All Good Novel
Chapter 372
Chapter 372 - The Master Xue Zixi Begged for Help
Jiang's father soon arrived at a framing shop, where a middle-aged man was bustling about. They seemed well-acquainted, as Jiang's father greeted him with a warm smile.
“Busy as always, Lao Wang?”
Lao Wang turned to see who it was and, recognizing Jiang's father, stood up with a chuckle.
“Well, if it isn't Old Man Jiang—a sight for sore eyes!”
“What brings you to my humble shop today, Old Man Jiang?”
Jiang's father stepped inside, joining in the banter.
“Can't a man take a stroll without an agenda?”
But Lao Wang's eyes had already caught sight of the calligraphy in Jiang's father's hands.
”Oh, give it a rest!” he said with a knowing grin.
Jiang's father, realizing the jig was up, openly confessed.
“One doesn't visit the Treasure Hall without good reason. I do have a favor to ask of you today.”
He carefully presented the piece of calligraphy.
“Could you frame this for me?”
Lao Wang nonchalantly accepted the scroll from Jiang's father, asking offhandedly,
“Whose masterpiece is this?”
Jiang's father simply smiled.
“That's for me to know.”
As Lao Wang unfurled the scroll, his initial smile faded into a look of astonishment. The characters seemed to dance like dragons across the paper, and to his amazement, they shimmered with a faint white glow. A scent of ink wafted through the air, bringing a sense of peace to his mind. But as quickly as it appeared, the phenomenon vanished.
Lao Wang rubbed his eyes, wondering if he'd imagined it all. Yet, with decades of expertise, he knew this calligraphy was no ordinary piece.
“Old Jiang, there's something special about this piece,” he said, his tone a mix of awe and curiosity.
Jiang's father watched Lao Wang intently, alarmed at his reaction, ready to explain if needed.
“This is surely the work of a master,” Lao Wang continued, “It even possesses a touch of the divine. To call it a timeless treasure wouldn't be an overstatement!”
Lao Wang let out a sigh, and upon hearing it, Jiang's father was reminded of the casual manner in which Jiang Hao had presented him with the calligraphy. He found himself at a loss for words.
Just then, Lao Wang turned to Jiang's father with a solemn expression. “Old Jiang, I won't ask for money for this piece. I'll frame it for you, no charge. Could I possibly borrow it for a few days to admire it?”
Jiang's father was taken aback, meeting Lao Wang's eager gaze. Having known Lao Wang for many years, he found it difficult to refuse. After a moment's consideration, he consented. “Sure, how long would you like to keep it?”
A wave of joy washed over Lao Wang as he nervously awaited Jiang's father's response. “Seven days. I'll start framing it right now. Starting today, is that alright?”
Jiang's father thought it over; seven days didn't seem too long. “Alright, go ahead and frame it. I'll come to pick it up in seven days.”
Meanwhile, Jiang Hao was getting ready to leave to purchase some specialized painting supplies when a knock at the door interrupted him. Opening it, he was surprised to find Xue Zixi standing there.
“Mr. Jiang, I hope I'm not intruding,” she said.
“Not at all, Miss Xue, please come in,” he replied, welcoming her inside.
After Xue Zixi took a seat, Jiang Hao looked at her with concern. “What brings you here, Miss Xue?”
There was a brief silence before Xue Zixi spoke up. “I need your help, Mr. Jiang,” she implored.
Jiang Hao, taken aback, handed her the glass of water he was holding. “What's happened? Tell me more.”
Xue Zixi, appearing worn and weary, began her story. “It all starts with my family, the Xues. We're one of the prominent families in Tianhee City. My grandfather was the head of the family, wielding control over the entire Xue clan.”