Guo Jingyu went on a training session right in the heart of the capital.
Teacher Jin escorted them to the collaborative art studio at this location. After handing them over to the subject-specific instructor, she went back to school. Her responsibility lay with the school assignments, and she took the opportunity to connect with the people here. She didn’t stay to accompany the students.
On this side of the capital’s art studio, there is a teacher specifically responsible for the students’ daily life, along with instructors for the professional courses. When people like Guo Jingyu arrived, they all gathered in a large classroom to learn drawing. It wasn’t clear whether students from the Art Class of Chengnan Yi Zong and some from other schools were present. The entire room was filled only with the sound of brushes on canvas. Even if there were occasional whispers among classmates, they quickly blended into the tense atmosphere.
Training expenses for the off-campus program were expensive, costing about two thousand yuan per month, which was basically the entire family’s income at that time.
One could easily imagine the pressure on art students that time.
Guo Jingyu scanned the surroundings, feeling a little nostalgic.
In the past, he had dreamt a few times about returning to the simple days in the art studio, where he painted day and night. Each improvement came with sweat. The comforting sensation of steadily improving while doing what he was good at.
On the first morning, the specialized teachers arrived to demonstrate a model drawing for them.
A towering figure, standing at around one meter eighty, entered the room. He was tall and lean, with hardly a trace of flesh. He wore black-framed glasses and spoke with a hint of a hometown accent. He gives off a very kind aura. Spotting some new faces in the art studio, he greets everyone with a smile, “We have some new students again, huh? Let’s do introductions. My surname is Cao, and my name is Cao Fu, just call me Lao Cao. I’m from Tianmei. Let’s exchange ideas and help each other out. If you have any concerns in our field, feel free to speak up.”
His popularity was quite good, and many students responded warmly.
Guo Jingyu couldn’t help but smile upon seeing him. It had been many years since he last saw Lao Cao.
At that time, Guo Jingyu secured the top spot in the modeling professional course and entered the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Lao Cao followed closely the next year, also passing the entrance exam for postgraduate studies there. The two became senior and junior brothers. But Lao Cao had set his heart on becoming a disciple of Master Zhong. Unfortunately, the elderly master, who was old and had limited energy, stopped taking in students. This became a regret for Lao Cao.
During that time, Lao Cao often used any excuse to visit Guo Jingyu. He would tag along to Master Zhong’s classes, being extremely attentive.
Later, when Guo Jingyu managed an art gallery, Master Zhong didn’t say much. Surprisingly, it was Lao Cao who appeared deeply distressed. Every time he saw Guo Jingyu, he would lament, “How can you be ashamed of Master Zhong’s cultivation! Do you understand art, do you understand the essence of painting!”
Lao Cao, a guy who devoted himself to the study of art for many years, expressed his grievances while handing over some of his own paintings.
In short, Lao Cao was a friend with a simple and earnest disposition, oblivious to the outside world, with his heart set purely on art.
Now, Lao Cao appeared much younger. He gives off a scholarly air from years spent in an ivory tower. Sitting in front, he demonstrated a model drawing for everyone. He was already used to teaching in the art studio, he painted while saying, “Gather around, take a closer look. Shorter ones, squat in the front, taller classmates stand at the back, make room for each other… Look at the way I hold the brush, did you all see? I noticed many of you were gripping the brush yesterday, that won’t do. Hold it horizontally, and the lines will come out better. Also, for the shading here, you can use gray, but it shouldn’t be muddy. The lines need to be more transparent.”
Lao Cao spoke seriously and meticulously, not withholding any small techniques. “When you want to highlight, if you’re not good with an eraser, use a steamed bun instead.”
“Teacher, can we really use steamed buns?”
“Why not? Everything is a tool. If it helps you paint well, it’s good. When I was studying at the art academy, I used to sit in the classroom every day, immersed in drawing. I brought a few steamed buns and a bottle of water. When hungry, I’d eat the buns. The leftover dry buns could even serve as an eraser. Quite handy!” Lao Cao casually replied with a smile.
His drawings really showcased a solid foundation built over many years.
Lao Cao slowed down his pace, seriously completing a drawing while explaining. Afterward, he had the students start copying from the sketchbooks.
Wandering around the art studio, he advised, “Pay attention to the time when you’re drawing. During our professional exams, the time for sketching is three hours. Some of you need to get a move on, no dilly-dallying.”
Hearing this, a student who had initially started with casual strokes immediately got a fright and began to focus, seriously working on the framework.
Sitting at his desk, Guo Jingyu cracked his wrist and got to work.
Although he wasn’t acquainted with Lao Cao yet, he was confident that, in just two hours, Lao Cao would naturally strike up a conversation with him.
