Master and Apprentice's Rift

The night was deep, the dew heavy, and the cold air seeped in.

The candlelight in the room flickered incessantly, emitting faint "crackle" sounds.

Han Li and He Chunli stared wide-eyed at Xie An, awaiting his decision.

Xie An sat in his seat, carefully appraising his two disciples.

Honestly speaking, Han Li was lively and quick-witted, better suited for business. While He Chunli was honest and not eloquent, his skills were more solid, and he was more down-to-earth and steady.

Having Han Li become the Appraisal Master would benefit the pawnshop's business.

Having He Chunli become the Appraisal Master might mean slightly less business, but the pawnshop's operations would be more solid, allowing it to go further in the future.

Moreover, He Chunli had been by Xie An's side, serving him diligently during Xie An's most difficult times. Xie An had seen it all and harbored a bit of favoritism.

He wasn't a machine; he was human too.

With this thought, Xie An no longer hesitated. "Han Li, you are quick-witted and eloquent. You are a promising candidate for business."

Upon hearing this, Han Li's heart leaped with joy.

Immediately after, Xie An's next words poured cold water on his excitement.

"Although He Chunli is a bit slow-witted, his skills are solid, he doesn't aim too high, and he works diligently. Having He Chunli take over as the Appraisal Master is a more stable choice. After all, you are both servants, and the success of the business isn't the most important thing to you. Ensuring the pawnshop's business runs smoothly is your foundation. If the business encounters any trouble, it won't matter how much money you earn for the Li family; you will still be punished as you should be."

A deep sense of disappointment was evident in Han Li's eyes, and he deflated like a pricked balloon.

Meanwhile, He Chunli's eyes shone with happy surprise. He glanced at the dejected Han Li beside him, intending to decline the offer. In his heart, he had always felt Han Li was more suited to be the Appraisal Master, even considering it a certainty.

He hadn't expected his master to appoint him as the Appraisal Master.

But—

An appraisal apprentice earned only six or seven taels a year. An Appraisal Master, however, started at least at ten taels, doubling the income.

Though He Chunli was slow-witted, he wasn't foolish. He knew this might be his only chance to rise in life and didn't want to miss it.

He could only let Han Li be disappointed.

With that thought, He Chunli gritted his teeth and cupped his hands. "This disciple will certainly do his utmost for the pawnshop, strive to make no mistakes, and live up to Master's expectations."

Han Li also gritted his teeth, forcing down his disappointment and unwillingness. "Everything is as Master decides."

Xie An nodded slightly. "That's good. I hope you will help each other in the future. I will be moving out tomorrow."

Xie An was now an executive of the Tiger Wolf Gate. If his future development went well, he would naturally be able to help his two disciples buy their freedom. It would be a mere word from him.

But Xie An didn't mention this. Firstly, Xie An hadn't even taken up his post at the Tiger Wolf Gate yet, and his future was uncertain, making it inappropriate to make promises.

Secondly, Xie An also believed that everyone had their own destiny.

If his two disciples maintained their original intentions in the future and continued to respect and be filial to him, he would help them when he had the ability.

If they changed their minds later, there would be no need to help them.

During dinner, He Chunli continued to serve Xie An diligently as before, bending over to pour tea, serve food, and pick out dishes for him. Han Li, on the other hand, appeared dispressed, keeping his head down and focusing on eating.

Xie An saw it all and knew that Han Li had developed a grievance against him.

Xie An did not point it out.

This was something Han Li needed to weigh and adjust on his own.

After all, Xie An had brought him up for over ten years, from a child to the young man he was now. He had also taught him the skill of appraisal. This kindness alone far outweighed everything else.

If he knew what was important, he would figure it out himself.

If he harbored hatred towards Xie An because of this, Xie An could only feel disappointed and helpless.

After all, Xie An now possessed sufficient strength and no longer needed to rely on the two of them for his old age. If it were just a few months ago, when Xie An still needed to rely on his two disciples for his old age, he would have had to carefully manage their allocation.

