Guo Xuyang did not disturb him, but stood quietly by and watched.
Old Xu's technique was very skilled, following the lines drawn beforehand, carving, digging, cutting, and grinding according to the jade's color and overall layout.
This process was very laborious, as the jade was relatively hard, consuming both time and effort.
When Old Xu looked up to stretch his neck, he noticed Guo Xuyang standing beside him.
"Mr. Guo, when did you arrive?"
"Just a moment ago. Seeing you so focused, I didn't dare to disturb you."
"It's a habit. Once I pick up the jade, I get absorbed. Please don't mind."
"Not at all. Your unique skill is probably unmatched, isn't it?"
"There are fewer people learning this craft in our mainland nowadays.
To master this skill, one needs to endure loneliness and practice daily.
Another factor is comprehension.
Some people's carvings are very rigid, while others are full of spirit.
Faced with the same piece of jade, different people see different patterns.
Like this piece of jade now, I see a celestial monkey offering peaches. Others might see a monkey picking peaches or a longevity deity holding peaches.
Everyone has their own perspective, and the final product will be different."
Guo Xuyang felt that what Old Xu said made a lot of sense.
He had initially seen the shape of a monkey picking peaches.
After Old Xu's explanation, upon closer inspection, it did indeed give a feeling of a longevity deity holding peaches.
Since the entire work was not yet completed, he couldn't quite discern the form of the celestial monkey offering peaches.
Could it be that some cloud-like elements were intentionally left by Old Xu?
He scratched his head and said, "This skill is truly not something ordinary people can learn and master.
How is it working here? Are you satisfied?"
"It's much better here than in the shop.
Not only is the pay higher, but the conditions here are also excellent.
You don't have to worry about food or daily necessities. Manager Xia has prepared everything.
If you get tired, you can go next door to rest.
I've encountered many exquisite and even peerless pieces of jade here.
It's more challenging than simply carving beads or bracelets. In this past month, I've already carved over ten pieces.
I heard the feedback has been good. Thank you, Mr. Guo, for providing me with such a platform."
"You're welcome, Master Xu. If you have any requirements, feel free to tell Manager Xia, or you can tell me."
"No, Mr. Guo. I am very satisfied with my current situation."
"Alright then, I won't disturb you any longer. Please carry on with your work."
As Guo Xuyang spoke, he walked towards the vault where the jade was stored.
These top-quality jades were all placed in the lowest vault by Xia Li.
Guo Xuyang walked from below to the easternmost side, passing through various vault doors.
These security measures were quite effective and all functioning normally.
He did not open the vault door to take any jade.
After all, these jades were entrusted to Xia Li's care. If he took them privately, she would likely be frightened to tears.
When he returned to the eastern villa, Xia Li had already arrived.
"Mr. Guo, why do you have time to visit today?"
"Just checking up on you to see if you're slacking off," Guo Xuyang said with a smile.
"And you caught me red-handed," Xia Li replied, her face blushing.
"Just kidding, don't take it seriously.
I just had nowhere else to go, so I came to see.
Did your father move out?"
"Yes. He moved before New Year's Day. My mother is cooking there now and helping my brother take care of the children.
My father can walk to Jun Yue Lai to work every day.
After work, he can still hold his beloved grandson.
It's convenient for my brother and sister-in-law; they eat dinner there every day before going home," Xia Li rambled.
"You can eat there too. Come back after dinner."
"My nephew has a bit of a cold today and is being fussy.
So I went over early, and then you caught me."
"It's alright. As long as it doesn't affect the shipment of our jade, you can do whatever you need to.
Xiao Yun is back today too, and won't be leaving anytime soon."
"It's great that Manager Xiao is back. I haven't dared to be careless with shipments during this period; I had to follow along.
With Manager Xiao back, I can finally get some proper rest."
"How have the security companies been during the deliveries you've accompanied?"
"They are very diligent and responsible.
The security measures are quite thorough.
Usually, four people are assigned to escort the shipments."
"In your opinion, what if you and Xiao Yun didn't accompany them?
Could you trust the security company to handle the escorts on their own?"
"Based on my previous escort experiences, I can completely trust them; there won't be any issues."
"If that's the case, then you and Xiao Yun should not accompany the vehicles anymore.
This will save you from being overly tired, and it's also less convenient for you girls to travel with the shipments."
"Really? That would be wonderful.
You don't know how embarrassing it can be, even to use the restroom when accompanying shipments.
It's all men, and I'm the only woman, and I don't know them well.
It's so awkward," Xia Li said, blushing.
Discussing this matter with Guo Xuyang seemed a bit inappropriate.
Guo Xuyang didn't pay much attention to Xia Li's expression and said with a smile, "Then you'll be liberated from now on."
"Thank you, Mr. Guo, for your consideration. Can I treat you to hot pot today?"
"Why so stingy? You're liberating me, and all you offer is hot pot?"
"This hot pot restaurant is quite famous; it specializes in healthy dishes, all in clear broth."
"Oh really? Shall we go and try it?"
"Then I'll call them to reserve a table. Is Manager Xiao coming too?"
"Let me ask her." Guo Xuyang dialed Xiao Yun's number.
"Come stay at Wang Zhe Villa tonight? Yes.
Are you coming to eat or to accompany your girlfriend?
Okay. If you're not coming, I won't wait for you."
"She's not coming. It's just the two of us."
Guo Xuyang said after hanging up the phone.
Xia Li blushed again, with a hint of secret delight.
She herself wasn't sure why hearing this sentence made her feel a little expectant.
Guo Xuyang, unaware of her thoughts, got into her Mini with her.
"Why aren't you thinking of getting a new car?
Didn't the dividends get transferred to your accounts before the holiday?"
Guo Xuyang didn't want an awkward silence in the car.
"I'm used to driving this car.
I saved up to buy it myself, so I have an emotional attachment.
Moreover, it hasn't even been a year, so there's no need to change cars."
Must say, this girl is quite frugal.
Wonder which scoundrel will get lucky with her in the future.
Guo Xuyang thought to himself.
He suddenly remembered a joke about girls being like a pot of flowers, carefully nurtured by their parents. Once they grow up, they are taken away by a son-in-law, that scoundrel, pot and all.
In the future, he must have more children, not just one.
Otherwise, if the flower he raised with such care is taken away, wouldn't he be heartbroken?
Xia Li saw Guo Xuyang remaining silent for a long time and thought he disagreed with her opinion.
"What's wrong, Mr. Guo? Am I saying something wrong?"
"No. I was just thinking about how fortunate whoever marries you, such a frugal girl, will be in the future."
[Author's Note]: This book will have three updates daily, morning, noon, and night. Please continue to follow the updates. Throw in your free silver tickets, and let's all have a blast.