Chapter 45
There were many lost artifacts, but these three were perfectly preserved and came from a short-lived, mysterious dynasty. Under the guidance of the Yucheng Municipal Party Committee Propaganda Department and the Cultural Relics Bureau, this exhibition was entrusted to the Yucheng Museum.
The museum naturally attached great importance to this exhibition. Common promotional items like fridge magnets and ice cream had been done to death by other museums, so the leaders decided to try something different.
Among the various proposals, someone mentioned the successful collaboration between Yin Fuliu and a luxury brand. The increasingly popular Monster Manicure Shop, with its excellent reputation, seemed like the perfect partner.
Thus, Ning Zhixia received a joint invitation from the museum.
The museum hoped to create a series of artifact-themed press-on nails as commemorative merchandise for the exhibition and even invited him and Qu Banqing for a private tour after closing time the next day.
“Yay!”
Ning Zhixia, munching on a chicken wing, swayed happily. In his excitement, a brown sauce stain flew in a graceful arc and landed on Qu Banqing’s new white T-shirt.
The room fell silent, even the cats looked at the horrified young man.
Three seconds later, Qu Banqing grabbed a slipper and stood up furiously—
“Ning Meow Meow!”
“Waaah!”
The sound of frantic footsteps echoed on the floor. Ning Zhixia, still chewing on his chicken wing, jumped up and dodged nimbly around the sofa like a general escaping pursuit.
Audrow, lounging on the sofa, extended his arms invitingly.
Ning Zhixia, overjoyed, threw himself into his arms, his greasy mouth opening and closing happily: “Hee hee, Xiao Ao, you’re so nice!”
“Of course.”
Audrow’s lips curled into a smile, then his expression froze as he noticed the oil stain on his shirt.
He stared at the grinning young man for two seconds, then righteously pushed him towards Qu Banqing, who was holding the slipper with a sinister smile, and said calmly, “Give him back to me after you’re done.”
Qu Banqing nodded readily: “Deal.”
“Meow???”
Ning Zhixia blinked, then a hand grabbed his collar and pushed him onto the sofa—
The slipper landed on his butt repeatedly. He reacted instantly, struggling and yelling, “Audrow! You traitor! Traitor!”
Audrow ignored him, even ruffling his messy hair with amusement.
Afterwards, Ning Zhixia painstakingly hand-washed both their shirts in the bathroom.
He threw the wet clothes into the dryer, peeked out from the balcony, pointed finger guns at the two heads in the living room, making “bang, bang” sounds, then went to his workstation to start his live stream.
Debts had to be paid. Many fans, hearing that he was doing another tutorial, were like bedridden college students hearing about exam key points, rushing into the live stream, eager to learn—
“Woohoo, Mr. Ning is finally teaching again!”
“Teacher, teacher, what are we learning today?”
“The last video about arranging small beads was super helpful, I’ve watched it several times!”
They were completely different from their usual quiet selves, actively asking questions and showering the punished teacher with praises, making him feel smug.
“Today, we’re learning a simple and common floral design.”
Ning Zhixia knew everyone was interested in watercolor techniques, but it was difficult to master brush control quickly.
So, instead of using watercolors, he demonstrated with white painting gel.
Painting gel was thicker than watercolor, and could be used as a base for watercolor nail art, also better for practicing brushstrokes.
After mastering it and combining it with watercolor, he wouldn’t need to explain further, anyone who practiced diligently could create more variations, even achieving a detailed, Gongbi painting style.
Overall, it was a technique with high returns.
Therefore, even though many nail art masters had done similar tutorials, everyone was still eager for Mr. Ning’s lesson.
“First, we apply a darker base coat, so it’s easier to see the brushstrokes.” Ning Zhixia didn’t just demonstrate on an acrylic board, he used a nail tip and explained the technique of applying an even base coat.
A few star students in the comments also cooperated, highlighting the key points for the newbies.
“Use a small amount of gel, but if you take too much, don’t worry, just wipe the brush on a clean acrylic board to distribute the gel evenly…”
The pressure determined the size of the petals. With varying pressure, flowers of different shapes bloomed on the nail.
