Chapter 44: Jade Appraisal
"If you’re interested in jade, you can start learning from the quality of the jade stones. For example, this book might suit you!" Li Hongliang grabbed a book from the corner of the shelf with a not-so-pretty cover and handed it to Chen Tianlong.
Chen Tianlong quickly took it and saw that it was a copy of "Basic Jade Knowledge".
"Young man, trust me, you won’t go wrong. Hold onto this book and read it through. You’ll definitely gain some insight into jade stones."
"Thank you, Elder Li," Chen Tianlong said respectfully.
"Haha, you’re welcome. Your interest in jade appraisal is quite rare, which also shows our fate. If you want to learn more about jade appraisal in the future, feel free to come to me." After saying this, Elder Li returned to his seat and started chatting with Lin Wushuang.
Initially, Lin Wushuang was a bit angry. She was having a good conversation with Li Hongliang, but he got distracted by that, drawing others’ attention.
However, seeing Chen Tianlong seemingly asking questions earnestly, she couldn’t help but look at him differently. Who knew this guy was so studious?
While the two chatted, Chen Tianlong focused on the book and read it very quickly. By the time Lin Wushuang and Li Hongliang finished their conversation, Chen Tianlong had finished reading the book.
As they prepared to eat, Chen Tianlong placed the book on the table. Seeing this, Li Hongliang asked puzzledly, "Young man, if you like it, you can take it home to read."
"Sir, I already finished reading it," Chen Tianlong said lightly.
"What?"
Li Hongliang was startled, thinking Chen Tianlong was pulling his leg. After a slight pause, he laughed, "Haha, young man, if you don’t like it, I wouldn’t mind. Actually, many young people can’t finish it."
"No, really sir, I finished reading it. If you don’t believe me, I can tell you about it..."
In the following five minutes, Chen Tianlong eloquently recounted the contents of the book and even offered several insights, leaving the two present wide-eyed, as if they’d seen a ghost.
"Did you... really finish it?" Taking a deep breath, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Li Hongliang asked again.
"Yes, sir, why would I lie to you?" Chen Tianlong chuckled bitterly, realizing his impressive performance aroused suspicion.
"Haha, who knew, you’re a prodigy. Not bad, not bad." Li Hongliang patted Chen Tianlong’s shoulder, suddenly picking something off the table and handing it to Chen Tianlong, "This is my business card, with my phone number inside. Come visit whenever you can; I quite like you."
"Sure, definitely." Chen Tianlong quickly accepted the card, looking at the elderly man’s kindly face.
A few minutes later, dinner started. During this time, nothing special happened. Elder Li was recovering from an illness, so drinking was inappropriate, and everyone cooperated well, just having meals and drinking soup.
The meal lasted about half an hour, and by that time, it was gradually getting dark. Considering driving in the evening, Elder Li didn’t keep the two any longer.
After leaving Li Hongliang’s home, Lin Wushuang, in the passenger seat, kept looking at Chen Tianlong, wanting to speak but stopping. Chen Tianlong finally couldn’t hold back and asked, "Miss, you’re not really falling for me, are you? No need to sneak peeks, just tell me, and I’ll turn my face for you to look all you want!"
"Go to hell!"
Lin Wushuang glared at Chen Tianlong. She initially admired his amazing performance, but it had disappeared entirely by now.
"Do you know who that older man is?" Lin Wushuang asked lightly.
"I don’t know. Why, is this Li Hongliang very famous?" Chen Tianlong, not being in this industry, naturally hadn’t heard.
"Of course, Li Hongliang is a master in jade carving and also a leading figure in jade appraisal! He serves as an honorary consultant for many jewelry companies!" Lin Wushuang said, "Many companies have tried to invite him several times without success. You should know that any jade stone appraised by him instantly appreciates in value!"
"That amazing!"
Chen Tianlong was very surprised. He didn’t expect to meet such a high-profile person today. "So, Wushuang, Elder Li seems very interested in me and said I could seek his guidance if I don’t understand. Do you think I should look him up in the future?"
"Of course you should. Elder Li rarely invites others on his own initiative, and he doesn’t like formalities. If he says he likes you and wants you to visit often, he must genuinely mean it," Lin Wushuang analyzed, "Kid, I didn’t expect Elder Li to like you."
"Haha, can’t help it. I’m naturally popular, appreciated by flowers and admired by people," Chen Tianlong started to boast again.
In fact, Lin Wushuang also had her own thoughts. If Chen Tianlong really connected with Li Hongliang, it might help her father’s company in the future. She heard their company was also planning to diversify, and if they started a jewelry project, it’d be just perfect.
"Keep bragging, alright, let’s go home," Lin Wushuang said lightly, then closed her eyes to rest.
Chen Tianlong nodded and started to speed up. At this moment, he noticed two black Audi cars in the rear-view mirror.
Actually, once they left Heaven-Gifted Garden, Chen Tianlong had already noticed. With natural vigilance, Chen Tianlong immediately sensed something was off, "Miss, did Elder Li assign you any bodyguards?"
"Nonsense, why would I need bodyguards to go home?" Lin Wushuang replied crossly.
"Hehe, those two cars behind us must’ve been waiting for us for a while," Chen Tianlong said casually, as if those two cars had nothing to do with him.
"Huh?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wushuang glanced back, frowning instantly. She didn’t recognize those two black Audi cars. Hearing what Chen Tianlong said, they must be targeting them.
This scenario reminded Lin Wushuang of her father Lin Batian’s words.
A while ago, Lin Group secured a new project, placing South Sea City in economic tension, with many enterprises eyeing the Li Family’s new project.
Therefore, Lin Batian had warned his daughter to be careful when going out, bringing more bodyguards to avoid being taken advantage of by criminals.
Now, it seemed those two cars behind were likely targeting her.
Thinking about this, Lin Wushuang suddenly felt nervous. Originally an arrogant young lady, she worriedly said, "Chen Tianlong, what should we do? These people might be coming to capture me."
"Haha, you don’t need to do anything, just buckle up your seatbelt properly,"
Chen Tianlong said unhurriedly, appearing exceedingly calm, and from his laugh, you could tell he was composed.
Hearing Chen Tianlong’s words, Lin Wushuang suddenly felt reassured, inexplicably calmed.
"Chen Tianlong, can you handle it? These people might be significant. Be careful," Lin Wushuang reminded.
"A man must never admit to being incapable!" Chen Tianlong suddenly replied.