Rebirth 2010, the best

Chapter 153 Meeting Again

Chapter 153 Meeting Again
"Sister Chu, is there anything I need to pay attention to later?"

Lu Yao asked as he drove following the navigation.

"unnecessary."

Xu Ruochu shook his head.

After putting away the makeup mirror, the light in the car dimmed.

She subconsciously turned her head and looked at the man who was no longer tired but full of energy. She suddenly said:
"From now on, I am your girlfriend. Treat me the same way you treat Hu Li."

"..."

Lu Yao's mouth twitched.

He also turned his head and looked at her:

"what?"

But Xu Ruochu retracted his gaze and looked forward:
"The group of people who will be there soon are all shrewd people. It's hard for you to adapt to them since it's your first time meeting them... Actually, you don't need to adapt to them. Just do what you feel comfortable with. They will observe you and be curious about you. The more you pretend, the more they will see something. So, from now on, I am your girlfriend, you just need to remember this."

"…On an actor's self-cultivation?"

"I guess so. As for interpersonal communication, leave the parts you are not familiar with to me."

"Okay. But...didn't Aunt Bai introduce you to a blind date a while ago..."

"We chose to hide our relationship because we didn't want to attract so much attention. She thought it was a blind date, but to me it was just a dinner with strangers. She wouldn't mention it in front of you because it would embarrass you. And you are my boyfriend, and embarrassing you would embarrass me."

"...Tsk."

"what happened?"

"without……"

"No? Then why is it making that noise?"

"..."

Hearing her question, Lu Yao thought for a moment and suddenly said:
"I didn't realize it before, Chu Jie, but you are actually quite domineering."

Xu Ruochu was stunned and asked:

"Is there any?"

"Ah."

Lu Yao nodded sincerely.

Very overbearing indeed.

But... this kind of tyranny is not tyranny, but a kind of... self-assertion.

Don't care about other people's opinions.

Don't care about what others think.

If I think it’s right, then it’s right.

I don't think it's right, you may think it's right, but I won't change my mind.

He had seen Xu Ruochu like this.

As for his statement, Xu Ruochu did not intend to refute it, but continued:

"If you like something tonight, you don't need to ask me, just raise your sign. It's a charity dinner, and everything we buy will be donated to the charity. Nothing will be wasted."

"...Sister Li, do you think this is atonement for Aunt Bai's sins?"

"Yes."

Xu Ruochu leaned back in his chair, speaking calmly:
"For Aunt Bai, it was a kind of spiritual support. She felt that she was helping others, and was redeeming herself for... maybe Bai Lu, or maybe herself. But for Hu Li, her behavior was a hypocritical act like a psychopath."

"What about you, Sister Chu?"

"for me?"

She thought about it and shook her head:
"To me, it's just a dinner party."

"So simple?"

"Yes, it's that simple. She called me, and I went over when I was free. I needed to use the platform she set up to show my relationship with you. At the same time, she is my aunt, and I have to go when an elder calls me. And, generally speaking, I went there on behalf of my dad. My dad is busy, so I came to meet these people, chat with them, and get to know them. With this relationship, if we have the opportunity to continue to contact each other in the future, we can save a layer of courtesy and get closer. With a relationship, there is cooperation, and with cooperation, there is the possibility of becoming friends, it's that simple."

"…So what is Uncle Xu actually doing?"

"..."

Xu Ruochu was speechless for a moment.

He turned his head to look at Lu Yao and suddenly laughed out loud:

"what."

"What are you laughing at?"

"Laugh...it reminds me of when I first met you."

She didn't say it clearly, but seemed very happy and said with a smile:

"My dad is probably playing mahjong with some friends right now. Or maybe he's having dinner with his family? Who knows."

"Well, it turns out that spending time with family is more important. No wonder you didn't give face to Aunt Bai."

"Lu Yao, don't look at people with prejudice."

"Uh……"

"Aunt Bai may have many faults, but for Hu Li, her impression of Aunt Bai is more subjective. And subjective impressions are often the biggest misunderstanding when you evaluate someone. Maybe she is right. But if you think about it from another perspective, Aunt Bai's charity has also helped many people. Everything in the world has two sides. When we look at people, we only take the middle."

