Chapter 2, Bar

That person let out a sneer and said, "These people just love to take female college students out for fun. Most of these women are students from the Beijing Film Academy and other art colleges, beautiful in appearance, yet unable to become stars, often mingling with some wealthy young masters."

Zhang Shuai proactively said, "If you like it, take it back and enjoy it." Zhou, with his face flushed with excitement, repeatedly assured, "Zhang Shuai, I will definitely read it carefully and will not wrinkle it at all." Zhang Shuai laughed, saying, "It’s fine. If you wrinkle it, just wash my pen for me." He is so humorous

Zhang Shuai smiled without answering. Zhou looked down at the photo and asked, "Where did you take this? Inner Mongolia?" Zhang Shuai picked up the pen in the tube and nodded, "I went to the Hulunbuir Grassland during the summer vacation, saw the beautiful scenery, and casually took a few photos, wanting to practice oil painting."

She returned to the backstage to catch her breath. After a cup of coffee, she felt much better. She heard the bar's general manager instructing: "We will not be open for business today; fortunately, there aren't many customers. Aqi, you go clear the place, explain to the customers outside that there has been a situation, and apologize to everyone. Have the doorman stand guard outside to prevent customers from coming in."

Another person said, "This wine is specially mixed for you. It doesn't matter if you can't drink; it tastes good, like fruit juice. You should give it a try." The voice was deep, like a deserted night, like rich wine, enticing and indulgent. Adjusting the straw's position, it was aimed directly at the girl across from him. The girl nodded obediently, leaned down to take a sip, and smiled in approval.

Zhou humorously pointed to the distant Wei Qing and said: "Aqi, does the emperor want a 'dynasty'? Can you afford it?" Aqi laughed: "Of course, tribute. When the ruler wants his subjects to die, the subjects have no choice but to die." The 'dynasty' is a tribute wine exclusively used by Wei Qing.

Zhang Shuai nodded: "Then take your time to draw, I will head back first." Before leaving, he glanced at her; the loose strands of hair on her forehead nearly obscured her eyes, her expression focused. He raised his hand and pressed the switch on the wall, and with a "pop," the fluorescent lights in the back row lit up, instantly brightening the studio. However, Zhou remained oblivious, continuing to paint with great speed. He stood in a daze for a moment, then gently closed the door and left.

Wei Qing recognized her at a glance; his eyes were remarkably sharp, capable of seeing through countless disguises and revealing one's true form. He called out to Zhou, who was about to leave: "Bring me a glass of 'Dynasty'." Zhou was taken aback; she had been working here for quite some time and had never heard of a drink called 'Dynasty'. However, she respectfully replied affirmatively and walked towards the bar

She was taken aback and hurriedly ran to Aqi, asking, "Aqi, what happened? Why is the bar not open?" Aqi smiled and replied, "Nothing happened! Someone has booked the bar, so we have to suspend operations." Zhou raised an eyebrow and exclaimed, "Who is so arrogant and wealthy?" To be able to make General Manager Sheng drive away the fortune bringer at the door, this person must have an extraordinary identity. They booked the entire bar upon arrival, and their demeanor can be described as arrogant and overbearing. Aqi led a few male waiters outside, not looking back as he said, "There are plenty of wealthy people! You haven't seen anything arrogant yet!"

Zhou carefully picked a book and placed it into her bag, saying: "I will return it to you this Sunday evening. Will you be at the studio?" Zhang Shuai nodded and replied: "Don't you want the others?"

Zhou was almost done with most of the work and asked, "How long did you take to paint this?" Zhang Shuai thought for a moment and replied, "About half a month, I suppose." Zhou set up her easel and began mixing colors, saying, "That's quite fast." It was too late for her to paint in oil, so she could only start with a watercolor painting.

Someone entered, and Zhou smiled: "Zhang Shuai, is this your oil painting? It's been a whole summer since we last met, and your skills have improved!" The use of color is very pleasing, and the handling of light and shadow is also excellent. Zhang Shuai is of medium height, with a broad forehead and a square face. His eyes are bright and expressive, unlike other boys who sport noticeable long hair; his crew cut looks very spirited, complemented by a pair of trendy black-framed glasses, keeping up with the fashion. Although he spends all day working with paint and colors, he always appears very clean.

