I Am Already A Queen

Chapter 165: Chapter 165: Ask For A Painting From Qiao Meixia

With that, the table fell quiet as they resumed their meal.

However, Jiang Yanna felt as though she were sitting on a bed of needles. With neither her father nor her mother present tonight, sitting at the same table as Jiang Suhan and Qiao Meixia felt unbearable.

She stole a discreet glance at the two of them.

Although Jiang Suhan and Qiao Meixia were not conversing much, Jiang Yanna could easily sense that they were steadily growing closer. There was an understated ease in their interaction, as if they were gradually growing accustomed to each other’s presence.

The sight filled her with quiet jealousy.

Losing her appetite entirely, Jiang Yanna set her utensils down on the placemat and stood up.

”I am finished eating. I will head back to my room now.” Jiang Yanna announced flatly.

Without waiting for a response from either of them, she turned and walked out of the dining room. As she made her way toward the foyer, she secretly hoped Jiang Suhan would call her back and ask her to stay, or perhaps offer a few words of comfort and concern.

Unfortunately for her, no such call came.

Jiang Suhan simply continued eating in peaceful silence alongside Qiao Meixia, entirely unbothered by Jiang Yanna’s sudden departure.

Jiang Yanna gritted her teeth in sheer frustration before storming upstairs.

Once Jiang Yanna was out of earshot, Jiang Suhan turned his attention fully back to Qiao Meixia.

”So, what have you been up to at your friend’s place?” Jiang Suhan asked, initiating a light conversation.

”Painting.” Qiao Meixia stated simply.

”Really? Can I see what you have done?” Jiang Suhan asked, his interest genuinely piqued.

”It’s not with me anymore.” Qiao Meixia replied.

”Eh? Why? Did you finish it already?” Jiang Suhan asked in surprise.

”Hmm... Someone collected it.” Qiao Meixia answered neutrally.

”You mean you have already sold it?” Jiang Suhan asked, his curiosity deepening.

”Not yet, but soon.” Qiao Meixia clarified.

That implied her artwork was already eagerly anticipated by an eager buyer before the deal was even finalised. Jiang Suhan looked at her, wondering what kind of painting could command such demand that someone would pick it up before the transaction was officially settled.

”It seems people are really looking forward to your art.” Jiang Suhan remarked.

”Not particularly.” Qiao Meixia shook her head, appearing completely unbothered by the buyer’s enthusiasm.

Jiang Suhan studied the nonchalant girl sitting across from him. This younger sister of his was truly full of surprises.

Whenever he recalled the background information their father had handed him regarding Qiao Meixia and compared it with his own observations, he could not help noticing that the details failed to align. There were layers to her that he could not quite grasp, and the more time he spent around her, the more intrigued he became.

”If you want to see it, I have a photo.” Qiao Meixia suddenly offered.

”Really? Show me.” Jiang Suhan replied immediately.

Qiao Meixia pulled out her smartphone, unlocked the screen, and displayed a high-resolution photo of the finished canvas.

The moment Jiang Suhan laid eyes on the display, he froze in sheer awe.

The painting was utterly mesmerising, even when viewed merely as a digital image on a phone screen. He could only imagine how breathtaking the actual piece looked in person, where every stroke, texture, and play of light could be properly appreciated.

However, as he continued staring at the image, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him. He felt he recognised the landscape depicted in the artwork, yet no matter how hard he racked his brain, he could not pinpoint the exact location.

”Qiaoqiao, you are genuinely incredible.” Jiang Suhan praised her with absolute sincerity.

Nevertheless, his curiosity regarding the setting only intensified. He could not resist pointing at the screen to ask about the location.

”Where is this place, though? Where did you find scenery like this?” Jiang Suhan inquired.

”It is at school.” Qiao Meixia answered flatly.

”What? At First Hannan High School?” Jiang Suhan looked at her in utter disbelief.

”Hmm.” Qiao Meixia nodded smoothly.

”Where exactly on campus?” Jiang Suhan pressed, struggling to reconcile the artistic scene with the school grounds.

