Chapter 2

I politely responded: "Is it very surprising that I can draw? Indeed, I don't look like someone involved in art."

Feeling. Shi Nan said deeply, "Do you know what feeling is? I don't have any feelings for her, I can't even pick up a pen."

You.

The charity event after the exhibition attracted many enthusiasts and media to come and support. Even my inexperienced works often received comments and appreciation from several people in front of them. I wasn't particularly excited because it might be the reputation of Jianjia Gallery that was at play. Even if a painting of "Little Chicken Eating Rice" was exhibited, it might be sold at a high price after receiving praise from all sides.

However, this time Shina's intention is to experience the taste of an ordinary person's waiting, just like experiencing the people's sentiments incognito, and I don't know if it's a sickness. When our number was finally called, we had already been sitting in the cold wind at the door for almost an hour.

I put down the chopsticks: "Li, it's like this, Shi Nan can't accompany you."

Shi Nan didn't know what point was touched, and his whole body emitted a slight sense of joy. His gaze was shallow but bright like stars. He extended his index finger and slowly slid it from my cheek to my chin, lifting it up slowly and said, "Okay, I'll follow your lead."

"Do you find it annoying to only say half of it? What did you dream about? Just tell me directly. Could it be something that's hard for you to talk about? " Yu Xi suddenly slapped his forehead and said, "Oh! I know, you dreamt about that little maid, Shi Nan! You wouldn't be avoiding your male best friend for no reason, so it must be related to him. How's my reasoning?"

Uh... Is that so... This is actually a misunderstanding. Qiao Jiamu may be pleasantly surprised that we have a connection, but in reality, the one who has a connection with him is Shi Nan. I finally remembered how I got the SpongeBob keychain that day.

He took off his contact lenses in front of the mirror, cleaned his face with two types of facial cleanser, applied moisturizer, then turned on the electric toothbrush and brushed for five minutes, finally rinsed with Listerine mouthwash. After completing this final step, Shinan left the bathroom and walked back to the living room.

I squinted my eyes: "Can that be the same? Give those authors millions, and they will update daily until completion. But this Shina, what a disappointment."

Southern Sighed: "Ah, I don't want to think about that now, I want to eat hot pot."

I raised my eyebrows and said nothing. This person is quite straightforward. I don't know why, but even someone like me who is not as good as Shi Nan in reading the market can be approached like this... Hmm... This kind of approach...

As I turned around, Qiao Jiamu followed me. I introduced him one by one. He stopped in front of Shi Nan's painting. My face immediately turned red like a burning cloud. I wanted to reach out to him, but I was afraid that the gesture would be too abrupt.

I: " ... ... ".

Sorry, she's not available for the celebration dinner tonight! Shri Nan suddenly intervened and put his hand on my shoulder to answer for me.

Shi Nan smiled and took out a handkerchief to wipe his nose, then scooped two spoonfuls of millet chili sauce: "So refreshing, really spicy. You two can continue."

Shi Nan buried himself in painting, and stopped talking. After a while, he spoke to me again, "Because I am ashamed, I have known you for so many years and yet I didn't help you find the secret of breast enhancement. I wasted these good times. It's my fault."

I'm really curious which region's soil and water could nurture such a peculiar flower like him? Shi Nan closed the door and walked over leisurely, "Your ex-boyfriend who is kind and friendly, and always makes me want to donate money to him, turns out to be quite scary when he reveals his true colors."

Miss Niu Pitan coldly snorted: "Shi Nan posted a location in his Moments, obviously he's asking me to come."

After I finished speaking, I hung up the call and threw my phone onto the bed. I increasingly vented my anger on Shinan, and I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't control it. Dreams related to him have seriously affected my daily mood. I really dislike this mysterious life. Why do I always dream of him? He's just my childhood friend, a male best friend!

Yu Xi hurriedly left me, I took a taxi and went to find Shi Nan.

Yu Xi arrived in a hurry within ten minutes. She sat down across from me and raised her hand to order a cup of Snow Top coffee. Then she began to hold her face in a listening posture, saying, "The garbage bin for worries is ready. Please pour out your heart, master!"

After checking the business card, I looked for Shi Nan to show off: "Do you see? My painting prices are the same as yours now. This is truly a day of cross-generational significance. No, I have to post on Weibo, my space, and my friend circle. I will post this message on all social media platforms that I can. If I don't show off now, when will I?"

What does "brain-dead fan" mean? I finally understand it completely today.

