Qiao Chuchu was finally dragged back by Weisheng Huailing, Pei Buxian, and Pei Ci.
She sat in the middle of a rectangular dining table, her face ashen, surrounded by people on both sides.
Being encircled by so many influential figures, she had lost her appetite and spoke weakly, "Why are all of you here?"
Weisheng Wenzhan, sitting comfortably across from her, adjusted his glasses and said, "Because you cried."
Qiao Chuchu was on the verge of tears again. "I’m not crying now, so you can all leave. There are too many of you, and I feel like I’m suffocating."
Weisheng Biehe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Miss Qiao doesn’t want to be with us?"
She nodded emphatically. "I have a fear of crowds, and you’re all too handso in one place. It’s overwhelming."
[Mainly because there are so many weirdos here, I’m trembling! Even my brother standing here makes nervous! None of them seem like good people!]
Lou Tingsi smirked, clearly amused. "I received an invitation to an art exhibition earlier. I was planning to go alone, but since we all happen to be free now, why don’t we go together?"
Qiao Chuchu imdiately sat up straight. "An art exhibition? That sounds great! It’s been a while since I’ve been to one!"
[It’s a big space, not crowded, and they can spread out. They won’t be stuck in the sa room with like this!]
[This is perfect, perfect!]
Weisheng Huailing frowned slightly, casting a reproachful glance at the others.
His eyes seed to say, "It’s because of all of you that Qiao Chuchu feels pressured."
Weisheng Lin, sneaking a glance, made a mocking hand gesture: "Don’t flatter yourself. You’re also on the list of people she’s avoiding."
Weisheng Huailing: "?"
Pei Yuan stood up. "Since Qiao Chuchu wants to go, let’s head out."
Qiao Chuchu bead. "Really? Can we?"
Pei Yuan nodded without hesitation. "Your happiness is what matters most."
She cheered, "Yay! Let’s go!"
And so, the group drove to the art exhibition.
Lou Tingsi explained, "This exhibition is being held at the estate of the artist ng Yashu. He built a special venue just for this event, so it’s not open to everyone. The attendees are all top figures in their respective fields, and ng Yashu himself will be there."
Qiao Chuchu nodded excitedly. "I’ve heard of ng Yashu, but I’ve never seen his work. Seeing him in person on my first visit is so exciting!"
Seeing her so happy, the others brightened, their lips curling into faint smiles.
Lou Tingsi chuckled warmly. "Well, as long as you’re happy."
Qiao Chuchu ran ahead, her steps light and cheerful as she entered the exhibition.
Lou Tingsi handed the invitation to a staff mber. "We’re all together."
The staff mber nodded and pressed their Bluetooth earpiece. "Mr. ng, Mr. Lou has arrived."
A man in an oatal-colored cardigan strode over, his face lighting up with delight. "Mr. Lou, I thought you weren’t coming!"
Lou Tingsi embraced him with a smile. "I just finished up so work and rushed over with my friends. How could I miss it?"
Lou Tingsi introduced the n. "This is ng Yashu, an exceptional artist."
He then turned to ng Yashu. "Yashu, these are the seven gentlen from the Pei family of Lan City, the four gentlen from the Weisheng family, and Mr. Ying Chen from M Country."
ng Yashu was visibly stunned. "Goodness, these are all big nas!"
He shook hands with each of them, overwheld. "It’s truly an honor to have you all here, especially with your busy schedules!"
Pei Yuan smiled faintly. "We’re mainly here because my sister enjoys art. We’re just accompanying her."
ng Yashu nodded in understanding, then turned to Qiao Chuchu. His smile faltered.
Qiao Chuchu smiled and nodded at him.
ng Yashu’s smile faded completely as he stared at her intently, as if he had seen sothing unusual.
The n’s expressions darkened.
What was he looking at?
Qiao Chuchu also felt uneasy under his gaze.
[What’s with this guy staring at like that?]
Lou Tingsi quickly stepped in front of Qiao Chuchu, his smile sharp. "Mr. ng, you’re not staring at a pretty girl because you’re shallow and ill-mannered, are you?"
ng Yashu snapped out of it and laughed apologetically. "Oh, I’m so sorry. Miss Qiao has such a radiant presence, I couldn’t help but stare a little longer."
ng Yashu gestured for them to enter. "Please, co in!"
