Chapter 98 Lover in the Painting

Chapter 98: The Beloved in the Painting

The young man addressed as "President Qin" carried an air of a rising star. He nodded and was about to walk inside when his gaze swept past the group of high school students whose vibe clashed with the upscale atmosphere. Suddenly, he paused.

"Ruo Tang, 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 replied politely, "Hello, President Qin. My classmates and I were looking for a place to have dinner, but this place seems more suited for business professionals."

Qin Zhanchao glanced at the manager before walking over to Jiang Ruotang and patting his shoulder. "President Han, this is Director Jiang's esteemed son, Jiang Ruotang. He just got admitted to the Central Academy of Fine Arts and even won an award at the Raw Stone Exhibition, where Fu Chunshi mentors emerging artists."

Jiang Ruotang felt a bit embarrassed about the constant mention of the Fu Chunshi exhibition—it was an honor from the past. "Hello, President Han."

Qin Zhanchao continued the introduction, "This is President Han of Cefeng Pictures. They were quite interested in collaborating with your father, specifically investing in the *Drunken Immortal Terrace* project. Unfortunately, your father already had other plans in mind, so the collaboration didn’t work out. However, Cheng Man, one of Cefeng Pictures' actresses, ended up landing the female lead role."

Ah, so Ling Song stood out in the second audition! But the female lead turned out to be an artist under Han Ming’s management—no doubt Ling Song would face sabotage on set. Still, Ling Song was resilient and not someone easily taken down.

Perhaps because Jiang Huaiyuan had rejected him, Han Ming’s expression remained cold and aloof when he saw Jiang Ruotang. The angle of his lowered eyes and jawline gave off an unapproachable, self-assured vibe, further accentuated by his frameless glasses—a perfect image of an ice-cold CEO.

Jiang Ruotang suddenly regretted addressing him as "President Han." He should have called him "Uncle Han"—that would have surely made his face twitch.

Pushing fifty, how dare he mess with someone as young as Ling Song?

Likely because his investment proposal had been rejected, and the very artist he had been suppressing ended up landing the male lead role, it seemed as though Jiang Huaiyuan was deliberately opposing Han Ming. Naturally, Han Ming had no pleasant expression for Jiang Ruotang either. He said coolly, "This place really isn’t suitable for children. You should go somewhere else."

The intimidating presence of someone in power hit them head-on. Even Jian Sha, who had read countless romance novels featuring CEOs, was stunned—she never expected a character straight out of fiction to walk so naturally into reality!

But that condescending "children" remark was truly infuriating. A vein throbbed at Zhao Zhangfeng’s temple—who did this guy think he was looking down on?

Just as he was about to snap, "I’m eating here whether you like it or not," another voice, gentle yet laced with laziness, sounded from behind.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here!" Mu Xianqing strolled in leisurely, immediately drawing the attention of Qin Zhanchao and Han Ming.

"Hello, Brother Mu." Jiang Ruotang flashed a beaming smile.

Though it was a polite, social smile, Lu Guifan, standing beside him, keenly sensed that Jiang Ruotang held some fondness for Mu Xianqing.

Lu Guifan studied Mu Xianqing carefully. His refined and elegant features made him appear youthful yet composed. His slightly long hair tucked behind his ears didn’t give off any sloppy or greasy impression—instead, it exuded an artist’s charisma.

Mu Xianqing walked up to Jiang Ruotang with his hands in his pockets, leaning forward slightly with a smile as he gazed into Jiang Ruotang’s eyes. "My dear painter has time to dine with friends but no time for an afternoon tea with me?"

Both Qin Zhanchao and Han Ming were surprised, though they masked it well, the flicker of astonishment passing through their eyes swiftly.

Mu Xianqing was a social butterfly. If he wished, he could show courtesy and importance to anyone. But this wasn’t a "social occasion," yet Mu Xianqing was clearly displaying special regard for Jiang Ruotang.

