Dàigòu.
Guo Jingyu saw off Li Tongzhou at the station. As he watched Li Tongzhou leave with Song Zhuoran and the others he felt the urge to follow them back.
For the past six months, he had been able to see Li Tongzhou every day, and now the idea of parting ways was becoming a bit hard to accept.
Guo Jingyu touched his nose and let out a chuckle.
It is really easy to transition from frugality to luxury. People who were once unreachable in dreams are now visible, touchable, but one still remains unsatisfied.
Life in the art studio continued as usual. Guo Jingyu taught classes three days a week, managing the rest of his time on his own.
He and Li Tongzhou started exchanging text messages, sometimes even in the middle of the night. When he woke up in the morning, the faint sound of a “ding” from his phone could be heard while brushing his teeth. When he looked down, he would find a morning greeting from the other side.
Guo Jingyu’s slight dissatisfaction in his heart gradually subsided.
It felt like he had returned to the time when they communicated through text messages. Both of them were busy with classes, making it nearly impossible to have phone calls. However, there were endless topics they wanted to share with each other. They exchanged thousands of messages in a month, and at that time, each message cost one cent. When calculated, it was really a huge amount of love expense.
Guo Jingyu once again experienced the emotions of those earlier days.
But things are a bit different now. Back then, when they had just established their relationship, both of them were still quite inexperienced. Like a silly young man, he would coax him, treating him as his girlfriend. He even seriously asked Li Tongzhou about his favorite celebrity quotes, then went to the bookstore, bought several books, and diligently read through them.
Now, he wouldn’t go about it the same way.
Guo Jingyu started teasing Li Tongzhou through text messages. In the previous message, Li Tongzhou was asking if he had eaten, and in the next one, Guo Jingyu began to playfully tease him, “We have several cute couples in our art studio. Did you not notice when you visited? They huddle together, acting all lovey-dovey, even giving each other cute nicknames.”
Li Tongzhou replied, “What nicknames?”
“They call each other ‘baby’,” Guo Jingyu replied.
It was quiet for a long time from Li Tongzhou’s side, and then, as if nothing had happened, he began sending study notes to Guo Jingyu and explaining the questions he had asked yesterday.
Guo Jingyu asked him, “Hey, Li Tongzhou, are you feeling shy?”
“No.”
“Call me something, let me hear it.”
“…Wait until you come back.”
Guo Jingyu had a much thicker skin than him. In the text messages, he called out in an especially affectionate manner, running through every possible endearment. “If you feel shy, then I’ll take the lead. If you don’t like ‘baby,’ how about I call you ‘darling’? It’s halfway there, right? Or ‘Zai Zai’ sounds good too. You’re always so obedient, choose one from the two characters, ‘obedient boy’? I’ll count to 3, if you don’t reply, I’ll just go with my own choice.”
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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Guo Jingyu said, “It’s not a girlfriend.”
Lao Cao was a bit surprised, “Really? Then, who are you practicing with every day?”
“My wife.” Guo Jingyu helped him arrange the plaster sculpture and took out his phone to show him the contact name, where “wife” stood out conspicuously. Before Lao Cao could get a closer look, Guo Jingyu had already put away his phone. After showing off, he proudly said, “It’s official, we’re getting married.”
Lao Cao felt a twinge of sourness from this young lad’s confident statement. He couldn’t believe that someone who was probably just in their teens had already settled down. Especially, he was saying things that even people hand in hand entering the university campus would not dare not declare.
After finishing the plaster sculpture, Lao Cao called out to Guo Jingyu. He said to him, “Last time, didn’t you mention wanting to take the entrance exam for Qing Mei University? I asked, and coincidentally, there’s a teacher from Qing Mei nearby who teaches a small class. I’ll introduce you later, and you can go and learn.”
Guo Jingyu expressed his gratitude, but Lao Cao waved his hand, saying, “If you do well in the exam, it’s also a matter of pride for the art studio. I have high hopes for you. It’s just that with your strong foundation in sculpture, it seems a bit of a waste to go for design.”
Guo Jingyu smiled and replied, “It’s exactly because I can sculpt well that I want to try a style I haven’t experienced before. Life’s box is filled with so many chocolates. It would be a shame to only eat one. Isn’t it more fun this way?”
