Chapter 5 Painting Salon 8/15
A ray of sunlight shone through the curtains onto the bedside. An Rufeng opened her eyes slightly, rolled her eyes, sat up from the bed, and lazily stretched.
An Rufeng picked up her phone from the bedside table and checked the time. It was already past nine o'clock, time to get up and get ready for Hirayama Kenichi's birthday event.
She first went to the refrigerator to take out the steamed buns that the cook had made earlier and steamed them before washing up and getting dressed.
Anru usually prefers a clean fit style, but since today's gathering was a painting salon event, she abandoned basic styles and colors to fit the occasion.
She put together a bright and lively outfit inspired by Van Gogh's painting "Green Wheat Field," and also used intricate layering techniques.
She wore an apricot-colored short-sleeved loose-fitting sweater with tassels adorning the length of the garment and the hem of the sleeves, and a blue ribbon tied around her waist.
She wore a white lace maxi dress layered over a green asymmetrical skirt, revealing the lace hem underneath, and black Martin boots.
Anru Feng slung a Klein blue cloth bag over her shoulder, tidied her hair in front of the mirror one last time, picked up the steamed buns, and went out satisfied.
When An Rufeng arrived at the parking lot, she walked to her car and discovered that there was a white Bentley in the parking space to the right of her car, which was usually empty.
She looked at her car, which was parked a little crookedly, hoping the Bentley owner hadn't yelled at her.
Anru Feng got into the car and sat in the passenger seat. She was a little sleepy and was catching up on sleep while waiting for Nara Mei to come over so she could drive her to the event venue.
An Rufeng can't drive. They haven't been in Japan for long, and Brother Li doesn't have a Japanese driver's license yet. These days, when they go out, they rely on the cars driven by people An Rufeng has just met and gotten along with.
Anru Feng is someone who can't stay at home. She has to go out every day and get to know any strangers who interest her. Since coming to Japan, she has met a lot of new people. While others have different people in the passenger seat every day, she changes the people in the driver's seat every day.
However, it seems like Brother Li will be driving from now on; he's gone to get his Japanese driver's license.
Brother Li is a very skilled driver; he definitely won't park crookedly.
BigBang's dorm room.
"Ah, Ji-ryong, you're already up?!"
Tapo got up and went to Kwon Ji-yong's room to wake him up and get ready for the event. He was surprised to find that Kwon Ji-yong, who always loved to sleep in, was up earlier than him.
He had already washed up and was choosing clothes for the event. Judging from the pile of clothes next to him, he must have been agonizing over it for a while.
"Brother, which one do you think is better?" Kwon Ji-yong asked Tapo for his opinion as he saw Tapo arrive, carrying two pieces of clothing.
"All is well."
Tap left those two words and went to wash up.
That guy, Zhilong, is always so indecisive when it comes to choosing clothes. I give him advice, but he always ends up doing it his own way. I'd better not waste my time with him.
After washing up and wrapping himself up tightly, Tap went to find Kwon Ji-yong.
I discovered that he hadn't even picked out his clothes yet. Although he's usually quite slow, this was taking way too long today.
Seeing Kwon Jiyong standing in front of the wardrobe, picking up one item at a time and putting it down to pick up another, looking hesitant and conflicted, Tap urged, "Hurry up, Jiyong, or we'll be late for the event!"
Kwon Ji-yong held the clothes and thought for a moment, and finally put on the clothes he had prepared the night before, urged by Tap.
After getting ready, Kwon Ji-yong grabbed his car keys and phone and went out with Tap.
There's a message on my phone that I've already read.
That was sent by Shuiyuan Xizi an hour ago.
[Shuiyuan Xizi: To Dragon Lord, are you free today? Let's hang out.]
Kwon Ji-yong glanced at it casually, tapping his phone screen lightly with his fingers.
[Kwon Ji-yong: Sorry, Xizi-san, I've been a bit busy lately and don't have time today.]
Kwon Ji-yong casually clicked send and then turned off his phone.
The two arrived at the parking lot.
"Wow, what a cool Bugatti! When did this happen?" Tapu exclaimed as he saw a pure black Bugatti parked to the left of the Bentley.
Men love cars, and Tap is no exception. There's no reason he wouldn't remember such a cool car.
"I'm always busy with gigs and my days and nights are completely reversed, so we probably won't run into each other," Kwon Ji-yong replied casually.
He glanced at it, then looked away. He had already seen it; this model was good. He planned to buy a white one, but of course, it would have to be custom-made.
However, Kwon Ji-yong thought to himself, "If I can't even park properly, how can I possibly unleash even a tenth of the power of this sports car?"
I'm afraid they won't even be able to get the car going?
Kwon Ji-yong drove out the car, picked up Tap, and drove past the quietly parked all-black Bugatti, heading towards the Hirayama family.
Kwon Ji-yong put on some music and nodded his head slightly in time with it.
Tap was a little sleepy, but when he saw Kwon Ji-yong, who was still very energetic despite getting up early, he smiled and said, "Ji-yong seems very happy."
"I really like Mr. Hirayama's paintings," Kwon Ji-yong said with a smile. "Hyung, would you like a cup of coffee?"
Tap was pleased that his friend's painting was liked, and chimed in, "I also really like Hirayama's paintings." He added, "Let's stop by and buy a coffee later."
Upon hearing Tap's words, Kwon Ji-yong turned the steering wheel and drove the car towards the familiar coffee shop.
Anru Feng dozed off in the car for about twenty minutes before Nara Mei arrived.
"Have you had breakfast?" Anru Feng handed the steamed bun to Nara Mei.
