Volume One, Chapter 38: Embrace

Song Qingyu stared blankly at the man on the sofa, just like everyone else, unable to believe what had happened.

Although she felt in her heart that her mother's painting was priceless, it was still astonishing to see a painting with a starting bid of half a million being called up to fifty million—one hundred times over. That was, in every sense, absurd.

What was that man thinking?

Even the auctioneer was stunned. After all, that price could easily purchase a masterpiece by a famous artist.

"Fifty million, first call—"

Chu Xingzhi gazed at Gu Yuandong, who sat unmoving like a mountain, his expression unusually grim. He knew this painting would not surpass ten million and was determined to win, never expecting Gu Yuandong to appear midway through. His gaze shifted to Song Qingyu.

Clearly, fifty million was an astronomical figure for Song Qingyu. Even if she wanted the painting, she would not raise her paddle now.

What could he do?

Emotion told him he must secure the painting for Xiaoyu, for it was the only thing that might mend their relationship. Yet reason told him that fifty million was far too dear for such a painting. Moreover, competing with Gu Yuandong was tantamount to courting disaster.

"Fifty million, second call—"

Chu Xingzhi's heart raced, sweat dampening his palms. He hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, as the gavel struck, he felt as if all his strength had drained away, and he placed his bidding paddle on the table.

The auction was over. No one had anticipated that the ultimate winner would be Xie Qingya's painting.

With this news, Xie Qingya’s reputation soared, and the value of all her previous works increased as well.

Song Yanfeng could never have imagined that the Crown Prince would attend; just as he tried to approach and greet him, two men in black blocked his path. He could only watch as the Crown Prince departed.

Chu Xingzhi regained his composure and wanted to look for Song Qingyu, only to find her already gone.

"Mr. Gu—"

Song Qingyu caught up with Gu Yuandong in the corridor.

Xie Liuzheng tried to follow, but was stopped by He Shubai. "Miss Xie, please stay here."

Gu Yuandong turned to look at Song Qingyu. "Is there something you need, Miss Song?"

Song Qingyu twisted her fingers anxiously. "I... The 'Smiling Girl' you just bought is my mother's last work. Could you sell it to me?"

"If you wanted it, Miss Song, why didn't you bid?"

"I don't have that much money."

"And do you have it now?"

Song Qingyu shook her head. "You could sell it to me for fifty million, and I’ll pay you back slowly, little by little. Is that alright?"

She knew her request was unreasonable, but she could think of no other way.

"Is the girl in the painting you, Miss Song?"

Seeing that Gu Yuandong didn’t refuse outright, Song Qingyu nodded quickly. "Yes, it’s me. I hope you will help me."

Her complexion was poor, clearly from anxiety over the painting.

"I can sell you the painting, and I don’t need fifty million."

"What?"

"Just give me a coin."

Song Qingyu’s mind stalled. "A coin?"

"Yes. Surely you can manage a single coin?"

"I have one, I have one," Song Qingyu said quickly, rummaging through her bag. Coincidentally, the coin she found was the one Pei Jingmo had picked up for her yesterday, saying it was a lucky coin.

She hadn’t paid it much mind at the time, simply tossing it in her bag—never expecting it would come in handy.

She placed the coin in Gu Yuandong’s gloved palm. "Really, just one coin?"

"My sister is a fan of Teacher Xie. Originally, I wanted to buy the painting for her. But if she knew it made the artist’s daughter unhappy, she wouldn’t be pleased."

"Besides, I was fortunate enough to meet Teacher Xie once. She was a gentle and beautiful woman. Though she’s gone, I’m sure she would want her only daughter to be happy."

"So, a single coin is enough."

Song Qingyu was shocked and deeply moved, her nose stinging. "Thank you, Mr. Gu. Your whole family will live long and peaceful lives."

The eyes beneath the mask were gentle and deeply affectionate. "Alright, I’ll pass on your blessing."

Even after Gu Yuandong left, Song Qingyu still hadn’t recovered from the moment.

Xie Liuzheng rushed over and hugged her shoulder in awe. "No wonder he’s the Crown Prince of Shangjing—wealthy and capricious. Fifty million, and he only asks you for a single coin!"

"Yes, he’s a good man."

"Not just a good man—a truly generous soul!"

Song Qingyu made up her mind. "I’ll work hard to repay Mr. Gu’s kindness."

Seeing a relaxed smile finally appear on Song Qingyu’s face, Xie Liuzheng grinned, too. "Good luck has arrived. Things will only get better from now on."

Hearing the words "good luck," Song Qingyu couldn’t help but think of Pei Jingmo.

It seemed that ever since she met him, fortune had favored her.

After parting ways with Xie Liuzheng, Song Qingyu took the painting home and placed it beside the photo she had with her mother.

She gently touched Xie Qingya’s face in the photo. "Mom, even though I’ve gone through so many bad things, I’ve also met so many good people. Don’t worry, I’ll be alright."

—

That evening, when Pei Jingmo returned home, he was greeted by a table full of vibrant, aromatic dishes.

"You’re home?" Song Qingyu smiled and came forward to welcome him. "You must be tired?"

No man dislikes coming home to a smiling wife after a day’s work. Heaven knows how many times he had dreamed of this scene during his days in the army.

All the weariness of the day vanished, replaced by a fullness in his heart called "happiness."

"I’m fine." He pretended not to know anything and asked, "What made you so happy?"

Song Qingyu’s eyes sparkled. She wore every emotion openly, unable to hide a thing.

"Did you notice anything different at home?"

Pei Jingmo walked over to the painting. "There’s a new painting—the girl in it is you?"

"Yes, it’s my mother’s painting. She painted me."

Twelve-year-old Song Qingyu, lively and radiant, her genuine smile lighting her up like a star, making anyone want to protect and cherish her.

"It’s beautiful."

"Do you know? If not for the coin you gave me last night, I wouldn’t have been able to bring it home."

"How so?"

Song Qingyu chattered on, recounting everything that had happened during the day.

Pei Jingmo listened quietly as she animatedly told her story, a gentle warmth blooming between his sharp brows.

"Pei Jingmo, thank you."

Song Qingyu knew Pei Jingmo didn’t need her gratitude, but she had no idea what else to give him.

"That was just your good luck."

"My good luck is thanks to you."

Song Qingyu happened to turn her head and gaze straight into his deep black eyes. The affection and indulgence in his gaze made her heartbeat flutter.

Her cheeks grew warm, and she coughed lightly. "Let’s eat. The food will get cold."

Pei Jingmo noticed her reaction, raising his brows slightly.

Looking at the table full of dishes, he asked, "Did you make all this?"

"No, I ordered takeout. But I sliced the fruit myself."

Pei Jingmo tried a piece of apple and gave her a thumbs-up. "You cut it very well."

Song Qingyu realized that, though Pei Jingmo seemed fierce, he was very good at offering emotional comfort.

"If you like it, eat more."

Pei Jingmo did not hold back and finished everything.

After dinner.

He couldn’t use sleepwalking as an excuse anymore, and the heavens weren’t helping—no thunderstorm tonight.

Pei Jingmo could only return to his own room.

Lying in bed, he couldn’t sleep, his mind full of thoughts of his wife in the next room.

He wanted so badly to hold her and sleep beside her!

Just after midnight, his phone started ringing wildly.

He rolled over and checked his messages—a flood of birthday wishes reminded him that today was his birthday.

He’d never cared much for birthdays or holidays, but this time, he was full of anticipation.

He wondered what gift Qingqing might prepare for him?