C135 – Why Did You Come Again??
The construction workers were bustling with activity at the site.
Glancing over, Su Ming estimated that the corn would be ready for harvest very soon.
Indeed, the corn had sprouted.
Upon entering the field, he observed that the stalks had reached over two meters in height.
Su Ming faintly recalled the days of his youth when his family lived in poverty.
He remembered cutting the corn, savoring the subtle sweetness in the final segments of the stalks, reminiscent of sugarcane.
To the eye, this corn seemed indistinguishable from any other.
Yet each ear was tightly swathed in its husk, concealing the kernels within.
A sense of anticipation stirred in Su Ming. What wonders might this crop yield?
Lost in thought, Su Ming caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette at the door.
President Chen!
With a warm smile and hands rubbing together, President Chen entered with enthusiasm.
“Mr. Su, I see you’re hard at work.”
Su Ming paused, puzzled.
What brought President Chen here today?
Hadn’t he specifically asked President Chen not to visit?
“President Chen, what brings you here?” Su Ming inquired with a smile.
Anxiety was written all over President Chen’s face.
He knew he should have stayed away today, yet here he was, unannounced and uninvited.
The fear of upsetting Su Ming weighed heavily on him.
“Mr. Zhang, Mr. Su, it’s sweltering outside. Shall we continue our conversation in the car?”
“Sounds good.”
Shortly thereafter, an RV rolled up from a distance, and they climbed aboard one by one.
Zhang Tao grinned, gesturing towards the plump fellow beside him. “This is my friend, Lee Tiankuo, a seasoned pro in the world of antiques. He’s here to lend me a hand with my purchases.”
Lee Tiankuo, a man of few words, simply offered a shy smile and a nod in response.
“And this is my daughter, Zhang Tongtong. I’m afraid I’ve doted on her a bit too much. If she happens to say anything out of turn, please don’t take offense.”
Zhang Tao chuckled.
“Dad!”
Zhang Tongtong’s mood soured at the remark. She pursed her lips and protested, “I’m very well-behaved. Nice to meet you, Mr. Su!”
Su Ming couldn’t help but smile.
One glance at the young woman’s demeanor, and he could tell Zhang Tao’s words were spot on.
Once the introductions were out of the way, Zhang Tao got down to business.
“My father’s 80th birthday is coming up, and he’s always had a passion for antiques.”
“I’m here on a work trip and lost track of time. I’ll be heading back in a few days, and it would be too late to shop for antiques elsewhere.”
“I’ve heard about a famous spot in Eastsea City known for its antiques, so I thought I’d check it out.”
“Su Ming, I’ve been told you’ve accomplished quite a bit in the field of antiques, and I was hoping you could assist me. Would that be possible?”
Zhang Tao’s request was delivered with a pleasant ease.
Su Ming replied, “President Chen might be giving me too much credit. My experience is limited, and I’m not sure how much help I can be.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.”
Zhang Tao let out a hearty laugh.
Su Ming was no stranger to Antique and Jade City.
Legends of his expertise still circulated there.