The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 231
Translated by Pure
Chapter 231 Solitude: Parting with Wen Yantong
Wen Yantong accompanied Chi Jingxi to the study and positioned herself at the table, personally grinding ink for him.
Chi Jingxi, holding the brush, gazed at Wen Yantong for a moment before commencing the drawing.
"Why are you staring at me?" Wen Yantong questioned.
"I want to ensure it looks more like you," Chi Jingxi replied honestly.
"No!" Wen Yantong raised her hand, covering most of her face, and added, "You didn't look at me when you were painting, so you don't need to look at me now."
Chi Jingxi heeded her words and ceased his gaze, lowering his head to begin drawing. The way he used the brush in his hand always appeared distinct from others; with just one stroke, a smooth line emerged on the paper.
Wen Yantong stood nearby, observing. However, painting was a meticulous task that demanded stroke by stroke, and Chi Jingxi approached it with utmost seriousness.
Wen Yantong grew weary of standing, so she fetched a stool and settled down beside him, propping her chin up as she watched. Watching Chi Jingxi draw was a fascinating experience, and Wen Yantong found it far from tedious. She observed as he outlined her eyes and eyebrows, skillfully capturing the flowing strands of hair that seemed to defy structure.
Additionally, Chi Jingxi had someone procure special colors for the painting, expressing his determination to finish it. Little did they know that the process would extend into the night.
Wen Yantong couldn't endure any longer and dozed off at the table, emitting soft snores. Observing her peacefully sleeping, Chi Jingxi couldn't resist a gentle smile. He draped his robe over her shoulders and then lit the long lamp beside the table. As the natural light outside waned, the room became illuminated by lamps, casting Chi Jingxi's shadow on the floor.
Wen Yantong awoke on her own. Upon lifting her head, she discovered her neck aching severely from the awkward sleeping position. Her entire face was creased as she rubbed her neck, trying to alleviate the discomfort.
Suddenly, a warm hand extended, applying moderate pressure to the sore spot on her neck and massaging it gently.
Chi Jingxi's voice, slightly hoarse from the prolonged silence, spoke in a low tone, "Is your neck feeling uncomfortable?"
Wen Yantong began to twist her neck, ready to respond, but her gaze instinctively shifted toward the painting, causing her to be immediately taken aback.
Though the painting was not yet fully completed, it had taken on a well-defined form, and the colors on it had dried. What startled Wen Yantong at first glance was the lifelike quality of Chi Jingxi's artwork.
While the prior painting was mostly covered in ink, making it challenging for her to discern the subject, this one allowed her to instantly recognize that the depicted person was her.
This painting was distinctly different from the one Chi Jingxi had drawn on the stall. The previous one seemed like a hasty sketch, extremely simple in its outline. In contrast, the current piece exuded delicacy, unmistakably a masterpiece crafted with meticulous strokes.
The artwork portrayed Wen Yantong seated, playing her xiqin during the First Snow Banquet at Songhai Academy. She adorned a snow-white quilted jacket and a sparkling gold skirt gifted by Teacher Hua. Her long hair was fashioned into a simple yet elegant style, cascading below her shoulders. A sense of movement was captured in the painting, with the wind tousling her hair, intertwining it with the graceful dress, and cascading randomly over her sleeves and the xiqin.
In the depiction, she lowered her head, revealing only half of her face, completely engrossed in playing the xiqin.
This was the past her—the one who still harbored fear of Chi Jingxi, apprehensive about her identity being unveiled, and diligently seeking a means to navigate through life at the Academy.
This same image reflected how Chi Jingxi perceived her.
Wen Yantong stood up, scrutinizing the painting more closely, and could clearly discern each stroke. "Am I truly that beautiful?"
Initially, she believed that Chi Jingxi harbored disdain and resentment towards her during that time. Yet, his ability to capture such a lifelike portrayal suggested a level of careful observation. If he hadn't paid close attention to her, how could he have rendered such a faithful representation?
Chi Jingxi bent down, surprising her with a sudden kiss on the cheek. "Absolutely," he affirmed.
Wen Yantong couldn't suppress her laughter as she turned and embraced him. "I used to think the Little Marquis found my attire distasteful, but now it seems you were indeed stealing quite a few glances my way back then, weren't you?"
Chi Jingxi didn't provide a direct response, only stating, "I haven't completed the painting yet."
Wen Yantong examined it once more and remarked, "It's about finished."