Meanwhile, back at Chengnan Yi Zong.
Li Tongzhou received a mathematical modeling competition application form in the teacher’s office.
“This preliminary competition is divided into independent topics and assigned topics and would last a total of four days. I’ve already briefed you on the competition requirements. Now, it’s about team allocation, and I need you to think about it seriously.” The teacher in charge was familiar with Li Tongzhou. He was quite satisfied with this top-performing student. But they also cautiously reminded him, “For this competition, all team members must come from the same school. Each team cannot exceed four people. When you go back, think about suitable candidates. The school is considering having you lead the team, so try to find classmates you’ve cooperated well with in the past.”
Li Tongzhou lowered his head and glanced at the list, pointing to the first name, Song Zhuoran.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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After finalizing things with Li Tongzhou, the teacher sent him off and quickly called Song Zhuoran over.
Monitor Song was particularly enthusiastic. His eyes lit up at the mention of the competition, and they shone even brighter when he heard it would take place in the capital. He patted his chest and assured, “Teacher, rest assured. I’ll work hard with my classmates and definitely bring back the trophy for the school!”
The responsible teacher smiled and said, “Li Tongzhou is strong in mathematics and computer science, but he lacks a bit in communication with classmates. When you go, make sure to take care of him. By the way, do you have any students who are particularly skilled in writing papers?”
Song Zhuoran quickly rattled off seven or eight names, many more than Li Tongzhou knew.
The teacher nodded repeatedly, feeling relieved.
In his mind, Li Tongzhou belonged to the type of student who lived in an ivory tower, deeply engrossed in research. He possessed formidable professional skills but had a fatal flaw. Such individuals were too immersed in their own world and are not good at communicating with the outside world. Take Li Tongzhou, for instance—unless someone actively called him over and asked a few questions, you wouldn’t hear him utter a single word at school all day.
Feeling a little bit pity, the teacher seriously advised Song Zhuoran, “Li Tongzhou is too honest. You must take good care of him outside.”
Song Zhuoran had watched several basketball games and had even spent time with the school basketball team. When he made the promise, doubts started creeping into his mind. Why did he feel like Li Tongzhou didn’t seem so harmless? During those days when he volunteered to practice with the school basketball team, although Li Tongzhou was silent, he still actively intercepted his passes.
Just as the model student Li Tongzhou left the office, he was on the verge of making a mistake. He sneakily brought out his phone and started texting Guo Jingyu.
The first message was straightforward, asking, “What are you up to?”
The next day, he answered his own question, “You must be busy with your drawing. Take care.”
After sending the messages, he stared at his phone for a while but didn’t receive a reply.
The bell for assembly rang outside the door, and Li Tongzhou waited until the bell subsided, making sure no text messages had arrived. Only then did he come out from the restroom cubicle and return to the classroom.
In the capital, inside the art studio.
Lao Cao was chatting enthusiastically with Guo Jingyu. Unlike regular teachers in the school, these specialized teachers, most of whom were art academy students working part-time. They blended seamlessly with the kids. They treated them like friends, with no distinctions or many rules.
Lao Cao sat there, praising Guo Jingyu without restraint as he patted his shoulder. His eyes gleamed with excitement. As art studio instructors, their work was tied to the college entrance exam. If a few exceptionally talented students excelled in the professional courses each year, the studio would attract more students in the following year. Then, doubling the income was not an issue.
Lao Cao treated Guo Jingyu with special attention, even coming directly to invite him to dinner that evening. There was a clear intention for an intimate, heart-to-heart conversation, as if afraid the excellent student might slip away.
Back in the day, Guo Jingyu also experienced such warm conversations with Lao Cao, but it was about two or three months later. His skills in color surpassed that of the sketching majors. At that time, Lao Cao was genuinely kind to him, pulling out all the stops to hone his skills. Within a year, Guo Jingyu had a breakthrough in his skills.
Lao Cao had a singular goal. To enter one of the top art academies in Asia. During his years at Tianmei, he diligently practiced, never neglecting his fundamentals for a single day. He really had a good grasp of his craft. Guo Jingyu, with his outstanding achievements back then, was closely connected to Lao Cao. After all, not everyone persistently pursued that path day in and day out, sharpening their skills, dreaming of making a breakthrough into the Central Academy of Fine Arts’ modeling department.
But Lao Cao didn’t expect that his own student would enroll in the prestigious academy before him, even apprenticing under Master Zhong.
That evening, Lao Cao didn’t forget about Guo Jingyu. He took him out for dinner with the other art studio teachers.
Lao Cao was determined to strengthen their relationship and introduced Guo Jingyu, “This is our new student in the art studio, Guo Jingyu. Everyone, please take good care of him. This young student has a talent for drawing. I think he has the potential to make a run for an art academy.”
