Chapter 2: Bare Face

This was the third time Gu Yu had seen Jiang Bomu.

The first time was at the wrap party for the movie “Midsummer Youth.”

She was thirteen then, Jiang Bomu was twenty, fresh from her debut, young and green, surrounded entirely by big shots, every move stiff and awkward.

Gu Yu was still young and harbored no improper thoughts. She only knew Jiang Bomu was beautiful, more beautiful than any other star present. Gu Yu always felt she was glowing, and couldn’t help stealing glances at her throughout the banquet.

The second time was at her grandmother’s birthday banquet.

Back then, Gu Yu was sixteen, Jiang Bomu twenty-three. Compared to the restraint and unease three years prior, she was much more composed this time, radiating elegance and brilliance in every gesture. Just sitting there quietly, she was a richly colored oil painting.

Gu Yu felt this was a good chance to get to know her. Determined not to leave herself regrets again, she summoned her courage to approach. But just as she neared, a casual glance from Jiang Bomu made her heart flutter chaotically, and she fled in panic.

At that instant, Gu Yu confirmed one thing—at the age of awakening love, she had fallen for a woman.

Meeting again this time, the stunning beauty was unchanged, and her fondness was as constant as ever.

She stared dumbly at the breathtaking sight before her, momentarily forgetting to speak.

The beauty’s fine brows furrowed slightly as she repeated, “Is it Gu Yu?”

She immediately snapped back to her senses and replied obediently, “It’s me. Hello, Sister.”

During that prior meeting, Jiang Bomu probably hadn’t noticed her, or even if she had, likely hadn’t seen her clearly.

In any case, this was their first formal meeting. She needed to leave “Sister” with the impression of a well-behaved, sweet younger sister.

Indeed, she saw Jiang Bomu’s brows relax. She moved slightly aside, nodded, and said, “Please, come in.”

Then she bent down to get her slippers.

Her slender swan-like neck dipped gracefully. The faint shadow of her thick, feathery eyelashes flickered on the wall. Gu Yu stole a couple more looks. After changing into the slippers, she followed Jiang Bomu to the guest bedroom.

“This is your room. Take a look around first,” she pushed open the door, her voice carrying an apologetic tone. “I’ll go wash my face. I’ll have my assistant come over to help you settle in shortly.”

Only then did Gu Yu notice the cotton makeup pad she’d been holding, the remover soaked in completely, leaving only a faint blue hue. She must have been just about to remove her makeup when she heard the sound.

Although her arrival was ill-timed, Gu Yu was still glad she’d caught a glimpse of today’s divine beauty. Up close, it was even more captivating than the casually saved photos. She really wanted to take a picture…

But they’d just met; it would be somewhat impolite. So, feeling regret and answering obediently, she said, “Sister, please go ahead with your business. I can tidy up by myself.”

Before leaving, Jiang Bomu gave her a faint smile. Gu Yu was once again utterly mesmerized. It took a good while before she started looking around the room.

The room’s layout was simple, predominantly white. The desk, chair, and bookshelf were all wooden. Only the quilt on the double bed was a cute pink, not quite matching the guest bedroom’s style.

She blinked. Had it been specially bought for her?

Outside the window, there was also a curved open terrace. Gazing casually into the distance, half of Yuning City lay within sight. It seemed the perfect spot to place an easel.

Just as she’d walked around the room once, someone knocked.

Opening the door, it was the assistant Jiang Bomu had just mentioned—a girl with a baby face, dressed youthfully and energetically. She immediately spoke with a cheerful, lively young girl’s voice: “Hello, I’m Tao Tao!”

Gu Yu was silent for a second. It was hard to believe Jiang Bomu’s personal assistant was such a cute young girl, looking around her own age.

“Hello, I’m Gu Yu,” she sent out a friendly signal. “Your name is as cute as you are.”

To understand Jiang Bomu, she naturally had to start with the people around her. Best to get chummy with them—know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

Tao Tao blinked her eyes and answered with open confidence, “Thanks, I think so too.”

Gu Yu burst out laughing.

Since she had to unpack, she decided to play some music. Picking up her tablet for facial recognition, what appeared was the sunset scenery she had drawn in the car.

Tao Tao, sharp-eyed, spotted it. Her expression showing awe, she exclaimed, “Did you draw this? It’s so beautiful!”

Seeing her interest, Gu Yu brought it closer for her to examine carefully.

“It’s tonight’s sunset, drawn in the car, so it was a bit rushed.”

“Even drawn hastily it’s this beautiful,” she marveled. “I’m so envious of people who can draw. Too bad I’m all thumbs, otherwise I’d want to draw for my favorite anime characters too.”

Gu Yu asked, “Who do you like? I’ll gift you a drawing.”

Tao Tao was stunned. Seeing the seriousness in her expression, she immediately shrieked, “Ma’am! Let’s add each other on WeChat!”

Easily becoming the Little Assistant’s WeChat friend, Gu Yu said with a beaming smile, “Just send me the detailed character settings.”

Tao Tao nodded like a pecking chick, her eyes practically sparkling as she looked at her.

The two hit it off instantly.

To the soothing melody, Gu Yu steered towards the main topic: “Tao Tao, what do you think of Sister Jiang Bomu’s character?”

“Miss Mu’s character is beyond reproach, of course,” Tao Tao replied casually while folding clothes. “She treats me very well, often orders me milk tea and takeout.”

Speaking of this, she pinched her cheek indignantly and said, “But I’ve almost gained three pounds this month!”

Gu Yu blinked: “But you’re still very cute. The moment I saw you, I thought you were cute.”

