Chapter 123 Day 14 of Transmigrating into a Vintage CEO Novel

Chapter 123: The Fourteenth Day of Entering the Old-School CEO Novel

The dining room fell silent again, leaving only the rustling of newspaper pages and the soft clatter of utensils.

An Yi finished the last bite of toast, wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin, bid farewell to Old Master Gu, and got up to leave.

"An Yi." Gu Mingzhi suddenly spoke again.

An Yi paused, looked at him, his eyes questioning.

Gu Mingzhi's gaze lingered on his pale lips, his eyes deepening slightly before he looked away, his tone still flat: "I saw that painting of yours last time, the one mainly in red and black. It was quite interesting. If it's convenient this afternoon, I'd like to see it again. There are some... questions about color I'd like to discuss."

This excuse was not particularly clever, even a bit lame.

An Yi looked at him, then suddenly laughed—a smile that was a bit more genuine than before, with a hint of knowing: "Little Uncle's interest in oil paintings is really growing by the day."

He stood up, adjusted his clothes, and said in a relaxed tone: "But this afternoon probably won't work. I have a video call scheduled with someone to talk about some personal stuff."

He deliberately emphasized the word "personal," and caught a barely perceptible darkening in Gu Mingzhi's eyes.

"I see." Gu Mingzhi didn't sound disappointed, merely nodding: "Another time, then."

"Sure." An Yi said yes easily, with a warm smile: "Another time."

He turned and left the dining room, his figure tall and slim.

Gu Mingzhi watched his retreating figure until it vanished completely before slowly looking away, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of the warm coffee cup.

Another time?

He had plenty of patience.

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An Yi's so-called "personal matters" actually consisted of hiding out in his studio, absentmindedly leafing through a heavy art history book while listening to the live broadcast and roasts from the comment section in his head about the drama between the main couple.

"The male lead went upstairs! It's starting!"

"'Weiwei, let me explain! There's really nothing between me and Lin Xinman!' — Textbook scumbag opening!"

"'She came at me herself! I shoved her away!'"

"'Can't you trust me just once?'"

"Weiwei is still crying... sigh..."

"And then? Another forced hug and kiss?"

"You bet it is! The routine never gets old!"

"..."

An Yi yawned lazily, and a soft knock sounded at the studio door.

He sensed it with his mental power—it was him again.

He put down the art book and walked over to open the door.

Standing outside was Gu Mingzhi.

He had changed into something casual—a deep gray cashmere sweater that softened his usual cold demeanor, though the imposing aura between his brows remained unchanged.

In his hands, he held a tray bearing an exquisite celadon tea set, a small plate of freshly baked pastries, and a small pot of steaming black tea.

"The butler said you mentioned the black tea here was finished. I happened to be passing by, so I brought a pot along."

Gu Mingzhi's tone was as natural as if it were really on his way, but his gaze deliberately swept past An Yi into the studio behind him: "Not going to invite me in?"

An Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at the obviously "on-the-way" pastries and his perfectly natural, presumptuous demeanor, and found it a bit amusing.

"Little Uncle really is... thoughtful." An Yi stepped aside to let him pass, a hint of teasing in his voice.

Gu Mingzhi, as if he hadn't caught the implication, walked in with the tray, his eyes immediately landed on the canvas leaning against the wall, the one covered in black.

"This one..." He set down the tray, walked over to the painting, and frowned slightly: "Not going to finish it?"

"Not in the mood." An Yi closed the door, leaning lazily against the doorframe, watching him.

Gu Mingzhi turned around, his gaze heavy as he looked at him: "Because of last night?"

An Yi tilted his head, feigning thought: "Last night? A lot happened last night. Which one is Little Uncle referring to?"

His eyes were innocent, as if he really didn't remember saying anything so hurtful.

Gu Mingzhi's Adam's apple bobbed, and he decided to let that slide.

He walked over to the coffee table, poured two cups of tea, and the rich aroma immediately filled the studio. He pushed one cup toward An Yi: "Give it a try."

An Yi walked over but didn't take the tea. Instead, he leaned in, gently sniffing the fragrance over Gu Mingzhi's hand.

The move was sudden and extremely close—An Yi's soft hair almost brushed against Gu Mingzhi's jaw.

Gu Mingzhi's body froze instantly, his fingers gripping the cup handle tightly, and he held his breath for a moment.

He could clearly smell An Yi's faint, clean scent and a cold, clean scent like pine after snow.

"Hmm, it smells wonderful."

An Yi straightened up, as if the almost flirtatious gesture had been unintentional. He even gave Gu Mingzhi an appreciative, warm smile: "Thank you, Little Uncle."

Gu Mingzhi watched him, feigning nonchalance, and the anger mixed with a stronger impulse began stirring within him again.

It took all his self-control to set the teacup down steadily without losing his composure.

"I'm glad you like it." His voice was slightly tight.

An Yi finally sat down on the single sofa opposite him, picked up his tea, gently blew on the steam, and took small sips.

The rising steam softened his delicate features, making him look obedient and harmless.

But Gu Mingzhi knew full well—this was definitely an act.

"Little Uncle mentioned earlier wanting to discuss colors?" An Yi set down his tea, his tone casual.

Gu Mingzhi's gaze fell on his lips, moistened by the hot tea, now a vivid red, and his eyes darkened: "Yes. I thought your use of red and black was bold, and the emotion was... intense." He chose his words carefully.

"Is that so?" An Yi smiled, his gaze wandering out the window: "Just random dabs. When I'm unhappy, the colors naturally become more intense."

"Why were you unhappy?" Gu Mingzhi pressed immediately, his eyes locked on him.

An Yi turned back, looking at him with a kind of innocent cruelty: "Because there are always people who show up at the wrong time, say the wrong things, do the wrong things, and disrupt the peace. Naturally, that makes me unhappy."

That was way too pointed.

Gu Mingzhi was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed as well, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Looks like I'm the one who got you upset."

An Yi just smiled without speaking, tacitly acknowledging it.

Gu Mingzhi leaned forward, his arms resting on his knees, closing the distance between them. His eyes blazed with an unyielding intensity. "So what do I need to do to make it up to you?"

His gaze was too direct, as if he would actually do whatever An Yi said.

An Yi held his gaze, his eyes slowly changing. The warm mask slowly fell away, exposing a cold, appraising reality underneath.

He slowly set down his teacup, leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice, as if sharing a secret:

"Uncle, do you still remember what you said last night?"