Zhou recalled the students from his school's performing arts department. In the parking lot in front of the teaching building, luxury cars were basically the ones coming to pick up these models. The cars driven by the teachers were mostly ordinary vehicles like Volkswagen and Toyota.

Wei Qing recalled that award ceremony, where he sat high on the podium, with every seat occupied. As the ceremony was about to begin, a girl walked from the last row to the front row with her head down, feeling extremely awkward. Dressed in a wrinkled white shirt, with her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, she had sweat stains under her arms. All eyes in the room were on her as she feigned calmness while sitting down, waiting for others to be distracted before desperately pulling out a tissue to wipe away her sweat

Those people kept playing until 3 a.m. before leaving, while Zhou was already so tired that she could hardly keep her eyes open. As usual, she curled up on the sofa in the lounge for the night. At this time, returning to school was not impossible, but it would result in a demerit. She usually took a nap at the bar and waited until the dormitory door opened before going back to sleep soundly.

In fact, they have met more often than they themselves realize. Their first meeting also took place at the school gate, where he impatiently honked the horn while Zhou whistled at the luxury cars passing by. However, they do not remember it themselves.

Mr. Sheng followed his gaze, raised an eyebrow, and smiled knowingly, "That is our bar's waitress, her name is Xixi"

Zhou was tidying up the studio, dealing with the scattered supplies, and the paints and brushes were in a state of disarray. She noticed a thick stack of books on the podium related to art, including those for art appreciation, creative theory, and a collection of 19th-century Russian works, all original editions and quite expensive. One painting was priced at 500 pounds, which was truly astonishing. Zhou found it hard to put down the book she was flipping through.

The ceremony concluded, and I saw her at the school gate, playfully tugging at her little boyfriend, appearing very affectionate. I never expected to meet her here again. Having seen each other so many times in such a short period, it can certainly be considered fate

Wei Qing exclaimed, "Oh," and asked, "Xixi?"

A group of people danced in the dance floor, no longer so busy, while Zhou hid at the back, chatting idly with others. "The women who came to have fun all seem to have a good temperament, especially that one with long hair, she looks like a refined young lady," Zhou commented on the women in the dance floor.

After two days of hard work, I finally submitted the assignment before twelve o'clock on Monday morning. I let out a huge sigh of relief, and life became carefree again. For students in the Fine Arts department, life is always carefree when there are no assignments.

She works as a waitress in this bar, helping out every weekend, and is required to work until 4 AM. The pay is not as much as one might imagine; after all, she is merely a waitress, earning money through labor. Therefore, some waitresses also drink and chat with customers, earning commissions from it. If both parties are willing, other matters are not unheard of. Once night falls, this place transforms into an entirely different world, starkly contrasting with the day. Thus, some waitresses also drink and chat with customers, earning commissions from it. If both parties are willing, other matters are not unheard of. Once night falls, this place transforms into an entirely different world, starkly contrasting with the day.

Zhou is smiling: "Borrow after reading. What is borrowed must be returned, borrowing again is not difficult." Zhou is afraid of dirtying the album, so every time before flipping through it, he must wash his hands, being very careful.

Upon moving to the back, I opened it and was taken aback; it was actually a diamond-studded necklace, sparkling under the light, truly beautiful. She had seen jewelry of this brand in a jewelry store before, and it must be worth hundreds of thousands. Feeling anxious, I wondered if he had mistakenly given the wrong tip; his generosity was indeed extravagant! In a moment of unease, I kept thinking about whether I should return it. Such a valuable item, if accepted carelessly, could it lead to trouble? Feeling anxious, I wondered if he had mistakenly given the wrong tip; his generosity was indeed extravagant! In a moment of unease, I kept thinking about whether I should return it. Such a valuable item, if accepted carelessly, could it lead to trouble?

