51: Funding masters and expanding industries

"You have no principles as a human being, and your carving machine is even worse. A loss is a loss; what's so hard about admitting it!"

"The most important thing for a person is credibility. If you don't keep your promises, don't even think about developing in Borton City."

"The entire American Carving Community cannot replicate a ghost craft ball. Don't even dream about it with your broken machine. It's an impossible task. I think you should just admit defeat!"

"You are blackening the name of America. A tiny Bolton Handicraft Processing Company—who gave you the nerve to represent the American Carving Community? If this gets exposed, you'll be boycotted by the entire American carving circle!"

"Do we have to take action ourselves before you'll admit your mistake?"

...Most of these Collectors came from noble families and were very displeased with Conrad's arrogant behavior.

His skills were lacking, yet he refused to admit it and even wanted to use force, so they all spoke out in reprimand.

Conrad had thought the two were easy targets, but seeing so many influential Collectors...

...several of whom were existences far beyond his reach, he was completely dumbfounded.

This was a tough bone to pick; he was throwing eggs against a stone, seeking his own death.

He knew he had completely failed and lowered his head, not knowing what to do.

"If your skills are inferior, you must admit it, or else you'll die a very ugly death."

"When you were insulting China and speaking so insolently, you should have expected this day would come!"

Qin Yun's cold reprimand directly shattered Conrad's mental defenses.

Seeing Qin Yun's chilling gaze, Conrad knew he had offended this man to the core.

If he didn't apologize, this man would surely fight him to the end.

He had previously thought that Chinese people had no connections in America and could be easily manipulated by him.

Seeing so many Collectors with extraordinary strength appear, he knew he was no match.

"I... I lost. China's carving craftsmanship is indeed more powerful than my company's!"

"From now on, I will never be disrespectful to Chinese people again."

Having no moral ground and being at a disadvantage, Conrad had no choice but to kneel and admit his mistake.

At this moment, his heart was filled with regret. Why did a Chinese old man who set up a street stall have such superb carving skills?

The people around saw the once incredibly proud Conrad now kneeling on the ground like an old dog, without a shred of dignity.

They knew this man was finished; he wouldn't be able to survive in the art world, where face is valued most.

However, his loss was not undeserved; the jade ghost craft ball was truly too incredible.

They had never seen such a miraculous carving; the Chinese man's victory was without suspense.

This time, everyone was truly convinced!

Conrad knew that if he did nothing...

...he and his company would never have a chance to make a comeback.

"Don't get cocky; there was an accident with my machine!"

"Although the carving community can't replicate the ghost craft ball, science and technology definitely can. Just you wait, sooner or later I will replicate a ghost craft ball a hundred times more exquisite than this."

Conrad looked up, staring at Qin Yun with a refusal to accept defeat.

He didn't believe that with the power of modern science and technology, he couldn't replicate such backward technology from hundreds of years ago.

"You're still far from being able to replicate the ghost craft ball."

"The pinnacle of ghost craft ball hollow carving is a technique formed through tens of millions of trials and errors. You cannot deduce it from the source; you absolutely cannot replicate it!"

"Furthermore, the way of carving lies in spirituality. Everything your machine carves follows a cookie-cutter logic; it doesn't even qualify as art, let alone being qualified to compete with China!"

After passing judgment, Qin Yun looked at Conrad expressionlessly.

"Are you convinced? If not, then keep kneeling on the ground in repentance!"

"I... I am convinced."

Kneeling on the ground and suffering, Conrad hesitated for a moment upon hearing Qin Yun's words.

He finally softened. He couldn't bear the shame of staying here any longer.

He scrambled up, not daring to look back once, and fled in a panic with a face full of bitterness!

The competition had ended, and the Collectors and carving Experts on the field all gathered around Li Zhengde.

"Is this jade ghost craft ball for sale?"

"Sell it to me, I'll pay a high price!"

"How about selling it to me for ten thousand?"

"As long as you sell it to me, I will recommend you to join the Borton City Carving Association, so no blind fools will trouble you!"

...Everyone had seen the miraculous nature of the jade ghost craft ball. It had shone brilliantly in the competition, emerging like a legend and crushing the competition.

