Between The Pages {Liu Yuxin x Reader}

Y/N

"Now, you must all remember that each stroke of the brush represents a story of its own. It is art. Every character you write is a representation of who you are. That is why diligence is most important."

I just nodded along, cheek resting on my palm as I kept my eyes on the parchment in front of me. The truth is that I wasn't really paying attention to what Zhen Laoshi was saying. He is like the teacher here for calligraphy. He has been going on for hours about the story behind each Chinese character. It took me roughly fifteen minutes before I lost interest.

Frankly, I don't even know what I'm doing here. I was just minding my own business and was headed to the kitchen to help out or maybe annoy Anqi to death when I was dragged by Xueer and the Princess. Then BAMM! Just like that, I was stuck here. In a calligraphy lesson and bored out of my mind. I'm actually starting to question Xueer's definition of 'fun'. I couldn't even say no because she and the Princess ganged up on me.

Sigh. Just imagine once they end up together. I get a mean feeling it wouldn't end well for me.

And that everyone, was the story of how I became the official third wheel of the day. Zhen Laoshi was still pacing back and forth in front of the room. Talking continuously as he sometimes, stroked his long black beard that in my opinion, just aged him terribly. I think he's just about in his mid-forties, but that beard made him like, ten years older. He was wearing an all-blue uniform that had white swirl designs and a matching top hat with it.

For a moment, the situation reminded me of how it was back in my world Most of my hours are wilted away by med school and hours-long lectures and even more work after. The only difference I can see is the topics being taught. In this world, I am learning the art of calligraphy instead of chemistry or biology. I genuinely thought that it would be easier, but the way Zhen Laoshi spoke about the whole thing had me second-guessing myself.

"Now, I want you to try and write the character here on the board."

I finally looked up from my parchment and towards the board. In the center was a big drawing of a Chinese character. My eyes squinted as I tried to remember where I had seen it before. 福. I tilted my head and my mouth gaped. Mom used to make me draw that character when I was younger. She'd make me draw it on small red squares and then we would hang them upside down all around the house for Chinese New Year. She said that it symbolizes good luck and fortune.

Damn it, now I'm feeling homesick.

I let out a small sigh before grabbing the ink pot and lightly dipped the brush in it. It didn't really take me long considering that I seem to have mastered the skill of drawing it after years and years. I glanced at the side and at the Princess who was sitting in front of the desk next to me.

Even when writing, her back remained straight and poised. Well, what do you expect from a princess? Her eyes were focused as her hand gracefully moved the brush across the parchment. Xueer, who was on her other side, was the same. I guess I'm just not taking this as seriously as they are.

I turned away bored. It didn't look like they would be done soon. And so, I decided to take it upon myself to remain entertained. I put my finished character aside and picked up my brush again. I rested my head on my hand as I began to mindlessly doodle across another paper. Some stick figures here and there, and the classic sun peeking between two mountains, and even some flying birds that are actually just spread out 'm's. I was in the middle of drawing a dog when I heard faint giggles.

My hand paused from drawing as I looked over to my side. The sounds were coming from the Princess. She seems to have already finished her character as well and she sat more relaxed. her chin resting on her palm as she looked over. My eyes narrowed. Is she making fun of my drawing? With a huff, I shifted slightly so I was turned away from her and moved my parchment away from her sight.

"That is a nice-looking horse, Aihan." I heard her say quietly just as I was about to start doodling again.

I turned to her, brows meeting as I gave her an offended look. "It's a dog, Your Highness." I corrected and pursed my lips.

"Oh." her brows slightly rose in surprise before she, to my annoyance, let out another round of giggles that she tried to cover up with her hand. I felt my ears burning as I huffed and tried to cover up my doodles.

"Is there something amusing, Your Highness?" Zhen Laoshi cleared his throat as he looked at us in question.

That finally made the Princess stop giggling as she shook her head. "No, none at all." She answered and even glanced at me again, making me glare back.

"Very well..." Zhen Laoshi gave us a suspicious look before finally turning away and back to the spread-out scrolls on his table.

I glanced back at the Princess to see that she still looked amused. The corners of her lips were curled into a wide smile and the hand over them was enough for me to know that she was trying hard not to burst into giggles again. I gave her an unamused look before turning back to my table and to the doodles. It wasn't even that bad...

"Umm... what happened?" Xueer asked, making me turn to see her looking at us in confusion. Her brows rose as she looked at us in expectation.

"It was nothing." The princess was the one who answered. She shook her head before turning to the front, making us just do the same.

"It is important to remember why we pay great respect to this art form." Zhen Laoshi was speaking again. h stood up from his seat and walked closer to us. "Our ancestors believed that our very world sprouted from a single drop of ink from the sky. It landed on the once barren land, and from it sprouted the very first tree..." He trailed off and looked at us, probably expecting one of us to finish it.

"The fusang," Xueer spoke up with a wide smile. "The tree of life and known for its bright blue blossoms."

A satisfied smile spread across Zhen Laoshi's face. "That is right, Lady Xueer." He nodded and walked towards the part of the board where a small painting was hung. "From one of its blossoms came the first human and from there, our land continued to prosper and develop into what we know today."

That story made sense. I mean 'from a single drop of ink from the sky' could pertain to the moment the author of the book started to write it. It's actually baffling to think about how all this exists just because someone wrote a book. Or what if the author wasn't even a human at all?

"Now, if you are all finished with the character, we shall call it a day." Zhen Laoshi said and when the three of us nodded, he came over and collected our work.

I let out a big sigh as I cleared out my desk. As I was stacking up the unused pieces of parchment, I saw my drawing again. A huff left my mouth as I picked it up and examined it. It looks nothing like a horse. It's a dog for Pete's sake. I mean, I even drew it with its tongue sticking out. Whatever. I rolled my eyes and was just about to crumble it up when I heard someone clear their throat.

My lips curled into a frown as I saw that it was the Princess again. "Yes, Your Highness?" I asked out, managing to pull off a tight smile.

She did not answer and just lent a hand out, making me eye it in pure confusion. What does she want now? She must have noticed my lack of idea as she soon nodded to the parchment I was holding. My eyes narrowed. What would she want with my drawing that was definitely not a horse? I pursed my lips and slightly shook my head in defiance.

"Aihan." She finally spoke up and gestured for me to hand it to her. When a few seconds passed and I didn't move, one of her brows rose. "Aihan." She repeated, now in a warning.

My cheeks puffed as I halfheartedly handed the drawing over. I rolled my eyes as a grin broke into her face. Her eyes scanned the parchment for a few seconds before a small snicker fell out of her lips. My eyes narrowed. She's probably looking at the dog again.

At least now that this is over, I am free to go and do whatever I like. Most importantly, I didn't have to third wheel anymore. the thought was enough to get my mood back up. Maybe I could sneak some sweets from the kitchen again.

"Aihan!" Xuer squealed out and grabbed my arm as soon as I stood up."I have a fun idea!" She added and just like that, my mood crashed as soon as it went up.

"Oh, boy..." I groaned out in exasperation as I was once again being dragged out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~

~yule☔🌧💗