After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety Shows
Chapter 596 - 586: Jiang Lingxi’s "Goose, Goose, Goose

Chapter 596: Chapter 586: Jiang Lingxi’s "Goose, Goose, Goose

Even though Jiang Xiyu and Zhang Lingxuan were incredibly reluctant, with the organizers having arranged it this way, they didn’t have the leverage to question it and had to obediently sit at the same table.

Cao Xinyan expressionlessly twisted the cap off the mineral water bottle in her hand and took a sip.

She didn’t want to talk to Jiang Xiyu, who had just been escorted off the red carpet by security and was the subject of ridicule on bullet comments, nor did she want to deal with the other older woman who, with her foul temper and revealing attire, was no better.

But her ignoring them didn’t stop the others from striking up a conversation with her.

In the past, Jiang Xiyu wouldn’t have stooped to actively engage a newcomer in the entertainment industry, but who could resist when Cao Xinyan had such a well-connected grandfather?

The entertainment industry, though part of the arts field, certainly didn’t match up in status to the pure art scene.

Chairman Cao’s status was at the pinnacle of the art world.

Initiating a conversation with his granddaughter didn’t count as lowering one’s status.

After comforting herself with this logic, Jiang Xiyu naturally smiled at Cao Xinyan, her tone even more natural as she opened her mouth: "Xinyan, what do you like to do usually?"

Cao Xinyan was so surprised that she almost forgot to swallow the water in her mouth, her pupils slightly widening as she looked at Jiang Xiyu.

Sis, if I remember correctly, even though we’re in the same profession now, this is the first time we’ve met, right?

How could you so casually call me ’Xinyan’ with such familiarity the first time we meet?

Jiang Xiyu simply assumed Cao Xinyan’s shock was being flattered.

As a senior, speaking to a newbie in the entertainment circle, of course, the latter would feel flattered.

She continued, self-absorbed, "It’s fate that we’re sitting together today. You’ve just joined the circle, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me. Why not exchange contact details first?"

Cao Xinyan looked at the hand already extended in front of her, strongly swallowing back the words ’I’m giving you face,’ and mechanically added Jiang Xiyu’s contact, planning to ruthlessly block her as soon as the event ended.

"Xinyan, you still haven’t answered my question."

Cao Xinyan thought for a moment before recalling what the woman had just asked her, and had just uttered the word "I" when a mocking laugh came from the other side.

"Can’t you see she doesn’t actually want to talk to you," Zhang Lingxuan’s voice was full of sarcasm, crossing her arms and locking eyes with the angry gaze of Jiang Xiyu, becoming increasingly provocative, "No wonder you can shamelessly crash the red carpet, I’m witnessing it firsthand now, your shamelessness is truly invincible!"

"You..."

"What do you mean ’you,’ you do something like that and think no one’s going to mention it? You probably haven’t even checked your phone after crashing the red carpet; online they’re already mocking you to high heaven, yet you’re here feeling great about yourself!"

"Still, holding up, it does no good, you sagging-’X’ old hag, I wonder what that Young Master Hou saw in you?"

"What did you say?"

"What, getting old and your hearing’s going too? Look around this table, is anyone older than you? If you’re not ashamed, why should I be afraid?"

Cao Xinyan silently dragged her chair a bit further away.

Praying in her heart: stop just sitting and bickering, for heaven’s sake, start fighting!

Guests at the auxiliary table aren’t particularly important, and if a public altercation breaks out, the organizers will definitely kick them out.

Then, she’d finally have some peace and quiet.

Yet, ultimately, the two couldn’t fulfill Cao Xinyan’s wish.

Because neither could afford the cost of being ejected from the venue.

They had to exchange curses with disdain, but without raising their voices too much. Each sitting rigidly, fearing they might lose control and land a slap on the other’s face.

Until the stage lights came on, and the sound of the charity auction host reached them, making them both stop talking and look towards the stage like everyone else around.

Cao Xinyan sighed silently as she watched; with the charity auction session starting, except for some brief murmurs about items from various families and raising hands to bid, one couldn’t make a sound.

The live broadcast camera was also focused on the stage.

[Is the auction about to start?]

[The opening auction should still be items brought by celebrities. I remember seeing an entertainment headline about a top fan who once paid an astronomical price to buy a jacket their idol wore. I was surprised that clothes worn by celebrities could be auctioned. This time I wonder what these stars will bring to auction.]

[With the scale of guests invited today, worn clothes are unlikely to appear unless there’s a big shot chasing stars.]

...

Jiang Kaiyuan glanced at the stage host while also keeping an eye on the live broadcast’s bullet chat, unable to help shooting a look at the person beside him.

"Lingxi, what’s your auction item this time? I sent in a hand-assembled race car; it should be decent enough."

"A painting."

"One you painted yourself?"

"Yes."

Tong Yue had suggested previously that she could use a somewhat pricey but not extravagant piece of jewelry or handbag, considering it was for charity and generally wouldn’t be taken back.

However, Jiang Lingxi didn’t want things she had used, still carrying traces of her, to end up in other people’s hands. Call her cautious, but she outright rejected the idea.

Thus, the only viable auction items left were a few select pieces.

Her carefully crafted painting, coupled with Shen Yunqing’s masterful framing, would certainly appeal to someone present.

"Alright, without further ado, let’s welcome the first auction item of this charity event, a painting authored by Teacher Jiang Lingxi, titled ’Ode to Geese’."

Once the title was announced, the small murmurs at the venue instantly disappeared.

Everyone subconsciously glanced around, questioning whether there was a painting with such a name in historical records? Or is it her original?

Nevertheless, the stark contrast between Jiang Lingxi’s previously high-cold and dominating red carpet image and her skills in naming this piece was something else!

Jiang Kaiyuan momentarily froze before he couldn’t help but chuckle, "Lingxi, did you come up with the name for this painting yourself?"

As the camera panned towards her, Jiang Lingxi nonchalantly cast a glance, then slightly tilted her head towards Jiang Kaiyuan, raising an eyebrow, "Problem?"

Initially, she’d named it ’Three Geese’ because that’s what the painting depicted. It wasn’t until Shen Yunqing gently suggested a revision that she modified it to ’Ode to Geese’ upon submission to the organizers.

"No, no problem."

A secluded VIP seat.

Shen Yunqing quietly rubbed his temples.

’Ode to Geese’ compared to ’Three Geese’ wasn’t much better.

Your Majesty certainly had a consistent way with names.

Paint an animal, name it after said animal.

Barrage.

[Oh my gosh, I’m gonna burst out laughing!]

[Finally figured out where Jiang Lingxi’s ironic charm shows up. ’Ode to Geese,’ it’s hard to imagine Jiang Lingxi reporting this title with such justified confidence!]

[Let me guess, could this painting really just depict three geese?]

[Jiang Lingxi’s naming skill, well, let’s just say, if she gets married and has kids, she might want to let the dad pick the names.]

...

While both the audience and bullet comments were indulging in amusement over the painting’s title, up on the stage.

The rolled-up scroll was carefully unfurled by two ceremonial ladies.

Simultaneously, the large screen behind the stage also exhibited the unfolding process in real-time.

Once fully unrolled, both the audience and the bullet comments fell silent.

The section dedicated to elder artists had several individuals standing suddenly, ignoring decorum in their eagerness to crane their necks towards the high-definition screen.