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"Hello again." Li Qian's soft greeting seemed to burst the bubble surrounding them.

Jiao Jiao startled slightly and replied, "Hello again." Her hands fluttered at her sides, then grasped her skirt lightly before finally clasping her fingers in front of her. "Erm, I like your flowers."

She blinked down at the bouquet that Li Qian was holding, the miniature roses an almost exact match to the hue of her dress.

Li Qian lifted the bouquet slightly, then tipped it towards her. "These are actually for you. You're just as much a guest of honor as your mother is."

"They're for... me?" Jiao Jiao hesitatingly reached out, then grasped the small bundle from Li Qian's hands.

Delicate bamboo flute music filtered down from the ceiling. It mixed with the crowd's murmurs surrounding them—music and conversation combined with the tinkling of champagne bottles against crystal glasses. Many eyes were on them right now, prying eyes desperate to connect with the powerful Li Qian, but somehow his presence kept them at bay for the moment.

Li Qian tipped a corner of his mouth and said, "I bet your mom didn't tell you she displayed some of your works too, did she?"

Jiao Jiao's fine brows wrinkled as she held the bouquet close to her chest. "She did? Can you show me, please?" Jiao Jiao felt a little out of sorts tonight; not only was she not expecting to see Brother Qian here, but then he'd surprised her with a bouquet – the first she'd ever received – and the news that some of her paintings were on display.

Jiao Jiao was a polite girl by nature, delicate as the lovely music that echoed around them, but she had an innate dignity that drew many looks her way. In fact, Li Qian bet more eyes were on her right now than on him, which was certainly a novel experience.

He led the way towards a corner of the room and explained, "When your mother brought her ceramics in, your Doraemon was mixed in with the smaller vases. Mr. Kang has a pretty sharp eye and asked your mom if she had any more with hidden characters."

They stopped in front of a small display shelf with a placard that read, "Jing Jiao, 17 years old; Guest Artist". Four pieces of varying sizes were displayed, each meticulously hand-painted with intricate patterns. Of course, the Doraemon rested there, hiding in the lotus flowers, but there was also a flying phoenix and dragon pair, a round-bellied vase covered in a hazy mountain scene, and a bowl featuring a blossoming plum tree. The very same tree from her village, if Li Qian wasn't mistaken.

If one were to look closely, one would see the cute figures Jiao Jiao had hidden among the images. Although it was a little more juvenile than one would usually find in a high-class art gallery, her level of detail and precision highlighted the true talent she held in her slim fingers.

As Jiao Jiao took in the display, she whispered, "Brother Qian, I'm kind of uncomfortable." She bit her bottom lip, and Li Qian had to resist the temptation to pull it out and rub the tender flesh with his thumb. Her poor heart was worried that people would make fun of these little pieces, silly imaginations she'd created without thinking they'd one day be displayed in a fancy and gorgeous gallery in the heart of Shanghai.

Li Qian's heart sank as he'd obviously not calculated this correctly. He turned to face her and said quietly, "Jiao Jiao, please don't be upset at your mom. Mr. Kang and I convinced her to display them and surprise you." He read the concern in her eyes and hurried to reassure her.

"In fact, your work is wonderful and will appeal to the younger guests today. Just like in the village when you painted these for the families that passed through." He smiled down at her and took a half-step closer. "Mr. Kang thinks you have true talent, plus," he lowered his voice even further, "we wanted you to feel at home here too."

She blinked a few times thoughtfully, then turned to face Li Qian with a tiny smile. "Anyways, I just painted them for fun. If other people can find happiness in them, I guess that's okay."

Li Qian snickered inside. If only she knew how many people had already inquired about these pieces and the price they were willing to pay, she'd truly blush with embarrassment!

When the tinkling of a champagne glass signified that Mr. Kang was ready to begin the introductions, Li Qian escorted Jiao Jiao over to the stage. While he didn't touch her, he guarded her closely enough that the tendrils of ebony hair caressing her slim waist occasionally brushed against his fingers.