CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: THE GU FAMILY IS ABOUT TO BE SWALLOWED UP BY THE QIN FAMILY

She stared intently at Gu Anxi, and at her bandaged finger.

Gu Anxi’s hands settled on the black and white keys. She tested them, her focused expression making everyone hold their breath.

A beauty like jade; this must be what they mean!

The piece she played was "Starry Sky." Her playing was fluent and stunning.

Shen Wanqing bit her lip so hard it nearly bled. If nothing unexpected happened, Gu Anxi was about to turn the tables...

But Gu Anxi only played a few bars before stopping. The abrupt silence tugged at the hearts of many in the room.

Wang Keru was extremely disappointed.

Shen Wanqing gave a slight smile.

Qin Siyuan frowned.

Old Mr. Qin and Qin Han exchanged glances. The meaning in their eyes was clear: Gu Anxi was still a hopeless case, all appearance and no substance.

But Gu Anxi didn’t care and said in a soft voice, "I’m sorry, I forgot the score."

Shen Wanqing said with exceptional understanding, "It’s alright, Anxi. Besides, it’s almost time for dinner."

These words upset Wang Keru, and her face immediately darkened.

Shen Wanqing was being rather presumptuous, acting as if she were the hostess.

Qin Siyuan glanced at Shen Wanqing, a silent reminder.

He wasn’t fond of Wang Keru, but essential courtesy was required. His future wife also needed to be well-read and polite. He would correct the small mistakes Wanqing made, understanding that due to her background—she was from around here—she sometimes wasn’t mindful of such details.

Shen Wanqing immediately realized her mistake and said a few placating words.

Wang Keru couldn’t show her displeasure in front of the three Qin men, so she could only swallow her anger and go to the kitchen to check on the meal’s progress.

Shen Wanqing was quite adept at making herself liked. Perhaps because she was used to reading people’s expressions, she retrieved her painting and presented it to Old Mr. Qin.

The painting was quite large, and Qin Siyuan had to help her carry it.

The old man liked it and said to Qin Han, "This girl has potential."

Shen Wanqing modestly replied, "I still need to improve. Professor Gao intends to introduce me to a renowned master so he can recommend my work for the Jia Ren auction."

Old Mr. Qin was pleased. "Good, you have ambition."

With that, he turned to Gu Anxi. "Anxi, you’ve been back for a while. I heard from your mother that you’re good at drawing. Why don’t you make a painting sometime and let Professor Gao have a look too?"

Before Gu Anxi could respond, Shen Wanqing smiled slightly. "Anxi and Professor Gao might have some misunderstanding. I can help mediate."

Qin Siyuan glanced at her.

Shen Wanqing continued, "Actually, Anxi has a better foundation than I do. If she were a bit more serious and reduced her outside activities, she would definitely..."

Old Mr. Qin grew impatient. "What’s the use of a good foundation? Diligence is what matters. Isn’t that right, Siyuan?"

Qin Siyuan didn’t say yes or no but quietly looked at Gu Anxi.

Gu Anxi sat there in silence, looking quietly out the window...

That afternoon, she had received news: ’Bishui Yuntian,’ the project her father had left behind, was about to be auctioned. And the Qin family was among the companies preparing to take it over.

Their intention to annex it was clearer than ever.

And she was sitting here, playing the piano for them!

Gu Anxi lowered her head and gave a cold smile.

She took out her phone and sent a message—

When Gu Anxi looked back, Shen Wanqing was conversing with Old Mr. Qin, appearing graceful and poised.

Even Qin Han was unusually gentle.

Gu Anxi’s gaze met Qin Siyuan’s.

Qin Siyuan was gazing at her meaningfully. Gu Anxi averted her eyes...