Transmigrating Into A Sadistic Novel And Becoming A Master Of Painting Rosy Pictures - Chapter 37

Evening.

Arriving at the archery range, before the driver could open the car door for Shang Qinghui, Nangong Jin, with his usual cold expression, opened it for her.

Shang Qinghui was surprised but didn’t show it.

She calmly extended her hand, waiting for Nangong Jin to help her out, wanting to see how far he would go.

Nangong Jin, who considered opening the car door for her a great concession, stared at Shang Qinghui’s delicate hand and didn’t move.

A cold storm seemed to flash in his eyes.

This woman shouldn’t push her luck. He opened the door for her; she should be grateful, not demanding more.

Woman, don’t be greedy!!

Shang Qinghui didn’t insist. A cold smile touched her lips as the driver, very perceptive, offered his arm to help her out of the car.

Holding her bag, Shang Qinghui glanced haughtily at Nangong Jin, who remained motionless. She scoffed inwardly.

That’s all he could do.

She’d been blind before, thinking his actions meant he cared for her. Now, she wondered what he’d ever done that truly moved her.

Right, the Nangong family had some influence; he got out of the police station so quickly.

And his attitude was amazing. He was at the police station for questioning with another woman at noon and was here for their archery date in the evening.

His time management and ability to change his mood were impressive.

Nangong Jin didn’t know what Shang Qinghui was thinking. He only felt that she was unusually cold towards him tonight.

“Qinghui, why haven’t you contacted me lately?” Nangong Jin asked, thinking of his plans.

Shang Qinghui walked gracefully. “Why would I contact you?”

“…”

Never had Nangong Jin been treated like this.

“Qinghui, why are you talking to me like that?”

“How am I talking? I’m speaking, aren’t I?”

Nangong Jin: …

“Are you angry?” He moved closer, thinking she was just having a bad day and hadn’t calmed down yet.

Shang Qinghui looked up. “I’m just confused.”

“Confused about what?”

“Confused about whether you understand human language.”

Even though he needed her help, her repeated rudeness made Nangong Jin’s face darken. “Shang Qinghui!”

“Mm-hmm?”

“Don’t push your luck!”

“Pushing my luck?”

“If you weren’t important to me, if you weren’t special, anyone who dared to talk to me like that would be dead.” Nangong Jin’s tone was menacing.

Touching her pearl earrings, Shang Qinghui was unconcerned. “It’s fine. You can think I’m unimportant and not special. I’m ordinary. I don’t deserve that honor.”

Nangong Jin was truly surprised.

Before, if he’d said such things, Shang Qinghui would have been delighted. Now, nothing he said seemed to affect her.

“What’s wrong? Tell me your worries. Let’s solve them together,” Nangong Jin softened his tone.

Even if he got the development rights to the land, he couldn’t manage it without the Shang family’s help. Now wasn’t the time to fall out with them.

Shang Qinghui was surprised.

She’d been so rude, yet he hadn’t left, instead trying to appease her?

Interesting.

Could it be…

“If I’m not mistaken, he’ll find you soon, promise you he loves you, and marry you when he’s successful…”

Bian Yingning’s words echoed in her mind.

Shang Qinghui bit her lip, making a decision.

“Sorry, I had a fight with my friends today, and I haven’t calmed down yet,” Shang Qinghui pouted.

Nangong Jin secretly smiled. “Don’t do that again. If someone upsets you, make them pay. Don’t torture yourself.”

Shang Qinghui nodded. “I’ll control my temper.”

Nangong Jin nodded slightly, and they went inside.

The archery range was large. To facilitate their conversation, Nangong Jin had cleared it.

While waiting for Shang Qinghui to change clothes, Nangong Jin chose a target, stood with a determined expression, drew his bow, his eyes filled with a fierce intent to win.

The arrow flew, piercing the air with a sharp sound, hitting the target—nine rings.

Nangong Jin had never failed to get what he wanted.

Shang Qinghui emerged, wearing black finger guards that made her skin look even whiter.

“Can you shoot?” Nangong Jin brought a smaller bow suitable for women. Shang Qinghui took it. “A little, but I don’t do it often.”

“I’ll teach you.” Nangong Jin stood behind Shang Qinghui, guiding her hand on the bow and string.

