Chapter 60: Meet Him in Person
Translator: _Min_
Jiang Yue wilted under Gu Dai’s fierce gaze, her confident demeanor faltering. She awkwardly diverted her gaze to the painting hanging behind Gu Dai and opted to shift the topic.
Wearing a facade of an understanding elder sister, she ventured, “Daidai, you’ve taken a liking to painting recently? Having grown up surrounded by wealth, I had the privilege of being exposed to numerous renowned paintings. I have a bit of knowledge about them. If you need any help understanding them, feel free to ask me.”
Gu Dai found Jiang Yue’s smugness amusing. Despite her urge to laugh, she restrained herself and queried, “Do you also consider this painting I’m admiring to be subpar?”
Caught off guard by the question, Jiang Yue stuttered momentarily before she regained her composure. She nodded confidently, confirming, “Absolutely!”
Unable to contain herself any longer, Gu Dai burst into a hearty laugh.
Aggravated by Gu Dai’s response, Song Yu couldn’t resist chiding her, “Gu Dai, what sort of attitude is this? Sister Jiang is generously imparting wisdom and this is how you respond? Your refusal to seek self-improvement guarantees your life’s stagnation!”
Gu Dai glanced at Song Yu dismissively before she retorted coolly, “1 would be all ears if there was something worth learning. However, it’s apparent that Jiang Yue’s knowledge is insufficient to merit my attention.”
Jiang Yue’s eyes hardened at Gu Dai’s response.
Infuriated, Song Yu snapped, “Sister Jiang humbly stated that she only knows a little, yet you, an ignorant person, are audacious enough to criticize her. It’s a laughable spectacle!”
Gu Dai responded with a simple question, “How are you certain of my ignorance?”
Wang Lan joined and discussion and scoffed, “How can you, who admires a painting that doesn’t even bear the artist’s name, claim to understand art?”
Unfazed, Gu Dai retorted, “This painting defies traditional art conventions, specifically in its depiction of shadows and outlines. It lacks noticeable shadows and prominent or flattened outline lines. Moreover, the application of color is meticulous.”
She continued, “The technique employed in this painting is remarkable. I believe the artist chose anonymity to keep their identity a secret. Despite Jiang Yue’s claim of this painting being mediocre, 1 firmly believe she lacks even the basic understanding of art.”
As Song Ling made his way into the exhibition hall, after his exhausting business discussions with Zhou Ci, he noticed Gu Dai commending the painting.
Gu Dai’s demeanor momentarily stunned Song Ling, causing a strange sensation to ripple through his heart.
Both Wang Lan and Song Yu were taken aback by Gu Dai’s confidence. However, their reluctance to accept her expertise quickly revived their senses.
Wang Lan belittled Gu Dai, saying, “Anyone can spout fancy terminology. If you’re ignorant, admit it instead of pretending.”
Recovering from her shock, Jiang Yue chimed in, “Indeed, Daidai, there’s no need to put up an act. We’re aware of your humble upbringing. Your ignorance won’t alter our opinion of you.”
An elderly man who had been observing from the crowd stepped forward and bluntly retorted, “It appears to me that you’re looking down on this young lady.”
Song Yu frowned at the elderly man and rudely fired back, “Old man, is it your place to interject?”
Recognizing the elderly man, Song Ling quickly interjected, “Song Yu, show some respect!”
He shielded Song Yu and respectfully addressed the elderly man, “Master Cui Song, I apologize for my sister’s insolence. Please forgive her.”
Master Cui Song, however, ignored Song Ling and shifted his attention to Gu Dai.
The sight of Master Cui Song rendered Gu Dai speechless.
Gu Dai had viewed several of his works in the past and knew what he looked like from her father’s admiration of him. However, she had only ever seen him in photos.
Master Cui Song, a lover of travel and nature, was an elusive character whose whereabouts were rarely known. Gu Dai’s father had always lamented never having met him.
The chance to meet him in person was beyond Gu Dai’s wildest expectations!
