233: Chapter 233 Please come inside, great hero.

Chapter 233: Please Come Inside, Hero

On Liuli Old Street in the afternoon, the signboards of several long-established shops hung high, their banners swaying gently in the breeze to attract customers.

In front of Ju Gu Xuan, people came and went, with occasional tourists stopping to curiously eye the antiques and treasures inside the shop.

At this moment, a yellow and green taxi slowly approached and came to a smooth stop in front of the shop.

The car door opened, and Fang Cheng stepped out, carrying an old-fashioned duffel bag.

He looked up, his gaze sweeping over the slightly faded gilded characters on the plaque, which still exuded an ancient charm.

Then he nodded slightly and thought to himself, 'This is the place.'

Stepping inside, the entire shop was dimly lit, decorated in an elegant, classic style.

A few yellowish lamps hung from the carved wooden ceiling, illuminating rows of shelves filled with antiques.

Porcelain, calligraphy, paintings, and jade items were on display in dazzling variety, exuding a strong scent of wealth.

Fang Cheng had no interest in browsing and walked straight to the counter.

Behind the counter stood a young clerk who was wiping a blue and white porcelain vase with a soft cloth. Without even looking up, he asked,

"Sir, what are you looking for?"

His tone carried a hint of nonchalance. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Fang Cheng, and seeing that he was dressed simply and plainly, he didn't bother to look any further.

Fang Cheng wasn't annoyed either. He said calmly,

"I'm looking for Xu Sanduo. Please let him know."

The clerk's hands paused. He looked up to size him up again, a look of surprise crossing his Face.

Wondering how this ordinarily dressed visitor could possibly know his big boss, he said perfunctorily,

"The boss usually isn't here. Is there something I can help you with?"

Just then, an elderly master in the back room heard the commotion and walked out.

He seemed to be the manager of this antique shop. Wearing a pair of reading glasses, his eyes behind the lenses gleamed with shrewdness. He first greeted him warmly,

"Welcome, sir. We have quite a few fine items in our shop. Please, take your time looking around."

After his gaze lingered on Fang Cheng through his glasses for a moment, he added with a touch of caution,

"If you are here to consign items, if it's convenient, you can show them to me first so I can take a look."

He probably saw that Fang Cheng was dressed plainly but had a sturdy build, and mistook him for someone who did shady, under-the-table work like grave robbing.

Fang Cheng swept his gaze around the shop and repeated calmly,

"I'm here for Xu Sanduo. Tell him to come out and speak with me."

As soon as these words came out, the smile on the manager's Face froze instantly, and he immediately made an excuse:

"I'm sorry, but our boss is usually not in the shop. Why don't you leave your contact information, and I'll have him reach out to you when he gets back?"

His excuse was almost identical to the clerk's.

Hearing this, Fang Cheng nodded, his expression remaining calm as he said unhurriedly,

"Then please let your boss know right now that the person from the woods a few days ago has some business with him."

A flash of surprise crossed the elderly master's eyes, and he hesitated for a moment.

Seeing Fang Cheng's firm attitude, he couldn't easily refuse and damage his Face, so he had no choice but to turn around and walk slowly toward the back hall, seemingly to make a phone call.

Fang Cheng stood in place, waiting quietly.

The surrounding clerks stole glances at him and began whispering among themselves.

"Who is this guy? He's talking so big, actually wanting to see our big boss."

one clerk whispered, his eyes filled with doubt.

"Exactly. He looks so ordinary. He doesn't look like someone who could talk to the boss. Could he be here to cause trouble?"

another clerk chimed in, shaking his head as he spoke.

"I think he might be some relative of the boss. Otherwise, how would he dare to look for him so directly?"

Yet another clerk lowered his voice and offered a different guess.

As they chatted back and forth, everyone was incredibly curious about Fang Cheng's identity.

After all, on Liuli Old Street and even in the entire antique trading circle, Xu Sanduo was a resounding name.

Rumor had it that he possessed immense influence and had connections spanning both the underworld and the establishment.

The people he usually associated with were either wealthy business tycoons chauffeured in luxury cars, or terrifying, powerful figures of the Dao who commanded fear wherever they went.

When those prominent figures came to discuss business with Xu Sanduo, they always brought a crowd of bodyguards, surrounded by a grand entourage.

Unlike the man before them, who was all alone, dressed plainly, carrying an old duffel bag, and had arrived in a taxi.

This huge contrast made it truly difficult for the clerks to connect Fang Cheng with someone who could have a relationship with Xu Sanduo.

No wonder they were whispering behind his back, full of suspicion.

But Fang Cheng acted as if he hadn't heard a thing, still standing there calmly.

Just as everyone was whispering, a hurried patter of footsteps suddenly came from the back hall.

Immediately after, a fat man appeared, jogging all the way out. His agile speed made it seem as if some wild beast were chasing him from behind.

Everyone looked closely and saw that it was indeed Xu Sanduo, who usually put on a very dignified air.

As for the one following behind him, it was the manager, who was running slightly out of breath.

"Oh, Hero, you've finally come!"