"The hairpin on the head hasn't been painted," Chi Jingxi pointed to the figure in the painting.
"The resemblance is striking. If this painting were to come to life, given how lifelike you've drawn it, would you choose me or the painting?" Wen Yantong playfully teased with a smile.
Chi Jingxi replied, "In that case, I'll burn it after I finish painting."
Wen Yantong quickly interjected, "No! I was just joking. Once you finish the painting, give it to me. I'll find a safe place for it."
Chi Jingxi nodded and resumed perfecting the painting.
As the entire artwork came to completion, the lingering uncertainty in Wen Yantong's heart dissipated entirely. She had been pondering how she appeared in Chi Jingxi's eyes.
Now, having seen the finished painting, she finally knew. In Chi Jingxi's eyes, she was akin to a fairy!
The painting was completed late at night, prompting Chi Jingxi to stay overnight at Wen Residence. A specific bedroom had been prepared for him, filled with items personally selected by Wen Yantong. Having shared a room with Chi Jingxi for a period, she was acquainted with some of his habits and preferences.
After Chi Jingxi took a bath, he sat on the large carpet in front of the bed, droplets of water still trickling from his hair.
Worried for her expensive carpet, Wen Yantong swiftly fetched a towel to dry his hair, gently rubbing the ends in her palms.
The room fell into silence for a moment, and then Wen Yantong inquired, "Little Marquis, you will be heading to Yibei in a few days, right?"
Chi Jingxi was aware that she wasn't pleased with this decision, so he responded in a subdued tone, "Yes."
Wen Yantong released a long sigh and remained silent for a while. Chi Jingxi's aspirations lay in achieving military accomplishments, and she couldn't prevent him from pursuing his path despite her concerns about the perils of the battlefield. Her reluctance stemmed from selfishness—her desire to shield Chi Jingxi from risks. Yet, she couldn't obstruct his journey due to her own self-interest. In a way, wasn't this no different to the modern-day parents who imposed their aspirations on their children, pushing them toward teaching or the civil service examination?
Chi Jingxi perceived her sigh and wordlessly held her hand. He couldn't find words of comfort but stated instead, "The death row prisoner who will take your place has been arranged. Just follow Qianyuan's instructions when the time comes."
Wen Yantong inquired, "After I escape from the Academy, will I still remain in Chaoge?"
"You will be protected if you choose to stay," Chi Jingxi reassured.
Wen Yantong responded, "If you're not in Chaoge, there's no point for me to stay here."
"Yang’er will accompany you," Chi Jingxi suggested.
Amused at the thought of Mu Yang, Wen Yantong chuckled, saying, "Let's focus on the initial goal of keeping him here so he doesn't escape."
Chi Jingxi said no more, opting to pick up a book and immerse himself in reading. He had given these books to Wen Yantong, hoping she would delve into them more frequently. As she enjoyed reading while seated on the bed, the servants had arranged the books within easy reach by the bedside.
After Wen Yantong finished drying his hair, she suddenly felt overcome with sleepiness and crawled onto the bed in a daze.
This wasn't the first instance of Chi Jingxi sitting and reading by her bedside. Wen Yantong had noticed that, in Chi Jingxi's presence, she tended to fall asleep faster than usual. Thus, she chose to lean her forehead on Chi Jingxi's shoulder, but soon she closed her eyes and gradually drifted into slumber.
Chi Jingxi remained seated for a considerable duration, continuing to read until his eyes grew tired. Eventually, he closed the book, dimmed a few lights in the room, and silently departed.
As was his routine, Chi Jingxi left early the next day. Before his departure, he arranged for a servant to wake up Wen Yantong on time and escort her to the Academy for her classes.
Having skipped class the previous day without a valid reason, Wen Yantong faced a severe scolding from Li Boyuan upon her hasty arrival to the classroom. However, owing to a significant improvement in her test scores, she managed to escape punishment this time.
Mu Yang remained absent from class, yet Wen Yantong could envision the turmoil Mu Yuan was likely contending with at the General's Mansion. It would be peculiar if Mu Yang didn't cause a commotion.
However, as long as Mu Yuan could keep him in check, allowing him to create chaos as he pleased, it wouldn't matter how much of a stir Mu Yang caused. Once Chi Jingxi's team departed for Yibei, his antics would be of no consequence.
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T/N: This separation scene was really touching, but don’t worry, she’ll join them soon enough!