Yang Le glanced towards the second floor and quietly asked Xie Ci, “Xiao Ci, you weren’t joking just now, were you?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Xie Ci retorted.

Although Xie Ci was young, he was quite mature and rarely joked around. It was unlikely he would say something nonsensical in that kind of situation. Yang Le knew this well, but he just couldn’t wrap his head around it. How could a seventeen-year-old high school student like Xie Ci possibly make his teacher’s painting appreciate a hundredfold in just a month? It was simply wishful thinking.

On the way back, Yang Le pondered for a moment, feeling a bit troubled. “I’ll try contacting that gallery from before. Maybe they’d be willing to represent us.”

But Xie Ci disagreed. “That would be too cheap. With my dad’s painting’s market value as it is, they’ll weigh the pros and cons. If we get rejected, it’ll be even more embarrassing for my dad.”

“But—” Yang Le hesitated to say, “What if the conditions you set aren’t met, and we can’t even sign that buyout contract? It’ll be hard to find a suitable gallery again in a short time.”

Over the years, the teacher’s works had been depreciating, and they hadn’t actively sought out collaborators for a long time.

Xie Ci stopped and turned to look at Yang Le. “Yang Ge, you might not have understood my point. No matter if my dad’s painting’s market value has increased a hundredfold, we can’t cooperate with that gallery anymore.”

Yang Le widened his eyes in confusion. “Then why do you say that?”

“The agency contract you signed before had a very high commission rate, right?” Xie Ci asked.

Yang Le nodded. “Fifty-fifty, it’s almost the highest commission rate.”

Xie Ci said, “If my dad’s painting’s market value skyrockets, what do you think they’ll do?”

Yang Le replied, “They’ll definitely want to renew the contract immediately! It would be foolish not to sign with such a high commission rate!”

Xie Ci nodded slowly. “I just want to see if their attitude will be different when they come to us for a contract.”

Yang Le was taken aback, watching Xie Ci walk up the metal stairs, gradually realizing what he meant.

Was this fishing?!

Giving people hope, then kicking them away once they bite.

It seemed Xie Ci was really angry.

But if Xie Ci could really pull it off in a month, that would be so satisfying!

Xie Ci reached the second floor and pushed the door open. “Will they return the paintings in the next few days?”

Yang Le nodded eagerly. “The agency contract has expired, so all the paintings will be returned.”

When Xie Ci entered the reception room, Xie Qian was still sitting there.

The father and son exchanged glances, and Xie Qian hesitated before speaking. “What are you planning to do? Is there going to be any danger?”

Xie Ci replied, “First, take me to pick two paintings.”

Seeing Xie Ci’s calm demeanor, Xie Qian genuinely didn’t know what he was up to. He stood up and led him to his studio, pulling out two paintings from a pile of works and placing them on the display rack.

“These two are my favorites; I’ve never been willing to sell them.” Xie Qian asked Xie Ci, who was standing beside him, “Are they okay?”

Xie Ci looked at one of the oil paintings, which was a rare realistic piece by his father. The painting depicted a young girl with long curly hair, who bore some resemblance to him, sitting under a trellis covered in flowers, gently playing with a baby in her arms.

“Is this my mom?” Xie Ci asked, his tone uncertain.

“Yeah.”

Xie Qian brushed his hand over the painting, his voice a bit heavy. “I promised to paint a picture for her a long time ago, but back then I didn’t have the money. I could only finish commercial works first, and I kept delaying it. Not long after I finished, we got divorced.”

Xie Ci had never heard about his parents’ past, but he could roughly guess what had happened. His aunt had said something right: his dad wasn’t someone suited for marriage. He was so immersed in painting to make money that he ended up ruining his own marriage.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re not suited for marriage?” Xie Ci asked.

“Your mom said that.” Xie Qian forced a smile, which looked bitter. “But unfortunately, it was already too late by then.”

Xie Ci had said it casually, but suddenly he thought that he might be the same way—not suited for marriage.

