Chapter 785: New Hatred
Qiao Xi instantly swallowed the words in her mouth. She looked at Gu Zheng in disbelief. What was Gu Zheng thinking just now? Could it be that in Gu Zheng’s heart, she was really weak?
After marrying Gu Zheng, she had always liked to pretend to be weak, but she also knew her limits. She knew that she could not deceive Gu Zheng with this little trick, but she never expected that Gu Zheng would really think that she was weak!
This world was too crazy!
Gu Zheng’s voice was cold. “Miss Tang.”
Tang Ruge smiled gently. She had been raised as a socialite since she was young. How could Qiao Xi compare to her? She believed that Gu Zheng would see her good side sooner or later. Thinking of this, she smiled generously. “President Gu.”
Gu Zheng said casually, “Miss Tang, do you like poking your nose into other people’s business?”
Tang Ruge’s expression changed as she forced a bitter smile. “No…”
“Miss Tang, you seem to have forgotten that you and your master, Qi Zhong, were publicly humiliated yesterday,” Gu Zheng said casually, but his eyes were filled with mockery.
“Qi Zhong has already paid the price for his ignorance. Miss Tang, are you still going to follow his path? I hope you can understand that you’re standing here safe and sound not because you’re lucky but because Xi Xi isn’t willing to bicker with you.”
Qiao Xi raised her head and smiled confidently. “Miss Tang, my husband has already made himself very clear. I hope you can open your eyes to see the truth. Don’t keep asking for trouble!”
Tang Ruge’s face was pale as she bit her lip. Of course, she could hear the threat in Gu Zheng’s words.
However, what right did Gu Zheng have to be so biased toward Qiao Xi? He did not know that Qiao Xi’s paintings were all plagiarized! What right did such a woman have to be the mistress of the Gu family? What right did she have to stand by Gu Zheng’s side and be protected by him?
Gu Zheng just did not know the truth and thought that Qiao Xi was a talented and knowledgeable woman, so he protected her. If he found out the truth, he would definitely hate Qiao Xi.
“Xi Xi, let’s go.” Gu Zheng held Qiao Xi’s hand and helped her out of the car.
The two of them were just about to leave when Qiao Xi suddenly stopped in her tracks. She turned around and smiled lightly. “I heard that many people from the Tang family came yesterday and lost their dignity in front of so many relatives and friends. Miss Tang, you’re still so calm. How admirable!”
Tang Ruge clenched her fists tightly, and her eyes were filled with resentment. She wished for nothing more than to skin Qiao Xi alive. Why was Qiao Xi so lucky? Not only did she have the rich and powerful Gu Zheng as her backer, but even the Yin family doted on her very much. Perhaps one day, that powerful family would treat her as their beloved daughter.
However, she, Tang Ruge, was the top socialite in the capital. She was the first to know Gu Zheng. She should have married Gu Zheng and enjoyed supreme power. What right did Qiao Xi have to easily snatch everything away from her?
However, Qiao Xi’s reputation would be ruined soon. She had plagiarized Han Yin’s work. Even if she had Gu Zheng as her backer, she would not be able to avoid such a scandal. The International Oil Painting Organization would absolutely not let Qiao Xi off easily.
Tang Ruge smiled proudly, then made a call. “Mom, I’m here. Are you and Brother Jin Yan here? I heard that Brother Jin Yan likes Han Yin’s work very much. Han Yin’s work will be shown in this art exhibition. He’ll definitely be happy to see it.”
After hanging up, Tang Ruge entered the exhibition hall.
After she left, a young man and woman walked out. Mu Ling frowned. “What is this woman doing? Isn’t Jin Yan the young master of the Jin family? Why did she invite him over for no reason?”
Mu Ling was furious and complained to her brother, Mu Ming, “They were the ones who tampered with Dad and Mom’s car accident back then. Now, they’ve snatched what originally belonged to us siblings. Tang Ruge is even using her identity as the eldest daughter of the Tang family to befriend the daughters and young masters of noble families. She’s really shameless!”
At the mention of their parents’ car accident, Mu Ming’s eyes narrowed. Back then, after he and his sister were chased out of the house, the two of them lived on the streets. They did not have enough to eat and had no other clothes to warm them. It was not easy for them to survive and become top hackers. However, they were just hackers and did not have any actual power. It was indeed too difficult to take down the Tang family.
Moreover, when the siblings were chased out of the Tang family, no one stood up for them. They were left to fend for themselves. Perhaps their parents’ car accident was jointly plotted by the entire Tang family. In everyone’s eyes, the siblings were nothing to be afraid of.
