Chapter 91 Sister Jiang Becomes an Apprentice
Uncle Yan's hints were too obvious for Yan Qian to ignore.
However, Yan Qian will not be led by the nose; he has his own rhythm.
Yan Qian retorted, "Second Uncle, if you had just taken a little more initiative, Second Sister-in-law wouldn't have divorced you."
Uncle Yan, who had been hit where it hurt, looked embarrassed. He raised his hand and patted Yan Qian on the shoulder, "Good, good, good, you are really my good nephew."
Yan Qian remained calm and composed, saying, "You flatter me."
At the head of the table, Old Master Yan witnessed the undercurrent of conflict between the uncle and nephew and snorted in annoyance.
The uncle and nephew are both successful in their careers, which is commendable, but their relationship problems have always been a source of criticism. The uncle drove his wife away and has been single for two years since then.
The nephew doesn't have a girlfriend and refuses blind dates.
With them leading the way, the younger generation follows suit, traveling all over the world but never dating.
Old Master Yan was worried that after he passed away, the Yan family line might end.
Grandma Yan was more open-minded than him; she would rather her children and grandchildren be single and happy than deal with a bunch of illegitimate children endlessly.
"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Times have changed. In the past, there was a lack of food and clothing, and there were no entertainment options after dinner. Why wouldn't a couple have children?"
"Now you can get by with just a mobile phone. Playing on your phone is so much fun, and you don't have to argue with anyone or take care of your kids."
Grandpa Yan is too lazy to even talk about his wife. She's completely engrossed in short dramas all day long, and these past few days she's even become obsessed with a minor celebrity. If she weren't a woman, Grandpa Yan would have already lost his temper.
The video of Jiang Mingyue playing the guzheng has only circulated within a small circle and has not yet been uploaded to the internet.
Around nine o'clock, Jiang Mingyue said goodbye and left. Wu Cuifang was reluctant to part with her. She not only gave her a lot of food, but also personally escorted her to the underground parking garage and told her to come and visit more often when she had time.
"Don Juan, drive slowly and make sure you get Mingyue to the hotel. Send me a message when you arrive."
"Mom, don't worry."
Don Juan put the gift box in the trunk and urged Wu Cuifang to hurry upstairs so as not to delay Jiang Mingyue from returning to the hotel to rest.
Wu Cuifang, being tactful, smiled and waved to them, "Okay, I won't nag anymore. Goodbye, Mingyue."
Jiang Mingyue smiled and said goodbye to Wu Cuifang. Only after the car drove away from the underground parking garage did she turn around and sit up straight.
"Brother Tang, Auntie is too kind. I didn't bring any local specialties, but she gave me a whole bunch."
Don Juan told her not to overthink it, "My mother is very hospitable. It's not just you; she gives gifts to everyone who comes to visit."
Jiang Mingyue saw through it but didn't say anything. The food Wu Cuifang prepared consisted mostly of mountain delicacies and was quite expensive, clearly indicating that it had been carefully prepared.
Don Juan, being considerate of her being tired after a long day, told her to close her eyes and rest for a while, and that he would wake her up when they arrived at the hotel.
Jiang Mingyue hummed in agreement, closed her eyes, and leaned back in her chair for a short rest.
They remained silent the entire way.
Back at the hotel, Don Juan personally handed the gifts to the hotel receptionist. Following his advice, Jiang Mingyue placed an order on her phone to have the gifts delivered to her home by courier.
The two agreed to go hiking the next day. Don Juan told her to get some rest before heading back.
Early Thursday morning, around six o'clock, Jiang Mingyue received a call from Shao Quan. Shao Quan was free in the morning and asked her to come over so he could introduce her to the people.
The agreed meeting place was in Mao'er Hutong near the ancient city.
Jiang Mingyue called Tang Huang and declined his mountain climbing plans, telling him that she was busy in the morning and had to see her master.
She didn't let Don Juan come to see her off; instead, she took the subway, scanned a QR code at the station, and rode a shared bike there.
At 7:30, Jiang Mingyue arrived at No. 63 Mao'er Hutong right on time.
There was a guard on duty at the entrance, staring at her warily.
Jiang Mingyue didn't rush over; she first called Shao Quan.
A moment later, someone opened the door from the inside, said something to the guard, then stepped over the threshold and waved to Jiang Mingyue.
"Miss Jiang, please come in. Teacher Shao is having breakfast inside."
The other party was a local woman in her fifties, not very tall, with a friendly smile, who said her surname was Wang.
Jiang Mingyue exchanged a few pleasantries with the other person, and then went inside with her.
