Chapter Forty-Seven: Granting You Due Respect

Qin Feng nodded, feeling a sense of relief in his heart. "You're right. We just have to do our best and leave the rest to time. By the way, how did the auction turn out this time?"

A satisfied smile appeared on Lin Wanting's face. "It was a great success, especially those jade plaques carved by Master Yan—they sold for astronomical prices. Not only did we recover a significant amount of capital, but we also greatly boosted Jade Pavilion's reputation. I believe our business will only get better from here."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's spirits lifted considerably. "That's good to hear. With this, we have more resources to deal with whatever comes our way."

As they spoke, a knock came at the door. Manager Li entered, holding a stack of documents.

"Advisor Qin, President Lin, here is the detailed report from the auction. Please have a look."

Qin Feng took the report, quickly scanning through it before nodding in approval. "Well done. Thank you for your hard work, Manager Li."

Manager Li waved his hand hurriedly. "Not at all, it's all thanks to your and President Lin's efforts."

After Manager Li took his leave, Qin Feng and Lin Wanting continued discussing their plans for the future.

…

The next morning, Qin Feng rose early as usual and drove to Master Yan's studio.

When he arrived, Master Yan was already practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard.

Qin Feng stood quietly to the side, watching until Master Yan finished his set. Then he stepped forward to greet him.

"Good morning, Master."

Master Yan looked at Qin Feng with a genial smile. "Early as always, Xiao Feng. What brings you here to see this old man today?"

Qin Feng scratched his head and grinned. "I just want to learn more from you. Although the auction went well, I realize I still have much to improve."

Master Yan nodded approvingly. "It's good that you're self-aware. In our line of work, one must always keep a heart open to learning. Come inside, I'll teach you some advanced techniques for jade appraisal."

…

Under Master Yan's patient guidance, Qin Feng spent a fulfilling morning. He learned much he had never encountered before, gaining a deeper understanding of both jade appraisal and carving.

After leaving Master Yan's studio, Qin Feng didn't go straight home. Instead, he drove to the jade market, intending to personally select some raw stones in preparation for future business.

Relying on his keen intuition and extensive knowledge, Qin Feng picked out several seemingly ordinary rough stones that actually concealed fine jade within.

Time flew by swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

With the joint efforts of Qin Feng and Lin Wanting, Jade Pavilion's business flourished. However, just as everything seemed to be going smoothly, an unexpected piece of news shattered the calm.

"Qin Feng, have you heard? It seems the Liu family is making a big move."

Lin Wanting walked into Qin Feng's office, her expression grave.

Qin Feng frowned slightly. "What kind of move?"

Lin Wanting handed him a document. "They've announced they'll be hosting an unprecedented jade expo next month, inviting jade merchants and collectors from across the country. It's said they've also invited some renowned foreign jewelers to join."

Qin Feng took the document, scanning it quickly as he pondered the implications. For the Liu family, this expo was a perfect opportunity to showcase their strength. But for Jade Pavilion, it could be a tremendous challenge.

"We can't just sit and wait," Qin Feng said in a deep voice. "We need to come up with a countermeasure."

Lin Wanting nodded in agreement. "You're right. We have to act. But what exactly should we do?"

After a moment's thought, a decisive glint flashed in Qin Feng's eyes. "If they're organizing an expo, then we'll host an even grander Jade Culture Festival! We'll invite not only domestic merchants and collectors but also renowned international jewelers and designers. We'll show everyone that Jade Pavilion is the true leader in this industry!"

Lin Wanting's eyes lit up with delight. "That's an excellent idea! I'll get started on the arrangements right away!"

…

In the days that followed, Qin Feng and Lin Wanting were kept extremely busy. Not only did they have to plan every aspect of the Jade Culture Festival, but they also had to ensure Jade Pavilion's daily operations ran smoothly.

Yet, just as they were in the midst of their preparations, an uninvited guest broke the calm once again.

"Qin Feng, it's been a while." A cold, mocking voice echoed through the hall of Jade Pavilion.

Qin Feng looked up to see Wen Hao entering the store, accompanied by several subordinates. A faint, inscrutable smile played on his lips, making it impossible to guess his true intentions.

"Mr. Wen, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Qin Feng asked coolly.

Wen Hao walked up to Qin Feng, fixing him with a piercing gaze.

"So, I hear you're planning a Jade Culture Festival? Hmph, that's quite an ambitious move," Wen Hao sneered.

Unfazed, Qin Feng retorted, "Why do you say that, Mr. Wen? Do you think we need your approval to host a festival?"

"Of course," Wen Hao replied with contempt. "Who in the entire Daxia jade industry doesn't know the Wen family? Not just your little Jade Pavilion—even the whole industry has to heed our wishes. Now you're defying my orders by organizing this festival? Are you looking for trouble?"

A mocking smile tugged at Qin Feng's lips. "Really, Mr. Wen, aren't you overstepping your bounds? You're not a government official—what does my festival have to do with you?"

"How dare you! Do you know who you're talking to?" Wen Hao barked.

"Just you, Mr. Wen," Qin Feng replied, spreading his hands. "Oh, and by the way—besides being Mr. Wen, I also know you're just the Wen family's illegitimate son. I show you some respect and call you 'Mr. Wen.' If you don't wish to associate with me, that's your choice, but you have no right to storm into my store and threaten me!"

Wen Hao's face darkened, left speechless by Qin Feng's retort.

Qin Feng continued, "I've always conducted myself openly and honestly. If you intend to use force against me, you're welcome to try."

With that, Qin Feng met Wen Hao's gaze directly, his eyes full of defiance.

Wen Hao took a deep breath, gritting his teeth. "Just you wait."

With those words, he turned and left.

Qin Feng scoffed, not taking Wen Hao's threats to heart.

…

That evening, at Jade Pavilion, Qin Feng sat at his desk, poring over documents and reviewing the festival's plans in his mind. Over the past weeks, he and Lin Wanting had invested millions, and finally, everything was ready.