Chapter 446 – He will go and request for a painting himself! (2)
Gu Shishi turned her body anxiously.
She had been eating more and more at night. Even though her appetite didn't change, Aunty Lin had already been giving her extra food.
More importantly, she had been going to bed early lately and spending more time lying down in bed. Her belly had become looser and looser. She had gained an entire size in the last two weeks.
She had looked into it some and felt that all the extra that was there at night was probably her own fat.
She certainly didn't want to boss to touch that!
Huo Sishen chuckled lightly. "Is there any part of your body that I have not yet touched?"
His voice was deep and dull in the pitch-black room and it brushed past her ears with the mild string music in the background.
Flirt!
The boss was being his shameless flirt again!
More importantly, she found that super hot as a pregnant woman!
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Gu Shishi put her hand over her forehead and said, "You should just let your daughter enjoy the music peacefully."
I am begging you!
"We should have a nickname for our child."
In the dark, Huo Sishen slowly pulled back his hand that was resting on her belly and moved it over to her waist instead.
He gently pressed down on a few of the pressure spots.
He didn't really care about the gender of the child but what if they are a son?
He worried that if they keep referring to them as a daughter and, when the child was born, they weren't a girl, that she would be disappointed.
Besides, a boy needs to be masculine. They should not be exposed to too many feminine things, including prenatal preparation.
That was what was going through Huo Sishen's mind.
Gu Shishi, on the other hand, had a fairly different picture in her head.
Lately, she had wanted to have a boy.
Surely a daughter, too, would be docile, cute, and soft and she had initially wanted to have a girl.
Over the last few days, however, she had been hanging around the house and saw the descendent bucket from Zhang Sheng. That made her think that Mother Gu was a lucky woman to have a brother like him who cared for her.
Gu Shishi thus had a change of heart.
Should she have a second child in the future. It would be vital for her to give birth to the older brother first. That way he could take care of his little sister!
If she could have both a boy and a girl, then it was best to have a son first!
The only reason she referred to them as a daughter mainly because she worried that the boss wanted too badly to have a son and that he would be disappointed if they ended up having a daughter. She was managing his expectation for the time being.
"Let's just call it Xiao A then."
Gu Shishi blurted out as she blinked in the dark.
Huo ChuChu was addicted to Produce 101 two weeks ago and sent her a bunch of photos of little fresh meats.
She didn't care for them much and felt that the cold and muscular boss was the best. As such, she was very fond of a very manly child in 101.
Tsk.
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If they were to have a boy, of course he must be ridiculously A!
He would have good looks and needed to protect his sister, of course he needed to be A!
"Xiao A?"
Huo Sishen, who was lying on his side, was taken aback a little.
Quickly, in the night, a smile crawled up onto his face.
She was quite ambitious, this one.
From A to K... to 10... ...*
One after another, she already has the order ready.
"Sure. That rolls off the tongue quite nicely."
The boss seconded her suggestion immediately.
He didn't have much but he has enough capital to raise their children.
But, giving birth to too many children will be harmful to a woman's body.
Maybe from A to J... that ought to be enough.
His thumb stroked through her smooth cheek.
He should continue to rein himself in in the future.
"Now go to bed."
"Okay~"
The two reach their agreement happily and one of them scooped the other soft and delicate one into his arms.
__
Chapter 447 – He will go and request for a painting himself! (3)
Gu Shishi did not see the text from Old Mrs. Chen till the next morning.
[Shishi, I have something funny to tell you.]
[Your dad, that Gu Jiangxin, is asking for your painting for good money!]
Not only did she showed her a screenshot of Gu Jiangxin's pretentious post in the friend's circle, she even showed her post showing her collection along with her comments.
Gu Shishi was stunned when she saw them.
Old Mrs. Chen showed off a collage of nine pictures.
Gu Jiangxin could not contain himself in the friend's circle. He raved about Old Mrs. Chen's taste and beat around the bush trying to obtain from her the contact information of Ink Painting Guru. He joked about whether she was willing to part with any of her collection and that the pricing is negotiable.
[Shishi. Shall I give him your Ink Painting Guru's WeChat?]
[You should see how he will grovel! That ought to make you feel better!]
[Don't worry. Grandma will back you!]
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After the messages from Old Mrs. Chen, Chen Kexin messaged her as well.
[Uncle Gu was so infuriating. Big Sister Shishi, don't you worry. Everybody from the Chen's family is on your side!]
[Don't sell your work to him even if he found out that you are Ink Painting Guru! My grandmother said he knows nothing about paintings. He just wanted to buy it to kiss up to the new mayor of the city! He is so revolting!]
