latelenovela Chapter 743 Throat Cut
Chapter 743 Throat Cut
The small open space in front of the wood carving workshop was now completely packed. Lin Bufan stood on a few steps, cleared his throat, wore a polite smile, and pressed his hands down slightly, quickly silencing the crowd.
"Thank you to all my friends and teachers for traveling so far to this beautiful Yunmiao Village."
I know everyone came for the wood carvings 'Quiet Moon' and 'Flowing Wind.' Seeing such attention given to traditional craftsmanship fills me, Lin Bufan, with both emotion and a heavy sense of responsibility.
Lin Bufan paused, his eyes revealing a hint of reminiscence and emotion: "Speaking of wood carving, it's truly a lonely and long road. People might think I've created something overnight, but only I know the hardships behind it. I remember when I first started wood carving, it was truly... I spent day and night in the workshop, struggling with the wood, my hands constantly cut by the carving knife, blood and wood chips mixed together was a common occurrence. For seven whole days... no, it was a long seven years! Seven years of dedicated study, honing my skills, before I finally grasped a little of the knives, understanding how to give a piece of simple wood a soul and life..."
Lin Bufan's words were sincere, eloquent, moving, and tear-jerking. The audience, influenced by his emotional delivery, listened with rapt attention, their hearts pounding, filled with emotion, and filled with awe, as if they were witnessing firsthand the arduous journey of an art master.
However, this solemn atmosphere did not last long.
A subtle commotion and whispers began to break out in the crowd, and many people gradually realized what was happening.
and many more!
You've only been learning for seven days, why are you making such a fuss?
Lin Bufan seemed oblivious to the undercurrents beneath the surface, continuing his performance, eloquently explaining the importance of inheriting and innovating traditional crafts and revitalizing rural culture, drawing a constant stream of camera shutters from the audience.
Then, Lin Bufan changed the subject: "I know that what everyone is most concerned about is seeing those two works in person. But..."
Such precious works should not be frequently moved or displayed; this is both disrespectful and risky. Furthermore, I have received word that several very important art critics and collectors are on their way. Therefore, I propose that we wait three days! After three days, once everyone has arrived, we can hold a small appreciation event in this wood carving workshop, officially introducing "Quiet Moon" and "Flowing Wind" to everyone! I guarantee that everyone will find it worthwhile!
This proposal is reasonable, both raising the value of the artwork and giving everyone a clear timeframe. Although some people complained quietly, most expressed understanding and acceptance.
Of course, it's important to understand, otherwise it's useless!
Near the end, Lin Bufan added, "Also, since everyone's already here, why not take these two days to explore Yunmiao Village? The scenery is beautiful, and the people are very kind. Feel free to wander around and experience it. As for this wood carving workshop..."
This is where I first learned my craft; every piece of wood and every scrap of wood carries countless memories. Master Xie Heshun is a true master woodcarver in our village, with profound skills. His two apprentices are also quite accomplished, having truly inherited his skills. If you appreciate traditional woodcarving art and would like to acquire a piece or two with auspicious meaning and exquisite craftsmanship, you might want to pay more attention to them. Art, after all, doesn't always require focusing on the high and mighty; the craftsmanship around us is equally worthy of appreciation.
These words not only elevated the status of the wood carving workshop but also subtly brought Xie Heshun and his apprentice to the forefront.
After saying this, Lin Bufan invited Xie Zhiyao and Huang Xinxin to the front of the crowd: "Alright, the specific arrangements and follow-up matters will be handled by our two capable people from Yunmiao Village—General Manager Xie and Director Huang. If you have any questions about sightseeing, accommodation, or food, please feel free to contact them!"
Xie Zhiyao took over the conversation, maintaining his gentle and reliable demeanor, and briefly introduced the village's preparations for dealing with the sudden increase in tourists. Huang Xinxin stood beside him, adding details with a cheerful smile. The two worked together seamlessly and quickly stabilized the situation.
Taking advantage of the fact that everyone's attention was drawn to Xie Zhiyao and Huang Xinxin, Lin Bufan quietly took a few steps back, turned around and slipped into the wood carving workshop.
There were many people at the entrance of the wood carving workshop at this time, so it would be unwise to leave directly from here. Therefore, we naturally had to find another way!
Lin Bufan slipped into the backyard of the wood carving workshop, glanced at the not-too-high courtyard wall, took a few steps back, took a running start, and nimbly flipped over, landing steadily in the alley outside the wall.
Lin Bufan glanced smugly in the direction of the wood carving workshop, then took a shortcut back to Youfeng Courtyard.
