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Chapter 537: Can I t Be Compared, Ji Qjngwei Puked Blood

Confronting a clash of embroideries was hardly daunting; the real discomfort arises when one’s work was notably inferior.

Especially when two pieces were juxtaposed, the contrast becomes strikingly evident: one embodies both form and spirit, while the other, though visually present, lacks any semblance of soul.

This realization dawned on Gu Huiyan as he reflected on Ji Qingwei’s embroidery, pinpointing the unsettling aspect he couldn’t previously identify— it resembled a mere imitation.

Though aesthetically pleasing, it was devoid of any true essence.

The middle-aged man, observing the shifts in Gu Huiyan’s expression, voiced his confusion, “Director?”

Could it be that Miss Si’s embroidery was so exceptional that it startled Gu Huiyan?

Gradually regaining his composure, Gu Huiyan’s demeanor turned exceptionally solemn, “You mentioned before that the Ji family’s second daughter has been kept secluded due to her frail health since childhood?”

“Indeed,” the middle-aged man nodded, “A monk once claimed that Miss Ji was fated for early demise, thus she must not appear in public until after her twentieth year to avert a major catastrophe.”

The elite circles of Sijiu City knew of Ji Qingwei by name, yet her face remained unseen.

Nonetheless, her presence was felt in numerous art exhibitions, leading many to admire the Ji family for nurturing such talented daughters—one in literature and the other in martial arts.

“How peculiar,” Gu Huiyan suddenly scoffed, “A young lady confined within her household, lacking the strength to explore the vast landscapes of our Great Xia, whence comes the inspiration for her ‘Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains’?”

The middle-aged man suggested, “Perhaps through VR technology? One could virtually explore landscapes from home.”

“You don’t understand,” Gu Huiyan replied, emotionless in his tone, “Certain experiences demand personal engagement for genuine enlightenment. Moreover, this embroidery depicts the Great Xia Dynasty, a vision only accessible through historical texts.”

Could Ji Qingwei, despite her scholarlypursuits, truly match the imaginative depth ofSi Fuqing?

“I grasp your point,” the middle-aged man realized, “Are you suggesting that Miss Ji did not create this embroidery herself?”

“There’s no reason for the Ji family to fabricate such a tale, yet the situation remains baffling,” Gu Huiyan shook his head, “Even the Poetry Legend, Wen Changyi traveled extensively, enriching his poetry. I find it hard to believe that someone secluded could surpass Wen Changyi’s literary genius.”

Great Xia’s history brims with illustrious figures, among whom Poetry Legend Wen Changyi is a prominent poet.

His legacy included over ten thousand poems, of which, only a thousand was passed down today.

The middle-aged man frowned in agreement.

“Return it to the Ji family,” Gu Huiyan decided, setting aside Ji Qingwei’s embroidery with indifference, “Initially, I found it acceptable, but compared to Fuqing’s work, it lacks depth and spirit—falling far short. Come, see for yourself.”

Upon closer inspection, the middle-aged man couldn’t hide his astonishment, “Director, Miss Si’s embroidery evokes a palpable sense of being within the depicted scenery. If presented at an international competition, it would undoubtedly stand unparalleled.”

“Indeed,” Gu Huiyan stroked his beard with pride, “Who else but I could recognize such talent?”

The middle-aged man thought to himself, albeit without voicing it, and yet she didn’t want to be your disciple.

Reluctantly, Gu Huiyan secured Si Fuqing’s magnificent Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains, then reached out to her with a message.

[Gu Huiyan]: My dear girl, I’ve received your ‘Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains.’ It’s perfect. I’ve already packaged it for the International Youth Cultural Exhibition. Rest assured, first place will be yours.

[Si Fuqing]: Isn’t international shipping expensive?

[Gu Huiyan]: Shipping? No, it cannot be trusted. What if it gets lost or damaged? I’ve booked a flight to personally deliver it to the Western Continent.

[Gu Huiyan]: By the way, I’ve booked two tickets. Your masterpiece deserves a first-class journey.

Si Fuqing, upon reading the message, fell silent.

So, she was the poorest among them?

Lifting her gaze, Si Fuqing resolved with seriousness, “I must work harder to earn money.”

