[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-bound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off":3,"chapter-bound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off-bound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off-chapter-31":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Bound to the Sign-In System, I Took Off",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2336085,4567,"Chapter 31: A Small Test of Skill","bound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off-chapter-31",31,"\u003Cp>In the morning, Qin Yun waited for Su Huan in the car for an hour; at noon, Su Huan waited for Qin Yun in the car for an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Qin Yun’s happy expression, Su Huan rolled her eyes: “Did you fall into a hole? Took you so long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun laughed heartily, offering no explanation—he certainly wasn’t going to say he’d gone looking for birds. He put away the camera, got into the driver’s seat, and was very satisfied with the reward for this task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Check-in task completed, received random reward: Carving skill +1】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Carving Skill LV1: Blade follows heart, all forms can be carved, one cut defines the essence】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already skilled in woodcarving due to his woodworking ability, he now leapt straight to a master level in carving. Woodcarving, jade carving, stone carving, nut carving—all reached an absurdly high standard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give him a stone now, and he could carve flowers out of it on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other reason he was pleased was that carving was an excellent skill to showcase in videos—even if he filmed nothing else but his carving process, it would make fantastic content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, carving isn’t a skill ordinary people can master; there are barely any on Douyin, let alone someone at his level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan said: “I’ve sent you the location. First, let’s go to a jewelry store—I need to buy something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A gift for Shao Yan and Chen Ziyi?” Qin Yun started the car, pressed the accelerator, and sped toward the north gate of Xixi Wetland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan nodded: “I’ve been close with Shao Yan since college, and now we’re both in Hangzhou—we see each other often. Since they’re getting engaged, I definitely need to give them a gift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just give them money,” Qin Yun said. “A gift might not even please them, but money never fails.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun smiled, drove out of the Xixi Wetland gate, and followed the GPS to their destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An hour later, they arrived at a jade shop—the store was sizable, with four or five female sales staff inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing them, one immediately rushed over warmly; the others rolled their eyes and muttered curses under their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how this business works: grabbing customers is critical. If you’re not eager, you won’t eat—your dead salary won’t even cover rent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss, anything catch your eye? Bracelets or bangles? Today we have a promotion—new customers get 20% off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan nodded and began examining the display counter on her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun glanced around and noticed that nearly all the jade here was machine-made; he saw almost no hand-carved pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was normal—this place was mass-producing; handcrafting would be too costly and unnecessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The few hand-carved items on display were priced extremely high, likely just for display. But in Qin Yun’s view, their craftsmanship was mediocre—flaws were obvious at a glance. For example, one jade bracelet’s carved birds and flowers lacked both form and spirit—mere hollow shapes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this bracelet was priced at 188,888 yuan—the boss was crying as he ripped you off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After looking around, Qin Yun pointed to a square piece of Xiuyan jade on the counter and asked the salesperson: “Miss, is this Xiuyan jade for sale?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiuyan jade is one of China’s four famous jades, but it’s cheap—a bracelet costs just a few hundred yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The salesperson glanced at the Xiuyan jade and frowned: “Sir, this is just used to fill empty corners.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun smiled: “Ask your manager—if you’re selling it, I’ll take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his new carving skill, he was itching to carve something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The salesperson turned and went into the back room to ask. Soon, the store manager emerged—a stout middle-aged man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, you want this piece of Xiuyan jade?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun nodded: “Will you sell it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course!” The manager didn’t hesitate. “But this large block could make about five bracelets. Xiuyan jade bracelets usually sell for around five hundred yuan each. I’ll give you a discount—four thousand yuan total. How’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun nodded, called Su Huan over, and leaned close to her ear: “Buy this Xiuyan jade—I’ll give you a gift later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan’s ear tingled, her heart fluttered slightly, but she didn’t ask questions—she paid immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun picked up the heavy piece of Xiuyan jade and pointed to the nearby workbench: “Manager, may I borrow your tools to carve something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The manager blinked, then asked: “Sir, you know carving?” Before Qin Yun could answer, he nodded: “Go ahead—no customers right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Su Huan looked stunned: “Qin Yun, when did you learn carving?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun didn’t answer. He sat down at the workbench, took a quick look—and found all the jade-carving tools were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, what are Shao Yan and Chen Ziyi’s zodiac signs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan replied: “Shao Yan is a Tiger, Chen Ziyi is an Ox.