C19 Suo Hua

Gu Mingfeng watched as his uncles knelt before him, his face devoid of emotion. His gaze swept over them, and with a slight lift of his hand, he said, "We're family. No need for such formalities."

The crowd rose and scattered, eager to spread the news of the Gu family's succession. It wasn't just to inform the other eight elite families; they planned to hold a press conference to broadcast the announcement to the entire business community.

The transition of power within the Gu family was a testament to the orderly growth of their industries, and it was sure to send the stock market soaring.

Gu Na looped her arm through Gu Mingfeng's, her cheeks flushed with pride. Despite her parents being sidelined, she had secured a strong ally and felt assured of her elevated status within the Gu family.

As they walked back to the villa, Old Master Gu suddenly turned around. Gu Na thought he wanted to speak with her and was about to eagerly inquire when she realized his gaze had swept past her to rest on Lin Qingwan, who trailed behind. He smiled warmly, "Qingwan, come here. Tell your grandfather, did you enjoy your time with the Lan Family these past few days?"

Lin Qingwan hastened to Old Master Gu's side. He tenderly wiped the raindrops from her face and held the umbrella over her, unconcerned that the rain was soaking him.

"Grandfather, to be honest, the Lan Family's place isn't as fun as ours," Lin Qingwan said, taking the umbrella and holding it over Old Master Gu, her smile bright.

Old Master Gu chuckled heartily, stroking his beard. "You're absolutely right, my dear. The Lan Family is just a small island. In the past, with Lan Wu at the helm, they could stir up some waves, but now that she's gone, their influence is waning. They're unlikely to maintain their status as the second family."

Laughing together, the old man and the young woman entered the Gu family villa, leaving Gu Mingfeng and Gu Na behind, lost in thought.

Gu Mingfeng couldn't fathom why the old man was so fond of Lin Qingwan, and he had a nagging feeling that his smooth ascension to the role of successor was somehow thanks to Lin Qingwan's offhand remarks.

Gu Na seethed with envy, silently gnashing her teeth. She believed she was the Gu family's sole heiress and deserved the affection of not just Gu Mingfeng but also Old Master Gu.

In the study of the main house, Gu Mingfeng recounted the events at the Lan Family's home to Old Master Gu, carefully omitting Lin Qingwan's fortuitous acquisition of the emperor's green jade, honoring his promise to her that the jade was hers to do with as she pleased.

Feeling a twinge of discomfort, Gu Na rose and brought a steaming cup of tea to the desk, deftly steering the conversation. She inquired softly, "Grandfather, your milestone birthday is approaching, and it's got me quite worried. I'm at a loss about what gift to prepare for you."

Old Master Gu took a sip of his tea, smiling and nodding appreciatively. "My dear granddaughter has grown up. The thought alone is enough, Nana; there's no need to go to such lengths to prepare a gift for me."

Blushing modestly, Gu Na insisted, "It's my duty to prepare a birthday gift for you, Grandfather. I'm determined to find something that will truly delight you."

After a few more words of praise from Old Master Gu, Gu Na was on cloud nine. She glanced at Lin Qingwan, who was seated on the sofa, and asked with feigned curiosity, "Qingwan, surely you've been preparing a birthday gift for Grandfather too. Would you share what it is?"

Lin Qingwan's response was as Gu Na had predicted; she shrugged and shook her head, "I haven't started preparing anything yet."

"That's alright, we can shop for Grandfather's gift together," Gu Na thought to herself with a silent, scornful chuckle. Old Master Gu's birthday presented her with an excellent opportunity.

She might not have been certain about what Old Master Gu would like, but she was well aware of what he detested. She planned to manipulate Lin Qingwan, the fool, into presenting just that.

Lin Qingwan nodded and, noticing the landscape painting on Old Master Gu's desk, approached it. "Grandpa, is this your work?"

Beaming with pride, Old Master Gu responded, "I spent a whole month on this painting. Qingwan, what do you think of Grandpa's artistic prowess?"

After a careful examination, Lin Qingwan couldn't help but admire the strength and vigor of Old Master Gu's brushwork. The mountainous landscape was rendered with such grandeur, the peaks layered upon one another and the waterfall thundering down—it truly impressed her.

"Grandpa's always been a great artist," Lin Qingwan said with a sly twinkle in her eye, reminiscent of a cunning little fox. She circled the desk and wrapped her arms around Old Master Gu's arm. "Grandpa, I've fallen for this painting the moment I saw it. Would you gift it to me, please?"

"Qingwan, stop this nonsense!" Gu Mingfeng scolded, his face clouded with disapproval. He was well aware of the old man's fondness for his ink treasure, which he admired frequently.

Gu Na's eyes glinted with scorn, a cold smirk playing on her lips. The old master's birthday gift hadn't even been prepared, yet here was Qingwan, already requesting a gift of her own.

To everyone's surprise, Old Master Gu turned to Lin Qingwan, his eyes alight with delight. "Qingwan, do you truly enjoy this painting? You think your grandpa did well?"

"Absolutely!" Lin Qingwan paused thoughtfully. "I may not be an expert in art, but gazing at this painting, I feel a sense of expansiveness, a comfort and awe that's hard to express. I just love it."

Old Master Gu's excitement was palpable as he nodded vigorously. "Qingwan, it seems you're the only one who truly understands Grandpa's art. I don't need the empty praises of the so-called experts; they're all just flattering. But you, you've spoken straight to my heart."

He then carefully rolled up the scroll and gently placed it into Lin Qingwan's hands, his laughter booming. "Since it brings you such joy, consider it yours, my dear."

Cradling the scroll tenderly, Lin Qingwan looked up at Old Master Gu's benevolent smile, feeling unexpectedly touched. She resolved not only to cherish the painting but also to reciprocate with a generous birthday gift.

A jade carving, identical to the landscape in the painting.

And it would undoubtedly be crafted by the very master whom Old Master Gu himself held in high esteem.