A Sand Sculpture in the Red Dust - Chapter 17 PT2

　Chapter 17 PT2 – Qin Jin Curses For the First Time

　　Li Xiangfu would rather know the truth two days later.

　　It was almost nine o’clock and the free creation session was over. On the way to the gathering, he saw Qin Jin. He was in a strange mood, as if everything he did was deliberately done.

　　Fortunately, when the contestants gathered together, perhaps to avoid suspicion, Qin Jin rarely had long interactions with him.

　　The contestants signed their paintings one by one and placed them on the table. Li Xiangfu deliberately came forward last and placed the painting upside down.

　　Because Zhou Panbai had made some unclear deals with Judge Fang, he buttoned his shirt tightly for fear of revealing the red spots underneath.

　　Perhaps because his daily private life was too chaotic, his eyes looked a little cloudy if you looked closely, but at this moment, because he predicted the outcome later, they seemed comically brighter.

　　Judge Fang shared the same feeling as him. He had been very angry before, and now he felt very happy when he thought that he finally had a chance to vent his anger.

　　The refreshing feeling came to an abrupt end in the breath. When the paper was about to be turned, Judge Fang’s chubby fingers suddenly exerted some force, causing the paper to creak.

　　Realizing that he had lost his composure, he quickly adjusted his breathing rate, but he couldn’t help but keep glancing towards Qin Jin.

　　After submitting their works, the contestants sat in another area, so the content of the paintings could not be seen. Seeing this, one could not help but wonder what Li Xiangfu had painted that could make the judges lose their composure like this.

　　When the painting was passed to the next person, Judge Zhao, who had previously condoned Fang Yuanjian’s actions, did not look very good… Wasn’t this a clear show of power?

　　His eyes moved quickly, thinking that he didn’t see much interaction between Li Xiangfu and Qin Jin in daily life, so this relationship was hidden very deeply.

　　Putting aside those annoying factors, this painting itself is very suitable for collection. The artistic conception created by the painter can make even those who know nothing about it feel the desolation and rebirth. It is sad but not tragic, and after watching it for a long time, it even conveys a kind of inner resilience.

　　Judge Zhao stared at it for two seconds and unconsciously said, “Good painting.”

　　The two foreign judges stretched their necks and gave generous praise after just a glance.

　　The only judge who was not moved at all was Fang, who had little passion for art and relied on his father’s care to get to where he is today. After the initial shock faded, he subconsciously pushed himself to the highest moral point and questioned why Li Xiangfu included the sponsor in his painting.

　　The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. This way, other players would definitely have many misunderstandings, and he would be able to make a fuss about this matter in the future and save some face.

　　Just as he was about to explode, a cold voice came from the other side: “A good painting should be appreciated by everyone. Please trouble Judge Fang to appreciate this painting for us.”

　　There was no questioning, but it made people feel a little disappointed.

　　Being preempted, Judge Fang couldn’t help swallowing.

　　Qin Jin then walked over and picked up the painting to make sure everyone could see it.

　　When they saw the protagonist in the painting clearly, the contestants widened their eyes. Some looked at Li Xiangfu, some looked at Qin Jin, and only Zhou Panbai had an uncertain look.

　　”Mr. Qin, what do you mean by this?” Judge Fang finally found his voice and said dryly, “Please don’t interfere with the evaluation process.”

　　”Interference?” Qin Jin savored the word, and his fleeting smile exuded a bit of gloom. His eyes fell on Zhou Panbai like a knife, or to be more precise, his collar. Then the trace of the corner of his mouth rising became more obvious: “It seems that Judge Fang likes to pursue art in the contestants.”

　　Qin Jin is usually very serious, and the rare times he smiles are actually disturbing.

　　It was a very straightforward statement and everyone quickly came to their senses.

　　Zhou Panbai wanted to refute loudly, but he had given the judge a taste of sweetness before, so he didn’t dare to prove his innocence at this moment.

　　Qin Jin has always been ruthless in his actions. He walked over quickly and grabbed Zhou Panbai’s collar.

　　The difference in strength between the two was too great. Zhou Panbai himself was not tall, and he fluttered on his toes like a little chick. The buttons on his collar came loose during the struggle, exposing all the red dots hidden underneath.

　　The surrounding players immediately looked at him with disdain.