She let out a giggle, then seemed to recall something, her expression turning slightly hesitant. After a long pause, she spoke: “Can I ask you a question? If you find it offensive, it’s okay not to answer.”

Gu Yu nodded.

“I’m a bit curious, how come you’re living with Miss Mu?” she asked, then murmured to herself, “Miss Mu has never cohabited with anyone before.”

Cohabit…

This word, spoken by someone else, made Gu Yu’s heart skip a beat. She lowered her head to hide it, briefly explained the situation, and also asked with some surprise, “She didn’t tell you?”

As a personal assistant, such things would usually be mentioned, right?

Tao Tao shook her head, saying softly, “Miss Mu values her privacy greatly.”

She gave an example: “I’ve been with Miss Mu for three years, entered Yue’an Mansion countless times, but I’ve never once set foot in the master bedroom.”

Gu Yu was thoughtful, thanked her: “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Then asked: “What about her daily routine?”

“Very regular,” Tao Tao placed a stack of clothes into the wardrobe. “When there are no schedules, she usually gets up at seven, returns to her room at nine in the evening, and eats three meals on time.”

Gu Yu, who hadn’t slept before midnight since starting university, felt ashamed of her own habits.

“Right, Miss Mu often cooks. Her culinary skills are great. Teacher Gu, you’re in for a treat!”

Gu Yu hadn’t yet recovered from the bliss of the first half of the sentence when she heard Tao Tao call her ‘Teacher Gu’, and was somewhat puzzled.

“You’re teaching Miss Mu to paint, so doesn’t that make you Miss Mu’s teacher?” She winked playfully. “So how about I call you Teacher Gu from now on?”

Before Gu Yu could answer, three gentle knocks sounded on the door.

It also disrupted Gu Yu’s heart.

The ease and confidence she’d just felt facing Tao Tao vanished like smoke, leaving only fluster.

Tao Tao ran to open the door. Gu Yu used the moment to fuss with her hair a few times, somewhat chagrined. She’d been alone in the room for so long, why hadn’t she thought to check the mirror?

“All settled in?”

The gentle tone brushed past her ears. Gu Yu subconsciously raised her eyes and saw Jiang Bomu’s bare face.

Washed free of makeup, her face was like fine white porcelain, her features still a richly colored oil painting—eye-catching, stunning.

Gu Yu suddenly recalled the other’s first film, “Midsummer Youth.” On the day of its premiere, she and her parents had booked out a screening to support it. The plot was mostly forgotten, but she always remembered the bare-faced scene from the movie.

A plain hand lifted, splashing water droplets sliding down the high bridge of the nose—a faint, subtle glow.

The young Gu Yu had been spellbound for a long time.

Seven years later, Gu Yu was still moved by her bare face.

“Almost done.” Gu Yu snapped back to her senses just before Jiang Bomu could repeat herself.

Tao Tao, completely oblivious to the stiffness in her tone, placed the empty suitcase against the wall and said with a laugh, “Mission accomplished! I’m heading home now!”

Jiang Bomu nodded, slowly saying, “Be careful on the road.”

“Okay, bye Miss Mu! Bye Teacher Gu!”

The light tone and figure disappeared out the door. Gu Yu pursed her lips slightly, wanting to speak, but racked her brains and couldn’t figure out how to start. It seemed like taking the first step alone would be tantamount to blaspheming a goddess.

“Teacher Gu?”

The pronunciation was perfect, yet carried a hint of teasing she hadn’t missed.

Gu Yu’s heart trembled. She explained somewhat hastily, “That’s just Tao Tao joking around. Please don’t call me that, Sister. Just call me Gu Yu.”

Jiang Bomu didn’t confirm or deny. She looked around the room and said softly, “The arrangements were hurried. Even the bedding was only bought yesterday. If you’re missing anything, just tell me.”

“I’m not missing anything. I like it very much,” Gu Yu finally felt a little more at ease, even cracking a small joke. “Thank you, Sister, for taking me in.”

A faint smile flickered in Jiang Bomu’s eyes, but then she paused briefly, lowered her eyes, and remained silent. The warmth of spring in her eyes and brows disappeared completely.

Gu Yu sensed this keenly, feeling uneasy at her shift in attitude. Before she had time to ponder if something in her words was inappropriate, Jiang Bomu was already walking towards the door.

“I’ll show you around the other rooms.”

Her tone was casual and relaxed. Perhaps it was just her overthinking. Gu Yu obediently followed.

Directly across from the guest bedroom was an open-plan kitchen. A cursory glance showed all utensils were fully equipped, all in understated black and white, looking clean and minimalist. Gu Yu could already imagine seeing her busy figure in the kitchen every morning upon opening her door, and the corner of her mouth curved up slightly.

The bathroom was to the right of the guest bedroom, with separate wet and dry areas, spotlessly clean as if new.

Pointing to a row of toiletries, Jiang Bomu said, “These are all prepared for you, but they’re the ones I prefer. If you’re not used to them, let me know, and we can change them promptly.”

Gu Yu blinked and nodded obediently, though her mind was full of little schemes. Only a fool would want to change them.

But why was there only one set of toiletries?

“The master bedroom has its own bathroom,” she explained casually. “This way, it’ll be convenient for you to wash up on your own.”

Gu Yu felt a slight pang of regret, though. It would be nice if they could do it together.

She casually glanced around the bathroom, her gaze settling on the mirror. Just then, Jiang Bomu also looked up. Unexpectedly, their eyes met in the reflection.

Gu Yu froze slightly, but Jiang Bomu’s lips curved into a smile.

In that instant, it was like ice and snow melting, a spring breeze caressing the face.

“Happy cohabitation, Teacher Gu.”