Tang Ruge’s mind was a mess. She looked up in fear. Everyone’s eyes were filled with disdain and disgust as if they were looking at a pile of smelly trash.
She had lost again!
Before she met Qiao Xi, she was a socialite in the capital and was praised by everyone. She was high and mighty, looking down on everyone. However, ever since she met Qiao Xi, she often lost her reputation in public. Now, her reputation as a socialite in the capital had long since vanished.
The corners of Madam Tang’s mouth twitched as she shouted in shock, “Impossible! How can she be Han Yin?!”
Carter said indifferently, “Why is it impossible? There has never been a lack of geniuses in this world. Xi Xi was already famous internationally when she was in her teens. Your daughter only participated in the oil painting exhibition for the first time in her 20s. Moreover, she only participated because of Qi Zhong’s identity.
“Since you’re not capable, you should keep a low profile and not target a genius. Such actions will only make everyone think that you’re stupid!”
Carter mocked mercilessly. Tang Ruge’s face turned pale as her body swayed, and she almost fainted.
At this moment, Tang Ruge was filled with regret. If she had known that Qiao Xi was Han Yin, she would absolutely not have spent so much effort to scheme against her.
After Jin Yan found out that Qiao Xi was Han Yin, he hurriedly leaned forward with an infatuated expression. “You’re Miss Han Yin? I’m your fan. I’ve liked you for a long time. Can you give me your autograph?”
Tang Ruge was angered to the point of almost vomiting blood. She had invited Jin Yan over for the sake of letting him deal with Qiao Xi. Now that he found out that Qiao Xi was Han Yin, he went over to her like a pug.
Qiao Xi did not even raise her eyes as she asked casually, “Young Master Jin, right? I can tell you clearly that Tang Ruge and I are like fire and water. If you’re her friend, then please don’t appear in front of me again.”
The moment that was said, the people standing beside Tang Ruge immediately retreated two meters, afraid that they would offend Qiao Xi.
Although Han Yin was not an elder in the oil painting world, she was very famous. Many painters were her fans. Offending her was equivalent to offending half of the oil painting world. Now that Han Yin had personally spoken, they naturally did not dare to stand with Tang Ruge.
Tang Ruge’s eyes almost popped out. Qiao Xi did this to make everyone isolate her and affect the Tang family’s interpersonal relationships in Li City. She also wanted to sow discord between the Jin and Tang families.
Before Tang Ruge could say anything, Jin Yan said calmly, “Ruge and I are not friends. It’s just that our two families have some dealings. If she hadn’t specially called me to say that Han Yin’s work would be displayed in Li City’s art exhibition, I wouldn’t have come all the way from the capital. I’m here to see your painting, not her.”
Qiao Xi smiled lightly. “So that’s how it is!”
Tang Ruge was angered to the point her entire body trembled. Monstrous anger was about to burn her to ashes. Qiao Xi had already embarrassed her in public, yet she still refused to let the matter go!
Madam Tang frowned. She knew what would happen if news of this got out. Not only would Tang Ruge’s reputation be damaged, but the entire Tang family would be affected. She would never allow such a thing to happen.
“Madam Carter, let me explain. Ruge was indeed a little rash today, but it’s also because she has always liked Han Yin. When she saw that Miss Qiao’s painting was similar to Han Yin’s, she mistakenly thought that Miss Qiao copied Han Yin’s painting. After all, no one would’ve expected Han Yin to be a 20-year-old girl.”
The Tang family defended Tang Ruge. It was understandable that there was a misunderstanding because they admired their idol. It was not a big deal.
Qiao Xi’s expression was lazy, and her icy-cold eyes were filled with disdain. After a long silence, she sneered. Why was the Tang family so shameless? After being slapped so many times, they still had the cheek to come over and ask for a beating?
Tang Ruge almost stopped breathing, and her voice trembled slightly. “Xi Xi, I…”
“Miss Tang, are you going to say that you admire me very much, so you misunderstood me on an impulse?” Qiao Xi interrupted her.
Tang Ruge did not have time to react and could only nod hurriedly. “Yes! That’s right!”
“Since you admire me so much, you must have seen my paintings, right? Why don’t you tell me the names of my three most famous paintings?”
Tang Ruge’s face turned pale. She stammered and could not say anything.
Qiao Xi slowly walked in front of her and grunted coldly. “Miss Tang, a lie needs countless other lies to cover up. Your words really aren’t trustworthy.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Qiao Xi bade farewell to Carter and left.
