Chapter 14: A Chance Encounter

Qin Miaoyu recalled the nickname “copycat” that had dogged her throughout her middle school years because of Liang Sixuan, and a dull ache crept into her head. It had been several years—she thought she would have forgotten those things by now, yet the memories remained vivid as ever.

When Lu Qi’an returned, he saw Qin Miaoyu sitting on the sofa, her head bowed, lost in thought, a somber air enveloping her. Though he didn’t know what had happened, Lu Qi’an had heard from his cousin that Qin Miaoyu longed to visit the exhibition at the Heart of Art Gallery. He handed her the ticket his cousin had given him.

“Miaoyu, my cousin said you really wanted to see this exhibition, so I…”

Qin Miaoyu abruptly looked up, “Lu Qi’an, please return the ticket to your cousin. I don’t want to go. Thank her for her kindness for me. I’m a bit tired and will rest for a while.”

Lu Qi’an stood there, holding the exhibition ticket, stunned. His cousin had assured him that Qin Miaoyu was eager to attend the exhibition.

He pulled out his phone and searched for the Heart of Art Gallery exhibition, but instead of seeing any renowned artists’ names, he was flooded with promotions for the prodigious young painter Liang Sixuan. Instantly, he understood.

Having canceled her plans to visit the Heart of Art Gallery, Qin Miaoyu was instead invited by Gu Jing to go shopping. She hadn’t expected to run into Liang Sixuan and her friends at the World Trade Mall.

She and Gu Jing had just stepped out of G House when they bumped into Liang Sixuan’s group. Because Gu Jing had been jostled, nearly stumbling, Qin Miaoyu anxiously reached out to steady her. If not for the voices across from them, she might not have realized these were people she once knew.

“Well, isn’t this Qin Miaoyu? We haven’t seen each other in years. You used to copy everything Sixuan did. Now Sixuan’s changed her style, and you’ve followed suit. Tsk…”

Qin Miaoyu looked up and saw a Liang Sixuan who was utterly unrecognizable from her memories. In the past, Liang Sixuan had been sweet and obedient; now she exuded a gentle sophistication. Coincidentally, both were wearing dresses of a similar cut, and since their features had always been somewhat alike, the resemblance was now even stronger.

Then another familiar woman spoke, “Xia Min, you’re being too polite. Following behind Sister Sixuan and picking up her scraps—that’s always been the copycat’s routine, hasn’t it?”

Qin Miaoyu gazed steadily at Liang Sixuan, and sure enough, she saw that look of lofty disdain—as though she were watching a ridiculous clown.

All because they looked a little alike, because they often wore and used similar things, and because her own mother’s strict upbringing had made her mannerisms resemble those of a young lady like Liang Sixuan, who had been taught etiquette from a young age. Just for these reasons, just because of a single remark from Liang Sixuan, everyone began to see her as a clown.

Whether they sided with Liang Sixuan or opposed her, none treated Qin Miaoyu with kindness. The only one who had openly helped her a few times was An Xingmo, but that had only made matters worse. An Xingmo had grown up with Liang Sixuan; their families were old friends, and as children there had even been talk of a future engagement. So Qin Miaoyu’s “copycat” reputation gained yet another charge.

Supported by Qin Miaoyu, Gu Jing regained her balance and immediately bristled at what she heard. “Who are you people? You nearly knocked us over and don’t bother to apologize. Instead, you’re here throwing shade!”

She didn’t know who these women were, but it was obvious from their targeted remarks that there was no love lost between them and Qin Miaoyu.

“Tsk, Qin Miaoyu, found someone else willing to stand up for you again?” Xia Min looked at them with amusement. “All you know is how to play the victim and fish for sympathy. Our Sister Sixuan would never stoop so low. If you like imitating her so much, why not do it thoroughly?”

Seeing Qin Miaoyu lower her head in silence, a flash of worry crossed Gu Jing’s eyes. Then she fixed Xia Min with a sharp look. “What, is this Sister Sixuan you keep talking about your father or your mother? She hasn’t said a word, yet you all can’t wait to bare your fangs?”

She turned her gaze to the woman at the center. “So, you’re Liang Sixuan? Since when did you take up the hobby of playing parent to others?”

Liang Sixuan maintained a polite smile, her expression unchanging even as Gu Jing’s barbs turned on her. “Miss Gu, my friends are a bit hot-tempered, but they mean no harm. There were some past disagreements with Miss Qin, so perhaps their words were harsh. I hope you can forgive their impulsiveness.”

Gu Jing shrugged. “It’s not just about me forgiving them; Miaoyu deserves an apology too. In fact, she ought to be thanked. If she hadn’t steadied me just now, and my leg was injured, I’d miss work. Then you’d be looking at compensation in the millions, maybe even tens of millions.”

At those words, Qin Miaoyu, who had been hanging her head, immediately looked up, her tone anxious, “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

Gu Jing had told her that this trip to Jingcheng wasn’t just for leisure—she was also here on family business. If something went wrong, the losses could be in the tens or even hundreds of millions.

“I’m fine. That’s why I said they should be thanking you.”

Xia Min was about to retort, but one look from Liang Sixuan silenced her. “Xia Min, Qiao Qiao, apologize to Miss Gu and Miss Qin. And don’t forget to thank Miss Qin for sparing you a loss of several million, perhaps tens of millions.”

Xia Min and Hu Qiaoqiao were reluctant, but they always did as Liang Sixuan said. No matter how unwilling, they complied.

A flicker of uncertainty passed through Qin Miaoyu’s eyes. So, it turned out Liang Sixuan’s words still held such power over the two who once targeted her the most…

“By the way, Miss Qin, if you’re not satisfied with their apology, I can offer you two VIP tickets to the Heart of Art Gallery exhibition. I have works on display, so I was able to secure internal VIP passes. Holders might even have the chance, if lucky, to meet a master and seek guidance in person—it’s a rare opportunity.”

Qin Miaoyu shook her head with calm indifference. “No need. If I wanted to go, my friend has tickets.”

It was only when Lu Qi’an handed her the ticket that she realized the one his cousin had promised her was an internal VIP pass as well.

She smiled slightly at Gu Jing. “Jingjing, let’s go.”

Seeing the gentle smile on Qin Miaoyu’s face, Gu Jing couldn’t help but glance back at Liang Sixuan. Her own Miaoyu was the truly gentle and lovable one—this Liang Sixuan, whatever her reputation, seemed like nothing more than a pretender.

When they were some distance away, Gu Jing asked, “Miaoyu, you really don’t want to go to the exhibition? That woman said with the VIP pass, you might get to meet a master face to face. Tomorrow’s the last day.”

“I’m not going.”

If there had been a guarantee of meeting a master in person, she would have gone at all costs. But the mere possibility wasn’t enough—Qin Miaoyu had never believed herself to be lucky. Besides, thinking of Liang Sixuan’s most famous piece, which was sure to be part of the exhibition, her gaze turned dim.