Chapter 168 An Old Acquaintance?

Right now, however, Professor Wang was burning with rage.

At first, he had considered Wang Hu an idealist who, out of sheer passion for jade, was willing to cede nearly a third of the land in Bengjian Market for the construction of a jade museum.

Now, he realized that Wang Hu had simply been playing a long game, intending to use the museum as an anchor to bind the properties together. With this arrangement, no commercial jade dealer, no matter how powerful, would ever dare to touch this land!

"That young rascal Wang Hu has a deeply calculating mind!"

"In all my years, old Wang, I never expected to be manipulated by such a wet-behind-the-ears kid!"

Professor Wang muttered under his breath.

Listening to Professor Wang, Zhao Yiman felt quite differently inside.

Yet, a potential solution soon formed in her mind. She looked at Professor Wang and suggested, "Professor... why don't you partner with our Zhao family's Nancui Market instead?"

Professor Wang frowned slightly, feeling a sense of helpless resignation over Wang Hu's far-sighted scheme.

Zhao Yiman’s proposal made his eyes light up. Nancui Market was indeed a fine choice, but he also understood that the contract had already been signed, and altering it was impossible.

"Yiman, the contract is already in effect. Modifying the terms requires the consent of both parties."

Professor Wang spoke in a firm tone, a trace of helplessness in his eyes. "I don't wish to disappoint you, but we have already reached an agreement with Wang Hu."

Zhao Yiman’s expression darkened slightly, a hidden anxiety welling up within her.

She knew that if Wang Hu were allowed to retain control over this land, the future museum would become his instrument for monopolizing the market, and Bengjian Market would undoubtedly rise as an overwhelming, unstoppable force.

She had to admit—though she had never met Wang Hu in person—she already sensed that this man was extraordinarily clever.

After all, no other market in the city had ever attempted such a maneuver.

"Professor, you could consider establishing an exchange center within Nancui Market instead."

Quickly adjusting her train of thought, hope gleaming in her eyes, she continued, "I can provide the venue, or we can leverage our university's jade research center to host various exchange events."

"This way, we preserve the museum's independence while simultaneously elevating the influence of Nancui Market."

Professor Wang pondered for a moment, weighing Zhao Yiman’s proposition in his mind.

"An exchange center is indeed a brilliant idea." Professor Wang finally spoke, his tone softening somewhat. "However, I need to consider the specific implementation plan and the level of support your Zhao family is prepared to offer."

"Of course, Professor." A flash of delight crossed Zhao Yiman’s eyes. "I will prepare the relevant materials as soon as possible and discuss the detailed plan with you. Rest assured, setting aside business interests, even purely out of the bond between mentor and student, I will help you bring this center to fruition."

Professor Wang smiled faintly. "Very well, Yiman. I am generally not one to meddle in favors, but since you are so eager for my help and show such sincerity, I will make an exception for you!"

The two exchanged a knowing smile. They both understood that while this partnership had encountered a few twists and turns, with genuine effort, a solution could always be found.

In the conference room, Zhao Yiman and Professor Wang engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the preliminary blueprint of the exchange center.

Zhao Yiman proposed numerous innovative concepts, including regularly scheduled jade exhibitions and lectures hosted by industry experts, striving to forge a premier exchange platform within the market.

Simultaneously, she suggested establishing a long-term internship base for university students right within the market.

"That way, Nancui Market will not only attract a larger clientele, but it will also elevate your academic influence."

Zhao Yiman spoke with infectious enthusiasm, her eyes glowing with anticipation for the future.

Professor Wang nodded in agreement. Just as their discussion reached its peak, a sudden knock sounded on the conference room door.

"Come in!" Professor Wang called out.

The door pushed open, and Pan Ximi peered in with a shifty, furtive expression.

Turning his head, his gaze fell upon Zhao Yiman.

His expression shifted instantly. "Professor Wang, is this a new student? I don't believe I've seen her before!"

Before he could finish his sentence, Zhao Yiman’s expression abruptly changed.

"Pan Ximi? You may not have seen me, but I certainly remember you!"

Pan Ximi looked bewildered, having no recollection of ever meeting her, while Zhao Yiman coldly stated, "Have you forgotten that girl in the gold and jade market of Miancheng eight years ago—the one whose jade pendant you stole?"

Pan Ximi froze, the confusion on his face instantly replaced by sheer terror.

His eyes darted about restlessly as he struggled to unearth those distant memories.

It had happened eight years ago. While hanging around the gold and jade market in Miancheng, he had crossed paths with a young girl.

That girl had been desperately trying to protect her jade pendant, whereas he, driven entirely by selfish greed, had snatched it from her without a moment's hesitation.

"You... you're that girl?" Pan Ximi stammered, his voice laced with unease.

"That's right, I am that girl!"

Zhao Yiman replied coldly, an unyielding fire blazing in her eyes. "I've spent all these years searching for you, and I certainly haven't forgotten that shifty, rat-faced mug of yours! Did you really think you could escape accountability?"

Professor Wang quietly observed the exchange from the sidelines. He turned to Zhao Yiman and asked, "Yiman, that jade pendant you mentioned—does it happen to have a mouse carved on it, stepping on a cloud?"

Zhao Yiman nodded and looked toward Professor Wang. "Even Professor Wang knows about that pendant?"

Professor Wang let out a cold huff and shifted his gaze to Pan Ximi. "Mister Pan, I originally assumed Mister Wang Hu was an upright gentleman, only to discover he is a thorough pragmatist. And I foolishly thought you were an honest man, but it turns out you are nothing more than a common thief!"

With that, Professor Wang lowered his voice and told Zhao Yiman, "That pendant should still be hanging around his neck!"

The color drained entirely from Pan Ximi's face. His hand instinctively flew to his throat, where a thin silver chain rested against his skin, suspending a small, delicate jade pendant—the very same one that had belonged to Zhao Yiman all those years ago.

Panic surged within him. Desperate to mask his慌乱 panic, he forced a strained smile to his lips. "This jade pendant is a family heirloom. It has nothing to do with you."

"Nothing to do with me? Do you honestly expect me to believe that?"

Zhao Yiman’s voice was as cold as frost, her gaze as sharp as a blade. "Do you have any idea what lies behind the history of this jade pendant?"

Sensing the mounting tension, Professor Wang intervened with a subtle tone of warning, "Mister Pan, since you are holding onto a piece that doesn't belong to you, it remains nothing more than stolen property. I suggest you return it to Miss Zhao at once. If you continue to conceal it, such behavior hardly befits a true gentleman!"

"It is never too late to turn over a new leaf!"

Pan Ximi’s heart hammered against his ribs. The two individuals before him stared him down like hunting leopards, making him feel as though there was nowhere left to run.

Just as he hesitated, Zhao Yiman suddenly stepped forward, closing the distance between them with unyielding resolve. "I have no intention of wasting any more time. Give me back my jade pendant immediately!"

"Did you really think I would let you off the hook?" Zhao Yiman’s voice cut through the air like a biting winter wind, forcing Pan Ximi to take an involuntary step backward.

"I... I truly don't know what you're talking about!" Pan Ximi stammered, completely overwhelmed by panic.