Few days later, the classmates who came with Guo Jingyu were surprised to find that Old Cao had taken Guo Jingyu upstairs.
In the beginning, Fan Jiali, as the class monitor, went over to take a look. She was concerned that Guo Jingyu, who had just recently joined, might struggle to catch up. So, she hoped to lend a hand if there were any issues. But Fan Jiali quickly realized that she had misunderstood the situation. The pace of their studies upstairs was different. As they went through color application, Guo Jingyu was sitting in front of a few classmates, actively demonstrating painting techniques, while Old Cao stood nearby providing explanations.
Fan Jiali was curious and took a closer look. Having briefly been classmates with Guo Jingyu before the winter break, she knew he had a strong foundation. But back then, during sketching classes, she hadn’t noticed much. Now, with the shift to color application, the disparity became evident, instantly widening the gap.
The more she looked, the more complex her feelings became.
Guo Jingyu wasn’t here for remedial classes or secret tutoring. He had skipped a level, directly becoming a substitute teacher.
In the heart of the young girl, the initial tinge of jealousy couldn’t be denied. But as she observed for a while, that envy gradually faded. If there was just a slight gap, she could grit her teeth and catch up. But at this point, she found herself completely unable to bridge the distance. They were no longer on the same starting line.
Guo Jingyu worked swiftly with watercolor, smoothly applying the pigments. During a brief break, he stood up to grab a glass of water.
Old Cao stood nearby and explained the intricacies of art with the other students. He was highly satisfied with Guo Jingyu’s work. Their artistic approaches were practically in sync, to the point where sometimes Old Cao didn’t need many words. Guo Jingyu could seamlessly align his painting style with the guidance given.
Taking a moment by the sidelines, Guo Jingyu picked up a glass of purified water and took a sip.
Fan Jiali walked over and asked him in a hushed tone, “Guo Jingyu, aren’t you going down to work on the sketches?”
Guo Jingyu replied, “Not for the next couple of days. Once things settle here, I’ll join you guys for some quick sketches.” His quick sketches still needed improvement.
Fan Jiali nodded and observed him, then added, “Are you assisting Teacher Cao with demonstration paintings now?”
Guo Jingyu nodded and smiled, saying, “Yes, my major courses are going well. I talked to Teacher Cao and plan to have a more flexible schedule.”
Professional courses are different from general academic courses. Professional courses tested one’s innate talent. Just as some people effortlessly excelled in academics, there were those who, from the beginning, possessed an inherent comprehension of painting. A knack referred to in the industry as “enlightenment.” While others might exert considerable effort over a year or two, some individuals could simply stand by, observe for a while, nod, and say, “I get it.”
Guo Jingyu maneuvered and overtook all the classmates who had come to study together in a single graceful swoop.
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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Two weeks after Guo Jingyu took over the substitute teaching role, Li Tongzhou reached out to him.
It was a Friday morning when Li Tongzhou called, asking about his address. Guo Jingyu, still not fully awake, heard the voice on the other end and mumbled, “Li Tongzhou?”
A laugh came from the phone, “Yeah, who else did you think it could be?”
Guo Jingyu laughed as well, raising his hand to shield his eyes, trying to clear his mind a bit. He whispered, “I thought I was dreaming. I dreamt about you last night.”
His words are tinged with the morning’s huskiness. It resonated in Li Tongzhou’s ears like honey.
Li Tongzhou paused and asked, “Are you in the studio? Can I come over to see you?”
Guo Jingyu sat up, quickly dressing with one hand while saying, “No need. I talked to the teacher today and took a day off. Has your competition ended? Where are you now? I’ll come find you.”
Li Tongzhou replied, “Song Zhuoran is here too. He and I are heading over together.” After a slight pause, he added, “The student council is putting together a school magazine, documenting the art students’ training and taking the opportunity to check it out.”
Guo Jingyu quickly provided him with the address, tidying up himself. Their boys’ dormitory was a small attic on the first floor, with a quite spacious room housing several bunk beds. They shared a small bathroom. He was relieved he had taken the day off. Otherwise, he might have missed the chance for a shower in the shared bathroom.
After finishing his shower, Guo Jingyu wrapped the towel around him, took a moment to groom his hair while admiring himself in the mirror. He couldn’t help but run his hand over his toned abdomen. His nightly exercise routine was not in vain. The faint layer of abdominal muscles looked rather handsome, though his skin had become even paler from spending hours in the art studio. He thought it would be a good idea to take a break and bask in the sun to give his milky complexion a healthy glow.
Guo Jingyu was already daydreaming about future vacations with Li Tongzhou, envisioning himself lounging contentedly by the seaside. The thought of it made him feel so happy.
