Urban Romantic Divine Doctor Chapter 1657 - 1654: Missed the Opportunity

For a considerable while, Ye Qiu maintained a silent observation, albeit surprised by Xu Wendong's skillful drawing of an amulet. Yet, the ingrained stubbornness and deep-seated skepticism she held towards Xu Wendong began to stir like a slumbering venomous snake, slowly awakening and coursing through her heart. In her estimation, the notion that the young and seemingly naive man before her had mastered the intricate and enigmatic art of talismans defied all logic, making it exceedingly difficult to accept at face value. Unable to contain her inner discord any longer, she finally shattered the quiet, her voice laced with challenge: "Stop boasting and making baseless declarations."

"Who can verify if your skill is limited to this single type of amulet? Perhaps your success was merely a stroke of luck; how can you arrogantly proclaim mastery over all talismans?" Her gaze carried a distinct undertone of provocation, seemingly confident that her inquiry would expose flaws in Xu Wendong's claims and reveal him as a fraud.

Xu Wendong subtly turned his head, his gaze, calm and unperturbed, met Ye Qiu's. The depths of his eyes were akin to a vast, clear sea, free from any trace of anger ignited by her interrogation, nor any haste to defend himself or prove his innocence. His voice, smooth and steady, posed a question: "Do I need to prove anything to you?" While devoid of overt hostility, his words carried a subtle, detached air.

Despite Ye Qiu's striking beauty and elegant bearing, truly a sight to behold, Xu Wendong harbored no particularly favorable impression of her. Had it not been for her persistent provocations, he likely wouldn't have even spared her a second glance.

The words struck Ye Qiu like a blow, instant fury flushing her face, transforming it to a pallor akin to paper. As the esteemed young lady of the Ye Family, accustomed to a life of privilege and adoration from her earliest days, she was accustomed to being the center of attention, bathed in admiration. To be so openly disregarded by Xu Wendong in such a public forum was an insult she could scarcely endure. The rage within her burned like an untamed inferno, threatening to consume her reason entirely.

"Let's go!" Xu Wendong, disregarding Ye Qiu completely, turned to Lin Yiren and spoke softly. Lin Yiren responded with a gentle nod, her face alight with a smile of pure happiness and trust.

Gao Cheng chimed in with a kindly tone: "Young friend, might we exchange contact information?" Xu Wendong readily agreed: "Certainly!"

After exchanging their details, Xu Wendong affectionately took Lin Yiren's arm, and the couple departed the Talisman Shop side-by-side. Gao Cheng remained within the shop, observing their retreating figures before turning to Ye Qiu, a faint, rueful smile gracing his lips. He sighed with a sense of helplessness, stating, "Miss Ye, while I am unaware of any specific grievance you may hold against that young man, based on my years of experience and discernment, your conduct today was, to say the least, rather inappropriate."

"You truly ought not to dismiss that young man so readily!" His gaze conveyed a mixture of regret and earnest counsel as he continued, "His evident skill in crafting such remarkable talismans speaks volumes. Within this Antique Street, and indeed throughout the entire Cultivation World, individuals like him, possessing genuine talent and profound knowledge, are exceedingly rare and difficult to encounter."

"Such exceptional individuals, even if we cannot forge strong alliances, should never be casually offended!" He warned, "Otherwise, we risk inviting unforeseen troubles and calamities upon ourselves in the future." However, Ye Qiu seemed unfazed by Gao Cheng's counsel. Her gaze was fixed upon the ten talismans Xu Wendong had previously created, a complex flicker of emotion dancing in her eyes.

After a moment's pause, she finally spoke, "Uncle Gao, I find myself quite intrigued by these amulets. Would you be willing to sell one to me?" Gao Cheng offered a wry, bitter smile and shook his head. As a seasoned businessman, he understood Ye Qiu's intention to profit from reselling the talismans. However, her knowledge of the amulets' cost price placed him in a precarious position. He wished to avoid alienating his business partners by selling at a low price, yet simultaneously, he found it difficult to demand an exorbitant sum due to his long-standing relationship with Ye Qiu's father.

After considerable deliberation, he finally articulated slowly, "Logically, given my enduring close ties with your father, this amulet should ideally be offered at its base cost." He added, "However, this establishment operates through a partnership, and I cannot make such a decision unilaterally; I bear a responsibility to the other shareholders as well."

"Since Miss Ye so admires this amulet, I shall offer one to you at the price of one hundred and twenty thousand," he proposed. "While the price may slightly exceed the original cost, considering its potent capabilities and extreme rarity, it represents a rather equitable valuation." Upon hearing this, Ye Qiu felt a twinge of dissatisfaction regarding the cost, yet she also recognized the difficult circumstances Gao Cheng found himself in.

Clenching her jaw, she readily agreed, "Deal!"

With that said, she then pulled out her phone and swiftly transferred one hundred and twenty thousand.

Once the transaction was finalized, a profound sense of frustration washed over her.

She was acutely aware that she had initially possessed a perfect chance to obtain this valuable talisman from Xu Wendong without spending a single cent.

However, due to her own obstinacy and misguided judgment, that golden opportunity had slipped through her fingers. Now, having to pay a substantial sum, how could she not be filled with regret and vexation?

All she could do was hope that this amulet would indeed offer her protection!

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Following their departure from the Talisman Shop, Xu Wendong and Lin Yiren did not immediately leave Antique Street. Instead, they chose to wander around the area at their own leisure.

Their steps were unhurried, and their gazes swept across the surroundings, filled with a sense of curiosity and exploration.

Eventually, Xu Wendong’s path came to a halt before a jade shop.

This establishment was not particularly large, occupying an area of only about fifty to sixty square meters. Despite its modest size, it exuded an air of refined elegance.

Prominently displayed at the shop’s entrance was a notice announcing, "Flourishing Shop Transfer." The paper, fluttering gently in the breeze, seemed to silently convey the shop’s fate.

"Wendong, you aren’t considering leasing this shop, are you?" Lin Yiren tilted her head, her voice laced with both curiosity and a hint of disbelief. She could clearly discern the intense interest and a certain indescribable anticipation in Xu Wendong’s eyes as he observed the shop.

Xu Wendong offered a slight nod, his reply soft yet firm, carrying a tone of determination: "I’m planning to get involved in something!"

Even though he had returned to Earth, back to this world that felt both familiar and strangely foreign, his inherently restless spirit remained undimmed.

He understood very well that he could not simply pass his days in idleness, content with the gentle affections of his sister-in-law.

After all, as the saying goes, "A tender heart is a hero’s grave." Excessive comfort and indulgence would inevitably weaken one’s resolve and spirit.

Lin Yiren’s curiosity intensified. She blinked, her eyes wide, and inquired, "So, what kind of business are you planning to start after you lease it?"