allonlinenovel Chapter 235: The deal was settled, and I even got two masterpiece paintings?
Chapter 235: The deal was settled, and I even got two masterpiece paintings?
"Ahem... Yanran is here."
Lu Weihuai entered through the side doorway and saw from afar the graceful and beautiful young woman standing next to his granddaughter.
Wearing a colorful, iridescent dress, she looked like a fairy from a painting, a sight to behold.
It would be impolite to peek any longer, so Lu Weihuai quickly composed himself and walked out through the side door.
"Grandfather, this..."
When Lu Yanran saw her grandfather, she was about to greet him when she saw him walk straight past her and walk towards Bai Mengran with a big smile on his face.
"Oh...and this guest is...?"
Lu Weihuai already knew in his heart that the girl in front of him was his idol, and his heart was overflowing with praise.
But to maintain his composure, he swallowed his words.
“Grandfather, this is my new friend Bai Mengran, and she is also a guest I invited to attend the Floating Wine Cup Banquet in three days…”
Lu Yanran quickly introduced Bai Mengran, afraid that her grandfather's enthusiasm would frighten the guests she had invited.
Seeing that Elder Lu was very polite to her, Bai Mengran didn't know if he had guessed her identity, but she felt that this was a good thing.
So she also took the initiative to greet Mr. Lu politely.
"Hello, Mr. Lu~ I am very interested in the banquet that Yanran mentioned, so I have taken the liberty of accepting the invitation. I also hope to take this opportunity to go and broaden my horizons."
Hearing that this banquet was organized by you, Elder Lu, I am taking the liberty of visiting you today, but there is actually a favor I wish to ask of you…
Bai Mengran paused briefly, pondering how to phrase her purpose for coming.
Unexpectedly, Lu Weihuai chuckled and spoke first in a very amiable manner.
"Well, I didn't expect Yanran to actually find a companion this time. And it's you, Miss Bai... Oh, Miss Bai, please feel free to share your thoughts!"
Since Elder Lu had offered a way out, Bai Mengran spoke frankly:
"I presume Elder Lu already knows my identity. I've come to inquire about the catering arrangements for the Flowing Wine Banquet. Has Elder Lu made any arrangements yet?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Weihuai immediately understood her implication.
He had originally entrusted the matter to his old friend Wang Qizheng to handle, but at this moment he made a new decision: to betray his friend for his idol!
He had assumed that Bai Mengran's visit was to discuss the catering business related to the Flowing Wine Banquet, since the banquet was quite large and it would be understandable if she wanted to take on the business.
Moreover, given the [Fairyland] she was managing, such a banquet was more than a matter of her ability, so Old Master Lu was also willing to go along with it and do her a favor.
He immediately put on a worried expression:
"Ah, young lady, you don't know this, but I originally entrusted this matter to an old friend."
Who knew this person was so incompetent? He just told me that he couldn't find any food that matched the theme of the banquet, and I was really worried about that.
"Does the young lady have any good recommendations?"
Upon hearing that the matter was not yet settled, Bai Mengran was secretly delighted and whispered "yes~"
Unexpectedly, Lu Weihuai, with his sharp ears, overheard this and asked in surprise, "Whose grandfather died?"
Lu Yanran clearly didn't understand this modern joke and looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression.
Bai Mengran, who understood instantly, felt like she was about to die on the spot!
Good heavens, can someone tell her why this old man has such good hearing?
It's really a waste of talent not to have them take the CET-4 listening test...
She could only laugh awkwardly and quickly change the subject:
"Um, Mr. Lu, you misunderstood me. What I meant was..."
If possible, I would like to host this banquet under the name "Fairyland," with all food, snacks, desserts, and fruits sponsored by "Fairyland." I wonder if Elder Lu would agree?
"Sponsorship? Miss Bai, do you mean to provide it free of charge? That won't do! How could I let you spend so much money?!"
Lu Weihuai was shocked when she heard that she would provide the entire banquet free of charge.
Wow, his idol is so bold and visionary, but he can't really let him pay out of his own pocket.
