Qiao Xi thought that her style was already mature. Even if she took Han Ye as her master, it would be very difficult for her to change her original style. In that case, there was not much of a difference regardless of whether she became his apprentice. Moreover, in the circle of painters, many people only took in apprentices for the sake of their reputation. She could not bring greater benefits and reputation to Han Ye.

“As long as you want to be his apprentice, I’ll fulfill your wish.” Gu Zheng’s eyes burned.

Hearing Gu Zheng’s words, Qiao Xi shook her head and refused. “No need.”

A trace of surprise flashed through Gu Zheng’s eyes. Then, he heard Qiao Xi say, “Senior Han Ye should already be over 50 years old and have taken in many apprentices. Why should I take him as my master at my age? Moreover, he’s old and definitely won’t have the energy to teach me. If I don’t disturb him, perhaps he might be able to live for a few more years.

“Although I admire Han Ye a lot, I can’t harm him!”

Qiao Xi smiled lightly. “Gu Zheng, what do you think?”

The corners of Gu Zheng’s mouth twitched slightly. Did she mean that it was not that she did not want to acknowledge him as her master but that Han Ye was old and his health was not good, so he would not be able to live for long?

The air instantly fell silent, and Gu Zheng’s eyes narrowed. If Qiao Xi knew that he was Han Ye, what would her reaction be?

It was better not to tell her first. She would be even more surprised when she realized it herself.

…

A few days later.

Li Xing’er called. “Qiao Xi, it’s my birthday tomorrow. I’ve already booked a seat at Fragrance Hotel. You must come and support me!”

Qiao Xi agreed. However, after hanging up, Gu Yao asked in surprise, “Li Xing’er’s birthday?”

“That’s right!”

“Why didn’t you tell me?! I haven’t prepared a gift yet! There’s only one day left. What can I buy?!” Gu Yao suddenly panicked, then looked at Qiao Xi with sorrow in his eyes. “She didn’t even tell me it’s her birthday! She doesn’t treat me as a friend!”

Qiao Xi raised her eyebrows. “Do you know each other?”

“Nonsense!” Gu Yao said firmly, “Of course, we know each other! Previously, during the design competition, we even complained about Yao Mengqing together. After that, we became friends. Later on, she even asked me about the president of ZR, but I didn’t tell her that the person is Gu Zheng.”

At the mention of Gu Zheng, Gu Yao instantly gasped. “F*ck! Could it be that she has fallen for the president of ZR?! That’s awkward!”

Qiao Xi: “…”

The atmosphere instantly became heavy. Qiao Xi was silent for a short while before asking, “What did she say?”

Gu Yao hurriedly picked up his phone and opened Li Xing’er’s WeChat conversation to show Qiao Xi the chat history. “That’s all we talked about. I didn’t reveal the identity of the president of ZR at all. Qiao Xi, don’t worry. If she tries to snatch Gu Zheng from you, I’ll definitely help you!”

Qiao Xi glanced at the chat history. It showed:

Li Xing’er: [Gu Yao, when did you meet the president of ZR? When did you confirm your relationship?]

Gu Yao: [We’ve known each other since we were young! What relationship? Of course, it’s been confirmed since we were born!]

Li Xing’er sent a shy emoji, then said: [Wow! You two are childhood sweethearts! You actually knew each other since you were young. Has he always been so good to you?]

Gu Yao complained with a face full of sorrow: [He’s been so outstanding since I was young, while I was a fool. He even forced me to study. If I failed, he would punish me. Hence, even though I’m a good-for-nothing, my results back then were still quite good because he didn’t allow me to perform badly! He’s only a few years older than me, but he supervised my studies like he was my parent. I’m on the brink of tears just telling you this!]

Li Xing’er: [What else did he do?]

Gu Yao: [Actually, he’s really good to me. When I was young, I didn’t quite understand why he wanted to sleep with me. After I grew up, I understood. He has a lot of responsibilities to shoulder, but he never said anything. He just gritted his teeth and endured it. Even if he was covered in injuries, he still insisted on protecting me. Now that I’ve grown up, I’ll protect him too!]

Li Xing’er seemed to have heard a shocking secret and got excited: [You’ve been sleeping together since you were young! Hehehe… How does he treat you?]

Gu Yao: [Of course, he’s good to me! He’s the person I love the most! If it weren’t for him, I don’t know what I would’ve become. He’s my savior! He even said before that even if he had to lose his life, he wanted me to live a peaceful life. Who wouldn’t love such a man?! Actually, I’m willing to give up my life for him!]