Transmigrating as the Villain Father, Forcing the Protagonist’s Mother to Have Children

Chapter 34: The Artistic Dilemma! The Protagonist’s Stepmother Seeks a Companion

At Magic Capital University—

Inside the activity center office.

Ms. Zhang, the teacher overseeing the art exhibition, called Xu Shiqing and Xu Huayi back into her office. She handed over an honor medal to the sisters.

“Shiqing, your painting won first place in the national competition. Congratulations…”

Xu Shiqing took the medal in a daze.

The sisters had seen the painting before and had been amazed by its brilliance. While they had mentally prepared for the possibility of winning an award, holding the champion’s medal in their hands still left them stunned.

They were especially shocked by Xu Hao’s skill.

To put things into perspective—

When the sisters worked on the Sunset Glow painting, it had taken them over ten days to complete.

Yet Xu Hao had only stood in front of the canvas for a short while, made a few adjustments to the original painting, and casually clinched the national first prize.

What would happen if Xu Hao put real effort into a painting?

Noticing the surprise on their faces, Ms. Zhang chuckled.

“There’s no need to be so shocked. Honestly, Shiqing, I wasn’t surprised at all that your painting took first place.

“Your work captured a unique mood and essence—it’s clear you put a lot of effort into it.”

The sisters snapped out of their thoughts. Xu Shiqing looked a bit embarrassed, while Xu Huayi suppressed a laugh.

“Now, aside from presenting this medal to you, there’s another important matter…”

Ms. Zhang continued, “In three months, there will be an international art exhibition. This isn’t just a national competition; participants will come from all over the world.

“Shiqing, I have high hopes for your artistic foundation. You may not win first place, but earning a spot is certainly achievable.

“Winning an international award will be incredibly beneficial for studying abroad, applying for graduate school, or securing a job. I hope you’ll consider participating.”

Xu Shiqing froze, her mouth opening as if to speak, but she stopped herself.

If the painting had been her own work, she would have eagerly agreed to participate in the international competition.

But… it wasn’t her painting, and she didn’t have the skill to replicate it.

“Alright, take your time to think it over. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” Ms. Zhang said, interpreting their hesitation as mere nerves and giving them space to decide.

The sisters left the office feeling lost.

“Congratulations, sis, on winning first place in the national art competition!” Xu Huayi teased with a grin.

“I’m so stressed, and you’re making fun of me!” Xu Shiqing shot her sister a frustrated look, her brow furrowing with worry.

“What’s there to stress about? It’s just an international competition. Just enter and win first place internationally—it’ll be a huge deal.”

“Easier said than done. I’d need the skills to back that up!”

“Well, you can always go to Xu Hao. With his level of skill, a couple of pointers from him should be more than enough…” Xu Huayi said with a sly grin, looking every bit like a scheming advisor.

The mention of Xu Hao brought his image to Xu Shiqing’s mind.

After some thought, she said, “No matter what, he helped me. Let’s go home together today to visit him…”

“If you want to go home, go by yourself. Why drag me along?” Xu Huayi protested immediately.

Her mischievous eyes sparkled as she teased, “Sis, don’t tell me his painting moved you so much that you can’t wait to go home and start calling him Dad…”

“You little brat, what nonsense are you spouting?” snapped Xu Shiqing, her cheeks turning red.

The sisters started playfully squabbling again.

Nearby, a male student passing by was captivated by the sight of the two campus beauties laughing and joking.

The result? Bang! He walked straight into a metal railing in front of him.

Evening—

The sisters returned to Xu Hao’s villa.

During dinner, the family gathered at the table. Xu Shiqing opened her mouth several times, but each time, she swallowed her words.

Since childhood, Xu Hao had never shown them care or concern. They, in turn, had never initiated a conversation with him.

Now, as they faced the prospect of speaking to him first, they didn’t know where to begin.

Xu Hao observed their expressions, amused but silent.

Let the situation simmer a little longer, he thought.

After dinner, Xu Hao wiped his mouth and finally addressed the sisters.

“Work at the company has slowed down, so I have free time. Tomorrow, I’ll take you two to the amusement park.”

He figured amusement parks were perfect for daughters. Building a better relationship with them had to start somewhere.

Xu Shiqing and Xu Huayi stared at him in surprise.

Was Xu Hao really planning to take them out? Could he have genuinely changed? Was this his way of making amends?

The sisters found themselves starting to believe him.

But… was it really appropriate for them to go to an amusement park?

They weren’t kids anymore.

Unlike those carefree and sometimes silly university students, they had matured early after realizing their father didn’t love or care for them.

They initially wanted to refuse, but considering Xu Hao had recently helped them, they couldn’t bring themselves to say no.

Later that night—

In the bedroom—

Su Wanqiu appeared in a bunny outfit, blending cuteness with seduction in a way that was utterly irresistible.

Recalling last night’s events, she felt a shiver of trepidation.

“Xu… Xu Hao… Hao-ge…” she stammered.

“I admit it, you’re incredible. I give up. Can you… ease up a little?”

“This every day… I’m struggling to keep up.”

Her words, a plea for mercy, were laced with shame.

Shame or not, what hadn’t Xu Hao already seen of her at this point?

“Absolutely not,” Xu Hao replied with a grin. “With a wife as beautiful as mine, how can I simply admire without indulging?”

On the verge of tears, Su Wanqiu bit her lip and suggested, “You could… find someone else. I wouldn’t get jealous…”

“No way,” Xu Hao declared with unwavering sincerity. “None of those women out there can compare to you. You’re the only one I want.”

“Then how about I help you find someone?” Su Wanqiu said hesitantly, her heart sinking at her own suggestion.

Her mind wandered to the wealthy ladies and socialites at her beauty salon.

Many of them admired Xu Hao.

Still, finding someone as beautiful as her—or even remotely comparable—would be no easy task.