First Hannan High School was his own alma mater as well. Having spent several years studying there, he was thoroughly familiar with the campus layout, yet he could not recall ever seeing a vista that looked so captivating.

Qiao Meixia paused briefly to consider her answer. ”It’s near the back, by the parking area for the students’ bikes.”

Oh...” Jiang Suhan suddenly recalled the spot she was referring to.

Even though the scenery in the painting was vastly elevated compared to his memory, there was indeed a secluded green space at the rear of the campus. He had passed by that area several times during his high school years.

”You know that spot?” Jiang Suhan asked, looking at her.

”Hmm... I walk past it every day.” Qiao Meixia nodded.

”You go there every day?” Jiang Suhan raised an eyebrow slightly.

That particular corner was one of the most remote parts of the campus grounds. Most students rarely frequented the area unless they had a specific reason to do so.

For a split second, a troubling thought crossed Jiang Suhan’s mind. Was Qiao Meixia being isolated by her peers at school? Was she retreating to such a secluded place every day to escape her classmates? If he asked her directly, would she give him an honest answer?

After all, many students were hesitant to admit to being ostracised or targeted at school, fearing they would be looked down upon or that speaking up would only exacerbate their troubles.

Jiang Suhan did not want to jump to wild conclusions, yet he could not prevent a wave of worry from washing over him for his sister.

”Hmm... There is a vending machine over there that dispenses cakes. They are actually quite good.” Qiao Meixia added casually, unaware of his internal downward spiral.

”A vending machine that sells cakes?” Jiang Suhan repeated, caught off guard.

Then, he suddenly remembered her massive sweet tooth. That was the real reason she visited that remote corner every day.

”Qiaoqiao... You are not getting bullied at school, are you?” Jiang Suhan asked directly just to be entirely sure.

Qiao Meixia blinked, tilting her head in confusion.

Why on earth would Jiang Suhan ask something like that out of nowhere? Had she done or said anything to imply she was being mistreated at school?

She certainly did not think so.

”No.” Qiao Meixia shook her head firmly.

”Oh... Alright, that’s good.” Jiang Suhan breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He paused for a brief moment before remembering another thought that had crossed his mind. ”By the way, could you paint something for me next time? I’d love to hang one of your pieces in my corporate office as decoration.”

”Sure... But do you have any photos of your office? Can I see them?” Qiao Meixia asked.

She preferred to create a piece that would harmonise with the colour palette, lighting, and general aesthetic of his workspace. Seeing the environment beforehand would allow her to design a painting that blended seamlessly into the surroundings.

”Yes, I have several photos on my phone. I will send them over to you later.” Jiang Suhan agreed with a smile.

”Okay.” Qiao Meixia nodded.

....

Meanwhile, across town at an exclusive gala, Jiang Lukang and Feng Lan were exchanging polite smiles and pleasantries with various high-society guests. The grand event was hosted by one of Jiang Lukang’s primary business partners, drawing numerous prominent figures from the corporate elite.

”Welcome, Mr and Mrs Jiang!” The host, Su Qingyang, greeted them warmly as the couple approached the VIP lounge.

”Ah, Mr Su! Thank you for having us tonight.” Jiang Lukang replied courteously.

Su Qingyang’s wife, Ma Yuntan, stood beside her husband, offering a graceful smile.

”Why didn’t you bring your children along with you tonight?” Ma Yuntan asked out of polite curiosity.

”Well, they had prior commitments to attend to this evening.” Feng Lan replied with a smooth smile, keeping her explanation deliberately vague.

”By the way, where is your eldest son? Suhan usually never misses these industry gatherings.” Su Qingyang noted, glancing around the room as if searching for Jiang Suhan.

”He actually just flew back from an outstation business trip earlier today.” Jiang Lukang explained. ”He was quite fatigued, so I insisted he stay home and rest.”

”Ah, understandable. We also heard the news that you have reunited with your long-lost biological daughter.” Ma Yuntan chimed in, looking at the couple with evident curiosity. ”I must admit, I had no idea you had another daughter.”

***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***