Ning Zhixia explained as he painted, “You can use a multi-purpose brush, but for more rounded petals, I recommend a small, round-tipped daisy brush.”
“Teacher, teacher, what brand of brush are you using?”
“It looks so easy to use!”
“Link for the brush?”
Ning Zhixia glanced at the screen, knowing that people would keep asking, so he put up a small note, explaining that the brushes were all freebies that came with the gel polishes, not expensive tools.
In his opinion, when still unfamiliar with brushstrokes and techniques, it was hard to tell the difference between good and bad tools, so any affordable ones would do, or even second-hand ones.
After mastering the skills and developing their own brush habits, they would naturally know how to choose the right tools for themselves, without blindly following trends and wasting money on unsuitable products.
Qu Banqing was putting away the cookware Ning Zhixia had bought, which had ended up in Audrow’s hands.
Hearing the live stream, he chuckled, “That’s a good theory, too bad you don’t remember it when making desserts.”
Ning Zhixia wrinkled his nose, muttered “I’ve improved,” half-closed one eye, and pointed finger guns at Qu Banqing— “Bang!”
“Ning Ning is so cute!”
“So he’s not good at cooking! I feel a little vindicated!”
“No wonder his live stream page is so clean, not a single shopping link!”
“Damn, I just went to Mu Lin’s live stream, it’s all just a sales pitch disguised as a tutorial, no useful information at all!”
“Yeah, so messy, the atmosphere is terrible, and he even mocks people who ask questions. This live stream is much better for beginners.”
“Honestly, even as a professional, I love watching Mr. Ning’s lessons!”
Ning Zhixia’s camera was clear, his voice clean, and his explanations concise and easy to understand, even experienced fans found it helpful.
He wasn’t showing off. After demonstrating a few floral painting techniques, he cleaned the nail tip, dipped a sponge in a slightly lighter shade of gel polish, and dabbed it on to add texture, then used the daisy brush to create petals.
The petals had varying shades of color, looking slightly uneven, but after adding a second layer, it was like a hazy moonlight filter, the texture completely different.
“I get it, no wonder the teacher’s brushstrokes seem so casual, he’s simulating a beginner’s unsteady hand, but by using color to create the scene, he can achieve a more natural and dynamic floral style!”
“Damn, the note-taker is amazing, unlike me, who can only exclaim ‘wow’.”
“Wow, so easy, I think I can learn this!”
“Teacher, you’re so amazing, what kind of flower is this?”
Ning Zhixia thought for a moment and said seriously, “This is the ‘I can paint anything and look like a pro’ flower!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the screen went black. The live stream was temporarily suspended for two hours for using inappropriate language!
His workday ended abruptly.
Ning Zhixia blinked, dumbfounded: “Wait, am I… off air?”
Meanwhile, his fans, both amused and disappointed, flocked to the platform’s official account, complaining—
“Hey! Give us back our teacher who teaches us how to be pros!”
Although the live stream ended suddenly, a diligent note-taker had recorded the key points and, after getting Ning Zhixia’s permission, posted them online.
The fans were incredibly supportive, actively sharing their practice work in the comments, and experienced users patiently guided the beginners, the friendly atmosphere attracting more people.
“Wuwuwu, finally no one is saying my work is ugly. In Mu Lin’s live stream, I was mocked for my practice work. If I knew how to paint, why would I buy your course?”
“Compared to him, Mr. Ning is a treasure!”
Thanks to the live stream’s popularity, the platform featured the tutorial in its trending topics, and the views continued to increase as more beginners watched it.
The positive feedback seemed to attract some unwanted attention, and the comment section became a battlefield.
“Why are you bashing Teacher Mu? Whose fault is it if you can’t learn?”
“Yeah, there are floral tutorials everywhere, is this one really that special?”
“His paid tutorials are just sales pitches, I learned nothing from him, but with Mr. Ning, I learned instantly!”
“I don’t even want to mention Mu Lin, he speeds up the video or blurs the camera at the crucial moments, as if he’s afraid people will learn.”