As soon as you step across the threshold, you are greeted by a screen wall. The entrance space is narrow and even a bit cramped, but if you turn right and go around the screen wall, the view suddenly opens up.
A neat little courtyard, planted with flowers, trees and shrubs, as well as artificial hills and Taihu stones. In the southeast corner against the wall is a pond, where water lilies are still hibernating, and the stone tank underwater is crystal clear.
With no one in the front yard, Aunt Wang led Jiang Mingyue through the covered walkway and directly to the second courtyard.
Her master, Shao Quan, was having breakfast with an elderly woman with a full head of silver hair in the left side room.
Shao Quan saw his beloved student step in at a glance, smiled, put down the cup in his hand, and raised his hand to call her, "Mingyue, come here."
Jiang Mingyue smiled and walked down the stone steps, passing through the courtyard. She first called out "Master" to Shao Quan, and then looked at the short-haired old lady opposite Shao Quan.
The old lady was wearing a cheongsam, with exquisite makeup, and glasses. She had a rather serious demeanor.
Since Shao Quan hadn't introduced himself yet, Jiang Mingyue didn't know his name, so she simply greeted him politely, "Hello."
Shao Quan quickly introduced Jiang Mingyue, "Mingyue, this is Qin Xue, a master of traditional Chinese painting. Teacher Qin is a good friend of mine. She heard that I had taken on a disciple and that you were in Beijing, so she specially asked me to call you over."
It turns out that the silver-haired old lady is Qin Xue, a master of traditional Chinese painting.
Jiang Mingyue's eyes lit up, and she immediately called out to Qin again, "Hello, Teacher Qin. I read your collection of works when I was a child, and I was deeply impressed by your painting 'Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow'."
Qin Xue is nearly seventy years old and has seen all kinds of people. She can tell who is sincere and who is just flattering.
What's most captivating about the little girl in front of me isn't her pretty face, but rather her clear, bright black eyes and her composed demeanor.
Unafraid of towering mountains, with a bright and cheerful smile.
Qin Xue deliberately made things difficult for Jiang Mingyue, "Your master always praises you for being smart, so let me test you. How many kinds of plum blossoms did I paint in my painting 'Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow'?"
Most people appreciate paintings by only glancing at them superficially, while those who love painting pay attention to details.
Qin Xue's "Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow" is not considered one of her masterpieces; it is only included in a collection of her works.
When others first met her, they all praised her award-winning work. This girl took a different approach and instead mentioned her work from when she was thirty years old and had just entered the industry.
Shao Quan wasn't worried at all that her apprentice was being tested by her good friend. She trusted Jiang Mingyue; the girl had a lot of knowledge inside her.
As expected, Jiang Mingyue didn't hesitate at all and blurted out, "Teacher Qin painted a total of twelve kinds of plum blossoms, including single-petaled cinnabar plum blossoms..."
“Hongling Erhong.” Qin Xue added with a smile, looking approvingly at Jiang Mingyue, “Shao Quan, your last disciple is indeed outstanding, I’m envious.”
If she could remember everything, it might mean she came prepared. But Jiang Mingyue forgot the last one, and Shao Quan didn't inform her beforehand.
That's why he gained Qin Xue's approval.
Qin Xue gestured for Jiang Mingyue to sit down, "Child, please sit down. Have you had breakfast? You're here earlier than we agreed. Try Aunt Wang's steamed dumplings; they're delicious."
Jiang Mingyue had originally planned to have breakfast with Tang Huang, but Shao Quan got up early and, fearing she would be late, she came over without having eaten breakfast.
I bought two tea eggs at the entrance of the alley before coming here, but I'm still not full.
Aunt Wang smiled and brought over a bowl and chopsticks. "You must be hungry. I saw you rode your bike here."
Jiang Mingyue glanced at Shao Quan, who reached out and pulled her to sit down. "Why are you looking at me like that? I'm not some old-fashioned teacher who's going to make you set rules in other people's homes. In Teacher Qin's house, just make yourself at home. Don't be shy!"
Jiang Mingyue sat down.
Shao Quan turned to Qin Xue and said, "Old sister, don't you dare covet Mingyue. You have a bunch of art students around."
"They are all students, not apprentices." Qin Xue really coveted Jiang Mingyue; the girl was quick-witted and intelligent.
“Actually, learning double-sided embroidery is similar to learning traditional Chinese painting. You need to have an art foundation. Mingyue, do you want to learn another skill? Anyway, you'll learn one or two skills as well.”
In front of Jiang Mingyue, Qin Xue bluntly exposed her, "We're both practically half-buried, so stop pretending in front of me. If you agree to let Mingyue learn painting from me, I'll go back to Huai County with you on Sunday and stay for a while."
