Chapter 8, the language of orchids.

No.

Upon entering the office, she took out a clothing box from her bag and respectfully handed it over with both hands: "General Manager Zhang, thank you for lending me the clothes. I have already sent them to the dry cleaner for a thorough wash. I apologize for the delay."

"This has nothing to do with whether or not to take off clothes, it just won't do," Xue Yuan took a step back and vigorously rubbed her face, trying to completely wipe away the warmth of his fingers from her skin, "I do not like being painted"

Xue Yuan suppressed her impulse to lose her temper and said in a gentle tone: "Could you please refrain from sending me flowers in the future?"

She runs in the endless night. It is a dark space, and Xue Yuan hurriedly walks along the corridor of time, heading towards a distant place she does not even know.

I know that orchids symbolize nobility. As for the flowers of the Phalaenopsis orchid, I will need to look them up further

It is estimated to be about the same, this person is really strange. It is the first time I have seen someone give orchids.

The delivery from the florist arrived five minutes ago. Oh, it was just when you went out. Since you were not here, I signed for it on your behalf.

Xue Yuan vaguely sensed the language he used and also knew that he had inquired about quite a bit of information regarding her. She told herself not to show any signs of timidity, to look him in the eye, and to maintain a neutral expression as she listened to him continue speaking

"We, as minor characters, work the same under anyone, but for General Manager Zhang, it is different," He Yuntang said with a sense of emotion. "Therefore, I have always felt that General Manager Zhang is truly remarkable in his conduct. For so many years, his title has always carried the word 'Deputy,' yet he has never complained, working diligently and conscientiously. If it were someone else, they would have long since undermined the authority of the general manager to elevate themselves."

After she left, Zhang Lingli picked up the stack of manuscripts that had just been delivered and began to flip through them one by one. She was so engrossed in her reading that she didn't even hear the knocking on the door. It wasn't until the table started to vibrate that she came to her senses and suddenly looked up: "Oh, Zhengyu"

This narrative is largely speculative, yet her trembling silence has completely validated his viewpoint. Li Youwei paused for a moment before continuing: "Do you know how many paintings are traded in the market each year? You could spend your entire life without seeing them all. Finding a painting from twenty years ago in such a sea of artworks, how easy do you think that is! With your capabilities, as a freshly graduated university student, inexperienced and without money or influence, when do you think you will be able to find that painting? You must have employed some methods during your four years at university, but it took you a full four years just to meet Li Tianming, and in the end, it was all in vain. With your capabilities, as a freshly graduated university student, inexperienced and without money or influence, when do you think you will be able to find that painting? You must have employed some methods during your four years at university, but it took you a full four years just to meet Li Tianming, and in the end, it was all in vain. If you continue searching like this, how much longer will it take? How much time do you have left to endure such consumption?"

You spoke too late, and I have no other choice. Xue Yuan thought to herself, "Hmm."

Li Youwei briefly frowned, then smiled: "I won't make you take off your clothes to be a nude model; I wouldn't go that far."

Just put it on the sofa casually

The pure white stones form a semi-circular vaulted corridor, gently reflecting the thin light. Two rows of columns extend from an invisible starting point to an unseen endpoint, where faceless individuals stand in the middle of the path, smiling at her and speaking.

Li Youwei pondered for a moment, then changed to a look of understanding: "Seeing your strong reaction, have you been drawn by someone before and encountered an unpleasant experience?"

Now that she finally sees his intentions towards her and understands the reason, Xue Yuan feels exceptionally relieved: "No. But I will say it again, I do not like being drawn. I very, very much dislike it"

Under his oppression, Xue Yuan was unable to speak. She also could not refuse at all

But she cannot hear

Xiao Zhengyu shrugged his shoulders and said, "You don't know, how could I possibly know?"

The remaining colleagues also came to a halt, and He Yuntang stood beside Xue Yuan, saying to her: "In the years I have been here, this is the first time I have seen the general manager's office open. Could it be that there have been new changes in the management?"

Xue Yuan gritted her teeth: "No."

What are you looking at

Which type of flower do you dislike

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Zhang Lingli stepped out of the elevator and saw a group of people gathered in the hallway, whispering quietly. One voice rose above the others: "Can anyone tell me what time it is now?"

Li Youwei suddenly smiled strangely, and after a pause in his tone, he changed it: "Xue Yuan, do you no longer wish to find that painting?" In the empty classroom, this sentence seemed to echo.

