Chapter 17: Ye Xian, Do You Have a Better Opinion?

  “Sorry about that, it got stuck~”

  Ye Xian looked a little embarrassed and snuck another gnce toward Old Master Bo’s side.

  Bo Tingshen was elegantly enjoying his meal, as if the person who had looked at her earlier was someone else entirely.

  His aura was just too overpowering—ordinary people couldn’t handle it. And considering the guilty conscience she carried, her nerves were shot. It felt like a wolf was eyeing her at all times.

  Please, let His Majesty forget about that little scene already~

  Old Master Bo said kindly, “It’s alright, eat slowly.”

  “Thank you, Chairman Bo.”

  Cheng Jingshu had only taken a small bite of her steak before putting down her utensils, wiping her hands, and picking up an elegantly decorated scroll beside her. With a bright smile, she walked to Old Master Bo’s side. “Grandfather Bo, today is your birthday, and I’ve prepared a small gift for you.”

  “Oh?”

  Old Master Bo looked at the scroll in her hands and motioned for the butler to open it.

  The butler carefully unrolled the painting, revealing an exquisitely detailed ndscape artwork.

  The painting was titled Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits.

  On the left side was a sunny, vibrant spring scene; on the right, a golden, fruitful autumn. The transition in the center was seamless and natural. The colors were rich yet harmonious—there wasn’t the slightest hint of discord. That perfect blend was the genius of the piece.

  The stunning detail and lifelike beauty of the painting drew everyone’s attention.

  “This is such a beautiful painting~”

  “Sister Jingshu really has refined taste. What a unique gift!”

  “This level of skill… you can tell it’s very expensive.”

  Praises flowed from all directions. Even Old Master Bo couldn’t help smiling.

  “This is a painting by Xia Hewan, the president of the National Artist Association. It’s very valuable—definitely not a ‘small’ gift.”

  Ye Xian paused mid-bite when she heard the name Xia Hewan, then looked up.

  Cheng Jingshu gave a shy and modest smile, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and gnced in the direction of Jiang Wanze and Bo Tingshen. “As long as it makes Grandpa Bo smile, it’s worth it no matter what.”

  The Bo family matriarch also looked at Cheng Jingshu with appreciation. “Jingshu, you’re too thoughtful. Bringing such a precious gift to the birthday banquet. This painting must’ve cost quite a bit?”

  “Not much. Just twenty million. But... this isn’t something you can buy with money alone.”

  In other words, she spent not only money but also considerable effort to acquire it.

  “Xia Hewan’s paintings are indeed priceless. You’ve really gone out of your way.”

  When Ye Xian heard “twenty million,” she was so shocked that her chopsticks cttered onto the table with a loud cng. Again, everyone turned to look at her.

  Jiang Wanze’s gaze shifted from the painting to her, face darkening.

  Making noise again? Just trying to get his attention and show off in front of Grandpa, aren’t you?

  “Oh? Ye Xian, do you have any thoughts on the painting?” Cheng Jingshu turned toward her, eyes gleaming.

  She only asked to mock her—but unexpectedly, Ye Xian wiped her mouth, nodded seriously, and said, “Yes.”

  “What did you say?”

  Cheng Jingshu frowned at her, and even Old Master Bo looked intrigued. “Oh? Wanze, your teammate seems quite young, but she has an eye for art?”

  “Grandpa, she’s just—”

  Jiang Wanze had barely started when Ye Xian stood up and walked over to Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits. She stared for a long time at the artist’s signature: three characters—Xia Hewan.

  Mom’s painting... got forged. And the forgery’s this convincing.

  That’s right—Xia Hewan was the original Ye Xian’s mother. A nationally renowned artist and current president of the National Artist Association.

  The original Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits was one of her early breakthrough pieces. The real painting… was hanging right now in the Ye family’s main hall.