ABCFWGR Chapter Thirteen: Why Are You Staring at Me?
"Mountain and water paintings are meant to depict the mountains and waters, naturally they should be like 'distant mountains have colors, near waters are soundless,'" Gu Chen pointed at the Autumn Rain in the Yan Mountains painting. "But when you look at this painting, whether it's the coloring or the artistic conception, it's all constrained by the seasons, possessing form but lacking artistic conception. Isn't it a fake?"
"Is there truth in the mouth of a dog?" Chen Wantai muttered subconsciously.
He couldn't help but admit that Gu Chen's words were on point. If not for his expertise in collecting, he wouldn't have such insights.
In shock, they reevaluated the painting, their disappointment growing heavier.
Could it really be, as Gu Chen said, that this painting was fake?
Thinking of this, Chen Wantai felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, his spirit weakening.
"Dad, are you alright?" Chen Yuwei hurriedly supported Chen Wantai, glaring angrily at Gu Chen.
Any trace of goodwill she had towards him for saving her earlier evaporated, replaced by renewed disdain.
Even if he could tell the painting was fake, he shouldn't have exposed it in public. He could have brought it up privately instead.
Now, where could Chen Wantai put his old face?
Li Junjie seized the opportunity to curry favor, "Uncle Chen, don't listen to this person's nonsense. I really can't tell whether this painting is real."
"People like him, who have never seen the world, are just parroting nonsense. They're not worthy of critiquing Master Qi's paintings."
"But this painting is indeed as Gu Chen described, possessing form but lacking artistic conception," Chen Wantai said bitterly.
Wasting numerous favors and efforts to buy what turned out to be a fake painting was a big blow to him.
Jiang Rou quietly nudged Gu Chen and whispered, "Chen Er, say a few words to appease Uncle Chen, don't let him get too angry."
Gu Chen had to listen to Aunt Jiang's words, so he cleared his throat and said, "Uncle Chen, this painting still has its merits, aside from the mountain and water painting itself. Just considering the brushwork and outline of this painting, it can be considered a superior work. Keeping it for collection wouldn't be a loss for you."
Chen Wantai replied grumpily, "Do you think I can't see that? I spent fifty million to buy this painting, of course it's a superior work!"
Unfortunately, it wasn't a genuine work by Master Qi, and Chen Wantai felt like crying.
Neither criticizing nor praising Gu Chen was acceptable, leaving Gu Chen feeling somewhat helpless.
Chen Yuwei glared at Gu Chen. "From now on, you keep your mouth shut and don't speak anymore."
If Gu Chen continued speaking, Dad would definitely get sick from anger.
Chen Yuwei then turned to Li Junjie and Wu Anqi, saying, "You two have been helping me a lot lately, and since you're free today, let me treat you to a meal."
Li Junjie said, "Yuwei, there's no need for us to thank each other. As long as you need me, I'll be there without hesitation."
Chen Yuwei was touched and smiled, then looked at Wu Anqi. "And you, Anqi?"
Wu Anqi had been waiting for Gu Chen to speak up, but seeing that Chen Yuwei didn't intend to invite him, she said, "Gu Chen has also behaved well. Is he not going?"
Chen Yuwei was taken aback by the question, but thinking that Wu Anqi's point made sense, she then turned to Gu Chen. "Why don't you come along too?"
Gu Chen pondered for a moment.
Wu Anqi's attitude today was extremely unusual. She usually couldn't stand him, so could she have found out something?
"Chen Er, what are you thinking?" Jiang Rou nudged him. "Let's go together. You're all young people, you should communicate more privately."
She had always wanted to match Gu Chen with her daughter and didn't want to miss any opportunity.
Gu Chen didn't want to brush off Aunt Jiang's face, so he nodded in agreement.
As they were leaving, Chen Wantai grabbed Li Junjie's hand, feeling uncomfortable. "Junjie, I originally planned to give Master Qi's genuine work to your father, but I didn't expect it to turn out like this. I'm really sorry."
"Uncle Chen, there's no need to apologize for such a small matter between family," Li Junjie said generously. "By the way, there's an auction in a few days, and I heard they'll be auctioning Master Qi's latest work, with the master himself in attendance. You'll have a chance to fulfill your regret."
"Really?" Chen Wantai trembled with excitement.
Li Junjie affirmed, "Could I lie to you?"
It was said that there would also be Dragon Tiger Wine, which was good for enhancing vitality and virility. He had to bid for at least one or two bottles.
Chen Wantai nodded eagerly, "Okay, okay, I'll definitely go then."
After saying that, he looked at Gu Chen with disappointment and shook his head.
Was he really considering him as a potential son-in-law?
Not even a foot in the door!
Chen Yuwei, accompanied by a few people, went to a restaurant she often frequented.
It was mid-tier but excelled in taste.
Since they were all family, there was no need to put on airs.
Halfway through the meal, Chen Yuwei received a call informing her of some urgent matters at the company, so she had to leave early.
Seeing her leave, Li Junjie also lost interest in staying and followed suit.
Now, only Gu Chen and Wu Anqi were left in the private room.
"Eat your food, why are you staring at me?" Gu Chen was annoyed, frowning.
Resting her chin on her hand, Wu Anqi's eyes were almost bare with a fiery gaze, giving a charming smile. "You eat yours, I'll look at mine, no interference, isn't that nice?"
Gu Chen retorted irritably, "What's good about you staring at me? Try being stared at constantly and see if you can still eat."
Unperturbed, Wu Anqi moved to sit beside him.
Then, with a smile, she picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and held it out to him. "Here, open your mouth, I'll feed you."
"What's gotten into you?" Gu Chen shivered.
She had been acting strangely since they got into the car, refusing to sit away from him. Now, she was pulling this stunt. Gu Chen was starting to develop a psychological shadow.
"Forget it, if you don't want it, I'll eat it myself." Wu Anqi chewed loudly in retaliation.
A wise man does not fight with a woman.
Gu Chen couldn't be bothered to argue with her and stood up to leave.
Just as he was about to leave, Wu Anqi spoke up, "I know you're acquainted with Tan Bafang."
Gu Chen paused, without turning back. "I think you've had too much fake wine; this joke isn't funny at all."
"Well, if you leave, I'll call Yuwei as soon as you're out the door," Wu Anqi said, crossing her arms. "Although I don't know why you're hiding your identity from Yuwei's family, I know you still don't want to reveal yourself, right?"
Gu Chen remained composed, closing the door again and returning to the table, looking down at Wu Anqi from a higher vantage point.
"Are you trying to threaten me?"
"No, to be precise, I'm being open and honest with you."
Feeling a cold and sharp aura emanating from him, Wu Anqi could only feign composure.
Gu Chen picked up a spoon from the table, held it in his palm, squeezed it, and when he opened his hand again, countless fine powders fell.
"If you don't want to end up like this spoon, then watch your mouth around me."
Wu Anqi, who had been initially quite afraid, suddenly felt fearless upon hearing his words. She covered her mouth and chuckled, "I underestimated you before, I didn't expect you to have such a manly side."
"Do you think I'm joking with you?" Gu Chen frowned inwardly and grabbed her by the neck.
Wu Anqi widened her eyes in pain and frantically patted his arm.