“Just chatting with Old Xie alone, that’s too much.” Jiang Chenyu picked up his phone and sent five messages in the group, all tagging Gu Yufeng.

Jiang Ye: 【Come chat in the group! You’re only playing with Old Xie, and we’re mad @Gu Yufeng】 Weiwei: 【Oh, has Old Gu come back?】 Jiang Ye: 【Not back yet, he’s having a private chat with Old Xie, just ignoring the group messages, boohoo.】

Just after sending that, there was a reply from Gu Yufeng below. Gu Yufeng: 【I’ll be back in the country next Wednesday. We’re having a class reunion at my place on Saturday night. If you’re free, come over and hang out.】

As soon as the message was sent, a long string of “I want to sign up!” followed. Gu Yufeng curled one leg up, casually snuggling on the sofa, watching the screen as the messages jumped around wildly, secretly looking forward to Xie Ci’s reply. But after a long chat among the kids, Xie Ci didn’t even show a ghost of a shadow.

“It’s rare to see you up so early.” Hearing the voice, Gu Yufeng turned to greet her. The woman was in her forties, tall and slender, with a neat medium-length haircut. Her skin was well-maintained, and her striking, three-dimensional features clearly showed she was mixed race, looking more like a D country person than Gu Yufeng.

Kaitlyn, curious about Gu Yufeng smiling at his phone just now, asked, “Did you get a girlfriend in these few days back home?” After saying that, she quickly negated herself: “Forget it, you don’t have that romantic nerve.”

Gu Yufeng was speechless at his mom, leaning against the back of the sofa and looking at her while she made coffee: “Did you get up so early just to mock me?”

“If I had that much free time, I would have gone back to the country and dragged you back long ago, not waiting until now.” Kaitlyn ground the coffee beans and reminded, “Rest well today. I’ve already had Fiona rearrange your schedule for the next month; it’s going to be busy.”

Gu Yufeng: “I’m going back next Wednesday.” Kaitlyn: “Denied.” Gu Yufeng: “I’m not asking for your opinion.” Kaitlyn: “Do you think I would make the same mistake twice? I don’t agree, and you’re not going anywhere.”

“Mom, I’m just a high school student.” Gu Yufeng reminded her, “Don’t you think it’s inhumane to arrange so much work for a kid?”

“You used to enjoy working, didn’t you? How come you’ve changed after just a few days back home?” Kaitlyn turned to meet Gu Yufeng’s gaze, her eyes probing, “Did Gu Yongnian say something to you?”

Gu Yufeng: “I need space and time to do what someone my age should be doing.” Kaitlyn: “What you should be doing now is to get in touch with the group’s business and lay the foundation to become the next head.”

Seeing that his mom was unyielding, Gu Yufeng stopped responding and instead said, “Next week, Dad is throwing a class reunion for me. As the main character, I must be there. If you have any objections, go talk to Dad.”

“That old thing Gu Yongnian.” Kaitlyn’s face darkened, her tone a bit impatient, “Deliberately pulling some tricks, thinking he can keep you in the country like this. At his age, he’s still so naive!”

Gu Yufeng scrolled through the jumping messages in the group, not looking up: “It’s my uncle’s son who’s having a class reunion. He thinks he can’t lose, so he asked me to invite some classmates too.”

Kaitlyn: “Just an excuse to fool kids. I know exactly what his real intention is, but it’s impossible. I won’t let you go to him.”

The conversation between mother and son didn’t last long before the atmosphere turned cold and stiff. Gu Yufeng was already used to it. Both parents were the power holders of the group and had long been living apart in different countries. If it weren’t for the interests involved, they would rather not see each other at all. Even when forced to meet at important occasions, it was all cold violence, each looking at the other with disdain.

How much warmth could there be in such a family? Interests, calculations, and control were mixed into daily life, and work and life had long been inseparable. In his youth, he didn’t realize it, thinking all families were like this, until he married Xie Ci, he gradually noticed that it was abnormal.

Xie Ci gave him plenty of freedom, never trying to control or suppress him. They couldn’t see each other every day, but every time they got together, they could enjoy each other’s company. Xie Ci wouldn’t ignore his needs; on the contrary, he understood him, actively responding to him whether in work or pleasure, making him look forward to the next meeting after every separation.

Everything was just right, making him unforgettable. Thinking of this, Gu Yufeng flipped through the group messages a couple of times, finding that Xie Ci still hadn’t appeared, so he directly tagged him in the group. 【You’re my deskmate, you must come as my male companion to this reunion @Xie Ci】

Xie Ci, eating skewers, saw the group message and was speechless. Male companion? Nonsense. Gu Yufeng: 【If you don’t speak, I’ll take it as your consent.】 Xie Ci: “……”

Zhang Ruochuan and Jiang Chenyu were amused. Zhang Ruochuan curiously asked, “I’ve never attended such a gathering. Usually, if you need a partner, it’s a girl, right? Can it be a guy?” Jiang Chenyu: “Of course, it should be a girl.” Fang Sizhe: “Maybe they don’t want to cause unnecessary disputes?”

