Chapter 9 Miss Wen, you don't always have to be so nervous

In the morning, we had Professor Qin's art appreciation class.

After class, the students rushed out.

Wen Yu was a little slow in packing, so Teacher Qin came to her side.

"Wen Yu".

Wen Yu looked up and saw that Teacher Qin's gaze was on her new sketchbook, which was spread out on the table and had not yet been put away. It contained messy lines that she had drawn in class.

"You are very talented,"

Teacher Qin noticed Wen Yu's nervousness, smiled slightly, and spoke in her usual gentle voice, yet with a penetrating power: "Your perception of form and color is quite unique."

Teacher Qin pointed her fingertip to a corner of the sketchbook, where there was an unfinished sketch of a bird wrapped in layers of lines.

"but,"

Teacher Qin raised her eyes and looked at Wen Yu: "There is too much hidden in your brushstrokes... too tight, too heavy, as if you are trapped by something invisible and cannot break free."

At this point, seeing Wen Yu lower her eyelashes, as if someone had hit the nail on the head, her originally fair face gradually turning pale, Teacher Qin softened her tone: "I used to have a student, a girl, whose personality... was a bit like yours. She seemed quiet, but she had a strong spirit inside."

"But her family situation is very complicated, like an invisible net that has her wrapped up tightly and can't breathe."

"Later, she made a bold decision that none of us expected."

Ms. Qin's gentle voice carried a touch of emotion and a hint of encouragement: "She secretly prepared her portfolio, contacted schools, and applied for an art exchange program in Italy. Although it was difficult and the competition was fierce, she received a full scholarship."

"She came to say goodbye before she left."

Teacher Qin gently grasped Wen Yu's trembling hand: "She said she seemed to understand that the door to the outside world must be pushed open by oneself, even if... at first only a crack can be opened."

Upon hearing this, Wen Yu suddenly looked up.

With a gentle smile on her face, Teacher Qin said, "You are very talented, and I don't want your talent to be buried."

"Wen Yu, be brave."

After saying this, Teacher Qin patted Wen Yu on the shoulder, turned around and left the classroom.

But Wen Yu's heart could no longer find peace.

She had been preparing for the exchange student program that her teacher had mentioned.

But last night ruined everything.

Wen Yu walked through the campus carrying the new book that Zhou Shiye had prepared for her.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her, but it couldn't penetrate the silence in her eyes.

"Wen Yu".

At that moment, a clear and melodious voice reached Wen Yu's ears.

It is Gu Muqing.

She came over with a smile, carrying a stack of art magazines she had just picked up.

“Look at this interview, there’s a former student of Professor Qin, a senior who went to Italy. Her recent solo exhibition in Florence received a very good response.”

Gu Muqing enthusiastically flipped open the magazine and showed it to Wen Yu: "Look at her use of color, it's so much bolder and freer than when she was in school, it's like she's a completely different person."

Wen Yu's gaze fell on the vibrant and lively painting before her, and her heart tightened.

In the magazine, next to the painting, the senior student said: "...Leaving a familiar environment certainly takes courage, but the real constraints often come from within. When you decide to live for yourself, the whole world will make way for you."

Live for yourself for once...

Wen Yu gripped the book tightly, her fingertips turning white.

Gu Muqing seemed oblivious to her odd behavior and continued excitedly, "I really envy you, senior, being able to go to such a faraway place to pursue your dreams."

"By the way, Wen Yu, your foundation is also very good. Why don't you try applying? I heard there are two spots this time. How about we prepare our portfolios together?"

Are you pursuing your dreams?

Wen Yu lowered her eyes.

For her, dreams were a luxury; what she needed first was survival, was to escape.

It is freedom.

However, that is indeed her best option at the moment.

If everything from last night hadn't been destroyed.

"I...haven't decided yet."

Wen Yu responded softly, then turned and left quickly.

The place she lives now is not suitable for having too many things, too many things that Zhou Shiye cannot see.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed across Gu Muqing's eyes.

But she quickly composed herself and said, "It's okay, I'll wait for you to think about it."

