Ah! The Villains I Forced to Turn Evil Can Read My Mind

Chapter 153

The picture sent by Weisheng Huailing was of a wall covered in photos.

Several of the photos matched the paintings.

Ying Chen widened his eyes in shock: "So, in that painting earlier, he had already decided on the victim's pose but hadn't chosen who the victim would be, which is why he left the face blank?"

Lou Tingsi furrowed his brow and muttered softly, "That's why he said it was divine guidance, because Qiao Chuchu appeared before him."

Weisheng Biehe's eyes filled with killing intent as he tightened his grip on his prayer beads. "Hmph, interesting."

Weisheng Lin frowned. "I always knew some people were disgusting, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. Seems like my perspective was too narrow."

Pei Yuan took Weisheng Wenzhan's phone and zoomed in on the photo.

In the center of the photo-covered wall was an empty spot.

It seemed to be waiting for its owner.

Pei Yuan: "..."

The rest of the Pei family members' expressions darkened as they looked to Pei Yuan for guidance. "Big brother?"

Pei Yuan stared at the empty spot on the photo, his expression calm. "Hand him the brush."

Everyone was stunned.

Pei Yuan locked the phone, hiding his murderous intent beneath a calm exterior. "We'll personally hand him the brush and let him finish the painting."

After a moment of thought, the group of handsome men, each with their own striking features, turned their gazes toward Meng Yashu in unison.

Meng Yashu felt the sharp gazes on him and turned around in confusion.

A row of tall, strikingly handsome men were staring intently at him.

Pei Yuan stood in the center, giving him a gentle smile.

Meng Yashu subtly furrowed his brow, feeling a creeping sense of unease, and nodded politely.

They nodded back in unison, their eyes scanning him up and down with a meaningful look before turning to leave.

Meng Yashu: "..."

Meanwhile, Qiao Chuchu, who was at the tea station, swallowed a piece of cake in one bite and looked around boredly.

A woman with a camera suddenly snapped a photo of her!

"Click!"

Qiao Chuchu was startled and tilted her head in confusion. "Are you taking my picture?"

The woman lowered her camera and extended her hand with a confident smile. In English, she said, "Sorry, I can't help but capture beautiful things. I'm Rayla, a photographer and Meng Yashu's wife."

Qiao Chuchu politely shook her hand. "Qiao Chu."

Rayla's eyes widened in delight. "So, you're the eighth sister of the Pei family? I've heard everyone call you Qiao Chuchu."

Qiao Chuchu was surprised that her reputation had reached F-country. She nodded and replied in English, "My full name is Qiao Chu. Chuchu is my nickname."

Rayla nodded in understanding, her admiration clear. "Has my husband met you?"

Qiao Chuchu nodded. "Yes, we've met."

"Then he must really like you!" Rayla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "You're stunning, like a perfect piece of art!"

Qiao Chuchu was flattered and a little happy. "This is the first time I've received such high praise. Many people say I'm just average-looking."

Rayla waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, they have no taste. You have such a vibrant spirit. That's why, out of all these people, you were the first one I noticed. I've also seen your paintings—they're full of imagination and vibrant colors, like a beautiful fantasy world."

Just as Qiao Chuchu was about to respond, Pei Yuan's voice came from the other side. "Chuchu."

Qiao Chuchu happily ran over to him. "Big brother!~"

Pei Yuan walked up to her and calmly informed her, "There's been a last-minute issue. We won't be able to leave until tonight."

Qiao Chuchu felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. She was utterly disappointed. "What? That late? I don't want to stay here any longer."

Pei Yuan sighed. "Your brothers have some business matters to attend to. We can't leave until after dark."

She pouted, clearly unhappy. "Then I'll just leave by myself."

"No," Pei Yuan's expression darkened. "I won't let you go alone. I've already told the driver, and he won't take you by yourself."

She frowned. "Then I'll take a taxi!"

Pei Yuan: "You don't speak French, haven't exchanged any money, and your phone is still on a Chinese SIM card. How are you going to take a taxi?"

Qiao Chuchu: "..."

[Damn it! I didn't think of that!]

