The young man referred to as “CEO Qin,” possessing the aura of a young talent, nodded and was about to head inside. His gaze swept over the group of high school students, whose aura clearly didn’t fit in, and then suddenly stopped.

“Ruotang, what are you doing here?” Qin Zhanchao’s face immediately broke into a warm smile.

Jiang Ruotang hadn’t expected to see him here either and politely said, “Hello, Big Brother Qin. A few of my classmates and I were looking for a place to have a meal, but this place seems more suited for business people.”

Qin Zhanchao glanced at the manager, then walked over to Jiang Ruotang and patted his shoulder: “CEO Han, this is Director Jiang’s beloved son, Jiang Ruotang. He just got into the Capital Academy of Fine Arts, and he also won an award at Mr. Fu Chunshi’s ‘Rough Stone’ art exhibition for cultivating new artists.”

Jiang Ruotang was actually a little embarrassed about people constantly bringing up the Fu Chunshi art exhibition; that was an honor from the past. “Hello, CEO Han.”

Qin Zhanchao then introduced, “This is CEO Han of Cefeng Pictures. They were quite interested in collaborating with your father, wanting to invest in the Drunken Immortal Stage project. Unfortunately, your father already had his own plans, so the collaboration didn’t succeed. However, Cefeng Pictures’ artist, Cheng Man, did become the female lead.”

Oh, it seems Ling Song’s second audition was outstanding! But the female lead is actually an artist under Han Ming, so it looks like Ling Song will have a tough time on set. However, Ling Song is resilient; he’s not someone ordinary people can take down.

Perhaps because he had been rejected by Jiang Huaiyuan, Han Ming’s expression was still very cold and aloof when he saw Jiang Ruotang. The angle of his downward-sloping eyes and jawline gave off an impression of being difficult to get along with and doing things his own way. Coupled with his rimless glasses, he perfectly embodied the image of a cold, domineering CEO.

Jiang Ruotang felt a little regretful; he shouldn’t have called him “CEO Han,” but rather “Uncle Han.” His expression would surely have been a sight to behold.

He’s old enough to be an uncle, and he still dares to mess with someone Ling Song’s age?

Probably because his investment offer was rejected, and Ling Song, whom he had always suppressed, actually got the male lead role, it seemed to Han Ming that Jiang Huaiyuan was deliberately opposing him. Han Ming didn’t have a good expression when he saw Jiang Ruotang either and said blandly, “This place is indeed not suitable for children. Let’s find somewhere else.”

The aura of a person in power swept over them, even stunning Jian Sha, who had read countless CEO novels. She never expected a character from a novel to so naturally walk into reality! But that phrase “children” was truly condescending and irritating. A vein throbbed in Zhao Changfeng’s temple; he thought, Who are you looking down on?!

Just as he was about to say, “I’m going to eat here, damn it,” another gentle voice, tinged with a hint of laziness, came from behind.

“Oh my, who is this!” Mu Xianqing slowly walked in, immediately catching the attention of Qin Zhanchao and Han Ming.

“Hello, Big Brother Mu.” Jiang Ruotang showed an eight-toothed smile.

Although it was a smile for social etiquette, Lu Guifan, who was nearby, keenly sensed that Jiang Ruotang had a good impression of Mu Xianqing. Lu Guifan carefully observed Mu Xianqing. This guy’s features were gentle and elegant, seemingly young yet steady. His medium-length hair was tucked behind his ear, not giving a sloppy or greasy impression at all, but rather exuding an artistic aura.

Mu Xianqing walked towards Jiang Ruotang with his hands in his pockets, leaning forward with a smile and looking into Jiang Ruotang’s eyes: “My great painter has time to eat with friends but no time to have afternoon tea with me.”

Qin Zhanchao and Han Ming were both a little surprised, although their surprise was well-hidden, flashing across their eyes. Mu Xianqing was a veteran of social events; if he wanted to, he could show respect and politeness to anyone, but this was not a “social event.” Yet, Mu Xianqing showed obvious importance to Jiang Ruotang.

“I have time for meals, but I don’t like afternoon tea. Why don’t you invite me for a meal instead? That way, if the conversation gets boring, I can at least stuff food into my mouth.” Jiang Ruotang’s somewhat willful reply made Qin Zhanchao and Han Ming realize the closeness between the two.

Han Ming’s brows subtly furrowed, seemingly weighing whether his previous words would leave a bad impression on Mu Xianqing.

“Alright, I’ll treat you to a meal next time.” Mu Xianqing’s tone carried obvious favoritism, like petting his own kitten. Mu Xianqing’s palm was just about to touch the top of Jiang Ruotang’s head when Jiang Ruotang subtly lowered himself, then dodged to the side of his arm, leaning towards the tall boy beside him.

It was in that instant that Mu Xianqing froze. Because he clearly saw Lu Guifan’s face.

