle of painting paused for a moment.
“Little system, what’s up with Shen Nianzi?”
“Please wait for a moment.” The system spirit materialized in mid-air. “Ah, found it. You just need to look at surveillance to know what’s up, Beauty Qiao.”
Suddenly, a clear panel appeared in front of her face. On it was displayed the scene of Shen Nianzhi and Meng Yufan’s confrontation.
Gu Xiqiao’s lips curled into a smile. She lowered her eyes to hide the icy-coldness contained within. “Little system, I originally had no intentions of entering the art world. After all, I really do love oil painting.”
The system, which danced around the air shuddered.
‘Please stop joking Beauty Qiao!’
Being distracted like that, Gu Xiqiao put down her paintbrush and prepared to bring Xixi and Haha out for a stroll.
She had just changed into her shoes and before standing up, someone knocked on the door. It was pushed open right after that.
Gu Xiqiao looked up to discover a pair of soul-catching eyes staring back at her. His face was the same old, stone carving-like piece of art and his eyes were as distant as ever. His crisp white dress shirt was buttoned all the way and it seemed extremely neat. Still, hints of fatigue managed to break through his tidy image.
She stood up. Pain was felt in her heart, seeing him in such a state. God knows how much effort and energy he expanded to complete that task ahead of schedule. To be able to drive him, who was seemingly as strong as an ox into fatigue was something she rarely encountered.
“Brother Jiang.”
“Yeah.” Jiang Shuxuan responded with a hoarse voice. He took the girl into his arms and that was when he felt a familiar and reassuring warmth that seemed to be able to calm the sense of unease in his heart.
The November weather was getting colder. Jiang Shuxuan’s body felt cooler than usual. Gu Xiqiao took in a deep breath before looking up at him. “Have you eaten yet?”
Jiang Shuxuan did not respond to her question. He looked down in silence. At that moment, he wanted to ask her a question. There was a man, who was born into this world to shoulder a great burden. The duty was something he absolutely cannot shirk. There was no saying how long he had left to live, especially when facing surmounting pressure day in and day out. Would she still desire a man like that?
Although this question was at the back of his tongue, words failed to come out of his mouth.
“No.” It took him an eternity to utter this word. He loosened his grip on her and looked down at the floor.
So he hadn’t eaten yet? Gu Xiqiao nagged about it briefly before opening the fridge and whipping up something warm for him to eat.
Jiang Shuxuan walked over and plopped down on the sofa. Haha walked up to his feet and stared up at him with a pair of dark beady eyes.
“I’ll wash you at night.” Jiang Shuxuan suddenly announced.
Haha went silent.
As usual, Gu Xiqiao was the one who washed Haha afterward. When dinner was finally ready, Jiang Shuxuan was already out cold on the sofa.
Fatigue was painted across his face and even in his dreams, his brows were furrowed. Gu Xiqiao reached out to smoothen the creases on his forehead as she sighed.
‘Little system, when is the next level up for my Ancient Martial Arts?’ Gu Xiqiao was getting restless after seeing this.
It was rare to see Gu Xiqiao act this way. The system spirit tried comforting her. “Don’t you worry Beauty Qiao. There is a process behind everything. Reaching the next level becomes harder after every level up. It requires you being in the right place and the right time…”
The system went on and on about this. As its lecture came to an end, it suddenly noticed how silent Gu Xiqiao was. And so, it flew down in front of her face and it was then that it realized, she had fallen asleep!
And it thought that she finally had a change of heart! This brat!
***
The next day, what Mu Zong was worried about finally arrived. The international community was actively pressuring China into releasing the chip Nine Heavens produced to the world at large.
These were all developed nations with high GDPs that were using the United Nations to pressure China. It is conceivable how much stress Nine Heavens will have to face in the days to come. However, Mu Zong did not panic at the thought of this. After hearing Gu Xiqiao’s remarks, the initial fear in his heart toward their new oppressors was now as good as gone.
In an orderly manner, Mu Zong began giving out emergency orders. His calm demeanor had a positive effect on the morale of Nine Heavens’ higher-ups.
“I believe that you all understand why I have come here today. Nine Heavens’ existence poses a threat to our peoples’ privacy. They have reported this matter to the United Nations and after serious deliberation, we have arrived at the unanimous decision to force Nine Heavens to unveil their secret chip to the world. Of course, compensation will be provided accordingly afterward.” The man speaking represented the Americans. The United States of America was the sole superpower in the world as of today. They were at least fifty years ahead of China in terms of scientific progress.
What they achieved in the realm of biochemical weapons research alone dwarfed what the entire world had done combined.
When America spoke, nearly everyone would echo what they say.
Facing pressure from eight different nations, any country, regardless of how powerful they were, had no choice but to bow down, what more to say of a private corporate entity? There was simply no way for them to retaliate against a nation.
On the surface, he was talking about protecting his peoples’ privacy. However, wasn’t this the classic case of the American ‘carrot and a big stick’ method? They were notorious for being international bullies after all. How dare China resist their demands! The Chinese ambassador was so enraged by this that his face turned beet red. How dare they have the audacity to bring this matter to their doorstep! He simply could not stand it!