I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

"Mom, are you still reading today's newspaper?"

"Dear Elinor, they said that Mr. Paddington's latest work is about to be completed and will be exhibited publicly. If the response is good, there will be a touring exhibition."

"But Mom, we discussed this topic this morning. You have even arranged what style of jewelry you will wear on the day of the art exhibition, why are you still holding the newspaper?"

Elinor was very puzzled, and she went and sat down beside Mrs. Dashwood, and handed her a little dish of cut fruit.

Mrs. Dashwood did not put down the newspaper after taking the fruit plate, but excitedly took her eldest daughter to read the words in the newspaper together.

"Look at this passage, Elinor, and see what a fine description it is. The reviewer has described Mr. Paddington's clothes and accessories, oh, even the embroidery on his boots. Although I have not seen Mr. Paddington's appearance, but I imagine that these men's clothes must be extremely fashionable and elegant, and, well, very comfortable.

"Elinor, it's a pity that we don't have grown-up gentlemen in our family. Hey, your father died too early. Otherwise, I must buy a whole set according to Mr. Paddington's clothes."

After Elinor carefully read a text description recommended by Mrs. Dashwood, she joked while continuing to read the following content:

"Mom, you can actually recommend it to Mrs. Middleton and Mrs. Palmer. I guess they are willing to make their gentlemen fashionable, especially Mr. Palmer. He doesn't need to go to public places such as parks Speech? I think a coat of the same style as Mr. Paddington's would, well, definitely make Mr. Palmer's speech more appealing."

Mrs. Dashwood's eyes lit up, and she thought in her heart that Elinor's suggestion was very good.

"You're right, dear, and I'll recommend them later."

Elinor hummed absently, her eyes lingering on another paragraph of text.

Mrs. Dashwood looked over curiously: "Hey, here is a detailed introduction to the painting utensils and paints used by Mr. Paddington. After reading it... Hey, I want to pick up the paintbrush again. Elinor, you have always loved painting, Let's buy a set according to the brand introduction above, shall we?"

Elinor was indeed attracted by the relevant description in the article.Suddenly, she felt an urge to buy some of the same painting tools and paints that Mr. Paddington had used.

——I always feel that once I have those exactly the same things, I can draw more perfect works.

——Calm down, Elinor, whether your drawing skills improve or not has little to do with these foreign objects.

——However, the tree was not painted well last time, maybe it was a problem with the brushes and paints. If I used the ones that Mr. Paddington is used to... Anyway, I can afford it!

"Mom, do you know where this P&M department store is? Mr. Paddington seems to buy everything he wears and uses from this department store."

"Oh, I heard from Mrs. Jennings before that there is a newly opened shop in Pall Mall Street. It has three floors and is very spacious and comfortable."

"Then let's go around in a while, and bring some small gifts for Marianne and Margaret by the way."

"Okay, I'll send someone to ask Mrs. Jennings if they want to go to the department store with us..."

The mother and daughter Dashwood came up with the idea of ​​shopping because of a report in the newspaper, and after packing up, they went out happily.

When they arrived near Pall Mall Street, they found that there were gradually more pedestrians and carriages on the road, and even a small traffic jam occurred.

"James, what happened, why did the car stop for so long?"

"Ma'am, there are too many carriages and pedestrians in front of us, and our carriage cannot pass." The coachman shouted.

Hearing this, Mrs. Dashwood sent the footman who followed the car to look at the situation ahead.

After a while the footman trotted back to report that there were a lot of people on Pall Mall, all shopping at P&M.The doorman there is coordinating the parking positions of the guests' carriages and horses, trying to clear the flow of people, but the speed is not fast, and the customers who arrive later have to wait for a while.

"In that case, let's get out of the car and walk."

"Well, it's not far away anyway."

On this day, the Dashwood mother and daughter bought a lot of high-quality daily necessities, and of course, they also spent a lot of money on some small items that can be used or not.

The accompanying Mrs. Jennings and Mrs. Palmer were even more excited. They bought many decorative items that Elinor thought were of little use at all.

Mrs. Middleton, on the other hand, was obsessed with the children's section, eager to buy all the cute and delicate clothes and toys in the store.

After returning from shopping in the evening, the gentle evening breeze made Elinor calm down a little from the excitement of shopping. She couldn't help rubbing her cheeks when she thought of the huge pile of painting supplies and beautiful stationery she bought.

"Dear Marianne, you probably never imagined that I would have such a restless day."

