When Ye Ning saw Master Hidden Dragon's artwork, he was dumbfounded.
Seeing Ye Ning freeze, Lin Xue said smugly, "Well? Master Hidden Dragon is known today as the country's foremost master of painting and calligraphy. This Crane Painting is his most famous work, which fetched a whopping one hundred million at auction. It's simply the finest masterpiece in the art world today."
Ye Ning wore a peculiar expression. He couldn't help saying, "What finest masterpiece? It's nothing more than a little kid's doodle. Do you people have any appreciation skills at all?"
His voice wasn't loud, but quite a few people heard him and immediately glared at Ye Ning with fury.
Those who came here all considered themselves hardcore fans of Master Hidden Dragon, which made them look all the more art-savvy.
Naturally, they had to desperately defend Master Hidden Dragon. As for what was actually good about the painting, very few of them could articulate it.
"You say Master Hidden Dragon's painting is a little kid's doodle? What gives you the right to say that?"
A cold voice rang out. A tall, beautiful woman wearing professional attire had a face full of anger, exquisite and pretty.
The newcomer was none other than Han Ziyan.
Right then, however, Ye Ning was staring right at Han Ziyan's chest muscles—they were seriously super fierce.
Ye Ning could bet that her future child would definitely never go hungry.
Han Ziyan also felt Ye Ning's gaze, and disgust welled up in her heart.
She had originally thought this brash fellow might say something earth-shattering, but she hadn't expected him to be even more disgusting than other men.
"Watch your image. You're about to drool," Lin Xue reminded him.
Then, seeing everyone looking her way, she quickly distanced herself from Ye Ning and said, "Everyone, please don't misunderstand. I don't know him."
Quite a few people had already recognized Lin Xue's identity and immediately wore surprised expressions.
"Wife, why are you saying you don't know me?" Ye Ning asked in puzzlement.
The crowd erupted in a commotion. This man was actually Lin Xue's husband?
When did the Lin Family's little princess get married? Not a single person present had known about it.
Lin Xue's face flushed instantly. She didn't know how to respond.
Fortunately, at that moment, Ye Ning's attention was back on Han Ziyan.
"Are you Han Ziyan?"
Instead of answering his question, Han Ziyan demanded, "You said Master Hidden Dragon's painting is a child's doodle? I hope you'll apologize to Master Hidden Dragon."
"I didn't say anything wrong, though," Ye Ning replied with an innocent look.
He knew this painting; the artist was none other than himself.
Moreover, when he painted it, Ye Ning was only eight years old.
His purpose in painting the cranes was also very simple: there was a flock of cranes on Solitary Wild Goose Mountain that he had been craving for ages, but he could never catch them.
Later, Ye Ning came up with a method—to paint a lifelike crane painting that would lure the cranes over, and then hide to catch them.
Thus, he painted this piece.
Ever since then, that flock of cranes suffered a terrible fate.
By the time he turned nine, that flock of cranes had been eaten down to the last one, and this Crane Painting was tossed aside.
If he hadn't seen it again today, Ye Ning would have completely forgotten the painting even existed.
"Idolizing idiot, this painting was created by today's number one master of painting and calligraphy, Master Hidden Dragon, and bought by President Han for a hundred million! How dare you utter such brazen insults against Master Hidden Dragon's work?" a youth sneered.
"Slap."
The moment his voice fell, Ye Ning struck him across the face.
The youth staggered back, clutching his cheek. He spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with saliva, along with two teeth.
Pointing at Ye Ning, the youth roared furiously, "You motherfucker, how dare you hit people?"
"Slap."
This time it was the youth's other cheek. His face swelled instantly into a pig's head.
Everyone was startled. Lin Xue's man was far too overbearing.
"Speak to me politely. I don't like other people cursing at me," Ye Ning said coldly.
Only then did the crowd realize why the youth was hit—it was actually because he cursed at Ye Ning.
Knowing he was in the wrong, the youth, despite his lingering resentment, dared not argue any further.
"Enough! Even if you are the Lin Family's son-in-law, if you cause trouble here, please leave," Han Ziyan said coldly, disgust for Ye Ning reaching its peak in her heart.
In her eyes, Ye Ning had already become a wretched man with a tendency toward violence.
"Furthermore, do you have any evidence that Master Hidden Dragon's painting is no good? If you can't back it up, please leave as well. This place does not welcome those who insult Master Hidden Dragon," Han Ziyan continued.
"Brush and paper, if you please," Ye Ning said indifferently.
"What are you going to do?" Lin Xue asked in a low voice.
