Volume One, Chapter 19: Gracefully Declining Sun Ya

Half an hour later, at the Shangjiang Hotel!

Zhang Wenxuan and his companions entered a private dining room and sat down. A table laden with an array of exquisite dishes was soon served. The culinary skills of a five-star hotel chef were truly extraordinary; every dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, and the mere aroma was enough to whet anyone's appetite.

The four of them chatted as they ate, and the atmosphere at the table was exceptionally harmonious.

"Mr. Zhang, I’d like to propose a toast to you!" Zhou Yunshan raised his glass with a chuckle. "Your performance today truly opened my eyes. It really is a case of the new waves pushing the old ones forward!"

Zhang Wenxuan smiled modestly. After clinking glasses with the older man, he took a small sip. "You are too kind, Elder Zhou. I am merely a newcomer who has just entered the industry. There is still much I don’t understand about gemstone appraisal, and I will need plenty of guidance from both of you seniors in the future."

"Hahaha!" His words drew laughter from both Zhou Yunshan and Huang Ming; clearly, neither of them believed for a second that Zhang Wenxuan was truly a novice.

Zhang Wenxuan didn't offer any further explanation, knowing full well that no one would believe him anyway. If these two knew that he had been searching for the basics of gemstone appraisal online just last night, he wondered what they would think.

Sun Ya chimed in then, a faint smile on her face. "Mr. Zhang’s appraisal skills are already second to none across the entire city of Shangjiang. The jade company I manage is in dire need of an expert like you. Would you be interested in joining us?"

She extended an olive branch, her gaze expectant as she looked at Zhang Wenxuan.

Zhang Wenxuan pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Ms. Sun, I am very sorry, but I personally don't have much interest in gemstone appraisal, and I don't want it to become my primary career."

"Oh?" At these words, not only Sun Ya, but even Zhou Yunshan and Huang Ming couldn't help but freeze in surprise.

"Mr. Zhang, why is that? Your talent for appraisal is clearly so outstanding," Huang Ming asked, looking completely bewildered.

Zhang Wenxuan merely smiled, offering no further explanation. "I am grateful for all the help Ms. Sun has given me over the past two days, so I can agree to perform appraisals for you a few times each year. However, joining the company is out of the question. I plan to try my hand at other industries, so I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Ms. Sun."

As these words left his lips, the atmosphere at the table turned somewhat stiff. Sun Ya looked at him deeply, and seeing that he truly had no intention of joining, she could only heave a helpless sigh.

"Very well. Since your mind is made up, Mr. Zhang, I will not force the issue. I am relieved to have your promise for the future. I hope you will continue to lend us your expertise for the annual Gemstone Appraisal Convention."

Zhang Wenxuan nodded without hesitation. "No problem." How could he refuse such a lucrative opportunity that came only once a year?

The atmosphere at the table quickly recovered. As the meal progressed, with wine flowing and dishes being cleared, Zhou Yunshan and Huang Ming took turns toasting Zhang Wenxuan. Caught up in their enthusiasm, he found it difficult to refuse and inadvertently drank several glasses.

"No, no, I can't drink anymore!" Zhang Wenxuan’s face was flushed, and he reeked of alcohol. *Hic!* He couldn't help but let out a burp, clearly showing signs of intoxication.

Seeing that Zhang Wenxuan couldn't hold his liquor well, Sun Ya pursed her lips and chuckled. "It seems Mr. Zhang’s drinking capacity is not as formidable as his appraisal skills."

"Hahaha!" Zhou Yunshan and Huang Ming couldn't help but laugh.

Zhang Wenxuan felt a bit helpless. His tolerance for alcohol wasn't actually bad, but he was no match for the three of them taking turns pouring drinks for him.

Sun Ya soon stood up to settle the bill, while Zhang Wenxuan was helped out of the restaurant by Zhou Yunshan and Huang Ming. Under the haze of intoxication, he felt as though the world were spinning; had it not been for their support, he would have surely collapsed to the ground.

Once Sun Ya returned from settling the bill and saw Zhang Wenxuan stumbling, she volunteered, "I’ll take Mr. Zhang back. Elder Zhou, Elder Huang, you two should head home first."

"Very well." The two elders exchanged a look, their eyes filled with amusement. They handed the drunken Zhang Wenxuan over to Sun Ya.

As Zhang Wenxuan swayed, he was startled to find Sun Ya stepping in to support him. "Ms. Sun, this... I’m afraid this isn't very appropriate!" he stammered, taking a step back.

He nearly fell, and Sun Ya quickly reached out to steady him. "Don't be so formal, Mr. Zhang. I'm not some sheltered maiden; there's no need to be shy!"

As she spoke, she hoisted him up. Their bodies were suddenly in intimate contact. It was the sweltering month of September, and both were wearing light clothing. In this close position, Zhang Wenxuan could even feel the warmth radiating from Sun Ya’s body.

*So soft!*

For the first time having such intimate contact with such a great beauty, Zhang Wenxuan’s face flushed even deeper. Fortunately, he was already drunk, so the change went unnoticed. Feeling the warmth and the faint, delicate fragrance coming from Sun Ya, his mind began to wander.

In particular, as Sun Ya held his arm, her soft curves pressed firmly against him; the astonishingly soft sensation made him reluctant to pull away. He hurriedly tried to suppress these thoughts to avoid making a fool of himself, but the more he tried, the more intoxicating the beauty beside him became.

*Damn it!* This was testing his willpower to the limit!

Zhang Wenxuan felt like crying inside. He couldn't help but steal a glance at Sun Ya, only to notice that a flush of red had crept across her face as well.

"Mr. Zhang, are you still able to walk?" Sun Ya’s tone was somewhat unnatural. She had intended to help the drunken man out of gratitude, but once she started, the strange sensation of their intimate contact made her feel entirely unsettled. Having never been this close to a man before, her entire body was tense.

Seeing her shy demeanor, Zhang Wenxuan couldn't help but linger on the sight for a moment before forcing himself to stand steady. "I'm sorry. Let's head back now!"

"Okay," Sun Ya nodded, her face still flushed.

The two made their way unsteadily to the underground parking garage. After Sun Ya helped him into the car and sat him down, she let out a long sigh of relief.

*Vroom!*

The engine roared to life in the parking garage. Sun Ya stepped on the gas, and the sports car sped off, eventually disappearing into the distance.

After driving him back to his apartment complex, Sun Ya slowly helped him inside. She settled him onto the sofa, and only after standing up did she realize she was drenched in sweat. Zhang Wenxuan was quite heavy, and the effort of supporting him all the way back had nearly exhausted her.

Seeing her state, Zhang Wenxuan said, "Ms. Sun, please, take a rest at my place before you head back."

Sun Ya looked a bit embarrassed. She glanced at her own disheveled state and asked, "Would you mind if I took a shower at your place before I leave?"