Chapter 2331: 2328: Craftsmanship
Chapter 2331: Chapter 2328: Craftsmanship
“I understand, I understand…” Ning Wenbin nodded hastily and deliberately lowered his voice: “My master is also from one of the ancient architectural schools. He once said that each school has its secrets, and probing into others’ secrets is taboo.”
“It’s not as serious as you say. This family probably just wants to keep a low profile, not wanting to expose themselves to the public. This is how craftsmen’s legacies are; being too worldly leaves no room for research and innovation.” Lin Tian seemed to understand them a bit.
“That’s right, that’s right…” Ning Wenbin replied while looking at the blueprints. Eventually, he was so absorbed that he didn’t even bother to speak, just kept looking, sometimes puzzled, sometimes delighted, completely immersed in the world of ancient architecture.
It wasn’t until Xiao Manxuan returned from class that this guy hadn’t looked up once, as if under a spell. Every genius is somewhat passionate, with sleepless nights being just part of the package.
“Shh…” Lin Tian pointed at the guy and then pointed at the content on the screen.
Xiao Manxuan nodded to show she understood and didn’t disturb Ning Wenbin, heading to the kitchen to cook dinner.
Generally speaking, food lovers aren’t often good cooks, especially modern girls. Those who can cook are even rarer. Xiao Manxuan is an exception; her cooking skills have improved rapidly. Now she not only eats but can also prepare food.
The Xiao sisters not only inherited Mrs. Xiao’s beauty and perfect figure but also her superb culinary skills. Lin Tian had the chance to taste Mrs. Xiao’s cooking when at the Xiao residence.
How does that saying go? She can both host guests and handle kitchen tasks, and… cough, cough, better not let thoughts wander too far, Lin Tian quickly reigned in his drifting thoughts.
The aroma from the kitchen wafted out, making Ning Wenbin’s stomach growl, signaling the end of his exploration journey.
“Brother Lin, I really envy you. You have both good food and a beautiful woman, unlike my pitiful self,” Ning Wenbin said admiringly.
Lin Tian and Xiao Manxuan knew who he was referring to, but unfortunately, Wu Xiuluo couldn’t be with him.
“Ahem, you guys don’t mind if I join you for dinner, right? To comfort my wounded soul,” Ning Wenbin swallowed, unclear if it was out of hunger or attracted by the food.
Lin Tian was used to his carefree attitude and said helplessly, “Seeing how you are already sitting down, I can’t possibly chase you away, can I? Hurry up and eat, and after that, I’ll take you to see the construction site and check out how my new house is coming along.”
“New house?” Ning Wenbin was stunned, then exclaimed in shock, “Wow, so it’s your new house! No wonder only someone like you could get such a prestigious family to work for you.”
“It’s not my connections, it’s Aunt Wang’s. I’m just benefiting from her relations.” Lin Tian truly didn’t know these master craftsman families.
“Hehe, as long as I can see it, let’s eat, hurry up…” Ning Wenbin was unabashed, serving himself rice and soup.
While eating, he complimented, “Mr. Xiao really is someone who can host guests and handle kitchen tasks, totally meeting the standards of a modern woman.”
“Standards of a modern woman?” Xiao Manxuan chuckled, “Lin Tian, is this really how you men discuss women? What are these new standards? We women are completely in the dark.”
“Uh, I heard some people in class say it’s something like being independent-minded, tolerant and kind, having correct values, avoiding a ’princess syndrome,’ not being coy, staying away from false eyelashes and heavy makeup… basically things about inner and outer behavior.” Lin Tian said casually.
“Those are quite a lot of demands,” Xiao Manxuan grinned.
“Not really, Mr. Xiao has already surpassed those standards,” Ning Wenbin praised.
In truth, Lin Tian knew there were even more standards for modern men. People say men and women are equal, but the demands on men are higher. However, Lin Tian never adheres to any standards, choosing to act freely.
Under Ning Wenbin’s urging, the three quickly finished the meal. In fact, Lin Tian was also eager to see the progress on his new home.
Lin Tian drove, Xiao Manxuan sat in the passenger seat, while Ning Wenbin sat alone in the back seat. Normally, this guy would have lamented about being single, but he was soon captivated by the car.
“I’ve heard so much about the Yun Family’s intelligent cars, they’re truly well-deserved. I once asked the Yun Family to customize one for me, but they refused, and yet you got one. Truly different fates for different people,” Ning Wenbin said, both envious and self-pitying.
“Mr. Ning, the intelligent cars from the Yun Family are currently internal experimental versions, apologies for the inconvenience.” Little Ya gave him an irrefutable reason, making him groan in frustration.
The second visit felt faster, but upon reaching the mountain range, Lin Tian noticed some differences. A newly constructed bluestone road stretched through the wasteland straight to the mountain.
Occasionally a vehicle would pass by on the bluestone road, carrying various odd materials. The mountain was busier, with many people bustling about, more strange wooden piles and foundations.
The once desolate hillside was now bustling, a scene full of vigorous construction.
Lin Tian parked the car at the foot of the mountain, noticing not only the freight trucks but also a business car.
“Huh, I think I’ve seen that car before…” Xiao Manxuan said curiously.
Lin Tian didn’t look at the car but instead turned his gaze to the distance, where a woman stood gracefully, gazing up at the mountain scene.
The woman was dressed in a business outfit with a well-fitted skirt, so even from the back, her curves were evident. Her black hair was simply pinned up, revealing a white neck, combining grace with allure.
“Mrs. Xiao…” Lin Tian murmured softly, unconsciously smiling.
That beautiful, charming silhouette was indeed Mrs. Xiao. She seemed to sense someone watching, turning around and meeting Lin Tian’s gaze.
Facing him, Mrs. Xiao appeared even more graceful, sophisticated yet alluringly charming. In terms of figure, Miss, Xiao Manxuan, Ling Shuiyao, and Zhang Lingyu couldn’t compare to Mrs. Xiao, with her slender waist and curves not too big or too small, embodying the mature charm of a woman seasoned by time.
Mrs. Xiao’s eyes flashed with a hint of surprise but she concealed it well, perhaps this accidental encounter was something she hadn’t expected.
Xiao Manxuan saw her too, exclaiming in surprise, quickly running over to hold Mrs. Xiao’s hand tightly.
“Mom, what brings you here?” Xiao Manxuan asked joyfully.
“I heard from Manxue that this place is being built as a villa for Lin Tian, so I came to take a look.” Mrs. Xiao replied with a charming smile, giving Lin Tian a glance.
Lin Tian nodded, smiling lightly, “Thank you, Chairman Xie, for your concern.”
“Actually, there isn’t much I can help with. The artisans here are quite unique; they each have their roles, working methodically, not like ordinary construction teams. Plus, the building methods they’re using, I’ve never seen them before.” Mrs. Xiao expressed her curiosity.
Having been in business for so long, with her family building various establishments and visiting many construction sites, those sites were well-organized, but this one, after a while, seemed less like a construction site and more like a group of artisans creating a masterpiece.