"I have time for meals, but I don’t like afternoon tea. If you want, you can treat me to dinner instead. That way, if the conversation gets boring, I can at least stuff my mouth with food."

Jiang Ruotang’s somewhat playful retort made Qin Zhanchao and Han Ming realize just how close the two were.

Han Ming’s brow furrowed imperceptibly, as if weighing whether his earlier words might have left a bad impression on Mu Xianqing.

"Fine, I’ll treat you to dinner next time." Mu Xianqing’s tone carried unmistakable special treatment. Like someone petting their own kitten, he reached out to ruffle Jiang Ruotang’s hair—only for Jiang Ruotang to dodge lightly and sidestep his arm, leaning instead toward the tall boy beside him.

In that instant, Mu Xianqing froze.

Because he finally got a clear look at Lu Guifan’s face.

At first glance, one’s attention would be drawn to Lu Guifan’s thick black-framed glasses. But lingering just a second longer revealed his chiseled features and unique aura.

He was Jiang Ruotang’s muse in his paintings.

Mu Xianqing had never dreamed that the day he’d see Lu Guifan in person would be here.

He had assumed Lu Guifan’s beauty was merely the idealized filter of an infatuated artist. But standing before him now, Mu Xianqing had to admit—Lu Guifan was naturally striking.

Almost as if responding to Mu Xianqing’s gaze, Lu Guifan lifted his arm and casually slung it over Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder, pulling him closer.

Though the gesture seemed casual, Mu Xianqing received the silent message loud and clear—*He’s mine. He prefers being close to me.*

That subtle but possessive vibe added an irresistible mystique to the young man before him.

For some reason, it stirred a wicked idea in Mu Xianqing—how could he make this seemingly composed young man lose control of his own possessiveness?

"This place is just all about appearances. Boring adults can discuss boring business here, so why can’t happy high school graduates have a happy gathering here too?"

With that, Mu Xianqing turned to the manager, his expression turning serious and his tone firm. "Prepare a private room for them and serve all the signature dishes. Put it under my name."

Cai Ji, who had been about to leave, froze. Jian Sha’s eyes lit up with excitement.

The sudden turn of events completely defied Jian Sha’s expectations—she had thought they’d be eating cheap street food!

Seeing this, the manager hurried over to guide Jiang Ruotang and his friends. "Young... uh, young guests, please follow me."

The gazes of Jian Sha and the others all landed on Jiang Ruotang, as if asking, *Can we really feast for free?*

Jiang Ruotang glanced at Mu Xianqing. Since the other was doing him this favor, there was no need to refuse. He smiled and said, "Thanks for your generosity, Brother Mu. My friends and I will eat our fill!"

Mu Xianqing loved his blunt honesty. "Consider it a celebration for your college admission. As long as you keep painting and giving me more works, I’d pluck the stars from the sky for you if you asked."

The words carried a touch of suggestiveness. Mu Xianqing’s gaze flicked toward Lu Guifan, expecting to see displeasure on the handsome young man’s face. Instead, Lu Guifan’s expression remained indifferent—Mu Xianqing’s provocation landed like a punch into cotton.

But Mu Xianqing’s obvious special treatment toward Jiang Ruotang made Han Ming, who had been maintaining his aloof attitude, show a flicker of curiosity.

Jiang Ruotang jerked his head toward Jian Sha and the others. "Let’s go! Today’s a happy day—we’re eating big!"

Was it just an illusion, or had the manager’s previously stiff smile now carried a hint of ingratiation?

They were led into an exquisitely decorated private room. Wooden panels adorned the walls, with a miniature bridge over a flowing stream, goldfish circling a rockery, and a thin veil of mist drifting through the air—it was like a scene straight out of a historical drama.

To Jiang Ruotang, such decor was already commonplace in high-end Chinese restaurants a decade later, so the novelty of Fugui Fang had lost its appeal. But for the others, it was a brand new experience.

Everyone all insisted on letting Jiang Ruotang order. After selecting a few dishes, he passed the menu to Lu Guifan. "Anything else you’d like?"

