Magic City had always moved at a breakneck pace, so fast it left people gasping for breath.
But at the West Bund Art Center by the Huangpu River, time seemed to have been put into slow motion.
This was an arts district converted from old industrial ruins, where massive oil tanks, towering cranes, and minimalist white galleries stood side by side. The air carried a peculiar scent blending the Huangpu River's damp mist with expensive oil paints.
"Over the past couple of days, I took you into the sky and under the sea. We raced on the track and went diving too. I really put you through the wringer."
The Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped outside the art center, and Xia Lin got out while linking her arm through Su Bai's. Today, she had traded her sharp racing outfit for a finely tailored dark gray cashmere coat, with a black silk dress underneath. A Hermès geometric silk scarf was tied around her neck, giving her an intellectual, elegant old-money air.
"So today, your big sister is bringing you to cultivate your artistic sensibilities and wash that gasoline smell off you."
Xia Lin smiled and pointed at the gallery ahead, converted from an old hangar. "Ye Lan, have you heard of her? She's an up-and-coming female painter who's been making waves internationally lately. Today is her first exhibition since returning home, and only a very small number of collectors and media outlets were invited."
"Never heard of her."
Su Bai answered honestly. His knowledge of the art world was limited to knowing Van Gogh had cut off an ear and Picasso painted crooked faces.
This kind of highbrow art was beyond Su Bai's comprehension...
Still, it was nice to learn something with Director Xia.
They were already here, after all.
"It doesn't matter