Chapter 001: Higashino Keigo

The variously shaped paintings placed on the ground gave Ai Sheng Mizi the only impression of being 'beautiful'

Two or three young girls dressed in light blue and white high school uniforms are gathered together, excitedly chattering and discussing.

The depicted character, Ai Shengmi, has short hair and is dressed in a sailor uniform with a dark blue mid-length skirt. Her eyes carry an enduring hint of pride, making her appear vivid and lively, as if her gaze looks down upon others.

The old captain has arrived

Most of these paintings are stamped, with his name in the lower right corner

After much contemplation, she finally tightened the opening of her small wallet and said, "Could I trouble Mr. Dongye to draw a picture for me?"

The boy pointed at by my companion is likely a street artist, who is currently intently focused on the blank canvas in front of him. His wrist moves swiftly and decisively, and his brushwork is remarkably steady, evoking a pleasing sensation.

He paused and said, "Are you willing to listen?"

This completely disregards what she herself said, "What do you take my love for?"

Unlike the works created by the art teacher at school, the paintings under the hand of Higashino Seiji carry an indescribable quality

Hello, may I ask what you are doing

With just a few strokes, Ai Shengmi Zi felt as if another version of herself, cunning and slightly proud, was already smiling and watching her from within the painting

Among them, two or three female university students are preparing to pay Dongye Si to help with drawing

How is it possible to like someone just by meeting them? What do you take my love for?

After all, this way is faster and more convenient for making money

But for some reason, looking at this sketch, the pressure that had been building up inside me has inexplicably dissipated significantly

Although Mingming was already tired of hearing the same words, they still made her heart race. She blushed and responded with a soft "mm".

She displayed a look of playful reproach, yet in her heart, she felt a growing sense of closeness towards this boy she had just met

Painting is a falsehood; engaging in a multi-billion dollar business deal with him in the evening is what truly matters

However, even when refusing, Higashino Keigo manages it particularly well, neither being overly familiar nor excessively distant, and throughout the conversation, he maintains a smile while engaging in dialogue

Miss, may I ask what is the matter

Generally speaking, this type of street portrait drawing typically involves creating a portrait of your face—at most, it may extend to the upper body.

Aisheng Mizi is the most beautiful girl among them, appearing sunny and lovely; just a smile from her is sure to win over anyone.

Aisheng Mizi originally thought it was just a cliché love line, but unexpectedly, the other party suddenly uttered such a statement.

Wow... so you came out to paint, did you?" Aisheng Mizi exclaimed in surprise, responding with a question.

It seems that the artworks created by the school's art teachers are not as beautiful as those produced by this boy

Ah?

She is a recent graduate, and every day she not only has to deal with assignments but also needs to find time to attend tutoring classes, which puts a lot of pressure on her

Tsuji Hiroshi took the drawing board off the easel and laid out a new sheet of paper: "I wonder what the young lady wants me to draw?"

"It's nothing, no need for a background," Aisheng Mizi hurriedly said.

What happens next

One can discern the meaning behind Higashino Keigo's words, as if one could still specify the content oneself

Hmm, it's about right, but I'm a bit worried...'' Higashino seemed a little hesitant

How is it going

Then he added, "It is indeed true that I sell paintings"

Can specific content still be designated

Aisheng Mizi was once again taken aback, albeit slightly.

At his feet are various types of artworks, including oil paintings, pen sketches, as well as traditional Japanese ukiyo-e hand-painted works, and even Chinese ink wash paintings—however, the majority are pencil sketches

Aisheng Mizi's face flushed, and she was at a loss for words for a long time.

So romantic

Indeed, it is the same face, but the way it is depicted under the hand of Higashino Keigo makes it look as if it has been enhanced with special effects, so beautiful that the several female university students watching nearby cannot help but exclaim in admiration

"Miss, you are so beautiful that I worry I won't be able to capture that youthful and radiant feeling in my painting"

No. The boy smiled and waved his hand, saying, "I just want to say, this might be what boys refer to as bragging."

Aisheng Mizi also realized that she had misspoken. She waved her hand in panic and couldn't help but say: "I'm sorry, that... I..."

This unexpected greeting caught Ai Shengmi off guard, causing her heart to race a few beats due to that pure smile

Alright, Higashino-kun

It is clearly unnecessary to ask this question, as the other party can tell at a glance that one is painting

Look, that young man over there who is painting is quite handsome. Mi Zi, why don't you go over and ask for his phone number

This sense of confidence is particularly striking in a crowd

His smile is particularly charming, evoking a feeling akin to a gentle spring breeze

Beneath the boy's feet is a wooden board, on which words are neatly inscribed

She eagerly approached the easel, wanting to see how Higashino had painted.

However, if it were someone as exceptionally attractive as Higashino Keigo, the effect would be entirely different

Could you please draw a full-body sketch for me

After finishing the painting, Higashino Tsukasa made room for Aiko Namiko.

She found herself unable to look away after a while, and only after some time did she let out a heartfelt sigh

Alright, Miss Mi Zi. Please come over and take a look; I can make timely corrections if there are any shortcomings.

Aisheng Mizi has elevated the form of address by one level in the recent communication, now able to use the suffix 'jun' in the title.

A painting for 5000 yuan

I understand. "Higashino Keigo nodded with a smile.

The handsome and delicate young man who was painting suddenly revealed a smiling face from behind the drawing board, and while smiling, he nodded at her and said, "Hello"

When it is almost one or two meters close to the 'target'

Higashino Keigo

The companion beside her giggled and stirred Aisheng Mizi's emotions.

