I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2334 - 1483: So Many Years You’ve Been Late

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Previously on I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping...
At a grand forum, Jiang Chen's prestigious seating arrangement draws attention. Princess Cao, seated nearby, is engrossed in note-taking. Jiang Chen, noticing her focus, discreetly tears off a piece of paper and sketches a profile of her, presenting it to her as a distraction from the proceedings.

Without entering into a disagreement with the other party, he was unable to compel the acceptance of the gift. Jiang Chen, in silence, retrieved the sketch and once more lowered his head.

The reality of the situation confirmed this.

The individual seated beside you significantly influences your capacity for concentration and learning.

Aware that the person nearby was sketching her likeness, Cao Jinse’s attention was inevitably disrupted. Her mind recognized the necessity of focusing on the lecture, yet her will refused to comply.

Following an internal conflict, instinct ultimately triumphed over reason.

Princess Cao turned her head once more.

If an ordinary individual were in this position, what course of action would they take?

The most probable decision would involve setting the drawing aside, either planning to present it after class or preserving it as a keepsake.

This represents a conventional response.

However, given Jiang Chen's exceptional abilities as a supreme genius, his actions would scarcely conform to ordinary behavior.

What did he do subsequent to his sketch being declined?

"Rip."

A sound that had become familiar.

Precisely.

He tore apart the sketch, which was, admittedly, a skillful creation. Not content with merely ripping it in half, he deliberately and subtly shredded it into fragments, which he then carefully placed into his suit pocket, rather than discarding them carelessly.

Likely an action taken to prevent later discovery by cleaning staff.

Cao Jinse observed the entire process, her respiration becoming more rapid.

As one of the few youthful figures present, she was undeniably a genius in her own right. However, as a female genius, her primary disposition was still that of a woman.

Women are beings governed by emotion; the degree of this influence merely varies.

To refuse acceptance was one matter, but to have the work destroyed so callously was entirely another.

She might not have accepted the flowers, but they certainly shouldn't have been treated as refuse.

It was apparent that Princess Cao’s gaze underwent a subtle shift; a flicker of anger was present, though she restrained herself from reacting given the circumstances.

At this precise moment, a peculiar lack of perception seemed to affect someone; he remained oblivious to his deskmate’s emotional state and, after destroying the sketch, calmly resumed his writing and drawing.

Indeed.

He was not neglecting the ongoing lecture.

Just as he had stated earlier.

Deeply engrossed in the tripartite negotiations, he genuinely had no need for supplemental instruction at this venue.

Cao Jinse ceased her restraint, fixing her gaze directly upon him. She witnessed him wielding his pen with astonishing speed, creating another drawing with rapid strokes.

This latest artwork surpassed the previous one, which had been torn apart; it not only featured figures but also depicted a setting.

And the element of wind.

Precisely.

Wind.

The female figure in the drawing still presented her profile, seated, with her hair tied back in a ponytail, appearing youthful. Outside the window, dark and light clouds were visible, and an unseen wind gently lifted the strands of hair framing her forehead.

The ostensibly "glaring" Cao Jinse found her attention involuntarily drawn away, her eyes drifting.

On this occasion, the artist exhibited even greater caution, meticulously reviewing the completed artwork to ensure its perfection. Subsequently, he picked up his pen once more and inscribed his signature in the lower right corner of the paper.

[Presented to Student Cao Jinse]

It was no mystery why he was an honor student from a distinguished institution.

The calligraphy was sharp and defined, possessing a graceful vigor that was aesthetically pleasing.

The objective was achieved.

He set down his pen, radiating confidence, fully embodying the spirit of overcoming challenges. Turning, he extended the second sketch toward her once more.

"Here."

Couldn't he vary his dialogue slightly?

Utterly brazen.

Despite the identical phrasing, his second offering elicited a different response this time.

"How did you know..."

While the elements within this drawing were plentiful, a subtle detail lay concealed within: the young woman depicted was wearing a middle school uniform. Even as a simple pencil sketch, those with knowledge could discern it as attire from a Kyoto middle school.

This is what one might term skill.

This is what is referred to as mastery.

"Teacher Cao showed me some of your past photographs."

That explained it.

It was clear this individual had not been present during her formative years; how else could he have known her youthful appearance?

"Should it be accurate to about thirty percent?"

An instance of feigned modesty.

Cao Jinse offered no immediate reply, her refined and delicate countenance revealing nothing as she inquired, "Is this intended for me?"

Women's dispositions can shift more rapidly than turning the pages of a book.

"Yes."

Jiang Chen, unfazed, nodded. "It is indicated there: presented to Student Cao Jinse."

Such blatant showing off.

It wasn't as though she was illiterate or possessed poor eyesight.

"Are we considered classmates?"

Even as she posed the question, Cao Jinse reached out and accepted the drawing, which was brimming with evocative imagery.