"When you've made up your mind, come to my house anytime. I have a large studio where we can create to our hearts' content."

Looking at Gu Muqing's vibrant smile, Wen Yu felt as if her life was always simple and bright.

The smile was infectious, and Wen Yu gradually relaxed and also smiled back.

As soon as she arrived at the school gate, Wen Yu saw the car that Zhou Shiye had arranged from afar.

Next to the car stood Zhou Shiye's law firm assistant, standing properly.

Upon seeing Wen Yu, the assistant nodded to her and opened the car door first.

"Wen Yu, what's wrong?"

Gu Muqing, who was standing next to Wen Yu, curiously followed Wen Yu's gaze and looked over.

While looking around, he asked, "Oh, right, I haven't asked you yet, where are you going? Do you want me to give you a ride?"

Gu Muqing's car was parked on the side of the road.

Wen Yu guessed that Gu Muqing was unaware of or had not heard about what happened last night. Her breath caught in her throat, and she quickly looked away from Gu Muqing, refusing, "No, it's not necessary."

"I'm going out for a meal."

Gu Muqing nodded and smiled slightly: "Then I'll be going now. Remember to come to my house tomorrow afternoon, bye-bye."

Wen Yu extended her hand to say goodbye to Gu Muqing.

Only after seeing her get into her car and drive away did he slowly walk towards Zhou Shiye's assistant.

A few minutes later, Wen Yu returned to the apartment arranged by Zhou Shiye.

She sat on the sofa, looking at everything unfamiliar before her, thinking about Gu Muqing's suggestion, her lips pressed tightly together.

Perhaps, she could give it a try...

Before I could even form a further thought, the doorbell rang.

Wen Yu was taken aback.

Only Zhou Shiye knew she was here, but Zhou Shiye didn't know how to ring the doorbell.

Wen Yu walked over in a panic.

Through the peephole, she saw someone who should never be here: Zhou Yingchen's chief assistant, Assistant Chen.

How did he end up here?

Did Zhou Yingchen know she was here?

Does that mean he found out about her and Zhou Shiye last night...?

Wen Yu dared not think any further.

She slowly opened the door, and Assistant Chen spoke respectfully.

"Miss Wen, Mr. Zhou instructed that you be taken somewhere."

It really was Zhou Yingchen.

Wen Yu's heart sank.

She thought she could finally catch her breath, but she never expected...

Unbeknownst to them, when Zhou Shiye used his highest authority to arrange this penthouse apartment and ordered increased security and close monitoring of people entering and leaving the apartment, the property manager had already reported it to headquarters.

Chen Xu, as the special assistant, noticed something was wrong and immediately reported it to Zhou Yingchen.

At this moment, facing Assistant Chen, Wen Yu dared not ask any more questions and silently followed him into the car.

Half an hour later, the car stopped outside a top-notch styling studio.

Wen Yu followed Chen Xu into the largest lounge, where she saw Zhou Yingshen sitting on the sofa in the lounge area.

The man held an unlit cigarette between his fingers, seemingly lost in thought.

Upon seeing Wen Yu, Zhou Yingchen raised his eyes, his deep, all-encompassing gaze lingering on her for half a second, unfathomable in its intensity.

There's a banquet tonight, come with me.

The man stated the reason concisely, his tone devoid of emotion.

Wen Yu nodded.

She remained silent and let the stylist recommend dresses for her.

Wen Yu casually chose a light champagne-colored high-necked long dress, the style of which was dignified and gentle, perfectly complementing Wen Yu's beauty.

It also conveniently concealed the marks on her neck that had not yet completely faded.

Fortunately, Zhou Yingchen did not interfere too much, only nodding in approval at the end.

Throughout the entire styling process, he spoke very little, but his presence was extremely strong.

Zhou Yingchen sat there, and without him saying anything, he naturally created an invisible but powerful aura that made Wen Yu dare not relax in the slightest.

Wen Yu is rather thin, and the dress didn't fit her well, so the stylist took the dress to the next room to make alterations.

While waiting, Wen Yu sat in front of the mirror, lost in thought.

