27: A person who died for seven days and then came back to life?

Uncle Min snapped out of it, and a look of joy immediately appeared on his face. "Alright, little brother... no, Boss Ye, we'll do as you say!"

Originally, they were prepared to lose more than half their investment and get rid of the restaurant as quickly as possible.

They hadn't expected... Ye Chen to be so wealthy and generous, offering three hundred thousand right off the bat!

Although he added the condition that they stay, not only was it not for free, but they would also receive a salary!

With such a good deal, what reason did they have to refuse?

Ye Chen nodded.

"Alright, then let's handle the procedures now."

He always acted decisively. He signed the transfer agreement with Uncle Min on the spot, and the three hundred thousand payment was transferred immediately after.

"Boss Ye, you really are a straightforward person!"

As soon as the money arrived, Uncle Min's hands trembled slightly with excitement, and the heavy stone in his heart finally fell away.

Li Yao watched this and was sincerely happy for them. "Brother-in-law, you have a good eye! Our meals are sorted from now on!"

"You're welcome anytime!"

Ye Chen smiled and said, "Anyone from the Bureau who comes to eat will get a fifty percent discount."

Li Yao exclaimed that he was truly a loyal friend!

Once the procedures were completed, Uncle Min was in high spirits. He opened a jar of his prized wine and stir-fried a few signature dishes. The four of them sat around a table.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Li Yao and Uncle Min chatted about interesting stories from the past, Ye Chen chimed in occasionally, and Min Xiaoya sat quietly to the side, her gaze occasionally falling secretly on Li Yao... Halfway through the drinks.

Li Yao's phone suddenly rang.

He picked up and listened for a few moments, his expression turning serious.

"Okay, I understand. I'll be there right away."

Hanging up the phone, he said helplessly to the three of them.

"Something urgent came up at the Bureau. My vacation ended early, so I have to leave first!"

"Brother-in-law, I didn't get to drink my fill today. I'll make it up to you next time!"

"Official business comes first. Go on and get busy, Brother Li." Ye Chen stood up to see him off.

Li Yao nodded to Uncle Min and Xiaoya, then left in a hurry.

After he left, Ye Chen sat for a while longer, discussing the details of the subsequent handover with Uncle Min, and then also got up to take his leave.

As he stepped out of the restaurant, a gust of cold wind hit him, dispelling some of the alcohol's effects.

Ye Chen stood by the roadside and dialed Yi Yue's number.

The call was answered quickly.

Her groggy voice came through the receiver: "Ye Chen? Are you not back from your morning run yet?"

Ye Chen had been 'planting rice' all night, and Yi Yue had been 'sprinkling water' all night; both were exhausted.

It was almost noon, and she hadn't gotten out of bed yet... "Mm, I'm done with my business." Ye Chen smiled slightly. "Yueyue, I have some good news for you."

"What good news?"

"I've found a shop."

"Really?"

Yi Yue was stunned, her sleepiness vanishing instantly. "So fast? Where is it? How big is it? Is the rent expensive?"

The string of questions made Ye Chen chuckle.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you slowly."

"The location is over here on the Old Street. The shop is called 'Min Family Private Kitchen.' It was originally a restaurant, so the facilities are already there."

"I've already taken it over. It's not a rental but a transfer. We just need to change the sign later and arrange the Feng Shui."

"Taken... taken it over?" Yi Yue became worried. "That must have cost a lot of money, right? Didn't we agree to rent first?"

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing regarding the money."

Ye Chen offered a word of comfort.

"This shop is good. Once I adjust the Feng Shui slightly, business will definitely boom!"

"Besides, the original owner and his daughter will stay to help you for two months and get you familiar with things."

"So, my lady boss, are you ready to start your new job?"

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds, then Yi Yue said softly, "Mhm! I'll work hard. Ye Chen, thank you..."

"Silly girl." Ye Chen interrupted her. "I'll tell you in detail when I get back."

"Okay!"

The two hung up, and Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief, preparing to head back.

As it turned out... his phone vibrated again. He looked down and saw it was a call from Bing Lan.

Ye Chen swiped to answer.

"Miss Bing?"

Bing Lan's voice came through calmly: "Come to The Group. You're going with me to see someone."

"Who?" Ye Chen asked, puzzled.

"A very special person."

Bing Lan paused before continuing, "He is the most famous carving master in the country, but it's very difficult for ordinary people to invite him."

Now, Shu Yue's imperial green raw material was ready; all that was missing was a carving master with exquisite skill.

