Xu Hao said indifferently, "You never really considered Zhao Feng's feelings. Actually, what Zhao Feng likes most is the business of antiques and jade carving. Why can't you respect his wishes? In fact, in the field of antiques appraisal and carving, doing well can earn just as much as your company does in a year, right?"

Xu Hao's point was something Zhao Zhengguo and Li Hong were well aware of. Television often broadcast news about masters like Gu Junyi in appraisal and carving. A single piece of their antique work could sell for tens of millions, while Zhao Feng's entire company didn't make that much in a year.

Zhao Zhengguo sighed deeply, looked at Xu Hao, and said, "Young Master Xu, I know you're right, but our Xiao Feng has limited talent in antiques appraisal and carving, and he couldn't possibly reach that height. Besides, we don't have the connections to meet those carving masters and antiques masters, alas…"

Indeed, becoming a disciple of a master like Old Gu wasn't something money alone could buy, and what Zhao Zhengguo said was also true.

Having heard this, Liu Tianxiong finally understood that Xu Hao was here to persuade Zhao Feng's parents. Liu Tianxiong then chose to remain even more silent, quietly listening by the side.

Xu Hao's mouth twitched slightly, "Becoming a disciple? Then, if I said that I could introduce Master Gu Junyi to take Zhao Feng as his disciple, would you consider respecting Zhao Feng's dreams?"

"Ah, Old Gu taking Xiao Feng as his disciple? You must be joking!" Zhao Zhengguo and Li Hong naturally knew Gu Junyi's reputation; he was a national treasure-level appraisal master. To become his disciple would mean one's life was already half successful.

But becoming Gu Junyi's disciple was as hard as reaching the sky!

Gu Junyi had never taken a disciple for many years, and even the powerful and influential in Yanjing couldn't get him to agree. The name Gu Junyi not only represented experience and skill in antique appraisal but also all his connections and networks.

If Zhao Feng really could become Gu Junyi's disciple, his future would naturally be much better than pursuing a business route.

"Of course, it's no joke! Last night at the charity auction, Zhao Feng and Old Gu had already met, and I even sold a vase for 15 million to Old Gu. By the way, I've already called Old Gu, and he should be here soon. Later, if there's anything, we can discuss it with him in person, how does that sound?"

Xu Hao actually knew Old Gu?

Li Hong and Zhao Zhengguo looked at Xu Hao with renewed admiration, but considering Xu Hao's relationship with Liu Tianxiong, knowing Old Gu wasn't surprising. "Well then, let's talk later!"

Xu Hao nodded, "Uncle, Auntie, no need to be so downhearted. Even if Zhao Feng can't make it in the antiques field, it's alright. At least Zhao Feng will have no regrets, right? Besides, if Zhao Feng wants to return to business, I think I should be able to pave the way for him, don't you think, President Liu?"

Liu Tianxiong hastily responded, "Right, right, right, Young Master Xu's close friend, definitely! And, I, Liu Tianxiong, will naturally give my full help. Not just in Jing'an, even if Brother Zhao wants to expand his businesses to the whole Tiannan Province, I, Mr. Liu, definitely have the clout!"

With everything said and done, and future worries relieved, Zhao Zhengguo and Li Hong had nothing more to say.

In less than 10 minutes, Gu Junyi indeed arrived, and upon seeing Xu Hao, he smiled slightly and said, "Brother Xu, please don't mislead this old man. You said to look with new eyes every three days, let me see how much kid Zhao has actually progressed?"

Xu Hao nodded to Zhao Feng, "Bring out the piece you carved before!"

Zhao Feng somewhat awkwardly presented the statue he had just finished carving to Gu Junyi, "Old Gu, please don't laugh, this is what I just finished carving!"

Old Gu ultimately couldn't help but chuckle upon seeing the statue was of Xu Hao, "You…"

But after a more careful examination of the carving craftsmanship, Old Gu's expression turned more serious, "You're sure this was carved by you?" T%h+i@s^ c%h%apt%e.r* fi#rs+t ap#peare!d on *^.

The blade techniques were clean and precise; the lines were clear and orderly. This was the standard only achievable by a master of decades.

Before Zhang Feng even spoke, Xu Hao spoke from the side, "Old Gu, with such a crucial assessment, we definitely wouldn't deceive you. I can testify that this was indeed carved by Zhao Feng in less than 10 minutes. If you don't believe it, you can find another piece of ancient jade for him to carve on the spot, how about that?"

Xu Hao's suggestion made Old Gu nod silently, "That's a good idea, I happen to have a piece of ancient jade right here. Why don't you immediately carve something for this old man to see?"

Old Gu's face was somewhat flushed. Originally, when he met promising talent like Xu Hao, Gu Junyi had thought he might enlist him as a disciple, but Xu Hao simply didn't have the time. Gu Junyi had been frustrated all night yesterday, and today, upon encountering another prospect almost as good as Xu Hao, Old Gu was naturally excited.

Does this mean his skills would finally be passed on?

The on-site assessment by Gu Junyi wasn't something that could be completed in a short time. There was no point for Liu Tianxiong to stay any longer; he said goodbye to Xu Hao, Zhao Zhengguo, and the others, and then left.

The room was left with only Xu Hao, Zhao Zhengguo, Li Hong, Gu Junyi, and Zhao Feng.

Zhao Feng took out the carving knife he had prepared, hands as fast as lightning, again carving fluidly under Old Gu's instructions… A statue of Buddha was already taking shape, and Gu Junyi's eyes narrowed slightly, his fist clenched tightly…