“I recommend Mr. Qu’s quicksand nail tutorial, it’s very detailed, if only there was a link to his hands, hee hee.”
“Here’s the link [Quicksand Nail Tutorial], key points: free, high-definition, no blurring, no fast-forwarding~”
“Did you guys see it? I can post the link again!”
“I hope your teacher learns from them and improves his skills! On behalf of Mr. Ning and Mr. Qu, you’re welcome~”
“Hee hee, who understands my joy, my favorite nail artist and crafting master are actually friends! Multi-fandom fans rejoice!”
“Whispering, there’s also a handsome mixed-race guy with silver-gray hair in their shop, he picks all the desserts, and every one is amazing!”
“What! Dessert expert, please share a list!”
“He’s a handsome guy, and you’re just asking for a dessert list?”
“Oh, oh, do we have to call him handsome guy to get it? Handsome guy, please share a list!”
“…”
The next day, after finishing his work, Ning Zhixia packed his small bag and drove to the museum with Qu Banqing.
The Yucheng Museum had been renovated and was completely different from his childhood memories. The only similarity was the sense of history that greeted them at the entrance.
The museum’s leaders attached great importance to this collaboration. The guide was waiting for them, but he didn’t expect them to actually take the artifacts’ background seriously.
After all, in previous collaborations, celebrities and influencers had only gone through the motions, taking a few photos for publicity.
Therefore, they were surprised to see Ning Zhixia diligently holding a pen and sketchbook.
The guide chuckled and said, “Follow me, please.”
“Okay, okay!”
Ning Zhixia, excited to see the national treasures, pulled Qu Banqing along.
It was past closing time, and the two invited guests didn’t scream, film videos, or live stream as expected.
As the guide explained, they diligently took notes and sketched, occasionally asking questions softly.
No unnecessary chatter, very professional, and it was clear they had done their research.
The accompanying staff appreciated their focused and low-key demeanor, exchanging glances and agreeing that this collaboration would be a good choice.
Time’s corrosion couldn’t diminish the brilliance of civilization. After passing many exhibits, Ning Zhixia finally saw the three artifacts displayed in a glass case.
Under the soft, warm light, the guide proudly introduced them one by one: “A blue and white porcelain plum vase, a gilded three-legged incense burner, and a silk fan with embroidered cranes and clouds… They have been lost overseas for a long time, and thanks to the efforts of many people, they have finally returned home.”
Qu Banqing was mesmerized, his voice softening: “Meow Meow, they look even more beautiful than in the photos…”
“Yes!”
Ning Zhixia nodded repeatedly, his attention completely captured by the blue and white porcelain plum vase.
The meiping vase, with its small mouth and short neck, its vibrant blue and white design, was known as the most beautiful vase in the world, its patterns usually divided into upper, middle, and lower sections.
But this vase was different. The middle section wasn’t decorated with flowers, birds, or auspicious figures, but with a woman dancing with flowing sleeves amidst swirling clouds and mist.
Ning Zhixia stared intently, then suddenly felt a gaze on him, and his pen paused.
He blinked, looked around suspiciously, and as he turned his head, the woman in the painting, her divine expression fading, raised a delicate eyebrow…
The guide, clearly passionate about his job, didn’t use a prepared script.
He stroked his chin and said, “These three artifacts were unearthed from an ancient tomb. Judging by the burial objects, the tomb owner was of high status, but due to the lack of information about this dynasty, archaeologists haven’t been able to identify him.”
Qu Banqing was a little disappointed: “No wonder I couldn’t find much information online.”
“You definitely won’t find anything online.”
The guide looked around, lowered his voice, and said mysteriously, “Some feng shui masters have suggested that the tomb owner died young, and his loved ones, deeply grieved, chose the burial site and designed the tomb meticulously, wishing him peace and health in his next life.”
Qu Banqing nodded as if he understood, sighing inwardly, then glanced at the unusually quiet person beside him.
Ning Zhixia’s nose was almost touching the glass case.
