Chen Fan dipped his brush in ink and wrote with a flourish, completing it in one go.
"Chen Family Prodigy!"
The four characters seemed to penetrate the paper, imbued with immense power.
An indescribable artistic conception leaped from the page, as if embracing mountains and rivers, encompassing the world.
While fully showcasing its sharpness, it also retained a sense of reserve. Each stroke was full and solemn, revealing its inherent strength.
It exuded an imposing grandeur without losing a profound depth, leaving one with a sense of unfathomable mystery.
Gazing at the calligraphy, the old man remained silent for a long time.
A look of relief appeared in his eyes.
Compared to Chen Fan's previous calligraphy, the present Chen Fan was more mature and more at ease.
Chen Tianyang looked at Chen Fan's calligraphy, his face slightly pale, a bitter smile on his lips.
He had not expected Chen Fan's calligraphy to be so excellent, already possessing the style of a renowned master.
Had he known, he would have concealed his own abilities.
Of course, he only thought this with regret now.
The four characters "Chen Family Prodigy" did not solely refer to Chen Tianjiao's name. It was not without reason that the old man wrote these words.
One could interpret it as the old man expressing his joy at his grandson's return.
Or, it could be seen as the old man pondering who the true prodigy of the Chen family was!
Feeling suppressed by Chen Fan, he was naturally a little disappointed and even resentful.
Chen Tianhua, however, was indifferent.
No matter how good the calligraphy was, it was just that, in his opinion.
"Brother, your handwriting is so beautiful!" Chen Xing'er exclaimed.
Chen Wenrui was a little disappointed but still smiled, "After so many years, I never expected Tianjiao, who practiced calligraphy in childhood, to have such profound artistic attainments!"
The old man sighed and said, "Indeed, you have surpassed me. Afu."
"Sir?" the old butler quickly approached.
"Tear up that previous piece of calligraphy. Have Tianjiao's 'Chen Family Prodigy' framed and hung in my study."
"Yes, sir!"
The old butler happily agreed.
"Like person, like handwriting, I won't comment!"
The old man declared.
Among the younger generation, only Chen Xing'er was overjoyed, feeling vindicated.
The old man, no longer inclined to write calligraphy, turned to Chen Fan and asked, "How did things go with the Feng family?"
"No problem!"
Chen Fan replied, "It went very smoothly!"
"That's good."
The old man finally felt at ease and waved his hand, "Everyone, please be seated. Today's family banquet is for everyone to gather and get acquainted with Tianjiao."
"Tianjiao hasn't been back for a long time, and people outside might not even recognize him. This is unacceptable. In front of outsiders, the Chen family should be a united front, and only by working together can we avoid being looked down upon."
"Father is right!" Chen Wenrui said, "We should indeed get to know each other better. I've wanted to come over for a long time since I heard Tianjiao was back."
The old man nodded and sat down on his favorite recliner, "Hmm, the weather is nice, everyone, please sit down and chat."
Everyone took their seats in the chairs that had been arranged.
Chen Tianyang and his brothers looked pleased, and Dong Changhe also seemed expectant.
They could all tell that the old man was in very good spirits today and was not as stern as usual.
This was precisely the opportunity for them, the younger generation, to make requests and show themselves to the old man.
Many matters concerning their future and prospects could be resolved with just a casual word or command from the old man.
And by taking advantage of the old man's good mood to curry favor and leave a good impression would be immensely beneficial in the future.
"Tianyang, you haven't visited for a while. How are things in the army?" the old man asked.
Chen Tianyang collected his thoughts and replied, "Everything is fine. I was recently promoted to a five-star colonel. It's just that the new superior is a bit difficult to get along with, but there are no major issues."
"Hmm, strength comes from within. Your temperament is steady, and I am relieved," the old man said. "It is important to maintain good relations with your superiors, but you don't need to be overly obsequious or stoop too low."
"Yes, Great Uncle!" Chen Tianyang responded.
"Brother Tianyang, who is your superior? Is he unaccommodating?" Dong Changhe specifically inquired.
