14: Chapter 14 Old Man Ma, the Troublemaker

Old Zhou shook his head with a bitter smile, his eyes, weathered by time, now filled with unconcealable envy and amazement. 'Young man, you truly have a keen eye, and heavens-defying luck! Would you mind telling me which stall you found this at? And how much did you spend?'

Hu Tian gave a faint smile, his expression as calm and unruffled as if he had just picked up an ordinary stone, not a treasure worth millions. 'Just at a small, inconspicuous stall on the street ahead. The vendor asked for five hundred, and I didn't bargain, just paid and took it.'

'Five hundred?!'

Old Zhou gasped sharply, his hand trembling so much that the high-powered magnifying glass he was holding nearly slipped and fell to the floor with a crisp clatter.

He shot to his feet, staring at Hu Tian with disbelief, his voice rising in pitch, his breathing growing noticeably faster.

Beside them, Zhou Wan'er, who had been making tea, widened her beautiful eyes, her cherry lips forming a perfect 'O' of utter astonishment, as if she'd seen a ghost.

The teapot in her hand hung in mid-air, scalding tea spilling over onto her hand without her even noticing.

'Five hundred... for a Northern Song official kiln plum vase worth at least twenty million?'

Zhou Wan'er muttered to herself, then sprang up as if discovering a new continent, circling Hu Tian once, her skirt fluttering. 'Brother Hu Tian, do you know magic? If that stall owner knew the real value of this vase, he'd probably regret it so much his guts would turn green. He'd likely spend tonight banging his head against the wall, crying himself unconscious in the bathroom!'

Old Zhou fell silent for a moment, took several deep breaths, trying hard to calm the surging waves of shock in his heart.

He settled back into his seat, his gaze burning as he looked at Hu Tian, his tone becoming unprecedentedly serious. 'Young friend Hu, what do you plan to do with this plum vase? Keep it for your own collection, to grace your home, or are you looking to sell it for cash?'

Hu Tian picked up his teacup, took a small sip of the warm tea, using the gesture to conceal the flash of shrewdness in his eyes. He countered with a question, 'Old Zhou, what's your view on the matter?'

'Based on my experience, with a treasure like this, if you urgently need funds, I can help connect you with a few senior major collectors, or send it to a large auction house for bidding. The price might be even higher, possibly breaking forty million.'

Old Zhou analyzed methodically, his fingers lightly tapping the table, producing a rhythmic sound. 'However, auction houses take high commissions, the process is long—at least half a year—and there are many variables. If you trust me, you could put it up for internal auction at tomorrow's antique exchange gathering. Several truly knowledgeable big buyers will be there bidding. The price will absolutely satisfy you. Plus, it's cash on the spot, safe and fast, money in the bag, peace of mind.'

Old Zhou paused for a moment, then added, 'Of course, if you want to keep it for your own collection, that's also excellent. Something like this in your home becomes a family heirloom, enough to grace your residence and bring prosperity, passed down through generations. It's more reliable than any safe.'

Hu Tian pondered for a moment, quickly calculating in his heart: the System Space indeed had enough storage slots, but although this plum vase was precious, it wasn't the absolute rarest of the rare.

I do need a large amount of cash flow right now, to prepare for the upcoming plans and also for the system's upgrade.

Besides, with the help of the Treasure Hunting Radar, would I be afraid of not finding even better treasures in the future?

Keeping cash on hand offers greater flexibility; the initiative remains in my own hands.

'Then I'll trouble you, Old Zhou, to help me make the connection tomorrow.'

Hu Tian made his decision, his tone firm, no longer hesitant.

'Good! Decisive!'

A flash of appreciation crossed Old Zhou's eyes as he clapped his hands and laughed. 'I like this straightforward, decisive character of yours, young friend Hu. No beating around the bush. You have the bearing of a great general. Bring the vase to the exchange gathering tomorrow. I'll personally arrange things for you, guaranteed to satisfy you. We'll let those old fellows have a good, eye-opening look!'

The three chatted for a while longer about interesting anecdotes from the antique world, the atmosphere harmonious.

Hu Tian carefully rewrapped the plum vase in brocade and placed it into a specially made wooden box.

Faced with Old Zhou's enthusiastic invitation to dinner, Hu Tian politely declined. Carrying the package, he left Jubao Pavilion alone.

Walking home, Hu Tian was in high spirits, his steps so light he felt like he could fly. Even the withered leaves drifting by the roadside seemed particularly lovely.

