Qilin was born unknown

The concept of innate talent is unique and extraordinary.

Innate talent can be interpreted as a special gift bestowed by the heavens.

You must believe that there is such a group of people in this world.

From Han Jing's words, I could roughly piece together the person Zhao Muzhi.

Having excelled in academics since childhood and possessing a clean appearance, he was essentially the child praised by mothers during childhood (Han Jing cited numerous examples to illustrate Zhao Muzhi's youthful wisdom, which I won't delve into here). The two of them went through kindergarten, elementary school, junior high, and high school together. In Han Jing's words, if they were still together in college, she might have "gritted her teeth and devoted herself" to this guy.

However, during high school, Zhao Muzhi's family encountered a crisis; his father passed away, and his mother took him back to her hometown in Gansu. He even attended college there. Initially, despite the miles between them, they maintained communication. However, as they entered the university filled with various novelties and hormones, their communication gradually decreased. Han Jing also gradually relegated this childhood friend to the recesses of her heart.

Thinking they might never meet again in this lifetime, it was last year that, by chance, Han Jing spotted a particularly refined young man on the subway. She felt a sense of familiarity and, after a moment, realized it was Zhao Muzhi. However, she didn't approach him for recognition, for a simple reason - the unfamiliarity after such a long lack of contact left her unsure how to initiate a conversation.

Zhao Muzhi got off before her. Hesitating for a moment, she followed him. Upon seeing him emerge from the bicycle shed near the subway station, she turned back and returned to the station.

I roughly understood her thoughts at that moment. For many outstanding foreign girls with innate conditions, it's understandable to desire both "bread" and "love" in Beijing. After all, everyone has the right to choose their way of life, and no one can force them to marry an ordinary person. No one said that choosing a diamond ring and a sports car is not love. Material wealth has never been the antithesis of love; love can define itself between a roadside stall's fried noodles and a Maserati at any moment.

I know Han Jing is not particularly materialistic, unlike me, the laid-back guy. She just has a persistence in not wanting an ordinary life. With so many temptations, given her assets, compromising even once wouldn't leave her in such a "miserable" state.

Coming back to the story, Zhao Muzhi is probably the type of boy admired by Han Jing during her adolescence.

After listening to her memories, I sighed disappointedly and said, "So you don't know this guy's address."

Han Jing, with a proud expression, said, "Of course I do. I saw his work badge. He's a product translator for a company. By the way, I'm curious, why are you suddenly looking for him?"

After thinking for a moment, I asked her, "Let me ask you first, considering your description of this smart and sharp young man, why hasn't he made it big?"

She suddenly paused, seemingly reminiscing about that young man in her memory. Her eyes became unfocused as she said, "This person has keen judgment but lacks the wild fighting spirit. Despite his extraordinary talent, he has an old-fashioned, almost harsh, demeanor. You should understand such people; it's challenging for them to gain recognition in this jungle-like world where people are ruthless."

I chuckled and told her that I hoped to bring him in to help with some work. Han Jing was somewhat surprised, but then smiled, "One plus one equals two cowards."

I offered to drive her home, but she declined, giving me Zhao Muzhi's company name and walking away alone. With nothing to do that afternoon, I headed to Zhao Muzhi's company. The address was in a park called Elite Dream Valley in the east. Glancing at the photo Han Jing gave me, I intended to approach him, but unexpectedly found him coming out from inside as I arrived.

Locking my car, I followed him without immediately greeting him. Currently, I was truly out of ideas. The shop urgently needed manpower, Old He was busy on his own, and I couldn't help. I was thinking of bringing someone in, but not everyone could handle business at Longshan Pavilion. Success depended on fate and luck.

This guy walked fast. In the middle of the hot afternoon, he turned two streets before stopping in front of a bus station. I was a bit puzzled; why didn't he go a couple of stops farther? It wasn't until I glanced at the station sign that I suddenly realized.

Beijing's buses don't have universal tickets; fares are charged per station. For example, a fare between certain stations covers a certain distance, and if you get off after that station, you have to pay an additional fee. This guy walked this distance to avoid paying the extra fare after crossing stations.

Thinking back, although Er Ye didn't directly manage me, he didn't let me lack money either. Basically, I didn't experience everything I should have during the early days of my life in Beijing; it seemed like he wanted me to live a stable life.

I shifted my gaze to Zhao Muzhi. The bus hadn't arrived yet, and he hesitated for a moment before entering a small shop nearby. I was curious, so I followed him, pretending to buy cigarettes at the counter. I saw him looking at the refrigerated drinks for a while, hesitating without making a choice until I paid for a pack of Baisha. Only then did he slowly open the refrigerator door and choose a small one.

Before he came to pay, the shopkeeper, from behind the shelves, glanced at the drink in his hand and said, "That one's more expensive, it's 6 yuan." I saw a struggle in his eyes, and after a moment, he uttered an "um," paid for it with his head down, and left the counter.

After that, instead of waiting for the bus at the station, he walked to a nearby green area, squatted down, and stared at the melting drink in his hand. Suddenly, he buried his head in his knees, allowing the melted drink to drop.

