“Thank you, I’ll remember that.” Jiang Ruotang smiled and opened the car door. Having this open and honest meal with Qi Yanzhe, and clarifying their relationship as allies, Jiang Ruotang felt both relaxed and full of anticipation for the future.

He returned to the classroom, walking in through the back door and deliberately passing by Lu Guifan’s desk. Lu Guifan knew that Jiang Ruotang had a dinner appointment with Qi Yanzhe today. Jiang Ruotang had expected the guy to be worried about him, like what if Qi Yanzhe’s strength led to something forceful. But to his surprise, he walked in to find Lu Guifan napping at his desk as if nothing was wrong. How infuriating, what to do! Jiang Ruotang glanced at the time; Lu Guifan was probably only three minutes away from waking up, so Jiang Ruotang stood with his hands on his hips and waited.

Sure enough, when the time came, Lu Guifan’s phone vibrated in his drawer. He reached into the drawer with one hand to grab his phone, rubbed his eyes with the other, and just as his neck straightened, Jiang Ruotang abruptly pushed him down. “Hmph, that’s what you get for being arrogant!”

Lu Guifan reacted quickly, propping himself up on the desk with one hand. He sighed helplessly, then, yielding to Jiang Ruotang’s force, slowly lay back down on the desk, muffledly saying, “Young Master, are you satisfied?”

“Not satisfied. You should have come with me today,” Jiang Ruotang said.

“If I went with you, what else could I do besides freeloading?” Jiang Ruotang told himself internally, You could role-play as my boyfriend. But then he thought of Lu Guifan’s personality and dismissed the idea. Playing the role of a homeroom teacher would be more like it.

---

As the acquisition of Little Sweet Fruit got on track, Jiang Ruotang could now calmly prepare for the entrance exam of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in the capital. That was a truly tough battle, with very clear demands for technical skills. On the day he left, his classmates had classes and couldn’t see him off. Jiang Ruotang was quite relaxed and even sent a message to Lu Guifan: [Master, I’ll return in glory!]

Lu Guifan lowered his eyes and replied: [When you return in glory, it’ll be a sea of books, a mountain of questions, and a cultural class purgatory.] Jiang Ruotang pouted. He had wanted to say, “When I return in glory, I’ll come back and marry you,” but this guy was truly a spoilsport.

Jiang Huaiyuan took his art school entrance exam very seriously, accompanying him in person, and of course, Xiao Gao also went along. The exam questions for Jiang Ruotang felt effortlessly easy, as if fate itself was supporting his admission to the Central Academy of Fine Arts in the capital. The charcoal drawing was “Broken Plaster Statue,” the color theme was “Book Corner in the Sunlight,” and the sketch theme was “Zoo.” These themes put him in a good mood while drawing; his techniques were natural, and his emotions were full.

During Jiang Ruotang’s exam, Jiang Huaiyuan also met and chatted with other colleagues. When they heard that Jiang Ruotang had won the championship in the “Rising Waves” category of the Fu Chunshi Calligraphy and Painting Competition, they all said that with this award, the professors at the Central Academy of Fine Arts would probably be fighting to take Jiang Ruotang as their student.

Jiang Huaiyuan said to Jiang Ruotang, “Son, today when I talked to those directors and producers about you winning the ‘Rising Waves’ championship, I was really, really proud. Much prouder than when I won Best Director myself. Do you know, I should make a movie… a movie about a painter, and give it to my beloved son!”

Jiang Ruotang couldn’t help but laugh aloud, “Dad, others make movies for their parents; only you think about making a movie for your son.”

“But Dad just feels so happy!”

“My exam results aren’t even out yet.”

“They told me that with your honor in hand, your score definitely won’t be low!”

After finishing the exam, Jiang Ruotang was eager to return to Sheng City. “You just finished the exam, aren’t you going to stay here and have some fun?” Jiang Huaiyuan asked.

