Blaine was completely unaware of Lang Qingyun's secret studio where he produced counterfeit paintings. She appeared greatly surprised.
"A basement studio? Why haven't I heard of it?" she asked.
Jack explained, "It's in the basement of the museum, probably on the third floor, I can't remember exactly. There's a pretty large studio with walls covered in paintings, and Lang Qingyun imitates those genuine artworks there."
"Forget about that," Blaine quickly changed the subject, "Did you give him the list? What was his reaction?"
Jack sighed, "He wasn't pleased. I think you should be careful. I don't think he'll just let it go; he might take further action."
Blaine seemed unconcerned, but Jack knew that Lang Qingyun might have indeed handed over all the valuable calligraphy and paintings to her. However, Blaine seemed determined to keep these priceless artworks to herself, which made Jack uneasy.
"Are those paintings really that valuable?" Jack attempted to reason, "Can't we reconcile? Since we agreed on splitting them evenly, wouldn't it be better to part ways amicably? It's fair for everyone."
"You don't understand, this is between Lang Qingyun and me," Blaine replied coldly.
Jack persisted, "What about my matter? You promised me before that if I went to see Lang Qingyun, you would help me restore my student status and let me go back to university."
"Oh, that thing," Blaine said nonchalantly, "Of course, I remember. But my affair with Lang Qingyun isn't over yet. Just wait a little longer, I'll handle it for you."
Feeling helpless, Jack could only hope that Blaine would fulfill her promise. But he felt a pang of disappointment, fearing that Blaine might just be stringing him along.
As Jack was about to retire to his room, his phone rang. It was a number he was very familiar with. Since he left school, this number hadn't appeared again, but he had kept it saved.
"Hello, Lucy, is that you?" Jack answered the call, entering his room.
There was silence on the other end for a moment, then Lucy's voice came through, sounding choked up, "Jack, how have you been lately?"
"I'm fine, I've started working. Lucy, you sound upset, what's wrong?" Jack immediately sensed Lucy's sadness in her voice.
Lucy remained silent, and Jack realized she might be in trouble. He remembered Lucy once saying she didn't want to be with a man who lacked ambition, which had hurt him deeply. Though he had harbored resentment towards Lucy, he had gradually accepted reality.
"Jack, I'm scared..." Lucy finally broke down.
"What's wrong, Lucy?" Jack asked anxiously.
"Jack, I'm pregnant," Lucy's voice was filled with helplessness.
Jack didn't know how to respond at first. He wanted to ask if the child was his, but quickly realized it was impossible. He and Lucy had broken up almost a year ago.
"Can you accompany me to the hospital?" Lucy asked cautiously.
Without hesitation, Jack knew Lucy needed his support. "Okay, we'll go tomorrow."
"Thank you, Jack," Lucy hung up.
Jack lay on his bed, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. He remembered his past with Lucy; they had once been each other's first love, sharing many beautiful moments together. If it weren't for him being expelled from school, perhaps they could have continued. But now, reality couldn't be changed.
Jack suddenly remembered that he couldn't drive Blaine tomorrow; he needed to take a day off. Gathering his courage, he knocked on Blaine's door upstairs.
"I told you not to come up here casually," Blaine's voice sounded displeased as she opened the door.
"Blaine, I have something important tomorrow and need to take a day off. Is that okay?" Jack asked from outside the door.
Blaine opened the door, holding a glass of wine and wearing a face mask, which startled Jack.
"A day off? What's so urgent? If you take the day off, what about me tomorrow?" Blaine asked.
Jack hesitated for a moment. He didn't want Blaine to know too much about Lucy's situation, but he had to tell her to take the day off. "I need to accompany my ex-girlfriend to the hospital tomorrow."
"Your ex-girlfriend is pregnant. Is it your child?" Blaine asked curiously.
"No," Jack replied directly.
"It's not yours, but you're still accompanying her to the hospital?" Now Blaine was intrigued, her gossiping instincts kicking in.