Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1621 - 885: Scam 1 Swipe 2

Yao Yiyao sighed to herself, thinking: ’Well, that’s clearly not mature at all.’

...

While Tongtong and Chuchu were busy cooking inside, Jiang Ning, having nothing particular to occupy his time, dragged his small tea table out to the entrance.

Ordinarily, his lack of assistance might have drawn complaints from the cooks and stirred up domestic friction. However, Tongtong was actually eager for him to stay out of the way, as it gave her the freedom to sneak a few extra portions of ribs.

The afternoon sun was pleasant, and with a steaming cup of tea and a bowl of pistachios, the quiet rural atmosphere felt like a rare, peaceful indulgence.

"This stove is quite a nice find," Yao Yiyao remarked after a quick glance. It was a compact, charcoal-fueled stove with elegant calligraphy painted on its exterior, looking far more refined than the slightly worn-out teapot resting on top.

Jiang Ning offered a casual shrug: "Looks good, right? Picked it up on Taobao for 79 including shipping."

Contrary to Yao Yiyao’s impression of the old-looking teapot, it was actually a precious gift from Ding Shuyan. Rumor had it that the piece was crafted by a renowned master and was worth a small fortune.

Putting its monetary value aside, Jiang Ning simply valued the sentiment behind it. He truly appreciated the regard Ding Shuyan held for him.

Regardless of who had created the vessel, Jiang Ning used it to brew milk tea using leaves harvested from Hu Qi Mountain, mixed with pure mountain spring water and milk from air-freighted cows, producing an aroma that drifted everywhere.

Soon enough, Yao Yiyao was too busy to speak; she was terrified that if she opened her mouth, she wouldn’t be able to hide her drool.

Just then, a black Audi A6 rolled to a stop from the west as several individuals disembarked. The man in the lead was middle-aged with a shiny face and a thick belly that the Ancestor Bird down jacket failed to disguise.

He gestured to the lean man beside him: "After you, Han Ju!"

Han Ju stood nearly 1.8 meters tall, his features striking with slightly curly hair and deep-set eyes that stood out from the crowd.

Han Ju managed a tight smile: "Director Li, you kept insisting that the signature dish here is exceptional. If it doesn’t live up to the hype, you’ll be buying me several extra rounds of drinks!"

Director Li’s oily face beamed with confidence: "Han Ju, I know your preferences perfectly—nothing too greasy or heavy. This spot is famous for a unique mushroom dish that you will never forget once you’ve tried it."

Director Li held a position in the power system, but the man beside him, Han Ju, was a high-ranking city bureau official. Lately, Yuzhou had been aggressively pushing for a regional strategic cooperation, heavily supported by the success of Evergreen Liquid.

A third man in a suit trailed behind them, keeping a respectful distance. Most companies lacked the technical core of Evergreen Liquid and had to rely on aligning with government policy, which naturally placed him lower in the social hierarchy.

As they conversed, they approached the Xue residence and were immediately struck by a rich, intense scent of tea. Han Ju’s gaze darted toward Jiang Ning, who was lounging at the door with his tea.

Director Li looked over as well, looking shocked as he quickly called out: "Yao Yao?"

Yao Yiyao had already noticed them. The man was Li Han’s father, a slick and abrasive character. Though he was known for being shifty and powerful—having served under her grandfather before eventually surpassing him in rank—she didn’t care for him.

Yao Yiyao gave a polite but distant greeting: "Hello, Uncle Li."

Uncle Li squinted to examine the young man sitting with Yao Yiyao while thinking: ’Wait, is Yao Yao seeing someone?’

He kept his suspicions to himself for the moment.

Han Ju, however, drifted closer and caught sight of the purple clay teapot. He was startled: 'It looks... it looks incredibly authentic!'

Throughout his life, his greatest passions had been vegetarian living and collecting fine teaware, which he often flaunted to distinguished visitors.

He once met Lin Han, the general manager of Ancheng Forest Group’s investment in Yuzhou, who shared his obsession and owned pieces like rare Longquan celadon, which had earned her a reputation in An City. When he invited her over once to appraise his collection, she had merely observed the pieces in total silence before walking away without a word.

