Chapter 117: Giving a Gift [Third Update]

They say that delicious food is a balm for the soul, and Qian Xiaoxiao, being a woman, naturally had no resistance to it. These deboned phoenix claws were truly irresistible.

“Oh my, these deboned phoenix claws are unbelievably tasty. Even without the garlic aroma, their flavor remains intact. That crispy, tingling sensation is unforgettable—absolutely delicious.”

Though the others were competitors, they all shared a keen interest in the food.

These people were extremely wealthy; even in this fractured world, they could have anything they desired. But today’s dishes were undeniably exquisite—not only were the deboned phoenix claws superb, but the roasted lamb chops were exceptionally delicious as well.

After sampling three or four dishes, Wan Feng wiped his slightly greasy mouth and praised Lu Xiao.

“I didn’t expect that there would be such extraordinary talent around President Lu. Even the chefs are top-notch. I must say, these dishes have truly broadened my horizons—delicious and beautifully presented.”

Wei Jin and the others were equally delighted, their eyes gleaming with joy, proving that good food could indeed bring happiness.

Seeing everyone so pleased, Lu Xiao’s vanity was thoroughly gratified, and he laughed heartily.

“Thank you all for your kind words. It’s true—this new batch of chefs I hired are exceptionally skilled. Especially my head chef; his specialties, the Flying Phoenix Green Beans and the Mixed Dragon Fish, are masterpieces. You’ll all get to try them soon. I’m sure they’ll leave you longing for more.”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s anticipation grew. Given how delicious the previous dishes had been, the forthcoming specialties were sure to be extraordinary. How could one not look forward to them?

After another half hour or so, the dishes were nearly finished, and finally, it was time for the head chef’s signature courses to be served.

Fang Nian, wearing a mask, pushed a serving cart into the banquet hall and stood alongside the other waitstaff, waiting for the previous dish to be cleared before presenting these final two.

“Hmm… Lu Xiao really seems like someone who indulges in the utmost luxury. Looks like today’s matter will be handled smoothly.”

After several rounds of wine and tasting various dishes, everyone present had their own agenda; no one was there just to feast without reason. Gifts were naturally a major point of interest.

Though Qian Xiaoxiao knew her chances of securing investment were slim, she came with the intention of networking. Even if she didn’t get funding this time, the future was uncertain.

So, emboldened by the wine, Qian Xiaoxiao raised her glass and approached Lu Xiao, speaking coquettishly.

“President Lu, I toast you.”

Lu Xiao, seeing this, naturally did not refuse. He raised his glass, clinked it with hers, and downed his drink in one go—his capacity for alcohol was quite impressive.

With their glasses emptied, Qian Xiaoxiao had someone bring over a long, flat wooden box. Upon opening it, a ginseng root was revealed.

“President Lu, this wild thousand-year-old ginseng was something I came across during a journey through the Tujia region. Its quality is quite excellent, so I purchased it as a gift to express my gratitude for your generous hospitality today.”

Lu Xiao approached, picked up the wooden box, and examined it from all sides, smiling faintly as he spoke calmly.

“A thousand-year-old ginseng? Ms. Qian, are you certain this ginseng is a thousand years old?”

Qian Xiaoxiao was momentarily stunned, a flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks.

“Pr-President Lu, are you very knowledgeable about ginseng?”

Lu Xiao remained composed. He dragged the box close, inhaled its scent, and said,

“Ginseng is a perennial herb of the Araliaceae family, preferring cool shade. Its leaves lack stomata and palisade tissue, thus cannot retain moisture. Leaf damage occurs above 32 degrees Celsius, and it thrives in shaded conditions with canopy density of 0.7–0.8. It typically flowers in three years, bears fruit in five to six years, with flowering from May to June and fruiting from June to September. It favors growth at altitudes of several hundred meters between latitudes 33° and 48°, predominantly under mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests dominated by red pine.”

Finishing, Lu Xiao suddenly closed the wooden box and looked at everyone present.

“The ‘Shennong Materia Medica’ is the earliest surviving Chinese pharmacopoeia, recording the essence of ginseng’s medicinal use formed over 4,000 years ago in China: ‘Ginseng tastes sweet and slightly cold, primarily replenishes the five organs, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul, stops palpitations, dispels evil qi, improves eyesight, opens the mind and benefits intelligence. Long-term use lightens the body and prolongs life. Also called Renxian or Guigai, it grows in mountains and valleys.’”

“This shows that ancient China had already thoroughly harnessed the medicinal value of ginseng. From ancient times to now, ginseng has long been one of the highest-quality traditional Chinese medicinal materials.”

At this point, Lu Xiao’s gaze sharpened considerably, causing Qian Xiaoxiao to break out in a cold sweat.

“So, a thousand-year-old ginseng today would be worth the equivalent of a twenty-story building. For you, Ms. Qian, to part with such a precious item is truly a sign of sincere respect.”

Suddenly, Lu Xiao’s tone turned cold and ominous.

“But Ms. Qian, it’s not good to give fake gifts.”

“Fake?” Qian Xiaoxiao was shocked. Although she knew the ginseng wasn’t truly a thousand years old, she didn’t consider it a fake. She had spent over a million just to buy it.

Lu Xiao waved dismissively and had the gift taken away, then said flatly,

“This root looks like wild mountain ginseng, but it’s actually artificially cultivated. Growing this large under cultivation probably takes only three years. Such ginseng is not even worth saving a life; its medicinal value is likely less than an anti-inflammatory pill.”

Qian Xiaoxiao’s face instantly darkened. She hadn’t expected Lu Xiao to have such in-depth knowledge about ginseng. Embarrassment was plain on her face.

After Qian Xiaoxiao, the others also presented their gifts to Lu Xiao, but they were noticeably more cautious during their introductions. After all, it was difficult to take back exaggerated claims in front of someone as well-informed as Lu Xiao.

Fang Nian observed everything silently. The gifts ranged widely—antiques, calligraphy, paintings, fine wines, and tonics—all extremely valuable.

But in Fang Nian’s eyes, Lu Xiao didn’t seem to particularly like these things. The reason was simple: Lu Xiao lacked nothing.

With Lu Xiao’s wealth, the combined fortunes of everyone present wouldn’t compare. Whatever they could afford, Lu Xiao could buy, and what they couldn’t buy, Lu Xiao could still afford.

So these items, expensive to others, appeared quite ordinary to Lu Xiao—less substantial even than a bowl of spicy street skewers.

Xiao Xuefeng looked at the gifts with a slight, knowing smile. He had done his homework before coming here; many didn’t realize that Lu Xiao’s personal tastes differed from other tycoons.

His three greatest loves were simple.

“Eating, drinking, and playing music.”

And the gift Xiao Xuefeng prepared was tailor-made for exactly those tastes. He was confident Lu Xiao would appreciate it immensely.