She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 010

010:

The next morning, Xi Ning learned from Shen Lin that the Gu family had approved the marriage alliance.

Considering both were still university students, Gu Xiaobai’s father suggested a trial period—they would date first, then become formally engaged, marrying after graduation. If either party felt incompatible during courtship and chose to end things, the Gu family would compensate Xi Ning appropriately.

This compensation was the Gu family’s initiative, following their standard courtship-to-marriage protocol. For Xi Ning, this was more than acceptable.

Given the current progress, she would clearly be the proactive one, investing considerable time and energy into building a relationship with Gu Xiaobai that could otherwise be spent painting. If he ultimately proved to be oriented as in the novel’s plot, then compensation was only fair.

But compared to mere compensation, she naturally hoped to successfully win over Gu Xiaobai.

She wasn’t without chances. Despite lacking romantic experience, Xi Ning keenly sensed Gu Xiaobai treated her slightly differently.

Though whether this difference stemmed from courtesy toward a potential spouse remained unclear.

Regardless, the marriage arrangement progressed perfectly per Shen Lin’s plans. Pleased with Xi Ning’s performance last night, Shen Lin beamed this morning, asking if she needed new clothes or jewelry to impress her new beau.

Xi Ning declined, citing Gu Xiaobai’s preference for low-key girls. Shen Lin reluctantly dropped the matter.

A dynamic businesswoman, Shen Lin spent her days inspecting various cosmetics departments when not entertaining clients. Before leaving, she reminded Xi Ning that Shen Xi—having overexerted himself at training camp—had returned early with muscle strains. Now feverish from localized inflammation, he stubbornly refused hospitalization.

Shen Lin, perpetually unable to sway her son, had summoned a doctor this morning.

Post-examination, Shen Xi had irritably dismissed everyone, holing up in his room with a book, speaking to no one.

With errands calling, yet still worried, Shen Lin entrusted Xi Ning with his care—knowing only she could penetrate his obstinacy.

Xi Ning agreed.

Yet after Shen Lin departed, she didn’t immediately check on Shen Xi. After feeding Jiabao, she sequestered herself in the art studio all morning, finally completing that commissioned oil painting.

Studying the portrait, she exhaled deeply—hoping the professor’s affluent client would remain satisfied. The payout was substantial, and the subject matter aligned perfectly with her interests.

Compared to uninspired commercial work, painting beloved themes while earning money was pure bliss.

Since starting university, Xi Ning had tried various side jobs—from art commissions to private tutoring and event modeling.

The latter two she kept strictly hidden from the Shens. Knowing Shen Lin’s obsession with appearances and Meng Kaiyun’s protectiveness, she only accepted one-on-one tutoring and modeling gigs at venues the Shens would never frequent.

As she stretched her stiff neck, the professor called—the client unexpectedly requested delivery this afternoon.

“But Professor,” Xi Ning hesitated, “the paint isn’t fully dry, and it’s not framed yet…”

The professor assured her the client—a close friend—would handle framing. She merely needed to deliver it.

Grateful for past lucrative referrals, Xi Ning reluctantly agreed.

Normally, roommate Zhou Weiwei accompanied her on deliveries. With Zhou still visiting family, Xi Ning had to go alone.

Hanging up, she checked the time—past noon. Remembering Shen Lin’s request, she hurriedly tidied up and headed to Shen Xi’s room.

A maid approached carrying an untouched meal tray, frustration evident.

Xi Ning took the tray. “I’ll handle this, Li Sao.”

The maid handed it over, muttering, “Who knows where he gets that temper? Won’t eat, won’t speak to anyone. Only listens to you, Miss.” Her gaze held sympathy.

Xi Ning entered without knocking, slamming the tray onto his nightstand. “Eat. Now.”

Shen Xi, propped in bed reading, had stopped absorbing words the moment she entered—yet refused to speak first.

After last night, awkwardness lingered between them.

Hearing her command, he slowly lowered his book, eyeing her with feigned indifference. “Not hungry.”

“Are you three? Need coaxing? Fine, starve then.” She turned to leave.

“Stay,” he called, feigning calm, “and I’ll eat.”

This waiting game, hadn’t it been for her?

Xi Ning turned back, noting his bandaged leg atop the blankets, and reluctantly sat. “Hurry up. With that leg, you shouldn’t have been jumping around last night. Want to limp forever?”

Shen Xi snorted. “Who made you come home so late? I waited injured for hours, and for what?”

When Xi Ning stayed silent, he wolfed down the meal—barely touching the sides.

As she gathered the dishes to leave, he caught her wrist. “Stay longer.”

She glared. “I haven’t eaten yet!”

“Go eat then,” he relented. “Come back after. We need to talk.”

