The Artist Who Unfolds Their Splendor, Opponent Is a Penniless Student (Bonus Update)

[Ding!]

[Critical hit! The Saint's dashing entrance catches the mountain ogre off guard!]

[Reward: 50 spirit stones]

Lin Yu's sudden appearance left Jiang Yangmei frozen in place.

Ye Mengfu?

She actually has a boyfriend?

And such a handsome one at that?

Given her personality, how could she possibly be in a relationship?

Yet the way he introduced himself so casually suggested their relationship must be quite solid—like they'd been together for a long time.

Guan Bao's surprised expression carried a hint of regret.

Lin Yu recognized that look all too well.

"Xiao Fu, seems like life's been treating you well after graduation."

"Hope you two have fun. Come on, hubby, let's not bother them."

Jiang Yangmei urgently tugged at Guan Bao, trying to drag him away.

But Guan Bao stood firm, unmoved by her weak attempts.

It was obvious.

Jiang Yangmei knew exactly what kind of man her "hubby" was.

That's why she was so desperate to leave.

Yet the great artist had no intention of going anywhere.

In fact, he launched into a full-blown monologue right then and there:

"Since we're all friends, no need to rush off."

"Xiao Mei, isn't it rare to run into your classmate like this?"

"Let's chat a bit more and get to know each other."

"We're all alumni from Pingchuan Art Institute—this is fate!"

"I'm a senior by a few years. Currently running an illustration stock website with some friends."

"Not super famous yet, only about 30,000 registered members."

"What do you two do for work?"

Lin Yu smiled without answering.

Who asked you?

Turns out he's a master of humblebragging!

Trying to impress with career achievements to catch a girl's eye?

The only one who'd fall for that would be someone like Jiang Yangmei.

Daring to flirt with his Xiao Fufu?

What audacity!

Lin Yu replied with a smile:

"Senior Guan, I'm not from the art institute."

"I'm an undergrad at Pingchuan University, just in my third year."

"My girlfriend's an illustrator—probably similar to what your 'wife' does."

[Ding!]

[Critical hit! The stark contrast between the mountain ogre's follower and the Saint creates envy in the ogre's heart!]

[Reward: 50 spirit stones]

Jiang Yangmei: "!!!"

A third-year student?

No wonder he looks so young.

That would mean Ye Mengfu is two years older than this Lin Yu?

She actually landed herself a younger boyfriend!

Meanwhile, her own man...

Well.

Even before sleeping with Guan Bao, she knew exactly what she wanted.

Looks don't pay the bills.

Life needs bread—material things.

Annoying as it was,

she'd never trade for a handsome but penniless guy.

Guan Bao's smile widened at Lin Yu's introduction.

His eyes clearly said:

A college kid?

So no job then?

What career could he possibly have?

Just some poor loser—

how could he compare to an accomplished "success" like me?

He continued:

"Hubby and wifey are just pet names between us."

"We've only been dating a few months, not actually married yet."

Lin Yu nodded:

"Oh~ I see. I thought you were already married."

Jiang Yangmei: "???"

Damn this Guan Bao!

Why explain so much to a stranger?

Just a brainless creature who can't take his eyes off Ye Mengfu!

Same as when he met Jiang Yangmei—

showing off and flirting until she took the bait.

Now he dares do this right in front of her?

Jiang Yangmei: "We're still young, no rush to..."

Before she could finish, Guan Bao cut her off:

"Really envy you college kids these days—much better conditions than we had."

"Junior Ye, as an illustrator, do you work for a website or a manga company?"

Simple questions,

but clearly just trying to bypass Lin Yu and dig into Xiao Fufu's life.

"I..."

Ye Mengfu sensed the ill intent in his words.

She tugged at Lin Yu's sleeve, silently begging not to engage.

Lin Yu had no intention of making her respond.

He answered instead:

"Both. Freelance, so more flexible with time."

Guan Bao brightened.

Throw a rock at ten art graduates, eight won't have relevant jobs.

A pretty girl in the industry without stable work?

Perfect target for his "talents"!

This was his specialty!

"Absolutely right! Freelance submissions—I'm so jealous."

"Oh, hey!"

"Let's exchange WeChat contacts!"

"If you have good pieces, maybe feature them on my site."

"I'll send the URL later—you might've used it before."

Guan Bao patted his pockets, then turned to Jiang Yangmei:

"Xiao Mei, do you have my phone?"

"Get it out—let's swap contacts with your classmate... and this young man."

Jiang Yangmei: "..."

Now you remember she's my classmate?

Leaving me aside to chat away.

If anyone should add her, it's me!

Your intentions are way too obvious!

No way she'd let Guan Bao have his way.

If he really added Ye Mengfu, facing off against some poor college kid...

where would that leave her?

"I have Xiao Fu's WeChat. I'll share it with you later—no need now."

"We've already taken up enough of this couple's time. Let's not interrupt."

Her face screamed "let's go already!"

But messing with his Xiao Fufu and thinking of leaving so easily?

Not a chance!

"Senior Guan, since they already have each other's contacts, how about you and I connect?"

"Your illustration site sounds interesting."

"Maybe we could exchange ideas sometime?"

Lin Yu enthusiastically pulled out his phone.

Guan Bao froze again.

All that talk was to reel in the girl.

How did he end up hooking the male student instead?

But having made the offer, refusing now would seem rude.

"Sure, let's be friends."

"Feel free to browse the site and like some illustrations."

...

(Bonus chapter delivered! More tomorrow—hope you'll show support!)