The two morning classes were both practical sessions in light-and-shadow painting.
Meng Shuyao was not in the right state of mind. She had no inspiration at all and produced several wasted drafts.
The professor came over and asked, “Elara, what’s wrong? Is there a problem?”
Meng Shuyao set down her brush. “I’m sorry, Professor. I haven’t found any inspiration yet.”
The professor shook his head lightly and hit the nail on the head. “You haven’t quieted your mind.”
If she could not settle herself, naturally there would be no room for imagination.
Meng Shuyao did not deny it. “I’m sorry.”
“Come to my office this afternoon.”
“Mm.”
After the professor had walked away, Winnie asked softly, “What’s wrong, Yaoyao?”
Meng Shuyao sighed faintly. “No inspiration.”
“How did your interview go yesterday?”
“Not well.”
Winnie comforted her. “It’s fine. Keep looking. There’ll definitely be something suitable. Your grades in your major are so high—it’s just an internship. It won’t be a problem.”
Meng Shuyao fell silent.
It was not merely because of the internship.
She had not completed the assignments for these two classes, so she could only find another time to make them up and hand them in.
There were likewise two classes in the afternoon. Class ended at four-thirty, and she went straight to find the professor.
The office door was not closed. Meng Shuyao raised her hand and knocked twice. “Professor, you wanted to see me.”
He nodded in indication. “Come in.”
Meng Shuyao walked up to the desk and waited to be lectured.
She thought she would be criticized, but unexpectedly, he only asked, “Are you going back to China for summer break, or staying here?”
“I want to stay here.”
The professor said, “If you want to start your internship early, you can go to R&C Gallery.”
Meng Shuyao was stunned. “R&C Gallery? Me?”
How could she possibly be qualified?
She did not even dare to imagine it. R&C Gallery was the private gallery of the portrait artist Ms. Casa. She never took students. Free-spirited by nature, she traveled around various countries all year round, and the gallery had always been managed by her assistant.
The painting that Mr. Pei had bought last time was one of Ms. Casa’s works.
The professor explained, “Ms. Casa is an alumna of mine. A few days ago, she came to catch up with me, saw your work in my office, and thought you had potential and spirit. She asked whether you would be willing to intern with her.”
“Of course I’m willing!” Meng Shuyao felt as if she had been struck by a grand prize. Her mind went dizzy, as though she were dreaming.
“Good. Then I’ll reply to her.” The professor reminded her, “But her gallery is in Brooklyn, New York. You may have to rent a place over there.”
Meng Shuyao nodded. “That’s no problem.”
She was not short of money for the time being. The Meng family cared about appearances and would not treat her harshly financially. In addition, she had received a scholarship at school, won prize money from competitions, and earned money from part-time jobs, so she had saved up a small nest egg.
“Professor, interning at a gallery can count for credits, right?”
“As long as there’s an official stamp, it can. But with your grades, whether you add these few credits or not doesn’t matter.”
“I understand. Thank you, Professor.”
-
A wealthy district on Long Island, New York.
The entire estate covered thirty-two acres, with a building area of more than ten thousand square feet. It bordered the Gold Coast, with lush landscaping and an extremely high level of privacy.
On the villa terrace, Pei Yuzhou had just come out of the pool, water dripping from his wet body. He pulled over a bath towel and wiped himself down casually.
After exercise, his muscles were still taut—powerful, lean, and honed.
Mark handed over his phone. “Sir, your call.”
Pei Yuzhou dried his hand and answered.
A woman’s voice came from the other end. “The matter you asked me to handle is settled. The young lady agreed too.”
He replied in a淡 voice, “Mm. Thank you.”
“It wasn’t anything major.” Casa smiled. “For it to be worth you taking the trouble to ask personally, it seems this young lady isn’t simple. I’m rather looking forward to meeting her.”
Pei Yuzhou did not respond.
After hanging up, he returned to his room to shower and change.
Today was the old gentleman’s seventieth birthday. Dozens of servants had begun bustling about early, preparing to receive guests.
By evening, the guests arrived one after another.
The old gentleman was surrounded by a crowd in the living room.
Some of the younger generation were sweeter-tongued than the last, and laughter and chatter continued without pause.
