First stroke

Looking to the side, Gao Fei's gaze indeed drifted over. Today, she was the host, dressed resplendently, and beside her stood a male guest in his thirties or forties. The two were originally engaged in conversation, with Gao Fei wearing a beaming smile and exhibiting an extremely polite and respectful demeanor. After Guan You spoke, the man's attention was also drawn over.

A staff member in the venue approached her, inquiring if she was the one delivering the painting. Without taking the painting, he simply pointed to a still vacant wall at the back of the studio, instructing her to hang the painting herself

Guan You, much like his name, seems to be a person particularly blessed by God, possessing a gentle artistic temperament along with delicate and beautiful features

An Yanran thought that her current appearance was truly too miserable, which even prompted the esteemed guest Gao Fei to come forward and inquire, "Miss, do you need assistance?"

In fact, starting from the age of seven, Gao Fei has been the nemesis in An Yanran's life

In this regard, An Yanran's summary is very succinct, consisting of only two words: brain-dead

This is their second meeting since his return to the country; the first was an unexpected encounter at the gallery where she works, which she could not avoid. However, this time it was intentional, and it is hard not to feel displeased.

Setting aside the blood relations and family backgrounds of the past, the mere fact that they grew up relying on each other should be sufficient and ought to make the two of them more loving and supportive than ordinary sisters

Guan Youzheng stared blankly at An Yanran, as if wanting to say something, but the other party had already walked away quickly

After that incident, An Yanran had always regarded her as transparent, especially during the period leading up to graduation, when the two had essentially become strangers.

An Yanran has been working here for nearly six months. From initial dissatisfaction to later adaptation and now handling her tasks with ease, her work attitude has increasingly pleased her boss. Recently, she often goes out to enjoy herself while also seeking out fine works of art, entrusting the management of the gallery to her.

Gao Fei was taken aback; the moment she heard that name, she could hardly suppress the excitement in her eyes. "Mr. Liu, is the Mr. Xia Xun Jian you mentioned the legendary demon from https://www.hetushu.com? Is he currently in City S?"

Later, she came to understand that an obsessive affection and dedication do not necessarily yield equivalent returns. She felt so insignificant, while he shone so brilliantly

Are you in a hurry? What a pity, I originally wanted to keep you here for a while to introduce you to some industry celebrities—since you have to leave, please settle the bill directly with my assistant after hanging up, the one in the yellow outfit. " Gao Fei stepped aside, " Thank you for your hard work, Yan Ran! "

I met him once in Europe a few years ago, but unfortunately, he was in a hurry at the time and I did not have the opportunity to get to know him. This matter has always been a regret of mine

It is very beautiful, exceptionally beautiful, stunningly beautiful! So much so that when she first laid eyes on him, she was immediately transfixed, struggling to breathe, and in the years that followed, she expressed this state of mind to the fullest through her actions

In fact, the true purpose of his return to the country was to pay a visit to the legendary figure in the art world: Xia Xun Jian

This situation occurred again after three days

On the day she delivered the painting, City S experienced two heavy downpours. It is better to be fortunate than to be early; she did not encounter rain while taking a taxi to the studio, but it poured heavily during the short walk after getting out of the car

At that time, she often joked that if one day she really could not continue painting, she might as well switch careers and become his agent. Even if he casually doodled a few pieces, his looks alone would ensure they were sold out.

Gao Fei possesses an unparalleled skill, which is—robbing.

This disheveled and drenched figure, resembling a drowned rat, encountered another nemesis of her fate—Guan You—in that lavish and bright studio bustling with celebrities.

Therefore, from this perspective, she should view her with a more tolerant outlook

As she moved from the outskirts of the crowd, dragging a body soaked with water, someone called out her name

It is evident that this is a gathering event in the industry m.hetushu.com

Have you seen him

An Yanran studies painting and has struggled with her language skills since childhood. If she had to use an appropriate word to describe Guan You's appearance, it would simply be: good-looking

Gao Fei, Gao Fei...! ... Do not think that you are particularly unfortunate today; you must understand that you are the root cause of all this!

The newcomer appeared calm and composed, casting a slightly scrutinizing gaze up and down at An Yanran for a moment. Then, with a smile, he simply stated that he wished to purchase a painting, making no mention of anything else.

An Yanran has been involved in an improper relationship with someone for a year

This unexpected event indeed brought her great surprise, but at the moment, the surprise clearly outweighed the joy. Someone's sudden change in behavior left her feeling confused and sighing in despair

In childhood, it was about snatching food and toys; in adolescence, it was about grabbing backpacks and pencils; in youth, it was about seizing clothes and friends; in the teenage years, it was about vying for boys, opportunities, and attention... In short, she does not refrain from taking what belongs to others, believing that even if she takes the whole world, it is rightfully hers.

After experiencing multiple instances of being robbed, even the most good-natured person will inevitably undergo some changes—especially after that incident occurred

"Are you done speaking?" An Yanran was indeed uninterested in the weak character played by Gao Fei in this self-written and self-directed production. She wiped the water stains off her face and said, "It's hanging on the wall at the back, right? Please settle the remaining payment after I hang it up!"

The other party still used the excuse of coming to see the paintings, and this time actually bought two pieces, giving her a business card to send to the address on it, which is said to be her studio. An Yanran glanced at her and accepted it

When Gao Fei arrived, she had just seen off a distinguished guest. Even before the person arrived, the scent of perfume wafted in, carrying a familiar air of flamboyance and allure, along with a makeup look that was many times more refined than during her student days, accentuating her already strikingly beautiful face even more seductively

She even calmly and meticulously introduced the paintings that the other party casually pointed out, displaying such a dedicated attitude that it was almost shocking to herself

You have actually seen him and his illustrations! We, the younger generation, have not only failed to meet him in person, but we have also never had the opportunity to appreciate the authenticity of his works. It is said that he is very low-key, and very few people have seen him. Moreover, he has not been painting much in recent years, which has caused his previous works to skyrocket in value, now collected by wealthy individuals in their homes

This time, she is determined to establish a personal studio in order to carve out a new path for herself. Therefore, Liu Hui has become a very important and pivotal figure on her new journey. If she can obtain his recommendation and support, her upcoming first solo art exhibition will essentially mean that she has achieved half of her success.

