Chapter 104 Xie Qingcen: It has always been my selfish desire.

"This is the work of a new generation painter from a few years ago. That painter is also the only one who can be called a genius in recent years."

Wen Jiming looked at the painting in front of him with gentle eyes, and described the origin of the painting in a gentle tone, but a hint of regret flashed in his eyes.

His brows furrowed slightly, a look of nostalgia in his eyes. "I stumbled upon this work at an auction abroad. From the moment I saw it, I knew its artist would have a place in the future art world." "

I also tried to contact the auction organizers and inquire about the artist's contact information, hoping to meet him in the future. But I was only given a name. Later, when I returned to China, I followed him for a while, but alas..."

Wen Jiming sighed softly and shook his head with regret. "Geniuses often fall the earliest. Within two years of their appearance, the artist completely disappeared from the art world. It's said he got married and had children."

"In this respect, he's very similar to my love-struck friend. If he hadn't passed away long ago, I would have suspected they were the same person."

Wen Jiming smiled as he admired the painting before him, his eyes warm and his demeanor refined.

Perhaps it was an instant connection with Ruan Liuzheng, or perhaps it was Ruan Liuzheng's personality and appearance that evoked the deepest nostalgia in his heart, that he spoke more and more unconsciously.

He was completely different from the respected Mr. Wen in the past.

Ruan Liuzheng was meeting Wen Jiming for the first time, so she might not understand him very well; but Xie Qingcen had known Wen Jiming for a long time, so he naturally noticed the difference in Wen Jiming today.

However, he didn't say anything.

Wen Jiming needed a way to vent. Even though he had never told Xie Qingcen what had happened, Xie Qingcen had already guessed it from his words and deeds over the past few years.

He didn't want Wen Jiming to be stuck in the past.

Xie Qingcen's dark eyes dimmed slightly, and his palm unconsciously exerted force, tightly grasping Ruan Liuzheng's slender hand.

He glanced sideways, his eyes gentle, and a faint arc appeared at the corner of his thin lips.

Ruan Liuzheng was stunned.

She raised her eyes and looked intently into Xie Qingcen's eyes, her light crimson lips slightly pursed, but she had already had some thoughts in her heart.

She turned her head, her eyes cold. "Uncle Wen, this is the third time you've mentioned your old friend to us. Since you miss him so much, I'm sure he must have been a wonderful person. But..."

Ruan Liuzheng changed the subject, her delicate eyes flickering slightly. "Love will eventually clear its mind. I believe the artist of this painting will soon reappear in the art world, and then your wish will surely come true."

Wen Jiming listened to Ruan Liuzheng's solemn assurance, his eyes paused, and he chuckled softly. "I hope so." 

"You haven't told me what you think of this painting yet. Is it worthy of being Professor Wen's birthday gift?" He raised his lips slightly, his eyes elegant and gentle. Xie Qingcen glanced at the work before him. The style, the linework, and the emotion were all impeccable. 

He always trusted Wen Jiming's judgment. 

However, before he could speak, Ruan Liuzheng suddenly spoke up, interrupting him. 

Ruan Liuzheng shook her head politely, "Of course I'm qualified, but let's go take a look outside." 

"Didn't Uncle Wen invite many painters in the industry to submit their works for the exhibition he held this time? Professor Wen is a big shot in the entire art world. I think she would like the works of these up-and-coming artists more. After all, in them, we can see the future of the art world." 

The corners of her lips raised a slight arc, and there was not a trace of disgust or perfunctory in her cold eyes, only seriousness. 

Wen Jiming looked at Ruan Liuzheng steadily, his elegant eyebrows slightly wrinkled, trying to find something unusual on Ruan Liuzheng's face. 

But unfortunately, he found nothing. 

Ruan Liuzheng's pure and unworldly face was calm, without the slightest guilt. 

But it was this expression that made Wen Jiming feel a little suspicious. He raised his eyes, his gaze clear and gentle, "Indeed, but when those paintings were submitted, I examined them one by one. Some of them are indeed good, but they are not suitable as gifts, only for collection." 

" Also, if I'm not mistaken, you should also be an art student, but when you saw this work just now, you didn't seem surprised. May I ask why?" 

Wen Jiming smiled slightly, his eyes gentle but with a hint of sharpness. 

Ruan Liuzheng's expression did not change, her beautiful eyebrows and eyes were as calm and indifferent as ever. 

She opened her mouth and said, "Indeed, Uncle Wen guessed correctly. I also studied art. And there's a painting of mine in the exhibition outside. Why didn't I feel surprised just now? Why couldn't I have seen this painting in advance?" 

"After all, Astrid is still a legend in the circle. She appeared like a shooting star, but she is forever engraved in the hearts of everyone in the circle, leaving an indelible legacy." 

Ruan Liuzheng's lips curled up slightly, and her cold eyes were calm. 

