“Actually, these are Gu Zheng’s paintings. Is there a possibility that Gu Zheng is… the artist Grandpa likes?” Qiao Xi probed.

“Impossible!” Xue Liang said without hesitation, “Little Six, think about it carefully. Grandpa has been painting for 20 years and suddenly grew to admire that artist. That artist should have been painting for longer than Grandpa. Gu Zheng is only 26 years old this year. How is that possible?”

Qiao Xi thought about it and felt that it made sense. The person her grandfather liked should be a middle-aged man in his 40s or 50s, or a senior about her grandfather’s age.

Xue Liang continued, “Even if Gu Zheng is very good at painting, it’s absolutely impossible for him to be the artist Grandpa likes. Moreover, I investigated it a few years ago. That artist seems to be no longer alive.”

Qiao Xi nodded thoughtfully. “In that case, it’s indeed impossible. Gu Zheng is still alive and well.”

At this moment, footsteps came from the door. Qiao Xi hurriedly turned around and looked up. The man was still wearing his jacket. He seemed to have gone straight to the studio to look for his wife as soon as he entered the villa.

Qiao Xi asked, “Gu Zheng, did you paint all of these yourself? Who did you learn the style from? I think the style of your paintings is very similar to that of an artist, but that person has never publicly sold his paintings. Is he your teacher? That person’s name seems to be Han Ye.”

When Gu Zheng heard this name, a trace of a smile flashed past his eyes. He could not help but ask softly, “You like his paintings too?”

Qiao Xi replied without the slightest hesitation, “I like them! Unfortunately, this artist is too low-profile and doesn’t have many works. I’ve only seen a few.”

She really admired this artist from the bottom of her heart. Every piece of art from him was perfect and impeccable. Even her grandfather was full of praise for Han Ye’s works.

“Actually, your style is very similar to Han Ye’s. I almost thought that you were Han Ye!” Qiao Xi smiled.

Gu Zheng picked up the paintbrush and painted on the canvas in a professional posture. He said casually, “Why are you so sure that I’m not Han Ye?”

Wasn’t it possible that his lack of works was not because he lacked inspiration but that he did not lack money at all? He just liked to paint.

Why couldn’t he be Han Ye?

Qiao Xi raised her eyes in shock. “You’re Han Ye? Impossible! Han Ye should be at least 40 years old. It’s even speculated that he died a long time ago, but you…”

The corners of Gu Zheng’s mouth twitched slightly, and the smile on his face gradually froze.

Qiao Xi repeated what Xue Liang had said on the phone just now. “My grandfather has been painting for more than 20 years. The artist he likes must be even older than him. Senior Han Ye only appeared in the art world ten years ago, but he must have gone through many years of practice before this to have such shocking talent, so…

“Moreover, the last painting that Han Ye left the painting scene three years ago. Many people suspect that he has already passed away. Even if he’s still alive, he’s probably living in seclusion and doesn’t want to take in disciples anymore. Otherwise, I really want to take him as my master!”

Master?

When Gu Zheng heard the last word, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. Then, he picked up his paintbrush and started painting.

Qiao Xi looked at the outline and lines on the canvas. She could not help but exclaim, “Ah Zheng, your painting style is really too similar to Han Ye!”

She watched Gu Zheng paint with infatuation. When he finished the last stroke, Qiao Xi suddenly thought of something. “Tang Ruge sent an invitation over. She said that Qi Zhong wants to take her in as his disciple and invited you to attend her apprenticeship banquet.”

“Not going.” Gu Zheng refused casually.

Qiao Xi was not surprised. Gu Zheng was not interested in such things to begin with, let alone Tang Ruge’s apprenticeship banquet.

The next day, when Qiao Xi came out of university after work, she bumped into someone sent by the Tang family.

“Mrs. Gu, forgive me for my rashness. I’m here on Eldest Miss’ orders to invite you to be a guest. She said that there was a misunderstanding between the two of you previously and she hopes to apologize in person.”

Qiao Xi glanced at the person in front of her and knew that Tang Ruge had ill intentions. She raised her leg and was about to leave when the assistant suddenly blocked her way.

“Don’t be in a rush to leave. Our young miss has already booked a seat at Qingyuan Pavilion. I hope you can give our young miss a chance to apologize.”

Qingyuan Pavilion?

Qiao Xi sneered. “Looks like Miss Tang is full of sincerity!”

She walked past the person and got into the Tang family’s car.