Sitting in front of the dressing table, Elinor quickly wrote a lively letter. After describing what she saw and heard that day, she continued to write:

"I'm only now realizing that this must be a trick by the P&M department store and the author of the article. They use Mr. Paddington's fame to promote their own branded products, which diverts everyone who pays attention to Mr. Paddington. Unknowingly, a strong desire to buy is born.

"However, even though I thought I had seen through the secrets behind that report, I didn't feel bad for the store on Pall Mall Street. Probably because the things in the store were really good, the environment and service It's also very satisfactory...By the way, I bought a lot of stationery today, and I can't use it all by myself. I will bring you a copy with this letter. I hope you can accompany Mrs. Wilson while also taking care of her Draw down the cute little garden in my home, and keep the colorful summer this season..."

When Pei Xiang finished his business outside and returned to Mrs. Wilson's residence in a hurry, he saw a whole set of painting utensils sold by the family and letters from Elinor.

She is more aware of the popularity of that department store than Elinor, because she has just finished reconciling the accounts with the agent, Mr. Wesley, and has planned the business policy and strategy for the next quarter.

The P&M department store is a business in which Pei Xiang has invested half of his fortune. After opening, the performance is good, but it is not far beyond the level of his peers.

To be honest, the current level of excitement and staggering sales in the store is absolutely inseparable from the celebrity effect of "Brown Paddington".

"Marian, are you going out tomorrow?"

"What's the matter, Mrs. Wilson?"

"The manservant who brought the things over today didn't see you. I'm worried that Mrs. Dashwood and Miss Dashwood will be worried when he goes back to report. Maybe, um, they will come to visit me tomorrow."

"It is indeed possible," Pei Xiang lowered his head and thought for a while, "Then I won't go out tomorrow, and I'll just stay in the garden and draw."

Hearing that Pei Xiang was willing to stay, Mrs. Wilson smiled relaxedly.

The next day, as Mrs. Wilson guessed, Mrs. Dashwood came to visit Mrs. Wilson with a freshly baked snack, and took a look at the recent situation of her second daughter Marianne.

The two ladies of similar age always had endless topics to talk about. After sitting with Pei Xiang for a while, he found an excuse and left the living room.

After a while, the piano room sounded beautiful and moving, and the two wives in the living room who were talking happily smiled at each other and lowered their voices at the same time.While drinking tea and chatting, they comfortably listened to the young girl's repertoire.

The aroma of tea, the sweetness of peach butter and meringue, and the light breeze rolled up the milky white gauze, sending the fragrance of pink roses under the blue sky.

A cheerful and breezy melody dispels the heat of summer. Light and shadow are interlaced and printed on the old beige floral wallpaper, and the creases are on the bookshelf made of cherry wood, reflecting a long-lasting and serene charm of life. .

Pei Xiang thought, she was busy day and night, spending all her energy and energy dealing with fame, fortune and ambition, probably for such occasional peaceful moments.

——Don't rely on others, don't be stretched, and don't rely on others.

——Precipitate pride, dignity and calmness with mind and sweat.

——If you are lucky enough to meet love, you have the courage to join hands and the confidence to say goodbye.

The days fly by and Brown Paddington's latest creation is finally complete.

At this time, no one would doubt the true talent of the famous painter. The topics about Paddington in the newspapers were all related to his new paintings, because the East End of London he depicted was shocking, reflective and silent.

Now when he walks into any club in London, he can always receive polite greetings and warm invitations from the gentlemen, as if the suspicion, ridicule and rejection never existed before.

In this regard, Pei Xiang didn't have much emotional ups and downs, but Lester Sissel who was on the side often showed a proud smile.Pei Xiang occasionally glanced at Lester's raised chin, and he would feel a little more warmth in his heart for no reason.

Pei Xiang's way of expressing friendliness was very straightforward. She directly asked how the arrangement of Lester's engagement was going?Do you need her help?

Lester, who was still in high spirits just now, didn't feel the warmth from his little friend. He gave Pei Xiang a listless look, and didn't want to discuss the topic of engagement on such a relaxed night at all.

Pei Xiang smiled and poured himself a glass of wine.

"Are you sure you don't want to tell me? You know... Starting tomorrow, I plan to minimize the number of times I go out."

These words made Lester anxious: "Why don't you come out to play? Aldridge is not here, do you want to reduce social interaction? God, how boring I should be."

Pei Xiang pinched the bridge of his nose: "During this period of time, I have been insisting on appearing in the sight of everyone, especially during the day. This made me feel very uncomfortable, and I felt exhausted physically and mentally, so I plan to take a rest first. rest."