The response is very quick

Little did one expect that their estimation was completely wrong. After that, every day, Li Youwei would send flowers, and each day they would change. The first day it was pure white orchids, the second day it was bird of paradise, and by the third day it had completely turned into roses

I have money, so much that you cannot spend it all; I have countless social connections; most importantly, I am the owner of Boyi, and I know more collectors and artists than you will meet in your entire life. I can mobilize all my connections and resources to help you find that painting. You can obtain what you desire, and at the same time, the cost you need to pay is very minimal. You do not need to go through hardships; you only need to obediently sit there and be my model. How about that? You can obtain what you desire, and at the same time, the cost you need to pay is very minimal. You do not need to go through hardships; you only need to obediently sit there and be my model. How about that?

Xiao Zhengyu returned to his office, looking through one document after another

His stubborn insistence left Xue Yuan momentarily speechless. She understood the kind of situation that could arise from an artist's obsession with a model, so she kindly explained: "I am not what you think; I am not suitable to be a model. You must have made some mistake. Mr. Li, moreover, you are my boss, so please find someone else."

Feeling utterly sleepless, I once again lay down on the bed and pulled the towel blanket over myself. However, as soon as the blanket was on, I became uncomfortably sticky with cold sweat. I kicked off the blanket, only to feel cold again. I covered myself, then kicked it off again, struggling with the corners of the blanket throughout the night. The cool mat became damp and then dry, yet I ultimately did not manage to get a good night's sleep

After hanging up the phone, she angrily thought that even a unscrupulous businessman would at least allow some room for negotiation

She was drenched in cold sweat, dragging her heavy footsteps back to the office, hoping that the day would pass quickly. But soon she realized that she was completely dreaming. It was still morning, and most of her colleagues had just arrived, all gathered around their desks. She cautiously walked over, and everyone immediately made way for her. In front of her desk was a bouquet of pure white orchids, with a delicate little card nestled among the flowers, unsigned, bearing only a beautifully written line: For my dear Funalina. She cautiously walked over, and everyone immediately made way for her. In front of her desk was a bouquet of pure white orchids, with a delicate little card nestled among the flowers, unsigned, bearing only a beautifully written line: For my dear Funalina.

This is what a good child looks like. Li Youwei smiled with satisfaction

Xue Yuan forced a smile and said: "You only know about the Qin and Han dynasties, but not the Wei and Jin periods"

She returned to the empty office, fighting off drowsiness as she printed out the manuscript. Estimating that the time was about right, she returned it along with the previous materials to Zhang Lingli

The stack of documents was at least half a decimeter high. Xue Yuan didn't even blink, simply said "Okay" and bent down to pick it up. She then asked, "Mr. Zhang, is there anything else?"

Huang Wan thought for a moment and said seriously: "In fact, back then they said that in your art and design department, there was only one Xue Yuan, a beauty that one could never tire of looking at. I know several classmates who wanted to use her as a model for portrait paintings, but she rejected them with a guarded expression. They had no choice but to secretly observe her in the library, probably sketching a few drafts from time to time"

In the past few days, take a look at this," Zhang Lingli pointed to the stack of documents, "the information on the auction, the details of the exhibited works, and some information on the European and American collectors participating in the auction. Familiarize yourself with it in the next few days. According to previous examples, please write a description for each painting and submit it to me by tomorrow, so that it can be provided to the main auctioneer for reference.

A moment later, Xiao Zhengyu sent a text message, which contained Li Youwei's phone number

I said, such a large bouquet must have at least thirty or forty flowers

Your mother was a soldier, who sacrificed her life on the battlefield in the mid-1980s and was posthumously awarded the title of martyr. At that time, you were still very young. Your father was a worker at the Qian Town Arts and Crafts Factory, who raised you single-handedly. In your third year of university, your father passed away in a car accident. After that, you recklessly dropped out of school and changed your focus to apply to an art academy. The reason and motivation behind this decision was that painting—your mother's portrait.

The darkness melted everything, rendering the sounds breathtaking. Xue Yuan heard the sound of her own footsteps as her imagination began to stir, sensing that this place was extraordinary

In such hot weather, Xue Yuan unexpectedly shivered. A chill rose from the soles of her feet, thread by thread. Clearly it was midsummer, yet a sensation known as "shivering without cold" was more vivid than ever before.

