233 Birthday Celebration
Everyone complimented Jiang Xue for the elegant dress she wore. Their social circle was only so big. How could they not know that Miss Jiang was the most likely candidate for the Xiang family’s young scion, the future head of the Xiang Group?
Jiang Xue held her head high as her mother led her to Old Master Xiang’s side. “I wish Grandpa a long and happy life,” Jiang Xue graciously said.
She spoke in a manner that was neither overtly humble nor exceptionally overbearing. It was a polite greeting that was appropriate for someone in her position. While all the other guests praised Jiang Xue, Old Master Xiang remained indifferent. He merely nodded to show he had heard her.
Jiang Xue felt a spark of anger seeing Old Master Xiang’s reaction. He already had one foot in the grave, yet he dared to show her such arrogance! However, she judiciously held back her thoughts on the matter, having learned the importance of controlling one’s facial expressions and emotions in public.
“Grandpa, I’ve heard you’re a great admirer of paintings. I brought one with me today; it’s something I painted. It is a gift to celebrate your birthday, but also a piece I’m hoping to receive your guidance.” Jiang Xue’s words were soft, and she appeared like a humble intellectual hoping to gain some pointers from a master in the craft.
Xiang Jun’s interest was piqued by Jiang Xue’s willingness to let him judge a piece of art she painted. Old Master Xiang’s secretary accepted the painting on his boss’s behalf, allowing the old man to view it.
Jiang Xue still felt uneasy despite seeing the appreciation in Old Master Xiang’s eyes as he studied the painting.
She had found this painting in Shen Xi’s room. At first, she thought it was a painting by someone famous and brought it for appraisal. Although she was learning to paint, she was far from the level of someone like Old Master Xiang, who had spent years appreciating the intricacies of art.
The appraiser ultimately concluded that it was not a painting by someone famous. Jiang Xue was about to throw it away when the appraiser said the piece showed good technique and was a good painting showcasing a strong foundation in the art.
The appraiser had even asked if Jiang Xue had painted it. She lied and said yes. The man praised her, saying it was rare for someone to have such skills at her age.
Jiang Xue suddenly thought of an idea. What had Old Master Xiang not seen in his many years in the field? She was no better than everyone else unless she highlighted her uniqueness.
‘Why don’t I play along and use this painting to my advantage,’ she thought, ‘I’ll gain the old man’s respect by demonstrating my talent but also show how eager I am to learn.’
Sure enough, the cold expression Old Master Xiang wore began to ease up. Admiring Jiang Xue’s painting, a rare expression of delight lit up Xiang Jun’s face. “Good! Excellent work, child.”
Xia Chun, who stood with her daughter, was overjoyed. Jiang Lun was also so happy his face sported a ruddy complexion.
The guests praised Jiang Xue, calling her a ‘talented artist,’ ‘potential artist,’ or ‘talented female artist.’
Jiang Xue exulted in the adoration showered upon her. Old Master Xiang’s words proved she had gained his recognition. Who would have thought the painting she pilfered from Shen Xi’s room would have such an effect?
No, that was not right. Jiang Xue denied the thought as soon as it manifested in her mind. The painting was hers and no one else’s.
Since Shen Xi had learned to paint using the Jiang family’s money and had practiced her art in the name of the Jiang family’s daughter, all that she had or could ever achieve was hers. It all belonged to her, Jiang Xue.
If it had not been for the mix-up at birth, Jiang Xue staunchly believed she would be the one with all the skills, deserving all the praise and accolades associated.
Jiang Xue buried her pride beneath her carefully constructed facade, appearing humble and eager to learn as she discussed painting techniques with Old Master Xiang. Fortunately, she had taken time to memorize a few things in advance, so no one noticed too many gaps in her knowledge.
A familiar figure caught her eye as she smiled at the adoring crowd. In the corner of the room, Shen Xi’s grinning face filled Jiang Xue’s sights.
Jiang Xue panicked. She could not understand why Shen Xi would appear at the birthday banquet. Not just anyone could receive an invite to Old Master Xiang’s birthday celebration. Did Xiang Cheng invite Shen Xi?
Shen Xi’s eyes darted to the painting, eyeing her with such interest that Jiang Xue nearly broke out in cold sweat.
Ferocity welled up in Jiang Xue’s chest. She would not allow anyone to mess with her road to advancement!
Just as she was about to confront Shen Xi, Xiang Cheng appeared, grabbing her by the arm. “Let’s go. It’s time you met some people.”
Xiang Cheng did not expect his grandfather to hold Jiang Xue in such high regard, and his opinion of her improved.
“Why did you invite Shen Xi?” Jiang Xue hissed at Xiang Cheng.