Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Nyoi-Bo Studio

  When they finished putting up the New Year scrolls, Su Qianci was also done with preparing the meal. The family assembled and ate together. Being able to eat with a table full of children and grandchildren put a wide smile on the old patriarch’s face.

  The atmosphere at Yu Lili’s place, on the other hand, was completely opposite from that of the Li family.

  This festival was extremely important to Ou Ming’s parents. Ou Ming was allowed to do as he pleased for every day of the year, but on this day, he was required to partake in the reunion dinner before returning to his schedule.

  For over thirty years, no exceptions were made.

  When Yu Lili awoke in the morning, the space beside her was already empty.

  There was a note with Ou Ming’s handwriting on the bedside table. On it was written, “There’s breakfast on the table. Heat it up before eating.”


  Did Ou Ming buy it for her?

  She climbed out of bed and realized that her cotton pajamas were all crumpled and messy. Thankfully, they were still intact.

  After her shower, she went to the dining room to eat and then returned to the room to draw.

  Just like that, the day passed by as she drew.

  When she started to feel hungry, Yu Lili drew the curtains open. It was already dark out. Winter nights always came early.

  Yu Lili checked the time; it was only five in the afternoon. She changed, put on her makeup and had something simple to eat. Then she took a taxi to the address that Su Qianci had given her.

  The art exhibition Su Qianci had invited her to was by an artist that had become famous recently. He was famous for his personality but also for his misfortune as well.

  Rumor had it that this artist was already middle-aged but had yet to find a wife. Rumor had it that this artist had no home and no family, but he did have friends all over. He was apparently a vagabond whose reputation trailed after him wherever he went, and he was called Wen Fenglin.

  He was a middle-aged man with personality and sincerity, and he possessed true talent. Everything he drew was outstanding. His favorite composition was to combine sceneries and flowers to depict whatever he pleased.

  Yu Lili had come across this artist when she was looking around for inspiration. Everyone called him the “Vagabond Artist.”


  When the taxi reached the destination, the clock showed 18:58.

  Su Qianci had a habit; she was always early by a few minutes. Regardless of whom or why she was meeting, this was always the case.

  When Yu Lili got out of the taxi, she looked around, but Su Qianci was nowhere to be found. Just when Yu Lili was about to phone Su Qianci to inquire about her whereabouts, she felt a warmth on her arm.

  Instinctively, Yu Lili ended the call and turned around. When she saw who it was, she choked on her words.

  The handsome face behind her had an evil grin.

  His eyes shone brightly, and his smile sparkled like the stars. He gazed at Yu Lili and asked, “Did you wait long?”


  Yu Lili blinked. Her surprise took a while to die down. “Why are you here?”


  “Why can’t I be here?” Ou Ming wiggled his brows. “Come on, the art exhibition is about to begin.” Ou Ming took Yu Lili’s hand in his warm palm and led her ahead.

  Yu Lili followed him all the way in a stupor. Realization gradually dawned on her, and she commented, “It’s New Year’s Eve tonight.”


  “I know.” Ou Ming turned to face her. The corners of his lips lifted, betraying a mischievous expression. His tone turned gentle. “That’s why I came to find you.”


  For some unknown reason, Yu Lili started to feel her eyes well up, but she laughed instead and protested in faux annoyance, “What the hell? You speak as if it’s such a big deal!”