Chapter 16: Gaining Allies

When Lin Zhiwei entered the gallery, Shen Qian was standing before a painting on the wall, his gaze fixed and unfocused. Though his face betrayed no emotion, there was an air of dejection about him, so much so that he failed to notice Lin Zhiwei’s approach.

“This ukiyo-e work is Professor Zec’s masterpiece from last year. The colors are strikingly vibrant, the mood surges with passion—just a glance sets your blood pounding. Yet you, senior, seem rather dispirited,” Lin Zhiwei remarked boldly, her eyes lingering on the painting.

Shen Qian, hearing her words, turned his head slowly. He saw a young woman with long, smooth hair and a luminous, captivating profile. He frowned slightly; he didn’t recognize her. Nevertheless, his upbringing compelled him to straighten up and reply politely, “You must be a student at Ukyo University as well. You’re right, it’s just that my own thoughts are unsettled.”

“Brooding alone does no good, senior. The wounds in your heart will only grow, and so will your doubts about your worth,” Lin Zhiwei replied, turning to face him directly, her smile warm and courteous.

Shen Qian was momentarily stunned by her smile; she was beautiful in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. It wasn’t just her striking features, but the grace and charm in her easy smile that were enough to disarm anyone.

He hesitated, uncertain of her intentions, and remained silent. Since that day on the terrace, he had managed to compose himself quickly, maintaining the appearance of normalcy, but the pain lingered, growing heavier with each passing day. Despite his efforts to adjust, nothing had helped. It was university summer break, and though he could retreat to his own gallery to paint in peace, inspiration eluded him entirely.

He sighed. “Perhaps I just need time,” he said.

Lin Zhiwei shook her head, her lips curling into a faint, cool smile. “No, senior. What you need isn’t time—it’s revenge.”

The word “revenge” made Shen Qian’s eyes widen in shock. He opened his mouth, paused, then said, “No, I… Even if the other person was at fault, I’m not the kind to kick someone when they’re down. I can’t do it.” He lowered his head.

Lin Zhiwei clapped her hands lightly and laughed. “You truly are a man of integrity, but I’m afraid the other party hasn’t repaid your kindness in kind.” With that, she handed him her phone.

He took it hesitantly, but when he saw the contents, his face turned ashen and he was too stunned to speak. His hand trembled minutely.

“Goodwill is admirable, but sometimes people see it as nothing but an opportunity to exploit or strike back,” Lin Zhiwei said, taking her phone back and folding her arms. “I’m not here to alarm you or provoke you. I, too, raised a thankless wretch, and now I’m reaping the consequences.” She sighed and shook her head helplessly.

“Who are you?” Shen Qian suddenly snapped to attention, blurting out the question. There was something hauntingly familiar about her.

“Who am I? I’ll introduce myself next time—no point repeating it now, since you’ll be there anyway. I just wanted to give you a heads-up so you can prepare yourself. Senior, you might want to consider your next move for the arbitration meeting in two days. I believe you’ll make the right choice.” With that, Lin Zhiwei walked out of the gallery without a backward glance.

Done. With Shen Qian’s intelligence, he surely wouldn’t mistake friend for foe when the time came.

Wow, I really outdid myself just now, Lin Zhiwei thought with secret delight. She was almost grateful her looks had returned—now she could use her fairy-like beauty for devilish deeds. How exhilarating.

Shen Qian watched her leave, the timbre of her voice nagging at his memory. A name surfaced in his mind: Lin Zhiwei. But he quickly dismissed the thought. It couldn’t be—the contrast was too stark. Still, only Xue Yuanyuan had ever been publicly acknowledged as Lin Zhiwei’s friend, and everyone knew Xue Yuanyuan had been adopted as the Lin family’s foster daughter.

And she’d just mentioned the arbitration committee.

Everyone knew Lin Zhiwei was about to be disciplined by the committee. Could this all be Xue Yuanyuan’s doing?

The photos and messages he’d just seen on her phone made it impossible for him to stand idly by.

Xue Yuanyuan, I could forgive you for toying with my feelings, but to harm my family… I will not let this go.

Though Shen Qian’s eyes remained on the painting, the dejection had vanished. There was a new light in his gaze. Days before, he’d consoled himself—perhaps he simply wasn’t good enough, and that was why Xue Yuanyuan sought another’s support. Maybe he wasn’t yet worthy to be her partner, so she needed time to weigh her options.

He’d even regretted his own harsh reaction, telling himself perhaps she was simply lost and alone, forced to drift among the social circles of the wealthy and powerful. Maybe those men were just dinner companions, nothing more. Before his proposal, she had every right to choose and compare.

But the sheer weight of the evidence he’d just seen shattered all illusions and self-comfort in an instant. He realized, with piercing clarity, that he had been nothing but a fool, falling for her schemes.

Since that girl had said the arbitration meeting would reveal all, he would no longer retreat.

Xue Yuanyuan…

He repeated her name in his heart, but there was no tenderness left in it.