Zhang Ruochuan and the others thought about it and agreed. Gu Yufeng was born into a wealthy family, looks handsome, and surely has many girls who like him. No matter who he finds, it wouldn’t be suitable, so it’s better to just let Xie Ci come. Just a word “deskmate” could fend off all the eager girls.

“Old Xie, you better dress nicely.” Zhang Ruochuan teased, “Being next to Old Gu, you’ll definitely be the center of attention.” Jiang Chenyu: “I have a suit; I can lend it to you.”

Xie Ci didn’t want to go at all. “Let’s talk about it later.” After the gathering, the four of them went home. Before leaving, Jiang Chenyu confidently said, “Don’t worry about the rat’s situation; wait for my good news!”

Xie Ci didn’t take it seriously, but that night around seven, Fang Sizhe called, saying Jiang Chenyu had run away from home and was missing. “Their parents are going crazy looking for him. They called Old Xiang but couldn’t clarify the situation, so they called me.”

Fang Sizhe sounded a bit anxious, “Has Old Jiang contacted you?” Xie Ci specifically checked his call log and found no missed calls. “Did his parents say why?”

“They didn’t say.” Fang Sizhe hesitated before speaking, “But I can guess.” The two agreed to meet at the old street near the school, and when Xie Ci arrived, Zhang Ruochuan was also there.

“Let’s split up and look for him. Keep calling his phone; if anyone gets in touch, let’s notify each other.” Xie Ci instructed them. Zhang Ruochuan and Fang Sizhe nodded and left. Usually, apart from school and the gym, the place they went to the most was this old street. After thinking it over, they could only start looking from here.

The three of them searched until after nine that night, but still found nothing. Xie Ci tried calling, but no one answered, so he sent a message without much hope. 【We’re looking for you; reply to me when you get the message.】

After a moment, surprisingly, he got a reply. Xie Ci contacted Zhang Ruochuan and Fang Sizhe, and together they found Jiang Chenyu, who was sulking under a bridge by a small river not far from the old street.

The wind was strong, and Jiang Chenyu was curled up in a corner, hugging his knees, looking like he had been crying, with red and swollen eyes and a mark on his left cheek as if he had been hit. “You guys came so quickly.” Jiang Chenyu’s voice was a bit hoarse, and his nose was stuffed up.

“What’s going on?!” Zhang Ruochuan rushed over and squatted in front of him, “Did you get hit?! Who, those jerks from the sports school?!” Jiang Chenyu lowered his head, silent for a moment before speaking: “It was my dad who hit me.”

Zhang Ruochuan was taken aback: “Isn’t your uncle good to you? Why did he hit you?” “Did you ask your dad for three hundred thousand?” Xie Ci walked over, standing with his back to the wind to shield Jiang Chenyu, “This is what you call a solution, right?”

Jiang Chenyu bit his lip, looking even more dejected. “He clearly has a lot of money; what’s thirty thousand to him? He thinks I don’t know, but he and his friends go to the casino, winning or losing millions at a time. Just sending a gift is six figures. I thought if I brought it up, he would definitely agree.”

“But he absolutely refused, and after a lot of talking, he only gave me five thousand. I called him an unsympathetic old man, and he slapped me.” As he spoke, Jiang Chenyu’s emotions started to overflow, “Why would he rather spend money on fun than take out money to save someone!”

“Why?” Xie Ci’s tone was calm, “Because that’s his money, not yours.” Jiang Chenyu suddenly froze, biting his lower lip, wanting to cry again. Zhang Ruochuan and Fang Sizhe saw him so upset and didn’t know what to say, just letting him calm down first.

Young people are the most impulsive, righteous, and reckless, willing to do anything for their brothers, even giving away their last pair of pants. From Xie Ci’s adult perspective, such behavior seemed ridiculous, but it was also understandable.

Seeing Jiang Chenyu still unwilling to accept it, Xie Ci continued, “Your dad didn’t do anything wrong in this matter. Apologize to him when you go back.” Jiang Chenyu looked up in disbelief: “You want me to apologize to him? Why should I apologize?”

“Because you’re trying to take money from his pocket.” Xie Ci looked at Jiang Chenyu’s unwilling eyes, his expression calm, “If one day you spend your own money and get hit by your dad, I’ll go with you to get back at him.”

