Alarmed by Hao Jian's intimidation, both Situ Junyan and Tang Liya grew fearful.
Hao Jian could afford to be shameless, but they couldn't.
This was their first art exhibition since returning to the country; if it began with a scandal, it would be detrimental to their development in the domestic scene.
There's a saying: the rash fear the reckless, and the reckless fear those who are utterly fearless.
And Hao Jian was utterly fearless.
He was a bachelor with nothing to lose, unfazed by media exposure, while Situ Junyan had just started settling back in the country and needed to cultivate a good image.
Hao Jian saw this clearly, so he made a big fuss because he knew that ultimately, Situ Junyan and the others would choose to keep the peace.
It was clear he was bullying you; what are you going to do about it?
Situ Junyan glared fiercely at Qin Bing and said, "Qin Bing, I am very disappointed in you. I can't believe that in just a few short years, you have degraded to this extent, even choosing a scoundrel as a boyfriend."
"We are also disappointed in you. A few years ago you still looked decent, but now, look at you—completely a dog," Hao Jian retorted.
Situ Junyan was left speechless with anger and coldly threatened, "Keep acting tough. Once my art exhibition is over, I'll have plenty of time to deal with you!"
Hearing this, Hao Jian didn't respond, but instead kicked out again, causing Situ Junyan to fall face-first into the dirt.
This caught the attention of everyone around, who looked on in surprise at Situ Junyan lying on the ground.
"You." Tang Liya glared angrily at Hao Jian, at a loss for how to react. That bastard had hit someone again in public.
Situ Junyan's face alternated between pale and flushed, the looks from the crowd making his face burn.
At that moment, Situ Junyan felt like killing Hao Jian.
The reporters saw this and hurried over.
Hao Jian quickly went to help Situ Junyan up, feigning surprise, "Oh my, how did you fall down? Here, let me help you up!"
"Get lost!" Situ Junyan pushed Hao Jian away, his face red with anger. Hit him and then play the good guy? Did he think he was an idiot?
"I would advise you to behave; the reporters are already here. I don't think you want me to tell them something, do you?" Hao Jian said, smiling insincerely at Situ Junyan.
At this, Situ Junyan froze and then looked toward the approaching group of reporters.
"Mr. Situ, can you tell us what just happened, why did you fall down?" a female reporter asked Situ Junyan.
"That was..." Situ Junyan began to answer but was interrupted by Hao Jian.
"It was because the floor was too slippery, so he wasn't careful and fell," Hao Jian said cheerfully.
Hearing this, Situ Junyan's eyes nearly blazed with fire. Wasn't careful? You're the one who wasn't careful!
"Is that so?" the female reporter looked at Situ Junyan.
"Yes, that's what happened," Situ Junyan forced a grim smile. He felt incredibly frustrated; he wanted to deny it but couldn't.
Being hit and then having to cover for the person who hit him—it was an infuriating feeling.
"But we clearly saw you kick him," the female reporter said, looking at Hao Jian with suspicion.
"Oh, so you all saw that, huh? Well, actually, it's because he's scum who tried to harass my girlfriend, so I lost my temper and beat him up," Hao Jian retorted.
The female reporter was taken aback. She hadn't expected Hao Jian to speak . Even if it were true, couldn't you at least pretend to deny it a bit?
Admitting it so straightforwardly left her totally unprepared.
Situ Junyan and Tang Liya's expressions changed drastically. Had this guy lost his mind?
"Just kidding, just kidding. Actually, he's been my good friend for many years. I got so excited to see him that I couldn't control my emotions. Right, Situ?" Hao Jian said, patting Situ Junyan on the shoulder.
"Yes, yes," Situ Junyan had turned to stone, a total mess in the wind.
"I see," the female reporter believed him and quickly changed the subject. "Mr. Situ, I heard you've come back this time aiming to challenge Old Master Zhang. Where does your confidence come from?"
Situ Junyan glanced at Hao Jian, thinking he wouldn't dare to make a scene with the reporters there. He then spoke, "Over the years, I've studied pottery abroad and had the honor to apprentice under the master Abel White. I have carefully studied both Eastern and Western pottery and strived to blend these two cultures. Therefore, I am quite confident in my return to develop my career here."
At this, Zhang Deqi and others looked unhappy. Wasn't Situ Junyan implying they were sure to lose? It was a veiled insult.
As soon as he had finished speaking, Situ Junyan's face turned green, casting a plaintive look at Hao Jian beside him.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me so tenderly?" Hao Jian feigned ignorance.
Situ Junyan pointed down at his feet. Everyone looked down and saw Hao Jian's foot firmly on top of Situ Junyan's.
Situ Junyan felt like crying; he hadn't expected Hao Jian to continue harming him in front of the reporters.
"Oh, sorry, that wasn't on purpose," Hao Jian hastily explained, withdrawing his leg.
Everyone was incredulous, your foot went straight out to step on him and you say it wasn't on purpose?
"Now that Old Master Zhang is here, what would you like to say to him?" the female reporter asked again.
Situ Junyan instinctively moved a bit away from Hao Jian to stand beside the female reporter, challenging Zhang Deqi with his gaze, "I hope Old Master Zhang can be generous with his guidance, and have a match with me here at this venue today."
Zhang Deqi snorted, "Rest assured, I will not be stingy in teaching you!"
"So this is going to be a master-level East versus West match, right? We're all eagerly anticipating," the female reporter became excited upon hearing this. It was big news.
"Master? I dare not claim such a title for myself," Zhang Deqi humbly gestured, unable to bear such a title at the moment.
"Yeah, he really can't bear such a title right now," Situ Junyan sarcastically remarked, implying that he himself was the real master.
"You call yourself a master? What a joke!" Zhang Jia scolded angrily, Situ Junyan declaring himself as a master? How shameless.
Situ Junyan snorted angrily, "Whether I am a master or not, you'll find out shortly."
At this moment, Tang Liya also seized the opportunity. She flashed a sinister smile, ran up to the stage, took the microphone, and addressed the many guests:
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting. Now, please welcome the distinguished contemporary pottery master and the host of this art exhibition, Situ Junyan."