C2 Cloud of Cat's Claws

Everyone stared at Xia Yuli for a long time, not knowing what to say. This was the first time they had ever seen someone speak up to He Yao'an this way. In fact, this was the first time a total stranger addressing him without even asking their permission. The assistant standing behind the pair was about to step in and drive her away when He Yao'an held up his hand to stop him.

Instead of speaking to her first, he walked slowly behind her to glance at her canvas. It was beautiful. The sky was already half painted, showcasing the simplicity and depth of its blue shades. And the riverside was an eye-catcher. If there was anything he was sure about, it was that she was a talented artist.

The corners of his lips inched upwards. "You're painting the sky, aren't you?" His head tilted to the side. "How can you say that I've blocked it?"

Xia Yuli didn't expect him to come over or to even address her. A hint of nervousness rushed over her, but she quickly brushed it off. She stared up at the sky and saw two large clouds that looked similar to cat claws. She hummed as she sketched them over her canvas, wanting to capture this very moment.

"With you in front of me, I have no interest in drawing," she stated in reply, finally looking up at him.

"And why is that?"

"You're far too handsome for me to concentrate."

If everyone was surprised before, every single one of them would've dropped his jaw right then and there. For a woman to openly pursue him was unbelievable! At the sight of her bright eyes and playful smile, it was obvious that she didn't notice the weight of her decision.

He Yao'an didn't say a word in response. But just as he was about to up and leave her, Xia Yuli quickly wrote down her name and phone number in a piece of paper before handing it to him. She winked.

"Someday, when I get famous, this autograph would be worth tons of money," she said proudly. "If I've offended you in any way, you could easily sell this as compensation. See ya!"

Compensation? Was she kidding? Others would've apologized profusely. Others would've walked away. Yet this woman was rubbing salt on her own wounds. However, upon seeing the sincerity in her expression, he couldn't find it in himself to throw the paper away. Instead, he shoved it in his pockets.

However, he forgot about the paper right after that.

That night, while the maid was washing his clothes, she found a piece of paper trapped inside his pockets. Afraid that he'd still find this useful, she gingerly placed it on his office desk and pressed it under a cup.

After working overtime, He Yao'an spotted the note on his table. His thumb grazed over the hard sheet of paper, and his face softened. Although he usually paid no heed to anyone other than himself, there was something about that woman that had left a deep impression in him.

He threw that note away, before subconsciously changing his suit and walking to the riverside. This time, alone. He'd come here every day, this time. Although he wasn't that affected by her words, there was something about that meeting that drew him to the river every single time–like the fates were pulling him along for the ride.

After a few days, he saw her yet again. A small smile appeared in his emotionless features before he could help himself, and he could tell that she was also ecstatic in seeing him alone.

But just as he was about to approach her, Xia Yuli yelled out, "Hey, you haven't called ever since I gave you my number!" Her eyes narrowed.

He shrugged, not bothering to deny it. "I found you here, didn't I?"

"That, you did." Her smile widened, conceding to his words. The soft summer breeze brushed against her cheeks, causing stray strands of hair to fall down her face. They had continued to meet there after that, and it was also that very summer where Xia Yuli's name blew up for her famous art work–Cloud of Cat's Claws.

The painting was gorgeous, with its mix of blue and green hues. On the top of a green mountain, there were two kittens sitting side by side. One of them was holding up its left paw, while the other, its right. And in the sky was a reflection of their union–a cloud shaped like cat claws and a blurry heart in between.

It symbolized love and innocence, and everyone had adored it.

The mix of lines and colors was enough for everyone to be enamored. It looked like it was painted by a professional rather than a simple artist by the rock. And it was then on when people started to know more about Xia Yuli.

What they didn't know was that the sky represented her emotions–high and proud, the moment she and He Yao'an crossed paths. It was not only a symbol of love, but a symbol of new beginnings–a meaning she kept deep in her heart.