The guests quickly recognized that the couple was the head of the Li family and Madam Li. The young woman beside them was the daughter of the Li family, Li Xingâer.
Tang Ruge looked at Old Madam Gu uneasily. Didnât they say that Old Madam Gu was not in good health? Why did she look fine?
Mr. Wu had already put away the two pieces of calligraphy. Only then did Lu Yan go forward with relief. âGrandma.â
Old Madam Gu did not even bother to look at him. She waved warmly at Gu Zheng and Qiao Xi. âGu Zheng, Xi Xi, come to my side.â
Lu Yanâs expression froze, but it quickly returned to normal.
Everyone was defending him. âWhatâs the point of Old Madam Gu doting on her grandson and granddaughter-in-law? The granddaughter-in-law actually gave her a fake at this important birthday banquet. On the other hand, Young Master Lu put in a lot of effort, but Old Madam Gu doesnât take him seriously.â
âThe gift was given by Mrs. Gu, but President Gu must have seen it before he left. He must have casually taken out a piece of calligraphy from the storeroom and didnât put in any sincere thoughts. To be honest, President Gu isnât as filial as Young Master Lu.â
Old Madam Gu had just sat down when she heard everyoneâs gossip. She frowned unhappily. âSince you want to talk, speak louder. Why are you muttering?!â
No one dared to make a sound, but Tang Lingyun mustered up her courage and said, âOld Madam Gu, we heard that you like Old Master Wangâs work. Hence, my sister gave you Thousand Words Life as a gift.â
Old Madam Gu was expressionless as she nodded slightly. âMhm, youâve spent a lot of money.â
Tang Lingyun saw that Old Madam Gu was so cold. She did not even like the calligraphy work that her sister gave her. Instead, she was full of smiles when she saw Qiao Xi, the person who gave her a fake. She was instantly infuriated and could not help but say, âOld Madam Gu, Mrs. Gu also gave you Thousand Words Life!â
The moment that was said, the old madamâs eyes suddenly turned cold. âSo?â
Tang Lingyun was so scared that her entire body trembled, but she still mustered up her courage and said, âMrs. Gu and my sister gave you the same piece. Mr. Wu has already appraised both works and confirmed that Mrs. Guâs piece is a fake. She actually gave a fake to you on your birthday. Sheâs too disrespectful!â
After hearing this, Old Madam Guâs expression remained calm without any change. After a moment of silence, she suddenly smiled, making everyone present surprised.
Lu Yan swept his gaze over Gu Zheng and the others. He could not help but frown. Gu Zheng had always been calm and composed. Even if a mountain were to collapse in front of him, his expression would not change. However, Gu Yao was someone who could not hide his emotions. If he knew that Qiao Xi had been wronged, he would definitely not be able to help but defend her. However, at this moment, Gu Yao was sitting on a chair and leisurely drinking tea as if it had nothing to do with him.
Knowing that Qiao Xi had been wronged, how could Gu Yao not be anxious? Could it be that they had evidence to prove that the calligraphy piece in Qiao Xiâs hand was the real one?
This was impossible!
He had long investigated and found out that there was only one calligraphy expert attending the birthday banquet this time. It was Mr. Wu. The others would naturally not be able to convince the masses unless Mr. Wang crawled out of his grave!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Mr. Wang?
Lu Yan suddenly thought of something, and his gaze landed on the Li couple. If he remembered correctly, Madam Li was the daughter of the Wang family. Just now, the couple had accompanied the old madam into the banquet hall.
At this moment, Old Madam Gu instructed, âGo, bring two pieces of Thousand Words Life over!â
Tang Ruge felt guilty and hurriedly said, âOld Madam, Mr. Wu has already appraised those two works. Thereâs no need to trouble him anymore. After all, heââ
âWhy? Do I need your permission to do things?â Old Madam Gu glanced at her sharply, scaring Tang Ruge so much that she lowered her head.
Old Master Gu was muddle-headed. He only knew how to eat, drink, and play. Whether it was the family or the company, everything was managed by Old Madam Gu. Hence, she was a supreme existence in the family. Even though she was sick now, no one could shake her status.
The guest hurriedly explained, âOld Madam, Miss Tang is a socialite from the capital. How could she have given a fake? The Tang family would never dare to offend you like this!â
Old Madam Guâs expression was serious. âCompared to Miss Tang, I trust my eyes more. Madam Li, please explain to everyone.â
Everyone had puzzled expressions. Li Xingâer, who was in the crowd, shot Qiao Xi a look before revealing a crafty smile.
Madam Li was Li Xingâerâs mother. She had a gentle temper and was elegant and noble. She was a very gentle elder. She slowly walked forward, and her gaze landed on Tang Ruge. âMiss Tang, do you think your Thousand Words Life is authentic?â