Chapter 268: [268] You still think 10 million is too little?

“I accepted your wild ginseng, which means I owe you a big favor. If you need it, I can give you some leeway when the time comes,”

Mr. Ouyang stated openly in public that he would go easy on someone, but this didn’t make him seem shameless; instead, it made him appear sincere.

This had to be attributed to personal charisma.

Tang Feng didn’t show excitement at the promise or anger at being put down, but simply smiled faintly, “Mr. Ouyang, I appreciate your kind offer. However, I believe that if I can’t pass a qualification assessment on my own abilities, it’s better not to embarrass myself in the antique business.”

Mr. Ouyang looked at him with some surprise, “Are you sure you don’t need it? I mean it seriously.”

Tang Feng’s expression remained calm as he met his gaze, “I’m serious as well.”

Mr. Ouyang stared at him for a while longer, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter, “Young friend Tang is indeed an interesting person, very good, very good.”

He had taken the initiative to change the way he addressed Tang Feng.

Just now, he had been calling him “Mr. Tang,” but now he had switched to “young friend Tang,” clearly moving their relationship a step closer.

Mao Anyi hurried to chuckle along, “Was Mr. Ouyang testing him?”

“No, if young friend Tang had agreed just now, I would still have let him pass to repay his favor, and then we would go our separate ways with no further involvement,” Mr. Ouyang explained, slowly standing up, “Young friend Tang, Miss Mao, I’ve prepared dinner inside, why don’t we have dinner together?”

Mao Anyi was instantly overjoyed.

A dinner with Mr. Ouyang wasn’t something one could easily have.

Many people would try anything and everything but still wouldn’t be able to dine with him.

This also showed the importance Mr. Ouyang placed on Tang Feng.

Following Mr. Ouyang, Tang Feng and his companion walked to the back hall.

The dinner hosted by Mr. Ouyang was very simple, without any rich dishes, just plain porridge and side dishes.

“Young friend Tang, don’t look down on it, I’m used to eating light, so I don’t employ a chef at home. I made this plain porridge and dishes myself, so just have a little, okay?”

Seated in the host’s position, Mr. Ouyang personally served a bowl of millet porridge to both Tang Feng and Mao Anyi.

Tang Feng took the bowl with both hands, eagerly took a sip, and his face showed pure enjoyment, “It’s been so long since I’ve had millet porridge, it’s simply delicious.”

“This bowl of millet porridge is better than all the rich dishes one could have.”

His words were heartfelt, especially considering the millet porridge was personally prepared by Mr. Ouyang, which made it even more precious.

“If you like it, eat more; there’s plenty more in the pot,” Mr. Ouyang’s smile grew broader.

Thus, the three of them had their dinner in silence, creating a harmonious scene.

Mr. Ouyang’s gaze occasionally drifted across the faces of Tang Feng and Mao Anyi, much like a lonely old man watching his grandson and his wife.

Mao Anyi also seemed to sense something abnormal, shyly lowered her head, and continued eating quietly.

After dinner, the three of them strolled on the corridor in the yard.

Mr. Ouyang, leaning on his cane, walked very slowly.

Tang Feng closely followed at his side, worried that he might stumble and fall.

“It’s okay, I’ve been much better these past two days, able to walk slowly with the help of a cane,” Mr. Ouyang gave Tang Feng an appreciative smile, “But speaking of which, I still owe you thanks for that wild ginseng.”

“Mr. Ouyang is too polite. It was just a lucky coincidence that I found that wild ginseng. I’m glad it was of some help to you; it’s a good deed indeed,” Tang Feng said, and felt as though his stature had grown a little, almost like a living Bodhisattva relieving others’ suffering.

Mr. Ouyang stopped, summoned his assistant Chang Wenhao, who was not far from the group, with a wave, “Assistant Chang, have you prepared the financial reward for young friend Tang that I asked you to get ready?”

Chang Wenhao hurriedly answered with careful attentiveness, “It’s ready.”

“Then transfer it to him.”

“Yes.”

Chang Wenhao complied with a shout, then took out his cell phone and made a call.

Shortly after, Tang Feng’s phone received a message alert.

A credit of ten million.

“Mr. Ouyang, isn’t this too much?”

Tang Feng was shocked, looking at Mr. Ouyang in confusion.

The wild ginseng was worth, at most, around five million according to market price.

“Take it. Do you think my life is not worth ten million?” Mr. Ouyang asked a question that left Tang Feng with no easy answer.

If he insisted on returning the money, wouldn’t that imply that Mr. Ouyang’s life was worthless?

“Old Master, if you put it that way, I’d say your life is worth a billion,” Tang Feng abandoned the thought of returning the money but couldn’t resist making a tease.

“You rascal, you think ten million is too little?” Mr. Ouyang laughed and scolded him.

The distance between the two had invisibly grown much closer; anyone seeing them might really think they were grandfather and grandson.

Mao Anyi walked behind them, her heart already stirred as if by turbulent waves.

Who is Mr. Ouyang?

He was a master in the Zhonghai Antique Circle who could shake the entire scene with a stomp of his foot.

If that was all, he would at most be worthy of respect but not awe.

His significant influence in Zhonghai was due to his formidable network of connections.

The political, business, and all levels of society in Zhonghai almost dared not defy him.

And there Tang Feng was, a novice making his debut, engaging in lively conversation with such a powerful figure.

If word got out, many people would likely be taken aback, wouldn’t they?

“Cough cough cough…”

While the three aimlessly strolled around the yard, Mr. Ouyang suddenly started coughing violently, his face turning a deep shade of red.

Chang Wenhao, watching from a distance, was startled and rushed over quickly.

After checking Mr. Ouyang’s condition, he rapidly pulled out a bottle of pills and shook two into his hand.

“Sir, please take your medicine…”

Mr. Ouyang’s situation looked very grave; his face was turning the color of a liver, and he reached out shakily for the medicine.

“Wait a minute.”

Tang Feng hastily stepped forward, took the pills from Chang Wenhao’s hand before he could react, “What medicine is this?”