Shopkeeper Lin had spent the better part of his life working in the Wen Family’s jewelry shop, rising from an assistant to his current position. In addition to favor from his superiors, his own cleverness, eloquent speech, and sharpness in assessing the value of things played a role.
Yet he suddenly discovered that his sharpness wasn’t as keen as before. From the earlier gamble on the stone to now, he had not fully discerned what made Wufu stand out. If anything struck him, it was that the girl was young, but extremely confident.
But that didn’t necessarily mean she was immensely talented; however, Fourth Young Master Wen insisted she was skilled?
His years as a shopkeeper had instilled in him an invaluable motto—to never be ashamed to seek knowledge from anyone.
"Fourth Young Master, is that girl truly that remarkable?" Shopkeeper Lin asked cautiously.
Fourth Young Master Wen said, "On the day of the stone betting, she was confident that the stone contained jade, which is why she started by betting on her own victory. For someone so young to be that certain, she was either bluffing, hoping to luck out, or she truly had the ability, and the result..."
With his face burning with embarrassment, Shopkeeper Lin instinctively knelt down, "It’s my lack of insight that has tarnished the reputation of Hundred Treasures Silver Building."
"Stand up. This isn’t largely your fault, Mr. Lin has already judged, and it’s not too much to think you might have had preconceived notions," Wen Congrui said, giving him a glance.
Shopkeeper Lin stood up, but his expression didn’t relax. Instead, he grew even more respectful and cautious than before.
Because that day, they owed it to the Young Master’s idea of feigning ’an eye disease’ for Mr. Lin to save some face for the shop.
"There are some people, young though they may be, whose intelligence is nearly bewitching. A young girl was able to identify jade and even refused your offer to buy it. Now she has personally carved it to sell to you. Even if she is not a great talent, she is at least decisive. Even assuming her talents are a bit exaggerated, don’t forget, Shopkeeper Lin, she hasn’t even reached the age of marriage," Wen Congrui said while caressing the hairpin.
Shopkeeper Lin felt a chill in his heart.
"Youth is an asset that can unleash endless possibilities. First, she has the foundation; give her some time, and who knows if there might emerge another Mr. Lin?" Wen Congrui smiled, set aside the hairpin, and continued, "Moreover, these small ornaments she made are quite unique, breaking away from the conventional. They will likely be more popular with the younger customers. If she can craft small items with such finesse, I’m really curious to see how she handles larger pieces."
"Having received appreciation from the Fourth Young Master, that girl is indeed fortunate." Hearing the words of the Fourth Young Master Wen, Shopkeeper Lin was deeply impressed by his far-sightedness, thoughtfulness, and, of course, he offered some flattery.
"It is said that Chengdu Prefecture is a place of outstanding talents and spiritual land. Who would have thought that even a small town would have such a spirited individual, intriguing," Wen Congrui said. "If she is unwilling, Shopkeeper Lin, don’t underestimate her. If you meet her later, try to win her over."
"Yes! That one mentioned signing an exclusive deal with her. I’ve been thinking, perhaps this could be a starting point, to give her abilities a try?" Shopkeeper Lin ventured.
"That could work. Whether she is a worm or a dragon, we’ll know once we see," agreed Wen Congrui.
With his approval, Shopkeeper Lin’s face lit up with joy. Then he added, "But what about on Mr. Lin’s side?"
Wen Congrui lowered his eyelids, "As they say, the new waves of the Yangtze River push forward the old ones; talent emerges generation after generation—there’s nothing to say about that. The old master is a great master of his generation and has several disciples. He should have the magnanimity to accommodate others. Besides, is the master afraid of a little girl?"
Shopkeeper Lin nodded in agreement, but in his heart he thought, it was precisely because of such a master that they were upstaged by a little girl. No wonder the Young Master’s tone carried a trace of disdain.