Chapter 786: The Enemy Of The Enemy Is A Friend
Now that he saw Tang Ruge and Madam Tang, the resentment from the past surfaced in his heart. Mu Ming’s entire body emitted a cold aura. “Tang Ruge seems to have mentioned Han Yin. Go investigate the relationship between Han Yin and Qiao Xi. With Qiao Xi’s strength, she doesn’t need to plagiarize anyone. Tang Ruge must be maligning her.”
Mu Ling thought so too. Although she did not like Black Tide, she had to admit that Black Tide had absolute strength. Moreover, Black Tide was arrogant and definitely would not plagiarize.
In the past, she hated Black Tide, but compared to Tang Ruge, Black Tide was quite cute. Moreover, Black Tide and Tang Ruge were not on good terms. The enemy of an enemy was a friend. In the future, she decided to get along well with Black Tide.
Mu Ling and Mu Ming got into the car and went to the underground parking lot. They turned on their computers and investigated Han Yin.
“I didn’t expect this! Han Yin is also a hacker. She actually hid her information. Fortunately, you’re a top hacker, Brother. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to crack it.”
Mu Ming narrowed his eyes. “It would be best if Han Yin could personally come and expose Tang Ruge. If she doesn’t, we can’t just watch as Tang Ruge is wronged. Tang Ruge and her family have been living too well all these years. They seem to have forgotten their sins. It’s time for them to be punished.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Ming could not help but take a deep breath. Then, he turned the computer around and sneered. “I really didn’t expect her to be Han Yin!”
Mu Ling quickly looked at the information on the computer and fell silent.
After a long time, Mu Ling shook her head helplessly. “If Tang Ruge finds out that Qiao Xi is Han Yin, won’t she be angered to death?! Even after struggling for so long, she continues to be defeated by Qiao Xi time and again. Doesn’t she feel embarrassed?”
Tang Ruge wanted to use Han Yin to attack Qiao Xi, but she never expected that Qiao Xi was Han Yin.
At this moment, Mu Ming finally understood why Black Tide had been the only woman by Mo Yuan’s side in the past 10 years. “I have to say that Black Tide is really outstanding. She’s the same kind of person as Mo Yuan.”
…
In the exhibition hall.
Although it was already the second day of the art exhibition, it was still crowded. The professors of the art department had also brought their students over to take a look. The huge exhibition hall was very crowded.
An art professor walked in front of Tang Ruge’s work and nodded in satisfaction. “I heard that this painting was done by a young woman in her 20s. It’s really not bad.”
A staff member smiled and said, “That’s right. The artist of this painting is the daughter of the Tang family in the capital, Tang Ruge. She has such talent even though she has only been exposed to oil paintings for a short period of time. Moreover, this young lady was proficient in the four arts since the age of six. She can be said to be a genius!”
The old professor sighed. “Although this painting isn’t perfect, it’s good enough for a young lady in her 20s. She’s so talented at such a young age. Her future is limitless!”
Tang Ruge, who was standing not far away, smiled proudly when she heard everyone’s praise. Then, she walked over leisurely, portraying the demeanor of an elegant young miss perfectly. She first expressed her gratitude to the professor, then said gently, “I’ve just started learning oil painting. I’ll definitely work harder in the future. Professor, you’re too kind.”
The professor praised, “You’re talented but still so humble. You’re really a good talent.”
At this moment, Madam Tang slowly walked over with a young man. Tang Ruge hurriedly went forward to welcome them. “Mom, Brother Jin Yan, you’re finally here.”
Jin Yan was the young master of the Jin family. His family had been in the business industry for generations, and he was the only one who liked to paint. When he saw Tang Ruge’s painting, his eyes lit up. “Ruge, I didn’t expect you to know how to paint. It’s so beautiful.”
The smile on Tang Ruge’s face froze abruptly, and there was a fleeting look of guilt in her eyes. “It’s not as good as you say. Don’t praise me.”
Jin Yan took out his phone and hurriedly took a few photos. He said excitedly, “Ruge, I’ve been studying oil painting for so many years, but my standard is still average. You only started learning how to paint half a month ago, but you’re already so good at it. You’re really awesome!”
“Half a month?” Everyone looked at Tang Ruge in disbelief. She had only studied for half a month but had already reached such a level. She was really a genius!
Tang Ruge blushed shyly and smiled. “It’s because of the guidance of a master that I was able to reach this level. Unfortunately, that master offended Xi Xi… Forget it, it’s all in the past. There’s nothing to say.”
“Are you talking about Mr. Qi Zhong?” Jin Yan had also heard some news and asked curiously, “What exactly is going on?”
