{Chapter: 153 Cui Susu's elbow turns the wrong way!}
During the conversation with Cui Yunrong, Lin Yuan subtly steered the topic toward personal interests and hobbies, clearly with a plan in mind.
With a casual smile, Lin Yuan spoke, "Actually, Mr. Cui, my interests go beyond just Tai Chi. I've always been deeply fascinated by traditional Chinese paintings."
As soon as he heard this, Cui Yunrong's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh? So Little Friend Lin also appreciates paintings? That's wonderful. Coincidentally, I have a deep passion for them as well. It's something I've been fond of for many years."
Lin Yuan raised his brows slightly, as if surprised. "That's good to hear. Personally, I'm particularly drawn to plum blossom paintings. There's a certain resilience and grace to them that I find captivating."
Cui Yunrong's expression brightened even further. "Ah, plum blossoms! One of my favorites as well. There's a quiet strength and elegance to those paintings. I admire them greatly."
Although Cui Yunrong's response seemed sincere, Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke with a teasing tone, "Mr. Cui, you're not just trying to humor me, are you? I know fate may have brought us together, but it feels a bit too coincidental that we both love plum blossom paintings so much."
Chuckling warmly, Cui Yunrong shook his head and replied, "Little Friend Lin, don't be so suspicious. I assure you, this is purely coincidental. Sometimes, people of similar minds do find each other by chance."
Lin Yuan leaned forward slightly, a playful glint in his eye. "Then allow me to test you, just for fun. If you truly admire plum blossom paintings, you must be familiar with the famous 'Ink Plum Blossom' by Wang Mian, correct?"
Hearing the name, Cui Yunrong laughed heartily, as though pleased by the question. After leisurely taking a sip of tea, he set the cup down and responded with confidence. "Wang Mian's Ink Plum Blossom? Of course I know it. The painting depicts plum blossoms hanging upside down from gnarled, intertwined branches. The lines are fluid yet bold, and the blossoms are either in full bloom or about to bud. The arrangement gives the illusion of jade-like petals dripping from silver branches. It's a masterpiece that blends elegance with a raw, natural rhythm."
The level of detail in his description was impressive, revealing not only familiarity but a deep appreciation for the artwork.
Lin Yuan's expression changed to one of apparent surprise and admiration. "Mr. Cui, I didn't expect you to describe it so vividly! You really have studied the painting carefully. What an incredible coincidence."
Stroking his white beard with a satisfied smile, Cui Yunrong nodded. "In fact, there's something else you should know. That very painting—The Ink Plum Blossom—is currently in my personal collection."
Although he tried to maintain an indifferent tone, a trace of pride clearly flickered in his eyes. After all, being in possession of such a famous painting was something to be proud of, even if he wasn't actively showing it off.
Lin Yuan could see right through him. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and said directly, "Mr. Cui, that leads me to the real reason I wanted to talk with you today. I'd like to ask if you would be willing to part with that painting—if you'd consider selling it to me?"
To his credit, Cui Yunrong didn't respond with offense or suspicion. He had developed a favorable impression of Lin Yuan and regarded him as a polite and sincere young man.
He asked with genuine curiosity, "Oh? May I ask why Little Friend Lin wishes to buy it? Do you intend to add it to your own collection? I must say, such a piece is quite valuable."
Lin Yuan shook his head with a calm smile. "Not exactly. I actually want to give it as a gift. A very dear friend of mine has admired that painting for years. She's always dreamed of seeing it up close, let alone owning it. I know it won't be cheap, but I don't mind. For her, the cost isn't an issue."
Cui Susu, who had been quietly listening, couldn't help but speak up in Lin Yuan's favor. Her tone was gentle but earnest. "Grandpa, you've collected so many paintings over the years, and most of them just stay locked away in your study. Why not let Brother Lin Yuan have this one? It would mean a lot to him."
Hearing that, Cui Yunrong looked at Lin Yuan with renewed curiosity. The young man's generosity and respectfulness were clear, and now he felt intrigued.
"Little Friend Lin," he said with a thoughtful tone, "May I ask which family you come from? I hope I'm not being too forward, but you carry yourself with such grace and refinement, and your knowledge of art is impressive. It's rare to see such temperament in someone so young."
When he first met Lin Yuan, Cui Yunrong had already sensed that he was not an ordinary person. From his clothes to his demeanor, everything about Lin Yuan spoke of class, culture, and discipline. However, good manners kept him from asking earlier. Now, however, his curiosity was too strong to ignore.
Lin Yuan had no intention of concealing his identity. He looked directly at Cui Yunrong and said calmly, "I come from the Jiangbei Lin Family. My father is Lin Jianjun, the chairman of the Lin Group."
Hearing this, Cui Yunrong paused briefly, a thoughtful look flashing across his face before he broke into a warm smile. "Ah, so you're the young master of the renowned Lin Family. I should have guessed."
