The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Jiang Shaocheng glanced at the artist’s name and was surprised; it was a friend of his. “What makes you say that?”

“I don’t know much about art, but art often communicates emotion through its presentation. When I look at the painting, something flickers in my heart, and I want to smile… to laugh… to cry… Am I making sense, dear?” Tang Qiu was torn, unable to express her thoughts clearly.

Jiang Shaocheng held her hand. “And that feeling resonates with you. That’s why you were touched. Right, Qiu?”

Tang Qiu was stunned. She wanted to question why she had been struck by such strange emotions, but if she had never experienced them, how could they be so easily–and vividly–triggered by a simple painting? She changed the topic. “The artist is really impressive, to demonstrate such a high level of mastery.”

“Qiu, you don’t have to hide your emotions from me. If you’re happy, you can laugh. If not, you can be sad. Be honest with me.” Jiang Shaocheng gazed at her.

Tang Qiu smiled and nodded. “Ms Duan and Mr Yang should be done by now. Let’s go.”

It would take some time for her to open her heart and accept him. Jiang Shaocheng turned to look at He Lei and pointed at the painting, asking him to buy it.

He Lei stepped closer. A simple painting was worth more than 30 million yuan? The corners of his mouth twitched. However, if the young mistress wanted something, then her husband had the means to purchase it–no questions asked.

The couple were still deeply gratified that they had been able to attend the exhibition, and discussed it endlessly over dinner. Tang Qiu listened in silence, punctuated only by a few exclamations. Today had been such a happy one, Duan Qingman suggested that they take a photo, so she could post it on social media to commemorate their fateful meeting.

He Lei couldn’t have asked for more. He snapped the photos quickly. As long as the couple took the initiative to introduce their son to the young master, the probability of the latter’s business collaboration working out would increase by 80%.

After sending the couple off, Tang Qiu returned to the hotel, thinking about the few days’ worth of classes she had missed and how she ought to hurry back. The only problem was that she didn’t know if she could recover the bag that had been stolen from her. “I’ve been away for a few days… I don’t think I can catch up on all those books Professor Sun assigned me…”

Jiang Shaocheng couldn’t leave yet; he still had business to attend to. He caressed her face and comforted her. “Don’t be anxious. I’ve already gotten someone to look for your bag. Losing money is one thing, but we need to get back your identification. Give it a few more days.”

“That would be the best case scenario.” An unlikely one, but it would be incredibly troublesome if she lost her identification overseas.

“Young Madam, look what I found for you.” He Lei brought over a painting and handed it to Tang Qiu.

“Isn’t this the painting we saw at the art exhibition? Did you buy it?” Tang Qiu was shocked.

“No. The painter is a friend of mine,” He Lei explained. “I was chatting with him, and he decided to give the painting to you. He also said he wanted to have a meal with you and the young master, to make your acquaintances.” f𝙧𝒆𝚎𝑤e𝚋𝓷o𝘷𝗲l.c𝐨m

“He gave away a piece of artwork worth tens of millions, just like that?” Tang Qiu was stunned, but she was also a little curious about the artist behind the painting. “Alright. We can get to know him over a meal.”

“I’ll text him to update him, then.” He Lei glanced at Jiang Shaocheng and waited for his nod of approval before leaving.

Tang Qiu held the painting and turned to Jiang Shaocheng. “The painting is mine after the artist gave it to me, right? Does that mean I can do whatever I want with it?”

“Of course,” he said with a nod.

“Then I’ll sell it. How much do you think is appropriate?”

Jiang Shaocheng almost choked. He coughed. “I thought you liked this painting, Qiu. Why are you selling it?”

“I do, but I don’t know how to appreciate the art for what it’s worth. There’s no point in collecting this painting. I might as well sell it to someone who knows how to appreciate it, so that its value can be maximized,” she said seriously.

“You’re… you’re right!” Jiang Shaocheng nodded. He didn’t need the money; she could do as she pleased.

“Where do you think we can sell it, to reap a high amount of profit?”

“The auction house. Let He Lei contact them. He knows what to do.”

Tang Qiu sighed. “I should have chosen to study finance. It would be so lucrative!”

Jiang Shaocheng chuckled and rubbed her head. “If you pick up finance, Qiu, I’ll place all my assets in your hands and let you run our business for the rest of our lives.”