Could it be that they had crossed paths before?

With outstanding looks, a sharp mind, and a distinguished family background, how could a man like that not captivate her?

“Please, have a seat, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Yichen did not sit down. Instead, he said, “I heard that Cruz became aware of Yiyang’s work thanks to a Chinese curator’s recommendation, and that curator was you.” He glanced at her. “Why did you help Yiyang?”

A flicker of emotion flashed through Anna’s eyes, but she soon smiled gracefully. “I, Joanna, never need a reason to help someone. Besides, Mr. Lin’s younger brother is a gifted painter. Helping a talented artist always gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

“Cruz is known for his discerning taste and strict principles,” Yichen said sharply. “Given the current state of Yiyang’s work, I doubt it would be enough to persuade Cruz to attend…”

“His recent pieces are indeed not what they once were, but Cruz is an acquaintance of mine. If I want him to show up, it’s hardly a challenge.”

Yichen seized on her first remark. “You seem to know Yiyang quite well?”

Anna remained composed. “Since I recommended him, naturally I had to be familiar with his… paintings. Besides, I have ways to ensure Yiyang’s exhibition goes smoothly.”

Yichen said nothing, only gestured for her to continue.

“In this world, so-called artists and their so-called rules are nothing more than clever tricks. There’s always a way to move people’s hearts and break the rules.”

With those words, she gazed at his handsome face. “Mr. Lin, if all goes well, shouldn’t you offer me something in return?”

Yichen replied with his usual poise, “Of course.”

“Mr. Lin, you are truly charming today,” Anna looked at him intently. “When this is over, I’ll be sure to get what I’ve always wanted from you.”

#

Lin Yichen drove, his dark eyes fixed on the road ahead.

His mind replayed Joanna’s expression as she spoke those final words.

He had seen it clearly in her eyes.

There was a deep, unfathomable feeling there.

Had they crossed paths before?

Whether they had or not, it didn’t matter to him.

Apart from Xiyang, no other woman could catch his interest.

He had even forgotten his childhood friend by now.

All the more so for someone who appeared midway into his life.

Besides, this woman was the one Yiyang liked, which made him even less inclined to engage with her.

If not for Yiyang’s exhibition, he would never have sought her out.

As he was lost in thought, a familiar figure suddenly caught his eye.

He braked at once, got out, and walked toward the figure.

He saw her carrying takeout, bouncing cheerfully toward the supermarket.

That was just like her—always so lively.

As she got closer to the supermarket, she accidentally bumped into some goods at the entrance, sending chocolates tumbling to the floor.

Little Qi stood there, looking all innocent and apologetic, muttering, “Sorry.”

Her face was full of regret, but her eyes sparkled with undeniable mischief.

This scene vividly reminded him of the past—when Xiyang, half-asleep, would drool and ruin his books.

And now, here she was, just as she had always been.

Five years had passed, and she hadn’t changed at all.

The supermarket clerk gathered up the fallen chocolates.

Little Qi stuck out her tongue, left the takeout at the cashier’s counter, and turned to leave.

“Xiyang.”

She froze at the sound of his voice.

She tapped her head—why was she reacting like this?

He’s not a tiger, after all.

She turned, smiling, as the tall, handsome man approached. “Ha, what a coincidence!”

Seriously, who would have thought she’d run into him while delivering food.

She suddenly wondered, if he hadn’t bumped into her that day on the street, would she have ever met Aunt Fang?

Would she even be here now?

“You’re always like this,” he said, lowering his gaze to her fair face. “You stir up a whole pond, then just leave without a care. So willful, selfish, and exasperating.”

“…”

What did that even mean?

He just started in on her the moment they met.

Little Qi pouted. “I still have deliveries to make—no time to chat. Goodbye!”

As if anticipating his move, Little Qi immediately shrank her neck and tilted her head. “Don’t ever grab my neck again in the future.”

“…”

He had indeed just been considering it.

As she left, she even deliberately stepped on his polished leather shoes.

“…”

His gaze followed her until she disappeared into the bustling crowd before he finally looked away.

Yiyang paced in his room, unable to calm his restless mind.

He had slipped out again with no money to his name.

What a headache.

After some thought, he took out his phone and dialed. His mother answered quickly, and he spoke bluntly, “Mom, I’m so broke I can’t even afford water. Can you send some money?”

His mother agreed readily, but before he could be happy, Xu Lu said, “If you give up on that art exhibition and come work at the company, I’ll transfer you money right away.”

Hearing this, Yiyang’s headache only worsened. “Mom, you promised you wouldn’t meddle in this.”

“It’s for your own good,” she sighed. “Yiyang, you can’t keep drifting like this. If you don’t start working at the company, it’ll truly become Yichen’s alone.”

“Mom, I have no interest in business,” he said, his tone heavy. “But I’m starting to lose interest in the exhibition too.”

#

Xu Lu was immediately delighted. “Then forget the exhibition. Come quickly—”

“Mom, don’t forget to send the money.”

The call ended.

“That boy…”

No sooner had Xu Lu hung up than another call came in. She answered.

It was her brother, Xu Hui. “Sis, Joanna may have returned to the country, but she doesn’t really listen to us.”

“She’s the sole heiress of the Qiao family. How could she?”

Xu Hui still didn’t understand. “Then why did she come back?”

Xu Lu’s eyes narrowed. “Find a chance to talk to her. Sound her out, see what she really wants.”

“Alright!”

When Yichen returned to the villa, he passed the studio and was surprised to find Yiyang inside, working intently at a painting.

He entered and immediately saw a portrait on the table.

“Did Xiyang come to see you today?”

At the sound of his voice, Yiyang glanced over and replied indifferently.

His younger brother had always been bright and lively—when had he become so withdrawn?

It seemed he really did like that Joanna.

Yichen said nothing more, taking the portrait of Little Qi with him as he left.

“Brother,” Yiyang put down his brush and walked over, pointing to the painting in Yichen’s hand. “What are you doing with my painting?”

The older man’s expression didn’t change. “This is mine.”

“…”

“Brother, can you tell who this is?”

Yichen looked at him as if he were an idiot.

“Brother,” Yiyang said admiringly, “I’m impressed. You can tell it’s Xiyang? If I hadn’t painted it myself, I wouldn’t have recognized her.”

The idiotic look turned into disdain. “So you do realize how clumsy your painting is?”

“…”

Yichen’s phone rang. He answered. “Mr. Lin, the guests Ms. Qiao was in charge of have been taken care of. We’re already getting calls from people wanting to discuss terms.”

“Very good.”

He hung up and looked at Yiyang, his thin lips moving as if to speak.

Yiyang, puzzled, asked, “Brother, why are you looking at me like that? Do you have something to say to me?”