Lao Cao deliberately didn’t specify which of the eight major art academies he meant.
Sitting diagonally across was a short male teacher sipping his beer. After hearing that, he glanced up at Guo Jingyu. He chuckled and remarked, “Oh, Lao Cao, you make it sound like our art academy is not worth much. Every year, countless people aspire to enter, but only a handful can actually make it.”
Lao Cao replied, “He’s different. I’ve checked him out, and his skills are exceptionally solid. If you don’t believe me, take a look tomorrow.”
That person deliberately found fault and said, “A repeater, huh? Those are the most troublesome. They can’t seem to shake off their old habits no matter how you teach them. I prefer students who’ve just arrived, like blank sheets of paper. They progress quickly.”
Lao Cao was about to reply, but Guo Jingyu set down his drink cup with a crisp “snap” on the table.
The person was startled, glared at Guo Jingyu discontentedly, and said, “What’s wrong with students nowadays!”
Guo Jingyu chuckled, “Teacher, what’s your surname?”
“Surname Wu, call me Wu Shuyou.”
“Teacher Wu, why do you have a problem with repeaters? We’re all driven by a passion for art, dedicating ourselves year after year to hard work. What’s wrong with repeaters? They invest time and effort. I don’t think it’s quite appropriate for you to say that.” Guo Jingyu gestured towards Lao Cao, providing an example on the spot, “Take Lao Cao, for instance!”
Wu Shuyou: “…” He completely forgot that Lao Cao was also a repeater.
Meanwhile, Lao Cao, sitting there, was a bit uncomfortable, looking at Wu Shuyou dissarisfied, “There’s nothing shameful about repeating a year. Don’t bring it up in the future.”
Wu Shuyou stammered, “Cao ge, I wasn’t talking about you.”
Guo Jingyu waved his hand, “Lao Cao repeated two years and got into the art academy. He’s our best example!”
Wu Shuyou was indignant, “How can you compare yourself to Lao Cao? How many years did you repeat?”
“I graduated on time.”
“…”
Guo Jingyu grinned and asked, “Does Teacher Wu teach color theory?”
Wu Shuyou replied with a cold expression, “Yes, what’s the matter?”
Guo Jingyu became even more certain in his heart. When he was dragged by Lao Cao for sketching practice back then, watercolor was his strong suit. Lao Cao was meticulous and personally supervised the training. During that time, he painted without restraint, had minimal interaction with other teachers, and only later heard from fellow students that Wu Shuyou, who taught color theory, had mediocre painting skills. Moreover, Wu Shuyou got involved in a romantic relationship with a female student in the same art studio, leading to a public scandal that ended with the student’s parents storming in, causing quite a scene.
Lao Cao had to compensate a considerable amount of money for this incident and severed ties with Wu Shuyou completely. If it weren’t for Guo Jingyu’s top-notch performance in the professional exams, Lao Cao’s art studio might have faced closure.
Wu Shuyou displayed an air of arrogance, and the dinner left everyone feeling uneasy. He wasn’t just targeting Lao Cao. He had nothing good to say about others either.
Guo Jingyu couldn’t be bothered to pay him any mind. He had encountered plenty of such individuals, particularly in Songzhuang’s artist village, where everyone considered themselves contemporary artists. Even those with some talent held this mindset. Wu Shuyou wouldn’t get any attention even if he were thrown into Songzhuang.
Guo Jingyu took out his phone and began replying to messages.
His little boyfriend sent three messages today, all with very standard greetings.
Guo Jingyu’s heart softened when he saw them. With a smile playing on his lips, he replied to the messages while reading over Li Tongzhou’s words two or three times in his mind, scrutinizing every punctuation mark.
Soon after, Li Tongzhou sent another message: “I’ll be going to Beijing next week for a competition. Can I come see you?”
Guo Jingyu’s heart soared, and he immediately replied, “Sure!” After sending the message, he followed up with a series of dancing emojis. He was so happy.
On Li Tongzhou’s end, he sent an emoji of a little figure reaching out for a hug.
Guo Jingyu looked at it for a while, wishing he could fly to Li Tongzhou’s side and give him a real hug.
When he went back in the evening, Guo Jingyu chatted with Lao Cao all the way and said to him, “Lao Cao, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Lao Cao smiled and said, “No need to be so formal. I’m only a few years older than you. Just call me Cao Ge.”
“Cao Ge, what do you think of my sketching?”
“Very good!”
