THE MIGHTIEST LITTLE PEASANT

176-180

Chapter 176

After the episode, the atmosphere in the courtyard was unsettling.

  Everyone’s gaze toward Tang Hao was either full of hostility or envy.

  “Are you going to let go of the matter just like that?” Qin Gang stood next to Tang Hao and said angrily. “The two people are despicable! How dare they pull off such an underhanded scheme?”

  Tang Hao smiled. “Don’t worry, they won’t know what hit them.”

  Qin Gang was surprised. He was about to ask further questions when a group of people came out of the house.

  The group of people surrounded a bony, frail old man with white hair. He was slightly hunched and walked slowly with the help of a walking stick.

  Unquestionably, that was Old Master Qin.

  The atmosphere in the courtyard was once again festive. The people crowded all around and greeted him with celebratory messages and birthday presents.

  Most of the birthday presents were antiques, especially calligraphic scrolls.

  Old Master Qin was known to be fond of antique calligraphic scrolls.

  “Ah, there’s no need to! Why are you giving me presents? Didn’t I say that I don’t want anything?” Old Master Qin said while waving his hand. “I’m happy that everyone is here.”

  “You shouldn’t say that, Old Master. These gifts represent our thoughts for you. If you don’t accept them, does that mean that you don’t appreciate us?”

  “That’s right. You should take them, Old Master!”

  The people tried to convince Old Master Qin.

  Old Master Qin laughed drily.

  The Qin family members went around to collect the presents.

  “Let’s go!” Qin Xiangyi noticed that fewer people were crowding around Old Master Qin, then pulled Tang Hao over to greet the Old Master. Qin Gang also followed along.

  “Grandpa!” Qin Xiangyi smiled happily and greeted Old Master Qin with a sweet voice.

  Old Master Qin smiled. His eyes were brimming with indulgence as he looked at Qin Xiangyi.

  Then, he shifted his gaze to Tang Hao and slightly furrowed his brows, though he soon looked away as though nothing happened.

  “Don’t tell me that you’ve prepared a present for me too, my dear granddaughter!” Old Master Qin pretended to pull a long face.

  “It’s your eightieth birthday today, Grandpa! I’d be rude if I come here empty-handed!” Qin Xiangyi said and extended the hand that was hidden behind her. It was a scroll holder.

  “I’ve prepared this painting for you, Grandpa. It’s from the Qing dynasty. Take a look!” As she spoke, she stepped forward and handed the scroll holder to Old Master Qin.

  “Silly girl!” Old Master Qin muttered, then laughed heartily.

  He opened the scroll holder and took the painting out. His eyes sparkled as he unfurled it. “Good! This is a good painting! You know what I want, my granddaughter! No wonder you’re my favorite!” He exclaimed.

  “Isn’t that so!” Qin Xiangyi said with a smile.

  “Look here, Grandpa. I’ve brought you a present too!” Qin Gang smiled as he stepped forward while holding a wooden box in his hand.