"Not at all," Chen Tianyang said. "My new superior is named Qin. He's from the Qin family in the capital and is called Qin Tianyou. In fact, he's even younger than me, yet he's already a general."
"However, his rank was earned through genuine military achievements!"
The old man remained noncommittal.
Chen Xing'er, upon hearing this, was momentarily stunned.
Qin Tianyou, the captain of the Raptor Squadron, was close with her brother.
After Chen Fan returned to the capital, Chen Xing'er no longer believed that Qin Tianyou was close to Chen Fan solely due to his connection with Mr. Long.
She couldn't help but say, "Brother Tianyang, if you want to get closer to your superior, it's actually very simple. Just ask my brother."
Chen Tianyang looked at Chen Fan in astonishment.
Chen Fan gave his sister a helpless look and said, "Brother Yang, Qin Tianyou and I get along well. We'll have dinner together sometime."
Chen Tianhua clearly didn't believe it and said, "Qin Tianyou is the youngest general in the Beijing Military Region, with a significant background and a boundless future. Tianjiao, you know him? Were you perhaps his subordinate before?"
Subordinate to whom?
Chen Fan replied helplessly, "We are comrades."
Chen Tianhua scoffed, "So you're comrades, that's indeed a good relationship. However, Tianjiao, you are truly... sigh, your comrade is the youngest general, while you... forget it, I won't say more!"
In front of the old man, Chen Tianhua dared not be overtly sarcastic, but the implication was all too clear.
The subtext was that his comrade had become a general, while he had returned home disgracefully discharged, making his situation seem utterly miserable!
Chen Fan didn't bother to respond.
This Chen Tianhua, compared to his elder brother, was still significantly inferior, appearing boastful and glib.
However, Dong Changhe did not intend to let Chen Fan off the hook either. "Cousin, what are your plans after returning? If you intend to enter politics, Uncle Guanghao's position should be a good option, right?"
Chen Fan nodded in response.
"Tianjiao will not enter politics!"
The old man interjected, "I will explain his arrangements at the family banquet."
Dong Changhe's eyes revealed a hint of jealousy, but he smiled outwardly, "Grandpa, how will you arrange for cousin? Will it be in business?"
"You will know later."
The old man said with a smile, "Changhe, I am pleased that you have pursued a doctorate. However, in terms of conduct and dealing with others, you should learn more from your father."
"Yes, yes, Grandpa!" Dong Changhe's face paled upon hearing this, but he could only answer obediently.
The old man was well aware of the thoughts of these younger generations.
Just then, the sound of footsteps approached.
A few people, led by a servant, arrived at the backyard.
"Uncle!"
A middle-aged man, leading the group, exuded an extraordinary demeanor and the powerful aura of someone in a high position. After a glance, he greeted the old man.
The old man stood up, and Chen Fan quickly helped him.
Chen Fan nodded in acknowledgment to the middle-aged man.
This person was Chen Guanghao, the pillar of the Chen family's second branch.
At less than fifty years old, he held a position of authority in governance, considered a high-ranking regional official.
Of course, achieving such a status was undoubtedly influenced by the intervention of Old Master Chen.
"Let's go to the study to talk."
The old man indicated for Chen Fan to help him, then said.
Chen Fan then helped the old man to his study, with Chen Guanghao following with a box of tea.
As for the younger generation, including Chen Wenrui, none were permitted to enter the study to listen in.
Chen Tianyang's face showed disappointment.
He considered himself outstanding among the younger generation of the two Chen family branches, yet he still did not qualify to enter the old man's study today.
Given the status of the old man and Chen Guanghao, they would undoubtedly be discussing important matters in the study. Being allowed to listen in would signify the old man's approval!
If no other younger generation members had entered, it would be one thing. The problem was, Chen Fan had entered!
This meant that, in the old man's heart, he was ultimately not as important as Chen Fan.
Was it simply because Chen Fan was the old man's biological grandson, while he was merely a grand-nephew?
For a moment, he felt a great deal of resentment.