The reason He Mo quit her job to paint was simply her love for painting.
So when others misuse her paper and paint, it makes her uncomfortable.
But seeing the other person had already started painting, He Mo could only huff angrily, "Remember to pay for it later; I won't let you waste materials for nothing."
After saying that, she ignored Li Jing and focused intently on her own painting.
Who knows how much time passed before the birds on the branches began to chirp happily, and more residents gradually appeared on the roadside.
The originally quiet old town seemed to awaken, slowly becoming lively.
He Mo finally finished her artwork, leaned back slightly, and took a step back to take another look at her painting, nodding in satisfaction. Just as she was about to pack up, she heard Li Jing beside her sigh and say, "Hmm, today feels pretty good; it's been so long since I last painted, and it turned out well."
Hearing Li Jing's self-praise, He Mo resisted the urge to roll her eyes, turned to ask for the material fee, and inadvertently glanced at his drawing, stunned.
Next, she widened her beautiful eyes, hurriedly stood up beside Li Jing, and stared intently at his painting, her expression dazed, unable to react for a moment.
"So, how would you rate it from your professional perspective?"
Seeing He Mo looking at his painting, Li Jing couldn't help but ask.
This time, influenced by her painting, the itch to paint, which had lain dormant in his heart, resurfaced, so he couldn't help but pick up a piece of paper and create a painting.
It must be said, the state of mind greatly affects painting creation.
Perhaps because of He Mo, or perhaps a change in mindset this period, Li Jing was in an exceptionally good state this time. Childhood memories of drawing flooded his mind, and a clear concept and idea for his piece rapidly formed in his head.
Without much pause, he completed the artwork in one go, as if entering a state of flow.
"This... is this really what you just painted?"
At this point, He Mo, gradually coming back to her senses, found it hard to believe, even knowing he had been painting right beside her, she couldn't imagine this work came from him.
Li Jing's painting depicted the morning scene in the old town. Time seemed frozen in the painting, each brushstroke telling stories of the past.
In the painting, distant mountains were faintly visible, ancient houses arranged harmoniously, willows swaying by the river, and blue tiles and white walls emanating a tranquil simplicity under the sunlight.
The entire painting bore a warm tone, subtly extending to every corner, while crucial brushstrokes revealed Li Jing's carefree mindset, perfectly fitting the artwork.
"This painting, although technically simple, is unique in composition and idea, conveying the message completely."
He Mo looked at Li Jing's painting and evaluated seriously, "I always believed the technique isn't the most important in painting; expression in the artwork is the core. Honestly, what I painted today is nowhere near as good as yours."
Li Jing raised an eyebrow, unexpectedly receiving such high praise, and teased, "So, do you still want to charge me for the materials?"
Hearing this, He Mo's ears turned slightly red, recalling how she thought he was wasting materials earlier, with a face of embarrassment, yet she defiantly replied, "How was I supposed to know you could paint?"
Her eyes twinkled, changing her expression to a slight smile, "How about letting your painting cover the material fee?"
"You want my painting?"
Realizing she genuinely liked his artwork, Li Jing generously agreed, "A painting should belong to someone who appreciates it to be truly cherished. It's most fitting to give it to you."
Surprised by his perspective, He Mo's eyes brightened with approval, realizing Li Jing indeed had some understanding of painting.
In her mind, He Mo's perception of Li Jing changed further, turning her head to say, "You're quite different from others."
"How am I different?" Li Jing asked in return.
Now, He Mo's attitude toward Li Jing had shifted from that of a stranger to a familiar acquaintance, speaking more casually like to a friend, "At least among the wealthy rich kids I've met, none can paint, especially not with such an artistic touch."
"That's your prejudice against rich kids."
Li Jing lazily leaned back on the bench, "Rich kids are just young people with money; whether they can paint or not isn't unusual. Why, do you resent rich people?"
"Why would I resent them? It's just that with all your flashy brand names and love for beautiful women company, you don't seem like someone with an artistic soul."
He Mo shrugged, carefully storing his painting while raising an eyebrow, "If I had money, I definitely wouldn't buy those luxury brands but would instead buy an old house here, turn it into a guesthouse, and paint there myself. As for those so-called tens of thousands of dollars' luxury items, I see them as a tax on intelligence."
"You think those luxury items sought after by the wealthy are a tax on intelligence?"
"What?" He Mo unabashedly met Li Jing's gaze, "You disagree?"
Seeing her seriousness, Li Jing chuckled, "Haha, actually, I think they're a tax on intelligence too."
He Mo felt puzzled by Li Jing's turn of conversation, unclear of his intentions.
Continuing, Li Jing looked at the scenery ahead and said, "The material value of those luxury items certainly isn't worth their price, but wearing them, I can attract the opposite sex, satisfy vanity, and even elevate social status.
From this angle, I feel the price is fair, because these are things I need. Besides, money isn't an issue for me."
After Li Jing's frank and honest words, He Mo hesitated, wanting to rebut but unsure what to say for a moment.
"What's the matter, got nothing to say?" Li Jing grinned.
Seeing his triumphant look, He Mo couldn't help biting her lip, waving her hand dismissively, "Alright, alright, I'll give you that."
"Yep, that's two-zero then." Li Jing nodded in satisfaction.
"What do you mean, two-zero?" He Mo asked, puzzled.
"The painting and the debate today, I won both." Li Jing stated with satisfaction, shrugging, "So that's two to zero, seems like I'm having a lucky day..."
"Childish."
He Mo said speechlessly and then turned to glance at him again, adding, "Weirdo."
Hearing her evaluation, Li Jing didn't argue back, instead leisurely leaning against the bench, continuing to enjoy the scenery.
For him, whether traveling, sightseeing, or chatting with a beautiful woman, what he sought was to be carefree and comfortable, which is how he enjoyed life.
Talking with He Mo was purely because Li Jing found her attractive, with a good personality, so he casually engaged in conversation.
In this old town morning, enjoying the scenery with a beautiful woman to chat with, Li Jing felt time slow down, experiencing a sense of carefree comfort.
Moreover, having won the little contests in painting and debating, Li Jing felt even better, thinking life was indeed pleasant, casually placing his hands behind his head, leaning back on the bench, and half-closing his eyes, enjoying the delightful and relaxed small pleasure.
Watching Li Jing's demeanor, He Mo couldn't help but take a subtle look at him, inexplicably sensing a free and easy aura.
She had quit her job and come to this old town to paint alone, all in pursuit of a free-spirited, unrestrained life.
After all this time, she had yet to achieve her goal but saw in this guy the very thing she longed to pursue.
This surprised her greatly, stirring ripples even in her previously closed-off heart.
It was her first time feeling this way about a man.
As she thought of this, her eyes fell upon the face of Li Jing, who was enjoying the moment with eyes closed...
This guy... is truly a weirdo.
But he... inexplicably has a comforting aura about him, what's this all about?
...
While the two in the art shop were each lost in their own thoughts, a sneaky figure hid quietly behind a distant willow tree.
Watching the pair in the store, she bit her lip slightly, full of jealousy and irritation:
Alright, that woman seemed nice offering discounts yesterday; who knew she was here to seduce my dear Brother Jing!
I was too careless; I can't let her take Brother Jing away!