Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2392 - 2328: What If It’s Five Hundred Thousand?

Is Chiang Xiao's artwork really that fascinating?

Could you explain?

Both the principal and Ji Yuzhi perked up with interest as they listened.

"I visited the Lee family's hotel and spotted the Welcoming Pine displayed in the entrance hall. I noticed how lifelike the artwork appeared. If you linger before it briefly, a momentary illusion hits you—like gazing at an actual tree brimming with vitality. Plus, there's another detail: the staff there mentioned that the Lee family started with a modest guesthouse, where trade was sluggish, and a small tale ties into it."

Ji Yuzhi inquired with curiosity, "What's that small tale?"

"Back then, the Lee family operated in Huaming County, City M. Their guesthouse struggled at first. Legend has it that Miss Xiao Chiang dropped by one day and noted how the old painting in the lobby felt too gloomy, weighing on visitors' spirits, so she advised swapping it out."

Hu Xiangyong glanced at Liu Guoying, hesitated briefly, then went on, "The head of the Lee family acted swiftly; aware that Miss Xiao Chiang was into painting, he shelled out a thousand dollars for her to create a Welcoming Pine to take the old one's place. Surprisingly, right after hanging the new piece, the guesthouse's fortunes turned around overnight. From there, the Lees expanded to a city hotel, and things are thriving even now. That's why the hotel folks credit Miss Xiao Chiang's artwork with sparking the family's success."

Upon hearing the story, the principal and Ji Yuzhi were left in stunned disbelief.

The principal let out a light laugh and remarked, "Mr. Hu, I admit Chiang Xiao's works are impressive, but this kind of outcome seems far-fetched. Likely, the Lees tweaked their approach later on, or maybe the economy picked up nationwide these days, boosting their sales."

"The principal makes a solid point." Liu Guoying was caught off guard that he'd dug into such details, growing warier now, his expression skeptical as he added, "If artwork carried that much power, wouldn't Chiang Xiao be rolling in wealth? And if it truly packed such punch, a thousand dollars wouldn't cut it, would it? It's all about catching the wave at the perfect moment."

Hu Xiangyong joined in with a chuckle.

"As a merchant, I deal in deals, and folks like me can lean toward the superstitious side, so why not err on the side of faith?"

The principal commented offhandedly, "Well then, a lucky sign can't hurt."

"Precisely my thinking."

"So, Mr. Hu, what exactly do you hope Chiang Xiao will create this time?" the principal wondered.

"I figured I'd chat with Miss Xiao Chiang first and get her take on it."

Liu Guoying responded, "If that's your plan, I'll have to turn it down for Chiang Xiao, with respect." His features hardened a touch, "Mr. Hu, you're setting the bar way too high for a single painting—it'd burden Chiang Xiao heavily. Suppose your ventures tank down the line; wouldn't you blame my pupil for it? That's a load she can't shoulder."

The principal winced inwardly.

Those very words...

Master Liu, why not soften your delivery a little!

They haven't even begun properly, and you're forecasting total ruin—aren't you afraid it'll rub them the wrong way?

Yet Hu Xiangyong showed no irritation, opting for a gentle laugh instead.

"Master Liu, you can't speak for Miss Xiao Chiang entirely, can you? And Mr. Hu hasn't brought up compensation yet."

"No price matters; your demand is outrageous and over the top—regardless of the sum, Xiao Chiang won't agree."

"How about fifty thousand for the painting?" Hu Xiangyong proposed.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

At the same instant, the principal and Ji Yuzhi coughed up a storm from swallowing wrong.