Isn’t money good?

Chapter 10

Yan Shiqiu walked and looked around, every blade of grass and tree exactly matching his memories.

On the lawn, there were tables, chairs, and swings, and not far away was an artificial lake that even had a pair of swans.

Looking at all this, the happy life his family of three once shared played like a movie in his mind, and his lips naturally curved upward.

Not hearing Yan Shiqiu’s footsteps following, Ji Yunnian turned around to find Yan Shiqiu’s gaze fixed on the swing in the distance, lost in quiet contemplation.

“Want to play?” He asked.

“Hm?” Yan Shiqiu came back to his senses, looking somewhat confused.

“Do you want to play on the swing?” He repeated.

Yan Shiqiu shook his head gently. “No, I was just remembering some things.”

“What things?”

“It’s a secret.” Yan Shiqiu said, clasping his hands behind his back and turning to face him. “If you’re willing to exchange secrets with me, I’ll tell you.”

Ji Yunnian simply gave him an eye roll.

Mother Ji had received Ji Yunnian’s call early and knew her son was bringing a friend home. As soon as they entered, she came forward with a welcoming smile.

“You’re back.”

Mother Ji was fifty-two years old and the mother of two children, but time had been exceptionally kind to her, leaving hardly any traces. Her black hair was pinned up with a white jade hairpin, and she wore a simple white dress. She looked as lovely as an eighteen-year-old girl, yet carried herself with dignified grace.

“Mom.” Ji Yunnian stepped aside to reveal Yan Shiqiu behind him and made a brief introduction. “Yan Shiqiu, he’s here to see the paintings.”

Yan Shiqiu smiled. “Hello, Auntie. Sorry for intruding.”

“Not at all, please come in.”

She asked, “What would you like to drink? Is juice okay?”

“That’s fine.”

Mother Ji smiled warmly. “Good.”

Yan Shiqiu followed Ji Yunnian into the living room and looked around. Everything he could see was unfamiliar – the decor and layout bore no resemblance to what he remembered.

He felt somewhat regretful, yet also relieved.

If even these things had been identical, he would have felt even more unwilling and sad.

“Sit for a moment, I’m going upstairs to change clothes.” Ji Yunnian pulled off his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, becoming more casual.

Yan Shiqiu sat obediently on the sofa. “Go ahead, I promise I won’t wander around.”

“Where could you go anyway? This is my house.”

Ji Yunnian was speechless. He turned to go upstairs, then after a few steps, looked back and said, “If you want something to eat, help yourself. There are plenty of snacks in the drawer under the coffee table.”

Yan Shiqiu’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Then I won’t be polite.”

Ji Yunnian said nothing more and went straight upstairs, leaving Yan Shiqiu alone. He didn’t move, sitting quietly on the sofa.

Soon, Mother Ji came out with two glasses of juice. “Where’s Yunnian?”

“He went to change clothes.” Yan Shiqiu said.

“That child.” She shook her head and sat down in the single armchair, handing him the juice. “I heard from Yunnian that you also like Bai Zhi?”

“I like her very much.”

He loved his mother most of all.

Noticing how Yan Shiqiu’s expression instantly softened, Mother Ji nodded. “You really do like her very much.”

“Looking closely, you resemble her somewhat.”

“I think so too. Maybe we were mother and son in a past life.” Yan Shiqiu blinked. “I’m very happy to be told that.”

“It’s possible.” Mother Ji smiled. “If Bai Zhi were still alive, she would definitely like you too when she met you.”

She definitely would.

He knew.

Yan Shiqiu picked up the juice and took a sip, suppressing the sadness in his heart. “You seem very familiar with Teacher Bai Zhi?”

“We were friends.”

Yan Shiqiu was momentarily surprised, then quickly accepted it. This was the world of the book – everything made sense somehow.

“Is that why you collect her works?” He asked curiously.

Mother Ji said, “That’s part of it, but more because I’m also her fan. I love her paintings – each one is so warm, full of love for this world.”

Yan Shiqiu smiled gently. “Yes.”

His mother had countless times held him in her arms, describing the colorful and beautiful places in this world, telling him to learn to appreciate the beautiful things around him with his heart.

“What are you talking about?”

At this moment, Ji Yunnian came downstairs after changing clothes – a simple white T-shirt paired with dark sweatpants, his hair now loose. He looked very approachable and friendly.

“We were talking about Bai Zhi.” Mother Ji answered.

Ji Yunnian nodded and turned his gaze to Yan Shiqiu’s face. “I’ll take you to see the paintings.”

“Wait for me a moment.”

As soon as Yan Shiqiu said this, he drank the juice sip by sip, then said to Mother Ji, “It’s very delicious.”

Mother Ji was momentarily stunned, then her smile spread to her eyes. “I’m glad you like it.”

Ji Yunnian also glanced at him.

“Shall we go?” Yan Shiqiu looked up, meeting his gaze.

Ji Yunnian withdrew his gaze and responded coolly, “Mm.”

The exhibition room where Mother Ji kept Bai Zhi’s works was on the basement level. They walked down the stairs and soon reached the place.

The room was large, with a remote-controlled ceiling. When the light-blocking panels were retracted, it revealed a large one-way glass window that let sunlight stream in directly, providing ample light without being dark or damp.

His mother’s paintings were hung neatly on the walls, without a speck of dust – clearly they were regularly cleaned and maintained.

“My mom arranged this room personally. She also cleans it herself and doesn’t let the servants touch it, worried they might damage the paintings.”

