Chapter 55: There Is and Only One You

Lin Lu’s face was full of curiosity: “Mm-hmm, what about the second one?”

Geng Yu chuckled: “The second one is to make a mark! You first butter up the examiners. When they see this mark, they’ll give you a pretty good score. For example, this year, do you know what the mark is?”

Lin Lu shook his head, “I don’t know.”

Geng Yu held up his hand, making a V-sign.

“Just like that?”

“Of course, you’re not stupid enough to just write a V. It has to be done subtly. For example, when sketching a figure, draw a V-shaped wrinkle on the collar, hide a V in a strand of hair, or add it in when rendering the darker parts.”

“What if the examiner doesn’t see it?”

“They won’t miss it. They’re professionals,” Geng Yu hooked his lips, smiling confidently.

–

After finishing the barbecue, Lin Lu returned home, showered, and sat on his bed, lost in thought. Although Geng Yu wasn’t very diligent, he was an art student after all. Since he said Jiang Ruotang’s skill was only average, then it probably really was average.

Should he tell Jiang Ruotang about that cheating symbol?

Perhaps Jiang Ruotang already knew about this symbol, but just didn’t trust Geng Yu, and didn’t trust him (Lin Lu) like he used to, so he pretended not to know.

In Lin Lu’s heart, Jiang Ruotang could never surpass him. Lin Lu even secretly hoped that Jiang Ruotang would give up painting and fail to get into university.

Therefore, when Bai Yingchuan transferred, Lin Lu wanted to use Bai Yingchuan’s aversion to strike at Jiang Ruotang’s love for painting. In Lin Lu’s imagination, when Bai Yingchuan saw Jiang Ruotang’s sketches and portraits that revealed his affection, he would feel that Jiang Ruotang was no different from a stalker or a voyeur. As long as Jiang Ruotang felt this disgust, he would surely be unable to continue painting.

After all, what could be sadder than being hated by the person you love?

But Lin Lu never expected that Jiang Ruotang not only disposed of all his previous works but also made the only painting he sent to Bai Yingchuan appear sloppy and cold. This “cold aesthetic” style unintentionally won Bai Yingchuan’s appreciation…

As for the art joint exam, Lin Lu wouldn’t be foolish enough to completely believe everything Geng Yu said.

At this moment, Jiang Ruotang was practicing portrait sketching in the top-floor art studio, with Zhao Changfeng as his model.

Zhao Changfeng sat on the sofa, playing on his phone. “Are you done yet? I really can’t sit still anymore… Can’t you just take a photo and draw from it?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“If I took a photo, you’d leave, and no one would keep me company. How lonely that would be.”

Jiang Ruotang’s matter-of-fact expression almost made Zhao Changfeng explode on the spot.

“I’m going to beat you up!”

“Oh, of course I kept you here because your features are well-defined, your eyes are big and clear, and they look three-dimensional under the light. Photos distort reality and can’t capture your natural handsomeness,” Jiang Ruotang immediately launched a sugar-coated attack.

“Really?”

“Really. Do you know what I like to draw most when I practice quick sketches?”

Although he was currently drawing a sketch, Zhao Changfeng wouldn’t pay attention to the difference between a sketch and a quick sketch.

“What?”

“Your competition videos. Your rebounding and shooting actions are too cool. I’ve drawn them all. Believe it or not, every single one, if posted, would instantly overshadow all the photos taken by sports reporters?”

“You drew a lot of me? Where?”

“Don’t move. Once I’ve finished this shape and handled the shading, you can do whatever you want.”

Just then, Jiang Ruotang’s phone, placed to the side, rang. It was Lin Lu calling.

What a rare guest.

“Hello, Lin Lu? What’s up?”

Lin Lu asked cautiously, “Is anyone with you?”

“Hmm? Just Zhao Changfeng across from me. What’s wrong?”

Seeing Jiang Ruotang on the phone, Zhao Changfeng couldn’t sit still at all. He started searching the art studio, hoping to find Jiang Ruotang’s sketchbook.

Lin Lu said in a concerned tone, “I chatted with Geng Yu today, and he revealed that the secret code for this joint exam is the letter V. It needs to be subtle, drawn in shadows, hair strands, or folds. Although I don’t know if it’s useful to you, I came to tell you as soon as I found out.”