Jiang Chenyu couldn’t hold back anymore. He originally thought he was in the right, but after Xie Ci said that, it seemed like it really wasn’t the case. All the complaints he had on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back.

“If I had known, I wouldn’t have spent money recklessly. Saving up my pocket money wouldn’t be a small amount.” Jiang Chenyu wiped his face, resting his arms on his knees, his voice muffled, “The rat must be very disappointed in me. I clearly have the ability to help him.”

“You’re just a high school student; how could you have that ability? If you did, he would have solved it himself.” Xie Ci bent down and patted Jiang Chenyu’s shoulder, comforting him, “Wang Hao won’t blame you; what do you take him for?”

Fang Sizhe chimed in: “You don’t need to feel guilty about this; let’s think of another way.” Half an hour later, Jiang Chenyu’s parents came looking for him. Seeing their son shivering and sneezing, they were heartbroken and quickly got him into the car, repeatedly thanking Xie Ci and the others, insisting on treating them to a meal.

In the business van, Jiang Chenyu saw his dad’s face was also flushed and asked, “What happened to your face?” Dad Jiang hesitated: “Your mom hit me!” “Deserved it.” Jiang Chenyu sneered, feeling secretly pleased.

Xie Ci and the others exchanged glances, instantly understanding who was in charge of the Jiang family. In the private room of a high-end restaurant, Jiang Chenyu’s parents talked a lot, looking worried and frustrated about their clueless son. Zhang Ruochuan and Fang Sizhe did their best to say good things about Jiang Chenyu.

Dad Jiang shook his head and sighed, feeling frustrated: “This kid is just too foolish; when will he ever get it?!” “Who are you calling foolish? If I’m foolish, isn’t that inherited from you?” Jiang Chenyu sipped hot soup, not forgetting to retort his dad. Dad Jiang: “Just drink your soup!”

“They say foolish people have foolish blessings.” Xie Ci casually replied, “Old Jiang is a lucky man; you don’t need to worry too much.” Dad Jiang didn’t know whether to be angry or to laugh, thinking Xie Ci was joking, until many years later when Jiang Chenyu was lying back and making money with two top tycoons in the business circle, he realized how naive he had been back then.

The next day, Sunday, Xie Ci had no plans. After taking the dog for a walk in the morning, he grabbed his physics textbook and went downstairs to make a cup of coffee, looking for a sunny spot to pass the time. As he walked through the small garden, he accidentally saw Yang Le leading a young man in a suit with dyed blonde hair up the metal stairs.

There usually weren’t many people around on Sundays, and Yang Le wasn’t working either. Xie Ci suddenly remembered the previous discussions among the students about their dad’s paintings not selling, feeling a bit concerned. After they went up, he took the other staircase to go upstairs.

In the reception room, Xie Qian was also there, and the blonde-haired young man was sitting across from him. After Yang Le brought in tea, he sat down next to Xie Qian, chatting with the blonde-haired young man. Xie Ci walked to the outside of the reception room and heard the conversation through the open window. It turned out that this blonde-haired young man was his dad’s agent, responsible for promoting and selling the paintings.

“Mr. Zheng, didn’t we agree to renew the contract today?” Yang Le looked a bit anxious, “What do you mean you’re not renewing?” The agent seemed to find it hard to say, clasping his hands in front of him, looking at Xie Qian, hesitating to speak: “Teacher, it’s like this. We’ve done a comprehensive market evaluation of your paintings, and based on the results, they don’t meet our gallery’s signing requirements—”

“What do you mean they don’t meet the signing requirements?!” Yang Le stood up, a bit agitated, “You didn’t say that last time!” The agent smiled apologetically: “Please don’t be so agitated; I’m just conveying the company’s message. Of course, I personally really like Teacher Jianyan’s work, and I’m also very sorry about this result.”

“Stop with the pleasantries.” Yang Le pressed, “Just tell me where it doesn’t meet the requirements!” Xie Ci saw his dad sitting there silently, and when he heard Yang Le ask this, the fingers resting on his leg curled slightly, his gaze towards the agent a bit uneasy.

The agent sighed lightly: “To put it simply, there’s no market. The three paintings we took from the teacher six months ago have already been marked down, and they still haven’t sold.” “How is that possible?! Did you promote them according to the contract? Did you display them properly?!” Yang Le’s tone grew sharper, “The teacher’s painting won an international art award last month, and you’re telling me there’s no market?!”

“The teacher’s paintings are indeed excellent, and several of my colleagues and I really like them.” The agent said this, then shifted his tone, “But the market is like this; we’ve made the greatest effort, but they just won’t sell.” “How can this be?” Xie Qian finally couldn’t help but speak, “My paintings aren’t priced high.”