With that revelation, Cui Yunrong's appreciation for Lin Yuan deepened.
He was genuinely impressed. As the heir of a wealthy and powerful family, Lin Yuan was not arrogant or entitled. Instead, he spent his time studying the graceful art of Tai Chi and appreciating the beauty of traditional Chinese paintings. Such refined pursuits were rare for someone his age—especially someone with his background. Most wealthy heirs sought luxury and excitement, but Lin Yuan carried himself with calm elegance and a sense of discipline that felt almost old-fashioned in the best way.
Cui Yunrong chuckled and said, "It's now obvious that Little Friend Lin certainly isn't lacking in wealth. I spent fifty million yuan to acquire the Ink Plum Blossom, and I have no doubt that such an amount wouldn't faze you in the slightest. But let me tell you this—my collection of paintings is rarely up for sale. I don't part with them easily, and when I do, it's usually because I believe the other person is truly destined to have it."
He leaned back slightly, stroking his white beard as he continued, "I do love this Ink Plum Blossom painting very much. While I could simply refuse and cut off this discussion, I'd be left with a sense of regret. So instead, let me pose a question before we decide anything."
Lin Yuan looked at him with interest. "Go ahead, Mr. Cui. I'm listening."
Cui Yunrong smiled with a playful gleam in his eyes. "Do you play chess?"
Lin Yuan nodded modestly. "I've played a bit. I'm not an expert, but I know my way around the board."
"Then we're in luck!" Cui Yunrong's smile widened. "Let's do this. I won't ask you to buy the painting. I'll give it to you as a gift—on one condition. Play a game of chess with me. You don't even need to beat me. If you can simply last for one hour without losing, the painting is yours."
He raised a finger as if to emphasize the next part. "Of course, you can't just stall for time or play aimlessly. That wouldn't be in the spirit of the game. Initially, I was going to appoint a notary to ensure fairness..." He glanced at Cui Susu meaningfully, who was already eyeing Lin Yuan nervously.
But with a chuckle and a shake of his head, he relented. "No, forget that. I trust Little Friend Lin. I believe you won't waste time or try to trick me."
Lin Yuan didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the challenge.
Sensing his hesitation, Cui Susu spoke up in protest. "Grandpa, that's not fair! Brother Lin Yuan, you don't have to agree to that. My grandfather is incredibly skilled at chess—he won't let you win!"
She then turned toward her grandfather with a determined look. "Grandpa! Don't bully Brother Lin Yuan like this. Just give him the painting. You said it yourself—this painting was fated for him!"
Cui Yunrong laughed heartily, clearly entertained by her reaction. "You little girl, your elbow always turns the wrong way. You're already siding with an outsider, and you're not even married yet."
(Translator's note: "Your elbow turns the wrong way" is a humorous Chinese idiom meaning someone is favoring an outsider instead of their own family.)
In truth, Cui Yunrong wasn't concerned about winning or losing. Even if Lin Yuan were to lose the chess match, he still fully intended to give him the painting. His condition was more of a playful challenge than a serious requirement.
But the truth was, Lin Yuan had impressed him earlier by pointing out subtle flaws in his Tai Chi techniques—something few people had ever done. That moment had stirred a mixture of surprise and competitiveness in the old man. Now, he wanted to test Lin Yuan in his own domain—chess, a game he had studied and enjoyed for decades.
This was, in a sense, a personal attempt at redemption. If he couldn't best Lin Yuan in Tai Chi, perhaps he could reclaim his pride with strategy and logic on the chessboard.
Lin Yuan finally nodded. "Very well, Mr. Cui. Let's make a deal."
Without showing the slightest concern, he casually picked up a small snack offered earlier by Cui Susu and took a bite, completely at ease. Then, with a composed expression, he followed Cui Yunrong to the chess table.
The teahouse, known for its traditional ambiance, offered a range of leisurely activities—tea tasting, calligraphy, Go, and of course, Chess.
Before long, the chessboard was set up, the pieces arranged, and both players seated across from each other in quiet anticipation.
As they prepared to begin, Lin Yuan silently upgraded—his chess skills instantly soared to the divine-level, far beyond that of a casual enthusiast.
Time began to pass.
After thirty minutes of intense play, Cui Yunrong stared at the chessboard, his face a mixture of disbelief and admiration. He had underestimated the young man.
Without realizing it, he had started tugging at his white beard in concentration—so hard, in fact, that he almost pulled some strands out.
Cui Susu, who had originally assumed her grandfather would overwhelm Lin Yuan, was equally stunned. She had been worried Lin Yuan would be humiliated, but now her eyes were wide with amazement.
Her grandfather, the chess master of their family, was struggling.
And Lin Yuan? He remained calm, sipping his tea between moves like a man merely passing the time—not battling an expert.