"Mr. Lu, please listen to me. I have heard that this banquet will be a gathering of many scholars and literati. Therefore, I would like to take the opportunity to promote the reputation of [Fairyland] under the guise of sponsorship."
If we can capture the hearts and minds of all the scholars and writers present, perhaps someone will even write a few words praising this "fairyland"~
Bai Mengran was dedicated to pushing this matter forward, and by stating the reasons clearly, she was able to demonstrate her sincerity.
Lu Weihuai was surprised by her foresight and readily agreed to her request.
When Elder Lu readily agreed, Bai Mengran was taken aback. Did he really agree so easily?
She made up several excuses along the way, but she hasn't used them yet...
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Lu. Besides that, there is another matter I would like to discuss with you."
Bai Mengran realized that hosting the banquet was only one aspect; to secure the high-speed rail, she would have to go the extra mile and invite them to a team-building event at her guesthouse…
"But it doesn't matter!"
Lu Weihuai usually hates trouble the most, but when facing his idol, he has a lot of patience.
"That's right, the [Fairyland] B&B will be opening soon."
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely invite Mr. Lu and all the guests to stay overnight at the [Fairyland] B&B after the banquet. The next day, you may either enjoy yourselves at your leisure or gather again at the B&B..."
Bai Mengran felt somewhat apprehensive when she made this request.
After all, the prerequisite for becoming a renowned figure is completing the previous task, and now she has made such a confident statement, as if she had already written a blank check.
Upon hearing this, Lu Weihuai immediately showed great interest.
"Miss Bai is truly thoughtful and meticulous in her arrangements."
As the one hosting the banquet, I will do my best to entertain every guest.
I had originally planned to book the entire Mingyue Tower for guests who had traveled from afar to rest, but now it seems that the Fairyland B&B would be even better if they could accommodate overnight guests.
With the thought of the "fairyland" in mind, Lu Weihuai had already made up his mind and immediately changed his opinion:
"Miss Bai's arrangement is excellent, but this time we absolutely cannot let you spend any more money. I will cover all the expenses. It's settled then!"
Having achieved her goal, Bai Mengran felt at ease and was subsequently invited to Mr. Lu's study to discuss the matter further.
Lu Yanran stood to the side, unable to get a word in edgewise, and could only silently keep him company, her heart filled with astonishment.
She had never seen her grandfather like this before, so obedient, like a seventy-year-old child...
"Miss Bai, you may not know this, but I truly admire your masterpieces, especially those vivid paintings. Could you perhaps reveal a little about them..."
Lu Weihuai talked incessantly throughout the journey, constantly asking Bai Mengran questions about animation, eager to receive her guidance.
"I also prepared a gift for Mr. Lu during this visit. You'll see it when you see it, and I'm sure you'll like it."
Bai Mengran thought to herself, "No wonder Old Master Lu was so polite to me. It turns out he thought all the designs generated by the system were drawn by me..."
This could have been a huge misunderstanding, but luckily she came prepared...
Sure enough, when Mr. Lu received the carefully selected gift, he was so excited that he danced with joy, as happy as a seventy-year-old child who had received candy.
Bai Mengran introduced the gifts and how to use them to him one by one. Lu Weihuai loved each gift and was so happy that he called Bai Mengran "Little Friend Bai"!
He even went so far as to unfold all his priceless paintings, insisting that Bai Mengran choose whatever she liked, and giving her all the ones she liked...
【ˉ﹃ˉ……】
The system couldn't contain its excitement and sent a drooling emoji: [Host, these paintings are incredibly valuable! You're going to strike it rich!]
Bai Mengran selected only two of her favorite paintings of ladies, expressed her sincere gratitude to Elder Lu, and then put the paintings into her bag.
He casually replied to the system, "Hmph, this is a token of Old Master Lu's goodwill, I won't sell it!"
After bidding farewell to Elder Lu and Yanran, Bai Mengran left the Lu residence and rode her horse back home.
"Little Commander, that's enough! Time to go back and settle today's tasks~"