Chapter 394

No matter which flower's renowned variety, people always like to give it a distinctive name, making it seem profound and tasteful—either fresh and artistic, or cool and flashy, such as "Plain Crown Lotus Cauldron," "Old Blossom Cloud," "Flying Heaven Phoenix," "Great Tang Prosperity," "Dharma's Auspicious Jade Art," etc.; once a name is added, ordinary folks instantly feel it's high-end and grandiose.

As the orchid old man who, in the eyes of fellow orchid enthusiasts, discovered this pot of naturally mutated orchid, he naturally would also follow the "jianghu rules" to name the flower.

However, when the orchid old man took the orchid from the Jiao Family three years ago, he had already discussed it with Jiao Ba; back then the Jiao Family didn't value this pot of orchid much and didn't cultivate flowers, they said they were giving it to the orchid old man, but he didn't truly accept it—at that time it was merely him sneaking it in and keeping it in his own care, and the Jiao Family had long forgotten about it.

But now things are different; experts can see that this pot of orchid is valuable, and while natural mutants are not rare, a variety that can make people stare dumbfounded, become immersed, feel refreshed and clear-headed upon smelling it, and leave a lingering fragrance for days, if appraised, would likely set a new high, with some already valuing it in the tens of millions.

The price issue is others' concern; what the orchid old man is thinking about now is the naming problem for the orchid.

Who discovered the flower?

Hei Tan.

Who is Hei Tan?

The Jiao Family's cat.

Tracing back, the naming should have been done by the Jiao Family; although the orchid old man reflexively thought of many names when the flower bloomed, logically he really couldn't decide on one.

Thus, after the orchid old man carefully tidied up all the anti-theft and cat-proof nets in the flower garden, he walked home pondering this question.

Zheng Tan left early when those old men left; he could see the orchid old man was thinking, kept glancing at him, making Zheng Tan feel uneasy, so he simply slipped away.

That evening, after dinner, Jiao Ba stayed home resting instead of working overtime at the life science institute; the orchid old man made a call to confirm that the Jiao couple were both home, then went upstairs.

It was rare for the orchid old man to come over; Jiao Ma was busy brewing tea and fetching fruit.

"No need for trouble. I've just eaten and drunk my fill; I came over just to say a few words, then I'll leave." The orchid old man gestured to Jiao Ma that she didn't need to wash the fruit.

He didn't say anything else, and went straight to the point.

The orchid old man told Jiao Ba and Jiao Ma about the orchid, also shared the evaluations from industry people regarding this pot of orchid, and mentioned the price estimates some had given. This is of utmost importance, because for many who aren't enthusiastic about flowers and plants, the meaning of flora is merely piles of RMB, and disputes often arise over this, so the orchid old man had to make it clear.

Hearing that it might reach the tens-of-millions level truly startled the Jiao couple.

"How can it be so expensive..." Jiao Ma murmured. She just couldn't understand—it's just a pot of flower, yet an appraisal could be hundreds of thousands or millions, and now even tens of millions, making Jiao Ma, who still has a bit of a small-town mindset, feel her heart pound. It's not that she's greedy; she's simply shocked by the information.

Because before, I'd heard that the orchid old man had sold several orchids worth millions, and also heard that some prize-winning specimens reached the tens-of-millions level—ordinary people might never see that much money in a lifetime.

But that was merely hearsay, something only people of the orchid old man's stature encounter; the Jiao Family never imagined it would happen to them.

"Just one pot is nearly ten million!" Jiao Ma sighed softly.

The orchid old man lifted his eyelids and said in a low voice, "According to my experience, it's not that one pot is nearly ten million; generally speaking, it's calculated by how much each shoot is worth, and this pot of orchid has more than one shoot."

Jiao Ma's breath caught. Her first thought was that her cat could earn more money than she and her husband; just dragging back two shoots would make them nouveau riche, leaving Jiao Ba, who toils away on projects and scientific research, far behind.

Who discovered this pot of flower? Who brought it back from afar? All three of them know.

Jiao Ba could see that the orchid old man was reluctant to part with this pot of orchid, not because of its monetary value but because of the flower itself—the flower outweighs money. And since this pot of orchid is so valuable, even if the Jiao Family gave it away, the orchid old man would definitely not shamelessly accept it. This old man is stubborn.

After thinking, Jiao Ba said, "Could we trouble Professor Lan to take care of this pot of flower for a while? You know no one in our family understands this; if we took it back, it might die in a few days."

The orchid old man also understands that being able to keep it in his hands for a while would make him very happy; if it were really destroyed, he would faint crying in the flower garden.

"Alright, I'll help you look after it; just tell me when you want it back. Also, I came this time not only to tell you about this, but also to ask how you'd like to name this flower, because it needs to be written down for the flower exhibition." The matter of the flower exhibition had been discussed with Jiao Ba over the phone before the orchid old man agreed to participate, and Jiao Ba naturally had no objection.

As for the naming, Jiao Ma wasn't up to it, and Jiao Ba wasn't sure about flowers either; so the couple exchanged a glance, wondering whether they should still give the naming rights to this professional, the orchid old man. Then they looked at the black cat sprawled lazily on the sofa, limbs spread, seeming to have no objection.

In the midst of contemplation, Jiao Ba had already made up his mind.

"You see, we don't understand this either, so let you decide; this flower is also under your care, and its present state is thanks to you, Professor Lan—we've contributed nothing and even forgotten about it." Thinking back to the two poorly looking shoots that were initially brought back, and hearing Professor Lan's current explanation, the couple felt it really had nothing to do with them.

