{Chapter: 287 I have a granddaughter!}
Ge Yuanshan stepped forward with a humble expression and said earnestly, "Those are truly remarkable words, Master Lin. The piece you gifted me is simply priceless. Still, may I offer some form of payment in return?"
Lin Yuan waved his hand casually, his tone light but firm. "That won't be necessary, old man Ge. It's a gift from me to you. If I were to accept money for it, I'd rather just take it back altogether."
Ge Yuanshan was not surprised by Lin Yuan's refusal.
From the beginning, he could tell that Lin Yuan wasn't someone who valued money in this context. If he had been, he would've accepted the offer to sell the calligraphy earlier without hesitation. Besides, Ge Yuanshan had recognized Lin Yuan's identity long ago—he was the young master of the influential Lin family in Jiangbei, known from the news and finance circles for his brilliance in stock trading and business.
Knowing all this, Ge Yuanshan didn't insist any further on paying for the calligraphy. He merely smiled, clearly admiring Lin Yuan's talent and character.
"Thank you, Master Lin, for your generous gift," Ge Yuanshan said with heartfelt appreciation. "By the way, would it be all right if I added your contact information? I truly admire your artistic skill. If it's not too much trouble, I would love the opportunity to consult you on calligraphy sometime."
Hearing Ge Yuanshan—an elder and a well-known calligrapher—ask so politely and respectfully for advice from someone much younger shocked many of the onlookers. But those who were well-versed in the art of calligraphy understood his sincerity. Lin Yuan's brushwork, composition, and expressive intent were clearly on par with, if not beyond, the top masters in the region. He truly deserved the title of "Master."
Lin Yuan smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course, I'd be happy to. We can chat about calligraphy, or even other things, whenever you'd like."
The two quickly exchanged contact information. For others, it was a rare privilege to even be acknowledged by someone like Ge Yuanshan. Yet here he was, smiling like a junior as he added Lin Yuan as a friend on WeChat.
With a glint of pride in his eyes, Ge Yuanshan continued, "Actually, I have a granddaughter who also practices calligraphy quite well. Perhaps I could introduce the two of you someday. You could exchange thoughts and skills. Truthfully, I've taken quite a liking to you, Master Lin. You're young, accomplished, and remarkably talented."
He chuckled before continuing, "And you're the Lin Yuan from the Lin family, aren't you? You're already so accomplished at such a young age—very promising. If my granddaughter got to know someone like you, I'd be delighted. Then maybe I could see you more often. My granddaughter is also quite good-looking, by the way."
Then he added with a light laugh, "Although… her parents arranged a marriage for her when she was still a baby, so she technically already has a fiancé. And from what I can see, you already have your hands full, with such graceful company around you. But who knows? Maybe the two of you can at least become friends."
It was half a joke, half a hint—but one filled with good-natured admiration.
Lin Yuan simply smiled and replied, "Well, if time allows, I'd be glad to meet your granddaughter and share a conversation or two."
Naturally, Lin Yuan could see the deeper meaning behind Ge Yuanshan's words. He wasn't subtle about wanting Lin Yuan to meet his granddaughter with more than just artistic exchange in mind. Of course, she was already engaged, but that didn't stop an old man from thinking ahead or wishing for a better match.
What Ge Yuanshan didn't know, however, was that Lin Yuan had already taken interest in his granddaughter—despite her engagement. If he had known, perhaps his bright and cheerful smile wouldn't be quite as wide.
Still beaming, Ge Yuanshan added, "Master Lin, I must apologize again for being so forward earlier, trying to repay your gift with money. That was rather crude of me. But if there's ever anything you need in the future—any difficulty you encounter—you can always call on me. I don't claim to be all-powerful, but within the calligraphy world here in Jiangbei, I do have some influence. And the Ge family, while not on the same level as the Lin family, still has its uses. If you ever find yourself in a bind, and it's inconvenient to handle it directly, let me know. I'll do everything I can."
His words made it clear: Ge Yuanshan now owed Lin Yuan a personal favor.
The piece Lin Yuan gifted him meant far more than a mere gesture—it was an inspiration. As he studied it, he found himself discovering new techniques and deeper insights into calligraphy that he hadn't seen in years. It was enough to make him believe that his own skills, thought to be at their peak, could still grow.
Lin Yuan was pleased with what he heard, but he didn't show it outwardly. Instead, he just smiled and waved his hand lightly.
Under the admiring gazes of the onlookers, Lin Yuan, along with Chi Qian and Yu Shanshan, bid farewell to the crowd and left the Nancheng Calligraphy Exhibition.
As they stepped outside into the open air, Lin Yuan heard a familiar voice echo softly in his mind:
[Ding! Plot at the Nancheng Calligraphy Exhibition successfully reversed! You have been rewarded with 2000 counterattack points!]
The notification brought a faint smile to Lin Yuan's lips.
Soon after, they returned to the luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom parked nearby. Lin Yuan took the driver's seat once again, planning to escort both Chi Qian and Yu Shanshan back to their school dormitories.
In the back seat, Chi Qian held the calligraphy piece Lin Yuan had given her and gazed at it for a few moments. Then, with a gentle glance at Lin Yuan behind the wheel, a soft smile played at the corners of her lips.
Her eyes shimmered with a unique light—one that spoke volumes of warmth and curiosity—as if quietly savoring the moment.
