Chapter 4: The Girl Who Reads

He, however, did not wish to say much, smiling as he shook his head, "It's all old news, better left unmentioned"

Xiao Zhengyu was shocked by her sudden change of attitude, but he was not angry. In fact, he was somewhat looking forward to what she would say next, so he spoke calmly: "I am not someone who knows nothing about art. I really like the painting 'Sound'; the girl pressing her ear against the wall makes it even more interesting"

If we refuse at this moment, the atmosphere that has just eased will definitely be ruined. Considering this, Xue Yuan nodded.

Xiao Zhengyu was surprised: "Aren't you from the Art Design Department of the Academy of Fine Arts?"

I am a pragmatist, " Xiao Zhengyu's expression was clear and open, as candid as a confession during a reunion of underground party members, " You don't need to be so polite with me in the future. Just call me by my name.

After finishing this sentence, Xue Yuan took several heavy breaths before speaking again: "Everyone knows that Li Tianming is best at portrait painting, particularly skilled at capturing the most beautiful moment of a woman. In fact, regardless of who it is, he is always able to seize that instant and depict it with his brush, as if the most beautiful moment is forever that still instant." She extended her arm and pointed in the exhibition hall: "This one, that one, the one in the corner, all serve as evidence. And take this painting 'Sound' for example, the concept has long been overused; Li Tianming merely added a touch of his own style on the foundation laid by predecessors, allowing a girl who frequently appears in his works to perform this action, nothing more! I dare say, the time he spent creating this painting did not exceed one week."

The car stopped beside Xue Yuan, and Xiao Zhengyu smiled at her, gesturing with his eyes for her to get in the car; however, Xue Yuan merely bent down and tapped on the car window. Xiao Zhengyu understood, rolled down the glass, and the dazzling glow of the setting sun along with the sweltering summer heat rushed in, causing him to instinctively squint his eyes.

If I can be of assistance to you, I would be very honored

Well, I am completely unfamiliar with it. The art academy is in another district, and I generally do not come over here. I am quite unfamiliar with the city center

"What do you know? What do you understand!" Xue Yuan glared at him fiercely, retorting angrily, "How amusing, how amusing! You people only know what is interesting! Stop being so self-righteous here! The little bit of art you understand is nothing more than the surface!"

Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she bit her lower lip in a self-destructive manner, as if she were desperately enduring something

Now Xue Yuan suddenly remembers this matter, and is taken aback: "Indeed, I did not see it. I originally planned to go and take a look at the new painting after the shift change."

It is correct to say that the most difficult thing for a person to grasp is the measure of moderation

How strange ... ... it shouldn't be like this ... ... it ought not to be this way ... ...

As one of the most renowned hotels in the city, Junlai Hotel is also located not far from the city center, and can be reached quickly in the absence of traffic. The magnificent building, with over thirty stories, reflects the last rays of the setting sun off its dark glass exterior, creating a truly splendid sight

Xiao Zhengyu said: "Such matters are still quite apparent. I remember that when I was studying, life was the most fulfilling. It didn't matter if my grades were poor; as long as I was happy, that was enough."

Xiao Zhengyu's face was as calm as an ancient well: "The reason."

"Alright," Xue Yuan took the gift box with both hands, and the logo on it surprised her. She then asked, "Whose clothes are these? If it's convenient, I would like to thank her in person."

As he finished speaking, he suddenly swung open the car door, startling Xue Yuan, who stumbled back a few steps. Xiao Zhengyu did not even glance at her face; he seized her hand and almost dragged her to the other side of the car. With one hand, he opened the door and effortlessly tossed her into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut with a "bang." His strength was astonishing, and his movements were incredibly skilled, resembling a master from a martial arts television series, leaving no room for error. Although Xue Yuan was determined, she found herself powerless to resist, feeling her steps falter. By the time her brain caught up, the car had already driven onto the tree-lined avenue beside the artificial lake, and during her arduous contemplation, they had entered the main street. Throughout this time, she bit her lower lip tightly, remaining silent.

