Qingyin only prepared to wrap up after finishing the last painting.

When the other onlookers saw that someone had something to discuss with this young master, they dispersed on their own.

Holding the painting, Zhan Qingwen wasn't in a hurry to leave.

He watched Qingyin pack her things with a smile, and even glanced at Chen Wang next to Qingyin, guessing at his relationship with Qingyin.

Qingyin took the initiative to explain: "This is a student who participated in the autumn examination with me, my good friend Chen Wang."

Chen Wang looked at Zhan Qingwen with a sweet smile.

Zhan Qingwen nodded and said that he felt this young master was not like Young Master Xie. It turned out that they were good friends.

With this reminder, Zhan Qingwen noticed more and more abrupt changes. For example, the fabric of that young master Chen's clothes was not only much better than that of young master Xie, but the crown on his head was also the most expensive style in Huailin. Although he couldn't recognize the jade pendant hanging at his waist, its luster and quality indicated that it was a rare and fine item. With such comparisons, it was clear that this young master Chen had an extraordinary background.

Young Master Xie's clothes were made to look extraordinary by his master. The most common coarse cloth clothes in the countryside looked both precious and ethereal on Young Master Xie. It was truly a case of the person making the clothes look good.

Therefore, it is self-evident why Young Master Xie sets up a stall to sell paintings.

Moreover, this young master is both ambitious and humble, and he doesn't lose face by doing business. He is truly a golden carp in a pond that will transform into a dragon when it encounters wind and clouds.

Thinking about it, Zhan Qingwen regretted marrying his daughter off so early. Watching a little golden dragon go unretained was truly painful for him.

Qingyin looked at the old man whose expression suddenly turned regretful and hateful, and wondered what had happened to him that made him so emotional all of a sudden.

As if sensing Qingyin's curiosity, Zhan Qingwen smiled and eagerly introduced himself to Qingyin: "Young Master Xie, I am the county magistrate of Huailin County. I am also a lover of painting and calligraphy. Young Master Xie is a man of great talent, and I cherish talent. If you are short of money, I can help you."

Qingyin knew that Zhan Qingwen had high hopes for him and wanted to place his bets on him in advance.

Qingyin politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your appreciation, Magistrate Zhan, but I already have enough money from selling the painting. Thank you very much, Magistrate Zhan."

County Magistrate Zhan was not angry that Qingyin was rejecting him. After all, with this young friend's skills in painting and calligraphy, he should be able to make a good living.

"Indeed, with your abilities, making money shouldn't be difficult for you, young friend. But would I be so shameless as to ask you to become my friend despite our age difference?"

Zhan Qingwen chuckled and said to Qingyin.

Qingyin remained unfazed, a slight smile playing on her lips: "It is my honor."

"Okay, okay."

After saying goodbye to Zhan Qingwen, I was on my way home.

Chen Wang secretly observed Qingyin.

Looking at his friend, who had made the acquaintance of a county magistrate whom even his father valued by selling paintings, Chen Wang suddenly felt a little lost and inferior.

It seems that apart from his background, he has nothing that can compare to Ayin. Even his friendship with Ayin is only possible because Ayin shamelessly pesters him.

So, will Ain be disappointed that she became good friends with him?

On the way back, Chen Wang was much quieter and no longer as talkative as usual.

Qingyin knew this and didn't ask any further questions.

Over the past few days, she has also noticed that Chen Wang has become more serious about his studies.

When encountering a difficult problem while holding a book, he would earnestly ask her what it meant.

I'm no longer as lazy as before, working only sporadically.

On the day the results of the autumn imperial examination were announced, the Chen family, who had gone mad because their young master had run away, finally followed the clues and came to the house. They found their young master inside, bathed in warm sunlight, holding a book and reading it intently. Their eyes were glazed over.

Is this really the same young master who didn't like studying?!

Chen Xiaosheng rubbed his eyes and then turned to look over.

The boy sitting on the stone bench, engrossed in reading, was the same boy who looked exactly like their young master.

He was so surprised that he forgot there was a young master next to him who was even more handsome than his own young master.

Chen Wang: "Chen Xiaosheng! Hurry up and come here. You're as stupid as pigs. I've been gone for so many days, and you're only just realizing I'm missing."

Such a sharp tongue confirms it—it's definitely their family's sarcastic and arrogant young master.

Chen Xiaosheng ran over quickly, leaving his bodyguard standing in place to wait.

"Oh dear, my young master, you went to take the exam without even informing Madam and Master, and just slipped away by yourself. Madam and Master are going crazy looking for you at home. If it weren't for the maid who went out to buy groceries seeing a face that looked like yours heading towards the boat dock, they might still be looking for you."

Chen Xiaosheng had a bitter face. He was the young master's servant. The young master had secretly run away without his knowledge. If it weren't for his father being the steward who had been with the Chen family for many years and had developed a deep affection for him, he might have gotten a severe beating.

Under Chen Xiaosheng's fiery yet resentful gaze, Chen Wang felt a little guilty and dared not look at Qingyin beside him.

Normally, he would pretend to be a well-behaved and wealthy young master in front of Qingyin, but seeing a familiar person, he couldn't help but reveal his true colors, and he lowered his head guiltily.

He was worried that Ain's impression of him had plummeted.

Qingyin smiled calmly as she quietly observed the young master. She could tell that something was off about his usual attitude, but she never expected that he would be so bold as to come to Huailin alone to take the autumn examination, which turned out to be a case of running away from home.

No wonder the young master doesn't have a servant by his side, Qingyin thought and smiled.

Only then did Chen Xiaosheng notice the even more outstanding young master beside the young master.

What a handsome face!

Her appearance is like spring flowers and autumn moon, like a pure rose among a hundred flowers, or a rainbow after a heavy rain in the dry season. She is like the winter sun and summer flowers, warm and splendid, and even in the darkest night, she is the brightest star.

In front of such a young master, Chen Xiaosheng couldn't help but feel nervous and became more mindful of his appearance. He tried his best to smooth out the wrinkles in his clothes from running so fast, as if being disheveled was an insult to the young master in front of him.

According to the investigation, Chen Xiaosheng knew that this young master was the one who had been pestered by the young master to befriend him, and also the one who had changed the young master and made him a better person. Chen Xiaosheng already had a lot of goodwill towards him, and after seeing him in person, his goodwill towards him increased even more.

"Greetings, sir." Chen Xiaosheng's voice became somewhat hesitant due to nervousness.

Qingyin smiled gently and nodded in response to Chen Xiaosheng.

Chen Wang knew Chen Xiaosheng was nervous, and seeing Chen Xiaosheng's embarrassed appearance, he felt inexplicably comforted by his own embarrassment over the past few days.

He then interceded with Qingyin and Chen Xiaosheng, saying, "Ayin, this boy is my servant. He's been tongue-tied since he was little and doesn't know how to speak well."

Qingyin said gently, "It's alright, I'm fine."