Due to the intense emotional upheaval the previous night, Bai Wenxi overslept for the first time in ages.
Passing by the study door, she could see Jiang Bei Huai's back as he sat hunched over his desk through the crack.
A faint smile tugged at her lips. Bai Wenxi tiptoed downstairs. After a quick wash and a simple make - up, she drove out.
Early this morning, Chen Liangke called and asked her to meet at a coffee shop near the Starry Art Museum to discuss the documentary shooting in detail.
As soon as Bai Wenxi pushed open the door and walked into the coffee shop, Chen Liangke noticed her. The gray suit dress on her added a touch of gentle charm.
With her slender and tall figure standing out in the crowd, Bai Wenxi had her long, seaweed - like hair loose today, simply pinned with a diamond hairpin.
Chen Liangke beamed and abruptly grabbed her hand. "Ms. Wenxi, you look as charming as ever after a few days' absence."
Bai Wenxi calmly withdrew her hand and tucked the stray hair behind her ear. "Hello, Director Chen."
As soon as they sat down, Chen Liangke couldn't wait to hand over a proposal. "Ms. Wenxi, you can take a look at this document first."
"The more I learn about your father, the more I feel we should keep in touch."
He smiled obsequiously, his beautiful peach - blossom eyes full of allure. "He's truly a legendary painter. Since he married your mother, his annual output of paintings has skyrocketed. Many of his paintings have fetched high prices internationally. I think this could be an entry - point for our documentary."
"Then, after he reached middle age and married his second wife, his mindset changed. Although he rarely produced new works, he often participated in his wife's theater career and gave many suggestions on the stage settings."
Although Bai Wenxi felt uncomfortable under Chen Liangke's scrutiny,
she still listened to him politely before speaking up. "So, are you planning to complete the documentary shooting based on the time span?"
"Exactly. I'll select a few paintings for in - depth introduction and use the paintings from different stages to tell Mr. Bai's life story."
Chen Liangke leaned forward and moved his head closer to Bai Wenxi. "Ms. Wenxi, what do you think of my idea?"
Bai Wenxi subtly moved away to maintain a proper social distance. "I think your idea is great. So, what kind of help do you need from me?"
"Director Chen, after my father's house was sold, some of his paintings went missing. If you want to use the physical works, maybe only the portraits of my step - mother in the art museum are left."
Chen Liangke pushed the coffee cup towards Bai Wenxi. "Ms. Wenxi, you don't have to be so polite with me. Just call me Liangke."
Bai Wenxi remained formal. "Director Chen, I have a lot of detailed information about my father's paintings from back then, as well as the letters between him and my mother. If they're useful, I can bring them to you."
Chen Liangke clapped his hands and tried to get closer. "Do you need to go to another place to get them? I'll go with you. If it's a good place for shooting, we can also film an exclusive interview with you."
"It's my mother's old house in another place." Bai Wenxi calmly declined. "It's a bit remote and there's nothing much to shoot. My husband will accompany me."
Chen Liangke looked a bit dejected, but he quickly changed the topic. "Ms. Yao has been emphasizing to me that she has a theater work dedicated to Mr. Bai."
He carefully observed Bai Wenxi's expression, trying to provoke a reaction from her by mentioning Yao Chunmei. "I wonder if you mind if I spend a bit more filming on this theater work?"
Bai Wenxi still wore a proper smile. "She's my father's widow. Of course, she has the right to tell stories about my father."
"Then after you retrieve all the items, our filming crew can start shooting." Chen Liangke was testing her bottom - line.
"Ms. Wenxi, would it be convenient for you to show me around the art museum? I'd like to hear the introduction from a professional like you."
Bai Wenxi took a sip of her coffee and firmly declined. "Sorry, maybe next time. The staff and I have some private matters to deal with today."
"Oh, I see." Chen Liangke's mood fluctuated, and he was no longer as enthusiastic as before. "When the official shooting starts, I still hope you can cooperate with our work because I'm very busy as a director."
Bai Wenxi stood up directly, pretending not to understand his implied meaning. "See you next time, Director Chen."
Chen Liangke didn't try to stop her. He just stared greedily at her back as she left.
The art museum was in a hustle and bustle. Manager Li and a few staff were busy setting up the venue for the Impressionist art exhibition.
"Curator, we've set up the background according to the pictures you sent." Manager Li was full of energy. "I believe this art exhibition will be a great success again."
Bai Wenxi carefully inspected the whole venue again and marked any areas that needed improvement immediately.
The staff of the art museum followed her and diligently prepared for the pre - work of the art exhibition.
Looking at the well - organized scene, Bai Wenxi finally let out a sigh of relief in her heart. Dad, I'm so afraid of disappointing you and ruining the reputation of our Starry Art Museum.
But this time, your daughter definitely didn't let down your teachings.
She strolled to the hall of the art museum and bumped into the half - body portrait of Yao Chunmei, who was dressed gorgeously.
This portrait was obviously beautified by her father. Through the perfect play of light and shadow, her face was made more three - dimensional.
In her step - mother's beautiful almond eyes was full of tenderness and kindness as she quietly gazed at the people coming and going in the hall.
Bai Wenxi met the eyes in the portrait and the more she looked, the more upset she felt. She directly threw the ball - point pen in her hand at the portrait.
"Do you think that after destroying my father's other paintings, I'll have to keep your portrait hanging in the art museum?"
Bai Wenxi frowned, her eyes full of hatred. "I won't let you succeed!"
She was immersed in the memories of the past and the angrier she got.
Thinking of Chen Liangke's rude behavior, Bai Wenxi was even more furious.
Just then, the phone rang, pulling her back from the out - of - control emotions.
"Hello? Yes, this is Bai Wenxi."
"Ms. Bai." The hoarse male voice on the other end of the phone paused for a while, coughed a few times and then continued. "This is Min Tete."
"Detective Min!" Bai Wenxi was a bit surprised as she didn't expect it was him. "You finally called me back."
Min Tete said matter - of - factly, "I was busy before. Now that I'm free, I called you."
"Ms. Bai, come to my detective office to talk in detail."
Inside the shabby and old tube - shaped building, at the door of the smallest room on the inner side of the corridor, there was a crooked sign that read [Specializing in investigating mistresses, tax evasion, and debt - defaulting!]
A stack of photos was thrown on the table. Min Tete was chewing on a toothpick. "Miss, buy a gun."