"Whatever you choose is fine," Lu Guifan replied softly.

The waiter suggested, "We also have live seafood tanks, with hundreds of varieties of freshwater and seafood. Would you like to take a look?"

"Hundreds? No way!" Zhao Zhangfeng jerked his chin at Cai Ji and Jian Sha. "Come on, let’s check it out!"

So they headed to the famous seafood section and finally understood why Fugui Fang was so extravagant—it was practically a mini aquarium!

While the others were amazed, Lu Guifan remained indifferent. Compared to the aquatic life, he’d much rather watch Jiang Ruotang beside him. The dappled light danced across his face, making him want to preserve this moment forever.

Jiang Ruotang and Cai Ji were chasing after a white fish, exclaiming, "It’s so beautiful—why would anyone eat it?" A faint smile curved Lu Guifan’s lips. This side of Jiang Ruotang, finding beauty in the unnoticed, was truly endearing.

Without him noticing, someone approached from behind. A playful, deep voice spoke up.

"Do you know the *Roche limit*?"

Lu Guifan’s gaze stayed fixed on Jiang Ruotang for three more seconds before he slowly turned his head to meet Mu Xianqing’s amused expression.

"Are you referring to the concept in astrophysics, or Jiang Ruotang's painting?"

Hearing Lu Guifan's words, the smile on Mu Xianqing's face grew even more pronounced. He even extended his hand toward Lu Guifan. "My apologies, so you really are Jiang Ruotang's muse! I'm the art dealer for his paintings."

Lu Guifan looked at Mu Xianqing, his gaze inscrutably assessing. He didn’t shake the offered hand, as if silently telling Mu Xianqing, "This introduction isn’t specific enough."

Mu Xianqing chuckled and added, "His oil painting *Little Sparrow* was sold by me—the highest price paid for a young artist's work under twenty in the last three years."

Lu Guifan's expression remained indifferent, as if saying, "Is that all?"

Mu Xianqing found Lu Guifan increasingly intriguing—someone who concealed his emotions effortlessly. A certain premonition told him that this Lu Guifan was no ordinary person.

"Rumor has it Jiang Ruotang used that money to buy stocks in *Fairy* and *Nifeng*. He made quite a profit. I wonder if he took you out for coffee?"

"He often treats me to Jin Xuan tea, and buy-one-get-one-half-off milk tea."

At this, Mu Xianqing laughed. "When he asked for my help, he treated me to milk tea too. Though I’d much rather have his new works."

"Have you only sold *Little Sparrow*?" Lu Guifan’s lips curved slightly, as if amused by Mu Xianqing.

This inexplicably made Mu Xianqing feel like he was working for Lu Guifan. Perhaps it was the dim lighting that made Lu Guifan appear even more elegant and enigmatic. Mu Xianqing had always been indulgent toward those with an artistic sensibility.

"*The Bowing Sunflower* was quietly displayed in the Deep Blue Gallery. I deliberately placed it in a corner, yet somehow many collectors developed a particular fondness for it. Unfortunately, I like it too, so it’s *not for sale*."

Hearing "not for sale" earned a slight nod from Lu Guifan.

He didn’t understand art, but many of Jiang Ruotang’s paintings were beautiful. Selling them would be like parting with something dear.

Mu Xianqing said confidently, "*Roche Limit* is exhibited in my mother’s gallery in Country Y. We’ve received offers—the highest so far is €200,000. Unfortunately, Jiang Ruotang remains unmoved. Of course, once I curate a few shows for Ruo Tang, *Roche Limit* will inevitably appreciate significantly."

"He won’t sell it." Lu Guifan looked at Mu Xianqing with quiet certainty.

Mu Xianqing frowned slightly. "How do you know he won’t sell?"

"Some paintings are like personal love letters to him. They can be shown to others, letting them see the love in his heart. But love can’t be bought or sold. So *Roche Limit* will definitely remain *not for sale*."