"Didn't you say you don't know me?" Ye Ning glanced at her.
Lin Xue gave a dry laugh. This guy sure held a grudge.
"Give it to him," Han Ziyan said indifferently, wanting to see what Ye Ning was up to.
Could it be that he wanted to paint something to prove his words were true?
Everyone guessed this possibility, but found it somewhat laughable.
Master Hidden Dragon was currently recognized as the foremost master of painting and calligraphy, comparable to the great masters of ancient times.
For a young punk in his early twenties to actually want to outdo Master Hidden Dragon with a painting was simply the height of absurdity.
All the painting tools were brought over. Ye Ning unfolded the paper and pondered for a moment, recalling the taste of cranes—no, he should be recalling the sight of that flock of cranes dancing.
In just the blink of an eye, Ye Ning picked up the brush.
Everyone watched with wide eyes. Under his brush:
Rolling mountains, cranes dancing in various postures—some half-hidden in the clouds, others playing and chasing in the sky.
In a trance, a scene appeared before everyone's eyes.
Among endless rolling mountains, rosy clouds drifted and mist swirled as cranes danced under a sunset like blood. The long cries of cranes seemed to echo in their ears, making them feel as if they were immersed in nature.
Everyone was intoxicated, savoring this rare experience.
Beneath Ye Ning's brush, their inner hearts seemed to quiet down entirely.
"Master Hidden Dragon."
Han Ziyan felt an incomparable shock within her heart.
As a hardcore fan of Master Hidden Dragon, she guessed his identity right from the way he painted.
The techniques of the two paintings were completely identical, except that Ye Ning's current painting was more mature, giving a sense of effortless, natural perfection.
Master Hidden Dragon had always been mysterious, and no one had ever seen him. Some guessed he might be an old man, while others said he was middle-aged.
Yet no one would have ever imagined he was merely a youth in his early twenties.
That painting had appeared eleven years ago. Calculating based on the other party's age, wasn't that crane painting indeed just a little kid's doodle?
"I'll give this painting to you. It's much better than that so-called Crane Painting," Ye Ning said with a smile.
Over eleven years, his painting skills had grown increasingly refined. If his Third Master were here, she would definitely praise him.
Ye Ning's words snapped Han Ziyan out of her daze.
She immediately said, "Thank you, Master. Someone, put the painting away. Sir, could we step aside and talk?"
"Wait a minute, little brother. Why don't you sell this painting to me? I'll offer one hundred million," an old man suddenly stepped forward and shouted loudly.
"Elder Tan, you're going too far. With your discernment, I'm sure you can tell. Trying to fool a kid with one hundred million?" Han Ziyan said with dissatisfaction.
Tan Qingshan, chairman of the Yangcheng Artists Association and a contemporary master.
Since she could see it, he naturally could too.
"My dear niece, your family already has one Crane Painting. Why don't you let me have this one? I'll bid two hundred million," Tan Qingshan said through gritted teeth.
"Old man, who do you think you are? This painting is a gift for my fiancée. What are you sticking your nose in for?" Ye Ning said with displeasure.
"Isn't it for me?" Han Ziyan was also stunned. She glanced at Lin Xue. Could she have been overly self-consequential?
"Of course it's for you. Lin Xue is my wife, and you are my fiancée," Ye Ning said with a deadpan expression.
Everyone present was utterly speechless. They had seen shameless people before, but someone as shameless as Ye Ning was a first.
Han Ziyan didn't know whether to laugh or cry and was just about to retort.
At that moment, Ye Ning pulled out a piece of paper and handed it over.
Han Ziyan took it, unfolded it, and shuddered all over.
It was a marriage agreement, bearing her name, and the signature belonged to none other than her father.
She could never mistake her father's handwriting.
Yet, what on earth was going on?
How come she never knew she had a fiancé?
"Are you really my fiancé?" Han Ziyan's voice trembled slightly.
She had already confirmed that the person before her was Master Hidden Dragon.
Given Master Hidden Dragon's level, she believed he wouldn't lie to her.
Even so, why had she never known anything about this?
Lin Xue felt somewhat suspicious. Han Ziyan's reaction was different from what she had imagined.
Shouldn't she give Ye Ning a slap and turn around to leave?
Just because Ye Ning painted a picture, her heart was already won?
"Anyway, Third Master gave it to me, so it's definitely real," Ye Ning said very earnestly. For the sake of his future child's clothing and board, he naturally wouldn't hesitate at all.
"I need some time alone to process this." Han Ziyan's mind was in turmoil.
