Chapter 68 The Art Studio

Perhaps it's because of her age that she couldn't help but reminisce about the past. The old lady recalled the past and said gently, "Back then, you and Ajue were still little. The two little bundles of joy squeezed together in one crib, fighting over toys. It was so adorable."

Gu Heng spoke up, "Xiangxiang doesn't remember anything from so long ago."

Chu Xiang nodded, "Yes, I have no recollection of it at all."

Before the old lady could say anything more, the old man said indifferently, "Didn't you say you were going to make desserts to treat Xiangxiang? You can go now."

The old lady smiled as usual, "Yes, look at me, I was so happy to see Ah Heng bring his girlfriend back that I forgot."

Then, the old lady said to Chu Xiang, "Xiangxiang, wait a moment, please try my cooking later."

Chu Xiang smiled, "Okay, thank you, Madam."

The old lady was truly a kind person who was very kind to the younger generation. Even though she was at the age where she should be enjoying her retirement, she still did many things herself and was very virtuous.

Knowing that Chu Xiang was reserved, Gu Heng picked up some strawberries from the fruit plate and handed them to her, saying, "There's still some time before dinner, have something to eat."

Chu Xiang nodded gently. She took the strawberry. She used to swallow it whole, but now, in front of the old man, she took small bites.

Grandpa Gu asked with concern, "I heard you got into the same university that Aheng studied back then?"

Chu Xiang replied, "Yes, I was lucky and did well on the college entrance exam."

Grandpa Gu smiled and said, "I've been to that school a few times. The learning atmosphere is excellent, and the students have a wide range of club activities. Do you join any clubs?"

Chu Xiang perked up when she mentioned this, "I joined the drama club."

The old man asked, "You like acting?"

"No, it's mainly because our club president is too enthusiastic. When I was still in military training, she strongly invited me to join the drama club. Although sometimes the people in our club think that the stories she writes are a bit corny, we are all happy to play with her."

The old man's expression softened. "The school anniversary celebration is coming up soon, right? What kind of performance are you planning to put on?"

Chu Xiang shared her recent rehearsals with her companions, and she, who had initially felt reserved, had unconsciously relaxed considerably.

Listening to Chu Xiang's many words, the old man thought of his younger self and said with regret, "I didn't go to university. What you young people are talking about sounds unfamiliar to me, but I think it must be very interesting."

When he was a teenager, Mr. Gu started doing business. He built his business at sea in that era by seizing opportunities and being quick-witted. Later, he remarried to the daughter of the Wang family. His life experiences should be enviable in the eyes of many men.

But only he knows how many regrets he had along the way.

Grandpa Gu knew that the young people felt uncomfortable spending too much time with him, so he asked Gu Heng to take Chu Xiang around the house and come back when it was time to eat.

Stepping out of the hall, Chu Xiang breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Gu Heng took her hand and walked with her through the flower-filled courtyard. He chuckled and said, "Grandpa likes you very much, don't be afraid."

Chu Xiang looked up and asked, "How did you know that Grandpa likes me? He didn't say he liked me."

"If I didn't like you, I wouldn't talk to you so much."

Actually, Grandpa Gu wasn't a talkative person, so even when guests came, it was usually others who tried to find topics to keep the atmosphere from getting awkward. However, today it was Grandpa Gu who was the one talking to Chu Xiang. He asked her about her university life and club activities, which successfully made her relax a lot.

Chu Xiang didn't know if Gu Heng said those words to comfort her, but she did feel much better.

They walked aimlessly. Chu Xiang, with her sharp eyes, spotted a white glass house surrounded by lush greenery, which made the white glass house appear even more sacred and pure.

She asked curiously, "What is that room?"

"It's Grandpa's art studio."

Chu Xiang was surprised, "Grandpa can paint?"

Gu Heng replied, "My father said that my grandfather suddenly started learning to paint forty years ago. He was very interested in painting, and even when he was busy with work, he would take time every day to sit here for a few hours."

Chu Xiang became even more curious. She walked to the white house and, through the glass window, could see many painting tools inside, as well as many old black and white photos on the shelves. Pointing to one of the old photos, she asked, "Are those Grandpa and Uncle Gu?"

Gu Heng nodded. "It's them."

It was a photo taken at the harbor. A tall, handsome young man with a sharp demeanor was holding a child's hand. The child was looking at the camera, but the man's gaze seemed to have wandered off.

But looking in the direction of his gaze, there was nothing on the other side of the photo.

As Chu Xiang looked around, she saw several photos of young men, either solo shots or pictures of them with their children. The men were serious and unsmiling, giving off a lot of pressure for no reason.

Chu Xiang looked back at Gu Heng, then at the photos inside. She touched her chin and said, "You and Grandpa look quite alike."

Gu Heng's lips curved slightly. "Is that so?"

Chu Xiang recalled the first time she met Gu Heng. At that time, Gu Heng was just like the young man in the photo, exuding a strong serious aura like a headmaster.

The skipping generation of inheritance between bloodlines is truly a magical thing.

Chu Xiang noticed a huge floor-to-ceiling canvas in the center of the room. The canvas was covered with a white cloth, so she couldn't see what was painted on it, which only aroused her curiosity even more.

Chu Xiang asked Gu Heng, "What is that painting?"

Gu Heng shook his head. "I've never seen it either."

Chu Xiang then guessed that this studio must be an extremely important place for the old man, and even Gu Heng could not easily step into his studio.

She suppressed her curiosity, took Gu Heng's hand, and said, "I'm tired, let's go back."

It's almost lunchtime, and it's time for them to go home. Otherwise, it would be very impolite for their elders to wait for them to eat.

Unexpectedly, Chu Xiang followed Gu Heng back to the hall, chatting and laughing, and there she met a stranger.

He was a refined and cultured man. Upon seeing Gu Heng, he smiled and said, "Aheng, it's been a long time."

Gu Heng nodded slightly, then introduced Chu Xiang, "This is my second uncle."

Chu Xiang greeted him obediently, "Hello, Second Uncle, I am Chu Xiang."

Gu Muxi's smile deepened. "I know you're a good kid."