"Quick! Bring the paper cutter over!"

Yao Shugong could no longer contain his curiosity, and urged the servant to bring the paper cutter over.

Following that, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he personally began to cut open the painting on the table.

Xiao Lan stood beside Xu Fan, feeling increasingly afraid.

She hadn't heard that Xu Fan had any expertise with antiques...

Now that Xu Fan had piqued the old man's interest, if the painting didn't have a hidden layer, she feared the old man might just fly into a rage on the spot...

Chen Longhu watched from the sidelines with a cold gaze, smirking.

He was even looking forward to seeing how Xu Fan would wrap things up once they discovered there was no hidden painting inside.

"I see it!"

At this moment, Yao Shugong suddenly exclaimed!

Chen Longhu instinctively looked over! On seeing the painting that was being cut open on the table, his face, in a split second, turned ashen!

"How, how is this possible..."

As Yao Shugong carefully pulled out an ancient painting from within the hidden layer, Chen Longhu kept shaking his head, as if bewitched, his lips quivering.

He would've never imagined that Xu Fan could have such an eye, to have fished out such a top-grade treasure from Shuyan's shop...

Keep in mind, even Shuyan hadn't recognized it!

"Haha! A treasure! It really is a treasure!"

Yao Shugong held the painting with such delight that he seemed almost reluctant to let go.

The more he looked at it, the more satisfied he became, and he burst into laughter, saying, "This Spring Mountain Painting is an authentic work by Qiu Ying. If I'm not mistaken in its valuation, it's probably worth tens of millions!"

"What? Tens of millions?"

Upon hearing this figure, everyone couldn't help but gasp and turned their gazes towards Xu Fan!

This guy, if not incredibly lucky, must be an expert in the world of antiques.

This time, nobody's gift could compare to the Spring Mountain Painting on hand! Yao Shugong had a great passion for antiques, and now that he had acquired this treasure, his fondness for Xiao Lan surged instantaneously.

As for Chen Longhu, who was previously in focus, he was now thoroughly neglected.

Midway through the banquet, Chen Longhu left with a face full of resentment, and Xiao Lan, observing this, couldn't help but snort.

This guy, after all the schemes to embarrass her, ended up being completely outplayed by Xu Fan; she presumed he would be in a foul mood for quite a few days to come.

Thinking of Xu Fan, Xiao Lan couldn't help but curl her lips into a sweet smile this time.

If it weren't for Xu Fan helping her out of a tight spot, she probably would have made a fool of herself.

Recalling the events, it seemed Xu Fan had realized early on that something was amiss, and yet she had dismissed his warning with contempt, Xiao Lan couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.

She looked at Xu Fan and said in a coquettish tone, "Xu Fan, back at Qingzhu Zhai, I was wrong. You won't hold it against me, will you?"

Xu Fan pursed his lips and said, "Lan, do I look like the kind of person who is petty?"

"Hehe, I knew you were a good person. Tell me, how should I thank you this time?"

This time, Xu Fan had really given her significant help, and Xiao Lan looked earnestly at Xu Fan, thinking she must properly thank him.

"No need for anything too complicated, just a kiss will do."

"You!"

But hearing Xu Fan's request, the charming young woman's face flushed with red.

She looked nervously around at the people nearby, and when no one was paying attention, her red lips momentarily lingered on Xu Fan's cheek like a dragonfly skimming the water.

"This?"

With a buzz, Xu Fan felt his mind go blank. He was just making a joke, but he hadn't expected Xiao Lan to actually move in for a kiss!

Good lord, that kiss was worth millions!

"Uh, I mean, Sister Lan, that was too fast, I didn't feel much. Could we try it again?"

Feeling the residual warmth on his cheek, Xu Fan couldn't help but make another request.

Xiao Lan looked at him and felt like crying but had no tears. Was this little adversary trying to embarrass her to death?

After all, in front of so many people, to initiate a kiss, she had used up all her courage!

"Humph! You little mischief, no more kisses!"

Watching Xiao Lan's girlish behavior, Xu Fan smiled and then asked, "By the way, Sister Lan, why does Chen Longhu have such a vendetta against you?"

Xu Fan felt that there were just too many mysteries surrounding Xiao Lan.

Throughout the day, as he socialized with Xiao Lan and others, almost no one mentioned her deceased husband, as if the man had never existed.

At the same time, Chen Longhu's persistence with Xiao Lan must have had some reason behind it.

From Chen Longhu's attitude, it certainly didn't seem like he was pursuing Xiao Lan.

Xiao Lan listened and couldn't help but give a bitter smile. She glanced at Xu Fan and said, "Xu Fan, he wants something that I have. Everything he's doing is to force me to hand it over, and it's not just him. There are also many others coveting what I have..."

As Xiao Lan spoke, she felt an impulsive urge to confide in Xu Fan about the pain she had endured alone over the years.

But thinking of the danger it could bring to Xu Fan if she spoke out, she suppressed that urge. She looked at Xu Fan, who was full of curiosity, and said with a bitter smile, "Xu Fan, there are some things I can't discuss with you right now. If there's an opportunity one day, I'll definitely tell you..."

"Alright then..."

Xu Fan smiled and did not press further.

Just like his previous attitude, he didn't really want to delve into others' secrets. If they wanted to tell him, they would when the right time came.

After dinner, Xiao Lan took Xu Fan to say goodbye to Uncle Yao.

Once they drove back home and Xu Fan watched Xiao Lan enter her house, he pulled out his keys and opened the door opposite.

"Yo? Yueyue, heading out?"

As soon as he stepped through his front door, he saw Qin Mengyue coming out of the master bedroom.

Dressed in a black tank top and a pair of sports pants, topped with a neat ponytail, her sporty look gave off a spirited and vivacious vibe.

Xu Fan couldn't help but think to himself that this woman, dressed like this, wasn't planning on going out to fight, was she?

"Hmph, you little weakling."

At that moment, Qin Mengyue glanced at him with disdain.

"Hey? Who are you calling a weakling?"

Qin Mengyue's eyes were filled with scorn, and Xu Fan couldn't help but roll his eyes, wondering what he had done to offend her.

"Humph, aren't you displeased to be called that? But with your skinny physique, what else would you be if not a weakling?"

"..."

After all this time, it turned out Qin Mengyue was commenting on his figure, which made Xu Fan feel somewhat amused and frustrated.

Indeed, compared to those muscular guys, he did look quite slender.

But didn't this woman know that real strength doesn't come from muscles alone?

"Come on, I feel sorry for you. I'll take you to the gym to train."

At that moment, Qin Mengyue grabbed him, ready to head out.

Xu Fan couldn't help but want to laugh; big sister, he hadn't even agreed, had he?

But catching sight of Qin Mengyue's shapely and attractive figure, Xu Fan's eyes spun mischievously. Seemingly with an idea in mind, he willingly followed her out the door.

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