"You brat, it's been quite some time since you last came to see me. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten this old man entirely."
As Chen Yi settled into his seat, the old master feigned an expression of displeasure.
Chen Yi knew Old Master Han was only teasing him, but upon reflection, he realized it truly had been a long time since his last visit. Feeling a pang of guilt, he said, "I've just been busy lately and couldn't find the time. But look, the moment I came across something interesting, I immediately thought of you and brought it over."
The moment he had laid eyes on the dzi bead, he had thought of the old master.
Old Master Han's life was marked by the misfortunes of "widowhood" and "solitude," and his health had been failing in his later years. This dzi bead, believed to restore the body's vital functions, alleviate suffering, and ward off calamities, was something that could be of great benefit to him.
Sitting nearby, Feng Kun glanced at the item Chen Yi produced, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
His family had made its fortune in real estate, riding the wave of the booming market in recent years. They had quickly risen to become one of the prominent family businesses in Quancheng.
However, such rapid success often came with a label—"nouveau riche."
In an effort to shed this unflattering title, Feng Kun worked hard to present himself as a cultured and capable elite.
He donated to charities, dabbled in art and culture, and even attended a few jewelry and jade exhibitions in an attempt to appear refined. He considered himself to have developed a decent eye for such things.
But now, here was a simple black string threaded through a bead—one that was neither translucent nor vibrantly colored, not even comparable to mid-tier jadeite. It didn't look like it was worth much at all, not even packaged properly. To him, it was nothing more than a trinket from a street stall.
Han Wenxue, on the other hand, gazed at the bead bracelet with curiosity.
She had heard her grandfather mention Chen Yi many times while she was in the United States, praising him as extraordinary and highly skilled. Surely, anything he gifted wouldn't be ordinary.
She trusted her grandfather's judgment and character, believing he wouldn't exaggerate. Yet, no matter how she looked at this bracelet, she couldn't see what made it special.
"Grandpa, may I take a look?"
"Oh? Xiaoxue is interested? Well then, take a good look and see if you can figure out what it is," the old master said with a smile as he handed her the bracelet.
The moment Han Wenxue held it in her hands, a strange sensation washed over her—an inexplicable clarity and tranquility. The restlessness she had felt earlier seemed to vanish instantly.
But as for what this item was, she truly had no idea.
"Brother Chen, where did you find this? There are so many counterfeits out there these days—you can't trust those small-time vendors. They'll hype up a worthless stone as if it were imperial jade."
Feng Kun looked at Chen Yi with an air of condescension, feigning concern under the guise of giving advice.
Chen Yi cast a sidelong glance at him, thinking, What did I ever do to you? Just because you're rich, does that mean I'm not allowed to make a fortune too?
Still, given Feng Kun's unclear relationship with Han Wenxue, Chen Yi decided it was best not to provoke him. After all, upsetting Feng Kun might also sour things with the old master. Resigned, he replied, "You're absolutely right, Brother Feng. I'll be more careful in the future."
"When buying gifts, especially for elders, you shouldn't skimp. Always go to reputable stores or major shopping malls. If you end up with a counterfeit, that would be quite unfortunate."
Seeing Chen Yi's seemingly docile response, Feng Kun grew bolder, his words becoming even more pointed, directly insinuating that Chen Yi's gift was a cheap knockoff.
If you want to accuse me of buying a trinket from a street stall to fool the old master, just say it outright. Why beat around the bush?
Chen Yi felt a surge of frustration. He couldn't recall ever offending this guy, so why was he being targeted at every turn? Dressed like a gentleman but speaking so tactlessly—what a fraud.
"It's not about the price; it's the thought that counts. Some things can't be measured in money. Personally, I think this bracelet is quite lovely," Han Wenxue interjected, clearly displeased.
She couldn't stand Feng Kun's constant posturing, always flaunting his wealth and acting superior. Having grown up abroad, her values differed greatly from those of the nouveau riche in China. To her, it wasn't about how expensive something was; it was the sentiment behind it that mattered.
"Xiaoxue, that's not what I meant. I was just looking out for Chen Yi, reminding him not to get scammed in the future," Feng Kun quickly explained, though he stubbornly maintained that the bracelet was a worthless trinket. "My apologies, Chen Yi. I may have been a bit rash earlier. Xiaoxue is right—it's the thought that counts. I'm sure the old master will love it."
Chen Yi stared at Feng Kun's hypocritical expression, barely restraining the urge to leap up and punch him. For the sake of the old master, he forced a polite smile and said, "No problem, Brother Feng. I know you mean well."
"Little junior brother, where did you get this bracelet? I really like it. I don't know why, but just looking at it makes me feel so calm, as if all my troubles never existed. Could you find another one for me? I'll pay you for it."
Han Wenxue held the bracelet up, her attention drawn to the peculiar eye-like patterns on its surface.
"If you like this sort of thing, you could've just told me," Feng Kun interjected, his expression souring. "Last time, I gave you a jade bracelet, but you didn't accept it. I thought you didn't like wearing jewelry."
