A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 32

Granddaughter?

A fifty-something’s granddaughter must be at most in her teens.

How could someone so young afford to buy a painting?

Shu Yubai frowned, her gentle eyes showing a hint of confusion as she tapped on the person’s profile again.

The avatar was just a blank space, and the nickname was a dot.

The friend circle was also blank.

A teenager with such... depth?

Shu Yubai sat in the back of the taxi, watching the smoothly passing roadside scenery through the car window—snow, plane trees, and a nearby lake that hadn’t frozen yet. She turned her head, leaned against the window, and tapped back into the chat window.

If it really is a child,

Then the money should definitely be refunded.

She focused slightly and continued to ask.

Shu Yubai: [How old are you?]

On the other end, Nan Xue looked at the text on the screen.

Her delicate fingers lightly tapped a reply: [Sister, don’t worry, I’m already an adult.]

Lying is troublesome.

Once started, it has to be continuously maintained.

Shu Yubai lowered her gaze, lightly tapping the window sill with her index finger.

A child eager to buy her painting.

How mischievous. When their parents find out, they’ll probably contact her themselves.

Shu Yubai: [Okay.]

Shu Yubai: [It’s fine. If you want to return the painting another day, just contact me.]

Shu Yubai: [I have something to do, so I’ll stop chatting for now.]

She put down her phone, closed her eyes, and leaned back in the car, wanting to rest briefly.

But her phone buzzed again.

The person on the other end asked: [What’s the matter?]

Shu Yubai wasn’t cautious with the child, so she thought for a moment and replied: [I have an appointment for sketching and need to buy art supplies.]

The reply came: [Okay, Miss, go ahead and get busy.]

Sketching?

Who else could it be with?

Nan Xue curled up by the bed, with her laptop resting on her long, snow-white legs, the screen still lit. She glanced at the clock; it was already ten. Having finished most of her work, she closed the laptop, placed it on the bedside table, and quickly dialed You Luan’s number.

Nan Xue: "Has your cousin been out sketching recently?”

You Luan: “Yes, how did you know?”

Nan Xue: “How about we go together? What do you think?”

You Luan secretly laughed.

He said: “Sure, no problem.”

A minute later, You Luan sent Nan Xue the time and location for the meeting.

It was a mountain on the outskirts of the city, a half-hour drive away.

••••

The mountain road had a chilly feel, very cold, with a narrow, winding stone path. On either side were deep pine forests, with snow scattered in small patches among the trees, the branches green and weighed down with white snow.