This trip to Antique Street had yielded results far beyond expectations!

Not only had it verified the discerning eye he had honed over the past half-month of intense study, but it had also brought him immense wealth.

This was the power of monetizing knowledge, the perfect fusion of technology and tradition!

He opened the Treasure Hunting Radar interface to check if there were any overlooked targets remaining on the street.

On the radar, the street ahead was densely dotted with various colored points. Gray was the most numerous, followed by white. A few sporadic blue points were scattered about. No higher-level yellow or green items were detected.

Hu Tian hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to head home first.

Those blue points only represented minor, ten-thousand-yuan level refined items. They weren't worth expending my energy on right now.

Food should be eaten one bite at a time; treasures should be found one piece at a time.

Greed leads to indigestion. Today's harvest is already plentiful; no need to be too greedy.

Moreover, the locations of those blue points didn't look easy to approach, and the stall owners seemed difficult to deal with. Even with preparation, negotiating a price might not be successful. Better to quit while ahead, leave something to look forward to for next time.

Back at his apartment, closing the door, Hu Tian eagerly stored the plum vase into the System Space.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, for obtaining a rare-grade treasure: Northern Song Jingdezhen Kiln bluish-white glazed plum vase with interlocking lotus design!]

[System is absorbing the treasure's spiritual essence...]

[Energy points obtained: 100!]

[Current energy points: 140.]

[Current Level: LV.1. Energy points required for next upgrade: 140/500]

Looking at the plum vase quietly suspended in the space, emitting a faint yellow glow, a confident smile curled at the corner of Hu Tian's mouth.

Energy points increased by 100, bringing the next system upgrade one step closer.

The next morning, the sun was bright, the sky cloudless for miles.

At the intersection, Hu Tian carried a tightly wrapped, specially made wooden box. The interior was packed full with thick cushioning material, ensuring the plum vase was absolutely safe.

He arrived punctually at the entrance of Jubao Pavilion, meeting up with Old Zhou and Zhou Wan'er.

The three got into a Mercedes-Benz MPV, heading straight for the antique association's exchange venue in the eastern part of the city—Yaji Garden.

Old Zhou and Hu Tian sat side-by-side in the back seat. Old Zhou held a purple clay insulated cup, casually blowing on the floating tea leaves, his demeanor calm yet exuding an innate, unspoken authority.

He said leisurely, 'Today's gathering is a convergence of elites; experts from all walks will be present. Of course, there are also a few of my old adversaries, especially that Ma Tiancheng.'

Old Zhou paused, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes, his tone turning slightly cold. 'They've always been envious of Jubao Pavilion's resources, jealous of the good pieces I've acquired over the years. Today, they'll undoubtedly seize the chance to make trouble, nitpick and find fault, trying to embarrass me.'

Seeing Hu Tian's expression grow slightly tense, Old Zhou continued with a reassuring smile, 'Young friend Hu, set your mind at ease. Genuine items carry their own aura, an essence accumulated over time; it can't be faked. No matter how convincing a fake is, it's still a counterfeit. Bluster and intimidation won't scare anyone. We hold a heavy treasure in our hands; what do we have to fear from them? Meet soldiers with arms, meet water with earth!'

Hearing this, Hu Tian felt reassured. Stroking the wooden box beside him, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Indeed, true gold fears no fire.

With the system in hand, authenticity is clear at a glance.

Today, let this Northern Song plum vase astonish the entire gathering and shatter all doubts!

Zhou Wan'er chimed in from the side, waving her delicate little fist, her chin lifted with a righteous air, her lively and clever appearance utterly endearing. 'Don't worry, Brother Hu Tian! My grandpa's eyes are a 'fiery golden gaze' forged through experience. Few in Binhai City can deceive him! Besides, there's also your pair of 'divine eyes,' Brother Hu Tian!'

She playfully blinked, lowering her voice with a laugh. 'If they dare to nitpick, they're just asking for trouble. Then Grandpa can shut them up, and I'll make faces at them from the side, infuriating them!'

Hu Tian gave a slight nod, a faint smile curling his lips, though a trace of confidence, hard to detect, flashed deep in his eyes.

With a golden finger in hand, the system radar can discern all truth and falsehood. Why fear others picking faults?

Even if I pierced a hole in the sky, I'd dare to patch it back up.

The car glided smoothly, passing through the bustling city center, soon arriving at the destination—Yaji Garden.

