Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Gao Xue’s exhibition, which involved the plagiarism scandal and stepping on the Qiao family, had already been pushed to the cusp of the storm.

At this moment, with the support of a top master, the exhibition became more and more eye-catching. Gao Xue was so excited that she only fell asleep after midnight because many acquaintances had sent her messages.

They were either congratulating her or expressing their admiration for Joe and hoping that she would introduce them to him.

I’ve never seen these people being so friendly before. Are they here to curry favor with me now? Gao Xue sneered.

At this moment, how could she still remember that she had plagiarized all her works? Her mind was full of thoughts about how she was about to enter the international scene.

When the news about Joe was trending, Shi Fang immediately informed Fu Chen.

“Third Master, the Yan and Qiao families haven’t made any moves yet. Now, another big shot has appeared to support her. What should we do?”

Fu Chen was sitting at his desk copying scriptures. Fu Xinhan was squatting beside his feet, as quiet as a chicken.

“Big shot?” His voice was as indifferent as usual, gentle but emotionless.

“It’s some international master. The organizer personally went to the airport to pick him up and has already posted the news photos. He’s already trending, and there’s a lot of discussion.”

Shi Fang was speechless. He had never seen such a shameless person. She snatched the fruits of someone else’s labor and was still so high-profile. Wasn’t she stabbing Song Fengwan in the heart?

“What’s his background?”

“I’ll look for someone to investigate.” The news had just come out.

Not long later, Shi Fang’s phone rang. When he answered the call, he looked dumbfounded. “F*ck, Third Master, I…”

Fu Chen’s fingertips trembled, and the word he was writing became crooked. He frowned slightly and reached out to throw away the Xuan paper in front of him. “Why are you so surprised?”

Shi Fang and Qian Jiang had been following him for a long time, but Qian Jiang’s temperament had become increasingly calm. Why is he still so surprised when something happens? He hasn’t improved at all.

“That big shot was… picked up by Mr. Yan?”

Fu Chen looked up and then lowered his eyes. In a few seconds, he understood.

He didn’t seem surprised as he dipped his brush in ink. “When I asked you to investigate Yan Wangchuan, do you remember talking about Old Master Qiao’s disciples?”

It had already been a year. Shi Fang frowned and thought for a long time before suddenly realizing. “There’s an orphan who has been overseas for more than ten years. This person is…”

Fu Chen remained silent.

In the industry, Old Master Qiao was an eminent top master. Now that people wanted to pull him down from his pedestal and trample on him, foreign media even reported on this matter. A few days ago, the news had already spread abroad.

The organizer had probably spent a lot of money on publicity and hype. Even bystanders who had no interest in art design knew that something big had happened. How could Old Master Qiao’s disciples not know?

Once it was proven that Gao Xue’s paintings were indeed plagiarized, what was waiting for her…

Fu Chen’s lips curled into a smile.

“But no one in the industry knows who his master is. There’s going to be a good show.”

Shi Fang was speechless. “That Gao Xue even f*cking thought that he’s here to support her. I bet she’s dreaming so beautifully that she’s laughing in her sleep.

“They even dared to release such news. How painful will their faces be later?

“Since Mr. Yan picked him up, he must be on Miss Song’s side…”

When Shi Fang thought of what would happen next, he was dancing with excitement.

Fu Xinhan had gotten up from the floor in fright when he heard him curse just now. When he saw his silly appearance, he sniffed.

He scared this dog.

He must be mentally retarded. Why is he so excited?

Fu Xinhan shook the fur on his body, lay down beside Fu Chen’s feet, and continued to close his eyes to rest.

***

On the day of the solo exhibition, at the World Arts Exhibition Hall…

The design exhibition was scheduled to start at nine in the morning. Before eight, the entrance was already bustling with people. Other than some curious people who didn’t have invitations, they were all media reporters.

The venue opened at half past eight, and the people holding the invitation cards entered one after another. The autumn sky was as blue as the deep sea.

It was a rare sunny day.

Gao Xue was dressed to the nines today and had specially rented a gown. It was autumn in the capital, so it was currently cool. She wasn’t afraid of the cold and went out to greet guests barelegged.

