Stealing that painting is impossible now, buying it is out of the question, delaying the auction can’t be done, so simply set it ablaze, just like her husband did. Burn it with fire, or destroy it using other methods, it can’t fall into anyone else’s hands. Before the people with black hats or others make a move, strike first. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

As for what Brian said, the call Elgar will give her next involves the third painting out of the four. The person who wants to secretly sell the Xiao Family’s painting—no, it’s not Lin Yishan.

By evening, the rain began to patter down.

After Lingxin accompanied mom back, she stayed in the kitchen to learn how to make cookies with her uncle.

Dad and brother haven’t returned.

Aunt made a phone call.

In the video call, Xiao Shuju kept babbling to Gu Nuan: "Isn’t Yebai around? Took his son out to play? At least he’s acting like a dad now. I was just thinking he should learn from your fourth brother-in-law, such a good dad."

"Third sister, are you feeling better?"

"Much better, changed the dressing, the wound is scabbing, almost healed." Xiao Shuju said, "I was thinking once I get better, I’ll come over to your place, because it’s not suitable to stay at the fourth sister’s home, you don’t even know how mushy they are, completely ignoring the feelings of a single woman like me."

Gu Nuan said: "If third sister comes over, bring more clothes with you, the weather is turning cooler."

"True. But grandma called from the homeland saying something happened to Mengjin, and I’m wondering if I need to return home, afraid grandma can’t handle it alone. Dad can’t get involved." Xiao Shuju finished babbling, realizing suddenly, "Turns out I’m so busy."

Totally amused by this silly third sister.

Zhu Jiayin couldn’t help but grab third sister’s microphone and said: "Auntie, stop talking, don’t you know Aunt is very busy?"

"Yes, yes, wherever your aunt goes now, people in politics can’t overlook the money in her wallet, who doesn’t want to cozy up to your aunt, sure she’s busy."

Just as the call with third sister ended, another call came from Zhao Zirong in the United States as well.

"Sister-in-law." Zhao Zirong imitated his wife’s term of address for Gu Nuan.

Gu Nuan said: "Hello, brother-in-law."

"This afternoon, I read the message you sent." Zhao Zirong whispered.

"How was it?"

"I discussed with my dad, then called my mom." Zhao Zirong said, tears flowing, "I didn’t expect my mom wasn’t actually senile yet, not at all—though my second brother sure wouldn’t believe it."

How could someone as smart as Mrs. Zhao be inexplicably hostile and annoying to the second daughter-in-law after falling ill? The fact is, intelligent people have their reasons for doing anything. Yes, Mrs. Zhao was ill, hence within her capability, she tried hard, very hard to protect her deceased friend.

Gu Nuan recalled Mrs. Zhao saying how she dreamt about her mother-in-law with the surname Ruan, indicating that Mrs. Zhao always kept her friend in heart. But why did Mrs. Zhao keep dreaming about her friend and no one else? Just one possible reason remained. Mrs. Zhao witnessed something, but because of her illness, she could forget anything quickly.

"My sister-in-law stole my wife’s painting." Zhao Zirong closed his eyes heavily and took a breath before continuing, "She didn’t expect her scheme to be exposed so quickly, as she was about to ship off the painting, my dad and I caught her red-handed."

"What about your brother?"

"He didn’t say a word, when dad got off to inspect Lan Yun’s belongings, he sat in the car, saw everything. But—" Zhao Zirong said, "Lan Yun committed such an act, surely she can’t stay in the Zhao Family."

Gu Nuan wouldn’t question why the Zhao Family’s second daughter-in-law did such a thing; actually, considering it makes sense, because Xiao Shumei is so outstanding, persistently overshadowing the second daughter-in-law, not resenting her would be odd. You could say the Zhao Family thought they picked up a clever, useful daughter-in-law and were smart doing so, yet didn’t anticipate the inherent unpredictability of human nature. Someone truly capable would have gone to a convent to eat vegetarian meals long ago.

"Dad said—" The Zhao Family also contemplated, said Zhao Zirong, "perhaps we made mistakes too."

Gu Nuan generally doesn’t like to intervene in other family’s matters, besides, her goal is that painting.

In this regard, Zhao Zirong proposed: "Since this painting is so important, I’ll personally send it over to you and Yebai."

"No need, my husband and I have discussed it, brother-in-law, please do not unveil the canvas, don’t look at anything, just burn the painting straight away."

"What?"

"Burn it, don’t let it remain in the world." Gu Nuan said resolutely.