novelraw Chapter 0167 Weathervane
Chapter 0167 Weathervane
The closing reception of the art exhibition.
Located on the open-air terrace on the second floor of the art museum.
A cool night breeze blew, and the champagne tower reflected the dazzling lights.
Wen Ning stood by the railing, holding a glass of sparkling water, getting some fresh air.
She was a little tired after dealing with wave after wave of media and art critics.
Not far away.
Several young women dressed in haute couture gowns and dressed extravagantly were huddled together whispering.
His gaze frequently drifted towards Wen Ning's direction.
That was the most core small group within the socialite circle of City A.
The leader was named Li Man, and her family was in the traditional manufacturing industry.
Wen Ning recognized them.
Three years ago, at the Zhou family dinner party when Zhou Xu had just returned to China.
These were the same few men, holding wine glasses, who blocked her at the bathroom door.
At that time, they were high and mighty, their eyes full of disdain.
"Oh, so this is the burden you're carrying?"
"She has a vixen-like appearance; no wonder she managed to snag Jiang, the campus heartthrob at A University."
"So what if you managed to get ahead? You're still just a poor student. Without a man, a country bumpkin like you is nothing."
The words still ring in my ears.
But times have changed.
In today's business world of City A, Limitless is the dominant player.
The family businesses of Li Man and others are facing a severe transformation crisis. To survive, they must rely on Limitless's ecosystem.
And that country bumpkin they used to mock, saying he was "nothing without a man."
Now she's not only the only "boss lady" at Limitless.
He is a top artist who has won international gold medals and whose paintings are highly sought after.
Feng Shui turns.
Now, it's their turn to bow their heads.
……
Li Man took a deep breath, carrying two glasses of champagne, and led a few of her sisters over, steeling herself to walk over.
"Ningning!"
Before she even got close, Li Man put on an extremely warm and friendly smile.
Her voice was sickeningly sweet.
Wen Ning turned around.
He remained calm and silent as he looked at the group of uninvited guests.
Congratulations! The art exhibition was a huge success!
Li Man walked up to her and handed her a glass of champagne, as if those harsh words from three years ago had never existed.
"We just looked around downstairs, and your painting is absolutely fantastic! It's so full of life!"
Several socialites nearby echoed this sentiment.
"Yes, yes, Ningning, you're a great artist now."
"We always thought you had talent, and we were right."
"This is quite a spectacle today, I'm really envious."
Wen Ning did not accept the glass of champagne.
She simply held her sparkling water in one hand and quietly watched them perform.
The atmosphere was a little awkward.
Li Man's hand, which was holding the wine glass, froze in mid-air. She could only pull it back herself, take a sip to hide her embarrassment.
She chuckled twice before finally getting to the point.
"Ningning, actually we came here today because we want to ask you for a favor."
Li Man lowered her stance, her tone ingratiating.
"My father is turning seventy next month. He really likes your paintings and says it would be a great honor to have them hanging in his study."
She took a step closer and lowered her voice:
"We used to be close friends in the same circle."
"Could you... perhaps make an exception and reserve one of your new works for me?"
"Name your price, I'll pay double!"
Double.
In their eyes, money can still solve everything.
I still believe that art is nothing more than a commodity that can be measured in money.
Wen Ning looked at Li Man's face, which was plastered with a fake smile.
It seemed a bit ridiculous.
I also find it somewhat ridiculous that I used to feel inferior and sad because of their ridicule.
She didn't cower and hide like she used to.
They didn't act like nouveau riche, bullying others and pointing their fingers at them while cursing.
She simply and gracefully swirled the glass in her hand.
The bubbles at the bottom of the cup rose slowly.
"Miss Li."
Wen Ning spoke up.
The voice was clear, calm, and without a trace of anger.
"It seems we're not close enough for me to call her 'Ningning'."
Li Man's smile froze instantly.
"besides."
Wen Ning looked at them with clear and firm eyes, revealing the composure of a strong person.
"I don't sell my paintings to people who don't understand art."
"It's not meant for favors or transactions."
She smiled slightly, polite yet keeping everyone at arm's length.
"If Mr. Li really likes it, I would be honored."
But rules are rules.
"Everyone should just go to the gallery's website and make an appointment."
Wen Ning paused, his tone casual:
"However, the current schedule seems to be booked until the end of next year."
"Good luck to you."
The refusal was swift and decisive.
They showed no mercy whatsoever.
Li Man's face flushed red and then turned pale, as if she had been slapped in public.
She's always been pampered in the industry, she's never been treated like this before.
"Wen Ning, don't push your luck!"
Another socialite next to her couldn't hold back any longer and spoke out sarcastically:
"It's just a few paintings, what's with the high and mighty act! It's all thanks to President Jiang..."
Before he could finish speaking...
The surrounding air suddenly cooled down.
A tall and imposing figure appeared silently behind Wen Ning.
Jiang Ci.
He was wearing a completely black suit, with one hand in his trouser pocket.
With his other hand, he naturally and possessively embraced Wen Ning's slender waist.
He pulled her closer to him.
He didn't look at the women.
He simply looked down at Wen Ning, his voice gentle:
"Are you tired? Would you like to go to the rest room?"
"It's alright." Wen Ning leaned against him and shook her head.
Jiang Ci then raised his eyelids.
His gaze, sharp as a knife, swept coldly over the group of socialites who stood frozen in place.
The women, who had been so arrogant just moments before, were now deathly pale with fright.
In front of this man, they even found it difficult to breathe.
Everyone knows that if they offend Jiang Ci, their family's company might be kicked out of the supply chain tomorrow.
"Who was speaking just now?"
Jiang Ci's voice was extremely cold, exuding a chilling ferocity.
No one dared to respond.
Li Man trembled all over, and almost spilled the champagne in her hand.
"It seems I misheard."
Jiang Ci looked away.
He held Wen Ning close, his posture protective and absolute.
"Is there anything else?"
He uttered four words.
simple.
fatal.
"N-No, that's all!"
Li Man waved her hands repeatedly, her voice trembling.
"We'll be leaving now...we won't disturb Mr. Jiang and Ms. Wen any longer!"
After saying that, she grabbed her friends and fled in her high heels as if they had seen a ghost.
His back view was as disheveled as could be.
……
The terrace was quiet again.
Wen Ning leaned against the railing.
Watching those few dejected figures disappear into the stairwell.
She picked up her glass and took a big gulp of sparkling water.
Breathe out in one breath.
The pent-up frustration that had been building up in my heart for three years has finally dissipated completely.
It was incredibly enjoyable.
Jiang Ci stood beside her.
Looking at the undisguised ease in her eyes.
The corners of his mouth also turned up.
"Are you happy now?"
He reached out and pinched her cheek.
"Um."
Wen Ning turned her head and looked at him.
Her eyes sparkled, as if they were filled with crushed starlight.
This time.
She didn't hide behind him.
With her paintbrush and her own confidence, she retaliated against those who had trampled on her dignity.
She regained her pride.
"Well done."
Jiang Ci lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Everywhere I looked, I was filled with admiration.
"Wenzhou University painter."
You look absolutely stunning right now.
Wen Ning smiled.
She reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist.
On this star-studded night, on her home turf.
"General Manager Jiang."
She leaned against his chest, her voice sweet and charming.
"The way you defended your own just now was also quite cool."