Zhou was taken aback, "Oh, really? They are all university students? Then who are these men?"

Zhou turned her head to take a look. The person was dressed casually, with a white shirt loosely unbuttoned, legs crossed, reclining on the sofa, hair tousled in a stylish way, fingers tapping on the table intentionally or unintentionally, exuding an air of relaxation and ease. She found him familiar but couldn't recall who he was for a moment, thinking he might be some television star, reflecting that handsome men all look somewhat alike, so she decided not to dwell on it any longer and turned to leave.

Those in the know said on the side: "These women are all university students"

Guests gradually arrived, with some men and women sitting in dim corners, indulging in intimate embraces. Zhou carried the drinks over according to the order, trying to keep his upper body straight while bending his knees, placing the drinks and utensils on the table. A man, who was engrossed in sweet nothings with his female companion, looked up and casually tossed her a few bills as a tip, which she accepted with ease. Here, there are rules of survival.

Zhou asked Liu Nuo, who was on the upper bunk: "Has the teacher assigned any homework these days?" Liu Nuo was responsible for collecting the girls' homework and had a decent relationship with her. Liu Nuo, with a cigarette in her mouth, quickly typed on the keyboard, "Oh, the teacher is urging us to submit the summer vacation writing assignment, which is due next week"

She walked to the back, opened her locker, and applied makeup in front of the mirror. Gently patting on foundation, she brushed blush delicately downwards, making her small face appear even more defined; the eyeshadow was in bright colors, shimmering under the lights, and her eyelashes were long and curled, resembling the wings of a butterfly, fluttering. Her eyes were dark and bright, seemingly filled with unspoken emotions. She winked at the mirror with a smile, her posture enchanting. She changed into the bar uniform, with a very low neckline, a skirt that barely reached her thighs, and high heels that were sharp and slender. Here, everyone dressed like this.

Before 10 o'clock, dozens of people surged in, both men and women, with cheerful laughter and conversation. Among them, one person walked at the front, holding the arm of a stunning beauty, exuding an unspoken regal aura; he was the emperor of tonight's "Dynasty".

Zhou stuck out her tongue and carefully brought over the amber-colored liquid. Wei Qing raised an eyebrow at her and placed an exquisite small box on the tray. Zhou was puzzled and asked, "Sir, may I ask what this is—" Wei Qing lazily replied, "A tip." Zhou had never received such a special tip before; she dared not defy the emperor's decree and could only say, "Thank you," before bowing and retreating.

Zhou still did not believe it, saying: "There can't be all university students, right? There are certainly one or two who are just out having fun with friends."

That person shrugged: "It is someone who is powerful, influential, and wealthy!"

Before heading to the studio, first detour to the teaching building to retrieve the large and small bags. Given the urgency of the situation this time, it seems I must work through the night. These snacks are just right for a late-night meal

It is not that Zhou has a poor memory, but rather that Wei Qing's image has changed so drastically that she cannot associate him with the serious and unsmiling Wei Qing from the award ceremony

Zhou suddenly remembered, "I almost forgot! Fortunately, you reminded me." She took the key to the studio and casually grabbed a coat before heading out. There are only two days left, and time is tight. For those of us studying art, there is no such thing as a final exam; grades are based entirely on regular assignments. Therefore, Zhou places great importance on her assignments and never takes them lightly.

Mr. Sheng raised his glass and drank it all in one go, saying, "Yes, Xixi." He then stood up and laughed, saying, "Wei Shao, enjoy yourself to the fullest."

After thinking for a long time, I realize that such a person is very concerned about their reputation. It is probably not feasible to return it to them in person. I will wait and see how things develop for now. Although there is a slight hope for unexpected fortune, I still have a vague feeling that it is not that simple. Therefore, I will keep it to myself and refrain from taking any rash actions, responding to changes with stability.

In the time that followed, she did not encounter Wei Qing directly. The music played, and the elegantly dressed men and women linked arms as they descended from the stage. Mr. Sheng sat down beside them and smiled, saying, "Wei Shao, is there something on your mind?" Wei Qing, swirling the wine glass in his hand, casually asked, "Who is that person?"

