Chapter 166: Chapter 166: The Arrogant Genius
Wufu had taken on a commission that, within Hundred Treasures Silver Building, was known by everyone, from shop assistants to craftsmen, and given her gender and such a young age, most people had no confidence in her. Especially the craftsmen didnât take her seriously at all, and were just waiting to see a big joke unfold.
When Shopkeeper Lin initially employed Wufu, he had faced a lot of pressure, and he was aware that his subordinates were dissatisfied and scornful. Now that Wufu had not let him down and had carved such fine jade ware, whether it was to prove he had made the right choice or to show off, there was no reason to hide it.
Therefore, when that Chicken Blood Seal appeared before all the craftsmen, the whole room fell silent.
"This, this is impossible," an old man who could be Wufuâs grandpa exclaimed.
The crowd also came to their senses.
"Shopkeeper Lin, did she really carve this?" someone asked, pointing at Wufu with a face full of disbelief.
"Impossible!" the elder stepped forward excitedly, shouting, "How could she carve jade ware of this quality without decades of skill?"
Wufu was just yawning when she heard this and glanced at the old man.
The others also felt something was off and chimed in, "Thatâs right, sheâs just a little girl, how could she possibly have carved it?"
Everyone present was an industry insider and had a discerning eye for quality. The Pixiu seal in front of them, whether it was the cutting or the carving, was top quality. How could one carve something like this without experience?
It wasnât just her, a young girl; even these old craftsmen who had been immersed in the trade didnât have such skills.
So, it was no wonder they couldnât believe it; it was simply unbelievable.
Zhu Zijun sighed inwardly. If he hadnât been paying close attention to Wufuâs activities, just suddenly seeing this, he himself wouldnât dare believe that the seal was Wufuâs work.
But facts were facts, undeniable.
While everyone reacted strongly, Shopkeeper Lin didnât get angry; instead, he felt gratified and proud, thinking to himself how everyone usually looked down on others with conceit, thinking they were unrivaled under the heavens. Now, werenât they getting a slap in the face?
"Miss Wufu has been working in our Hundred Treasures Silver Building for some time now, and everyone has been watching. I have no need to deceive you all, as thereâs no benefit in it. This Chicken Blood Seal was indeed carved by Miss Wufuâs own hands," said Shopkeeper Lin. "Craftsman Zhu is probably the clearest on this."
When Zhu Zijun, the named individual, was asked, his expression complex, he nodded and said, "Indeed, it is that piece of chicken blood I accidentally let slip, and the Pixiu seal is definitely the handiwork of Miss Wufu."
"How is that possible? Sheâs just a child. How could this be?"
"Elder Zhong is right, this, this..."
Wufu yawned again and said, "Whatâs so impossible about that? Talents emerge in every generation, and having a few geniuses is not strange. Since ancient times, there have been three-year-old prodigies, so why canât there be a carving prodigy in her teens like me?"
So brazenly self-praising, they had seen people boast, but never someone so shamelessly self-congratulatory.
The crowd rolled their eyes.
"If it truly is your carving, girl, who taught you?" the elder known as Elder Zhong asked again.
This level of craftsmanship was rather rare. He was basically familiar with all the renowned masters alive, and even the works left behind by deceased Great Grandmasters he had seen, but who was her teacher?
Wufu shrugged with a smile, "Old sir, thereâs no need to mention my teacher. As you know, I am the prodigy. And this seal even contains my hidden signature."
Having said that, she pointed to a certain spot on the seal, and everyone was stunned. Without her mentioning it, they wouldnât have noticed the signature at all.
This was indeed her work.
Seeing everyoneâs expressions, Wufu didnât say more. She turned around and went back to her workshop to pack up her things, ready to return home.