Shi Nan said: "But as soon as she opens her mouth, there is a strong Northeastern accent, just like those who were eliminated in the second round of the audition for 'Rural Love' actors. How can we tolerate this?"

I'm going! What's she up to? Does it mean I'm in trouble? Out of precaution, I moved my chair back a bit and said, "You're not going to spill hotpot soup on me, are you?"

This diarrhea hotpot feast for three, Shina enjoyed the delicious food, while I struggled even more than You Erjie swallowing gold.

I comfortingly pat the shoulder of the little assistant and say, "Don't worry, I will make sure he submits it quickly."

He can even come up with such excuses. If we didn't have a relationship, I would have beaten him eight hundred times a day.

The man smiled for a moment: "So, are you willing to let go?"

I glanced at him with a strange look and said, "Then why don't you draw?"

We, who study painting, have drawn the most basic human figures countless times. In our school, there are classes specifically dedicated to this, where nude models, both young and old, male and female, are hired. We have seen countless bodies, and by now, they should have been tempered into steel. I should know best the significance of models to artists, purely from an artistic perspective, as living objects that can be observed without reservation.

Qiao Jiamu smiled and said, "I haven't said anything yet."

Ji Xunxun, how are you able to chat with strangers so easily? Shi Nan tapped the side of the pot with chopsticks, trying to divert my attention. "Put some meat in the pot, give me some meat!"

All the people I know have liked the status I posted, but Shi Nan has not liked it yet. I asked him, "What do you mean? Do you have any objections to me?"

He kept staring at the painting, and after a while, he looked at me again. I quickly said, "Art, this is all art. Dedication to art is a glorious thing. You should not view it with colored eyes."

A sour disdain immediately came from the other end of the phone, and Yu Xi sarcastically said to me with a prolonged tone, "Oh~ Am I hearing it right? You actually dare to tamper with my reputation. It seems that Shi Nan, that little demon, has finally fallen out of favor!"

Sigh, I'm really not used to looking up to him like this. I turned around and walked away, feeling as bitter as if I had swallowed a can of black coffee without a companion. I don't know if it's because of jealousy towards Shinan's excellence or shame about the gap between him and me.

Do you understand that feeling? Everyone crowded around Teacher Zhang and Shi Nan, engaging in conversations and chats. In the gallery, there was a stark contrast between liveliness and tranquility. On the quiet side, I seemed to have found companions. Unexpectedly, besides me and Shi Nan, there were also people who appreciated my artwork among the diners who had diarrhea from the hot pot.

Shi Nan's argument is very strong and confident: "I don't have a suitable human model to draw, as you know."

Shi Nan suddenly felt very good: "Treasure? That's a good evaluation. The thing I'm giving you is indeed a treasure. Please continue to maintain your discernment."

Yu Xi had a look of adoration on his face, and he made a heart shape with his hands, pouting and saying, "Oh, so cute ~".

How about I invite you to dinner tonight? I mean, after seeing your... Qiao Jiamu glanced at the painting and concealed the key words, "I can't just look for nothing, right?"

I don't want you at all! Lí Jiāwēi pointed at Shì Nán, "I insist on having him."

I know,'' Qiao Jiamu pointed to the bustling place of Shinan with his chin, "I heard him call you that day.

At this point, Shi Nan slowed down his pace, picked up his iPad, with a solemn yet solemn expression. I thought he was going to Baidu Yuxi, and was about to introduce him to it, but found that he had already clicked into the lobby of Happy Fight the Landlord with his fingers. Then he handed me the iPad and said, "Brother, help me beat these bastards to death."

If you don't agree to let Yu Xi be a model, I can spend money to help you find someone else. Models with financial connections tend to be more principled and won't demand too much. If you still disagree, then contact your twenty-sixth girlfriend, Miss Niupi Tang, Li Jiawei, and finish the work first. At most, let her sleep with you once after the work is done. It's quite a deal. I almost thought I was born as a pre-sales engineer, with solutions filling my mind. Quite a deal. I almost thought I was born as a pre-sales engineer, with solutions filling my mind.

I feel embarrassed again.

I threw another punch: "Keep boasting about yourself!"

Such good conditions did not impress Shi Nan at all. He paid no attention and continued walking without stopping. So I added another sentence: "Yu Xi has cleared all the existing levels of Defend the Carrots and Plants vs. Zombies, and has reached level 889 in Happy Elimination."

