Chapter 369

The couple knew that Lin Sicheng often picked up treasures for a song.

They knew even better that he often picked up good things, such as those few imperial seals: the Lion Iron Seal of Qianlong, the Yuanming Hermit of Yongzheng, and the Congyun Chapter of Qianlong.

By common logic, if an ordinary person could encounter one, no matter how much money it cost, as long as they could buy it, they would have to be praised for good luck.

Yet Lin Sicheng picked them up, which was equivalent to not spending a single cent, and he picked up three at once; just how good must this luck be?

And this time it was even more formidable—it turned out to be an Imperial Edict from the Great Ming?

This was a national legal code, an imperial decree and charter. Regardless of its historical significance, symbolic meaning, or influence, it was far higher than three imperial leisure seals.

Taking a step back, just speaking of economic value, how much money would this be?

Subconsciously, Wang Qiguang and Ye Xing'an exchanged a glance. They finally understood: the reason the girl came back so urgently was not just because she was afraid that her dad and mom had some prejudice against Lin Sicheng.

She was also not worried about Tang Nan Yan; Ye Anning could handle a Tang Nan Yan with her eyes closed. Ye Anning was afraid that a pack of wolves would suddenly emerge.

Without relying on any external force, relying entirely on his own efforts, Lin Sicheng was already this formidable; what if he were lent a little bit of strength?

And wouldn't any other trade be much more promising than the Antique Trade?

Counting Lin Sicheng's shining points again: he had courage and insight, bravery and strategy, was steady and experienced, and was also loyal and righteous.

With a little cultivation, wouldn't he be ten thousand times better than those descendants in the family who only knew how to eat, drink, play, and sleep with celebrities?

Tang Ding'an and Tang Dingping were impossible, but could others not be possible?

The Tang family followed the rules, but would others also follow the rules?

Wang Qiguang smiled but didn't smile: "You don't trust Lin Sicheng quite a bit, so why are you worried?"

"I certainly trust him, but there are too many bad people; I'm worried that you don't trust him!" Ye Anning nodded solemnly, "Since one can prevent trouble before it happens, why test the human heart, why test human nature?"

Wang Qiguang was stunned for a moment, then curled her lips: Did you think the test she spoke of referred to Lin Sicheng?

No, the test was for her own mother, Ye Xing'an the father, and the families behind both sides.

Just like today: because of a leader's errand, Tang Nan Yan went to Liulichang; Lin Sicheng just happened to be there, and there were many people together.

But when it reached the ears of Wang Qiguang and Ye Xing'an, it would absolutely be: your daughter's boyfriend is out shopping with the Tang girl.

Hmm, it seems they were holding hands, and it seems they even hugged?

By the time it was passed on, the two people's relationship might well fall through. And invisibly, it would sow a seed of distrust among allies—

"Although Uncle never said it explicitly, I know he has never looked favorably upon me and Lin Sicheng. Because everyone can see: relying on Lin Sicheng himself, he is destined to get ahead, destined to shine brilliantly."

"An old saying goes, 'Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.' Status and background bring him not help, but rather excuses for questioning. Lin Sicheng has no need to add burdens to his life, or even put on a yoke. Moreover, Lin Sicheng is so smart; what Uncle can think of, he can certainly think of."

Wang Qiguang narrowed her eyes: "Your uncle's meaning is, to Lin Sicheng, our family is a mud pit?"

Ye Anning was stunned for a moment, then covered her mouth and laughed: The words were unpleasant, but that was basically the logic.

It was just that Uncle didn't expect that his brilliant student would occasionally have moments of not being smart, and even step into it without looking back?

After laughing for a long while, Ye Anning hugged Wang Qiguang again: "Mom, I believe in him, and please believe in him too!"

Wang Qiguang sighed and patted her daughter on the back.

Ye Anning's worry was not redundant, but it was absolutely not as easy as she imagined for Wang Qiguang and Ye Xing'an to be deceived by others.

Because of Wang Qi Zhi, and even more because of Ji Wangshu.

Not only were they a younger brother and sister-in-law, but they had also raised Ye Anning for more than ten years, equivalent to a second father and mother to the daughter; they would not harm anyone, let alone Ye Anning.

Especially Ji Wangshu, who treated her like her own daughter; she was much more competent than she, the biological mother.

So, what was there to worry about?

Just as she was secretly turning these thoughts over, "Ding-ling," the doorbell rang.

"Ah, Uncle is here—"

Ye Anning ran over to open the door, and Wang Qiguang followed behind; it was indeed Wang Qi Zhi and Ji Wangshu.

The two entered the door and changed into slippers; just after shouting "Sister," Wang Qi Zhi suddenly felt something was wrong.

Wang Qiguang stood at the entryway, staring at him with unkind eyes.

Ye Anning was right beside her, with a face full of schadenfreude. The brother-in-law stood a little further away, looking helpless.

Oh no, something was going to go wrong?

Although Wang Qi Zhi didn't know where it was going to go wrong—

His heart skipped a beat, and he turned to run, but just as he turned around, his ear was grabbed by Wang Qiguang.