Upon entering the courtyard, one could see Xu Hongdou and Ma Qiushan meditating with their eyes closed under the pavilion, their postures serene. Chen Nanxing, on the other hand, sat on a rattan chair not far away, resting his chin on his hand, watching them with a bored expression.
Hearing footsteps, Chen Nanxing turned around, a look of surprise immediately appearing on his face: "Huh? Why are you back so early? With such a big commotion outside, you got it all sorted out so quickly?"
"Otherwise what?" Lin Bufan walked over to her, dragged over a small stool, sat down, crossed his legs, and said in his usual nonchalant and matter-of-fact tone, "Playing with those people is so boring. It's not as fun as coming back to be with my little Nanxing." As he spoke, Lin Bufan deliberately winked at Chen Nanxing.
Upon hearing this, Chen Nanxing lowered her head in response, cupped her cheeks in her hands, twisted her body forcefully, and said in a sickeningly sweet and obviously exaggerated voice, "Oh, you're so annoying! You saying that... makes me so shy..."
Lin Bufan also adopted the tone of a deeply affectionate idol drama male lead, placing one hand on his chest, his eyes so "sincere" they could wring water: "Shy? No, darling, I'm just stating a fact more real than pearls. Your existence is like a firefly in the dark night, so bright, so outstanding, illuminating my gloomy life."
Chen Nanxing continued in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Really? But... but you said before that Nana's tea is the best in the world!"
"I'm innocent!" Lin Bufan took a half-step back with an exaggerated expression, as if he had been hit hard. "That's because you were the one who served me tea! My taste buds, my heart, every cell in my body beat only for you, and I only acknowledge everything you gave me!"
"Oh~ extraordinary..." Chen Nanxing seemed to be "moved" and reached out his hand as if to shake hands with him.
"Oh~ Nanxing..." Lin Bufan also went up to greet her affectionately.
"Ugh—!" A loud retching sound interrupted this "deeply moving" scene. Hu Youyu, carrying his guitar case, happened to be passing by, one hand clutching his chest, his face contorted as if he had suffered a ton of damage!
"Hey you two, in broad daylight, under the clear sky, are you staging an idol drama here? This sickeningly sweet stuff, are you even letting us single people live? Have you considered the feelings of passersby? It's giving me goosebumps!"
Chen Nanxing instantly dropped her affected expression and rolled her eyes at Hu Youyu, saying irritably, "What's it to you? If you're choking on it, go away. If you don't want to live, go find a block of tofu and smash your head against it!"
Lin Bufan immediately nodded in support: "I support you! Nanxing is right!"
As they spoke, the two of them reached out and gave each other a high five with perfect timing, then looked at Hu Youyu triumphantly.
Hu Youyu clutched his heart, feigning excruciating pain as if pierced by a thousand arrows. He staggered back two steps, exclaiming indignantly, "Fine! Fine! You win! To avoid getting in the way of you two celestial lovers, I... I'll go find a block of tofu and smash my head against it!"
After Hu Youyu had walked away, Lin Bufan smiled and sat down again. He pointed with his chin at Xu Hongdou and Ma Qiushan, who were still meditating with their eyes closed in the pavilion, seemingly isolated from the world, and asked, "What are you doing here? Practicing Zen and seeking enlightenment?"
Chen Nanxing returned to his normal tone, leaning back lazily in his chair: "Just bored, let's see who can last longer."
Lin Bufan nudged Chen Nanxing with his elbow and asked in a low voice, "So who do you think will win?"
Chen Nanxing rested his chin on his hand, examined the situation carefully for a moment, and analyzed, "I think it should be Master Ma, right? After all, he has been meditating for so long, his concentration is extraordinary. Sister Hongdou has only been practicing for a short time."
Hearing this, Lin Bufan shook his head. Young man, you still don't understand what a "midlife crisis" is. It doesn't just refer to work!
"Really? But I have a feeling Xu Hongdou can win. So, Nanxing, how about we make a bet?"
"Great!" Chen Nanxing immediately perked up: "What are we betting on?"
Lin Bufan didn't speak again, but quickly winked at Chen Nanxing, a sly smile playing on his lips. Chen Nanxing was taken aback at first, then understood and winked mischievously in return.
The two exchanged glances and subtle changes in expression, engaging in a silent yet highly effective "telepathic communication." To an outsider, it might have seemed as if they were flirting.
After a heated, silent negotiation, Chen Nanxing nodded firmly and extended his palm: "It's a deal!"
