Chapter 764: Ugly People Cause Trouble
Cui Xian and Qi Zhong were very famous in the oil painting world, but most of the credit went to Cui Xian. Qi Zhong’s current status was all thanks to Cui Xian.
Someone could not help but sigh. “Mr. Qi, your apprentice has done so much at such a young age. Back then, I was only qualified to participate in the oil painting exhibition when I was 40 years old. She’s only in her 20s, but she’s already qualified. The younger generation will surpass us in time!”
Qi Zhong smiled and said, “Not only is Ruge talented, but she’s also humble and studious. However, don’t praise her too much lest she gets arrogant.”
“Mr. Qi, I heard that you took in two new apprentices. Where’s the other one?” Everyone was envious when they heard that Qi Zhong had taken in two extremely talented apprentices at once.
Unexpectedly, Qi Zhong’s expression suddenly changed. “You’re talking about Qiao Xi?”
Everyone replied, “We don’t know that lady’s name either. We just heard that she drew a rose that’s very lifelike. It’s amazing. Is she here for the art exhibition today?”
Qi Zhong said unhappily, “She doesn’t have the right to attend the art exhibition!”
Tang Ruge, who was at the side, hurriedly explained, “Actually, Miss Qiao didn’t acknowledge anyone as her master. She’s too proud and arrogant, so Master didn’t accept her in the end.”
Everyone understood what Tang Ruge meant. It turned out that Qiao Xi was unwilling to acknowledge Qi Zhong as her master. This 20-year-old woman was actually so arrogant?
“Miss Qiao is indeed a little talented, but she has a firm character.” Tang Ruge’s few words made everyone think that Qiao Xi was an arrogant and ungrateful person.
Everyone said, “Even if she’s talented, she can’t be so disrespectful to her elders. It’s good that Mr. Qi didn’t accept an apprentice with such character. After all, Mr. Qi already has such an outstanding apprentice like Miss Tang!”
“That’s right! Being talented is one thing, but one’s character is another. If the apprentice is too conceited, it’s better not to accept her. Otherwise, she’ll ruin her own reputation in the future. Now that Miss Tang is able to display her work for the exhibition while Qiao Xi couldn’t even get to appear, it’s enough to explain everything.”
Qi Zhong’s expression was gloomy as he said, “Qiao Xi is indeed talented, but she’s not comparable to Ruge. It’s expected that she can’t participate in the exhibition.”
Everyone continued walking forward. Suddenly, Tang Ruge stopped in her tracks and said in surprise, “Xi Xi?”
At this moment, Qiao Xi and Li Xing’er were walking arm in arm in the spacious corridor. They bumped into everyone, and Qi Zhong’s expression instantly changed. “Why are you here?”
Li Xing’er’s temper flared up again. ‘Are you holding this art exhibition? Why do you care if she comes or not?!’
Before Li Xing’er could say anything, Tang Ruge tried to persuade her gently. “Xi Xi, this is an exclusive resting lounge for exhibitors. How can you come in so casually? Are you here to look for Master Qi?”
Tang Ruge paused for a moment and continued to ask, “Do you regret rejecting Master back then? Did you hear that he was coming to the exhibition, so you followed him here?”
When Qi Zhong heard this, he instantly straightened his back with a proud expression.
Qiao Xi glanced at her. Was this person crazy?
She held Li Xing’er’s hand and continued walking forward, but Tang Ruge did not intend to let her off just like that. She said with a helpless expression, “Xi Xi, you’re already here. Aren’t you going to greet Master? Since you want to acknowledge him as your master again, you have to show your attitude. You can’t look down on others just because you have some talent.”
Qi Zhong raised his head high, his eyes filled with disdain. He had long guessed that Qiao Xi would regret it one day, but he did not expect it to be so soon.
The atmosphere gradually became awkward. Qiao Xi remained silent, and the smugness on Tang Ruge’s face was almost impossible to hide. She pretended to be regretful and said, “Xi Xi, we could’ve been friends with the same master, but you—”
“Who told you that I’m here to acknowledge him as my master?” Qiao Xi’s voice was ice-cold. “Miss Tang, have you heard of a saying that’s especially suitable to describe you?”
The corners of Tang Ruge’s mouth twitched slightly. She had a bad feeling. “What is it?”
The corners of Qiao Xi’s mouth curled up. “Ugly people cause trouble! Since you’re ugly, you should talk less. Don’t come looking for trouble! If you have nothing to do, go home and look in the mirror. Your face is almost in ruins!”
As soon as she finished speaking, she pulled Li Xing’er and quickly left.
Tang Ruge stood where she was. Her gentle face was ferocious. She was so angry that she was about to explode, but she still had to maintain her image in front of the painters.
However, Qi Zhong could not take it lying down and roared angrily. “Qiao Xi! What right do you, a visitor, have to enter the lounge? Who else could you have secretly come in to look for besides me?”
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