[This was such a joke! He's your birth father and has no idea that you can painting? And that your paintings are so amazing?]
[Oh, my gosh. How could there be people like him out there?]
She must be truly upset, upset for Gu Shishi.
She rapid fire texted her and all of her texts were more intense than those of Old Mrs. Chen's.
Gu Shishi finally pieced together what was going on after she had finished reading them.
Here she was wondering why Gu Jiangxin's sudden interest in Ink Painting Guru's paintings.
He was the type who'd only wake up early if he has something to gain from it.
All of his behavior was motive-based!
"I feel... oh, so disgusted."
Gu Shishi covered up her chest and lost her appetite to the spaghetti in front of her all of a sudden.
Huo Sishen looked over with his black eyes and quickly handed her a glass of orange juice.
"No, no." Gu Shishi pushed her cellphone in front of him and scrolled up to the beginning of the conversation. "Just look at this."
She didn't know how to refer to Gu Jiangxin.
Nor did she know where to start telling him about this incident.
How did her paintings turned into tools to butter up to someone?
His asking for her painting for good money and writing pretentious post praising about her paintings all disgusted her greatly!
The three paintings that she had at the exhibition represented sentiments toward life.
In the end, all he got out of it was corruption?
Wow, that was truly something!
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Huo Sishen was a fast reader. His black eyes were very bold after he pushed the cellphone back in front of Gu Shishi.
"Are you going to add him?"
He had helped out the Zhang family behind the scene with regards to the Gu Real Estate's projects in the capital.
He had learned about the new real estate policies in City Shu ahead of time but he kept the news from reaching the Gu family.
To destroy a person, one must make him go crazy first.
The higher he bounced, the easier he would smash on his way down.
Huo Sishen rubbed the utensils with his slender fingers.
"But of course!"
Gu Shishi puffed up her cheeks and rolled a bundle of spaghetti with her fork.
"I want to see how low can he go for his own gains! And, would he be so mad that he would puke blood when he found out that I am Ink Painting Guru in the future!"
That would be revenge for the original owner!
She rolled up her sleeves and accepted his friend's request.
Chapter 448 – Gu Shishi's mouth dropped open when she spotted a familiar face that had just round the corner. (1)
[Greetings. I came across your work at the exhibition and felt very enlightened by them. It was as though I had rebirthed. I sincerely hope to become friends with you...]
When she received the text from Gu Jiangxin, it was Gu Shishi's first time learning that her father was actually quite cultured.
A dawg in suit kind of cultured!
As she appreciated how cultured her father was, she also used that as a lesson for her baby.
Gu Shishi did not respond to the text. As such, the seasoned Gu Jiangxin kept on texting her a few more times.
He had obviously copied pasted text on ink painting appreciation and wordily expressed how a painter would transfer their emotions into their paintings. He also said that her cranes looked like the emperor of the Song dynasty had himself reincarnated. That the majesty of her relaxing wild crane was unrivaled and exuded royalness.
Upon reading that, Gu Shishi laughed so hard while holding onto her stomach she was short of snorting out loud.
Song Huizong was an awful emperor but his achievement in art was unquestionable. In particular, he had very unique style when it came to painting of birds and flowers.
He formed his own school. His touch was gentle and refined. Even the feathers of the birds look realistic. They were both classy and elegant.
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Picture: An example of Song Huizong's work. See more.
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Source: chinashj.com
But his specialty with gongbi.
Her painting of the cranes, on the other hand, was freestyle. It had absolutely nothing to do with Song Huizong's painting!
Nevertheless, Gu Jiangxin was very confident in his cheat and had no idea that he was way off.
[Grandmaster, are you willing to part with your three paintings? It had captured my heart and soul. I now must head over to the exhibition hall everyday to look at them. I had even taken pictures of them and must look at them for dozens of times every night before I go to bed.]
[Grandmaster is so highly distinguished. I would love to be able to join you in art appreciation over a bottle of wine.]
[These three paintings were definitely work that could be passed down for centuries.]
Gu Jiangxin's rainbow fart was uniquely flavored.
Unfortunately, Gu Shishi didn't care for that at all.
She watched him sent rainbow farts her way for three days, groveling desperately before she leisurely replied two words to him on the fourth day.
"Not selling."
Gu Jiangxin, who was in a meeting at the headquarter at the time, almost crushed his cellphone with his bare hand!
The old blood in his chest roiled.
[Grandmaster, perhaps you want to give it more thought? Are you sure this is your final answer?]
[Perhaps you have no idea about my standing in City Shun... ... I am sincere in my pursuit!]
He straight up forwarded her his name and his total asset listed on Forbes ranking!
Naturally, Gu Shishi just pretended that she didn't see it all at.
