SILA 03

Chapter 3

Scheming

Lin Suian returned home and changed into slippers.

The house was lively.

His godfather, Qin You, had brought several people over to play mahjong.

“Godfather.”

Lin Suian called out toward the distance.

But the first person to turn around was not Qin You.

It was another older man.

Lin Suian had seen him a few times before, but they were not familiar.

“Oh, Sui Sui is back.”

Uncle Liu greeted him warmly.

Lin Suian lifted his chin slightly and smiled faintly—

Only to meet the man’s teasing and suggestive gaze.

That gaze made him uncomfortable.

But because the man was his godfather’s friend, Lin Suian could only greet him politely.

“Hello, Uncle Liu.”

At that moment, Qin You spoke up.

“Sui Sui, did Mr. Shi want the painting today?”

He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and blew out a thick cloud of smoke that made Lin Suian’s throat itch.

“Cough… cough…”

After coughing twice, his voice turned a little hoarse.

“Godfather, Mr. Shi bought them. He said he’ll transfer the money to you later.”

Qin You smiled immediately, clearly in a much better mood.

He crushed out the cigarette and looked at Lin Suian.

“Sui Sui is really amazing. You solved a huge problem for your godfather so quickly.”

After hearing that, Lin Suian stammered a little.

“Godfather, I didn’t sell them for much… only this amount.”

He raised his fingers to show the number.

His appearance was harmless and innocent, clean like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

“Oh! I won!”

Qin You did not care about the price at all and continued playing mahjong, completely immersed in the joy of winning.

Uncle Liu laughed loudly beside him.

His old yellowed hands, reeking of cigarettes and alcohol, accidentally hooked around Lin Suian’s fingers and pulled his hand down.

“Sui Sui, look how lucky you are. Your godfather hasn’t won a single round all night, but the moment you came back, he got a winning hand.”

Lin Suian looked awkward.

He slowly tried to pull his hand away, but Uncle Liu tightened his grip even more.

“Fuck, who is it?”

Qin You’s phone suddenly rang.

He cursed impatiently at first, but the moment he saw the caller’s name, his face changed instantly into a smile as he walked to the window to answer it.

Uncle Liu gestured toward the mahjong table.

“Come help your godfather play a round, Sui Sui.”

Lin Suian shook his head.

“Uncle Liu, I don’t know how.”

That only made Uncle Liu more interested.

“If you don’t know, I’ll teach you. Sui Sui is so smart, you’ll learn quickly.”

He forcefully dragged Lin Suian over.

At that moment, Qin You turned around and glanced at Uncle Liu.

Still smiling, he spoke in a calm tone that carried a warning underneath.

“Uncle Liu, don’t corrupt my child.”

Only then did Uncle Liu stop smiling and let go.

Qin You put his phone back into his pocket and walked over to Lin Suian.

“Sui Sui, Mr. Shi said your paintings are very interesting. He appreciates them a lot.”

Lin Suian was overjoyed and suddenly became shy.

“Really?”

Qin You raised his brows.

“Would your godfather lie to you? Tomorrow, go visit Mr. Shi again and paint something for him.”

Lin Suian’s usually pale and sickly face suddenly heated up, red spreading across his cheeks.

Finally—

Someone had recognized his work.

His heart pounded wildly as he answered seriously:

“Okay, Godfather.”

Qin You patted his shoulder and spoke earnestly.

“This Mr. Shi is an important person. If you can become friends with him, your future will really be bright.”