I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

Han Yixiao scoffed, slowly sipped his tea, and spoke with his usual disdain:

"You think you can make me proud? I'd be grateful if you didn't embarrass me! You're doing so well on the show, but have you been slacking off on painting again?"

Shu Zi stuffed a piece of osmanthus cake into her mouth and mumbled a reply:

"Don't worry about that. I sketch every night before bed, which is much more diligent than you spending your days loitering around the flower and bird market."

"Hey! You dare talk back?!"

Han Yixiao immediately bristled and glared, lightly tapping the table with his hand. "I was just doing field research! Field research! Don't you understand that art originates from life?"

"Okay, okay, I understand."

Shu Zi nodded perfunctorily, her eyes full of smiles, but she didn't back down at all, saying, "Anyway, your ability to make excuses is much better than your ability to draw."

The people at the table were already used to the banter between the master and apprentice, and they all lowered their heads to suppress their laughter.

Han Jingxue sat beside Shu Zi, saying little and listening quietly, only occasionally handing Shu Zi a glass of warm water.

After the two finished arguing, she spoke calmly, her tone steady, as she blatantly lied:

"Grandpa, she didn't slack off. She often went to the art studio after the variety show ended. I ran into her a few times."

"All you do is defend her." Han Yixiao glared at his granddaughter, then turned to Shu Zi, his tone still stern.

"Don't just focus on dealing with the people and things in variety shows. You must never stop painting. The path of art has always been about perseverance."

"I know, you old stubborn man." Shu Zi raised her eyebrows and tilted her chin, not afraid of him at all. "If you're not convinced, let's have a competition at the next art exhibition and see whose work is more popular."

"Let's have a competition!" Old Han slammed his hand on the table, his voice booming. "The loser gets to provide all the snacks from the art studio for a year!"

"Deal!" Shu Zi smiled, her eyes crinkling.

Zhou Yan shook his head helplessly, got up and refilled the tea for the two of them, and advised, "You two always argue whenever you have a meal together. Can you please calm down and let us have a peaceful meal?"

Shu Zi immediately pointed at Han Yixiao: "It's his fault!"

Han Yixiao also turned his head at the same time, pointing at Shu Zi: "It's her fault!"

Everyone: "..."

You're both equally bad, so neither of you should criticize the other.

Looking at the two stubborn individuals who were exactly alike, everyone could only shake their heads and chuckle silently.

For the rest of the time, the people at the table chatted about the latest developments in the art world and shared interesting stories from their creative process, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Shu Zi would occasionally chime in with her own unique insights into light and shadow composition, and sometimes she couldn't help but banter with Han Yixiao, making the scene quite lively.

As they chatted, Shu Zi suddenly nudged Han Jingxue beside her with her elbow, leaned closer to her ear, and whispered in a gossipy tone:

"Senior sister~"

Han Jingxue turned her head to the side, her eyes indifferent: "...What?"

Shu Zi's gaze quickly swept over the red string still tied to her wrist, her eyes brimming with barely concealed amusement. "Hehe, you—"

She had barely uttered a single word when Han Jingxue covered her mouth with her hand, pushed her face away, and added, "You're just a child, don't ask so many questions."

Shu Zi, whose face was involuntarily turned to one side: "..."

II. A 24-year-old giant baby?

If you don't want to tell me, just say so!

Sitting opposite them, Qin Mu noticed their little exchange and asked curiously, "What are you two whispering about?"

Shu Zi mimicked Han Jingxue's tone and retorted seriously, "You're just a kid, don't ask so many questions."

Qin Mu: "..."

Who did I offend?

The meal lasted until nearly 10 p.m., and everyone enjoyed themselves before it ended.

As everyone walked out of the restaurant together, the cool, damp night breeze felt especially comfortable on their faces.

As soon as Han Jingxue stepped out of the store, she immediately saw a black SUV parked not far from the roadside, its logo particularly eye-catching under the streetlights.

She raised an eyebrow slightly, turned to look at Shu Zi, nodded gently, and succinctly instructed, "Go on, and remember to let me know you're safe when you get home."

Shu Zi followed her gaze and turned her head, instantly spotting the all-too-familiar car. A smile unconsciously crept onto her lips as she nodded obediently to Han Jingxue, replying:

"Okay, senior sister, I'll message you as soon as I get home."

Zhou Yan, Lu Jing, and the others standing nearby followed the gaze of the two and saw that it was Gu Yan's car. They all showed knowing yet mischievous smiles, without any surprise.

Zhou Yan gently reminded him, "It's getting late, be careful on the road. Let's get together again next time."

"Alright! Goodbye, senior sister; goodbye, senior brothers; goodbye, old man!"

Shu Zi waved her little hand and skipped and hopped towards Gu Yan's car.

She opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat, relaxing completely and too lazy to move, sinking into the soft seat.

Gu Yan leaned over and helped her fasten her seatbelt, his fingertips brushing against the hem of her clothes with a natural and skillful motion.

"Tired?" He asked softly, noticing the languid look in her eyes after the dinner.

"It's alright, it's just that arguing with that old man is tiring and exhausting."

Shu Zi leaned back in her chair, gently closed her eyes, and after a few seconds reopened them. Suddenly remembering her important matter, she asked:

"By the way, we're going to the He family's hillside manor tomorrow night. He Yuzhuo should have told you, right?"

"Hmm." Gu Yan started the car and casually asked, "Is the evening dress ready?"

Shu Zi yawned, lazily adjusted her posture, and said casually, "Not yet, I'll just pick one out myself tomorrow."

Gu Yan glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "I've prepared something for you."

Shu Zi was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then her brows relaxed: "Okay, that's perfect, I'm too lazy to choose anyway."

She turned to look at Gu Yan, "But this time, I really didn't expect that someone could actually win Ranran over!"

Gu Yan's lips curved slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips, before he suddenly changed the subject, looking at her: "And what about you?"

Shu Zi looked completely bewildered: "What?!"

Gu Yan didn't look at her again. He turned the steering wheel with one hand, and the car turned onto the side road, slowing down.

"I'm thinking," he said slowly, his voice low, "when will you be taken in by someone?"

Upon hearing this, Shu Zi felt a sudden, inexplicable weight in her heart, a stinging, unpleasant feeling rising within her, as if something was blocking her throat. Her tone unconsciously carried a hint of grievance and awkwardness:

"What, you're finding me annoying too? What if I actually find a boyfriend—"

Before he could finish speaking, Gu Yan suddenly turned on his turn signal, lightly applied the brakes, and the car smoothly pulled over to the side of the road.

Shu Zi froze instantly. Before she could react, Gu Yan had already turned to the side, placed one hand on the back of the chair next to her, and leaned slightly closer to her.