Chapter 104

C104 – Offending Someone

Initially, Zhang Xiaoloong held a favorable opinion of Shi Yue. She was the first bidder, displaying unwavering enthusiasm. Yet, her repeated calls and evident delight upon his arrival betrayed a genuine fondness for the Four Appearances Divine Orchid.

However, upon hearing her apology, Zhang Xiaoloong recognized his misjudgment.

Her urgency wasn’t about the orchids but about persuading him to attend, diminishing his regard for her. He harbored no inclination to prolong the conversation.

Sensing Zhang Xiaoloong’s discontent, Shi Yue intervened promptly. “Please, allow me a moment. I acknowledge my fault. But our CEO Li holds a genuine interest in these orchids. I trust his valuation. I won’t let you down...”

“I regret, although I trust your words, your CEO Li’s schedule is tight. As I mentioned, mine is as well. Therefore... when your CEO Li can spare the time and sincerity... find me in Qinghe Village.” Zhang Xiaoloong’s tone was brusque.

While Shi Yue might be esteemed by her superior, Zhang Xiaoloong detested such duplicitous conduct.

“Mr. Zhang, can’t you wait briefly? Manager Li’s meeting will conclude in thirty minutes. I’ll inform him of your presence immediately. Trust him...” Shi Yue implored, blocking the doorway with a flushed face and pleading eyes.

Unfortunately, Zhang Xiaoloong remained unmoved. He gently pushed past her, asserting, “Then, in half an hour, please find me in Qinghe Village. It’s advisable to arrange an appointment, as my schedule isn’t always accommodating.”

Watching Zhang Xiaoloong’s retreating form, Shi Yue stomped her heels in frustration.

She hadn’t anticipated encountering such obstinacy. Apologies and appeals to sympathy proved futile. She had almost resorted to flirtation, hoping he’d capitulate, yet all in vain.

He didn’t strike her as affluent, and residing in Qinghe Village suggested he was a farmer. She merely asked for half an hour’s wait. Was it too much to ask for two million yuan of potential gain?

Regret washed over her as she pondered the debacle. How would she explain this to her boss later?

......

Additionally, there existed no mention of the Four Appearances Divine Orchid within historical records. Knowledge of this item was solely derived from the Shennong heritage. Therefore, asserting its lineage from thousands of years past would find no credence.

Chen Zhaomin nodded repeatedly, uncertain if it was due to Zhang Xiaoloong’s words or the orchid itself. “Hmm, I’ve heard that wild orchids with distinctive appearances hold significant value. This one undoubtedly carries considerable worth in my eyes. Why don’t...”

“No,” Chen Yaru interjected, shielding the flower pot with her hands. “This is mine. No one can take it from me!”

This marked Zhang Xiaoloong’s maiden offering of flowers to her, a gesture of great significance. As for its monetary value, such considerations held no weight for her.

Observing his daughter’s reaction, Chen Zhaomin offered an awkward smile. Upon reflection, it made sense. If Zhang Xiaoloong had indeed bestowed upon his daughter an invaluable flower, it signified his esteem for her. Regardless of its value, it warranted acceptance.

“By the way, Xiaoloong, there’s something I’d like to inquire about,” he suddenly remembered. “The last time Young Master Xu presented Yaru with a gift by way of apology, was it genuine jade?”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yaru also recollected the matter. On her recent visits to Qinghe Village, she intended to broach this topic but was thwarted by unforeseen circumstances. Now, she too fixed Zhang Xiaoloong with an eager gaze, seeking clarification.

A few days prior, an old acquaintance of Chen Zhaomin had visited, claiming unequivocally that the “big green goose” transformed by Zhang Xiaoloong was indeed jade. This revelation left father and daughter perplexed.

Uncertain how to respond, Zhang Xiaoloong was saved by Xiao Yu’s timely arrival. “Director Chen, Director Li from Donghua is waiting outside.”

Chen Zhaomin nodded, “Please invite Director Li in.”

“Then I’ll take my leave. I’ll visit Uncle Chen another time,” Zhang Xiaoloong seized the opportunity to depart.

“Ah, Xiaoloong, you’re here too. Excellent,” exclaimed Lee Donghua, intercepting him unexpectedly.

“Me?” Zhang Xiaoloong blinked, then smiled. “What does Uncle Lee need from me?”

“It’s a bit of a situation. Come along, let me fill you in. Uncle Li has stirred up some trouble, and we’re hoping your involvement might help smooth things over,” Lee Donghua explained with a hint of exasperation.