The entire hall was stunned.
Even those who knew nothing about painting could see the difference.
Old Wei stared intently at Xu Mu's work, his eyes widening until he subconsciously took several steps back. The dimness in his gaze gave way to a glimmer of moisture.
He understood now—Jiang Huihui's earlier claim that the painting had been stolen was just a lie.
Because in the painting, the palace atop the left mountain peak was Xuantian Sect, and the old man in robes standing with his hands behind his back wasn't anyone else—it was himself.
How could it be such a coincidence that Jiang Huihui had "stolen" this particular piece?
It was obvious now—her grandfather had deliberately sent it as a gift.
Yet Xu Mu's painting somehow drew him into it completely, as though he were there again in person.
That battle years ago… Xuantian Sect's masters had nearly all perished, leaving the sect crippled.
From a top-tier sect, it had fallen into ruin.
To ensure its survival, Old Wei had chosen to join the Dragon Nation's Sanitation Bureau.
Looking at Xu Mu's painting, he was reminded of his fallen comrades.
Fang Chu had originally wanted to keep nitpicking—after all, most people couldn't truly appreciate paintings of this level.
But he wasn't stupid. One glance at Old Wei's reddened eyes told him the outcome was already decided.
[Fate Power -10]
Fang Chu clenched his fists tightly. That damned Xu Mu—ruining his chances yet again!
If it weren't for him, Fang Chu could have easily impressed Old Wei and gotten closer to him.
Now, not only had Xu Mu stolen the spotlight, but Guo Xiao and her mother would surely treat Fang Chu differently from now on.
"The painting is… magnificent!"
Old Wei wiped his eyes with his sleeve, his heart surging with emotion.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he never would've believed that such a masterpiece could come from someone so young.
Xu Shou was completely dumbfounded.
Just what was going on with his son?
Since when did he learn traditional painting?
He truly wasn't much of a father—his son had learned so many skills, each requiring immense dedication, and he had never even noticed.
[Favorability +10]
Xu Ningbing's name now appeared with black text above her head. She realized how shortsighted she'd been—only ever judging by appearances, never truly understanding her brother.
Though she found it hard to admit, one thought surfaced in her mind:
This so-called "useless" younger brother… was actually far more talented than her.
[Favorability +20]
Even Guo Xiao's Favorability rose.
She hadn't expected Xu Mu to be so capable—completely different from the lazy, unambitious man the rumors described.
Meanwhile, Jiang Huihui chewed her gum rapidly, unable to accept that her grandfather's painting skill was inferior to this so-called wastrel's.
But thinking carefully—aside from that disgusting phone incident—Xu Mu's words and demeanor had never really matched his reputation.
Could the intel have been wrong?
"Hahaha! Well done, young man!"
Old Wei slapped Xu Mu's shoulder heartily. "Who would've thought the Xu family was hiding a master of traditional art! Xu Mu, would you be willing to give me this painting?"
[Favorability +20]
Xu Mu looked at Old Wei's head, noticing yet another burst of Favorability points, and couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
Every time someone liked what he did, it meant the system recognized it as "righteous" or "good," granting him Fate Points.
He'd seen men gain a few Favorability points before—but never twenty at once.
Could it be… this old man liked men?
"Hehe, it was meant as a gift for you, Old Wei," Xu Mu said with an awkward smile. "Actually, the one Jiang Huihui brought is also excellent—but it focuses too much on technique and neglects overall harmony."
"Mmm, now that you mention it, that's true."
Old Wei nodded approvingly. "Ah, I got so caught up looking at the paintings that I forgot to start the banquet! Everyone, take your seats."
He carefully rolled up both paintings—but when he picked up Xu Mu's, his hands trembled slightly, treating it like a priceless treasure.
Jiang Huihui parked her electric scooter outside, hands still in her pockets as she followed him quickly.
The two of them entered Old Wei's study together.
The moment she stepped inside, the rich scent of ink and paper filled her nose.
The walls were covered in paintings, and the shelves were packed with scrolls of every size.
"Old man Wei, mind if I take a picture? I want to send it to my grandpa," Jiang Huihui said.