She had only hosted an appreciation exhibition, so how did a fiancé pop out, and one who very likely was Master Hidden Dragon at that?
"Alright, I'll give you a day to consider. I hope you won't fail to appreciate what's good for you." Ye Ning nodded.
The people around them were dumbfounded. *Fail to appreciate what's good for you?* Was this guy serious?
Tan Qingshan, however, took it for granted and chimed in, "President Han, this is your honor. Don't miss out on this opportunity."
With her mind in chaos, Han Ziyan left, taking the crane painting Ye Ning had drawn with her.
She still needed to confirm this matter with her father.
Tan Qingshan sidled up to Ye Ning with a ingratiating smile, "Sir, could you paint one for me as well?"
"Does your family have a pretty granddaughter?" Ye Ning asked.
Tan Qingshan froze for a moment, then gave a bitter smile, "No, I do have a grandson, though. Should I send him to Thailand for a trip?"
"Goodbye."
Ye Ning turned and walked away.
Han Ziyan was gone, so he naturally had no reason to stay here either.
"What a pity." Tan Qingshan wore a look of disappointment.
Someone uncomprehending came forward and asked, "Elder Tan, who on earth was that person? You were willing to spend one hundred million to buy his painting? Could his work possibly compare to Master Hidden Dragon's?"
"That's right, his painting is good, but after all, it's not as good as Master Hidden Dragon's."
Tan Qingshan cast a cold glance at them and sneered dismissively.
"A bunch of vulgar ignoramuses, what the hell do you know?"
He didn't reveal Ye Ning's identity. What if those other old fogies found out and went to snatch Master Hidden Dragon's works from him? His financial resources weren't as deep as theirs.
Scolded, the crowd stood in a daze, looking at each other in dismay. They hadn't expected the usually refined Tan Qingshan to hurl insults.
Tan Qingshan sneered inwardly and turned to leave.
If he wanted to get Master Hidden Dragon's paintings, starting through the Lin Family might just work.
After he left, the crowd dispersed as well.
These people only knew that Master Hidden Dragon's paintings were valuable; as for what made them good or why they were so appealing, they had no clue at all.
Han Ziyan quickly located her father, Han Zhen, and asked straight to the point, "Do I have an arranged marriage?"
Han Zhen was in the midst of making tea. Hearing this, he paused his movements and asked in mild surprise, "How did you know?"
"Someone just came by claiming to be my fiancé, and even brought a marriage agreement."
She handed the marriage agreement over to Han Zhen.
Han Zhen unfolded it, and his expression immediately turned into one of pleasant surprise.
"My benefactor's disciple has arrived! Where is he? Quickly bring him back, and make sure no one else snatches him first."
Frowning, Han Ziyan stared at her father. What did he mean by "no one else snatches him first"?
Could that guy have other fiancées besides Lin Xue?
Seeing his daughter standing still, Han Zhen saw right through her thoughts and said bluntly, "My benefactor's disciple has three masters, and each of them gave him a marriage agreement. If you don't make your move, someone else is going to beat you to it."
"That guy is just a playboy," Han Ziyan said with displeasure.
Han Zhen let out a sigh of relief and said, "Then I'm relieved. No need to worry about him being snatched away by someone else."
Han Ziyan complained discontentedly, "Do you want your own daughter to share a man with other women?"
"That's not what I meant." Han Zhen shook his head, then said quite seriously, "I'm just worried you aren't good enough for him."
Han Ziyan instantly felt choked with frustration.
Was she really his biological daughter?
Where on earth was there a father who looked down on his own daughter like this?
She let out a cold snort. She had originally intended to tell her father the news that the guy was Master Hidden Dragon, but now she didn't even want to tell him.
Rolling her eyes at her father, Han Ziyan said, "I can't be bothered with you. I'm going to work."
Watching Han Ziyan's retreating figure, Han Zhen's smile faded.
His expression turned solemn as he muttered to himself, "My benefactor is a celestial being; how could his disciple be an ordinary person? This is your opportunity, and it's also the Lin Family's opportunity."
Afterward, Han Zhen took out his phone and dialed a number.
"My benefactor's disciple has descended the mountain. You may begin."
"Understood."
……
Outside the art exhibition, Lin Xue gave Ye Ning a lingering look and said, "You're so good at painting, why didn't you tell me?"
Ye Ning asked in surprise, "Is it that good? I thought it was pretty average."
Average?
Average enough for someone to offer one hundred million to buy it?
Mind you, Tan Qingshan from the Artists Association had offered one hundred million on the spot to buy Ye Ning's work.
