Chapter 242: Yarn

Chapter 242: Yarn

This trip to the Imperial Capital was organized by the Academy of Fine Arts, primarily for a traditional Chinese painting symposium at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. However, Wu Tong’s itinerary as a delegate diverged significantly from the rest of the group.

It began with the usual auditing of lectures and networking, but per her mentor Hu Heng’s plan, she was introduced to a master of traditional painting. One conversation led to another, and before she knew it, she was fast-tracked into the Palace Museum to assist in the restoration of ancient scrolls. What started as menial tasks soon evolved into her being entrusted with a major project.

Then, photos of the "most beautiful ancient painting restorer" went viral, eventually leading to her being taken by the master to appear on a CCTV program dedicated to national treasures.

The school’s delegation had returned to Hangzhou days ago, but Wu Tong only began her journey home today, following the recording of the show.

For Wu Tong, this trip was the realization of a dream; she had broadened her horizons and learned a great deal. She returned home fully enriched. As for her sudden fame as an internet celebrity and her appearance on CCTV, they were merely footnotes, not even qualifying as unexpected bonuses.

"Big sister, you’re so pretty! Mommy says you’re the most beautiful painting restorer, is that true?"

"Beautiful is beautiful, why add 'painting restorer'? Yaya thinks you’re the best-looking person besides Mommy."

"Big sister, what’s a painting restorer?"

"Is it like drawing? I can draw too! I can draw Peppa Pig!"

"Does drawing make you pretty? Really? Then I’ll work hard at drawing from now on!"

On the plane, Wu Tong chatted happily with a little girl sitting next to her.

"Excuse me, are you that most beautiful ancient painting restorer?"

"My name is Lu Junjie, and I currently work at XX."

"I’m just returning from a business trip in the capital. I didn't expect to be on the same flight as you, Miss Wu. How lucky!"

"Miss Wu, may I have your contact information? Uh, our company has quite a few traditional painting projects; it would be convenient to stay in touch."

"Let me carry that for you."

"Is Miss Wu heading back to the Academy? I happen to be going that way, let me give you a lift."

"Don't just hail a cab, Miss Wu. You're so beautiful, it's not safe!"

As soon as she stepped off the plane, Wu Tong was accosted by a man who looked decent enough and was dressed in designer labels—though they were relatively understated brands, the way he kept twirling his Mercedes key fob was anything but.

"Thank you, but someone is coming to pick me up."

Wu Tong pulled her suitcase toward the exit, but Lu Junjie followed her every step, insisting on talking about his company’s business and traditional painting. It was hard to know what to say to a snack company that claimed to use traditional paintings for their packaging.

"Over here."

Wu Tong spotted Meng Fan in the crowd from afar. Given his presence, and the fact that he was waving and calling her name, she quickened her pace.

Wu Tong’s attire was always simple: jeans, an orange chunky knit sweater, monochrome sneakers, light makeup, and her shoulder-length hair worn loose. Yet, even with such a simple ensemble, her long legs, golden waist-to-hip ratio, stunning features, and graceful aura allowed her to carry herself with the presence of a supermodel.

"Are you tired?"

Meng Fan grinned foolishly as he took her luggage. After walking a few steps, he whispered, "Who was that guy? He kept following you. How come he ran off the moment he saw me?"

Wu Tong replied, "I met him after getting off the plane. He said he was worried about my safety and insisted on driving me back. I suppose once he saw you, he figured my safety was no longer an issue—or perhaps he started worrying about his own."

Meng Fan asked, "Do I look that fierce?"

"Not fierce, but your reputation precedes you."

Wu Tong suddenly laughed, pointing at Meng Fan’s clothes, and said, "Didn't you say this fit well? Why does it look so awkward? Is it too tight?"

Meng Fan’s entire outfit, from his socks and shoes to his pants and shirt, had been bought for him by Wu Tong during the Double Eleven sale. He had worn them specifically to pick her up.

"It fits, it fits." Meng Fan’s smile was incredibly goofy. He glanced at Wu Tong’s orange chunky knit sweater, touched his own matching men’s version, and said, "The clothes aren't tight; it’s just that I’ve expanded."

"Don't be silly, I’ll get you a size larger."

"No need."

"Then we can buy another one, right?"

"That works."

...

"Look, it’s the Iron God!"

"It’s been ages since we’ve seen him on campus!"

"He only shows up the moment Wu Tong returns. Hmph, 'Iron God'—he’s just a simp!"

"They’re clearly a talented and beautiful match, how is that simping? Two internet celebrities together, nothing wrong with that!"

"Haha, if you were given the chance, you’d probably be on your knees too."

"Impossible! I’d rather be a lone wolf than a simp... oh my god, why is Wu Tong so pretty!"

"What a pity, no chance for the rest of us. They’re even wearing couple outfits, my god!"

"I actually believe in love again! I really want to fall in love!"

"Life is short, don't hesitate. If you want to go somewhere, go; if you want to fall in love, do it."

"Damn it, I’ve been crying all morning after reading that post from Professor Yin, and now you’re doing it too!"

"Hahaha! Nine out of ten things you hope for won't happen, and nine out of ten things you worry about can't be avoided! That’s what Brother Wang said."

"Heh, look at you with your big mouth!"

"..."

Wu Tong carried her suitcase into the girls' dormitory building, while Meng Fan waited downstairs.

The dorm warden was indignant: "You child, that suitcase is so heavy, and you didn't even help her carry it up. Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say you couldn't come in? You have to ask, you know!"

"The warden is right!" a few girls nearby laughed. "The girls in this dorm would definitely welcome the Iron God for a visit. Wow, Iron God, are you blushing? The Iron God can actually be shy, how cute!"

"Iron God, where have you been these past few days? What, were you planning to never return to school if Wu Tong didn't come back?"

"Can we take a photo together?"

"Iron God, this outfit doesn't fit you very well! It’s obvious Wu Tong bought it for you, right!"

Meng Fan, treated like a prize animal on display at the girls' dorm and tasked with posing for photos, could only try to smile as handsomely and photogenically as possible, hoping to improve his mood in the process.

After Wu Tong came back down, the two went to dinner. They had planned to see a movie, but seeing the fatigue on Wu Tong’s face, Meng Fan walked her back to her dorm.

Meng Fan returned to his own room for a while before heading home. Just as he walked through the door, Wu Tong sent a WeChat message: "Bought it."

Attached was a screenshot, not of clothes, but of a pile of yarn balls.

Meng Fan was thrilled: "Huh? You're knitting it yourself? You even know how to knit clothes?"

"I’ve learned, but I haven't done it in a long time. It might take a while."

"As long as it takes is fine!"

"Since I'm knitting anyway, I'll make you a scarf too."

Meng Fan immediately let out a goofy laugh: "Okay!"

Wu Tong: "Anything else you want? I’ll knit slowly. Do you want long johns? (Covering mouth and laughing emoji)"

Meng Fan: "As long as you knit it, I want it, though it’s too much work for you."

Wu Tong: "The leftover yarn should be enough to knit you a pair of wool underwear. You have to wear them, okay? (Wink emoji)"

Meng Fan nearly spat out a mouthful of blood, deciding to meet the challenge head-on: "You'll have to check if I'm wearing them or not!"

Wu Tong, refusing to back down, fired back with a meme of the iconic Choi Sung-kook grinning, captioned "Come! Let me examine your body," to which Meng Fan instantly countered with a Pope meme... and so, the two of them truly locked horns in a battle of images.

(End of this chapter)