“Are these two okay?” Xie Qian asked again.

“They’re too high quality; there’s no need for that.”

Xie Ci picked out two dusty paintings from the corner, blowing off the dust. “Let’s go with these two.”

Xie Qian took a look and realized they were practice pieces he himself didn’t like.

“What do you plan to do with these paintings?”

“Where there’s demand, there’s a market, so we need to create demand first.”

Xie Ci looked at Xie Qian seriously and said, “If these two paintings sell successfully, you’ll pay me a 10% commission.”

Xie Qian replied, “I’ll give it all to you.”

“No need, I can’t spend that much money for now.”

Xie Ci examined the two paintings. “Anyway, your money will eventually be mine.”

Xie Qian: “…”

Hearing that they were going to be sold, Xie Qian hesitated again. During lunch, he had still been saying he wanted to swap two better paintings for Xie Ci.

“Did those people make you lose confidence?”

Xie Ci tossed a piece of bone to Xiao Fang, who was lying on the table. “Those words meant to suppress you are just to buy the paintings from you at a low price. Don’t let them lead you by the nose.”

Xie Qian looked down at his bowl of rice, remaining silent.

He knew there was some truth to that, but the fact remained that the paintings weren’t selling.

Seeing his father’s dejected expression, Xie Ci couldn’t stand it anymore and said, “You may be a failed husband and a failed father, but your paintings are the best. Never doubt that.”

Xie Qian looked up in surprise.

God knows how much encouragement it was for him to hear those words from his son.

Xie Ci said, “If you still don’t believe it, I’ll prove it to you.”

Xie Qian, still worried, couldn’t help but ask again, “What exactly are you planning to do?”

Xie Ci thought for a moment. “First, let’s find a sucker and make some quick money.”

Xie Qian: “…Huh?”

After lunch, Xie Ci called Jiang Chenyu.

“Aren’t you trying to help Wang Hao? Do you want to make money on your own to help him?”

Jiang Chenyu replied, “Of course! I dream about it! But with my looks, I can only be a gigolo.”

“…”

Xie Ci checked the time. “Let’s meet in half an hour at the entrance of Dahuasi in the south of the city. I’ll teach you how to make money.”

Jiang Chenyu excitedly agreed, “Are we going to rob a temple?! Are monks easier to deal with?”

“…Stop talking nonsense and be on time.” After Xie Ci finished, he hung up the phone.

Sitting on the bus, Xie Ci sorted through the events of his past life in his mind.

After his business grew, he met quite a few wealthy people. At this time in Lanhai City, there was a well-off, bold, and somewhat foolish person with business needs who met all those criteria. The first person that came to Xie Ci’s mind was Lei Qiliang, the president of Feihong Group, nicknamed “Bold Lei.”

The West City Science Park was bidding, planning to invest over a hundred billion, led by the Gu family. Everyone wanted to get a piece of the pie.

Feihong Group and the technology company under the Xie family were both competing for the project in the science park.

Xie Ci had heard Lei Qiliang complain before, saying that he had prepared more thoroughly than the Xie family back then but still lost, just because the Xie family’s vice president had connections with Gu Yong’an. As a result, what the Xie family delivered didn’t satisfy the Gu family, and he had to clean up the mess, earning less money and feeling frustrated.

Lei Qiliang was bold yet meticulous. They had tricked quite a few people before and done many unethical things, making him one of the more familiar people Xie Ci knew, and it would be easier to trick him.

When Xie Ci arrived at the entrance of Dahuasi, Jiang Chenyu was already there, squatting under a tree by the roadside, and ran over as soon as he saw him.

“Old Xie!”

Jiang Chenyu couldn’t hide his excitement. “How are we going to make money? Just tell me, and I’ll cooperate!”

Xie Ci explained the plan to sell paintings.

Jiang Chenyu asked, “Are you going to scam—how much are you selling for?”

Xie Ci looked around and signaled for Jiang Chenyu to follow. “Since it’s our first time, let’s keep the price conservative. If we go too hard, there won’t be a next time.”

