Chapter Seventy-Nine: Mr. Jin Pays a Visit

This morning, everyone once again gathered at the place where the Immortal Elder resided. Unexpectedly, Master Mo and Mo Fan had also arrived. Both of them smiled warmly, and it was clear that in their time spent with everyone, they had grown fond of the group.

Qianyin felt a little bored, though she couldn’t quite say why. Truthfully, she’d worried about Han last night. Seeing him evenly matched with Coldblooded made her anxious for Coldblooded, and now, lingering concern for Han still tugged at her heart.

Mo Lan and An Feng felt rather cheerful; after all, in the boss’s first battle, they’d come out on top. Did this mean they could maintain their advantage in future encounters?

The Immortal Elder and Master Mo were still playing chess, seemingly never tiring of their endless matches.

Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei hadn’t gone, so they were eager to hear stories about that place, but no one spoke. Instead, they resignedly tended the herbs nearby, watering, fertilizing, and weeding as they went.

A servant at the door ushered in Boss Jin, whose two loyal bodyguards followed, each carrying a box.

“This gentleman wishes to see Miss Mo Lan and Miss Qianyin,” the servant announced respectfully, leading them in and informing everyone.

“Boss Jin, you’ve come to visit so soon!” An Feng remarked, puzzled as he glanced at the box. They hadn’t been back long, yet Boss Jin’s Go set was already prepared.

“Master Mo, forgive me for disturbing you today.” Boss Jin first greeted Master Mo, then turned to An Feng, explaining, “Yes, I rushed it, but it came out quite nicely. Elder masters, please enjoy a game.”

Mo Lan and Qianyin smiled at Boss Jin. He was generous—a true magnate—and genuinely heartfelt with his friends, a person worth befriending. Nowadays, so many businesspeople value only money.

The servant quickly poured tea for everyone, and Boss Jin sat down with them. His face was filled with joy, suggesting that his recent troubles had been resolved.

The Immortal Elder was displeased; everyone seemed to focus on Master Mo and ignored him. He coughed sternly from the side, his gaze lingering on the box in the bodyguard’s hands—jade Go pieces, evidently a rare treasure.

“Ahem, ahem.”

“What’s wrong, Immortal Elder?” Mo Lan asked, a bit confused. Was he unwell?

Qianyin struggled not to laugh at the side. Could Mo Lan not see how the Immortal Elder was suffering from neglect? “Let’s show him the Go set,” she whispered—clearly An Feng had noticed too and spoke up, looking at the bodyguard.

Master Mo continued sipping tea with a contented smile, unconcerned with these matters. Such tasks were best left to others.

The two bodyguards placed the box on the table and opened it. One set was purple, the other red, gleaming brightly, each piece crystal clear. If not told they were Go pieces, most would have mistaken them for candies.

Though both elders had seen countless treasures in their lifetimes, they were thoroughly pleased with these. Whoever gifted them had put much thought into it.

They poured the pieces onto the table, revealing the board beneath—carved from jadeite, exquisitely crafted, the lines sharply defined.

Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei found it interesting as well. Having watched the two elders play so joyfully lately, they’d sometimes comment and learn a little themselves. When they grew old, such games would surely help pass the time.

Both elders scrambled for the red pieces, but there was only one set. In the end, it was given to the Immortal Elder. Master Mo was unwilling, but for the sake of a companion to while away his later years, he compromised.

Everyone watched as the two elders acted like children, smiles blooming at the corners of their mouths. If only in their old age they could live so happily—what a blessing that would be.

Boss Jin watched especially closely. He had never married, had no family, and lived alone. Aside from his jade and those around him, he was quite lonely. He hoped that, someday, someone could accompany him for a game of Go.

The two elders ignored the younger crowd, taking their treasures over to the Xuzhou corner and happily starting their game. Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei followed. Their job was now to protect the elders; all other matters were beyond their scope, so they simply watched.

Qianyin and Mo Lan picked up their glasses, clinked them together with a laugh, and drained their drinks before finally turning to Boss Jin. Surely he hadn’t come just to deliver a gift—if so, he could have sent someone. His personal visit meant there was more.

Receiving their inquisitive looks, Boss Jin replied, “I was bored at home and came to play. In about half a month, there’s an auction in Lindu. I’d like you both to accompany me.”

Mo Lan nodded; that was no problem. Boss Jin had given them so many wonderful gifts—it could be considered a gesture to recruit them for the event.

An Feng was just about to say something when his phone rang. Seeing it was Xiao Su, he stepped aside to answer, as it would be rude with so many people present.

“Hello, Uncle Su. What’s up?”

“Bring Mo Lan home for dinner. I’ve made something delicious tonight. Invite your other two friends, and anyone else you want can come along.” Uncle Su, standing in the garden watering the flowers, spoke as he worked. Though he seemed a bit tired, his face was radiant with happiness.

An Feng glanced back at the group—aside from Mo Lan, none had been to his house. It might be nice to invite them over, and perhaps mention a few things.

Once the boss matter was settled, he planned to propose to Mo Lan and give her a surprise. Tonight, he’d keep quiet about it and simply enjoy dinner together.

“Dinner is fine, but don’t say anything. I want to surprise her. When I finish this tricky case, I’ll propose and bring her home. You can rest assured.” An Feng blushed as he spoke softly into the phone, careful that no one overheard.

Meanwhile, everyone else had gone over to watch the two elders play Go. Both were masters, each move tight and unyielding, leaving no room for retreat.

Watching them handle the pieces so gingerly, as if afraid to damage them, was a sight.

Boss Jin, seeing the elders so happy, hoped that someday he too would have someone to play Go with him.

“No problem, as long as you two are happy together. I’m mainly worried about you.”

“It’s fine, just like that. I have plenty to do here. Tonight, I’ll bring them over early.” An Feng finished his call, hung up, and went to join the group watching the elders play.

Uncle Su hung up, a contented smile on his lips. He needn’t worry anymore—this young man would not be left wanting.