0030 : Fight

In a desolate jade shop tucked away in the corner of the jade market, three men stood. At this moment, the oldest man was engrossed in studying a Buddha's head, examining it meticulously.

Before yesterday's carving, Luo Lao had indeed attempted to carve a Buddha's head based on the jade's appearance. However, he had managed only around ten strokes, failing to outline the figure. Surprisingly, Xue Yang already discerned what he had attempted.

Xue Yang took the Buddha head from Luo Lao's hands and presented it to Boss Bai. Luo Lao stood in utter bewilderment, unsure of what transpired.

Xue Yang chuckled helplessly, saying, "This is Bai Yusheng, the CEO of Jade Life Smoke Company. If you can create something that moves him, your name will undoubtedly become renowned."

Prompted by Xue Yang, Luo Lao finally grasped the significance of the situation; he faced a monumental opportunity.

Xue Yang knew that Boss Bai's inability to recognize Luo Lao's potential stemmed from his lack of expertise in carving. While Boss Bai had appraised more jade carvings than he could count, there existed a considerable generational gap between the sculptures he knew and the intricate carvings of Luo Lao.

Although Boss Bai could gauge the value of the work from the jade carvings, Xue Yang could recognize the Carver's value from the carvings themselves. Despite the skinny old man not being a professional Carver, his skilled techniques and precision went beyond mere simplicity.

Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation, Luo Lao hastily led the group into the inner room. The old mistress, previously vociferous, now remained silent, perhaps subdued by her husband's earlier scolding. Despite being asked to leave, she remained wordless.

Luo Lao ushered the group into his private space and uncovered his discolored bed sheets. On one side of the bed lay a piece of low-quality white jade board. As the sheets lifted, Xue Yang's eyes lit up immediately.

Boss Bai widened his eyes in surprise. The white jade board might be the most valuable item present, yet its inferior quality hinged on others' willingness to acquire it.

Boss Bai knelt down beside the bed, running his hands over the exquisite painting while expressing heartfelt admiration. "It's truly a masterpiece. Every figure is vivid and lifelike, even the flowing water exudes a dynamic essence. Exquisite, it can be deemed perfection."

Only a smile crossed Xue Yang's face in response to Boss Bai's praises. Judging by Luo Lao's technique, it matched the level of this Qing Ming River Diagram.

Xue Yang nodded, acknowledging Luo Lao's slow carving speed. He recognized that despite the slowness, the quality of the works was exceptional, as evident from his defeat the previous day. Yet, as the saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race."

Boss Bai, somewhat excited, proposed, "Old Sir, if I provide you with a superior jade board, do you have the confidence to carve a similar work?"

Luo Lao, smiling innocently, nodded and affirmed, "Of course, there's no issue. I believe I'm not too old, and my skills have matured significantly. Given enough time, I can craft anything."

Xue Yang, understanding each person's strengths, remarked, "Boss Bai, I hope I haven't deceived you this time."

"No, no, no. This old man is a genius; he shouldn't be confined to such surroundings. How about this, old mister, if you agree, you can join my company directly. If you can replicate such works in the company, you'll become our Jade Life Smoke Company's lead Carver."

At this moment, Luo Lao's eyes welled with tears; enduring so many years of hardship was a feeling beyond Xue Yang's understanding.

The old man repeatedly nodded, unable to utter a word. Just as Xue Yang and Boss Bai were about to leave...

Suddenly, a group of people barged into the store, making the already cramped space even more chaotic. Observing the commotion as he exited, Xue Yang frowned and re-entered, eager to comprehend the situation.

To his surprise, this group of people paid no heed and launched a direct assault on him. A hoodlum with red-dyed hair and a fiery disposition shouted, "You old coot, this latrine is already yours; this place is ours now! Get out while you can!"

Enraged, Luo Lao retorted, "Red-hair monster, don't bully me just because you have more people. We live in a country governed by law, and if anyone defies the law, they won't be pardoned. I bought this shop 40 years ago, clearly documented. How can you say it's not mine?"

Unfazed, the red-hair monster laughed loudly. "Old man, old man, I think you've lost your mind. Those black and white words you mentioned? They probably refer to your wife's name on the deed, right?" With that, he produced a yellowed piece of paper resembling an old house deed.

Peering through the door crack, Xue Yang realized it was indeed a room contract. Seeing his familiar room contract, Luo Lao's expression changed drastically. He tried to snatch it, but in terms of speed, he couldn't match his opponent.

"You thieves! You stole my deed! The law won't forgive you! I'm calling the police right now!"

Attempting to escape the crowd, the old man was met with red-hair monster producing a second paper. "Old man, don't rush. Take a look at this." The paper contained transfer procedures for the house deed, with the handprint and signature of Luo Lao's wife.

Luo Lao, understanding the betrayal, bellowed, "Old woman! Get out here now!"

His wife, who had hidden in a secret room, emerged slowly with unsteady steps. Her walking speed seemed even slower at this moment.

Xue Yang maneuvered through the crowd to stand beside Luo Lao. Although Boss Bai wanted to join, his age set him apart from these hooligans.

As the old lady appeared, she hesitated, saying, "Son, if our son doesn't buy a house, his girlfriend will leave. Our son is short on money; we have to support him..."

Luo Lao continued to shout angrily, "Support him? You know how to support him? Back then, I was looking out for you, inscribing your name on the house deed. Look what you've done!"

Red-hair monster, impatient, interjected, "Old fogeys, don't waste our time. Our boss is visiting tomorrow."

Xue Yang, who had been silent, finally spoke, "Every family has an elder whose words are virtuous. Don't let others mock you for your lack of manners."

Red-hair monster laughed, "You still want to reason with me? The old man himself said, 'If someone doesn't comply with the law, the law must deal with them.' What law? Are these two pieces of paper in my hands the law? You know nothing!"

According to the law, this shop is yours, but your people destroyed so many things. Thus,

 you must apologize properly and pay the price." Xue Yang spoke casually, outlining simple requirements: apologize and compensate.

Though it seemed like a sneak attack with a high chance of success, this punch landed directly on Xue Yang's palm, as if striking a rock.

Without waiting for red-hair monster's painful wail, Xue Yang immediately seized his fist and kicked his leg. Xue Yang maintained an innocent expression as he chuckled, "You said it yourself; why should I be courteous to you?"

As red-hair monster grimaced in pain, Xue Yang confiscated the two papers from him. Instantly tearing them to shreds, he scattered the pieces in the air.

The moment red-hair monster fell, the two delinquents at the entrance also collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

Observing the scene, Xue Yang wore a bright smile.