"Ah, I haven't eaten yet, thank you Rufeng-chan!" Narami said gently, accepting the gift generously.
The two finished their breakfast in the car and then set off.
When they arrived at Hirayama Ken's house, there were already some people there.
The salon event was held at Kenichi Hirayama's villa, where his treasured paintings were displayed on the walls of the villa's large living room.
The hall was furnished with many small tables, chairs and sofas, each with tea, drinks and snacks, where guests could enjoy a pleasant time chatting and relaxing.
These salon gatherings are usually voluntary, with groups of two or three like-minded people coming together to discuss and exchange ideas on topics of common interest.
Unable to see Kenichi Hirayama, Anru Feng and Lai Liangmei placed their birthday gifts for him at the gift receiving area and then looked at the paintings in the living room.
Those who came were quietly looking at the paintings or chatting in the living room. Today's event was less like attending Kenichi Hirayama's birthday party and more like a free social gathering.
It must be said that Kenichi Hirayama's collection is well worth seeing. Whether it is a painting by a famous painter or a work by a currently unknown painter, each has its own merits.
Anjou was captivated by a painting by a relatively unknown artist.
It was a picture of the deep sea. The whole painting looked deep and serene, cold and quiet yet containing a peaceful gentleness. It was as if you could feel the colors and life flowing in the painting.
Anru Feng gazed at the deep-sea map, her eyes revealing a deep fascination and admiration, as if her soul was being drawn in, unable to extricate itself.
After a long while, An Rufeng finally came back to her senses from the indescribable shock. She looked at Nara Mei beside her and smiled, "I'm sorry, Nara Mei, I was lost in thought and ignored you. I'm sorry."
Anru Feng is someone who is easily captivated by things. If she finds something interesting or fascinating, she can stare at it for a long time.
Anru Feng spent much of her time quietly like this.
“It’s okay, I’m watching too. I know you’re good at finding beauty!” Nara Mei didn’t mind. She knew An Rufeng because An Rufeng quietly watched the whole process of her painting.
“This writer is very good at using color to express emotions,” said Yoshimichi Nara.
An Rufeng nodded: "Judging from the name, he should be a Japanese painter. If he comes this time, you can exchange ideas. Your control of color is also very impressive."
Anru Feng was drawn to the colors in Nara's paintings while sketching, and couldn't resist striking up a conversation with her.
Nara nodded; she would indeed like to get to know him if possible.
Anru and Nara looked at the painting for a while, then decided to eat something.
The two found a sofa and sat down. At the next table, several people were exchanging and appreciating paintings and painting techniques.
Anru Feng and Nara Mei listened and found something interesting. Just as they were about to ask if they could join the discussion, someone suddenly sat down right next to them.
An Rufeng frowned slightly; she didn't like being close to strangers.
She adjusted her posture, moving her body closer to Narami to maintain a distance from the person.
The man, with a warm smile on his face, approached An Rufeng again: "Hello, I'm Matsumoto Hiroshi. I noticed you seemed very interested in 'Deep Sea,' and so am I. Can we chat about it?"
"Excuse me, could you please sit a little further away from me? I don't like people sitting too close to me." An Rufeng moved away again and spoke directly to Matsumoto Hiroto.
“You’re quite close to that lady too.” Matsumoto Hiroshi glanced at Nara Mi.
"We know each other."
Matsumoto Hiroshi laughed heartily: "Then we know each other now."
An Rufeng was approached by him again, and her face showed displeasure. She put down her teacup and stood up coldly: "I don't want to know you."
There is absolutely no sense of boundaries.
After saying that, he pulled Nara Mi away.
Matsumoto Hiroshi was also displeased: "What? What's there to be angry about! Making a mountain out of a molehill!"
Anru and Nara got up and walked a distance before running into Hirayama Kenichi.
Seeing An Rufeng's unhappy expression, Hirayama Kenichi couldn't help but laugh and tease her: "You hate it when others are too enthusiastic towards you, and you hate it when others don't like you. You're such a difficult woman to deal with. Who has offended you?"
“I hate their boundless enthusiasm. Besides, if others don’t like me, why can’t I dislike them?” An Rufeng corrected. “And what’s so difficult about me? Which of you friends didn’t I actively and enthusiastically befriend?”
Kenichi Hirayama was just joking. He took the initiative to greet Nara Mi, and the two exchanged a few pleasantries. Then, Kenichi Hirayama began to compliment Anru Feng's outfit today: "I rarely see you dressed so brightly. You look like an oil painting right now."
“I specially designed this for your salon. Aren’t I thoughtful?” An Rufeng said with a smile.
Hirayama Kenichi nodded: "I'm very touched. It would be even better if you could give me your painting at the painting event later."
"Since you want it so badly, then you can have it."
Kenichi Hirayama was taken aback by her answer: "So straightforward!?"
It's worth noting that she rarely gives away or auctions her paintings.
"It's your birthday today, so I'll grant your wish."
Kenichi Hirayama really wanted it, but he had other plans for the day, so he said regretfully, "I hope I, the birthday boy, will be lucky enough to draw your painting."
Anru asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Kenichi Hirayama explained with a smile: "After everyone finishes their paintings on the spot, I want everyone to exchange their paintings and draw lots to decide which person will have a special connection with each painting and keep it."
He concluded with a smug look, "Isn't that interesting?"
An Rufeng nodded in agreement: "As expected of a famous painter, you have a romantic side."
Anru Feng liked these random surprises, and she was already looking forward to receiving a painting from someone.
If possible, she would like to get to know the owner of the painting; it would be quite interesting to get to know someone this way.
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