The ages depicted in both sketches differ, yet the artistic perspective remains consistent.

"We are currently deskmates, are we not?" someone responded.

Cao Jinse's lips curved slightly before she quickly suppressed the expression, lowering her head to examine the casually drawn sketch.

"Quite a number of talents, wouldn't you agree?"

Very well.

Her attention was entirely diverted.

She was no longer observing the lecture in any capacity.

"Individuals like us, unable to procure fresh blossoms, are compelled to devise unconventional methods."

Indeed, it was that straightforward.

"How many girls have you painted for?" She wasn't trying to quarrel, but this question compelled her attention.

Someone began counting on their fingers.

"Pretend I never asked that."

It was difficult to muster any emotion, leaving only a sense of helplessness.

"When you were in school, you probably never received things like this, did you?"

Jiang Chen retorted, "So, am I the first?"

Cao Jinse responded with a sharp, cold laugh, "No. I can't even recall how many I've received."

"I don't believe you."

Naturally, someone countered, "I asked Teacher Cao and Yang Ting. They both said no one pursued you when you were in school."

Before the other party could respond, he continued, "I believe they are mistaken."

Cao Jinse's expression softened slightly, just as she was about to speak, but she soon heard, "No one is pursuing you now either."

Evidently, Princess Cao's expression vanished instantly, her complexion beginning to pale.

"Song Chaoge doesn't count. He definitely hasn't given you any substantial gifts. Pursuing a girl with mere words isn't true pursuit; that's opportunism."

Both reasonable and rational.

Brilliant!

Even if Young Master Song were present, with his eloquence, he likely couldn't find a flaw to refute in a short time.

"So, should you be thanking me for giving you the experiences your youth deserved?"

Cao Jinse slowly exhaled, "Just with one painting? If you truly had the ability to turn back time, then I would genuinely thank you."

That was a request one could never fulfill.

Some experiences are destined to be unique in a lifetime.

No matter how great the power, it couldn't purchase a return ticket.

Jiang Chen turned his head slightly, gazing forward.

Though not truly listening, he maintained the pretense of attentiveness.

"Do you genuinely wish to go back to the past? But at that time, your deskmate wouldn't be me."

Cao Jinse was stunned, momentarily wanting to curse him out!

"Can't you be any more shameless?"

She couldn't help but admonish him with a smile.

"I'm merely stating facts."

"Facts? You think you're so excellent? My deskmates back then were all cheerful, outstanding, handsome guys."

"Would they paint for you?"

"..."

Cao Jinse was speechless for a moment, then said, "You think everyone is as dull as you are!"

It wasn't quite dullness.

It should be said that teenagers wouldn't possess the audacity that Boss Jiang displayed now.

"Give it back."

Someone focused on the lectern, speaking without looking sideways.

"What?"

"The painting."

"You gave it to me; it's mine now. Why should I return it?"

It was a logical question.

"There's something I forgot to paint on it."

Cao Jinse frowned, her eyes revealing skepticism.

"Why would I lie to you?"

Jiang Chen reached his hand out, "Give it to me, I'll finish it and return it to you."

Cao Jinse was doubtful but ultimately chose to place the paper into his hand, saying, "If you're lying, you're finished."

Jiang Chen withdrew his hand, picked up the pen, and turned the painting over.

Indeed, it wasn't completed.

It was missing a name.

He inscribed the title of the artwork on the back.

[Deskmate]

Then, he handed it back.

He mused that perhaps a painting, a few written words, could transcend time and intrude upon someone's youth.

Cao Jinse pursed her lips, looking at the newly written title of the painting.

"Sounds awful."

"Then do you have a suggestion?"

"Jiang..."

Someone's expression immediately turned solemn, transitioning seamlessly, and they looked upright and meticulous towards the lectern, without a hint of guilt.

Such blatant slacking, how could it go unnoticed?

"Among our entrepreneurs, you should be considered among the youngest generation. We should listen more to the opinions of young people; tell everyone your thoughts."

Cao Jinse, having fortunately escaped the predicament, suppressed a laugh, her gaze lowered, her nose observing her thoughts.

Someone instantly shifted their demeanor, transforming from an inattentive student to a model student, facing the audience's attention, calm and unhurried.

As she heard the person beside her speaking eloquently, Princess Cao gradually lost interest. She lowered her head, seemingly taking notes, but was actually erasing the title someone had suggested, picking up her pen.

Since it was a painting given to her, naturally, she should bestow a name upon it.

Although 'Deskmate' wasn't bad, it felt a bit cliché.

Stroke by stroke, her handwriting was graceful, perhaps influenced by her mood, exuding the aura of a girl lost in time's embrace.

On the reverse side of the lined paper, a line of small characters appeared.

[You, Late by Many Years]