The group masked their displeasure and walked forward.
Qiao Chuchu decided not to follow. "Brother, I’m going to look around elsewhere."
Pei Yuan nodded, his eyes wary as they flicked toward ng Yashu.
ng Yashu didn’t look at Qiao Chuchu again but instead gave Pei Yuan a sincere smile. "Please."
Pei Yuan suppressed his suspicions and walked in.
ng Yashu lingered at the back, glancing at Qiao Chuchu’s retreating figure.
His gaze was intense, almost burning, as he took one last, longing look before turning away.
Qiao Chuchu stopped in front of a painting, tilting her head to study it.
The the of the exhibition was "Obsession."
But the paintings depicted young girls in various poses, surrounded by flowers.
She walked slowly, her brow furrowing the further she went.
anwhile, Xia Xuechun yawned boredly, completely lost as to the point of the exhibition.
To her, it was just a bunch of boring people looking at boring paintings.
But she had to pretend to be interested since she was here with Long Ge.
Now she felt that the most exhausting thing in the world was pretending to be sophisticated.
Xia Xuechun pouted, glancing down at her newly purchased Chanel outfit. Her mood improved slightly, but as she looked up, she bumped into Qiao Chuchu, who was walking toward her.
Xia Xuechun: "!"
She instinctively raised her Chanel bag to cover her face and quickly hid!
Qiao Chuchu: "?"
Did I just see Xia Xuechun?
The thought was fleeting, and Qiao Chuchu didn’t dwell on it. She stopped and looked up at the painting hanging in the center of the exhibition.
A young girl lay in a bed of flowers, cradling a delicate white blossom in her palm. Her cheek rested against the petals, her eyes closed in a blissful, intoxicated smile.
The composition and lighting were impeccable, showcasing ng Yashu’s unique style. The skill was undeniable, as expected of a master.
But…
The painting made her uncomfortable.
Weisheng Wenzhan walked up beside her and said calmly, "This is ng Yashu’s most celebrated work. The girl in the painting is his first love."
Qiao Chuchu frowned.
She didn’t like the painting, and her tone turned critical. "So, he really loved his first love, huh?"
Weisheng Wenzhan’s voice was even. "He says he did, but I don’t think he did."
Qiao Chuchu was taken aback. She glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then said, "You think so too?!"
[I didn’t expect my ‘big son’ to agree with ! No wonder he looks so much like my son!]
Weisheng Wenzhan: "…"
Qiao Chuchu eagerly pressed him. "Tell , what don’t you like about it?"
[Let’s gossip together, big son!]
Weisheng Wenzhan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let make this clear, Miss Qiao. I’m not an expert, so this is just my personal opinion."
Qiao Chuchu nodded eagerly. "Go on!"
Weisheng Wenzhan gestured for her to co closer. "Lean in."
She stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck to hear him.
Wenzhan looked down and accidentally t Qiao Chuchu’s sparkling eyes.
For a mont, he was stunned.
Sohow, the irritation of being called "big son" vanished.
He glanced at Qiao Chuchu, who was wobbling on her tiptoes, and firmly placed a hand on her shoulder to steady her. "You don’t need to stand on your toes."
Qiao Chuchu blinked, but before she could respond, Wenzhan leaned down toward her.
His cool, refreshing scent brushed past her nose as his deep voice murmured in her ear, "I’ve t too many hypocrites in my life. Based on my experience, those who loudly proclaim their love often don’t truly love."
Weisheng Wenzhan’s gaze lingered on Qiao Chuchu’s face. "ng Yashu beca famous because of his love for his deceased first love. But while he claims to love her, he married soone else."
He glanced back at the painting on the wall. "ng Yashu says this painting is a tribute to his lost love, but I think there’s no love in it—only desire."
Weisheng Wenzhan lowered his lashes, his eyes fixed on Qiao Chuchu’s delicate face. He inhaled her subtle fragrance and continued at a asured pace, "Desire, greed, all kinds of intertwined cravings."
Qiao Chuchu bit her lip lightly, her brow furrowed.
Weisheng Wenzhan’s gaze dropped to her rosy lips. "That’s my take. What do you think, Miss Qiao?"
Qiao Chuchu bit her lip, hesitating before she spoke. "I feel like the person in the painting is... dead."
Weisheng Wenzhan: "?"
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