She had been so excited that she had only fallen asleep after midnight last night. At this moment, her blood was boiling, and even the sharp autumn wind couldn’t stop the hot blood in her heart. How could she care about whether she was cold or not?

Reason being, many esteemed guests were present today.

They were all big shots that she couldn’t reach in the past. In today’s society, not only did people compete with their abilities, but they also competed with their connections. If she could get close to these people, she could definitely enter high society.

The popularity of the invitations was very high. Those who could get their hands on them later were either rich or had connections. Not many people knew about this industry, and most of them went to join in the fun. There was no lack of famous business people and celebrities among them.

When He Shiqing arrived, President Qi personally went out to receive her.

“Miss He, our distinguished guest, please come in.”

He Shiqing was wearing a haute couture autumn gown of a certain big brand, looking elegant and gracious. She was already extremely beautiful, and today, she had specially dressed up, making her look dignified and exquisite, but not so much that she stole the limelight.

Her sense of decorum was just perfect.

As soon as she appeared, she became the focus of the media.

She was a socialite from a prestigious family. She was elegant and dignified, and she exuded these vividly.

“Thank you.” He Shiqing nodded and smiled, her attitude gentle.

“Let me introduce you. This is Gao Xue.” President Qi smiled and introduced them. “Teacher Gao, this is the eldest young lady of the He Group.”

“Teacher Gao, I’ve heard so much about you.” He Shiqing was poised and didn’t put on any airs.

Gao Xue shook her hand uneasily, her palms sweaty. He Shiqing was a top socialite in the capital, and she usually couldn’t come into contact with such people.

“I wish you success on your solo exhibition.”

“Thank you, Miss He.” Gao Xue was flattered. She didn’t expect such a famous young lady to speak and do things without any arrogance.

He Shiqing wasn’t here for her at all. She had heard that the Jing family had asked for an invitation, so she wanted to ‘meet’ Jing Hanchuan.

This person usually didn’t go out at all. Sometimes, even when he went out, it was mostly for private occasions or to go to Fu Chen’s Yunjin Prime Manor. Yunjin Prime Manor had a vicious dog, so no one dared to go.

When she entered the exhibition hall, there were various design drawings and paintings displayed on the walls, and many people were already looking at them and discussing them.

“This way, please.” Someone led her to another spectator stand.

There was a special extension stage here. Later, Gao Xue would give a speech here and display some works that she had yet to publicize. It could be considered a small-scale press conference.

“Miss He, please have a seat.”

He Shiqing’s seat was in the second row. The people in front were all masters in the industry, and behind them were people from prestigious families in Beijing and some media outlets. These art pieces were clearly priced, and the organizer had arranged seats according to the purchasing power.

He Shiqing looked at the seats without batting an eyelid. The seats were all labeled with names. She didn’t see the Jing family’s seats, but she saw the Yan family’s.

The Yan family and the Qiao family are in-laws. Now that the whole thing has developed into this, they’re still here to join in the fun?

Soon, it was almost nine o’clock. He Shiqing couldn’t see the person she wanted to see, so she lost interest in watching the exhibition.

The guests watching the exhibition entered one after another. The entire exhibition hall was wrapped in gorgeous and exquisite crystal lights. The stage even used modern technology and a specially set-up enormous screen to facilitate the audience in the back row to see the works.

He Shiqing noticed that there were two media outlets in charge of live broadcasting. The entire exhibition didn’t look like an art exhibition but like a performance show.

“Why don’t I see Joe? Isn’t he coming?”

“I saw his seat. They publicized that the master would definitely come. It can’t be a lie, right? I’m looking forward to seeing whether Yan Wangchuan will come.”

“The Qiao family is involved in the plagiarism scandal and implicated the Yan family too. Tsk—”

“Up until now, the two families haven’t even dared to say anything. This likely confirms the matter of plagiarism.”

“I still don’t believe it. I’ve interacted with the Qiao family before, and they’re not that kind of people.”

“I also don’t think the Qiao family plagiarized. I feel that there must be a lot of things we don’t know.”

…

The controversy about whether the Qiao family plagiarized never stopped.

***

At nine o’clock sharp…

The exhibition officially started, and Gao Xue slowly walked onto the stage with a few people from the organizer. Today, in order to promote the exhibition and build momentum, they had specially invited some media outlets to attend. Whenever the camera lights flashed, Gao Xue felt that she was the protagonist.

