Chapter 254 Narrow Horizon
Master Liu wanted to accept him as an apprentice. This news from Xue Qingyan shocked Qin Sheng. Just as Xue Qingyan said, it was definitely a good thing. According to Master Liu’s interpersonal connections in Yangtze River Delta, many things could be convenient for Qin Sheng if he could be the apprentice of Master Liu. Moreso, he could get into this circle via the fastest route.
Qin Sheng was thinking about why Master Liu wanted to make him an apprentice. Maybe it was because of his grandfather? It was obvious that Master Liu was interested in his grandfather’s affairs; after all, his grandfather was a real master in Master Liu’s heart. And the other reason could be calligraphy. Qin Sheng had been learning calligraphy for many years. Though he was not at the peak of perfection, he had reached a high level in calligraphy studies. Even a professional like Master Liu appreciated him. And the last reason could be the relationship with Xue Qingyan.
However, his grandfather warned him that he could not be anyone’s apprentice whatever the reason was. When he was in the Zhongnan Mountains, he did not take any master as his teacher. Though his grandfather was not living there anymore, he remembered the words his grandfather said.
Therefore Qin Sheng was in a dilemma. He could not answer Xue Qingyan at that moment. He just raised his head and said, “Sister, you ask me to think about it. But there’s something I can’t say to you.”
“Why can’t you say it to me? You should know that it’s a good thing for you. It was advocated by Master Li. He did it not just because of me.” Xue Qingyan was telling the truth.
Qin Sheng nodded silently. “My grandfather told me before that I can’t be anyone’s apprentice. So I am a little embarrassed.”
“What a reason. Why would your grandfather said so?” Xue Qingyan, who was holding a tea cup in her hands, asked in surprise.
Qin Sheng shook his head and said, “I don’t know. He told me that thing seriously. Or it may be that I have already become an apprentice in the Zhongnan Mountains.”
Though Xue Qingyan did not understand, she knew Qin Sheng’s situation, so she said, “Fine. Think it over. I’ll wait for your answer.”
At that moment, Master Liu hung up his phone and came back. Qin Sheng and Xue Qingyan stopped talking about the topic. Master Liu said with smile, “It was nothing, just Xiaoluo asking me when he could come for the painting.”
“Luo Changgong really thinks he is important.” Xue Qingyan said with contempt. Of course she knew Luo Changgong. After all he was a frequent guest of Master Liu.
Qin Sheng knew that Luo Changgong was Brother Luo, so he interrupted, “Are you talking about Brother Luo?”
“Yes, the middle aged man you saw last time. He asked for my painting,” Master Liu said casually. He didn’t care about it.
Qin Sheng followed, “What a coincidence. I met Brother Luo after I saw him last time. Now we are friends, and have some cooperation.”
Master Liu didn’t know why Qin Sheng had said that. But he didn’t mind favoring him, so he said, “That is great. Just take the painting and give it to him, since you are friends. Or he will call me again and again.”
Xue Qingyan and Qin Sheng knew what happened after listening to Master Liu’s words. Xue Qingyan didn’t understand why Master Liu did that. He took Qin Sheng too importantly. He was helping Qin Sheng with intent.
Qin Sheng was surprised, “Master Liu, is it appropriate?
“It is appropriate. I don’t take you as an outsider, Little Qin,” Master Liu said happily, “That is the deal, take the painting when you go.”
And then Master Liu asked the door man to pack up the painting.
At that moment Qin Sheng finally asked about things that he was concerned of the most. “Master Liu, is there any information from Beijing? Did the Chen family say something?”
Qin Sheng had waited for so long, he thought there should be some information, so he could not help but ask about it. Xue Qingyan stared at Qin Sheng, and waited for Master Liu’s answer. She was also curious about it.
Master Liu’s eyes bore a complicated expression; he struggled to cover his unease. Later he sighed, “That is what I want to talk to you about. The eldest master of the Chen family told me that, the Qin family in my words is not the same one in his words. That the Qin family had lost a daughter, and they do not have an old master in their family. So it is a mistake.”
Qin Sheng was disappointed to hear that; he took a deep breath and sighed.
“Qin Sheng, I’m sorry about that. I made you happy for nothing,” Master Liu said with guilt. He really felt remorse in his heart. But Qin Changan had come to him; he had no choice but to concealed it from Qin Sheng.
Qin Sheng shook his head and said, “That is fine, Master Liu. I know it won’t be smooth.”
“However, the eldest master in the Chen family elder said, he will tell Old Master Chen when he has news. You can see Old Master Chen directly at that time.” Master Liu soon gave Qin Sheng hope.
Xue Qingyan said to appease, “Qin Sheng, the road to happiness is strewn with setbacks. I believe it will be a happy ending.”
After having lunch in Master Liu’s house, Qin Sheng and Xue Qingyan left. When they left, Master Liu did not forget to let Qin Sheng take the painting; of course Qin Sheng would not reject it.
At the door of the courtyard, Xue Qingyan asked Qin Sheng to think about being apprentice of Master Liu again. She hoped he could think about it twice and tell her of his decision as soon as possible, lest Master Liu would think Qin Sheng was high-headed.
