To You, My Beloved

Chapter 34: Birthday Party Invitation VI

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Gu Qingcheng had gotten used to being reminded of the incident from three years ago, and she had become practically indifferent to it. Maintaining her serene smile as someone brought it up once again, she said nothing in response.

As though realizing that she’d brought up a subject that she shouldn’t have, Tang Wan gave her an embarrassed smile and apologized, “Qingcheng, what was I thinking, bringing that up…”

Seemingly unaffected by what Tang Wan had just said, Gu Qingcheng interrupted her apology and continued, “Elder Sister Tang Wan, have you kept up with your painting lessons over the last few years?”

Since she’d been a child, Gu Qingcheng’s family had put her through a variety of classes as part of her grooming process. Painting was one of the classes she’d been forced to take, and it was one that she was good at. Tang Wan had also gotten hooked on painting, but because she didn’t have any talent, her paintings had somehow always seemed to be missing the requisite emotions. So she had always called upon Gu Qingcheng to help touch up her paintings.

Realizing that Gu Qingcheng was deliberately trying to change the subject, Tang Wan obliged and responded, “I still dabble in painting once in a while, but ever since you left, all my paintings look as if they are only half-finished.”

That was the lead-in that Gu Qingcheng had been waiting for. She suggested, “Well, since I have time today, Elder Sister Tang Wan, if you have time, maybe you could show me your paintings, and I can help you put the finishing touches on them.”

“Oh, good idea.” Tang Wan stood up happily after hearing Gu Qingcheng’s offer, and they went upstairs to her art studio on the second floor.

The real objective of Gu Qingcheng’s visit to the Tangs, under the excuse of delivering freshly harvested vegetables, had been to obtain a birthday party invitation from Tang Wan. When they’d been in his office, Tang Shi had mentioned that Tang Wan was taking over the responsibility for planning his birthday party. This was why Gu Qingcheng had paid Tang Wan a visit today, to try and get an invitation to Tang Shi’s birthday party from her.

During her three years in the UK, she had not neglected what she had learned in her painting classes, and she had honed her painting skills until they were much better than before. She also paid meticulous attention to touching up Tang Wan’s half-finished paintings, and the end results were a vast improvement over the originals.

Tang Wan was so appreciative that she kept complimenting Gu Qingcheng. “Qingcheng, you’re awesome. These paintings look absolutely wonderful now that you’ve added your finishing touches.”

Feeling happy at being complimented, Gu Qingcheng put even more effort into touching up Tang Wan’s paintings, saying, “Elder Sister Tang Wan, if you need help in the future, feel free to call on me.”

Nodding happily, Tang Wan jumped at the offer and responded with a smile, “Okay, as long as you’re sure it’s not too much trouble for you.”

“No trouble at all.” Without appearing to do so, Gu Qingcheng sized up Tang Wan, who was admiring the painting that she’d just touched up, and knew that this was her last chance. Stopping her work, she suddenly turned around and asked, “Elder Sister Tang Wan, isn’t Tang Shi’s birthday in a few days?”

…

Actually, Tang Shi had not left the Tang family home at all that morning. His car had been borrowed by his cousin, who’d had too much to drink the night before and had been driven home by someone else.

Since he’d had a late night and it was the weekend, Tang Shi had slept in and had only woken up at noon.

After washing up, he dressed casually and went downstairs where he saw the servants setting the table for lunch.

“Young Master Shi.”

“Mmm.” Tang Shi acknowledged their greetings and pulled out a chair to sit down. Seeing the table set for three, he asked, “Aren’t my sister and I the only ones at home for lunch today?”