Hearing this, Lester drank the wine in the glass in disappointment, but did not try to persuade Pei Xiang to change his mind.

He is always willing to respect the choices of his friends. Since Paddington regards the fact of appearing in front of people in the daytime as a burden, how could he force his friends to suffer for his own selfishness.

"Well, I think I should make some normal friends," Lester teased, "Aldridge is a workaholic who doesn't know how to enjoy a leisurely life, and you are a maverick artist. In short, both of you It's a misfit, and as the only normal gentleman, I must stick to the bottom line."

Pei Xiang smiled and raised his glass to Lester.

Lester lit his cigar.

"My marriage... is basically settled. In fact, I have expected it to be the lady of the Canaletto family. The Sissel family and the Canaletto family have always wanted to marry."

"Are you relieved?"

Although it was a questioning tone, Pei Xiang already had the answer in his heart.If Lester hadn't nodded and agreed in person, his marriage would have been delayed for a while.

"Yes, after several years of stalemate, I have compromised."

Having said that, Lester shook his head again, with a trace of melancholy in his eyes:

"Actually, it's not a compromise, it's just boring. Hey, sooner or later, I'm going to get married and give birth to an heir. Miss Canaletto is also my acquaintance. We understand each other's temperament, strengths and weaknesses, and we will get married in the future." , and there is no need to run in any more. Anyway, life is the same."

"This is indeed a well-matched marriage," Pei Xiang nodded lightly, "There are many couples who have been in love for a long time in this world, so you don't have to be so pessimistic."

"I hope." Lester was still not very interested.

Pei Xiang thought for a while and asked, "Is the engagement date fixed? If there is no rush, I can give you a painting as an engagement present."

These words made Lester's depression a little better, he put down his cigar and said:

"We're planning to get engaged right before hunting season - before people leave London. Then, when autumn rolls around, we can go on a country holiday together and bond. Hey, if it doesn't show up If there is an accident, the wedding will be held in the spring of next year."

"Going on a hunting holiday in the country? Where are you going?"

"I made an appointment with Sir John before, and I am planning to go to his Barton Manor this autumn. Oh, yes, it is said that Colonel Brandon's Delaford Manor is also nearby. I think he will be willing to entertain me like this of the guests."

Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows and smiled, and joked, "As long as you don't hunt down all the foxes near those two manors, I think you will always be the most popular guest."

Lester readily accepted the compliment, and repeatedly urged Pei Xiang to make a promise that no matter what, he would give him a painting as an engagement gift.

"Even if you can't finish the painting, you can owe it first. There is no rule that the engagement gift has to be given when you get engaged. You can also give it to me with the wedding gift."

Pei Xiang cast a blunt glance at his friend: "I haven't promised to give you a wedding gift yet."

"Hahaha, we have a tacit understanding, and our friendship will last forever."

That night, Pei Xiang and Lester chatted for a long time, until around midnight, the two separated in their carriages.

On the second day, Pei Xiang returned to No. 16 Condit Street from Mrs. Wilson's residence with his luggage, and was warmly welcomed by his relatives.

At the same time, Brown Paddington claimed that he was really not used to going out during the day, so after proving his painting talent, he returned to his original living habits and even reduced the number of times he went out at night.

In this regard, those who pay attention to Brown Paddington have a feeling of course, as if this painter should be so unique.

——This is the advantage of allowing Rebecca and others to "propaganda" for me. It is those endless reports that have deepened certain impressions and made some unusual things become commonplace.

Pei Xiang's life is back on track.

After going through the previous busy preparation period, she has more control over the resources and connections of "Brown Paddington". Many affairs no longer require her to do it herself, and she can easily control it remotely.

However, for Aldrich Deville who left London, life is no longer a clear sky, dark clouds have gathered in the sky, and the storm is about to pour down.

He stood in Professor Berenger's studio, frowning and looking at the small box of pale pink paste in his hand.

"Professor Berenger, what do you mean, this is what was lost when the studio was stolen?"

"Yes, Colonel Deville. I don't know who stole those few boxes of samples, but if you want to confirm with me what has been lost in this studio, I can give you a clear answer. Only three boxes of these paste samples were lost."

Aldrich lowered his eyes and pondered. After he found that Rebecca's scars were completely covered up, he immediately realized that this was a good auxiliary means of camouflage, and it was worth investigating.

——Of course, I can also help him cover the scar on his forehead by the way.