After catching a glimpse of Chi Qian through the rearview mirror, Lin Yuan returned her gaze with a soft smile of his own.
For a few quiet seconds, their eyes locked—exchanging something unspoken yet profound—before they both turned away, each with a subtle flush, as if unwilling to let the moment stretch too long.
Chi Qian lowered her head, her slender fingers gently brushing over the elegant calligraphy that Lin Yuan had given her earlier. She studied each stroke with quiet admiration while Lin Yuan shifted the car into drive.
Reflecting on the events of the day, Lin Yuan felt deeply satisfied with the outcome of the Nancheng Calligraphy Exhibition. Not only had he successfully impressed the art world, but the system had also acknowledged his efforts.
Chi Qian's favorability had increased by five points.
It might sound like a simple numerical rise—but to Lin Yuan, it meant much more than that.
Chi Qian wasn't just any girl. She was a refined, proud, and intelligent woman—like a mythical creature wrapped in mystery and elegance. She reminded him of a legendary mermaid: radiant and elusive, gliding effortlessly through the sea of people around her. Perfect in form, dazzling in allure.
And now, that very mermaid had become entangled in the net Lin Yuan had cast.
Of course, this wasn't a story of conquest and submission—at least not in the ordinary sense. The "net" was just a metaphor—a symbol of Lin Yuan's growing charm, his mysterious allure, and the magnetism of his rising reputation. His talents, confidence, and generosity were the shining treasures woven into that net.
The mermaid—Chi Qian—was captivated by those treasures. She was curious. She was tempted. And while she may have wanted to swim free, to resist, her pride made her struggle all the more.
But each movement, each twist of resistance, only bound her tighter.
Her pride wouldn't allow her to fall so easily. Yet the more she learned about Lin Yuan, the more she found herself unable to ignore his pull. The perfect scales of her own pride began to shimmer with interest.
Lin Yuan knew he had a long journey ahead of him.
Catching the mermaid was one thing—but his ambitions went beyond that.
He didn't just want to win Chi Qian's heart.
He wanted to become the Sea King—the one who ruled over all tides, who commanded the respect of all beings in the depths and beyond.
And that meant winning the heart of the proudest, most elegant mermaid in the ocean—not with force, but with charm, wit, and undeniable presence.
Of course, these were all just thoughts drifting through his mind like waves on the sea.
In the real world, things had played out well. In addition to earning Chi Qian's growing interest, he'd also made a powerful ally in Ge Yuanshan—a respected figure in the Jiangbei calligraphy circle.
Lin Yuan hadn't initially targeted Ge Yuanshan in his strategy to approach Yun Yaxuan, the beautiful young lady of the Yun family and fiancée of Ye Feng.
But now, having Ge Yuanshan admire him and owe him a favor? That was an unexpected advantage—and Lin Yuan never let advantages go to waste.
After mentally reviewing his gains for the day, Lin Yuan shifted gears and continued driving. The city lights shimmered across the windshield as the luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly through the night.
Chi Qian sat quietly, gazing out the window, her expression calm but thoughtful. Lin Yuan didn't speak, allowing the silence to stretch, unpressured.
But of course, Yu Shanshan, full of energy as always, couldn't hold back.
"Cousin, you were so awesome today!" she chirped, leaning forward from the back seat. "Did you see that old guy's face? He looked like he was ready to offer you his entire family just for your handwriting!"
Her words brought a soft chuckle to the otherwise quiet atmosphere.
Thanks to her bubbly nature and endless chatter, the car was filled with a lively energy that kept things from becoming too tense or awkward.
Before long, they reached the gates of the Jiangbei Conservatory of Music.
But the campus gates, wide open earlier in the day, were now shut tight. Only a narrow side passage remained open, barely large enough for pedestrians to pass through.
Lin Yuan slowed the car, slightly surprised.
Seeing his confusion, Yu Shanshan quickly explained, "Oh! Right—I totally forgot to tell you, the school gate closes at 10 p.m. sharp every night. After that, only this little side door stays open. Sorry, my bad!"
She gave him an apologetic grin.
Due to their late dinner and extended stay at the exhibition, time had quietly slipped past the curfew.
Lin Yuan glanced toward the narrow gate. "So what now? Are you two walking in through that tiny side entrance?"
Chi Qian's dormitory was located deep inside the school grounds—a solid trek from the gate. Walking that far at night, especially along dimly lit pathways, didn't sit well with Lin Yuan.
Chi Qian calmly said, "There's another small gate at the back. If you drive around and drop us off there, it'll be much closer to the dorms."
Yu Shanshan eagerly nodded. "Yes, yes! That'll work better, can you please drop Qian Qian off at the back entrance?"
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Just Qian Qian? What about you?"
Yu Shanshan laughed, her cheeks turning a little pink. "Me? I—well, "Me? I…I have a wife whose dormitory is nearby. My wife said she wants me to sleep with her. So, tonight I plan to go to her dormitory and sleep with her! Hehehe!"
She giggled mischievously, her playful smirk at odds with her doll-like innocence.
Lin Yuan shook his head, amused but not surprised. "You're incorrigible."
Yu Shanshan quickly reached for the door handle. "Alright, alright! I'll stop talking. But listen! The trail behind the school is a little dark, and Qian Qian's afraid of the dark, so you must escort her all the way to her dorm room. Don't slack off, got it?"
She winked. "Cousin! Be a gentleman! Don't let the princess walk alone in the dark!"
*****
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