Jiang Chenyu nodded repeatedly, then opened the bag with the oil paintings and took a glance, thinking that the paintings looked pretty good. They should sell for at least three to five thousand, right? But do monks have money?

Xie Ci led Jiang Chenyu around the temple looking for people.

Lei Qiliang had a habit of visiting the temple every Sunday. In his own words, he had done too many unethical things and came to purify his soul while also asking the Buddha to bless him with wealth.

Xie Ci wasn’t sure if he would definitely come today or if he would come in the afternoon, so he could only try his luck.

They waited from 1:30 to 3:30, and Jiang Chenyu’s legs were getting numb. Sitting on the high threshold, he asked Xie Ci, “Haven’t we found a fated person yet?”

Xie Ci checked the time, feeling a bit troubled.

If they didn’t find anyone soon, they would have to come back next Sunday.

Passing by a meditation room, Xie Ci accidentally overheard two old men arguing.

“I want that pretty one! This one looks like a loach; I don’t want it!”

“How many fish have you killed in the past few years? Just giving you this one is already generous, and you’re still picky!”

“This one was killed by my grandson; it has nothing to do with me.”

“Whoever killed it doesn’t matter; it’s this one, take it or leave it!”

“You old coot, are you targeting me? I want that one!”

“You go catch it yourself! If you can catch it, it’s your skill.”

Xie Ci saw a monk in a robe storming off, leaving an old man in a coat bent over the small pond in the courtyard, trying to catch fish.

The old man’s voice sounded somewhat familiar. Xie Ci walked in curiously and saw that it was indeed Gu Yufeng’s grandfather, Gu Mingbai.

At this rate, he would soon fall into the pond.

Xie Ci couldn’t bear to watch and spoke up, “Grandpa, which one do you want to catch? I can help you.”

Gu Mingbai turned his head upon hearing the voice. Seeing a young man, he pointed at the pond and said, “I want that one with the colorful tail; it swims the fastest.”

Xie Ci reached in and caught it in one go.

Gu Mingbai was pleasantly surprised. “You’re quite skilled, kid!”

“Don’t do such dangerous things next time.” Xie Ci handed him the net and was about to leave.

Gu Mingbai called out to him, “I haven’t thanked you yet.”

Xie Ci waved his hand without looking back. “It’s nothing, no need.”

By 4 PM, still not having found anyone, Xie Ci prepared to go home.

He turned around and saw a middle-aged man in a black suit, wearing several strands of prayer beads on his left hand, entering. It was none other than Lei Qiliang.

Xie Ci said, “Target spotted.”

Jiang Chenyu jumped up nervously, following Xie Ci’s gaze. “Whoa, that’s a fierce-looking bearded uncle. Can we take him?”

Xie Ci watched Lei Qiliang light incense and pray, then took Jiang Chenyu to the entrance to wait.

Jiang Chenyu was feeling a bit anxious. “Are we really going to do this? Is this considered extortion?”

Xie Ci kept an eye on the people kneeling in front of the Buddha statue and lowered his voice. “As long as both parties are willing, how can it be extortion? At most, it’s just asking for alms.”

Jiang Chenyu: “…”

This method of asking for alms seemed a bit too rough.

Seeing that Lei Qiliang was almost done praying, Xie Ci prepared to approach, but Jiang Chenyu nervously pulled him back and whispered, “Let’s not do this.”

Jiang Chenyu was so anxious that his scalp felt numb. Thinking of Wang Hao waiting for his rescue, he took a deep breath and pulled out his phone to edit a message to send to the group.

【Tell my mom I’m not a coward!】

A bunch of question marks followed.

Chuan Chuan: 【Don’t do anything stupid again!】

Old Fang: 【Stay calm!】

Jiang Chenyu didn’t have time to look at the replies. Seeing Xie Ci walk away, he immediately followed.

As soon as Lei Qiliang stepped out of the threshold, he was blocked by a tall young man. He moved left, and the young man moved left; he moved right, and the young man moved right, not letting him pass.

