EVERY LIKE, VOTE, AND COMMENT HELPS!

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As Yuan Ming rejoined the circle, he passed a fresh glass to Ling Xue. "Mr. Kang," he said, "You may not know it, but Xue'er is actually the founder of BrightSmart. She came up with the idea in her freshman year of university after her professor lectured on poverty in some of the more remote mountain villages."

Ling Xue shook her head modestly, "Okay, Yuan Ming, that's enough. We're here for the art show, not to discuss my philanthropic contributions."

She feigned surprise and turned her attention to the others listening politely across the circle. "I'm so sorry, that was quite rude of us. I believe you're... Jing Mei?"

"Hello, Miss Ling, I'm Jing Mei. It's a pleasure to meet you." Jing Mei stepped forward and inclined her head with a gentle nod.

Ling Xue turned her head and gestured at the cluster of vases grouped on a tall pedestal. "This artwork is truly remarkable, Madam Jing. Your talent is quite fresh and will be welcomed here in Shanghai."

Jing Mei smiled kindly and said, "Thank you, Miss Ling. Your support means a lot."

Ling Xue pretentiously added, "My father is quite the porcelain collector. He recently attended the Shanghai Auction Gala and won the Yantang Chicken Cup for... what was it, A'Ming? Thirty-six million?"

Before Yuan Ming could respond, Li Qian turned his attention to Jing Mei. "Auntie, please let me introduce you formally to Miss Ling Xue, and this is Yuan Ming." He added, "We all went to school together, so please excuse them for their familiarity."

Ling Xue felt like she'd been slapped. What familiarity was he referring to – her?! Ling Xue was the very picture of propriety, and discussing art with an artist was perfectly reasonable.

Jing Mei laughed at Li Qian's remark. "Not to worry, Li Qian! Mr. Kang and I aren't expecting that any of my pieces could surpass the Yantang Chicken Cup!"

She inclined her head at Ling Xue and added, "I believe it's from the Ming Dynasty if I'm not mistaken, correct Miss Ling? Maybe in another 800 years, my ceramics will be worth so much if only they last that long!"

Laughter echoed through the group, breaking the awkward moment.

An assistant called Mr. Kang out of the circle, and when he returned, he said, "Apologies, but I have to call Jing Mei away."

He clapped his hands brightly and motioned to the center of the room. "Old Master Song would like to speak to you about your 'Verdant Elegance.'"

Everyone craned their head over to the sizeable celadon vase, standing like a bright sentinel amid the crowds.

Subtle waves of color washed over the belly of the vase, ranging from pale celadon to deeper emerald. Graceful cranes took flight, and along the neck of the vase, a mythical phoenix soared majestically over tendrils of vine and leaf as if watching over its kingdom.

Mr. Kang was practically vibrating with excitement as it had been long since Old Master Song had come out to a gallery show. "Jing Mei," he bowed slightly and urged her along.

She smiled at the group and turned quickly to Li Qian. "Li Qian, can I leave Jiao Jiao in your care for a moment?" She turned and smiled down at her quiet daughter at his sharp nod.

"Darling, I'll leave you with Li Qian, hmm? It's likely much more interesting here than with us older folk!"

Jiao Jiao silently nodded as she watched her mom and Mr. Kang hurry away.