"It's a promise!" Lin Bufan smiled and gave her a high five as a pledge. The crisp sound of the clapping made Ma Qiushan's eyebrows twitch almost imperceptibly in the pavilion.
With the bet settled, Lin Bufan got up in a great mood, went to the kitchen, cut a plate of fruit, and thoughtfully stuck toothpicks in it. He and Chen Nanxing ate the fruit while leisurely watching this "battle of willpower."
As Lin Bufan had predicted, as time passed, Ma Qiushan's brows began to furrow slightly, and his previously steady breathing became somewhat erratic. He subtly adjusted his posture, seemingly trying to suppress something.
After another ten minutes or so, Ma Qiushan, whose prostate could no longer hold on, shakily got up and dragged his numb legs toward the bathroom!
……
As evening approached, Xie Zhiyao arrived at Youfeng Courtyard: "President Lin, are you free tomorrow night? Come over for a casual dinner."
Lin Bufan was chatting with Chen Nanxing in the courtyard when he heard this. He turned around and smiled, "President Xie personally invited me, so I have to make time even if I'm not available. Okay, I'll definitely be there tomorrow night."
"Then it's settled. Just come to my house at six o'clock tomorrow night."
"no problem."
In the stillness of the night, the lights in the courtyard went out one by one in the wind.
After confirming that Xu Hongdou was fast asleep, Chen Nanxing, having learned from the previous night's experience, went to Lin Bufan's room with practiced ease. Not long after, whispers between the two could be heard from inside the room!
"What do you want to do?"
"What else can we do? Of course, we have to fulfill the bet!"
"But I didn't ask you to do this! Stop it right now, you little scoundrel!"
"But that's my bet!"
"Stop doing this! If you keep doing this, I'm going to scream!"
"Go ahead and scream, scream all you want, no one will come to save you!"
"Broken throat..."
The next morning, Lin Bufan was leisurely sitting in the courtyard, watching Xu Hongdou teach Chen Nanxing how to repot succulents, the Pu'er tea beside him steaming. Just then, his phone rang, displaying the name "Duan Jiabao" on the screen.
Lin Bufan answered slowly, but before he could even bring the phone to his ear, Duan Jiabao's penetrating, obsequious voice boomed out: "Prince! My dear prince! Your most loyal, most adorable, and most missed assistant greets you! Have you eaten? What kind of tea did you drink? How's the weather in Yunmiao Village today? Do you ever, even just a little, think of your hardworking, longing little assistant in the capital?"
Lin Bufan held the phone further away, waiting for the barrage of greetings to subside before speaking slowly and deliberately, his tone carrying a knowing, teasing tone: "Stop. Duan Jiabao, you've been taking a bit too long with this build-up. Get straight to the point, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"
"Oh dear! Prince! How could you think of me like that!" Duan Jiabao's voice was so aggrieved it could wring water: "I just simply missed you, from the bottom of my heart! The sun and moon can bear witness!"
"Oh?" Lin Bufan raised an eyebrow, picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I see. I can sense that. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. I'm busy here."
"No, no, no! Don't hang up! I'll talk! I'll talk!" Duan Jiabao panicked immediately, speaking rapidly: "It's that... Prince, do you remember Jiang Xiaoguo? The one we had dinner with last time, the one who works at Puling Capital!"
"go on."
"Here's the thing, their company has recently come across a fantastic project: unmanned supermarkets! The prospects are incredibly promising, the model is incredibly innovative, and it utilizes the latest artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies. It can significantly reduce labor costs, improve shopping efficiency, and reshape the retail industry landscape. The future market size is at least in the hundreds of billions..." Duan Jiabao began reciting the project description in a very detailed and engaging manner.
Lin Bufan's eyelids were drooping from listening, and he couldn't help but interrupt: "Duan Jiabao, speak plainly and get to the point. If you keep beating around the bush, I'm really done for."
"We're short of money!" Duan Jiabao didn't dare beat around the bush anymore and immediately explained the situation concisely: "We want you to invest!"
"Why didn't you say so earlier? You've wasted half a cup of my tea's worth of effort."
Duan Jiabao thought things were looking promising and asked excitedly, "Then... Your Highness, you've agreed to invest?"
"I'm not voting! I'm out!"
"No, no, no! Don't hang up! Prince! Ancestor! Please let me finish!" Duan Jiabao was jumping up and down anxiously on the other end of the phone: "This project is really good! Xiaoguo and her team did very detailed due diligence, the data models are very beautiful, and the founding team's background is also very impressive..."