If you have a reason, please be quick about it, as I need to hurry to Junlai Hotel. If there is no reason and it is simply fear, then get in the car and come with me. Li Tianming is just a person, he does not have three heads and six arms, and he will not harm you.

Is that so

Li Tianming's painting is naturally placed in the best location of the entire gallery - at the center of the exhibition hall, covering a vast area

This is not an excuse; it is childish behavior. At this point, are you backing out?" Xiao Zhengyu's expression darkened, his serious face instilling fear. "You know so much about Li Tianming's works, yet you do not wish to meet him in person? Do you think I would believe this excuse?

However, "The Girl Reading" is not, it is by no means a static portrait. All of Li Tianming's paintings are still, only this one is dynamic. Do you see the play of light and shadow at the tips of the girl's fingers? And the alternating light and dark on the black hair on her left side? Upon closer inspection, those elements are in motion. One could argue that these are the result of painting techniques. As a top-tier artist, his use of color and light has reached the highest level, achieving such a magical effect is not difficult, but—

On a summer evening, the sunset is extraordinarily enchanting, with the garage door facing west, directly opposite the setting sun. The sky to the west seems as if a bucket of mixed paint has been splashed across it, with layers of blue, white, yellow, gold, and red.

"This is nothing," said Xiao Zhengyu. "However, do you know a saying? Cowards will eventually pay the price for their cowardice. Some things cannot be avoided by merely fleeing. No matter how great the events may be, or how much the world may change, as long as there are people alive, there will always be a way to resolve it"

Xue Yuan whispered this softly. She slightly lowered her head, and her bangs fell down, covering her eyebrows and obstructing her view. When she raised her head again, she had already returned to her usual demeanor: "Secretary Xiao, I will trouble you with everything. However, I do not have an appropriate evening gown. Please give me a call when the cocktail party is over, and I will come over. I remember the cocktail party is at Junlai Hotel, right?"

Xue Yuan hesitated for a moment before calling her: "Xiao ... ... Zhengyu?"

The young girl saw something interesting in the book, and a hint of a playful smile slowly appeared at the corners of her mouth. I could almost imagine what book she was reading, was it "The Merchant of Venice" or "A Midsummer Night's Dream"? In that era, any book one could access was a good one. The girl was so happy because she had a book, finally able to touch the outside world. Li Tianming intended to paint this girl and her state of mind, the process of reading, and the delightful psychological effects that reading brings. The girl was so happy because she had a book, finally able to touch the outside world. Li Tianming intended to paint this girl and her state of mind, the process of reading, and the delightful psychological effects that reading brings. In his other works, he painted beautiful women, capturing the pure beauty of such women; however, now it suddenly changed, it became dynamic. He had painted static beauties for decades, why did it suddenly become so grand? I do not understand.

Therefore, upon seeing Xiao Zhengyu's car emerge from the garage, she experienced a sense of retreat for the first time in her life

Her rapid-fire words astonished Xiao Zhengyu: "Not at all, this is just his specialty in static figure painting. I have seen this painting many times; it is indeed beautiful, but it is consistent with his usual style—are you a fan of his work? This style is quite common, so you shouldn't be this surprised."

The title, filled with doubt, "The Girl Reading" captured all attention. In a prolonged gaze, the quiet profile of the girl in the painting cleverly overlapped with that of Xue Yuan, merging into one. The image was unprecedentedly clear. In that fleeting moment, the girl reading transformed into Xue Yuan. It was as if a pair of enormous hands had overlapped two adjacent film strips against the sunlight, fitting together perfectly

Xue Yuan stood still, perhaps due to the overwhelming emotions she had just experienced, her mind now refusing to think. Her gaze blankly rested on Xiao Zhengyu, who had walked to a corner of the hall to make a phone call. His figure was reflected in the glass, and his voice was very low as he spoke, making it impossible to hear anything clearly

"Yes, it is indeed me," Xiao Zhengyu glanced at his wristwatch and said, "You haven't had lunch yet, have you? I will treat you."