At first glance, one’s gaze would be drawn to Lu Guifan’s thick black-rimmed glasses, but after just another second, one could clearly discern his handsome features and unique temperament. He was Jiang Ruotang’s painted lover. Mu Xianqing never dreamed that he would one day see Lu Guifan with his own eyes, here of all places. He had thought Lu Guifan’s handsomeness was purely Jiang Ruotang’s loving artistic filter as a painter, but as he stood before him, Mu Xianqing had to admit that Lu Guifan himself possessed great aesthetic appeal.

Almost in response to Mu Xianqing’s gaze, Lu Guifan raised his arm and gently placed it on Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder, pulling him closer. Even though the gesture seemed casual, Mu Xianqing received the unspoken message: He’s mine, and he prefers to be close to me.

This restrained and subtle possessiveness added a compelling mystery to the young man before him, making one irresistibly curious. It inexplicably sparked a mischievous thought in Mu Xianqing’s mind: How could he make this seemingly calm and self-controlled young man be controlled by his own possessiveness?

“This place is actually just for showing off. Boring adults can talk boring business here, so naturally happy high school graduates can also have a happy gathering here.”

After speaking, Mu Xianqing looked at the manager, his expression becoming serious, his tone solemn, “Prepare a private room for them, serve all the signature dishes, and put it on my tab.”

Cai Ji, who was about to leave, froze, and Jian Sha also showed a gossiping expression. This sudden turn of events completely exceeded Jian Sha’s expectations; she thought they would have to go to the street corner for boiled fish!

Seeing this, the manager quickly came over to guide Jiang Ruotang and the others: “Gentlemen… first… students, please follow me.”

Jian Sha and the others all focused their gaze on Jiang Ruotang, as if asking: Can we eat this free feast?

Jiang Ruotang looked at Mu Xianqing. Since the other party was giving him face, there was no need to refuse. He said with a smile, “Thank you, Big Brother Mu, for the treat. My friends and I will eat to our hearts’ content!”

Mu Xianqing liked his straightforward style and laughed, “Consider it a celebration for you getting into your ideal university after the college entrance exam. As long as you can paint a few more paintings for me, even if you want the stars from the sky, I’ll pluck them for you.”

His words were a bit ambiguous. Mu Xianqing’s gaze swept over Lu Guifan, who was standing beside him, expecting the handsome young man to look displeased. To his surprise, the other’s expression was indifferent. Mu Xianqing’s probing was like punching cotton. But Mu Xianqing’s obvious special treatment of Jiang Ruotang also made Han Ming’s superior demeanor soften, replaced by curiosity.

Jiang Ruotang gestured to Jian Sha and the others, “Let’s go! We’re so happy today, let’s have a big meal!”

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but the manager leading the way, whose smile had been practiced before, now seemed to have a hint of flattery?

They were led into a very elegant small hall. The walls were decorated with wooden accents, there was a miniature bridge over flowing water, goldfish circling rockeries, and a thin, light mist hovering, just like a scene from a TV drama. Such decor seemed exquisite at the time, but in ten years, many high-end Chinese restaurants would look like this, so Fugui Fang no longer held much appeal for Jiang Ruotang, but it was quite novel for the others.

Everyone unanimously agreed to let Jiang Ruotang order. After Jiang Ruotang ordered a few dishes, he handed the menu to Lu Guifan next to him: “Do you want anything else?”

“You order,” Lu Guifan said calmly.

The waiter suggested, “We also have a live seafood tank with hundreds of types of river and sea creatures. Would you like to take a look?”

“Hundreds? That’s exaggerated!” Zhao Changfeng nudged Cai Ji and Jian Sha. “Let’s go, let’s check it out!”

So they went to the legendary seafood tank and finally understood why Fugui Fang was so prosperous; it was practically a mini-aquarium! While the others were marveling, Lu Guifan’s expression remained calm. Compared to these aquatic products, he preferred to look at Jiang Ruotang beside him. The shimmering light reflected on his face truly gave him an urge to cherish him.

Jiang Ruotang was chasing a white fish with Cai Ji, saying something like, “It’s so beautiful, why would anyone eat it?” A smile curved on Lu Guifan’s lips. This Jiang Ruotang, feeling the beauty in the unnoticed things around him, was truly adorable.

Unbeknownst to him, someone approached Lu Guifan from behind, and a rich voice, tinged with a hint of teasing, rang out. “Do you know about the Roche limit?”

Lu Guifan’s gaze lingered on Jiang Ruotang for three seconds before he slowly turned his head, meeting Mu Xianqing’s smiling face. “Are you referring to the concept in astrophysics, or Jiang Ruotang’s painting?”

Hearing Lu Guifan say that, the smile on Mu Xianqing’s face became even more pronounced. He even extended his hand to Lu Guifan, “My apologies, so you really are Jiang Ruotang’s muse! I am the agent for his paintings.”

