She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 014

014:

The next morning, Xi Ning ate breakfast with Shen Lin.

Sipping coffee, Shen Lin inquired casually, “How was Xiao Xi yesterday? I returned too late to check on him.”

Xi Ning set down her cutlery. “He rested well and ate properly. No need to worry.”

The polished businesswoman nodded approvingly.

“I’ve spoiled him since childhood, yet had little time for him. Your presence gave him companionship. Though temperamental, he genuinely cares for you. As siblings, you must support each other.”

Xi Ning nodded obediently. “I understand. I’ve always seen Xiao Xi as my brother. Regardless of my relationship with Gu Xiaobai, I’ll help him however I can. With his talents, he won’t disappoint you.”

Shen Lin smiled warmly. “Xiaobai clearly likes you. Aunt Xu says you’re his first date, how rare! This match will succeed.”

Setting her napkin aside, Shen Lin broached carefully, “You’re grateful by nature, Ning Ning. My current concern is Xiao Xi’s adolescence, senior year approaches. If he notices your relationship with Xiaobai, complications may arise. So I’ve purchased an apartment near your university. Young people need space.”

Xi Ning protested quickly, “The dorm suffices. Even holidays permit stays. Save the apartment for Xiao Xi later. My schedule will only grow busier, I hadn’t planned frequent returns anyway.”

Pleased yet dismissive, Shen Lin chided, “Silly child, it’s merely a property. Having raised you as my own, would I send you off dowerless? Accept it peacefully. Getting along well with Xiaobai is all I desire. My secretary will deliver the deed, the passcode is your birthday.”

“Professor Mei and Uncle have been more than kind, but I truly can’t accept it. Campus provides everything. Besides, Xiaobai and I are both reserved—no cohabitation before marriage.”

Shen Lin chuckled. “Youth blinds you to your own assets. Xiaobai will only grow fonder. Intimacy between men and women progresses naturally. Simply take precautions, it benefits both pleasure and bonding.”

Xi Ning fell silent, cheeks flushing. Though recently proactive with Gu Xiaobai, her comfort zone ended at hand-holding, hugging, and light kisses—like yesterday’s peck.

Further intimacy, like the artbook’s depictions, terrified her regardless of partners. She appreciated such connections artistically but feared them personally.

Noting Xi Ning’s embarrassed silence, Shen Lin tactfully rose. “I’ll consider this settled then. I’ll check on Xiao Xi now.”

Xi Ning felt crushed by unspoken implications. Shen Lin’s apartment served triple purposes: reducing Shen Xi interactions, bolstering her status with the Gus, and accelerating her relationship with Gu Xiaobai.

Private quarters certainly enabled… more.

Since refusal proved impossible, Xi Ning resolved to eventually return both property and funds. Short-term, she’d avoid the place entirely.

—

Post-breakfast, Xi Ning retrieved her car downtown. En route, Professor Mei called requesting gallery assistance.

Grateful for his mentorship, she agreed immediately.

Arriving, she found him networking with well-dressed strangers—beckoning her over.

Though unfamiliar, Professor Mei’s vast connections made this unremarkable. Potential clients or investors, perhaps.

He introduced Xi Ning as his star pupil—a painting prodigy, encouraging commissions.

Recalling Gu Xiaobai’s stipulation against commercial work, Xi Ning hesitated briefly before rationalizing: occasional premium projects wouldn’t violate the spirit. He’d never know.

She socialized smoothly, outlining her style to receptive listeners before excusing herself to assist with exhibition preparations.

During breaks, staff whispers reached her:

“These visitors reek of money. Boss is pulling out all the stops, this show could break records.”

“Why invite them pre-opening?”

“Scouts for the main investor! Boss is over the moon, never seen him so eager. Rumor says the backer demanded this venue specifically. Major connections too. Jackpot!”

“Seriously? Who’s the angel investor?”

“Rong family. In Beijing, how much does the Rong matter? Connect the dots.”

A gasp. “No way, that Rong family? How’d Boss score that? I’m sticking with him!”

“Enough chatter. One mishap, and we’re jobless.”

Hastily, the gossip returned to work.