Though the timbre of Gu Jin Yao's voice differed greatly from Ah Yao's, Su Hua suddenly felt that the call just now had come from Ah Yao.
She paused for a moment, raising her hand to wipe her eyes.
Turning back, she looked at the handsome and sharp-faced Gu Jin Yao.
It was a face entirely different from Ah Yao's.
She regained her composure, smiling as she inquired, "Mr. Gu, did you call for me?"
Gu Jin Yao picked up a card from the cardholder on the table and walked towards her. "This is my business card. Feel free to contact me directly if you need anything in the future."
Su Hua extended her hands to receive it, saying, "Certainly."
"We have gathered a group of high-end collectors here, with no lack of enthusiasts for ancient books and paintings. Can we contact you if there are clients in need of restoration?" Gu Jin Yao's lips curled up.
"Of course," Su Hua responded with a grin.
"Very well, then. We'll be in touch by phone when the time comes."
"Alright." Su Hua placed his business card into her bag.
Exiting.
While riding the elevator.
Shen Yuan glanced at Su Hua, saying, "I feel your relationship with this Director Gu is not ordinary, but listening to the two of you talk, it's like meeting for the first time."
Su Hua slid her hands into the pockets of her coat, staring at the elevator's digital keys, slightly absent-mindedly replying, "His eyes resemble those of someone I know."
Shen Yuan pondered for a moment. "Like Gu Beixian? Their eyes indeed resemble each other: large eyes, black pupils, deep double eyelids, long and dense eyelashes. Handsome people tend to look quite similar, while each ugly person has their own unique ugliness."
Su Hua remained silent.
She wasn't fond of blurting out her own affairs all at once.
After getting into the car.
Su Hua asked, "Is your Alipay account linked to your phone number?"
Shen Yuan started the car, casually replying, "Yes."
Su Hua picked up her phone, lightly swiping a few times.
Not long after, Shen Yuan heard her phone ping.
While waiting at the traffic light, she took out her phone and glanced at it.
Upon seeing it, she was greatly surprised.
Alipay received a hundred thousand yuan.
The sender was Su Hua herself.
Shen Yuan panicked, "Sister Hua, I can't accept this money. I'll transfer it back to you immediately."
Su Hua held her hand. "It's not much money. Take it and go have some tea."
"A hundred thousand yuan isn't a small sum? It's even higher than my annual salary at the museum."
"Just take it. You've been accompanying me these past few days, refusing even a small compensation would make me feel awkward."
Shen Yuan paused for a moment, leaned over, and gave her a big kiss. "Thank you, Sister Hua."
Su Hua smiled and then lowered her head to send a message to Gu Beixian.
Inviting him to have Western cuisine at the revolving restaurant tonight.
Gu Beixian received the message and instructed his assistant to rearrange his evening appointments.
At seven o'clock in the evening.
The two of them arrived at the revolving restaurant one after the other.
The revolving restaurant was located on the rooftop of the tallest building in Kyoto.
The restaurant was circular, with the entire facade made of transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for a 360-degree rotation.
It rotated once every two hours, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto at night.
Due to the impromptu decision, they couldn't secure a VIP room.
So, they sat in the main hall to dine.
The hall was divided into individual compartments.
Though not as private as a private room, it was still acceptable.
The restaurant was decorated magnificently, with dazzling background lights shining on the frosted glass, creating a beautiful scene akin to a fairyland, accompanied by violin music.
The atmosphere was incredibly romantic.
Most of those who come to dine are couples.
After the Western cuisine arrived, Su Hua glanced at the resplendent night view outside the window, smiling as she said to Gu Beixian, "Last time you brought me here for dinner, I was happy all evening."
Gu Beixian chuckled, "So easily satisfied? Then I should bring you here often."
"Occasionally is enough; too frequent visits would diminish the novelty," Su Hua replied.
"Fair point." Gu Beixian passed the steak in front of her and gracefully began cutting it with a knife and fork.
He had handsomely crafted hands, with distinct joints, exuding strength yet elegance as he expertly sliced the steak.
His palm was thin and slender, clearly indicating a refined upbringing.
After cutting, Gu Beixian pushed the steak towards Su Hua. "Eat it while it's hot."
Su Hua took a few bites with her fork. The beef was tender and delicious.
Midway through the meal.
She took out a card from her bag and pushed it towards Gu Beixian generously, saying, "Sister's earnings, spend it as you like. The password is your birthday."
