Qiao Zhizhi gently shook her head: "Qingjin, I know my skill level. It's not bad among my peers, but it's not outstanding. There will be many people at the art exhibition, including many who are skilled in painting. I'll be laughed at."
"Teacher Tan also said that I need to study for several more years before I can be considered to have made some progress. There aren't that many geniuses in this world, and even if there were, it wouldn't be me. I still have to rely on being down-to-earth and accumulating knowledge."
Teacher Tan went back to her hometown a few days ago to attend a funeral. Her hometown is more than 2,000 miles away. With the mourning period and time limit, she will have to stay for at least three months.
When Qiao Zhizhi felt bored during her practice sessions, she would talk to her friends who also studied painting.
However, when Wu Qingjin suggested that she hold an art exhibition, she felt that the timing was not right.
When you're in the capital and dealing with high-ranking nobles, it's very important to cherish your reputation.
When Wu Qingjin saw that she refused, she lowered her eyelashes, seemingly somewhat unhappy.
"I went to great lengths for you, but you didn't appreciate it."
"Qingjin, what are you saying?"
Wu Qingjin looked up at her, her eyes filled with a hint of grievance: "Our Wu family is on good terms with Prince Guangping. There is a large exhibition hall in Prince Guangping's mansion, which is decorated in a very exquisite and beautiful way. When the paintings are displayed there, they seem to be enhanced by the environment. Many people who study painting consider it a goal and an honor to display their paintings in Prince Guangping's mansion. I went to see Prince Guangping several times to ask to borrow the venue to hold an exhibition for you. I almost wore my feet out and my lips were sore from talking so much. Because you are young, Prince Guangping finally agreed with great difficulty."
"There really is such a place?" Qiao Zhizhi exclaimed in surprise.
"Of course there is. How about I take you to see it tomorrow? It's late now, and I'm about to head back. Oh dear, you have no idea how good that exhibition room is. Let's go see it tomorrow and then decide."
Qiao Zhizhi was deeply moved by Wu Qingjin's thoughtfulness and efforts: "Qingjin, thank you. Whether or not we hold an art exhibition, I will always remember your kindness."
“I would rather see you hold an art exhibition and show your talent. You have been practicing for several years, but apart from a few of us who are just having fun, who knows that you are a good painter? Many of your peers are already starting to become famous. You are not in a hurry, but I am worried for you.”
Seeing how persistent she was, Qiao Zhizhi hesitated, realizing that refusing her would hurt her good friend's feelings.
"Zhizhi, don't worry. There are only people of the same age, no more than three to five years apart. There won't be any of those amazing people, so don't feel pressured."
Qiao Zhizhi felt a little relieved: "Okay, let's talk about it tomorrow."
She saw Wu Qingjin to the door and sincerely invited her to stay for dinner, but Wu Qingjin politely declined, saying, "It's getting late. Although there's no curfew, I still need to go home early, otherwise my parents will worry."
Wu Qingjin got into the carriage and smiled at Qiao Zhizhi: "I'll come pick you up after noon tomorrow."
"Okay." Qiao Zhizhi also wanted to see what the exhibition hall of the Prince of Guangping's Mansion looked like, and whether it was as amazing as Wu Qingjin had said.
He wondered if it would be a good thing if he really held an art exhibition. Although it was for his own growth, many people were eager to become famous in a place like Beijing. Fame, fortune, and status were things that a spirited young man could not give up.
Everyone had already picked through the basket of conches and shells, but when Qiao Zhizhi looked at them again, they weren't all very neatly arranged.
"Sister Zhizhi, look." Qiao Lian'er came to her and took out a few pretty snail shells from her sleeve.
Qiao Zhizhi's eyes lit up, and she reached out to take it: "A gift for me?"
"Yeah, I know you're busy with your friends, so I reserved a few for you in advance."
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