I have been thinking a lot, but in reality, it was only a few short seconds. The elevator was still going down, and my skirt was caught in the link seam between the steps. The pulling force could hurt me at any moment. At this moment, a man passed me from behind and said, "Hold on tight" before running down. Just as I grabbed the handrail, he timely pressed the pause button at the bottom of the escalator!

I adjusted the ingredients bowl with trembling hands and was about to walk towards the table we reserved, when a female voice exploded behind me, saying, "Ji Xunxun!"

Lí Jiāwēi said: "No! Is it because of her that you won't sleep with me? Let me see who she is! I must die with clarity!"

Can it be sacrificed?

I anxiously said, "But anyone would misunderstand when they see you staying overnight!"

Hello.

After Qiao Jiamu left, Shi Nan slapped me on the back of my head and said, "Still looking? Everyone has left, what are you still clinging onto?" I rubbed my head in frustration.

I don't understand why I agreed to accompany him in self-abuse. Maybe it's because of friendship. Even if I have to watch him eat shit, I still have to be by his side to wipe his mouth. That's what friends do, isn't it?

Thank you. My suspended heart finally settles.

The lonely look in the eyes of the mammoth on the canvas is as if it's waiting for someone to enter the painting. I lick my lips and point to the canvas, saying, "Don't you think the proportion of the mammoth trampling the garden and the proportion of the blank space where the human figure should be drawn are a bit... um... not quite right?"

No need, no need! The assistant immediately shook his head like a tambourine, "We want the complete translation of Shina."

I don't know. What if it accidentally splashes on Shi Nan?

The worried expression of the assistant did not change, clearly showing disbelief in my abilities: "Can you really find him?"

Okay, okay, okay. I am self-aware. Can you also be self-aware?

Miss Niu Pitan did not hit me, but sat on my seat. It's a two-person hot pot table, so I had to move to a seat facing the aisle, with people passing by behind me.

Keep the following conversation confidential. If you leak a single word, I will hold you accountable. I rhythmically tap the table with my index finger and say, "Hey, recently, I've been having a recurring dream."

A man approached, smiling as he looked at my skirt, and asked me, "What should I do about the skirt?"

Under the table, I harshly crushed his foot with my shoe sole. On the table, I reminded him with a smile, "Mr. Arrogant Artist, don't say such lines when you're crying from spicy hotpot. Wipe your nose first, then you can talk about being high-end."

Yu Xi and Shi Nan had similar reactions. First, they gave me a poor smile and then dragged their tone to mock me, saying "Oh... a spring dream!"

This scene, even if I jump into the Yellow River, I won't be able to wash it away. That's why I'm even more afraid that Shina will give up and leave me in an awkward situation. I stick close to him, as if I want to bury myself in his body. I can feel that Shina's body is somewhat stiff. He doesn't turn around, but answers Li Jiawei with a cold voice, "You don't need to worry about who it is. Get out."

I spat at him and said, "Is using your ears to paint your family's original creation? Don't accuse me of being a donkey just because I paint less than you."

I: " ... ... ".

Shi Nan seemed to have heard a funny joke and chuckled, "So what if there's a misunderstanding? Your relationship is already over. The subtitles are on, the lights are on, even the cleaning lady has come in to tidy up. Are you still foolishly wanting to stir things up? Will it never end? Do you think the audience is not human?" He sighed softly, "Do you know how annoying it is for me to watch? Please consider my feelings."

Um...? Shina has blacklisted someone, is it necessary? He's really timid when it comes to dragging out the manuscript!

Qiao Jiamu came to see the exhibition. Regarding his life-saving act, I feel it is necessary to accompany him for a walk and explain. We passed by my painting, and he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

She might be a detective, guessing that I like to put the keys under the doormat. Shi Nan seemed indifferent to this matter, "Do you want to come and see the painting?"

As scheduled, the dream arrived on time. This time, there was nothing extraordinary happening, just me in my own house, desperately searching for things like a burglar. Shuinan, my high school classmate, kept chattering endlessly beside me, probably saying things like "If it's lost, let it be" and "If there's something worth finding, just buy another one."

This is a tall man with a strong physique. He looks like he could just change his clothes and walk the runway. But that's not the point. He's the man I bumped into while eating hot pot and said hello to in the aisle! What a coincidence!

Qiao Jiamu felt somewhat relieved, took out a keychain of the same model from his pocket, and said, "This is a high-priced limited edition piece personally made by the designer Zou Huaiyang. Only three pairs were made, and countless people wanted to buy them but couldn't. I managed to get one after much effort. When I found out that you have another one, I was really pleasantly surprised."