Jiang Ruotang closed his eyes and pinched the corner of his eye. He really didn’t need Lin Lu to go to such extra trouble.

It would have been fine if he hadn’t said anything, but now that Lin Lu had said this, even if Jiang Ruotang did well, Lin Lu could subtly imply that Jiang Ruotang had pulled strings.

“Thanks for your concern, but this mark might not be real. Don’t take it too seriously. Think about it, if Geng Yu can easily tell you this mark, isn’t he afraid of someone reporting him?”

Lin Lu was silent for a moment, then smiled, “You understand more, I hope I didn’t cause you any trouble.”

After hanging up, Jiang Ruotang found Zhao Changfeng sitting on the floor of the art studio, his long legs crossed, flipping through a sketchbook.

“What are you looking at so intently?” Jiang Ruotang came up behind Zhao Changfeng with his hands behind his back and looked down.

The page was open to a drawing of Zhao Changfeng dunking with one hand. The fluid lines of his muscles, his arm powerfully extended towards the hoop, a strong explosive force bursting from the paper. Zhao Changfeng looked up and met Jiang Ruotang’s gaze: “Is this me you drew?”

“If not you, then who?” Jiang Ruotang found it amusing.

Zhao Changfeng flipped back further. There were drawings of him turning the tide by grabbing rebounds, and of him elegantly shooting three-pointers from outside. Jiang Ruotang hadn’t exaggerated; his drawings were even cooler than the photos taken by the school newspaper reporter.

“Jiang Ruotang, how many times have you beautified me?”

Jiang Ruotang laughed, “Huh? I recreated these one-to-one from the game footage, okay?! Why would I beautify you!”

Zhao Changfeng reluctantly wanted to touch it, but was afraid of smudging the lines. He could feel that in these drawings, he was the center of attention, the unique protagonist.

And there wasn’t just one; there was a thick stack of them.

Zhao Changfeng looked at him, a little awkward, but then asked very seriously, “So… can I have these?”

“Yes, you can, but I have a condition,” Jiang Ruotang lifted his chin.

“What condition…” Zhao Changfeng tilted his head, then suddenly widened his eyes, hugging his arms and looking at Jiang Ruotang very warily, “You… Jiang Ruotang, you wouldn’t…”

“I wouldn’t what?”

“Have a crush and fall for me, would you?”

“Ah?” Jiang Ruotang froze in place.

Who am I? Where am I? Is there something wrong with my brain, or did my ears malfunction?

“Jiang Ruotang, even if I have broad shoulders, long legs, and bursting hormones, and I’m… handsome and dashing… but we’re on the same household register now! I’m not going to get involved in ‘incest’ with you!”

Jiang Ruotang was speechless. “Zhao Changfeng—did your head get struck by lightning?”

“Otherwise… why would you draw a whole book of me? And draw me so handsome? Isn’t this a reflection of your inner thoughts?”

“I’m going crazy!” Jiang Ruotang took down sketchbook after sketchbook and tapped them on Zhao Changfeng’s head.

“This is what I drew for Sister Juan, isn’t it gentle and serene?”

“This is what I drew for our mom, doesn’t she have elegance? Isn’t she graceful?”

“This is what I drew for our dad, doesn’t he look intelligent, gentle, and profound!”

“This is what I drew for Little Gao, this is my art studio teacher! They all have several books! If I draw someone, does that mean I like them? Then I’ve also drawn kittens, puppies, and little grasshoppers! Does that mean I love from humans to non-humans?”

As Jiang Ruotang was about to open another book, he opened the first page and saw a pair of eyes he had drawn again and again, from various angles, with various expressions. This was his true hidden secret. He quickly closed the sketchbook and put it back on the shelf without a change in expression.

Zhao Changfeng was so embarrassed he wished the ground would swallow him whole.

“Uh, I… I just wanted to compliment you on your great drawing…” Zhao Changfeng was now red from his neck all the way to his forehead; it was truly comical.

“Hmph.” Jiang Ruotang angrily went to take the sketchbook back.