Zhou Yingchen put down the magazine in his hand and slowly walked behind her.

The mirror reflected the man's tall figure and Wen Yu's bewildered face.

The man reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair behind Wen Yu's ear with his fingertips, carefully tucking it behind her ear.

Zhou Yinghuai's movements were very gentle, even unusually so.

But when his slightly hot fingertips brushed against her skin, Wen Yu still stiffened.

Through the mirror, Zhou Yingchen gazed intently at Wen Yu's flushed cheeks and panicked eyes, his complex emotions churning within her.

The man said nothing.

After making this gesture, he withdrew his hand.

He turned and walked back to the sofa, picked up the magazine again, and resumed his cold and aloof demeanor as the head of the Zhou family.

Wen Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After the evening gown was altered, Wen Yu changed into it.

The light champagne-colored high-necked long dress was conservative and elegant, covering her body completely.

But she has a great figure.

Even when fully covered, from behind, there's a subtle, understated sexiness that seems to be holding back.

Wen Yu looked at herself in the mirror and saw herself as a carefully dressed doll.

Her exposed neck had been carefully covered with a highly concealing foundation to conceal all the marks left by Zhou Shiye.

She couldn't, and dared not, let Zhou Yingchen see any clues.

·

Tonight's banquet is a lively affair, with many celebrities in attendance.

Wen Yu followed closely beside Zhou Yingchen, playing the role of a quiet and obedient female companion.

He would occasionally introduce her to others as "my younger sister Wenyu," his tone indifferent and aloof, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

People around her cast envious or inquisitive glances, to which Wen Yu could only respond with a gentle smile.

Midway through, Zhou Yingchen was entangled in conversations with several important business partners, finally giving Wen Yu a temporary respite.

She quietly retreated to a corner of the balcony, wanting to get some fresh air and dispel the stuffiness in her chest.

"It's beautiful."

But the next moment, a gentle male voice sounded beside me.

Wen Yu was startled.

Turning my head, I saw that Shen Jinhuai had also come to the balcony at some point.

The man, holding his wine glass, did not get too close, maintaining a polite and comfortable distance.

His gaze upon Wen Yu was one of pure, unadulterated appreciation.

His gaze was deep and intense.

At a deeper level, there is a focus that is not easily noticed by others.

"This dress suits you very well."

A gentle and polite smile appeared on Shen Jinhuai's lips.

The smile was just right, not overly flamboyant, without any overstepping boundaries, but very sincere: "It makes you look...like you're glowing."

At this point, Shen Jinhuai paused for a moment, as if recalling something. His eyes glazed over for half a second before he continued, "Miss Wen reminds me of a Monet water lily painting I saw at an art exhibition before. In the hazy light and shadow, it has a quiet yet moving power."

This praise is unique, and it uses a painting that Wen Yu really likes.

In an instant, her tense nerves relaxed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

After relaxing, Wen Yu naturally noticed that the man in front of her tightened his grip on the wine glass slightly when he spoke.

It was this action that made her glimpse what looked like a band-aid on the palm of his left hand.

However, Wen Yu didn't pay too much attention to it, after all, it was someone else's private matter.

"Thanks."

Wen Yu's lips unconsciously curved into a faint smile: "Monet's use of light and shadow is indeed wonderful."

"Miss Wen, there's no need to be so tense,"

Shen Jinhuai's voice was very soft, as if he were afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the moment.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Wen Yu's shoulders gradually relaxing, and Shen Jinhuai slowly moved his gaze upward to meet her eyes.

Seeing Wen Yu looking at him in astonishment, the man looked up at a spot in the sky and continued, "Look at that starry sky. No matter what happens below, they always follow their own trajectories."

"So Miss Wen, you don't need to be nervous, just be yourself."

Upon hearing this, Wen Yu followed Shen Jinhuai's gaze and looked up at the deep night sky.

Indeed, the stars have their own paths and are simply being themselves.

And what about her?

Where does her trajectory lead?

A note from the author:

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Zhou Yingchen & Zhou Shiye: Forcible Seizure

Shen Jinhuai: Guide her, let her choose