After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety Shows
Chapter 589 - 579: The Elder’s Newly Accepted Disciple?

Chapter 589: Chapter 579: The Elder’s Newly Accepted Disciple?

Before the event began, guests with invitations were first taken to the lounge.

However, these lounges were divided according to different circles.

One large lounge was taken up by celebrities from the entertainment circle, even though many of them were rivaling each other. On this occasion, however, everyone seemed to get along on the surface, albeit continuing to compete for attention privately.

Another lounge was exclusively for the art circle, thoughtfully set up with a tea room and a coffee corner, and the interior decor exuded an elegant taste.

The only exception was the family members of prominent families, who were assigned to individual small lounges.

Each lounge had the family names hung at the door to avoid any accidental mix-ups.

This arrangement came with reason, as the prominent families were not always harmonious; some had longstanding rivalries where relations had been non-existent even among the younger generations.

Just like the Shen Family and Bai Family at this event, where the Yuan Family would definitely refrain from placing the two together if they had any sense.

In fact, the lounges for these two families were purposely set far apart to avoid a potential unpleasant encounter before the event even commenced.

Originally, the Yuan Family had arranged for Jiang Lingxi to be in the entertainment circle’s lounge, but upon learning that she was with Mr. Yuan, they walked past without stopping and continued straight to the artists’ lounge.

"Mr. Yuan, Miss Jiang, please come in."

The lounge door opened, and those who had arrived earlier and were chatting casually inside instinctively looked toward the entrance.

"Hey, Old Yuan..."

The man who first recognized Yuan Hui stopped mid-sentence, "Old Yuan didn’t come alone!"

Everyone present knew that the old man had dedicated his life to art, living alone without a partner or children, and was known for his solitary nature.

And yet, here he was with a young lady!

Many of them looked on with varying degrees of surprise.

Had the old man had a change of heart?

Or was she a newly accepted disciple?

The art aficionados present weren’t too familiar with the entertainment circle, so no one recognized Jiang Lingxi at first. It wasn’t until they were about to sit down that someone smacked their forehead in realization, "You’re Jiang Lingxi, right?"

Jiang Lingxi, although not recognizing the elderly man with white hair before her, politely nodded, "I am."

"I thought so. My little granddaughter mentioned several times that Jiang Lingxi would be here today, and asked if I could get an autograph if I ran into you." He said, pulling a photo out from the pocket of his Tang suit.

It was a recent solo poster from the official account for "Yuan Zhao’s Empress" released not long ago.

Jiang Lingxi: "...Sure."

"That’s great, here’s a pen."

Perhaps to avoid boredom for the artists, the lounge also had a large table with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, where two people were currently writing and painting.

Upon approaching, she heard them talking, realizing they were making last-minute artworks for the charity auction since they came unprepared.

After all, even if they brought items for auction, they would generally be their own paintings or calligraphy works.

Jiang Lingxi suddenly realized the true purpose of the table set up by the organizers.

Taking the pen handed over by the elderly man who wanted the autograph for his granddaughter, Jiang Lingxi carefully signed her name in a fluid motion, ensuring she didn’t obscure the picture.

The old man watching her sign brightened at the sight of her first stroke, and once she was done, he couldn’t help but pick up the photo, putting on his reading glasses, "What beautiful writing!"

Yuan Hui, loitering nearby, snorted lightly at this, "No appreciation."

He had long been familiar with Miss Jiang’s handwriting.

Although his initial reaction was much like the current one, he could now view it with calm acceptance.

The old man writing calligraphy for the auction couldn’t resist taking a glance, "Let me take a look."

If this young girl’s handwriting impressed these two old folks, it must be quite something, stirring his curiosity too!

The signed photo quickly passed through several hands in just a few moments.

Someone directly asked Yuan Hui, "Old Yuan, is she your newly accepted disciple? Why didn’t you tell us? Afraid we’d compete to take her away?"

Yuan Hui, ready to explain, was interrupted by a familiar voice from behind.

"I’ve only stepped out for a moment, and it’s already so lively. Who’s here now? What’s all this talk about competing?"

"Chairman Cao."

"Chairman Cao’s back. It’s Old Yuan, and he brought a young lady along today."

"The two young ladies seem about the same age. They should have plenty to talk about, keeping Xinyan from getting bored."

"Oh, isn’t Xinyan supposed to be in the entertainment circle? It just so happens that the girl Old Yuan brought seems to be an actress too. Do you know each other?"

Mentioned by name, the two people looked at each other.

Jiang Lingxi maintained a calm and unruffled gaze.

Although she hadn’t known Cao Xinyan would be there, with the Vice President of the Calligraphy and Painting Association inviting the elder, it was highly likely the president was also invited. In such a setting, how could Cao Xinyan, striving for more fame in the entertainment circle, not seize the opportunity?

Thus, seeing her didn’t surprise Jiang Lingxi.

Cao Xinyan, however, didn’t have such a calm mindset. Seeing Jiang Lingxi in this lounge, rather than the adjacent celebrity lounge, almost made it hard for her to maintain her expression.

She bit her lip, keeping from blurting out, ’What are you doing here?’

While she had been somewhat smug about Jiang Lingxi merely receiving an invitation, amongst today’s guests, even celebrities were among the least significant.

The really influential individuals were those her grandfather had taken her to greet personally.

Yet, upon returning, she encountered someone she hadn’t expected here at all.

Facing the elders’ teasing, Cao Xinyan forced a smile, "How could I not know? I’ve recently entered the entertainment circle, and Lingxi here is my senior."

Watching her finish and go silent, her cheeks slightly tense as though she was gritting her teeth, Jiang Lingxi nodded slightly, "We’ve met before."

Albeit under unpleasant circumstances!

Of those present, only Chairman Cao seemed to notice his granddaughter’s tightening grip on his arm, her mood shifting upon seeing the girl named Jiang Lingxi. He patted her arm soothingly and walked forward, "Why are you all gathered here?" His gaze landing on the pen still held by Jiang Lingxi, "The young lady just arrived, and you’re already testing her?"

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