Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2616: 2552: An Unassailable Demeanor

“So, this is the effect of that painting.” Chiang Xiao remarked, as if a thought had just struck her, “Ah, I haven’t even asked Mr. Hu if he’d like some tea?”

“It would be my honor to have a cup.”

“Mr. Hu, you’re too courteous.” Chiang Xiao heated water for tea and proceeded, “The reason I don’t promote my medicinal paintings is that I invented them on my own without guidance. My technique remains inconsistent; the mix of potions and paints lacks a reliable formula. It all depends on chance. At times it works perfectly, at others it fails completely, rendering the painting useless.”

“With such unreliability, I naturally feel uneasy and hesitate to advertise it. That’s precisely why I’ve kept the medicinal paintings under wraps.”

“I see.” Hu Xiangyong cast his eyes downward, observing her graceful tea-preparing motions.

“That’s correct. Does this let Mr. Hu down?”

“It’s not exactly disappointment.”

“Mr. Hu, even if you desire a medicinal painting, I wouldn’t dare create one carelessly. Back then, I referenced Old Bai’s prescription and selected appropriate medicines for it, ensuring no harm. Yet Mr. Hu appears perfectly fit, leaving me unsure which remedies to choose for your medicinal painting. A mishap would be unfortunate.”

“Hehe.”

An impeccable poise.

Hu Xiangyong gazed at the tea cup Chiang Xiao slid toward him and paused in quiet contemplation.

Tea fragrance wafted through the air, enveloping the room in hush.

Amid the quiet, Ding Haijing observed Chiang Xiao, barely holding back from praising her with a thumbs-up.

Chiang Xiao displayed remarkable frankness; she revealed her talents openly, yet her excuses for refusal rang true, logical, and solid.

He himself found her explanation utterly convincing, without any hint of doubt.

Hu Xiangyong’s quiet moment stemmed from Chiang Xiao’s reply surpassing what he had anticipated, right?

Suddenly, he realized his earlier concerns over Chiang Xiao were unfounded; this young woman managed situations masterfully.

“Suppose I insist on hiring Xiao Chiang for a medicinal painting?”

Hu Xiangyong lifted the tea cup, inhaled its scent, and posed the question once more.

Chiang Xiao let out a sigh and replied, “Mr. Hu, to be frank, I’d love to make that money, but as I mentioned before, I select medicines from proven patient prescriptions at the moment. It’s a smart approach. Since Mr. Hu seems so robust, I can’t pick remedies at random for you.”

Though in truth, she yearned to dose him—with poison.

Just poison him outright and end it.

Regrettably, that option was entirely off the table.

Yet this confirmed her suspicion: folks like Hu Xiangyong in the Capital remained wary. Why else circle around so elaborately? They genuinely feared acting against her.

“Sedatives might suit as well. Truth be told, my sleep suffers greatly; restless nights plague me, making calming remedies ideal.”

Chiang Xiao shook her head.

“Ever since the incident with Old Bai, I’ve abandoned research on medicinal paintings. Candidly speaking to Mr. Hu, my daring back then, despite my novice skills, stemmed solely from dire financial need. I was so broke my daily life hung by a thread, driving me to overlook all risks for cash.”

Chiang Xiao sipped her tea and added, “Luckily, no mishaps occurred, but reflecting on it now fills me with some fear. These days, money’s no longer an issue for me.”