After nightfall, He Chunli went to bed early and slept soundly.

Xie An went to the adjacent storage room to practice the Fetal Breathing Technique. Through the half-open window, he saw Han Li sitting alone on the steps outside the door, resting his chin in his hands, gazing at the sky, lost in thought.

Even through a window, Xie An could sense his disciple's helplessness, unwillingness, and disappointment.

However, Xie An did not go to comfort him.

The next morning.

It was the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, the day when various shops opened their doors to customers. Red lanterns hung from the storefronts on both sides of the street, and couplets were pasted up, wishing for a prosperous business and smooth sailing in the coming year.

Chen Yuan arrived early at the pawnshop's backyard and found Xie An.

"Congratulations, Old Xie. You've bought your freedom and become a commoner, a master of your own destiny!"

His voice wasn't loud, but Xie An heard the genuine happiness in Chen Yuan's tone. They exchanged pleasantries for a moment, and Xie An said, "Old Chen, I'm also planning to resign from the position of Appraisal Master."

Chen Yuan wasn't surprised at all. "I know. I heard you also had a disagreement with the master of the house. Moreover, after buying your freedom, you're a commoner, and the income for an Appraisal Master isn't at that level anymore. After you leave... who do you plan to have take over the shop's Appraisal Master position?"

As he said this, Chen Yuan deliberately lowered his voice, his peripheral vision glancing towards Han Li and He Chunli, who were working inside the pawnshop.

Xie An considered his words carefully.

Although he was the Appraisal Master and could suggest the next one, Chen Yuan was the shopkeeper. He couldn't be too forceful about this matter, as it might displease Chen Yuan. Even if He Chunli became the Appraisal Master, it would be difficult to avoid friction with Chen Yuan.

Since he planned to have He Chunli take over, he might as well see it through.

With that thought, Xie An asked, "After what happened with Zhang Bing, I still feel uneasy. Old Chen, which disciple do you think would be good to take my place?"

Without the first sentence, it would have been a casual question.

But with that preceding it, it carried a deeper meaning.

Chen Yuan's heart skipped a beat. "You've really reminded me. Han Li, like Zhang Bing, is sharp-witted, eloquent, and good at reading people. But people like that often go astray. On the other hand, He Chunli... I think he's honest and diligent. If he's in charge, the pawnshop is less likely to run into trouble."

Hearing Chen Yuan's endorsement, Xie An felt relieved. "Old Chen, you have foresight. That's what I was thinking too. However, Han Li's intentions aren't bad, and he's different from Zhang Bing. I'll ask you to mentor him more in the future."

Chen Yuan readily agreed. "Did you talk to them beforehand?"

Xie An didn't hide anything and told him the truth.

Chen Yuan shot Xie An a look and chuckled, "Well, you old rascal Xie, you already had a plan but still came to sound me out. You're quite cunning."

Xie An smiled with relief. "You're the shopkeeper. I have to listen to you."

Chen Yuan didn't mind and laughed heartily. "Alright, then it's settled. I'll just go inform the master. The pawnshop is open today, and I have things to do, so I'll be leaving now. In a couple of days, I'll treat you to a meal at Feiyun Tower to celebrate your freedom, old Xie."

Running a pawnshop was a technical job. Although the master of Li Manor cared about it, he also understood that technical jobs required skilled workers. He wouldn't interfere too much with the selection of the Appraisal Master. At most, if the pawnshop's business declined, he would simply replace the shopkeeper.

After bidding farewell to Chen Yuan, Xie An packed his belongings. Without telling his two disciples, he left through the back door and headed for the Blood Ridge Black Market to assume his new post.

He had previously been a mere servant, lacking connections. No one came to see him off, and he left alone, carrying his travel bag.

On the same day, another person was also heading to the Blood Ridge Black Market to officially take up the position of deputy steward.

It was the eldest young master of the Li family, Li Shaoyun.