Chapter 544: Chapter 55: The Celebrity Effect (Bonus Chapter for 10 Fans)
Boss Qiu Shiben of Huanqiu Art Company was always known for his efficiency.
As it happened, Boss Qiu was about to hold an annual art appreciation event when some issues arose with one of the artworks, so he used the Purple Bamboo Mat as a replacement.
Invitations, printed at noon, were distributed by the afternoon to many wealthy merchants and real estate company owners across the city.
Art appreciation events originated in Europe and America and gradually became popular in mainland China following the handover of Hong Kong and the opening of China’s domestic market.
These events are somewhat more casual than auctions, akin to cocktail or tea parties. They usually take place during the day, offer a small selection of desserts and beverages, and attendees are expected to dress formally.
Once Xuerou confirmed that the invitation mentioned the Purple Bamboo Mat woven by Xiao Xian, she pleaded with Mrs. Zeng to take them along to the event.
Mrs. Zeng informed Xiao Xian that Huan Yu Artwork was a well-reputed, longstanding art company in the industry.
Regarding Xiao Xian’s confusion about how her woven mat became an art piece, the experienced Mrs. Zeng chuckled and explained, "What is referred to as ’art’ is nothing more than a societal attitude, a positive perspective born from people’s changing pursuit of beauty. You may think your mat isn’t fit for high society, but in Boss Qiu’s eyes, it has reached the status of a collectible, which is why he is showcasing it. He’s an expert in art appreciation."
"Xiao Xian, I think that mat is definitely an art piece. How much do you think a fly is worth?" Xuerou wasn’t surprised at all, knowing that the art industry can have a mix of good and bad, with all kinds of collectibles out there.
"A fly?" Xiao Xian found it funny and a bit frustrating that Xuerou mentioned a fly, of all things.
"You’ve heard of Qi Baishi, known for his paintings of flowers, birds, insects, fish, landscapes, and people. A few years ago, the only painting he made with ’fly’ as the subject sold for 198,000 yuan at auction. Keep in mind that this fly painting was merely a few centimeters in size – it was truly worth its weight in gold," Xuerou somewhat remembered this news and used it as an example for Xiao Xian.
Mrs. Zeng was originally hesitant about taking her daughters to such events too early, as the appreciation events catered to both refined and populist tastes, good and bad.
But after listening to the conversation between Xuerou and Xiao Xian, Mrs. Zeng realized she could no longer use conventional methods to raise these two children. Art appreciation is an elevated form of aesthetic enjoyment and could serve as an extension of their school education.
On Friday afternoon at two o’clock, under the guidance of Mrs. Zeng, Xiao Xian changed into an outfit suitable for the appreciation event—a handmade knee-length qipao dress with exquisite jasmine Su Embroidery on the top and a lace hem at the bottom.
The qipao was a birthday gift from Mrs. Zeng to Xuerou who, disliking overly feminine attire, had only kept it in the wardrobe without ever wearing it. For this event, they let Xiao Xian wear it.
Mrs. Zeng also did a light makeup for Xiao Xian, who had a good skin base, so Mrs. Zeng didn’t do much to it. Her eyes were naturally beautiful too, large and deep like ink pools. However, her brows—just like her character—were unruly and needed attention.
Plucking her eyebrows made Xiao Xian yelp in pain several times. After more than half an hour, they finally shaped two delicate willow leaf-like eyebrows. With the use of an eyebrow brush, eyeliner, and mascara, and after employing all her makeup skills, Mrs. Zeng was finally satisfied.
Looking in the mirror, the young girl in the reflection had eyes that appeared larger due to her finely shaped brows, her already rosy and fair skin now seemed more translucent, and with peach-colored lips, Mrs. Zeng couldn’t help but praise, "Now you truly look like a girl."
Lastly, Mrs. Zeng styled Xiao Xian’s long hair into a side bun, giving her a slightly older appearance that didn’t seem outdated.
When Xuerou also came out of the dressing room, Mrs. Zeng stood by, frowning, and for a moment Xiao Xian didn’t understand why.
Xuerou had changed into a unisex light grey suit with a white shirt, and was wearing black elevated shoes which made her look much taller. On her neck, a cleverly placed bow tie gave her the appearance of a male guest.
Xuerou was about the same height as Xiao Xian but with a more slender build. Tired of the inconvenience of tying her hair, she had cut it into a neat boyish style at the beginning of the summer vacation, making a dress impractical. With this outfit, she had an air of a handsome and youthful gentleman.