Tang Ruge gasped. She did not expect Mr. Qi Zhong to ask this question. In reality, she did not know anything about painting and could not tell what was wrong with this painting.
Hence, when Qi Zhong asked this question, it really made Tang Ruge’s heart tremble. Fortunately, the person in charge and Qi Zhong were both focused on the painting. They did not notice that something was wrong with her expression.
At this moment, Qi Zhong was still sighing. “This painting is really too good! Even I might not be able to come up with such a perfect piece! However, I can confirm that there are two painters for this painting. Although the last two strokes are simple, they add color to this painting. Miss Tang, are you the one who did the painting or the one who made the finishing touches?”
Tang Ruge thought about it. Qi Zhong had just said that the creator of this painting was a woman, and the person who added the two strokes was a man. Hence, Tang Ruge could only answer, “I painted this. The other two strokes were added by my friend.”
Qi Zhong’s eyes were filled with admiration. “Good! Really good! This painting is the most perfect piece I’ve seen in decades. Your skills and techniques make me feel inferior!”
Tang Ruge was flattered. She did not expect this painting to bring her such an unexpected gain.
“Miss Tang, do you have a master?” Qi Zhong went straight to the point.
Tang Ruge suppressed the excitement in her heart and smiled indifferently. “Not yet.”
“Miss Tang, are you willing to take me as your master?” Qi Zhong had always wanted to take in a disciple. Now that he had finally found a perfect disciple whose standard even surpassed his, she would definitely have great achievements in the future.
Tang Ruge smiled and nodded. “Of course. It’s my honor that you’re willing to take me in as your disciple!”
“Alright!” Qi Zhong was so happy that his face was slightly red. “Ruge, I’ll take you in as my final disciple and hold a banquet for you to announce your identity.”
Tang Ruge smiled gently. “Thank you, Master.”
After Qi Zhong praised her, he told her that he would hold a apprenticeship banquet in Li City in seven days. At that time, he would invite famous artists in the industry to attend. Of course, that included the noble families of Li City.
As the protagonist of the banquet, Tang Ruge could also invite her family, relatives, and friends over. However, her family and friends were all in the capital. Now, only her younger sister, Tang Lingyun, and Ye Chi were in Li City.
…
On the other hand, Qiao Xi had just arrived home when she received the Eternal Winter Snow painting that Tang Ruge sent over. Immediately after, the house’s landline rang.
Qiao Xi had just picked up when she heard Tang Ruge’s gentle voice. “Ah Zheng, that painting… I’ve already sent someone to deliver it.”
Qiao Xi sneered in her heart. She was the one who made the bet with Tang Ruge, so the painting should be given to her! However, Tang Ruge called the landline of Longwan Residential instead. Was she afraid that others would not know that she wanted to seduce Gu Zheng?
Hearing Tang Ruge’s voice, Qiao Xi felt nauseous and hung up without saying anything.
After a while, Tang Ruge called again. The butler picked up and said, “Miss Tang, I’m really sorry. Our president isn’t around.”
Tang Ruge’s tone was still gentle. “In that case, can I trouble you to remind President Gu that I’ve sent an invitation over? If he’s free next week…”
What invitation?
Qiao Xi found a gilded invitation card in the box. It said that Mr. Qi Zhong wanted to accept Tang Ruge as his final disciple. He also wanted to hold a ceremony, so he invited Gu Zheng.
Gu Yao glanced at it and threw the invitation into the trash can. “Throw it away! Gu Zheng won’t attend such a boring banquet!”
Qiao Xi had heard of Qi Zhong. He was indeed a very famous painter, but her grandfather had said that although his skills were very superb, his character was not too good. He had always been arrogant and looked down on others.
A true master was humble and polite. The higher one’s status was, the more they knew how to respect others. Qi Zhong, who only knew how to draw but did not have a good character, was not worthy of being called a master.
Gu Zheng would not attend this banquet, so of course, she would not go either. Hence, she turned around and forgot about this matter.
Qiao Xi was bored staying at home, so she entered the art room of Longwan Residential. She looked at Gu Zheng’s previous paintings and suddenly felt that they looked a little familiar.
Then, Qiao Xi took a few photos and sent them to Xue Liang. She then called him. “Fourth Brother, don’t you think these paintings look a little familiar?”
Xue Liang took a look at the photo and exclaimed, “Hey! Isn’t this Grandpa’s favorite artist? Where did you find these paintings? I heard that this person has already left the industry!”
