Chapter 78 - 78 78 Gu Bai Meets
78: Chapter 78 Gu Bai Meets 78: Chapter 78 Gu Bai Meets An Yiqing’s temperament was naturally gentle, subdued, and her physique was gracefully accentuated in a cheongsam.
Her sleek, black hair was meticulously gathered using a White Jade Hairpin, and her delicate face was free of makeup.
She appeared as though she had stepped out of a painting, slender and demure, lively and beautiful.
“Miss, you’ve arrived?!” Zhang Yuksheng, who had been waiting inside Yuyuanzhai, hurriedly approached the girl upon seeing her.
“How are the preparations?”
“Everything is ready,” Zhang Yuksheng nodded, “The ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at nine o’clock on the dot.”
“Good, go ahead with your work, I’ll have a look around.”
While An Yiqing was the owner of Yuyuanzhai, she had been quite busy recently and, apart from providing the source of the jade for the store, she left all other matters to Zhang Yuksheng’s management.
Today was the first time An Yiqing took a close look at the store’s arrangement.
Zhang Yuksheng’s Zhenbaozhai had previously been tastefully decorated, so even though the name had changed, the interior layout had not been altered much.
In the center of the hall stood the huge, top-grade Emperor Green jade piece that An Yiqing had unraveled, a whole jade formed naturally, untouched by any carving or processing.
As customers stepped into Yuyuanzhai, the first thing that caught their eye was the crystal-clear green, brimming with vitality.
Famous calligraphy and paintings that An Yiqing had once collected adorned the walls of the store, which were also carved with intricate openwork carvings, exuding charm.
The most significant change from the previous Zhenbaozhai was the jade merchandise in the store.
If Zhenbaozhai sold high-quality jade, then Yuyuanzhai had moved up a notch.
“Little girl, congratulations, I wish you a prosperous start!”
An Yiqing had not expected Bai Yiming to be the first to arrive.
Today, Evildoer Bai was once again dressed in a flamboyantly red casual suit, a difficult color which he managed to wear with charm and sophistication.
His thick, black hair had been carefully groomed, the captivating phoenix eyes and the nonchalant smile at the corner of his mouth.
This man had barely walked into the store and already a slew of female staff were swooning.
“Thank you.
I didn’t expect you to arrive so early,” An Yiqing said with a soft smile.
“Of course, I had to come early to your Yuyuanzhai’s opening,” Bai Yiming quirked his mouth, leaning close to An Yiqing’s face, “Little girl, know that you’ve been on my mind!”
Upon hearing this, the corners of An Yiqing’s mouth twitched, and she said helplessly, “Young Master Bai, you’re at it again without your medicine.” She knew better than to trust him!
“Little girl, you’re really breaking my heart.
You should know, I’ve never been so attentive to a woman.
You—”
“Save your tricks for charming women.”
Bai Yiming had not finished speaking when an icy, low voice suddenly sounded at the doorway.
An Yiqing was somewhat surprised to see Gu Yelin at the door, “How come you are here?
Isn’t the base very busy?”
“Your affairs are naturally my concern,” Gu Yelin appeared a bit travel-worn, likely having just rushed over from outside.
He hadn’t even had time to change out of his military uniform.
It was the first time An Yiqing had seen Gu Yelin in military attire.
He was different from his usual self.
Normally, Gu Yelin was arrogant and domineering, like a noble emperor, but in his uniform, he exuded authority and a sense of duty.
“Thank you for coming.” An Yiqing’s heart warmed slightly seeing the man before her looking travel-worn.
“I’ve told you before, there’s no need for thanks between us.”
The tall, imposing figure in deep green moved slowly into the room, bringing with him a chill.
The female staff at Yuyuanzhai couldn’t help but stare at the distinguished, godlike man.
They were amazed at how impressive the men their young boss knew were.
“Lao San, I thought you might not come!” Bai Yiming’s dark pupils flickered as he observed the familiar and tacit connection between the two.
“I would never miss something concerning Qing,” Gu Yelin said, his eyes persistently fixed on the girl before him.
An Yiqing blushed under his gaze and cleared her throat uncomfortably, “Would the two of you please come inside and sit in the guest room?
It’s too noisy outside with all the people.”
Gu Yelin and Bai Yiming followed An Yiqing to the guestroom, a place of tranquility and elegance, separated from the outer hall by a screen.
The chairs and tea tables made of Huanghuali wood were exquisitely carved, and in one corner of the room stood a small-scale artificial mountain, complete with a bridge over a flowing stream, cloud-capped peaks, and a remote atmosphere.
“This is Pre-Rain Longjing Tea I managed to get from my master.
Try it,” An Yiqing brought out the tea set and poured a cup of the fragrant tea for Gu Yelin and Bai Yiming.
“Little girl, this place is quite luxurious.
Even the teacups are made of Emperor Green jade,” Bai Yiming cupped the teacup from the table, gently swirling it in his hands.
Despite his words of amazement, his gaze clearly showed that he was well-accustomed to such luxury.
“Yuyuanzhai deals in jade, so naturally, we must use only the best for our customers.
It shows confidence,” An Yiqing replied with a lazy smile that resembled a relaxed cat, revealing a hint of slyness, “You two sit here for a bit; I’ll go out and take a look.”
As the hostess of the day, she naturally couldn’t be away for too long.
After An Yiqing left, Gu Yelin and Bai Yiming casually sat in their chairs, sipping their tea with eyes lowered, and silence settled in the room for a while.
“Lao San, I haven’t seen you around these past few days.
I thought you were busy with official duties, but it turns out…,” Bai Yiming said softly with a smile, setting down his teacup.
“Matters of personal life are naturally more important than official duties,” Gu Yelin sat unruffled, his words causing Bai Yiming’s eyes to twitch.
“Matters of personal life?
Are you certain?” Bai Yiming’s voice deepened, losing its earlier jest.
“I am certain.
I never joke,” Gu Yelin firmly placed the teacup on the table, his piercing gaze confronting Bai Yiming head-on, his demeanor open and direct.
The room fell silent for a moment, as the eyes of Gu Yelin and Bai Yiming locked in mid-air, shooting sparks, as if crackling with the sound of electricity.
After a pause, Bai Yiming chuckled, “Heh, interesting.
If that’s the case, Lao San, let’s both rely on our own abilities then.”
“If that pleases you, stay away from her.
But if you’re serious, then let’s indeed rely on our own abilities,” Gu Yelin quietly warned Bai Yiming.
“Of course.”
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