“Don’t! Just tell me, what conditions do you want me to agree to? Keep being your model?”

“You can’t even sit still, and you want to be my model? Give me a break! I just want to hear you genuinely call me ‘Ge’ (older brother),” Jiang Ruotang said with a smile.

“What? That’s it? Are you serious?” Zhao Changfeng inexplicably flushed.

“Then call me! Go on, call me so I can hear it!” Jiang Ruotang nudged him with his shoulder.

“Um…”

“Um what? I didn’t hear clearly!”

“But…”

“Hey, Zhao Changfeng, you’re so energetic on the basketball court, why are you such a coward with me?”

Zhao Changfeng took a deep breath and suddenly yelled out: “Br—oth—er—”

It was so loud it almost blew the roof off the attic, startling Jiang Huaiyuan downstairs in the study who came up to see what was happening.

Jiang Huaiyuan: “What’s wrong with you two? You shouldn’t be fighting!”

“Dad, nothing. Changfeng just called me!”

“Called you? I thought he was going to beat you up.”

Zhao Changfeng grumbled, “If he causes any more trouble, I’ll really beat him up.”

Jiang Ruotang handed him the sketchbook: “Keep it well, little brother. When you go to the NBA, I’ll hold an art exhibition dedicated to drawing you!”

“Ment… Mental!”

Jiang Huaiyuan saw that the two were just bickering as usual and their relationship was good, so he smiled and went downstairs.

“Brother.” Zhao Changfeng suddenly called him again, softly.

“What? You calling me so affectionately, I’m not used to it,” Jiang Ruotang sat down cross-legged beside him.

“You draw really well. Even though I don’t understand it, I just think it’s really, really good, and I want to keep it cherished.”

Zhao Changfeng rarely praised people, but his expression let Jiang Ruotang know these were his sincere words.

“Thank you.”

Zhao Changfeng said very seriously, “So you absolutely must not resort to those backdoor methods… I think you can ace the joint exam with your own strength.”

So he heard what Lin Lu said to me, that’s why he’s specifically reminding me.

Jiang Ruotang felt a warmth in his heart and replied, “Okay, Big Brother promises. Although I can win by talent, this time I’ll rely on my strength.”

Zhao Changfeng thought for a long time, what was the difference between talent and strength?

---

On the day of the joint exam, although it was a Saturday, the senior high students were still attending class. Neither Zhao Changfeng nor Cai Ji could accompany him to the test center; only Jiang Huaiyuan and Zhao Yunshu went with him.

Outside the test center, Jiang Ruotang realized that not only Zhao Yunshu but also many other parents were wearing qipaos. This was like getting a preview of the college entrance exam treatment.

Zhao Yunshu laughed, “See? I told you to wear a qipao.”

Inside the exam hall, time was exceptionally tight. No matter how the art studio teacher guided him on controlling black, white, and gray, or forming shapes and laying colors… Jiang Ruotang relied entirely on instinct. Time seemed reasonable but was actually pressing; if anything went wrong, there might be no room or time for correction.

While he was in the exam hall, someone in his class was also nervous for him.

For example, Cai Ji went to Youmin Temple at five in the morning with his grandparents to burn the first incense stick of the day for Jiang Ruotang.

Zhao Changfeng, for once, didn’t sleep on his desk the entire day. He checked his phone occasionally, waiting for updates in the family chat group.

For example, after Jiang Ruotang finished sketching, he said in the family group that the subject was a photo of an old man. As soon as Zhao Changfeng saw this, he couldn’t help but send messages to Cai Ji, Jian Sha, and even Lu Guifan.

Teacher Song Qinghe called Lu Guifan’s name from the podium, but for the first time, Lu Guifan was actually spacing out. He didn’t stand up for more than ten seconds. It was only when a classmate in the front row reminded him that he belatedly stood up.

Teacher Song was initially worried if Lu Guifan was feeling unwell, but when he picked up the chalk, he wrote like a god. And he didn’t use his usual method of solving the problem but a somewhat circuitous yet more detailed and easier-to-understand method.

This was actually a solution Lu Guifan had thought of for Jiang Ruotang. It was just a shame that the most important audience member wasn’t present today.

