Chapter 144: Never Expected It to Be an Antique

At this moment, everyone finally remembered that Xu Tian had initially argued that this wasn't the item he was supposed to give to Yan Family Patriarch.

At the time they just thought Xu Tian was being evasive. Qian Qian Chao Shuo

But now they know the value of this thing…

"Shut up, still think it's not embarrassing enough!"

Su Mingli, upon hearing Yan Family Patriarch, Zhang Yuzhen's words, visibly darkened and hurriedly pulled Zhang Yuzhen over.

Zhang Yuzhen and Su Weixin, seeing Su Mingli's angry expression, dared not argue further and could only slink back into the crowd to endure the other guests' disdainful looks.

Xu Tian felt the gazes from all around, his mind sparked, and he immediately said.

"Grandfather, this gift truly wasn't given by me."

He calmly added under Yan Family Patriarch's slightly disappointed gaze.

"It was my Godfather who intended to give it to you; I didn't mention it because the banquet is crowded and chaotic, and taking out such a valuable antique could be lost or damaged, which would be an incalculable loss."

"Moreover, my Godfather wanted to surprise you, so he deliberately placed it in the security room, intending to give it to you after the Birthday Banquet."

Saying that, Xu Tian looked at Yan Jinsong and said:

"Godfather, this was obtained through a great favor from a collector; you should explain it to Grandfather yourself."

Yan Jinsong looked at Xu Tian somewhat bewildered, and finally nodded at Xu Tian's gaze.

"This is a priceless treasure; from which collector did you obtain it?"

Yan Family Patriarch wasn't so easily fooled: "Moreover, its value rivals that of the Wanli Landscape Painting; can you afford it now?"

Xu Tian gave a faint smile: "Actually, my Godfather once saved that collector's life years ago, so he was willing to part with it; moreover, that person lives a low‑key life and doesn't want us to reveal his true identity."

Xu Tian's reason was fairly reasonable.

And since Lao Song had already authenticated that the dagger is genuine, he had no interest in probing the other details.

"Jinsong, tell me, is this the gift you intended to give me?"

Yan Family Patriarch had long harbored no hope for Yan Jinsong; this was his first time this evening paying attention to his once‑favored eldest son.

Yan Jinsong didn't want to lie to his father, but Xu Tian forced him up; now denying it would not only anger his father but also make Xu Tian bear the charge of deceiving an elder.

After weighing pros and cons, he still nodded.

"This is something I prepared especially for you."

"Thoughtful."

Yan Family Patriarch's stern expression softened a bit, as if recalling something, and he let out a long sigh, "Since you're home today, spend some quality time catching up with the family."

Though his attitude toward Yan Jinsong remained cold, this was the best he had shown in recent years.

"The Yan family's eldest son really put effort into Grandfather's birthday…"

"He even managed to find such a rare treasure!"

The guests burst into applause, praising Yan Jinsong.

Xiao Guanjia, seeing that he hadn't prevented Xu Tian from offending Yan Family Patriarch but instead caused Yan Family Patriarch to acknowledge his identity, was about to speak further when he saw Yan Hongyu nearby giving him a subtle signal; he could only reluctantly shut his mouth and retreat behind the crowd.

After everyone presented their gifts, the banquet officially began.

Yan Jinsong and Xu Tian returned to their seats.

They were placed at the entrance table, which was sparsely occupied; apart from Su Xiuya and Yan Qingxue, no one else was there.

After they sat down, Su Xiuya couldn't wait and asked:

"Xiao Tian, what's really going on?"

Xu Tian explained, "That dagger was actually found at a stall on the antique street; I originally thought it was a fake, just a plaything. I was afraid it would be mistaken for a gift, so I deliberately put it in the security room, but Xiao Guanjia still uncovered it."

He added with some emotion, "I didn't expect this dagger to be an actual antique; seems the stall owner didn't deceive me."

"And what's the story with that house?"

Yan Jinsong, with a stern face, asked, "How did you know that the house Su Mingli's family lives in is mine?"

"Godfather, actually I also know that the Jiangshui Huangchao villa belongs to you."

Xu Tian scratched his head, his eyes apologetic: "I'm currently employed at a company under Tian Feng Entertainment."

"Tian Feng Entertainment?" Yan Jinsong realized something, his gaze turning cold again.

Xu Tian nodded: "I helped the company resolve a public relations crisis, which is why I was hired exceptionally."

"I previously fainted on the road and was taken to the hospital by Godmother because I was overworked at that time, so my strength gave out."

"After I recovered the company's losses, the boss promised me a large bonus and agreed to a condition."

"When I went to the headquarters to see the boss, I happened to be outside the office while the boss was entertaining old friends; standing at the door, I inadvertently overheard some gossip about you, Godfather."

"Thus when the boss asked what I wanted, I requested the Jiangshui Huangchao No. 88 house."

"You learned that Su Mingli's house is mine from Guo Qishan?"

Yan Jinsong has been at odds with Guo Qishan for half his life, so he naturally knows all his background clearly.

He also didn't expect Guo Qishan to be so unscrupulous, broadcasting his privacy everywhere.

Xu Tian nodded without hesitation.

He inadvertently made Guo Qishan take the blame, but at this stage the most important thing was to get Yan Jinsong and Su Xiuya to accept this explanation, so he had to "sacrifice" Mr. Guo's reputation.

"So that's how it is." Yan Jinsong's expression softened considerably.

"Godfather, I acted on my own—did I make you angry?"

"No, I'm not angry."

Yan Jinsong patted Xu Tian's shoulder: "On the contrary, I owe you thanks."

"But I can't live in the Jiangshui Huangchao; that was earned by your endless overtime."

"Right, how can the 1,500 rent for this house be enough? You previously said it couldn't be rented out—were you just placating us?" Su Xiuya also said.

"I was worried that Godfather and Godmother would feel a psychological burden."

Xu Tian let out a sigh, smiled lightly and said, "I usually live in the dormitory; if you don't occupy that house it will stay empty—what a waste."

"As for the rent, you're my Godfather and Godmother, I couldn't possibly charge such a high rent. If word got out, I'd have people stabbing me in the back."

"Well…" Su Xiuya looked hesitantly toward Yan Jinsong, clearly hoping he would make a decision.

"Godmother, does this work…" Xu Tian said in a negotiating tone, "I like home‑cooked dishes; if you have time, Godmother, you could make me a few meals, and that would count as paying the rent, okay?"

Su Xiuya was about to speak, but Xu Tian continued, "Since you live with Godfather at Zhang Yuzhen's place, it's inconvenient for me to visit, and they certainly wouldn't welcome me."

"Moreover, my current financial situation can't afford a small house for you; Godfather, Godmother, you should move over to Jiangshui Huangchao."

Xu Tian's words made Su Xiuya's heart stir.

Today they had a falling‑out with Zhang Yuzhen, and if they went back they'd surely be met with scornful looks.

Xu Tian's point was also reasonable; if they lived at their younger brother's house, they wouldn't be able to invite Xu Tian over for a meal.

Su Xiuya, gentle by nature and accustomed to letting Yan Jinsong decide, turned and asked tentatively, "Lao Yan, what do you think?"

"Then let's follow Xiao Tian's arrangement."

Yan Jinsong's tone softened: "But the rent can't be just 1,500; the money my Godmother and I can spare each month is only 3,000, we'll set it aside for you, and if you need anything later, just tell me."

"Dad, Mom, have you never considered my opinion!"

Yan Qingxue, seeing her parents not consult her at all, grew angry and said, "I am your biological daughter!"