At Fan Liren's home, several people were gathered in the sunroom, sitting around a large tea table and drinking tea. A woman of distinguished气质 was present, pouring tea for everyone and chatting with her daughter, Fan Shuyuan, with laughter.
"It's getting late, Mr. Fan, we'll be heading back."
These individuals were all prominent figures in Beijing's literary circles. They had come to pay their respects and offer early New Year greetings to Master Fan, a revered grandmaster.
"Alright, Datong, see Mr. Lin and the others out for me…" Fan Liren said to a middle-aged man sitting beside him, without rising.
"Yes, Dad."
This was Fan Liren's son, Fan Datong, who had chosen a path in business rather than literature.
As Fan Datong escorted Mr. Lin and the others out, he coincidentally encountered Wan Yunting, who was carrying items in both hands, and Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao, also carrying things, heading in their direction. They bumped into each other, exchanging curious glances. The literary figures from Beijing pointed at Wan Yunting and exclaimed in surprise, "This young man looks very familiar!"
"Who are you?"
Fan Datong asked quizzically, as he didn't work in Beijing and thus didn't recognize Wan Yunting.
"My name is Wan Yunting, we're here to visit Mr. Fan."
Wan Yunting didn't know who the middle-aged man was, but he noticed the strong resemblance to Fan Liren in his features.
"Oh, it really is that young literary prodigy, Wan Yunting!"
Upon hearing the name, Mr. Lin and the other literary figures immediately recalled who Wan Yunting was.
"Greetings, esteemed elders…"
Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao didn't know these prominent figures from Beijing's cultural circles and could only offer polite smiles and greetings.
Seeing that Mr. Lin and the others recognized the young man, Fan Datong realized he might indeed know his father. He turned back and called towards the sunroom, "Dad, someone's looking for you."
"Who is it?"
Fan Liren, from inside the sunroom, turned his head and asked. Fan Datong replied, "Someone named Wan Yunting."
"Little Wan."
Fan Liren's old eyes lit up. He got up and joyfully exclaimed, "Quick, invite them in!"
Fan Datong then invited Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao into the house. Fan Liren, along with his daughter-in-law Kong Jie and granddaughter Fan Shuyuan, also came out. The elder happily laughed and said, "Little Wan, Luotang, Miaomiao, my two girls, when did you come to Beijing? Why didn't you let your master know?"
"Master, hello…"
Gu Luotang happily stepped forward, gave a slight bow to Fan Liren, and then politely nodded with a smile to Kong Jie and Fan Shuyuan. Fan Liren patted her shoulder and chuckled, "Are you two here in Beijing for the New Year?"
"Yes, Master. We just arrived yesterday and came to see you today."
Gu Luotang smiled, still holding her gifts, and said, "Yun Ting ge and I were shopping earlier, and we specifically bought you some New Year's groceries."
Seeing the three of them carrying gifts, Fan Liren chided them, "Tsk, look at you three youngsters. You don't need to bring so much when you visit. It's really unnecessary."
Fan Datong and his wife Kong Jie took the gifts from Wan Yunting and the others. Mr. Lin and his group also lingered, talking about Wan Yunting in the small courtyard with much praise, leaving Wan Yunting somewhat bewildered. After seeing off Mr. Lin and the others, Fan Liren patted Wan Yunting's arm and said with a smile, "Come, let's go in for tea."
Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao nodded and followed Elder Fan and Fan Datong into the sunroom. Kong Jie busied herself bringing over some fruits and snacks, while Fan Shuyuan engaged Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao in conversation about Hanfu.
"Right, let me introduce you. This is my son, Fan Datong, my daughter-in-law, Kong Jie, and their daughter, Fan Shuyuan. Luotang and Miaomiao, you haven't met them yet." Fan Liren briefly introduced his son, daughter-in-law, and their family to Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang.
"Uncle Fan, hello…"
Wan Yunting politely greeted Fan Datong and Kong Jie with a smile. They all got acquainted. Fan Datong had already learned from his wife that Wan Yunting was the true chairman of Chaoting Financial Technology Group!
After all, recent news in Beijing had been reporting on Wan Yunting being the chairman of Chaoting Group, and Jiang Wenhao was currently in Beijing…
"Elder Fan, who were those people just now?" Wan Yunting asked.
Fan Liren smiled and said, "Old Lin and the others? They're from our Beijing cultural circle. What, have you changed your mind?"
"Sweat."
Wan Yunting took a sip of tea, put down his cup, and waved his hand, saying, "I'm swamped these days. Where would I find the time to get involved in the cultural circle? Besides, I'm not interested."
"Haha."
Fan Liren laughed and said, "Indeed, you're now the chairman of the Chinese Medicine Association. That's enough to keep you busy…"
Fan Datong and Kong Jie, overhearing the conversation between Wan Yunting and the elder, began to realize that this young man was no ordinary person…
They even had dinner at Elder Fan's place, and drinks were naturally involved. They drank until eight o'clock. Since he had to take Gu Luotang home, Wan Yunting then left Elder Fan's house with the two girls and headed home.
"We're back."
Ouyang Zhixin, Xia Xiangyun, and Ouyang Fanmeng's family were in the living room watching television. Upon seeing Wan Yunting bring in Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao, Ouyang Zhixin, the future father-in-law, beamed as he saw Gu Luotang. She was indeed as beautiful as his wife had said, with an excellent temperament.
