Lin Chengyu realized he had said the wrong thing and quickly apologized: "I'm sorry, Teacher Gu, I didn't mean to bring it up."
Gu Santong waved his hand and said in a heavy tone, "It's alright, it's no secret. Back then, when we left Shanghai together, our first stop was Hong Kong. As soon as we arrived in Hong Kong, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer and passed away not long after."
Lin Chengyu felt deeply sorry for her, as he remembered that Sister Gu was a kind and warm-hearted person.
Gu Santong composed himself and changed the subject, saying, "Let's not talk about me anymore. Why did you come to travel to the United States?"
Lin Chengyu told Gu Santong about their plan and said that this chance encounter was an arrangement of fate.
Gu Santong smiled and said, "Perhaps this is fate's way of bringing us together again. By the way, I have some precious antiques here; would you be interested in taking a look?"
Lin Chengyu and Song Ziqing exchanged a glance and nodded.
Afterwards, Gu Santong led them into the shop's inner room, where some rare antique collections were displayed.
With his extensive knowledge and experience, Lin Chengyu praised these treasures highly.
While admiring antiques, Song Ziqing discovered a special item—an ancient folding fan.
A breathtaking landscape painting was depicted on the fan, every detail seemingly vividly presented before her eyes. She carefully picked up the fan, examining it closely, a strange sense of familiarity welling up inside her.
Looking at her focused expression, Gu Santong smiled faintly and said softly, "Little Song, this fan is a treasure I found by chance at a flea market in Europe! It is said to be a folding fan with a landscape painting personally painted by Tang Bohu."
I read in the newspaper that you've become a very talented painter, and I think this fan has finally found its true owner. Therefore, I've decided to give it to you, and I hope you'll like it.
Upon hearing this, Song Ziqing's heart stirred.
She was extremely fond of the exquisite landscape painting on the fan, but knowing its considerable value, she felt embarrassed to accept such a precious gift from Gu Santong.
Just as she was hesitating, her gaze involuntarily fell on Lin Chengyu beside her, as if seeking his opinion.
Lin Chengyu smiled slightly. He and Gu Santong had always been easygoing and informal with each other. Now that they had met again, he understood that Gu Santong's only daughter had passed away, and he would naturally be responsible for her care in her old age.
Since that's the case, it wouldn't hurt to trouble Song Ziqing a little. Thinking this, he nodded, indicating his agreement with Gu Santong's approach.
Seeing this, Song Ziqing finally felt relieved and accepted Gu Santong's generous gift with a smile.
She knew that this was not only a precious folding fan, but also represented Gu Santong's recognition and expectations of her.
For Lin Chengyu, this was nothing more than a small payment to Song Ziqing in advance.
After all, Gu Santong was already all alone, and there would be many more things in the future that he would need to rely on her for help with.
Song Ziqing gratefully grasped Gu Santong's hand, "Thank you, Teacher Gu. I will definitely cherish this fan."
Gu Santong smiled and patted Song Ziqing on the shoulder, "I'm glad you like it. I'm very happy to see that you like this fan so much."
Lin Chengyu smiled slightly and said sincerely, "Teacher Gu, you don't need to worry. Tang Bohu's paintings are exquisite and ingenious, and are loved by people. No one will dislike his works."
We plan to embark on a free and easy road trip in the United States, but we will return to Hong Kong, which we know well, after the trip.
"Mr. Gu, have you considered returning to Hong Kong with us and settling down there? After all, there's a large Chinese community there, and we'd feel more comfortable and at ease in terms of food, customs, and everything else."
After hearing this, Gu Santong hesitated for a moment, then slowly turned his gaze to Lin Chengyu, and then glanced at Song Ziqing sitting to the side, as if trying to find some answers or hints from the two of them.
Song Ziqing was incredibly clever and quick-witted. He immediately saw through Gu Santong's thoughts and replied readily, "Teacher Gu, I've always been looking forward to you settling down in Hong Kong!"
Given your financial situation, money is naturally not a problem. You simply hope to enjoy your later years with your grandchildren and the pleasures of family life.
We happen to have two lovely little ones at home. It would be wonderful if we could have another kind elder to accompany and care for them as they grow up!
Moreover, given your profound expertise and unique insight in the field of antique appreciation, providing appropriate guidance and inspiration to children at a young age would undoubtedly be of great benefit to their future development!
Gu Santong stared at Lin Chengyu in astonishment, as if he had seen something unbelievable. His voice rose eight octaves involuntarily: "Chengyu, you two not only got married so early, but you even have a child already?"
Lin Chengyu nodded with a happy and proud smile, replying, "Yes, and they're adorable twins! They'll be turning one soon!"
Lin Chengyu felt extremely lucky and fulfilled to have given birth to such precious twin babies with Song Ziqing.
He felt that perhaps God had blessed this loving couple, granting them abundant wealth, a happy family, and outstanding children.
Gu Santong couldn't help but exclaim, "Ah Yu, if I remember correctly, you're only twenty years old this year, right? To be a parent at such a young age, with two children who are about to turn one year old, is truly astonishing!"
To be honest, I once thought you might end up alone! Back in junior high and high school, so many girls were swarming around you, but you showed absolutely no chivalry and treated them all with indifference!
Lin Chengyu scratched his head and smiled a little embarrassedly, "Teacher Gu, let's not talk about the past. Besides, my marriage with Ziqing was arranged by my parents for the sake of the Song family's wealth."
However, we did not grant their wish and directly rented the Song family's house in Shanghai to the neighborhood committee, leaving them empty-handed!
Later, when we went to the countryside in Hainan, we even rowed directly from Hainan to Hong Kong and settled there. We also went directly from Myanmar to Yunnan and brought my parents-in-law to Hong Kong to settle down as well.
“I see.” Gu Santong nodded. “But you young people are really smart, and you’re quick on your feet. I’ve heard that China is very unfriendly to intellectuals who have been abroad.”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
