Yan Xi knew that Lin Qian's words were deliberately spoken to Yan Xi, to prevent Yan Xi from telling Fu Yan Ting about her invitation to meet.
Ridiculous. Even without Lin Qian's warning, Yan Xi found it extremely difficult to see Fu Yan Ting now. Even if Yan Xi wanted to tell Fu Yan Ting, he was not present. Yan Xi and Fu Yan Ting had been distant for several days, with Fu Yan Ting coming home late and leaving early.
Even if Yan Xi wanted to tell Fu Yan Ting, she would need an opportunity.
After hanging up the phone, Yan Xi began to get ready.
Seeing this, Yan Zi Tong asked, "Mommy, are you going out?"
"Yes, there's something I need to go out for. Zi Tong, be good at home, understand?"
Yan Zi Tong couldn't help but roll his eyes. If he wasn't good, would Mommy not go out?
Although Yan Zi Tong thought this in his heart, when he met Yan Xi's gaze, he dared not say it.
He asked cautiously, "Mommy, can I go with you?"
Yan Xi was startled. Perhaps it was because Yan Xi knew Lin Qian's true nature. When Yan Zi Tong said this, Yan Xi almost instinctively refused him without thinking.
Yan Zi Tong felt that his mother was a bit strange today, but since his mother didn't seem willing to say more, he wouldn't ask.
Yan Zi Tong wisely shut his mouth.
After Yan Xi was ready, she left.
Upon arriving at the agreed location, Lin Qian was already there.
Yan Xi adjusted her emotions, took a deep breath, and then walked towards Lin Qian.
Sitting opposite Lin Qian, Lin Qian sized up Yan Xi and asked, "Miss Yan, your complexion isn't very good. Are you feeling unwell, or did you and Yan Ting quarrel?"
Lin Qian's words were as hypocritical as they could be, with no real concern for Yan Xi.
She asked this only to probe Yan Xi, to see if Yan Xi and Fu Yan Ting had quarreled, and whether Yan Xi still had any standing with Fu Yan Ting.
How could Yan Xi not see through Lin Qian's intentions?
However, Yan Xi pursed her lips and did not respond.
Seeing that Yan Xi was ignoring her, Lin Qian cursed inwardly, "As expected of someone with no upbringing. She's so unresponsive when an elder speaks to her."
"Old Madam's discernment was so sharp, how did Yan Xi manage to marry into the family back then?"
Despite Lin Qian's many dissatisfactions with Yan Xi, she did not dare to show them too obviously in front of Yan Xi.
Lin Qian looked at Yan Xi, speaking in a seemingly caring tone, and Yan Xi was truly almost disgusted to death.
However, Yan Xi was quite resilient. She acted as if she hadn't noticed Lin Qian's displeased gaze. She sat there and replied calmly, "Perhaps I didn't rest well last night. Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Lin."
Lin Qian's inner displeasure greatly increased. She wasn't truly concerned about Yan Xi. Could Yan Xi really have a mental block and not see anything?
Although she thought this, Lin Qian did not voice it.
Sizing up Yan Xi, Lin Qian paused and then said, "Miss Yan, you naturally know why I asked you to meet today."
"Mrs. Lin, I have a very bad memory, and I really don't know. Perhaps Mrs. Lin could be more clear and direct."
Lin Qian was infuriated by Yan Xi's sharp tongue. She hadn't expected Yan Xi to be so shameless. Lin Qian was furious, yet she dared not do anything to Yan Xi.
Thus, she allowed Yan Xi to show off in front of her.
Lin Qian felt that arguing with an ill-bred child was beneath her.
Lin Qian suddenly got to the point and said, "Miss Yan, I spoke to you about this topic on the phone a few days ago. This is my business card. I am planning to hold an art exhibition on the tenth of next month. I have already asked my assistant to find your brother and have him be my temporary assistant. If he truly has a talent for painting, I can also make an exception and accept him as my most valued disciple."
Without Yan Xi's consent, she had taken the initiative to approach Yan Yi and planned to take him as a disciple.
This was not a good thing.
Lin Qian was using Yan Yi to threaten Yan Xi.
Yan Xi, being so shrewd, couldn't help but feel it.
Yan Xi's mouth twitched involuntarily.
After threatening Yan Xi, Lin Qian advised in a condescending tone, "I am a person who knows how to cherish beauty. As long as your brother has talent in this area, I will spare no effort to nurture him and make him the most renowned painter internationally."
Yan Xi was no longer a three-year-old child. How could she not see through such grand promises?
Yan Xi looked at Lin Qian with a blank expression. Did she really think she was so foolish as to believe such empty promises?
Yan Xi sneered inwardly but maintained a poker face, thanking Lin Qian.
Lin Qian could tell that Yan Xi's gratitude was not sincere.
However, Lin Qian did not care. Lin Qian had more important things to discuss with Yan Xi today. She hoped Yan Xi could plead with Fu Yan Ting.
Lin Qian could see that Fu Yan Ting cared deeply for Yan Xi.
Otherwise, Lin Qian would not have chosen to seek Yan Xi's help.
Lin Qian picked up the coffee on the table and took a sip, looking at Yan Xi. She felt no shame. In Lin Qian's opinion, asking Yan Xi for help was a sign of respect, and Yan Xi should cherish this opportunity.
Lin Qian sized up Yan Xi, and after a long pause, she finally spoke, "Miss Yan, I believe you already know about my relationship with Fu Yan Ting, so I won't beat around the bush. I'll get straight to the point. The Lin family is in trouble now, and we need Yan Ting's help. But as you can see, there's a misunderstanding between us, and Yan Ting doesn't listen to my explanations at all. I hope Miss Yan can put in a good word for me with Yan Ting, at least so that Yan Ting doesn't misunderstand me."
Was it just a slight misunderstanding?
When Yan Xi was kidnapped by Lin Qian before, she had witnessed Lin Qian's attitude towards Fu Yan Ting.
Yan Xi pursed her lips and remained silent.
Lin Qian frowned. She had approached Yan Xi out of respect for her, and now Yan Xi was ignoring her, which was rather ungrateful.
Yan Xi's lips curved upward. She looked at Lin Qian and suddenly said in a mock-sweet tone, "Mrs. Lin, as you know, Yan Ting and I divorced five years ago. He might not listen to what I say. But I am also a woman, and I understand your difficulties. I will try my best to talk to Yan Ting. Whether he listens to me or not will depend on him."
Upon hearing Yan Xi's words, Lin Qian suppressed her surging anger.
Yan Xi was clearly saying this deliberately to her face.
Others might not know, but Lin Qian certainly knew Fu Yan Ting's feelings for Yan Xi.