After thinking for a moment, he hurried back to his room to find something to wear.
The art studio provided a washing machine, and students usually took care of their laundry themselves. But Guo Jingyu felt a bit uncomfortable sharing the machine with others. He casually washed T-shirts by hand, letting them air-dry, while larger coats were sent to the dry cleaner’s.
The coats from the dry cleaner’s came back neatly arranged, but the T-shirts he washed himself had faded a bit, almost intentionally giving off a vintage vibe. There was even a hint of cobalt blue on the hem, as if he had accidentally splashed some color during the washing process.
Guo Jingyu stood in front of the mirror, looking at himself for a while. He concluded that it would have to do.
Classes in the art studio proceeded as usual on Friday. Guo Jingyu took the elevator directly down. Not long after, he spotted Li Tongzhou and Song Zhuoran approaching.
Li Tongzhou was dressed in his usual attire. A light jacket, T-shirt, and jeans, with a single-strap backpack slung over his shoulder. Nothing out of the ordinary. Beside him, Song Zhuoran exuded youthful energy, clad in a red and white baseball jersey, sporting a baseball cap. When he saw Guo Jingyu, he waved at him enthusiastically.
Guo Jingyu walked towards them and said, “Hello, Monitor Song. Just take this elevator up, and you’ll reach the 9th floor.”
Song Zhuoran said shyly, “I’m actually here to conduct a little interview. If you’re available, how about you take me up, and we can have a chat? It’s easier to talk with someone familiar, right?”
Guo Jingyu shook his head, smiling. “Just go in and find our class president. She knows a lot more than I do. You can interview her.”
Song Zhuoran’s face immediately turned red. He stammered, and Guo Jingyu gave him a direct push. “Your work attitude isn’t great. Go on, write a good interview, and make sure to speak well of our class.”
Song Zhuoran went up alone.
Li Tongzhou was still looking up, staring at the elevator’s flashing numbers until it reached 9.
Guo Jingyu hooked his arm around Li Tongzhou’s shoulder, eagerly saying, “Let’s go. I’ve been looking forward to your visit since you called me last week. Have you had breakfast? I’ll take you to a tea house first… Li Tongzhou, what are you looking at?”
Li Tongzhou shook his head, following him a couple of steps. On the way, Guo Jingyu did most of the talking, and Li Tongzhou listened attentively. Occasionally, he would ask a question or two, mostly related to life in the art studio.
Guo Jingyu had nothing he couldn’t share with him, so he answered whatever was asked.
“The art studio is crazy busy, practically pitch-black. Didn’t I text you that I’m substituting for Old Cao now? While other students might slack off, I’m at the very front, surrounded on all sides. The moment I pause to scratch my face, dozens of pairs of eyes are on me. Sigh, there’s no time for slacking off at all.”
“Yeah, three days of classes a week, over two hundred a day. It conveniently covers my art studio tuition as well.”
“Let me tell you, I’ve already scoped out where to wander today. There are plenty of reference books at Xidan Books Building. I’ll accompany you to pick some, and then we can grab lunch nearby. In the evening, let’s choose a nice restaurant and have a good meal..”
…
Guo Jingyu became particularly excited when talking about the plans they had. He walked with a spring in his step, hands casually in his pockets. In just over half a month, it felt like he hadn’t seen Li Tongzhou in a year. He couldn’t help but feel happy seeing him in person.
Li Tongzhou reached out his hand, and Guo Jingyu felt a bit bashful, but he still held it. After a moment he held it like a child happily swinging their arms. He didn’t care at all if people saw.
Looking at him, Li Tongzhou couldn’t help but feel like he was leading a cheerful child out for a spring outing.
After enjoying some snacks, the two headed to the Book Building.
The subway was crowded, and just like before, Li Tongzhou shielded him in the midst of the crowd, lifting a hand to protect him.
Taking advantage of the crowded space, Guo Jingyu hugged him in the train carriage. A gentle embrace. When he tried to pull away, Li Tongzhou caught his hand, refusing to let go.
Li Tongzhou tilted his head slightly, whispering in Guo Jingyu’s ear, “Hold on, be careful not to fall.”
Guo Jingyu muttered something.
Unable to catch it, Li Tongzhou asked, “What?”
Guo Jingyu rested his head against Li Tongzhou’s shoulder and lightly bumped into him. He repeated what he had said.
Li Tongzhou chuckled, reaching over to pinch his ear and leaned in to whisper, “I missed you too.”
K: Idk how many times ive said this, but these two are just adorable ( ꈍ◡ꈍ)
Yes, they are very adorable 🥹 They gotta be happy, otherwise my heart will not be able to take it