"The reason I want human essence is to revive this tree. I haven't harmed any humans, I just need a little of their essence."
The old man's tone was full of helplessness, and his saddened expression was heartbreaking.
"As long as this tree can be revived, Master, you will surely be able to live as well."
Gu Jinghuai: "..."
What does he have to do with trees?
Gu Jinghuai looked at the little sapling above Tuantuan's head, its joyful appearance like that of a tadpole seeing its mother.
So, he probably has absolutely nothing to do with this tree, right?
Perhaps the old man's memory is playing tricks on him, and he's mistaking him for the master?
Actually, his owner is Tuantuan?
Gu Jinghuai then asked, "You say I am your master, then who am I? What is my identity?"
Without hesitation, the old man replied, "Your status is extremely noble; you possess the power to traverse heaven and earth..."
Before he could finish speaking, the old man clutched his head, lying on the ground in pain as if he were having a seizure.
Gu Jinghuai helped him up, and seeing his pained expression, it didn't seem like he was faking it.
Could it be that it's been cursed?
Can't I say certain things?
Gu Jinghuai became even more curious about his own identity.
Isn't he the Gu family's child, Gu Hongwen's grandson?
Besides these, what other identities does he/she have?
Just as Gu Jinghuai was about to wait until he felt better before asking him more questions, Gu Hongwen arrived.
"Jinghuai, why haven't you brought Tuantuan out yet? You are human, staying in the painting for too long is not good for your health."
Upon learning of Tuantuan's health condition, Gu Jinghuai dared not waste any time and decided to send Tuantuan out first.
The group went out together, leaving the old man to lie down on the ground and rest for a while.
The old man, his head throbbing with pain, watched Gu Jinghuai leave, and felt incredibly distressed.
The old man reached out his hand: "Master, don't you want this old servant anymore?"
...
With everyone safely back in the real world, Zhao Xianfeng finally felt relieved.
Gao Jianyun and Gao Qingfei were left with nothing but awkwardness, and could only manage awkward smiles throughout.
Gao Qingfei wiped the sweat from his forehead: "My darling Tuantuan, you're finally back. I'm so glad you're alright. It's all my fault for being so incompetent; I actually got knocked out by the painting demon."
Tuantuan explained with a smile, "Tuantuan is fine, Uncle, don't worry. It's just that Grandpa is too amazing."
Grandpa?
Gu Jinghuai explained, "The spirit in this painting is an old man."
Gu Jinghuai looked at the painting, and the withered tree in the painting had turned emerald green, exactly the same as the scene in the painting.
"Uncle Zhao, how much did you pay for this painting? I'll pay double." He had to take the painting with him; he had many questions for the old man in the painting.
Zhao Xianfeng quickly waved his hand: "Take it away, it's useless to me and it's scary."
He was afraid he would die if he left this painting behind.
Gu Jinghuai took the painting away, much to Zhao Xianfeng's delight.
With Zhao Xianfeng's matter resolved, Gu Jinghuai wanted to send Tuantuan back, but Gao Jianyun and Gao Qingfei naturally disagreed.
"Let us take Tuantuan back. We brought her here, so naturally we should personally take her back and hand her over to the Yang family."
If something goes wrong, they can't afford the responsibility!
Just considering the Yang family's doting fatherhood—they're obsessed with their daughter, granddaughter, and sister—they couldn't possibly compensate Tuantuan even if they died a hundred times over.
Gu Jinghuai: "..."
The expressions on Gao Qingfei and Gao Jianyun's faces seemed to suggest that their lives were over if they didn't personally send Tuantuan back.
In the end, Gu Jinghuai didn't say much and accompanied the master and apprentice to send Tuantuan back.
There was nothing he could do; he was also worried about Gao Qingfei and Gao Jianyun.
These two people still need to improve their professional skills.
Gao Jianyun and Gao Qingfei drove one car, while Gu Hongwen, Gu Jinghuai, and Tuantuan rode in another.
Inside the car, Gu Jinghuai told Gu Hongwen what had happened in the painting.
Gu Hongwen's expression froze, clearly surprised.
Gu Jinghuai was still holding the painting in his hand, clearly intending to take it back and study it carefully.
Unable to discern anything from Gu Hongwen's expression, Gu Jinghuai could only ask directly, "Grandpa, why does he call me master? Do you know?"
“I don’t know either. He’s probably just a crazy old man. Jinghuai, give me this painting, and I’ll go back and study it before letting you know.”
Tuantuan looked at Gu Hongwen with her big, watery eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
Why did she feel that Grandpa Gu was hiding something from Brother Jinghuai?
If he takes the painting away, will he not give it to Brother Jinghuai?
Gu Jinghuai had also considered the little girl's guess.
"No need. I promised the old man in the painting that I would release him. I will deal with this matter after I send Tuantuan off."
Gu Jinghuai held the painting, his expression cold and stern.
Gu Hongwen: "..."
Was he being too obvious?
The child has grown up; he can't control him anymore.
...
The group of people escorted Tuantuan to the building where Yang Jinchuan's company was located. Yang Jinchuan and Yang Chengze were walking downstairs when the group of people met in the company lobby.
When Tuantuan saw Yang Jinchuan, she excitedly ran towards him, shouting, "Dad!"
Yang Jinchuan happily hugged Tuantuan in his arms: "Daddy ordered you milk tea. We're all in the office."
"Wow, thank you, Daddy! Tuantuan loves Daddy the most!"
Tuantuan gave Yang Jinchuan a quick kiss on the cheek.
Before Yang Chengze could even grumble a few words, Tuantuan stretched out her arms to him, saying, "Big brother, give me a hug."
Yang Chengze's previously bitter expression instantly brightened, becoming even more radiant than the sun: "Tuantuan, have you missed your big brother?"
"Yes, I miss you so much, big brother. Big brother, do you miss me too?"
Yang Chengze felt warm inside and was extremely happy. His handsome face was filled with tenderness: "Of course I want to, I want to see Tuantuan every day."
Gao Jianyun and Gao Qingfei dared not tell about what happened today, for fear that Yang Chengze and Yang Jinchuan would worry and prevent them from meeting Tuantuan again.
Gao Jianyun said with a smile, "President Yang, Tuantuan has been brought back, so we'll take our leave now."
Yang Jinchuan nodded slightly, and the master and apprentice slipped away as fast as they could.
"Uncle Gao, bye-bye~" the little dumpling waved her arms.
The master and apprentice exchanged awkward smiles and quickened their pace, fearing that someone would notice their secret.
Gu Hongwen and Gu Jinghuai brought Tuantuan back and then left the company.
Yang Jinchuan was holding Tuantuan, and Yang Chengze was beside him trying to make Tuantuan happy. The colleagues who were passing by in the lobby were all stunned.
"What did I see? Wasn't Director Gao on TV? He personally brought Miss Tuantuan back?"
"Miss Tuantuan is awesome!"
"I'm raising the flag for Miss Tuantuan!"
No one heard these comments.
At this moment, Gu Jinghuai did not leave with Gu Hongwen. He returned to his house alone and opened the painting.
Gu Jinghuai stood in front of the painting and said to it, "Come out."
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