Wufu was somewhat at a loss. Hadn’t she come to meet Wen Congrui and, incidentally, gain some favor? How had it turned into her representing Hundred Treasures Silver Building at some jade betting contest?
"Jade gambling is just a grand event that occurs every five years in The Capital, but the real competition is a figure-carving contest organized by the president of The Capital’s Jade and Stone Chamber of Commerce. The two are held concurrently, adding to the excitement," Shopkeeper Lin explained to Wufu.
"Hold on, Shopkeeper Lin, you mean to tell me I’m to represent your Silver House in the competition?" Wufu pointed to herself and said, "Shopkeeper Lin, have you mistaken me for someone else?"
Shopkeeper Lin exchanged glances with Wen Congrui before smiling and saying, "We are indeed looking for you, Miss."
Wufu was slightly perplexed, "As far as I’m aware, Hundred Treasures Silver Building is quite renowned and has recruited countless skilled craftsmen, right? Moreover, there is some master. Why turn to me? Shopkeeper Lin, I’m merely a latecomer to the craft, surely not a match for your people."
"Lady Fu, you are too modest. We find your skills impressive and fear that you might be hiding your true abilities. We’ve given much thought to promoting you for this very reason," Shopkeeper Lin said. "Not to conceal the truth from you, Mr. Lin Gonyun is no longer the main carver at our Silver House, he’s now overseeing Thousand Treasures Tower."
Does that mean the master has jumped ship?
Without giving it much thought, Wufu chuckled, "Even without a Lin Gonyun, I’m sure your esteemed house still has many capable hands, doesn’t it?"
In any business, it’s essential to have a marquee name, but those who know the rules never put all their eggs in one basket. After all, if the only basket topples over, won’t all the eggs be ruined?
If Hundred Treasures Silver Building has grown to be a significant establishment, it’s unlikely they’ve relied solely on Lin Gonyun; otherwise, would its operations not have been paralyzed by his departure?
"Indeed, as you’ve said, there are many well-known craftsmen at Hundred Treasures Silver Building, and we’re not short of contestants," Wen Congrui picked up her thread, "But Lady Wufu, don’t you think that a highly reputed establishment, presenting an obscure craftsman who then wins the contest, would make a more extraordinary impression than using those already famous craftsmen?"
If we enter the competition with renowned craftsmen and you with someone unknown, won’t it be all the more satisfying if, by chance, we win?
Wufu’s eyebrows lifted. "So you’re aiming for a major upset!"
Wen Congrui and Shopkeeper Lin looked at each other, puzzled.
Wufu laughed and said, "Lord Wen, Shopkeeper Lin, to aim for an upset, both luck and skill are essential. Are you really willing to gamble? Willing to bet your reputation of Hundred Treasures Silver Building on my dark horse coming out on top?"
She spoke in a confusing manner, and while Shopkeeper Lin was still trying to decipher her words, Wen Congrui, astute as he was, had already guessed her meaning from what she said earlier and later.
"Hundred Treasures Silver Building does not have times where we cannot afford to lose," Wen Congrui stated with an aloof and confident tone.
"But this is a huge gamble. Are you sure you can make this decision, Lord Wen?" Wufu intentionally played down herself, "I fear my limited abilities may not secure a win, and instead, I’ll become a sinner to your esteemed establishment, attracting resentment. Lord, I’m just a poor, powerless farmer’s daughter after all."
Her words were not without the intention to probe. Could Wen Congrui actually make decisions for the entire Wen Family?
If not, and if her involvement caused the ship to sink, and the Wen Family branded her an eternal sinner, what would she do then?
She had no interest in entering a losing business.