Jack entered the museum with a sense of unease. After the security guard left, Lang Qingyun got straight to the point: "Where is Blainy? Why didn't she come in person?"
"She has other urgent matters to attend to, so she sent me as her representative," Jack replied, trying to keep his voice calm.
Lang Qingyun's gaze was sharp, as if he wanted to peel away Jack's facade and peer into his inner secrets. Jack felt an invisible pressure, but he didn't back down. He knew he couldn't afford to show any weaknesses in front of this old fox.
"It seems she trusts you a lot," Lang Qingyun's tone carried a hint of amusement.
Jack avoided the topic and said, "Let's stick to the business at hand."
Lang Qingyun didn't pursue further and instead led Jack to the elevator. As the elevator doors closed and descended slowly, Jack's heartbeat accelerated. They arrived at a hidden space on the third underground floor.
It was a studio filled with artistic atmosphere, with paintings hanging on the walls and a long drawing board in the center. Lang Qingyun gestured for Jack to sit down, then closed the door, cutting off all outside noise.
"It's safe to talk here. No one will disturb us," Lang Qingyun said.
Jack's heart tightened. Lang Qingyun's words made him uneasy. He realized that if Lang Qingyun had any malicious intentions, this would indeed be a place where anything could be done without being discovered.
"Blainy asked me to bring you some information," Jack got straight to the point and began recounting the information Blainy had given him.
Lang Qingyun listened attentively, his expression gradually turning serious as Jack spoke. As Jack narrated, Lang Qingyun began taking notes, his eyes showing the importance he attached to this information.
"Is that all?" Lang Qingyun stopped writing after Jack finished speaking, looking at him.
"Yes, that's all the information she gave me," Jack confirmed.
Lang Qingyun put down his pen and looked at Jack, his expression becoming complicated. "Your boss is quite cunning. I've been the museum director for ten years, spent ten years in this room painting. Ten years, day and night, you see how pale I am, haha, all cooped up in here, copying so many paintings, and she only gives me these hundred, and they're all from second or third-rate painters. She's really scheming."
Jack didn't know how to respond to this. He sensed bitterness in Lang Qingyun's words, and he began to realize that the relationship between Lang Qingyun and Blainy was far more complicated than he had imagined.
Suddenly, Lang Qingyun stood up and walked to the liquor cabinet, taking out a bottle of Maotai. "Come, let's have a drink."
"I don't drink," Jack refused.
"Have a drink. It's to celebrate the beginning of our cooperation," Lang Qingyun insisted.
Jack reluctantly took the glass. He didn't want to offend Lang Qingyun at this critical moment, but he also knew he had to stay sober.
Lang Qingyun poured himself a drink as well and raised his glass. "To our future."
Jack raised his glass reluctantly and took a sip, the fiery liquor burning his throat.
Lang Qingyun seemed satisfied with Jack's cooperation. He began to talk about his work at the museum and his love for art. Jack listened attentively, occasionally nodding or asking questions, trying to show interest in the topic.
"Do you know, behind every painting on these walls, there's a story of its own," Lang Qingyun tapped gently on one of the paintings on the wall, a hint of pride in his eyes.
Jack looked around and noticed the exquisite and unique nature of the paintings. He began to realize that this studio was not just a workspace, but also the culmination of Lang Qingyun's years of effort.
"I've spent countless days and nights here. Every piece of work was carefully selected and restored by me," Lang Qingyun continued, a barely perceptible sorrow in his voice.
As the alcohol flowed, Lang Qingyun became more talkative. He began to talk about his past, including his relationship with Blainy and the complex emotional entanglements between them.
Jack cautiously guided the conversation, trying to find clues from Lang Qingyun's words about what had really happened between him and Blainy, and why she had avoided this meeting.
"Blainy is a very clever woman. She knows what she wants and how to get it," Lang Qingyun said with a bitter smile. "But sometimes, her methods are too ruthless."
Jack's heart skipped a beat, sensing that Lang Qingyun might be about to reveal some key information. He listened more attentively, silently noting every detail Lang Qingyun mentioned.
"I know why she sent you. She doesn't just want these art pieces, she wants the resources and connections I've accumulated over the years," Lang Qingyun took a sip of his drink, a sharp gleam in his eyes.
Jack realized that this deal was far more complicated than he had initially imagined. The game between Blainy and Lang Qingyun was not just about exchanging art pieces, but also about power and control.
"You're a clever young man, I can see that," Lang Qingyun suddenly said. "Perhaps, you could be the bridge between us."
Jack was taken aback by Lang Qingyun's proposal. He quickly considered the implications behind this offer and whether he should accept it.
"I need time to consider," Jack replied cautiously.
Lang Qingyun nodded understandingly. He didn't pressure Jack to make an immediate decision, but instead gave him enough space.
As the conversation progressed, both men delved deeper. Jack began to realize that he might have become a crucial pawn in this complex game. He had to be extremely careful, as any wrong decision could lead to disastrous consequences.
During the conversation, Lang Qingyun noticed Jack's aversion to the wine glass, and he pointed to the glass display behind him. "Don't like the current glasses? Perhaps that set of wine utensils suits your taste better."
Following Lang Qingyun's gesture, Jack saw a set of exquisite bronze wine utensils, simple yet elegant. He walked over, opened the glass door, and took out a wine glass. The bronze material gleamed softly under the light.
"These wine glasses are special," Jack said as he poured the wine into the bronze cup, finding the taste of the wine becoming milder and richer.
Lang Qingyun watched Jack, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "That set of wine utensils is a collection I made many years ago. Each piece has its own unique history."
Jack took a sip from the wine in the bronze cup, feeling a different drinking experience from before. He realized that tonight's experience, like the wine in the bronze cup, was complex and profound, full of unknown flavors.