Gu Beixian curled his lip teasingly. "Indeed, once a woman gets money, she turns wicked. You used to treat me with respect, but now that you have money, you've suddenly transformed into a sister, singing as a liberated serf."
Su Hua chuckled, raising her chin. "Of course, economic status determines social standing."
Gu Beixian was amused by her banter, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Look at our little achiever, Hua Hua."
Su Hua teased, "Are you praising me or mocking me?"
"Definitely praising you."
Su Hua gave him a playful glance. "I'm not foolish."
With that, she picked up a piece of steak and stuffed it into his mouth.
Gu Beixian chewed leisurely, swallowed the meat, and asked, "Did that painting you restored a few days ago sell?"
"Yes, it found a buyer who appreciated it. I bought a torn piece of paper for ten thousand yuan and sold it for twelve million yuan, with the payment made on the spot."
Gu Beixian praised her in harmony, "Netting over ten million yuan, a handsome profit indeed. You're impressive."
Putting down her knife and fork, Su Hua cleared her throat, her eyes shining as she looked at him earnestly, "I want to earn a lot of money in the future, to strive hard to be worthy of you."
Gu Beixian smiled, placing his hand on hers. "You're more than worthy of me now. Don't push yourself too hard."
Su Hua was deeply moved, feeling a mix of joy and melancholy. Her voice choked as she said, "I want to be so outstanding that even your father would think I'm worthy of you."
Gu Beixian fell silent, tenderly holding her hand in his, his gaze dark. "I'm sorry for making you feel that way."
"It's alright."
Suddenly, the phone rang.
Su Hua took out her phone from her bag.
As she pulled out the phone, a business card came along, but she didn't notice it.
Glancing at the caller ID, it was from Su Peilan.
Su Hua answered, "Mom, is everything okay?"
Su Peilan spoke briskly, "I just received a text message alerting me to an extra five million yuan in my account. Did you send it?"
"Yes, I transferred it over at noon. It took a while to process."
Su Peilan complained, "Didn't I tell you? If Gu Beixian gives you money, keep it for yourself. I have my pension; it's enough."
"It's not from him; I earned it myself."
Su Peilan was extremely surprised, "How did you earn so much money?"
"I restored a painting by Ba Da Shan Ren, and coincidentally found a buyer who liked it. Feel free to spend that money as you wish. By the way, let's plan a vacation when you're free to relax."
"You mischievous girl, always spending money recklessly." Su Peilan scolded, but deep down, she was extremely touched.
After hanging up the phone, Su Hua looked at Gu Beixian with a beaming smile.
But she noticed that his expression had turned gloomy at some point, his gaze fixed on a business card lying next to her bag.
Following his gaze, Su Hua saw it was the card Gu Jin Yao gave her before leaving.
Nonchalantly, Su Hua picked up the card and put it in her bag, saying, "This is the business card of the heir of Zhengrong Auction House. It may come in handy in the future."
Gu Beixian raised an eyebrow, his emotions complex. "Did you sell your painting to him?"
Su Hua answered truthfully, "Yes. When we went to have it appraised in the lobby, Gu Jin Yao sent someone to invite us to his office. After viewing the painting, he mentioned that his father admired Ba Da Shan Ren's works and happened to need a Ink Lotus painting. So, he bought it according to the historical auction prices."
Gu Beixian's expression changed, a chilly demeanor creeping in, his lips curling with a hint of self-mockery as he said coldly, "Do you lack money that much that you went to him for it?"
Su Hua was stunned.
That was too hurtful.
It wasn't just a denial of her abilities but also an insult to her integrity.
That was her hard-earned money, how did it become her going to Gu Jin Yao for money?
Like a bucket of cold water poured over her head, Su Hua's good mood was shattered.
She looked at Gu Beixian with eyes full of resentment, her expression deeply hurt.
Gu Beixian couldn't stand seeing her like this.
After silently watching her for a few seconds, he conceded first.
Raising his hand to rub his forehead, dispelling the coldness in his eyes, he spoke slowly, "I spoke too harshly just now. I'm sorry."
Su Hua bit her lip, remaining silent.
After a pause, Gu Beixian grabbed her hand from the table, gently stroking the back of her hand, and tenderly said, "I don't like it when you get too close to that person."
This was his way of making peace.
Su Hua took the opportunity to ease the tension, not wanting to be confrontational anymore.
She carefully pondered his thoughts and, after a beat, said slowly, "Although Gu Jin Yao's name also contains the character 'Yao,' he is not Ah Yao. Ah Yao passed away thirteen years ago. His surname was Lu, called Lu Yao."