Wu Xuan's art exhibition was small in scale but elegantly arranged. She specialized in oil paintings, and most of the pieces on display were in a vintage style. Thick layers of low-saturation paint were applied to the white canvas, creating one opulent and splendid world after another.
Shi Yue stopped in front of a blurred portrait and studied it for a long time.
She called it "blurred" because the figure in the painting was lying on its side, with a thin layer of semi-transparent gauze draped over the face. The atmosphere of the entire painting was both delicate and sensual. The indistinct features of the subject heightened the viewer's curiosity and imagination.
She turned to Leng Yanmi and said, "This person must be very important to the artist."
Leng Yanmi had a different opinion. "If they were important, the painting wouldn't be placed in such an inconspicuous corner."
Shi Yue looked around and noticed that they were indeed standing far from the exhibition's main area.
She tilted her head. "But don't you think the brushstrokes in this piece are more meticulous compared to the others? Look at the lace trimming on the figure's skirt—it's been painted with such detail."
Leng Yanmi followed her gaze to examine the painting, but for some reason, her eyes drifted from the lace on the figure's skirt to the hem of Shi Yue's dress. To smoothly get close to Wu Xuan, Shi Yue had chosen a formal western-style dress for today. The dark blue velvet fabric flowed elegantly, with the hem split at the knees and a trailing fishtail, giving her a look that was both sophisticated and easy to move in.
"Hm?" Noticing she hadn't received a reply, Shi Yue turned her head to look at her.
Leng Yanmi cleared her throat and turned away, seemingly uncomfortable.
She said, "If it were someone I liked, I would create the most thoughtful piece and place it in the most important position, so everyone could see how beautiful they are."
This answer was within Shi Yue's expectations.
From the beginning, she knew that Leng Yanmi was good in many ways, except for her annoying habit of being overprotective. Even when she knew her nephew was in the wrong, she would turn a blind eye and clean up his mess. Her sense of right and wrong was not that clear-cut.
If she ever fancied someone, that person would probably be placed on a pedestal.
But in the book, even until the final chapters years later, there was no mention of any romantic rumors involving Leng Yanmi.
It was hard for Shi Yue to imagine who could stand side by side with someone like Leng Yanmi.
She chuckled, deliberately picking at her, "What if she doesn't like being in the spotlight?"
"I would hide her," Leng Yanmi replied, even faster and more decisively than before, as if it didn't require any thought.
Shi Yue smoothed her skirt and walked toward the center of the exhibition, letting out a soft "hmm."
Noticing Leng Yanmi following behind her, she lowered her voice seductively, "If you hide me, could you at least prepare a big castle?"
Leng Yanmi paused mid-step.
Shi Yue continued walking and soon greeted Wu Xuan, who was entertaining guests.
Wu Xuan took the business card Shi Yue handed over, looking a bit confused—she was sure Shi Yue wasn't on the guest list for this exhibition.
But she remained polite, "Oh, Miss Shi, welcome. If there's anything lacking in our arrangements, please let us know."
"Everything is wonderful," Shi Yue complimented her. "Most of the works here feel incredibly inviting. Whether it's the composition or the colors, they all bring a refreshing touch. While admiring the paintings earlier, I was imagining what kind of person the artist might be. Now that I see you, I understand that a great work not only requires mature skills but also a gentle and strong temperament."
She had put some thought into this compliment, and Wu Xuan's smile became more genuine. "Thank you."
"But..." Shi Yue changed her tone.
She knew that an artist like Wu Xuan was used to praise, and no matter how much she flattered her, it wouldn't leave a deep impression. To build a connection with Wu Xuan, she had to strike a chord with her.
As expected, Wu Xuan followed up, "But what?"
"I can see that you are deeply immersed in your art," Shi Yue said, turning to face a painting of a morning scene by the lake. "Your expertise gives these pieces great artistic value, but to me...
"Many of them are too perfect—so perfect that they feel detached from reality."
Wu Xuan's smile stiffened.
Shi Yue blinked. "You've been away from the mundane world for a long time, haven't you?"
"What's wrong with staying away from it?" Wu Xuan touched the painting of the lake. "The process of artistic creation is always lonely; it's unavoidable."
Shi Yue hinted, "Isn't there a way to have the best of both worlds? Besides pure art, the vibrant world filled with human experiences has its own brilliance. They aren't mutually exclusive."
Wu Xuan looked down at her. "Are you a painter too?"
"No," Shi Yue clarified. "My major is fashion design."
"Oh." Wu Xuan seemed to lose interest in her. "Feel free to look around."
After exchanging a few more polite words, Wu Xuan quickly found an excuse to leave and attend to other guests.
Shi Yue stood there, frowning in frustration—Wu Xuan was even harder to approach than she had anticipated. She didn't want to come off as too eager, but she didn't have much time. An artist like Wu Xuan would only stay in this city for a few days before moving on to her next exhibition.
She had very little time and information to work with.
Leng Yanmi had taken a phone call earlier and returned just in time. "Ready for lunch?"
Shi Yue snapped out of her disappointment and shrugged with a smile. "Looks like I'll be freeloading off Auntie again."
Leng Yanmi didn't reply, but she did reach out to adjust Shi Yue's coat.
They went to a Chinese restaurant where a tea master brewed the tea right in front of them, making for an elegant display.
"The tea leaves are top-grade pre-rain Dragon Well, picked, sun-dried, and pan-fried using traditional methods. It tastes slightly bitter at first, but leaves a sweet, refreshing aftertaste," the tea master in a custom-made cheongsam explained to them.
Shi Yue picked up the teacup and took a gentle sniff.
The tea master smiled. "You have a good nose for tea. The tea fragrance of our signature blend is so rich, it's impossible for any tea-scented perfume to replicate it. Many customers come just for the lingering tea aroma in our shop."
Hearing this, Shi Yue subconsciously glanced at Leng Yanmi, her gaze skimming over the side of her neck.
Noticing her gaze, Leng Yanmi looked back at her.
Shi Yue exhaled softly and took a sip, genuinely praising, "Not bad, I like it."
The tea master beamed with pride. "Not to boast, but when it comes to tea and all the dishes and desserts derived from it, you won't find another place in the province that can compete with us.
"Of course, good things need someone who understands them. It's our tea house's good fortune to have customers like you."
But Shi Yue suddenly shook her head.
"Hmm?" The tea master was puzzled.
"I've smelled better tea," Shi Yue admitted, setting down her cup.
The tea master was momentarily at a loss for words.
She bowed her head, quietly brewing the tea, before leaving the private room to give Leng Yanmi and Shi Yue their space.
After lunch, just as they were about to leave, Leng Yanmi asked, "Where did you smell that better tea?"
Shi Yue didn't answer. Instead, she walked up to her, wrapping her arms around her neck and lifting herself up on tiptoe, pressing her nose against the side of Leng Yanmi's neck.
She took a deep breath, inhaling the high-end, cool fragrance lingering in Leng Yanmi's hair.
"Hmm... It's gone," she mumbled in confusion, pulling back slightly and running her fingers over the smooth skin of Leng Yanmi's neck. "It was definitely there before."
Leng Yanmi grabbed her hand.
It tickled.
The delicate, tingling sensation spread from where Shi Yue's fingertips touched, quickly fanning out, leaving her whole body feeling tingly and numb.
Her face flushed. She took a few deep breaths to steady her racing heart, but her grip on Shi Yue's hand never loosened.
It wasn't until Shi Yue puffed her cheeks and complained, "It hurts," that Leng Yanmi let go and casually tidied her hair.