Ji Yunnian kept his hands in his pockets, looking at him calmly. “Are you reassured now?”

“Very reassured.”

Yan Shiqiu thought that besides himself, there probably wasn’t anyone more suitable than Mother Ji.

During their earlier conversation, he could sense that she truly loved and valued his mother’s works, and also treasured their friendship.

Suddenly, Yan Shiqiu stopped in front of a painting. It showed a family of three playing on a lawn. Though the people’s features weren’t clear, the painting’s tones were warm, with the father holding a child – clearly depicting warmth and happiness.

He stared at it for a long time, focused and absorbed.

After a while, he asked, “May I take a photo?”

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Yan Shiqiu took out his phone and carefully adjusted the lens, capturing the entire painting without missing any corners or edges.

Seeing that Yan Shiqiu had put away his phone, thinking he was being modest, Ji Yunnian said, “You can take more photos.”

“No need.” Yan Shiqiu continued gazing steadily at the painting. “This one is enough.”

This painting was a family portrait his mother had painted for their family when he was ten years old.

She had once said she would paint one every ten years, but before the second decade arrived, their family had encountered trouble. A new construction project had just begun when their business partner embezzled funds and fled, leaving behind massive debts and a huge mess.

To pay off the debts, they mortgaged their house and sold his mother’s paintings, putting all the money in to finally fill the hole. But soon after, his father was diagnosed with stomach cancer and passed away. Less than six months later, his mother also lost her life in an accident.

Yan Shiqiu looked for a long time before remembering he was in Ji Yunnian’s house with Ji Yunnian still beside him. He reluctantly withdrew his gaze.

After struggling with himself, he still couldn’t help asking, “If I wanted to buy this painting, would you be willing to sell it to me?”

Ji Yunnian was very direct. “Do you have money?”

“Not right now, but I’ll save enough.”

Yan Shiqiu was serious.

Looking at his expression, Ji Yunnian thought to himself.

“This is my mom’s collection. I don’t have that authority.”

Yan Shiqiu’s bright eyes dimmed as he lowered his lashes, and his long, thick eyelashes cast shadows on his eyelids.

Ji Yunnian pressed his lips together and, as if possessed, added, “However, if you can earn the money yourself rather than asking others for it, I can help you talk to my mom.”

“Really?” Yan Shiqiu’s head shot up, his eyes bright again.

Their gazes locked for several seconds before Ji Yunnian nodded. “Mm.”

Yan Shiqiu immediately beamed with joy, happily giving him a good person card. “You’re a good person.”

Ji Yunnian glanced at him. “Don’t get too excited. I bought this painting for 3.55 million. Get the money together first.”

“I will.”

In his previous life, he had once vowed to earn a billion in five years. If he hadn’t died, he would have achieved it.

“Speaking of which, could you round it down for me?” Yan Shiqiu was in a good mood and started joking.

“Round down? 550,000?”

“If you’re willing, I wouldn’t refuse.” Yan Shiqiu smiled.

Ji Yunnian started walking toward the exit without looking back. “You can have all that in your dreams. I suggest you take a nap right now – that would be more practical.”

Yan Shiqiu followed him, his tone light. “Are you inviting me to stay at your house tonight?”

Ji Yunnian: “…”

Mother Ji was very enthusiastic and kept Yan Shiqiu sitting with them for a long time. It wasn’t until evening, when the sun was about to set, that she finally stopped trying to persuade him to stay after he insisted on leaving.

She had originally wanted Ji Yunnian to drive Yan Shiqiu home, but Yan Shiqiu declined.

Walking out the front gate of the Ji family home, Yan Shiqiu looked back once more, then left with determined steps.

Back home, he called Fang Yuhua.

“Do you have any suitable work for me right now?”

Fang Yuhua was outside somewhere noisy. He seemed to be walking toward a quieter place as the background noise gradually diminished. “Director Chen’s new drama starts filming in a month. With time so tight, shouldn’t you be preparing well?”

Putting on his Bluetooth earpiece, Yan Shiqiu opened the refrigerator and took out ingredients for dinner, preparing them while talking. “Something short-term. I need money.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let Director Chen’s drama slide.”

“Do you need living expenses, or are you buying something?” Fang Yuhua asked.

Yan Shiqiu answered honestly, “Both.”

He had just received a text from his landlord asking for rent – 16,000 yuan. After paying that, he’d only have 12,000 left, probably not enough to last until his acting fee came through.

Fang Yuhua was silent for a few seconds, then said, “I have an outdoor variety show, as a guest appearance, for two days and one night. But you need to think carefully – variety shows can gain you fans but also attract haters, especially since you already have some haters. For you, it’s not necessarily worth it.”

“But you also said it could gain fans.”

Yan Shiqiu took a knife to cut carrots. “What type of variety show is it, and who are the other guests?”

“It’s a lifestyle variety show with six regular cast members and two guest appearances per episode. The other guest you know too – Tu Ya. You must remember not to show your conflict with her on camera. I’ll remind her side too.”

Who was Tu Ya?

Yan Shiqiu made a mental note of the name, planning to look her up later, then asked, “When do we leave?”

“The day after tomorrow. I’ll send you the materials later.” Fang Yuhua said. “These two days, you should also watch the previous episodes to get familiar with the show.”

“I understand.”

An hour later, he received the materials Fang Yuhua had sent.

He printed out the materials, sat in the living room, turned on the TV to find the variety show, and started watching from the beginning.

After watching the first half hour, he felt completely awful.