CHAPTER 178: CHAPTER 178 THE NEW BIG PIT IS READY

Lian Yingting didn’t believe a word he said.

Hen Shimian was the most outstanding master of traditional Chinese painting of his time. Ten years ago, he suddenly disappeared without a trace, and no one knew where he had gone. The last time he appeared, he said he had taken on an apprentice. And he would only take on this one in his lifetime. No one knew who that apprentice was. Perhaps they vanished together.

Lian Yingya was obsessed with painting and greatly admired Master Hen Shimian’s work. Over the years, he had been deceived many times. Lian Yingting remained skeptical about this.

"You’re an adult. If you think it’s real, then it’s real."

Lian Yingya was unhappy. "You still don’t believe me."

Lian Yingting looked at him seriously. "Yingya, whether I believe you or not isn’t important. You’ve grown up; you don’t need our approval for everything. If you think it’s right, then it’s right. From my personal perspective, whether that person is Master Hen’s apprentice isn’t important. What truly matters is that she’s in the same profession as you and that you share common interests."

Lian Yingya was dissatisfied. "In the end, you still don’t believe I found Master Hen’s apprentice."

"Why do you care if I believe you or not?" Lian Yingting countered.

Lian Yingya was taken aback by the question. His older brother was just too outstanding, someone he had always looked up to since childhood. Even as he grew up, this habit hadn’t changed.

Lian Yingya’s wife, Li Shen, quickly stepped in to ease the tension. She playfully glared at Lian Yingting. "Ting, the way you’re talking to Yingya and me now is just like how you reprimand your subordinates at the company. Yingya couldn’t wait to tell you because he wanted to share his joy. He’s trying to talk about feelings, and you’re responding with logic. You’ll end up with no friends if you keep this up!"

Lian Yingya nodded in agreement. "Sister-in-law understands me best."

Lian Yingting conceded, "I was wrong. What are your intentions in letting that girl stay at your place? Are you interested in her, or do you appreciate her talent and status?"

"I like her, I want to marry her, and I also want to learn from her," Lian Yingya said, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"This is a major decision in your life. If you’re sure about it, I won’t object. But if you have any doubts, I can arrange for someone to investigate her background."

"I trust her. I don’t want to investigate."

"That’s fine too," Lian Yingting said, glancing at the time. "I’m heading to the company now. You should rest after Mom and Dad come back from their run."

Lian Yingya nodded.

Li Shen saw Lian Yingting out to the courtyard.

Before getting into the car, Lian Yingting advised, "You should meet that person when you have the time."

"Don’t worry about work; I’ll handle things at home," she replied.

Lian Yingting nodded, his thoughts turning to Han Hu’s experiences. He then said, "I met a woman recently, and I’m considering having Mom and Dad adopt her as their foster daughter. I wanted to get your opinion on this."

"A foster daughter?" Li Shen was taken aback.

"I originally planned to let her live outside, and I would visit her occasionally when I had time. Since we’re not related, if I visit her too often, rumors might reach your ears, and I’m afraid you’d worry unnecessarily."

They were high school classmates and had become a couple in their sophomore year. Even after ten years of marriage, their relationship was still very strong. Lian Yingting did not want her to worry needlessly over such matters.

Li Shen pondered for a moment before speaking. "Can I know more about her situation?"

"Her name is Rong Jia, and she closely resembles my deceased cousin. She is currently staying at Yulanting Hotel. You can chat with her when you have time."

Li Shen’s concern eased. "Since she resembles Xiaohu, then we should definitely welcome her into the family."

"Let’s keep this matter between us for now, until I’ve considered it thoroughly," Lian Yingting said.

"Alright, don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything at home," she assured him.

Lian Yingting gently caressed her cheek and then drove away.

From the window, Lian Yingya watched the interaction between his brother and sister-in-law, feeling a wave of envy. His brother and sister-in-law had known each other for more than half of their lives. They had a harmonious relationship, with very few arguments over the years.

How wonderful it would be if he and You Nie could be like his older brother and sister-in-law in the future.

You Nie was Li Qing’s current name, one she said her master had given her.

As soon as Lian Yingya thought of You Nie, he immediately got into his car and left.

"Yingya, where are you off to?"

"To see my girlfriend!" Lian Yingya shouted back.

"Drive carefully," Li Shen instructed. Managing household affairs was all about maintaining the right balance; only by mastering this could one avoid causing displeasure.

By the time Lian Yingya arrived, Li Qing was still asleep. She was curled up into a tiny ball on the living room sofa, looking exceptionally pitiable. Lian Yingya immediately lightened his footsteps, sitting on the sofa to watch the sleeping woman.

Li Qing had woken up the moment the door opened. She continued to feign sleep only after recognizing Lian Yingya’s footsteps. She waited until Lian Yingya had looked his fill before fluttering her eyelashes and opening her eyes. Upon seeing Lian Yingya, she pretended to be surprised and backed away.

"Why are you here?"

"I came to see if you’re settling in okay. Why aren’t you sleeping in the bed? Why here?"

"This place is too nice; I don’t dare sleep in the bed," Li Qing spoke softly, slightly bowing her head and revealing a slender stretch of her pale neck, looking all the more endearing.

Lian Yingya’s heart ached at her words. "My things are your things," he said.

Li Qing, with red-rimmed eyes, looked at him pitifully. "I’m afraid I’m in a beautiful dream, and when it ends, I’ll have nothing left."

"That won’t happen. I will take good care of you. You’ll never have to live a life of hardship and displacement again, I promise."

"Really?" Li Qing asked, her voice trembling.

"Really," Lian Yingya gently brushed the hair from her ear. "Today, I’ll buy you clothes, shoes, and daily necessities. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to a renowned doctor to look at your hand."

"My hand is beyond hope. You don’t have to go to any more trouble for me."

"How can that be? You’re a natural-born painter. How can you not paint?"

Li Qing turned her face away, feeling wronged, and bit her lip gently. When she spoke again, her voice was choked with tears. "Are you... only helping me because I’m Master’s only disciple? If my hand can’t be healed, will you abandon me?"

Her soft, accusing words made Lian Yingya feel like a villain coercing a woman. He hurriedly said, "I just want your hand to heal. A painter values their hands the most; it must be very distressing for you to have it injured. I simply don’t want to see you in pain."

"I’ve been through so much; painting has long since become an unattainable dream. Now, the most important thing for me is to survive," Li Qing said, standing up and heading for the door without allowing for any argument.

Lian Yingya panicked. "Where are you going?"

"I can’t be of any help to you. I can’t stay and be a burden."

Lian Yingya quickly got up and grabbed her arm. "Aren’t you going to take revenge?"

"How can I seek revenge if I don’t even know who my enemy is?"

"Didn’t you say it looked like Qin Sheng?"

"I’m not sure," Li Qing said as tears fell. "There was a man and a woman in the car; they looked very much like Qin Sheng and..." Her whole body trembled as if she had recalled something terrifying. Crouching down, she hugged herself tightly.

Lian Yingya was thoroughly intrigued. "Like who?"

"I daren’t say. If I do, you’ll be in danger too. I don’t want anything to happen to you."

Lian Yingya felt a warmth spread through his heart. "I have the Lian Family behind me; we can protect you."

Under his expectant gaze, Li Qing spoke softly, "The woman looked like Fu Bing."