Chapter 33

Proofread by Zhou Zhijie

Thank you for your invitation, but Im afraid I cant be your student in view of my current situation . Saying this apologetically, Ding Manman takes back her hand held by An Manrou .

If you are worried about the financial problem, please just set your heart at rest, because I will get everything ready for you, says Jens Johnson graciously, thinking Ding was concerned about the paycheck . Money is never lacking for artists, especially for such a world-famous painting master like Jens Johnson .

He is rich enough to cultivate even a hundred students like Ding Manman . However, Ding shakes her head once again, which makes Jens Johnson frown unconsciously . Its the first time that he has offered to take someone as his student anyway, but to be rejected like this doesnt make him feel good at all .

Its a great honor for me to receive your invitation, but Im in a tricky situation beyond my control . Im really sorry . Ding Manman says somehow sorrowfully .

After all, it is her idol who has offered her an olive branch that she cannot accept . She can only see the opportunity slip away, which makes her feel terrible .

Since Ding has expressed her att.i.tude, Jens Johnson thinks it embarra.s.sing to try to persuade her, no matter how regretful he feels . He still feels pity for her refusal because it is rather difficult to find someone with unlimited potentials in the art field .

All right . He shouldnt force her any more since she has declined his offer . Jens Johnson looks a little upset . Then he takes out a business card from his pocket on which he writes a series of numbers and gives it to Ding .

Since you put it that way, I wont push you . But my words will be valid for ever . This is my business card with my phone number on it . If you change your mind, call me anytime .

An Manrou stares at the number on that card, with jealousy in her eyes fully revealed . You know whenever she wants to see Jens Johnson, she needs to make an appointment through his a.s.sistant first .

Jens Johnsons att.i.tude reveals that he really appreciates Dings talents . After an instants hesitation, Ding eventually accepts the card . It will definitely make Jens Johnson lose face if she refuses this .

Thank you, Mr . Johnson . If you dont mind, may I present this painting to you as a gift for our first meeting so as to express my grat.i.tude to you?

Ding Manman is a little embarra.s.sed while uttering these words . While Jens Johnson is very pleased and satisfied with Dings modesty . What a pity!

Thank you . By the way, may I have your name? Jens Johnson looks at Ding with regret . He regrets that Ding Manman, so talented in arts, loses the opportunity to be cultivated .

My name is Ding Manman .

Ding Manman, a name full of charm . I hope the next time we meet, your pa.s.sion for painting is still the same as it is now . Jens Johnson leaves after saying these words . He was quite occupied actually . He postponed his own affairs just to see Ding in person . Now, he cant delay any more .

An Manrou follows Jens Johnson to leave . Yet, all of a sudden she turns back and takes a few steps to Ding .

Ding Manman, right? Ive borne you in my mind! Ans words are so aggressive that they are so unpleasant for others to hear . With these words, she walks away directly .

Ding feels somehow puzzled about Ans hostility . Before she replies, Sun Ling er has stepped forwards to fire back at her .

No problem! Think you scared us?

Sun Linger originally intended to persuade Ding to accept Jens Johnsons proposal . On second thoughts, she changed her mind . If her brother got to know it is with her that Sister Manman was taken away, instead of being punished ruthlessly by him she had better take her own life somewhere .

Sister Manman, are you unhappy? Looking at Ding who is down in spirits, Sun Linger feels sorry for her . Although her brother always claims that Ding has done something malicious, she still feels that such a girl like Sister Manman must be very kind-hearted .

Ding Manman gives no answer to her but stares at the business card in her hand with fascination . The number with an enormous magic power seems to have attracted all her attention . She is clear that Jens Johnson is able to help her solve the financial problem, but he is not able to deal with Zhong Shaotings influence . She doesnt want to get the innocent man into trouble .

It's okay, I have got used to it . Putting the business card away carefully, Ding Manman says in a light voice, as if she has become accustomed to this kind of situation where she never gets what she loves and desires .

I need to use to the restroom . After this incident, Ding Manman loses her interest in painting appreciation and walks towards the restroom under Suns pitying eyes .

That painting is really interesting . This is the first time that Ive seen such an impressive painting and that Miss Ding is really talented . Willis and Zhong Shaoting have witnessed the whole story .

When Ding Manman departs, Willis cannot help complimenting on her painting which has evoked his intense sensations that he has never experienced before .

Hearing the favorable comments from Willis, Zhong doesnt say a word . His eyes, as dark as gems, narrow slightly . Those who are familiar with him are very clear that it is the prelude to the explosion of his anger .

Will you excuse me, please? I need to go to the restroom . Zhong says lightly and then turns to leave . Willis, unaware of Zhongs mood, continues to appreciate the paintings on display, which turn out to be boring, now compared with Dings .

Ding Manman looks at her reflection in the mirror . Her face used to be wreathed with smiles . While now she finds between her eyebrows lingers the endless sadness which cannot be dispersed .

Her big bright eyes look dull now . At present, she just looks like a puppet with no soul .

Seeing herself like this, she feels some unspeakable feelings flooding into her mind . Fang Hao used to love pinching her soft cheeks . He would never stop until her cheeks reddened . He said he couldnt resist the temptation for she looked so lovely that way .

Ding Manman reaches out to touch her own face, but to find that her cheeks have sunken slightly . The whole face looks much thinner and her jaw pointed . Even these changes are unable to overshadow her beauty .

Fang Hao definitely will not adore her like this anymore, which Ding Manman cannot help but wonder . After all, Fang Hao used to be so fond of her cute and chubby face . . .

Fang Hao . . .

Ding Manman stares at herself in the mirror, lost in thought . Suddenly the restroom door is opened and in comes a man who closes the door behind him .

At first Ding Manman didnt pay attention to the entering person, but the sound of the door being locked catches her attention . On turning around, she is so scared that she can hardly stand stable .

This is the ladys room . . . Watching Zhong Shaoting approaching her step by step, Ding cannot help shouting out a warning .