Chapter 63 Jiang Ruotang Is His Final Answer

Chapter 63 Jiang Ruotang Was His Final Answer

Lu Guifan found Jiang Ruotang to be a truly fascinating person. Despite coming from a wealthy upbringing, he was completely unbothered by the struggles of ordinary life.

In fact, Lu Guifan could sense that Jiang Ruotang fit right into—even loved—every part of his life. This included the rickety old sofa, the tiny bedroom where they squeezed in to study, and the little fold-out table where their knees kept knocking during meals.

Jiang Ruotang didn’t just accept every flaw in Lu Guifan’s life—he embraced them.

In Jiang Ruotang’s world, people weren’t ranked by money—only by sincerity or pretense.

Give him an inch, and he’d give a mile.

A friend like this was hard to come by.

But if he got greedy, pushed further… was that even an option?

At this moment, in Jiang Ruotang’s bedroom, Lin Lu sat in a beanbag chair in the corner, flipping through a European gallery’s exhibition pamphlet. The text wasn’t in English, so he couldn’t understand it, but holding onto it helped steady his nerves.

Because this bedroom felt both familiar and utterly foreign to him.

Familiar because the desk, bookshelf, and wardrobe were exactly the same as the last time he had visited, even the bedsheet matched Jiang Ruotang’s usual preference—warm-colored checkered.

But all the posters, standees, nightlights, and other items related to Bai Yingchuan had completely vanished.

On the desk nearby, mock exam papers were neatly stacked. The photo frame displayed only Jiang Ruotang’s own pictures, along with a small watercolor painting, about the size of a paperback, encased in a crystal frame.

The bookshelf was filled with biographies of artists, books on painting styles, and collections of masterpieces—all related to art.

All of this made one thing clear to anyone entering this room: Jiang Ruotang had a strong sense of who he was. His life and passions belonged solely to him.

Just then, Bai Yingchuan walked in after his shower, his damp hair slightly curled and clinging to his forehead. Finding it bothersome, he swept it back with his hand, and in that moment, his indifferent expression carried a pressure that made Lin Lu feel almost panicked.

"Go ahead," Bai Yingchuan muttered.

Lin Lu set down the brochure and quickly grabbed his things before heading to the bathroom.

When no one else was around, Bai Yingchuan treated Lin Lu with frigid indifference.

Lin Lu had assumed this coldness would be directed at Jiang Ruotang, but he couldn’t understand why the backlash landed on him.

Only when the warm water soaked his hair did Lin Lu’s body gradually start to thaw.

Bai Yingchuan was so close, yet so distant.

Sitting at the desk, Bai Yingchuan dried his hair, his gaze fixed on the watercolor painting in Jiang Ruotang’s crystal frame.

Up close, it depicted a drooping crabapple blossoms, its blossoms hanging low in wild abundance, the colors blurred like fog, exuding elegance.

As if drawn by an invisible force, Bai Yingchuan set down the hairdryer and lifted the frame for a closer look. Only then did he realize that the empty space faintly traced the outline of Jiang Ruotang’s profile.

"A self-portrait?" Bai Yingchuan chuckled.

Looking at Jiang Ruotang’s paintings seemed to reveal more about him.

Bai Yingchuan’s arm brushed against the stack of practice papers, and he noticed a booklet hidden beneath.

Pulling it out, he discovered it was an exhibition booklet for Fu Chunshi’s calligraphy and painting exhibition—meaning it likely included Jiang Ruotang’s award-winning piece.

Bai Yingchuan flipped through it quickly. The table of contents showed Jiang Ruotang’s work on the third page. He’d never felt this jittery before, like waiting for a life-changing callback.

On the third page, taking up a full page, was the only sketch portrait among all the award-winning works.

The brows, eyes, expression, and aura... Bai Yingchuan recognized it at a glance.

Bai Yingchuan’s throat moved, and his heart felt as though it had plummeted from ten thousand meters high into the icy fissure of an abyss.

He had a keen perception for scripted roles, and the same applied to paintings.

The emotions radiating from this piece were full of dependence yet blazingly intense.

Bai Yingchuan sat motionless at the desk for a long time, until Lin Lu’s footsteps sounded outside the door. Only then did he close the album and tuck it back beneath the practice papers.

“Done showering? Dry your hair, then sleep.”

Bai Yingchuan handed the hairdryer to Lin Lu, then lay down on the bed first, turning to face the wall.

That entire night, both Bai Yingchuan and Lin Lu were destined to lie awake.

Jiang Ruotang’s award-winning work made Bai Yingchuan realize that he might never become the leading man in the other’s life.

Meanwhile, Lin Lu agonized over Bai Yingchuan’s thoughts, uncertain and restless.