I gave him a glare, must he criticize me like this in front of others? At this moment, Qiao Jiamu handed me his business card and said, "Give me a call when you're done, and we can arrange a meeting place."

I was stunned for a moment. Actually, I was just venting and didn't need an answer. My mind was in a mess. Could it be that someone is confessing their love to me? Should I reject them directly or just tear them apart and kill them?

I have long known that "a dog's mouth cannot spit out ivory"! I will no longer inquire, but instead, I will pursue and strike him!

I took it and just finished saying thank you. Qiao Jiamu asked, "Did you not realize that you lost it?"

Although I dislike his sarcastic tongue and arrogance, objectively speaking, that guy has a handsome face, long legs, and good talent. There's nothing to say about him regarding you," Yu Xi's voice became lower and his tone sounded like he was telling a supernatural story, "Xunxun, why didn't you two end up together?"

Is this not an example of the emperor being calm while the eunuch is in a hurry? What am I trying to achieve by worrying about him so much? If I die, it will definitely be a miserable death!

I asked, "How did you know we are here?"

I can't help but remind you: "It's about to start, time waits for no one. Since you have promised to do it, you should keep your word."

He seemed to want to stop me, but Shih Nan made no move until I closed the door and left.

I walked over, leaning against the door of the restroom, crossing my arms and looking down upon with a half-smile, saying, "You told me not to forget to submit the artwork to the gallery, but you yourself delayed the submission. You have some nerve."

Coffee shop at the entrance of the art academy, waiting for you for twenty minutes. If you don't come, I will go somewhere else. I have the ability to turn all my girlfriends into a harem-like competition for favor and jealousy. I'm quite capable.

His eyes are clear and firm, and the words he speaks are not to be questioned.

I am following closely behind: "Currently, I have a suitable candidate to recommend to you as a model. Her name is Yu Xi, whom you have met before. This girl is particularly talented."

I nodded in compromise and said, "Yes, let the love between our children die!"

Lijia Wei is about to go crazy, feeling like she's going to rush up and start tearing things apart in the next second: "Shi Nan! Who is she?! Let her go and let me see her face!"

Although I made such a great sacrifice, it didn't have any effect at all. I find the comments on sex products on Taobao more stimulating than this painting. There is no hint of sensual temptation in the painting, and the naked white body is like a fragile porcelain vase. A young girl stands in the middle of the fierce background.

Although he is confident and assertive, I always feel that something is not right.

I suddenly felt that he looked quite handsome in formal wear under the flash of the camera, or rather, very attractive. His fresh and youthful appearance, combined with his restrained clothing, and the talent and depth hidden beneath his appearance, is enough to captivate countless women. He is a rising star in the art world and an idol of the new generation.

Okay, okay.

I don't have the mood: "Don't look! I'm leaving!"

I wrapped the painting and sent it to Jianjia Gallery. Teacher Zhang was not there, and it was his assistant who received it. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the assistant started to look worried and said to me, "I heard from the teacher that you are a friend of Shinan. Can you help urge him to finish his paintings? His phone number is always out of service area, and we can't contact him at all. Everyone is getting anxious!"

Shi Nan pushed me to the easel by my shoulder and said, "Hurry up and start painting after you've eaten. The art exhibition is about to begin, and it's important to focus on official business. Let all those romantic feelings die."

I feel absurd, staring and asking, "Who do you have feelings for?!"

I took a step back and covered my chest. At the same time, a scream sounded behind my naked back! Shi Nan almost immediately stood up and held me tightly in his arms, turned around in place, and put his back to Li Jiawei.

He also smiled and nodded at me, then left. I turned around and glared at Shinan, saying, "If you want to eat meat, cook it yourself. Did someone chop off your hands?"

Next, I spent several days completing all the paintings. I don't know when Shi Nan left. He knew many people and was busier than a spinning top. He didn't even come to stay overnight again, and I was too busy to care.

I also reached out my hand and shook it. "This encounter is truly thrilling, as it concerns life and death. My name is Ji Xunxun."

How powerful is it?

Very good, the detective Di Renjie in my life has also arrived...

Yu Xi was inspired and said: "It is evident that you are feeling melancholic, even your bangs seem to be lacking oxygen."

I cover my face with my hands: "I frequently dream of him, I don't know what's wrong with my subconscious, it's ridiculous, now I feel guilty when facing him, it's really annoying, Erxi."

