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?
……
Exiting the building, Zhang Xiaoloong made a beeline for Yuanbo Company.
In light of the prior incident, Xiao Yu, stationed at the reception, nearly affixed his photo beside hers. Without delay, she ushered him in to meet Chen Yaru.
“Xiaoloong? Well, I was just thinking of visiting your greenhouse. What a coincidence to find you here,” Chen Zhaomin exclaimed upon spotting him. He promptly greeted him, then gestured towards the woven silk bag with delight. “This must be a treat for Uncle Chen, right? Perfect timing! I’ve missed this dish for the past two days. I can’t wait any longer!”
“Then I’ll bring more next time, or I’ll have a word with Jinshi’s Little Zhang. He can deliver fresh dishes to Uncle Chen daily,” Zhang Xiaoloong suggested, deeming it a viable solution. After all, Zhang Yang had to make the trip daily, saving him a few steps.
“Is that appropriate?” Chen Zhaomin pondered.
Initially, he had tasked Zhang Xiaoloong with delivering the dishes to his daughter merely as a pretext to facilitate their interaction. However, after sampling the dishes last time, he suddenly felt like he had been eating grass for the past few decades.
“Certainly not,” Chen Yaru retorted, rolling her eyes at her father. “Elder Sister Yan went through so much trouble to transport the dishes and even provided one serving every day. Why should I accept them?”
Chuckling sheepishly, Chen Zhaomin abandoned the notion. “Forget it then. Yaru’s right. It’s not appropriate. So… Xiaoloong, if you’re free, drop by more often so Uncle Chen can enjoy more good food.”
“This flower is stunning,” Chen Yaru remarked, spotting the pot of orchids immediately. “Is it for me?”
“If you like it, it’s yours,” Zhang Xiaoloong offered. Initially, he intended to sell the orchid for two million to fix the road, but since she asked, he didn’t hesitate to gift it.
Though he could have sold the Four Appearances Divine Orchid for much more, given its rarity, in his hands, it could be cultivated. As Chen Yaru and the others were the first to assist him, it seemed fitting to express his gratitude this way.
Chen Zhaomin, meanwhile, sensed something extraordinary about the orchids. After scrutinizing them closely, he inquired, surprised, “Xiaoloong, this pot of orchids seems rather special, doesn’t it?”
Not an expert, his intuition suggested the flower was anything but ordinary.
Anything that came from Zhang Xiaoloong’s hands, be it a vegetable or these orchids, was not ordinary!
“I unearthed it from the mountain. I’ve named it Four Appearances Divine Orchid,” Zhang Xiaoloong divulged, refraining from detailing its true value, though it seemed he had an ulterior motive.
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.
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