　　”I asked Li Xiangfu to draw this picture,” Qin Jin said to the other judge, “I wanted to see your funny look of being on pins and needles.”

　　Upon hearing this, Judge Fang felt as if he had lost all his strength, knowing that his half-life artistic career was over.

　　Ignoring the scum who was sitting there like a pile of mud, Qin Jin looked at the other judges and said, “I hope the following process can ensure absolute fairness.”

　　Judge Zhao was the first to express his opinion and nodded repeatedly.

　　”Go on.”

　　Happiness comes too suddenly!

　　Judge Fang was pleasantly surprised, thinking that this was a chance for him, and quickly stated that he just had an immoral private life and had absolutely no intention of showing favoritism in the competition.

　　Qin Jin didn’t say anything, as if he agreed.

　　Li Xiangfu looked at Judge Fang who was wiping the cold sweat on the stage and suppressed the mockery in his eyes.

　　The scoring session started again, and Mo Yijing whispered, “Mr. Qin is such a good person. Most people might just turn a blind eye.”

　　You Fang regretted: “It’s a pity that the judge was not asked to leave immediately.”

　　He also knew in his heart that capitalists are all shrewd. It was already good enough for Qin Jin to have achieved this. After what happened, Judge Fang probably wouldn’t dare to act rashly.

　　You Fang never expected that Qin Jin didn’t do anything drastic because there was another person named Li Xiangfu who wanted Judge Fang to experience great ups and downs and never be able to turn things around.

　　The other contestants didn’t say much, but they deliberately moved their stools away from Zhou Panbai.

　　After sitting there blankly for a minute, Zhou Panbai couldn’t bear the embarrassment anymore, so he ran out.

　　Ignoring the strange looks from passers-by, Zhou Panbai ran a long distance, and the blood seemed to be rushing to his brain.

　　It’s over. It’s all over.

　　He gave so much, even without caring about his dignity, but it was ruined by just a few words.

　　He was so angry that he looked at the scorching sun above his head and fell straight backwards.

　　He didn’t know how much time passed, but the smell of disinfectant filled Zhou Panbai’s nose. He opened his eyes and saw that he was receiving an IV drip.

　　The ward was close to the front desk, and he could hear the nurses’ conversation coming from the door. Although it was very low, he could still vaguely hear it.

　　”The physical fitness of these people in the city is too poor.”

　　”Who said it wasn’t? The one who came in the afternoon actually fainted from seeing a naked torso. His symptoms were more serious than fainting from blood. Doctor Tang was stunned.”

　　”Sure enough, handsome men suffer from diseases differently from ordinary people.”

　　With his eyes open and looking at the dripping water above his head, Zhou Panbai’s anger seemed to be accumulating drop by drop. After a while, he made some decisions, his fists gradually loosened, and he became unusually calm.

　　•|•

　　Under the intimidation of Qin Jin, the evaluation of the free creation session can be said to be extremely fair.

　　After Zhou Panbai gave up and Qin Jin took the responsibility of deliberately letting Li Xiangfu paint to hit the judges, everyone stopped making further associations between the two and looked at Li Xiangfu’s work from an objective perspective. They found that he was indeed very accomplished and could not help but feel fortunate that they were not assigned to the same group with him.

　　So many things happened in just one day. When Li Xiangfu returned to his room at night, he thought he would be very tired, but unexpectedly he felt exceptionally energetic.

　　Today is the Begging Festival in the ancient village. Lanterns are hung outside every house, and the streets and alleys are filled with people, making it extremely lively.

　　Li Xiangfu did not go to join in the fun. He guessed that Qin Jin would not go either. After thinking it over again and again, he decided to talk about Qin Jiayu’s matter in person. There was no need and no point in testing each other.

　　The people who were traveling with him lived in a relatively concentrated area, and the homestay Qin Jin was staying at was not far from here. Li Xiangfu was about to knock on the door, but found that it was ajar.

　　The owner of the house had already taken his children to attend the Begging Festival, and there was only one room in the yard with lights on.

　　Not finding the switch, Li Xiangfu groped his way up the stairs in the dark. When he reached the door, he raised and put his arm down several times, and hesitated for some reason. While he was hesitating, the door opened automatically from the inside.

　　Qin Jin seemed to have just finished taking a shower, with a towel draped over his shoulders and his hair still dripping with water.

