C6 She Was Different Now

Everyone couldn't help but look at her with slight surprise, even with a hint of curiosity and scrutiny. The Old Matriarch's expression also showed a touch of astonishment. In the past, whenever Lan Qingjia came to pay her respects, she was always silent and withdrawn. Even when the conversation turned to her, she barely uttered a word. Today, however, she seemed different.

Everyone was a bit taken aback as Lan Qingjia gracefully stood up and smiled sweetly at the Old Matriarch. "Grandmother, I've prepared a birthday gift for you. Though it's modest, it comes from my heart. I hope you like it."

The Old Matriarch's face showed a bit more interest. Lan Qingjia turned and instructed Baixiang to open the gift. Seeing this, Lan Qingwan couldn't help but smile with a hint of smugness.

As Baixiang unfolded the item in her hands, everyone was stunned. The gift was revealed, and everyone was in shock, even Lan Qingwan's expression faltered for a moment before her delight grew. She used a handkerchief to cover her mouth, hiding her smirk, and then feigned surprise.

"Sister, you must be mistaken. How is this just a blank sheet of paper?"

The scroll Baixiang had opened was not a painting of longevity symbols but merely a blank piece of paper. Baixiang's hands trembled slightly, her face turning as pale as the paper itself.

Could it be that she grabbed the wrong thing? How could this happen! Even if she ended up with the same birthday gift as the second young lady, it would still be better than this blank sheet of paper!

Lan Zhenkun's face fell instantly, feeling that this daughter of his was truly unreliable, ruining everyone's mood on such a wonderful day.

Mrs. Zhou from the second branch and Lan Qinghe both covered their mouths, secretly laughing, just waiting to see the first branch make a fool of themselves.

Facing the varied glances from everyone, Lan Qingjia remained calm. "Right now, it does look like a blank sheet. But later, it will become a birthday gift."

Lan Qingjia directly addressed the Old Matriarch, "Grandmother, may I borrow your calligraphy brush?"

The Old Matriarch guessed Lan Qingjia's intention and was momentarily surprised. Before she could respond, Lan Qinghe couldn't help but snicker.

"Big sister, are you planning to paint something on the spot as a birthday gift for Grandmother?"

Lan Qingjia smiled gracefully, her demeanor confident and composed. "Why not?"

Lan Qinghe tried to suppress her disdain, "No problem, big sister, go ahead. I'm eager to see."

Clearly, Lan Qinghe didn't believe her, her expression and tone full of anticipation for a spectacle.

Lan Qingwan also looked surprised, feigning hesitation. "Sister, didn't you prepare a birthday gift for Grandmother in advance?"

This comment was more sophisticated than Qinghe's question, feigning confusion while subtly accusing Lan Qingjia of neglecting their grandmother's birthday by not preparing a gift in advance. At its core, it implied a lack of respect.

Lan Qingjia looked at Lan Qingwan, her lips slightly pursed, her expression innocent and even a bit aggrieved. "I've been working on an embroidered longevity picture for Grandmother's birthday gift for six months. Didn't you see it when you visited me three months ago? You even mentioned our gifts might clash and suggested I prepare another one. Have you forgotten, sister?"

Lan Qingwan's feigned confusion cracked, her face suddenly stiff. She hurriedly defended herself, "Sister, how can you say that? I didn't..."

Lan Qingjia gave her a look that suggested she had more to say but chose to let it go, finally adopting a conciliatory tone. "If you say you didn't, then you didn't."

Lan Qingwan was left speechless by her tone, wanting to argue further, but Lan Qingjia had already turned to the Old Matriarch. "Grandmother, although I'm not skilled in arts, I've been practicing diligently in my room for the past three months and have made some progress. Please allow me to present my humble efforts!"

She wore a slightly shy yet playful smile, and after speaking, she even performed a playful salute like a hero from a story, making her seem lively and spirited.

The Old Matriarch's interest grew even more, and she smiled warmly, immediately instructing someone to prepare the calligraphy materials.

The supplies were ready in no time. Lan Qingjia invited four maids, each holding a corner, to spread the entire sheet of paper out completely.

Then, to everyone's astonishment, Lan Qingjia slowly pulled out a piece of white cloth from her pocket and tied it over her eyes.

There was a collective gasp from the crowd. Could it be that she intended to paint blindfolded?

Lan Qingwan and Lan Qinghe both smirked inwardly. She really dared! With her mediocre painting skills, she was just trying to show off and would only embarrass herself!

However, what happened next left everyone in disbelief...