"Sister, it hurts—it hurts, it hurts, it hurts—"

"If it doesn't hurt, you won't learn your lesson—"

"No—what did I do?"

"You just need a good scolding—"

Ji Wangshu was long used to this, glaring at Ye Anning: "You dead girl, are you bad-mouthing again?"

"Who told Little Uncle not to help me?"

Once she heard it was about Lin Sicheng, whom Ye Anning mentioned, Ji Wangshu nodded: "Then he deserves it—"

After a long while of commotion, the siblings finally separated. Wang Qi Zhi rubbed his ear and came to chase Ye Anning.

Ji Wangshu protected her behind her back like a hen protecting her chicks.

Just then, the auntie finished cooking.

Ye Anning took the opportunity to slip away, and Wang Qiguang and Ji Wangshu went to help. Ye Xing'an brewed tea, took out a cigarette case, and sat on the sofa with Wang Qi Zhi.

He said as if unintentionally: "Did Little Lin go to the Tang family for dinner?"

"Brother-in-law, don't listen to Ye Anning's nonsense?" Wang Qi Zhi was anxious, "It's the first time, how could he go to the house?"

Ye Xing'an didn't speak: The girl wasn't talking nonsense, and it wasn't a joke as his wife said.

Including the previous "Lin Sicheng and Tang Nan Yan shopping together," "Lin Sicheng taking Tang Nan Yan to Little Uncle's house to be introduced." These were all to vaccinate the two of them:

Three people make a tiger, and public clamor can melt gold; let you experience it first.

Even intentionally bad-mouthing Wang Qi Zhi was a way of reminding the couple: if even the uncle doesn't approve, one can see how much pressure Lin Sicheng is under?

Ye Xing'an smiled and pointed at the dining table: "Let's have a couple of drinks!"

Wang Qi Zhi did not decline: "Alright!"

Ye Xing'an took the wine bottle: "I have to leave on Monday. See if you want to arrange it for tomorrow or the day after, and decide on a hotel!"

Wang Qi Zhi did not hesitate at all: "What hotel? Second Sister's cooking is so good, let's just have it at home—oh, I mean this home!"

Ye Anning laughed "hehehe": "Little Uncle, if my mom threatens you, just blink your eyes—"

Before she could finish speaking, Wang Qiguang swung a palm over—

The sky was growing late, and the building stood in the sunset, its white walls stained with a layer of gold lacquer.

Hanging at the entrance were five red characters: Guo Er Zhao Hotel.

The name was unremarkable, but the rank was quite high: it was affiliated with the Bureau of Government Affairs of the State Council General Office, specifically for receiving local provincial and municipal government delegations. During the Olympic Games, the sightseeing delegation of leaders from five domestic provinces stayed here.

Of course, it was also open to the public when not hosting delegations, such as today.

It was still Tang Nanjin who picked up Lin Sicheng; after parking the car, the two walked into the lobby, chatting and laughing.

Just as they entered the revolving door, several people stood up from the sofa in the lounge area: Yan Wenjing, Xu Qin, Jing Zeyang, as well as Tang Nan Yan and her mother.

Beside them was also a young man, very tall, twenty-six or twenty-seven, and also looking very capable. Looking closely, he looked very much like Tang Nanjin.

Lin Sicheng was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly walked over to greet them.

——

Tang Nanjin had said in the morning that he knew Yan Wenjing, Jing Zeyang, and Xu Qin would all come, but he hadn't expected them to wait here specifically.

He also hadn't expected that Tang Nan Yan's mother would be there too.

He had seen her at the hospital last time; although there were many people that day and it was very chaotic, Lin Sicheng recognized her at first glance and hurriedly called out, "Auntie Ji!"

"Little Lin is here!" Ji Yun smiled brightly and introduced him again, "This is Nanyu, Nanjin's younger brother!"

Before Lin Sicheng could open his mouth, Tang Nanyu first cupped his hands: "Master Lin!"

Lin Sicheng's hand was already halfway extended, and he froze in mid-air.

"You must be wondering where this 'Master' comes from?" Tang Nanyu smiled strangely and struck a starting pose for Xingyi Fist.

But before he could strike it properly, Tang Nanjin gave him a slap: "Second brother, tone it down!"

As he spoke, he smiled apologetically at Lin Sicheng: "He's just like this, a show-off, and even more so when he meets someone who knows martial arts. Don't take offense. When he's happy he calls you Brother Yu, when he's not he calls you by your name—"

"Tone what down? It's a good thing I didn't spar with him right here!"

Tang Nanyu dodged and went to touch Lin Sicheng's arm again.

This was an old rule in the martial arts world, similar to a handshake, but it also represented testing one's depth. The saying "an expert makes a move and you know if they have it" refers to this.

Just as the hand reached out, Tang Nanjin kicked over.

Tang Nanyu dodged again, laughing and joking: "It's fine, let's make an appointment for later!"

As he spoke, he pointed at Tang Nan Yan again, "Brother, I'm really not lying to you, for someone like Yan'er, I can beat eight of them with one hand—"

Tang Nan Yan let out a "humph," as if to say: Are you proud of being able to beat me?

