Hua (Hua Cheng x Xie Lian Love Story)

𝓒𝓾𝓹 𝓞𝓯 𝓒𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓮

"Is this Dr. Hua's class?"

All eyes were on the newcomer but his eyes were on me. My non-existent heart couldn't believe that this young man; after all these centuries possessed the same face of my beloved; or rather is my husband in mortal form.

"Sir?"

"Yes. It is."

"Great. Thanks!"

He was about to take a seat when unable to control myself I enquire, "What's your name?"

Giving me a broad smile and raking his hair with his lithe fingers the boy answered; "Xie Lian, sir."

Xie Lian.

"Alright. Take your seat and be on time from next class."

"Yes sir!"

Control yourself for now Hua.

"Alright everyone! I am Dr. Hua Cheng, your Art Professor for the year. For some of you Arts is a medium to earn grades while for some it's going to be your livelihood. For me, all that matters is for you all to come, sit quietly, pay attention to what I teach and leave without much trouble. Remember if you trouble me, I'll lower your scores and won't hesitate to fail you."

Watching them visibly pale I could imagine He Xuan shaking his head at my threat.

"For those of you who don't know to draw, don't waste your time and leave this class. For those who know to draw, can also leave this class if you don't have passion. If you think this class is easy to pass, think again, your life is going to be miserable and I can vouch for that."

Glancing around I ask, "Any questions?"

No one bothered raising their hand. Good.

"This is a good start. Ask questions only if you can dare to ask them. For today draw the first thing that comes to your mind. Please keep it PG rated. I do not wish to see anything untoward in the name of Art."

Taking my usual seat next to the window; I continue consuming coffee while my peripheral vision was all on that man who seemed intently looking at his blank canvas.
As minutes passed by; I was getting more curious because he kept glancing at my direction and then averting his gaze.

The bell rang and I took deep breath because like always this was stifling me.

"Leave your work on your boards and I will evaluate them later. I hope not to see these many faces next class. Remember, I will fail you all if found bad."

They were shocked for a moment, few even giggled thinking I was lying. Well I am not. They leave one by one and soon I make rounds to look at their works.

Some are downright horrible, some are bearable, but there was one that stood out and literally took my breath away. It was a painting of me, sitting and drinking coffee and though it was just a rough sketch; the one that shined out most was the red ruby earring hanging in my ear.

"Did you like it?"

Turning around I was surprised to see it was Dianxia.

"Dian-" clearing my throat I commented, "This is great. You've potential."

So awkward. Why do I feel like my old self as a ten year old boy, salivating over Dianxia who was seventeen at that time?

"You're an amazing model by the way."

I had to grin at his observation. Never in my lifetime have I ever been referred to as a model. Ghost Supreme, yes. Model, no.

"You think?"