"Now, I formally announce, the Yuyuanzhai exhibition, begins!" An Yiqing’s voice was gentle, yet it carried a shocking power, "Please move to the exhibition hall and enjoy to your heart’s content!"
Following her lead, under the guidance of the receptionist, the guests entered the venue in an orderly fashion, soon giving rise to a series of exclamations of amazement.
"Miss, it sounds exhibition is quite a success," Zhang Yuksheng, his face glowing with pleasure, said happily. "I bet, the moment everyone stepped through the door, they were astounded by your grand gestures!"
Zhang Yuksheng was right; as soon as all the attendees walked through the main entrance of the exhibition hall, they were amazed by a small hill of Glass-type Imperial Green jade placed right in the center of the hall!
This piece of jade was more than one meter high and eighty centimeters wide. Untouched by any sculptor’s hand, its form was natural, with sharp, clear edges, dripping with verdant color, its texture fine, and its hue crystal clear.
As they entered, guests were immediately struck by the giant Emperor Green jade casually laid upon an Eight Immortals Table! They approached it, their eyes wide and unblinking as they stared at the rich green.
While the shock here had yet to subside, another group nearby let out another burst of exclamations.
"This is Glass Type Blue Elf! It’s so beautiful! How much is this Blue Elf? Is it for sale? I must buy it! It’s just too beautiful!"
"Look at this one, it’s yellow jadeite! Glass type! It’s so lovely!"
In the hall, the exclamations were incessant, with some older jadeite enthusiasts unable to contain their excitement, requiring assistance to sit down and rest. Fortunately, An Yiqing had been thoughtful enough to place pots of Condense Spirit tea on the tables in every resting area. She had specially brewed the tea with medicinal herbs to prevent some of the elderly from getting overly excited.
Zhang Yuksheng chuckled as he looked at the few elderly scholars sitting in the resting area, their faces flushed and panting with excitement, and he couldn’t help but shake his head, greatly admiring An Yiqing’s foresight.
Exclamations rippled through the exhibition hall, while outside, An Yiqing, who had just stepped down from the podium, was quickly surrounded by a crowd.
"Girl Qing, long time no see! Hahaha! I didn’t expect that after I’ve been away for over a month, you’d have come up with something new! Really impressive, such an achievement in youth!"
An Yiqing looked up and her face lit up with joy as she quickly went over.
"Grandpa Duan, how have you been? Your complexion looks much improved," she said as she reached out to gently check Duan Jingning’s pulse, thoroughly examining him. "The recovery’s not bad; in a few months, your dryness syndrome should be almost cured. Grandpa Duan, you must keep it up, follow the prescription I gave you, and I guarantee the medicine will cure the illness."
The soft greeting and concern from An Yiqing brought immense comfort to Duan Jingning who laughed heartily and nodded.
"All right! Grandpa Duan will definitely listen to you! Xiao Qing, this exhibition of yours is really something. Old Ma was so anxious he didn’t even greet anyone before rushing in to join the crowd," he said.
An Yiqing’s eyes widened, her expression joyful, "Old Ma came as well?"
"Would he miss a Yuyuanzhai exhibition, being so passionate about jade? He’s already inside; it’ll probably be a while before he comes out again!" Duan Jingning said, shaking his head helplessly and jokingly adding, "Girl Qing, go on with your work—I’m itching to get a good look myself. Haha, I’m off!"
Duan Jingning, with a wave of his hand, sauntered into the exhibition hall.
Having concluded her conversation with Duan Jingning, An Yiqing turned her head and caught sight of Gu Yelin, Bai Yiming, and Duan Tang. Her expression froze for a moment, then she flashed a radiant smile, making their hearts thud uncontrollably.
Taking a step forward, An Yiqing was about to turn and walk towards Gu Yelin when suddenly a voice rang out from behind her.