When the joint exam ended, Jiang Ruotang packed his things and walked out of the examination hall, tilting his head back and taking a deep breath.

The apricot trees by the roadside had turned yellow, and golden leaves drifted down. Jiang Ruotang, wearing a chestnut-colored woolen coat and a plaid scarf, carrying his art toolbox, looked soft and handsome as he walked towards Jiang Huaiyuan and Zhao Yunshu. The scene was straight out of a movie.

Director Jiang couldn’t resist recording this moment with his phone and sending it to the family group chat.

Zhao Changfeng, who received this short video, forwarded it to his classmates: [My brother finished his exam!]

This real-time broadcast would normally be annoying, but this time, it was what his friends were waiting for.

Cai Ji clicked on the video and couldn’t help but exclaim, [As expected of a great director’s lens, even shot on a phone, it’s so beautiful! Ruotang is so handsome!]

Zhao Changfeng tilted his head. Is this considered beautiful?

But it certainly made the chick-like Jiang Ruotang look artistic.

Zhao Changfeng: [What’s so great about this? When we graduate, let Director Jiang make a graduation movie for us too!]

Jian Sha sincerely sighed: [Through the phone screen, I can smell the scent emanating from Jiang Ruotang~]

Zhao Changfeng: [Paint smell?]

Cai Ji: [Based on my understanding of Sister Sha, it should be the scent of a high-quality Omega.]

Lu Guifan didn’t rush to open the video. Instead, he waited until the afternoon classes were over, and classmates had either gone for walks on the sports field or gone out to eat. He stood at the end of the corridor and clicked on it.

The warm winter sun shone through the golden apricot leaves onto Jiang Ruotang’s face, which held a bright smile. It was an openness that embraced the process wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome.

This guy always teased Lu Guifan, saying things like, “The class monitor’s eyes are beautiful, like a spring breeze, like autumn water, like rippling clear springs.” But in reality, the truly beautiful one was himself.

Lin Lu could feel the unspoken understanding between Zhao Changfeng and Jian Sha. Now even Cai Ji had surpassed them, becoming a close friend of Jiang Ruotang, which made Lin Lu uncomfortable. He lightly tapped Zhao Changfeng’s desk, “Is there news about Ruotang? How did he perform on the joint exam?”

Zhao Changfeng didn’t want to bother with Lin Lu, but on such a good day, it’s better to offend a gentleman than a villain: “He finished the exam. As for how he performed, according to my brother—do your best, and leave the rest to fate.”

Lin Lu secretly gasped inwardly. Since when did Zhao Changfeng call Jiang Ruotang “my brother” so naturally?

“Then what are you looking at?”

“Oh, my dad took a short video of my brother leaving the exam venue as a souvenir,” Zhao Changfeng replied.

To his surprise, Bai Yingchuan leaned back, looking very interested, and said, “Director Jiang filmed it? Can I see it? Director Jiang’s camerawork is first-rate; a video filmed for his son must be very special.”

“Then I’ll ask my dad and my brother. If they agree, I’ll send it to you,” Zhao Changfeng simply thought Bai Yingchuan was interested in Jiang Huaiyuan’s work.

But Lin Lu knew that Bai Yingchuan was truly interested only in Jiang Ruotang himself.

A little while later, Bai Yingchuan received the short video, along with Zhao Changfeng’s clever comment, “Learn well from Director Jiang.”

With the joint exam over, Jiang Ruotang no longer had to return to school for evening self-study, but he received a message from Lu Guifan: [Free tonight? Want to go to Jinshang MALL?]

Jiang Ruotang tilted his head. When did Lu Guifan become interested in shopping malls?

[Aren’t you going to evening self-study?]

Lu Guifan’s reply speed was faster than Jiang Ruotang could imagine: [Evening self-study isn’t very meaningful to me.]

The original unspoken words in his heart were: Without you, evening self-study isn’t very meaningful to me.

Jiang Ruotang looked at the message. If he didn’t know Lu Guifan’s character, he would definitely think this person was too conceited and arrogant.

[Okay, then let’s meet at Jinshang MALL, Block A! I’ll treat you to pizza!]