Chapter Ninety-Nine: A Campus Love Story (Part Two)

Because this provincial-level competition was tied to future internship recommendations at major studios or design firms after graduation, all the participating students practiced their painting skills with utmost dedication.

Xie Jialan, however, thought differently. His mind was fully occupied with how to portray the painting he was creating for Lisa.

After more than two months of submission and assessment, the results were soon announced.

In an open lecture at the start of the new semester, the professor, holding the good news in his hand, smiled warmly at the students below and said, “This year’s provincial competition truly showcased the exceptional talent of our department. We have numerous provincial third prizes, including works by Xiao Huang and Lisa, both carrying sharp social satire. Lisa’s painting of the banquet scene, where beauties vie to outshine one another, perfectly captures the materialistic blind spot that many young women fall into today. Art originates from life and yet transcends it—very well done.”

The professor projected Lisa’s piece onto the screen. It depicted the back of a beautiful woman, graceful and confident, dressed in an exquisite gown, entering the banquet hall. Ahead of her, four or five equally dazzling women clustered together, eyes glancing sideways at the woman, whispering incessantly. The scene was vividly rendered.

“Lisa, impressive. So young and already so perceptive, and on top of that, beautiful. I really envy you.”

A female student beside her sighed admiringly, though perhaps only Lisa herself truly understood the deeper meaning behind the painting.

“I just want to be as confident and elegant as the woman in the painting...” Lisa thought quietly, choosing not to contradict the professor’s generous interpretation. Old professors tend to read more into things, especially when internship spots are at stake. It’s better to keep the peace.

“Ah, of course, the first prize in this provincial competition also belongs to our department, to Xie Jialan!” The professor’s voice thundered with pride from the podium. All eyes immediately focused sharply on this seemingly unremarkable young man.

“If the previous works were excellent social commentaries or illustrations, Xie Jialan’s piece expresses his true feelings. Now, please welcome him to the stage to share the inspiration behind his work!”

The professor’s tone subtly revealed his admiration and fondness for Xie Jialan. The shy young man sitting restlessly in his seat hesitated but did not immediately step onto the stage, visibly nervous.

“Go on, go on. You can do it!” Lisa leaned over beside him, quietly cheering with a clenched fist. Xie Jialan exhaled deeply and walked onto the stage.

The painting depicted a man wearing a flat cap painting a portrait of an extraordinarily beautiful woman. The painter’s face was accidentally speckled with paint. The model’s garment was slightly open, radiating an aura of sophisticated beauty. The two shared a knowing smile as they gazed at each other. Below the studio, reporters’ spotlights and cameras gathered. Upon closer inspection, both painter and model wore matching diamond rings on their right ring fingers.

This shy and inexperienced youth spoke confidently from the podium. It was his first time publicly presenting his thoughts and talents.

“Art and love—this is my passion and desire,” Xie Jialan concluded, bowed deeply to thank the professor and classmates, and returned to his seat.

“Look at the girl in Xiao Xie’s painting—doesn’t she look like Lisa?”

“Now that you mention it, she does. Could they...?”

“Shh, he’s right there. Less gossiping, haha. But if they really got together, they’d be a perfect match. I’m all for it!”

Amid the hushed whispers around him, the atmosphere of romance was quietly warming within the student circle.

A few days later, they became a couple. When Xie Jialan stood beneath Lisa’s dormitory holding the painting the professor had given Lisa during their freshman year and confessed, the girl was moved to tears.

“Don’t worry, I’ll give you the life you want,” he promised sincerely. Their bodies entwined, sweat and desire mingled freely in the cool night air—Xie Jialan’s heartfelt vow to Lisa.

Because his work won first prize, Xie Jialan entered the school’s designated art design institute directly in the second semester of his junior year, while Lisa joined the city’s art exhibition hall.

Each day, they commuted an hour by subway to opposite ends of the city, already feeling the pressures and hectic pace of adult life. On weekends, their only respite was to indulge their physical desires in hotel rooms.

“If we weren’t naked with each other, it would feel as though our love didn’t exist at all,” Xie Jialan once said.

“What happened afterward? Surely you both had promising futures!” I asked eagerly.

“Afterward? Heh, she was ruined by so-called wealthy men,” Xie Jialan said through gritted teeth, his gaze burning like flames.

It turned out that the city’s art exhibition hall where Lisa worked hosted regular art shows and auctions. Because of her good looks, she was assigned to a hostess role, especially at auctions, serving as a decorative “trophy wife” figure. Yet she wasn’t unhappy about being overlooked for her artistic talent; rather, she was quite content with the position.

Because only when facing art and wealthy patrons did she feel her life had value and she could pursue happiness.

She yearned desperately to immerse herself in the extravagant material world of the rich.

Over time, she befriended many wealthy individuals and artists. To narrow the gap between herself and them, she began spending her savings on expensive luxury goods, meticulously crafting her image as a female artist who lacked no money. Many wealthy men fell for her beauty.

She and Xie Jialan gradually lost contact. He tried to reach her a few times, but watching her repeatedly enter luxury cars and mansions belonging to the rich, he slowly gave up hope.

They had different pursuits;I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.