They felt that this jade ghost craft ball had very high collectible value, so they were extremely eager.

Li Zhengde hadn't expected these Collectors, whom he usually couldn't even meet, to be so enthusiastic.

It seemed Qin Yun was right; only by showing his strength and thoroughly answering his peers would he gain respect.

Facing various temptations, he wasn't moved in the slightest.

"I will not sell the ghost craft ball!"

Hearing Li Zhengde's words, the crowd felt extremely disappointed.

At the same time, they were very puzzled.

This Chinese old man looked a bit down-and-out; why didn't he take this opportunity to sell it for a high price?

Then they felt relieved.

It was normal for such a one-in-a-million Sculpting Master to have pride and integrity.

With such extraordinary skills, how could he be short of money?

"Qin Yun, I performed beyond my usual level this time, and you deserve the primary credit. I'm giving this ghost craft ball to you."

After Li Zhengde finished speaking, he directly stuffed the ghost craft ball into Qin Yun's hand.

Qin Yun knew Master Li's life was a bit tight. Although he liked this ghost craft ball very much, he didn't want to accept such a precious gift.

"I haven't done anything to deserve such a reward, I..."

Before he could finish, Qin Yun saw Master Li's face suddenly darken as he turned to leave, so he immediately changed his tune.

"One should not refuse a gift from an elder. I'll shamelessly accept it then."

After carefully putting away the ghost craft ball, Qin Yun made a decision.

He had to help this master of extraordinary character, so that Chinese carving could become famous in America.

Seeing Qin Yun accept it, Li Zhengde finally smiled happily.

"Today was truly satisfying. The gloom of many years in America has been swept away. We should celebrate properly!"

"You are very much to my liking. How about coming to my house for a drink?"

Qin Yun happened to have something to discuss with Master Li, and he was also curious why the highly skilled Master Li lived in such straightened circumstances.

"Sure, we should drink three cups today."

They returned to the wooden house that looked simple but was actually filled with master craftsmanship everywhere.

At the wooden table in the backyard, Qin Yun and Li Zhengde drank heartily while Julia poured wine for them.

After a few rounds of drinks, Qin Yun asked about his confusion.

"With your carving skills and understanding of the ghost craft ball, you could easily crush the American Carving Community and hold a place among artists. Why didn't you show it?"

"I was previously obsessed with researching carving techniques and wasn't interested in fame. In my early years, I was excluded by my peers in Borton City, so I was happy to be left alone."

Thinking of his past experiences, a bitter smile appeared on Li Zhengde's face.

When he first came to America, the exclusion faced by Chinese people was much worse than it is now.

With his pride, he was unwilling to bow his head and admit defeat, which led to this situation.

He understood carving well but knew nothing about business. Being alone, he couldn't manage everything, so he gave up on the idea of becoming famous.

"Master Li is famous now. If you open a studio, it should be very popular, and your carvings would be sought after by many Collectors."

Thinking of the miraculous nature of the jade ghost craft ball, Julia whispered a reminder in Qin Yun's ear.

Qin Yun already had plans to help Master Li, and hearing Julia's words gave him an idea.

What if Li Zhengde opened a studio next to his Secondhand Store?

Master Li would only be responsible for carving.

He could help Master Li attract customers and contact Collectors with purchasing power.

This would not only showcase China's superb carving techniques but also bring a large number of Collectors to the Secondhand Store.

It was a situation where everyone wins.

"I am willing to sponsor you to promote Chinese carving in America. You just focus on the carving, and leave the rest to me."

Qin Yun looked at Li Zhengde with a serious face and spoke his thoughts.

"This... this might not be right?"

Li Zhengde was stunned for a moment. They were strangers, yet Qin Yun had already helped him so much.

If anyone else had said this, he would have thought they were trying to swindle the carving techniques of the ghost craft ball.

But for Qin Yun, he was very trusting.

Qin Yun smiled and said with a firm face,

"What's not right? Everyone is responsible for promoting Chinese culture!"

"I am willing to invest a hundred thousand US dollars. If that's not enough, I can continue to add more. There is no upper limit on the amount!"