"So, if you're not going into business, what do you want to do?" Xu Hao asked with some curiosity. He had never noticed anything particularly remarkable about Zhao Feng when they were in university.
Zhao Feng pondered for a moment, looking somewhat sheepish as he said, "Actually, I won't lie to you, I've always been pretty interested in antiques and jade carving. Ugh, I got so excited seeing Old Gu yesterday that I forgot to ask him for some advice on carving techniques!"
Upon hearing Zhao Feng's words, a thought struck Xu Hao. Zhao Feng was actually interested in carving, and Old Gu was in need of a disciple. If he were to match them up, would sparks fly?
Only thing is, Zhao Feng's talent might not be up to Old Gu's standards for now... But Xu Hao glanced at his Dragon Pattern Light and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
But what if Zhao Feng's physique were transformed by him?
It was indeed worth a try. If Zhao Feng truly became Old Gu's disciple, then it would be much easier for him to draw both Old Gu and Zhao Feng into helping Ruyan's jadeite company with their craftsmanship later on.
"Alright, send me the address, I'll come over right now!" Xu Hao agreed promptly!
The Jing'an Grand Hotel also belonged to Wu Corporation. When Xu Hao's Aston Martin arrived at the entrance, the security guards and valets were all on high alert, clearing several parking spaces and guiding Xu Hao to park the car properly.
Standing respectfully in two rows at the entrance, they greeted, "Young Master Xu, welcome to our hotel!"
Lately, Xu Hao's reputation in Jing'an was sky-high, and Wu Zhongcai, the head of Wu Corporation, had insisted that all employees of all their properties were well informed about Xu Hao. They were instructed to treat him with even warmer courtesy than they would their own boss, or else face consequences.
With such orders in place, how could the staff dare not be extremely cautious?
Xu Hao nodded and as he walked inside, the general manager approached respectfully, "Young Master Xu, are you here for a meal, or...?"
Xu Hao waved his hand, "Don't be so nervous, I'm just here to meet a classmate. Carry on with your work. Keep it low-key, understand?"
"Yes, low-key, low-key!" The general manager wiped the sweat from his forehead, thinking to himself how low-key could Xu Hao be arriving in a 47 million dollar sports car. But he quickly scolded the security guards behind him, "That's right, keep it low-key! Did you hear that? Clear off!"
"If Young Master Xu has any requests, just call out, and we'll be at your service immediately!"
Xu Hao nodded and took the elevator to the third floor. As soon as he stepped out, Zhao Feng was waiting there, "I was about to go down and fetch you, Brother Hao, did you get here too fast?"
"Not really. By the way, has the big boss arrived yet?" Xu Hao was more concerned about which significant figure had come this time.
Zhao Feng sighed helplessly, "Not yet. I'll take you to meet my parents first!"
In the VIP room on the third floor, Zhao Feng led Xu Hao inside where a square-faced man in a suit and a beautiful woman with big wavy hair were sitting.
Zhao Feng enthusiastically introduced them, "Mom, Dad, this is my university classmate Xu Hao that I've told you about."
The middle-aged man stood up and shook Xu Hao's hand politely, "I've heard about you from A Feng. It's not easy coming from such a remote mountain area, striving to do well!"
His words were neither commendatory nor pejorative, but seemed to carry a hint of encouragement.
Xu Hao smiled slightly, "Thank you for the encouragement, uncle!"
Since they were Zhao Feng's parents, Xu Hao naturally respected them too.
But Zhao Feng's mother, Li Hong, curled her lips dismissively at Xu Hao, "So this is the 'door-to-door son-in-law' Xu Hao you mentioned? He's not much to look at! A Feng, haven't I told you? Not just any Tom, Dick or Harry can come into our VIP room!"
The disdain in her voice was clear and obvious. Hearing his mother's words, Zhao Feng had trouble maintaining his composure and quickly interrupted Li Hong, "Mom, what are you saying? He's my classmate, my best buddy from university."
Zhao Feng turned to Xu Hao somewhat awkwardly and said, "Sorry about that, Brother Hao. My mom's always been the straightforward type—that's just how she is."
Xu Hao waved his hand dismissively, "It's fine. I am a 'door-to-door son-in-law' after all, and I'm not that handsome, so what Auntie said is true."
Zhao Feng pulled out a chair for Xu Hao to sit, but Li Hong scoffed again, "At least you're self-aware! A Feng, what are you doing? Today we're hoping to entertain a big boss to pave the way for you. Are you planning to let your classmate sit here?"
Zhao Feng looked at his mother, baffled, "Yes, what's wrong with that? Haven't I told you? Brother Hao now knows quite a few powerful big bosses. The big boss you're inviting might even know him." Broughttoyoubythefolksat*.
"Please, what a joke! A mere 'door-to-door son-in-law' from the Liu Family—I've never even seen Liu Ruyan bring him out. And knowing big bosses? Even if he knows them, I doubt those big bosses would recognize him..." Li Hong was about to say more when Zhao Zhengguo, Zhao Feng's father, reached out to pull on her arm, saying, "Li Hong, tone it down, he's still our son's classmate!"
Li Hong shrugged off his hand, "Tone it down? I'll speak my mind! Our A Feng shouldn't associate with these shady types; it'll only bring down his social standing. Enough, stop looking at me like that, it's for your own good. Here's a thousand bucks, take your classmate and order a table next door, my treat!"
While speaking, Li Hong pulled out a stack of red bills from her bag and threw them on the table.
Zhao Feng was so angry his face turned red and his neck bulged, glaring at Li Hong, "Mom, what are you doing? He's my classmate. Why are you looking down on people ?"