Chapter 151

When Lin Tingsong first saw Mu Xin, he had already learned from Mu Youyu that she had a dragon-and-phoenix twin brother, and besides, he had just seen him a short while ago.

He looked at the two standing side by side, his gaze moving back and forth over their features, a smile appearing in his eyes.

The boy before him was tall and slender, much taller than Mu Youyu, with almost the same outline as hers, a high nose bridge, distinct lip line—if not for those eyes.

Mu Youyu's eyes were clear, bright, and pale, with a touch of softness, while Mu Xin's eyes were deep ice-blue, adding a hint of sharpness.

Now placed side by side for comparison, they truly look exactly alike!

Lin Tingsong's gaze paused slightly when it met Jun Chenling's emerald-green eyes, then he gave a gentle nod and asked, "Who is this?"

Seeing that he was asking about his sister, Mu Xin did not speak first.

"Teacher Lin, this is Jun Chenling, my brother's friend!" Mu Youyu hurriedly introduced, then turned to Jun Chenling and said, "Ling brother, this is my art teacher, Teacher Lin Tingsong."

Jun Chenling removed his mask, revealing a handsome, deep-featured mixed-race face; his emerald-green eyes beneath blond hair were warm and polite as he gave a slight nod, saying, "Mr. Lin, hello, I've long admired your name."

Although he grew up in Y Country, he had long heard rumors of this Z Country–born art master, and now in the international art world he is someone everyone knows.

Lin Tingsong is recognized as top-tier in the international art world, many nobles consider collecting his works an honor, so he naturally had heard of him as well.

Lin Tingsong's surprise grew; he examined the unique pupil color and temperament, then suddenly smiled and said, "So you are Prince Xun Li of Y Country—my apologies for the oversight."

He often travels between countries, so he has also heard a bit about international royal family members.

The sole prince of Y Country, Xun Li·Si'erwen, is rumored not only to be of noble status but also a prodigy; indeed, a gifted prodigy who, at a young age, already holds considerable real power, and his methods of managing affairs are astonishing.

Yet he has always kept a low profile, rarely appearing in public.

Jun Chenling was neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Highness is just an empty title; before Mr. Lin, I am merely a junior."

Seeing the atmosphere was good, Mu Xin timely eased the situation: "Teacher Lin, please have a seat."

Immediately, he turned and instructed the servant nearby: "Prepare lunch."

After Lin Tingsong sat down at the table, his gaze returned to Mu Youyu; he picked up an exquisite brocade box from beside him and said, "Ah You, look at this—a gift I brought for you, Teacher."

Speaking, he smiled and opened the box; inside was a set of paintbrushes, the shafts carved with fine patterns, clearly valuable at a glance.

He explained, "I had an old friend custom-make these; let's see if they suit you."

Mu Youyu's eyes lit up instantly; she picked up a brush, her fingertips lightly stroking the icy shaft, feeling its fine, warm smoothness.

She lifted her gaze to Lin Tingsong, eyes full of joy: "Thank you, Teacher! I really like it!"

"As long as you like it."

Lin Tingsong smiled affectionately, his voice gentle: "You have talent, and you're willing to work hard……"

After saying a few more words, he got to the point: "Participating in more competitions would be even better! Next month there's an international art competition with high prestige; I want to ask you, would you be willing to enter?"

If the competition—if his beloved student is willing, he will help register her in advance!

Although his beloved student had entered an international youth competition during summer vacation and the results are not out yet, he knows that among those people she will undoubtedly be first place!

The reason he is now asking her whether she wants to join the competition is largely because several of his old friends keep showing off in front of him the competition results of their disciples, sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters!

He harbors a drive inside, wanting his beloved student to also show her skill, so those people can see what true strength is!

Their disciples' paintings, in front of his beloved student, are nothing but children's scribbles—not worth mentioning! What is there to show off!!

Mu Youyu's hand holding the brush paused, a bit hesitant: "But I……"

Her words trailed off.

Lin Tingsong wondered, "What's wrong?"

Mu Xin and Jun Chenling also looked at her, their gazes concerned.

Mu Xin sat beside his sister, his gaze never leaving her from start to finish; seeing her troubled expression now, he instinctively wanted to speak up to politely decline for her.

But after a moment's thought, he felt he should let his sister decide herself, so he restrained the impulse and did not interrupt her.

Mu Youyu pondered a moment, then softly said, "I've been a bit busy lately."