However, after a period of interrogation, Rebecca was extremely stubborn and cautious about how to cover the scar, and she was unwilling to give an answer anyway.

In the end, it was her companion Anna who revealed that Rebecca had heard the news from somewhere that Professor Berenger was researching a concealer with very good results, but it had not been sold publicly.

After hearing the news, Rebecca tried every means to steal a few boxes of samples from Professor Berenger's laboratory. After experimenting, she found that the effect was really good.

"Professor Berenger, what is the purpose of your research?"

"Ah, the biggest function of this is concealer, a very natural concealer effect. It can cover spots and various marks on the face. After covering, this cream will gradually become the user's skin within a few minutes. The color of the skin, it's amazing."

"No harm to the human body? After each use, how long can it work?"

"At present, I have not found that this ointment has much damage to human skin, but, well, because the number of experiments is small and the time is short, I can't guarantee more. As for how long it will work? This It depends on the specific ratio. For example, the box in your hand, after each application, it can last for about six hours."

"Why did Professor Berenger suddenly want to study this?"

Regarding this question, Professor Berenger was also surprised: "You don't know?"

Aldridge shook his head, patiently waiting for Professor Berenger to explain.

"Ah, that's probably because Earl de Vere forgot to tell you," Berenger smiled gently, "The reason why this ointment has not been put into production is because of the lack of safety guarantees on the one hand, and because it cannot be regarded as My patent research."

Aldrich immediately understood the meaning of the upright professor:

"You mean someone else invented this plaster? Who? My father knew?"

"I know, I know. Speaking of which, Colonel Deville is quite familiar with this person, that is, Mr. Paddington, who we have caused another trouble recently."

"Paddington?" Aldrich whispered.

"Yes, the incident of the true and false paintings back then... Do you remember? In order to stand out from the crowd of self-recommended candidates, Mr. Paddington made that invisible text on the wrapping paper of the package, and then it appeared at regular intervals. It's amazing."

Aldridge nodded slightly. He naturally remembered the tricks Paddington had made, and at the same time, he immediately understood some of the causes and consequences.

"I remember this incident. Paddington used a similar potion to smear those words, and then, when the time came, the paint potion would dissipate automatically, exposing the handwriting written in advance.

"Professor Berenger, what you mean is that the concealer ointment you have developed...that can be applied to the surface of human skin is derived from the remnants of the paint that Paddington used back then?"

Professor Berenger nodded and said sincerely:

"Actually, for this concealer, I can't afford the word 'research'. The improvements I made are very small, almost minor changes. Hey, I also came up with it by chance. , since it can cover the text, can it cover the blemishes on the human skin? So, I experimented a little bit. Unexpectedly, the result is very amazing. Really, it seems that this kind of medicine should act on the human body in the first place. Haha, it can even naturally adjust the color and moisture level with the change of body temperature and skin tone.”

"Concealer... camouflage skin... Paddington..."

A few words overflowed from Aldrich's lips, and his dark eyes were full of waves. The man felt a sudden roaring sound in his ears, and his heartbeat suddenly increased.

The doubts that had been stacked up for many days seemed to have finally been broken through the weakest point.At this point, the rest of the fog slowly dissipated, and the truth was pushed to the black-haired man's eyes bit by bit.

— Paddington who never went out in the daytime.

——Paddington, who never visited the Dashwood mother and daughter, and never appeared with Marianne.

— Marianne said they were like the same person inside and outside the mirror.

——The same sharp skills, the same sharp personality, the same meticulous thinking, the same eye color, the same height...

—While Paddington was painting at the Academy of Art, Marianne never left the house, never showed her face.

—Paddington's generosity to the Dashwood mother and daughter, when he appeared in London, when he plotted against Willoughby...Mrs. Wilson...too many details...

Professor Berenger's voice seemed to come from far away:

"By the way, Colonel Deville, since you and Mr. Paddington are friends, can you pass on a letter for me. I want to discuss with him the patent and sales of this ointment."

"Okay, you write now, I'll wait here for a while."

Aldridge answered Professor Berenger's questions mechanically, with a calm surface and a chaotic heart.

Aldridge thought hard, how could a young girl, a beautiful, agile, soft little girl, play a grown man so vividly?

——This is not only a matter of appearance and body, but also manners, demeanor, posture, steps, accent, temperament and habits, etc.

- She, she even flirts with girls!She, she doesn't seem to have ever been to the restroom of the club!

—This must be the most absurd fantasy!Maybe I was too tired and nervous, maybe I missed Marianne too much, so I had such absurd associations... Maybe?