Transmigrated as a vicious stepmother, I raised a child who became a heartthrob.

Jiang Zhuhua casually scrolled through videos, most of which were various ways of wishing people a happy new year and welcoming the God of Wealth.

In this context, the other video seems particularly out of place.

It's about an artist plagiarizing.

It would be fine if it were anything else, but the painting on it is just too familiar. I saw it just last night, how could it not look familiar?

However, it wasn't that painting that was plagiarized, but other controversial ones, which led to criticism of this newly created painting as well.

[This is an artist I've been following for a long time, how could she plagiarize?]

The two artists have remarkably similar art styles, and it's not just the style; some elements are the same.

This is outrageous! One section has over 80% overlap. Who would believe it's not plagiarism? The problem is, why don't these two women post their own dates?

Yes, both of these drawings were created using a graphics tablet, so they should have a save period.

No need to rush, let the dust settle.

[To be able to eat this kind of melon during the Chinese New Year! Not bad at all.]

The comments section was filled with all sorts of opinions. Jiang Zhuhua frowned as he looked at the comparison of the pictures posted by the marketing account; the two artists were very similar in both style and artwork.

But without a color palette, without a timer or anything like that, she was a layman and couldn't see the intricacies at all.

What's the story behind all those rumors circulating online?

Instead of letting my imagination run wild, I should just ask the person in question. Jiang Zhuhua sent the message without hesitation, then hesitated for a moment before adding a follow-up message.

If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask.

Although she didn't know much about the art world, the two of them were often involved in various things.

"Wait a moment, let me calm down, and then I'll tell you, okay?"

Half an hour later, the other party finally replied. During this time, Jiang Zhuhua had already gone online and learned most of the details about the matter.

The two main characters involved in this plagiarism dispute are Huo Wang and Chen Sha, who are known in the industry as Chen Sha.

The two paintings are indeed very similar, and even some of their speaking habits are the same. This became even more obvious after they were circled by some art students.

Sometimes one person posts earlier, sometimes another, and when they're all mixed together, it's hard to tell. It's difficult to say who plagiarized whom.

During the Chinese New Year, after dealing with all sorts of relatives, people are quite happy to chat while lying in bed, grabbing red envelopes, or sharing gossip.

This incident even made it to the top of the trending searches, albeit at the very bottom.

Jiang Zhuhua looked at the message sent by the other party, stretched his legs to relieve the soreness in his leg muscles. He had been sitting cross-legged for a while and was feeling a little uncomfortable.

[It's the Lunar New Year, are you still staying here? Would you like to come in and sit for a while?]

Jiang Zhuhua was unsure whether the other party had gone back to his hometown for the Chinese New Year. Although Huo Wang mentioned having a group of good friends, he did not mention his family.

Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether the other person is going back to their hometown for the Chinese New Year or spending it alone.

But these messages seemed to disappear without a trace.

Jiang Zhuhua was even a little unaccustomed to Huo Wang's prompt replies to her messages.

They've become arrogant because they're favored.

Jiang Zhuhua felt a mix of helplessness and slight self-mockery in his heart.

"An'an, do you want to go play with Tiedan?"

Jiang Zhuhua felt it wasn't a good idea for him to go in this situation, especially since he had broken up with the other person so coldly before.

So he could only turn his attention to his son.

Jiang Ji was also looking at his phone nearby, so he naturally saw what had happened. He pointed to himself with a blank expression.

"But I just had a fight with him, and you guys..."

Jiang Ji's face flushed red instantly, naturally because she remembered the time when she didn't want the two of them to break up.

So he refused to sit on the sofa, appearing defiant and unyielding. But his eyes darted around, his gaze far from firm.

"You're just a kid, what's wrong with making a little mistake? Go on, go on, help me comfort him. He's upset right now, isn't he? An'an?"

Jiang Zhuhua's tone was enticing, clearly indicating that the other person wanted to go but was just waiting for an opening. If he really refused, a very serious refusal, Jiang Zhuhua wouldn't force him.

"really?"

With just one sentence, Jiang Ji began to waver wildly.

"real."

Jiang Zhuhua nodded. Jiang Ji quickly put on her shoes and went out.

Jiang Zhuhua shook his head helplessly and sank into the soft sofa. But after lying there for a while, he felt restless no matter how he lay, and couldn't fall asleep because he had things on his mind.

Even lying on the sofa, I felt like I had thorns in my back. I wonder if An'an's progress is going smoothly.

If all goes well, I can become a caring older sister figure.

Jiang Zhuhua's thoughts were spreading aimlessly.

After several days of snowfall, the small shoes made a crunching sound as they stepped on the snow. Jiang Ji skillfully walked to the building next door.

Huo Wang, I've come to find you. I'm downstairs; could you take me up?

When Jiang Ji got downstairs, he realized that he didn't know the other person's home password. And that password was randomized.

I had no choice but to stand in a place where the cold wind wouldn't blow on me and send the message.

"An'an, not today."

The other party only sent a voice message, which sounded extremely hoarse and filled with an indescribable sense of fatigue.

Jiang Ji clenched his small hand tightly, feeling an indescribable surge of emotion, more overwhelming than he had imagined. However, he was still too young to fully comprehend this feeling.

I just feel a little sad.

"But Huo Wang, the wind is so cold down there. Are you cold inside? I can warm you up."

Jiang Ji racked her brains for a reason to avoid a person who was about to enter the elevator.

"Happy New Year, little one. What are you doing here all alone?"

The auntie bent slightly, greeted him with a smile, and offered him a piece of candy.

Jiang Ji loosened his grip slightly and sent the message, unaware that he had also recorded this voice message.

"I'm here to visit a friend. Happy New Year, Auntie. I don't need the candy; I've already sold plenty at home."

The stranger's approach made Jiang Ji feel a little uncomfortable, so she took a small step back and put on a polite smile.

"Auntie has lots of candy. Aren't your parents coming along?"

The elevator wasn't arriving for a while, and the woman chatted slowly. Jiang Ji didn't want to talk to her; she gave him a feeling that made him uncomfortable.

"They are at my friend's house."

For some reason, Jiang Ji's first reaction was to lie, and he even felt a pang of guilt. His heart was pounding.

Ding-dong-

The elevator came down, but the woman didn't look at the elevator door.

"Little friend, would you like to come and sit at Auntie's house? Auntie also has a little child at home who is just as cute as you."

The aunt in the red coat was all smiles, but Jiang Ji felt uncomfortable all over.

"An'an, it's time to go home."

Huo Wang's hoarse voice rang out in the elevator. Jiang Ji immediately relaxed, rushed in, and hugged Huo Wang's legs.

"Is this your child? He's so cute."

The woman had a smile on her face, but it was a rather cold one. Huo Wang simply closed the elevator doors without even answering her.

"I'll take you home in a bit."

Huo Wang didn't seem inclined to speak, only managing to utter these words in a hoarse voice. He appeared to have no desire to continue the conversation.

Jiang Ji reached out and took Huo Wang's hand. Huo Wang's palm wasn't as warm as before; in fact, it was icy cold to the touch. Jiang Ji tried hard to transfer her body heat to him, and even felt a little guilty.

"Huo Wang."

Jiang Ji mumbled and called out, not knowing exactly what she wanted to express. She just wanted to call out to the other person.

Silence filled the air, broken only by the faint sound of the elevator ascending. The elevator doors opened, and the usually cozy room was now illuminated only by a dim light, like an old photograph, its colors faded.