From Sidekick to Bigshot

Translator: Exodus Tales  Editor: Exodus Tales

“Oh, by the way, Grandpa Jian, I heard that there’s going to be an incredibly rare species of orchid that’s going to be on display today. I heard that it’s going to be shown at the end. Are you interested in buying it?” When Grandpa Qian started to speak about orchids, his spirits got lifted again.

“I’m not interested.”

“Really? This isn’t your usual style. Isn’t this what you care about the most usually?”

There was something unusual about Grandpa Jian today.

Not only was Grandpa Qian curious about the situation, but Jian Shuxing and Wen Nuan had also felt that there was something off.

Typically, Grandpa Jian adored orchids. The entire family knew about this. Whenever there were rare species or new species of orchids, Grandpa Jian would be the first to take a look at it.

“Well, I just said I wasn’t interested in buying it. I never said that I didn’t care about it,” Grandpa Jian replied. He was incredibly fastidious with his wording.

Grandpa Qian couldn’t help but wonder what was the difference?

When Grandpa Jian saw Grandpa Qian’s puzzled face, the smug expression on his face grew.

After spending a bit more time in the rest area, the Jian family and Grandpa Qian headed towards the final display.

The mysterious exhibit was yet to be unveiled. It was surrounded by a large glass enclosure.

The glass enclosure was also covered by a red cloth.

The presenter of the final display was already in his position.

He started to introduce the final display of the day.

“This is a new species of orchid. It’s a beautiful flower with a unique fragrance. As of now, there’s only one of its kind in the world.”

Upon hearing this, it was enough to arouse the curiosity of everyone present.

After a long wait, the exhibition staff finally lifted the red cloth.

A new type of orchid appeared before everyone’s eyes. Its petals were lilac in color and resembled the well-known lotus petal orchid.

However, in contrast to the plain color that’s commonly seen in lotus petal orchids, the color of this orchid was noble and elegant.

Its form was beautiful and the color was unique.

Immediately, the orchid caught the eye of all the orchid lovers at the exhibition.

Grandpa Qian couldn’t help but exclaim, “How beautiful. The shape of its petals is fine and elegant and its color is natural yet luxurious.”

However, Grandpa Jian did not open his mouth to comment on the orchid. Instead, when he heard the praise of the people beside him, the look of pride on his face grew.

2

Jian Shuxing took the initiative to ask Grandpa Jian, “Father, do you like this orchid? I’ll buy it for you during the auction if you like it.”

“No need,” Grandpa Jian responded decisively.

Upon hearing his father’s stubborn reply, Jian Shuxing knew that he couldn’t insist on buying the orchid anymore.

The people nearby had started to enquire about the price of the new species.

According to the usual practices, such orchids were to be auctioned off at a high price after it was displayed at the exhibition.

However, when they asked the showroom staff, they received an answer that was different from their expectations.

The staff replied that they did not intend to sell the orchid. Instead, the orchid was merely on display.

This led everyone to become disappointed. Of course, this included Grandpa Qian.

He really liked this new species of orchid. As a result, he was ready to bid on it.

Grandpa Qian turned around to lament, “Ahh, it’s rare to see such a species of orchid. It’s such a shame that it’s not up for auction. This makes me so upset.”

He only had one hobby. Grandpa Qian didn’t like collecting jades, precious stones, or antiques. The only thing that he liked was orchids.

And now, even that hobby could not be fulfilled.

If he had been competing with someone and lost the auction, then it’d be easier for him to put his mind to rest.

However, now, he wasn’t even given the chance to bid.

Grandpa Jian smiled and comforted Grandpa Qian, “Hey, don’t worry. You will have a chance next time.”

“Grandpa Jian, you’re really different today! Usually, your reaction is even greater than mine! However, today, you’re like a completely different person!”