"And you think you can compete with me, Xie Ping, for a woman?" "Haha, you're so clueless!" Xie Ping looked at Hao Jian with a smug expression, his head held high, like a proud rooster, looking down from above. Seeing this, Yuan Shanshan's pretty face turned angry, and she was about to act out, but she was pulled back by Hao Jian beside her, and she gave him a fierce look, wanting to show these people Hao Jian's prowess. "You know I'm quite low-key; why bother competing with that clown?" Squeezing Yuan Shanshan's little hand, Hao Jian blinked his eyes and shook his head. Understanding Hao Jian's point, Yuan Shanshan was still somewhat annoyed. Today was her birthday party, and her boyfriend was being belittled in such a way; how could she swallow this down? And all this was because of this instigating man. Yuan Shanshan's gaze was indifferent as she glanced at Xie Ping, while considering how to help Hao Jian regain his dignity. Xie Ping continued to look smugly around the room, seeing many people mocking Hao Jian, he smiled faintly, feeling rather self-satisfied for a moment. Unfortunately, he didn't realize that the woman he was pursuing was gradually distancing herself from him, cutting ties because of his behavior. The crowd's laughter eventually subsided amid Hao Jian's silence and Xie Ping's pride. Suddenly, someone curiously looked at Xie Ping and asked, "Mr. Xie Ping, we've all prepared gifts for Shanshan. What is your gift?" Upon hearing this, everyone immediately turned their gaze to Xie Ping. Who among those present didn't know Xie Ping was pursuing Yuan Shanshan? If it weren't for the sudden appearance of Cheng Yaojin midway, perhaps Xie Ping would have succeeded by now? As the most promising young person present, everyone was naturally curious to see what kind of gift he would present. Several women cast various meaningful glances at Xie Ping. "Haha, even without saying, I, Xie Ping, intended to present my gift to Shanshan!" Thinking about raising his status, he didn't expect such timely encouragement; hence, he smiled slightly and slowly took out a roll of painting from his bag. Seeing the roll of painting, several top-tier artists glanced at it momentarily, recognizing a familiar mark on the package. "Shanshan, this is my gift to you!" Taking out this painting made Xie Ping's heart ache a bit; after all, he had gone to great lengths to acquire it, intending to give it as a birthday gift to Yuan Shanshan. Yet, having prepared it, he felt a pang of regret and doubted whether this painting could achieve the desired effect. Especially since there's another man beside this woman... Thinking about it, he glanced subtly at Hao Jian and finally pretended to be magnanimous, laughing and slowly unwrapping the packaging in front of everyone's eager eyes, revealing its contents. Carefully unveiling the painting, the breathtaking contents immediately appeared, depicting undulating mountains and rivers, black and white, appearing grand and imposing. This is a landscape painting, a landscape painting using Huaxia's traditional techniques. Upon seeing the contents of the landscape painting, many people's eyes lit up. Given their artistic level, they naturally appreciated the techniques and value imbued in this painting. "Mountains and Rivers Painting..." Xie Ping was about to explain the painting when a sudden voice interrupted him, leaving him a bit annoyed; how could this person steal his spotlight?! About to get angry, he turned to see who spoke, and his face immediately broke into a smile; upon closer inspection, the smile carried a hint of flattery. This was because the speaker was none other than one of the top-tier artists, an elderly figure Xie Ping knew, named Feng Nanhong, renowned across the country. Recently, there were rumors of his retirement, causing his fame within the country to gradually decline. However, none of those present would ignore the elder's words. He was someone who had the potential to pioneer a new art school! Seeing this person speak, many respectfully acknowledged him, even Yuan Shanshan didn't waive her courtesy, although Hao Jian was unaware of who these people were and did nothing. Feng Nanhong nodded lightly, participating in this event mostly because he had taught Yuan Shanshan's class some painting and calligraphy lessons in the past, and his upright character also earned Yuan Shanshan's goodwill. "Didn't expect you, Xie Ping, to obtain this painting." Feng Nanhong's old face showed a smile, pointing at Xie Ping's painting, stroking his goatee, "I saw this painting at an auction in Macau before, just didn't expect it was acquired by you." "At the time, the auction price was 150,000, but in my view, this painting could fetch at least 250,000 on the international market…" "Xie Ping, young man, your gift is quite heavy