Chapter Twenty-Two: Are You Sure You Want to Oppose Me?

Everyone had certainly noticed the new scroll of "Ink Bamboo" in Chen Yang’s hands, their eyes filled with disbelief. Qin Guoshan stared at the painting for a while before asking curiously, “How come there’s another new painting?”

Chen Yang grinned, “Dad, congratulations. This is a painting within a painting. This one is the real Ink Bamboo, the genuine work of Tang Bohu.”

At Chen Yang’s words, everyone widened their eyes in astonishment.

Tang Bohu’s authentic work?

If what Chen Yang held was truly Tang Bohu’s original, that would be an incredible fortune.

Qin Guoshan quickly stood up, hurried over to Chen Yang, and reached out, “Let me have a look.”

Chen Yang smiled, “Dad, weren’t you just angry that I tore up your painting?”

Qin Guoshan’s face darkened, “I didn’t know the situation.”

Chen Yang smiled lightly, “I never make mistakes when it comes to paintings. This hidden painting would be impossible to spot without a careful inspection.”

Qin Guoshan nodded repeatedly, “Could it really be Tang Bohu’s authentic work?”

“Of course. Trust me, I won’t be wrong.” Chen Yang replied.

Qin Guoshan carefully took the painting from Chen Yang’s hand, scrutinized it, and finally concluded that this hidden painting was indeed Tang Bohu’s original.

A broad smile spread across Qin Guoshan’s face, “Chen Yang, you have a good eye! You actually discovered the painting within the painting!”

Chen Yang smiled but said nothing more.

However, he soon thought of something important and spoke earnestly to Qin Guoshan, “But Dad, this was just a fortunate accident. If the vendor hadn’t missed the hidden painting, you wouldn’t have bought it. If there hadn’t been an authentic piece inside, your money would have been wasted—one hundred thousand yuan is no small sum.”

Chen Yang’s words received immediate agreement from Qin Muxue; she looked seriously at Qin Guoshan, “Dad, listen to what Chen Yang says. Buying antiques is risky; please don’t be so impulsive in the future.”

Qin Guoshan looked a little displeased at Qin Muxue, “This is my only hobby. Don’t meddle so much.”

Qin Muxue sighed helplessly.

At that moment, Chen Yang spoke with a smile, “Since Dad likes it, let him buy. When he suffers a couple more losses, he’ll learn his lesson.”

Qin Muxue glanced at Chen Yang helplessly and said nothing more.

Then, Aunt Han Xiang spoke to Chen Yang, “Chen Yang, you really have a sharp eye to discover the hidden painting.”

Chen Yang smiled, “Of course, Auntie. There’s much about me you’ve yet to see.”

Han Xiang gave an awkward laugh.

She had only meant to tease him, but he played along.

Su Xiaoling chimed in, “Chen Yang, can you stop boasting so much?”

Chen Yang replied calmly, “But I did discover the hidden painting—not anyone else, right?”

“Yes, you discovered it. You’re impressive.” Su Xiaoling couldn’t help but feel a little helpless.

Afterwards, Chen Yang didn’t want to dwell on the painting any longer.

After all, it was merely a small piece by Tang Bohu, likely worth only a million or two at auction. Compared to his assets of over twenty billion, it was insignificant.

Chen Yang didn’t bother to continue the conversation.

Seeing that it was getting late, he said to Qin Muxue, “Wife, I’ll go upstairs to wash and sleep. It’s been a long day. Early to bed and early to rise—it’s good for the health.”

Qin Muxue blushed slightly. Chen Yang turned and went upstairs.

As he ascended, both Qin Muxue and Su Xiaoling regarded him with strange looks.

Su Xiaoling felt Chen Yang had truly changed.

Qin Muxue, in her heart, felt gratified. Chen Yang’s recent behavior had been thoroughly satisfactory.

The next morning.

As usual, Qin Muxue arrived at the company at half past eight.

But as soon as she entered her office, Deputy General Manager Huang Youlong hurried in, anxious, “President Qin, there’s trouble.”

