Imperial Treasure
Chapter 190 - 143: Jiangnan Misty Rain Ink_2

Chapter 190: Chapter 143: Jiangnan Misty Rain Ink_2

How should I put it, Bai Xiong truly encountered someone like her for the first time.

Elegance, the kind of elegance that flows out of nobility, even the interpersonal dealings in officialdom, much maligned as they were, seemed to be rendered fragrant and profound by her two pieces of ink sticks.

It gave him a genuine feeling of being respected from the bottom of his heart, and his utilitarian intention to help others receded significantly.

It was akin to... the subtle gratitude between gentlemen.

This Sui Yi... is really something!

------

On this side, Li Jingyan had already helped herself to the bag in Sui Yi’s hand, not even waiting for her to refuse, she simply said, "It’s crowded here, carrying this will make you an easy target for pickpockets."

Sui Yi nodded at her words, although she wouldn’t take a few dozen or even a hundred thieves seriously.

She could have placed the two ink sticks inside her bag, but the bag was quite small, and it was a little stretched to put them in. Since Li Jingyan was willing to hold it, she let him.

"What is Elder Tang doing in the gambling stones area? Isn’t he supposed to be presiding over the Classical Chinese Conference?"

"The opening ceremony of the Classical Chinese Conference just ended. The businessmen and celebrities who arrived later are all very interested in gambling stones, hence they all went to the gambling stones area."

Pausing momentarily, Li Jingyan’s expression became somewhat somber, "However, that gambling stones area is indeed huge; many people have gone there. When I arrived, I saw someone buying a stone worth millions to cut, and in the end, they got nothing. Quite a few people seem to be shouting ’nine out of ten buys results in a loss, nine out of ten cuttings are in vain.’"

Seeing that Sui Yi seemed quite interested, and recalling that she had previously bought raw stones and made money from them, Li Jingyan was happy to share his observations with her. As they talked, they walked, passing down one street after another, and soon, they arrived at the gambling stones area.

Indeed, Li Jingyan hadn’t spoken incorrectly; the gambling stones area was no small affair. Two streets had been contracted out, which was exceptionally rare in Nanxun’s history and marked the first time the gambling stones trade had entered the Classical Chinese Conference.

The gamble of becoming rich or poor with a single cut overshadowed much of the scholarly atmosphere.

Indeed, in history, the value of pearls and gems has surpassed that of literary achievements on paper.

This is particularly true for businessmen.

With the area being crowded, Li Jingyan made way upfront, and it took a while before he and Sui Yi were able to approach where Elder Tang was. From 200 meters away, Sui Yi could see Elder Tang and others standing on the steps of a platform, below which was a row of jade cutting machines. Even further down on the ground, many raw stones were laid out, separated into several sections. If it were not for people specifically blocking the perimeter, that area would have already been swamped.

The sound of the machines cutting the rough stones was grating, yet it couldn’t overcome the discussion and shouting of most people.

As soon as Sui Yi approached, Elder Tang beckoned, "Sui Yi, Sui Yi... come over here!"

Zhang Guangbiao was also one of the rough stone merchants, and a good portion of the venue belonged to him, so his words carried a lot of weight. Upon his shout, those responsible for enclosing the area made way for Sui Yi.

Only when Sui Yi walked in did she realize there were quite a few people present.

Needless to say, figures like Elder Han were there. Boss Qian and his family were also present. Of course, Qian Fengling was absent. Among those present were Qian Shuangyu... and a well-dressed young man whose face was full of effortless confidence.

Zhou Ran seemed to have already risen in position.

However, when he turned his head and saw Sui Yi, his expression still stiffened slightly.

Clearly, he wasn’t capable of ignoring or downplaying her presence.

Perhaps for a man, her previous disregard for him was the greatest humiliation.

Sui Yi simply smiled faintly without agreeing or disagreeing,

Elder Han and others were quite welcoming towards Sui Yi, Yu Quan also smiled and nodded at her, but they didn’t speak up much because here...

...there were others.

Sui Yi noticed a group of people in front of Elder Tang and the others, exuding a powerful presence. Whether it was their clothing or the way they stood, they all radiated a sense of haughty arrogance.

If one added the faces of Li Run and Han Yuanchong to this mix, their haughtiness became even more prominent.

Sui Yi was slightly surprised, then her eyes darted away gently.

It’s a small world after all...

--------

Li Run and the others were much more shocked to see Sui Yi than she was to see them. Nonetheless... Li Run was still very pleased.

Because here, it was Qian Quan’s turf, and he was the boss!

"Uncle..." Li Run called out to the man in front of him and said a few words. The man glanced at Li Run and Han Yuanchong before turning his face and looking coldly at Sui Yi.

Was this the person who had meddled with the Han Family and their foundation in Nanxun?

Just a young girl!

At this moment, Sui Yi also heard from Elder Tang about the origins of the other party. The Li Family from the Provincial City wasn’t considered a top-tier wealthy family, but it still ranked fairly well among the middle class with numerous assets. One of them was Li International with a market value of over ten billion, a sizeable company, especially as it dealt in jewelry. They had only today come to Nanxun for a visit.

Moreover, they were related to the Han Family by marriage. Perhaps they were even here for revenge.

In the matter involving the Han Family, Elder Tang, Yu Quan, and other members of the Nanxun Chamber of Commerce had more or less all gotten involved to some extent, and they certainly wouldn’t push all the responsibility onto Sui Yi. Therefore, upon seeing the opposing party arrive, they were as if facing a formidable enemy.

Now, in the gambling stones area, they had been outmaneuvered by the other side.

"Hmm, you’re betting against Li Yuan and his people?" Sui Yi frowned, then looked towards Li Yuan and the others. Li Yuan was Li Run’s uncle.

"Well, there was no helping it; the other side came with the intention of challenging us. We organized the Classical Chinese Conference, and if we did not accept the challenge, it would appear as cowardliness. It would taint the reputation of the conference and cast a shadow over it. The indigenous chamber of commerce would also be ridiculed by them... In any case, the impact would be significant." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)