A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 40

In the store, there was a complete silence.

The person at the counter was slightly surprised. In fact, he wasn’t clear about the exact situation regarding the painting. After all, the store owner handled purchasing the paintings, and he was responsible for selling them. He only had a general understanding.

This person said the painting was a copy?

He squinted slightly and looked at the young woman in front of him.

She stood on the old wooden floor, her black long hair reflecting the snow light outside. She stood quietly, giving an impression of calmness, neither humble nor arrogant. She wore a light gray turtleneck sweater, wide-leg pants with a strong drape, and carried a light gold bag. Her long hair cascaded to her waist, and her fingers were slender and white, though with noticeable thin calluses.

He had a feeling that she was either a teacher from the art academy or a recent graduate.

In any case, she seemed knowledgeable.

He put down his takeout, stood up, and poured two cups of water, handing them over.

“Drink some hot water, it’s cold outside.”

Shu Yubai took the cup.

The man smiled at her: “You say it’s a copy? All the paintings here are personally selected by our boss. His taste is precise.”

“You shouldn’t speak carelessly.”

“I’m not speaking carelessly.”

Shu Yubai held the hot water, unsure how to explain the awkward situation. She turned to the woman beside her and asked, “Do you still want to buy the painting?”

“Hm?” The woman turned to look at her, her eyes clear and carrying a hint of confusion. “Is it really a copy? What a pity.”

“What’s the pity?”

“I quite like it.”

She stood in the room, looking at the painting she had chosen after visiting several stores. She liked the painting style very much—unique, clean, and hazy with a gentle quality.

But she said it was a copy?

She looked at Shu Yubai.

This woman, she had noticed as soon as she entered, had a somewhat different vibe. Long hair, slim waist, and crucially, a unique elegance in her movements. It was not just graceful but rather delicate and gentle.

Not at all aggressive.

Light and understated, like the willow catkins by the lake.

“Who are you?”

She looked at Shu Yubai, with curiosity and a desire to connect.

“I also study painting.”

Shu Yubai looked at her and smiled gently: “Trust me, it’s not wrong.”

“Hmm.”

She nodded and put away her phone.

The potential customer was about to leave, and the shop owner was somewhat dissatisfied. He looked at Shu Yubai, the faint smile in his eyes fading to seriousness and dissatisfaction. He tapped the table with his index finger: “Who are you? Just because you say it’s a copy, does that make it one?”

“If you ask me, it’s worth this price.”

“She is the original artist of the painting.”

A voice came from behind, small and thin, like broken ice.