Chapter 482 - Gloomy Wood
Upon seeing the four individuals, Su Ming instinctively reached up to pat his forehead in disbelief.
He had hoped to take advantage of the sparse crowd to discreetly sell the two chairs crafted from Gloomy Wood.
However, Lyu Jintao unexpectedly stirred up a fuss. After maintaining a slow and steady tone, his demeanor shifted dramatically at the sight of the Gloomy Wood.
Lyu Jintao had claimed his interest lay solely in the most valuable items at Boss Qian's shop, yet now he was utterly captivated by the two chairs.
He hadn't anticipated the arrival of such a treasure.
They could have conducted the transaction quietly, but now others were aware of the Gloomy Wood chairs.
Boss Qian quickly stepped in, urging, “Boss Lyu, please, take a moment to compose yourself.”
Lyu Jintao managed to regain some composure, swallowing hard before nodding in agreement.
With newfound respect for Su Ming, Lyu Jintao inquired, “May I ask who you are?”
Who else could possess two chairs made of Gloomy Wood?
Boss Qian introduced him, saying, “This is Mr. Su, the gentleman I've mentioned to you before.”
Lyu Jintao eagerly shook hands with Su Ming, exclaiming, “So you're Mr. Su! Truly, you are quite remarkable! Handsome, elegant, and undeniably distinguished. How old are you, if I may ask? Surely you're not over 25. I notice you're not wearing a wedding ring—are you unmarried? I have a daughter who is just 35 this year. She's slightly older than you, but I see that as an advantage. She's quite beautiful. Would you consider meeting her?”
Su Ming paused, sensing that Lyu Jintao had veered off-topic.
He also realized that lately, many seemed eager to set him up with a girlfriend.
Besides, he wasn't inclined to entertain the idea of a 35-year-old woman as his partner.
Su Ming responded, “Boss Lyu, I'm already in a relationship. Let's focus on the matter of the chairs for now.”
“That's too bad. But are you certain you don't want to meet my daughter?”
As Lyu Jintao appeared ready to persist in talking about his daughter, Boss Qian interjected, “Boss Lyu, our primary reason for being here is to examine the merchandise. Mr. Su has other commitments shortly, so perhaps you could take a closer look at these two chairs first.”
Lyu Jintao reluctantly withdrew his eager gaze, accepted a pair of gloves from the side, and cautiously climbed into the carriage. He extended his hand, about to touch the two chairs crafted from Gloomy Wood.
Only Su Ming could command such attention.
“Boss Lyu, you might not get a chance to buy these chairs. You can't touch them.”
“Exactly. We're interested in purchasing them.”
“If you dare touch them, you'll have me to answer to!”
The encircling crowd glared at Lyu Jintao.
Lyu Jintao was taken aback.
He recognized the faces of those speaking.
He had shopped at their stores just yesterday.
Back then, they had been all smiles and respect.
But today, their demeanor toward him had shifted dramatically.
Lyu Jintao protested, “I was the first to spot these chairs.”
“And what of it? Just because you saw them first, does that mean Mr. Su is obliged to sell them only to you?”
“Indeed. The chairs are Mr. Su's property. He decides who he sells them to!”
“Nobody but Mr. Su can touch them!” the crowd proclaimed with fervor.
Su Ming developed a headache upon witnessing the scene. He was encircled once more! His intention had been to discreetly sell the two chairs, yet his plan had come to naught. He mused, “Boss Lyu, I urged you to keep it down. You ignored my advice, and your shouting has whipped up a frenzy. Now everyone's clamoring to purchase them.”
“Has Mr. Su arrived?”
“Where is he?”
“Mr. Su, at last, you're here!”
Just then, several aged voices emerged from nearby. Su Ming glanced over and was utterly taken aback. The throng around him had grown. Some were hobbling, supported by others as they made their way here. Others hobbled over on canes, while some approached in wheelchairs. There were even individuals in hospital gowns, hooked up to IV drips.
Su Ming was overwhelmed by the sight. Incredibly, there was someone being carried in on a hospital bed. He watched as six young men, drenched in sweat, transported an elderly man who lay on the bed, his head wrapped in a bandage that was seeping blood.
Su Ming thought to himself, “Old man, you're in such poor health, you should be resting. This is quite alarming. If the sight of these chairs excites you to the point that your wounds reopen or you pass out, I'll be in deep trouble. And if your relatives come after me, I won't be able to handle the consequences.”