After parking the car in the garage, the two of them arrived at the second-floor hall, which could only be described as resplendent with its golden tones and orange lighting. At the far end of the hall, an ancient door stood wide open, bustling with people coming and going, creating a hazy and dreamlike atmosphere, reminiscent of a celestial realm. Xiao Zhengyu handed her the gift box and the invitation he had just taken from the car, then pointed to the nearby changing room: "Inside is the gown; please change in the dressing room. I believe the size should fit well."

After much consideration, Xiao Zhengyu finally could not hold back any longer and approached her side, just in time to see her lips twitch slightly, as a few words slipped out in that fleeting moment.

Xiao Zhengyu asked her in a very low voice, "What’s wrong?"

This indeed surprised me, "Xiao Zhengyu leaned against the desk and said to her, "If you don't want to study anymore, how could you possibly pick it up again after having wasted so many years?"

Xiao Zhengyu, regardless of the outcome, thank you very much today

Xue Yuanyus was at a loss for words, hesitating for a long time, and when she opened her mouth, she found that she actually had no way to speak

I have never desired such matters, seeking not for merit, but only for the absence of fault. That is all.

The two individuals did not go to the cafeteria, nor did they eat the takeout that was delivered. Under Xiao Zhengyu's guidance, they went to a nearby small restaurant. Before they arrived, Xiao Zhengyu had already ordered the dishes, and as soon as the two sat down at the restaurant, the food was served.

If you really want to know the reason, then just ask in person

"A band?" Xue Yuan retorted

Although Li Tianming is often isolated from the world, he is a signed artist of Boyi, and you are an employee of Boyi. Arranging a simple meeting for you both is not too difficult," Xiao Zhengyu asserted decisively, then took out his phone and dialed a number. Before the call connected, he explained to her, "Just now, General Manager Zhang and a group of executives went out to dinner with him. I will ask where they are now and send you over. Please wait a moment.

"Indeed, my major in university was French," Xue Yuan casually remarked

Other paintings had been carefully examined and analyzed by Xue Yuan in the past, so this time she merely glanced over them and headed straight for the two new works. It was lunchtime, and there were not many visitors in the exhibition hall. She walked briskly, her gaze first landing on the painting "Sound," which she quickly skimmed over; then her attention shifted to the painting "The Girl Reading." In an instant, she froze in place like a computer that had its power supply unplugged. After a while, she slowly moved toward the painting, finally stopping just outside the yellow line—that was the safety line set by the gallery.

With something on their minds, she did not eat much during that meal, nor did Xiao Zhengyu. Subsequently, the two returned to the gallery, continuing to busy themselves with their work until they met again in front of the gallery after the exhibition concluded that day. However, the sense of yearning and anticipation gradually faded away with the passage of time and the approach of night, replaced by an indescribable feeling of restlessness. It nearly reached a point of irritability, to the extent that everything seemed displeasing. Yet, that sense of yearning and anticipation gradually faded away with the passage of time and the approach of night, replaced by an indescribable feeling of restlessness. It nearly reached a point of irritability, to the extent that everything seemed displeasing.

Xue Yuan looked out at the artificial lake through the glass window, feeling quite surprised. Seeing this, Xiao Zhengyu said: "You have only been at work for a few days, so you are not familiar with this place yet"

"I am sorry," Xue Yuan said, resting her hands on the car window, her voice slow and thick like the setting sun at that moment. "I suddenly do not want to meet Li Xianming anymore. I know this matter has caused you a lot of concern—"

Xiao Zhengyu raised his eyebrows at her; she was not being modest, but rather speaking objectively. He said, "By the way, you have been busy all morning and still haven't seen Li Tianming's work, have you?"

Xiao Zhengyu lifted his chin, as if he had heard something incredible, and laughed happily: "The formal dress is a minor issue, I can help you borrow one. The buffet at Junlai Hotel is quite good; if you can eat for free, why not take advantage of it? It would also solve the problem of dinner."

