As he carefully examined the portrait in his hand, Hongli found it increasingly pleasing to the eye. He smiled and praised, "I never imagined you had such skill. There are many schools and systems of calligraphy and painting, and I have a wide range of interests. But this is the first time I have ever seen such a miniature portrait of you. It can be said to be a style of its own."

Su Yushan couldn't accept such praise and truthfully replied, "This is a unique portrait painting style from my hometown. It's not something I created myself. I just do it to pass the time when I have nothing else to do."

"Then draw one for me too."

Hongli seized the opportunity to ask for it, but Su Yushan was reluctant and made an excuse, saying, "I can only paint women, not men."

"Painting is not limited to men or women. Anyone who knows this skill can paint. You are welcome to give it a try."

Unfortunately, Su Yushan wasn't in the mood for it. She was painting Chang Yue's portrait because she didn't want to think about Hongli. If she had to paint in front of Hongli, she would probably find it even more unbearable.

After hesitating for a moment, Su Yushan finally shook her head. "My hands are cold, I don't want to move."

As soon as she finished speaking, Hongli stepped forward, took her hand, and breathed warm air on it to warm her.

A warm current flowed slowly from the lines of his palm to her fingertips. Such a gentle gesture warmed Su Yushan's heart, but when she thought of what happened last night, she felt a tightness in her chest. Without making a sound, she withdrew her hand, turned around, and walked back.

A pang of bitterness shot through Hongli's heart at the rejection. "You're willing to paint a portrait of Changyue, but you won't paint one for me? What kind of logic is that?"

"The portrait will take a long time to complete. Fourth Master is so busy, how could he have time to sit here idly?"

He loved hearing her call his name, her voice both sweet and reproachful, which always softened his heart. What he disliked most was her calling him Fourth Master, as that title clearly distanced them.

Following her steps, Hongli said gently, "I'm not busy today."

"If you're not busy, go and keep Gao Gege company. She's in a bad mood and needs your company."

He thought that she would get angry with him today because she didn't come last night, but she didn't.

Su Yushan spoke calmly, without a trace of resentment in her tone. Although she did not complain, Hongli could see that her eyes were dull and lifeless, like a wilted flower, devoid of any vitality or spirit.

This situation left him feeling lost, and Hongli couldn't help but ask, "Don't you need my company?"

With a wry smile, Su Yushan said, "Most of the maids in the manor need your company, but you only have one, and you can't be in two places at once."

Hongli was not satisfied with her ambiguous answer and pressed her directly, "I'm asking you. I don't care about others; I just want to know your thoughts."

P.S.: I've seen all your comments, thank you for your support! The female lead will grow stronger, and I'll work hard to write more and update more often! Please be gentle with your ratings and give as many stars as possible, thank you so much!