Chapter 48: Art Exhibition
Translator: _Min_
Su Ting felt the shattering impact of Gu Dai’s words, destroying the last vestiges of his hopeful thoughts.
Their destination, the art exhibition, was close by, and they arrived after only a brief journey.
Upon halting the vehicle, Su Ting exited first, then rounded the car to assist Gu Dai.
His celebrity status ensured that a gaggle of reporters, like coordinated hunters, instantly aimed their cameras his way.
“Is that Su Ting? He’s back in the country and I’ve managed to capture him on camera. So the rumors of his return home are true?”
“Who’s the woman accompanying him? She’s stunning. A newcomer to showbiz?”
“I don’t think she’s from the entertainment world. If she were, she’d be all over the tabloids already. Maybe she’s an heiress from some wealthy family.”
“I’ve never seen the usually aloof Su Ting with a woman, let alone giving her such a warm smile. Could something be brewing?”
“It certainly looks that way!”
Such scenes were familiar territory for Su Ting, but he feared that Gu Dai might find them overwhelming. He sought to reassure her, murmuring, “The press won’t have access beyond this point. They won’t be able to take any more photos once we’re inside.”
Gu Dai nodded, mirroring his calm demeanor, and quietly replied, “Understood.”
A troubling thought struck her then. “Will the press photos affect you? Should we try to suppress them?”
“No need for that!” Su Ting responded swiftly, perhaps too eagerly. Upon meeting Gu Dai’s questioning gaze, he composed himself, and said, “Such pictures won’t cause me any problems. There’s no need to erase them.”
With Su Ting’s reassurances, Gu Dai agreed to let the matter rest.
The art exhibition they were attending was one of the nation’s most esteemed, housing numerous masterpieces.
Gu Dai had attended with the aim of purchasing the finest painting as a gift for her father.
The exhibit was attended by influential figures from ail walks of life. However, when Su Ting and Gu Dai made their entrance, the attendees collectively gasped.
Su Ting was clad in a black suit, his eyes masked behind golden-framed glasses, exuding an aura of cultured allure.
An international model, Su Ting had long accustomed people to his captivating presence. Yet the real surprise was the woman at his side who, despite his overpowering aura, did not seem the least bit intimidated, her own charisma on par with his.
The pair commanded the attention of the room, though they seemed oblivious to the onlookers, their focus instead on the exhibited paintings.
Leaning over slightly towards Gu Dai, Su Ting suggested, “Sister, if you find a painting that catches your eye, don’t hesitate to buy it. The bill’s on me.”
Gu Dai waved off his offer, her voice barely above a whisper, “This is a present for father. 1 can’t let you foot the bill. Besides, you’ve worked hard for your earnings. Save it for yourself. Don’t splurge needlessly.”
Su Ting countered, “Sister, if it weren’t for your promotional efforts, I wouldn’t have earned a dime. Furthermore, Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu have always been kind to me. Buying them a present is the least I can do. It’s not frivolous spending.”
Feeling cornered by Su Ting’s insistence, Gu Dai let out a resigned sigh and proposed a compromise, “Let’s split the cost then. We’ll present the painting to father as a gift from us both. Is that acceptable?”
To this, Su Ting raised no objections, and simply replied, “Okay.”
As they were engrossed in examining the art, a voice rang out in surprise, “Mr. Su, you’ve indeed returned home! My wife told me earlier but I didn’t believe her. I’m glad 1 made a dash over here upon receiving her message, otherwise I would have missed you.”
Gu Dai and Su Ting turned towards the source of the voice.
The speaker was a plainly dressed man, hidden behind black sunglasses. Having learned about Su Ting’s acting ambitions, Gu Dai had familiarized herself with many film directors and instantly recognized the man as Zhao Hong, a celebrated national director.
Su Ting and Zhao Hong shook hands as the latter warmly greeted him, “Director Zhao, it’s been a while.”
Grasping Su Ting’s hand tightly, Zhao Hong responded excitedly, “Mr. Su, it’s been far too long. I heard you’re planning to reorient your career domestically.. I’m working on a big-budget film currently, would you be interested in discussing the plot?”