The next morning, she had already forgotten about the incident from the night before. She thought he was probably no longer angry, but as soon as she got out of bed, he called her out with a stern face to change her bandages.
Although he was a bit fierce, ultimately, it was out of concern for her health, so Gu Qimiao chose to think positively.
He dropped her off at a precise spot at the intersection, reminding her several times to be careful when using the knife.
Though he was a bit nagging, Gu Qimiao nodded obediently throughout.
The wind outside was quite strong. Gu Qimiao hunched her neck, half her face buried in the scarf, and walked forward against the wind.
The weather was very cold, but she liked it because she met him in such cold winter weather. He gave her warmth and protection. His appearance marked the beginning of her rebirth, so every year thereafter, that day became her birthday.
Every year, she would miss him especially on that day.
Ever since they parted, her birthday wish had always been to see him, and now her wish had come true.
She walked into the gallery feeling particularly joyful, sensing that the whole gallery seemed to have a different atmosphere, as if everyone was very happy.
The only person she could talk to was Mei Jie, but she didn’t know where Mei Jie had gone this morning.
Gu Qimiao walked straight into the studio, and sat at her seat, trying to warm her frozen fingers.
She heard a noise by the glass door and turned to look. Seeing the person who had just entered, she immediately jumped up from her seat and joyfully approached: "Mr. Fang?!"
The man who entered wore a light gray suit, stood at least 185 cm tall, looking around his early thirties, with a pair of silver-rimmed glasses, a smile at the corners of his mouth, and an air of warmth and gentleness, giving off a very kind impression.
This was Mei Jie’s admired boss, also Gu Qimiao’s teacher, Fang Shaobei.
Fang Shaobei walked towards her, seeing her nose red from the cold, he asked, "Is the heating not enough? How about I install an air conditioner just for you?"
Gu Qimiao hurriedly said, "No need! I just got here, it’s way too cold outside and I haven’t warmed up yet. I’ll be fine in a bit. Mr. Fang, when did you come back?"
He casually sat down on a small sofa by the window and replied, "Just arrived this morning."
Gu Qimiao sat down next to him, "Aren’t you tired? Haven’t you adjusted to the time difference yet?"
"I slept on the plane. Are you still adjusting well to working here?"
Gu Qimiao nodded, "It’s just changing to a different place to paint, nothing to get used to." She then looked at him with a hint of complaint: "Why didn’t you tell me you were the boss here back then?!"
Fang Shaobei chuckled lightly, "I thought you knew. Besides, it’s not important, right? Anyway, you know now, don’t you?"
"Humph, I was made fun of by my colleagues. They said the boss was so handsome it was earth-shattering, and I didn’t even recognize you."
His smile deepened on his face: "When they said the boss was earth-shatteringly handsome, you should have thought of me."
"So, teachers can be narcissistic too."
Fang Shaobei raised his eyebrows and said logically: "Words coming from others’ mouths can’t be considered narcissism, right?"
Gu Qimiao understood his humor well. To be able to manage several galleries successfully, in addition to having good skills, his communication skills naturally couldn’t be bad. He was that kind of humorous and charming man.
"Teacher, how long are you staying this time?"
He pretended to think for a moment, then said: "I might just stay here. After all, this place is home."
Gu Qimiao also understood that feeling. No matter how long one had lived abroad, even if one got used to living there, one would still hope to return to their homeland. Just like he said, after all, this place is home.
"Have you had breakfast?"
He stood up, looking down at her: "Then pack your things and come with me."
Gu Qimiao stood up and asked, "Where to?"
He teased, "Just follow me. I’m not going to sell you."
Gu Qimiao joked back, "I’m not worth much, selling me wouldn’t be interesting anyway. But I don’t know what we’re going to do, what should I pack?"
He thought for a few seconds and then said, "Actually, just bring yourself. Wait here for two minutes." With that, he turned and walked out.