In Xiao Gao’s bedroom, Lu Guifan watched Jiang Ruotang’s sleeping face in silence, even his breath stilled as if afraid to disturb him.

After an unknown length of time, Jiang Ruotang, lying on his side, suddenly opened his eyes. When his eyes met his, Lu Guifan didn’t even have time to pretend to be asleep.

Their eyes locked, and Jiang Ruotang, as if seeing through Lu Guifan’s thoughts, raised a finger to lightly brush against his lips.

“Were you thinking about that kiss?”

Jiang Ruotang smiled—part teasing, mostly a mischievous challenge.

“…No, I just couldn’t sleep.”

Jiang Ruotang nuzzled into the pillow, his hair and skin pressed close against it. Lu Guifan felt his breath stretch endlessly, as if Jiang Ruotang was resting directly on his heart.

“I can’t sleep either. Tell me… what does kissing actually feel like?”

The question was soft, laced with innocent curiosity, yet to Lu Guifan, it was a temptation from the abyss.

“Don’t know. Never kissed anyone.”

Lu Guifan’s mind went blank. Logic failed him; he could only answer instinctively.

Resting his chin on his hand, Jiang Ruotang murmured, “Class President, your lips are so soft. How about… letting me try?”

Though he knew exactly what Jiang Ruotang meant, Lu Guifan still asked, “Try what?”

In one swift motion, Jiang Ruotang rolled over, hovering over him, hands planted on either side of Lu Guifan’s head. His gaze lowered, his disheveled bangs framing his face like a snare of desire in the dark, dragging Lu Guifan’s heart down with it.

“Of course… trying what a real kiss feels like,” Jiang Ruotang’s voice whispered.

Lu Guifan knew he was going mad. Even if this was just Jiang Ruotang’s prank, his bored diversion, or his deliberate temptation—it didn’t matter. All Lu Guifan wanted was for the other to give him a reason to act on this unbearable longing.

Before Jiang Ruotang’s lips could descend, Lu Guifan pushed himself up with one hand, the other gripping the back of Jiang Ruotang’s head. Without hesitation—no, with desperate urgency—he claimed his lips.

The sensation wasn’t as mind-blowing as he’d imagined, but like a bullet leaving the chamber, it shattered fragile defenses in an instant. A surge of possessiveness, raw and overwhelming, rose within him. He crushed Jiang Ruotang’s lips fiercely, and when the other responded with a playful bite, Lu Guifan felt the world flip upside down. All his burning devotion surged forth for him.

The roof of his mouth was grazed teasingly, unleashing a hunger he’d never acknowledged. The slightest opening was enough—his pent-up yearning burst free, uncontrollable.

The sudden surge of tension made Lu Guifan's scalp prickle. He abruptly opened his eyes, drawing in deep breaths as his chest heaved, only to find himself staring at the empty ceiling above.

Thump—thump—thump—

His heart pounded violently, reminding him that this was reality.

So, he'd been dreaming.

He had always prided himself on his self-control, rarely indulging in fun activities, channeling his time and energy into productive pursuits—like studying... at least to get into a good university and land a good job, so both he and his parents could live a better life than they did now.

He had never been addicted to anything—games, novels, card games... He allowed himself to experience them but could always walk away effortlessly.

But Jiang Ruotang... seemed to possess an endless pull for him.

Because Jiang Ruotang understood exactly how Lu Guifan wanted to be treated, guarding his world in his own unique way.

Thus, Lu Guifan's delayed teenage years, the dopamine that quickened his pulse, and all those so-called hormones that sent his senses go wild—all erupted for this one person, uncontrollably.

Jiang Ruotang still lay beside him in the same position, naive and completely trusting.

But Lu Guifan had to get up. For the first time in his life, his little boat was tossed by rough waves, tethered to the shore by a rope, battering against the waves until it threatened to shatter.

He went to the bathroom, tilting his head back, his breath held in his chest. The Jiang Ruotang in his dream... had felt so real that he never wanted to wake up.

As cold water splashed onto his face, he put on his glasses and stared at his reflection. Why did Jiang Ruotang love painting his eyes so much? Right now, they looked like they held a wild beast ready to devour Jiang Ruotang whole.

This version of himself was unfamiliar even to Lu Guifan.

Suddenly, the light behind him flicked on. Jiang Ruotang padded in, rubbing his eyes, his voice thick with sleep.

"Monitor... what are you doing?"

"Nothing. Do you need to—"

Before he could finish, Jiang Ruotang stood beside him, lifting the toilet seat and peeing with his head tilted, totally unaware.

"You..." Lu Guifan swallowed his words at the sight of Jiang Ruotang's drowsy, half-asleep expression.

He forced himself to look away, but heat spread from his throat to his ears and cheeks. Just the sound of Jiang Ruotang putting his sleep pants back on made the cold water he'd splashed on himself feel insufficient.

