Chapter 36: Is there anything you need my help with?

"The artistic conception of this painting is excellent, but Li Zhuo himself is a controversial figure," Tang Xi said. "Official historical records gloss over this with only a few brief lines, but unofficial chronicles provide detailed accounts. Li Zhuo once presented this painting to Imperial Noble Consort Yi, and shortly thereafter, she died suddenly."

She pointed to the nine men in the painting. "The original intent of the nine sons was to symbolize a flourishing lineage, a blessing of many descendants. But look closely—each of their feet has strange brushstrokes. When combined, these strokes form the given name of Imperial Noble Consort Yi. There was a folk legend at the time that to curse someone, one would write their name on the soles of feet and activate a spell, causing the target to perish within seven days."

Zhou Jingchuan was surprised; he had not expected such a story to lie behind an ancient painting.

"Of course, unofficial histories are a mixture of truth and falsehood and cannot be taken as scholarly evidence. This painting is best kept for one's own collection; if you intend to give it as a birthday gift, you should weigh it carefully," Tang Xi said, carefully observing his expression, fearful that she might have displeased him.

Zhou Jingchuan smiled with relief. "I am grateful for Miss Tang's guidance; otherwise, I would have made a fool of myself."

He brought out several more scrolls. "Miss Tang, would you mind advising me on which of these would be best as a gift?"

Tang Xi had not expected that Zhou Jingchuan's study was like a miniature treasure vault; any calligraphy or painting pulled at random was worth a fortune.

That a place of such magnitude was managed by only a single elderly butler suggested that this was merely the tip of the iceberg.

Tang Xi selected a piece by a modern artist, which would both reflect Zhou Jingchuan's status and convey an auspicious meaning—the best of both worlds.

Just then, the butler walked in and asked respectfully, "Sir, I have prepared a few light dishes. Would you like to dine here?"

"Very well," Zhou Jingchuan said, telling the butler to have the painting wrapped. "I will head back after I finish eating."

This was the first time Tang Xi had shared a meal with Zhou Jingchuan. She had assumed that this business tycoon from Hong Kong would be fastidious, but she found him surprisingly casual in private.

He ate the simple meal with genuine enjoyment, even going back for a second serving of rice. Influenced by him, Tang Xi also finished a full bowl. She had been in low spirits lately, and this was the most she had eaten all evening.

After the meal, as Tang Xi was contemplating how to ask Zhou Jingchuan for help, his phone rang. He spoke a few sentences in Cantonese and rose to take the call outside.

He made no effort to hide the conversation from her, but she could not understand a single word. His tone was pleasant, possessing a noble, ornate, and languid quality. His expression was soft, and he smiled occasionally; the person on the other end of the line was clearly important to him.

Tang Xi guessed it must be his wife or girlfriend.

Whoever it was, the courage that had just kindled in Tang Xi’s heart showed signs of fading. She was not good at asking for favors, especially from a man of such stature as Zhou Jingchuan. She already owed him far too much.

She had only helped him appraise two vases.

Just as Tang Xi was about to give up, the man’s voice suddenly sounded above her, as moist as moonlight and as melodious as someone playing a stringed instrument under the night sky: "What were you wanting to say earlier? Is there something you need my help with?"

So, her desire to ask for help had been written all over her face, and he had seen it clearly.

Tang Xi flushed. He was standing right behind her, very close; the faint scent of sandalwood on him became incredibly distinct.

"Indeed, there is something I would like to ask Mr. Zhou for help with," Tang Xi gritted her teeth and summoned her courage. Compared to a little pride, she was far more desperate to bring her suffocating marriage to a swift end.