CHAPTER 99: CHAPTER 95: SUCH AN ARTISTIC PERSON?

Alright, one couldn’t say *they* were dirty, but this artistic detachment was clearly beyond the comprehension of a worldly person like him.

However, seeing her before him now, he found himself genuinely willing to cooperate with her tacitly.

Hua Xiaomo took a sip from her mineral water bottle and turned away from him. "President Qi," she said, her back to him, "perhaps you should go and... relieve yourself first."

Qi Longbing chuckled again, his gaze on her back. He slipped a hand into his jacket pocket, a smile playing on his lips as he remarked, "Miss Hua... you seem very calm."

"President Qi, that’s something you wouldn’t understand. It’s a fundamental quality for those of us who study painting," Hua Xiaomo replied, still facing away, taking another sip of water. After a moment’s thought, she added, "Actually, you’re not the only one who feels this way."

"Oh?" Qi Longbing feigned ignorance, though his handsome features contorted slightly, as if in pain.

Yet, with her right in front of him, did he really need to restrain himself like this? How ridiculous...

Hua Xiaomo paused before continuing, "Even the clothed models we draw... they react too. And moreover..."

At that thought, a faint blush crept up her ears, and she trailed off.

"And moreover what?" Qi Longbing pressed, his own face flushed. Down there, however, he found it impossible to suppress his reaction; it only grew stronger.

In a situation like this, with her observing him, he shouldn’t need to hesitate. He could just transform into a big bad wolf and pounce on the little white rabbit. So why was he hesitating?

From her perspective, there probably wasn’t a single impure or lewd thought in this, was there?

Hua Xiaomo, are you really that much of an idealist?

Qi Longbing gave a strained smile, beads of sweat forming on his sharp brow.

"...It’s nothing," Hua Xiaomo said, decisively changing the subject and returning to the matter at hand. "President Qi, are you... ready?"

"...Ready," Qi Longbing replied, the curve of his lips deepening as his eyes, dark and profound as the ocean depths, narrowed into slits.

Hua Xiaomo took another sip of water, composed herself, and said, "Shall we continue then?"

"Alright..."

But as Hua Xiaomo turned back to face him, her eyes fell upon his bare, jade-smooth shoulder.

In stark contrast to her earlier composure, Hua Xiaomo’s breath hitched. The moment she saw his shoulder, she instinctively threw her arm up to block her view.

"President Qi, you..." Hua Xiaomo stammered, a jolt running through her. She found herself unable to continue as a fiery blush instantly suffused her delicate features.

Damn it, why did he suddenly do that?

Seeing her reaction now, Qi Longbing thought this seemed more like a normal woman’s response. He chuckled again. "I was under the impression Miss Hua was quite unflappable. Haven’t you painted clothed models before?"

"Uh..."

Hua Xiaomo took a deep breath. Yes, she had painted clothed models before. Right now, he was just another clothed model. What was there to be afraid of!

Having come to this realization, Hua Xiaomo quickly composed herself and slowly lowered her arm. However, she still found it difficult to look directly at his striking shoulder.

Hua Xiaomo averted her gaze, hesitated for a few seconds, then asked again, "President Qi, do you... insist that I paint you?" For some reason, a tremor of unease laced her words.

Painting was truly just a matter of professionalism. His own state of mind wasn’t always ideal, but he would absolutely complete this painting for her with utmost seriousness. He approached every piece of his artwork with dedication, meticulously finishing each one. Regardless of the subject—be it landscapes, scenery, or anything else—he always painted with intense focus and consistency, never having made a single error.

"What do you think?" Qi Longbing countered with a roguish smirk. He suddenly rose from the sofa and, still smiling, began to walk towards her.

He looked absolutely more stunning and captivating than any supermodel on a T-stage!

Instantly, Hua Xiaomo found her feet carrying her backwards several steps. "You... stop, stop, stop!"