Chapter 162

Han Wei felt that although Shi Tingyu had only helped with some minor adjustments, she had assisted him quite a bit in the earlier stages. Moreover, the final product, after her adjustments, was much better than his previous work.

If he were to claim this as his own creation, he would feel uneasy.

Shi Tingyu was a bit surprised. Seeing the serious expression on the young man’s face, she smiled and nodded.

“Just mention me as your guiding teacher, no need to put my name on the work.”

Han Wei wanted to say more, but Shi Tingyu stopped him.

“This isn’t my creation. I only guided and made corrections. Mentioning me as your guiding teacher is already enough.”

Only then did Han Wei relent.

That day, he rode his bike to the city and submitted his work.

The results of the competition were to be announced on March 15th.

Since it was only the beginning of March, they had to wait for over a week.

During this time, Shi Tingyu made a clay model of a skull and a facial muscle sculpture.

Creating the facial muscles wasn’t actually difficult. Using the existing skull model as a base, she applied muscle pieces one by one and used a fine bamboo stick to create the muscle textures.

Shi Tingyu had drawn thousands of skeletal and muscle structures since childhood and was thoroughly familiar with the direction of each muscle.

Whenever Lu Weiguo saw this, he found it incredible.

Do art students really need to know all this?

He often wondered how his delicate-looking wife felt when she first studied these skeletal and muscular structures. She must have been quite scared.

Perhaps he was too absorbed in his thoughts, because Shi Tingyu noticed him staring silently at the skull model and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Since she asked, Lu Weiguo replied, “Were you scared the first time you studied these skeletal and muscular structures?”

Shi Tingyu was taken aback by his question and, after thinking about her first encounter with a skull in art class, said, “It didn’t really affect me. We started with plaster skulls, not real ones. By the time we saw real skulls in college, we were already accustomed to it.”

Only at this moment did Lu Weiguo realize how challenging it was to study art.

He usually saw his wife creating effortlessly.

But to draw people well, you need to understand their bones and muscles. Otherwise, how could you draw them accurately?

Nothing is easy if you want to do it well.

Seeing his thoughtful expression, Shi Tingyu smiled and said, “I thought you’d find my skull models scary.”

For someone timid, it might indeed be a bit daunting.

Lu Weiguo was surprised. “Why would you think that?”

There are much scarier and bloodier scenes on the battlefield. How could he find this terrifying?

…

After school, Shi Tingyu said to Han Wei, “I’ve finished the skull and muscle models. Come with me to get them later.”

Han Wei excitedly agreed and followed Shi Tingyu home.

When he saw the lifelike skull and muscle models, he was thrilled.

Shi Tingyu found a cloth to cover them before letting him leave.

At that time, everyone was busy cooking, and children were playing outside. If anyone accidentally saw the models, it could give them a fright.

Fortunately, Han Wei’s home was just two rows behind Shi Tingyu’s, so he arrived quickly.

When Han Wei’s mother saw him come home with something covered in a cloth, she couldn’t help but ask, “What are you holding?”

Han Wei, afraid of scaring his mother, quickly said, “Nothing, just some clay models for drawing.”

His mother nodded and then asked about the clay sculpture competition, “How did the competition go? It’s been so long without any news. Did you not get selected?”

Han Wei replied helplessly, “Mom, I’ve already told you. The results will be announced on March 15th.”

His mother sheepishly responded, “I just thought it’s been so long and figured it was time.”

Worried she might have put pressure on Han Wei, she turned and went back to the kitchen to continue her work.

Han Wei carefully placed the clay models on his desk and began studying them.

Soon, Captain Han returned home.

He helped his wife in the kitchen with the dishes.

His wife washed her hands and went to Han Wei’s room to call him for dinner.

She opened the door and saw Han Wei holding a human skull, studying it.

“Ah—” She screamed in shock, nearly collapsing. Fortunately, years of housework had given her strong arms, and she managed to steady herself by grabbing the door frame.

Han Wei quickly turned and saw his mother’s terrified expression.

Realizing she must have been scared by the clay models, he tried to calm her.

Captain Han rushed over upon hearing the commotion and was startled to see his wife leaning weakly against the door frame. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

Han Wei, feeling embarrassed, quickly went to support his mother.

“Mom, don’t be scared. It’s just clay, it’s fake.”

Captain Han was puzzled, “What do you mean it’s clay? What’s fake?”

Seeing that Captain Han was supporting his mother, Han Wei went over to the table and brought back the two clay models, one in each hand.

It was only then that Captain Han got a clear look at what Han Wei was holding and nearly smacked him on the head.

“You little rascal, why are you making a skull out of clay? Look at how you’ve scared your mother!”

At this point, Han’s wife also saw the objects in his hands clearly. “Is this what you brought home this afternoon?”

“Yes,” Han Wei said, carefully placing the models back on the table. “Teacher Shi made these for me to use as a foundation for drawing portraits.”

Captain Han and his wife didn’t understand the intricacies of art, but knowing these were tools for their son, they didn’t say anything further.

Captain Han helped his wife out of the room and said to Han Wei, “Alright, come out and eat first. When you’re done studying those skulls, make sure to cover them up with a cloth.”

Han Wei obediently did as he was told.

The next day, after both Captain Han and Han Wei had gone to work, Han’s wife started cleaning the house.

When she reached Han Wei’s room, she hesitated for a moment before gathering her courage and entering.

She began tidying up his desk and, unable to resist her curiosity, cautiously lifted the cloth covering the clay models after a bit of mental preparation.

In broad daylight, they weren’t as frightening as they had been the previous night. Still, she had to admit they were quite eerie.

Although she had never seen a real skull, she couldn’t deny the realism of the clay models.

Her respect for Shi Tingyu grew even more.

Having overcome her initial fear, Han’s wife was no longer as scared.

After finishing the cleaning, she thought about how much Xiao Lu’s wife had helped her son. She felt she should express her gratitude somehow. Maybe next time, she would have Han Wei bring something over as a token of thanks.

After all, seeking help shouldn’t be taken for granted.

So, that evening, Han Wei brought over a bowl of braised pork to Shi Tingyu’s house.

“Uncle Lu, Teacher Shi, my mom asked me to bring this over to add to your meal.”

Being a somewhat introverted person, Han Wei felt a bit awkward delivering the gift. As soon as he placed the bowl down, he quickly left.

Shi Tingyu barely had time to extend her hand to stop him.

“That kid, I didn’t even get a chance to give him the plate back.”

Lu Weiguo, watching his wife, couldn’t help but smile. Despite being quite young herself, she referred to Han Wei as “kid” so naturally.