Chapter 19: Ridiculous

“It’s just that I’ll be leaving soon today. Next time, if the opportunity arises, let’s have another meal together. Bring your work then, and I’ll personally take a look at it.” Wu Pingran gazed at Qin Miaoyu with genuine appreciation.

Her words were not mere polite formality; some things could be discerned without even viewing the artwork. Even after only sharing a meal, she could already recognize Qin Miaoyu’s talent.

Qin Miaoyu agreed, though she held no expectation of a second meeting in her heart.

It felt like a fan meeting her idol—just seeing Master Wu once was satisfaction enough.

On the way back, Lu Qi’an spoke enthusiastically about when they might invite Master Wu again, urging Qin Miaoyu to choose her best piece. Perhaps Master Wu might even take her as a disciple.

“Lu Qi’an, could you not talk about this anymore? I have no intention of doing so!”

Lu Qi’an’s startled expression made Qin Miaoyu realize she’d spoken with more emotion than intended, emotions not brought on by Lu Qi’an himself.

She felt a bit apologetic. “Sorry, I’m not in the best mood. My tone wasn’t very good.”

“No need to apologize to me. I didn’t notice and kept talking about things you didn’t want to hear. But I am genuinely curious—Master Wu said you’re gifted, and from what I’ve seen, your paintings are indeed excellent. Why don’t you want to become her student?”

Lu Qi’an’s gentle inquiry prompted Qin Miaoyu to explain: “Years ago, I gave up pursuing art professionally. I’m quite content with the life I have now. I don’t want to disrupt it.”

Qin Miaoyu was simply answering why she didn’t wish to study under Master Wu. Yet Lu Qi’an felt as if she were also responding to his own concealed identity.

Not wanting to disrupt her current state?

Qin Miaoyu’s present state was a steady nine-to-six job, with some lucrative side businesses. And she had someone to appease her family—a perfectly ordinary office-worker husband by agreement.

But this identity was only a misunderstanding. Qin Miaoyu didn’t even hold any feelings for him beyond those of regular friendship.

The atmosphere in the car suddenly grew quiet.

Back in her room, the thrill of meeting Master Wu had faded. Qin Miaoyu felt a wave of exhaustion and powerlessness, both physically and mentally.

She always believed the past had vanished like drifting clouds, and was certain she’d abandoned the path of professional painting long ago. Yet, she couldn’t deny that, after hearing others praise her talent several times in a few days, there was inevitably a fleeting moment of doubt—even if she quickly suppressed it.

Monday morning, as usual, Lu Qi’an drove Qin Miaoyu to work.

A leaking faucet delayed her a bit, and she nearly arrived at the company on the dot, though she managed to clock in just in time.

Director Li arrived a step after her. Remembering the car he’d just seen, he wore an inscrutable smile.

After rushing work for half a month, the schedule was finally back on track, and those on the new car launch project could finally breathe easier.

But Qin Miaoyu’s tasks were more varied. By the time she finished everything, it was already eight in the evening.

She sent Lu Qi’an a message, then left the office.

It was already early November, the temperature had dropped, and the night felt particularly dark.

One of the streetlights on the tree-lined path was broken, and Qin Miaoyu unconsciously quickened her pace.

Only when she saw Lu Qi’an did she relax.

Seeing her slightly tense expression, Lu Qi’an grew concerned. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Oh, nothing really. The night was so dim, and one of the streetlights was out. I got a bit paranoid, kept feeling someone was watching me.”

“Next time, don’t walk over here. I’ll drive straight to pick you up.”

“No need. If you come over, you’ll have to go a long way and turn around. It’s too much trouble.”

Lu Qi’an looked serious. “That’s nothing at all. From now on, wait for me downstairs at your office. Isn’t it said that women’s intuition is accurate? Better to be cautious than risk anything.”

It was rare to see Lu Qi’an so stern and proper. Qin Miaoyu suddenly felt she hadn’t paid enough attention to her own safety.

“Alright, I’ll wait for you downstairs from now on.”

“That’s good. You’re being sensible. Always put safety first. Get in the car quickly; it’s freezing outside.”

Qin Miaoyu blushed at his use of “sensible,” but was soon shivering from a gust of cold wind—it really was chilly.

With the project back on track, Qin Miaoyu had more free time.

But with leisure, it seemed easier to encounter people she’d rather avoid. Seeing Director Li approach for reasons unknown, Qin Miaoyu lowered her head.

Soon after, Zhu Jing beside her gave her a gentle nudge.

“Miaoyu, Director Li has been watching this side for a while.”

Qin Miaoyu was puzzled. “He’s been watching me?”

“Yes, I was about to warn you, then you looked up. Maybe he wants to transfer you to help his nephew Zhou Xun, since you’ve been doing such good work?”

Qin Miaoyu knew that was impossible.

The new car launch project couldn’t spare anyone now. Even if Director Li wanted to transfer her, the other leaders wouldn’t allow it.

So why was Director Li staring at her?

Over the next few days, Qin Miaoyu would bump into Director Li all over the place.

He never spoke to her, just stood nearby and watched, making her feel deeply uncomfortable, as if she were being spied upon.

Before she could figure out how to deal with this situation, Director Li blocked her in the corridor outside the restroom.

“Qin Miaoyu, I always thought you’d climbed up to General Manager Qi, but it turns out you just married an ordinary employee from Anhe?”

Li Wan’an had only recently discovered that the car picking up Qin Miaoyu was quite ordinary. How could General Manager Qi from Anhe possibly drive such a car?

He’d deliberately asked around at Anhe, only to find out General Manager Qi wasn’t married, nor would he drive such a shabby vehicle!

Clearly, Qin Miaoyu and her husband had tricked him!

“Director Li, I never said my husband was General Manager Qi.”

Lu Qi’an had suggested using General Manager Qi’s name to intimidate Director Li, and since there was no need to clarify things, Director Li had continued to misunderstand.

“If you ask me, following such an ordinary husband is beneath someone with your looks. You’d be better off with me. Designer labels and handbags, take your pick. Don’t you want to be promoted to designer? I can do that for you right away. How about it?”

Qin Miaoyu’s face was full of mockery. A man who married into his wife’s family, whose money belonged to the other half, could still boast so shamelessly. It was laughable.

“Director Li, does Chairman Wan know you plan to squander her money like this?”