“Looking for trouble?”

His voice was rough and fierce, making Jiang Chenyu break out in a cold sweat.

But Xie Ci remained unfazed, still looking calm and collected. “It’s better to ask me than to pray to Buddha.”

Lei Qiliang scrutinized the young man. “What do you mean?”

Xie Ci glanced at the Buddha statue inside and then looked at Lei Qiliang. “What you’re asking for, I just happen to be able to do. Maybe this is fate?”

Lei Qiliang looked at this rough-looking kid, who actually believed in fate and destiny, thinking that he had made it this far because of divine favor.

Xie Ci’s words had him firmly in his grasp, and he successfully got into Lei Qiliang’s car with Jiang Chenyu.

More than half an hour later, in a high-end club’s private room.

Jiang Chenyu sat anxiously on an exaggeratedly styled sofa, feeling for the first time what it was like to sit on pins and needles.

Seeing Xie Ci still acting as usual, he thought to himself that the captain was truly impressive; his mental fortitude was incredible.

“Let’s get straight to the point.” Lei Qiliang’s tone was somewhat impatient, but he was also curious about this young man.

He felt he was definitely being played but still held a glimmer of hope.

Xie Ci said, “Feihong Group has a technology company that is competing for the science park project, and the biggest competitor is the Xie family, right?”

Lei Qiliang’s eyes twitched, and he had to reassess the young man in front of him.

Although this wasn’t a secret in the business world, it had nothing to do with this kid who looked barely in his teens.

“Who are you?” Lei Qiliang probed.

Xie Ci didn’t answer and continued, “The Xie family has collaborated with the Gu family multiple times. The Xie family’s vice president, Xie Cheng, has a personal relationship with Gu Yong’an, while you, up until now, haven’t been able to speak to Gu Yong’an.”

Lei Qiliang’s expression darkened, and his eyes became wary.

Xie Ci continued calmly, “In fact, Feihong’s technology company is not inferior to the Xie family, but unfortunately, your strength hasn’t been recognized.”

The problem that had been bothering him for a while was laid bare, and Lei Qiliang asked in a deep voice, “So?”

Xie Ci smiled faintly. “You want to connect with Gu Yong’an, but unfortunately, you can’t find a way in.”

Lei Qiliang’s eyes flickered. “Do you have a way?”

“I don’t.”

As Lei Qiliang was about to get up in anger, Xie Ci spoke again, “Gu Yong’an is just a vice president; what’s the need to get close to him? It’s better to go directly to Gu Yongnian.”

Lei Qiliang looked at this kid talking big in surprise, wondering if he was crazy, yet he found himself somewhat believing that this kid really had a way.

“It sounds simple, but how do I find him?”

“You should know that Gu Yongnian loves calligraphy, but he actually loves oil paintings even more. The artist he admires the most is a painter named Jian Yan.”

Xie Ci asked Jiang Chenyu to take out the painting. “I just happen to have one that’s part of the same series as the one in Gu Yongnian’s collection.”

Lei Qiliang glanced at the painting. The room was dimly lit, and he couldn’t see anything clearly, plus he had no artistic sense, so even if he could see it, he wouldn’t understand it.

“You want to give it to me?”

Xie Ci replied, “I said, I have a connection with President Lei.”

Lei Qiliang asked, “What’s the price?”

“One million—” Xie Ci slowly added, “in US dollars.”

Jiang Chenyu was so shocked that his face went blank. “…………?!!!”

Big brother?!!

One million US dollars?!!

This isn’t asking for alms; it’s robbing money!

Lei Qiliang stood up, ready to leave. “One million US dollars for this painting? I’ve never even heard of this artist!”

Xie Ci said, “Do you think it’s expensive?”

Lei Qiliang replied, “Of course! I’m rich, but I’m not a fool!”

Xie Ci countered, “If it can help you secure a ten billion project, would you still think it’s expensive?”

Lei Qiliang was tempted again by his words.