Watching Lu Guifan’s expression, Mu Xianqing recalled how, just days ago in Jiang Ruotang’s studio, the young man had protectively hovered over the paintings themed around Lu Guifan—clearly too bashful to confess, still feeling things out. Yet Lu Guifan’s current attitude...

"So, has Chagall finally found Bella? Or has Raphael met La Fornarina?"

After speaking, Mu Xianqing realized his analogy might only make sense to art students. The young man before him radiated analytical precision—someone who’d name a painting *Roche Limit* seemed more like a STEM student.

"Your analogies aren’t quite right. In the former, Bella died too young, leaving Chagall to keep his love alive in paintings. As for the latter... Raphael never ended up with La Fornarina, though he kept her portrait in his studio until his death, painted her in bridal attire, even cast her as the Sistine Madonna. He remained unmarried his entire life."

Mu Xianqing listened in surprise. "You actually know all this?"

"I’ve read all the books in my boyfriend’s collection."

Mu Xianqing studied Lu Guifan silently for a moment before his smile faded. He suddenly leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Then treat him well. Don’t let him down or hurt him. Let him keep his artistic fervor forever."

*If you ever destroy his talent, I’ll make sure you pay for it.*

At this, Lu Guifan finally extended his hand to Mu Xianqing. "Hello, Mr. Mu."

"Hello... I only knew you as someone’s muse. I didn’t catch your name."

"Lu Guifan. *Lu* as in 'land' (陆), *Gui* as in 'return' (归), *Fan* as in 'sail' (帆)."

Hearing this, Mu Xianqing slapped his forehead. "So that’s it! It’s because of you again!"

"Hm?" Lu Guifan looked puzzled.

"He has a painting—a weather-beaten sailboat drifting on the night sea! It’s titled *Gui Fan*! I was desperate to acquire it, but he refused to sell. At the time, I was baffled—surely this one had nothing to do with his crush! Now I see the reason he wouldn’t sell was your name!"

This "reckoning" left Lu Guifan thoroughly pleased.

"My apologies."

"You don’t sound sorry at all. Could you talk to your boyfriend about lending it to me? Just for an exhibition, okay?"

Mu Xianqing had completely dropped all formality, clasping his hands pleadingly.

"Fine, I’ll ask."

*Ask Ruo Tang if he’s willing to lend his boyfriend’s name out for exhibition.*

Just then, someone suddenly called Lu Guifan’s name.

"Xiao Lu? Is that you? What are you doing here?"

Lu Guifan turned to see a bespectacled man in his forties or fifties, wearing a cardigan, walking toward him.

"Hello, Professor Chen."

The moment Professor Chen saw Lu Guifan, his eyes lit up. He immediately turned and pulled over another man with thinning hair.

"Lao Zhang, let me introduce you! This is Xiao Lu, Lu Guifan! This kid is incredible—he single-handedly solved the major issue in Professor Yang’s research!"

"Isn’t Xiao Yang at M University? The solid-state battery project worth nine figures?"

"Exactly! If not for Xiao Lu, not only would half a year’s work have gone to waste, but the hundreds of millions in investment would’ve been sunk. Worse, we’d have been looked down on by that European-led team. You have no idea how arrogant they were! Constantly boasting to the investors, putting Xiao Yang under immense pressure, putting the whole team through hell. But then Xiao Lu’s idea and design were experimentally proven, and we worked around the clock to finalize the report. They’d promised a twenty-one percent efficiency boost—Xiao Lu pushed it to twenty-three!" Professor Chen grew prouder with every word.

Professor Zhang, listening nearby, looked both admiring and impressed. "Truly, the new generation surpasses the old!"

"The funniest part? When Professor Yang presented the twenty-three percent result to the investors, the European team was dumbstruck! Forget twenty-one—they hadn’t even hit fifteen! Instead of focusing on R&D, they were busy exaggerating. Isn’t that fraud? Professor Yang thoroughly humiliated them—he could finally hold his head high!"

