Chapter 181: It’s My Fault
After getting the kitchen staff to prepare the ingredients, Xia Wanyuan gave everyone a break.
After finishing his work, he walked downstairs and saw that the living room was empty. Jun Shiling looked around but did not see Xia Wanyuan.
“Young Master, Madam is cooking in the kitchen.”
Before Jun Shiling could speak, Uncle Wang stepped forward and informed him of Xia Wanyuan’s movements.
Jun Shiling walked to the kitchen door and saw Xia Wanyuan, who was busy inside.
The others all had work meals, and Xia Wanyuan only needed to cook for three people. Hence, Xia Wanyuan had prepared three dishes and a soup, and she was cooking pork ribs in the pot.
The boiling soup kept bubbling, making some gurgling noises. A thick fragrance floated in the air.
The lights in the kitchen were relatively dim. At that moment, they shone on Xia Wanyuan, making her look very gentle.
Xia Wanyuan, who was wearing an apron, had an extremely graceful waist outlined by a string. Her long seaweed-like hair was simply tied behind her head, and her entire person exuded extreme warmth.
“Are you done?” Xia Wanyuan turned around and was about to put some seasonings into her ribs when she saw Jun Shiling standing quietly at the door.
“Mm, why are you cooking yourself?” Jun Shiling restrained the emotions in his eyes and walked into the kitchen.
“I’m doing it for you.”
“For me?” Xia Wanyuan’s short sentence made Jun Shiling’s heart feel as if it had been soaked in warm water.
“Thank you for the manager you found for me. You’re already the richest man in the world. Thinking about it, there’s nothing I can give you, so I’ll make a meal to thank you.” Xia Wanyuan smiled.
“Okay.” Jun Shiling nodded and rolled up his sleeves. “What do you need me to do?”
“Wash that. I’ll cut the tofu.” Xia Wanyuan did not stand on ceremony with Jun Shiling and pointed at the vegetables on the chopping board.
“Mm.” Jun Shiling washed the vegetables in the pool while Xia Wanyuan cut the vegetables on the chopping board.
The fragrance of caramel suddenly came from the air. Xia Wanyuan hurriedly walked to the stove and removed the lid. The rich fragrance of meat wafted over.
Xia Wanyuan turned up the fire and gathered the juice fully. The thick soup wrapped around the soft pork ribs, making it look extremely alluring.
Picking up a plate to scoop up the pork ribs, Xia Wanyuan turned to cut the remaining dishes. Unexpectedly, Jun Shiling, who had just washed the dishes, turned around too. Xia Wanyuan bumped into Jun Shiling’s chin.
“Hiss!” Jun Shiling was stunned by the collision and exclaimed softly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you okay?” Xia Wanyuan hurriedly took a step back.
“Where’s the repayment? I haven’t even eaten yet.” Jun Shiling stroked his chin and looked at Xia Wanyuan with a smile in his eyes.
“But you can’t blame me. Who asked you to suddenly turn around?”
Xia Wanyuan did not realize that in front of Jun Shiling, she had gradually become ‘unreasonable’.
“Mm, it’s my fault.” Jun Shiling smiled, his eyes carrying a hint of undetectable indulgence. “Then leave first. I’ll turn around when you’re done.”
Xia Wanyuan was amused by Jun Shiling’s words. “Since when does CEO Jun like to make fun of people?”
Jun Shiling smiled but did not speak.
By the time the food was ready, Xiao Bao had just returned home. Ever since they found out that Xiao Bao was Jun Shiling’s son, he had received important care in kindergarten. Finally, no one dared to snatch his milk candy anymore.
That night, Jun Shiling had three bowls and Xiao Bao had two bowls of rice for dinner. They ate all the food on the table.
“Mommy, the food you make is the best I’ve ever eaten!”
The corners of Xiao Bao’s lips were still stained with pork ribs, making him look like a little cat. As soon as he put down the bowl, he started praising Xia Wanyuan.
Chapter 182: Confrontation at the Auction
“Really? You said yesterday that Nanny Li’s chicken wings were the best dish you’ve ever eaten.”