And only the most prestigious master in the country was worth President Bing personally making a move... Ye Chen understood and was about to agree.

But President Bing's next sentence was quite shocking: "But it is said that he has already died more than a hundred times and come back to life more than a hundred times."

"Died?" Ye Chen's interest was piqued. "Is it death in the true sense of the word?"

Bing Lan gave an "Mhm": "Yes. Once, he lay in a coffin for seven days. His friends and relatives had all come to offer their condolences, but he suddenly woke up."

Resurrecting after seven days?

That was indeed very interesting... Generally speaking, the limit for suspended animation is three days.

If one cannot wake up after three days, it is true death.

This was exactly why, in folk customs, the body is kept for three days before burial.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

"Interesting. I'll be there right away!"

"Mhm, I'll wait for you in the underground parking lot." Bing Lan finished and hung up.

Ye Chen hailed a taxi at the roadside and headed straight for Shuyue Group.

Before long.

A car model drove out of the garage and headed towards the villa district in the suburbs.

The car was filled with the elegant fragrance from Bing Lan's body.

She was wearing a navy blue suit skirt today, her long hair tied up, revealing her fair neck.

Her profile, in the flowing light and shadow outside the window, was so beautiful it seemed unreal... Ye Chen swallowed slightly and broke the silence: "What is that master's name?"

"Everyone calls him 'The Foolish Old Man'." Bing Lan pursed her lips. "Few people know his real name. He has a strange temper, so whether we can invite him depends on fate."

Ye Chen nodded.

The car eventually stopped in front of a quaint Chinese-style villa.

White walls, black tiles, a vermillion gate, and two majestic stone lions at the entrance... After announcing their intention.

A Bodyguard in a training suit came forward to verify President Bing's identity, then signaled: "President Bing, the master is in the backyard. Please follow me."

"Thank you for the trouble."

Bing Lan nodded, and the two followed the Bodyguard through the corridor to the backyard.

As soon as they stepped in, they saw an old man in a gray Tang suit sitting on a bluestone by the pond.

His hair and beard were all white, his figure thin, holding a green bamboo fishing rod, leisurely watching the water's surface.

Bing Lan stopped and opened her red lips.

"Master Foolish Old Man, excuse me for the intrusion."

"I am your junior, Bing Lan, the head of Shuyue Group. I have come today with a heavy gift to pay my respects and to request that you take action to carve a masterpiece that will be passed down through the generations."

The surface of the pond rippled slightly, and the bobber moved gently.

The Foolish Old Man acted as if he hadn't heard.

Bing Lan was not discouraged and continued.

"Master, I am well aware that you have retired your blades for many years and that ordinary items are beneath your notice."

"But this time, the material is a rare glass-type imperial green, with excellent transparency and perfect color. Only your divine craftsmanship can do justice to this heaven-sent treasure."

The Foolish Old Man shook his head and finally spoke.

"Little girl, I know why you've come."

"However... this old man is old, my eyes are blurred, and my hands are shaking. I can no longer carve."

"This beautiful jade created by the heavens and earth has its own spirituality; it cannot be forced."

"You... should look for someone else."

He had actually refused directly!

Bing Lan's fingers tightened, and her lips pressed together.

She had expected that inviting The Foolish Old Man would not be easy, but she hadn't expected him to refuse so bluntly, without even the interest to glance at the material.

But as the head of Shuyue Group, her character was naturally extraordinary.

She took half a step forward, her tone even more earnest.

"Master, if even you claim to be old, who else in this world would dare to speak of carving?"

"If this jade can be carved by you, it is not only its destiny but also my honor, and it would allow an unparalleled work of art to reappear in the world."

"No matter what request you have, Shuyue Group is willing to do its best to satisfy it..."

The Foolish Old Man suddenly chuckled, interrupting her: "Request? What use does an old man with half his body in the grave have for those worldly things? Little girl, please go back!"

Seeing this, the Bodyguard nearby made a "please" gesture to the two of them.

The stance... was very clear.

Bing Lan's lips parted slightly, wanting to try again... Suddenly!

Ye Chen took a deep breath and said, "Miss Bing, the master is not unwilling, but unable."

Bing Lan was startled upon hearing this.

"What do you mean?"

Ye Chen's gaze fell on The Foolish Old Man's back: "He is ill."

"Presumptuous!"

The Bodyguard's face changed drastically, and he flew into a rage. "You dare curse the master? Get out immediately!!!"

"Wait."

The Foolish Old Man raised his hand, stopping the Bodyguard, his voice devoid of emotion. "You say this old man is ill... then tell me, what illness do I have?"