1104 WALKING AROUND THE MUSEUM
"B-BY the way, did you dye you hair back to black?" Luo Jin asked in an attempt to change the subject.
It was a stupid question, though. Since Su Yuqi's hair was already black, didn't it mean that she had dyed it? But he really just wanted to skip the previous topic. Admitting that he really came here after telling his father that it was for the girl he liked was too embarrassing.
It's like something that a teenager obsessed with love would say. Even though he's really a teenager, and there might be a slight obsession involved, he still didn't want to be seen as one. He already couldn't shorten their age gap. So, he didn't want this gap to be even more obvious.
"Ah, this? It's a wig," Su Yuqi said. "It hasn't been long since I dyed my hair red. There's no way I would immediately dye it back to black."
Luo Jin didn't expect that the other was actually wearing a wig. He looked at Su Yuqi's hair. It looked so natural on her that he didn't even notice. "It looks good on you."
"Thank you. Which color do you think looks the best on me?"
"Any color looks good on you," Luo Jin answered, looking the other side so Su Yuqi wouldn't notice the slight blush on his cheeks. He had already blushed a couple of times since earlier. What if Su Yuqi suspected that he had a 'blushing at every second' disease?
Su Yuqi chuckled when she heard that. It was an awkward way of flirting, and yet it was somehow very effective on her. She didn't know if it was because of Luo Jin, or because she was just easy to please.
"But why did you have to wear a wig?"
Luo Jin's question pulled Su Yuqi out of her own reverie. She turned to the other, and a smirk appeared on her face. "Well, I have to appear presentable, or else I might shame the family. Especially since this exhibition was mainly for me."
Luo Jin furrowed his brows. He didn't like Su Yuqi's choice of words. Because it felt like she was being forced into this. "I don't think your dad would mind if you came to the exhibit in your usual clothes and makeup."
Thinking how Su Yuqi's father reacted back at the police station, he could immediately tell that the other was a 'daughter slave'. Maybe even if Su Yuqi came here in a sack, he still would praise her as if she was wearing some high fashion clothes.
"My parents certainly wouldn't mind," Su Yuqi said with a shrug, and then added with a bit of sarcasm. "They're not the problem, but my other relatives. Most of them are stickler for rules and greatly dislike the way I dressed and present myself."
"What's wrong with the way you dress? It shows your individuality and uniqueness. Anyone who has an issue with that is just a hypocrite who projects their beliefs on others," Luo Jin said with an expression as if he was very offended.
Su Yuqi chuckled. "They are indeed that. But I didn't want to cause trouble for my father, who had worked diligently to prepare this exhibition for me. So, the least I could do is to comply to their standard."
Luo Jin only frowned. It still didn't sit well with him, but he decided not to say anything more. If he did, it might look like he's exaggerating or something.
The first painting they stopped by was that of a mountain.
The mountain rose prominently on the paper, depicted with precise ink lines and varying brush textures. Its form was stark against the blank background, conveying a sense of strength and timelessness. The absence of color emphasized the simplicity and elegance of the scene, focusing solely on the shapes and textures created by the ink.
From what Luo Jin had researched about traditional painting, it was characterized by brushwork using ink on silk or rice paper. This art form emphasized expressive brushstrokes to depict landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures inspired by Chinese philosophy and nature.
As he said, he didn't really know anything about art. For him, if a piece of art looked good, then it must be good. Despite his limited understanding, he could still discern that the artist behind this painting must be exceptionally talented. He already knew that Uncle Su was a renowned artist, but seeing his work in person confirmed just how skilled he truly was. Now, he could finally understand why there's a long line outside of the museum right now.
Su Yuqi continued to guide him through her father's works, most of which depicted scenes from nature. Each painting was equally impressive. Not only did Su Yuqi provide guidance, but she also explained concepts he struggled to grasp. While listening to her explanation, he was only then reminded that the other was an art student.
As they were about to walk to the next painting, Luo Jin couldn't help but asked, "Do you also plan to be an artist like your dad?"
Su Yuqi tilted her head for a while, as if pondering how to answer his question. "Hmm... no, I don't really have that kind of talent." Seeing Luo Jin's brows furrowed because of her answer, she quickly added, "I'm not saying this because I'm putting myself down. You should know by now that I'm not that kind of person. I'm saying it because it's the truth."
"Then, were you forced to go to art school?" Luo Jin asked tentatively.
"Well, I did enter art school out of obligation at first. Since, according to my relatives, a member of the Su family should be in the art world. But I did like drawing, so it wasn't that hard of a decision. And then, as years passed by, I discovered that I don't want to follow my dad's footsteps. Or any member of our family, for that matter. What I really want to do is--"
Before Su Yuqi could finish, a voice suddenly called out to her from behind.