This was the exclusive venue of the Binhai City Antique Association, a classic Ming-Qing style garden clubhouse, covering an extremely vast area.

Upturned eaves and corners stretched like bird wings; green bricks and black tiles were covered with verdant vines, appearing even more ancient through weathering.

Along winding, secluded paths, flowers and trees grew in graceful profusion, artificial hills and flowing water complemented each other, everywhere exuding an ancient, elegant charm cultivated by wealth.

The air carried a faint scent of sandalwood and ink, as if time itself slowed its pace here, making one involuntarily calm their heart.

The parking lot was already packed with luxury cars. Mercedes-Benz and BMW were considered entry-level here; Rolls-Royce and Bentley were not uncommon, parked quietly in corners.

There were even a few black sedans with special license plates, low-key and steady, windows pitch-black, making one hesitant to look directly. Clearly, their owners were of extraordinary status, either wealthy or powerful.

As soon as Old Zhou led the two out of the car, a slightly portly old man approached, his face plastered with a smile that seemed warm but was actually hypocritical.

'Ah, Old Zhou, long time no see! I've missed you dearly!'

The speaker was precisely Ma Tiancheng, owner of Hongyun Hall.

He wore a dark red Tang suit that strained against his frame, looking somewhat tight, the flesh on his belly trembling slightly with his steps.

The string of glossy, golden-star bodhi prayer beads in his hand was rotated rapidly, emitting crisp 'click-clack' sounds, exuding an air of shrewd calculation.

This man was a veteran in the circle, cunning and smooth. Superficially amiable, he loved to trip people up behind their backs. He was notoriously known in the antique circle as a 'troublemaker,' always fishing in troubled waters, having built his fortune on trading high-quality fakes and bargaining down prices. His reputation was extremely poor.

He had always harbored jealousy towards Old Zhou, constantly feeling that Old Zhou stole his limelight.

Old Zhou smiled amiably, cupping his hands in return, his demeanor composed, neither subservient nor arrogant. 'Master Ma, I trust you've been well. It seems business has been booming lately; you're looking radiant. That Tang suit even looks a bit small—must have acquired quite a few 'good pieces' recently?'

His words carried a hint of barely perceptible teasing.

Ma Tiancheng's small eyes darted around, instantly locking onto the tightly wrapped wooden box in Hu Tian's hand beside them. The light in his eyes brightened considerably, a flash of greed passing through.

The smile on his face deepened instantly, the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes squeezing together, appearing exceptionally 'enthusiastic,' though the smile didn't reach his eyes. 'What treasure has Old Zhou brought today? This young man looks unfamiliar. Is he a new, highly talented disciple you've taken on, specially brought here to gain you face? I hope it's not some 'obviously fake' counterfeit that gets our hopes up for nothing.'

He deliberately raised his volume for the last half-sentence, carrying a tone of provocation and sarcasm.

'This is my friend Hu Tian. A young man with a good eye, promising talent. Today, he's specially brought a heavy treasure.'

Old Zhou replied lightly, his tone flat as water, leaving no room for the other to dig for gossip. Instead, it was like a wall, blocking all prying desires while subtly shielding Hu Tian.

'Oh? A heavy treasure?'

Ma Tiancheng raised an eyebrow, a flicker of inquiry and disdain in his eyes. He unconsciously leaned forward slightly, as if trying to see through the box. 'Then we must have a good look later. Don't let it be some 'big catch' that makes us laugh our heads off.'

With that, he gave Hu Tian a meaningful look, his eyes filled with contempt and hostility. Then, followed by several bodyguards in black suits and an appraisal assistant wearing white gloves, he swaggered into the clubhouse.

Those bodyguards all wore indifferent expressions, clearly a professional team.

His retreating figure exuded an air of arrogant confidence, as if he had already envisioned Old Zhou's embarrassment.

Zhou Wan'er made a big, exaggerated face at Ma Tiancheng's retreating back, muttering under her breath, 'Hmph! That Old Ma is a typical smiling tiger, full of sinister schemes. He loves to stir up trouble and watch the chaos. He'll definitely come over later to pick a fight. So annoying! I'd love to smear tea leaves all over his face!'

A verse says:

Five hundred gold for Song treasure rare, shadow-blue glaze beyond compare.

Today at the elegant gathering, sharp edges hidden, prepared.

Laughing as demons dance in disarray, their futile efforts bared.