Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 73 Too Strong Isn't Good
Even Ji Yongyue realized what was happening at this point and apologized to Wang Chengpeng, saying:
"Brother Wang, I'm so sorry."

"It seems I underestimated your abilities. I thought the reason you come every two or three days was because it would take you two or three days to fix things."

"It seems you must be busy with other things right now."

"Don't worry, skilled repairmen are hard to find, but they're not impossible."

"I will definitely help you find a suitable apprentice."

Seeing the tense expressions on everyone's faces, Wang Chengpeng felt embarrassed and thought to himself that sometimes being too strong is not necessarily a good thing, otherwise everyone would not have misunderstood him like this.

Thinking of this, he smiled and said, "But I didn't say I wouldn't accept it."

"Although you two lack flexibility, you are solid and hardworking with a strong foundation. With my guidance, your skills can easily improve."

"Skilled workers can learn faster, but they have already developed their own repair style, and they may not be able to accept my repair style."

"Therefore, choosing these two pieces of uncut jade is the best option."

Just when you think you've reached the end of the road, a new path opens up before you!
They were so surprised that a repair master like Wang Chengpeng would be willing to take them on as apprentices. Shi Ren and He Quan were overjoyed.

Only Ji Yongyue, as if afraid Wang Chengpeng would change his mind, gently nudged the two who were still in a daze and said:

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and become my apprentice!"

"If Brother Wang goes back on his word, you'll regret it for the rest of your lives."

"It's only because Brother Wang is young and easy to talk to that you have such good opportunities. Otherwise, you might not have been able to get them."

After Ji Yongyue's reminder, the two realized that this was not the time to be joyful, and they actually knelt down in front of Wang Chengpeng, preparing to perform a very formal apprenticeship ceremony.

Wang Chengpeng was also annoyed by their behavior. He grabbed one of them with one hand and forcibly restrained them from bowing down.

The title of "master" sounds prestigious, but it also represents responsibility.

Wang Chengpeng only intended to make some money and had no intention of taking on any trouble himself, saying:
"You two, stop doing this."

"Although I agree to teach you, you will mainly have to learn on your own, and I won't have much time to teach you specifically."

"So let's skip the formal apprenticeship ceremony, and we don't need to address each other as master and disciple. How much skill you can learn depends on your own destiny."

How does this work?
This time, not only Ji Yongyue refused to stand for it, but Shi Ren and He Quan also refused to stand for it.

If their previous respect for Wang Chengpeng was somewhat businesslike, after witnessing his methods, their respect for him became entirely heartfelt.

Ji Yongyue's reminder is correct; missing the opportunity to become Wang Chengpeng's apprentice would be something they would regret for the rest of their lives.

However, just as they were about to forcefully kneel down, they discovered that Wang Chengpeng was much stronger than they had imagined.

One against two, and they were completely immobilized, creating an awkward atmosphere.

Unaware that Wang Chengpeng possessed the power to easily suppress the two, Ji Yongyue shook his head slightly, thinking to himself that these two young people were truly foolish, completely unaware of what it meant to forcibly become disciples. He immediately smoothed things over, saying:

"Since Brother Wang is unwilling to take on a disciple, we naturally cannot force him."

"You two should cherish the opportunity to learn from Brother Wang. If you learn well, it could directly change your destiny."

"The timing is perfect, especially since Brother Wang has just taken on two apprentices. Why don't I treat you to a meal at a restaurant so we can discuss the matter of assistance further?"

"Now that there are two more people, we need to discuss the matter of helping them more thoroughly."

Wang Chengpeng nodded slightly and agreed, saying, "Indeed, we should discuss it properly."

"Brother Ji, do you have a phone here? Let me call home first."

"Otherwise, if I don't go back soon, my family will be worried."

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng agreed, Ji Yongyue was overjoyed and said, "A phone? I have one here."

"The Xinfeng Restaurant is right next door. I'll go order first. You two are familiar with the place, so bring Master with you later." Hearing that there was a chance to show off, the two nodded repeatedly and served Wang Chengpeng attentively.

Let alone learning a full fraction of Wang Chengpeng's skills, even learning just a third would be enough to benefit them immensely for a lifetime.

That is why they have the utmost respect for Wang Chengpeng, no different from how they would treat their formal master.

They only hoped that one day Wang Chengpeng would be moved by their sincerity and formally accept them as his apprentices, which would make their lives worthwhile.

After making a simple phone call to his team and asking them to tell his parents that he would be going back later, Wang Chengpeng went to Xinfeng Hotel with his two newly recruited apprentices.

Since the last incident, Wang Chengpeng's reputation in the village has skyrocketed.

It was just a small matter of sending a message, and the village was naturally willing to lend a hand.

Although there were only four people, the matter to be discussed was rather private, so Ji Yongyue booked a private room.

After a large table full of dishes was served, Ji Yongyue raised his glass first and said:
"Congratulations, Brother Wang, on acquiring two excellent apprentices. You're not allowed to leave until you've eaten your fill today."

"I've also prepared some home-style dishes, and I hope Brother Wang won't find them too bad."

Wang Chengpeng, being very accommodating, raised his glass and said:

"Thank you for your help, Brother Ji. I am able to find two suitable apprentices thanks to your introduction."

"Wishing Brother Ji's career continued success."

After saying that, Wang Chengpeng drank the entire beverage in his cup, finding it refreshing and invigorating.

This is a fruit juice drink called Fruit Juice, available in flavors such as orange, apple, and grape, and it tastes surprisingly good.

As for the wine that Ji Yongyue had carefully prepared, Cheng Peng didn't drink a drop. In this day and age, it's not safe outside, and there's no need to lose your sobriety because of excessive drinking.

Although he could stay overnight at a nearby guesthouse, Wang Chengpeng felt it was better to go back early to avoid attracting the attention of anyone with ulterior motives.

After exchanging pleasantries and eating some food, everyone began to discuss the day's important matters.

Ji Yongyue didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:
“Brother Wang, since Shi Ren and He Quan are your apprentices, the work they do should naturally be counted on your behalf.”

“I will make the decision on this matter. Before they are fully qualified, all the money they earn from the repairs will go to Brother Wang.”

"After you two complete your apprenticeship, Brother Wang should also share in the achievements. I wonder if you two have any objections?"

Perhaps because he felt that Wang Chengpeng was still young and shy, and wouldn't dare to ask for permission, he took the initiative to propose this distribution plan.

Ji Yongyue's distribution method may seem domineering, but it is the norm in this era.

Not only does the master take all the profits from his apprentices, but the apprentices even have to pay tuition to learn under his tutelage.

This is also a necessary upfront investment, since once apprentices learn a skill, it will be enough for them to support their families.

Having witnessed Wang Chengpeng's incredible repair skills, the two didn't hesitate for even a moment before agreeing, saying:

"It is already a great honor for us that Master Wang can teach us skills, so how could we ask for more?"

"We agree to this allocation plan!"

Although their statements were different, they were essentially the same, conveying the same meaning.

Ji Yongyue immediately made the decision: "Okay, then it's settled."

Just when everyone thought everything was going well, a voice came from Wang Chengpeng's mouth, saying:

"Wait a minute, I don't agree with this allocation plan."

(End of this chapter)