The girl had never heard such frivolous words before. Fury flared up inside her, and she roared, "Die!" She charged at him again, using the military's standard combat style. Her blows were fierce, but she failed to touch even the hem of Gu Chen's clothes. Instead, as Gu Chen nimbly dodged, he accidentally slapped her chest.
"You bastard!"
Beside herself with rage, the girl backed away like a startled rabbit, glaring at Gu Chen in shame and anger.
Gu Chen looked unconcerned. "We were fighting. It's hard to avoid touching places you shouldn't. Besides, your chest is so flat I didn't even take you for a woman."
"You're driving me mad!"
The girl grew even angrier, and Gu Chen's smug expression nearly made her lose control. Suddenly, her face darkened. She planted her feet in a horse stance and gathered strength in her dantian, faint wisps of mist curling around her arms.
Hmm?
Gu Chen's gaze shifted slightly. He could clearly sense a qualitative change in the girl's aura and strength, as her external strength gave way to profound internal energy.
A martial artist?!
"Young miss, don't!"
Wang Fu's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly stepped in front of the girl. "He's just an ordinary person!"
"Wang Fu, get out of the way!" The girl gritted her teeth, fire shooting from her eyes. "This brat is too hateful. If I don't teach him a lesson today, I, Hua Yumo, will write my name backwards!"
"Young miss, don't forget what the old master ordered!" Wang Fu was frantic. "If you keep causing trouble, the old master will surely send you back to your master!"
At the mention of her "master," Hua Yumo's heart trembled, and her aura weakened slightly.
Gu Chen spoke slowly. "Stop arguing. I agree to go see the old master."
Wang Fu was overjoyed. "You agree?"
"Of course." Gu Chen smiled. "Look, your young miss is blushing. People might think I did something to her. To avoid any misunderstandings, I'd better go with you."
Hua Yumo's aura, which had just eased, tightened again. She said furiously, "You brat, say another word out of line and I'll tear your mouth apart!"
"Sir, please don't say any more." Wang Fu smiled wryly.
Gu Chen nodded. "All right, I'll give you face."
With that, he got straight into the car. He stuck his head out and asked in surprise, "What are you standing around for? My time is precious. Don't waste it."
"All right, all right!"
Wang Fu nodded hurriedly and pulled Hua Yumo into the car with him. Throughout the journey, Hua Yumo wore a dark expression and said nothing; Wang Fu was at a loss; Gu Chen was even quieter. The car was unusually silent. Half an hour later, they arrived at an estate on Mount Canghua, outside Zhou City.
"What a wealthy family!"
After getting out of the car, Gu Chen couldn't help exclaiming as he took in the estate's luxurious appearance.
"Country bumpkin!" Hua Yumo sneered.
Gu Chen pretended not to hear her, but his gaze swept over the surroundings. The estate had layer upon layer of grounds, with pools, rockeries, covered walkways and flower beds-everything one could wish for. Though the estate was spacious, security was tight, with people standing guard everywhere, like a military base.
Looks like this Elder Hua has quite a background, Gu Chen thought.
Led by Wang Fu, the three entered the living room. The hall was furnished with rosewood furniture, and sandalwood incense curled through the air. Round arched windows and stonework at the corners displayed its splendor. On the sofa, a hale and hearty old man in a Tang suit sat in the seat of honor, with tea-making utensils arranged on a low table.
"Old master!" Wang Fu bowed respectfully.
The old man motioned for him to stand behind him, then looked at Gu Chen and nodded with a smile. "Young friend, you're finally here. Please, sit."
"Old master, this house isn't yours, is it?" Gu Chen asked, sitting down without ceremony.
The old man was surprised. "What makes you say that, young friend?"
"The estate is old, clean and tidy, but it wasn't newly acquired. And your accent isn't from Zhou City." Gu Chen smiled. "So there's no need for you to buy or build an estate and leave it unused."
"Your eyes are as sharp as torches, young friend." The old man looked at him appreciatively. "That's right. This was the property of a departed old friend of mine. I stay here when I occasionally come to pay my respects to him."
"You cherish friendship and loyalty, sir. That's admirable." Gu Chen offered a timely bit of flattery.
The old man waved a hand. "There's no need for pleasantries. You know why I invited you here today, young friend." As he spoke, he looked at Wang Fu, who immediately understood. He took the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains from the desk behind them and spread it out on the tea table.
"A fine painting!" Gu Chen exclaimed. "It should be genuine."
The old man and Wang Fu were both taken aback.
Hua Yumo sneered mockingly. "Has someone forgotten what he said yesterday? You led us around in circles, and Grandpa even went out of his way to find a lot of people to authenticate it."
Gu Chen replied calmly, "You're mistaken, young miss. I'm no master appraiser; I was just speaking off the cuff. You can't blame me for taking it seriously. How was I playing you?"
"You scoundrel!" Hua Yumo fixed Gu Chen with an icy stare and gritted her teeth.
"This painting was my old friend's favorite. It was divided into three parts, one in the Treasure Island Museum and another in the Zhejiang Museum. It wasn't easy for me to learn the whereabouts of the third, and I came all the way to Zhou City to buy it." The old man's aura changed, becoming imposing. "What you said yesterday put me through quite an ordeal, young friend."
"Did it?" Gu Chen remained calm under the old man's imposing presence. "I admit it. I used you."
"You admit it?" The old man was taken aback.
"In return, I can offer you some guidance, old master," Gu Chen said mildly.