The nanny heard a noise and went to open the door, only to find all the visitors were strangers she did not recognize.
Everyone stared at each other with big eyes, it was quite awkward.
After a moment, everyone was sitting in the living room. It seemed that the visitors had come specifically to see Qin Xiangnuan, but it was also obvious that they were feeling uneasy and nervous.
"Hello, Ms. Qin," one of them stood up and extended his hand to Qin Xiangnuan, "Allow me to introduce myself. My last name is Bai, and I belong to the Bai Family."
Qin Xiangnuan couldn't recall at the moment—what Bai Family or Hei Family was he referring to? Did she know them?
Not mentioning his personal name but the family name instead, it can be inferred that this family must be quite famous in the Capital City. The Bai Family? Which Bai Family could it be? There seems to be only one famous Bai Family in the Capital City — it must be that Bai Family.
It is said that their family has an ancestral heritage of embroidery, quite famous nationally and even recognized as an intangible cultural heritage protected by the state. Sometimes, they also help mend historical relics and design new gowns for celebrities. Moreover, they have also participated in several silk embroidery competitions.
Both the Bai Family and the Shi Family are equals in this regard, though the Shi Family seems more low-key while the Bai Family is more flamboyant and likes to steal the limelight.
Is it that Bai Family?
She didn't speak but politely extended her hand and shook his briefly.
"May I ask, do you have any matters to discuss?"
She did not believe that their visit was solely to get to know her, as she wasn't famous. Or was it a chance meeting asking for a cup of water? That seemed even less likely.
Her question seemed to make everyone present slightly embarrassed.
The one who shook her hand, feeling uneasy, touched his nose but was straight-forward, "Apologies, Ms. Qin, for the disruption. My name is Bai Xingqi. We came here to ask about something. It's really an intrusion, please forgive us."
The way he spoke in such formal terms almost made Qin Xiangnuan dizzy.
Qin Xiangnuan really felt out of her element; she admitted to herself being unrefined and not familiar with the ways of these heritage families.
Bai Xingqi sat down, contemplating whether to tell the whole truth. In the end, it felt too abrupt, considering that this was their first time visiting someone's home, and besides, essentially they were the ones who were wrong from the start. Now, being in need of a favor, they really couldn't let down their pride.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
It had to be said anyway.
"Ms. Qin, may I ask..." he licked his dry lips, still finding it difficult to start, "have you ever embroidered a Qingming River Painting screen?"
Qingming River Painting
Oh... Upon hearing this, Qin Xiangnuan did recall something. She remembered her Qingming River Painting was sold off cheaply by Qin Xiangmei, but because of that painting, Qin Xiangmei was driven out of the Siheyuan— trading it for peace that may last for many years, which she felt was worth it, although she was somewhat reluctant to part with that screen, having spent a considerable amount of time embroidering it. As for what it meant to others, she did not know, but to her, effort was placed there. Ultimately it was sold, and she was initially infuriated but had come to accept it. After all these years, she almost forgot about it, and of course, she had not embroidered another one.
"Right, it seems that the people who bought her screen were said to be related to the Bai Family. Little did anyone know it was this Bai Family, and what they were here for this time."
She remained unperturbed, neither admitting nor denying.
"Ms. Qin, was it truly from you?" Bai Xingqi couldn't wait and asked again.
"You mean that screen?" Qin Xiangnuan pretended to realize suddenly, "The one that someone bought for hundreds of dollars?"
"Yes, exactly," Bai Xingqi forced a laugh. They felt guilty about the matter, and now being ridiculed was only to be expected. In this world, a debt of gratitude always needs to be repaid. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
"Ms. Qin, please tell me, did you embroider it yourself?"
Bai Xingqi kept emphasizing this question; yes, it was about the embroidery. The screen might be small, but the crucial part was the painting on it. A screen might not be worth much money, but the painting inside was truly valuable. The painting back then, Mr. Song wanted to buy for a hundred thousand, but Qin Xiangmei, that fool, sold it for only 500 yuan. In the end, she had to pay to buy it back, but Qin Xiangnuan's classmate was always making excuses, saying the person went abroad, or the screen was given away. In short, there was no screen to be had.
She wanted it last time, but it wasn't given to her, and now, does she not want it anymore?
What, thinking of selling it to her?
Sorry, she also had only one word of apology, no money, and took the screen.
And Qin Xiangnuan always did not respond, making Bai Xingqi even more embarrassed. He could only ask again, "Please tell me, did you embroider that Qingming Shangsa painting yourself?"
Qin Xiangnuan suddenly smiled, a smile that made Bai Xingqi feel an indescribable sense of tension.
"Sorry," Qin Xiangnuan's smile was distant, not very warm.
"That wasn't embroidered by me, but bought. It was quite expensive at the time of purchase, but was sold by an irrelevant person, and then bought by another irrelevant person,"
The two irrelevants were probably a slap in Bai Xingqi's face.
Obviously, Bai Xingqi did not believe it. They had investigated. Qin Xiangnuan's boutique used a lot of embroidery in their finished clothes; she had the skills, and even if it wasn't her who embroidered it, then she must be connected to the person who embroidered the Qingming River Painting. He preferred to believe that it was embroidered by Qin Xiangnuan herself.
To say why, he did not know himself; perhaps it was just a feeling, right, just a feeling. He sensed the smell of silk threads and embroidery needles on Qin Xiangnuan.
"Ms. Qin, you really know how to joke," he picked up his cup and pretended to drink, really just to hide his embarrassment and being toyed with. He knew he was being toyed with, but what could he do? He was in debt and in need of her favor, so he had to endure.
"I never joke," Qin Xiangnuan's face showed no hint of jesting.
Indeed, she did not joke; she just did not want to admit it.
Bai Xingqi's expression changed slightly, but he still maintained a faint, though uneven, smile on his face.
Forget it, Bai Xingqi sighed. It looked like he had to put everything on the line today.
"I think I can no longer hide it. Your Qingming Shangsa painting has some issues. During a competition in embroidery, it was pointed out to be from a family in another country rather than ours. Now, the people there are adamant that it is their technique, that we have stolen it."
"But who knows, it was a lost national embroidery, a blend of various techniques woven together, clearly our country's. But now it has become foreign, and not only is the embroidered piece being reclaimed, but it is also a national embarrassment."