Even if you could never cultivate Dou Qi in your life, I believe you'd achieve greatness in other ways.
Nalan Yanran's talent in cultivation is strong, but she's reckless and shortsighted. Someday, she'll regret this broken engagement!"
Yafei then noticed Xiao Jian's gaze upon her seemed somewhat… unusual.
"Well, then let me take your kind words as a blessing. In the future, I may devote more energy to cultivation.
The marketplace can be handled by the family. Once I improve my skills, perhaps there will be more opportunities to work with you, Yafei."
Xiao Jian smiled.
"I won't stay long in Utan City. Three years from now, maybe we can meet in the imperial capital."
Yafei nodded slightly in response.
"I think 'maybe' is unnecessary. Three years from now, if you don't mind, I hope you'll accompany me to the Nalan residence, Yafei."
Xiao Jian looked into her captivating eyes and extended a sincere invitation.
"Ah?"
Yafei froze for a moment...was this… a confession?
"So, you can guess what I told Nalan Yanran, right?"
Then she heard Xiao Jian add:
"Alright, I still need to handle marketplace affairs, so I won't disturb you further. Farewell."
Seeing her momentarily puzzled, Xiao Jian smiled and stood up.
After pouring another cup of tea for her, he left.
After a long while, Yafei regained her composure, glancing at the now-cooled tea on the table, her cheeks slightly red.
This boy… did he just use me as a shield?
She lifted the cup and drank it all.
Not bad at all.
Yafei smiled, staring thoughtfully at the empty cup.
Three years from now, Xiao Jian would undoubtedly become an exceptional figure.
And she herself would no longer be a mere auctioneer in a remote small city.
Back at the Xiao family marketplace…
Xiao Jian returned to his office, skillfully drafting approval documents.
Based on last year's marketplace profits, the markets under his management were certain to be upgraded to High-Level Markets.
So all necessary preparations had to be made.
But as his father had advised, the marketplace matters could wait for now.
"Someone, come in."
Xiao Jian called toward the door.
"Third Young Master!"
Soon, an attendant pushed open the door.
"Go fetch Vice Master Xiao Tong."
Xiao Jian continued writing while giving instructions.
"Yes, Third Young Master."
Moments later, a steady voice came from the doorway:
"Third Young Master, you summoned me?"
Xiao Jian looked up to see Xiao Tong, with his beard neatly trimmed, waiting at the door.
"Come in and have a seat, Uncle Tong."
Xiao Jian smiled warmly.
"Ah."
Xiao Tong smiled and entered, sitting beside him.
"From today on, most of the marketplace affairs will be handled by you, Uncle Tong. Once the market level assessment is complete, I'll step down."
Xiao Jian put down his pen, speaking gently to Xiao Tong.
Xiao Tong was the original market master and a trusted aide of Xiao Zhan.
Three years ago, when Xiao Jian entered the marketplace, he had followed Xiao Tong closely.
Later, after demonstrating exceptional management talent, Xiao Tong willingly handed over the market master position.
"Third Young Master?"
Xiao Tong was puzzled. Xiao Jian was doing so well—why step back?
"Uncle Tong, I can cultivate now, so I must focus on Dou Qi.
You are experienced with the marketplace; my methods were minor tricks. I'm sure you already know them."
Xiao Jian explained with a smile.
"Really? Third Young Master, you can cultivate?"
Xiao Tong's face lit up with joy.
Everyone under Xiao Jian had often lamented Xiao Tong's inability to cultivate. Hearing this, they were genuinely happy.
"Yes. Last night's event—please keep it confidential, Uncle Tong."
Xiao Jian nodded softly.
"Of course, Young Master. The marketplace is in my hands.
Focus on your cultivation. Your coming-of-age ceremony is near.....you must seize the time!"
Xiao Tong stood, earnestly promising.
"Hehe, I naturally trust you, Uncle Tong. The materials are ready and handed over.
If any difficulties arise, come to me."
Xiao Jian smiled, finished giving instructions, and left the marketplace.
All matters were nearly handled—time to return home and cultivate.
In one year, his coming-of-age ceremony awaited.
At minimum, he must reach the seventh-stage Dou Qi.
But Xiao Jian's goal: advance to Dou Zhe within a year, perhaps even touch the threshold of Dou Shi.
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