Chapter 500: King Nanfeng
Zuo Yu and Yan Biao envied Nanfeng’s recent high spirits. Although he was just an a.s.sistant, he represented Fang Zhao. While Fang Zhao was in seclusion, Nanfeng became the only channel to reach Fang Zhao.
The discovery of historical artifacts didn’t just attract people from the collecting world. Some commercial big shots and literary celebrities also sought out Nanfeng. Even though these people merely wanted to find out whether they could buy a few pieces of these china, being able to speak with them delighted Nanfeng tremendously.
A n.o.body who had once struggled at the bottom depths of Huangzhou entertainment circles now held relations.h.i.+ps that were the envy of anyone in the business world!
Nanfeng couldn’t help feeling buoyant with all the flattery he was getting. Of course, he wouldn’t harm his boss. He kept his glee in his heart and tried not to show it. He didn’t want to give others the opportunity to discredit Fang Zhao.
After he was done handling the artifact inquiries, Nanfeng was a.s.signed another important task by Fang Zhao. He was to handle procedures for the private collection hall.
The land for building the private collection hall had already been chosen. With help from the various continents’ museums, the relevant procedures were completed much quicker. But, the current buildings there were awaiting demolition, so there was still at least six months before construction could begin. Nanfeng’s current workload was mainly to handle the relevant procedures, and he didn’t have to worry about much else for the time being.
Nanfeng felt his heart ache watching the money flow away. Even though the money wasn’t his, he still couldn’t help feeling this way. The really expensive ceramics were donated just like that. But, it was his boss’s decision, and he could only do as told.
When Nanfeng heard that the “Above the Blue Dome of Heaven” production crew wanted to buy out Fang Zhao’s works, Nanfeng’s distress lessened.
Nanfeng went over to Yanzhou Museum once again to thank the curator for his help. He also needed to check on the artifacts Fang Zhao was storing there. These were the artifacts Fang Zhao hadn’t donated.
Nanfeng understood that it was normal to keep a few artifacts. However, he couldn’t understand why Fang Zhao wanted to keep one with bite marks.
There were so many perfect pieces. Why would his boss want to keep a damaged one?!
Nanfeng just couldn’t understand!
After leaving Yanzhou Museum, Nanfeng immediately flew towards Fang Zhao’s island to give a report. During this period, Nanfeng had done everything the boss asked of him perfectly. Nanfeng was certain he would be rewarded, and he was delighted!
Nanfeng couldn’t stop beaming on the way there. As he was landing, he finally reined in his smiles.
He still had to be earnest, reliable, sincere and professional. The image he portrayed would crumble if he smiled too much. He didn’t want to seem unreliable.
Furthermore, with his recent a.s.signments, Nanfeng had gotten to know more people and widened his network. He hadn’t been able to hold his head high when he was struggling solo in Huangzhou. But now, Nanfeng felt that his professional status had risen. Thus, he couldn’t afford to be sloppy.
In high spirits, Nanfeng walked towards the house on the island.
Nanfeng greeted Yan Biao and Zuo Yu when he saw them. He was about to step into the house when he saw Curly Hair trudge out slowly.
Curly Hair yawned listlessly. He couldn’t stay in his room and play games when Nanfeng was here.
He was unhappy!
His dog eyes were faintly accusatory as they watched Nanfeng.
But, Nanfeng didn’t know that. He just felt that Curly Hair seemed more depressed after the few short days of his absence. Nanfeng was sure that Yan Biao and Zuo Yu hadn’t taken care of Curly Hair properly!
There wasn’t anybody else on the island, and their boss was busy. Who else could it be if it wasn’t Yan Biao or Zuo Yu? With his mind set on that conclusion, Nanfeng shot the two of them a look of disapproval.
However, it wasn’t the time to talk about this. Nanfeng rubbed Curly Hair’s head gently as he walked past. Nanfeng actually noticed a few curly strands of hair out of place, and he wanted to brush Curly Hair’s fur.
But, Boss didn’t allow them to brush Curly Hair’s fur, so Nanfeng could only bear with it.
Nanfeng needed an outlet for his growing disapproval.
While rubbing Curly Hair’s head, he glanced at Zuo Yu and Yan Biao who were some distance away.
“How long has it been since Little Curls has gone out?”
“A few days,” Yan Biao replied vaguely.
“How can a dog not be taken out for walks?!”
“Boss says to not go out to sea for the time being,” Yan Biao stiffly muttered a defense.
Nanfeng: “…”
Nanfeng didn’t know what to say to these two.
Why don’t these two know how to be flexible?
Curly Hair can still go on walks on the island even if the Boss doesn’t want him out at sea!
The dog can be walked in circles near the house if you don’t want to go too far!
Anything like smelling the gra.s.s and flowers or chasing after bugs can help strengthen the body.
Those two just don’t know how to look after dogs!
“Alright! You two, don’t walk him. I will do it! You guys go on your patrol. I will bring Little Curls for a walk after my report. I will be staying on the island for two days.”
Curly Hair’s eyes appeared to dim.
Nanfeng saw it and sighed with lament. “See, just one look and I can tell that Curly Hair can’t wait. His eyes are glowing!”
With that, he rubbed Curly Hair’s head once more and went into the house.
Yan Biao and Zuo Yu: “…”
A brave soul!
Sigh!
