A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 43

That afternoon.

Nan Xue, dragging her suitcase, stood at the door.

The house was close to the road, and a few steps away, she could see the broad lake, the snow-covered long bridge, and the Su and Bai Dykes. There weren’t many tourists along the lakeside; most gathered at the famous scenic spots. This area was relatively quiet, a peaceful retreat amid the bustling.

She had only mentioned to her uncle that she wanted to stay for a few days, without saying she wanted to learn painting. He had agreed without hesitation.

Nan Xue looked down at her phone and texted:

[Have you arrived?]

[I’m at the door, Uncle.]

Nan Xue sent the message, and the door opened to reveal a slightly plump girl looking at her.

"Are you Mr. Ying’s niece?"

"Yes."

The girl gave her a brief look-over.

Nan Xue was slender and tall, dressed warmly in a suede coat and dark blue jeans, exposing her ankles in the winter. She looked delicate and pretty, standing there like a model.

"You resemble Mr. Ying a bit."

The girl smiled and led Nan Xue inside.

"I’m his assistant."

The girl was cheerful and not at all shy. She began to introduce herself: "I usually help him with various tasks, like organizing his study or assigning tasks to students."

"Where is the room?"

"Mr. Ying is out for a lecture. Follow me, this way."

She guided Nan Xue past a few small courtyards, stopping at a quieter, more interior room.

The room was long and narrow, with gray wall tiles below and transparent glass above, wooden beams, gray tiles on the roof, and slightly curled eaves. In the square courtyard was a withered sycamore tree, its sparse branches pointing towards the blue sky.

"There are three rooms here," she pointed: "The one on the left is mine, the middle one is yours, and the one on the right is where the new girl stays."

"Mr. Ying said it’s better for you to stay here as it’s quiet."

"New girl?"

Nan Xue asked, walking over to take a look, her mind speculating. There was a large floor-to-ceiling window, half-drawn curtains, and a table right in front of it.

On the table were many sheets of drawing paper, some sketches, and some colored works.

"What’s her name?"

Nan Xue asked.

"Her name is Shu Yubai," Mr. Ying’s assistant recalled slowly, "She’s a very beautiful and gentle girl."

Shu Yubai lived next to her.

Was this arranged by her uncle?

Nan Xue lowered her eyes, her long black eyelashes fluttering. She opened her chat with Ying Ran: [Thank you, Uncle. I’ve settled in.] Then she liked the first post in his Moments quietly.

[Good, get some rest early.]

The curtains in that room were half-drawn, so the interior could be clearly seen.

Shu Yubai’s room was originally a study to facilitate her painting. Inside was a large desk and a bed. She hadn’t brought many clothes, so the quilt was neatly folded on one side. The only thing visible were her unfinished paintings.