After Mistaking a Big Shot for a Scammer

Original title: Missing the Mark

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How Qu Yiqing's image in Bai Taozhu's eyes changes:

Liar who can't tell the truth -> Big shot no one can afford to offend -> Suitor who knows how to bend without breaking

How Bai Taozhu's image in Qu Yiqing's eyes changes:

Fussy woman with a sharp tongue -> Office worker who knows how to bend without breaking -> Little princess no one can afford to offend

*

Because of a misunderstanding and the powerful people's teasing, Bai Taozhu was forced to take Qu Yiqing as her master during a dinner gathering.

Qu Yiqing didn't even look at her. With an enigmatic smile in his voice, he asked:

"Why should I take you on?"

"You're a renowned master in this line of work. I... admire you greatly."

Her flattery fell to the floor along with her self-respect. No one picked it up.

Laughter erupted around the table. Their gazes fell on Bai Taozhu, appraising and hard to read. She lowered her eyes.

*

"He... does the most old-fashioned, meticulous work, but he's the most unconventional person in the whole circle.

But if you ask me, what he really loves are those old antiques. Women are just passing clouds to him.

You can say he's no good at anything, but you can't say he can't tell a fake from the real thing."

No one questioned this. Anyone who knew Qu Yiqing felt the same.

Until one day, at a small auction, Qu Yiqing announced in advance that he would attend in person, then bought a string of Chinese arborvitae beads for ten times their estimated value.

Collectors came running, expecting something valuable to be up for auction, only to be stunned. They thought Young Master Qu, who never made a bad call, had misjudged the lot.

Later, everyone learned that the auction was the first one hosted by Qu Yiqing's fiancee in her capacity as an auctioneer.

He had always disdained women, yet was willing to use his own reputation to build up the woman he loved.

*

"So what? Just because you're famous and come from a rich family, I'm supposed to stay in the capital and be your appendage?"

On the night she left, Bai Taozhu asked with utter calm.

Qu Yiqing, who had always been proud and unconventional, shot back, "What about you? Did you ever have room for me in your heart?"

Bai Taozhu sneered and said nothing.

Looking at the suitcase by her feet, Qu Yiqing finally understood one thing:

The one who falls in love first really is the one who finds it hardest to let go.

You are the pines and cypresses of Cang Mountain, brilliant peach blossoms, proud and cool bamboo.

I'm only a passing breeze that happened to brush by your side. I can't make you stay.

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*Male lead: antique restorer x Female lead: overworked auction house employee

*The leads have a ten-year age gap. Happy ending, a sweet little story. Please kindly point out any plot holes.

Theme: Finding what you truly love in life when the road ahead is unclear