Tang Rugeâs heart was filled with unwillingness. She was a socialite from the capital and had grown up being praised by everyone. She was proficient in the four arts since she was six years old and had always been first place since she was young. She was gentle, elegant, and handled matters appropriately. Everyone thought that she was perfect, but why did everything not go smoothly for her after she met Qiao Xi? Why was she suppressed by Qiao Xi until she could not raise her head?
âQiao Xi, youâve ruined everything for me! Iâm supposed to be the most dazzling person here. Itâs because of you, youââ
Smack!
Qiao Xi raised her hand and slapped Tang Ruge, interrupting her. She stared at her coldly. âYouâre very noisy!â
âAh! You⦠You hit me?â
âTang Ruge, I warned you a long time ago that my patience has a limit. I can tolerate you once or twice, but donât go too far.â Qiao Xiâs slender fingers stroked the painting as she said coldly, âYou stole my painting, yet youâre blaming me for destroying everything you have. Please think clearly who the victim is!â
Tang Ruge held her burning cheek and was truly unable to take it anymore. She raised her hand with the intention of slapping Qiao Xi, but Qiao Xi suddenly grabbed her wrist.
Qiao Xi swung her hand fiercely. Tang Ruge was wearing high heels, so she lost her balance and fell to the floor. She gritted her teeth in hatred. âQiao Xi! I wonât let you off! Just you wait!â
Tang Ruge struggled to get up from the floor and ran away in a sorry state.
Qiao Xi grunted coldly. She wanted to see what other tricks Tang Ruge had up her sleeve!
âLittle Six, watch out for your weak image!â Qin Anâs voice sounded. He appeared at the door with a smile. âDidnât I give you the poison? Just poison her. Letâs see how sheâll quarrel with you then.â
Qiao Xi shook her head. She would not use poison unless she had no other choice.
âI passed by Qi Zhongâs lounge just now and heard something interesting. I recorded it so you could listen too.â Qin An handed her a recording pen.
Qiao Xi understood the situation after listening to a few words. She was not surprised in the slightest. âI guessed it a long time ago. Generally speaking, itâs very difficult to change an artistâs style after establishing it, but Qi Zhongâs style changes every few years. An oil painting master is relying on the works of others to establish himself in the oil painting world. How laughable!â
Taking in an apprentice was just a cover. Qi Zhongâs real goal was to find someone whose paintings he could pass off as his own.
After Qin An left, Qiao Xiâs phone suddenly rang. When the call connected, a gentle voice came from the other end. âHello, is this Miss Hanyin?â
Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment before replying, âYes.â
The other partyâs voice was a little excited. âMiss Hanyin, Iâm a staff member of the international oil exhibition. The art exhibition will be held in Li City this time. We found out that youâre living in Li City now. I wonder if youâre willing to attend the oil exhibition this time.â
Qiao Xi refused. âIâm sorry, I donât want to go.â
The other party instantly choked, then they said gently, âMany artists will be attending this art exhibition. Mr. Qi Zhong will be attending, as well as⦠Mr. Han Ye.â
Han Ye?
Qiao Xi was slightly stunned. âAre you sure Han Ye will go?â
Han Ye was already so old, yet he still wanted to come to Li City for the exhibition. It would not be easy for him. If she did not go, wouldnât she miss the opportunity to meet her idol? She did not know when the next time would be. After all, he was already at this age. She did not know how long he could live.
After Li Xingâerâs birthday party ended, Qiao Xi hurriedly returned to Longwan Residential and told Gu Zheng the good news with an excited expression.
At this moment, Gu Zheng was reviewing documents in the study. When he heard her words, he only smiled slightly. Then, he regained his composure and nodded. âYes.â
Qiao Xi said excitedly, âSenior, you havenât seen Han Ye in a long time, right? You must help me take a photo this time. When Grandpa comes back, Iâll show it to him. Heâll definitely be very envious of me!â
Gu Zheng slowly looked up, his eyes filled with smiles. âAlright.â
âIf your grandfather finds out that youâre married to Han Ye, heâll definitely be even happier.â
âBut heâs coming to Li City for the exhibition despite his old age. I wonder if his body can take it.â Qiao Xi frowned. âI heard that Han Ye hasnât come out of seclusion for so many years because his health isnât too good. He came all the way to Li City this time. What if his body is exhausted?!â
âCough, coughâ¦â Gu Zheng was drinking tea when he suddenly choked. His face turned slightly red as he looked away. âNo, Han Ye is in good health. Rumors canât be trusted.â