Lu Guifan looked at Mu Xianqing, his eyes revealing a profound scrutiny. He did not take the other’s hand, as if telling Mu Xianqing, “Such a self-introduction is not specific enough.”

Mu Xianqing smiled and said, “His oil painting Little Sparrow was sold by me. It was the highest price sold by a painter under the age of twenty in the past three years.”

Lu Guifan’s expression was calm, as if saying, “That’s it?”

Mu Xianqing felt that this Lu Guifan was truly becoming more and more interesting, showing no emotion. A certain premonition told him that this Lu Guifan was definitely not an ordinary person.

“It’s said that Jiang Ruotang used that money to buy shares in FAIRY and Nifeng, and he made a lot of money. I wonder if he’s treated you to coffee?”

“He often treats me to Jin Xuan, and milk tea with a half-price second cup.”

At this, Mu Xianqing chuckled, “He also treated me to milk tea when he asked for my help. Though I’d prefer his new work.”

“Is Little Sparrow the only one you’ve sold?” Lu Guifan’s lips curved, as if he was amused by Mu Xianqing.

This made Mu Xianqing inexplicably feel like he was working for Lu Guifan. Perhaps it was because in the dim light, Lu Guifan appeared more elegant and mysterious. For someone with aesthetic appeal, Mu Xianqing was always indulgent.

“Drooping Sunflower is subtly exhibited in my Deep Blue Gallery. I deliberately placed it in a corner, but for some reason, many successful people are particularly fond of this painting. Unfortunately, I also like it, so it’s not for sale.”

The three words “not for sale” made Lu Guifan nod slightly. He didn’t understand art, but many of Jiang Ruotang’s paintings were beautiful. Selling them would be like giving up something beautiful, which would make one uncomfortable.

Mu Xianqing said confidently, “Roche Limit is exhibited in my mother’s gallery in Country Y. People have been making offers to us, and currently the highest is 200,000 euros, but Jiang Ruotang is unmoved. Of course, once I hold a few exhibitions for Ruotang, Roche Limit will naturally rise in value.”

“He won’t sell it,” Lu Guifan looked at Mu Xianqing, his gaze certain.

Mu Xianqing’s brows furrowed slightly: “How do you know he won’t sell it?”

“Some paintings, to him, are like love letters. Perhaps they can be shown to others, letting them know the love in his heart. But love cannot be bought or sold, so Roche Limit is definitely not for sale.”

Looking at Lu Guifan’s expression, Mu Xianqing recalled a few days ago in Jiang Ruotang’s studio, where he shyly defended the paintings with Lu Guifan as the subject, clearly shy of confessing and still testing the waters. But Lu Guifan’s current attitude…

“So now it’s Chagall finally finding Bella, and Raphael meeting Fornarina?”

Mu Xianqing finished speaking, then felt that his analogy would probably only be understood by art students. The aura of the young man in front of him exuded a logic-related rationality. Someone who could name a painting Roche Limit seemed like a science student.

“Your analogies are probably not quite right. In the former, Bella died too early, and Chagall could only let his beloved soar eternally in his paintings. In the latter… Raphael never managed to be with Fornarina until his death, even though he kept paintings of his beloved in his studio until he died, draped her in a wedding dress in his paintings, and even painted her as the Sistine Madonna, Raphael could only remain unmarried his entire life.”

Mu Xianqing listened as the other spoke eloquently, a little surprised, “You actually know all this?”

“I’ve read all the books on my boyfriend’s bookshelf.”

Mu Xianqing silently looked at Lu Guifan for a while, the smile on his face fading. He suddenly leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “Then treat him well, don’t disappoint or upset him, and let him always retain his innocent passion.”

If one day, you destroy his talent, I will make you pay the price.

Hearing this, Lu Guifan finally extended his hand to Mu Xianqing, “Hello, Mr. Mu.”

“Hello… I only know you’re someone’s muse, but I don’t know your name yet.”

“Lu Guifan. Lu as in land, Gui as in return, Fan as in sailboat.”

Hearing this, Mu Xianqing covered his forehead with his hand. “So that’s it! It’s because of you again!”

“Hm?” Lu Guifan showed an expression of confusion.

“He has a painting, it’s a dilapidated sailboat floating on the sea at night! The painting’s name is Returning Sail! I loved it to death, but he just wouldn’t sell it. At the time, I wondered, this painting surely has nothing to do with his beloved, right? Now it seems the reason he wouldn’t sell it is your name!”

This “accounting” greatly pleased Lu Guifan. “My apologies.”

“You don’t sound apologetic at all. Could you please ask your boyfriend? Lend it to me, I just want to exhibit it, okay?” Mu Xianqing had completely dropped his pretense, begging with clasped hands.

“Alright, I’ll ask.”

I’ll ask Ruotang if he’s willing to lend his boyfriend’s name for an exhibition.

Just then, someone suddenly called Lu Guifan’s name. “Xiao Lu? Is that you? What are you doing here?”