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Lin Mingchang walked alone to the other side to admire a stunning piece of landscape embroidery, and Cheng Siyun soon followed him. She leaned slightly forward, almost touching Lin Mingchang, and gently introduced, "Brother Lin, this 'Xiangjiang Evening Snow Painting' is a representative work by Xi Xiu. The stitches are so fine that they are nearly invisible; the entire piece uses tens of thousands of stitches... Look at the mist over the river and the distant mountain shadows, all embroidered with silver and white threads. From afar, it appears like smoke and illusion, but up close, you can see the delicate textures."
Lin Mingchang felt somewhat uncomfortable with the affectionate title "Brother Lin" and thought Cheng Siyun was standing a bit too close for comfort. He instinctively glanced at Shen Tong, only to find her with her back turned, focused on a fan painting.
He sighed in relief and took a small step back. "Miss Cheng, you can just call me Brother Lin like Xiaoshuang does."
Cheng Siyun paused slightly, a flicker of hurt crossing her eyes. However, she quickly regained her sweet smile and continued to invite everyone to admire the Xiang Embroidery works, though she no longer clung to Lin Mingchang as she had before.
In truth, Shen Tong had long noticed Cheng Siyun's admiration for Lin Mingchang and had seen Lin Mingchang's occasional glances toward her. Yet she pretended not to notice. Despite Shen Tong's efforts to appear calm and composed, Xiaoshuang keenly sensed her unease.
Xiaoshuang walked over, affectionately linking arms with Shen Tong and quietly asked, "Sister Tong, are you alright? Do you feel unwell?"
Shen Tong shook her head gently. "I'm fine; just a bit tired..." She couldn't quite understand why she felt this sudden pang of discomfort.
Although she was aware of Lin Mingchang's feelings for her—he had confessed during their perilous encounter at the dock—perhaps sensing her rejection had led him to refrain from expressing anything further since then. Thus, she had always regarded Lin Mingchang merely as a friend... hadn’t she?
So why did she feel uneasy seeing Cheng Siyun getting close to Lin Mingchang?
As Shen Tong pondered these thoughts, a butler-like figure approached them. "Miss, the master requests that you bring a few esteemed guests to the main hall; the guests have already arrived."
Cheng Siyun nodded in acknowledgment and led everyone to the main hall.
The main hall was brightly lit, with an intricately carved rectangular rosewood dining table occupying the center of the room. The long table was already set with exquisite porcelain plates and bowls, and several guests were seated on either side.
Cheng Jinsheng stood at the head of the table, introducing the guests seated along both sides.
"This is Vice President Liang of the Changsha Embroidery Association, who has made significant contributions to the evaluation of embroidery works. This is Mr. Wu from the Hunan Embroidery Research Institute, whose family has been renowned in Xiang Embroidery for three generations..."
As Lin Mingchang was about to take his seat, a delicate arm gently wrapped around his.
"Brother Lin, please sit here." Cheng Siyun slightly tilted her head, her bright eyes gazing at Lin Mingchang.
Feeling a bit awkward, Lin Mingchang nodded and subtly withdrew his arm. "Thank you, Miss Cheng."
He took his seat and naturally glanced across the table, where Shen Tong sat quietly, her eyes lowered, focused on the empty dish in front of her.
Cheng Siyun settled beside Lin Mingchang, engaging each guest around them in thoughtful conversation. Whenever a new dish was served, she made sure to help Lin Mingchang with his portion.
At that moment, a maid brought forth a bowl of creamy soup with pig tendons, the translucent tendons soaking in the milky broth, exuding a rich aroma.
Cheng Siyun immediately stood gracefully, serving a bowl to Lin Mingchang and inadvertently brushing her fingertips against the back of his hand.
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