After seven years of being a "simp," she's reborn and no longer pursuing the aloof sc

Chapter 11

My dark eyes lost their luster as I stared at him intently, my voice eerily quiet: "You saw me taking pictures without my consent?"

"I……"

Gu Jinhuai was speechless for a moment, seemingly not expecting me to refute him with such calm words. In the past, I would get angry every time I was falsely accused, but now, I don't feel anything at all.

Seeing his stunned expression, I sneered and shook off his wrist.

Just as I turned around, I heard his merciless sarcasm: "What else can't you do!"

At that moment, I felt as if I were in an ice cellar, my whole body was freezing. I retorted expressionlessly, "Whatever you say goes."

I ignored the surprised and suspicious looks from everyone, sat back in my seat, and buried myself in doing practice problems.

I really hope time passes quickly so I can get away from these awful people sooner.

Gu Jinhuai didn't come back all morning. After class, Gu Zi came over worriedly and asked me, "Nanzhi, are you alright? Why didn't you tell me about Song Yuan looking for you? Did she bully you again?"

I looked at Gu Zhi's sincere face and shook my head: "No, I don't know which kind person actually stood up for me."

When I said my last sentence, I deliberately raised my voice. Although I didn't care about other people's opinions, you could be drowned in their spittle.

However, I was still happy. I wondered who was taking the photos secretly, daring to openly antagonize Song Yuan. If Gu Jinhuai found out, he would be crippled if not killed.

But none of this concerns me.

"Nanzhi, a milk tea shop opened across from the school. Let's go buy some after school this afternoon."

Gu Zhi squinted her starry eyes, her face full of anticipation.

I didn't want to refuse and spoil her fun, so I agreed.

The afternoon passed quickly, but just before school ended, my homeroom teacher found me.

I went to the office, only to find Gu Jinhuai there as well. He had a cold face and was leaning against the sofa, exuding an aura that kept strangers at bay. He didn't even glance at me when he heard the noise at the door.

“Zhou, you know this guy too? He’s your classmate. He wants to buy your painting.”

Hearing my homeroom teacher's words, a hint of surprise flashed across my eyes. We had an unpleasant argument that morning, and now they were trying to buy my painting. I couldn't help but think things through.

I looked at Teacher Wang with a puzzled expression. I had originally wanted the teacher to step in and sell the painting directly. I didn't want to meet the buyer, and I never expected it to be Gu Jinhuai.

Teacher Wang noticed my confusion and looked troubled.

I understand now. It was Gu Jinhuai who wanted to see me. He's capable of anything to avenge Song Yuan.

"I will act as the middleman. I hope you two will keep today's events a secret."

Teacher Wang took the painting out from the inner room, breaking the silence.

As soon as the painting was opened, my eyes fell on it. It was a sunset landscape painting. Although there was no main subject, the painting contained my love and hope. I would not have sold the painting if I hadn't had to.

"You're asking for 500,000 for such an ordinary painting? Do you think you own the bank?"

Faced with Gu Jinhuai's sarcastic remarks, I remained unmoved. I was used to it all. If he didn't say something, I really wouldn't be used to it.

"If Gu doesn't like it, then don't buy it."

My gaze remained fixed on the painting. Teacher Wang, who was next to me, noticed the subtle difference in the painting and looked at Gu Jinhuai with a serious expression. He said in a stern tone, "Gu, this painting is my first work and will be my last. It has also won the highest art exhibition award. If you don't like it, you can refuse it."

"Are you going to retire from writing?"

Gu Jinhuai frowned and looked at me with a serious tone.

I chuckled and retorted, "This doesn't seem to concern you, does it?"

Seeing that she was unmoved by his words, Gu Jinhuai frowned even more and his gaze fell on the teacher.

"Teacher Wang, I didn't say I wouldn't buy it, it's just that the price is a bit too high, and I'm still a student..."

Gu Jinhuai kept his eyes fixed on me as he said this.

As I listened to his words, I couldn't help but sneer inwardly, even feeling a bit resentful and angry. He was willing to give Song Yuan a million-dollar necklace, but when it came to me, he started complaining about being poor.

Indeed, men shouldn't be spoiled too much.