"That Master Hidden Dragon's painting only fetched three hundred million at auction, but you don't have any fame; one hundred million is already a sky-high price," Lin Xue said.
She didn't understand painting, but she could tell that Ye Ning's painting wasn't any worse than Master Hidden Dragon's—it was even faintly superior.
Ye Ning glanced at her and said, "I am Master Hidden Dragon."
"What?" Lin Xue was dumbfounded.
"I painted that piece when I was eight years old. There was a flock of cranes where I lived with my three masters. I painted it just to lure them down so I could catch and eat them."
"And then?" Three dark lines appeared on Lin Xue's forehead.
"I succeeded, of course! Those cranes were too stupid, so I ate them all. I chopped up Third Master's zither for firewood, and the roasted crane tasted amazing."
At this point, Ye Ning wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth.
Burning zithers to boil cranes?
No, it should be burning zithers to roast cranes.
She looked at Ye Ning speechlessly. By this point, the shock of learning Ye Ning was Master Hidden Dragon had been completely overwritten by his "atrocities."
"How could you do that? Cranes are so cute, how could you eat cranes?"
Before Ye Ning could speak, Lin Xue licked her small lips and said, "Remember to bring me along next time."
Ye Ning: "……"
Then, Lin Xue looked at Ye Ning and asked, "Are you really Master Hidden Dragon? How come it seems like even you didn't know you were Master Hidden Dragon?"
With a dark face, Ye Ning replied, "Well, you'd have to ask my Second Master. I always wondered when I was little where the scrap paper I used as padding under my mattress went. She must have stolen it, taken it down the mountain to sell, and even slapped on the gimmick of Master Hidden Dragon just to get suckers to pay more."
A flash of understanding crossed Lin Xue's mind, and her admiration for Ye Ning's Second Master reached the marrow of her bones.
Her exploitation of her own apprentice had truly reached the bone.
Medical ethics dictate a benevolent heart.
The two got in the car and headed toward the Lin Family estate. As they drove, Ye Ning suddenly called out, "Stop."
Subconsciously stepping on the brakes, Lin Xue looked at Ye Ning in confusion, unsure of what had happened.
Ye Ning got out of the car, crossed the road, and went to the other side.
A crowd had gathered here, with an old woman lying on the ground.
The surrounding people pointed and whispered, but not a single person stepped forward.
Ye Ning frowned; he could tell the old woman's condition was extremely dangerous.
If she didn't receive timely treatment, her life would be in danger at any moment.
"Step aside, I'm a doctor," Ye Ning shouted, a formless wave of energy surging from his body to push the crowd in front of him aside.
Lin Xue had also parked the car and hurried over. Seeing Ye Ning's actions, she was somewhat surprised—was he going to save someone?
Squatting beside the old woman, Ye Ning checked her pulse, and his expression grew increasingly grave.
"Little brother, we've already called the ambulance. Don't bring trouble upon yourself; just let the ambulance handle it," a middle-aged man advised.
"That's right. If you cure her, fine, but if you don't, be careful she doesn't extort you."
"Little brother, don't ruin your whole life just for a moment of kindness. There are bloody lessons from the past everywhere..."
...
Everyone advised him, admiring Ye Ning's courage.
Yet over the years, everyone had had all their courage worn away by malicious elderly people, leaving them too afraid to touch anyone.
With a faint smile, Ye Ning said, "Thank you, everyone. Medical ethics dictate a benevolent heart; my Second Master taught me that. If she tries to extort me, that's her business, but encountering a situation like this, I must act."
"Well done, little brother! Don't be afraid, we'll testify for you," said the middle-aged man.
Everyone agreed wholeheartedly, expressing that if anything happened, they would all testify for Ye Ning.
By then, however, Ye Ning had already gone to work.
Three silver needles appeared in his hand, which he inserted into the top of the old woman's head.
Watching this scene in astonishment, the crowd held their breath.
Only now did they realize that the young man before them was actually a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Could Traditional Chinese Medicine cure illnesses? A question mark popped into many people's heads.
In about three minutes, the sound of an ambulance siren rang out, and Ye Ning withdrew the silver needles.
The old woman had suffered a sudden cerebral infarction, which was extremely dangerous. Once bleeding occurred, it would be hard to save her.
Using the silver needles, Ye Ning cleared the elderly woman's blood vessels. At the same time, using the needles as a medium, he channeled a wisp of *Qi* into her body to clear away the blood clots.
The current state of the old woman's body was even healthier than before she had fallen ill.
As the ambulance arrived, a male doctor in his fifties stepped out with a group of people.
They examined the old woman's body and wore looks of astonishment.