Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2391 - 2327: Seeking a Painting

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...

Chiang Xiao sensed Mr. Hu's presence inside the room and urgently instructed her teacher, Liu Guoying, to claim she had a stomachache and would arrive later, urging him to handle questions truthfully to avoid suspicion. Worried about exposure, she retreated to the bathroom, entered her hidden space, and masked her scent with homemade perfume and dried flowers. Liu Guoying entered to find the principal with the sharply dressed Mr. Hu Xiangyong, a fashion entrepreneur involved in overseas ventures and high-end custom clothing, who had come specifically to meet Chiang Xiao.

"Oh, a big businessman, a wealthy merchant." Liu Guoying offered a faint nod in Hu Xiangyong's direction, his expression laced with a subtle scholarly contempt for those in trade.

If Chiang Xiao happened to be present, she'd no doubt view this elder as someone with a real knack for theatrics.

In truth, if he held such deep disdain for merchants, why on earth would he consent to her launching a tea house right in the midst of her schooling, and go so far as to let his wife oversee the place?

"This is Master Liu Guoying, a celebrated painter across our nation, famed for his landscape works, with teaching abilities that stand out as exceptional. As you can observe, Chiang Xiao studies under him now and emerges as a bright new talent in the art scene, her prospects shining brightly."

"Master Liu, it's an honor." Hu Xiangyong rose to his feet and reached out to clasp Liu Guoying's hand.

Liu Guoying shook it in what appeared to be a nonchalant manner.

For an instant, a prickling sensation shot through his palm, causing a faint tingling in his fingertips.

Yet as soon as their grip released, the feeling faded back to normal.

He brushed it aside quickly from his thoughts, though he did catch sight of the distinctive ring adorning Hu Xiangyong's index finger.

That ring gleamed in black, though whether it was crafted from metal or stone remained unclear. It was sizable and etched with elaborate designs.

A spark of curiosity about the ring flickered in Liu Guoying.

Still, as it was Hu Xiangyong's possession, he had no intention of prying by requesting a closer look.

"I'm just riding on the coattails of greater talents, earning this modest recognition," he remarked while taking his seat.

Hu Xiangyong responded, "Master Liu, you're too humble. It's not only you, but your pupil Miss Chiang Xiao has already built quite a name for herself on the global stage. To be frank, I once crossed paths with Miss Chiang Xiao in Country Y. By sheer coincidence, we shared a return flight, but back then I was unaware of who she was; had I realized..."

Had he realized, then what?

A mild jolt ran through Liu Guoying.

He saw clearly how Hu Xiangyong was swiftly guiding the discussion straight to Chiang Xiao.

Just what intentions did this fellow harbor toward her?

Hu Xiangyong pressed on, "Yet it's not just me—even Yuzhi shares a link with Miss Chiang Xiao. When Yuzhi returned and shared the story, that's when we discovered Miss Chiang Xiao pursues art studies."

"Hehe, my pupil does possess some artistic spark, but she's young after all, far from reaching full mastery, far from it."

"Teacher Liu, please don't downplay it," the principal cut in, though he felt a touch of confusion about Liu Guoying's attitude. Usually, when discussing his students, he'd eagerly boast about their achievements, so this modesty today felt out of character. Worried that Liu Guoying might be clueless about Hu Xiangyong's motives, he hurried to clarify: "Mr. Hu made this special visit after learning that Chiang Xiao once created an excellent artwork for a hotel, and now he's here to request that she paint something for his fresh home and latest business venture."

Paint?

Liu Guoying found himself momentarily stunned.

Understanding dawned on him swiftly, "Plenty of artists out there display styles far more refined and imposing than Chiang Xiao's. So why would Mr. Hu choose to seek her out specifically?"

Hu Xiangyong let out a chuckle.

"Refined and imposing? I disagree. I've examined Miss Chiang Xiao's works thoroughly. There's no hint they come from an eighteen-year-old young woman. Her approach already carries that refined and imposing quality, infused with fresh youthful vigor—a true rarity. Above all, from my research, Miss Chiang Xiao's pieces hold profound significance."