Qu Banqing quickly tugged on his clothes: “Meow Meow, what are you looking at?”
“Oh, oh… I think…”
Ning Zhixia seemed to snap out of his trance, his mind suddenly blank, forgetting what he was about to say. “Never mind.”
He scratched his head and pointed at the vase through the glass. “I just think the design is quite different from other meiping vases.”
“Of course, it’s a valuable research subject.” Qu Banqing, seeing that the guide had moved on to the next artifact, said, “Let’s go, let’s go see the three-legged cauldron.”
Oh! That big gold nugget!
“Okay!”
Ning Zhixia replied quickly and strode towards the gleaming display case.
The other two exhibits were exquisite, showcasing the pinnacle of metallurgy and embroidery. Ning Zhixia had some ideas, and his sketchbook was now filled with drawings.
To avoid backtracking, the exit and entrance of the exhibition hall weren’t the same. They followed the guide to a side hall, treating it as an extended tour.
The side hall mainly displayed religious artifacts. The lighting was dim, and various Buddha statues were displayed in the cases lining the corridor, their gazes seemingly following every step.
As Qu Banqing listened to the guide’s explanation, he suddenly wondered if it would be offensive to make a quicksand Buddha figurine.
He was about to ask Ning Zhixia when he turned and saw him with his head drooped listlessly, looking exhausted even on flat ground.
“What’s wrong, are you feeling unwell?” Qu Banqing stopped and asked softly.
The guide also turned around, concerned: “Mr. Ning, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Ning Zhixia didn’t feel physically unwell, just a little anxious. He glanced at the giant Buddha head in the display case, quickly averted his gaze, and muttered, “Don’t you feel anything?”
The other two asked, puzzled, “What?”
Seeing that he was the only one feeling strange, Ning Zhixia scratched his face embarrassedly, “I just feel a little oppressed and anxious looking at these Buddha statues, I’ve never felt this way in temples before…”
“Oh, that, I felt the same way when I first started working here.”
The guide relaxed and said comfortingly, “Maybe it’s the lighting after closing time that’s amplifying your fear of large objects, or maybe it’s the magnetic field, I felt the same way when visiting temples in Tibet.”
Ning Zhixia had heard similar things from classmates who had traveled to Tibet. Perhaps humans naturally felt awe towards sacred objects of faith.
Understanding this, he relaxed: “Oh, oh…”
Qu Banqing, seeing that he had recovered, took a few steps, then suddenly said jokingly, “Of course, there’s also a saying that it’s not you who’s afraid of the Buddha statues, but something on your shoulder.”
“Ugh!”
This time, not only Ning Zhixia, but even the guide shivered and stared at him, “Mr. Qu, I still have to work here…”
“Sorry, sorry.” Qu Banqing quickly covered his mouth and, after they left the hall, treated them to three-legged cauldron popsicles as an apology.
The popsicles were mung bean flavored. Ning Zhixia happily finished his and said to the museum representative, “That’s all for today, I’ll send the designs to your email, and after you’ve confirmed them, I’ll make the samples.”
“Okay, thank you.” The representative, having seen the rough sketches during the tour, was very satisfied with their efficiency.
They discussed a few more details, signed the contract, and left, both feeling relieved.
Since they hadn’t brought Audrow, Ning Zhixia made a detour to buy a box of dorayaki as a gift. By the time they returned to Qingxi Road, it was already dark.
The plants in the courtyard, freshly watered, were using their vines as cat toys.
Through the flickering lights in the window, Ning Zhixia knew without a doubt that Audrow was watching SpongeBob again.
“Hello, Xiao Ao, I’m back!”
Ning Zhixia pushed the door open and held up the box of desserts.
Warm light illuminated a perfect profile. Ning Zhixia had guessed wrong. Audrow was engrossed in a newly bought advanced dessert recipe book.
However, hearing the familiar voice, the book was slammed shut.
Audrow looked up, and as the young man’s figure entered his eyes, his light-colored eyes turned cold.
He stood up, as if seeing something displeasing, and said coldly towards Ning Zhixia—
“Get out here.”