“To be honest, I’m even better with colors. Whether it’s watercolor, gouache, or oil painting, I can handle any of them well. In the art studio, pick anyone, be it a teacher or a student, and I won’t fall short compared to them.” Guo Jingyu was straightforward without being polite. “I’m not boasting. I want to be a substitute teacher in your art studio.”
Lao Cao sobered up from his bit of beer when the wind blew. He looked at Guo Jingyu blankly. “Substitute teacher?”
Guo Jingyu nodded. “I really may have a bit of talent. How about you test me tomorrow? I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”
Lao Cao was skeptical. He did find Guo Jingyu not quite like a recent graduate. His foundation was too solid, and there was an indescribable sense of familiarity.
The next day, after finishing with the other students, Lao Cao really called Guo Jingyu to his small studio and asked him to paint a watercolor.
Lao Cao thought about it. He had encountered many arrogant individuals in the art institute. After all, those studying the arts tended to think highly of themselves. Usually, such individuals had not experienced the harsh realities of society.
Lao Cao wanted to teach a lesson to this new student.
But he never expected that the new student only painted half of it, and he stood there dumbfounded.
It’s not that it was exceptionally good, but the approach was too exam-oriented, especially the adept use of advanced grays. The whole painting felt like it elevated a notch compared to the others in the studio. Not to mention Wu Shuyou, it was even on par with him. It was as if the painting touched his preferences, reaching into every corner of his heart.
Lao Cao stood behind him in silence for a while. Finally, he praised with a single word, “Good.”
Guo Jingyu thought to himself, “Well, no kidding.”
His foundation was laid by Lao Cao, and he received special guidance from Master Zhong. What he did was just a bit of watercolor, following the exam-oriented style. If he switched to something else, even the current Lao Cao might need to grab a small stool and sit in the back to watch. Maybe his foundation wasn’t as solid as Lao Cao’s, but with all these years of experience, he could undoubtedly outshine by a mile.
Guo Jingyu also looked at this watercolor still life under his hand. Truth be told, he wasn’t entirely satisfied. After all, it had been quite some time since he last touched the brush, and he felt a bit rusty. But as a reference painting in the studio, it was still quite impressive.
As Lao Cao praised him, Guo Jingyu automatically switched gears, feeling like this guy was completely praising him, and he couldn’t help but be happy for a long time.
In the studio, where Lao Cao had quite a number of students and more would come in time, he looked at Guo Jingyu’s solid professional foundation, highly satisfied. Without much nonsense, Lao Cao nodded and asked, “Jingyu, tell me, any conditions you don’t agree with?”
Guo Jingyu replied, “Salary is fine, and I’d like to teach three days a week here. I’d like to arrange the rest of my time on my own, alright?”
Lao Cao thought for a moment and nodded, “Alright, it’s settled!”
They discussed the specific schedule, and Lao Cao suggested that Guo Jingyu practice in the studio for a few days before officially starting to substitute next week. Guo Jingyu thought for a moment and said, “I have something to do next Friday and need to go out for a bit.”
Lao Cao looked a bit concerned, “You’re going out alone? How about informing the dormitory supervisor? If anything happens, it would be easier to explain to the parents.”
Guo Jingyu smiled, “Don’t worry, my classmate is coming over, just hanging out nearby, not going far.”
Lao Cao, still concerned, asked, “Is it a male classmate or a female classmate?”
Guo Jingyu replied calmly, “A male classmate, my childhood friend, here to participate in a math competition, much more talented than me.”
Back in the day, Lao Cao returned to school because he knelt under the weight of academic subjects, especially mathematics. There were not many art students with strong math skills. After hearing this, his concerns were immediately dispelled. Listening to Guo Jingyu boast about being a top student obliterated the last trace of worry.
Can top students make mistakes? That’s absolutely impossible.
The author has something to say: A Small theater:
N Years ago:
Lao Cao directed Guo Jingyu in drawing, standing behind to observe.
Self-appreciating Lao Cao: “As expected of me, he is awesome.”
Guo Jingyu, sitting there right after finishing the drawing: “…”
Small Theater 2:
About Teacher Cao’s School:
Next door, a post-2000 Tang Jinyu: Ah, I know, is Teacher Cao the ‘TiMi’ one?
Teacher Cao: No! It’s Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts!!
Teacher Cao shed tears of the era.
K’s small theater:
School Teacher: Li Tongzhou is such a model student! Smart but naive take care of him Monitor Zong
LTZ: *Will break any rule for Guo Jingyu*
Probably GJY in the back: *Dancing happily with roses on the background*
I miss their interactions aaaaaa I want my couple back together 🥺
Thid is that kind of a ni el where I want the main couple to live in their own bubble, unbothered by their families and duties…just the two of them 🥺
geez, I wish there was an edit button…* This is that kind of a novel where…*