Chapter 25: Almost Finding Her to Ask for Punishment

“I have some urgent business at work and need to be away for a few days.”

Moonlight spilled through the grapevine, casting dappled shadows that gently outlined Gu Jingyao’s face.

“Mm.”

Lin Moran responded indifferently.

In the dim light, his voice seemed to be imbued with warmth, soft and deep, like a summer night breeze gently caressing her heart.

At least he told her he was leaving.

It wasn’t a silent departure.

“While I’m away,”

Gu Jingyao spoke again, a moment of hesitation in his voice before he continued, “Jingya’s emotions are unstable; don’t provoke her.”

Lin Moran’s heart felt like it was suddenly yanked down, shattering on the ground.

“She’s had a hard time.”

Gu Jingyao’s eyes held a gentle expectation. His voice softened as he spoke, each word filled with tenderness.

Lin Moran raised her eyes, a hint of sarcasm curving her lips, “Gu Jingyao, you’re amazing.  You’re risking my wrath to protect Xu Jingya like this.”

“But let’s get one thing straight. When have I ever provoked her?  Isn’t she the one always coming to cause trouble?”

“Who’s always starting trouble?  I avoid her!”

“You spoil her rotten! Go live with her! Protect her constantly!”

Lin Moran’s anger flared. She abruptly turned, strode back into the room, and furiously threw Gu Jingyao’s backpack out the door, as if to expel her resentment and frustration along with it.

It was always Xu Jingya who came to cause trouble, yet Gu Jingyao told her not to provoke her.

As if Xu Jingya was the victim!

She had felt a little relieved when he asked her to talk, thinking they could discuss things rationally.

How foolish!

She was so foolish.

He was leaving, without a word of concern for her or her son.

But Xu Jingya cries and he almost blames her.

“Lin Moran, you…”

“Get out!”

Lin Moran stood at the door, her eyes filled with anger, her voice icy.

Gu Jingyao looked at the extremely angry Lin Moran, then at his discarded backpack. His eyes were deep, as if capable of absorbing all the surrounding light.

He had only softly reminded her to avoid unnecessary conflict with Xu Jingya, but his simple words had stirred up such a storm in her heart.

Gu Jingyao picked up his backpack and left angrily.

“Wuwuwu…”

Gu Quanzhe, hiding behind the door, started to cry softly.

His father had returned, but before they could play or even speak, he and his mother had argued.

And now he was gone again.

He had no father again.

“Did you scare Zhezhe? Zhezhe, don’t cry.”

Gu Quanzhe cried softly, trying to suppress his sobs, afraid of disturbing others. The more sensible he was, the more heartbroken Lin Moran became.

Gu Jingyao was a jerk!

He usually came and went without letting her son know.

But today, he chose a time when her son wasn’t asleep to return, letting the child witness this scene.

She carefully protected her child’s tender heart, but he hurt him without a care.

Lin Moran held Gu Quanzhe in her arms, burying her head in his neck, tears falling silently.

A courtyard in Wang’s family in Beijing.

Wang Yunfeng sat opposite Wang Yuanwu at a tea table, legs crossed, casually drinking tea.

Wang Yuanwu wasn’t annoyed by his grandson’s nonchalant attitude. While drinking tea, he asked, “Yunfeng, are you sure?”

Wang Yunfeng’s eyes were deep, “Grandpa’s right. She’s definitely Long Lao’s disciple. I found the painting she restored before; the restoration techniques are identical to those of Long’s descendants.”

“When she found the genuine article among my pile of junk, I suspected her background. Now it’s almost certain.”

Wang Yuanwu narrowed his eyes, his voice deep and heavy, “We’ve always been at odds with the Long family. If she’s really from their side, it explains why she refused to restore the (Ten Thousand Li River and Mountain Map).”

“Before, we thought we could find another master to restore it. Now, it’s not possible. With a true master available, this painting is wasted.”

“If this painting is restored, it will not only be the treasure of this international exchange but also our family heirloom.”

“If this painting is auctioned…”

Wang Yuanwu’s eyes gleamed with cunning, like a sly fox in the forest, revealing shrewdness and calculation.  Ordinary paintings in China, if auctioned internationally, start at eight figures.

This is an even more famous painting.

“The top priority is to restore this painting.”

Wang Yunfeng reminded him.

Wang Yuanwu nodded.  Without restoration, everything else is pointless.

“Yunfeng, has Lin Moran been wary of our Wang family all along?”

“Before, and even more so now. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have refused so decisively.”

Wang Yunfeng was puzzled.  She didn’t target them; she took the most valuable item from his junk without a word. But she also gave him four hundred and twenty yuan.

“Grandpa, should I try to persuade her?”

“Can you?”

Wang Yuanwu asked back.

Wang Yunfeng frowned.

“Let’s invite her forcefully.”

Wang Yuanwu’s eyes were deep, shining with shrewdness and calculation. His voice was low and cold, “Before the art exchange, we must restore this painting.”

“Sister-in-law, we’re going to Hebei Province.”

The next day, as Lin Moran arrived at her shop in Liuli Factory, she heard Wu Kairui’s excited voice.

“Yesterday, we got the Cultural Relics Bureau to do an appraisal, confirming that the man’s items were from a Qing Dynasty tomb. We thought he took them from an already-explored tomb, but he said he got them from an unexplored tomb. He said there were many more items inside, and several groups of grave robbers had been there. He said he saw a lot of gold, silver, jewelry, jade, and gemstones in the coffins, but everyone couldn’t reach them.”

“Based on his confession, our bureau and the Cultural Relics Bureau immediately formed a special task force, and we’re leaving for Hebei Province.”

“I just happened to be passing by and wanted to tell you.”

Lin Moran nodded. Identifying a Qing Dynasty bronze mirror and an unexplored tomb was good news.

“Sister-in-law, is there anything you want to tell us?”

Wu Kairui’s eyes shone brightly. He thought she possessed special knowledge.  Going to those places, it would be better to consult an expert than to trespass.

“The Cultural Relics Bureau will be there, and the local government will cooperate, so your operation will be easier. But they’re mostly desperate people, so be careful. This is for you, for a safe return!”

Lin Moran handed Wu Kairui a peace knot made of Qinghai jade, choosing the largest one.

“Thank you, sister-in-law. You’re the first person besides my mother to give me a peace charm.”

“I’m going. See you upon our triumphant return.”

Wu Kairui left the antique shop briskly.

Lin Moran looked at the remaining peace knots.  Wu Kairui properly bid farewell, but Gu Jingyao wouldn’t.

It was simply because she wasn’t important to him.

“Hello, Comrade Lin, are you free? Chairman Wang requests your presence.”

Not long after Wu Kairui left, two people entered the small antique shop, respectfully addressing Lin Moran.