Zheng Tan had been watching the orchid old man's expression; when Jiao Ba said to let the orchid old man decide the flower's name, the corner of the orchid old man's mouth couldn't help but twitch—he must have put in great effort to maintain his dignified composure, and if he weren't afraid of losing face here, he'd probably jump up excitedly.

Naming a precious treasure is a matter of great significance for many; it can make one renowned in the present and be recorded in history. When thousands of years later, when people consult related documents or conduct research, they will naturally mention this treasure's name, and possibly also mention the discoverer and the namer. Even if their own name isn't mentioned, they would still be delighted—after all, it's their naming!

Jiao Ba and Jiao Ma pretended not to see the orchid old man's uncontainable expression.

"Professor Lan, have you decided on a name for that pot of flower?" Jiao Ba asked.

"Well, I haven't thought of one yet; I need to give it proper consideration." The orchid old man straightened his face and said.

Listening to that, not only Zheng Tan but also Jiao Ba didn't believe it; seeing the orchid old man like this, it was clear he had already decided earlier and was just putting on an act now. However, Jiao Ba didn't call him out, knowing the orchid old man cares about face, and couldn't bring himself to embarrass the old man.

Now that they could secure the naming rights, the orchid old man was in a great mood and less solemn, and Jiao Ma immediately felt the atmosphere relax.

The orchid old man glanced at the time and said, "How about this: tomorrow, find some free time, and I'll take you to see the flower. I'll make the arrangements then."

Thus, the next day, the Jiao couple, Zheng Tan, plus Xiao Youzi—three people and a cat followed the orchid old man to the small flower garden.

After seeing the flower, the three of them couldn't help but stare for a moment; if it weren't for the orchid old man and Zheng Tan, they would likely have continued gazing in awe.

"Truly... truly beautiful!" Jiao Ma sighed. Compared to gold and silver, she naturally preferred jade; although the flower's shape is simple, no matter how she looked at it, she found it pleasing, and upon coming to her senses, Jiao Ma even wanted to reach out and touch it to see whether it was really a flower rather than jade carved into shape.

Before Jiao Ma could even touch the flower, the orchid old man stopped her; he treasured the flower, fearing she might damage it, but he still let her touch it very, very carefully.

When she touched it, Jiao Ma was nervous—just a light brush, and before she could feel anything, she hastily pulled her hand back, for this was a treasure valued in the tens of millions, and she feared a shake would destroy it.

"If this were actually carved from jade, it would be top-notch or even extreme-grade jade, and the flower before us is like... living jade." Jiao Ma sighed.

No wonder Professor Lan had confidence in estimating such a high price.

Zheng Tan had always felt this orchid was a bit eerie, but nature is inherently good at creating miracles; since it's a natural mutant, Zheng Tan didn't dwell on it. Of course, for many people, orchids have symbolized positive meanings from ancient times to the present; in Zheng Tan's view, something that seems eerie, to the orchid old man and his circle, appears to carry an immortal aura.

Like jade, like an immortal.

Nature, divine in its grandeur.

After seeing the flower, Jiao Ba firmed up his mental decision. He would leave the flower with the orchid old man; as for when to take it back, Jiao Ba didn't say. Moreover, Jiao Ba told the orchid old man that when participating in exhibitions or other exchange events, the information on the placard—such as the "exhibitor" or details about the flower's owner—should be written as the orchid old man's own name.

The orchid old man felt the Jiao Family had really lost out; being serious, he drew up an agreement and had Jiao Ba sign it, because this flower is not mundane, and the orchid old man didn't want ownership to be ambiguous; once the matter was clarified and signed, he could rest easy sending it out for exhibition.

This flower is a hot potato for the Jiao Family; not only after the exhibition, but as soon as those people get wind of it, they could show up at dawn the next day to block the door. The Jiao couple have seen several times the orchid old man being besieged at home by people begging him to sell the orchid.

As for whether to sell this pot, Jiao Ba hasn't entertained that idea, and the orchid old man doesn't approve either. It hasn't yet gained fame, so the price would be suppressed, but from a monetary standpoint it's not worthwhile. Moreover, the orchid old man feels discussing price for this pot is somewhat beneath him; to him, the flower is priceless.

"Many flowers command such high prices only because they've been hyped; maybe in a few years they'll fall into the ordinary ranks. Hyping orchids can make some rich overnight and ruin others." The orchid old man said, "But this pot is different—it doesn't need hype at all; even years later it will still captivate people."

The next day, the orchid old man came to the Jiao household again, and brought an ink painting he himself had made—it depicted that pot of orchid, and beside it he wrote six large characters in running script: "Iron Bone Simple. Jade Cat Immortal".

Therefore, "Jade Cat Immortal" is the name the orchid old man gave the flower. When the time comes, whether participating in exhibitions or bringing it to exchange events, the flower's information under the "renowned product name" field will be marked with these three characters "Jade Cat Immortal", and thereafter everyone will refer to the flower as "Jade Cat Immortal".

The Jiao Family naturally understand the meaning of this name, but several other old men, upon learning it, were puzzled.

"Jade Immortal" would be fine; they admit the flower does look quite ethereal, but why is there also a "Cat"?

Where does this flower resemble a cat? (To be continued...)

ps: I still have a task to finish over the weekend, and I have to submit it on Monday, so I can only guarantee updates, but I can't guarantee extra chapters,