Although it sounded absurd, what if?

During this time, he had thought of every possible way, but he just couldn’t get close to the Gu brothers. They had their own circle, and it was too difficult for him to integrate into it.

“How can I trust you’re not lying to me?” Lei Qiliang sat back down.

Xie Ci took out his student ID and handed it over, casually mentioning his family’s address in the bustling area, his school class, and his homeroom teacher’s name.

“I’m betting my future just to scam you for this little money; it’s really not worth it.”

Seeing that Lei Qiliang was still hesitant, Xie Ci continued, “Next, I’ll take this painting to Guanglu Technology, Moyu Technology, and Sifan Technology. I’m only looking for you first because I feel a connection with President Lei. If you don’t want it, that’s fine; someone else will.”

As he spoke, Xie Ci stood up with Jiang Chenyu.

“Wait!”

Lei Qiliang called out to him. “I can’t just believe this kid who popped up out of nowhere for no reason.”

Xie Ci looked at the door two steps away without turning back. “If President Lei is worried, you can pay a deposit first, and then pay the balance once the deal is done. If you’re not confident in winning Gu Yongnian’s favor, I can also help you strategize.”

Lei Qiliang frowned tightly. “Why do you want to help me?”

Xie Ci turned around and met Lei Qiliang’s probing gaze. “I said it’s because of fate. You want the project, and I want the money; it’s that simple.”

Jiang Chenyu was sweating profusely, not daring to speak.

Dude, isn’t that a bit too straightforward?

Ten minutes later, Lei Qiliang’s secretary came in and processed a deposit of three hundred thousand US dollars to the account Xie Ci specified.

Xie Ci was in a good mood. “Buying it for one million US dollars is truly a steal.”

Lei Qiliang had a sour expression and didn’t say anything.

Xie Ci handed the painting to the young male secretary and instructed Lei Qiliang, “This painting still has a lot of appreciation potential, so please take good care of it after bringing it back.”

Jiang Chenyu: “…”

In the end, he even painted a big picture for them. As expected of you, captain.

Lei Qiliang didn’t believe a word of it.

Spending this money was just betting on a slim hope, treating a dead horse as a live one.

Seeing the young man remain calm and composed throughout, Lei Qiliang tentatively asked, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll take advantage of you and try to get this money back after the deal is done?”

“I can help you once, so I can help you a second time.”

Xie Ci calmly countered, “Is President Lei really such a short-sighted person?”

After the transaction was completed, Xie Ci and Lei Qiliang walked out of the private room.

In another private room, Xie Cheng was finishing up a discussion with a partner when he opened the door and happened to see Lei Qiliang passing by with the young man beside him, causing him to take a second glance.

“What’s wrong?” someone beside Xie Cheng asked.

Xie Cheng shook his head in confusion. “Nothing.”

In that brief moment, the young man’s profile struck him as particularly familiar, almost like seeing his older brother when he was young.

---

As the car drove out of the club, the cold wind blowing in from the window made Lei Qiliang feel increasingly deceived. But just because of Xie Ci’s boldness, he felt it was necessary to give it a try.

“This painting counts as a company purchase.”

The secretary was taken aback. “How do we account for it without an invoice?”

Lei Qiliang rested his chin on his hand, his face looking grim. “You figure it out.”

Secretary: “…Huh?!”

On the other side, Jiang Chenyu was waiting for his car to pick him up, standing on the street, feeling like he was floating.

“Old Xie, after today, we’re going to be lifelong friends.”

Xie Ci laughed at his pale expression. “Not to that extent; there’s no need to be so scared.”

Jiang Chenyu was still very worried. “What if, I mean, what if he fails?”

Xie Ci replied, “Let’s say the worst happens; we can just return the money to him, and we’ll consider today a nice meal out.”

Jiang Chenyu: “…”

Is it being carefree or confident?

Is this why he can’t become a big shot?

As soon as Xie Ci got on the bus, Yang Le’s call came in.