Chapter 787: Adding Fuel To The Fire
Tang Ruge’s eyes were red. She bit her lip and looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Seeing this, Madam Tang explained, “Young Master Jin, in the beginning, Mr. Qi Zhong thought that Miss Qiao Xi was talented and wanted to take her in as his apprentice, but Miss Qiao rejected him. Ruge and Miss Qiao are friends, so she tried to persuade her. Unexpectedly…”
Madam Tang looked helpless. “Who knew that Miss Qiao would be angry? She even said that Mr. Qi Zhong was not worthy to be her master. Mr. Qi was an elder, after all, so he lectured her in public. Miss Qiao then complained about him to his master, Senior Cui Xian. Senior Cui Xian didn’t know the truth and thought that Mr. Qi Zhong was bullying a junior. In a fit of anger, he expelled Mr. Qi Zhong. Our Ruge just wanted to acknowledge Mr. Qi Zhong as her master, but now… Sigh!”
“Such a thing actually happened?!” Jin Yan’s face was filled with anger. He had always respected the seniors in the painting world, and he could not stand when the younger generation did not respect the elders. At this moment, he asked indignantly, “Where’s that Qiao Xi?”
“Brother Jin Yan, forget it. Don’t worry about this matter. She’s talented, so it’s normal for her to be a little arrogant.” Tang Ruge quickly stopped him, but her words were undoubtedly like fuel that added to the fire.
As expected, Jin Yan was even angrier when he heard this. “Can she do whatever she wants just because she’s talented? She should be glad that she’s talented and ask for guidance humbly instead of contradicting her elders. Besides, no matter how talented she is, can she be more powerful than you? You’ve only been learning oil painting for half a month, yet you’re already so skilled. You’re not even arrogant!”
Tang Ruge smiled in embarrassment. “How can I compare to Xi Xi?”
“Why aren’t you worthy? You’ve always been humble, but you can’t belittle yourself! You treat her as a friend and tried to persuade her out of goodwill. It’s fine if she doesn’t accept it, but she actually complained to Senior Cui Xian. Seriously…”
At this moment, Tang Ruge saw the slim woman walking over not far away and gasped. “Brother Jin Yan!”
Jin Yan frowned. “Don’t be afraid. I’m going to stand up for you today to seek justice for you! What right does she have to do this to you? What did you do wrong that you had to be implicated?”
“What did I do to Miss Tang?” Qiao Xi walked over leisurely with a faint smile on the corners of her mouth. Her cold gaze landed on Jin Yan, and she casually glanced at him before looking away with disdain.
Jin Yan suddenly felt that the woman in front of him looked very familiar as if he had seen her somewhere before. However, before he could figure it out, Madam Tang said coldly, “Miss Qiao, you’re indeed very talented, but why did you do that to Ruge? She acted that way for your own good. She was trying her best to persuade you to apologize to Mr. Qi Zhong. Not only are you ungrateful, but you’re also blaming her!”
The surroundings were deathly silent. Everyone did not expect that Qiao Xi would actually dare to appear. Wasn’t she afraid of getting attacked by everyone’s criticism?
“Why should I accept Miss Tang’s kind intentions? Who is she to me?” Qiao Xi asked casually.
Tang Ruge bit her lip and lowered her head.
Jin Yan, who was at the side, was indignant. “Miss Qiao, talent isn’t meant to be wasted. Since you’re talented, you should find a master to teach you well instead of doing nothing like now. Ruge treats you as a friend and wants you to learn with her. Even if you can’t accept her goodwill, you don’t have to say harsh words to her, right?!”
Qiao Xi’s eyes were calm, and she couldn’t help but sneer after a short moment of silence.
At this moment, there were more and more people in the exhibition hall. Many people had also seen what happened yesterday and knew Miss Qiao’s identity. She did not need a master at all. Even Senior Cui Xian treated her as his master. Who was qualified to be her master?
The person in charge reminded him awkwardly, “Young Master Jin, actually, Miss Qiao… doesn’t need a master at all.”
As soon as these words were spoken, Tang Ruge’s expression changed drastically. The person in charge hurriedly explained, “Yesterday, Senior Cui Xian wanted to acknowledge Miss Qiao Xi as his master in public, so it’s understandable that Miss Qiao rejected Mr. Qi Zhong.”
Jin Yan’s expression froze.
What? Cui Xian wanted to acknowledge Qiao Xi as his master? A 100-year-old man wanted to acknowledge a young woman in her 20s as his master?
After a long silence, Jin Yan’s tone softened a little. “Even if you’re very talented and Senior Cui Xian respects you very much, Ruge did nothing wrong. She didn’t know that you’re so good at painting. She just wanted to suggest that you learn from Mr. Qi Zhong. Is there anything wrong with that?”
Qiao Xi was instantly speechless. Tang Ruge had brought over another helper. She was really capable. There were always people who would risk their lives for her.