Chapter 473 - 253: Can’t see the Forest for the Trees_2
He laughed and said, "This is the first birthday gift from Grandpa Pan to you. He wishes you a smooth and fulfilling life. Don’t be like Grandpa Pan..." The last few words were uttered so softly that only he could hear them clearly.
The two children had received so many red envelopes these past few days that their hands had grown tired, and they had also learned to bow every time they received something. And so, upon receiving their gifts, they quickly hugged them and bowed repeatedly to Prince Consort Pan.
Talking early, Jingjing, in addition to saying "mom, sis, grandpa," had also learned to say "thank" these past few days. So not only did she bow, but she also added, "Grandpa, grandpa, thank, thank, thank..."
She called all older men "grandpa." However, Prince Consort Pan didn’t know this and thought she was calling him "grandpa," which made him so happy that his nose tingled with emotion. He really wanted to pick up the child and kiss her, but seeing Cheng Yue watching him guardedly, he dared not hold her. Instead, he just kept touching Jingjing’s little face and saying, "Good child, good child..."
The jade necklace was too heavy and ornate, and a bit large for the children who, after the novelty wore off, felt uncomfortable and kept pulling at it. Qian Yixiu went over, laughing, and said, "Let sister keep it for you for now, you can wear it when you’re older."
Prince Consort Pan then took the painting from Zhongcai, placed it on the table, and unfolded it. It was a six-foot double opening meticulous landscape painting titled "Moonlit Lotus Pond," depicting a lotus pond filled with flowers under the moon. The painting style was delicate and aesthetically sublime, with a tranquil and ethereal mood and exquisite, fine brushwork.
Even Qian Yixiu, who did not understand painting, couldn’t help but marvel. The handsome grandfather’s reputation was indeed well-deserved, and this painting was on par with little auntie’s embroidered work "Hope." If one were to talk of collectible value, this painting even surpassed "Hope." In other words, if one wanted to collect it, "Moonlit Lotus Pond" would be the top choice, whereas, if one wanted something for immediate use, "Hope" would be the choice.
Prince Consort Pan said to Qian Sangui, "This is something I’ve painted in recent times and is probably one of my most satisfying works to date. I hope Landlord Qian will not think poorly of it."
Qian Sangui also felt that the painting was too beautiful, even more pleasing than the actual moonlit lotus pond. He said joyfully, "Mr. Pan is being modest. It is said that a grand work from the master is worth its weight in gold, yet I’m fortunate enough to possess one. I’m truly honored."