Xue Yuan gave a wry smile: "Reading? Yes, but whether I am focused or not is uncertain."

Then the two fell silent again

She paused her narration, as if weighing her words. Xiao Zhengyu took the opportunity to closely observe the painting. Under Xue Yuan's guidance, he seemed to discover something new: the girl was positioned in a corner of the classroom, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl with long braids, leaning sideways against a low, dilapidated window, her gaze affectionately fixed on a book, with a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth. The colors of the painting were somewhat dark, but that smile made it uniquely bright. The sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, with long braids, leaning sideways against a low, dilapidated window, her gaze affectionately fixed on a book, with a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth. The colors of the painting were somewhat dark, but that smile made it uniquely bright.

He turned his face and glanced at Xue Yuan again. Although she was anxious at that moment, it did not detract from the contours of her profile. Elegant lines extended from her forehead, and unlike many girls who initially appear beautiful but have flat profiles, her eyelashes were slightly curled, her nose was straight, her lips were thin, and the corners of her mouth naturally turned up. With such a lip shape, even when she maintained a serious expression, there was still a hint of a smile.

No, it is my own problem," Xue Yuanjue felt as if he had just lost his job and was then kicked out by his parents, with only the strength left to force a bitter smile. "You have always been helping me, yet I have been losing my composure today, truly making a fool of myself in front of you.

You will gradually become familiar with it, as there is plenty of time ahead

Xue Yuan bowed her head and said, "I am sorry"

The office area is located behind the exhibition area. Within a few minutes, the two of them walked past under the gaze of the crowd. Aside from garnering quite a bit of attention, everything went very smoothly. After returning to the office, Xiao Zhengyu poured her a glass of water and then smiled as he spoke: "I just listened for half the session. Although you were a bit emotional, you maintained decorum and presented evidence to persuade others. Even if I had come in person, I might not have handled it as well as you did. No matter how I try, I cannot elaborate on details like you do. To be honest, I don't even know the painting they were talking about."

He turned to leave, but was called back by Xue Yuan from behind. When he looked back, he saw her looking at him. Perhaps it was due to the overly bright lights in the hall, but for a moment, he felt her gaze was like stars. Clearly, before stepping into the hall, she still carried an air of hesitation and retreat, but now it had completely vanished, leaving only the determination of burning one's boats and the courage to move forward without hesitation. He remained silent, observing her nodding slightly to him, which was her most sincere way of expressing gratitude. Now it had completely vanished, leaving only the determination of burning one's boats and the courage to move forward without hesitation. He remained silent, observing her nodding slightly to him, which was her most sincere way of expressing gratitude.

He paused for a moment before speaking

Ah, Xue Yuancai suddenly remembered his slip of the tongue; it is indeed easy to say the wrong thing when one is relaxed. Since it cannot be hidden, it is better to be honest: "I studied French for more than two years, but I dropped out and started studying fine arts again"

The spider silk winds around again, and something is about to emerge.

As a secretary, being the trusted aide and outlet for the boss, it is only natural for Xue Yuanxin to have such a profound understanding of the term "measure"

Then the gaze never left that painting again

The handsome man has a very infectious smile. Xue Yuan also wanted to smile in order to save face, but she failed miserably. The words she had just said in a fit of emotional outburst still echoed in her ears. If it had been someone else, they would have probably lost their temper by now, but Xiao Zhengyu not only remained completely unperturbed, but also offered his full assistance. Feeling ashamed, she tried to ease the awkward atmosphere from earlier and jokingly said: "Secretary Xiao, you seem like such a serious and stern person, yet what you say is just like that of a poor, down-and-out student; the contrast is truly striking."

Xiao Zhengyu seemed unable to understand every word she said, frowning as he asked, "What are you talking about?"

Xue Yuan fell onto the dashboard, murmuring to herself: "Well, you are right."

Why

"Ling Li's clothes," Xiao Zhengyu glanced at the large wall clock and casually said, "Let's save the thanks for later. I will head into the venue first. Come find me once you have changed your clothes."