Pei Yuzhou came down the stairs and went over to greet him.
He wore a well-tailored three-piece suit with a waistcoat. His shoulders were broad and level, his figure crisp and upright, and his every word and action carried the elegance and nobility of a mature man.
Several young women present stole more than a few glances at him. Not daring to make their gazes too obvious, they kept sizing him up from the corners of their eyes.
A few other elders around the old gentleman’s age sighed with feeling.
“Mr. Michael is truly enviable to have such an outstanding grandson. Unlike that one in my family—good-for-nothing, only knows how to run around and play every day.”
“Isn’t that right? With Kerwin here, Mr. Michael can simply enjoy his later years and needn’t worry about anything.”
“We don’t have such good fortune. At our age, we still have to manage both the company and the family.”
The old gentleman smiled helplessly. “I worry about his marriage too.”
Someone beside him chimed in, “It is indeed time for him to start a family. It’s just that I wonder what kind of woman Kerwin likes, and whether he has any requirements?”
Pei Yuzhou said casually, “It depends on whether there’s chemistry.”
The old gentleman pointed to the young woman on his right and began making introductions. “Kerwin, this is Jenny, old Mr. Kendi’s granddaughter. She graduated from Oxford and has just returned from England. She’ll be joining the family company soon as well. When you have time, the two of you can arrange a meal and chat.”
The young woman looked shy, but her speech was poised. “Hello, Mr. Kerwin. When I was studying, I heard about your successful venture on Wall Street. I admire you very much. There are still many things I don’t understand in the field of finance, and I hope I’ll have the chance to learn from you.”
Pei Yuzhou nodded lightly.
For the old gentleman’s sake, he could not refuse outright.
“I think the two of them look very well matched standing together. How does that phrase go in Chinese again—golden what, jade what?”
Someone who knew Chinese supplied, “A golden boy and a jade girl.”
“Yes, yes, yes, that’s the one!”
The butler came over and interrupted their conversation. “Old sir, dinner is ready.”
The old gentleman nodded. “Then let’s eat first. Everyone, please be seated.”
The group moved to the dining room.
A long table that could seat thirty was spread with a champagne-colored tablecloth. The tableware was arranged neatly, with a row of candlesticks and fresh flowers decorating the center.
The old gentleman was clearly intent on matchmaking and had deliberately arranged for Jenny to sit beside Pei Yuzhou.
During the meal, the others also intentionally steered the conversation toward the two young people.
Jenny very much wanted to talk more with the man beside her, but he spoke very little and gave her no opportunity at all.
-
After the birthday banquet ended, the guests dispersed.
The servants were responsible for cleaning up afterward, making sure every corner was spotless.
The old gentleman called Pei Yuzhou to the study.
On the chess table sat a set of international chess pieces inlaid with tiny diamonds.
It was the set Pei Yuzhou had won at an auction last month, his birthday gift to the old gentleman.
Pei Yuzhou sat down and accompanied him in a game.
The old gentleman toyed with the chess piece in his hand. “What do you think of that girl Jenny?”
Pei Yuzhou moved a pawn to occupy the center square. “I don’t know her well.”
“I think she suits you quite well.” The old gentleman spoke frankly. “Family background, appearance, personality, ability—there’s nothing to criticize. What do you say?”
Pei Yuzhou did not comment. He only said, “There was no chemistry.”
The old gentleman moved his bishop forward, his eyes narrowing. “What kind counts as having chemistry? That girl from the art school?”
Pei Yuzhou’s hand holding the chess piece paused slightly. “Mr. Arthur told you?”
“Don’t concern yourself with how I found out.” The old gentleman spoke earnestly. “It’s normal for a man your age to have women around you, but I must remind you that feelings are a burden. They’re not worth wasting your time on.”
“Once you have a weakness, others will be able to use it against you.”
He tapped the king in front of him. “If you want to sit firmly in this position, don’t let your heart be moved.”
Pei Yuzhou stared at the chessboard, his eyes dark and obscure.
“Think of your mother. Don’t walk down her old path.” The old gentleman exhaled a turbid breath. “Jenny is very suitable for you. You two can get to know each other first. If you think it’s acceptable, then get engaged.”