Chapter 231 An Presumptuous Reques (1/2)
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Most of the so-called bigwigs liked to put on airs. As those who seemingly kept low profiles, were actually proud and aloof in their hearts and souls, and maintained their distance from the ordinary people, all the time. Gongsun was used to this kind of situation, so he knew that if Master Liu was really not at home, the doormen would not have asked whether they had an appointment or not. Consequently, he identified himself, and waited for the doorman's feedback.
Master Liu was having his dinner, which comprised of fruits and vegetarian dishes. Actually, Master Liu did eat meat; however, for the sake of his health, he was on a light and regular diet. After he finished dinner, he would take a stroll in the tea garden of Meijiawu, first. Following that, he would return, read for a while, and then rest.
When he had just put down his chopsticks, the doorman ran in hurriedly and said, “Old Master, some visitors are at the entrance now. They are requesting to see you.”
Master Liu frowned slightly. Obviously, ordinary people would not be able to find this place. If they were his acquaintances, they would usually make an appointment first, and notify him in advance. In that case, the visitors must be strangers. Consequently, Master Liu inquired, “Who are they?”
“They identified themselves as the descendants of the Qin family,” the doorman answered truthfully, in a respectful manner.
When he heard this, Master Liu was taken aback for a moment. Subconsciously, he already knew who the distinguished guest was. The one who identified himself as the descendant of the Qin family, was definitely not Qin Sheng. Moreover, Qin Sheng had just left. If so, there was only one possibility left, namely, the descendant of the Qin family was actually the one mentioned by the Eldest Master of the Chen family.
When he thought of this, Master Liu stood up hurriedly and said, “Show the distinguished guest in quickly. I will be waiting in the living room.”
Firstly, it did not occur to Master Liu that the descendant of the Qin family, whom the Eldest Master of the Chen family had mentioned, had flown to Hangzhou directly, which just showed how important Qin Sheng was. Secondly, he was quite excited because he might discover the meaning of the four Oracle bone scripts this time. It was Master Liu's opinionated belief that the four Oracle bone scripts contained a profound meaning.
At the entrance of the villa, a doorman was standing guard. Qin Changan was still sitting in the car, and had not stepped out yet. Gongsun stood beside the car window and said in a low voice, “This old man is pretty well-known in Yangtze River Delta; however, he is filled with too much worldliness; the ones getting along with him come from all sorts of walks of life, and are complicated and diversified.”
“Speaking of the people who are good in mingling, they are common in every city. Gongsun, since you have been in Sijiu City for a very long time, I advise you not to make light of the masters in other places. Otherwise, you would suffer losses, sooner or later. Though people in Sijiu City have big ideas, sometimes, people who think big are just another kind of “frogs in the well” in a sense,” Qin Changan said, educating him, in a mild way.
Gongsun nodded hurriedly and said, “Master, I will keep what you just said, in mind.”
At this time, the doorman who had left to inform his master, came out. He hurried to Gongsun in big strides and said, “Sorry for keeping you waiting, my distinguished guest. Master Liu is waiting for you.”
“I am not a distinguished guest. It is actually this person,” Gongsun said. He swore secretly, “This Master Liu had just said he was not at home, right? When my Master visited the ones from those distinguished families in Sijiu City, none of them dared to say they were not available. As an ordinary old man in Hangzhou, who is not prestigious at all, you actually dare to put on airs.”
Gongsun opened the car door hurriedly. Getting out slowly from the car, Qin Changan lifted his head and looked around at the surrounding scenery. The gra.s.ses and trees were all green and lush, and there were vast mountains, where the tea trees grew. No wonder, Hangzhou was known for its half mountains and half lakes, and was favored by so many people.
Following the doorman, Qin Changan and Gongsun traversed a narrow path through a long corridor. Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the villa's main hall. Sighing, Gongsun said, “This old man does know how to enjoy himself; this place is indeed nice.”
Qin Changan did not say anything at all. He stepped over the threshold and walked into the main hall. He had already noticed the old man sitting at the position of honor. This must be the Master Liu, whom Chen Luohe had mentioned earlier.
Master Liu stood up and greeted him. Smiling happily, he said, “As the saying goes, it is always a pleasure to greet a friend from afar. So sorry that we have slighted you, distinguished guests. Kindly forgive us. Let's drink some tea now.”
Since Master Liu was very polite, Qin Changan also replied respectfully, “Since we are here without your permission, we hope you don't take it to heart, Master Liu.”
“Since you are the descendant of the Old Master Qin, I will not blame you. Even if you were not here on your own, I might call on you in Sijiu City, after a while.” Since they were both sneaky old foxes who were pretty experienced in this world, the more polite they were to each other, the more prudent and cautious they became.
Qin Changan chuckled. “Master Liu, you are so polite. I am just a secular businessman and I am not a distinguished guest at all, compared to you, whose reputation is well-known all over the south region of the Yangtze River.”
After they were done with exchanging greetings, Master Liu stretched his hands out and said, “Have a seat.”
The host and the guest both took their seats. Gongsun stood by the side of Qin Changan, and the doorman sent the best Longjing tea over.
Master Liu eyed Qin Changan discreetly, keeping his countenance bland. Judging by the man's aura, Master Liu could tell that he was not ordinary at all. Since he was not connected with the circles in Sijiu City, consequently, he did not know how famous Qin Changan was.
“I still don't know who you are, my distinguished guest,” Master Liu asked his guest, as this was what he was concerned about.
Qin Changan replied in a deep voice, “Qin Changan from the Qin family.”
“What is your relations.h.i.+p with Old Master Qin?” Master Liu asked eagerly. He seemed to be impressed with this name, but he could not remember where he had heard it before.
Qin Changan replied determinedly, “He is my father.”
When he heard his reply, Master Liu was instantly dumbfounded. It did not occur to him that Qin Changan would answer so straight-forwardly. He questioned him closely and subconsciously, “Then do you know Qin Sheng?'
“He is my son,” Qin Changan replied.
Since Qin Changan was so straightforward, consequently, Master Liu was a bit at a loss. Gazing at Qin Changan, Master Liu didn't know what he should ask next. The atmosphere became a bit embarra.s.sing, all of a sudden.
“Did the Eldest Master of the Chen family ask you to contact me?” Master Liu asked, thoughtfully; however, it seemed that the Eldest Master of the Chen family had not contacted him at all, which made him feel confused.
Qin Changan smiled faintly and said, “The answer is neither positive nor negative. Chen Luohe did come to me; however, it is my own decision to see you in person.”