After being mercilessly exposed by Xia Wanyuan, Xiao Bao puffed up his cheeks guiltily.
“Anyway, Mommy, your food is the best. Nanny Li’s are the second best!”
“Thank you for your good evaluation, Xiao Bao ~” Xia Wanyuan patted Xiao Bao’s soft and cute head. Jun Shiling’s eyes were filled with warmth when he saw this scene.
That day, when the management of the Jun Corporation refreshed their WeChat Moments as usual, they suddenly saw a nine-collage story. In the nine photos, sweet and sour pork whetted one’s appetite, and the prawns looked fair and tender. In the middle of the night, they were extremely appetizing.
However, there were only four dishes and he had posted nine photos. There must be something wrong with this person, everyone thought to themselves.
Then, they habitually prepared to scroll away, but they suddenly felt that something was wrong. Then, they returned to take a look at the highlighted section.
CEO Jun!
Everyone could not remain calm anymore. Jun Shiling had never posted anything on his Moments.
Should I pretend not to see my boss’s WeChat friend circle or echo it? I’m panicking online.
Just as everyone was hesitating, they saw a comment under Jun Shiling’s post.
Lin Jing: “Madam is amazing. The food looks delicious. Young Master, you’re so lucky.”
What was Lin Jing? He was the direction of the Jun Corporation!! It was right to follow Assistant Lin!!
Hence, very quickly, there were many comments under Jun Shiling’s post.
“It looks too appetizing. Aren’t nine photos too little? I feel that putting a hundred isn’t too much!”
“Madam is really amazing!”
“Madam actually cooked for CEO Jun herself. It’s enough to see how much Madam cares and loves CEO Jun. We’re so envious.”
“I wish CEO Jun and Madam a long and blissful life.”
Jun Shiling, who was lying on the bed and looking at his WeChat Moments before sleep, scrolled through the replies and a satisfied look flashed across his eyes.
————
“Which works are there today?” Xuan Sheng had just finished a meeting. He pulled off his tie and threw it aside as he asked his assistant.
“There’s Master Su Qian, Master Lin Yu, and Yuan Wanxia, who has been in the limelight recently. Although he’s not famous, I think the old master might like his style.”
“Let’s go. We have nothing to do now anyway. Let’s go and take a look.”
“Okay.” The assistant hurriedly sent a car.
——
“Young Master, Madam’s painting should be the third one to appear.”
“Mm.” Jun Shiling sat in the VIP room and looked at the bustling auction downstairs through the window.
“Welcome to today’s auction. Today’s auction is mainly about painting and calligraphy. Everyone can choose what you like to auction as much as you want. Alright, let’s not talk too much. Let’s see today’s first item.”
The host downstairs began to introduce the author of the calligraphy and painting, his style and value.
Xuan Sheng sat in the VIP room with a pair of slender legs on the table. He looked at the painting on the screen in front of him without any interest.
“How do you do things? Is this kind of person worth my attention?”
The old master of the Xuan family liked calligraphy and painting. He was not trying to be elegant, but he was truly an expert. In order to please the old master, Xuan Sheng had secretly put in a lot of effort and thought into it. Naturally, he had some ability in this aspect. Even he did not fancy them, let alone the old master.
Just as he was about to get up and leave, the host on the screen began to introduce the third calligraphy piece of the day.
It was a The Map of Central Pine Fisheries from Yuan Wanxia.
Chapter 183: Ten Million Dollars for a Painting?!
One of the important reasons Xuan Sheng did not like the first two paintings by famous painters was that they were too plain.
Master Su Qian’s Phoenix Wearing Peony was graceful and luxurious. Master Lin Yu’s ink bamboo also had a style.
However, Xuan Sheng felt that something was missing.
When he saw Yuan Wanxia’s ancient pine painting slowly opening on the screen, Xuan Sheng’s eyes lit up.
This was an ancient pine painting, but it was different from any ancient pine painting Xuan Sheng had ever seen.
The painting used white powder as snow, the heads of the trees and reeds to reach the peak, the sand feet as golden powder, and the broken ink to show the gentle sunlight after the snow.
