The young man, whom he had so disparaged as worthless, had actually completed a "Bamboo and Stone Painting" with a few strokes of his brush. What about that doodle he had done before, wasn't that an intentional concealing of his skills? Thinking of this, Gao Ziyi's gaze turned toward that unbearable doodle, and ultimately his eyes fixed on the crow in the picture — he found that Little Qiang had painted it with a human-like shape, and with its head held high, it exuded an air of stubborn pride.

At this sight, Gao Ziyi's face heated up, and he thought to himself, could it be that this kid did this on purpose? Is he using his painting to subtly mock my arrogance and rudeness?

Even though he thought this way, as long as Little Qiang didn't say it out loud, he had no reason to feel ashamed or annoyed. There are people who find fortunes and treasure, but who has ever picked up scolding?

Looking at that doodle and then at the "Bamboo and Stone Painting," Gao Ziyi felt even more discomfort. He had to accept that unbearable doodle to his face, but this extremely expressive "Bamboo and Stone Painting," no matter how much he wanted it, he simply couldn't bring himself to ask for it.

Because Little Qiang had made it clear—it was a gift for Tang Wan.

Indeed, after finishing the painting, Little Qiang stood upright, exhaled a long breath, turned his gaze to Tang Wan, and said, "President Tang, I am giving this painting to you."

The excitement and thrill in Tang Wan's heart were evident on her face. Her rosy lips pursed slightly, and she replied, "Okay, I will accept it."

With those words, she walked over, picked up the "Bamboo and Stone Painting" from the table, examined it carefully, and then turned around and presented it in front of Gao Ziyi, saying, "Mayor Gao, that 'Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow' painting cost me quite a bit—over a million. If you don't want to accept it, I won't insist. But this painting was just done by Little Qiang, and it didn't cost a single penny. I hope you can accept it."

"Ah—" Gao Ziyi was taken aback: "For, for me...?"

To tell the truth, he really did want this painting, but it was a matter of saving face, and you can't just take back what has just been said. He had just refused to accept another person's painting, belittled it as worthless, and now to accept this one would be inconsistent, slapping his own face!

"Yes, that's right, Little Qiang gave this painting to me, so I am the owner of this painting, and I have the right to give it away..." Tang Wan firmly tried to push the "Bamboo and Stone Painting" into Gao Ziyi's hands.

Gao Ziyi still refused to accept it; he couldn't let go of his pride. As the mayor of the city, his word should be as good as gold, unchangeable; how could he flip-flop like a child? If word of this got out, what would happen to the authority he wielded as mayor? So, he crossed his hands behind his back, shook his head, and said, "Little Gao, I appreciate your kindness, but since the painting was given to you by Little Qiang, it's a gesture of his goodwill. It would be improper for you to give it to me. No, I cannot accept."

At that moment, Little Qiang's voice rang out: "Although this painting comes from my hands, and I may not have a penny to my name, I dare to boast that this painting can withstand scrutiny. Mayor Gao, if you don't believe me, you can take it to the professionals and have them evaluate it. To use a cliché, the value of this 'Stone Bamboo Painting' is absolutely ten times that of 'Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow'."

Hearing this, Gao Ziyi's heart leapt. He recognized the value of the painting, but it wasn't the painting's value he treasured; it was its character. Of course, in the art of painting and calligraphy, the higher the value, the greater the character, an unwritten law indeed!

But however moved he was, he could not accept the painting at this moment. If word got out, what would people say about him?

Tang Wan, as if she could see through Gao Ziyi's concerns, said at this time: "Mayor Gao, please rest assured, this matter today is known only to us three, and there will not be a fourth person aware of it."

Reality is not like a novel or a TV drama. When faced with it, one must be rational, especially a businessman like Tang Wan, who should always maintain a clear and rational mind and not be impulsive.

So, Tang Wan insisted on giving the painting to Gao Ziyi.

However, since Gao Ziyi had already said he would not accept, no matter what you say, he would not change his decision.

"Who says there isn't a fourth person who knows, I know now!"

Just as Tang Wan's words had settled, a voice rang out, accompanied by the appearance of a graceful figure at the study's doorway.

All three were startled and turned to look, only to discover it was Zhou Qiping.

"Ah, Sister Ping, you scared me to death

The relationship between Tang Wan and Zhou Qiping was neither very close nor particularly distant. Tang Wan, with her sweet mouth, always addressed Zhou Qiping as Sister when they met. Zhou Qiping's character was pure and good, and she usually played the role of a housewife. Of course, cooking and cleaning were done by a maid, her job was to help her daughter with homework. Additionally, she wasn't good at socializing and rarely went out on social calls. As a result, she was quite a homebody with few friends. Therefore, she saw Tang Wan as a confidante, always looking for ways to close the distance between them. Just then, she had been sulking in bed when she suddenly heard voices in the study, indicating guests had arrived. She asked the maid and found out that it was Tang Wan who had come, bringing along a young man.

With a playful complaint and a smile, Tang Wan clutched her full chest and strode towards Zhou Qiping, saying, "Sister Ping, you've come at just the right time. I finally got rid of this painting. Mayor Gao doesn't want it, so you must take it

As she spoke, she rolled up the "Bamboo and Stone Painting" and handed it to Zhou Qiping.

