South City, the Gu Family, a quaint two-story Western-style house that looked both imposing and spacious.
"Mingcheng, you’re back?" Fang Yue’s eyes curved into smiles as she saw Gu Mingcheng. Today, she was dressed in a traditional cheongsam, with her makeup subtly applied, and a pearl necklace adorning her neck, the very image of a well-to-do lady.
"Mom." Gu Mingcheng, carrying a portfolio of paintings, furrowed his brows uncontrollably as he looked at the joy-filled face of Gu Mingzhu in the house.
Amidst the crowd, Gu Mingzhu was dressed to the nines. Since childhood, the Gu Family’s standard of living had been better than most, even during tough times, his parents had shielded them from hardship.
In recent years, as the family’s situation had improved, Gu Mingzhu developed a love for gold—gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings—she seemed like she couldn’t wait to adorn her entire body in golden jewelry.
Whether at school, at home, or out with friends, Gu Mingzhu was generous with her money and, with her keen sense of style, often flaunted her wealth in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
Especially after Gu Mingzhu and Jiang Jing got together, her ostentatious behavior only escalated.
Every time he heard Gu Mingzhu boasting about buying a beautiful piece of jewelry, or an expensive dress, or perfumes brought from abroad, he felt a particular dislike.
"Mingcheng, today is your sister and brother-in-law’s big day. Why did you go out to paint?" Fang Yue couldn’t bring herself to scold her son, only pushing Gu Mingcheng upstairs quickly and forcibly making him change his clothes.
"Mom, what’s wrong with my clothes?" Gu Mingcheng felt his attire was fine—a light green Zhongshan suit and black pants. Wasn’t it stylish to dress nowadays?
"It’s not okay. Look, your shirt is wrinkled."
Fang Yue rummaged through his wardrobe and pulled out a brand-new white shirt, pristine and crisp with straight seams.
"Mingcheng, you shouldn’t spend all your days just painting. You should properly learn from your father. In the future, you’re sure to be successful." Fang Yue cherished this son immensely, doting on him from a young age, wishing she could give him all the best things in the world.
"Mom, I like to paint. I don’t want to learn from Dad." Gu Mingcheng, while changing his clothes, said, "Mom, please talk to Dad. Let me go to Zhuang City next year."
Zhuang City, with its exceptionally beautiful scenery, was especially suited for painting.
"No." Fang Yue refused instinctively. She wanted to keep her only son by her side.
"Mom, please. I want to go to Zhuang City." Gu Mingcheng knew exactly how to exploit his mother’s soft spot—the difficulty she had in resisting his entreaties. With a sincere look on his face, he said, "I really want to go to Zhuang City. I love painting. In my whole life, the thing I love the most is painting. If I have to follow Dad and get involved in the business, I might as well die."
Fang Yue quickly spat three times and said sternly, "Hasten to spit it out. What kind of talk is that on such a good day?"
"Ptui." Gu Mingcheng complied with Fang Yue, his pleading expression looking at her, which made the mother who doted on her son unable to resist. She waved her hand helplessly and said, "Fine, I’ll discuss it with your father."
"Thank you, Mom. You’re so good."
The smile on Gu Mingcheng’s face deepened instantly as he hugged Fang Yue, his excitement clear as he said, "I knew you loved me the most."
Catching Fang Yue off guard with such a hug made her feel a bit embarrassed, but her heart was laced with sweetness as she said, "Alright, alright, alright, not helping you would mean I don’t love you, right?"
"Hurry downstairs. Don’t miss the auspicious hour." Fang Yue urged him on.