Wen Jiming was stunned. 

He nodded in agreement. "You're right, so why did you refuse to give this painting to Professor Wen? To most people in the circle, Astrid is also a rising star." 

"What do you think, Qingcen?" 

Wen Jiming quietly observed Ruan Liuzheng's expression. He suddenly changed the subject and threw the question to Xie Qingcen. 

It was obvious that he wanted to drag Xie Qingcen into the matter. 

Xie Qingcen saw through Wen Jiming's thoughts and smiled softly, "A wife should follow her husband's lead. I'll listen to Liu Zheng." 

"Uncle Wen, this painting is indeed very good, but since Liu Zheng wants to look for it again, let's go for a walk outside." 

Seeing this, Wen Jiming nodded, called back his assistant, and took the painting back. 

But just as Xie Qingcen and Ruan Liuzheng were about to leave the lounge, Wen Jiming suddenly asked Ruan Liuzheng a strange question. 

It was a question that had intrigued him since he first met her. 

He sat upright on the sofa, his eyes elegant. "Liu Zheng, your last name is Ruan. Have you heard of Ruan Lichu of the Yuncheng Ruan family?" 

Ruan Liuzheng turned in disbelief, her cold eyes filled with surprise. "Uncle Wen, how do you know my mother's name?" 

Wen Jiming's pupils shrank, and his gentle eyes carefully examined Ruan Liuzheng's features. He suddenly laughed, a cheerful and joyful laugh. 

No wonder he felt that Ruan Liuzheng was familiar, it turned out that she was her child... This world is really small. 

After so many years, he didn't expect that he would still meet someone related to her. 

For them, is this another kind of fate? 

Wen Jiming closed his eyes slightly to hide the complexity in his eyes. He slowed his breathing, then opened his eyes and looked at Ruan Liuzheng, "Because your mother is my old friend." 

Ruan Liuzheng's clenched palms suddenly loosened, her brows relaxed, and the guess in her heart was thoroughly verified. 

She frowned, "Uncle Wen, can we add each other's contact information? If you are free, can you let me know about my mother?"

Wen Jiming nodded happily. He pulled out his phone and displayed his WeChat page. "Of course. Today's time isn't right. Let's meet again next time when we have time."

His voice was calm, but the look in his eyes as he looked at Ruan Liuzheng grew gentler, as if he considered her his own child.

Ruan Liuzheng nodded. "Okay."

...

On the way back, Xie Qingcen sat side by side with Ruan Liuzheng.

The car was momentarily silent.

Just now, after Ruan Liuzheng and Wen Jiming added each other's contact information, they went to browse the exhibition area outside. Xie Qingcen eventually followed Ruan Liuzheng's advice and chose a work by a relatively famous painter.

The style was somewhat different from his previous works, and it was quite eye-catching, but it was nothing compared to the painting Wen Jiming had brought.

Xie Qingcen lowered his eyes slightly, remembering Ruan Liuzheng's expression when she had just rejected Wen Jiming, and his eyes darkened slightly.

He raised his eyes and looked at Ruan Liuzheng. "Why did you refuse Uncle Wen? You knew perfectly well that the painting was meant for Professor Wen."

Xie Qingcen's dark, dark eyes fixed on Ruan Liuzheng, a deep, piercing intensity on his handsome face.

Sharp and calculating.

Ruan Liuzheng pursed her lips, her brows calm. "I know, but if I give the painting to Professor Wen, Professor Wen won't be surprised."

"That would defeat your original purpose." Xie

Qingcen's lips curved slightly, and he raised an eyebrow. "How do you know Professor Wen won't be surprised? You seem to know Astrid too well."

Ruan Liuzheng rubbed her brows with a slight headache, her delicate features tinged with resignation.

It was Professor Wen who had introduced her to the circle, and she had chosen her pen name in front of him.

Besides, that painting was a work she had created years ago.

How could the professor be surprised?

Painting one on the spot now would be more thoughtful than giving that painting.

Ruan Liuzheng sighed softly and raised her eyes, "You seem to be too obsessed with that painting. Is there a reason?"

"Because I think you will like that painting. I chose it specially for you, not as a gift for Professor Wen."

Xie Qingcen did not hide anything, his handsome face was serious and earnest, "I have already prepared for Professor Wen."

"Ruan Liuzheng, regarding this exhibition, it has been my selfish motive from beginning to end, the selfish motive of wanting to be alone with you, the selfish motive of preparing a surprise for you."

Ruan Liuzheng was slightly stunned.

She looked at Xie Qingcen steadily, and a ripple finally appeared in her cold eyes.

Xie Qingcen's answer was completely beyond her expectations. She did not expect Xie Qingcen to be so attentive, and she did not expect Xie Qingcen to break the principles for her.

Everything seemed to be off the established track.