Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2617 - 2553: Not Interested in Girls

~2 minute read · 509 words
Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Chiang Xiao explained to Hu Xiangyong that her medicinal paintings rely on unstable ratios of potions and paints, making them unreliable for promotion. She refused his commission, citing his healthy appearance and lack of a suitable prescription, while noting she stopped the practice after helping Old Bai due to past financial desperation. Despite Hu mentioning his sleep issues, she maintained her refusal with candid reasoning, impressing observer Ding Haijing with her unassailable demeanor.

With money no longer an issue, she naturally has no reason to rush ahead without perfecting her craft.

Her everyday paintings fetch solid prices these days anyway, so why risk those dubious medicinal ones?

One slip-up could badly harm her budding reputation, couldn't it?

Thus, avoiding research or commissions for medicinal paintings is entirely reasonable for her.

Perfectly understandable.

Hu Xiangyong sipped his tea with a subtle smile.

"Good tea."

"Then Mr. Hu, do enjoy a few more cups. You can savor this tea daily at the Youqingwei Teahouse whenever you wish."

"Yes, I heard that the teahouse belongs to you." Hu Xiangyong remarked, "If I drop Xiao Chiang’s name there, might I score a discount?"

"Sorry, Mr. Hu, margins on those teas are already thin, and I depend on loyal patrons' recommendations. Discounts for all would leave me in the red."

Pfft.

Ding Haijing nearly burst into laughter from the sidelines.

He's seen it firsthand now—Chiang Xiao offers zero politeness to folks she doesn't favor.

No sugarcoating even for discount requests.

Hu Xiangyong drained his tea, rose, and extended his hand to Chiang Xiao. "Such a shame, another desire unmet. Miss Chiang, your refusals are artfully complete. I'll await your exhibition to make a charitable donation then."

Chiang Xiao eyed the proffered hand and its ring, alarms blaring in her mind once more.

That familiar ploy again.

She stood as well, flashing a smile. "If the exhibition occurs, Mr. Hu, your generosity will be most welcome. But no handshake," she added bashfully, "my fiancé is fiercely jealous and bans me from handshakes or closeness with other men."

Pfft.

Ding Haijing barely stifled another laugh.

Envious Meng's image sprang vividly to life right then.

Hu Xiangyong roared with laughter, hand lingering. "Your fiancé isn't here, so he'd never find out, would he?"

"Ahem." Chiang Xiao glanced at Ding Haijing, whispering, "Truth be told, Comrade Xiao Ding here serves as my fiancé's eyes and ears—he'll surely tattle."

Ding Haijing: "..."

He's a bodyguard, not some infidelity watchdog, come on.

This girl spares no tactic.

Hu Xiangyong's eyes gleamed as he probed, "So your fiancé doesn't mind you secluded with this young, handsome man?"

Yes, how will she wriggle out of this one?

Ding Haijing felt mischievously allied with the foe, eager for Chiang Xiao's retort.

Both watched Chiang Xiao hesitate, words caught, embarrassment evident.

What's that guilty look, that face?

Chiang Xiao hand over mouth, murmured softly, "Mr. Hu, you might not realize, but Xiao Ding has zero interest in women."

Cough cough cough!

Ding Haijing nearly choked on saliva.

Did Chiang Xiao assume he was deaf?

After Hu Xiangyong's departure, Ding Haijing's face darkened inevitably.

Pat on the back for lasting this long!

"Chiang Xiao! What was that final remark supposed to mean?"

Chiang Xiao blinked innocently, "What remark? Oh yes, with an exhibition planned, I should start painting now!"

She bolted to the study, door slamming shut behind her.