Upon hearing this, Lin Tingsong immediately waved his hand, asking no further questions and not pressing: "No problem, no problem; the competition isn't urgent—your happiness matters most."

He didn't want to put too much pressure on his beloved student; that's also why he rarely lets her enter competitions.

Lin Tingsong added with a smile: "If you later have an idea or find free time, just contact the teacher—I'll help you register!"

Mu Youyu's face broke into a smile again: "Okay!"

Nothing more was said.

The servant happened to be bringing up the dishes.

Mu Xin sat beside his sister; seeing her put down the box, he immediately picked up a chopstickful of her favorite food, his tone indulgent: "Sweetie, eat first—shall we go to the art museum later?"

Actually, he was planning to go to the company later.

The company he founded has been around for nearly half a year; relying on his own ability plus his fame, many people who come to curry favor with him seek cooperation, and now he has already made a mark in the industry.

The company's headquarters was initially set in Y Country, but long before he had already chosen a new office location in C City—not far from home, a half-hour drive away.

But at this moment, looking at his sister, he felt that delaying the company's affairs a bit longer would be fine.

He originally rarely accompanied his sister anyway.

Moreover, the people he has trained under him are very capable.

What's wrong with staying a bit longer?

"Sure." Mu Youyu was also planning to go see.

Lin Tingsong had no objection; even if Mu Xin didn't ask, he would ask himself.

After his sister nodded, Mu Xin then turned his head and asked, "Where are you going, Ah Ling?"

He wasn't sure whether this person had come for anything else, so he first asked some polite small talk.

Seeing his friend finally bring up himself, Jun Chenling nodded, turned to him, and said, "I'll just follow you guys!"

Mu Xin observed his expression and understood—he was just here to have fun.

Lanlin Gaozhong.

Jiang Liangjin arrived at the student council office, Yu Ci was lounging on the sofa scrolling on his phone, and Gu Xingnan sat behind the desk flipping through a document.

Just seeing them together, it was clear there was nothing serious to discuss in any meeting.

He leaned against the doorframe, his tone flat, revealing no emotion: "Is everything okay?"

Yu Ci heard the voice, sprang up from the sofa, casually tossed his phone aside, and eagerly went to pat his shoulder, saying, "All good, all good, it's settled! Come on, let's go eat?"

Jiang Liangjin avoided him, … "What do you want me to do?"

Yu Ci's hand was empty, and he didn't mind, "A Nan sent you a message."

He glanced toward the door and asked, "However, why didn't Youbao come?"

Jiang Liangjin pulled out his phone and glanced at it; sure enough, there was a message from Gu Xingnan sent a minute ago: 【I thought about it, but I still won't hold the meeting; A Jin doesn't need to come】

He looked at the message, somewhat suspicious that the two were deliberately messing with him, and said calmly, "... Fine."

Gu Xingnan stood up, walked over to him, his gaze naturally sweeping the doorway, and also asked, "Why didn't Youbao come along?"

Jiang Liangjin explained, "Her teacher has returned to the country."

Mu Youyu has been in the Art School since elementary school, and has only ever had one Art School teacher, Lin Tingsong; Gu Xingnan and Yu Ci know that.

Gu Xingnan asked again, "Are you going home, or coming with us to eat?"

Yu Ci came over, "We have to go eat! I'm starving from playing."

Gu Xingnan was helpless.

Jiang Liangjin thought it over; presumably they were still eating at home, and going back wouldn't change anything, so he casually said, "Let's just eat."

The three arrived at the restaurant, had mostly finished eating, and Yu Ci suggested going out for a stroll.

Jiang Liangjin's phone vibrated just then, the screen lit up, and it was a message from Mu Youyu: 【A Jin, later I and Brother, Brother Ling are going to the Art School Museum; after you finish eating, do you want to come over?】

He lowered his eyes to look at the message, the corner of his mouth unconsciously curving; he had just told her that everything was fine and they were going straight to eat.

After replying, he raised his eyes to the two and said, "I'm not going; Youbao is going to the Art School Museum, I'll go find her."

Yu Ci widened his eyes, made an exaggerated tsk-tsk twice, reached out to grab him, but he easily dodged, saying, "So we two are just your boredom's filler?"

Jiang Liangjin glanced at him, turned and walked away, his voice nonchalant: "Otherwise, what did you think?"

He didn't mention that it was Gu Xingnan who had summoned him.

Yu Ci: "......"