They returned to the room. Lu Guifan lay down, feeling guilty. He had had inappropriate thoughts for a friend who had helped him countless times—even if the other had been the spark.

The next moment, Jiang Ruotang suddenly snuggled closer. Like a groundhog, he burrowed into Lu Guifan's chest, his safe haven, his arm looping around him. Lu Guifan had meant to pull away, but now he found it impossible.

If no one had ever treated him like Jiang Ruotang did, Lu Guifan could have been content alone.

But now he was addicted—to the feeling of Jiang Ruotang relying on him unconditionally. It filled him with satisfaction.

He reached up and gently stroked Jiang Ruotang's hair.

Lu Guifan's principles were simple: never hesitate, never second-guess himself.

Once he knew what he wanted, he tackled it like a math problem—step by step. And Jiang Ruotang was his final answer.

He had patience. He had resolve.

The next morning, New Year's Day.

Sister Juan didn't wake everyone for breakfast, knowing they must have stayed up late the night before.

Even Jiang Huaiyuan and Zhao Yunshu tiptoed when they returned, careful not to disturb them.

Cai Ji and Zhao Zhangfeng had binged anime until 3 a.m. and were still snoring loudly in their room.

Jian Sha had woken up at 10 but couldn't resist lounging on her princess bed, scrolling on her phone.

As for Bai Yingchuan and Lin Lu... Bai Yingchuan had lain motionless all night, lying stiffly on his back. Lin Lu had tried several times to talk to him, even considering sharing childhood stories about Jiang Ruotang, but Bai Yingchuan seemed uninterested.

By noon, everyone had gradually risen, and Sister Juan made a big spread.

Jiang Ruotang didn't know when Lu Guifan had woken up. By the time he sat up, Lu Guifan's pajamas were already folded neatly on the bedside table, ready to be packed.

Now, Lu Guifan sat by the windowsill, reading *Framing and Composition*, borrowed by Xiao Gao from Jiang Huaiyuan.

This was when the room got the most light.

Lu Guifan looked like the protagonist in a school romance—the kind you'd fall for over and over in memories.

"Monitor, are you taking these pajamas home?" Jiang Ruotang asked tentatively.

"Otherwise?"

"Maybe... leave them here?" Jiang Ruotang said.

"Hm? Why?" Lu Guifan lowered the book, looking at him.

"Next week, I have the Central Academy of Fine Arts' entrance exam. After that, I'll be cramming for the academic exams... I thought... maybe sometimes... I'd need you here to supervise my studies. Help this study god's hopeless student."

Jiang Ruotang's toes curled under the blanket, fearing Lu Guifan would refuse to play "tutor."

"Oh, fine." Lu Guifan's gaze returned to the book. "But you're already ranked 250th in the school. Hardly a hopeless student."

Jiang Ruotang let out a quiet breath.

He missed the smile concealed by the book pages.

After lunch, Bai Yingchuan's mother sent a driver to pick him up. Bai Yingchuan gave a noncommittal hum.

This was Bai Yue's reminder—don't overstay at the Jiang household. If word got back to Lin Chengdong through Lin Lu, it wouldn't look good.

To put it bluntly, Bai Yue still dreamed of making a comeback with roles from Lin Chengdong.

Bai Yingchuan bid Jiang Ruotang farewell. "My mom's rushing me back. Probably worried I won't have enough time to prepare my lines."

"Oh, scripts are important. You're not the type to just recite 'one-two-three-four-five' on set and leave it to the voice actors."

Jiang Ruotang didn't seem reluctant at all. Bai Yingchuan thought of the award-winning painting, and fresh regret washed over him.

Seeing this, Lin Lu felt there was no point staying and found an excuse to leave with Bai Yingchuan.

Once they were gone, Lu Guifan watched Jiang Ruotang place his pajamas back in his bedroom closet—like inviting an Academic God to work his magic.

Zhao Yunshu knocked on the door, smiling at Lu Guifan first before addressing Jiang Ruotang. "Ruotang, I need to talk to you about something."

"Sure. Monitor, stay here. I'll talk with my mom for a bit."

"Okay." Lu Guifan nodded.

In Zhao Yunshu's study, she asked, puzzled, "Ruotang, what's your relationship like with Geng Yu? I heard he accused you of cheating in the unified exam?"

"We've pretty much cleared the air. Geng Yu is a bit impulsive, straightforward, and easily swayed, but he should've learned his lesson after that."

"His mother, Liang Hong, actually sent me New Year's greetings. I thought it was a mass message, so out of politeness, I replied. But then she invited me for tea and beauty treatments?"

"Did she find you through our class's parents' group chat?"

"Probably. But you know, over thirty percent of the students at Beicheng Guangyao come from wealthy or influential families. I've been in that group for two and a half years and never once got invited to their events. Her sudden... friendliness makes me worry if she's still holding a grudge over her son's incident against you."