The entire scene was cold and sparse, with light snow accumulating. The scene of small boats and fishermen fishing formed a beautiful scene in the cold forest.
The scenery was slightly covered in snow and mist, giving off the bleak atmosphere of the early winter season. However, there was no lack of rich life interests.
The scene at the back was filled with ancient pine trees that were decorated with ink. The pine needles were sharp with a brush, heavy with hooks, and the strokes were exquisite and clear.
It was mainly dyed with ink and water-based ink. On the leaves of the ancient pine, the top was covered in powder or gold. After a small snowfall, there was still a scene of sunlight on the old pine tree.
The old ancient pine had a bleak feeling in its historical literature.
On the other hand, Yuan Wanxia’s painting did not only draw ancient pine but also combined the old ancient pine with the warm sunlight of the fishing village, making people feel endless vitality from this painting.
Furthermore, Yuan Wanxia’s painting was very experienced in drawing. Even every stroke revealed a relaxed ease.
“This one.” Xuan Sheng’s eyes were filled with interest.
“Alright, then let’s begin the auction for the third piece of work today. The starting price of this’ Ancient Pine Fisherman’s Painting ‘from Yuan Wanxia is 1 million!”
“1.2 million.”
“1.3 million.”
“1.5 million.”
“2 million.”
Everyone in the ordinary hall downstairs began to bid. Xuan Sheng and Jun Shiling did not move.
When the bid reached two million, no one raised the bid anymore.
“Alright, number 15 bid 2 million. Is there anyone higher than him? 2 million going once, 2 million going twice.” The host’s hammer was about to fall.
A bid came from the VIP room upstairs.
“2.5 million.”
“Okay, VIP room 1 bids 2.5 million. Is there anything higher?”
Xuan Sheng originally wanted to wait for the final bid. Who would have thought that someone would have the same thoughts as him? He looked at VIP room 1 opposite and pressed the bid button.
“2.8 million.”
“Okay, VIP room 2 bids 2.8 million. Is there anything higher?”
“Three million dollars.”
“3.5 million.”
“4 million.”
“4.5 million.”
Looking at VIP Room 2 raising the price step by step, Jun Shiling’s gaze was deep as he pressed the price button. “10 million.”
This caused a commotion in the auction.
The starting price of one million dollars had actually increased by ten times. Furthermore, Yuan Wanxia was a name that no one had heard of. No one knew why his painting could be sold at such an expensive price.
In private room 2, Xuan Sheng looked at the 10 million dollars that had suddenly soared and confusion flashed across his eyes.
Although he liked this painting, he did not need to spend ten million dollars. He immediately gave up on the thought of continuing to bid.
“Alright, VIP room 1 has bid 10 million. Is there anyone higher than 10 million? 10 million going once, 10 million going twice, 10 million going thrice! Let us congratulate VIP room 2 for obtaining this”The Map of Central Pine Fisheries “by Yuan Wanxia!”
Until the end of the auction, no one knew who this mysterious guest who had bought a painting for ten million dollars was.
However, such a spendthrift act of doubling the price to the other party still caused a heated discussion.
The calligraphy and painting world that did not appear in public all year round had gained a lot of attention this time.
The trending topic “Yuan Wanxia’s painting costs 10 million” quickly attracted everyone’s attention.
Everyone was attracted by the ten million dollars and entered the trending topic.
There was a piece of news about the auction on the trending topic. “The mysterious buyer bought Yuan Wanxia’s ‘The Map of Central Pine Fisheries’ at a high price of ten million dollars, setting the auction record for this year’s painting!”
The accompanying picture was a huge ‘shock’.
[ Hiss, is this how rich people play? ]
[ Ten million for a painting?!!!! Are you crazy? Can’t you donate so much money to the mountains as a public service? Rich people really don’t have a conscience. ]
[ The person in front, do you hate the rich? How do you know that they haven’t donated money? ]
[ As a person who studies art, I don’t think there’s a famous painter called Yuan Wanxia in the world of painting. Why can his painting be sold for so much? ]
[ I heard that Master Su Qian and Master Lin Yu’s paintings were auctioned at the same time. Their paintings were only below five million dollars. How could Yuan Wanxia’s be sold at such a high price? Could she be borrowing the auction to launder money? ]
At this moment, everyone was just watching the fun. On the one hand, they were shocked by the high price of ten million dollars. On the other hand, they were curious about what kind of painting Yuan Wanxia had drawn.
