To Sway A Soul by Ireen Chau

A passionate painter's apprentice. An art thief without a soul. The bargain that brings them together. Half a Soul meets your favorite historical C-drama in this Chinese folktale-inspired romantasy novella. When Zhi Lan turned down the opportunity to become a nobleman’s concubine, she vowed to make her own fortune—not marry into it. She has principles, after all. But as a lowly farm girl, becoming a self-sustaining artist like her master Dan Li Chen is a lofty goal. Her meager fortune finally takes a turn when Master Dan’s recent masterpiece catches the attention of the city magistrate, who offers them both his esteemed patronage. But when the prized painting is stolen, the magistrate issues an impossible ultimatum: paint a replica in three short days or hang with the criminal who stole from him. Zhi Lan knows her only choice is to recover the masterpiece—even if it means joining forces with the uncommonly handsome thief who stole it. It has been six years since Shao Qing made a foolish bargain with a demon. The price? His soul. Since then, he has been traveling with a raucous band of art thieves, numb to everything but the thrill of their heists. But when an impassioned painter’s apprentice blackmails him into returning her master's painting, his long-dormant emotions begin to awaken. Compelled and unexpectedly intrigued, he accepts her bargain. Read more