I'm only five years old, how come I've become the military region's darling?

Xiaochun was completely taken aback and stared blankly at the two people opposite her on the sofa.

An old man and a young man sat opposite him. The younger man was obviously the person Lin Yusen was going to introduce to him, but the old man next to him was unknown.

"Yusen, come in."

Lin Yusen sensed Xiaochun stiffen for a moment, and looked down to ask, "What's wrong?"

Xiaochun suppressed the shock the system had given her, her face beaming with a smile, "No, it's just that this place seems a bit expensive."

Lin Yusen chuckled at the way she pinched her little face.

"We're both just here to freeload."

Xiao Chun laughed out loud, never expecting Lin Yusen to have such a humorous style.

The two went inside, and the middle-aged man sitting on the sofa got up to greet them, "Yusen."

The man looked at the little girl beside him. She had a round face, two little braids, and her eyes were filled with innocent curiosity and restraint.

"Is this the young apprentice you mentioned, Yusen?"

"Not an apprentice, Xiaochun is a professional expert."

The middle-aged man didn't take Lin Yusen's seriousness to heart, as if he was used to it.

"Alright, alright, experts, let's sit down and chat, you big expert and you little expert."

Xiao Chun followed Lin Yusen to her seat. As soon as she sat down, Lin Yusen introduced her, "Xiao Chun, this is He Bingqian."

"Bingqian, this is Xiaochun."

He Bingqian had a smile on his face, but his eyes were indifferent. Clearly, his attitude towards Xiaochun was just a matter of politeness.

As soon as he sat down, Mr. He looked up and his gaze fell on Xiao Chun, sizing her up and down.

"Is this the junior expert you mentioned, Yusen?"

Lin Yusen nodded slightly, clearly showing respect for the elderly man who had spoken: "Grandpa He, this is Xiaochun."

He Bingqian chuckled, "I thought Yusen was exaggerating, but I didn't expect him to be such a little kid. Xiaochun, are you really proficient in ancient painting copying and skull reconstruction? These two skills are difficult for even seasoned professionals to master."

Xiaochun's eyes crinkled into crescents, her expression a mix of sweet shyness and gentle warmth. Her voice was soft and sweet: "Uncle Yusen is exaggerating. I only know a little bit."

"Fur?" Master He raised an eyebrow slightly, speaking casually, "The fur that Yu Sen would specially recommend is probably unmatched by many veteran craftsmen in the industry. May I ask where the young lady studied? I've been in the antique business my whole life, and I might have some connection with your master."

Xiaochun looked at the old man who had asked her the question, and her mind immediately became very tense.

Is he testing her?

The person the system just notified me of was him...

what?

Could things really be such a coincidence?

Xiaochun's mind went through eighteen turns in a single second.

I absolutely cannot give myself away here, but not answering would definitely be bad.

The little guy tilted his head back, looking as adorable as a porcelain doll. "My master is a man of simple tastes, living in seclusion in the mountains year-round. He never engages in worldly affairs or seeks fame within the industry. He rarely shows his face, so my grandfather probably doesn't know him."

A glint flashed in the old man's eyes. "I see. Then I probably don't recognize you. Do you usually live with your father or your mother?"

"Dad."

Xiaochun didn't say much, just stared blankly with an innocent and carefree expression.

"So you usually make a living with your father?"

Xiaochun didn't expect him to keep asking questions, so she nodded. "Dad knows some trades. Wherever there's work, we go. Our master said the more you observe, the more you learn."

Mr. He chuckled, "Haha, that makes sense, but you're just a little girl, and your father is taking you everywhere. That can't go on forever."

"My master said that since I'm young, I should travel around more so that I can learn more about human relationships and avoid being taken advantage of in the future."

He Bingqian laughed when he heard this: "Your master is right, it's good to broaden your horizons."

The atmosphere in the room became strangely awkward for a moment.

Xiao Chun wondered if this Master He suspected her, and felt a little annoyed. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the old man rubbing the edge of his teacup with his fingertips.

The old man sighed, "This young girl reminds me of an old friend I've known for many years."

Xiao Chun's heart tightened slightly, but her face remained calm: "Oh? Was Grandpa's old friend also in this line of work?"

"Yes," Mr. He said with a half-smile, taking a sip of tea. "My old friend is also a master of copying ancient paintings. He also has a daughter who is good at copying paintings. She looks to be about your age. I received two of his paintings a while ago, but I don't know if his daughter was involved."

Xiaochun felt a chill run down her spine, as if she were being stared at by a venomous snake.

Did he recognize himself?

No, that's definitely not it.

This is the first time I've met this person.

So is he blowing himself up?

Xiaochun composed herself, her childlike voice soft and sweet, "Then she's definitely better than me! Grandpa, can you introduce her to me?"

The old man stared at her face for half a second, then leaned back on the sofa. "What a cruel twist of fate. My old friend had an accident a few years ago, and his daughter was taken to the countryside by his family. What a pity."

"That's so pitiful for her. But my master said that talented people will shine no matter where they are, while those like Xiaochun who rely on rote learning will only be able to eat scraps in the future."

"Haha, little girl, you're too modest. I think your master has taught you very well, and you're sure to have a bright future."

If an ordinary person said this, Xiaochun would think it was a good thing, but when this old man said it, Xiaochun felt a chill run down her spine.

He waved his hand sheepishly, "I developed my courage by working with my dad. When you're out doing business, panicking won't help; it'll only make things worse. My master always said I don't have much composure; I just rely on practice to improve."

"Alright, alright, Dad, you've scared the little girl."

"It's my fault, it's my fault. I was just passing by and interrupted your reunion with your old classmate. Young lady, Yusen, I'm so sorry."

Lin Yusen frowned almost imperceptibly. "Grandpa He, you're too kind. Today, I mainly brought Xiaochun here to learn. Bingqian is an expert in this field. If Xiaochun offends anyone, please don't blame him; blame me instead."

Hearing Lin Yusen's words, Grandpa He laughed and said, "Yusen, you've been so polite to me for years. You and Bingqian used to go to school together, and you were much more lively when you came to my house than you are now. Alright, alright, this is your business as young people. As for me, I'm old now, I'm leaving."

Master He stood up, turned his head and smiled without revealing his true feelings, but there was a hint of ruthlessness in his mouth.

"Bingqian, I'm leaving now."

Xiaochun watched the old man leave, feeling uneasy, worried that her exposure would ruin things.