It was only when a marketing account followed the term Yuan Wanxia and found the long article that Qian Yan had posted and reposted it that things became more complicated.
From this article, it mentioned that Yuan Wanxia, the painter, had first appeared in everyone’s eyes. It had only been a month or so.
The first peach blossom painting was sold for 200,000 dollars. The second time it appeared, it was sold for 1,000,000 dollars.
On the other hand, the third appearance, which was also this time’s “The Map of Central Pine Fisheries”, had actually soared to 10 million.
Combining the contents of Qian Yan’s article, Yuan Wanxia was simply like the biggest classic in Qian Yan’s article. She had all the conditions to be criticized.
[ Eat melon. I always thought that the world of painting and calligraphy was more aloof and arrogant. I didn’t expect there to be so many dirty things. ]
[ This jump is too fast. The first time, it was 200,000. The second time, it was 1,000,000. The third time, it was 10,000,000. Amazing. I thought that only the entertainment industry had data faking. I didn’t expect that there was even such a thing in the painting and calligraphy world. ]
[ I want to know what kind of painting can be sold for ten million dollars? Is it a real buyer? Or is it fake data? ]
[ I don’t believe that someone really spent so much money to buy a painting drawn by an unknown person. Even the paintings of Master Su Qian at the auction back then weren’t sold at such an expensive price. ]
Seeing that Qian Yan, who was certified as a famous painter on Weibo, had criticized such data for faking, and that Yuan Wanxia’s data was indeed strange, the netizens all supported Qian Yan on Weibo.
The world of painting and calligraphy was a very pure world in people’s hearts. Qian Yan’s articles had made them realize that they could be played like this. Wasn’t this a huge blow to a painter who had real talent and ability? Hence, everyone spontaneously took action and kept reposting Qian Yan’s article, sharing it to 100,000 times.
Just as everyone was cursing and guessing at this unknown Yuan Wanxia, an extremely important official Weibo post published a post.
Chapter 184: Yuan Wanxia becomes Famous
Initially, ordinary people did not pay much attention to the world of painting and calligraphy. In the world of antiques, one was too professional to understand, and the other was not connected to the lives of ordinary people.
However, in the past few years, there was a treasure identification program on national television called “Treasure” that was very popular.
The program had invited many famous masters in the industry to oversee it. Then, it would widely collect valuable collections from all over the country and let the masters discuss and bid.
Due to the fact that these collections that were sent up might be counterfeits or valuable treasures that had been buried among the commoners, they were still very attractive to the audience. In order to be fair, the production team had chosen people of great status in the industry.
Hence, many netizens were more familiar with the judges.
One of the judges was the president of the Chinese Painter Association, Li Qian.
Master Li Qian was famous both in China and internationally. He did not have the airs of a master but was very close to the public. In order to communicate with the public more, Master Li Qian specially opened Weibo.
Master Li Qian often shared some good paintings that he had seen on Weibo recently. He would also randomly pick some netizens to answer questions. Hence, in the hearts of everyone, he was a respected master. Everyone respected him very much.
Today, as usual, everyone came to see what painting Master Li Qian had shared with everyone. They saw that a name had appeared on Master Li Qian’s Weibo account—Yuan Wanxia.
@ Li Qian: “I recently discovered a pearl that has been buried in the calligraphy and painting world for a long time—Yuan Wanxia. I can only use a few words to describe his painting. It’s vivid, natural, and priceless.”
There were two paintings accompanying the photos. One of them was the “Peach Blossom Painting” that Professor Zhang had brought to the Painter Association at the beginning, and the other was “The Map of Central Pine Fisheries” that had appeared at the auction yesterday.
Li Qian was already a big shot in the world of painting and calligraphy. No one had ever seen him praise anyone so much, so they clicked on Yuan Wanxia’s painting that he had posted.