Jiang Mingyue picked up her chopsticks and ate steamed dumplings while listening to them sing opera.
She realized that Qin Xue probably lived here alone, and Shao Quan was worried that his old friend would be lonely, so he wanted to take her to Huai County and use her as bait.
Unable to resist the provocation, Qin Xue readily agreed, "Sure, I'm bored staying in Beijing alone, why don't I go with you to Huai County for a while?"
Shao Quan immediately called to Jiang Mingyue, "Mingyue, quickly serve tea to your Master Qin."
So you've already become an apprentice?
Jiang Mingyue was both amused and exasperated, and dared not refute. She quickly got up to pour tea for Qin Xue, then walked around the table, raised the cup, and knelt on one knee.
"Master, please accept my bow."
Qin Xue smiled broadly and nodded repeatedly, "Good, good, good disciple, get up quickly."
Jiang Mingyue stood up nimbly and brought the tea to Qin Xue. Qin Xue reached out, took the tea, and drank it all in one gulp.
Jiang Mingyue took the cup and placed it on the table next to her.
Qin Xue grew to like Jiang Mingyue more and more; the girl was sweet-talking, perceptive, and a good child.
"Your master will give you a small gift when we meet. I'll give it to you when we get to Huai County. Please let your master prepare it for a few days."
Jiang Mingyue obediently agreed, "Thank you, Master. I can wait."
After the three of them had breakfast, Qin Xue led Shao Quan and his apprentice to take a walk in the courtyard.
Jiang Mingyue asked the two masters if they wanted her to buy high-speed rail tickets. Qin Xue said no, they had a lot of things to bring, and a special car would take them back to Huai County on Sunday morning. She also told her to come over for breakfast in the morning.
“If I wasn’t worried that you would feel awkward, you could stay here on Saturday. Master has plenty of empty rooms, you can choose whichever you like.”
Jiang Mingyue has never lived in a courtyard house before and wants to experience it.
"Then I'll come over on Saturday evening. Don't find me annoying."
Shao Quan and Qin Xue exchanged a smile. How could they find her annoying? They were mainly worried about hindering her from making friends.
Young people have their own space; it's so boring to spend time with older people like them.
"What nonsense are you talking about, child? Aunt Wang, take Mingyue to get her fingerprints taken. She can open the door herself on Saturday."
Aunt Wang came out of the kitchen with a smile, "Okay, Miss Jiang, this way please."
Jiang Mingyue followed Aunt Wang out of the second courtyard.
After Jiang Mingyue finished recording her fingerprints, Qin Xue asked her to draw a picture to test her painting skills.
“Master, then I’ll make a fool of myself and draw your picture of searching for plum blossoms in the snow.”
"OK."
Qin Xue was quite looking forward to seeing how Jiang Mingyue would draw.
Traditional Chinese painting differs from murals; it places greater emphasis on the rendering of scenery and the creation of artistic conception.
Shao Quan and Qin Xue waited quietly to the side, watching the little girl draw intently. The more they watched, the more satisfied they became. This child was so calm and composed, which was truly admirable.
About an hour later, Jiang Mingyue put down her paintbrush. "All done."
The paint is not completely dry yet, but that doesn't affect its appearance.
Shao Quan and Qin Xue slowly stepped forward, both of them greatly shocked, staring in disbelief at the almost identical painting of "Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow".
After the snow cleared, the girl stood in the courtyard, looking around as if searching for something. In a corner, several plum blossoms quietly bloomed, single and double petals, in various colors, exactly twelve blossoms.
Although the painting is a one-to-one replica, Jiang Mingyue's version has a more girlish feel and an overwhelming sense of joy.
Qin Xue praised her highly, saying, "Talented people emerge in every generation, and each generation is stronger than the last. I am so lucky today to have found such an outstanding apprentice!"
Shao Quan was also proud, saying, "I didn't lie to you, did I? My apprentice is clever and quick-witted, and his future achievements will be no less than ours."
Jiang Mingyue was quite embarrassed by the praise from her two masters.
Before she transmigrated into the book, her drawings were child's play. It was only after transmigrating that she acquired her drawing skills. Although she had taken a shortcut, they were still things she had genuinely learned through practice there.
Qin Xue asked Jiang Mingyue to write an inscription, and she would have someone frame the painting and place it on the wall in the living room.
Afterwards, Qin Xue took Jiang Mingyue to visit the calligraphy and painting studio, and learned about Qin Xue's family situation from their conversation.
Qin Xue's husband passed away from illness five years ago. Her only daughter lives abroad, and her grandson works in China, but he is too busy with work to visit her more than a few times a year.