“Hello, everyone. I am Gao Xue. Thank you all for coming to see my exhibition today. As a newcomer in the design world, getting everyone’s affirmation is my goal.

“To be able to stand here today, I’ve always been very nervous. I know that I still have many shortcomings, and I hope to receive everyone’s criticism and corrections through this exhibition.

“Being able to hold a solo exhibition is every designer’s dream. Today, I can stand here not only thanks to the seniors and masters for their appreciation and love for me but also thanks to President Qi. Everyone has helped me realize my dream.”

…

All her words were polite and official. Gao Xue seemed very excited, and her voice was slightly trembling. Under the spotlight, she seemed to be the only protagonist.

All eyes were on her.

In the far corner of the stands, Jing Hanchuan had already arrived. He lowered his head to look at his watch. Why isn’t the main character here?

Hearing this woman speak, he felt a little nauseous.

The Jing family members looked at their impatient Sixth Master. “Sixth Master, are we leaving early?”

“There’s no hurry,” Fu Chen said. The two elders of the Fu family would be coming too. Even if the Qiao family didn’t come, the Fu family wouldn’t let this woman off. It was better to wait a little longer.

At this moment, someone suddenly said loudly, “Mr. Yan is here.”

Everyone looked back simultaneously. Yan Wangchuan was wearing a well-ironed suit, and the buttons of his white shirt were meticulously buttoned up to his collar. He looked smart, capable, and reserved.

He had few expressions and looked extremely cold.

The first thing Gao Xue saw was Song Fengwan walking beside him.

She didn’t deliberately dress up. She was wearing a simple, long sweater dress that revealed her fair and tender ankles. Even though she didn’t deliberately dress up, she still looked ethereal and revealed a bright and alluring beauty.

The people of Yuncheng had commented that she was as beautiful as peaches and plum blossoms, and when she moved, she could cause cities to fall.

This wasn’t an exaggeration at all.

He Shiqing narrowed her eyes and looked at Song Fengwan. Song Fengwan was young and had a sense of exuberance, which was something she already lacked at her age. Even though she was low-key, she still exuded a flamboyant aura.

“He’s finally here. I thought Mr. Yan wouldn’t come today.”

“His daughter is beside him. She’s the granddaughter of the Qiao family now, right? She still dares to show her face in public at a time like this. She’s really brazen.”

“I wonder if they’re here to watch the exhibition or what? There will definitely be a good show later.”

…

Gao Xue clenched the microphone tightly and calmed herself down through constant urging.

But her gaze suddenly met Song Fengwan’s. Her phoenix eyes were slender and dangerous, as cunning as a fox’s, and seemed to see through her.

“Mr. Yan, this way, please.” The organizer naturally didn’t know about these things behind his back and even greeted Yan Wangchuan with a smile.

“Wanwan, sit here.” Yan Wangchuan gestured for Song Fengwan to sit first. From beginning to end, he was gentlemanly and considerate.

Jing Hanchuan leaned against the back of his seat, crossed his legs, and drank hot tea in a relaxed manner. Is this Fu Chen’s future father-in-law?

It’s obvious that he’s not someone to be trifled with.

“Next, we will be showing the exhibition pieces. The works we’re displaying are all works that have never been shown before…” The organizer continued smoothly.

The first painting that came out was ‘Magu’s Life Offering Illustration’. The composition was exquisite and different from ordinary paintings. There were many drawing techniques that had not been used before added to it, making the entire painting look simple yet modern. Even when young people saw it, they liked it.

Many people in the industry were amazed.

Song Fengwan stared at the painting. Her pupils constricted, and her eyes turned cold.

“Actually, I’ve spent two years creating this painting. It’s a design with a rare ancient painting style…” Gao Xue introduced with a smile.

Everyone watched as the works were introduced one by one until the last exhibit.

Before Gao Xue could speak, a noise came from the audience.

“Teacher Gao, are these drawings really your original creations?”

Jing Hanchuan was already getting bored when he heard this voice. Fu Chen’s little wife is directly going down to tear her apart? His lips curled up…

The show is finally beginning.