Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 36

After He Lang arrived in the UK, he soon heard about the grand scale of the museums and exhibitions there and couldn’t wait to see for himself what Western antiques were like.

To his surprise, the exhibition hall also featured some rare and exquisite Chinese antiquities. As He Lang became absorbed in them, he completely forgot about school and self-reflection.

“This is a Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white gourd-shaped vase, still a unique piece. It was discovered by the Willits Auction House and fetched a high price of fifty million at the time. It’s an extraordinarily rare item.” A clear voice came from beside him, the speaker seeming well-informed about the exhibit.

He Lang glanced sideways at the man next to him, noticing that amidst all the unfamiliar foreign faces, he finally saw someone with a familiar sense about him. However, this man was slightly different from He Lang, with a hint of British gentlemanly charm in his appearance.

Just a moment ago, this man had been following him, viewing the same exhibits as he was. He Lang had wondered what his intentions were, but now the man had finally spoken.

Moreover, this person seemed like an expert, his relaxed and composed demeanor suggesting he had long been in contact with such antiques. Out of curiosity, He Lang asked, “And you are?”

Seeing that He Lang had finally noticed him, the man’s eyes glimmered with a trace of a smile. He politely bowed and handed He Lang a business card. He Lang took it between two fingers and glanced at it, discovering that the man’s name was Jiang Jiao.

“Jiang Langmin,” He Lang nodded slightly in return, introducing himself.

Jiang Jiao then briefly introduced himself, telling He Lang that he was a Chinese-British mixed-race, with a quarter of his ancestry being foreign, which explained his appearance.

He was currently running an art company, mostly dealing with foreign collectibles, but he was also gathering ancient Chinese artifacts scattered abroad, with the aim of expanding the Chinese antiques market. A small portion of the antiques at this exhibition had been provided by his company.

Jiang Jiao’s attitude was warm and he was very honest with He Lang. Meeting someone with similar interests in this lonely foreign land finally brought He Lang some comfort, and he slowly began to engage in conversation with him.

It turned out that Jiang Jiao had approached him because he found him quite pleasing to the eye, and he also seemed like an expert, so he had unconsciously followed him for a while before finally deciding to strike up a conversation.

Upon learning He Lang’s name, Jiang Jiao was even more pleasantly surprised. “I’ve heard of you. Even though I’m in the UK, I’ve always paid attention to the circles back home. I’ve heard quite a bit about you—you seem very impressive.”

He Lang pursed his lips modestly, “I only know a little.”

Jiang Jiao smiled brightly, his grin radiant.

“Since we’re so fated to meet, how about I treat you to dinner tonight?”

He Lang hesitated. Although he got along well with this person, he was still just a stranger. He wasn’t used to progressing so quickly with someone he had just met.

“Please don’t refuse me, okay?” Jiang Jiao asked again, his tone tinged with disappointment. His eyes lowered slightly, as if pleading with him, making it hard for He Lang to say no.

It was then that He Lang realized he had a soft spot for gentleness. If someone tried to impose their will on him, he would strongly dislike it. But if they gently persuaded or earnestly pleaded with him, he would soften, even if he was initially unwilling.

Jiang Jiao smiled slyly, then led him to a famous local Chinese restaurant, acting as if they had known each other for a long time.

In the past, He Lang might have resisted, but in a foreign land where he knew no one, he was very grateful to Jiang Jiao for offering him a sense of belonging through his kindness and the familiar taste of Chinese food.

Jiang Jiao indeed had a cheerful personality, making it easy to get along with him without feeling constrained. So, He Lang didn’t mind spending time with him. After the meal, Jiang Jiao exchanged contact information with him. He Lang hesitated for a few seconds but eventually agreed.

Unexpectedly, every day after that, Jiang Jiao would invite him out, either for a meal or for some fun, under the pretext of showing hospitality as a local.

At first, He Lang was reluctant, feeling bad about imposing on a stranger and making him spend so much money. Moreover, Jiang Jiao was running a company—he must be very busy, right? It wasn’t fair to waste his valuable time.

But Jiang Jiao had a certain charm that made it easy for people to like him. Every time He Lang refused, Jiang Jiao would look disappointed, like a puppy that had been abandoned, making it hard for He Lang to say no. Although they hadn’t known each other for long, their relationship progressed quickly.

Eventually, Jiang Jiao took him to his company, explained a lot of things to him, and even introduced him to the staff. He Lang looked at him in confusion, wondering why he was going to such lengths.

“The thing is, I’d like to hire you as our appraiser, specifically for ancient Chinese artifacts.” Jiang Jiao finally said, smiling apologetically, making it clear that his invitation was sincere.

So that was his intention. He Lang suddenly understood but, since he was still supposed to be in “self-reflection,” he refused without a second thought, “Thank you for the offer, but I must decline.”

Jiang Jiao sighed softly in disappointment. He led He Lang into his office and, taking advantage of a moment when He Lang wasn’t paying attention, locked the door and approached him, the bright light in his eyes dimming.