Pei Yuan chuckled lightly and gently squeezed her hand, coaxing her in a soft voice. "Just stay with us until tonight, and I'll buy you a bag, okay?"

She was still upset. "I don't want a bag. I have so many bags I can't even use them all. I just want to leave now. This place makes me uncomfortable."

"Big brother knows you're uncomfortable," Pei Yuan said, leaning closer and speaking gently. "I'm not comfortable here either, but this is something we have to do."

Qiao Chuchu frowned and looked at the others. "So, none of you are leaving either?"

Weisheng Biehe twirled his prayer beads and said unhurriedly, "We're all attending the same business meeting."

Lou Tingsi nodded.

Ying Chen smiled without saying a word.

Qiao Chuchu sighed, her spirits drooping like a rabbit's ears. "Fine."

She said weakly, "I'll wait for you, then."

Pei Yuan relaxed and patted her head. "When we're done, I'll have the brand representatives come to the house so you can pick something out. Or you can browse now and let me know what you want. I'll buy it for you."

Qiao Chuchu sat down on the couch, still pouting. "I don't want anything. Just go do your thing."

[Even though I don't want to stay here, there's no other choice. I can't let anything interfere with their work.]

Pei Yuan smiled warmly. "Then we'll get going?"

She nodded.

Pei Youchuan smirked, teasing her. "Qiao Chuchu, aren't you going to say goodbye to your brothers?"

Qiao Chuchu rolled her eyes. "Third brother, I'm not a child anymore, am I?"

[Why do you always tease me like this?!]

Pei Youchuan raised an eyebrow, his tone playful and arrogant. "But we're still older than you~"

Qiao Chuchu: "..."

Qiao Chuchu forced a fake smile and waved. "Goodbye, brothers~~"

They smiled affectionately before finally turning to leave.

From a distance, Xia Xuechun watched Qiao Chuchu from her seat on the couch.

Her eyes were fixed on Qiao Chuchu and the departing men, as if she were staring at an obsession.

Suddenly, a woman's voice came from behind her. "Jealous?"

Xia Xuechun turned around in surprise.

Rayla stood behind the couch, smiling at her. In broken Mandarin, she asked, "I've noticed you've been watching that young lady for a while. Are you envious of all those handsome men surrounding her?"

Xia Xuechun was taken aback and laughed awkwardly. "Not at all. I was just observing."

Rayla leaned against the couch, giving her a meaningful smile. "Would you like to be a model for a painting? I think you'd be perfect for the role of that girl. Would you like to know more?"

Xia Xuechun: "? Me, a model?"

-

Gradually, the sky darkened.

The number of people at the art exhibition didn't decrease; in fact, it grew. It seemed less like an art show and more like a networking event.

Qiao Chuchu had fallen asleep on the couch.

Meng Yashu stood not far away, staring at her sleeping figure. His gaze traveled from her head to her feet, as if he wanted to etch Qiao Chuchu into his memory. With a pleased expression, he left the exhibition and returned to his studio.

He swung his keys and opened the old, creaky door to the basement.

At first glance, it looked like a cluttered storage room filled with junk.

But once inside, he pushed aside an old cabinet to reveal a brand-new, high-tech security door.

He unlocked it with his fingerprint and stepped inside, humming SHE's "Superstar" as he walked into the luxurious underground space.

"You're my electricity~ You're my light~ You're my only myth~ I only love you~ You're my superstar~"

Meng Yashu approached the fridge, still humming as he picked out some medications, as if selecting precious jewels. He muttered to himself, "There are too many people around her. I'll have to be careful. It'll take at least three days to make my move."

Pei Yuan: "Three days? The exhibition will be over by then. Who's going to come see your paintings?"

Meng Yashu froze, turning around in shock.

Pei ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yuan stood behind him, looking down at him with a cold gaze.

Not just him—Pei Che, Pei Youchuan, Pei Fengnong, Pei Mu, Pei Ci, and Pei Buxian were all there as well.

They stood in a row beside Pei Yuan, smiling eerily as they stared at him.

Meng Yashu: "?!"