During the break, Xiaoxiao pulled her to the hallway for a chat: "Gigi, where have you been the past few days? I went to the gallery to find you but you weren’t there."
"There was a small accident."
"Let me tell you, something happened at our school the other day too!" Xiaoxiao said animatedly, "Just last Thursday night, there was a fight at school. I heard it was between some students from our school and outsiders. I was too scared to go see, but they said there was a lot of blood. There are still bloodstains in that alley."
Gu Qimiao thought, isn’t this about Gu Moming?
"All those involved in the fight were expelled."
Gu Qimiao laughed and said, "Well, fighting should lead to expulsion. Otherwise, the school wouldn’t be safe."
Although Gu Moming’s actions were inappropriate, he did it all for her after all.
"Gigi, you don’t know, but there was a girl named Wei Xiaoxiao involved. Her dad’s brother is the mayor, and she’s caused a lot of trouble at school before. The school didn’t dare to expel her. But this time, for some reason, they announced her expulsion the next day. Several people are still lying in the hospital, and their families came to the school to collect their things."
Gu Qimiao didn’t think much of it, assuming the matter had just gone too far. Luckily, no one died, otherwise it would have been even harder for Gu Moming to get off the hook.
After class, Fang Shaobei invited Gu Qimiao to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
After ordering, Fang Shaobei looked out the window at the young, tender green cypress trees and said, "Spring has arrived."
Gu Qimiao followed his gaze to the tall trees and then asked him, "Teacher Fang, do you know about Chenggu Town?"
Fang Shaobei looked back at him: "Chenggu? You want to go?"
Gu Qimiao nodded enthusiastically: "Yes! I’ve heard it’s beautiful there. And you did say spring has come! I want to go there for inspiration."
Fang Shaobei thought for a moment and said, "I’ll go with you this weekend."
Gu Qimiao shook her head and smiled: "No need, I can go by myself. Just grant me leave!"
"Can you find your way?"
"I’m not in a hurry. Even if I get lost, it’s fine. It’s all new scenery anyway."
Fang Shaobei chuckled lightly: "Are you sure you don’t need me to come along?"
"No, don’t treat me like a kid!"
"Whenever you’re ready, you can go. But no more than half a month, try to draw as much as you can. I’ll arrange a solo exhibition for you afterward."
Gu Qimiao’s eyes widened: "What?! A solo exhibition? No way, it would be embarrassing if no one shows up."
"Do you lack confidence in yourself or in me? You’re my apprentice, you dare not even hold a solo exhibition? You’re undermining my reputation!"
Gu Qimiao laughed at his words and replied: "Isn’t there a saying, ’The master can only bring you so far, you must walk the path yourself’?"
The next day, Gu Moming had rib surgery, which was successful. The doctor said he just needed to rest well for a while, but during this period, he mustn’t overexert himself.
The Gu family arranged for someone to watch over him 24/7. Gu Qimiao told Gu Moming that she would be leaving for a few days.
He didn’t approve or oppose, just turned his face away and ignored her.
Gu Qimiao was used to his temperament. Since he didn’t strongly oppose, it was considered tacit consent, so she booked her flight for the next day.
Upon returning home at night, she started packing. Shen Yanchen hadn’t been around the past few days. Staying here alone was no fun, so she decided to go out for a change of pace. By the time she returned, he’d probably be back too.
Winter clothes are thick, and packing just two or three sets filled the suitcase. Then there were art supplies. Wanting to keep things light, she only brought a small sketchpad and some essential tools.
After checking everything, she went to the bathroom to take a bath. Even without him at home, she didn’t stay up late. At the time he advised, she lay in bed.
Lying comfortably in the bathtub, she suddenly heard some noise outside, like someone had come in...