[ Um, although I don’t know anything about paintings, this painting gives me a really different feeling. ]
[ Me too. I just feel like there’s her own unique aura inside. Is this called a distinctive personal style? ]
[ I’m a student of art. I just want to say F*ck. Yuan Wanxia’s control of light and the layout of the images is too amazing. This is probably a height I can only look up to in my life. ]
[ Wow, I’m in the art collection. I was quite angry when I saw Qian Yan’s long text just now. But now, although ten million is a little exaggerated, Yuan Wanxia’s painting is really an independent system. If I were rich, I would be willing to spend ten million to buy the painting I like. ]
[ I don’t know anything about painting or calligraphy, but if I were to choose, I would definitely choose to buy this painting by Yuan Wanxia. When I see this painting, I feel as if I’m in the world that the painter shows. It’s too beautiful. ]
Qian Yan had been looking at the reposts that were close to a hundred thousand times and was about to take the opportunity to promote his painting when Master Li Qian suddenly appeared.
His reputation in the industry was worlds apart from Master Li Qian’s. In addition, Li Qian had released Yuan Wanxia’s works.
Although the netizens did not know much about painting and calligraphy, they had the most basic ability to sense beauty. Hence, the trend quickly changed. Everyone changed from supporting to mocking. Qian Yan could only delete the article that had strong accusatory points.
Qian Yan’s farce and Master Li Qian’s high praise greatly increased Yuan Wanxia’s fame as a painter.
In a single night, he had become a new and talented artist with an extremely high net worth. Countless reporters and media wanted to get first-hand information about him, but they could not find a single trace of him on the Internet.
He became popular very quickly and had a high net worth. In addition, he was extremely mysterious. In an instant, posts about Yuan Wanxia spread across all the major forums and many people came because of his reputation.
Although they did not know who Yuan Wanxia was, he had already relied on his excellent painting skills to miraculously become popular and had a large number of fans on various websites.
In the manor, Xia Wanyuan was also very surprised that her painting could be sold for 10 million. On the other hand, Professor Zhang felt that Xia Wanyuan’s painting itself was extremely valuable. Perhaps a buyer liked this style and was very rich, so Xia Wanyuan did not need to worry too much.
It was time to practice dancing again. When Xia Wanyuan arrived at the dance studio, she realized that there were two additional women in the dance studio today. One of them was a blonde foreigner.
“Hello, Madam. My name is Gina, and she’s Tina. CEO Jun hired us to dance with Madam.”
Ever since the previous argument, Jun Shiling had never come to the dance studio again. He was afraid that he would not be able to resist pulling Xia Wanyuan away.
However, since Xia Wanyuan wanted to do this well, he wouldn’t continue to stop her. He even got Lin Jing to find two champions of the World Dance Competition to teach Xia Wanyuan.
Although Xia Wanyuan’s efficiency in practicing was not bad, Gina and Tina were indeed professionals who had received a lot of guidance in modern scientific theory. They had given Xia Wanyuan a lot of guidance and advice.
Furthermore, it was difficult for her to notice some of the actions she did when she practiced them herself. It was much better with someone guiding and supervising her.
Even though they were already world-class champions, Gina and Tina were still impressed by Xia Wanyuan’s outstanding talent and tenacious determination. They immediately taught her even more, and Xia Wanyuan’s improvement became faster and faster.
“Tang Yin?!!” In the coffee shop, Chen Yun had arranged to have some work handover with Xia Wanyuan’s new manager.
However, he would never have thought that it was actually Tang Yin.
“Brother Chen, long time no see.” Tang Yin stretched out her hand to Chen Yun, who shook it back.
“It has indeed been a long time.” Chen Yun looked at Tang Yin and was very emotional. Back then, the two of them were still in a competitive relationship. He did not expect that after going around in circles, it would actually become a cooperative relationship now. “I didn’t expect that Wanyuan would actually be able to find you. It looks like a new legend is about to emerge in the entertainment industry.”
“Brother Chen, you’re too kind. Let’s talk about Xia Wanyuan’s work situation.”
