Chapter Fourteen: Apprenticed to Master Yan

As Lin Wanting spoke, her gaze fell upon the Buddha statue beside Master Yan, and she said, "Master Yan is most skilled at sculpting the Bodhisattva Guanyin. His craftsmanship is exquisite, and his sculptures are lifelike, earning him the title of the foremost master in China!"

"Oh?" Qin Feng remarked in surprise. "With such remarkable skill in carving, hasn't anyone apprenticed themselves to Master Yan to learn his art?"

Lin Wanting gave a bitter smile. "You should know Master Yan’s temperament—he favors originality and never took on a disciple."

"Then why would he suddenly want me as his apprentice?" Qin Feng grew even more puzzled.

Hearing their conversation, Master Yan smiled and finally spoke. "I'm old now, and every day is borrowed time. What I desire most at this stage is to nurture a suitable successor."

"Your talent is strong enough to make up for what I lack, and I believe you will surpass me one day."

Though Master Yan’s words were somewhat flattering, they were not without basis. While Qin Feng was not yet as renowned as Master Yan in the world of jade gambling, he had not been tainted by the conventions of society. Moreover, his understanding of jade far exceeded Master Yan’s, making him the ideal heir to his legacy.

"So, what do you say? Are you interested in becoming my apprentice?"

Master Yan's eyes shone brightly as he fixed his gaze on Qin Feng, like a kindly grandfather.

Qin Feng hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised his head to look at Master Yan, speaking solemnly, "Master Yan, to be honest, I’ve already resolved to become your disciple, but..."

"But what?" Master Yan raised his eyebrows and asked.

"I'm just a newcomer in this field," Qin Feng sighed, continuing, "And you are a giant in the world of sculpture. I hardly dare to presume upon your name."

"Haha, no matter, no matter! I understand your situation well, so you need not worry about that," Master Yan waved his hand, indicating Qin Feng should not concern himself. "What you lack most right now is experience. You need only learn from me."

Qin Feng paused briefly, then nodded.

Master Yan was indeed accomplished, and to learn from him was a stroke of fortune.

Seeing Qin Feng finally agree, Master Yan’s face broke into a delighted smile.

He clapped his hands, and someone immediately brought over a chair, placing upon it a set of writing implements.

Once the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were arranged, Master Yan smiled at Qin Feng and said, "Now that you have chosen me as your teacher, our master-disciple relationship is established!"

"Please instruct me, Master!"

Qin Feng nodded, his demeanor reverent, appearing both obedient and thoughtful.

"There are not many rules in my school, but there are some! First, never use your position to bully others; second, never betray the ancestral teachings; third, beware of arrogance and conceit!"

After reciting these three rules, Master Yan paused, then added, "Other than these, any violation discovered will be severely punished!"

"Yes, Master!" Qin Feng earnestly memorized the three precepts.

"In addition, though my school has rules, it does not restrict your freedom. Haste brings no success, so do not pursue speed," Master Yan sighed softly. "Your main task now is to broaden your horizons. Once your mother is settled, come and learn sculpture from me."

Qin Feng nodded, understanding the meaning behind Master Yan’s words.

"Congratulations on gaining a beloved disciple, Master Yan," Lin Wanting said with a bright smile, witnessing the scene. After all, Qin Feng was now the consultant for their Jade Pavilion, and with Master Yan as his teacher, they had forged a valuable connection. In the jade industry, the Jade Pavilion was now assured a place among the top three.

"Alright, girl, do you think I don’t know what you’re planning?" Master Yan chuckled. "You must take good care of little Feng in the future."

Even his way of addressing Qin Feng had changed; without her support, it would be hard for him to thrive in the jade business.

"Of course!" Lin Wanting replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Forging this master-disciple bond with Master Yan would not only be a tremendous help to Qin Feng personally but also pave a bright future for the Jade Pavilion.

Master Yan nodded in satisfaction, a look of approval flashing in his eyes.

"Having a friend like you by his side is little Feng’s good fortune. But remember, true growth comes from his own experience."

"I understand, Master Yan," Lin Wanting answered respectfully, inwardly contemplating how best to plan Qin Feng’s future.

Over the next two days, while Qin Feng was busy with moving and settling matters, he still found time to visit Master Yan’s workshop. Though he could not formally study the technique of carving yet, Master Yan would occasionally explain the foundational theories of sculpture and the essence of jade appraisal, all of which benefited Qin Feng enormously.

The day for his mother’s surgery arrived in the blink of an eye. That morning, sunlight streamed gently through the gap in the curtains, bathing Qin Feng’s face.

He rose early, washed simply, and drove to the hospital.

The air in the hospital was tinged with the faint scent of disinfectant, and the corridors were bustling with people.

Outside the operating room, Qin Feng and Lin Wanting stood side by side, saying nothing.

Lin Wanting gently patted Qin Feng’s shoulder and said softly, "Don’t worry, Aunt will be fine."

Qin Feng gave Lin Wanting a grateful look, a warm current flowing through his heart. At such a pivotal moment, having a friend like her by his side brought him much comfort.

Time passed by the minute, the light above the operating room never dimming.

He closed his eyes and silently prayed for his mother, hoping she would overcome this ordeal and regain her health.

At last, after several hours, the doors to the operating room slowly opened. The doctor emerged, his face weary but filled with relief.

"The surgery was very successful. The patient now needs rest. You may see her, but please keep quiet," he advised.

Qin Feng and Lin Wanting quickly nodded their understanding.

Soon after, the nursing staff wheeled his slumbering mother into the ward.

Qin Feng followed Lin Wanting into the room, his gaze settling on his mother lying in bed, and his nose tingled with emotion.

She was still unconscious, her face bloodless and gaunt.

"By the way, is everything arranged at Jianghai Garden?" Lin Wanting suddenly remembered something and hurriedly asked.

"Yes, almost," Qin Feng replied.

Actually, there wasn’t much to move; most of their belongings were small items, while the furniture was all newly purchased.

Lin Wanting nodded, then said, "I’ll contact the company right away to have everything delivered."

Hearing this, Qin Feng shook his head. "No rush, let’s wait and see—she’ll need some time to recover after leaving the hospital."

Though the operation had been a success, his mother had long missed proper treatment, so full recovery would require extended care.

"Alright, I’ll leave it to you," Lin Wanting agreed.

Qin Feng then sat quietly by his mother’s bedside, keeping her company.