After that, he turned to Zhou Liangyun and asked, “Is Manager Zhou back for a visit, or is he nning to stay for good? If it’s thetter, why not return to Ji Qingtang? I could speak to Miss Jasmine and see if she’d be willing to invite you back as a guest, General Manager!”


    Zhou Liangyun had been living abroad for many years. While he was knowledgeable about antiques, he stillcked the cunning that people in the domestic business world often possessed.


    Believing that Manager Chen’s words reflected genuine thoughts, Zhou Liangyun quickly waved his hands and replied, “No, no, no! I have no intention of returning to Ji Qingtang this time, so please don’t mention it to Miss Jasmine.”


    The contrast between Manager Chen and Zhou Liangyun was stark; while Chen’s words were the opposite of his true intentions, Zhou’s statements were perfectly aligned with his actual thoughts.


    However, Manager Chen saw things differently. He suspected that Zhou Liangyun was merely pretending and that his insistence on not wanting to return to Ji Qingtang signaled a hidden desire for his position upon returning.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Feigning curiosity, he inquired, “What ns does Manager Zhou have for his return to Aurous Hill?”


    Zhou Liangyun replied honestly, “I’ve grown weary after many years of wandering, so I’m looking to start a small business in Aurous Hill, likely in the antique street. I just came by Ji Qingtang to say hello, and I hope Manager Chen will support me in the antique street moving forward.”


    Manager Chen nodded thoughtfully and assured him, “Don’t worry, Manager Zhou. If you ever need assistance, just reach out. I’ll do my best to help.”


    He then asked, “By the way, what kind of business do you n to pursue? Will it involve literary toys, calligraphy and painting, or perhaps porcin and antiques?”


    Zhou Liangyun exined, “I don’t have a lot of stock at the moment, so I n to open a shop to gather some items first. Once I have enough, I’ll start selling them. Additionally, since I have some expertise in antiques and toys, I intend to offer paid treasure appraisals on the side to supplement my ie.”


    “Oh…” Manager Chen nodded and smiled, “You’re quite the expert in collecting and discerning valuable items. With your keen eye, I’m sure you’ll seed! I wish you a swift and prosperous start!”


    Zhou Liangyun graciously bowed to him and said, “Thank you, Manager Chen!”


    Manager Chen waved his hand dismissively, “There’s no need to be so formal.”


    Then, with a friendly smile, he added, “Manager Zhou, have you eaten yet? I have some crayfish and vegetables prepared. Why not stay and join us for dinner?”


    Zhou Liangyun smiled politely and declined, saying, “Thank you, but I must pass. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me, as an outsider, to dine with you. I can look around while you eat.”


    Manager Chen responded with a smile, “Alright, I won’t insist. Just remember, if you need anything, feel free to reach out.”


    Zhou Liangyun agreed, saying, “I appreciate it. I’ll take my leave now.”


    Manager Chen, ever the gentleman, said, “I’ll see you off!”


    Zhou Liangyun replied courteously, “No need, I can head out on my own.”


    As Zhou Liangyun departed, Manager Chen maintained his smile for a few moments longer.


    But once Zhou Liangyun had left his sight, the smile faded instantly. He clenched his teeth and muttered angrily, “This Zhou is trying to undermine me! Collecting antiques in the antique street and offering treasure appraisals? If he seeds, where does that leave me? He keeps insisting I shouldn’t tell Miss Jasmine, but if he gains recognition in the antique street, she will surely find out. If she deigns to invite him back, it will only make matters worse for me!”<fn8f95> Official source is FιndＮovel</fn8f95>