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had a hunch about what Qin Yun planned to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no other customers present, the manager and sales staff gathered around, eager to watch Qin Yun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun placed the Xiuyan jade on the bench. The block was square, about eight or nine centimeters tall, its color pale and translucent, with a faint watery blue hue. Ordinary among jades, but its texture was even and free of cracks—perfect for carving four or five pendants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shao Yan was a Tiger, Chen Ziyi an Ox. Qin Yun planned to carve a matching pair of Tiger and Ox pendants for Su Huan—far better and more sincere than any ready-made item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a carving knife from the side, tested its flexibility and sharpness, then began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focusing his mind, he swiftly carved four lines across the jade surface—each cut as precise as if measured by a ruler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with controlled force, he tapped lightly—there came a series of crisp cracks, and the entire block split cleanly into four neat pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He selected one piece, mentally refining the tiger’s form. He didn’t sketch it first—his current carving skill meant his drawing ability had reached an equally high level; he could outline the tiger purely from memory and touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the blade touched the jade, fine chips fell like snowflakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements were steady; as his wrist turned, the blade glided like a dragon. Soon, the tiger’s head emerged on the jade surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The manager and sales staff stared, nearly shouting in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As jade shop employees, they’d often seen the master craftsman work—but he was arrogant, guarded against apprentices, and carved slowly, painfully slow. This handsome man, by contrast, moved with calm grace and fluid precision—clearly a master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the most important thing was his looks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan’s astonished gaze rested on Qin Yun’s profile. She couldn’t imagine what he’d done in the years since graduation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could climb cliffs barehanded, and now he could carve jade—did all men become this extraordinary after marriage? Or was Qin Yun just special?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the tiger’s head, Qin Yun carved its body. The muscle lines followed the jade’s natural curves, never appearing fierce—instead, they radiated a calm, dignified power. In moments, a lively tiger leapt to life on the jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Qin Yun didn’t stop. He carved mountain ridges and forest outlines beside the tiger, making it crouch within, majestic yet not menacing—visibly gentle beneath its power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he trimmed the edges, drilled a hole at the top, and finished a complete jade pendant—all in under half an hour. His speed left the staff speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The manager silently cursed: Damn it, that old bastard takes a week or half a month to carve one thing. Next time, I’ll use the surveillance footage to confront him—see what excuse he has.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed the jade pendant to Su Huan and smiled: “I’ll polish it a bit more later. What do you think of this for Shao Yan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan stared at the pendant in her hand, her emotions tangled—she almost didn’t want to give it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, your craftsmanship is incredible—the details are rich, the tiger looks alive. How about selling it to me? I’ll pay four thousand for this one.” The manager suddenly interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Huan’s eyes snapped wide: “This is meant as a gift—we’re not selling it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The manager sighed in regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun began carving the Ox. Its outline needed to be more plump and gentle—he slowed his blade, letting it glide lightly into the jade. He carved the ox’s horns, then followed the jade’s curves to form its round body. Soon, the four sturdy hooves settled firmly, radiating quiet strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed the Tiger and Ox pendants side by side, then carved a tiny auspicious cloud beside the tiger’s paw and a small bell at the ox’s neck. Holding both in his palm, they looked perfectly harmonious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded in satisfaction, asked the manager for fine sandpaper, dampened it with water, and began polishing. Soon, the rough jade surface grew smooth and warm, cool to the touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked for two red cords, threaded them through the top of each pendant, and tied small knots—red cord against pale jade, bright yet elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held them up, shook them gently, then carved “Peace” on the back of the Tiger pendant and “Joy” on the back of the Ox pendant. The characters were delicate, seamlessly blending with the carving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Done,” Qin Yun said, handing the pendants to Su Huan. “Tiger guards the home, Ox brings fortune. Give them this—it’s your money, after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could Su Huan say? She agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun tucked away the leftover jade pieces. As they left the shop, Su Huan’s emotions were unsettled—she wanted to speak but didn’t know how. The car drove all the way to the restaurant where the gathering was held before she finally calmed herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they stepped out of the car, another BMW 3 Series pulled up beside them. The doors opened, and two people got out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was Fei Kai; the other Qin Yun had never met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qin Yun, Su Huan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Kai greeted them, then hugged Qin Yun and punched his chest lightly: “Damn, Qin Yun! Years apart, and you’re driving a Land Rover Defender now? That thing’s not cheap—it could buy me four of my cars. You got rich, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun laughed: “I’m unemployed. How dare you call me rich? You look like you’re living the high life—looks like you’re doing great in Hangzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah, not bad, not bad,” Fei Kai said. He looked honest, but could drink anyone under the table. After graduation, he quit his original field. Su Huan said he went into sales and thrived—now he’s the regional manager for East China. Reaching this level in four years? That’s impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, the stranger’s eyes lit up the moment he saw Su Huan. He immediately stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Su Huan, you’re here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Manager He,” Su Huan smiled and nodded, but the distance between them was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the man acted as if he noticed nothing, pressing close, asking after her well-being—his intentions were obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Kai elbowed Qin Yun and whispered: “What’s going on between you and Su Huan? You two hooked up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Fei Kai had introduced his friend to Su Huan, he had no preference—success was fine, failure didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yun laughed bitterly: “Hooked up? You’re joking. I’m just passing through Hangzhou—I’m leaving tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, what a shame,” Fei Kai sighed, then called out loudly: “Come on, stop standing around—let’s go inside. Shao Yan and Chen Ziyi are already here.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1904,"2026-06-20T21:37:28.858Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","295b6b11a0ef1733c25da4094c2dd190e7785f0f5f6ce070c0f64ff5ad004597","bound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off-chapter-32","bound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off-chapter-30",329,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbound-to-the-sign-in-system-i-took-off-cover.jpg"]