"Luotang, you're here. Come sit down quickly…"
Xia Xiangyun, now familiar with her, went to greet Gu Luotang, who was still a bit nervous, and led her to the sofa in the living room. Seeing her husband standing by the side grinning foolishly, Xia Xiangyun chided, "Old Xin, aren't you going to pour Luotang a glass of water?"
"Oh."
Ouyang Zhixin finally reacted and moved to pour water. Gu Luotang, startled, quickly stood up to stop him, "Uncle, no need, I don't drink…"
"It's fine, Luotang, let him pour it."
Xia Xiangyun pulled Gu Luotang back down to sit. Ouyang Zhixin personally poured her a glass of water and then sat beside them, smiling contentedly without speaking. However, his eyes clearly showed his satisfaction with Gu Luotang as his future daughter-in-law.
After all, Gu Luotang was from a distinguished family. Although there was still a slight gap compared to the Ouyang family, as long as his son liked her, Ouyang Zhixin wouldn't sacrifice his children's happiness for family interests.
He knew how difficult things had been for his children, and Ouyang Zhixin only wished for their happiness in the future.
Following the common practice of a man bringing his girlfriend home to visit, Gu Luotang was pulled aside by Xia Xiangyun to chat about everyday matters. Ouyang Zhixin inquired about Wan Yunting's visit to Elder Fan's house that afternoon. Qi Miaomiao, meanwhile, was engrossed in conversation with Ouyang Fanmeng, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
It wasn't until ten o'clock at night. They had originally planned for Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao to stay overnight, but it felt a bit inappropriate. Wan Yunting had to personally drive them back to the Gu residence.
However, on the way back, he drove in another direction because Wan Yunting had almost forgotten to treat Chen Qiuyun's son, Liang Youle!
Chen Qiuyun, at home in the small living room, was restless, unable to concentrate on watching television. It was already half past eleven at night, and Wan Yunting still hadn't arrived. Thinking he might have forgotten, Chen Qiuyun got up to go to bed when her phone rang. It was Wan Yunting.
Chen Qiuyun answered immediately, and Wan Yunting's voice came through, "Sorry, Sister Chen. I was too busy today. Are you resting yet?"
"No, I'm not resting. Chairman Wan, are you coming over now?" Chen Qiuyun replied quickly.
"Yes, if it's convenient for you, I'll come over now to give Youle an acupuncture treatment. If it's not convenient, I'll come tomorrow morning…"
"It's convenient, Chairman Wan, please come now. Tomorrow is the 30th, and everyone is busy." Chen Qiuyun said urgently.
"Alright, I'll be there in ten minutes…"
After hanging up the phone, Chen Qiuyun put it down. She frowned slightly, then entered her room…
Wan Yunting parked his car downstairs in the residential building where Chen Qiuyun lived. He then took out his medicine box and several gift boxes from the trunk. Familiar with the way, he headed upstairs and soon arrived at Chen Qiuyun's doorstep. He knocked on the door. The sound of slippers came from inside, and then the door opened. Chen Qiuyun, with a gentle smile and soulful eyes, looked at Wan Yunting and said, "Chairman Wan, you're here. Please come in."
Seeing Chen Qiuyun in front of him wearing a red lace slip dress, her long hair tied up, with exquisite beauty, an alluring swan neck, fair and delicate skin, and charming collarbones. The low neckline of the slip dress revealed the enticing curve of her snow-white peaks, making Wan Yunting's gaze momentarily falter before he quickly looked away and nodded, "Okay…"
After Wan Yunting entered, Chen Qiuyun closed the door and stepped forward to take his medicine box, saying, "I'm so sorry to trouble you to come this late."
"No need."
Wan Yunting declined to take the medicine box and handed her the gifts he was carrying in his left hand. "Sister Chen, these are New Year's gifts."
Chen Qiuyun quickly shook her head and waved her hands, "Chairman Wan, I can't accept them. You already sent me a ten-thousand yuan red envelope yesterday, how can I accept gifts from you…"
"They're not expensive items, just some New Year's groceries. Please accept them." Wan Yunting placed the gifts directly on the small coffee table in the living room and asked, "Has Youle slept?"
"Yes, he's asleep. I'll take you to see him."
Chen Qiuyun then led him to push open the bedroom door gently and quietly. Wan Yunting entered with his medicine box and walked to the bedside to look at the sleeping Liang Youle. Wan Yunting sat on the bed and placed the medicine box on the bedside table. Taking advantage of the child's deep sleep, he prepared to give him acupuncture. He lifted the quilt and was about to take the child's pulse when he saw a piece of black lace underwear…
Chen Qiuyun beside him blushed instantly. She quickly grabbed the lace, gave Wan Yunting an embarrassed glance, and turned to put it in the wardrobe…
"Cough…"
Wan Yunting coughed lightly in embarrassment. After taking the child's pulse, he proceeded with the acupuncture treatment. A hint of something flickered in Chen Qiuyun's eyes. She stood beside Wan Yunting, her beautiful eyes fixed on him as he treated the child. This time, he was still not using the Ghost Gate Thirteen Needles…