What is the matter, do you not like it

His car was parked near the teaching building, and it was just a short walk along the tree-lined path. On the way, he saw countless young faces, each displaying the vigor and enthusiasm unique to the youth of this era. Finally, he encountered Ding Yinan, smiled at her, and politely said, "Thank you for guiding me just now"

Xue Yuan was even more surprised than he was, abruptly shifting her gaze from the paper to Xiao Zhengyu's face: "Did I write this? How come I have no recollection of it at all?"

When she finished typing the last word, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Holding a pile of things, she returned upstairs. Standing at the stairway, she felt a cool breeze brushing against her face, and it was then that she suddenly realized that, she did not know when, the sky had already brightened. The morning glow adorned the horizon like a woman's morning makeup.

Li Youwei smiled, and Ding Yinan felt as if she were bathed in a spring breeze

Xiao Zhengyu was deeply surprised: "He didn't give you his phone number?"

"But I am different," Li Youwei said, slightly bending down to whisper in her ear. His voice was deep yet melodious, and Xue Yuan inexplicably recalled a scene from a play she had seen five or six years ago. She could not remember the details, but the image of the winged devil whispering in Faust's ear was particularly profound.

After she left, Xiao Zhengyu helplessly spoke: "Nearly one hundred paintings, aren't you making it difficult for her? Even if there is a shortage of people, it doesn't mean she has to do it all by herself."

Fortunately, the enthusiasm of the crowd is limited, and no one will remember such trivial matters for long. Xue Yuan only hopes that after one day, everyone will forget this incident, and then she will be free.

"Alright, I will let you pass this time," Ding Yinan said while biting on her chopsticks. "In any case, make sure to interrogate her properly when we see her later."

Put it here, you take a break, you still have to work later

"He always tries to control others, this is his consistent style," Xiao Zhengyu exhaled a suppressed breath, "I don't have his mobile number either; it has always been General Manager Zhang who contacts her directly. However, I do have his home landline number, and I will send you his phone number shortly."

Very much dislike

So that's how it is, you dislike it so much, yet you endured for a full three days before finding me. Your patience is truly remarkable, I really admire you. However, I still prefer your straightforwardness, so I will come to pick you up tonight and treat you to dinner

Li Youwei, with an air of confidence, said: "If you were going to reject me, you should have said it long ago. To be honest, I am quite interested in whether I can endure an even greater disappointment from you. You say I am despicable and shameless, but I do not care. However, apart from me, can you find someone better?"

Li Youwei stood in the classroom, he pulled open the curtains, and under the ample sunlight, he returned to the easel, bending down to gaze for a long time. Finally, he rolled up the painting and then left.

None of them like it

What is the flower language of the butterfly orchid

Please leave me a phone number. When you are free, I would like you to have dinner with Xue Yuan

Please rest assured, there will be nothing strange

Li Youwei's smile faded almost completely as he said sternly: "No, it won't do without you. The moment I saw you, I knew you were my model"

The ellipsis came to an abrupt end. Xiao Zhengyu furrowed his brows and called her. Xue Yuan hurried over after a moment, and Xiao Zhengyu pointed at the unfinished line of text, asking her: "What were you going to say next?"

He quickly flipped through the last few pages. At this moment, there was an oil painting titled "Burning Clouds," with a note by Xue Yuan stating: This painting is an early work by the renowned artist Mr. Chen Mengxian, completed fifteen years ago. This piece demonstrates an excellent grasp of color, line, and rhythm, perfectly blending the artistic styles of Eastern ink painting and Western oil painting, holding an important position in the study of Chen Mengxian's works. ... It is just a pity ... this piece demonstrates an excellent grasp of color, line, and rhythm, perfectly blending the artistic styles of Eastern ink painting and Western oil painting, holding an important position in the study of Chen Mengxian's works. ... It is just a pity ...

However, we have indeed almost forgotten about this general manager

Zhang Lingli casually handed the manuscript to him and said without much reaction: "It's good that you are here. Xue Yuan just gave it to me. I read a few pieces, and they are better than I expected. You should take a look too"

This is nothing, Xiao Zhengyu pondered for a moment, I told you at that time that once Li Youwei sets his sights on something, he will do whatever it takes to obtain it. You must be cautious with him, remember not to easily agree to anything he proposes, and do not give him any opportunity. In case anything happens, remember to call me immediately. My phone is always on.

Xue Yuan pulled out a card and threw it into the drawer. Only then did she realize that this action was completely futile, as everyone had already seen it.

