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Shen Tong observed the scene before her, her chopsticks lightly tapping against the porcelain dish, producing a crisp sound.
Lin Mingchang cleared his throat, a barely perceptible frown crossing his brow. He leaned in and said softly to Cheng Siyun, "Miss Cheng, there's no need to trouble yourself; I'm already full." He then handed the bowl of milk soup and tendons to the neighboring Fang Zigui before turning to the host, Cheng Jinsheng.
"Mr. Cheng, I've heard that this exhibition will showcase the exquisite collection of the Xiang Embroidery Association over the past century. Are there any particular works you would recommend?"
Cheng Jinsheng set down his chopsticks, a look of delight on his face as he replied, "At this exhibition, we will not only display masterpieces from renowned artists throughout history but also highlight the inheritance and development of various schools of Xiang Embroidery. Most notably, I believe the collaborative work of three contemporary Xiang Embroidery Masters is worth mentioning."
"Oh? Which three masters?" Ruan Xiaoshuang asked curiously.
"It is none other than Masters Zhao Yunlan, Zhou Yafen, and Gu Mingzhu," Cheng Jinsheng announced to all the guests. "Master Zhao Yunlan's needlework is considered unparalleled in contemporary times; she can stitch dozens of needles within an inch without any disorder. Master Zhou Yafen has a unique approach to color; her 'layering technique' allows her embroidery to exhibit a depth akin to oil paintings. Meanwhile, Master Gu Mingzhu is a genius in composition; she perfectly blends traditional Chinese landscape themes with modern Western aesthetics."
Cheng Siyun smiled brightly as she continued Cheng Jinsheng's thoughts, "These three masters are individuals I deeply admire. My father often says that Teacher Zhao imbues every stitch with her dedication to the art of Xiang Embroidery."
At that moment, Cheng Jinsheng suddenly shook his head with a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, all three masters are currently out of town researching folk embroidery techniques and cannot attend the opening ceremony of this exhibition. However, their collaborative piece 'Xiangjiang Spring Dawn Painting' will be showcased as the museum's treasure on the first day—it's a masterpiece that combines the skills of all three masters."
"Researching elsewhere?" Shen Tong asked softly, marking her first words since the dinner began. "Where have they gone?"
Cheng Jinsheng paused for a moment before smiling and replying, "They've gone to the Xiangxi region, where Miao Embroidery features unique techniques that they have long wanted to study in depth."
Shen Tong did not respond to Cheng Jinsheng but turned abruptly to Cheng Siyun and asked, "Miss Cheng, did you ever study under Master Zhao Yunlan?"
Cheng Siyun visibly startled, nearly dropping her chopsticks. She quickly set them down and adjusted her expression before smiling slightly. "Yes, Miss Shen is quite perceptive. I was fortunate enough to study under Teacher Zhao for three years."
Shen Tong noticed a sudden shift in Cheng Siyun's demeanor after her question was posed; an air of extreme anxiety seemed to emanate from her. She nodded subtly and then lowered her head to sip her tea, choosing not to speak further.
As the clinking of glasses at the banquet began to wind down, the Cheng family cleared away the long table. Accompanied by soft music from silk and bamboo instruments, guests gathered in small groups within the hall of the Cheng Family Residence to converse.
Lin Mingchang leaned against an intricately carved railing, listening as Xiaoshuang and Zigui quietly discussed details for photographing the upcoming Hunan Embroidery Exhibition when he suddenly felt someone gently tugging at his sleeve.
Turning around, he found Cheng Siyun standing behind him. Her gaze was no longer as gentle and composed as before; there was a hint of worry in her brow as she urgently whispered, "Brother Lin, could we speak privately for a moment?"
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