“That’s right. It’s a calligraphy-within-calligraphy piece.”
Old Song dampened the painting and carefully lifted a layer of paper with tweezers.
Sure enough, hidden within the layered paper was another piece of calligraphy.
“Th-this is the Lotus Sutra transcribed by the late Qing Dynasty calligrapher Wu Changshuo.”
Song Yunming held up the calligraphy after removing one layer of paper, his expression full of excitement.
“It really is Wu Changshuo’s handwriting. Congratulations, Old Song,” the butler said happily.
“And it’s a fine piece too. You bought this for 3,000?”
“How much is it worth?”
“At least 400,000.”
“Haha, Ziyan truly has a sharp eye. Minghui, the two of you really gave birth to a wonderful daughter.”
For a moment, praise poured in from all the relatives. Song Ziyan’s parents beamed with pride.
Seeing Song Ziyan become the center of attention again, Zhou Zhe stomped her foot angrily and walked aside without another word.
“Ziyan, where did you buy this calligraphy?” Song Yunming asked.
“Grandpa, it’s like this.” Song Ziyan explained the entire process in detail.
“Your classmate is truly impressive. I used to think Tongfang High School was just an average school.”
Old Song praised repeatedly. “When you have the chance, introduce that classmate to me.”
“Okay, Grandpa,” Song Ziyan said happily. “Do you like the calligraphy?”
“I like it. I truly like it. Haha, this is the best gift I received today,” Old Song laughed heartily.
Song Ziyan’s eyes curved into crescents. She was genuinely happy as well.
During the break, while Xiao Chen was focused on solving a math problem, a familiar voice rang out, “Is my Chenchen in this class?”
Xiao Chen suddenly looked up and saw a kind face outside the window.
An elderly woman in her seventies stood there, her hair completely silver. Though aged, she was neat and tidy.
Her blouse had faded with time, but it was washed clean.
Grandma was his only true family in this world.
After moving to the Xiao family, he had only spoken to her once a week on the phone. It had been half a year since he last saw her.
Holding her hands tightly, Xiao Chen’s eyes reddened as he choked up, “Grandma, why are you here?”
“I came to Jiangcheng for a follow-up medical checkup, so I stopped by to see you,” Grandma Wu said as she held Xiao Chen’s hands and looked him up and down.
Finally, her wrinkled hands touched his face. “Chenchen, you’ve lost weight.”
Her face was filled with concern. “Are you not living well with your parents?”
Xiao Chen shook his head repeatedly, tears streaming down uncontrollably. “Grandma, I’m fine.”
“Chenchen, Grandma bought you a pair of sneakers. Try them on and see if they fit,” Grandma Wu said as she set down her belongings and opened a shoebox.
Inside was a pair of ordinary sneakers, not a famous brand, probably worth only 100 to 200.
Xiao Chen nodded. He took off his shoes and put them on. They fit perfectly.
“Grandma, they fit just right.” Xiao Chen jumped a few times and then held her arm, revealing a genuine smile.
He had not even bothered to glance at the AJ sneakers Xiao Yan gave him yesterday.
But the shoes from Grandma were treasures in his eyes.
The bond between them could not be measured by anything.
This was the first true smile from his heart in half a year.
“As long as they fit, that’s good. Chenchen, hurry back to class. Grandma just wanted to see you. I still have to return to the countryside,” Grandma Wu said as she stood on tiptoe and patted his head.
Xiao Chen bent down so her wrinkled hand could rest on his head, just like when he was little.
“Grandma, can you not go back to the countryside? Stay here and live with me,” Xiao Chen said as he held her hands.
“I’m afraid that won’t work. Grandma has nowhere to stay here. Otherwise, I would really want to stay and take care of you.”
Grandma Wu’s face showed deep reluctance.
“Grandma, I can earn money now. You can stay at a hotel first. I’ll take leave and rent a place,” Xiao Chen said seriously.
“I really miss the locust flower buns you make, and I want to eat the shepherd’s purse dumplings you prepare. Grandma, please don’t leave.”
He was genuinely worried about her. The reason he had moved to Jiangcheng was because Grandma was old and in poor health.
Since Mrs. Xiao disliked Grandma, she had always lived alone in the countryside despite the Xiao family’s comfortable living conditions.
“Grandma Wu, why are you here?” Song Ziyan ran over.
“Oh, I came to see Xiao Chen. And you are?” Grandma Wu looked at Song Ziyan in confusion.
She did not recognize her. How did this girl know her surname was Wu?
“I-I’m Xiao Chen’s classmate. I saw your photo in his album,” Song Ziyan quickly made up an excuse.
It had been ten years. Grandma Wu could not possibly recognize her. After all, she had only been eight back then.
Now she had grown into a graceful young woman.
“Oh, hello there,” Grandma Wu greeted her with a smile.
“Xiao Chen, it’s a good idea for Grandma Wu to stay. I can help you find a place,” Song Ziyan said. “The wild vegetable dishes Grandma Wu steams are so delicious. I want to eat them too.”
“You’ve eaten them before?” Xiao Chen asked in surprise.
“Ah, you… you said they were delicious. I want to try them,” Song Ziyan said quickly, almost exposing herself.
She realized that if Xiao Chen learned her true identity too early, he might not be able to accept it.
So she decided to keep it a secret for now. After spending more than half a month with him as a child, she truly missed Grandma Wu’s steamed wild vegetables.
“Grandma, stay. Don’t worry, I’m grown up now,” Xiao Chen said as he held her hands. “If you stay, I can take care of you.”
“Alright, alright.” Seeing the sincerity on his face, Grandma Wu could only nod in agreement.
After settling Grandma Wu into a hotel, Xiao Chen and Song Ziyan asked for leave during the afternoon physical education class to look for housing.
“Xiao Chen, my uncle has an empty apartment at Binhu International. He’s overseas and wants someone reliable to stay there and look after it,” Song Ziyan said with a thoughtful look. “Why not let Grandma stay there first?”
“Binhu International? That’s a luxury estate.” Xiao Chen paused. Jiangcheng was a second-tier city.
Binhu International was a high-end residential complex. An apartment there was worth tens of millions.
“There’s no rent. They just want someone to help watch the place,” Song Ziyan said.
“Better not. First, it’s in the new district, too far away. Second, it’s too luxurious,” Xiao Chen shook his head. “Let’s look near the school.”
“Do you have any requirements?” Song Ziyan asked.
“Close to school. Preferably in an old urban village with a strong neighborhood atmosphere. A small standalone courtyard would be best. Grandma likes to grow vegetables and raise chickens or ducks,” Xiao Chen thought for a moment.
“Alright, let’s see what we can find.” Song Ziyan made an excuse to use the restroom and slipped away to make a phone call.
“Uncle Ming, buy a standalone house in the urban village near Tongfang High School. A courtyard. Quickly… After the purchase, contact me.”
After hanging up, she hurried back out to continue looking for a house with Xiao Chen.