Professor Zhang clapped. "That’s the spirit! Xiao Lu, Professor Yang must see you as his secret weapon."

"Professor Chen flatters me. The lab’s success belongs to all of you. If anything, I’ve learned so much from you, Professor Chen, and the seniors who worked day and night to identify and refine every variable. Without you, I’d just be an armchair academic."

The more Professor Chen heard, the fonder he grew. He patted Lu Guifan’s shoulder. "I’ve heard—you’re this year’s top provincial science student! Capital Science and Technology University is a sure thing, right? Which department?"

"Physics," Lu Guifan replied.

Professor Chen was both delighted and regretful. "See? Talent like this—our Sheng University doesn't stand a chance."

Professor Zhang, puzzled, asked, "With your skills and multiple patents, Professor Yang could write you a recommendation letter for M University. Their labs are more advanced. With him mentoring you, you wouldn’t start from the bottom—you’d have a running start."

Professor Chen nodded. "Right! Professor Yang should’ve taken you to M University! Has he been too busy with his project to help you apply? I’ll talk to him—"

Lu Guifan quickly caught his arm. "No need. I’d like to stay in the country for now, explore my direction, experience the research and academic environment here."

Professor Chen frowned, as if Lu Guifan were wasting his talent. But then it occurred to him—if Lu Guifan went to M University with Professor Yang, he’d be committed to the renewable energy sector. Years of college spent on it would be a major investment. It was wise to think it through.

"You’re right to test the waters first, decide later." Professor Chen patted his shoulder again.

Lu Guifan breathed a silent sigh.

After more conversation, the two professors were ushered away by the manufacturers who'd invited them. Lu Guifan glanced around, trying to spot where Jiang Ruotang and Cai Ji had chased that white fish off to.

Turning around, Lu Guifan realized Mu Xianqing hadn't left but had been waiting nearby, listening to most of his conversation with the two professors.

Lu Guifan's expression remained unchanged, but Mu Xianqing could keenly sense a slight shift in the young man's inner world.

"Are you worried I'll tell Jiang Ruotang what those two professors just said? That if he finds out you have other options, he might want you to go to M University? That you two might end up separated?"

Lu Guifan turned his face slightly, the aquarium's light casting shadows that made his features seem brooding yet still strikingly handsome. "Would you tell him?"

"Of course not." Mu Xianqing shrugged. "Though this is my first time meeting you, I can tell you're someone with a clear plan. You're not a hopeless romantic. If you chose to stay in the country, there must be a purpose."

Lu Guifan gave a slight nod, acknowledging Mu Xianqing's guess, then turned and walked away.

What purpose could he have?

Whether in academics or research, as long as his mind remained sharp, he could still achieve great things even at sixty.

But Jiang Ruotang was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter for him. He simply wanted to stabilize their relationship during their first year of university.

He knew Jiang Ruotang was also capable of studying abroad. They might not have to live apart, but in an unfamiliar environment, a foreign country, with Lu Guifan often stuck in the lab... Even if Jiang Ruotang wouldn't feel lonely, Lu Guifan selfishly wanted more quality time together at home.

At that moment, Lu Guifan finally found Jiang Ruotang.

"Have you two decided which fish to order yet?" Zhao Zhangfeng asked impatiently.

"After seeing them alive, how could we bear to watch them end up on our plates?" Jian Sha interjected.

Zhao Zhangfeng exhaled. "Honestly... fish aren't as sentimental as you guys."

Lu Guifan approached Jiang Ruotang, watching his thoughtful expression, and whispered softly by his ear, "If you like them, we can go to an aquarium. There are even more fish there."

"But aren't they still trapped in glass tanks? I was just getting lost in some vivid daydreams." Jiang Ruotang turned his face, smiling at Lu Guifan.

"What imagination?"

"Imagining you as a merman—the masculine variety, with a regal tail and a mesmerizing aura."

"You want to keep me in a giant glass tank?" Lu Guifan teased.