Lin Sicheng just smiled, but thought to himself: Impossible.

Watching him dodge Tang Nanjin's two moves, he definitely had skills; if he let go and fought, it was possible to beat two Tang Nanyans, but three would be a struggle.

But if Tang Nanjin gave him one hand, he could make him kneel and call him brother.

Knowing Lin Sicheng didn't believe him, Tang Nanyu showed the back of his hand; all five knuckles, including the thumb, were covered in calluses.

Then, he rolled up his suit sleeve and showed his elbow: "Look, was this practiced from childhood or what?"

Lin Sicheng nodded, looked at his hand, then at his neck, and finally at his feet: "Brother Yu is quite impressive, knowing Xingyi, Baji, and having practiced Pigua and Bagua. But you should be more proficient in Chuojiao Fanzi—"

At first, Tang Nanyu was just stunned, still suspicious in his heart: Tang Nan Yan had only known him for a few days, so she shouldn't have had the chance to say these things.

Big brother was even less likely; they hadn't met more than a few times in total.

But immediately, he saw that Tang Nanjin and Tang Nan Yan both had expressions of surprise.

Tang Nanyu's eyes suddenly bulged: Damn, was it really just a pure guess?

Recalling again: just now when Second Aunt introduced him, Lin Sicheng clearly heard his name for the first time. So how did he know?

Tang Nanyu looked amazed, looked at his own hands and arms, and then stared at Lin Sicheng: "Brother, how did you see that? Tell me!"

"Diamond Hand, Sancai Hand, Tangni Footwork, Mandarin Duck Leg—" Lin Sicheng looked at his face, "Bear Peak, Tiger Embracing Head, Yin-Yang Face, Thunder God Face—"

Tang Nanyu looked as if he were frozen, staring straight at Lin Sicheng.

Lin Sicheng smiled: "Brother Yu, don't be surprised, I work in cultural relic appraisal, I make a living with my eyes!"

I'm not surprised, but I'm fucking stunned, okay?

This isn't even a question of whether your eyes are good or not—

Seeing Tang Nanyu looking foolish, Tang Nanjin let out a "tsk": Sparring, what the hell are you sparring for?

With this kind of experience, he's eight streets ahead of you; before you've even finished your first move, he can guess what your next move is likely to be, how are you going to spar?

Cursing inwardly, he glared at Tang Nanyu and looked at Ji Yun: "Second Aunt, let's go in!"

"Alright!" Ji Yun nodded with a smile and looked at Tang Nanyu, who was still in a daze, "Nanyu, let's go!"

Tang Nanyu didn't move, staring straight at his own hands as if he had seen a ghost.

Damn, I've learned something today—

Just as he was shocked beyond belief, Jing Zeyang leaned over: "Brother Yu, what was Cousin Lin talking about?"

Tang Nanyu sighed and stretched out both hands: "See this? Metacarpal joint hyperplasia, this is caused by training in Bear Peak and Crushing Fist. The longitudinal callus bands cutting across the palm lines mean frequent friction with a spear shaft, and the little finger's distal joint turning outward is caused by the ligaments from the sinking force. Put it all together, it's called Diamond Hand.

This is also how ancient Baji masters would test each other when they met to see if they were from the same school and how high their skill was—"

"Look at this again, the angle of the tiger's mouth is almost a right angle, this is formed by continuous stretching while practicing Crushing Fist. The back of the middle finger joint is sunken like a spoon, this is caused by the spiral force of practicing Drilling Fist. The muscle at the Laogong Point in the center of the palm is raised, this is from training in grappling and pressing—by the same token, Xingyi masters look at this when they meet—"

Tang Nanyu lifted his foot and pointed at his raised instep: "The longitudinal arch is high like an arch bridge, he must have practiced the Spring Leg in Chuojiao. The two times I dodged Big Brother just now, the first was the Ding Step of Fanzi, and the second was the Tangni Leg of Bagua—and this, look at the trapezius muscle!"

Tang Nanyu pointed at his own neck and face again: "Only those who practice Bear Neck in Baji Quan can end up like this. The temples bulge outward, and the masseter muscles are at ninety degrees; this is formed by gritting the teeth and storing power while practicing the Three Body Stance of Xingyi."

"Look at my face again; isn't the color on the left side deeper than on the right? This is how it turned out from practicing the Morning Sun Step of Bagua Quan—oh, that is, walking in circles while facing the sun—"

"And finally, the Thunder God Face; it doesn't mean I have a sharp mouth and monkey cheeks, but rather that there are vertical grooves above the eyebrows, and the nasolabial fold on the right side is deeper than on the left."

"Only those who practice Pigua will end up like this—"

As he spoke, Tang Nanyu grimaced as if he had a toothache: "But that shouldn't be right; how old is he?"

Jing Zeyang was unconcerned: "Cousin Lin said he likes to read books, reads all kinds of books, so it's normal for him to know a bit more—"

Tang Nanyu opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

Is this a question of how many books he has read or whether his eye for detail is good?

Lin Sicheng has definitely practiced these boxing styles, and he has definitely practiced them to an extremely profound level. Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to see through everything about him with just a single glance.