Xu Sanduo shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with pleasant surprise.

This fellow had clearly been hiding in the back earlier, avoiding guests.

Now, he crossed over to Fang Cheng in a few quick steps and said excitedly,

"Ever since we parted that day, I've been looking forward to this day and night. I couldn't even sleep soundly, wondering when you would grace us with your presence."

"Now that you've arrived, the weight on my chest has finally been lifted."

Utterly ignoring the presence of his subordinates in the shop, his Face was piled with an extremely warm smile, his eyes squinting into thin slits.

His expression made him look exactly as if he had run into his long-lost biological father.

After a few brief pleasantries, he immediately turned around and gave the manager and clerks a harsh scolding:

"How are you hosting the Hero? Hurry up and brew some tea! Where are your eyes? Don't you have any common sense at all?!"

The manager and the clerks were all dumbfounded. Their jaws nearly hit the floor, and their eyes bulged.

They couldn't fathom for the life of them what kind of background this ordinarily dressed, gentle-looking man had, to make Boss Xu—who was usually so awe-inspiring and influential on the Dao—behave in such a subservient manner.

The manager was secretly glad that he hadn't spoken too harshly earlier.

If he had truly offended this 'mysterious hero,' given Boss Xu's temper, forget about keeping his job, he might have had to Face severe consequences.

Seeing his subordinates standing there in a daze, Xu Sanduo couldn't help but curse again:

"What are you still standing there for? You're all incredibly stupid! You only eat but don't work. You might as well dig a hole and bury yourselves!"

The manager shuddered, hurriedly responded, and personally ran off to pour tea.

He was terrified that if he moved too slowly and displeased his boss, he really would be buried in a hole.

Seeing this, the other clerks also scrambled to get busy, some pretending to wipe antiques, others hurriedly tidying the shelves.

"Hero, please come inside so we can talk."

Xu Sanduo then bent his waist, smilingly making a welcoming gesture, his respectful attitude utterly flawless.

Fang Cheng nodded and smiled. "Thank you."

As if completely oblivious to the awe-struck glances secretly cast by everyone, he carried his duffel bag and took his steps calmly.

Guided by Xu Sanduo himself, the two walked through a narrow corridor toward the depths of the back hall.

Replicas of famous calligraphy and paintings hung on both sides of the corridor, clearly meant to keep up appearances and put on a show of sophistication.

Occasionally, Xu Sanduo would turn slightly, pointing to a certain piece of calligraphy or painting, introducing it with a seemingly expert air to find a topic of conversation.

Fang Cheng only nodded slightly, not saying much.

Finally, the two stopped in front of a heavy wooden door.

Xu Sanduo took out a key, carefully unlocked the door, and stepped aside to let Fang Cheng enter first, murmuring attentively,

"Hero, please step inside. It's very quiet here, guaranteed no one will disturb us."

Fang Cheng stepped inside and swept his gaze around.

He realized that this must be a secret room.

The surrounding walls had no windows and were lined with soundproof wooden panels, with a simple carved table set in the center.

A delicate tea set rested on the table, and several high-quality antiques that seemed to be yet unpriced were displayed around, clearly of great value.

Closing the door, Xu Sanduo quickly led Fang Cheng to sit at the table, his Face wearing a fawning expression as he asked,

"Hero, do you have any instructions for me today?"

Yet his eyes kept darting toward the slightly old duffel bag, his heart filled with curiosity and speculation.

Fang Cheng nodded slightly and said,

"I have a few items on hand that I would like to consign with you."

As he spoke, he opened the duffel bag, took out several items tightly wrapped in newspaper, and placed them gently on the table.

Xu Sanduo's eyes lit up. He reached out to unwrap the paper, but as if remembering something, he pulled his hand back and smiled apologetically:

"Don't worry, Hero. As long as the items' origin... oh, no, no, regardless of whether there's any issue, they will definitely fetch a good price here with me."

He knew very well that the man before him was no ordinary ruthless character.

The bloody scene in the woods from a few days ago was still vivid in his mind, so how could he dare to ask even a single question about the items' origin?

Fang Cheng ignored his little thoughts and unhurriedly unwrapped them one by one, generously placing them in front of Xu Sanduo.

There were two pieces of porcelain tableware, and three gold and silver items shaped like incense burners and boxes.

These were shipwreck antiques found around the undersea rift, and Fang Cheng was not clear about their specific origins or value.

There was also a work of painting and calligraphy, 'One Hundred Horses'.

Ma Donghe had previously had someone appraise it; it was an authentic work by a famous master, valued at one hundred and thirty thousand. At the time, he had felt it was too cheap and didn't sell it.

The light in the room was soft, and sandalwood incense curled upward.

At Fang Cheng's gesture, Xu Sanduo carefully picked up these antique items and began to appraise them in detail.

"This openwork silver incense burner with floral patterns has quite a high silver purity and a warm luster. It must be of a considerable age."

