Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2396 - 2332: Did You Wash Your Hands?

"I want you to create a painting from this photograph, since I adore that moment so much, and I believe an artwork could seize that serenity better than any snapshot. Would that work for you?"

Chiang Xiao inquired, "May I take a look at the photo beforehand?"

"Certainly," Hu Xiangyong replied, pulling a picture from his pocket and passing it over to Chiang Xiao.

The others leaned in to glance at it too.

The image showed a winter evening blanketed in snow.

Amid the heavy snowfall at night, several small houses had warm lights shining from their windows, with tiny lanterns hanging by the entrances. Silhouettes of people appeared visible inside, gathered close through the glass.

It truly radiated a feeling of calm and harmony.

The principal remarked, "This architecture doesn't match our local style."

"Exactly, it's from Country Y."

Hu Xiangyong kept his eyes fixed on Chiang Xiao.

Chiang Xiao stared at the image, her forefinger gently pressing against her lips, seemingly pondering if she could convey that essence on canvas.

Nobody realized her thoughts were in chaos.

This guy truly harbored suspicions about her.

He'd even brought this picture to probe her.

Luckily, she had come ready for such a move.

The moment he mentioned revealing a photo, she'd anticipated it, allowing her to stay composed.

"Listen, Mr. Hu, if you're serious about having her paint it, just know that regardless of how the deal goes, you can't hold the artwork responsible," Liu Guoying warned with a serious expression.

"Rest assured, Teacher Liu."

"Regarding this painting..." the principal turned to Hu Xiangyong, "Are you genuinely willing to pay that amount?"

"Two artworks for five hundred thousand," Hu Xiangyong stated. "This one's the initial one, and for the second, I'd like Miss Chiang Xiao to do a self-portrait."

Shock rippled through the group.

What?

"A self-portrait?"

"That's right, a depiction of herself done by Chiang Xiao," Hu Xiangyong clarified. "My enterprise focuses on apparel, catering mainly to women, and with Chiang Xiao's stunning looks, I figure placing her portrait alongside our prized items would draw in plenty of shoppers."

He was after her portrait after all!

A chill crept over Chiang Xiao's skin.

He desired her portrait!

The already perilous man now seeking her portrait filled her with deep unease.

"Don't they have all those celebrity posters up on the walls?" she responded in a daze. "Wouldn't displaying my own portrait feel a little off?"

"You're just as captivating as any celebrity."

"No, I still think it's odd."

Hu Xiangyong rose to his feet and suggested, "Here's an idea: take some time to consider it. I'll leave the photo here with you. When you've made up your mind, have Yuzhi pass the word to me."

He wasn't applying any pressure tactics at all?

Alarms blared in Chiang Xiao's head.

Yet with his words hanging there, what more could she utter?

She stood as well, giving a nod, "Fine."

Hu Xiangyong reached out his hand toward her, "It's been a delight meeting you, Miss Chiang Xiao. Even if our collaboration doesn't happen, stop by my shop sometime if you're able."

Chiang Xiao hesitated on whether to grasp his hand.

Refusing the shake might make him suspicious, right?

Her gaze fell on his hand, spotting that distinctive, antique-style ring.

"It's merely a handshake, Miss Chiang Xiao," Hu Xiangyong teased, "Nothing risky in a farewell gesture, is there?"

Chiang Xiao started to reach out.

At that instant, a sharp idea struck Liu Guoying's thoughts.

Acting on impulse without overthinking, he cleared his throat loudly and asked, "Wait, did you clean your hands after using the restroom before?"

Chiang Xiao: "..."

Teacher!