The agent nodded: “In a horizontal comparison, your paintings are priced the lowest. For artists of your level, the usual works are around two hundred thousand; yours is one hundred thousand, and we’ve marked it down to sixty thousand, but it still hasn’t sold, not even a single inquiry.”

Xie Qian fell completely silent. Seeing him like this, Yang Le felt very upset and unwilling to ask the agent: “Can’t you give it another chance? Maybe if you change the promotion method, the paintings will sell?” “Sorry.” The agent directly refused, “We’ve tried various methods, and the current market price of the teacher’s works is too low, no longer meeting the gallery’s requirements. After all, our exhibition space is limited.”

“So what you’re saying is, you just think the teacher’s paintings aren’t profitable and don’t want them anymore?!” Yang Le’s tone was very bad. The agent glanced at Xie Qian and said tactfully: “Why don’t you try switching to another agency?”

Yang Le was furious, standing up abruptly: “This is too much! When you came to us, the teacher saw how sincere you were, turned down a better gallery, and chose you. Now you’re turning around and looking down on us! If we hadn’t chosen you back then, maybe the teacher’s paintings would have doubled in value by now!”

The agent couldn’t hold his face anymore after being scolded like this: “Then you can contact the original gallery and see if they’ll take you back.” Xie Ci stood outside the corridor, watching Yang Le and the agent argue, while his dad sat there looking anxious, slightly lowering his head, appearing very unconfident.

If it weren’t for his rebirth, he might have believed the agent’s words. In his previous life, his dad’s paintings had sold for nearly ten million dollars at a well-known auction house in M country and were also quite favored in the top business circles domestically. By that time, his dad had long passed away, and the previous agency had made a fortune from his dad’s paintings.

“Please calm down and listen to me.” The agent gestured for Yang Le to sit down, taking out a document from his briefcase, “We’ve worked with the teacher for many years and truly don’t want to terminate our cooperation like this. If the teacher doesn’t intend to work with another gallery, we can consider this contract.”

Xie Qian took it and opened it. After seeing the content, his expression turned even worse. Yang Le leaned over to look, furious: “You want to buy out each piece for twenty thousand, providing more than fifteen pieces a year? You’re bullying people too much!”

“This was approved considering our long-term cooperation; not every collaborating artist can get this.” Saying this, the agent looked at Xie Qian, “You also know that our gallery is one of the best in the country. If we can’t sell the works, other galleries are very likely to sell them either. Please consider it seriously.”

Hearing this, Xie Ci walked around the corridor towards the reception room door. As he entered, he happened to see Xie Qian nodding. Yang Le wanted to stop him but was helpless, only able to sulk on the side.

“Wait.” Xie Qian was about to sign when he heard Xie Ci’s voice and looked up to see him pushing the door in. “Xiao Ci?” Xie Ci put down the coffee cup in his hand, casually picked up the contract, and started flipping through it.

The agent looked a bit confused, glancing at Xie Ci and then at Xie Qian: “Who is this young man?” Xie Qian: “He’s my son.”

The agent was very surprised: “You, you have such a big son, is he your biological son?” This question was quite strange, and Yang Le directly retorted: “What does it matter if he’s biological or not?!”

Xie Ci lightly slammed the document on the coffee table, looking at the blonde agent: “I heard your conversation just now. The main issue now is that my dad’s paintings are too cheap, and you think it’s a waste of exhibition space, so you don’t plan to represent them anymore, right?”

Unexpectedly, the issue of the paintings not selling was overheard by his son, and Xie Qian’s lips moved, lowering his gaze. He really couldn’t do anything right. His marriage fell apart, causing his son to grow up in an incredibly difficult environment. After finally bringing his son back to his side, his career hit a snag.

The agent felt pressured by Xie Ci’s strong attitude, who was not very old, and subconsciously nodded: “Yes.” Xie Ci: “Then if his paintings’ value increases a hundredfold, would you be willing to renew the agency contract?”

This statement surprised the other three present. Yang Le couldn’t help but remind: “Xiao Ci, you don’t understand this kind of thing; let the teacher decide for himself.” A hundredfold increase? What a joke! If it were that easy, they wouldn’t be bullied by this stupid agent.

Xie Qian was also very worried. He knew his son was standing up for him, but such words shouldn’t be said casually. Xie Ci ignored them and repeated the question to the agent: “Are you willing to renew the contract?”

The agent came back to his senses: “Of course! I just said we really like the teacher’s works. If the value really increases a hundredfold, renewing the contract would definitely not be a problem!” “Good.” Xie Ci’s tone was relaxed, “Let’s set a limit of one month. If my dad’s works don’t increase in value a hundredfold after a month, then we’ll terminate our cooperation completely.”