Tang Che knew exactly what kind of person Tang Youyi was.
Having inherited his younger brother’s genes, Tang Youyi was of average intelligence but, to his credit, quite filial.
After Tang Che grew old and frail, this nephew would drop everything to stay by his side, attending to every need personally.
Tang Che was aware of his nephew’s ulterior motives, but with no children of his own, having someone care for him in his twilight years was a comfort. Maintaining this delicate balance wasn’t entirely unacceptable.
"Rong Yu and I are friends across generations—close friends," Tang Che said softly. "From now on, wherever members of the Tang family go, they must show Rong Yu the utmost respect."
Tang Youyi nodded. "Understood, Uncle. I’ll remember."
Only then did Tang Che’s gaze settle on Rong Yu.
The understated elegance of her qipao and her cool, composed demeanor instantly transported him back to his youth—a time when he was so young he could recklessly squander each day, so young he never had to think about the future.
That year, she had returned from studying abroad, a widow of a soldier, carrying a child in her womb.
The Rong family had already sacrificed everything for the nation, leaving no one behind.
The elders of the Ji family were elderly and disabled, struggling even to care for themselves.
Fearing she might do something drastic, Tang Che had quit his job, visiting her morning, noon, and night, desperate to keep watch over her, terrified of the slightest misstep.
But he had underestimated her.
After giving birth and recovering, she had appeared at a banquet in a qipao much like this one.
With her delicate frame, she had single-handedly steadied the tottering Ji family amidst the chaos of those turbulent times...
Ahem!
Old Master Ji cleared his throat pointedly.
Tang Che slowly snapped out of his reverie. "Let’s go. Tea in the back garden."
Rong Yu pushed his wheelchair as they made their way back.
Servants had prepared tea and pastries, bowing before quietly withdrawing.
"Rong Yu, forgive my nephew’s behavior," Tang Che said. "Tang Youyi isn’t a bad person—just a bit stubborn. Don’t take it to heart."
"Every family has its troublesome younger generation. Why would I laugh at you?" Rong Yu took a sip of tea. "Actually, I came today to ask for your help with something."
Tang Che straightened slightly. "Go on."
Rong Yu explained, "Ji Liuguang, the fourth son of the Ji family, got into trouble abroad and was expelled. After observing him these past few days, I’ve noticed he’s impulsive and too aggressive. Sending him to any school now would be futile—he needs discipline. Tang Che, do you have any connections who could... reshape him?"
"The military would be ideal," Tang Che mused. "But pulling strings to enlist him would go against your principles. However, a junior of mine is leading new recruits in a training exercise near Haicheng for the next two weeks. Why not send him there for a trial?"
"Two weeks should suffice," Old Master Ji interjected. "That boy’s been coddled since childhood—even studying abroad required attendants. He’s never known hardship. A few days of real discipline might knock some sense into him."
The matter was tentatively settled.
After more conversation, Tang Che began to tire but still insisted, "Rong Yu, let me show you my studio."
The studio was a dedicated hall behind the house, its walls adorned with paintings.
Tang Che had studied traditional Chinese painting in his youth, earning renown by his twenties. Later, his art sales became the foundation of the Tang family’s wealth, elevating them to become one of Haicheng’s four great families.
"These are breathtaking," Rong Yu marveled. "Especially this series—from the broken landscapes of war to the peace of rebuilding. Just a few strokes capture the essence perfectly. It resonates deeply."
As she admired the art, Tang Che admired her.
Old Master Ji covered his face, feeling distinctly out of place, and quietly excused himself.
—Sorry, Dad. Never met you anyway, so no hard feelings...
Rong Yu lingered in the studio for over half an hour before leaving.
Tang Che mustered his strength to see her and Old Master Ji off. The moment the Ji family’s car disappeared, he turned to Tang Youyi. "In a few days, summon Lawyer Huang."
Tang Youyi’s smile stiffened.
Lawyer Huang handled his uncle’s will. Was Tang Che revising it after meeting Ji Shunying?
"Don’t overthink it," Tang Che frowned. "I told you the Tang shares and businesses are yours—that won’t change. Lawyer Huang is for the studio."
"The studio?" Tang Youyi blinked.
"These paintings are my life’s work. You don’t understand art, and none of our descendants do. Leaving them to you would be a waste—they wouldn’t be cherished." Tang Che’s voice was calm. "After I die, donate everything in the studio to the National Library."
Originally, he had intended to gift them to Rong Yu.
But earlier, when he’d hinted at it, she had refused outright—uncharacteristically firm.
She had always been this way, never accepting anything from him.
That necklace was the sole exception, and even that had caused her trouble with the Tang family.
Tang Youyi exhaled in relief. "Of course, Uncle. I’ll schedule it with Lawyer Huang."
He escorted Tang Che to rest, then headed to the parlor to make the call.
Madam Tang stopped him. "You really believe Uncle only wants Lawyer Huang for the studio?"
"I don’t," Tang Youyi admitted, setting down the phone. "But his orders must be followed."
"You’re as stubborn as he said," Madam Tang scoffed. "Yesterday, he gifted a million-dollar necklace. Today, it’s the studio. Tomorrow, his antiques? The day after, who knows what shares he’ll transfer? He’s old and confused—but you’re only in your sixties. Are you senile too?"
Tang Youyi shared her unease.
A celebrity like Rong Yu, known for mere days, receiving such an extravagant gift? Unthinkable.
His uncle had always been measured. This sudden idolization reeked of irrationality. Was his mind slipping?
"Tell him Lawyer Huang is abroad and needs time," Madam Tang whispered. "Harsh as it sounds, Uncle could pass any day now—"
"Enough!" Tang Youyi’s face darkened. "Don’t you dare jinx him!"
Tang Che was the Tang family’s anchor. Even in retirement, he remained their pillar—and Tang Youyi’s unshakable reassurance.
