Gorgeous Female Tenants

Chapter 448: Painting with Life

The Earth Sea Museum Gallery, seemingly a palace constructed of circular arches made of wood, with black-and-white checkered floors, snow-white walls, and winding corridors.

The exhibition board at the gallery entrance displayed the theme introduction of this painting exhibition.

Xu Xiangbei and Shen Congru walked into the gallery, admiring the variety of paintings on the walls, each with different artistic conception and offering distinct feelings.

While appreciating the beautiful paintings, Xu Xiangbei also observed the crowd.

The attendees of the exhibition gathered in small groups, whispering as if a louder voice might disturb the harmony of the entire gallery.

Next to each painting was the artist’s name along with an introduction of the artist’s background.

Xu Xiangbei noticed three ink landscape paintings signed by Su Xinyun, elegant and fresh, with deep artistic conception, far superior to the oil painting on the office wall.

Ten minutes later, in the middle of the gallery, Xu Xiangbei saw Su Xinyun. She was wearing a blue faux silk dress, like a blooming blue Chinese rose, enthusiastically discussing something with others.

Xu Xiangbei approached her, smiling as he extended his hand, "Su Xinyun, hello."

Hearing Xu Xiangbei call her name, Su Xinyun was initially taken aback but quickly recognized him.

She had always thought Xu Xiangbei was a friend of her brother. With a smile, she shook hands with Xu Xiangbei, "I know you, you’re my brother’s friend, Xu Xiangbei, right? I didn’t get the name wrong, did I?"

Xu Xiangbei’s voice carried an endless magnetism, somewhat low-pitched, and he smiled, "Miss Su, you have a great memory. I just saw your landscape paintings, they are truly beautiful, like a fairyland, just as beautiful as you are."

Hearing Xu Xiangbei praise her paintings and her beauty, a blush appeared on Su Xinyun’s cheeks as she tucked her loose hair behind her ear, shyly responding, "Thank you for the compliment. Those three landscape paintings are also my favorite works."

Xu Xiangbei noticed a group of cat paintings hanging on the wall ahead. He counted carefully, and there were nine differently postured and colored cats, playing and chasing on the lawn, lively and adorable, vividly depicted.

Though he was clueless about art, he became deeply attracted to this group of cat paintings, "This group of cat paintings is really interesting."

Su Xinyun smiled, "You have good taste. This is not a piece by a young artist but an old work by a famous painter, specifically brought out by the museum director to be displayed alongside our works to enhance the popularity of this exhibition. This painting is called the Nine Cats Picture, and it’s said to be worth over ten million."

Xu Xiangbei sighed lightly, "So valuable, no wonder Shen Congru pays so much attention to the exhibition. Art does need to be measured by money, after all."

Shen Congru came over, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Xu Xiangbei with Su Xinyun, "I thought you got lost, but here you are chatting with a beauty."

Xu Xiangbei smiled as he introduced, "This is the beautiful painter Su Xinyun, and this is Young Master Shen Congru, the young vice president of Earth Sea Commercial Bank."

"Miss Su, I’ve seen your work over there. It’s stunning. I’d like to collect your paintings. Name a price."

Su Xinyun smiled faintly, "Sorry, Young Master Shen, my paintings are different from others. I only exhibit them; they are not for sale."

Hearing Su Xinyun say that the three ink landscape paintings are not for sale, Shen Congru showed a look of disappointment, "Such a pity. Those ink landscape paintings truly have deep conception and an air of grandeur. I’m willing to bid high to collect them. Miss Su, please reconsider."

Su Xinyun still gently shook her head, indicating that her paintings were not for sale, "Thank you for your appreciation, Young Master Shen, but they are really not for sale."

Seeing Shen Congru hit a wall, Xu Xiangbei teased him, "It seems your theory of measuring artworks by money doesn’t apply to Miss Su."

Shen Congru did not become discouraged but instead smiled, "Since Miss Su is unwilling to sell her paintings to me, how about giving me the pleasure of joining us for lunch?"

Su Xinyun didn’t immediately accept Shen Congru’s invitation but looked at Xu Xiangbei, her eyes flickering as if seeking his opinion.

Knowing that Su Xinyun was meeting Shen Congru for the first time and being cautious of him, Xu Xiangbei smiled lightly, "I’m good friends with Young Master Shen. How about the three of us have lunch together?"

Only then did Su Xinyun accept Shen Congru’s invitation, "Alright, my mentor is here. I need to discuss some painting issues with him, excuse me."

Watching Su Xinyun’s graceful back, Shen Congru looked expectant, "She has such a great figure. It would be wonderful to soar high with her."

Xu Xiangbei continued to poke fun at Shen Congru, laughing, "Unfortunately, this beauty is not interested in your money."

"Just now, she almost refused my invitation. Did you cast some spell? Why do so many beautiful girls trust you but not me?"

Xu Xiangbei grinned widely, "Can’t help it, brother, naturally charming."

Shen Congru pretended to gag, "This is so unfair. You’re so repulsive, yet those beauties treat you like a treasure. It’s so unfair. Where should we have lunch? Should we pick a more upscale restaurant?"

Xu Xiangbei calmly said, "No need. A girl like Su Xinyun, who isn’t attracted to money, likely doesn’t have high demands for food. If you take her to a high-end restaurant, she might not like it. It’s better to go to my Emperor’s Pavilion; she’d feel more at ease there."

Biyun Hall at Emperor’s Pavilion.

Su Xinyun also brought along a girl named Lan Er, who, although not as pretty as Su Xinyun, was a well-known young painter, sunny and lively.

Lan Er was clearly more adept at socializing, skillfully joking around and discussing fashion, ideals, and art, whereas Su Xinyun spoke much less.

Just as Xu Xiangbei had guessed, Emperor’s Pavilion, although not a large hotel, was decorated simply yet warmly, making her feel comfortable.

Unknowingly, Xu Xiangbei chatted with her about the Su Family.

It turned out that within the Su Family, Su Xinyun was an unusual existence. She didn’t like the family business; she went off to study painting, pursuing her own ideals, which made her parents very angry. In their hearts, Su Xinyun was not an obedient child.

Moreover, the Su Family was a traditional one, with a severe patriarchal mindset. Su Xinyun felt lonely and indifferent at home, leading her to move out and reside at Yanjing University.

She was a girl who liked tranquility and simplicity. Painting allowed her to calm her mind and forget all worldly troubles.

Usually, she taught painting at Yanjing University, and in her spare time, she would take her brushes and sketchbook, find a scenic spot, and sit there for an entire day.

When she picked up her brush, she felt as if she integrated with nature; what she painted was not the scenery seen by ordinary eyes but her own life.