Aisheng Mizi simply gazed at the painting, and an indescribable feeling of happiness and tranquility surged within her heart

Aisheng Mizi was somewhat unconvinced and retorted to the other party, but her eyes instinctively glanced in the direction pointed out by her companion

Aisheng Mizi stared blankly for a while, until her friend came over and managed to wake her up

Shibuya Station is bustling with people coming and going

She greeted softly with a flushed face, and the peacock-like pride inexplicably faded away

but it is too beautiful

The other party has a healthy fair complexion, short hair that slightly curls inward at the tips, and a delicate face with deep-set features. Their eyes are gentle and clear

This is just a common compliment that Aisheng Mizi hears from boys in the same grade every day

Aisheng Mizi murmured to herself

She does not understand any painting techniques, nor does she comprehend the concept of negative space, or the nuances of light and shadow; she knows nothing at all, but simply finds it visually appealing based on her intuition

These Japanese female university students who are out for fun are very likely attracted to his face

He seems to possess an innate charm, and he is also witty and talkative, easily attracting many women with just a smile

Even Aisheng Mizi was bewildered

He is truly handsome

Shouldn't the benefits stay within one's own field?

She looked at the neatly arranged paintings on the ground and thought that it would not be a problem to buy them and hang them up

In 2003, at the streets of Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan

Beside her, a little friend was encouraging Aisheng Miko with a cheerful smile

From a distance, it looks as if he is standing on several boats without capsizing.

Even Higashino Keigo smiled and declined

It is indeed a very standard sketch, and the face depicted is still my own face, round where it should be round, flat where it should be flat, with not much change. However, for some reason... it just looks good!

There is a girl who has pursued me for five years, but I rejected her confession twice

Go! Go! Mi Zi! The good water should not flow to outsiders' fields. Even if you have a boyfriend, several of us are still single.

Takahashi smiled again and said

This is not a small amount for her as a high school student

However, upon seeing this, she found it somewhat difficult to move her feet.

In order to support the girl, they sell paintings, two people relying on each other in Tokyo, this is rather romantic

At least during the time he was sketching, several female university students shopping in Shibuya came over to strike up a conversation.

Ah? Ai Shengmi Zi shifted her gaze from the small yellow notebook in her hand, still mumbling: "But I still have a boyfriend, are you asking me to get someone else's phone number? Does that make any sense?"

Worried? Ai Shengmi Zi expressed her confusion

Work is ultimately just work; he is not a gigolo, merely flirting with women is sufficient

However, apart from these, what attracts Aisheng Miko the most is the inexplicable sense of confidence she perceives from the other party

But 5000 yen

Perhaps it was the persuasive charm in the other person's voice that made Aisheng Mizi involuntarily nod in agreement

Perhaps you will take a glance at Mi Zi and instantly like her? She is truly beautiful, resembling a star from the movies

The most important thing is

"Sure. " Higashino smiled and added, "But I think you must be around high school age, right? 5000 yen is the adult price, which is a bit too expensive for you. Since you are so beautiful, I will charge you 2500 yen instead."

The young man seems to be lost in thought. "A few days ago, she said she missed me very much. I never expected that yesterday she actually flew all the way from Osaka to Tokyo to see me"

He lowered his head and asked a question, then directly got to work. With a flick of his wrist, his brush moved quickly and steadily, appearing extremely skilled. In just a few strokes, the overall outline of Ai Shengmi's figure had already come to life on the paper

She was both surprised and puzzled, and then she heard Higashino's somewhat concerned voice

Even among the crowd, a female photographer couldn't help but secretly press the shutter for this handsome and confident young man, her gaze not much different from that of a young man admiring a beautiful woman

The Japanese have always been rather indifferent towards the aspect of 'sex'; those women who actively engage and initiate conversations are typically seasoned individuals, likely having had numerous encounters with men.

"It's alright," the young man said with a polite smile, and then added, "Speaking of the topic of painting, it is quite a lengthy story."

Takahashi did not continue to provoke.

However, it may be due to the fact that "serious boys are particularly handsome," which adds to the allure, causing her gaze to be magnetically drawn and unable to look away

She can be considered an experienced player in the realm of romance! She believes that making the other person infatuated is not a problem

It is still relatively simple to interact with a high school girl like Aisheng Mizi, who knows nothing.

Aisheng Mizi thought of this name and found it very pleasant to pronounce

This is undoubtedly another jesting remark

eye corners, face shape, posture, movements

Aisheng Mizi found an excuse for herself, which allowed her to confidently stroll over with her shoulder bag, like a proud little peacock

Aisheng Mizi is a relatively pure high school girl, particularly fond of this clean and romantic love, and couldn't help but ask:

Aisheng Mizi lowered her head, appearing weak and easy to bully.

Full-body portrait? Is a background needed?

This time I did not refuse her, she cried, crying like a child. Perhaps this is ... ...

So beautiful.

It was only then that Ai Shengmi realized she had been teased by the other party

She has relatively rich romantic experience among her peers, but in front of Higashino Keigo, she is simply not on the same level, utterly defeated.

This cannot be considered as being fickle or cheating; at most, it is merely creating opportunities for a close friend

It is not unattractive

This reasoning barely allows her conscience to find peace

Being good-looking is indeed a privilege, 2500 yen is a price for exploitation, yet Aisheng Miko thrives on this approach

Of course, Aisheng Mizi does not understand painting techniques and has no interest in painting