Gu Jiangxin could not be more despondent. He had no choice but to give up!
He was a vicious one. As long as there was still a shred of hope, he would not give up; but once he realized that there was no chance of it happening, he would back off immediately. There would be no hesitation whatsoever!
He immediately tossed his phone aside and tried to come up with Plan B!
The paintings could not be the only thing that Mayor Liu desired.
He might enjoy classy and high-end arts but, with his salary as a mayor, he couldn't possibly afford even one of the paintings!
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Gu Jiangxin squinted and laced his fingers together.
Worst case scenario, there was still Secretary Zhang, and those above Mayor Liu...
While Gu Jiangxin was trying to come up with Plan B, he never would have thought that Mayor Liu went to visit the Chen family.
"Aunty."
Mayor Liu presented his gifts to Old Mrs. Chen respectfully.
"This is your favorite rose tea back in the days from Shanlitun."
"Hah, Liu Qin, it has been so many years. I can't believe you still remember that."
Old Mrs. Chen smiled so much that all of her wrinkles were on display.
"I will never forget what Aunty had done for my mother back in the days."
Mayor Liu would not slack any in front of Old Mrs. Chen.
Gu Jiangxin would most likely come unglue were he aware of this.
Chapter 449 – Gu Shishi's mouth dropped open when she spotted a familiar face that had just round the corner. (2)
Mayor Liu's mother was sent to the country side as an educated youth back in the days and made her acquaintance with Old Mrs. Chen at the marketplace.
Old Mrs. Chen was over at Old Mr. Chen's family home back then and was raising her child alone. She was lonely. She met Mayor Liu's mother when she purchased cotton from her. The two hit it off as Mother Liu was well articulated.
Liu Qin was still young back then. As much as he had played with the Chen's children, he didn't recall much about that.
Old Mrs. Chen, after she had returned to City Shun, continued to reach out her olive branches to his family.
Old Mrs. Chen had also helped out Mother Liu when she returned to her home town of Nanking.
Part of the reason of Mayor Liu's transfer to City Shun was due to his accomplishment and the other part was him wanting to take his mother to City Shun to have an operation on his mother's arthritis.
"We should have come and visited you years ago."
Mayor Liu was very respectful to Old Mrs. Chen.
"But my mother said that you will want to help us out again if we come to visit. As such, I dare not come until I have established myself."
Old Mrs. Chen was about to start crying. "What did she have to overthinking so much? Where is she now?"
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Mayor Liu smiled. "I came here by myself first and have the house and everything settled first before we have her come over to meet me here. She will be here by next Wednesday at the latest. I will be booking a ticket for her."
Old Mrs. Chen gave him a stare. "Stop worrying about all that. Have her stay here with me for the time being! She will stay in my room with me!"
Mayor Liu chuckled without responding.
The Chen family were wealthy businessman and his job was to take care of the ordinary people.
He must tread carefully so others wouldn't say that he was in cohort with the wealthy.
Besides, with his mother's illness, her joints ached all the time and moving around was difficult for her. She stayed home most of the time.
Nevermind about coming to City Shun, she rarely even left the house.
Ever since he had graduated college and worked for the government, the two families had not been in contact very often.
Mayor Liu, after presenting the gifts, exchanged some pleasantries and was about to get up and leave.
He understood that Old Mrs. Chen only enjoyed chatting with his mother. The two of them didn't have much in common to talk about.
Nevertheless, Old Mrs. Chen stopped him as soon as he had put down his tea cup.
"Liu Qin, I am an elder to you, right? There is something that I have been meaning to talk to you about, even if you didn't pay me a visit today."
Old Mrs. Chen lowered her voice all of a sudden.
Mayor Liu paused a little. "Of course. If there is anything that you didn't see fit, please do lecture me on it."
He didn't recall much from his childhood but, from what his mother had told him, if it wasn't for Old Mrs. Chen, he wouldn't even have the chance to attend college. He would still be farming during the best years of his life.
They owed a lot of the Chen family.
Old Mrs. Chen acknowledged him slowly. "I recalled your mother telling me that you just transferred here a week ago. Why was that it I had already heard rumors about you in the chat groups already?"
"Rumors?"
Mayor Liu's hands shuddered and his chest tightened.
He quickly thought through everything that had happened in the last few days.
That didn't make any sense!
He might make a mistake here and now but he never did anything shady. During his few days here, he never responded to anyone who tried to slip him gifts or get information from him. He had turned them all down!
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"What have you heard?"
He was truly baffled.