Qin Xue's daughter wanted to bring Qin Xue to settle abroad, but Qin Xue couldn't stand the food abroad and refused to go abroad again after visiting once.
Although Qin Xue's daughter was unwilling to return to China, she hired two nannies for Qin Xue and paid them on time every month. She also tried to spend two months each year with her.
"She just left a few days ago. There's no place like home, and no matter how good it is abroad, it's not as good as the environment in China."
Jiang Mingyue listened with deep emotion. What good is wealth and power if every family has its own troubles?
We ate lunch here. Aunt Wang and another nanny who came over prepared a table full of delicious and colorful dishes.
Jiang Mingyue showed off two large bowls in one go, which amused Qin Xue. "You can eat well! You need to be full to have the energy to study painting."
Shao Quan and Qin Xue had a meeting to attend at 2 PM, so Jiang Mingyue rested for a while after lunch and then left, agreeing to come over the day after tomorrow evening.
She went back to the hotel to rest for a while. Around four o'clock, Don Juan came to pick her up and took her out for dinner.
Xie Fei's concert started at seven o'clock, and after they finished eating, they went straight to the Beijing Gymnasium.
Xie Fei's assistant greeted them at the back door of the stadium and led them backstage.
Xie Fei was already dressed and warming up his voice, asking them if they wanted to go up and sing a song to liven things up.
Jiang Mingyue smiled and declined, saying that if they went up there, they would be stealing the limelight, not adding to the fun.
"Teacher Xie, Tang and I are here today as audience members to enjoy the music."
Xie Fei didn't insist. "Alright, you two can be my guest performers next time you have the chance. It's settled then."
Attending a concert definitely requires a low-key appearance. Tang Huang and Jiang Mingyue wore black cotton-padded jackets, black baseball caps, and masks, and held glow sticks and clapping devices. Around 6:30, they went to the VIP seats one after the other.
The lights in the building had already been dimmed. The two women were dressed in black, and Jiang Mingyue deliberately concealed her presence, so no one discovered her identity for a while.
To avoid being recognized, Don Juan and Jiang Mingyue were surrounded by Don Juan and Xie Fei's staff.
During the two-hour concert, Xie Fei showcased a variety of looks, effortlessly switching between fast and slow songs, and displaying a diverse range of musical styles.
Five minutes before the end of the concert, Xie Fei stood on the stage and bowed to the audience to express her gratitude.
After saying a lot of thank-you notes, Xie Fei suddenly pointed to the VIP seats in the middle section directly in front of her, "Thank you to the two friends from Mao Zong for coming to my concert. I hope you can help me sing next time!"
The cameraman panned the camera around and saw Don Juan and Jiang Mingyue appear on the large screens in front, behind, and to the sides. Even though they were wearing hats and masks, their eyes were still recognized by the fans.
"Best Actor!"
"Best Actor!"
"Sister Jiang!"
"Sister Jiang!"
The two had no choice but to take off their masks, stand up, spin around in place, and wave to the fans, which caused the entire audience to scream wildly.
Unsurprisingly, ten minutes later, the news that Jiang Mingyue and Tang Huang were watching Xie Fei's concert together became a trending topic on Weibo.
The fans of the ginger and candy couple were overjoyed and gloated in the comments section of the trending topic.
"Oh dear, whose couple is appearing together again and again? Oh, it's ours."
"I'm so excited! The three guests from the variety show are reunited, and the group variety show won't be far away!"
"A friendship like that of gods, I envy it."
"The Best Actor and Sister Jiang are wearing matching outfits!"
"It's not a matching outfit. Sister Jiang is wearing an affordable sweatshirt, while the movie star's sweatshirt costs over ten thousand yuan."
"I don't care, we're wearing matching outfits."
To prevent a stampede, Jiang Mingyue and Tang Huang left the stadium separately. Jiang Mingyue concealed her presence and walked among the fans, so that others would only think she was an ordinary person.
Fearing paparazzi might follow her, Jiang Mingyue told Tang Huang to drive back by himself. She was tired from sitting for two hours and wanted to scan a QR code to ride a shared bicycle back to the hotel, as a form of exercise.
The Beijing Stadium wasn't close to her hotel; it took an hour to drive there. Jiang Mingyue pedaled very fast and arrived back at the hotel in less than half an hour.
The moment she swiped her card and pushed open the door, she paused, her brows furrowed, and without a word, she flipped her right hand, unleashing a burst of energy that swept across the entire room.
The next moment, pinhole cameras were scattered all over the ground.
Jiang Mingyue laughed in anger; the events that had occurred at the South Island Hotel were repeating themselves.
Good, good, a mole has appeared in this huge five-star hotel.
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