Lao Cao paused for a moment, then shook his head and chuckled, “Only you would dare to say that. You’re young. I’m starting to envy you a bit.”
Lao Cao took special care of Guo Jingyu, personally escorting him to meet the Qing Mei teacher.
The teacher also conducted classes in the art studio, but it was in a small group setting, focusing more on creativity. Additionally, he assisted in analyzing past exam questions. His style of dress sharply contrasted with Lao Cao’s. He wore a bespoke handmade Western suit, complete with a tie. A trench coat was casually draped over the fabric sofa beside him, exuding an air of elite sophistication.
As they were acquainted, he exchanged a few courteous words with Lao Cao and expressed extra consideration for Guo Jingyu. Before Lao Cao was about to leave, he said to Guo Jingyu, “Classes here start on weekends. I adjusted your substitute teaching schedule at the art studio. You can come directly on weekends, no need to ask for leave from the life teacher. I’ve already informed them.”
“Thanks, Brother Cao.”
Lao Cao waved his hand, “No need to thank me. Just promise me, if you really get into Qing Mei later, don’t dress like that. It’s too flashy.”
Guo Jingyu replied, “Don’t worry, I love wearing ripped jeans. Look, I’m wearing them today.”
Lao Cao warned him again, “Qing Mei is different from others. The best thing there is design. The exam questions over the years are extremely diverse. Take the year before last, for example. During the sketch exam, the teacher brought a newspaper, crumpled it right there, threw it on the ground, and asked everyone to start drawing. The students who went to the exam that year had never encountered such a thing. Many of them couldn’t handle the pressure and didn’t draw well. Then there’s the creative sketch, they call it creative, but it’s essentially memorization. There are no figures. It all depends on the students’ own experiences accumulated from going out. Otherwise, why do you think there are so many students around here going to night markets and train stations to draw at night?” He lowered his voice and said to Guo Jingyu, “I’ll introduce you to this teacher. It’s different from others. He has set exam questions. Make sure to learn from him.”
Guo Jingyu listened, half believing and half skeptical.
It was true that the major was challenging to pass, but as for the teacher having set exam questions, that was uncertain. Around here, almost every art studio hired a few teachers from the art academy at a high salary. As long as they came, they usually privately disclosed past exam questions.
Guo Jingyu wasn’t worried about the major at all.
He had taken the exam once, and coincidentally, he still remembered the questions.
If in the past, he only had a three to five percent chance of success in exams, this time he could confidently say he had a ninety percent chance. It wasn’t just about the questions. After so many years of experience, his vision and artistic realm had evolved. He is destined to succeed in this college entrance examination.
After a few days of small-group design classes, the Qing Mei teacher’s assignment was something only Guo Jingyu could comprehend and express. He received a high score, and the new student attracted special attention. The teacher occasionally used his work to explain concepts to the class.
A few days later, Fan Jiali was also sent by Lao Cao to attend the design class. Her strength lay in her academic achievements in general studies, and her professional skills could only be considered above average. But, she had a good understanding and was willing to put in the effort to learn.
After joining the small group, Fan Jiali struggled to adapt at first. The design-related content was unfamiliar to her. Unlike Lao Cao’s class, which focused on the basic figure sketches for the entrance exam and still-life watercolor painting, this small class required students to draw colorful half-body portraits and detailed sketches, far beyond what she had learned before.
Fan Jiali found it challenging to keep up with the pace, but she gritted her teeth and worked hard to catch up with everyone.
She sat in the second row at the back. The small class had a total of over ten students, with Guo Jingyu consistently ranking first in the program.
Fan Jiali watched as the teacher used Guo Jingyu’s artwork as an example, posting it on the wall and explaining it to the class. Her eyes were filled with admiration. But when she looked at Guo Jingyu, she noticed he had no reaction to the praise. Either he continued drawing with his head down or flipped through his phone. There was no sign of excitement from the compliments. He had become accustomed to it.
She bit her lip and made an effort to listen to the lecture and take notes.
In the small class, there were both admirers and some jealous individuals. Some local students had been preparing for the exam for two years, only to suddenly find themselves overshadowed by the newcomer. There was a sense of discomfort for some. Others jokingly said, “Teacher, with someone like Guo Jingyu, is he sure to get into Qing Mei this year?”
