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Four people followed Cheng Jinsheng upstairs, where his office was located at the end of the corridor. His office was divided into two parts by a Xiang Embroidery screen; one side served as a studio, while the other was a tea room. Outside the window, the rooftops of Changsha City and the distant Xiangjiang River could be seen.
"Please take a seat," Cheng Jinsheng gestured for them to sit down. "Try our Hunan Jietan Tea; it has a refreshing aroma and a unique flavor." After pouring tea for each of them, he set down the teapot.
He adjusted his sleeves slightly and began to introduce the details of the upcoming Xiang Xiu Exhibition: "I place great importance on this Xiang Xiu Exhibition, especially as it coincides with the centenary of the Xiang Embroidery Association. We have been preparing for over six months, collecting and borrowing exquisite pieces of Xiang Embroidery from various periods, ranging from the Ming Dynasty to the present. This includes various stitching techniques such as Ping Xiu, Li Xiu, and Dui Xiu, as well as representative works from major schools."
Cheng Jinsheng paused for a moment, took a sip of tea, and continued, "In particular, masterpieces from the three major schools—Fen Xiu, Xi Xiu, and Tuan Xiu—will be showcased to highlight the glorious achievements of Xiang Embroidery."
Xiaoshuang listened attentively while glancing at several pieces of Xiang Embroidery hanging on the wall. "Hearing you say that makes me even more excited about this exhibition. I had no idea there were so many different schools within Xiang Embroidery."
Seeing her enthusiasm, Cheng Jinsheng smiled even more broadly. "Indeed, Xiang Embroidery has a long history that can be traced back to the Spring and Warring States periods. Its uniqueness lies in its integration of the embroidery arts from Central China and Bashu while developing its own characteristics. Among them, Fen Xiu is known for its vibrant colors and gradient effects with rich layers; Xi Xiu is renowned for its meticulous needlework, achieving hundreds of stitches within an inch and earning the title 'One Stitch, One World'; Tuan Xiu excels in three-dimensional compositions that give embroidered pieces a relief-like effect. Now that Miss Xiaoshuang is willing to assist with filming, our Xiang Xiu Exhibition gains another highlight."
After finishing his remarks, he turned to the other three. "I would like to humbly invite you all to dinner at my humble abode tonight. I have also invited several renowned figures from the Xiang Embroidery community, including inheritors of Fen Xiu and Xi Xiu. It would be a great opportunity for Miss Xiaoshuang to meet them, which could also aid her filming work."
The four exchanged glances; seeing Lin Mingchang nod slightly made Xiaoshuang happily accept Cheng Jinsheng's invitation. "Mr. Cheng's hospitality is truly an honor; we will certainly arrive on time."
After three rounds of tea were served, Cheng Jinsheng stood up. "Since this is our first meeting and I am busy with matters at hand, I hope you will forgive me for not being able to entertain you fully." He personally escorted them downstairs and reminded them, "I will arrange for a driver to pick you up from the inn tonight; please do come."
In the evening, a black sedan arrived punctually in front of the inn to take them to Cheng Jinsheng's residence. The car navigated through the streets of downtown Changsha, turning down several corners before entering a quiet cobblestone road in the west of the city. Ancient trees lined both sides of the road, with glimpses of courtyards hidden among them.
The car finally stopped in front of an impressive residence. The Cheng Family Residence faced south with high walls enclosing a spacious courtyard that featured a three-section layout. A plaque reading "Jinxiu Family" hung above the entrance in bold strokes.
Lin Mingchang surveyed this extraordinary residence and whispered to Shen Tong beside him, "Mr. Cheng's family background is quite remarkable."
Before Shen Tong could respond, Cheng Jinsheng came briskly from within the courtyard to greet them with a smile. "Welcome! It is truly an honor for you all to visit my humble home!"
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