Quan Jiu felt a touch of warmth from the woman before her. Her smile was like the warmest spring breeze, making Quan Jiu feel a sense of closeness.
She smiled sincerely, "Please, go ahead."
The woman crouched down slightly, carefully examining the embroidery on Quan Jiu's clothing. She then stood up and addressed the crowd, "This is indeed a garment from Yun Lan Ge, and the embroidery was personally done by the Pavilion Master of Yun Lan Ge.
The lotus flowers, though seemingly simple, are incredibly intricate. The beauty of the lotuses on this dress lies in their three-dimensional appearance from any angle, as if viewed from the front, making them remarkably lifelike and beautiful."
The ladies present were all discerning, and someone quickly recognized the speaker, "This is Master Bai Jing, inheritor of intangible cultural heritage."
Bai Jing smiled humbly, "Master is too kind. I've simply been learning since childhood, and practice makes perfect. Truly, the one who deserves the title of Master is the Pavilion Master of Yun Lan Ge, without a doubt. Her embroidery utilizes many ancient techniques, which are the essence of true intangible cultural heritage."
Upon hearing the mention of Yun Lan Ge, most of the noble ladies present, excluding the younger ones, were familiar with it. Some wished to build connections, while others sought information, and they all gravitated towards Quan Jiu.
"Yun Lan Ge's clothing is extremely difficult to order. How did you manage to secure one?" someone inquired.
Quan Jiu hesitated for a moment before smiling, "I placed my order several years ago." After all, the design was hers from years ago, so it wasn't exactly a lie.
"Their clothes are too hard to get. I've tried to book for three consecutive years without success," another lamented.
"After all, only ten pieces are released each year. Rarity breeds value. If there were more, perhaps everyone wouldn't be so enthusiastic."
The group chatted and laughed, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
He Mu and He Miao, witnessing this, gritted their teeth in anger. How could this woman, who only knew how to steal men, garner such admiration?
He Miao couldn't help but blurt out, "You didn't believe me when I said she was being kept. She's a medical student who hasn't even graduated. What else could she be doing besides being a mistress?
Even if the clothes she's wearing are from Yun Lan Ge, she must have seduced countless men to get them. Associating with someone like her will only lower your status."
Bai Jing's refined demeanor couldn't tolerate this. She frowned slightly and said, "Miss He, you're spewing vulgarities with every word. This is an art gallery, not your family's toilet."
He Mu, aware of Bai Jing's reputation and the fact that many noble ladies commissioned her for private orders, knew that offending her would be unwise. She chuckled, "Master Bai Jing, please don't stoop to the level of a child. Miao Miao is simply innocent and lacks guile, which is why she speaks so frankly. She has the kindest heart.
The main issue is that this woman is too detestable. She's actually seducing Miao Miao's boyfriend. How can we possibly swallow this insult?"
Quan Jiu chuckled softly, her face cold. "The Jiang family is a prominent household. If they were to have an engagement arranged elsewhere so casually, they likely wouldn't be pleased.
Next time any of you encounter Madam Jiang, perhaps you could inquire if there was truly an engagement between the Jiang and He families, or if someone unilaterally declared it."
Someone immediately chimed in, "The Jiang family values decorum immensely. How could someone who speaks so crudely possibly catch Madam Jiang's eye?"
He Mu was displeased. "If you have decorum, would you say something like that? Miao Miao is just a child, innocent and lively. What's wrong with that?"
With her mother speaking up for her, He Miao became even more arrogant. "Many people know that she caused trouble at Madam Jiang's banquet. You can go and ask if you don't believe me."
At this moment, a sudden voice interjected, "Miss He is correct. I can vouch for that."
Everyone turned to look. It was an art gallery staff member with a work ID.
"This woman sneaked into the art gallery at eight this morning. She was trying to steal a painting. Fortunately, I discovered her, and that's why I had security escort her out. I didn't expect her to sneak back in," Xu Yi pointed at Quan Jiu and scoffed.
She had actually heard the commotion and intended to prevent guests from causing trouble, only to find that the troublemaker was that wretched woman. If not now, when would she deal with her?
"And this morning, she tried to seduce my boyfriend. Fortunately, I caught her in the act. Otherwise, another relationship would have been ruined by her."
Quan Jiu couldn't help but smile. "Who is your boyfriend?"
Xu Yi glanced around. Not seeing Cheng Xuhai present, she boldly declared, "Cheng Xuhai, the exhibition hall manager. He's my boyfriend. Didn't you talk and laugh with him this morning and have him take you around the hall? I even have surveillance footage."
As she spoke, she took out her phone and played a video, secretly rejoicing. Fortunately, she was clever enough to copy the surveillance footage, never expecting it to be useful.
The video showed only Quan Jiu walking alongside a man, their movements appearing proper. However, as Xu Yi had said, the two were indeed chatting and laughing.
If only one person said something, it might be dismissed. But with two or three people saying the same thing, others began to believe it to some extent, especially when the person in question was so beautiful that it invited jealousy. At such moments, people were more inclined to believe negative remarks to balance their own discomfort.
Instantly, many people looked at Quan Jiu with expressions of disdain or disgust.
Bai Jing's brows furrowed slightly. She took Quan Jiu's hand and said, "Let's go look elsewhere."
Quan Jiu couldn't be bothered to explain further to this group. These people had no connection to her, nor were they true fans of her artwork. They were merely feigning refinement and taste. She paid them no mind.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard a voice from outside the crowd call out, "Teacher Zhi Fan."
Everyone turned to look. It was none other than the man from the video earlier.
He Mu seized the opportunity, stepping forward and accusing, "You, young man, you look honest, but I didn't expect you to be no good either. You abandon your girlfriend and flirt with this vixen. Have you lost your conscience?"
Cheng Xuhai was bewildered by the scolding. He suppressed his anger and said, "Auntie, I think you've mistaken me. I don't have a girlfriend, nor am I flirting with anyone."
He Mu pointed at Xu Yi and exclaimed, "You still won't admit it? If she's not your girlfriend, then who is? The girl openly stated your relationship. Indeed, associating with that woman means you're not a decent person."
Cheng Xuhai looked at the situation around him, his face grim. He asked, "Xu Yi, why did you fabricate a relationship between us? We are only colleagues. Furthermore, you are not even a formal employee of the company. You were temporarily transferred from a branch company to help. We've only met a few times, and you're unilaterally spreading rumors that I'm your boyfriend?"
Xu Yi's face burned with embarrassment. She stammered, "Brother Hai, I misunderstood. I thought you were interested in me, and just now, I wanted to help Miss He uphold justice, so I acted in haste..."
Cheng Xuhai said with disgust, "You are a subordinate. I shouldn't have to teach you how to address your superior. Also, don't be a peacock displaying yourself and being delusional."
Xu Yi wished she could just die. The laughter from the surrounding people was like knives, torturing her.
He Miao snorted impatiently, "Even if what she said was false, what I said is true. This woman is just a cheap slut who relies on men for support."
As soon as she finished speaking, Cheng Xuhai walked up to Quan Jiu, his face full of respect. "Teacher Zhi Fan, your speech is about to begin. Shall we head to the front hall?"
The moment he spoke, everyone in the East Wing exhibition hall who had been watching the spectacle was stunned into silence.