Sang Yanqing, puzzled, remarked, “Haven’t you always been diligent in making money? And despite your love for wealth, why propose to Director Tang to reduce your salary?”

“That’s different. I need to strive even harder,” Si Fuqing stretched her wrists, “I’ll continue to fight for justice and earn rewards!” Sang Yanqing remained silent.

Perhaps Si Fuqing was the most unstar-like star ever.

“Third senior sister,” Si Fuqing whispered, “What if I took on part-time jobs at Zero? To earn their money.”

“Sure,” Yuejian found the idea intriguing, “Just don’t let second senior brother find out, or he’ll be furious.”

“Second senior brother has no say over me,” Si Fuqing responded nonchalantly, “With so many keeping an eye on him, and considering the chief of Zero hasn’t really provoked him, why does he bear such disdain?”

“It’s about competition,” Yuejian sighed, “Working as your assistant has indeed reduced my standard of living. I can no longer indulge in expenses covered by our sect.”

To protect Si Fuqing, Yuejian chose to temporarily sever ties between their sect and T18, embracing her individualistic and mystical nature.

Her frequent disappearances, though troublesome, saved her from much inconvenience.

“Let’s be frugal. That’s our motto,” Si Fuqing assured, placing a hand on Yuejian’s shoulder, “You’re unaware, but each time you and second senior brother spent lavishly, the accountant would come crying to me.”

Unapologetic, Yuejian retorted, “Little junior sister, sometimes if you can’t beat them, join them.”

Si Fuqing glanced at Little Bai, basking in the sunlight, and mused earnestly, “What if I opened its belly? Could I discover a treasury filled with gold?” “Perhaps,” Yuejian raised an eyebrow.

Startled by the conversation, Little Bai scampered away at once.

At noon the next day, at the Ji family residence.

To ensure Ji Qingwei could rest and recuperate in peace, the Ji family had gone to the extent of purchasing a summer villa for her.

Lady Ji was engaged in conversation with Yu Yao.

“Yu Yao, I really can’t thank you enough,” Lady Ji said with a smile. “Qingwei can’t be exposed to the wind, nor is she able to go out for walks. We’re so grateful you’re here to keep her company. ”

“It’s nothing, Auntie; I’m just doing what I should,” Yu Yao replied with a smile. “It’s getting late, and I have matters to attend to at the company. I must be going. ”

Lady Ji instructed the servants to walk Yu Yao out.

She was about to head to the kitchen to prepare Ji Qingwei’s lunch when Butler Ji returned.

“How did it go? Did Mr. Gu accept the ‘Thousand Miles of Rivers and

Mountains’ embroidery?” Lady Ji asked eagerly. “Did he say anything?”

The butler furrowed his brows, “At first, he accepted it, but for some reason, it was returned later on.”

“Returned?” Lady Ji was startled and became anxious. “But wasn’t that embroidery praised by Master Zhuang himself? How could it be returned?”

The butler was equally puzzled, “Lady, I don’t fully understand Director Gu’s attitude either. Initially, he seemed to appreciate Miss’s embroidery, but within an hour, he claimed that her work was all show and no soul.”

Such criticism was harsh.

Art is all about the soul.

Lady Ji murmured, “But I thought it was excellent. How could it lack soul…” The butler shook his head, “Lady, I’ll invite Master Zhuang over.”

Master Zhuang was a master of painting and calligraphy hired specifically for Ji Qingwei by the Ji family.

He resided with the Ji family, tasked with guiding Ji Qingwei.

“Lady, while Gu Huiyan may indeed be the Director of the Heaven Earth Alliance, and his understanding of art is profound,” Master Zhuang remarked after hearing the situation. “But his repeated belittlement of Miss Qingwei, who can tolerate that? He’s not the only director in the Heaven Earth Alliance.”

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this embroidery. I have a slot available and can directly submit it to the International Youth Cultural Exhibition.” Lady Jits frown eased, “Thank you, Master Zhuang. We’ll have to trouble you then. ”

Having been rejected by Gu Huiyan multiple times, she harbored some resentment.

Did he think he was the onlyprestigious teacher in Great Nia?

“Lady, something terrible has happened!” Suddenly, Ji Qingwei’s personal maid rushed in, looking very distressed.. “Miss has coughed up blood!”