Chapter 4 Gathering Inspiration and Collecting Art Materials
855 Words
After spending nearly, a week cooped up at home, Lin Lai decided it was time to venture out for some artistic inspiration. With her painting tools packed and a few changes of clothes ready, she embarked on an impromptu journey.
Her destination was a picturesque Jiangnan water town called Yun City, a place she had longed to visit ever since seeing glowing recommendations from influencers on social media.
By the time she arrived, it was already afternoon. She checked into her hotel, dropped off her luggage, and set out for her first stop: the ancient town’s old streets.
The southern heat was intense, and though it was already later in the day, the streets radiated waves of warmth. Grateful for her foresight, Lin Lai had changed into breezy summer attire: a French-style cropped plaid top, black denim shorts, a white baseball cap, and a black mask. Her fair skin, naturally radiant, now seemed to glow under the sunlight. Her long, slender legs caught the attention of many passersby. For practicality, she wore a pair of simple white sneakers and carried a minimalist white chest bag.
With her camera slung around her neck, Lin Lai strolled through the streets, her casual yet stylish appearance turning heads wherever she went. The former Lin Lai had favored heavy makeup—though striking, it could become overwhelming over time. In contrast, this new Lin Lai, with her lightly applied makeup and naturally glowing complexion, exuded a refreshing charm. Months of careful skincare had made her skin even more luminous, adding to her allure.
As she wandered, she began capturing photos, unsure of what exactly she wanted to paint but confident that the beauty around her would guide her vision. Everything she saw was a potential source of inspiration.
Yun City truly lived up to its reputation as a Jiangnan water town. The streets were a blend of old and new, where traditional architecture harmonized with modern renovations. Small rivers ran alongside the streets, and old men could be seen leisurely steering boats carrying tourists. The boats, scattered sparsely across the river, moved slowly, as if time itself had slowed to match their pace.
In this tranquil setting, the clamor of the bustling metropolis seemed a world away. Here, life was unhurried—a quiet joy radiated from simple pleasures, like sitting at the bow of a boat, gently fanning oneself with a palm-leaf fan. The sweltering heat of summer seemed to fade, replaced by a serene contentment. Lin Lai captured these idyllic scenes, freezing them in time through her camera lens.
Crossing a stone bridge that spanned the river, Lin Lai marveled at its weathered beauty. The bridge, a silent witness to the town's history, seemed to tell the story of the rise and fall of this ancient street. Beside it, towering old trees stood like loyal sentinels, their presence both protective and enduring. Together, the bridge and the trees seemed like old friends, guarding the town as the wheels of time turned ever so slowly.
The warmth of the local people added another layer of charm. Vendors lined the streets with cheerful smiles, their soft southern accents making it nearly impossible to decline their offerings. Strolling along, Lin Lai stopped to sample local delicacies and admire the handcrafted trinkets displayed on their stalls. Each item, though simple, was exquisitely made, a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage.
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At a corner café by a window, four young men sat together. Yuan Ziqi leaned back in his chair, unable to hold back his frustration.
“Brothers, wasn’t this supposed to be my graduation trip? What are you all doing? Can’t you put your work aside for once?”
Zhong Yu, swirling his glass of whiskey, shot back with a smirk. “Hey, don’t look at me. I haven’t touched a shred of work. I’ve been at your service this whole time, playing the perfect travel companion. But those two over there?” He gestured at the two men engrossed in their laptops. “Workaholics, through and through.”
Jiang Yuan, not even glancing up from his screen, retorted, “Zhong Yu, don’t think I didn’t notice. Weren’t you here inspecting your party venue? Now that your work’s done, you think no one else should work?”
With a playful grin, Jiang Yugan added, “What’s that phrase again—ah yes, ‘only state officials are allowed to set fires; commoners can’t even light lamps.’”
Meng Fan, sitting across from them, chuckled softly but continued typing away.
The four had grown up together in a military compound. Jiang Yuan and Meng Fan, both now successful entrepreneurs, had taken over their family businesses. Zhong Yu, ever the playful spirit, had started a chain of party venues catering to young elites, achieving success without compromising his carefree lifestyle. Yuan Ziqi, the youngest by six years, had just graduated from his art program and managed to convince his older “brothers” to join him on this trip.
Despite their busy lives, the trip was an opportunity to reconnect, relive old memories, and indulge in a rare moment of leisure.
- Writer