Xi Ning headed for the door, tray in hand. “Rest. I’m busy this afternoon.”

Shen Xi’s alarm spiked. “Seeing that guy again?!”

She didn’t look back. “We’re just schoolmates. Rest. I’m delivering a painting.”

Only then did silence fall behind her.

—

The delivery address was an upscale downtown complex she’d visited before—requiring ID verification and resident confirmation.

Xi Ning had met this client before—Cheng Zheng, a young investment banker and the professor’s longtime friend who’d funded his gallery. Their prior transactions through the professor made this delivery seem safe.

Emerging from the elevator, she found his penthouse door ajar—odd, given the exclusive single-resident floor.

“Cheng Zheng？” she called tentatively from the doorway. “It’s Xi Ning from Professor Mei’s, here with your painting.”

Footsteps approached.

Cheng Zheng appeared—hair damp, gray robe loosely tied, barefoot—his casual demeanor heightening her unease.

During past meetings, he’d been impeccably suited. Today’s disheveled state—robe gaping to reveal chest—felt deliberately staged.

Sweeping wet hair back, his handsome face smiled warmly. “So hot today, I appreciate you coming. Hosting a salon tonight, wanted to display this and introduce your work.”

Xi Ning forced politeness. “How kind.”

She extended the painting with both hands.

Taking it, Cheng Zheng noted her lingering at the threshold. “Come in for a drink. Let me change, I’ll drive you back.”

She declined. “No need. Meeting a friend nearby.”

“Oh?” His gaze sharpened. “Boyfriend or girlfriend?”

“Boyfriend,” she stated flatly.

Undeterred, he pressed, “Heard you like Schiele. I have an original, care to see?”

Xi Ning’s smile didn’t waver. “No longer my preference. I’ll be going, my boyfriend’s taking me to art supply shopping.”

Cheng Zheng persisted. “For your trouble, I should pay extra.”

Considering the early delivery and sweltering trip, extra compensation seemed fair. This client always paid generously, why refuse?

She opened WeChat’s payment QR code, offering it with polite detachment. “That’s very kind.”

Not even a contact add. Cheng Zheng’s lips twitched. “One moment, I need my phone.”

Returning, he scanned the code, transferring 2000 yuan.

As Xi Ning pocketed her phone, satisfied, he seized her wrist.

She froze, meeting his gaze.

“Xi Ning,” he murmured, “must you keep rejecting me?”

Affecting confusion, she replied, “I don’t understand. My boyfriend’s waiting, I must go.”

His grip tightened. “Let me be clear, I’ve liked you since we met. You’re special, resilient. Were I younger, I’d court you properly.”

Her polite facade shattered, cold disdain emerging.

This authentic ice-princess demeanor only intensified his desire.

Cheng Zheng adopted a mentor’s tone. “But time is my scarce resource. I can buy yours, far more lucrative than painting.”

Xi Ning laughed lowly, twisting his wrist away with unexpected force—her childhood self-defense training finally utilized.

Retrieving tissues, she meticulously wiped her hands without looking up. “You can’t afford my time. I’ll inform Professor Mei to assign your future commissions elsewhere.”

Approaching the elevator, she discarded the tissues.

Cheng Zheng followed. “Xi Ning, the painting was just an excuse to see you alone.”

As the doors opened, Xi Ning stepped in, delivering a razor-thin smile. “Save those lines for your pretty girlfriend.”

The doors closed on her icy elegance.

Cheng Zheng sighed ruefully. He hadn’t even gotten to mention the breakup. If not for someone’s insistence on immediate testing, he might’ve gradually won her over. Given time, who’s to say she and Gu Xiaobai would last?

Now his image was thoroughly ruined.

Retrieving a voice recorder from his robe—still transmitting—he complained, “Heard that, Young Master Rong? Went all out per your request.”

A derisive chuckle responded. “This is how you chase girls now? Skills have declined.”

“Who doesn’t know your prowess, Rong Kai? Why not try it yourself? Since you want to vet Xiaobai’s match, test whether it’s my incompetence.” Cheng Zheng deliberately provoked, curious to see Rong Kai stumble for once.

The reply came lazily: “Unlike you, I’m not desperate. Got a photo? Wanna see what she looks like.”

“You investigated her background without even seeing her?” Cheng Zheng marveled.

“Didn’t care to. Now I do.”

As he sent the photo, Cheng Zheng grumbled, “Stunning, no? Cold, proud—exactly my type. Why else would I bother with art students? This whole mess is on you!”

“Just another pretty face. I’ll introduce you to dozens.”

“Where would you find another like her? Hurry back, we’ll welcome you properly. Been too long.”

Rong Kai absently glanced at the screen, indolently agreeing: “Soon. Prepare your wallet.”