His tone betrayed his frustration. Over the past few months, he had lavished Han Wenxue with gifts, only to have them all returned without a second thought.
Now, watching her openly request something from someone else in his presence felt like a slap in the face.
Feng Kun prided himself on being able to win over any woman he desired, yet this one—a mere designer—remained so indifferent to his advances. If not for her sensitive identity as an overseas Chinese, which could lead to unnecessary complications, he would've resorted to more forceful means long ago.
Despite his efforts—gifts, clothes, and more—she remained unmoved, returning everything he gave her.
Rumors of his failure to woo her had even spread within their social circle, tarnishing his reputation.
"Hehe, Xiaoxue, don't make things difficult for Chen Yi. This isn't something you can just stumble upon. Sometimes, even money can't buy it," the old master finally spoke, his smile indulgent.
"Really? Is it that valuable?" Han Wenxue asked, surprised. She had assumed, like Feng Kun, that it was just an inexpensive trinket worth a few hundred yuan at most.
"It's not about monetary value—it transcends that. This is a six-eyed dzi bead that has been blessed by a living Buddha. Such items are incredibly rare. For someone who truly appreciates it, they'd pay a million yuan without hesitation."
"A million?"
Han Wenxue nearly dropped the bead in shock, her hand trembling as if it had been burned.
Feng Kun's face was a sight to behold—his eyes widened in disbelief, almost popping out of their sockets.
Just moments ago, he had smugly mocked Chen Yi, basking in his own sense of superiority. But karma had come swiftly.
This seemingly ordinary bead, which he had dismissed as worthless, turned out to be worth a fortune.
Looking at Chen Yi's faintly amused expression, Feng Kun felt an uncontrollable surge of anger.
The sudden ringing of a phone broke the tension, offering Feng Kun a much-needed escape.
He excused himself to take the call, returning moments later with a hint of excitement.
"Xiaoxue, I've got great news. Representatives from Sunshine Real Estate and Sanjian Group will be attending your birthday party tomorrow. I hear they're even bringing projects for you to discuss."
"My birthday party?"
"Oh," Feng Kun slapped his forehead as if he'd forgotten. "Tomorrow's your birthday, isn't it? I've arranged a party for you at the Tang Dynasty Club. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I got too excited and let it slip. This way, you can prepare in advance."
"Feng Kun, don't you think this is a bit presumptuous? Did you even ask for my permission?"
Han Wenxue's tone carried a hint of anger. Feng Kun was like a persistent leech—once attached, impossible to shake off.
She had made it clear multiple times that they weren't compatible and that she had no feelings for him, urging him to stop wasting his time.
But he refused to listen, continuing to pull these tired, outdated moves he thought were clever.
"I only did it for your benefit," Feng Kun said, offering what he thought was an irrefutable reason. "Your design work recently won a gold medal, and my friends are eager to meet you. Some are even bringing projects for you to design. This could be a great opportunity for your career."
The rationale seemed to strike a chord with Han Wenxue. Having recently graduated, she had gained sudden fame for her award-winning landscape design for a real estate project. However, some in the industry attributed her success to luck, doubting her capabilities as a fresh graduate.
This was a critical time for her to prove herself with new projects and solidify her reputation.
"Xiaoxue, focus on your career for now," the old master advised, puffing on his cigarette.
Feng Kun seized the opportunity to chime in, "Exactly. Grandpa's right. You can always have fun later. I can arrange something for you anytime."
"Alright, I'll listen to Grandpa," Han Wenxue finally relented, her expression softening into a radiant smile.
She turned to Chen Yi and said, "Junior brother, tomorrow's my birthday. You must come! Otherwise, I won't be happy. And don't forget to bring a gift."
Why am I involved in this? And now I have to prepare a gift? Chen Yi inwardly wailed.
Before he could respond, Feng Kun interjected, "Xiaoxue, don't trouble Chen Yi. He's busy, and besides, everyone at the party will be from our circle. He might feel out of place."
Feng Kun couldn't allow Chen Yi to attend. He had already planned to make his move on Han Wenxue at the party, and Chen Yi's presence would only ruin things.
Turning to Chen Yi, he added, "Brother Chen, if you're busy, just focus on your work. I'll take care of Xiaoxue."
Chen Yi was thoroughly annoyed. Who are you to decide whether I go or not?
Feigning innocence, he replied, "Brother Feng, I'm free tomorrow. Xiaoxue's birthday is important—I'd clear my schedule for it. Besides, it's a chance to meet some big names in your circle. I could learn a thing or two."
Feng Kun was speechless. He had made his point as clear as possible, yet Chen Yi still didn't get it.
"You're really free?"
"Absolutely."
"But our circle is mostly real estate professionals. What would a fortune-teller do there? Won't you be bored?"
"Not at all! If I get bored, I'll just eat. The Tang Dynasty Club must have amazing food, right?" Chen Yi exaggeratedly swallowed, looking as foolish as possible.
Feng Kun clenched his fists, barely restraining his anger. He quickly found an excuse to leave, fearing that if he stayed any longer, he might lose control and punch Chen Yi.