CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 94: LEAVING REGRETS IN ONE’S HEART

She truly felt as if she couldn’t bring her brush to make the next stroke! It wasn’t that she didn’t dare to paint; rather, she was afraid she couldn’t capture him perfectly, leaving a lingering regret in her heart.

If she could just take a photo, she could then repeatedly sketch, revise, and improve upon it using the picture as a reference. That way, she could make the artwork even more flawless.

However, to his ears, her words took on an entirely different meaning.

"What did you say? Take a photo? You want to take a picture of me... fully clothed? Is that it?" Qi Longbing narrowed his eyes, a dangerous blue glint shining deep within his pupils.

Right now, she had better... not have any other improper ideas, or else...

If a photo of him, the dignified President of Qi Imperial Court, fully clothed, were to circulate, or cause any trouble whatsoever... Hmph, hmph... that would be playing with serious fire!

Upon hearing his tone, Hua Xiaomo froze for a moment, then quickly understood. "Ah, no, that’s not it, President Qi. You’ve misunderstood me. I’m afraid that with a single brushstroke, I might not be able to capture you at your best. That’s why I wanted to take a photo—to preserve this perfect, handsome moment, so I could go back and meticulously refine and perfect it."

"Refine it?" Qi Longbing’s voice was unhurried, his tone steady, yet it carried an absolutely domineering and inviolable aura. "Just look at me, right here, fully clothed, and refine your image from that. Photos? NO! Understand?"

"Oh, okay... Alright then!" Hua Xiaomo could only nod, an awkward, apologetic smile touching her lips. Fine, she hadn’t meant any harm. Since he disagreed, she wouldn’t press the issue.

Hua Xiaomo picked up her brush and quickly began to paint on the drawing board. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft SWISH-SWISH of her brush against the surface.

Qi Longbing watched her serious expression, momentarily captivated. Her beautiful amber eyes were partially hidden behind wisps of her hair. Her slender figure swayed gently as she leaned into her work, her long, graceful arms moving with a steady rhythm.

The sight was thoroughly pleasing to the eye. A faint smile touched Qi Longbing’s lips as a gentle stirring began in his heart.

Just then, a sensation in his shoulder seemed to throb in response to his stirring emotions.

At that moment, Hua Xiaomo’s brush paused. She looked at the man on the sofa before her; a certain part of his shoulder seemed... unsettled.

Hua Xiaomo narrowed her eyes faintly. The next second, she averted her gaze.

A dry laugh escaped her. "President Qi, you... would you like to take a break? We can continue afterward."

"I think it’s you who needs a break, don’t you?" Qi Longbing’s lips curved into a smile. He glanced down at his own arm; its form was still quite good.

It seems she has indeed captured my good looks quite well...

Hearing this, Hua Xiaomo looked at him again. "Aren’t you uncomfortable, holding that pose?"

This time, she was able to look directly at his shoulder. Frankly, she didn’t seem too surprised to see... whatever it was.

"Miss Hua, so you’re aware that I’m uncomfortable?" Qi Longbing’s smile was utterly captivating as he looked at her. Her beautiful face showed no change in expression.

But... isn’t this a bit too unusual?

Could it be... she’s seen a man’s shoulder in such a state before?

The moment this thought occurred to him, he smiled again. Of course. She studied painting; how could she *not* have seen a man’s shoulder? How could she never have painted a clothed model?

Those artists... they all just use the guise of art to engage in the most "primitive and pure" of activities.