Chapter 20

This painting, Everlasting Pine Amid Green Mountains, which she had painstakingly copied for Mr. Gu, was three meters long and one meter wide. It had taken her more than an entire month to complete.

To keep Little Feng from causing trouble, she locked the studio door every time she left. Apart from her, only one of the servants had a key.

Little Feng had lingered outside the studio several times, but after finding that he could not get in, he had eventually given up.

Last night, Tang Xi had carefully inspected the painting and, after confirming that it was completely unharmed, had it wrapped. This morning, workers delivered it to the Gu family’s old residence.

She went downstairs to direct the workers as they carried the painting with care. Gu Wennuan and Little Feng stood in the living room, two suitcases at their feet.

After returning to the old residence this time, they would not be coming back again.

At last, the chaotic life she and Gu Yu had led together was about to return to peace.

As Gu Wennuan watched her and the workers carry in the painting, a sinister smile suddenly flickered in her eyes.

The last person to leave this place would certainly not be her.

After they arrived at the Gu residence, quite a few guests had already come. Tang Xi saw her father, Tang Jili, and her aunt, Tang Qiushuang.

Her mother had died nine years ago. Since her father was always busy with work, she and her younger brother had lived with their aunt, who treated them like her own children.

After the family had exchanged a few words, Tang Xi went to help receive the guests.

Tang Qiushuang went to look for the restroom but took a wrong turn.

“Wennuan, let go of me.”

“Brother, no one will come here. Could you hold me for a moment?”

Gu Yu pushed Gu Wennuan away. “There are so many guests here today. You’d better watch yourself and not cause me any trouble.”

The moment he turned around, he saw Tang Qiushuang standing not far away.

He had always respected Tang Xi’s aunt.

Now, however, his heart tightened with panic. He had no idea how much she had seen or heard.

Tang Qiushuang’s gaze swept over him and Gu Wennuan. “What are you doing?”

She was not deaf. She had clearly heard the word “hold” just now.

Gu Yu hurriedly explained, “Wennuan’s son was being mischievous and insisted that I carry him downstairs. He’s the only child in the family, so everyone has spoiled him.”

“Xixi is looking for you.”

“I know, Aunt. I’ll go over right away.”

Tang Qiushuang stared after Gu Yu as he hurried away, then cast Gu Wennuan a warning glance.

Once inside the restroom, Tang Qiushuang made a phone call. “I remember you have a relative who was dismissed by the Gu family five years ago. If you’re still in touch with her, send me her number. There’s something I need to ask her about.”

She did not want to doubt Gu Yu, but her niece’s happiness was at stake. She had to verify the suspicion in her heart.

She had clearly heard, “Hold me for a moment!”

She could only hope that she had misheard.

Downstairs, Gu Yu found Tang Xi just as the workers carried the painting inside.

The painting’s appearance immediately drew everyone’s attention.

“I’ve always known that Mrs. Gu is remarkably talented. She even won an international award when she was only in her teens.”

“She’s an expert in antiques and appraisal as well. She once uncovered a piece of imperial green jade worth hundreds of millions.”

“No wonder the Gu family’s business keeps growing. Mrs. Gu must be blessed with a prosperous destiny for her husband.”

“I heard it took her more than a month to copy this painting, Everlasting Pine Amid Green Mountains. It shows such devoted filial love.”

“President Gu and Mrs. Gu have always been deeply in love. He dotes on her and protects her as if she were a precious treasure. All of us women are green with envy.”

Listening to everyone praise his wife, Gu Yu felt proud as well. Without thinking, he tightened his grip on Tang Xi’s hand.

“Next, our guest of honor, Mr. Gu, will personally unveil the painting.”

Amid the applause, Mr. Gu walked to the painting, which was covered by an enormous red cloth, and smiled broadly as he pulled down one corner.

As the red cloth fell away, the painting’s true appearance was revealed.

The guests, who had already prepared their applause and compliments, seemed to freeze as if someone had pressed a pause button.

The entire hall fell silent—so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.