“Oh my God! Is this Miss Qiao’s painting? It’s actually so fresh and refined. No wonder Madam Carter came specially for her!”
“To be honest, Miss Tang’s painting is too different from this painting. They’re not on the same level at all. No wonder Madam Carter doesn’t like Miss Tang!”
“Looks like Tang Ruge has never seen Miss Qiao’s paintings. If she knew that there was such an outstanding female painter in the exhibition hall, she wouldn’t have mistakenly thought that Madam Carter was looking for her.”
Hearing the crowd’s discussion, Tang Ruge’s face alternated between red and white. She wished she could find a hole to hide in. Her face gradually turned ferocious.
She had to endure it and absolutely not flare up in front of everyone. Before long, Jin Yan would notice that something was wrong with this painting. With his straightforward character, he would definitely question Qiao Xi in public.
At that time, everyone would realize that Qiao Xi had copied Han Yin’s work. They would also know that the genius painter they were now praising was actually a plagiarist. Who would still praise Qiao Xi then?
Madam Tang clenched her fists and looked at Jin Yan anxiously. “Young Master Jin, you’ve been learning oil painting since you were young. What do you think of this painting?”
Jin Yan was still immersed in the painting and was unable to extricate himself. When he heard Madam Tang’s words, he gradually came back to his senses. He really could not believe that this painting was actually done by Qiao Xi. Such a perfect painting was actually done by a young woman in her 20s. No wonder Madam Carter took a liking to Qiao Xi.
However… this painting looked a little familiar as though he had seen it somewhere before.
“Young Master Jin?” Madam Tang reminded him impatiently.
Jin Yan could not help but sigh. “Miss Qiao’s painting is perfect. I’m really not qualified to comment.”
Then, he asked in confusion, “But why is this painting in the corner of the exhibition hall? A high-quality painting like this should be placed in the front hall.”
Qiao Xi said indifferently, “Gold will always shine. Even if it’s placed in a corner, it’ll still be noticed by others. Some paintings won’t catch everyone’s eye even if they’re placed in the front hall.”
The moment that was said, everyone subconsciously looked at Tang Ruge.
Tang Ruge was angered to the point her face flushed red. Qiao Xi was clearly mocking her painting for being too ordinary and not worthy of being displayed in the front hall.
“But…” Jin Yan suddenly looked puzzled. “I keep having the feeling that Miss Qiao’s painting looks very familiar. I think I’ve seen it somewhere before.”
Tang Ruge’s heart suddenly jumped. As long as Jin Yan told the truth in public, it would prove that Qiao Xi had plagiarized Han Yin. At that time, even if Madam Carter was biased toward her, Qiao Xi would not be able to clear her name.
Jin Yan pondered. If he remembered correctly, he seemed to have seen the sketch of this painting in Senior Han Yin’s residence. He had admired Han Yin for many years. He visited her several times before he could enter her house. Unfortunately, he did not see Han Yin in person and only visited her studio.
This painting was very similar to Senior Han Yin’s sketch. It was simply a product that refined Han Yin’s work. However, everyone said that this painting belonged to Qiao Xi. What exactly was going on?
Jin Yan was silent for a moment before he could not help but ask, “Miss Qiao, may I ask if you completed this painting yourself?”
The atmosphere instantly fell silent, and everyone looked at Jin Yan in confusion. Could it be that Qiao Xi was not the only creator of this painting?
Qiao Xi smiled indifferently and said casually, “It’s my artwork.”
Unexpectedly, Jin Yan’s expression instantly changed, and his voice became serious. “Miss Qiao, I don’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone. I hope you can answer truthfully. Did a senior help you finish this painting?”
Everyone gasped and looked at Jin Yan and Qiao Xi with dumbfounded expressions.
Although Jin Yan had a young master’s temper, his character was indeed fine. He would not malign Qiao Xi for no reason. Could it be that Qiao Xi’s painting was indeed completed by someone else? After all, she was just a young lady in her 20s. How could she paint such an exquisite painting?
Qiao Xi looked at Jin Yan’s questioning gaze and understood in her heart. She subconsciously glanced at Tang Ruge and replied coldly, “I’m sure I did it myself.”
“Miss Qiao!” Jin Yan frowned with a serious expression. He shook his head helplessly. “I’ve already given you a chance, but you still refuse to admit it. Do you have to embarrass yourself in public?”
Qiao Xi’s expression was indifferent without the slightest nervousness.
Madam Tang pretended to be surprised. “Young Master Jin, you can’t spout nonsense. You can’t malign Miss Qiao for no reason.”
😉