“No time to play, I have to go back to the mountain of books and sea of questions!” Jiang Ruotang thought for a moment and added, “I want to visit Capital University of Science and Technology!” That was the best comprehensive university in the country, with top-notch science and engineering research capabilities, having produced many academicians and tech giants.

Jiang Huaiyuan originally thought his son wanted to visit this legendary university, but he didn’t expect him to bring drawing tools and an easel, find a suitable angle and position, and start painting. Jiang Huaiyuan was also a very easygoing person. He directly brought a small fishing stool, sat beside his son to accompany him, and bought a cup of coffee from a nearby cafe. This father-son time was pleasant and had a certain unspoken understanding.

Originally, many pedestrians walked past Jiang Ruotang, at most giving a glance. But unknowingly, by the time Jiang Huaiyuan finished his cup of coffee, a crowd had gathered behind Jiang Ruotang. Among them was a foreigner, about fifty years old, with a few silver strands in his brown hair, his half-long hair tied back with a simple elastic band. He was wearing a plaid overcoat and a light-colored sweater, exuding a gentle and elegant demeanor.

At first, he was just curious. But as Jiang Ruotang added more and more colors to the canvas, with free and easy brushstrokes, he became attracted, standing behind Jiang Ruotang for a full half an hour, his posture changing from hands in pockets to chin resting in hand, and then to a slight nod.

Jiang Huaiyuan noticed that this person really liked his son’s painting. Anyone who appreciated Jiang Ruotang was his friend, so Jiang Huaiyuan went to a nearby FAIRY and bought another jasmine milk tea, handing it to the stranger. He proudly said, “This is my son.” The man smiled, accepted the milk tea, and said to Jiang Huaiyuan in English, “Your son is very talented. What’s his name? Is he a student at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in the capital?”

Jiang Huaiyuan had attended many overseas film exhibitions. Although he had a slight accent, his grammar and vocabulary were fluent. “His name is Jiang Ruotang, and he just took the entrance exam for the Central Academy of Fine Arts in the capital. My son just won the championship of Mr. Fu Chunshi’s art exhibition last year, and his works are also exhibited in overseas galleries.”

“Oh my God, I knew it… His painting is beautiful, using colors to create a profound atmosphere. If possible, besides the Central Academy of Fine Arts, he can consider the university I’m from. If he’s interested, please be sure to contact me.” After saying that, he took out a business card and handed it to Jiang Huaiyuan. A car stopped by the roadside and waved to him. The man could only regretfully look at Jiang Ruotang’s painting again before getting in the car and leaving.

It wasn’t until Jiang Ruotang finished his painting and packed up his easel and art supplies that Jiang Huaiyuan told Jiang Ruotang what the man had said, casually handing him a business card. Jiang Ruotang was stunned when he saw the name of the art academy on the card. This was a very famous university, and as for the professor’s name, Oh my God… Jiang Ruotang’s pupils dilated as if he had missed out on a hundred million. This was a very famous modern painter. Jiang Ruotang carefully put the business card away. It had the professor’s email address, and he would definitely communicate and contact him thoroughly after returning.

---

When Jiang Ruotang returned to Sheng City and had just left the airport, he received a call from Mu Xianqing. This guy actually came to pick him up? What happened? Mu Xianqing not only came, but he also held a bouquet of oil painting-colored flowers. When he saw Jiang Ruotang, he smiled like an old fox, making Jiang Ruotang retreat three steps immediately.

“What… what’s wrong?” Did Dream Bubble get attacked, or did Xiaolan’s phone explode too?

Mu Xianqing handed the flowers to Jiang Ruotang and proactively helped him with his luggage. “I heard you ran into Willem Craven when you were painting in front of the Capital University of Science and Technology?”

Jiang Ruotang was stunned for a moment. “How did you know?”

“Because Mr. Craven also has a cooperative relationship with our family’s gallery. He was invited to the capital for an exchange this time. The Central Academy of Fine Arts originally wanted to do an art student exchange with his academy, but he didn’t take a liking to any of the students.” Mu Xianqing leaned in and said to Jiang Ruotang, “Mr. Craven said that the traces of technique in their works were too obvious, lacking fluid emotion. Just as Mr. Craven was returning disappointed, he saw you after touring the Capital University of Science and Technology.”