The teacher had a good temperament and responded, “It’s hard to say for sure, but the chances of getting in are quite high.”
That evening, the teacher covered three-dimensional composition. Guo Jingyu didn’t stay to listen. He stood up, packed his things, and prepared to leave. Fan Jiali noticed him walking past and asked in a low voice, “Guo Jingyu, aren’t you going to listen to the evening lecture on three-dimensional composition?”
Guo Jingyu shook his head, “I don’t plan to apply for the architecture department, so I won’t be listening to that for now.”
Fan Jiali was a bit confused. Guo Jingyu advised her, “I suggest you choose your department in advance. Don’t try to learn everything. Focus on what you’re good at and stabilize your foundation.”
Fan Jiali felt a bit disheartened. “It seems like I’m not good at anything. Before I came here, I thought my skill level was decent, but everyone in the small class is so talented.”
Guo Jingyu smiled, “There’s still over half a year. You have time. Draw more half-body portraits with hands.” If he remembered correctly, one of the exam topics for Qing Mei next year was precisely this. He was dropping a hint for Fan Jiali. Whether she picked up on it was entirely up to her.
The days of studio training were monotonous. Guo Jingyu didn’t make new friends like before or spend weekends playing sports with classmates. He became busy, dedicating all his time and patience to his major and Li Tongzhou.
Sometimes Lao Cao couldn’t stand it and would drag him out for a barbecue.
Lao Cao would have his beer and hand Guo Jingyu some juice. After a few cans of beer, Lao Cao would start muttering about how jealous he was of Guo Jingyu, lamenting why he himself hadn’t achieved so much when he was younger.
Guo Jingyu just smiled and remained silent.
Only he knew in his heart that as the deadline of one year drew closer, despite having gained so much, none of it mattered compared to the safety and well-being of that person.
In early June, Gu Yu contacted him.
When Guo Jingyu picked up the call, he initially thought it was a scam, hanging up twice before realizing it was his cousin who had gone abroad to study. He laughed, saying, “Cousin, why do you have this accent now? I couldn’t recognize it just now.”
Gu Yu said, “Don’t mention it. My roommate is from the Northeast, and within two months, I’ve picked up their accent!”
Guo Jingyu laughed, “Why did you suddenly think of calling me? Last time when I went home for Chinese New Year, I heard you didn’t even let Uncle go visit you?”
Gu Yu felt a bit embarrassed, “I haven’t made anything of myself yet, so I don’t want them to come.”
Guo Jingyu: “I understand, but you should also regularly give your family a call and let them know you’re safe.”
Gu Yu laughed, “Yeah, I know. Why do you sound just like Grandma? She told me the same thing.”
“Because our family all thinks the same way. Uncle doesn’t want to feel awkward telling you this, and it’s the same for Grandma. Remember, if anything happens, make sure to contact home first.”
“I’m really embarrassed to talk to my family about it now…”
“What happened?”
“Jingyu, do you still have money on you? I bought two high-end computers here and signed up for an extra training course. I can’t afford the rent this month.” Gu Yu felt awkward and immediately added, “Don’t worry, I’ll draw up a loan agreement for you. At the latest within a year, once I start earning, I’ll pay you back, with interest!”
Guo Jingyu thought for a moment and asked, “How much longer do you have in the training course?”
Gu Yu replied, “It depends on the individual. I feel like there’s still a lot of new knowledge to learn, and it’s not something that can be mastered in a short time.” Gu Yu sounded a bit excited when talking about this, sounding very immersed in the subject.
Guo Jingyu said, “Then let’s calculate it as a year. Borrowing money like this isn’t a solution. How about we go into a small business together? Since you’re abroad, there are many affordable cosmetic brands. You can help with purchasing and shipping, and we’ll split the profits.”
“Personal shopping? I’m willing, but with this training course, I might not have much time.” Gu Yu expressed some concerns.
“You can rest assured that you don’t have to delay too much time. It’s enough to concentrate on purchasing one or two days every half month. You’re responsible for buying, and the rest of the sales are all left to me.”
“All right, I’ll listen to you!”
K: Thanks for the wait and sorry for the delay, deadlines are coming one after another QAQ I also have to finish my research by the end of this month (,,>﹏<,,) Anywaays, still debating
Thank you so much for translating!