Chapter 23: The Qin Family Shows Up to Back Lu Fan

The Qin family arrived in a grand procession. It was not just Third Master Qin who had come; he had brought his entire family along for the visit. Lin Ziyu walked arm-in-arm with the Qin matriarch, followed by the rest of the Lin family.

It was no secret that the Lin and Jiang families were always at odds, yet here the Lins were. The rumors that had been circulating wildly were silenced the moment Third Master Qin made his appearance. Having not seen him for three days, he looked significantly better than the last time they met, clearly showing that his vitality had recovered quite a bit. While he had not regained his former robust physique, he was far healthier than the skin-and-bones figure he had been before.

The Jiang family had originally hoped to use Lu Fan to establish a connection with the Qin family. When the banquet began without any sign of the Qins, they had already given up hope. Who would have expected that not only would the Qin family show up, but they would also prepare a spectacular performance to celebrate the matriarch’s birthday? This was an unexpected delight for them. Even Old Master Jiang, who had been looking at Lu Fan with nothing but disdain, rushed over immediately. "Third Master, what a rare guest you are!"

He reached out with both hands, attempting to shake hands with Third Master Qin, even though the Third Master was a generation his junior. However, Third Master Qin did not even glance at him, brushing past him to head straight toward Lu Fan with a very warm expression. "Mr. Lu."

The address of "Mr. Lu" stunned everyone present! It was unbelievable; Third Master Qin didn't even care to acknowledge Old Master Jiang, yet he addressed Lu Fan, a mere junior, with such respect! The contrast between Old Master Jiang’s stiff, forced smile and Lu Fan’s calm, unflappable expression was stark.

"Third Master, Matriarch, why have you come?" Lu Fan asked.

Matriarch Qin, clutching her prayer beads, smiled and said, "I heard from Ziyu that your elder sister was celebrating her birthday, so I came over to see."

Although Matriarch Qin was a few years younger than the Jiang matriarch, the two had no prior relationship. She used the term "elder sister" solely out of respect for Lu Fan. This left the Jiang matriarch feeling flattered. Supported by Jiang Ruxue, she hurried over to greet them. "Mrs. Qin."

"Elder sister, please, don't stand on ceremony. I just came to join the fun and share in the joy."

Once the Qin family appeared, Shen Qianye, who had been acting so arrogant just moments before, now wished he could bury his head in the sand. He could flaunt his power in front of others, but in the presence of a family like the Qins, he was nothing more than a child. Matriarch Qin was incredibly fond of Lu Fan; after greeting the Jiang matriarch, she immediately walked toward him.

"Young Master Lu, thanks to you, my Third Son's health is getting better by the day. You are truly a modern-day Hua Tuo!"

The moment these words were spoken, a heated discussion erupted in the crowd.

"Wasn't it Young Master Shen who saved him? What does that have to do with Lu Fan?"

"Are you deaf? The Qin family is here specifically to thank Lu Fan."

"I think Shen Qianye is just puffing himself up. Didn't he just lie to Ruxue, claiming he was the one who hired the lion dancers?"

There were very few outsiders present today; most were close relatives, so everyone spoke quite bluntly. The Jiang family members tried to curry favor, but the Qin family didn't even spare them a glance, leaving them feeling foolish.

Conversely, Lu Fan, who was being discussed by everyone, was dressed in the most inexpensive and simple attire, yet he remained the most composed.

"Matriarch, you are too kind. I am no miracle doctor; I just happened to have encountered this illness before by chance. Please, don't embarrass me."

Lu Fan intended to remain low-key. If he really wanted to make a name for himself, the line of patients outside his door would have circled the globe three times by now. His humility only made the Matriarch more pleased; young people who were both capable and humble were becoming increasingly rare.

"By the way, what were you all arguing about? We heard the commotion from outside."

Someone volunteered the information: "Everyone was comparing the gifts from Young Master Shen and Lu Fan. Young Master Shen spent 100 million to acquire Master Wang Changling's painting, 'Immortal Deer Celebrating Longevity'."

"Master Wang's original work? Honey, isn't that your favorite painter?" Mrs. Qin added.

Shen Qianye finally saw a chance to redeem himself. "In that case, could I trouble the Third Master to take a look?"

Third Master Qin was quite casual. "Bring it here."

Jiang Ruxue felt a surge of unease. Third Master Qin’s expression didn't look like that of a connoisseur; it looked more like... she dared not finish the thought. Sure enough, as Shen Qianye triumphantly presented the painting, Third Master Qin took one look and commented, "Young Master Shen, you look like a decent person, but it seems your eyes are poor. You spent 100 million on this fake?"

"A... a fake?" Everyone was shocked.

Shen Qianye insisted, "That's impossible! I bought this painting from a well-known collector who has held onto it for over forty years."

"Indeed, the painting looks aged; a forgery wouldn't be this convincing," someone noted.

Third Master Qin remained indifferent. "Whether it's a year or a century old, a fake is still a fake. This painting is a copy of the original made a hundred years ago. Of course, after a century, even a copy has its value. 100 million is a bit steep, but a true art lover might not mind. However, using it as a gift is quite a faux pas."

"Third Master, why are you so certain it is a fake?" Shen Qianye was dissatisfied with the answer.

Third Master Qin’s voice grew more serious. "Because the real painting is in the hands of a great master. I once had the honor of seeing the remnants of the authentic work. Even if only the tail of the deer remained, I could tell the difference between this fake and the original at a glance."

At this, the usually calm Lu Fan instinctively touched his nose, feeling a pang of guilt. Heaven knows, he hadn't realized at the time that those paintings were so important! He hadn't expected Third Master Qin to have met his master; he must have encountered him during the years he was away studying.

If anyone else had said this, Shen Qianye would not have let it go. But given Third Master Qin’s status, there was no need for him to lie. He had wanted to gain prestige, but instead, he had slapped his own face and become the laughingstock of the room. He had to divert everyone's attention from himself immediately.

"The Third Master has a keen eye. If it weren't for you, I would have made a fool of myself today. I must hold that seller accountable. Since the Third Master is here, this Lu Fan also gave Grandma a special gift."

"Oh? What is it?" Third Master Qin became instantly interested.

Shen Qianye immediately groveled, "A 'Clearing Heart Pill,' but he claims it's a top-grade 'Youth-Preserving Pill.' Third Master, you are well-versed in these things; why don't you take a look and see what it actually is?"

Upon hearing the words "top-grade," Third Master Qin’s eyes lit up.

"Really? Where is that pill?"

Lu Fan had only wanted to give his gift quietly and leave, but thanks to Shen Qianye’s meddling, even Third Master Qin was now involved. He was essentially being roasted over a fire, with no way out. He had no choice but to take out the box.

Third Master Qin examined it repeatedly. Shen Qianye pressed him, "Third Master, tell us, what exactly is this?"