Jiang Ruotang touched his pocket; Mr. Craven’s business card was in his wallet. “Mr. Craven heard that you also have works on display, so he came to ask me. As soon as I heard his description, I sent him your photo, and then confirmed that you had painted a picture—the gate of the Hundred-Year-Old Famous University.”

Jiang Ruotang closed his eyes. Okay, he now understood Mu Xianqing’s intention.

---

Back home, Jiang Ruotang invited Mu Xianqing to his art studio, turned on the lights, and showed the painting to Mu Xianqing for appreciation. Mu Xianqing rested his chin on his hand, concentrating on admiring it. Jiang Ruotang went downstairs to brew a cup of coffee for him and brought it up, but Mu Xianqing was still in the same posture.

“What’s wrong? This is just the gate of the Capital University of Science and Technology, and there are no special techniques. You weren’t really looking at the painting, were you? You were just spacing out,” Jiang Ruotang said with a smile.

“I was just thinking, why does painting the gate of this hundred-year-old university still make me feel like you’re painting your beloved?”

Jiang Ruotang was stunned for a moment. That was because when he was painting this picture, he was thinking about the end of the college entrance examination, Lu Guifan getting excellent results, and how he would often enter and exit the gates of this school in the future.

“Quiet and profound, with a very serene yet wise feeling. You’re not depicting a gate, but rather a person.” Mu Xianqing turned around. “Don’t tell me this painting is also not for sale.”

“That’s not the case. But if someone wants to see the gate of Capital University of Science and Technology, wouldn’t it be easier to just search online?” Jiang Ruotang said half-jokingly.

“But the gate in your painting is very special,” Mu Xianqing said with a smile. “I think the name of this painting should be ‘Profound.’ It represents the hundred-year history of Capital University of Science and Technology, and it also reflects the gaze and thoughts of that person in your heart.”

Jiang Ruotang lowered his eyes and smiled. He had to admit that Mu Xianqing was truly his discerning patron, always able to grasp every subtle emotion in his works. “You want to represent this painting? Of course, no problem. But you have to do me a favor.” Jiang Ruotang curved his lips.

The two foxes looked at each other and smiled.

“Tell me, what idea do you have now?” Mu Xianqing carefully moved the painting aside before picking up his coffee and slowly taking a sip.

Jiang Ruotang told Mu Xianqing about his plan to cooperate with Qi Yanzhe to acquire Little Sweet Fruit . “Neither Mr. Zheng nor Qi Yanzhe can find a suitable person to be the CEO of Little Sweet Fruit. Brother Mu, you’re very good at judging people and have a wide network. I’d like to ask you to help me find a suitable candidate.”

Mu Xianqing leaned back and snorted, “You bought Little Sweet Fruit without inviting me to join, but you remember me when you need a CEO?”

Jiang Ruotang looked into Mu Xianqing’s eyes and said very seriously, “Because I don’t know if buying Little Sweet Fruit will ultimately turn out the way I imagine. This is already my big gamble, and Qi Yanzhe wants to prove himself with the money his family gave him. Although you can afford to lose, Brother Mu, I have to be responsible to you, don’t I?”

“Responsible to me?” Mu Xianqing laughed. “Are you planning to marry me? My risk tolerance is much, much higher than yours.”

“Then… you’ll be my last resort. Problems that are difficult to solve will definitely arise during Little Sweet Fruit’s development. At that time, I’ll trouble you to help us in our hour of need.”

Mu Xianqing put down his coffee cup and feigned anger: “Then you might as well have let me join from the beginning; you wouldn’t have to wait until it snows.” This meant that for projects Mu Xianqing invested in, people in the capital circle would have to show respect, if not for the monk, then for the Buddha.