Zhou placed a glass of fruit wine on the table, and the girl softly and politely said thank you. She hurriedly replied, "No need to thank me." This girl had long hair that cascaded down to her waist, flowing like a waterfall, dark and shiny. Her face was as small as a palm, with exquisite features; her lips resembled cherries, her skin was whiter than snow, and she appeared as if made of fine jade. Even though Zhou was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, he could not help but marvel at her exceptional beauty. Observing her serene demeanor and quiet presence, she did not seem like someone who frequented bars, prompting him to steal a few more glances. Even though Zhou was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, he could not help but marvel at her exceptional beauty. Observing her serene demeanor and quiet presence, she did not seem like someone who frequented bars, prompting him to steal a few more glances.

In less than a moment, the bar suddenly emptied, the music ceased, and silence enveloped the space, resembling not a bar but rather a study room. Zhou was sitting at the bar chatting with Aqi: "When will the emperor of our 'Dynasty' arrive tonight?" Aqi laughed: "You will get to see his holy visage."

The two people sat in silence as time flew by. Zhang Shuai glanced at the clock; it was nearly midnight, and the dormitory would soon be closing. He asked, "Are you planning to stay up all night?" Zhou, who was at a critical point in his drawing, replied without looking up, "Yes, I haven't even started my sketching assignment yet."

Returning to the long-lost dormitory, as soon as the door opened, a thick haze filled the room, creating a stifling atmosphere. The other three roommates were puffing smoke at their computers, indulging in a dissolute and decadent lifestyle. Zhou remained unfazed, opening the window wide, as the wind rushed in, yet the smell of smoke lingered for a long time. Those who study art are often expressive of their individuality, following their own paths, and are generally indifferent to the affairs of others, remaining uninformed and unconcerned. Most people adhere to the principle of "if one does not offend me, I will not offend them; if one offends me, I will certainly retaliate." Zhou had not returned for two weeks, and no one bothered to ask about him.

On a weekend night, the stars shone brightly, and the atmosphere was filled with vibrant lights and lively music. Zhou entered the yet-to-open "Dynasty" bar with a backpack slung over her shoulder. As soon as the bartender Aqi saw her, he called out, "Xixi, you arrived just in time, quickly help me move these bottles to the bar counter." She agreed, tossed her backpack aside, and rolled up her sleeves to assist. Aqi nodded, "Alright, it's almost time to open, you should hurry and change your clothes."

The lights in the art studio were surprisingly on. Their painting did not resemble that of students from a science and engineering background; basically, no one would come here to study. Pushing open the door, a strong smell of ink rushed towards me, yet there was no one inside. In the center of the studio stood an easel, upon which rested an unfinished landscape oil painting. The sky was vast and the wilderness boundless, the wind blowing low over the grass, a sea of green before my eyes, with scattered white flowers dotting the scene, creating a captivating view. In the corner, a photograph was stuck, indicating that someone was painting the oil painting based on this photograph. In the center of the studio stood an easel, upon which rested an unfinished landscape oil painting. The sky was vast and the wilderness boundless, the wind blowing low over the grass, a sea of green before my eyes, with scattered white flowers dotting the scene, creating a captivating view. In the corner, a photograph was stuck, indicating that someone was painting the oil painting based on this photograph.

The next close encounter took place on the awards podium. She stood among all the award recipients, exceptionally eye-catching and the focal point of the entire audience. Her soft short hair was neatly styled, her features were exquisite, her skin translucent, with a delicate nose and a smile playing at the corners of her lips, yet it did not reach her eyes. Her eyebrows were thick and straight, reflecting a bold and unruly character. Her frame was extremely slender, barely filling a hand, and when shaking hands with her, it felt as if there were no bones, like a clear spring flowing through the palm.

Mr. Sheng hurriedly approached to personally greet the guests. As the music played and the lights dazzled, the atmosphere among the crowd instantly elevated. Bottles of fine wine were continuously brought forth, and those individuals seemed to drink as if it were water