Looking at the slightly trembling figure, it seemed I understood a bit about how heavy the burden was for this young man who shouldn't have such a miserable life.

He vigorously wiped his face, removing something, and began to devour the melted drink, as if he was confronting not the "six yuan" but the thief called fate that made him bow his head.

I walked over and squatted beside him, offering a cigarette, "Have one, buddy."

He looked at me, restored his previous cold appearance, shook his head at me, and made a gesture to leave. I pulled him back and said, "Hold on, I'm a friend of Han Jing, and I have something to discuss with you."

He hesitated for a moment before staying, waiting for my next words. I tilted my head, assessing him, and said directly, "You squat down; I'm tired of looking up. It's not just a matter of two or three sentences; we need to talk for a while. Han Jing highly praises your abilities, and I want you to

 come and help with something. What do you think?"

"Is that all?"

"Yeah. I was thinking you might negotiate or something; it might take some time."

Unexpectedly, he didn't hesitate and shook his head, refusing, "Thank you for your kind offer, but I don't think I can do it."

I was surprised, "Why? I won't mistreat you, and you can negotiate for a higher salary. I have some money, at least."

He looked at me with a calm, almost rigid tone, "If it's recommended by Han Jing, then you two must have a very close relationship. I understand her. Your place should be a managerial position at the very least. Unfortunately, people should know their limits. I have high aspirations but lack the ability to use my talents to scheme and curry favor. I'm not good at flattering those above me, and I can't deceive those below me. I don't like smoking or drinking. What can I do?"

"Intellectuals tend to look down on each other. In the workplace, there are many subtle ways to cut flesh with a sharp knife, unreachable by those above and unbeatable by those below. Observing words and actions, smoothing over incidents – I'm not good at those. Sorry to disappoint you; I may not be the person you're looking for. If I were an employee, my current job is quite good."

I think I understood what he meant. This guy would rather spend ten years peacefully fishing by the Wei River than use his outdated talent to struggle.

He's Zhang Liang, not Han Xin.

I lit a cigarette, smiled, and said, "My shop is in Haiwang Village, called Longshan Pavilion. Currently, there's an old man helping out. We need an assistant, but I can't promise you great wealth. However, at least you can enter Han Jing's field of vision. Don't rush to refuse me; go back and consider it."

"Shop?" He looked at me inexplicably.

I nodded with a smile, "Yes."

After parting ways with Zhao Muzhi, I had nothing to do. I drove back to Longshan Pavilion and gave the information about Zhao Muzhi that I got from Han Jing to Lao He, asking him to check this person and see if he was clean. Lao He seemed pleased with my move, perhaps thinking that I was finally taking on the role of Second Master.

After dinner, I sat at the desk and started studying the materials left by Second Master and his insights into finding dragons and locating acupoints. These things were not only varied and complex but also obscure and difficult to understand. By the time I managed to grasp a bit of the surface, half a pack of cigarettes had already been consumed.

For the next three or four days, I immersed myself in the notes left by Second Master. It wasn't until Xiaonanbei came to knock on the door and said that there was a big brother outside looking for me that I put down the book, rubbed my face, and thought, I thought this guy wouldn't come anymore. I'm starting to get restless.

I went to the front hall, and Zhao Muzhi was sitting in the Grandmaster's chair. Tea and snacks had already been served. I walked over and said with a smile, "Have you made up your mind?"

Zhao Muzhi looked at me with a curious and incredulous expression. I told him to ask whatever he wanted to ask; this opportunity was rare, and many people wanted me to speak up. Some were willing to pay for it, and some were desperate. He asked me straightforwardly, "Are you Second Master?"

I rubbed my forehead and smiled wryly, "Your research is quite thorough; you can say that if you want. So, how about it? Since you inquired about Longshan Pavilion, are you staying or not?"

He stared into my eyes with a serious expression, asking, "Do you really trust me?"

I shook my head and said, "It's not as high as you think. Everyone has their own value. I trust Han Jing, and I trust my own eyes. So, I'm willing to let you try. Of course, we've also done a background check. If you can't meet my expectations, I won't hesitate to kick you out. One ladle of rice feeds three people. Even one extra idle mouth is not acceptable. Everyone needs to eat; this is the reality everywhere."

After hearing my "heartfelt" words, Zhao Muzhi visibly relaxed. Clearly, after understanding the truth about Longshan Pavilion, the pressure on him increased. Whatever information he obtained from external sources, it certainly wouldn't be the complete information about Longshan Pavilion, but it would be the most turbulent part.

I saw his hesitation and honestly said, "Your work is clean."

Zhao Muzhi remained silent for a long time. Finally, after I drank the second cup of tea, he gave an answer, "I accept."

I nodded with a smile. I knew he would agree. Old He had already obtained all his information yesterday. For a guy who was proud enough to hoard old books despite living in a basement with a rent of nine hundred yuan, and who managed to order overseas newspapers through an import and export company every week, the temptation to run Longshan Pavilion must be irresistible. Although he could only stand by for now.

I remember that when Lao He looked at the information, he said a sentence.

"The qilin is born in obscurity."