QTIMP -Chapter 160 Character Persona – Love Brained (Part 31)

When Si Qiu heard him speak such disheartening words in such a calm tone, she actually wanted to applaud him.

And she did just that, giving a thumbs-up to Shi Xuan when he looked over. “Absolutely amazing.”

He smiled a little sheepishly, then walked over to an easel. On it was an unfinished painting: a woman with her hair up, turned slightly away, looking down.

The partial profile of her face was visible—familiar, yet not entirely.

“Is this… me?”

He nodded confidently. “Yes, it’s you. The first time I saw you was during a break in military training. You were sitting under a tree, slightly turning your head to reach for water.”

After saying this, he gently took Si Qiu’s hand and led her to a nearby desk, on which were the Four Treasures of the Study. He picked up a rolled-up painting scroll.

Slowly unrolling it, she saw another painting of herself—uncolored, rendered in black-and-white ink, the brushstrokes spreading across the paper with an indescribable sense of artistic atmosphere.

Although Si Qiu wasn’t deeply versed in art, she had spent some time in the cultivation circles of ancient traditions, so she could still sense his talent.

It was no wonder his family objected to him studying oil painting. While he had a solid foundation in oils, his talent in ink painting was truly extraordinary.

“Si Qiu, would you be my model? I want to paint you.”

“Aren’t you already painting me?”

“That’s different. You’re my muse. The moment I see you, the brush in my hand comes alive, almost as if it has a soul.”

Seeing the fervent glint in his eyes, Si Qiu suddenly felt her heart flutter. She was love-brained, fond of intense, sweet romance.

But this kind of explosive, volcanic passion… she wasn’t sure she could handle it.

They stayed in the studio for almost the entire afternoon, and only came out after the painting was finished.

Of course, she had indeed just been a model for him, resulting in a single painting. Once outside, Si Qiu’s car brushed against another vehicle at the alley entrance.

The scratch was minor, but it startled her. Sitting in the passenger seat, Shi Xuan hadn’t fastened his seatbelt. He lurched forward, bracing himself with his hand, injuring his wrist.

His face immediately changed, holding his right wrist with his left hand.

His voice betrayed panic. “My hand… my hand is injured! Si Qiu, quickly take me to the hospital—my hand is hurt!”

Having already been momentarily stunned by the minor accident, Si Qiu now just gave him a blank look.

Seeing his face contort in what looked almost fierce, her infatuation immediately evaporated.

At that moment, the driver of the other car opened the door. A man dressed in a black shirt, black suit, and black-soled shoes instantly drew the attention of the onlookers.

He came over to Si Qiu’s car and quietly opened the driver’s side door. When she turned, she met his clear, commanding face and suddenly exhaled in relief.

Perhaps noticing her lack of reaction, he opened the car door fully.

“Qiu Qiu, it’s you? How did you end up here? Were you hurt? Were you scared?”

Zhou Chengyu looked concerned, his tone betraying obvious anxiety and worry.

Si Qiu sniffled. “I… I don’t think I’m hurt, but he seems injured. Should we go to the hospital?”

Zhou Chengyu glanced at the boy clutching his wrist and shouting, then reached out to support Si Qiu out of the car.

“Don’t worry. A little thing like this won’t kill anyone.”

“Leave your car here and let the driver handle it. I’ll take both of you to the hospital.”

When Shi Xuan heard “hospital,” it was as if some trigger had been activated. He immediately got out of the car on his own and followed the vehicle at the alley entrance.

Zhou Chengyu half-supported her as he helped her into the front passenger seat, placing a bottle of water in her hand. He refused the secretary’s offer to drive, letting the secretary and Shi Xuan sit in the back seat.

Then he took the driver’s seat himself and drove to a nearby hospital. Probably having called ahead, as soon as they got out, either the director or the head doctor came over to shake Zhou Chengyu’s hand.

Shi Xuan was then taken for a full examination, while Si Qiu repeatedly confirmed she was fine. The hospital also arranged for an experienced Chinese doctor to check her pulse.

In a society where favors matter, some people just make things easier. Soon, Shi Xuan’s results came back: only a minor bruise on his hand. With 5–7 days of proper rest, he should be fine.

Perhaps seeing the results put him at ease and brought back his rationality. The moment he saw Si Qiu, he hurried over to check on her, while Si Qiu apologized for not paying attention while driving, enduring the annoyance to respond to his concern.

Zhou Chengyu stepped between them. “Secretary Li, please take Shi Xuan back to school first.”

“What do you mean? Just because you say so, I should go back? You’re Zhou Chenyu’s brother—what gives you the right to order me around?”

If Shi Xuan were an obedient, easily manageable kid, he wouldn’t have come to this school in the first place.

Zhou Chengyu, however, didn’t care. Adjusting his glasses with calm poise, a faint smile tugging at his lips, he spoke softly: “I’m not only Zhou Chenyu’s cousin, but also a long-time family friend of the Si family. I think you, Mr. Shi, understand what I mean.”

Shi Xuan naturally understood the ties between these aristocratic families—friendship, kinship, and above all, intertwined interests spanning generations. These weren’t something a single pursuer could shake.

The atmosphere became awkward. Si Qiu quickly stepped forward with a smile to ease the tension. “Shi Xuan, you’re hurt. Go back to school and rest properly. I’ll come see you tomorrow when I have time. Second Brother Zhou asked me for something, and my car hasn’t been sorted out yet, so I can’t accompany you back for now. Please don’t be angry or blame me.”

With a graceful way out, Shi Xuan nodded and went along. Besides, he did value his hand and thought it best to rest properly.

After checking in on Si Qiu a few more times, he followed Secretary Li back.

Si Qiu turned to Zhou Chengyu. “Second Brother Zhou… I think I scratched your car…”

Zhou Chengyu placed his large hand on her head, rubbing it. “Qiu Qiu, who am I? Your Second Brother Zhou. Don’t be so formal with me over something so trivial. Let me tell you—you must have been scared out of your wits. That boy just now… he really didn’t take responsibility, leaving a girl like you to deal with all that.”

Si Qiu was reminded, and the familiar ache of heartbreak surged again. Shi Xuan had been pursuing her, and she had a good impression of him. She had just wanted him to help soothe her heart, but now it felt like her wounds were being layered.

“Second Brother Zhou, I don’t want to mention him now. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to school.”

Zhou Chengyu grabbed her hand. “Head back? Do you even know what time it is? Come on, Second Brother will take you out to eat something delicious. Haven’t you said before? Nothing can’t be fixed with a good meal. And if one isn’t enough, then two or three. Right now, we’ll use food to comfort your mood.”