Chapter 16: Intaglio and Relief Carving

“Will you take a walk with me?” Qin Feng considered for a moment, then agreed, “Alright.”

After hanging up, Qin Feng hailed a taxi toward the city center. Midway, he received a text from Lin Wanting, saying she was already waiting for him downstairs at Jade Pavilion.

Twenty minutes later, Qin Feng arrived outside Jade Pavilion, where he saw Lin Wanting waiting at the entrance.

“Miss Lin!” Qin Feng got out of the car and strode toward her.

“You’re here.” Lin Wanting smiled at him.

Qin Feng nodded and followed behind her, heading into Jade Pavilion together.

“By the way, Miss Lin, what made you suddenly think to call me?” Qin Feng asked curiously. The two of them weren’t exactly close.

“I…” Lin Wanting hesitated, lowering her beautiful face, her demeanor evoking a sense of pity.

Seeing this, Qin Feng paused, then realized he had misspoken.

“Sorry, I was out of line,” he apologized sincerely.

“It’s alright,” Lin Wanting replied, shaking her head. “By the way, do you drink?”

“Ah? I don’t think that’s necessary…” Qin Feng responded, surprised.

“I have a bottle of ’82 Lafite here. We won’t go home until we’re drunk,” Lin Wanting said mischievously, her bright eyes twinkling.

Qin Feng sensed that something must have happened to her, that she was in low spirits, so he didn’t refuse further.

The two entered an upscale restaurant next to Jade Pavilion, requested a luxurious private room, and ordered.

The dishes arrived quickly. Lin Wanting picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of lobster, and placed it delicately between her lips, savoring every bite.

“So delicious!” After finishing the entire plate, she wiped her lips and spoke with heartfelt satisfaction.

Qin Feng smiled and agreed, “It really is good.”

“So, what have you been learning with Master Yan lately?” Lin Wanting looked at Qin Feng with interest.

“Carving,” Qin Feng answered honestly.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanting’s eyes brightened at once. “Do you have any photos?”

Qin Feng was taken aback, then smiled, “I don’t have any photos, but I can describe the piece I finished today. It’s a lotus carved from Qingtian stone.”

A hint of longing flashed in Lin Wanting’s eyes. She gently set down her chopsticks and gestured with her hands. “That sounds beautiful. I’ve always been fascinated by jade carving since I was a child, but never had the chance to study it thoroughly.”

Qin Feng sensed her admiration. “Yes, my master isn’t just highly skilled—he always says that carving is more than just craftsmanship; it’s a cultivation of the soul.”

Lin Wanting nodded thoughtfully, took a sip of red wine, and continued, “Actually, besides chatting, I wanted to ask you for a favor.”

She hesitated, then finally spoke, “I’d like you to represent Jade Pavilion in the upcoming carving competition.”

Qin Feng was slightly taken aback.

“It’s like this…” Lin Wanting took a deep breath and slowly explained the current situation of Jade Pavilion and her hopes for Qin Feng to compete. At last, she added, “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I really have no other option. Please, you must help me.”

Qin Feng fell silent after hearing her request. He understood that Lin Wanting was doing all this for her Jade Pavilion, for a chance to win back her jewelry shop. But he also knew this was a lot to ask.

He didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he lit a cigarette, watching the smoke curl upward as his expression slowly calmed. It wasn’t that he was unwilling, but he’d only just started learning himself.

“Miss Lin, I’ve only just begun studying. This…” Qin Feng hesitated.

“I know this puts you in a difficult position, but—” Lin Wanting’s gaze changed, her tone turning urgent, “As long as you agree, win or lose, you’ll receive half a million.”

Lin Wanting couldn’t help but smile when she heard Qin Feng’s response.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m only saying this because it’s a hassle.”

Though she said so, her expression betrayed her joy, which she could not conceal.

“Thank you.”

Qin Feng simply looked at her, his gaze soft.

After a moment, he suddenly asked, “By the way, Master asked me to go to a carving art exhibition tomorrow. Would you like to come along?”

“An art exhibition?” Lin Wanting’s eyes lit up with excitement, but then a trace of hesitation appeared.

“I wouldn’t want to trouble you. After all, you’re going there to study; it might not be appropriate for me to tag along.”

Qin Feng smiled slightly, as if seeing right through her concerns. “Miss Lin, this exhibition isn’t just a learning opportunity—it’s a perfect chance to broaden your horizons and stay informed about the industry. As the owner of Jade Pavilion, knowing the latest carving techniques and market trends can only benefit your business.”

Lin Wanting was moved by his words. She had managed Jade Pavilion for years, but when it came to the art of carving, she was still an outsider. If she could use this opportunity to deepen her understanding, it would be a rare and valuable experience.

“Alright, I’ll shamelessly go with you then. But let me say first, I’m only there to learn—I won’t be a bother.”

She spoke half-jokingly, half-seriously, her face lit with anticipation.

Qin Feng nodded, feeling a subtle sense of relief. He knew that although Lin Wanting appeared strong, she too had her moments of vulnerability and needed support.

The next morning, sunlight poured through the curtains, lending a gentle warmth to the day. Qin Feng and Lin Wanting met at the entrance of Jade Pavilion as planned, then set out together for the carving art exhibition.

The exhibition was bustling, filled with a dazzling array of carved works that left one’s eyes wandering in wonder. From traditional motifs of dragons and phoenixes, fortune and longevity, to modern abstract art and lifelike portraits, each piece showcased the sculptor’s dedication and talent.

Qin Feng and Lin Wanting made their way through the crowd, pausing from time to time to admire a work or exchange quiet observations.

“Look at this piece—the lines are smooth and natural, the layers distinct, giving it a lively spirit. This combines the techniques of intaglio and relief, requiring great skill to achieve such an effect,” Qin Feng explained, pointing out a particularly exquisite jade carving to Lin Wanting.