Once he entered his professional Domain, his expression instantly became serious. He gently held the incense burner, his fingers slowly tracing the openwork floral patterns as he murmured to himself:

"Look at this carving. It's incredibly detailed; every flower is lifelike, and the stamens are visible down to the finest detail. It must have cost the craftsman a great deal of effort."

"And from what I can see, it looks like it came from a shipwreck salvage. It should be export goods specifically made for foreign nobles back then..."

Listening to him, a hint of appreciation flashed in Fang Cheng's eyes.

"Boss Xu has an excellent eye!"

Hearing this, Xu Sanduo couldn't help but feel quite proud:

"There are still some water stains on the patina. Although they aren't very noticeable, an insider can tell at a glance. If I'm not mistaken, it should have come from a shipwreck in the South China Sea, right?"

At this point, he felt his behavior might have been too forward, and he stole a tentative glance at Fang Cheng.

Fang Cheng didn't say much, just tapping his finger to signal him to keep looking.

Putting down the incense burner, Xu Sanduo turned his gaze to the porcelain plates and bowls:

"Tsk, these pieces of Mise porcelain truly live up to their reputation. The glaze is thick and even, shining with a treasure-like luster, and the throwing marks are almost nonexistent. This shows the craftsman's superb skill; it's not something today's imitations could ever replicate..."

He held them as if they were rare treasures, slowly turning them under the light, his words filled with marvel and praise.

But the more Fang Cheng listened, the more off it sounded, so he frowned and spoke up:

"Is it really that good? Boss Xu, you must tell me the truth."

He didn't want to be someone who used a favor to demand a reward, nor did he want to be deceived.

Xu Sanduo's heart skipped a beat. He quickly put down the plate in his hand, a fawning smile plastering his Face:

"Hero, I, Xu Sanduo, have been knocking around in this industry for so many years. I can't boast about other things, but I definitely have an eye for this."

"These items are genuine masterpieces. Rest assured, I would never cheat you."

Fang Cheng nodded slightly and said in a deep voice,

"I understand the rules of your trade. Don't play tricks with me. Your due commission won't be lacking, but if word gets out..."

Before he could finish, he directed a sharp gaze at Xu Sanduo.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare! I will definitely keep tight-lipped about your business, Hero."

Xu Sanduo nodded and bowed repeatedly, saying,

"Moreover, you've done me a favor. How could I dare play tricks in front of you?"

As he spoke, he patted his chest in guarantee, a layer of fine sweat even breaking out on his forehead, terrified that Fang Cheng would misunderstand him as having bad intentions.

Just then, a knock suddenly sounded on the door.

It was the manager, carrying a tray to deliver the tea.

Xu Sanduo immediately stood up, walked over, and personally picked up the teapot to respectfully pour tea for Fang Cheng.

The manager glanced at Fang Cheng, who had clearly become an honored guest, then leaned in close to Xu Sanduo and whispered a few words in his ear.

Xu Sanduo frowned, put down the teapot, and then waved his hand impatiently, lowering his voice to say,

"Just say I've gone out of town to collect goods and won't be back for the next ten days to half a month. During this time, whether it's an acquaintance or a stranger, don't let them bother me."

The manager understood perfectly, nodded in agreement, and quickly went out to send the visitor away.

The room fell silent once more. Xu Sanduo put on a smile again and explained to Fang Cheng,

"I'm sorry you had to see that, Hero. In this line of work, there are always so many troublesome matters."

After taking a sip of tea, Fang Cheng prepared to take his leave:

"I will leave these goods with you. Please pay close attention to them, Boss Xu."

Xu Sanduo quickly guaranteed,

"Don't worry, Hero. Entrusting this business to me brings honor to my little shop. I will definitely handle it beautifully!"

But in his heart, he thought, as long as he could win over this distinguished guest, he would have a powerful expert backing him up in the future. Hmph, those competitors who always wanted to find trouble would probably have to think twice about their own capabilities.

Just as he was fantasizing like this, a faint commotion echoed from outside the secret room, interrupting his enjoyment.

A flash of displeasure crossed Xu Sanduo's Face. He quickly picked up his walkie-talkie and pressed the talk button, his tone carrying a hint of authority:

"What's going on out there? Where are the security guards? Ah Qiang, go handle it immediately!"

However, before the other side of the walkie-talkie could respond, a painful groan came through.

It sounded as if the security guard named Ah Qiang had been kicked and sent flying.

Immediately after, there was a startling crash and the sound of porcelain shattering.

Through the walkie-talkie, the startled cries of the clerks also echoed.

Something had clearly happened in the main hall.

Xu Sanduo's Face instantly turned deathly pale. He stood up in a panic, seemingly wanting to hide somewhere, his eyes filled with terror.

Before long, a set of footsteps rapidly approached.

With a loud "bang," the door of the secret room was kicked open violently.

Two figures dressed in black robes rushed inside, bringing a gust of wind with them.

These two were tall and burly, wearing monk hats similar to those of lamas, their eyes flashing with ruthlessness.

Xu Sanduo was so terrified that he collapsed back into his chair. His body trembled, and his voice became stuttery:

"W-Who are you people? What do you want?"