The "brilliant" attracts other "brilliant" individuals in the academy, as well as those who aspire to be "brilliant". However, she, as insignificant as dust, will eventually have to return to the ordinary earth.

The painting remains intact, all wrapped tightly in waterproof oil paper. The unfortunate one is her, drenched like a drowned rat on what should have been a beautiful and harmonious early summer afternoon

Indeed, it is better to be clever in timing than to be early. It is truly commendable of Gao Fei, who even planned her own studio's opening ceremony for her sake

Gao Fei, if elaborated upon, would be a very long story

It must be said that this woman's sensitivity is increasingly approaching that of a certain animal. She merely had a chance encounter with someone at the gallery where she works, and the other party came seeking her out.

She admitted that she was not exactly a good girl. Back then, she was determined to become his disciple, but ended up harboring improper thoughts. That night, during her first visit to his home, she wore the least fabric-covered outfit from her wardrobe, and in addition to being a guest, she also took the opportunity to "do" him.

In several conversations, Liu Hui revealed the purpose of his return to the country amidst Gao Fei's words of admiration.

After enduring countless hardships, to this day, the greatest of all her wishes has been fulfilled

Liu Hui arrived in City S a few days after Guan You returned to the country, coinciding with the opening of Gao Fei's studio, and was naturally invited to show support. Although Gao Fei garnered much praise and attention at her graduation exhibition with a painting titled "Rushing Flow," she has not released any notable new works in the year since her graduation.

It just so happened that on that day, I passed by the gallery and found two nice pieces of artwork! Gao Fei replied, then looked at An Yanran with concern, "So, everyone in the store, how come there isn't even a delivery person? If I had known it was you delivering, I would have driven over to pick it up myself"

In retrospect, although this person had a peculiar personality and their subsequent attitude left her completely bewildered, such is often the case with prominent figures; it is said that one simply gets used to it and endures it until it passes

The specific hardships of the process will not be mentioned here. She only wishes to say that the outcome was unexpectedly good; after that night, she successfully entered his tutelage.

Gao Fei stepped forward before she could speak, "Oh dear, why didn't you bring an umbrella on a rainy day? Look at you, all soaked like this!"

An Yanran's first meeting with Gao Fei after starting work was on the day after she met Guan You

"Is that young lady also studying painting?" the male guest casually asked. However, Gao Fei did not intend to shift the topic to An Yanran, and with a smile, she replied that she no longer paints, subsequently redirecting the conversation.

Did you ask her to bring the painting over today?" Guan You's expression was somewhat displeased

Liu Hui smiled, "The 'Killer God' is merely a nickname given to him by the outside world"

Regardless of whether she has it or not, whether it is useful or not, as long as it belongs to Anyanran, she will seize it all.

The studio is bright and stylish, currently filled with a considerable number of people. A long table set up nearby is laden with exquisite snacks and beverages, and there are even several reporters in the venue continuously taking photographs.

The male guest, Liu Hui, is a senior whom Guan You met while studying in Europe. In terms of recognition, Guan You won the championship in a relatively significant competition in Europe, and he has now become a rising star in the field of oil painting. On the other hand, Liu Hui has won multiple championships in several large and well-known competitions, accumulating years of honors, and has become a quite famous painter.

As that person said, mindset is the foundation of everything. To begin, one must first adjust their mindset. At that time, she did not understand, but upon this reunion, she found that her emotions were indeed much calmer compared to the past.

She knew that the other party was looking for trouble, deliberately pretending to be a lofty consumer and a successful person, seeking an excuse to suppress and humiliate. ... Unfortunately, she did not expect that the person who should have been deeply hurt and overwhelmed, possibly even in tears, remained calm throughout the entire process, or rather, numb.

While contemplating a way to extricate herself, she involuntarily began to mutter a certain name fervently.

After Gao Fei sighed, a sudden thought struck her, and she asked, "Mr. Liu, I have heard that the works of that master have reached the level of miracles. Is that true?"

Guan You's expression was one of surprise, his delicate brows slightly furrowed, and his eyes seemed to carry a mix of emotions that could be described as shock, pity, or perhaps something deeper and more complex. Under the weight of such a gaze, An Yanran felt her hands grow somewhat weak.

Long after, An Yanran thought that, in some respects, Gao Fei had awakened potentials that had never emerged in her life for over twenty years

An Yanran naturally understood that the other party was not interested in the painting. In the past, she would have completely ignored it. However, after six months of working experience, she had indeed changed somewhat.

At that time, her feelings for him were almost akin to worship. In S City Art Academy, everyone knew that Guan You was An Yanran's deity; he was held high by her, like a star in the sky

The location of the gallery is not particularly favorable, situated at the end of the street with an inwardly recessed facade, and the sign is not large. If one is not paying attention, passersby would definitely overlook it. However, the gallery's business is thriving, primarily due to the owner's extensive connections, which often allow for the discovery of renowned works that other galleries do not possess

A row of flower baskets in the foyer informed her that today was the official launch day of this studio

Although there is another person in her gallery, that individual is a work-study student, so most of the time she manages the entire store by herself, and naturally, the workload is considerable

The gallery is not large, occupying just over 100 square meters of street-facing shop space. After partitioning off a storage area for the artworks, very little space remains.

Gao Fei cast several intense glances at her as he left