　　He supported the door frame with one hand and asked calmly, “What’s the matter that’s worth you wandering outside so late at night?”

　　Li Xiangfu pursed his lips.

　　Qin Jin stared at him for a few seconds, then turned around, picked up the glass of water on the table and took a sip.

　　Li Xiangfu walked into the room and stood still for a while before speaking: “It’s about your brother.”

　　Qin Jin paused, took a step forward without warning, pulled him to his side, and kicked the door shut at the same time.

　　Li Xiangfu was stunned for a moment. This rage came too suddenly.

　　As the door was closed, there was a noisy sound of footsteps in the corridor, followed by banging on the door. It was obvious that the intruders were not friendly. It was very lively outside today, and there were also sounds of firecrackers. Even if you stood by the window and shouted for help, no one might hear you. Li Xiangfu frowned and stepped back: “Who is it?”

　　Qin Jin calmly called the police and after reporting the exact location, he said to him, “A robber. Fang Yuanjian or Zhou Panbai, it should be one of them.”

　　He paused and continued, “The robbers mostly rob people of their money, and Fang Yuanjian is a coward who is afraid of death.”

　　Li Xiangfu understood what he meant. Only Zhou Panbai, who was barefoot, was not afraid of those who wore shoes. A person who was confused would often launch physical attacks without considering the consequences when he acted stupidly.

　　The door itself was not very strong, and when it was about to be kicked open, Qin Jin picked up a chair and smashed it forward.

　　The first person who broke in was hit on the nose and screamed. Immediately, several people with sticks rushed up from behind. Zhou Panbai appeared last. Li Xiangfu was speechless: “Actually, you don’t have to show up.”

　　”What’s the difference?” Zhou Panbai sneered: “If anything happens to you, I will definitely be the first suspect.”

　　Li Xiangfu deeply understood Qin Jin’s previous words that the destructive power of stupid people sometimes far exceeds that of normal people.

　　”One more step forward will lead to jail,” he warned.

　　Zhou Panbai was already overwhelmed by anger and shouted, “Anyway, my life has been ruined by you!”

　　Li Xiangfu was stunned: “Me?”

　　”Don’t think I can’t sense your relationship. We’re both bitches, so why should you be the only one to be a virtuous woman?”

　　“…”

　　Qin Jin was the one who exposed the truth, but all the hatred was directed at him. Li Xiangfu saw Qin Jin turned his head away and laughed unkindly, and couldn’t help but say, “We are now on the same boat.”

　　Surrounded by hired thugs, Qin Jin glanced around with amusement: “Don’t fall into Zhou Panbai’s hands, otherwise your fate will be much worse than mine.”

　　”…” Seeing that Zhou Panbai wanted to eat him alive, Li Xiangfu had nothing to refute.

　　He was still talking with a smile on his face the previous second, and the next moment Qin Jin suddenly launched a sneak attack. The nearby thug was holding a stick, but his steps were weak and he was kicked away on the spot by this sudden kick.

　　Qin Jin threw the towel on his shoulder aside and gently hooked his fingers.

　　Being provoked to this point, Zhou Panbai shouted angrily on the spot: “Hurry up! Do you know how much he is worth? The ransom from kidnapping him is enough for you to live on for the rest of your lives!”

　　After saying that, he stared at Qin Jin fiercely and said, “Just because you have some stinky money, don’t think you’ll be fine. You can just wait until your bones are crushed bit by bit.”

　　Not long after, he stared at Li Xiangfu with the same eyes as if he was the enemy who killed his father, and said ferociously: “Seeing naked people can cause fainting, spitting blood, or even loss of consciousness. The nurse said that your mental disorder is very serious…”

　　Li Xiangfu didn’t understand why the other party suddenly brought up this matter.

　　Zhou Panbai grinned and said, “I will lock you up in a room, hire people to take off their clothes in front of you every day, and make you live a life worse than death for the rest of your life!”

　　The crazy laughter was so harsh that Li Xiangfu did not feel scared but was stunned instead.

　　Taking a deep breath, he looked at Qin Jin and said, “So if I fail to escape and get caught, I will just have to watch people take off their clothes every day, and you will have your bones broken inch by inch?”

　　Qin Jin narrowed his eyes, and the curve of his mouth gradually flattened. For the first time since they met, he uttered a curse word: “Fuck.”