"Isn't there a bit of a foundation?" Xue Yuan just smiled, "Speaking of which, how should we handle the matter from just now?"

Xiao Zhengyu's eyes flashed with a hint of nostalgia: "Yes, we even formed a band back in the day and performed at hotel bars."

Xue Yuan raised her eyes to look at him and asked in an encouraging and supportive tone, "Is that so?"

Xiao Zhengyu asked: "Are you definitely focused on studying at school"

Before her words had finished, the person had already arrived at the door. Only then did she remember that the cup was still in her hand, and she hurriedly turned back, bending down to place the teacup back. She was very gentle, and when she set down the cup, it was nearly silent.

Understanding a little is more terrifying than not understanding at all! You are completely mistaken!

When consciousness returned, Xiao Zhengyu had also finished the call. Xue Yuan opened her mouth to speak, but was preempted by the other party: "It seems that this afternoon won't work. General Manager Zhang said that Mr. Li is resting. He has not been in good health recently; he just had heart surgery not long ago. The only thing we can confirm is that he will definitely attend the banquet tonight, and I will arrange for you to meet then."

What is that expression so familiar? Where is the answer

Many people do some crazy things when they are young," Xue Yuan interjected, intending to refer to him, but unconsciously thought of herself, and immediately changed the subject, "However, I didn't expect there to be such a nice restaurant nearby.

Xiao Zhengyu shrugged and smiled, as if he found her question quite unbelievable: "I won't handle it in any particular way, so rest assured. Human resources are the primary resource and the core competitiveness. With your talent, exceptional appreciation skills, and proficiency in two foreign languages, how could Boyi possibly let you go? Today, you defended our artist, and I believe there might even be a reward in store for you."

I said, I will not be attending the evening reception, thank you for your concern

I originally thought she would not respond, but to my surprise, she didn't even blink, and there was no delay in her response. Quickly, he spoke: "This painting 'The Girl Reading' is of a level I could never have imagined. It is an unparalleled masterpiece... There is no way to compare; it is too shocking. This painting is completely different from his previous works."

Xiao Zhengyu asked her: "However, it seems that you can speak French?"

At this point, everything that needed to be arranged has been arranged, and you are not allowed to act in avoidance.

Xiao Zhengyu had been following her closely, and these details could not be mistaken in any way. When Xue Yuan saw the painting, the expression that instinctively emerged was not the fervor of a fan encountering their idol's work, but rather a deep confusion and a multitude of more complex emotions. If one had to describe this expression, it could be characterized as 'obsessive.' However, such an 'obsessive' sentiment is inappropriate for Xue Yuan, who is exemplary in both demeanor and conduct.

Xue Yuan held the cup of water, shaking her head bitterly: "I truly do not deserve such praise. I actually wanted to handle it calmly, but I was infuriated by his remark that 'Chinese people only know how to plagiarize.' At that moment, I could hardly contain myself and wanted to retort, how many Chinese artifacts are there in your Versailles Palace? I managed to hold back, thinking it would be better to stick to the point. After all, at this time, one cannot act impulsively; there is a distinction between primary and secondary contradictions, and one must have a targeted resolution when questioning her."

Unconsciously, Xiao Zhengyu's back had already turned cold

Xiao Zhengyu carefully observed her impeccable movements, feeling a sense of admiration, especially noting how she managed to maintain her composure at such a moment. Then, as he slipped slightly, he naturally followed her out.

Xue Yuan's eyelid twitched: "What?"

Xiao Zhengyu focused intently on driving, his gaze fixed ahead. It was only when he encountered the first red light that he spoke: "I apologize for what just happened"

The atmosphere took a wonderful turn, and the relationship between the two became harmonious through their conversation

Xue Yuan smiled and said: "What is there to question... If I don't want to study, then I won't study. Everyone should have some hobbies, right"

Xue Yuan gritted her teeth and said, "I do not want to see him"