Qi Zhong trembled and hurriedly ordered, “No matter what method you use, you must find the person who painted this for you! Find her immediately!”

…

On the other hand, Qiao Xi came to the corridor and called Gu Zheng.

Gu Zheng’s expression did not change when he heard her story. In fact, he did not care about who took the painting. It did not matter even if they sold it for money. However, he did not expect Tang Ruge to steal the painting and even use it to become Qi Zhong’s apprentice.

The man’s voice was grim. “You don’t have to be bothered about this. I’ll take care of it.”

Qiao Xi asked curiously, “Gu Zheng, even Madam Li said that the painting we made together is very similar to Han Ye’s style. Could it be that you’re also a fan of Han Ye?”

“Huh?”

Qiao Xi suspected something in her heart, then asked, “What’s your relationship with Han Ye? Do you know him?”

Gu Zheng sneered. “Mrs. Gu, I really don’t know if you’re smart or stupid. Haven’t you come to the realization yet?”

The man’s lips curled into a smile. He felt that Qiao Xi should be able to guess that he was Han Ye. Both of their aliases had the word ‘Han’. This was fate!

Hearing his words, Qiao Xi was instantly enlightened. “Could it be that you’re his apprentice?”

Qiao Xi said excitedly, “How did you meet him? What kind of person is he? How old is he? Can I see him?”

Gu Zheng was speechless. Was he so unlike Han Ye?

After hanging up the phone, Qiao Xi was about to leave when a gentle voice suddenly came from behind. “Xi Xi?”

Tang Ruge looked at her with a smile. “Who are you calling? I think I heard you mention Han Ye. Do you like Han Ye too?

“Actually, I already knew that you liked to paint. That’s why I asked if you wanted to learn how to paint. If you’re willing, I can help you find an outstanding master. The people who came to the apprenticeship banquet today are all famous painters. It’s now or never!”

Qiao Xi turned around, her eyes filled with coldness as the corners of her mouth curled into a mocking smile.

Tang Ruge was not embarrassed at all. She still said patiently, “It’s fine if you’re afraid that these masters won’t accept you. After all, you’re a beginner. You can slowly pick up the basics first. When you’re better at it, I’ll recommend you to some masters.

“Xi Xi, as long as you like to paint, go ahead and learn. I’ll do my best to help you.”

Qiao Xi couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She said casually, “Miss Tang, eavesdropping on others on the phone isn’t something a lady should do. Besides, did I ask you to help me get a master?”

Faced with Qiao Xi’s disdainful expression, Tang Ruge’s heart burned with anger, but she still suppressed her anger. In the next second, her eyes suddenly turned red. “Xi Xi, I…”

“Ruge.” At this moment, Madam Tang and the guests walked over.

Madam Tang’s expression darkened when she saw her daughter’s aggrieved expression and red eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Tang Ruge bit her lip and said aggrievedly, “I happened to pass by and heard Xi Xi say that she liked oil paintings on a call. I just wanted to recommend a master to her, but she…”

She suddenly choked as if she had suffered a great grievance.

Madam Tang frowned and glanced at Qiao Xi unhappily. However, because the other guests were present, she could not fall out with Qiao Xi. She could only say calmly, “Miss Qiao, although Ruge’s actions might be a little abrupt, she has good intentions. It’s fine if you’re unwilling to accept them, but why do you have to say such unpleasant words?”

Qiao Xi’s eyes turned cold as she replied impatiently, “When did you hear me say anything nasty? Moreover, why must I accept the master she recommends?”

Madam Tang looked unhappy.

Tang Lingyun, who was at the side, could not take this lying down. She roared angrily. “Qiao Xi! What kind of attitude is this? Is this how you talk to your elders? You don’t have any manners at all! I think you’re just jealous that my sister has become Mr. Qi Zhong’s disciple. You’re unhappy about it, so you’re bullying my sister! Why don’t you look in the mirror and see what kind of person you are?! You actually want to compare yourself to my sister?

“Mr. Qi Zhong will never accept an apprentice like you! You’re just a wild girl who bullies others!”

Qiao Xi was so angry that she laughed. Just as she was about to retort, she suddenly saw someone running over in a hurry. That person was Qi Zhong’s assistant, Zhang Yong.

When Tang Lingyun saw that Zhang Yong was here, she became even more smug. “Sister, look at our identities. Why bother with someone like her?! Look, Assistant Zhang is here to look for you!”