"Of course not. What tank could hold the ocean? Jian Sha just told me a rather... risqué tale to amuse me."

"What kind of story?"

"Well, it's about a shipwreck at sea. Only one young man survived, seemingly rescued by a dolphin that took him to a small island. When he woke up, he realized it wasn't a dolphin but a mermaid—so stunning it stole his breath."

"And then?"

"The young man survived on the island, his only joy being conversations with the mermaid on the rocks. He waited day after day but never saw a passing ship. After years of loneliness, he finally fell in love with the mermaid and stayed until his death."

"Not a bad story."

Jiang Ruotang grinned impishly. "But the truth was, ships did pass by. The mermaid just sank every one that came near, drowning all the crew. He wanted the young man to have no other choice but to love only him."

Lu Guifan gazed into Jiang Ruotang's eyes, that familiar heart flutter returning. "If I were that mermaid, I might feel the same."

"That wouldn't be so bad. I'd sketch you on the rocks while you watched me from the sea. You wouldn’t have to sink ships—just decide whether to kiss me on the rocks or in the water."

Lu Guifan let out a low, pleasant chuckle. "But if I don’t sink those ships, I couldn’t rest easy."

"Hahaha! Just so you know, even if every ship in the world sailed past me, I’d still only choose you."

Suddenly, warmth and softness brushed against Jiang Ruotang's cheek, then vanished just as quickly. His heart bloomed wildly like a spring garden under the gaze of the fish. It took him a second to realize—Lu Guifan had kissed him.

Ah, just the cheek.

We’re not kids anymore. Can’t we do more than just cheek kisses?

Jiang Ruotang glanced around, but their friends were still arguing over the menu, oblivious to their moment.

What a shame. He’d wanted to see everyone’s reactions.

"How about some shellfish? Like geoduck or scallops?" Cai Ji suggested.

Just as Jian Sha was about to remind him that shellfish also have brains and pain receptors, Zhao Zhangfeng clapped in agreement. "Geoduck stir-fried with scallions and razor clams steamed with garlic!"

With their order settled, they returned to the private room, making sure to "reasonably" justify their expensive feast at Mu Xianqing’s expense.

Lunch stretched until past two. Full and satisfied, with someone else picking up the tab—what a joy.

Zhao Zhangfeng and Cai Ji headed off for a gaming session at an internet café, while Jiang Ruotang took the opportunity to invite Jian Sha for tea.

Jian Sha was about to head home to write, but remembering Jiang Ruotang’s last invitation, she figured he had an agenda and nodded in agreement.

She’d assumed "tea" meant milk tea at a place like FAIRY, where many white-collar workers worked on their laptops. Instead, Jiang Ruotang led her to a proper tea room. Stepping inside, surrounded by aged bonsai plants and traditional décor, Jian Sha felt suddenly grown-up.

They settled into a small window nook overlooking the bustling street outside. The faint, woody incense in the air created a tranquil atmosphere.

A server came to perform the tea ceremony for them, but Jiang Ruotang politely declined, nudging Lu Guifan beside him. "Mind brewing some tea for us?"

"Sure. Talk freely."

Jiang Ruotang rested his chin in his palm, grinning at Jian Sha as he launched into his proposal.

"Sha Sha, your *West Window Strange Tales* is incredible. Too many people are coveting your IP."

Jian Sha’s attention, however, was wholly captured by Lu Guifan. She never expected their rigid class monitor to look so unexpectedly attractive holding a purple clay teapot.

Those fingers, that wrist, even the rolled-up sleeves exuded quiet magnetism. She imagined what supernatural being could overpower him and break his control.

Despite her vivid imagination, Jian Sha maintained her composure as she replied, "No one envies mediocrity. After dealing with scum like Zhang Chun and Wang Hui, I’m made of stone now. Nothing can hurt me!"

"Then... how about keeping it in the family? Would you consider letting my parents handle the adaptation?"