Zhou Qiping didn't bother about the painting at first, sweeping her gaze across the room. She noticed a young figure accompanying Tang Wan, and her eyes brightened at once. The frustrations of the evening dissipated like smoke in the air, her mood lightened, and her attention returned to the painting. She asked in confusion, "What painting is this? Who painted it?"

Seeing her inquire in such a way, Tang Wan unfolded the "Bamboo and Stone Painting" and displayed it in front of Zhou Qiping. She nudged Wang Xiaoqiang with her mouth and said, "He painted it."

Zhou Qiping came from a family that cherished the arts. Although she was not an expert in all artistic disciplines like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she had been influenced by her ancestors and naturally loved them. Moreover, she had some talent in this area. After marrying Gao Ziyi, she was further influenced by him and had developed a certain level of appreciation for calligraphy and paintings.

Upon hearing that Wang Xiaoqiang had painted it, she felt quite surprised. With a shy, affectionate look, she glanced at Wang Xiaoqiang before focusing on the painting.

Upon closer inspection, amazement showed on her beautiful face as she exclaimed softly, "Ah, this painting is exceptional. If this 'Bamboo and Stone Painting' were signed by Zheng Banqiao, it could completely pass as authentic. I have never seen an imitation of Zheng Banqiao as convincing as this."

After expressing her admiration, she glanced at the signature. When she saw that the name written there was Wang Xiaoqiang's, and realized that Tang Wan wasn't joking and that the painting was indeed by this young man named Wang Xiaoqiang, her look towards him heated up with admiration.

Upon hearing Zhou Qiping's words, Wang Xiaoqiang inwardly scoffed and thought to himself, "She does know her stuff. But my work isn't merely an imitation; calling me a reincarnation of Zheng Banqiao would be more appropriate."

Encouraged by his wife's words, Gao Ziyi became even more convinced of the artistic value of the "Bamboo and Stone Painting," and his poor impression of Wang Xiaoqiang changed. He looked at Wang Xiaoqiang with newfound respect.

"Then, Sister Ping, please accept this painting," Tang Wan directly handed the painting over to Zhou Qiping, who did not refuse and accepted it.

Gao Ziyi felt a surge of ecstasy. He had intended to take the painting himself, but was concerned about appearances. Now that his wife had accepted it, it allowed him to save face and his wish to own the painting came true; he could hardly contain his joy.

However, having received the painting, Gao Ziyi wasn't overwhelmed by his triumph. He still remembered why Tang Wan had come, so he cleared his throat and said to her, "Miss Gao, your visit today wouldn't be about the old city district renovation project, would it…"

Tang Wan naturally didn't deny it by then, and said, "For us, that would be a good thing indeed. The Tang Clan is very willing to serve the municipal government."

"Well, I don't have the final say in this matter alone," reminded Gao Ziyi. "Secretary Zhao is also responsible for this project."

Upon hearing this, Tang Wan replied, "Ah, we would be truly grateful if Mayor Gao simply nods."

At this moment, Gao Ziyi's face showed no trace of his earlier arrogance, and he laughed heartily, "No problem on my part, it's approved, approved..."

He then turned his gaze towards Wang Xiaoqiang. Now, in Gao Ziyi's eyes, Wang Xiaoqiang seemed no different from a master of the arts. Such reverence was usually reserved only for leaders at the provincial level. To Gao Ziyi, this young man now embodied the stature of a grandmaster.

Never underestimate a person bursting with talent but lacking status. Such individuals often possess an energy beyond imagination; others may not believe it, but Gao Ziyi had firsthand experience. He had met the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee through a painter friend who was only moderately famous locally and unknown in the province. Yet, that painter was held in higher regard by the Deputy Secretary than him, a mayor. It was certain that Wang Xiaoqiang's painting skills far exceeded those of his painter friend.

So now, Gao Ziyi not only admired Wang Xiaoqiang's talent but also wished to ingratiate himself with him.

However, his previous cold treatment and defamation made him feel ashamed. Wanting to flatter Wang Xiaoqiang with a few words, he wasn't sure how to begin.

It was then that Tang Wan said, "We've imposed on Mayor Gao for so long today. We're really sorry, but we must take our leave."

Gao Ziyi shifted his gaze from Wang Xiaoqiang and replied, "No, no, I'm the one who should be sorry for not providing a proper reception and speaking out of line... Let's see, it's nearly noon. How about you stay and have lunch here today..."

While Zhou Qiping stole glances at Wang Xiaoqiang, she said to Tang Wan, "Yes, it's been such a long time since you've visited. You must stay for lunch today."

If Gao Ziyi's invitation was diplomatic, Zhou Qiping's urging was heartfelt, even purposeful.

She wanted to take another look at Wang, to interact more with him—that was what she was truly thinking.

Wang Xiaoqiang and Tang Wan had no intention of staying for lunch, having already delivered their gift and achieved their purpose, so there was no reason to stay. However, as they were about to decline, Zhou Qiping had already linked arms with Tang Wan, laughing as she said, "Little Wan, don't even think about refusing. Even if you do, I won't accept it."

(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it with recommendation tickets and monthly passes at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)

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