The car stopped outside Qingcheng’s finest hotel. Bo Xichen personally went in to arrange for Mr. He’s stay.
Gu Anxi spoke with Mr. He, "Master, how long will you stay this time?"
Mr. He, who had previously been rather capricious, now had a somewhat profound look in his eyes. "It’s uncertain. I’ll let your master’s wife know that you’re back. You didn’t see how heartbroken she was over your absence."
Gu Anxi lowered her eyes. "It has been a long time since I last saw her. I will visit her next time I go to Beicheng."
Mr. He nodded and, unable to resist, pulled out a cigarette and lit it, his brows furrowed deeply.
Out of nowhere, Gu Anxi spoke up, "I want to sell a few paintings."
Mr. He’s hand twitched, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Have you finally seen the light? Weren’t you previously indifferent to money?"
His prized disciple, Luo Lin, had become famous at the age of twelve. A painting of standard size could sell for tens of millions, rivaling the prices of masterpieces. Most importantly, Luo Lin’s works were extremely rare on the market, making them virtually impossible to acquire.
Old Bo was especially fond of Luo Lin’s works, but no matter how much he begged, his disciple refused to pick up her brush again.
Gu Anxi lowered her gaze. "I’ve needed money lately."
Mr. He stroked his chin. "Alright, there’s a Jiaxing auction next month. I’ll help you get in touch."
He also mentioned something about art needing promotion, initially thinking his young disciple would be too old-fashioned and refuse, but Gu Anxi calmly said, "I know."
Mr. He then knew she genuinely needed money. He patted her shoulder. "If you need money, come to your Master."
Gu Anxi shook her head, speaking softly, "I have to rely on myself."
Mr. He nodded approvingly. "My disciple! Making money is a piece of cake for you."
"This time I need four hundred million," Gu Anxi said softly, startling Mr. He. "Good heavens, child! Why on earth do you need so much money? To buy Bo Xichen?"
Though, four hundred million wouldn’t be enough to buy Xichen; Xichen is a potential goldmine.
Gu Anxi spoke in a low voice, "My mother wants to sell ’Bishui’ Yun Tian."
Mr. He took a deep drag of his cigarette. "I’ll visit your father some other day."
Perhaps finding the topic too heavy, he looked towards where Bo Xichen was. "It’s all settled. I’ll head up to my room now. Don’t wander off these next few days. Come visit me with Xichen when you have time."
Gu Anxi murmured her assent. Mr. He, missing her dearly, gave his beloved little disciple a warm hug before taking the room keycard from Bo Xichen’s hand. He waved it slightly. "Drive carefully on your way back, and no speeding," he added.
The mood immediately shifted.
Watching Mr. He’s retreating figure, Bo Xichen sighed, then turned his head. "Alright, let’s head back."
Gu Anxi, however, stared at Mr. He’s back for a long while before softly humming an acknowledgment.
On the way back to Yunxi Hospital, Gu Anxi concentrated on driving, remaining silent the entire time.
Bo Xichen leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed, as if he’d had too much to drink and was finally succumbing to a brief nap.
Occasionally, at a red light, Gu Anxi couldn’t resist glancing his way. After she did this a few times, he suddenly took her hand, his voice slightly hoarse. "Gu Anxi, if you keep looking at me like that, I think I should be the one driving."
After speaking, he released her hand and seemed to chuckle softly.
Gu Anxi wanted to say something, but the light turned green, and she could only remain silent.
She drove all the way to his lab entrance before turning off the engine. Gu Anxi unbuckled her seatbelt. "I’ll head back first, Dr. Bo."
When he didn’t respond, Gu Anxi opened the car door to get out. But just as her hand touched the door, her other wrist was caught.
"Dr. Bo, Professor Bo..." Bo Xichen slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed intently on her. "Didn’t I tell you that in private, you can call me Bo Xichen?"