Lu Ming touched his arm, feeling a sense of revulsion at the mere mention of "Sheng Sheng."
His cousin was typically aloof and reserved, rarely engaging in conversation with strangers and maintaining a respectful distance from women. Lu Ming had believed that his cousin would remain a lifelong bachelor.
To his astonishment, Qin Sheng had emerged on the scene. She was merely a senior high school student—wasn't this akin to an old bull grazing on tender grass?
While Lu Ming thought this, he dared not voice his thoughts aloud. He smiled amiably and nodded in agreement.
Taking care of Qin Sheng was no inconvenience; in fact, it promised benefits from Fu Hanchuan. The top-tier computer, which he had coveted for years but never received, was now his simply for agreeing to look after Qin Sheng.
Lu Ming felt as if he had discovered a new world and was determined to cling tightly to Qin Sheng's coattails.
After ending the call, Fu Hanchuan, with his long, elegant fingers, swiped on his phone screen and opened the contacts list, with Qin Sheng's name at the top.
At H City High School, rules were relaxed, allowing the use of mobile phones.
However, Fu Hanchuan, concerned about disturbing Qin Sheng, refrained from calling her, despite his impatience.
At school, Qin Sheng continued to be the subject of gossip and scrutiny. Yet, with the principal's order in place, no one dared to be overly audacious. Qin Sheng paid no mind to the irrelevant gazes.
Upon returning to the Qin household, she was met with interrogation from Qin Hai. Qin Sheng coldly responded that it was none of his business and retreated upstairs, having already eaten on the way home.
Qin Hai was furious, his chest heaving with indignation, repeatedly calling her an ungrateful daughter.
Qin Churou was similarly incredulous. Her expectations had been completely shattered. How could Qin Sheng, a country bumpkin and alleged kept woman, remain unaffected and not isolated by the students? Qin Sheng's demeanor was as though nothing had happened.
Qin Churou could only console herself with the thought that Qin Sheng was merely putting on a facade, though it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Not long after returning to her room, Qin Sheng received a call from Fu Hanchuan, her eyes softening into a smile.
She held the phone to her ear. "Brother Fu."
Though typically aloof, Qin Sheng's voice carried warmth when speaking to Fu Hanchuan.
In this world, she trusted only Fu Hanchuan and Old Master Lu.
"Sheng Sheng," Fu Hanchuan said, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window and drawing the curtains aside, "are you alright?"
Qin Sheng paused momentarily, then realized Fu Hanchuan was referring to the incident at school that day. To reassure him, she responded truthfully, "I'm fine. Rumors will fade over time."
Fu Hanchuan exhaled in relief. "Do you need any assistance?"
"No, Brother Fu," Qin Sheng replied with a narrowing of her eyes, "I know who started the rumor."
Fu Hanchuan nodded, his voice husky. "If you cannot resolve it, remember to seek my help."
"Alright." Qin Sheng agreed, though she felt that dealing with Qin Churou required no intervention from Fu Hanchuan; it would not be difficult to handle her.
After a brief conversation, they ended the call.
Qin Sheng sat at her computer desk, reviewing information about the National Youth Painting Competition, abbreviated as the "Youth Painting Contest," which would take place in just over three months. H City had only two slots available.
Before the competition, H City would conduct a preliminary selection. Participants were to submit their artworks to the H City Painting Association, which would then evaluate and choose the best two pieces.
In her previous life, Qin Churou had ranked second in the H City selection.
Qin Sheng's skills surpassed Qin Churou's. Her talent for painting was exceptional, and her keen observational skills lent her works a unique, almost mystical quality.
(End of Chapter)