The art exhibition neared its end amidst a minor, uneventful commotion, concluding successfully with the sale of twenty paintings.
Twenty paintings, each priced between fifty and one hundred thousand, brought in over a million in a single day. While still a far cry from renowned artists, this was a remarkable achievement for a newcomer.
This was something Su He had never imagined.
And this was merely the beginning.
After seeing off the last guest, Su He’s legs were numb from standing.
Lu Yanbei felt her leaning weight and steadied her by placing a hand on her shoulder. "You've had a long day, tired?"
Su He nodded honestly. But the thought of the substantial income from today immediately brought a smile back to her face. "After deducting venue rental and wages, we've profited nearly eight hundred thousand! Come on, I'll treat you to something delicious tonight!"
A mere eighty thousand could make her this happy? Lu Yanbei couldn't help but chuckle.
However, his wife was rarely this cheerful, so why dampen her spirits? "And what magnificent feast does Mrs. Lu wish to treat me to?"
"Chinese, Western, or anything else you choose!" Su He gave him a look that dared him to question her generosity, her pride evident.
Lu Yanbei actually began to consider. "Then how about Chunfeng Deyi Lou?"
Su He: ...
You can't possibly be trying to trick your wife like that!
That place was by membership only, and a single meal easily cost five or six figures. It was practically highway robbery!
"Is that not acceptable?" Lu Yanbei inquired.
Su He ground her teeth. "Is it easy for me to earn money? You'd spend it all in one meal!"
"Just kidding," Lu Yanbei laughed, pulling her into his arms. "With me around, why would I let you pay?"
The little money-lover Su He finally felt at ease.
That evening, Lu Yanbei had indeed booked a table at Chunfeng Deyi Lou, and had also invited Su He's family, her mentor Ms. Hong and her husband, and several of his close friends.
"It's a rare occasion for us all to gather, so let's just have a casual dinner," were Lu Yanbei's exact words.
Upon arriving at the entrance of Chunfeng Deyi Lou, everyone was astonished by his definition of a "casual dinner."
Locals knew that this century-old establishment had many strict rules and its membership fees were no lower than those of high-end clubs. Ordinary people had little chance to dine there.
"I heard the cheapest dish here costs four figures?" Ms. Hong, though accustomed to a comfortable life, was visiting this place for the first time.
Mr. He patted her hand and whispered, "To be honest, this is my first time here too."
"I wonder what kind of service they offer to charge such exorbitant prices!" Su Ying flipped through the menu. The dish names were intriguing and poetic, but she was unsure about the taste.
She casually picked two dishes and handed the booklet to Su Lin beside her.
Knowing that it was his brother-in-law Lu Yanbei treating, Su Lin was not one to hold back. He quickly circled several signature dishes and ordered some drinks. "You guys are too cautious! It's a rare opportunity; we don't need to save him money."
Tang Jiaojiao glared at him reproachfully. "There's a saying, 'A gentleman's revenge is never too late.' Little Lin, you're still too green."
Su Lin smirked dismissively. "That day will never come!"
"Don't speak too soon," Su He said, resting her chin on her hand and looking at him with a half-smile. She refused to believe that he wouldn't fall in love someday. When he got married, she would definitely make him pay handsomely.
As the siblings were still glaring at each other, the elders at another table had already struck up a conversation.
Everyone had gotten acquainted at the wedding, and today, having faced a common trouble together, they were interacting even more harmoniously.
"Mrs. Su, you are truly blessed to have such outstanding children. They are a sight to behold!"
"Not at all, Mrs. He, you are so talented, and your children are all filial..."
"Filial? They all champion singlehood and refuse to marry! Your father and I are almost worried sick!"
"It's the same with our family! Look at them, their careers are booming, but their personal lives are stagnant. I don't know when I'll get to hold my grandchild!"
Seeing the elders getting along so well, the younger generation suddenly felt a sense of urgency.
Inevitably, the next topic turned to them.
"Oh, why don't we pool our resources?" Ms. Hong looked at the handsome young man and woman beside Tang Jiaojiao, a sudden idea striking her.
"How do you propose we pool them?" Tang Jiaojiao asked with interest.
"What do you think of my unaccomplished son?" Ms. Hong pointed to He Shufan at the next table. "Shall I introduce him to your eldest daughter?"
"How old is young He this year?" Tang Jiaojiao's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Twenty-seven!" Ms. Hong sighed regretfully.
"Ah, my Xiao Ying is twenty-eight," Tang Jiaojiao replied.
"Older is good!" Ms. Hong didn't seem to consider age a problem. "I hear Miss Su Ying is an internationally renowned fashion designer? To achieve so much at such a young age is truly admirable!"
"Auntie, you flatter me," Su Ying replied reluctantly, forcing a smile. Despite being a strong career woman, she felt quite flustered in front of elders.
Especially elders like Ms. Hong, who exuded an artistic aura.
"Mom, are you trying to set up Shufan and my sister?" Su He scooped a lamb chop into Tang Jiaojiao's bowl, unable to help but feel nervous for Su Ying.
"Is that not allowed? I think they would make a good match!" Tang Jiaojiao looked at He Shufan, who was fair-skinned, tall, and slender, possessing a scholarly demeanor. The more she looked, the more satisfied she became.
"Perhaps you should ask my sister's opinion first? What if she already has someone she likes?" Su He kindly reminded her.
Tang Jiaojiao dismissed it. "If she liked someone, wouldn't she tell me? She's never brought a boyfriend home in all these years, clearly her work has kept her busy!"
"Now that we've finally found a good one, we must seize the opportunity."
After speaking, Tang Jiaojiao was already inquiring about He Shufan's hobbies from Ms. Hong.
The two ladies found common ground, their enthusiasm growing.
Su Ying helplessly rubbed her temples but dared not react on the spot.
Su Lin gloated from the side. "Sister, how does it feel to be pushed into a corner?"
"Don't get smug! It'll be your turn sooner or later!" Su Ying snorted.
Su Chen didn't join their bickering, focusing on his meal.
Keeping out of it, staying aloof.
Hmm, this West Lake Vinegar Fish is quite good.
I wonder if I can get it packed for takeout. Someone is waiting for me to feed them back home.
Thinking of this, Su Chen couldn't help but pause.
Unconsciously, had he come to consider that place home?
The only place he had ever called home before was the dilapidated house in Fengxi Village where the four siblings grew up.
Now, was that place also his home?
Ripples of emotion stirred in Su Chen's heart.