Chapter 44: The Mysterious Succulent Master

As soon as everyone entered the Volume 12 area, their gazes were drawn to the Pan Deng Yulu Variegata placed right in the center.

Around this Pan Deng Yulu Variegata were various other varieties of Jade Dew, but their radiance was completely overshadowed by this one. At that moment, everyone saw only this variegated Jade Dew; the others were simply ignored, even the Kuroji Haworthia Cooperi Variegata nearby.

Its crystal-clear leaves, with yellow variegation spreading from the center outward, made them feel as if they were looking at an ice lantern—a moist, glistening ice lantern.

Compared to the other Jade Dew plants beside it, this Pan Deng Yulu Variegata seemed to possess a kind of spirit, making it appear even more beautiful and unique.

Although Han Yahui had previously shared pictures in the group, seeing it in person now made everyone feel that the photo simply couldn’t compare to the real thing.

They thought to themselves how wonderful it would be if they could obtain such a Pan Deng Yulu Variegata one day. Fifty thousand RMB—that was equivalent to their income for a very long time.

Zhou Yu’s eyes were also fixed on this Pan Deng Yulu Variegata. It had been two or three days since he handed the Jade Dew over to Qi Jinxuan, yet its vibrant state showed no sign of diminishing, and the area of variegation had even expanded a bit more than before.

He couldn’t help but feel emotional inside—the effect of the Spirit Stabilizing Liquid was truly marvelous. Seeing a Jade Dew he had nurtured in someone else’s shop filled him with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

“This Pan Deng Yulu Variegata was sold by Flower Not Flower, the mysterious master who recently appeared in Xianrou Garden. It is superior to other Pan Deng Yulu Variegatas, and I believe many have been captivated by its beauty.”

At that moment, Qi Jinxuan introduced it to everyone. This Pan Deng Yulu Variegata had already become the most dazzling presence in his shop.

Flower Not Flower, mist not mist—a term originally from a poem by Bai Juyi, later widely known because of Qiong Yao’s TV drama, had now become the name of a mysterious master in the succulent world. Almost no one active on the Xianrouyuan Forum was unaware of this name.

It wasn’t just Xianrou Garden; now, even some well-known succulent forums were discussing this Pan Deng Yulu Variegata auctioned by Flower Not Flower.

“Young Master Qi, you’ve met Flower Not Flower. Can you tell us about him?” a classmate nearby couldn’t hold back their curiosity and asked.

Qi Jinxuan smiled as he looked at this classmate—or more precisely, at Zhou Yu beside him. The saddest thing in the world was when someone you really wanted to meet was standing right in front of you, yet you didn’t recognize them.

Seeing Zhou Yu looking at him with a serious expression, Qi Jinxuan smiled slightly and said, “Flower Not Flower? Just like the name suggests, he is a very graceful person—low-key, full of mystery. Like a flower but not a flower—that’s the best explanation for succulents, and also the best explanation for this succulent master.”

Hearing Qi Jinxuan’s words, everyone felt even more admiration for this mysterious succulent master.

“Will Master Flower Not Flower sell more succulents?” another classmate couldn’t help but ask.

“Of course he will. From what I know, this Pan Deng Yulu Variegata is at best just one of the excellent varieties nurtured by Flower Not Flower. It’s still a far cry from the Treasure of the Garden.” Qi Jinxuan replied. The Treasure of the Garden—they would be able to see it with their own eyes today.

At that moment, Han Yahui’s face was full of longing. He really wanted to become a succulent master like Flower Not Flower. If he could, all the things he had long admired—money, power—would be within easy reach.

“Oh, Young Master Qi, I heard that a friend of yours is going to compete with someone at a succulent exhibition to see whose Jade Dew is more popular. Did you ask Flower Not Flower to lend you a Jade Dew?”

Han Yahui seemed to remember something and quickly asked. After lying low for so long, he wanted to use this question to make his presence felt again.

“Oh, this question? My friend’s opponent didn’t look for help domestically. Instead, they went to the Small Island Country and borrowed a Jade Dew. However, we didn’t plan to do that. We asked a domestic succulent master for help. As for whether this master is Flower Not Flower or not, I can’t say.”

Qi Jinxuan answered with a smile, not clarifying whether it was Flower Not Flower, maintaining some sense of mystery.

“Alright, let’s continue looking at the succulents.” After answering some questions, Qi Jinxuan called everyone to continue viewing.

After seeing the succulent plants in the main hall, Qi Jinxuan led them to another room. As soon as they entered, they were astonished. The succulents in this room were all high-end varieties, and their colors and overall quality were even better than those in the main hall—though the Pan Deng Yulu Variegata was an exception.

Those who often paid attention to succulent prices roughly calculated that just the high-end succulents casually placed in this room were worth several million. It really was something only the rich could afford to collect.

After the succulent tour, Qi Jinxuan took them to a dessert shop on the second floor, letting them enjoy a dessert feast surrounded by succulent plants. If they had come on their own, this feast would have cost at least a thousand RMB.

But now, thanks to Zhou Yu’s presence, it was free. As they ate their desserts, their eyes couldn’t help but drift toward Zhou Yu—this former classmate of theirs, chatting and laughing with Qi Jinxuan. Was this really someone who farmed at home?

After finishing dessert, Qi Jinxuan saw everyone to the door. One classmate, noticing Zhou Yu still standing beside Qi Jinxuan, couldn’t help but ask, “Zhou Yu, we’re going to visit some attractions in Jing City next. Aren’t you coming?”

“I have some matters to discuss with Brother Qi, so I won’t be joining. I’ll be on time for the dinner gathering this afternoon.” Zhou Yu shook his head. Today’s visit wasn’t just for the class reunion; the most important thing was the two Jade Dew plants in the car.

Hearing Zhou Yu’s words, Han Yahui gritted his teeth in frustration, regretting having organized this gathering. It had completely become Zhou Yu’s stage.

“Oh, about the dinner gathering—you don’t need to go anywhere else. The top floor of Jingguan Tower has my family’s restaurant. With Little Brother Zhou here, how about I give you a 50% discount? With over ten of you dining and ordering some slightly better dishes, after the discount, it would average less than five hundred per person.” Qi Jinxuan said at that moment. After all, Zhou Yu delivering the Jade Dew this time had greatly helped his friend. Just a dessert feast wasn’t enough to repay the favor.

If it were Zhou Yu and some close friends, he would naturally treat them for free. But it seemed Zhou Yu and these classmates were only superficially acquainted, so a 50% discount was likely the most appropriate approach.

The top floor of Jingguan Tower—upon hearing Qi Jinxuan’s words, the surrounding classmates’ faces lit up with longing. The restaurants up there were all high-end, and the top floor wasn’t just accessible with money—it required reservations too.

Being able to dine on the top floor of Jingguan Tower for just a few hundred RMB during this gathering was truly an exciting prospect.

After a brief discussion, all more than ten classmates agreed to have the dinner gathering at Jingguan Tower. Han Yahui naturally couldn’t refuse, though his expression had turned even uglier. The place he had chosen for the gathering was just a restaurant slightly above average.

The gap between that restaurant and the one on the top floor of Jingguan Tower was like heaven and earth. He felt almost frantic inside. Zhou Yu hadn’t mocked him even once throughout, yet this felt even worse than being mocked. He was utterly puzzled—how did Zhou Yu even get to know Young Master Qi?

Looking at Zhou Yu’s faint smile, Han Yahui really didn’t want to stay there a second longer. So, he led the more than ten classmates away. That Brother Jiang greeted Qi Jinxuan, shook hands with Zhou Yu, vaguely hinting at an apology, before leaving.