Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2391 - 2327: Seeking a Painting

"Ah, a prominent tycoon, a prosperous trader." Liu Guoying offered a subtle nod in Hu Xiangyong's direction, his expression laced with a touch of scholarly scorn toward those in business.

Had Chiang Xiao been present, she would undoubtedly have seen this elderly man as quite the performer.

After all, if he held merchants in such low regard, why had he permitted her to launch a tea house during her studies, and even enlisted his wife to oversee the place?

"Allow me to introduce Master Liu Guoying, a celebrated painter across the nation, famed for his landscape works, and his instructional abilities are exceptionally strong as well. As evident, Chiang Xiao studies under him and stands as an emerging talent in the art scene, destined for a bright path ahead."

"Master Liu, it's an honor." Hu Xiangyong rose to his feet and reached out to clasp Liu Guoying's hand.

Liu Guoying appeared to return the handshake in a nonchalant manner.

In that instant, a sensation like a tiny prick shot through his palm, causing a faint tingling in his fingertips.

Yet as soon as their grip released, the feeling vanished completely.

Thus, he brushed it off without much thought, though he did catch sight of the distinctive ring adorning Hu Xiangyong's index finger.

The band was dark in hue, its material unclear—perhaps metal or gemstone—and it was substantial, etched with elaborate designs.

This piece of jewelry sparked a mild curiosity in Liu Guoying.

However, as it was Hu Xiangyong's possession, he refrained from prying by requesting a closer look.

"I'm just riding on the coattails of greater talents, earning this modest recognition," he remarked while taking his seat.

Hu Xiangyong responded, "Master Liu, you're too humble. It's not only you, but your pupil Miss Chiang Xiao has also earned considerable acclaim abroad. To be frank, I once crossed paths with Miss Chiang Xiao in Country Y. By sheer coincidence, we shared a return flight, unaware of each other's status at the time; had I realized..."

Had he realized, what action would he have taken?

A subtle jolt ran through Liu Guoying.

He perceived how swiftly Hu Xiangyong was guiding the discussion toward Chiang Xiao.

What exactly does this fellow intend for her?

Hu Xiangyong pressed on, "Moreover, it's not just me—Yuzhi too has forged a link with Miss Chiang Xiao. Upon Yuzhi's return, when she shared the tale, we discovered that Miss Chiang Xiao is in fact a student of the arts."

"Hehe, my disciple possesses a spark of inspiration, yet she's young after all and hasn't fully matured, not fully matured."

"Teacher Liu, please don't downplay it," the principal cut in, though he found Liu Guoying's attitude puzzling. Usually, when discussing his protégés, he brimmed with enthusiasm, so this modesty today was out of character. Worried that Liu Guoying remained unaware of Hu Xiangyong's motives, he clarified promptly: "Mr. Hu has made this visit specifically after learning that Chiang Xiao once created an excellent artwork for a hotel, and now he's here to request her services for his latest home and business establishment."

Artwork?

Liu Guoying felt a sudden surprise.

He grasped the situation at once, "Plenty of artists out there display styles far more refined and imposing than Chiang Xiao's. What prompts Mr. Hu to seek her out?"

Hu Xiangyong chuckled heartily.

"Refined and imposing? I disagree. I've examined Miss Chiang Xiao's works with great care. There's no hint they come from an eighteen-year-old young woman. Her approach already carries that refined and imposing quality, infused with a fresh vigor that's truly uncommon. Above all, from my research, Miss Chiang Xiao's pieces hold deep significance."