Ye Fan nodded in understanding. It was only natural, really. To sell such a treasure to someone who didn't appreciate it would be a complete waste.
"Since you recognize its worth, young man, you may choose any of the brocades here. However, the prices are quite steep. I can offer you a maximum discount of twenty percent."
This was already the greatest concession he could make. After all, a piece of exquisite brocade was worth no less than an antique.
Ye Fan had no objections to this and went downstairs to pay.
Afterward, Shen Tianyin took the premium Suzhou brocade to have a long gown custom-made.
...
After having lunch with Shen Tianyin, Jiang Zhitao called. After telling him his location, Ye Fan apologetically explained to Shen Tianyin.
Shen Tianyin nodded understandingly. "Once the gown is ready, I'll have someone deliver it to you. You don't need to come and pick it up yourself."
Soon, Jiang Zhitao arrived, driving himself. After greeting Shen Tianyin, he left with Ye Fan.
"Brother Ye, your relationship with Miss Shen is so close. It seems becoming the son-in-law of the Shen family is just around the corner."
Jiang Zhitao teased, having seen Ye Fan go to great lengths to help Shen Tianyin several times.
Moreover, with Ye Fan's capabilities, he was indeed a perfect match for Shen Tianyin.
Ye Fan glanced at him indifferently. "Before you have absolute certainty, it's best not to jump to conclusions. Miss Shen and I are merely in a mutually beneficial relationship, not what you imagine. Besides, I've never thought about finding a partner. Don't bring this up again in the future."
Regarding Shen Tianyin, he could only say he felt some affection, but it hadn't reached the level of love.
Furthermore, having lived another life, Ye Fan valued his family even more. Their family's life had only recently improved, and it was still far from what he envisioned. He still needed to work hard for them and didn't have the inclination to consider anything else.
There was also the matter that this would greatly impact Shen Tianyin's reputation. Although living in a new era, Ye Fan's inherent ideas were still quite traditional. He absolutely could not tarnish Shen Tianyin's honor because of himself.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Jiang Zhitao gave an awkward laugh. "Brother Ye, in today's society, people as pure as you are truly rare. To be honest, I've only ever seen such a person in Journey to the West."
If it were anyone else, they would have desperately tried to climb onto the Shen family's grand tree.
But Ye Fan was so stubborn, indifferent to such a rare opportunity. Was this what a truly remarkable person was like?
Truly, the actions of a superior being were profound and unfathomable!
Ye Fan smiled. "I have the ability and the means, so why should I rely on a woman to get ahead? A man should be more resolute."
Ye Fan's words convinced Jiang Zhitao, who couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up. "Impressive."
...
As a prominent family in Jiangcheng, the Jiang residence was naturally grand and magnificent, with a luxurious and high-class villa area.
As they got out of the car, the butler had already come out to greet them.
"I've heard Young Master mention Mr. Ye's name many times. It is my great fortune to meet you today. On behalf of the Old Master, I welcome you, Mr. Ye."
The butler said respectfully.
"Uncle Fu, is everything ready for Grandfather?"
Jiang Zhitao waved his hand and asked.
"Young Master, everything is ready. Please come in, Mr. Ye."
To be a butler in a large family like the Jiangs, one naturally had to be astute. He knew his young master's character better than anyone. The fact that the arrogant young master admired this Mr. Ye so sincerely showed that Mr. Ye was no ordinary person, and he dared not be negligent.
"You are too kind, Old Sir."
Ye Fan replied and then took the lead to walk inside.
The Jiang family's villa was located in a very good area, a place that gathered wind and conserved water. In front of it was a triangular lake, which ingeniously blocked the external road hazards.
Pine trees were planted extensively in the courtyard, with wood generating metal to lock in wealth.
No wonder the Jiang family could stand firm in Jiangcheng for a hundred years without falling.
"Brother Ye, our family consulted a feng shui master and arranged the layout according to the requirements."
Seeing Ye Fan looking around, Jiang Zhitao explained with a smile.
Having been a tomb keeper in his previous life, Ye Fan understood a bit about feng shui and nodded. "Very good."
For him to say "very good" showed how satisfied he was with the Jiang family's feng shui arrangement.
Hearing Ye Fan's praise, the smile on Jiang Zhitao's face grew even wider.
"If Brother Ye doesn't mind, you are welcome to reside in the Jiang family anytime. We have plenty of rooms, and you can stay as long as you wish."
If he could invite this great Buddha, Ye Fan, into their home, he would probably wake up smiling every morning.
Let alone anything else, Ye Fan's discerning eyes alone were enough to make the Jiang family prosper and reach new heights in just a few years.
Ye Fan, however, shook his head. "I am accustomed to a peaceful life. If I were to come here to enjoy comfort, I would feel restless."
Jiang Zhitao's intentions were not hidden from Ye Fan, but he could understand them.
People from large families, no matter how decadent, would deeply cherish loyalty to their family and strive for its interests in their bones.
Jiang Zhitao didn't mind. After all, as long as this friendship was established, it would bring nothing but benefits to the Jiang family.
...
Soon, the three arrived in the main hall. At this moment, the Jiang family's patriarch, Jiang Zhitao's father, and the current head of the Jiang family, Jiang Bo, along with several core members of the Jiang family, were all seated in the living room.
Seeing Ye Fan enter, Jiang Bo stood up and said with a smile, "Mr. Ye, at such a young age, you have already made a name for yourself in Jiangcheng. Your future achievements will undoubtedly be limitless."
He began with praise, and Ye Fan smiled and nodded. "The Jiang family is blessed with exceptional people and abundant wealth. It is indeed a fortunate occasion to meet you all today. Moreover, your son and I are close friends, and I should have visited long ago. I apologize for the delay, Uncle Jiang."
After speaking, he turned to look at the Jiang family patriarch and nodded respectfully.
The members of the Jiang family were all sizing up Ye Fan, especially the patriarch, whose piercing gaze had not left Ye Fan since he entered the room.
Although young, his walk was steady and his spirit full of vigor. Especially his expression, unfazed by honor or disgrace, and naturally calm. Both his character and his state of mind were top-notch.
It was indeed rare for his grandson to befriend such a person.
Seeing his elders looking at Ye Fan as if he were a monster, Jiang Zhitao quickly said with a smile, "Brother Ye, make yourself at home here. Don't be nervous, please have a seat."
As he spoke, he instructed Uncle Fu to serve tea.
After they were seated as host and guest, the Jiang family patriarch slowly said, "Little Ye, Tao'er tells me you have considerable skill in appraising treasures. We have invited you here today to help our Jiang family appraise an heirloom. As Tao'er just said, make yourself at home here, and don't hold back."
The patriarch, as expected, addressed him as "Little Ye," which immediately shortened the distance between him and Ye Fan.
"Old Mr. Jiang is too kind. My skills are insignificant and not worth mentioning. But I wonder what object it is that even the Jiang family is at a loss for?"
If they had a solution, they would have appraised it long ago and wouldn't have needed to invite him specifically.
Therefore, Ye Fan was also very curious. What secret did the Jiang family hold?