At that moment, Jian Sha found Lu Guifan’s precise handling of the tiny teacups with tweezers positively artistic—novel-worthy material.

"Huh? What did you just... say?"

Jiang Ruotang suppressed a sigh, preparing to repeat himself, but Lu Guifan jumped in for him. "Ruo Tang is asking if you’d be willing to grant Director Jiang Huaiyuan the adaptation rights for *West Window Strange Tales* into a film or series."

This time, Jian Sha’s gaze snapped from Lu Guifan to Jiang Ruotang’s smiling face.

She actually thought she might be hearing things.

Though not well-connected in the industry, she’d heard of Jiang Huaiyuan’s adaptation prowess.

Most production companies mangled the original works, twisting plots and characters past all recognition in the name of "creativity."

Ironically, what readers loved often aligned with audience preferences, yet these companies insisted on fixing what wasn't broken, pleasing neither book fans nor new audiences.

Jian Sha wasn’t rolling in money, but she wasn’t desperate for money either. She had no interest in letting her stories become another forgettable title in their library. But Jiang Huaiyuan... he was a master of adaptations.

From last year's critically acclaimed suspense series acquired by the national broadcaster to the fresh take on wuxia period dramas, Director Jiang Huaiyuan has achieved tremendous success. If not for the obstacles set by Lin Chengdong, Jiang Huaiyuan would have produced even more works.

Logically, film directors rarely venture into TV dramas, as it’s often seen as beneath their stature.

But Jiang Huaiyuan simply loves directing—he effortlessly nails both the rhythm and aesthetic of films and TV dramas. To indulge his passion for TV directing, he even co-founded a dedicated production company with his wife.

Being recognized by Jiang Huaiyuan is truly a rare and invaluable opportunity.

Jian Sha remained dazed for a long while, staring blankly at Jiang Ruotang. After half a minute, she blurted out, "Am I hitting my peak straight out the gate?"

"Huh?" Jiang Ruotang didn’t quite follow.

Lu Guifan, with his next-level interpretation skills, stated: "Jian Sha agrees."

"Just like that? I haven’t even discussed the price, the terms, or shown you the contract!" Jiang Ruotang almost wanted to grab Jian Sha’s shoulders and yell, "Your Highness, stop being naive!"

To his surprise, Jian Sha simply smiled faintly. "In this world, apart from my parents, the people I trust most are probably you guys. If even Jiang Ruotang can betray me, then I’ll just stay buried in that ditch and never climb out to suffer again."

Her tongue-in-cheek comment left Jiang Ruotang deeply impressed. Despite being deceived, misunderstood by her parents, and even bullied by peers, Jian Sha had endured it all. Now, she could still place blind trust in him, making Jiang Ruotang feel a sense of responsibility he’d never known before.

"Aside from the copyright, do you have any other thoughts or requests?" Jiang Ruotang asked.

Jian Sha picked up her teacup and brought it to her lips, only to be burned. She winced, sticking her tongue out, and thought to herself that Jiang Ruotang should’ve just taken her to FAIRY—less private, but at least the drinks wouldn’t burn her mouth.

Wait, then she wouldn’t have gotten to watch Lu Guifan brew tea for them.

So damn elegant.

"I’ve heard that Director Jiang has been collaborating with screenwriter Li Kuangmei. When adapting my novel, could I shadow her?"

Jiang Ruotang had already considered this before Jian Sha even brought it up.

"No problem. I’ll talk to my parents about it when I get back."

From Jiang Ruotang’s memory, the entertainment industry was about to enter a period of rapid boom in the next couple of years. Jiang Huaiyuan couldn’t rely solely on Li Kuangmei, and Xiao Tian Guo’s future projects would also need talented screenwriters—good ones were like finding a unicorn.

If Jian Sha could grow into a skilled screenwriter who understood both storytelling and audience psychology, she’d be a secret weapon!

"Also… some of the characters in my novel are actually… loosely based on real people I know," Jian Sha added with a smile.