0014 : Look out
I apologize if it seems that way. Let me rephrase parts of the text to maintain the word count while enhancing clarity and style:
Bai Yusheng, once carefree, donned pure white attire despite his advanced age. However, a sigh now escaped him, as if regretting the failure to secure the collaboration of the young sculptor or unintentionally provoking conflict.
Without delay, Boss Bai briskly departed, showcasing his robust health. Meanwhile, Xue Yang cradled Song Yu in his arms until the late hours. Despite her initial tears, she eventually succumbed to sleep on his shoulder.
The Lady Boss, burdened by the shop's responsibilities and peer ostracism, revealed a vulnerability to Xue Yang rarely seen by others. The strong woman exhibited a more youthful demeanor, a stark contrast to her usual facade. Post-incident, an unspoken understanding developed between Xue Yang and the Lady Boss, and the matter was left undiscussed.
When Boss Bai presented a high-grade jade stone one day, memories of their past encounter resurfaced. Xue Yang, donning a friendly smile, extended a welcoming hand while a purple ball in his pocket exhibited eagerness toward the item in Boss Bai's possession.
As the Little rat signaled the item's value, Boss Bai explained that the partially carved piece was the work of a paralyzed elderly craftsman. Eager to continue the carving, Xue Yang inquired about the jade's backstory. Boss Bai vaguely mentioned that the craftsman had cautioned against exposing it to strong light but provided no further details.
Attempting a friendly handshake, Xue Yang encountered an unexpected reaction from the purple ball, indicating the item's significance. He casually dismissed it as a mischievous pet mouse reacting to strangers, concealing its unusual sensitivity to valuable items.
Upon inspecting the box's contents, Xue Yang's interest heightened, realizing the craftsmanship's potential. Boss Bai, however, shared ambiguous details about the elderly craftsman's intentions before his paralysis, leaving a mysterious aura around the jade.
Determined to unravel the jade's secrets, Xue Yang, aware of its potential spiritual properties, withdrew to his dark room for a closer inspection. The Little rat, adhering to their agreement, refrained from approaching the carving, focused on its reward of leftover carving material.
Within the metal box, a wooden box concealed a jade box, intriguing Xue Yang further. However, upon opening the jade box and catching a glimpse, he hastily closed it, revealing an intense reaction. The Little rat, visibly disappointed, faced rejection as Xue Yang pocketed it and hurriedly left the room.
Xue Yang, perspiring and visibly disturbed, recounted the skull carved from high-quality white jade, emphasizing the incomplete state of the carving. Song Yu, shocked by the revelation, suggested returning it to Boss Bai to avoid potential risks.
Despite her suggestion, Xue Yang refused. Viewing it as a challenge, completing the task not only promised payment but also the opportunity to understand the enigmatic jade statue.
Intrigued by the mystery, Xue Yang inquired about the shop's available funds, receiving a confident response of one million one hundred twelve thousand. With half a million in hand, he embarked on a shopping spree in the Jade Market.
As a local celebrity, Xue Yang navigated the market, attracting attention from eager shop owners. Undeterred by their squabble for his attention, he focused on purchasing a large crystal for seven hundred thousand. Swiftly completing his mission, Xue Yang returned within half an hour, the newly acquired crystal in tow.