The crowd immediately dispersed like birds and beasts. However, Xue Yuan went in the opposite direction, approaching with a bag in hand. She instinctively glanced at Xiao Zhengyu, who seemed to always be behind her. Xiao Zhengyu smiled reassuringly at her, and only then did she feel at ease

She has no objections, and you need not speak up for her. Zhang Lingli opened the document to sign and her gaze lingered on the paper: "Which newcomer doesn't go through some trials? This is a form of training. Now, let's get down to business."

Xue Yuan gritted her teeth fiercely, almost squeezing out a few words from her throat like a cry of blood: "Alright, I promise you."

Most of her colleagues are young and beautiful girls, and the number of admirers is certainly not few. It is not surprising for someone to send flowers, but the bouquet that Xue Yuan received is truly eye-catching, making it difficult for others to ignore. It is not the most common roses, but rather a unique arrangement of orchids, and the packaging is so glamorous. Placed in this ordinary large office, it is indeed hard to go unnoticed. Colleagues chatter and gossip, excited as if they themselves had received the flowers. Placed in this ordinary large office, it is indeed hard to go unnoticed. Colleagues chatter and gossip, excited as if they themselves had received the flowers.

From the perspective of layout format, Xue Yuan is indeed a meticulous person. On the neat white paper, the image is positioned at the top left, the introduction at the top right, and the description at the bottom. The explanatory text is concise and highlights the characteristics of the painting, and the text itself is quite beautiful. At first glance, apart from the poor quality of the paper and the lack of binding, it resembles a delicate art album. It is no wonder that Zhang Lingli became captivated by it. At first glance, apart from the poor quality of the paper and the lack of binding, it resembles a delicate art album. It is no wonder that Zhang Lingli became captivated by it.

Xiao Zhengyu took it and flipped through it: "Unexpectedly quick actions"

This is not up to you anymore

Xiao Zhengyu nodded, and Xue Yuan turned to leave again. Seeing her departing figure, his thoughts stirred, and he said in a deep voice: "Xue Yuan, if you find anything strange in these works, please be sure to inform me"

Xue Yuan's refusal came out almost simultaneously with his words

Xue Yuan said little, nodded, and then left

Xue Yuan took a deep breath and said, "It is still acceptable"

Good

Xue Yuan recalled the scene she had witnessed that night and said, "Indeed."

That feeling continued until she saw Huang Wan. While eating, she clicked her tongue and sighed: "When did Xue Yuan get to know him? On such a hot day, he went to school with such determination, specifically stating that it was just to see her. How romantic! Since she started working, she has been having one romantic encounter after another. I wonder if all the good fortune in love she accumulated over the past four years has suddenly come pouring in."

Moreover, this painting was created by your father for your mother

She replied in a thin voice: "I don't know"

Xue Yuan shook her head helplessly: "I don't know"

Who is Xue Yuan, Fulani Lina? What is your nickname

Zhang Lingli glanced at her; after all, she was young. Aside from her slightly dark circles under the eyes, there seemed to be no significant abnormalities.

Please give me Li Youwei's phone number, I would like to have a conversation with him

She no longer looked at him and immediately slammed the door behind her. Outside was hotter than inside the house, but it was another real world. She had never known that the scorching summer sun could feel so tangible. It was something she could touch, something she could see, filled with songs and laughter

He Yuntang seems to be as familiar with various gossip as he is with the lines on his own palm, yet he is completely unaware of the rumored general manager. Xue Yuan felt deeply astonished by this.

Waking up in a cold sweat, I realized that my whole body was trembling. The reflection in the mirror showed a face so haggard it resembled a female ghost from "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio"; my skin had lost its color, my pupils their luster, and even my lips had turned a faint shade of pale red

Gritting her teeth, she insisted on going to work, only to discover something unusual upon her arrival. For the first time, the usually tightly shut door of the general manager was wide open. Someone was inside cleaning, organizing, and installing computers, among other tasks. She paused in her steps, stunned in place.

This cannot continue. Xue Yuan was anxious and helpless, so she called Xiao Zhengyu. She briefly explained the situation, but Xiao Zhengyu asked, "Is there a fragrance of flowers?"

Xue Yuan was almost going crazy. During that time, whenever she had a moment to spare, she would intentionally or unintentionally pass by the door of the general manager's office. Although it had been cleared out, Li Youwei himself had never appeared. She turned to look for Xiao Zhengyu, only to remember that he had been busy with the auction in a few days and had not been seen at the gallery for several days.