Since that encounter, Han Ju liked to brag that Lin Han was so stunned by his collection that she was left speechless.

That experience had only bolstered his confidence in his own discernment. Now, looking at this teapot, he was certain: this had to be a genuine piece by Master Gu, one of the Seven Old Masters of Zisha!

This was a true Master Gu work! A craftsman known as an unrivaled antique expert, he lived a disciplined life and turned away countless students, strictly maintaining his standards and rigorous techniques.

Observing the teapot closely, Han Ju saw the delicate, fluid lines and seamless joints that appeared almost organic. It was a masterpiece of charm!

'Genuine! It’s absolutely genuine!' Han Ju’s finger tapped with excitement.

Beside him, Director Li, a man who had clawed his way up to a leadership position, possessed high social intelligence and quickly recognized Han Ju’s sudden fixation on the tea set.

Anticipating his superior’s desires, Director Li smiled brightly: "This stove is quite elegant and possesses a certain classic gravity. Young man, you certainly possess an eye for quality!"

Yao Yiyao felt confused, unable to tell what Uncle Li was plotting.

She knew that her father, an old veteran of the construction industry, had been pushed around by this same man for years.

Jiang Ning laughed: "I picked up this teapot stand at the bird and flower market for just over two thousand!"

Director Li was taken aback. Was this young man living in a simple shack actually that wealthy?

Two thousand for a stand!

Nonetheless, he kept his expression warm and amiable: "You definitely have taste. That price is certainly justified!"

Yao Yiyao was baffled: ’Didn’t he just say he bought it on Taobao for 79 including shipping?’

Director Li added: "If you’re willing to spend that much on a portable stove, you must be a real tea connoisseur!"

He made no move to leave, lingering specifically to keep the conversation going.

After chatting for a while longer, Director Li praised Jiang Ning as a young man of great promise who would surely achieve grand things, before suddenly pivoting the subject: "Look, young man, I’ve taken a genuine liking to your stove. Would you be willing to part with it? Name your price."

Jiang Ning replied instantly: "Five thousand."

Director Li’s expression crumpled in faux agony: "I’m taking a loss here, a serious loss!"

Jiang Ning responded: "It was a lucky find, and there isn’t another one like it."

After some brief haggling, Jiang Ning accepted a transfer of 4000 yuan via WeChat.

Yao Yiyao couldn’t believe her eyes: ’What just happened? A 79-yuan stand sold for 4000?’

To think he’d managed to swindle the cunning Uncle Li, it was unbelievable!

Once he tucked the stand away, Director Li remarked casually: "That teapot sitting there matches it so well. Since I’ve already taken such a loss today, why don’t you just gift me the kettle to complete the set?"

Upon hearing this, Han Ju beamed, clearly impressed by Xiao Li’s slick handling of the situation. He could already visualize showing off the purple clay teapot to his friends.

But Jiang Ning calmly refused: "How could I do that? My teapot is a work by Master Gu, it’s worth a massive amount!"

The statement left Director Li paralyzed, and Han Ju stared in stunned silence.

After a long pause, Director Li asked, voice trembling: "You... you knew the teapot was an antique?"

Jiang Ning replied naturally: "Of course. Why else would I have priced the stand so highly?"

Director Li had assumed the young man was gullible and easy to hoodwink, planning to fleece him of his valuables to curry favor with Han Ju. He felt no remorse, thinking the boy was clearly out of his depth. Who would have guessed that after outfoxing rivals for decades, his own eyes would deceive him so completely!

"Give the money back! Refund it now!"

Director Li, truly pained, rolled up his sleeves and glared, projecting a terrifying surge of authority—the weight of his status was meant to intimidate.

Jiang Ning said icily: "This was a consensual transaction. If you’re looking to back out, I’ll have no choice but to unleash my little dog."

Director Li let out a dark chuckle. Unleash his dog, he says? This kid is actually quite entertaining.

"Xiao Ben," Jiang Ning called out.

Instantly, Xiao Ben came sprinting over from Butcher Zhang’s place next door.

Director Li stared at the massive, fierce Black Back Wolf Dog standing before him, his eyes bulging in disbelief. Are you seriously calling that a little dog?