In Bamboo Parlor, laughter and conversation broke the usual elegant silence of the place.Cecily sat upright in her chair, watching a little nervously as her father and his old friends chatted away.Other than prominent leaders, there were also famous artists and prestigious doctors.These people weren't only famous in the country, but they were also well-known internationally.Also, these people were Edward's close friends.Cecily wondered what would happen when Austin arrived later on."Samuel, in the many years I haven't seen you, you've made quite a name for yourself internationally as the director of Legacy Hospital!"The middle-aged man was full of smiles as he looked at a middle-aged man with silver hair. He couldn't help but sigh in amazement. "The medical magazines overseas often write articles about you.""Haha... Come on, stop flattering me. I've worked so hard that all my hair turned silver."Smiling, Samuel Lewis said, "Speaking of being known internationally, Der
"Don't worry, Edward. We'll help you assess that kid later." Timothy was in a position of high authority, and he had an intimidating air about him.At the side, Samuel and Derrick nodded in agreement."Don't worry, Edward. We've been friends for so many years. Since you've asked to come us here, we'll be sure to test that kid for real.""I'd like to see which capable young man in this city has managed to win your daughter's heart."Edward smiled and nodded toward the three in gratitude.Just then, Cecily walked into the hall with Austin, who looked extremely awkward.As soon as Timothy and Samuel saw Austin, they had shocked looks on their faces. They widened their eyes, and they felt nervous.They felt like their minds had exploded!This… was Edward's future son-in-law?Goodness!Despite their prestigious statuses, they were extremely shaken at that moment.Austin was such a prominent figure that they were even wondering who should be the ones getting tested instead.Timot
Derrick's words were a shock to everyone present.In an instant, the atmosphere in the main hall seemed to freeze.Edward's expression was a little cold.Cecily's mother also had an odd look on her face.Timothy and Samuel were shocked as well."Mr. Stephens, Austin won't give fake paintings as gifts." Cecily hastily defended Austin.This was Austin's first time meeting her parents.With her background, she knew that her parents wouldn't mind how much Austin's gifts would cost. But if the gift was fake, then it would be another matter altogether!It would mean that the gift wasn't sincere, and that was a very disrespectful thing to do!"That's right. Derrick, take a closer look at it. Don't spew nonsense." Samuel agreed with Cecily.He was aware of Austin's identity. How could someone like Austin possibly give fake gifts?Derrick must be mistaken!Timothy said, "Derrick, you only gave it a glance just now. You're definitely mistaken. You're a hot-headed man, and you can bar
As soon as Derrick said that, everyone in the main hall was stunned.They were very rich, but they didn't know much about collections.They weren't as knowledgeable in paintings as Derrick was. After all, Derrick was a master of paintings.If the painting indeed cost more than 20 million dollars, it would be too great a gift!Even Austin was startled for a moment. Ezra was simply too generous. Austin couldn't believe that the gift Ezra had handed to him to give to others would be worth more than 20 million dollars!He immediately smiled. "Mr. Stephens, even though I'm not as successful as you and the others are, I can still afford to give a gift worth 20 million.""You're young, but you're quite outspoken!"Derrick frowned. At that moment, there was a ferocious expression on his reserved features.Cecily's gaze flickered. When she thought of Austin's background, 20 million dollars was indeed a piece of cake.She was about to speak up and defend Austin when Derrick suddenly sne
As soon as Edward said that, time seemed to be frozen in the main hall.Timothy and Samuel had looks of terror on their faces. Beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.Derrick looked arrogant as he glared at Austin in disdain.Cecily felt her vision turning black. She couldn't help but shudder.Her parents were pissed, and Austin's first meeting with her parents was completely ruined!What would happen between her and Austin in the future?Cecily was hesitant as she slowly said, "Austin…"She had just spoken up when Austin suddenly smiled. He had a radiant smile on his face.However, he was suppressing the intense emotions in his heart.Ezra was the one who gave Austin the painting, and Austin was very sure that Ezra wouldn't try to deceive anyone with a fake painting.Even if this painting was meant for Timothy in the first place, it couldn't have been fake.Austin was more upset about Derrick's attitude. He only gave the painting a quick glance before claiming that the
They were all old friends and prominent figures in their own fields. So, of course, they had quite the temper.They would usually chat and laugh, but if they really start a fight with each other, no one would give in!Samuel's eyes were red as he shouted through gritted teeth, "You're a mule who can't appreciate kindness. Would I be afraid of you if we got into a fight? If I lose, I can just heal myself, but if you lose, you have to beg me to heal you!""You…" Derrick's face turned red as fury raged within him.In an instant, it felt like they were on the verge of a brawl.Edward had a shocked look on his face, and he couldn't understand what was going on.Why were his old friends suddenly fighting each other?Just then, Timothy stepped forward. He looked at Derrick with the same look of exasperation. "Derrick, you've made a real mistake this time. Samuel was right to have scolded you!""Timothy, why are you…"Derrick's expression froze, and he looked extremely bewildered.Bu
Derrick shuddered. There was a complicated expression on his face.He was a master of paintings, and he was quite influential in his field.He had his pride and dignity.Even when he was overseas, he was respected and admired by all.At his level, he rarely had to apologize anymore, let alone to someone younger than him.When Samuel saw Derrick standing there, unmoving, he was extremely furious. "You stubborn mule, are you doubting me or Timothy?"Timothy sighed. "Just go. It won't be embarrassing."Austin was the biological son of the head of the Campbell family, who would ignore the family rules for Austin's sake. Of course, he was qualified to receive a humble apology from a master of paintings.Derrick's gaze suddenly darkened.He could ignore Samuel's advice, but now, even Timothy was saying the same thing.No matter how stubborn he was, he knew then that something was off!Taking a deep breath, Derrick strode outside."Dad, Mom, I'll get Austin to come back!"Cecily
Rachel said angrily, "Are you going to just sit by and watch as Cecily gets caught in the middle? You're her dad, so why can't you care about your daughter at crucial times like this?""Alright." Edward sighed, half-agreeing to it. He said slowly, "But if we spend a few more days here, we'll have to delay our meeting with the Campbells again."When he said that, his expression was filled with exasperation."I know that you want to borrow the influence of the Campbells so that you can achieve greater things. I agree with you, and I support you wholeheartedly."Rachel's voice was gentle, and her gaze was filled with tenderness. "But Edward, Cecily is our only daughter. You've already achieved many things other people can only dream of. It'll be fine as long as we have enough money to spare. Cecily's happiness is our biggest goal right now!""But…" Edward tried to argue."I don't want Cecily to miss a wonderful relationship just because of our mistakes. Setting aside Austin's backgr