Hearing Zhao Yunshu's words, Jiang Ruotang lowered his eyes, thinking that Geng Yu must have relayed his words to his father after going home.

Geng Zhaotan's career took a hit because of his son's unified examination scandal—he was transferred out of the provincial government's key position. If memory served, after the New Year, he'd be reassigned to the cultural department, his rank effectively demoted to square one, forcing him to start over in a new field.

Geng Zhaotan was a capable man. He'd climb back to the top eventually, making solid achievements in the cultural department. In the future, no matter how big a film company was, they'd have to show him some respect—after all, he oversees approvals.

"Mom, don't worry. If she invites you for tea and a pampering session, just go. It's just social diplomacy. If you find this circle meaningful, make a few like-minded friends and expand your connections. If it makes you uncomfortable, just skip it. Liang Hong extending an olive branch probably means their family wants another path—they're having a falling out with Lin Chengdong anymore."

Zhao Yunshu looked enlightened. "No wonder. Their family's information network is always fast and accurate. Building ties could be beneficial."

Yes, in his past life, after Lin Chengdong took over the film company, he churned out cheap, fast-profit projects, with Geng Zhaotan guiding him on how to tweak them for approval.

This time, they probably wouldn't even remain fair-weather friends. The resentment over his son being framed and himself getting implicated would fester in Geng Zhaotan like a thorn.

Cutting off another crucial resource from Lin Chengdong made Jiang Ruotang so happy he could've danced a victory jig, itching to bury Lin Chengdong.

"Ruo Tang, how come you sound so an adult?" Zhao Yunshu asked.

"I am an adult."

Jiang Ruotang quietly returned to his bedroom, pushing the door open a crack to find Lu Guifan sitting at his desk, reviewing the practice papers he'd written before New Year's—the picture-perfect tutor, showing no interest in his wardrobe or bookshelf.

"Ah... Class Monitor, aren't you even a little curious about me?"

Lu Guifan calmly flipped to the next page of his paper. "I am. I'm just wondering how to make you balance this chemical equation."

"..."

Under Lu Guifan's one-on-one tutoring, Jiang Ruotang actually finished all the next day's homework before dinner—including the Chinese essay.

He could already imagine how moved Wang Fuzi would be when grading his papers tomorrow.

Lu Guifan was supposed to go home that night, but Jiang Ruotang immediately begged, "Shifu—this disciple performed so well today, shouldn't you reward me?"

Lu Guifan watched him pleading like a kid, amused. "What reward do you want? A gold star?"

"As if!"

Jiang Ruotang grumbled inwardly: *If you've got the guts, kiss one onto me on my cheek like in those novels. Drawing one doesn't count—you think you can outdraw me?*

Lu Guifan asked again, "Then what do you want?"

"Stay with me one more night. Xiao Gao will drive us to school tomorrow."

Lu Guifan took out a scrap of paper and drew nine dots. "If you can connect all nine dots with three straight lines, I'll stay."

Jiang Ruotang's eyes lit up—this was a gimme!

He connected the dots in three quick lines, then lifted his chin smugly at Lu Guifan.

Lu Guifan said flatly, "Well, guess I have to stay."

Jiang Ruotang immediately rushed to tear off his bed sheets.

"What are you doing?" Lu Guifan turned to watch him bustling around.

"Changing the bed sheets and duvet cover! We're sleeping here tonight!"

Lin Lu and Bai Yingchuan had slept here before, and while they were probably hygienic types, Jiang Ruotang's bed would only bear Lu Guifan's scent from now on!

Though he had no idea what Jiang Ruotang was thinking, Lu Guifan still walked over to help him with the duvet cover.

His arms were long, his strength plenty—within minutes, the cover was on, and the comforter neatly smoothed out.

Compared to Lu Guifan, Cai Ji and Jian Sha's tutoring session with Zhao Zhangfeng were faring disastrously.

They flanked him on either side—one handling STEM subjects, the other language arts—while Sister Juan was bringing tea and snacks, only to be hit by a wall of tension the moment she cracked open Zhao Zhangfeng's bedroom door.

Cai Ji massaged his temples, muttering, "Just... give me a moment to think... let me figure out how to explain this..."

Jian Sha gritted her teeth. "This word is *whether*—as in 'whether or not'! Not *weather*!"

"Oh, so that's why this sentence made no mention of the forecast... Don't they sound alike?"

Jian Sha was about to explode.

Sister Juan set down the snacks and bolted, afraid she'd get drafted into solving problems if she stayed a second longer.

As she turned, she ran into Jiang Ruotang and Lu Guifan, putting a finger to her lips to signal them to stay away from Zhao Zhangfeng's room.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Ruotang whispered.