Lu Yao was stunned, thought for a moment, and asked:

"Moderate?"

"You can understand it this way. The middle is not biased, and the ordinary is not easy to change. The middle is the foundation of the world, and harmony is the way to achieve success in the world."

"...This paragraph seems to be the original text of The Doctrine of the Mean?"

"Yes."

"Sure enough, I still need to read more."

He was a little emotional.

But I do feel that I have learned a lot.

But after Xu Ruochu said these words, he suddenly felt a little regretful.

After thinking for a while, he said:

"I'm not preaching to you...I don't mean that."

"I know. But I think what Chu Jie said makes sense. Although I may not be able to do it in a short period of time, it does make sense."

“…I’m glad you think so.”

She breathed a sigh of relief.

……

It’s still the Bund.

It’s still that western-style building.

"Sister Chu... does this building belong to Aunt Bai?"

"Yes. This used to be a bookstore, but there was actually a printing press from Germany in the basement. At that time, the largest anti-Japanese newspapers in the old city were all printed here. Now the printing press is in the museum."

"I see."

Under the doorman's instructions, Lu Yao parked the car in the parking space, got out, and helped Xu Ruochu open the door.

A hand was extended.

After Lu Yao held her hand, she used the force to walk out of the car, and then took Lu Yao's arm.

Inexplicably, Lu Yao's body stiffened for a moment, but soon returned to normal.

"...I suddenly feel like I'm in Paramount?"

Hearing Lu Yao's complaints, the royal sister who was holding his arm smiled and shook her head:

"Tell me earlier next time so I can wear a cheongsam."

"Forget it. This weather... is too cold."

"You know it's cold, why don't you leave quickly?"

"……hey-hey."

Lu Yao smiled awkwardly, and the two of them walked quickly towards the main entrance of the western-style building.

After entering the house, warmth quickly hit me.

Lu Yao couldn't help but shiver.

It’s really cold in Shanghai this year, especially on the Bund at night…

And then, he knew, it was Xu Ruochu's turn to perform.

Xu Ruochu walked up to the second floor.

When he reached the stairs to the second floor, Lu Yao subconsciously looked to the left.

Well, it’s okay. There’s no guy who fucks sheep today.

There are already many people on the second floor at this moment.

They all look dressed in suits and look very noble.

At this moment, the walls are covered with various paintings.

Lu Yao actually didn’t know much about painting, and... I don’t know if he was really a wild boar that couldn’t eat fine bran, he really couldn’t get the beauty of these paintings.

However... we must admit that in terms of "artistic elements", Aunt Bai is still superior.

He thought secretly as he looked at the bare-breasted painting in front of him that was painted by an unknown artist.

While he was lost in thought, he heard someone calling him:

"Lu Yao."

He turned his head subconsciously and saw Xu Ruochu standing in the corridor looking at him:
"This way."

"coming."

He walked over quickly.

Soon he followed her into the largest of the rooms.

As soon as I entered, I was stunned.

Because... there are many people here.

Probably close to twenty.

There was a row of landscape paintings hanging on the wall, all covered with glass and with a courtesy belt. Everyone stood in front of the courtesy belt and looked at the paintings on the wall.

At this time, Xu Ruochu patted him.

He turned his head and saw the other person hooking his fingers, so he bent down slightly.

As I smelled her fragrance, a whisper rang in my ears:
"These twelve paintings were bought by Hu Li's mother."

"..."

Lu Yao's mouth twitched.

I couldn't help but look at these paintings again, and then asked:

"Who painted this?"

"Qi Baishi."

"Uh... the one with the shrimp?"

"..."

Xu Ruochu was stunned.

Then he showed a speechless expression, shook his head helplessly, and ignored him.

Lu Yao didn't dare to say much, for fear that Qi Lao's fans would pick him out after hearing what he said.

However, he still followed Xu Ruochu to the sign erected in front of the protocol belt.

Only then did I know the origin of these ten paintings: "Twelve Landscape Screens"

This is the work that Mr. Qi gave to doctor Chen Zilin.

It was created in 1925 and first exhibited in 1954. It has been auctioned twice, both by Poly Auction, the first time for 2.38 million in Hong Kong, and the second time last year at Poly Auction in Yanjing for million.

