Chapter 11: I Want to Draw Comics

The Painting Awards Ceremony, on-site.

All the students watched Liu Mengyan and Yun Xuan.

“Thank you,” Liu Mengyan whispered softly after their lips parted.

“You’re welcome…” Yun Xuan instinctively replied.

Liu Mengyan smiled—radiant and enchanting—leaving everyone stunned. The ice goddess actually smiled?

“You beat me to it and took what was mine, Liu Mengyan… You really make me want to kill you.” From Class One, Grade Ten, a figure dashed forward—a black-haired girl wielding a short blade.

“Qin Yue!” Qin Zhihua shouted.

“Shut up!” Qin Yue leapt onto the stage, thrusting her blade toward Liu Mengyan.

“Intermediate Martial Arts!” Yun Xuan’s mind snapped into action; without hesitation, he spent one skill point to upgrade his martial arts to intermediate.

As Qin Yue rushed forward, Yun Xuan stepped in front of Liu Mengyan.

With a dull thud, Yun Xuan’s hand seized the short blade.

“Yun Xuan…” Qin Yue stared at him, surprised by his sudden appearance.

“I’m not protecting her, Qin Yue. Hurting others is also a psychological burden on yourself. I like you, honestly—after all, you helped rid Saint Royal High of a menace.” Yun Xuan gripped the blade tightly, blood dripping from his hand.

“Qin Yue, let go! You’ll ruin his future as an artist!” Qin Zhihua exclaimed, her anger flaring.

“I…I didn’t mean to hurt you… really, I didn’t…” Qin Yue released the blade, clutching her head, fear in her eyes.

“Qin Yue, it’s alright. Calm down. I’m fine.” Yun Xuan stepped forward and gently embraced her.

“Yun Xuan…” Qin Yue trembled, gazing at his warm smile. How wonderful it would have been if he’d been by her side back then.

“Qin Yue, you’re a kind person. I know that.” Yun Xuan tossed the blade aside, his hand burning with pain.

“Yun Xuan…” Tears welled in Qin Yue’s eyes as she held him tightly.

“Come on, let’s go to the infirmary together.” Yun Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Yue’s state wasn’t her fault—it was the fault of others.

People often talk about changing themselves, but truly, it’s only adapting to the environment. Those who can’t adapt are excluded by others.

“Now, I hereby announce that the first prize of this Painting Awards goes to… Yun Xuan from Class One, Grade Ten!” Qin Zhihua relaxed as she made the announcement. Qin Yue wouldn’t listen to anyone, and on top of her mental issues, frankly, she wouldn’t be held responsible even for murder.

Of course, the psychologist had said that Qin Yue possessed the judgment of an ordinary person and wouldn’t kill randomly, allowing her to live a normal life.

“Yun Xuan… thank you.” Liu Mengyan murmured, then left.

“I…I’ll help you.” Qin Yue looked at Yun Xuan’s injured hand, linking arms with him.

“Mm, let’s go.” Yun Xuan waved to Lin Qingyu, signaling he was fine.

…

Qin Yue supported Yun Xuan to the infirmary, where a blonde beauty of unusual proportions lounged lazily on the desk, a faint trail of drool visible upon closer inspection.

“Miss Nagashima, Miss Nagashima,” Qin Zhihua approached and gently shook the school nurse.

“Zhihua-chan… so early today? Let’s go home.” The blonde teacher stood up and took Qin Zhihua’s hand. From the look of it, no one would believe they weren’t more than teacher and student.

“Ahem, Miss Nagashima, could you take a look at this boy’s hand? He’s injured.” Qin Zhihua’s blush flashed and vanished as she drew her hand away.

“Oh my, what kind of injury is this?” The blonde nurse glanced at it, surprised.

“Could you please not talk so much and just bandage it quickly? It really hurts.” Yun Xuan’s mouth twitched as a notification sounded in his mind.

“Ding! Two beauties with a composite rating of seven detected!”

“Oh, just sit down.” The nurse yawned and retrieved supplies from the cabinet.

Yun Xuan sat, finally recalling this school nurse.

A mixed-race woman from the island nation, Nagashima Kaoyuki, had served as Saint Royal High’s nurse for three years.

She held a doctorate in psychology and often helped female students with their psychological troubles.

In truth, three years ago Saint Royal High was still an all-girls school; Qin Zhihua was likely a freshman then.

Nagashima Kaoyuki, thanks to her stunning appearance and exceptional figure, was worshipped as a goddess by some male students, though if you came here without a legitimate issue, you risked being kicked out by her.

…

“That’s quite a wound. Did you really hurt yourself just to see me?” Nagashima Kaoyuki sat down curiously, preparing to bandage him.

“Miss Nagashima, your attitude amazes me. Even narcissism should have its limits.” Yun Xuan rolled his eyes.

“Oh? You’re rather interesting. It’s the first time a boy hasn’t blushed in front of me.” Nagashima Kaoyuki looked at Yun Xuan, momentarily stunned.

“If you blush, it’s just adolescence—too restless. I recommend reading meaningful books to cleanse your mind.” Yun Xuan said seriously.

“A good suggestion. What books do you recommend?” Nagashima Kaoyuki regarded him appreciatively.

“Of course, doujinshi. If those urges are pent up too long, you’re bound to have problems. Read doujinshi, fly your flag, get in a good mood and study well.” Yun Xuan replied with conviction.

“…” Nagashima Kaoyuki and Qin Zhihua were speechless.

“Yun Xuan, please mind your words. You’re an artist; don’t say things like that.” Qin Zhihua frowned.

“An artist? You’re mistaken, Senior Qin Zhihua. I want to be a doujin artist, drawing for the masses.” Yun Xuan replied earnestly.

“So you’re abandoning your traditional art career to become a shameless doujin artist?” Qin Zhihua’s tone chilled.

“Senior Qin Zhihua, please take back your words. Drawing doujinshi comes from passion—it’s not shameless. Doujin artists are recognized by the world.” Yun Xuan retorted.

“I was planning to recommend you to my teacher, but now it’s unnecessary. Goodbye, Yun Xuan.” Qin Zhihua snorted coldly and left the infirmary.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen a boy dare speak to Zhihua-chan like that. Yun Xuan, I like you.” Nagashima Kaoyuki said with interest.

“Sorry, I’m not interested in older women.” Yun Xuan waved her off.

“Oh my, so Yun Xuan only likes lolis? How unexpected. Once you’re healed, do give me a copy of your doujinshi—make me the heroine if you wish.” Nagashima Kaoyuki finished bandaging his wound, laughing behind her hand.

“I wouldn’t dare have those fantasies about you, Miss Nagashima. Thanks for the bandage, goodbye.” Yun Xuan stood, ready to leave.

“Qin Yue, you must take a psychological test this week. If your condition worsens, I’ll have to inform your family and send you back to the sanatorium.” Nagashima Kaoyuki said quietly.

“A sanatorium…” Qin Yue trembled, clutching Yun Xuan’s arm.

“Miss Nagashima, may I accompany Qin Yue during her psychological assessment?” Yun Xuan turned and asked.

“Of course. You may go now. Qin Yue, come find me when you’re ready.” Nagashima Kaoyuki smiled.

In silence, Qin Yue and Yun Xuan walked out the door.

PS: Pitifully begging for recommendation votes π_π