Jingxia Rose

Chapter 214 [Irresistible Sweetness 013]

Yesterday afternoon, Xiao Guxing gave her a simplified version of a Russian book, which was covered with his dense annotations and translation notes.

That book was the first book he read when he first encountered Russian during his freshman year of college. It was very meaningful to him, and he has kept it ever since.

Xiao Guxing said, "Take it slow. You can't rush things. Don't be impatient for quick results."

"I know. Wait until I've almost understood the first lesson before you test me."

"Ah."

Life in Moscow was comfortable and pleasant for Shu Tang.

Shu Tang spends her days playing on her phone, watching dramas, drawing, and making desserts and drinks to share with her neighbors. She lives a fulfilling life and has also developed a good friendship with several of Xiao Guxing's close neighbors.

The language barrier wasn't a problem; Xiao Guxing gave her a translation pen to carry with her.

This makes things much more convenient.

She started carving the relief in the second week after buying the materials. Just then, the paint she ordered online arrived. The color of the one she had bought before wasn't quite right, so she returned it and bought a new one.

The first few days were spent drawing and outlining.

This isn't strenuous work; she prefers to enjoy herself. She paints for an hour in the morning, rests for half an hour, and after waking up from her afternoon nap, she goes up to paint for another two hours. If she's bored or has nothing to do in the evening, she'll go up and paint for a while.

Xiao Guxing wasn't exactly a proper client; he never pressured her or made any demands regarding the painting, leaving it entirely to Shu Tang's discretion.

Judging from her current rough outline, this relief painting is quite complex.

She started by painting the blank wall downstairs, which was a Chinese landscape painting. Shu Tang had even explained it to him.

Because the decoration downstairs is more Chinese style, this landscape painting is more appropriate.

As for the large white wall upstairs, she asked Xiao Guxing what kind of flowers he liked.

Xiao Guxing asked in surprise, "You want to paint flowers?"

"Yes, it fits the elegant decorating style better, and while the corridor isn't eye-catching, it's not one that you can't ignore."

Xiao Guxing suddenly remembered the peony painting she had done that day. "How about the peony painting you did the other day?"

“Painting peonies and chrysanthemums on this large wall is too monotonous and unsuitable. However, if you want to put a painting of peonies and chrysanthemums in your bedroom or study, that would be fine.”

"I don't have a particular favorite flower. If it were you, what flower would you draw?"

"For a more Chinese style, plum blossoms would be suitable; if you want a French romantic look, then roses would be better." Shu Tang is particularly serious about her work, which is different from her usual delicate and playful image.

"But I personally prefer plum blossoms."

Xiao Guxing stared at the white wall, lost in thought for a moment, before finally nodding, "Then let's go with plum blossoms, they should look beautiful."

Shu Tang laughed and said, "Right? I think so too. And coincidentally, there are two lights up here. When the lights shine on it, this wall will look even better."

By late March, temperatures in Moscow were gradually rising.

When Xiao Guxing came home from get off work that day, he saw Shu Tang standing on a shelf applying paint to the wall, while classical music was playing in the room.

She was wearing a light blue sweater and dark blue jeans, with an apron tied around her neck, and a mask and disposable cap.

The paint has been applied for five or six days, and the outline of the landscape painting has begun to take shape.

The waterfall and river in the middle, in particular, look incredibly realistic at first glance.

It's unclear how long Shu Tang has been up there. After applying two coats of paint, she stretched her neck, shook her arms a little uncomfortably, and then slowly got up.

Perhaps she moved too much, because the shelf under her feet suddenly swayed. Shu Tang's pupils contracted, and she hurriedly tried to grab the wall for support, but the paint on the wall was freshly applied that day and hadn't dried yet. If she reached out, all the work she had done today and yesterday would be for nothing.

Her hand, which was halfway outstretched, was immediately pulled back. She lost her balance and, unable to find a foothold at such a height, she uncontrollably tumbled to the right.

"what!"

Shu Tang screamed, her heart feeling as if it had fallen into an ice cave, colder than December in Moscow.

Oh no. This frame is at least two meters high. If I fall, will I be crippled?

I can't afford to get disfigured again, can I?
Lost in thought, she instinctively clutched her head.

This year has been so unlucky.

After returning to China, she insisted on finding a temple to sincerely pray and drive away the bad luck.

At the critical moment, Shu Tang did not fall onto the cold, hard floor as she expected, but instead landed in a warm embrace. She was stunned for a moment, and then heard a deep, pleasant, and familiar male voice in her ear.

"Are you okay?"

Shu Tang looked up and saw a familiar face. Her eyes inexplicably reddened, and her voice trembled with a hint of grievance and tears. She buried her head in her chest and said, "You scared me to death. I thought I was going to fall and end up in the hospital again today."

Xiao Guxing paused, his hand about to retract, and looked down at her trembling shoulders.

It seems they were genuinely frightened.

Xiao Guxing hesitated for a moment, then released her waist and patted her back awkwardly and stiffly, "It's okay, it's okay."

It had just given him a real fright.

Fortunately, I reacted quickly and was close by. It's also good that I came back early. If I had come back ten minutes later, I probably would have missed this scene and would have had to pick her up from the ground and take her to the hospital.

She felt the person in her arms stop shivering, then gently picked her up, turned her around and placed her on the sofa, looking at her rosy little face and her teary eyes.

Xiao Guxing pursed his lips. "Want some water to calm your nerves?"

"Hmm." Shu Tang nodded hesitantly.

Xiao Guxing got up and went to the kitchen to pour her a glass of warm water. Seeing her pitiful appearance as she held the glass and drank the water, he glanced at the paint-stained apron on her body.

"I'll go check if there's a problem with the anti-slip pads on the base."

"Ah."

After drinking a few sips of warm water, Shu Tang felt her blood gradually returning to its normal temperature.

She's not afraid of heights, and two meters isn't that high, but it was just too sudden, and she was really scared.

Things have indeed calmed down now.

I did feel the shelf below slip just now.

Xiao Guxing carefully inspected the area and said, "Half of the anti-slip mat on this corner is missing. Just replace it."

After saying that, he went to the warehouse to get his things.

It was done in just a few minutes.

He also reminded her, "Check it before you go up next time. Sometimes when you drag the frame, you might rub off the anti-slip mat underneath. After a few days of wear, it will fall off."

"understood."

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Well, much better."

Xiao Guxing nodded. "What do you want to eat tonight?"

"Anything is fine, everything you make is delicious, I'm not picky." Shu Tang's eyes slowly regained their smile, still bright and radiant, making people feel warm and cozy.

Xiao Guxing glanced at her knees, then at the mural, pursed his lips, and mentally estimated the time.

She applied for her passport last Thursday, and the staff said it would take between 15 and 30 working days, so she wouldn't get it until April at the earliest.

By then, both paintings were finished.

If we can get the certificate sooner, whether or not the mural is painted is actually not important.

Today, my mother called and told him to take this opportunity to get to know Shutang better.