As for the dinner place, Xue Qingyan said she would discuss with Fang Jianping, and would call Qin Sheng once they had reached a decision. Qin Sheng had to go back to the office and handle some cases. Though Ms. An was in charge of management, Qin Sheng had to sign some documents, especially those financial related. Ms. An needed to discuss with Qin Sheng.
Qin Sheng went to Hu Pan Ju, where he drank tea last time, when he was out of office. He invited Song Wei to meet there. It was the right time to meet Song Wei, or he would be hurt.
Qin Sheng arrived at the place some minutes after, finding Song Wei who wore the polo t-shirt and khaki pants. That man was charming; he had a good fashion taste. And it was of note that he had many girlfriends by his side.
“Here, brother Song.” Qin Sheng who was sitting on one side, waved his hands. Song Wei saw him, and walked to him with a smile.
Qin Sheng stood up happily. “Long time no see, brother Song. You look so energetic.”
“You are welcome, president Qin. Why did you invite me here today, since I know that you are really busy?” Song Wei asked with an obvious grievance.
Qin Sheng laughed and said, “You are kidding me, brother Song. Come on, what kind of tea do you want?”
“Long Jing.” Song Wei said casually. Qin Sheng called the waiter to have a cup of Long Jing, and ordered some snacks.
At that moment, Song Wei said playfully, “President Qin hasn’t looked for me since you took over Yun Ding. Why have you looked for me today?”
“Brother Song, we are friends. You don’t have to talk like this,” Qin Sheng shook head as he spoke.
Song Wei said politely, “Please tell me. I’m listening.”
“Brother Song, we experienced many things during these days. You should be clear about that. The dimission of Yuan Ke and Qian Buping had a great impact on Yuan Da; I had to help Mr. Cao to handle these problems. At the same time, I also took over Poly International and two night clubs of Yun Ding. Poly International used to be controlled by Qian Buping. He was deeply rooted in Poly International. It is difficult for me to control Poly International now. So I spent a considerable amount of time on Poly International’s business. And brother Song is in charge of Yunding International. Of course I believe in brother Song. If I didn’t believe in you, I would ask others to take over Yunding International. Right?” Qin Sheng had already thought about the explanation, so he could say it truthfully.
Qin Sheng’s words left Song Wei speechless. Song Wei didn’t think about that. He tought of himself as one of Mr. Zhou’s hands. And now Qin Sheng became a big character of Mr. Cao; everyone had to listen to Qin Sheng, even Mr. Zhou dared not to offend Qin Sheng.
Meanwhile, Qin Sheng was also in charge of catering and entertainment subsidiaries, becoming his boss. But he was not of Qin Sheng’s men. That was the reason why Qin Sheng didn’t take him seriously, and hadn’t been to Yunding International for a long time.
Song Wei didn’t believe in Qin Sheng easily. He said, “President Qin, you say you believe in me, so why did you arrange two others to be in the important positions of Yunding International?”
Qin Sheng smiled and said, “Anyone who has the situation like me would have made such a choice. Now I’m in charge of Yunding International, it has to be fully controlled by me, right?”
Song Wei said, “So you still don’t believe in me?”
Qin Sheng had already tried his best to be polite. Song Wei was still taking off the gloves; it made Qin Sheng unhappy. He said coldly, “Brother Song, don’t forget about my identity. I’m the deputy general manager of Yuan Da, and also the person in charge of catering and entertainment subsidiaries. I can find someone to replace you if I don’t believe in you. I don’t have to take anyone into consideration. The reason why I don’t ask you to leave is simply because I believe in you and I’m sure you have the ability. If you don’t like that and want to change to be relieved of this, you can ask Mr. Cao to transfer you to a different position.”
“Qin Sheng, you…” Qin Sheng was a little bit arrogant, and Song Wei was too angry to stand up.
Qin Sheng smiled and said, “Brother Song, I was just kidding. I said I believe you, and you said that I don’t believe in you. So what do you want me to do? I’m torn by this. I have to handle many things everyday. Now that Yuan Ke has left, I have to find new cooperating partners, and help Poly International develop smoothly. At the same time I have to build a new subsidiary and work for the business of the whole group. You think I still have time to mind the trivial things?”
Song Wei was deep in thought when he heard Qin Sheng’s words. He realized that his attitude was too arrogant. After all, Qin Sheng was not the guy who had just joined in Yuan Da anymore. At the moment, he could kick Yuan Ke and Qian Buping out of the game, and make Mr. Zhou be afraid of him. He was just a nobody in Qin Sheng’s eyes.
“President Qin, I’m sorry for losing my temper. I thought too much of it.” Song Wei could only sit down and apologize.
Qin Sheng was not surprised. Such an experienced guy would not act like a teenager. So he smiled and said, “Brother Song, just don’t worry about Yun Ding. I only ask you to change one thing. What kind of change? I think you should know. Yuan Da is different now, and those who suit their actions to the times are wise. My goal will not be limited here. Only I can give you what you want.”
Qin Sheng stood up when he finished his words. “Let’s call it a day. Brother Song, you have to think about it when you get home. I hope brother Song could give me an answer when I go to Yun Ding. I have to go first.”
Qin Sheng left after saying that. He muttered to himself, “such a narrow horizon.”