“Focus on the target, let the arrow follow your heart, keep your hands balanced…”

As Nangong Jin’s chest neared Shang Qinghui’s back, Shang Qinghui released the arrow, which flew towards the target.

The screen on the target announced, “Ten rings!”

Nangong Jin was startled. Shang Qinghui took advantage of the distance to get a new arrow. “You teach well.”

Shang Qinghui gave a faint compliment.

Nangong Jin didn’t know if it was his teaching or Shang Qinghui’s luck, but seeing her score ten rings, he picked up his bow and shot again.

This time, he scored lower: “Eight rings.”

Shang Qinghui helpfully offered an excuse. “Your bow isn’t good. Want to change it?”

Nangong Jin readily agreed, and a staff member brought him a new bow. He took a sip of water and casually asked, “What’s your brother been up to? I haven’t seen him in a while.”

“My brother? He’s pretty relaxed. Eating, drinking, and sleeping,” Shang Qinghui replied nonchalantly.

Nangong Jin almost choked on his water. “Cough, impossible. You probably just don’t know. He should be very busy.”

“How do you know?” Shang Qinghui drew her bow, aiming at the target.

“There’s news that a piece of land in the south is up for auction. Your family will likely want to participate,” Nangong Jin said calmly.

Shang Qinghui’s jaw tightened. A surge of anger welled up.

He knew what her brother was doing, yet he still asked.

“I don’t know. Family matters aren’t my concern,” Shang Qinghui said, releasing another arrow.

The arrow almost missed the target: “One point.”

Her anger flared.

“With your brother handling things, you don’t need to worry. Just live your carefree life as a princess.”

“Mm.”

“But what will happen after you get married?”

“…” Shang Qinghui put down her bow, took a bottle of water, but didn’t drink it, tossing it in her hand. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Nangong Jin looked at her tenderly. “Qinghui, do you remember?”

“What?”

“When we were little, you said you’d marry me.”

“…”

“Qinghui, the Nangong family isn’t as wealthy as the Shang family. If I marry you, people will say I’m marrying up.”

Shang Qinghui stopped tossing the water bottle, holding it tightly.

“He’ll promise you he loves you, and marry you when he’s successful…” The words echoed in her mind.

“Qinghui, I don’t want to be mocked for marrying up… But now there’s an opportunity. If only…”

“I think you’re mistaken,” Shang Qinghui calmly interrupted Nangong Jin’s growing excitement.

“Mm?”

“It’s not about whether you want to be mocked for marrying up. It’s about whether you’re worthy.”

Nangong Jin stared at Shang Qinghui, wondering what this woman, who once loved him madly, would say.

“Do you think anyone can be my husband and marry into the Shang family?” A brilliant, sarcastic smile appeared on Shang Qinghui’s face. She was shorter than Nangong Jin but looked down at him with disdain. “You overestimate yourself.”

“What did you say?!” Nangong Jin, feeling insulted, rushed towards Shang Qinghui, grabbing her throat, his eyes bloodshot, staring fiercely at her face. “What did you say?!”

Shang Qinghui, her throat gripped, was unafraid. She lightly used her slender finger to pry Nangong Jin’s hand away. “I said, you’re not worthy to be my husband. And you’re not worthy to be mocked for marrying into the Shang family.”

…

Behind Shang Qinghui, there were muffled sounds. Shang Qinghui didn’t need to turn around to know Nangong Jin was losing control.

But she didn’t feel any satisfaction.

Bian Yingning…

How many secrets did she have?

The girl she thought was her equal, suddenly became shrewd, seeing through the Nangong family’s plans and Nangong Jin’s ambition, telling her he wasn’t worthy.

Even using kindness to warn her not to fall for Nangong Jin’s sweet words.

But she…

She had changed, becoming capable and resourceful.

While she was still stuck on clothes, bags, jewelry, and romance.

Shang Qinghui touched her aching chest.

Was this the feeling of someone surpassing her, or something else?

Bian Yingning, why did she help her?

Why?

…

[Mission to prevent Shang Qinghui from helping Nangong Jin obtain the land development rights successful. Completion: 100%. Points awarded: 999]

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully broken free from the original plot by 30%. Points awarded: 1000]