indeed. With such a precious item, if you can comprehend it, you might discover the path to becoming a top master in painting and calligraphy." Although they had known the painting was extraordinary for a while, learning about its price from Feng Nanhong left the assembled artists, mostly second-rate, somewhat astounded. Even more shocking to them was Feng Nanhong claiming that the secret to becoming a top master in painting and calligraphy was hidden in this piece! There were quite a few people studying painting and calligraphy present, their eyes suddenly ablaze with interest in Xie Ping's painting. If it weren't for the sake of appearance, they might have already rushed to bid. Listening to Feng Nanhong's words, Xie Ping felt a tightness in his heart. When he saw the painting at the auction, he simply thought it looked pretty good. Coupled with Yuan Shanshan's birthday party invitation, he decided to gift it to her. But he hadn't expected the painting contained a path to becoming a top master, feeling quite regretful about not seeking Feng Nanhong's guidance earlier. Alas, it was too late now. He awkwardly tried to project a nonchalant demeanor, gentlemanly rolling up the painting, then presenting it to Yuan Shanshan with both hands, letting out a chuckle. "Though Elder Feng's insight was unexpected, this painting was originally intended as a gift for Shanshan. I just hope Shanshan will accept it without disdain." Upon hearing this, the crowd nodded in acknowledgement, looking at Hao Jian with increasingly complex expressions, questioning why Yuan Shanshan chose such a worthless man. For someone capable of relinquishing something concerning their own future to give it away is rare. If it were them, they probably wouldn't make the same choice as Xie Ping. What they didn't realize was that Xie Ping's heart was bleeding already. If this invaluable painting couldn't bring him the expected return, it would be a tremendous loss. "Truly a big-hearted man. If only I were the one he loved…" "With your barrel-like waist? Better let me try, with my curvaceous figure, Xie Ping would surely prefer me." "Fatty, what did you say!?" Some women were rather envious of Yuan Shanshan, envying how she could attract such a man's pursuit. However, if Yuan Shanshan knew their thoughts, she might scoff. They had no idea of Hao Jian's excellence. To her, this supposedly precious Xie Ping meant nothing more than a grain of sand. Yet, Xie Ping's gift surprised her. A painting worth over two hundred thousand, which in her eyes was nothing, but for Xie Ping, likely a significant item. Their standings differed, thus their perspectives were different. Originally, Yuan Shanshan thought Xie Ping would just brush things off casually... And as for Feng Nanhong's words, she didn't doubt them. After all, Feng Nanhong was also a top artist, not one at the bottom rung. Moreover, he was a top appraisal expert, frequently invited by various TV stations in Huaxia to lend his expertise. So whatever he said, Yuan Shanshan trusted as well. Besides, with her own skills, she could see the uniqueness in the painting, though Hao Jian at her side left her a bit unsure whether to accept it or not. Hao Jian glanced sideways, catching Yuan Shanshan's expression, and internally couldn't help but chuckle. Seeing this, Yuan Shanshan felt even more agitated, looking at the painting before her, a flash of impatience and displeasure crossed her mind. This man's constant pursuit in front of Hao Jian made her worry about how she appeared to him. Just the thought of it left Yuan Shanshan feeling powerless. "Haha, I'll extend my thanks to Mr. Xie Ping on behalf of Shanshan. This painting should bring in quite a sum if sold." As Yuan Shanshan was about to refuse, Hao Jian's boisterous laughter brought her relief, and she noticed Hao Jian's hand reaching for the painting. Xie Ping had hoped Yuan Shanshan would accept the painting and maybe even brush her hand, but unexpectedly it was this guy, leaving Xie Ping's face grim as he subconsciously wanted to pull back, preventing Hao Jian from taking it. "What does Mr. Xie Ping mean by this? Planning to take back the gift?" Noticing Xie Ping's hands withdrawing a bit, Hao Jian raised an eyebrow, sneering internally as he innocently asked. "Hmph! I'm not such a person!" Hao Jian's words cut off all retreat routes for Xie Ping, furiously tossing the painting into Hao Jian's hands. Compared to the painting, what mattered more was his future. Having lost an opportunity to advance as a top painting master today, he couldn't afford to lose the influence present in the room. Though their power wasn't vast, they were, after all, accomplished artists. Together, they formed a considerable force that Xie Ping wished to align with, even if they were closely tied to Yuan Shanshan.