books44 Chapter 24 Don't you recognize me?
Chapter 24 Don't you recognize me?
I glanced at the time and immediately sat bolt upright in shock.
Time was of the essence, and I didn't care about the pain. I quickly changed into a suit, picked up the painting, and rushed out.
"Zhang Tian, slow down!"
Lin Qiuran shouted loudly from the doorway, and I could only run back to him, saying, "Could you please lock the door for me when you leave?"
"understood."
I nervously watched the time, my heart pounding in my chest, afraid of missing the start of the banquet.
On such an important day, being late is tantamount to being kicked out of the game.
However, Lady Luck seemed to be on my side today, and I arrived at the hotel before 7:50.
After paying the fare, I took a deep breath and walked into the banquet hall with the invitation.
It's a gathering place for all sorts of big names in the design world, many of whom are experts and scholars you only see on TV. It's on a completely different level from those trendy banquets filled with the smell of perfume.
Here, I also met several senior students who were once very influential at school.
I had some interaction with them during my school days, so they were familiar faces to me.
I couldn't find Uncle Feng in the crowd, so I thought I'd go up and exchange a few pleasantries with the senior students first.
But I had only taken a few steps, and before I even got close, they spotted me.
"Look, it's that person!"
"What bad luck! How could Professor Xie let such a shameless person into his birthday banquet? It has lowered the banquet's prestige by several levels."
"Hehe, that goes without saying. He must have begged his rich wife to pull strings and force his way in."
"If I had half his thick skin, I'd probably be a millionaire by now. It's a pity I'm too proud to break up with a girl when she's down on her luck, and then shamelessly beg her to get back together when she makes a comeback."
Several people deliberately spoke loudly about my past with Song Yafei, making no attempt to hide the malice in their eyes.
Several female seniors joined in, their sarcastic tone making it feel as if they were stripping me naked and putting me in front of everyone.
"How dare someone like that come here? They're making this place dirty!"
"It's definitely not Professor Xie who invited him. It's probably his wife, the president of the Song Group, who got the invitation from someone."
"Heh, shameless indeed. How dare you come to a place like this without even a single piece of work to show for it. If I were him, I wouldn't dare leave the house, let alone attend such a banquet."
"By the way, isn't the president of the Song Group with an internet celebrity?"
"That's President Song's mistress."
Suddenly, the world spun around me, and I was surrounded by all sorts of sarcastic and mocking voices.
Those indifferent faces flashed before my eyes, and a buzzing sound filled my ears.
My stomach pain struck again, and my body gradually weakened, making me feel like I was about to collapse.
Just as I was about to fall, I suddenly felt a weight on my shoulder as a pair of warm, large hands caught me.
"Thank you, Professor."
I squinted and saw who it was, and was immediately stunned.
"Zhang Tian, I've been looking for you everywhere!"
Professor Xie laughed heartily, deliberately amplifying his voice so that everyone present could hear him clearly.
My heart warmed, and I gave him a grateful look.
I know that Professor Xie is standing up for me and stopping those people from spreading rumors.
What merit or ability do I possess to deserve such an honor?
"Your Uncle Feng couldn't come today, and he told me in advance. I was going to wait for you at the entrance, but I got a phone call and missed you."
"Child, I heard your Uncle Feng said you have a special gift for me?"
I took a deep breath, suppressed the slight pain, and handed the painting to Professor Xie with both hands.
"Did you draw this yourself?"
Professor Xie took the painting, tore off the oil paper, and was stunned when the whole painting was revealed, his eyes filled with amazement.
Those who looked down on me gathered around curiously.
Especially those senior students who graduated from the same school as me, they stood in the closest place, and everyone's face was full of astonishment and disbelief.
"How could he have drawn this? Wasn't it said that he failed his studies and only relied on women?"
"Who said that? Although Zhang Tian wasn't a good person in school, his artistic talent was absolutely the best in the school over the past ten years. I heard the school originally wanted him to take a few more years of further studies and stay on as a teacher!"
Hearing this, I couldn't help but think of the admission letter that Song Yafei had thrown away, and my heart ached.
Professor Xie held my painting, his face full of smiles, nodding in approval repeatedly.
He said firmly, "Over the years, I've only ever met Zhang Tian, a child born for art. Five years ago, ever since I saw his first painting, I've been determined to keep him at the school for further studies."
"Even if he doesn't come to school, but becomes my apprentice in my studio, I will definitely teach him everything I know!"
The professor, beaming with joy, finished speaking, then suddenly realized he'd spoken too soon. He looked at me apologetically, "Sorry, I was just too happy to know if you'd be willing."
“Zhang Tian, I’m an old-fashioned person. I don’t listen to those rumors and gossips. I only believe what I see.”
"As long as you are willing to come and learn from me, I will teach you everything I know and treat you the same as other students!"
hiss!
Upon hearing this, a collective gasp arose from all around, and everyone's expressions changed, their gazes towards me becoming filled with a sense of scrutiny.
At that moment, I was incredibly excited, and my hands were trembling slightly.
I'm finally going to rekindle my dream!
"Zhang Tian, are you willing?" The professor looked at me expectantly and asked again.
"I......"
"Zhang Tian, it's been a long time!"
Just as I was about to agree, a clear female voice suddenly came from behind me, interrupting our conversation.
I was slightly taken aback, and turned around in surprise to see a woman in a red dress, looking alluring and sexy, walking towards me with a smile.
"What? You don't recognize me?"
I frowned slightly, feeling that she looked somewhat familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I had seen her before.
"Sigh, what a heartless person, he even forgot about me."