Ever since Lin Xiyao was strictly forbidden by Madam Lin from stepping into the Han family school again, Han Mingyue suddenly felt as if something important was missing from her heart.
Normally, Lin Xiyao is always so clever and eccentric, always going against me.
She even went so far as to complain to the teacher, accusing Han Mingyue of secretly drawing on the side while the teacher asked them to review their previous lessons.
"Han Mingyue! Have you already forgotten why you came to Gu Village?!"
Master Yuan, whose beard was already white, glared angrily at Han Mingyue, who hurriedly put away the portrait in her hand.
Han Mingyue's family were merchants, but his mother and grandmother hoped that he would pursue a career in politics and become an official.
Back then, Han Mingyue traveled thousands of miles from the distant capital to seek out Master Yuan and came to Guzhuang to study. She also generously donated money to build this academy in Guzhuang.
But now, only half a year has passed, and he has so easily forgotten his original wishes and goals.
The fact that he could be so distracted by painting in the classroom really infuriated Master Yuan.
Han Mingyue turned her head to look at Lin Xiyao, who was looking smug. Lin Xiyao was staring at her with a gloating expression and making faces at Han Mingyue, as if she was waiting to see her make a fool of herself.
Yes, Lin Xiyao fell asleep in class this morning.
Han Mingyue deliberately diverted Master Yuan's attention to Lin Xiyao. This girl is getting revenge on me!
A wave of indescribable annoyance surged in Han Mingyue's heart, as if a small hand was constantly stirring his emotions.
"Master, I know I was wrong!" Han Mingyue knew she had made a mistake and quickly bowed to the master with her hands clasped, her attitude extremely sincere.
He was also quite puzzled. He was quietly reading a book when, for some reason, his hands seemed to be out of control, and he picked up a paintbrush and started drawing without anyone noticing.
Looking at Master Yuan, who was quite angry with her, Han Mingyue felt guilty, as if a heavy stone was pressing on her heart.
Master Yuan was already at an age where he could have enjoyed his retirement, but because I traveled a long way to come here and even donated money to build an academy in Gu Village, he was forced into the position of teaching me, as if he were a duck being herded onto a shelf.
Although Master Yuan has always been willing to teach me, I am now so distracted that I have truly failed to live up to his good intentions.
"Give it to me!" Master Yuan shouted without giving a chance to speak, and his imposing aura made Han Mingyue tremble.
He knew perfectly well that Master Yuan wanted to see what he was drawing. Why would he, who usually worked so hard, suddenly do something like this?
Han Mingyue's face flushed red. He hesitated, not handing over the painting in his hand for a long time, as if the painting contained a secret that he dared not easily reveal.
"Give it to me!" Seeing that Han Mingyue was still hesitant, Master Yuan couldn't help but shout again, his voice revealing a hint of dissatisfaction and anxiety.
Seeing Master Yuan so angry, Han Mingyue was afraid of upsetting him. He gritted his teeth and finally slowly handed over the painting, his eyes filled with unease and shame...
Han Mingyue's portraits are delicate and lively, with the faces of the figures seemingly rising slightly on the paper. Every stroke is full of her inner emotions and focus.
In her haste to finish tidying up the painting, a few drops of undried ink accidentally splashed onto it, like stardust scattered on her fair skin. Although this slightly marred the perfection of the painting, it also added a unique charm to it.
As soon as Master Yuan's gaze fell upon the portrait, his tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
He carefully examined the eyebrows and eyes in the portrait. The curved willow-leaf eyebrows were like a crescent moon, and the eyes sparkled with a lively light. They even bore a resemblance to Lin Xiyao.
Looking at the person in the portrait, Master Yuan's anger dissipated by more than half.
Who isn't impetuous in their youth? Who isn't naive and confused in their adolescence?
Master Yuan is now in his forties. Looking back, he recalls those youthful days and his innocent feelings.
He knew the thoughts of a young man well and understood Han Mingyue's feelings at this moment.
However, rules are rules, and even if he wavered, he could not easily break the rules.
He gripped the portrait tightly, a hint of seriousness in his eyes: "This painting should not be shown to others lightly. If others see it, it may cause trouble."
After saying that, he handed the portrait back to Han Mingyue.
Lin Xiyao was tilting her head, curiously wanting to go closer to see what was going on, but unexpectedly, Master Yuan suddenly stretched out his arm and intentionally blocked the portrait.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Lin Xiyao's eyes, and her little mouth pouted.
What exactly was depicted in the painting that the Master said could not be easily shown to others? This only fueled Lin Xiyao's curiosity even more.
“You’ve broken the rules while painting in the classroom. You’re punished by having to copy what you learned today fifty times and present it to me tomorrow. If it happens again, don’t blame me for being ruthless,” Master Yuan said sternly, the portrait in his hand appearing exceptionally clear under the lamplight.
Han Mingyue quickly lowered her head, her face full of guilt, and said, "Yes, Master, I will definitely study hard from now on and will not be distracted again."
He smiled gratefully at Master Yuan, a smile that contained both reverence and gratitude for the master.
Master Yuan looked at Han Mingyue, and a strange emotion welled up in his heart.
He understood that Han Mingyue was a smart and talented student, but she was occasionally playful and distracted.
He hoped that this punishment would teach Han Mingyue a lesson and make her more mature and composed.
"Go on, study hard, and don't waste your talent," Master Yuan said softly.
......
"Young Master, why are you lost in thought again? Is it because Princess Lili won't let us eat at her house anymore, so you..." Yuanbao's words pulled Han Mingyue out of her reverie.
Yuanbao looked at Han Mingyue with some worry. The lessons assigned by Master Yuan had not yet been completed today.
If I keep spacing out like this, I won't be able to sleep until the wee hours tonight.
Gu Lili?
Han Mingyue then realized that she hadn't thought about Gu Lili for a long time.
Even when Lin Xiyao wasn't eating at the Gu family's house, he found the normally delicious Gu family meals tasteless.
It was at this moment that Han Mingyue finally understood what was in her heart.
At first, I felt pity for Gu Lili, which gradually turned into admiration, but it was definitely not romantic love.
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