“Okay.”
After communicating with Chen Yun, Tang Yin felt that Xia Wanyuan was really a mystery. She was clearly a treasure, but in the end, she could mess up her reputation to this extent.
“Since the negative effects of the entertainment industry are deeply rooted in her, let’s start with variety programs and change her image first.”
“I think so too.”
Chen Yun and Tang Yin looked at each other and smiled. With Xia Wanyuan’s personal ability, they believed that the springboard “I’m a big star” would be a great help in restoring her image.
Chapter 185: Bai Lian’s Call
Xia Wanyuan had finally completed today’s dance training. She felt as if all the joints in her body had been reconstructed, but after exercising, her entire body seemed to be much lighter.
She had just taken a shower and changed when her phone rang.
Xia Wanyuan picked up her phone and glanced at it. The words “Bai Lian” on the screen attracted her attention.
A cold glint flashed across Xia Wanyuan’s eyes. She was the indirect instigator for the Xia family’s bankruptcy.
After Xia Wanyuan entered the entertainment industry, she had a very good “best friend”, Bai Lian.
Speaking of which, Bai Lian was considered a female celebrity between the B-list and A-list rankings. She also had a place in the entertainment industry, but she was not as lucky as Xia Wanyuan who had a better family background.
Initially, Bai Lian was only a background actress. However, she knew how to socialize and curry favor with the director. She had relied on many means to climb to her current position.
Back then, it was Bai Lian who had tried her best to persuade Xia Wanyuan to invest in that sci-fi film with Xia Yuanqing. After the news of the Xia family’s bankruptcy spread, Bai Lian seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth and had never contacted Xia Wanyuan again.
This person actually called me again today?
“Hello.” Xia Wanyuan pressed the answer button and her red lips parted slightly.
“Hello, Yuan Yuan, how are you? I’ve been filming in the mountains recently and there’s been no signal. I heard that something has happened to your family. Are you okay?” On the other end of the line, Bai Lian’s tone was extremely concerned.
“I’m bankrupt. Why? What’s the matter?”
Hearing Xia Wanyuan’s somewhat cold tone, Bai Lian felt that something was wrong.
“We haven’t gathered in a long time. Yuan Yuan, are you busy now? Let’s gather. I brought you a lot of gifts from abroad.” Bai Lian deliberately ignored the alienation in Xia Wanyuan’s tone.
“Location.” Xia Wanyuan wanted to see what this woman was up to.
After Bai Jie reported the location, Xia Wanyuan hung up the phone. Hearing the beeping sound on the phone, Bai Jie was furious. “If not for your face, I wouldn’t have bothered with you.”
Bai Lian had always been in an awkward position from the B-list to the A-list. Now, there was an important film and television drama that was in the midst of preparation. If she could get this lead role, then her promotion to the A-list would be guaranteed.
However, the problem was that she did not have the confidence to get this role. Her manager had heard from many sources that the core person in the investor’s banquet tonight was someone who loved beauty very much.
Hence, she and her manager prepared to suit his liking. Bai Lian was also beautiful, but in terms of beauty, she was not half as beautiful as Xia Wanyuan. Her manager communicated with the higher-ups.
There was news from the higher-ups that as long as the person Bai Lian found could serve the big investor well, the female lead role would definitely be given to Bai Lian.
Hence, ever since the Xia family went bankrupt, Bai Lian, who had never called Xia Wanyuan again, called her for the first time. She was originally worried that Xia Wanyuan would not come, but now it seemed that Xia Wanyuan was still as stupid as ever.
Xia Wanyuan checked the restaurant Bai Lian had mentioned. The last time she went to the restaurant alone, Jun Shiling had gotten angry. This time, Xia Wanyuan was already on guard against Bai Lian, so she told Uncle Wang where she was going and told him to tell Jun Shiling when he returned.
The tables at the dining table were filled with drinks. The investors had set up all sorts of contracts between the glasses, and the little celebrities beside them were all smiling.
Bai Lian looked at the door, anxiety flashing across her eyes. Why isn’t Xia Wanyuan here yet? Did she go back on her word?