"Go ahead," Old Wei chuckled. "Let him stew a bit—if he doesn't work harder, the youngsters will surpass him soon."
He laid the painting flat across the desk.
After snapping a photo, Jiang Huihui continued, "By the way, that assassin from the Death List—Nine Fingers—he's dead. Did you hear?"
"No. Isn't that the Sanitation Bureau's job? I just handle the garbage," Old Wei replied absently, still gazing at Xu Mu's painting.
"I suspect Lin Yang killed him. That name should sound familiar."
Her voice was calm, but her tone carried certainty.
At first, she had suspected Xu Mu—but the more she thought about it, the less sense it made.
In truth, Lin Yang had the strongest motive.
Once he learned that Nine Fingers had betrayed him, he likely went to deal with the man himself. With Lin Yang's power, killing Nine Fingers would have been easy.
"Lin Yang? Oh, that talented young one, right?"
Old Wei glanced at her. "Well, Nine Fingers was a wanted killer. Dead is dead."
"That's not the point," Jiang Huihui said, blowing a bubble. "The point is that Lin Yang was the one who hired him—to kill Xu Mu."
She then recounted the entire sequence of events:
from Lin Yang stealing Xu Group's slimming formula from Fengwei Foods, to his exposure, Li Feipeng's arrest, and finally, Lin Yang's fury leading to the kidnapping and threats.
"There's such a story?"
Old Wei's brows furrowed. If this had been before, he wouldn't have cared about some spoiled rich kid's life or death.
But now it was different—Xu Mu's painting talent was too exceptional. Letting someone like him die would be a waste.
And more importantly, Xu Mu had done nothing wrong.
"That's right," Jiang Huihui said firmly. "If Lin Yang dares attack him again, I'll arrest him myself. If he resists, I'll kill him. Cleaners have that authority."
Old Wei hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. "With your grandfather to cover for you, do as you please."
The banquet itself wasn't large—only seven tables. And each family brought multiple guests.
For instance, the Xu family had three.
Old Wei personally sat beside Xu Shou, who then took out the bottle of wine from his red plastic bag.
Those who recognized it gasped—it was one of only ten bottles in existence, yet Xu Shou casually opened it to drink.
Xu Mu and Xu Ningbing sat together, quietly eating without speaking.
It wasn't until night fell that the guests began to leave.
Before going, Guo Xiao approached Xu Mu and offered to exchange contact information—making Fang Chu fume in silence.
This time, though, his Fate Power didn't decrease.
Xu Mu didn't refuse; after all, Guo Xiao had contributed plenty of Fate Points today.
When most guests had left, Xu Shou turned to Old Wei. "Old Wei, our Xu family is planning to re-enter Yang City's market."
Xu Ningbing frowned slightly. She still didn't understand why they needed to tell him this.
"I've seen the news about your slimming formula," Old Wei said, glancing at the opened bottle. "It's valuable stuff—and lucrative enough to make others jealous."
He then turned to Xu Mu and laughed. "This is why I can't accept gifts. You Xu family folks—today alone, I've already received two."
"We just want to do business, that's all. We've done nothing wrong," Xu Shou said calmly.
"You're right," Old Wei replied softly. "You've done nothing wrong. What's wrong… is this world."
He sighed. "Since ancient times, the world has never changed. Go if you wish. I'll make sure someone keeps an eye out for you."
"Thank you, Old Wei."
Xu Shou finally let out a breath of relief.
Under the moonlight, the three members of the Xu family walked along the riverside, heading back toward their estate.
"I don't get it, Dad," Xu Ningbing said. "What does our expansion into Yang City have to do with him?"
"If we were a small company, it wouldn't matter," Xu Shou explained, stopping to look at the river. "But this slimming drug has been too successful. We don't need investors. Going there means taking a piece of someone else's pie."
He paused and continued gravely, "Yang City is home to hidden clans. Do you think they'll sit by and watch an outside company grow strong on their turf?"
At the mention of hidden clans, both Xu Mu and Xu Ningbing's faces darkened.