Qin Muxue looked up, frowning, “What happened?”

Huang Youlong’s face was grave, “Last night, all our partners in Linhai terminated their agreements with our company.”

“What?” Qin Muxue was full of disbelief.

Huang Youlong frowned, “I was equally shocked when I first heard it, but it really happened.”

“Why?” Qin Muxue’s brows furrowed deeply.

After all, for all of Tianmu’s partners in Linhai to sever ties in one day, it must be an intentional act, and the person behind it must wield immense power.

Huang Youlong spoke gravely, “President Qin, there’s something I’m not sure I should say.”

“Go ahead.”

Qin Muxue answered promptly.

From his expression and tone, she could tell Huang Youlong had something important to say.

Huang Youlong pondered for a moment, then sighed, “President Qin, please don’t think I’m sowing discord, but I’ve already found out who did this. It’s none other than your uncle Qin Guofu and his Qin Group. Qin Guofu used the influence of Qin Group to isolate us. That’s the truth.”

“My uncle? He did this?” Qin Muxue’s brow tightened.

She had considered the possibility that her uncle was behind it.

After all, her uncle was a shrewd man, and both she and Chen Yang had angered him; it would be out of character for him not to retaliate.

At that moment, Qin Muxue felt unsettled and said to Huang Youlong, “Thank you, Mr. Huang. I’m a bit tired now. Please leave; I’ll think about what to do next.”

Huang Youlong nodded, “Alright.”

He gave Qin Muxue a long look before turning and leaving in silence.

Once he was gone, Qin Muxue exhaled deeply.

She hadn’t expected her uncle to treat her this way.

For a moment, she didn’t know what to do.

That evening, Qin Muxue returned home, where the family sat around the dining table as usual.

Aunt Han Xiang and cousin Su Xiaoling hadn’t left yet. Qin Muxue waited until they finished eating and were watching TV on the sofa before turning to Qin Guoshan, “Dad, I want to ask you for a favor.”

At her words, Han Qin and Qin Guoshan both looked at her.

Even Chen Yang, who was eating heartily, turned to Qin Muxue.

Qin Guoshan could see that Qin Muxue was troubled. Frowning, he asked, “Daughter, what’s wrong? What happened?”

Qin Muxue recounted everything that had occurred that morning to Qin Guoshan in detail.

Finally, she frowned, “Dad, you and uncle are brothers. If I plead with him, he may not listen, but you’re different—you’re his flesh and blood. He might heed your words.”

Qin Guoshan didn’t hesitate, “This matter—I must make that call. I’ll call him right now.”

At this moment, Chen Yang spoke up, “How can he still be so reckless?”

Qin Muxue didn’t immediately understand what Chen Yang meant, and looked at him in confusion.

Qin Guoshan glanced at Chen Yang, “Don’t speak.”

He dialed Qin Guofu’s number, his tone suddenly softening, “Big brother, have you eaten yet?”

Qin Guofu replied coldly over the phone, “I’m eating.”

Qin Guoshan frowned, “I heard from Muxue that you’ve done something to her company…”

“Yes, I did. What? You’re pleading for her?” Qin Guofu asked.

Qin Guoshan looked helpless, “Big brother, they’re just kids—is it necessary? Muxue built her company through her own hard work. It hasn’t been easy. Please let her go. I know you’re angry with Muxue and Chen Yang, but anger is anger. Don’t hurt Muxue’s career.”

Qin Guofu replied coldly, “Guoshan, don’t blame me. You know my character—I don’t act unless pushed to the limit. Not to mention, my son Hao is still in the hospital, all thanks to your daughter and your wonderful son-in-law.”

Qin Guoshan knew something about the incident and said helplessly, “Honestly, I didn’t know beforehand. Had I known Chen Yang would do that to Hao, I would have stopped him at any cost.”

“Enough, no need to say more. Those who do wrong must be punished—severely punished.” Qin Guofu said firmly.

Qin Guoshan was full of concern.

He was about to say more to persuade his brother, but unexpectedly, Chen Yang took the phone from him and smiled faintly, “Are you sure?”