“Why do you keep rejecting me?”

At first, he had only approached He Lang because he found him agreeable, but after getting to know him and learning about his background, he grew even more impressed, admiring his youth and talent.

But He Lang’s polite, distant attitude and his classical, otherworldly aura made Jiang Jiao feel as though he was something unattainable.

Ever since that first night, He Lang’s image had stayed in his mind, compelling him to invite him out the next day, and the day after that, and so on.

The more he wanted to get close, the more he realized that He Lang was slow to open up to him. He had revealed everything about himself, yet he only knew a little bit about He Lang.

As someone who was usually quite proud, Jiang Jiao was not used to this feeling of frustration and dissatisfaction. He couldn’t understand why He Lang kept rejecting him—was he not good enough? When would He Lang stop refusing him and be more open with him?

Seeing Jiang Jiao’s downcast, gloomy expression, He Lang felt compelled to explain further, “I’m still young and I have my studies to focus on. I really don’t have time to take on anything else.”

“The work is very laid-back; you could do it in your spare time,” Jiang Jiao responded quickly, pressing the issue.

Part of his motivation was indeed for the benefit of the company—after all, He Lang was an exceptional appraiser, capable of quickly and accurately distinguishing authentic antiques from forgeries at such a young age.

However, a more important reason for Jiang Jiao was that he wanted to establish a long-term relationship with He Lang.

After all, He Lang wasn’t planning to stay in the UK for long; he was only there to study. If he were to return to his home country one day, where would Jiang Jiao find him then?

Even though Jiang Jiao said all this, He Lang, to be cautious, still declined, saying, “I’ll think about it.”

Jiang Jiao could only shrug helplessly and took He Lang to see some of the antiques his company had invested in.

“I often buy this type of white porcelain too—it’s quite beautiful,” He Lang said casually, glancing at the items.

Jiang Jiao raised an eyebrow, getting the impression that He Lang was buying these antiques, which cost millions, simply because they looked good.

“Do you like collecting?”

He Lang nodded and then added that if his collection became too large, he would sell off some pieces to purchase new antiques.

He Lang handled his antiques by himself, almost like trading them, but his channels were often unstable and not very secure.

However, Jiang Jiao’s company had mature and professional investment experience. If He Lang could learn something about antique investments, he could receive more detailed advice in related areas, leading to larger-scale funding.

Jiang Jiao noticed this issue and was secretly delighted, thinking he finally had something that could attract He Lang. “I can help you with antique investments. In return, why don’t you stay with our company as an appraiser? The salary is generous, and it includes luxurious meals and accommodation personally arranged by the boss. How about it?”

“Arranged by the boss?” He Lang couldn’t help but laugh at his tone.

“Have you forgotten all the meals I’ve already taken you to?” Jiang Jiao spread his hands and sighed helplessly.

He Lang smiled, which was almost like a sign of agreement.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Jiao immediately pulled out a prepared employment contract.

He Lang was slightly surprised at how quickly Jiang Jiao could produce a contract and narrowed his eyes at him, asking, “Did you plan this all along?”

“If that’s what you think, then sure. Once you sign the contract, I can keep you by my side,” Jiang Jiao said with a grin, his tone not entirely serious, his words sounding almost playful.

He Lang didn’t pay much attention to him and carefully read through the contract. He noticed that the term was five years and immediately asked, “Is there a one-year option?”

Jiang Jiao shook his head. “All our contracts are for five years.” He was really hoping to sign just for one year? But… one year was too short—what if He Lang wanted to leave soon after?

“Then I won’t sign it.” He Lang put down the pen. He had been reluctant to begin with, and a long-term contract might interfere with his plans to return to his home country or even affect his tasks, so he decided to prioritize safety.

He Lang’s straightforward refusal caused the smile on Jiang Jiao’s face to fade gradually, and a sense of disappointment welled up in his heart. However, he was still determined to keep He Lang, even if only for a year. Reluctantly, he agreed to a short-term contract as per He Lang’s request.

Watching He Lang sign the contract and checking it afterward, Jiang Jiao handed it to his assistant to file away, feeling a bit better. He then invited He Lang to dinner at a Chinese restaurant known for its specialties.

“Are you lacking someone to dine with?” He Lang asked half-jokingly. Why did Jiang Jiao invite him for every meal? Did he really have nothing else to do, or was he trying to insert himself into every aspect of He Lang’s life?

“Yes, I’m very pitiful, with no one to accompany me for meals or fun. So you have to be generous and keep me company every day,” Jiang Jiao replied, winking at him with a bright smile, though his tone made it sound like he was trying to coax He Lang.

Of course, He Lang didn’t believe his smooth-talking ways. Every time they went out to eat, a group of girls would look their way, so how could Jiang Jiao claim he had no one to accompany him?

**Author’s Note:** Jiang Jingda (Green Hat): Of course, I forgive Lang Lang.

I think Jiang Jiao is still a little bit cute…