2.38 million?
I have a spendthrift mother-in-law.

Lu Yao couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth.

At this moment, he subconsciously turned his head.

It was purely instinct that made him turn his head because he sensed someone was looking at him.

Then I met a pair of eyes.

He was stunned.

Senior Bai Yao?

He was stunned.

There was some surprise in the other person's eyes, but more of a curiosity.

The curious look in his eyes melted her icy expression a little.

Lu Yao thought about it, walked over, and greeted politely when he arrived at the door:
"Senior."

As Mr. Xu's blind date, although... we have never spoken to each other, we don't seem that unfamiliar.

"…Um, hello."

Bai Yao nodded politely. But she didn't ask why Lu Yao was here, but said:

"I just heard someone calling your name, and I thought I heard it wrong."

Lu Yao was stunned for a moment, then smiled and pointed at Xu Ruochu:
"I came here with my girlfriend."

"..."

Bai Yao looked in the direction he pointed, curiosity once again showing in her eyes:

"…Is she Xu Ruochu?"

"Uh...senpai knows?"

"Yes, I heard her name from my third aunt."

"Is Aunt Bai the senior's third aunt?"

"Yes."

The two chatted for a few words when Xu Ruochu also noticed this.

So he came over.

Lu Yao took the initiative to introduce:

"Sister Chu, this is Bai Yao, my senior, and also the captain of our school's women's volleyball team... Senior, this is my girlfriend, Xu Ruochu."

After hearing this, Xu Ruochu nodded and stretched out his hand:

"Hello, I'm Xu Ruochu."

"...Hello, I'm Bai Yao."

Only then did Lu Yao notice that this senior schoolmate was also wearing high heels.

Although her height was not particularly high, but because of her height... she was almost a head shorter than Xu Ruochu.

But... these two people standing together are surprisingly pleasing to the eye.

One is cool and the other is dignified.

Honestly, it's quite pleasing to the eye.

At this time, Aunt Bai appeared at the door. When she saw Xu Ruochu, a smile appeared on her face:
"Xiaochu is here... Do you all know each other? That's great, so I don't have to introduce you to him."

"Aunt Bai."

Xu Ruochu greeted with a smile.

Then, he pointed his hand at Lu Yao:
"Lu Yao, my boyfriend."

Lu Yao quickly greeted:
"Hello, Aunt Bai. I'm Lu Yao."

"Well, the boy is really handsome..."

The woman praised him, and then said to Xu Ruochu with some complaints:

"You are such a fool, why didn't you tell me earlier? You almost caused a misunderstanding."

"We didn't want to tell you at first. There were some unexpected situations, so we didn't hide it. We really didn't hide it from you on purpose."

"Ah."

The woman smiled and responded, then looked Lu Yao up and down and said with a smile:
"Yeah, that's great. It's a perfect match for our Xiaochu."

"...Thank you, Aunt Bai."

Lu Yao could only respond with a smile.

Then, Aunt Bai took Xu Ruochu and said:
"Let's go to my office."

Xu Ruochu was pulled away by her, and Lu Yao and Bai Yao followed.

As he walked, he heard Aunt Bai in front of him say:
"There are a few paintings this time that I think you will like, so I reserved them in advance. You can pick some, and the rest will be auctioned later."

"Aunt, I don't know much about art."

"Beauty is universal. Take a look, maybe you are destined to be with it."

Soon, they reached the stairs and the four of them started going upstairs.

Lu Yao politely stayed until the last to go upstairs.

As he walked up, he suddenly noticed a detail: the heels of his senior sister were very red.

He knew at a glance that it was caused by the friction between the shoe upper and the skin when the high heels did not fit or were not worn often.

He was stunned for a moment, thought for a moment, and reached into his pocket.

There were two Band-Aids in his pocket, which he put on temporarily after pulling a barb and causing bleeding in the afternoon.

After reaching the third floor, he looked at the two people in front who had opened the door and walked in, and quickly said to Bai Yao:

"Senior, here you go."

Bai Yao subconsciously turned her head and saw the two Band-Aids he handed over.

He was stunned at first, then he understood something, and a look of gratitude appeared on his face:
"Thank you."

"Well, it's okay."

"You go in first, I'm going to the bathroom."

"Ok."