She called Li Youwei, and after two rings, someone quickly answered. His voice carried a noticeable drowsiness, as if he had just woken up.

Please take a look at the remaining part. If you find it acceptable, you can directly take this version to General Manager Liu.

He spoke with a very steady tone, subtly revealing traces of emotion. As expected, he watched Xue Yuan's face grow increasingly pale, and he felt a twinge of compassion.

Zhang Lingli did not even glance, she threw her handbag to Xiao Zhengyu, and hurriedly sat down at the desk, taking out a stack of documents from the drawer and placing them on the table: "Your English and French are quite good, aren't they"

Xue Yuan shook her head: "No. The current situation is that he can find me at any time, but I cannot take a single step out."

Ah, good

That night, Xue Yuan had a dream

In fact, starting from that afternoon, she did not see Xue Yuan for several days; she and Huang Wan were also preoccupied with moving, overwhelmed and dizzy, and soon completely forgot about inquiring into Xue Yuan's plans.

Reason told her that she should not fall for the trap, yet every word he spoke poured into her ears, each sentence etched in her heart. Xue Yuan clenched her fists, her lower lip nearly bitten until it bled

She asked her colleagues around her, "When was it delivered?"

Becoming a news figure and being discussed by others is not frightening; what is truly frightening is being a news figure every single day

Finally, she simply took her notebook and the pile of materials down to the storeroom, looking at one painting and writing about another. To suppress her drowsiness, she drank three pots of strong tea. Perhaps the effect of the strong tea was too good, or maybe the most drowsy moment had passed; in any case, as the night deepened, her mind became clearer, and her typing could be described as swift and fluid.

Xue Yuan, in utter helplessness, said: "Do you still have time to care about this? I will throw it directly into the trash can as soon as I get off work"

Li Youwei spoke with a calm smile at the corners of his mouth, and the light in his eyes was clearly visible even in such a dim classroom. Xue Yuan was most afraid of that kind of smile from him, which conveyed a sense of determination; just a glance was enough to make one feel a loss of confidence

Ding Yinan waved her hand to indicate that it was a trivial matter: "It's nothing, it's nothing. Mr. Li, Xue Yuan is in the classroom, right?" Seeing him nod with a smile, she continued, "I find it quite strange to see you at school today. I never knew before that Xue Yuan had a friend like you, oh no, I should say she has other friends as well."

Ding Yinan exclaimed in surprise: "Is there such a thing? Why didn't you tell me before!"

Xue Yuan thought hard and finally recalled that this passage was written around three or four in the morning. She then explained: "At that time, I was too tired, and my mind was a complete mess, so I wrote some nonsense. Please delete this sentence. If there are any more strange phrases in the following text, please let me know immediately or feel free to delete them directly."

Huang Wan smiled apologetically and said, "At that time, I didn't know you yet"

Her tone was entirely one of "not wanting to converse". Xiao Zhengyu found it inappropriate to respond further, placing the brewed teacup beside her and reporting matters one by one

His voice was low, resembling both temptation and threat. Xue Yuan was well aware that every word he spoke was correct; she indeed could not endure another greater disappointment. In comparison, making a pact with the devil seemed less terrifying.

For Zhang Lingli, this command is simply a straightforward statement, but for Xue Yuan, it is not the same. That day after work, she did not leave; instead, she stayed in the office, burning the midnight oil. It is not difficult to describe the characteristics of this painting in just two hundred words, but the problem is that one can only speak positively. She was studying previous materials, lost in thought.

Xiao Zhengyu chuckled softly, and nothing could be discerned from his laughter. "What would Li Youwei's reaction be if he knew?"

With a weary smile, Xue Yuan promised.

After speaking, she heard someone calling her from a distance and stuck out her tongue at him: "That's it then, Mr. Li, I will take my leave now"

Zhang Lingli wearily waved her hand and said, "There is nothing left, you may go out now"

Soon, the contradiction shifted to Xue Yuan, and everyone began to ask him: "Who sent you this flower? It shouldn't be from a boyfriend, right? A boyfriend would definitely send roses."

"If I am not mistaken, you have been searching for that painting all these years, haven't you?" Li Youwei's smile remained unchanged, and his tone was as casual and relaxed as if he were discussing the weather on the other side of the globe. "I have been inquiring about you these past few days. You were a top student in the French department at the Diplomatic Academy back in the day, with outstanding grades and a bright future ahead. It is said that you could have entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and your teachers still express their regrets when they talk about you."