Shortly after they left, an old man appeared here, looking at the fallen petals, the pink petals scattered everywhere, and fell into a deep thought.
"Abnormal, too abnormal."
"How is this possible? How can flowers bloom in this season? It's only October now. Flowers don't bloom in October. Such an abnormal scene... Could it be that a martial arts giant has visited?"
"It is said that a martial arts giant can make flowers bloom and wither with a single thought, and only a martial arts giant can explain it."
Xia Mingzhong looked at the scene before him, a trace of confusion appearing in his eyes, and frowned deeply: "But how could a martial arts giant come here? Could it be the Ye family? The Ye family wouldn't even let go of my daughter's anger? But why!"
Thinking of this, Xia Mingzhong quickly walked inside. However, upon seeing the intact tomb inside, and the red candles, incense, and burnt paper money before him, he became even more bewildered.
A martial arts giant made flowers bloom with a single thought, just for visiting a grave? Was that all?
"Daughter, do you know? I met someone today who looks very much like you, especially your eyes. Your eyes are so like mine.
They say eyes are windows and can reveal the thoughts of the heart, but I saw peace in his eyes, like a clear spring, just like yours used to be.
Girl, you've been gone for over twenty years, I've forgotten exactly how many. If I leave too, how many people will remember you? So, my final piece of work is you, girl.
I painted you. You always said I didn't paint you accurately, but it was always accurate, just without spirit, because it lacked soul. You said I couldn't capture your spirit, so I've been painting for so many years. Look, my final piece, doesn't it resemble you?"
A painting appeared before him. On this painting, there was a cherry tree with bright red cherries. Beneath the cherry tree, a woman in a Tang suit stood with her hands behind her back, one foot raised, pulling her hands behind her and making a playful face.
She was serene and tranquil, like a gentle and elegant woman from the Jiangnan water towns.
As if there was light in her eyes, stars in her gaze.
"See, Dad, does it look like you this time? I'll put this painting in the most important place tomorrow so that it can be passed down."
Xia Mingzhong smiled happily, only truly smiling when he painted this picture.
...
The calligraphy and painting exhibition began.
This exhibition, which had been promoted for half a month, commenced amidst great anticipation.
The following morning, the Hua Gallery was already crowded with people.
The Hua Gallery was a seasoned gallery, primarily focused on promoting domestic contemporary painters from the Great Xia Academy. It had successfully hosted a series of large exhibitions such as the "Kangaroo Contemporary Art Exhibition" and the "Ash Basin Rooster Contemporary Oil Painting Exhibition."
This was also the first time they had undertaken a calligraphy and painting exhibition, featuring not just paintings but also calligraphy.
If this calligraphy and painting exhibition could be successfully held, the Hua Gallery's influence in the country would also be elevated to a certain extent.
"Mr. Chen, you've actually come, hahaha, come, come, please come in."
"Mr. Zhang, Mr. Chen has arrived. Please have some tea, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin soon."
"Mr. Lu, you, the richest man in Chang'an, have also arrived. It seems our venue is truly honored today."
Many of Xia Mingzhong's disciples were present. After all, it was their master's final calligraphy and painting exhibition, so they naturally had to do their utmost.
However, among the disciples, a man in a suit, carrying a backpack, was looking around.
"President Zhou, why are you here? What, your conflict with master still allows you to calmly attend the exhibition? I don't believe it. I'm afraid we can't welcome you today."
Zhou Tao snorted and sneered: "What are you, to dare to stop me? Let your master come and speak to me."
"Little Chen, Master said that everyone here today is a guest, there's no need to make trouble. Even President Zhou. President Zhou, welcome, welcome."
Pang Yun, Xia Mingzhong's eldest disciple, walked over and said.
Looking at his senior brother, Little Chen also felt helpless. After all, this matter was not that simple. On the contrary, Zhou Tao's help would be needed behind this matter.
The main purpose today was to ruin Xia Mingzhong's reputation, so Zhou Tao was indispensable.
There were many people here today, including many dignitaries and influential figures, as well as many powerful individuals.
Xia Mingzhong received them one by one inside, and everyone congratulated him on his official retirement.
"President Xia, congratulations, congratulations! You've finally achieved fame and retired. This position is finally mine, hahaha."
Zhou Tao walked in and immediately laughed. A group of people around also joked.
"Yes, after finally waiting for President Xia to retire, President Zhou has finally ascended. It hasn't been easy all these years."
"Who wouldn't say that? After all these years, he's finally seen the light of day. It hasn't been easy, it hasn't been easy."
"By the way, I'm really curious why President Xia's theme today is called 'Dream Person.' Does President Xia have an unforgettable lover? If this news gets out, Chang'an would be shaken."
"Hahahaha, don't joke. President Xia is a scholar. What can you call this if not a lover? This should be called romantic. A romantic talent, a romantic talent!"
A group of people immediately burst into laughter.
They didn't say much, just smiled.
Xia Mingzhong smiled faintly and walked to the entrance, looking into the distance. For some reason, he really wished the young man who played chess with him yesterday would appear here.
Although they had only met once, Ye Longlin gave him a feeling of familiarity.
"Not here? That's not right. He said he would come."
Xia Mingzhong sighed, unsure of what he was feeling in his heart, and could only anticipate his arrival.
If he could come, Xia Mingzhong would be very happy.
Just as he turned around, a figure appeared, holding a small child in his left hand and a beautiful young woman in his right, walking gracefully.
"Is Old Xia waiting for me?"
Ye Longlin said with a slight smile.
Xia Mingzhong laughed heartily: "Yes, I've been waiting for you. I didn't want to cut the ribbon until you arrived. After all, the presence of a grand master greatly enhances my retirement exhibition."
Ye Longlin smiled and introduced, "This is my wife, Mu Hanqi, the little princess of the Murong family in Jinling and the Murong family in the capital. This is my daughter, Ye Churan, nicknamed Yiyi."
"Yiyi, say hello to Grandpa."
Ye Churan tilted her little head and sweetly said, "Hello, Grandpa."
"Oh, hello there, Yiyi. Yiyi, there's good food over there. If you want to eat it, you can take it yourself."
Ye Churan nodded: "Okay, Grandpa."