Episode 23 recap: Ke Yan's behind-the-scenes maneuvering was uncovered.
Ma Mu Zhi accidentally discovered that Ke Yan had bought the best spot at the auction. He specifically called Ke Yan over and asked if he had any other plans he hadn't told him about. Ma Mu Zhi was becoming increasingly unsure of Ke Yan's intentions, but he could be certain that Ke Yan was taking a risk, even going all in.
Ma Mu Zhi reminded Ke Yan to always leave room for contingencies. Feng and Ma Mu Zhi had worked together for a long time, and their relationship was one that Ke Yan could not possibly destroy. But Ke Yan had already burned his boats. He had been viciously schemed against by Liu Shang in Beijing, and now he wanted to reclaim what was rightfully his.
The large 8-scene vat fired by Chen Hua Feng quickly caught the market's attention. The director of the Cultural Bureau personally met with him and Chen Xiao Man, and bestowed great honor upon them. After returning home, Chen Hua Feng specifically invited the old potter Zhou, and also called his sister Chen Hua Yun. The three close friends drank together, but Chen Hua Feng would occasionally step out, leaving just the old Zhou and Chen Hua Yun. The atmosphere between the two became a bit delicate, as they both deeply loved pottery. Chen Xiao Man's late father had once helped the old Zhou and allowed him to work at Feng. Later, Rain Sword's actions had caused Chen Xiao Man's father to die of a sudden heart attack, infuriating Chen Hua Yun. She had confronted the old Zhou, and he, knowing his son's great sins, had kneeled before her and begged for Rain Sword's forgiveness, willing to spend the rest of their lives atoning.
The old Zhou's actions had proven his earlier promise. Chen Hua Yun invited the old Zhou to drink, and after a few rounds, he purposely brought up Zhao Zhi Hong, sincerely saying that Zhao Zhi Hong was handsome and intelligent, perfectly suited for her. The implication was clear - the old Zhou knew he was not worthy of Chen Hua Yun, and had never dared to hope for such, but he still told her that he would take good care of Chen Xiao Man, treating her as his own daughter and not letting her suffer any injustice.
Chen Hua Yun downed the wine in her cup, put down the glass, her eyes reddening.
Chen Hua Feng took Chen Xiao Man to the exhibition, and their large 8-scene vat won an award in the city. At the press conference, Chen Hua Feng specifically emphasized that he and Chen Xiao Man had co-created it. Under the glare of the camera lights, Chen Hua Feng beamed with a radiant smile.
This played right into Ke Yan's hands. The exhibition spot for the 8-scene vat had been booked by Ke Yan several days in advance, and he had paid a substantial sum for it - something Chen Hua Feng was unaware of. Ma Mu Zhi saw Chen Hua Feng and Chen Xiao Man on TV, and he was very satisfied with Ke Yan's planning. He then entrusted Ke Yan with the future town renovation project.
Ke Yan specifically invited Chen Xiao Man to a celebratory dinner. In the evening, the two walked hand-in-hand through the brightly lit streets. After accompanying her uncle at the exhibition during the day, now she was out to dinner and strolling with her lover - Chen Xiao Man felt extremely content. Taking the opportune moment, Ke Yan presented the diamond ring he had prepared long ago, but Chen Xiao Man had not yet accepted, hoping for more time to deepen their mutual understanding.
The next day, several veteran artisans from the ceramic association chatted with Chen Hua Feng. Chen Hua Feng had no idea that the prime exhibition spot had been purchased in advance by Ke Yan at great cost. In front of the veteran artisans, Chen Hua Feng emphasized how he wanted to use this exhibition opportunity to build the artisans' confidence, showing them that they could achieve great results without having to partner with capital.
Some of the artisans could no longer hold back, asking how he could claim purity when he had already partnered with capital. Chen Hua Feng was taken aback by this, and Chen Xiao Man was also left bewildered.
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