“Xiao Ci, a huge sum just came in!”

Xie Ci replied, “That’s the deposit; there’s still a balance to come.”

Yang Le excitedly asked, “How many paintings did you sell to get so much money?”

Xie Ci said, “One. It’s not that much.”

After hanging up, Yang Le was left dumbfounded.

In just half a day, he sold a painting, and the deposit was three hundred thousand US dollars? How could he say it wasn’t much?!

Xie Qian anxiously asked, “What did Xiao Ci say?”

Yang Le turned to look at him, unable to hide his excitement. “Teacher, maybe Xiao Ci can really do it!”

After hearing what he said, Xie Qian tightened his grip on the handrail, feeling very complicated.

He was surprised by his son’s ability, but at the same time, he felt even more useless.

He couldn’t let his son rely on him; he had to rely on his son instead.

He needed to step up as well.

On Wednesday afternoon, just before school ended, Xie Ci received a message from Gu Yufeng.

Gu Yufeng: 【I’m back in the country today. Aren’t you coming to pick me up?】

Xie Ci: 【Why should I pick you up?】

Gu Yufeng: 【Aren’t you my desk mate who’s in this together with me?】

Xie Ci: “…”

Still not over it?

Xie Ci replied: 【I have class, so I can’t go to the airport.】

Gu Yufeng: 【If you can’t go to the airport, can you at least go to the school gate?】

After school, Zhang Ruochuan and the others called Xie Ci to go to the cafeteria together.

Xie Ci put away the papers on the table and pushed his chair back under the desk. “I’m going to the school gate to pick up Old Gu. You guys go ahead.”

“Old Gu is back?!”

As soon as Zhang Ruochuan and the others heard this, they followed Xie Ci to the school gate.

At the entrance, people were coming and going, and the road outside the school was filled with vehicles picking up and dropping off students.

The four of them waited in the cold wind for ten minutes when a familiar Land Rover parked by the roadside. The back door opened, and a long, straight leg stepped out. Soon, Gu Yufeng’s handsome face appeared in front of them.

He was wearing a cream-white and black sports outfit, with the jacket zipper only pulled up to his chest, revealing his neck and the outline of his collarbone. In the cold wind, his hair was slightly tousled, and with a hint of a smile on his lips, he looked both relaxed and unruly, radiating youthful energy.

As soon as Gu Yufeng got out of the car, he attracted the attention of a large number of students around, and even the parents picking up their kids couldn’t help but take a second look.

Xie Ci thought to himself, what a stunning guy.

Gu Yufeng walking on this ordinary street, standing out among a crowd of ordinary people, was truly “beautiful” in a striking way.

“Old Gu! It’s been a week since we last met, and you’re still so handsome!” Jiang Chenyu greeted him with a wave.

“Shouldn’t I be even more handsome than before?”

Amidst the laughter of Jiang Chenyu and the others, Gu Yufeng walked up to Xie Ci. “Did you miss me?”

“…” Just as Xie Ci was about to greet him, he moved his lips but swallowed the words back.

Gu Yufeng looked at Jiang Chenyu and the others. “Did you miss me?”

Jiang Chenyu and Zhang Ruochuan laughed and said, “Of course! We missed you to death!”

Gu Yufeng nodded in satisfaction and then turned to Xie Ci. “Your turn.”

Xie Ci felt a bit of a headache. “…Tone it down a bit.”

Gu Yufeng, not giving up, asked, “Did you miss me?”

Xie Ci replied, “No.”

Not getting the answer he wanted, Gu Yufeng didn’t mind. He put his hand on Xie Ci’s shoulder and leaned in for a cheek kiss, whispering in his ear with a laugh, “I missed you.”

Jiang Chenyu and the others: “…?!!!”

What the heck! He made a move?!

A wave of students passing by: “…?!!!”

Two school heartthrobs playing around at the school gate?!

Under the scrutiny of everyone’s gaze, Xie Ci stood there stiffly, feeling a headache coming on.

This guy probably would never learn what modesty is.