Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2396 - 2332: Did You Wash Your Hands?

"I'd like to request that you create a painting from this photograph, since I adore that moment so much, and I feel a painting would better convey its serene vibe than the photo itself. Would that be alright?"

Chiang Xiao inquired, "Could I take a look at the photo beforehand?"

"Certainly," Hu Xiangyong replied, pulling a photograph from his pocket and passing it over to Chiang Xiao.

The others leaned in to get a glimpse too.

The image showed a wintry evening landscape.

In the midst of a snow-covered night, several small houses had warm lights shining from their windows, with tiny lanterns hanging by the entrances. Through the glass, faint silhouettes of people gathered appeared.

It truly radiated a feeling of calm and serenity.

The principal remarked, "This architecture doesn't match our local style."

"Exactly, it's from Country Y."

Hu Xiangyong kept his gaze fixed on Chiang Xiao.

Chiang Xiao examined the photo closely, her forefinger gently brushing her lips, seemingly pondering if she could translate that essence onto canvas.

Nobody realized her thoughts were racing wildly inside.

This fellow truly harbored suspicions about her.

He had brought this photo specifically to probe her.

Luckily, she had come ready for such a move.

The moment he mentioned revealing a photo, she had anticipated it, allowing her to stay composed.

"Listen, Mr. Hu, if you're serious about having her paint it, keep in mind that regardless of how the deal goes, you shouldn't hold the artwork accountable," Liu Guoying warned with a serious expression.

"Rest assured, Teacher Liu."

"Regarding this painting..." the principal turned to Hu Xiangyong, "Are you genuinely willing to pay that amount?"

"Two paintings for five hundred thousand," Hu Xiangyong confirmed. "This one's the initial one, and for the second, I'd prefer a self-portrait by Miss Chiang Xiao."

The room fell into stunned silence.

What?

"A self-portrait?"

"That's correct, a depiction of herself done by Chiang Xiao," Hu Xiangyong clarified. "My business focuses on apparel, catering mainly to women, and with Chiang Xiao's striking looks, I think displaying her portrait alongside our finest items would draw in plenty of shoppers."

He actually desired her portrait!

Chiang Xiao sensed chills creeping over her skin.

He sought her portrait!

This individual, whom she already viewed as highly perilous, pursuing her portrait left her deeply unsettled.

"Aren't there all those celebrity posters on the walls?" she responded in a daze. "Wouldn't displaying my own portrait feel out of place?"

"You're just as captivating as any star."

"No, I still think it's odd."

Hu Xiangyong rose to his feet and suggested, "Tell you what, take some time to consider it. I'll leave the photo here with you. When you've made up your mind, have Yuzhi pass the word to me."

He wasn't applying any pressure tactics at all?

Chiang Xiao's internal warnings blared loudly.

Yet with his words hanging there, what more could she utter?

She stood up as well, giving a nod, "Okay."

Hu Xiangyong reached out his hand toward her, "It's been a delight meeting you, Miss Chiang Xiao. Deal or no deal, you're welcome to drop by my shop anytime."

Chiang Xiao hesitated over whether to grasp his hand.

If she avoided the handshake, might he read too much into it?

Her eyes fell on his hand, spotting that distinctive, antique-style ring.

"It's merely a handshake, Miss Chiang Xiao," Hu Xiangyong teased, "Nothing risky in a farewell gesture, is there?"

Chiang Xiao started to reach out her hand.

At that instant, a sharp idea struck Liu Guoying's thoughts.

Without pausing to deliberate, he cleared his throat loudly and interjected, "Wait, did you clean your hands after using the restroom just now?"

Chiang Xiao: "..."

Teacher!