When I opened the door with the key under the doormat, Shi Nan poked half of his body out of the bathroom and glanced at me sarcastically, saying, "How did you get here so quickly? Did you use a pair of roller skates on your feet?"

Lijia Wei's Korean-style semi-permanent eyebrows moved, as if expressing dissatisfaction: "You keep saying that you have a friendship with Shina, why do friends still need to meddle in each other's private affairs?"

Lí Jiāwēi raised her eyebrows lightly, flicked her fingertips, and felt like she wanted to flick me away like a booger: "Why can't you accompany me? Do I have to accompany you?"

Then Shina's phone rang, he always timed it perfectly: "Xiao Qinglong, are you up? We have to go to the art exchange today, do you remember?"

Did you think I didn't work hard? Yesterday I interviewed a model with a great figure, he gestured an S-shaped curve with his hand on his body, "It fits my vision for the work and can be painted."

I got up from the bed, impatiently rubbed my forehead and said, "Do you know worrying ages you? When will you stop being so nagging?"

I didn't go to find Shi Nan at the first time, but called another close female friend: "Erxi, are you free? Can you have dinner with me and chat?"

I smiled apologetically at the man and said, "Sorry, my friend is not in his right mind."

Shinan's expression slowly cooled down, shrugged and threw my hand away, saying "I hate the culture of fake brotherhood and sisterhood, please be aware of it."

Don't be afraid, I'm not a bad person, I just want to get to know you. Qiao Jiamu took out something from his pocket and said, "You dropped something when we had hotpot the other day." Upon closer inspection, it was indeed my SpongeBob keychain. Qiao Jiamu handed it to me and said, "Its arm was broken, but I fixed it for you."

The assistant excitedly grabbed my hands, as if a serf had finally seen the liberation army, tears of gratitude almost bursting out: "Thank you so much, Teacher Ji!"

Later, as scheduled, the art exhibition began. I still saw that painting. How should I put it...

I turned my head abruptly and almost heard my poor cervical spine wailing: "Uh... Li Jiawei...".

We both live in the same residential compound, but Shi Nan also has a house in the northern suburbs. When procrastinating, he basically hides there, whether he's partying all night or feeling lonely and picking at the walls, he only stays there.

I asked him, "Do you really need to look at this painting for so long?"

I gave her a disdainful look: "Get lost!"

You're welcome. The person looked up at me above the escalator, and we both were stunned for a moment!

During the charity sale, neither my work nor Shina's was put up for auction. Puzzled, I asked the person in charge of the sale, only to be told that our paintings had already been sold at a high price. When I pressed for the identity of the buyer, I learned that it was a young and promising renowned entrepreneur named Qiao Jiamu.

I fell into meditation.

Yu Xi, this woman, has been repeatedly voted by her circle of friends as the woman in the northwest region who most loves to apply double standards. If she sees a stranger with a good hairstyle, she will say that the person has a "whore" hairstyle. If a regular friend doesn't wash their hair when they see her, she will scold them and tell them to go home and wash their hair. As for me, I dare say that even if I'm pooping on one side, picking my feet with one hand, and picking my nose with the other hand, she will still make a heart shape with her hands and praise me for being cute and adorable. If a regular friend doesn't wash their hair when they see her, she will scold them and tell them to go home and wash their hair. As for me, I dare say that even if I'm pooping on one side, picking my feet with one hand, and picking my nose with the other hand, she will still make a heart shape with her hands and praise me for being cute and adorable.

I touch my forehead and say, "If you fart again, I will be furious."

I shake my head: "I'm perfectly fine, not angry at all!"

He did not respond.

After entering the room, he closed the door and locked it with three clicks. My heart skipped a beat, and after a moment of thought, I whispered, "I won't take off my underwear."

Nightmare?

I said with a dejected look, "What can I do? I am also very desperate..."

I have nothing to do with the celebration banquet. I don't want to go and show off my insignificance in front of a group of big shots. Isn't that asking for trouble? I raised the SpongeBob in my hand to Qiao Jiamu and said, "No, no. You found my treasure, so I should be the one treating you."

I smiled pretentiously: "I dare not claim to be a teacher, but if you need it, I can make him suffer when I find him."

It's not good to explain too much to someone you just met. I can only smile and change the subject: "Are there any paintings in this gallery that you like?"

As Shi Nan threw the brush into the brush washer, I quickly walked up to watch. I don't know if it was a moment of carelessness, but I forgot that I was in a state of emptiness. Shi Nan, who was sitting down, clearly paused for a moment.

This is indeed a thought-provoking question.