“Teacher Wang, I refuse to sell to student Gu. You can decide on the price; I'll pay 100,000 if it sells.”

In a moment of impulsiveness, I blurted out a number, and regretted it the instant it left my mouth. But who doesn't want to prove themselves? I just didn't want to sell to Gu Jinhuai.

In an instant, I felt the air conditioning in the office suddenly turn cold, a chill ran down my spine, I couldn't help but shiver, my nose tingled, and I sneezed.

Just as the atmosphere froze, the office door was pushed open, and Song Yuzhou walked in with a nonchalant air, hands in his pockets, heading straight for me.

A bad feeling rose in my heart. The next moment, Song Yuzhou's gaze fell on the painting. He nodded and praised, "It is a really... um... beautiful painting."

I watched him pretend to be deep and serious, thinking he was going to achieve great things, but this is all I got. I couldn't help but smile, and out of the corner of my eye I glanced at Gu Jinghuai, only to find that the man's face was dark and gloomy.

"You're finally smiling. You're still so adorable."

Song Yuzhou reached out again, but I reacted quickly and took a step back. Teacher Wang, who was standing nearby, blocked me behind the two of them with a stern face: "Mr. Song, please watch your words and actions. This is a school."

I gave the teacher a grateful look. The next moment, Gu Jinhuai walked over. His voice was indifferent and flat, but the way he looked at me made me feel pressured.

I nervously looked away, and the next second, I heard Gu Jinhuai's domineering voice: "One million, I'll buy it."

As I listened to his words, I looked up abruptly and met his gaze. I chuckled and retorted in a low voice, "Gu was just complaining about being poor, and now he's doubling it. His change of heart is faster than a rabbit's droppings."

"Pfft..."

Upon hearing this, Song Yuzhou couldn't help but laugh out loud, his gaze also falling on the painting.

How long did it take you to finish this painting?

Song Yuzhou asked.

"Two days."

I answered patiently.

"Two million, I'll take it."

Just as Song Yuzhou was about to walk over, Gu Jinghuai stopped him.

"Song Yuzhou, trying to take everything will only get you into trouble."

Gu Jinghuai narrowed his eyes, his cold pupils reflecting his impatience.

"I'll return those words to you verbatim. See your heart clearly. Don't try to have it both ways, or you'll stumble and regret it later."

Watching the two of them bickering, I didn't say anything, but instead looked at Teacher Wang.

"Mr. Song is so generous, this painting is yours, but it won't cost two million. Gu, you're still a student, you're still..."

Before the teacher could finish speaking, Gu Jinghuai had already taken out his phone and fiddled with it for a few seconds. The next second, I heard the phone in my pocket ring.

[Alipay account received over 2.5 million yuan.]

250?

I blankly pulled out my phone and stared at the black Alipay profile picture. I had completely forgotten to delete it before, and for a moment I forgot that the number was cursing her.

“Zhou Nanzhi, the painting now belongs to me, but to protect my rights, you need to sign an agreement promising that you will have no connection with the right to authorship of this painting in the future.”

Gu Jinghuai's tone was icy cold, and my heart trembled, as if it had been torn in two.

I really wanted to throw those two million dollars in his face, but reality wouldn't allow it.

I forced a smile, took one last look at the painting, and nodded in agreement.

From now on, this painting of the sunset river has nothing to do with me.

I signed the agreement promptly and walked out. Song Yuzhou chased after me and patted me on the shoulder.

"hiss……"

My shoulder was throbbing with pain. I frowned, shook off his hand, and said irritably, "Just talk, don't touch me."

"You are hurt?"

For every step Song Yuzhou took forward, I took a step back.

"None of your business."

My tone was unfriendly; how could I possibly be pleasant to a wolf in sheep's clothing?

"Song Yuan shouldn't bother you for the next few days."

Song Yuzhou suddenly spoke up, and I stared at him in surprise: "Did you film the video?"

"So, how about you treat me to dinner?"

Song Yuzhou raised an eyebrow at me, his affectionate peach blossom eyes full of deep meaning.

Before I could answer, a dark shadow swept past and punched him.

"You filmed this video, do you want to die?"