Chapter 297 Getting Along
Chapter 297 Getting Along
"I wouldn't call it giving pointers, but if Miss Jiang likes it too, we can discuss it together." Xiao Sibao was very happy. Being able to discuss his favorite calligraphy and painting with the girl he fell in love with at first sight was simply wonderful.
"Sibo is too modest. I've heard that you have an exceptional talent for painting and are already quite famous. To have achieved so much at such a young age, you're sure to become a master in the future." Old Madam Qiao was telling the truth.
Some time ago, at a banquet, Xiao Sibo's master took Xiao Sibo there. One of his paintings was brought out for public appreciation and received mostly praise, which brought him a little fame. However, unless you specifically inquire or are interested in this industry, no one else would know about it.
I had never heard that Mrs. Qiao was fond of painting, so I made a special inquiry about it.
"Madam Qiao is too kind. I am only benefiting from my master's reputation." It must be said that Xiao Sibo's teacher has a profound attainment in the art world, which is known to many people. As his only disciple, Xiao Sibo is also highly regarded.
"That's because you have the ability." If he didn't have the ability, a master painter like Master Xu Qing probably wouldn't have accepted him as a disciple.
"Hehe, my dear sister, please stop praising me. If you keep praising me, my Sibo will be so embarrassed." Old Mrs. Xiao was naturally delighted as she watched Old Mrs. Qiao shower her with compliments, but her grandson wasn't good with words, so she quickly stepped in to defuse the situation.
"Older sister, I couldn't help but say a few more words because I see how outstanding your son Sibo is," said Madam Qiao with a smile.
"Yan Yan, you don't need to stay here with us anymore. Go and learn painting from your brother Xiao. He's Master Xu Qing's prized disciple," Old Madam Qiao said to Jiang Yan beside her.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yan glanced quickly at Xiao Sibo, only to find that Xiao Sibo was also looking at her. She instantly felt her face flush and lowered her head, saying, "Grandmother, then I'll go first."
Jiang Yan stood up and bowed to the others before following Xiao Sibo out.
"Yue'er, you go with your sister Jiang Yan," Old Mrs. Xiao said to Xiao Siyue, who was watching the commotion.
Although this is their own home, gossip can still be a powerful force. Xiao Sibo and Jiang Yan are alone together, and it's inevitable that rumors will reach outsiders and ruin Jiang Yan's reputation.
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Qiao glanced gratefully at Old Lady Xiao. In her joy, she had forgotten about the matter and almost caused a major blunder.
"Grandma, I'm going right now." Xiao Siyue quickly followed the two of them out.
Xiao Sibo took Jiang Yan to the study, not the small study in his own yard, but the large study outside. Xiao Sibo was also considering Jiang Yan's reputation.
This large study is usually used for entertaining guests, so it's quite suitable.
Xiao Siyue stayed by their side without disturbing them, acting as a mere tool to influence them.
"This way, Miss Jiang." Xiao Sibo walked behind Jiang Yan and pointed out the way for her.
"Thank you for your help, Young Master Xiao." Jiang Yan nodded and followed Xiao Sibo's directions, feeling a little shy. This was the first time she had ever been with a man other than her cousin.
Xiao Sibo secretly glanced at Jiang Yan, his ears as red as if he had applied blush, but he was unaware of it and thought he had hidden it very well.
Xiao Siyue almost burst out laughing behind her, but she held it in. These two probably hadn't noticed her yet.
Upon arriving at the study, Xiao Sibo introduced it to Jiang Yan: "This is the Xiao family's main study. I occasionally paint here, but most of the time I paint in the study in my own yard."
"Young Master Xiao, may I take a look at the study?" Jiang Yan was shocked by the vast collection of books in the study as soon as she entered. The Qiao family also had a large collection of books, and she had read quite a few over the years.
However, it couldn't compare to the study in the Xiao family's house. The study was very large, with bookshelves as high as the ceiling on every wall, filled with books.
She not only loves painting, but also loves reading. Her cousin had told her about a bookstore in Beijing with a lot of books and invited her to go. However, because she doesn't like going out, she never saw what it was like. But her cousin would occasionally buy her books from the bookstore, and her favorite was a collection of poems.
I wonder if the collection of books in that study can compare to that in the Xiao family's study.
"Of course, Miss Jiang is welcome to look around." There are no secrets in this large study.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yan's eyes immediately lit up. Her lively demeanor was quite different from before, and it was clear that she was genuinely happy.
The books on these bookshelves are arranged by category, and each area has a label indicating which type of book is in which, making it easy to see at a glance.
"What is this?" Jiang Yan pointed at the label and looked at Xiao Sibo. Who made this? The idea was so ingenious. And the way these bookshelves are set up is different from other bookshelves that are placed on the ground. These bookshelves are embedded in the wall, and there are steps next to them so that you can walk up and reach the books that are not on the top.
"You mean these bookshelves and labels?"
"Yes, it's a really clever idea. These bookshelves are set up in a way that not only doesn't take up much space, but they're also very beautiful. And these bookmarks are extremely convenient."
"All of this was arranged by my younger sister. This study was set up according to her ideas." Xiao Sibao was very proud. No matter who came to see their study, they would all admire it.
"Is it Miss Xiao?" Jiang Yan was shocked. She thought it was the young master of the Xiao family, but she didn't expect it to be the obedient little girl who had been staring at her blankly before.
She never expected that the little girl to be so smart. She liked her very much when she first met her because the girl looked different from others. She had a kind of temperament that she recognized from within: freedom, unrestrainedness, and confidence that emanated from the bottom of her heart.
"Yes, my little sister has been clever and quick-witted since she was little. She has unique ideas and a lot of creative ideas, and she can always come up with some novel things." All of Xiao's older brothers like to praise their younger sister Xiao Siyue, and none of them are exceptions.
"Siyue is such a clever and insightful girl, she's truly admirable," Jiang Yan said.
"Miss Jiang is also very outstanding, both beautiful and talented." Xiao Sibo blurted out his thoughts in a moment of impulse.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yan immediately lowered her head shyly.
Xiao Siyue, who had quietly sat in the corner since entering, blushed slightly upon hearing her fourth brother's praise. Had they not noticed her yet? When did she become so inconspicuous?
Should I interrupt them? But they seem to get along very well. Maybe I should just let it go. I'm so embarrassed I could dig a house out of my head, but for my brother's happiness, I should just keep it to myself and hide it.
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