Chapter Twenty-One: The Class Reunion

"This... this is true art!" Elder Yan's voice trembled as he spoke, his eyes shining with excitement and reverence. He stepped forward and gently caressed the painting. Huang Hai and the other elders were equally astounded, gathering around to examine this masterpiece closely. Their expressions shifted from astonishment to admiration.

"Xiao Feng, how did you discover it?" Elder Yan finally couldn't hold back his curiosity. He was utterly baffled. To his mind, Qin Feng was indeed exceptionally intelligent, but to discern authenticity and uncover the hidden painting within such a short time was simply extraordinary.

"Hehe, Master, let's talk about that later," Qin Feng replied. "Since you gave me an initiation gift, it's only right that I offer you a present in return. How about making this painting my tribute to you as my master?"

With a smile on his face, Qin Feng looked at Elder Yan. As expected, his words evoked envy among the others. This painting was priceless; Qin Feng's gift to Elder Yan was beyond value.

"Haha, Old Yan, you've really taken in a good apprentice," Elder Li laughed heartily, while Elder Yan beamed, gladly accepting Qin Feng's proposal.

The subsequent auctions didn't yield any more hidden treasures. After all, the auction house's appraisers were no amateurs. The previous painting was indeed an antique, though not an original, so the organizers had only made a minor oversight, not a real mistake.

...

Leaving Yunteng Pavilion, Qin Feng prepared to depart. Before leaving, he bid farewell to Elder Yan.

"Xiao Feng, won't you stay for a meal?" Elder Yan warmly urged.

"No, Master, I have a class reunion tonight."

"Take care on the road," Elder Yan nodded, offering a few words of advice before having his driver send Qin Feng back to the city.

Once the car had left, Elder Li approached Elder Yan with a mischievous smile.

"Old Yan, I heard your apprentice isn't married yet?"

Elder Yan paused, puzzled. "Why do you ask?"

Elder Li chuckled conspiratorially. "Well, my granddaughter is about the same age as your apprentice. Maybe you could arrange something..."

Elder Yan shot him a glare, retorting without hesitation, "Nonsense. Young people should decide their own affairs. What business do old men like us have meddling?"

Elder Li pouted, mumbling, "How can you be so sure he wouldn't be interested?"

...

Meanwhile, Qin Feng was already driving toward Jianghai Hotel. He hadn't intended to attend, but his childhood friend and brother, Wang Bo, had persistently invited him, so he finally agreed.

Wang Bo's family was once destitute, but during middle school, his father won ten million in the lottery. It was as if a protagonist in a rags-to-riches story, soaring overnight. While most families hope for their children to succeed, Wang Bo's family was more about the father’s meteoric rise, leading to Wang Bo’s favorite catchphrase: "My father, Wang Erhe!"

Despite the newfound wealth, their friendship remained unchanged. Wang Bo's character was unaffected—still candid and boisterous as ever.

Wang Bo once joked that if he ever spent all his money, he'd borrow from Qin Feng, who never refused him.

Soon, Qin Feng arrived at the entrance of Jianghai Hotel. Just then, a luxurious Mercedes business car pulled up.

"Xiao Feng, over here!" Qin Feng looked toward the voice and saw a handsome young man waving at him—it was none other than his best friend, Wang Bo.

"Ah Feng, this way!"

Wang Bo had spotted him and waved enthusiastically. Qin Feng walked over quickly, bumping fists with him, their relationship seeming even closer.

"When did you get back?"

"I returned two days ago. This time, I brought a big deal with me, and I’ve got a surprise for you!"

As they walked, Wang Bo squinted his eyes mischievously.

"Are you scheming to trick me again?" Qin Feng teased.

"Oh, come on, brother! Am I that kind of person? Look at what I’ve brought—does it meet your standards?"

With that, Wang Bo handed Qin Feng a set of keys. Qin Feng looked at them and realized they were for a duplex apartment in a luxury complex.

"Wow, so generous?" Qin Feng stared in surprise. Wang Bo hadn't yet learned about Qin Feng’s current financial status, which had changed dramatically.

Wang Bo laughed proudly, "You guessed right, it's for you. Auntie always treated me well, and your job isn’t stable. I say, why not join me?"

"I haven’t considered changing jobs yet," Qin Feng shook his head, declining Wang Bo’s offer.

Wang Bo became anxious at Qin Feng’s refusal. "Brother, what are you thinking? I’ll pay you thirty thousand a month! With annual bonuses, that's at least several hundred thousand! Even if not for yourself, think of Auntie!"

Qin Feng smiled calmly, "I can earn much more now." It was the truth. With his current abilities, he never had to worry about salary; anything he brought to the black market could fetch tens of millions.

"Alright, just keep the apartment for now. If you need help, just call me. And here’s two hundred thousand—I heard Auntie still needs money for surgery."

Wang Bo handed him a bank card, genuinely offering it without pretense.

Qin Feng was touched, but he didn’t accept it. "Don’t worry, brother, I'm doing much better now. Someday, you might rely on me," he said with a smile.

Wang Bo scratched his head and didn’t insist, slipping the card back into his pocket.

Once inside the hotel, they found many people waiting. Rather than for both of them, most were waiting for Wang Bo, who was seen as a highly eligible bachelor.

At that moment, a group of well-dressed, refined young people approached. Leading them was a young man in a white shirt, about twenty, handsome with gold-rimmed glasses, exuding scholarly elegance.

His name was Du Ping. In school, he often bullied Qin Feng because of Qin Feng’s academic excellence. He came from a wealthy family and liked to keep Qin Feng under his thumb, so Wang Bo had no fondness for him.

Seeing Qin Feng and Wang Bo, Du Ping immediately came forward.

"Isn’t this our Young Master Wang? Come, come, we must catch up properly tonight!"