Chapter 21 (1/2)

Ning Jing’s Tummy

Yong-Le the Great was Zhu Di, a very famous historical figure. The period he ruled in the Ming dynasty was also the most powerful, so it was also known as the ‘Golden Age of Yong-Le’.

However, this was all he knew from the history textbooks. Xia Lei could not even begin to guess at the relation between Emperor Yong-Le and this compass, let alone the application of the compass.

“Master Xia, can you repair this compass?” Huang Wei-Guo’s voice interrupted Xia Lei’s thoughts.

“It will be complicated,” said Xia Lei, “But I can try.”

“This compass is very important and its value is difficult to estimate. I do not want a half-hearted response – I need an exact answer. Master Xia, are you confident?”

Xia Lei wasn’t pressured before but Huang Wei-Guo’s words put a weight on his shoulders. He thought ‘There is no need to emphasise how important this compass is; it must be the only one in the world! It’ll be a disaster if I make a mistake. Should I reject this? Accept it?’

Ning Jing spoke up, “Master Xia, you have to think this through carefully. Miss Long recommended you, so don’t bring her any trouble. If you can, you can. If you can’t, you can’t. We require a 100% guarantee on this matter. 99% is not accepted.”

Xia Lei understood then that he was able to come here all due to Long Bing. Long Bing had recommended him to the people in-charge, Huang Wei-Guo and Ning Jing. They might even have had some guarantee arrangement between the two sides. If he messed things up, Long Bing would most probably have to take responsibility for it.

XIa Lei could not help looking at Long Bing and wondering why she would recommend him.

Long Bing’s face was a mask of cool as always.

“How about this – Master Xia, we will give you half a day to consider it carefully and analyse if it can be done. Give us a reply if you can,” said Ning Jing. It seemed she refused to believe that a person as young as Xia Lei could be so skilled right from the start and was even more doubtful of his ability to repair the compass.

This female Doctor was so unfriendly!

Xia Lei’s gaze turned to Ning Jing. Perhaps it was because he thought her unfriendly that his eye suddenly twitched and Ning Jing’s clothing dissolved like mist. She looked quiet and slim but her body had substance, especially her breasts and buttocks, which gave the impression of firm flesh that was just right and they were fairly seductive. Her buttocks had a patch that looked like a maple leaf in vivid colour and shape but it was not a tattoo – it was a natural birthmark. The special birthmark made an impression on him.

‘So she has a hidden side; you really can’t tell. Who else can see such an interesting birthmark other than me?’ A small smile appeared at the corners of Xia Lei’s mouth. He had used his X-ray vision on her with the intent of punishing her and when that was done, he felt much better.

“What are you smiling at?” Ning Jing asked suspiciously.

Xia Lei stopped using his eye. “Nothing. I feel you do not believe me and I understand your worry. How about this – you can look for some similar parts to let me try my hand and I will accept the job only if you feel I can do it. If you don’t, you can look for someone else to do the job.”

Huang Wei-Guo and Ning Jing exchanged glances, as if communicating with their eyes.

Xia Lei took it in his stride and kept quiet. He had gained an understanding of the situation by now. He surmised that before Long Bing had recommended him, Huang Wei-Guo and Ning Jing had already asked for the most elite Master welders and they had refused. Long Bing had recommended him because he had repaired the key before and that made her more confident of his abilities. However, Huang Wei-Guo and Ning Jing doubted his skill due to his age and were trying to give him the opportunity to back away from the difficulty of the task.

Xia Lei had his own plans. This job would be a troublesome one but it was a great opportunity. Fixing the compass was equal to making a name for himself and he would naturally have customers come to him. If he refused the job, he would lose the opportunity and spoil things for Long Bing and that was why he had already decided to accept the job.

Huang Wei-Guo and Ning Jing seemed to have exchanged opinions via eye contact. Huang Wei-Guo spoke, “Master Xia, we will follow your suggestion. I shall look for a welding machine and some parts for you to give it a try and we shall decide whether we will hand the compass to you for repairs afterwards.”

Xia Lei nodded. “No problem.”

Huang Wei-Guo left the display room and Long Bing walked to Xia Lei’s side. “All good?”

“No problem. Don’t worry,” said Xia Lei.

Long Bing nodded, “Then good. Wait here. I’m going out to make a call.”

“Sure.” Xia Lei escorted Long Bing out with his eyes. Her back was beautiful but he regarded her with great reverence and never had a desire to look at her with his left eye.

Ning Jing walked up to Xia Lei and smiled slightly as she asked, “How old are you, Master Xia?”

Xia Lei looked at her. “Almost 24. You?” He was actually just a little over 23 but for some reason, he told Ning Jing he was older.

“So you’re just 24. I’m two years older than you,” smiled Ning Jing.

A Doctor in the archaeological field at 26 – she was indeed an amazing woman. Unfortunately, it seemed she had spent her youth on studies and work. It was easy to see how naive she was when she revealed her own age since women would usually try to make themselves seem younger than they were.

Xia Lei had no interest in discussing age with her and changed the topic, asking, “Doctor Ning, what is this compass used for?”