Chapter 450 – Gu Shishi's mouth dropped open when she spotted a familiar face that had just round the corner. (3)
Old Mrs. Chen took a sip of the tea slowly and said, "I just found out from the friend's circle that you love paintings. Then I turned around and saw the Gu's family are also asking for paintings."
Mayor Lui frowned.
Friend's circle was a sensitive place, especially for government officials.
He couldn't post about having fun or enjoying eating out. He all the more could not post about his hobbies. There would also be those who would take that as a hint for bribery.
"Aunty, my friend's circle's is only visible to family members."
He needed to avoid any possible negative outcome but it was difficult to not share anything at all.
So he would post where it was only visible to himself and his family. In addition to that, he had further set the visible time to three days.
"The Gu's family? Jingde Realty? Gu Jiangxin?"
Mayor Liu had it figured out quickly.
Old Mrs. Chen smiled at him. "You watch you. There are some you shall not receive gifts form."
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Mayor Liu paused for a little and he immediately thought of Secretary Zhang.
There were only a handful there when he appreciated the artwork.
And Secretary Zhang was the only one that was in contact with Gu Jiangxin!
Sure enough. One didn't need to go above and beyond and question everyone and everything. Some people would naturally expose themselves.
Mayor Liu had an idea now.
"Don't worry, Aunty. I shall not commit any foolish acts."
Old Mrs. Chen nodded tenderly. "You are new here and there are much that you don't know about."
Mayor Liu was taken aback a little.
Old Mrs. Chen touched her bifocal lens and said, "The Gu's family had been well talked about this year among our circle this year. First he abandoned his own daughter. Then he divorced his wife. Then... Aye, I'm an old lady. I don't always get what is going on between you young people nor do I want to repeat them! But, you don't want to be associated with those who doesn't see eye to eye as you. Liu Qin, that's all Aunty can say."
Mayor Liu was shocked. "Boss Gu?"
But what he heard from Secretary Zhang was that Boss Gu was a good one. He even waited until his daughter had recovered from her surgery before he split with his estranged wife.
Old Mrs. Chen shook her hands immediately. "I am done talking. You be on your way."
Mayor Liu couldn't just give up now after hearing half of the stories.
It would, however, not be appropriate for him to ask for more information from Old Mrs. Chen. He stood up with alacrity and said, "Aunty, I shall take off now. You take care. I will be back to visit you with my mother next week."
Having said that, he left in a hurry and inquired with a few bosses within the industry during his ride.
The stories about Boss Gu were never any secrets.
The only reason Mayor Liu was not aware of them was because he was transferred there recently.
He only had to ask casually before he found out how Boss Gu had forced his real daughter into marriage, had a child out of wedlock with his mistress, then divorced his wife without giving her any of his assets.
Mayor Liu's face dropped before he even reached home.
And someone like that was going to send him gifts?
Ludicrous! Boss Gu was obviously trying to tarnish him and bring him down!
When Mayor Liu went into work the next day, he quietly pulled up reports on Jingde Realty.
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He placed emphasis particularly on Jingde Realty for the random sampling on the list of bids.
The boss of this company obviously had very questionable morals!
As much as Gu Jiangxin had considered all possibility, he was not able to foresee this one.
He had already given up on getting his hand on the paintings but, lo and behold, the project team in the district came unannounced the next day for an audit.
In order to bid on projects with the district government, a company's books need to always be clear and ready for unannounced audits at all times.
But the books of privately-owned companies... anyone in the industry knew that there was no such thing as a clean book.
Gu Jiangxin's heart pounded in his chest.
"Does Ink Painting Guru belong in the Fine Art Association? Let's head over there, right now."
The local ink painting association was the organizer of the previous exhibition.
The exhibition might be over, but the association was still around.
Gu Jiangxin gritted his teeth. He was not convinced.
No way that Ink Painting Guru was the best artist in the entire association.
At this point in time, he would just go and buy something similar and send it over to Mayor Liu. What was important right now was to make it through this audit!
He went in person this time, refusing to even rely on his assistants. He even brought with him Boss Zhou from Marketing.
Boss Zhou had been frequenting auctions the last few years and was an ink painting enthusiast. He knew what he was talking about.
"I have purchased a painting from President Huang Chuan in the past. I know him! You can count on me, Lao Gu!"
Boss Zhou slapped himself on his chest as soon as they walked inside the front door of the association.
Gu Jiangxin felt reassured immediately. "Sure. Do offer me your opinion in a little bit."
Five minutes later –
Gu Shishi, who was allowed to go out today, was sipping tea in a chair while listening to her seniors bickering during their once-a-week gathering.
Lo and behold, she had just turned her head when she suddenly caught sight of a seemingly familiar face popping up from the stairways around the corner. Her mouth dropped open suddenly!