Zhao Yiming was flabbergasted.
His mouth opened, closed, then opened again like a confused goldfish. He slowly leaned toward Su ilin and whispered behind the back of his hand, "Is she always like that? Drawing people around her?"
"Might be?" Su ilin answered with a hesitant shrug. "She asked to draw too one day..."
Then her brows furrowed. "Wait. I know that look. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, you damn playboy."
He chuckled awkwardly. "But you approve it, right? Besides... I brought you a lot of presents in my apartnt. Co over later."
His voice turned more flirtatious with the last sentence—and it worked. Her expression softened, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
Thanks to his [Peacemaker of Harem] perk, her mood shifted like butter on a hot pan. Her earlier jealousy lted away.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, pretending not to be swayed, but then leaned closer.
"Don’t forget my special treat too," she whispered, her fingers casually tracing circles on his thigh.
Zhao Yiming smirked. "How could I forget? That’s the highlight of the evening."
He turned his attention back toward Aunty Liu and the shy girl beside her.
"I don’t mind at all, Miss Yuexin. I can be your model," he said gently, voice calm and inviting. "I’m free today."
While the inheritance matter was settled and the Lianwu Street docunts were being processed by Wang Zhenhua and Lihua’s legal team. Zhao Yiming also had delegated the neighborhood’s defense to Luo Yanyu and the Black Orchid.
Since then, there hadn’t been a single report of Golden Earth causing trouble.
He’d heard yesterday that so of their people were seen snooping around Building 1—probably trying move Jin Haolong’s stash of confidential files.
That "Black Ledger" was still missing, and they were no doubt in a frenzy behind the scenes.
But for now, things were calm.
And this mont—this quiet, strange mont—was his.
Aunty Liu smiled. "Alright then, Mr. Zhao. Please wait here a mont while I help Xin’er set up the studio."
The girl in pink glanced up for just a second and gave him a tiny bow—barely more than a dip of her head—before disappearing into the back with her nanny like a frightened kitten retreating into a basket.
Zhao Yiming was about to exhale and relax when the system inevitably chid in.
---
[Ding!]
[You are now in Jin Yuexin’s Route: "Canvas of Innocence, Ink of Sin"]
[Please choose your subroute:]
• Accidental Muse
• Degenerate Studio Ti
---
Zhao Yiming froze. "...Huh?"
He rubbed his temples. ’Can the system give more than just stupid poetic nas?! This sounds like a scam!’
[Understood.]
[Here’s a clue.]
• Accidental Muse → pervert
• Degenerate Studio Ti → even more pervert
’Are you kidding right now?!’ he sighed and slumped into the plush velvet couch.
’Fine... I’ll choose Degenerate Studio Ti. Knowing that damn perverted God, it probably cos with better rewards anyway.’
[Subroute Selected: Degenerate Studio Ti]
[Enjoy the route, perverted disciple!]
Zhao Yiming let out a deep sigh. ’Please don’t end in heartbreak... or jail.’
He turned to stare out the window. A small part of him wondered—what would happen if Jin Yuexin ever found out the truth? If she ever knew who he really was... or what he did to her brother?
He shook the thought away. Now wasn’t the ti for guilt.
---
A mont later, Aunty Liu returned to the living room where Zhao Yiming and Su ilin were sitting—watching so cheesy historical drama and munching on snacks like it was just another lazy afternoon.
"The room’s ready, Mr. Zhao," the nanny said with a warm smile.
Zhao Yiming stood up, brushing crumbs off his lap. "Alright. I’ll head in."
He blinked when he noticed Su ilin still sitting comfortably, eyes glued to the TV as she reached for another rice cracker.
"You’re not coming?"
She shook her head. "Yue gets flustered when people are around. Even when she drew once, she made Jin leave the room because she couldn’t focus."
"Oh... I see." He glanced at the door and scratched the back of his neck. "Well, wish luck."
"Don’t flirt too hard," she muttered, half-playful, half-warned.
He laughed but didn’t deny it.
Aunty Liu led the way with a spring in her step. They stopped in front of a room as she gave a sly glance.
"Don’t break her heart."
Zhao Yiming’s brows knitted, confuse of what she suddenly said bit decided not to ask anything.
The nanny opened the studio door and stepped aside.
Zhao Yiming stepped in observed the room. Itwas brighter than he expected, bathed in warm natural light pouring in from a long wall of windows.
One of them was open, letting in the faint breeze and scent of fresh air from the small balcony. Art canvases leaned against the walls, so blank, others half-finished.
In the middle of it all sat Jin Yuexin, perched lightly on a low wooden stool in front of her canvas. Her soft pink lolita dress flowed around her like a delicate cloud.
She didn’t look up when he entered, simply waved a small pale hand and murmured, "Stand over there... and stop."
He did as she began sketching, her blue eyes flicking up and down, pencil dancing across her sketchbook.
The shy, soft-spoken girl from earlier had vanished. Here, in this space, she was focused. Zhao Yiming didn’t dare move. The air felt like glass. One wrong twitch and he’d shatter it.
Five minutes passed. Then, softly she said, "Turn left."
He obeyed as she started to sketch again. "Now right."
He followed again, chanical and obedient.
Another minute. "Back to the left... Yes. Stay like that."
Zhao Yiming finally let out a breath of relief. ’So far, so good. No weird route flags. No clothes coming off. Maybe it’s not that degenerate after all...’
And then, just as that thought settled, Yuexin looked up and said, "You have nice hands."
He blinked. "Huh?"
"Strong. Veins... show nicely."
Zhao Yiming didn’t know what to replied only with, "Thanks?"
She tilted her head. "Would you mind removing your shirt next?"
He widened his eyes, stunned, ’For sure this is only for reference. Artist do that right?’ he thought, tried to be positive even when he was terrified of what the system might suddenly throw at him.
And he was right, as he take off his shirt, the system suddenly chid in!
[Ding!]
[New quest triggered!]
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