Two hours later, Nanfeng brought Curly Hair out for a walk after he was done reporting to Fang Zhao. Nanfeng didn’t need a leash since the entire island belonged to Boss.
Nanfeng was in high spirits after receiving a bonus and recognition for his hard work. He didn’t criticize Yan Biao and Zuo Yu when he saw them and even called out, “Comrades, how about a gathering tonight?”
“You got a bonus?” Yan Biao asked.
“Heh, as expected of an old comrade. You can tell even without me saying a thing.” Nanfeng chuckled happily. “How about a drink or two tonight? I brought some alcohol when I came over.”
“Chatting is fine, but we’ll pa.s.s on the alcohol. Us bodyguards aren’t allowed to drink on duty.”
“Alright, then let’s just have a short catch-up. It won’t take up too much of your time.”
As dusk fell, Nanfeng left his a.s.signed room with some canned fruit juice. He drove a patrol vehicle to the island’s sentry post.
Yan Biao and Zuo Yu were already waiting there.
Nanfeng tossed a can to each of them. “Let’s drink!”
Even though it was only fruit juice, Yan Biao and Zuo Yu didn’t dare drink two much. A couple of days ago, Fang Zhao had informed them about the severity of the situation and reminded them to be combat ready at all times.
Only the totally oblivious Nanfeng quickly downed his juice.
Even though they weren’t having any alcohol, Nanfeng was still in fine spirits. When he was out and about, he represented Fang Zhao and needed to restrain himself. But now that he was off work and among his own colleagues without Boss present, Nanfeng naturally didn’t need to hold back. He happily gave a brief recount of the things he had experienced while working during this period.
“Hehehe, I am famous already. Everyone in the industry knows ‘King Nanfeng’!”
Nanfeng rocked back and forth with laughter.
“Hahahaha! I, King Nanfeng, have really made a name for myself!”
Yan Biao and Zuo Yu: “…Congratulations, King Nanfeng.”
Nanfeng waved them off meekly. His smile disappeared as he sighed. “Actually, I asked you guys out because I wish to talk about my career plan. I know that in future, Boss’s focus will continue to be on the musical arts; everything else is secondary. He also doesn’t seem interested in many other commercial endors.e.m.e.nts. I am not from an academic background, and my musical knowledge isn’t great. I have already put in great effort to try and learn, but with the little talent that I have, I probably won’t make much progress even in ten years. In the future, the occupational pressure I face will be even greater.”
Yan Biao and Zuo Yu fell silent. Although bodyguards didn’t have to know music, they experienced great pressure too!
Nanfeng continued a little dejectedly, “The experience from helping Boss is enriching and profound, especially when I met those academic great masters. I was totally stunned by their technical jargon. I don’t care if I humiliate myself, but I mustn’t disgrace Boss!
“Boss is soaring towards the artistic peak. Currently, he still needs more qualifications and experience. When he has acc.u.mulated enough, he will definitely be able to achieve the next stage of Galaxy Awards!
“Boss should find an a.s.sistant who is more musically inclined and find someone who understands the highest levels of the music circles to be his manager.
“As for me, I don’t have much affinity with music. I won’t be able to help Boss much or show my true value at Boss’s side.
“Boss treats us well, and we shouldn’t be greedy. We have to know our place. Tightly holding onto my position without sufficient ability would only trouble Boss.”
“No, Boss is still very pleased with you,” Yan Biao said.
Nanfeng immediately broke out of his emotional rant and became delighted again. “Hahaha, of course I know Boss is really pleased with me! My working att.i.tude is so good. Besides my lack of apt.i.tude towards music, I am actually a whole package! I am even better at dog walking than you two!”
Yan Biao and Zuo Yu: “…”
Nanfeng patted the other two’s shoulders. “I do have to say something about you two. Comrades, as subordinates, we have to think about our Boss’s interests. You guys have to be more proactive.”
Yan Biao replied, “…But our way of thinking might be totally different from Boss’s.”
Nanfeng answered with full confidence, “That sort of thing will never happen to me!”
“Alright, it’s good that you believe in yourself,” Yan Biao said with difficulty.
With an arm around the shoulder of each comrade, Nanfeng continued, “When the private collection hall is constructed, I will have a talk with Boss… Actually, when I reported to Boss today, I had initially wanted to talk to him about my career plan. But, I don’t know why I suddenly felt terrified as I was about to mention it. Hahahaha!”
Nanfeng chuckled, then seemed to ponder. “Actually, speaking to Boss beforehand would be good too. He could then look around for suitable people. Mhmm, that’s set then. I will write a letter and talk to Boss about resigning tomorrow!”
Zuo Yu was deep in thought and froze while drinking the juice. He glanced at Yan Biao.
Yan Biao’s gaze was blank. Hadn’t he once said something similar?
Yan Biao quivered when he recalled that experience. He turned to Nanfeng and said seriously, “I think you don’t have to talk about this. Or, perhaps you can bring this up in a different way.”
Yan Biao paused for a moment before continuing, “You are still rather suitable for your position. Don’t underrate yourself. Boss really hasn’t thought of replacing you.”
Nanfeng a.s.sumed it was all just consolation. “Hahaha, I know you guys can’t bear to see me go. After all, we have been comrades and colleagues for so long!”
Yan Biao said, “No, I just have a nagging feeling… that you shouldn’t say it this way. It sounds hurtful.”
Zuo Yu nodded his head vigorously. “Yes, don’t say such stuff. It’s scary.”