Chapter 206 - Chapter 206: Chapter 204: Unexpected Gift, Elders’ Bestowment Cannot Be Refused (1/2)
Chapter 206: Chapter 204: Unexpected Gift, Elders’ Bestowment Cannot Be Refused
This old gentleman occupied a remote pavilion, with the surrounding area being just a maple tree illuminated by the afterglow under the reddish sky.
However, after the old gentleman’s skillful splashing ink and wielding a writing brush, all the beautiful scenery came to life on paper, causing Liu Sisi to lose track of time and quietly witness the birth of an ink landscape painting.
It was not until the old gentleman finished brushing that Liu Sisi sobered up from her fascination and unexpectedly met Di Yelei’s face as she looked up.
“Eh! When did you come?”
“I’ve been here for a while. Seeing that you were so absorbed, I didn’t make a sound to disturb you.”
Di Yelei spoke softly and took two steps forward to greet the old gentleman, “Sir, please forgive us. My wife and I saw you painting and were afraid of disturbing you, so we didn’t come to greet you earlier. We hope you won’t take offense.”
The old gentleman continued to pack up his paintings and brush-pen leisurely, shouldered the sorted items, and then looked at the couple with the painting scroll in hand. After sizing them up, he chuckled.
“So you two are a married couple. That’s quite rare. I’m glad you’re so considerate. I appreciate it.”
He then turned to Liu Sisi and said, “I saw how fascinated you were with my painting. Were you able to see something special in it?”
Liu Sisi laughed and replied, “Sir, you are joking. Your junior wouldn’t dare judge the merits of your painting in front of you.”
“Ah—Just speak your mind, this old me can take it.” The old gentleman seemed a bit unhappy.
“In that case, your junior will venture to say a few words.”
I never thought this old gentleman would have such a temper! Liu Sisi thought to herself.
“Sir, your painting skills are incredibly proficient. At first, I was focused on the painting, and the more I looked, the more beautiful it appeared. However, gradually, I started to watch your brush-pen in your hand, and it seemed to move like flowing clouds and water, extraordinary and unique. Slowly, all I could see was the hand that held the brush-pen, and nothing else.”
The old gentleman looked into Liu Sisi’s eyes, which were exceptionally clear, pure, and free of any impurities.
He suddenly burst into laughter!
“I’ve heard countless compliments! There have been countless people who praised my paintings, but never anyone who praised the hand holding the brush-pen! Little Sister, your words are truly interesting.”
While speaking, he handed the rolled-up painting to them, “Well, I find you quite agreeable today, so I’ll gift this painting to both of you. Cherish it well!”
Liu Sisi was overjoyed and immediately reached out to take it.
But shortly after, she hesitated.
“Sir, my husband and I have just met you by chance. The value of your painting scroll is probably worth hundreds of taels, if not thousands. However, to give it to us so casually… We can’t accept something for nothing. Please take the painting back.”
Di Yelei next to her gasped in surprise! A single painting was worth hundreds of taels?
The old gentleman laughed heartily, “You’ve got quite a discerning eye, young wife. Although you should not accept gifts for no reason, there’s another saying, ‘One cannot refuse a gift from one’s elders,’ right? So just accept it!”
After saying that, he pushed the painting to Liu Sisi’s hand and walked away with a hearty laugh.
Liu Sisi held the painting, and it took her a while to come back to her senses.
“The old gentleman doesn’t seem like an ordinary person. This painting must be quite valuable.” Di Yelei stared at the painting and couldn’t help but say.
“All you think about is money. Where can you measure the value of such a painting with money?”
Liu Sisi glanced at him and carefully wrapped up the painting, “Weren’t you taking a nap? Don’t you need to accompany Little Sister?”