Jiang Ruotang was like a little quail, lowering his head, momentarily at a loss for words. Mu Xianqing immediately calmed down. “Never mind. Children always have to grow up on their own; adults can’t always be perfectly attentive.”

Jiang Ruotang immediately smiled. “When you come to me begging for help in a snowstorm, one painting won’t be enough to persuade me!”

“If one isn’t enough, then add hot pot and barbecue!”

“Who wants to eat hot pot and barbecue with you!”

After saying that, Mu Xianqing searched Jiang Ruotang’s art studio like a bandit. Unfortunately, he found nothing else, so he could only carry “Profound” away. However, Mu Xianqing didn’t know that Jiang Ruotang had secretly hidden a watercolor painting. It was only the size of a photo frame. Jiang Ruotang found a crystal photo frame, inserted it, and then put it in his school bag.

---

Due to the art school entrance exam, Jiang Ruotang hadn’t been to school for quite some time. Many teachers and classmates asked him how he performed in the exam, and he suddenly became the center of attention in the entire class. Geng Yu, sitting behind Lin Lu, kicked his chair. Lin Lu didn’t react at all. Geng Yu kicked again unceremoniously, and only then did Lin Lu slowly turn his head, asking coldly, “What do you want?”

With his hands in his pockets, Geng Yu leaned forward towards Lin Lu, pulling a smile. “Hey, Jiang Ruotang is much more popular than you.” Lin Lu’s nerve seemed to twitch, and he said coldly, “He’s more popular than you too.” Just as he was about to turn his head back, Geng Yu added, “I’m not jealous, nor am I upset. He’s just more likable than me, and more genuine than you.” Lin Lu turned his head away, clenching his hands. He couldn’t help but glance at Bai Yingchuan and saw that Bai Yingchuan was looking sideways at Jiang Ruotang, so Lin Lu clenched his jaw.

Before evening self-study, Jiang Ruotang distributed the gifts he brought back from the capital to his friends. Jian Sha received a book signed by a famous author, Cai Ji received a box of xylitol pastries from the capital to take home and share with his grandparents, and a well-packaged, somewhat heavy item was given to Lu Guifan. Lu Guifan didn’t rush to open it. He waited until after evening self-study, went home, and then unwrapped the outer packaging. Inside was a crystal photo frame, and inside the frame was a painting. Lu Guifan lowered his eyes and smiled. He picked up his phone and indeed saw a message from Jiang Ruotang: [Can you tell what I painted?]

Lu Guifan’s fingers quickly tapped on the screen: [M2-9]

Jiang Ruotang, who had already showered and was sitting against the headboard of his bed, frowned at the message. [What’s that? A weapon code name?]

Lu Guifan smiled. [You went to the planetarium at Capital University of Science and Technology, didn’t you?]

Jiang Ruotang: [You figured it out?]

Lu Guifan: [Mm-hmm, the Butterfly Nebula in Ophiuchus.]

Jiang Ruotang found it amazing. Even Jiang Huaiyuan, who had watched the explanatory video with him, couldn’t figure out what it was when he drew it, even asking Jiang Ruotang if he was going to become an abstract artist. Jiang Ruotang really wanted to disown him as a father. But Lu Guifan recognized it at a glance. To depict the ejective layers of the nebula, Jiang Ruotang specifically used lighter watercolor instead of oil paint. Faint purple, blue, green, and red energies blended together, ejecting in two directions, forming symmetrical butterfly wings. Lu Guifan sighed inwardly, Though beautiful, it is the curtain call of a star.

Who knew Jiang Ruotang would send another message: [Don’t you think it looks less like butterfly wings and more like two hearts that can’t be separated?]

Seeing this sentence, Lu Guifan picked up the photo frame, looked at it for a while longer, and then smiled. [Yes, its center is very likely a pair of mutually orbiting binary stars.] Until their respective energies are exhausted, they will not separate, even in a brilliant curtain call.

Jiang Ruotang: [When you get into Capital University of Science and Technology, we’ll go see it together!]

Lu Guifan touched the painting inside the crystal frame.