Lu Yao walked in.

Then I saw the "decorations" in the office.

Painting after painting was placed on the easel and placed in the middle of the large office.

At this time, Aunt Bai's voice sounded:

"Didn't you give me a thangka last time? It just so happens that Xiaochu, you can take a look."

She pointed to some paintings and said:

"This is the work of Tsering Dorje, a master painter from southern Tibet. His paintings are very popular in southern Tibet and have even been collected by living Buddhas."

She said, and Xu Ruochu looked.

After Lu Yao looked at the paintings that were of the Potala Palace and snow-capped mountains, he lost interest and began to pay attention to all the furnishings in the office.

To be honest, the furnishings are quite simple, if you can ignore the glass cabinet... I don't know if it contains antiques or works of art.

At the same time, there is a thangka hanging on the wall, and a khata is wrapped around the thangka.

Behind the office chair is a golden photo frame with a red background and a string of Buddhist beads mounted on it.

Judging from the texture, it doesn't look like Bodhi.

I don't know what material it is made of, but it has a brownish-yellow color.

Lu Yao thought that his girlfriend was right. Aunt Bai really had become a believer in Tantric Buddhism recently.

While watching, he listened to Xu Ruochu chatting with the other party.

You know what... Aunt Bai's attention was indeed not on me, and she didn't ask much about my "relationship" with Xu Ruochu. Instead, she started talking incessantly about the so-called artistic aesthetics.

What about "Look at this painting and you can feel the majestic vitality from it at a glance"...

Lu Yao was confused after listening to it.

Soon, Bai Yao also came back.

"Yao Yao."

"what?"

"Eh."

"..."

Lu Yao's mouth twitched.

Bai Yao was also stunned.

Finally, it was Aunt Bai. She looked at the expressions of the two people and suddenly smiled and said:

"Lu Yao's nickname is also Yaoyao?"

"Uh... yes, Haruka."

Lu Yao was a little embarrassed.

Xu Ruochu couldn't help laughing and asked Aunt Bai:
"Auntie, which Yaoyao are you calling?"

"Haha, Yaoyao, go outside and greet the guests for me. Tell me when the meal is ready."

"Okay, Auntie San."

Bai Yao responded and walked out again.

Lu Yao looked at her departing back. He didn't know if it was an illusion or something, but he always felt that her walking posture was much more natural.

As soon as she left, Aunt Bai asked:

"Xiaochu, didn't she have dinner with Xiaochen a few days ago? Did Xiaochen say anything to you after he went back?"

"I told you that the senior is a very nice person."

"Oh? Then they..."

"Aunt, it's a different era now, let them develop on their own."

"Hmm...that's right. Besides, I've already told Yaoyao that she and Xiaochen are from the same school. They're graduating soon, and after graduation, they'll stay on to study for their master's degree. They'll be in Shanghai in the future. You guys should keep in touch then."

"Well, okay. But... I heard from my dad that my aunt is in Yanjing, right?"

"She will retire next year. What is a retired person still doing in Yanjing? The climate and soil in Yanjing are not suitable for people to live in."

"I see."

The two of them were chatting while Lu Yao was watching.

After chatting for a while, Xu Ruochu finally chose a painting of a snowy mountain.

Then, Bai Yao came to remind them that it was almost time, and the three of them walked out of the office.

Soon, the dinner began.

Lu Yao sat next to Xu Ruochu, and many people came over to greet her. Xu Ruochu's responses were all polite and appropriate.

The host on the stage started the auction.

Only then did he realize that the paintings being auctioned were all the ones that were in the office just now. The starting prices were not low either, and the lowest price was 700,000.

After all the paintings were sold, he roughly estimated that the total sales was less than 10 million.

Finally, Aunt Bai took Bai Yao to the stage and said that the money would be used to help children in the Middle East or something like that...

Aunt Bai...you are so kind.

He was speechless.

Then she began to introduce Bai Yao.

Probably to let everyone know.

Finally, everyone raised their glasses and started eating.

After eating, everyone dispersed.

"Come on, follow me to get the painting."

Xu Ruochu said.

Lu Yao nodded, and after arriving at Aunt Bai's office, he went through some formalistic politeness.

In the end, Xu Ruochu spent one million...