15: Chapter 15 Association Exchange

Elder Zhou glanced at his granddaughter, feigning a stern expression as he lowered his voice to warn her. Yet, the corners of his eyes held a hint of indulgent laughter, and his wrinkles were filled with doting affection. "Mind your manners, Zhou Waner. In this kind of setting, you must be steady and display the bearing of a distinguished family. Don't let others laugh at us and say the Zhou family lacks upbringing. To deal with someone like Ma Tiancheng, you must use your strength. Making him shut up is the best retaliation; engaging in petty bickering is beneath us and will only lower your status."

Zhou Waner stuck out her tender pink tongue, her eyes rolling around like a sly little fox.

She immediately put on a well-behaved, ladylike expression, hands folded in front of her, skirt swaying slightly, back held straight—a perfect, well-bred young lady from a prestigious family.

Only the unerasable, sly laughter deep in her eyes, like a kitten that had successfully stolen a treat and was pretending to be innocent, was incredibly cute and made one unable to help but smile.

"Hmph, that old man Ma's face is annoying just to look at. Grandpa is right, later I'll let Brother Hu Tian use his treasure to dazzle their dog eyes—that would be truly satisfying!"

The three of them passed through a circular moon gate, and suddenly, the view opened up, as if they had traveled through time, stepping from the bustling, dusty world into a pure land.

In the spacious courtyard, dozens of rosewood tables were arranged in an orderly fashion. They were covered with exquisite Su embroidery silk cloths, with cloud patterns flowing across them, exuding a noble aura.

Some tables were already adorned with porcelain, jade, calligraphy and paintings, and bronze ware—a dazzling array, overflowing with treasure light, making one's eyes spin.

The tranquility of blue and white porcelain, the warmth of Hetian jade, and the heaviness of ancient bronze intertwined to form a flowing painting of wealth.

Small exhibition stands built around the courtyard surrounded it, while the open gravel area in the center served as a ring for free exchange; the bluestone slabs seemed to still bear the traces of past masters sparring.

At this moment, many in the circle were already stopping at the tables.

Some pretended to look at the goods, fingers gently rubbing the edges of the artifacts, while in reality, they pricked up their ears to listen to the movements around them, looking very much like hunters waiting for an opportunity.

As they chatted in low voices, their eyes darted around, probing each other's backgrounds. Behind every greeting lay calculations, and every smile could be a soft blade.

The atmosphere appeared elegant and peaceful, with curls of tea fragrance, but in reality, there were undercurrents, and every sentence and every glance could hide hidden daggers.

This was not just a trading place for antiques; it was an arena of connections, discernment, and financial power—a Shura field of fame, profit, and desire.

Big shots were gathered, each followed by one or two professional treasure appraisal helpers.

Some wore Tang suits, holding magnifying glasses to examine items carefully, brows furrowed; some wore white gloves, holding high-intensity flashlights to illuminate details, their expressions focused; others held notebooks, whispering about the latest market trends and gossip, their pen tips dancing.

"Boss Zhou is here!"

A hearty, full-voiced greeting arrived, instantly overriding the surrounding whispers and breaking the delicate balance.

Hu Tian looked toward the sound and saw an elderly man with a vigorous spirit walking over, smiling.

This elder wore a simple-colored long gown. The fabric looked ordinary, but it was actually top-tier Xiangyun silk, flowing with a matte luster as he walked, revealing luxury within understatement.

He held a string of agarwood prayer beads in his hand, each bead plump with a mellow patina, emitting a faint, lingering fragrance.

His gaze was as deep as the sea, imposing without anger, as if it could discern all falsehoods in the world.

With every step he took, the surrounding crowd seemed to subconsciously make way, as if an invisible magnetic field was pushing people aside.

This was presence—the majesty accumulated from long-standing high status and handling countless national treasures, the composure bestowed by time.

Is this Elder Qin, Elder Qin?

Truly living up to his reputation.

Just standing there made one afraid to look directly at him.

This kind of momentum was not faked; it was the confidence built from real gold, silver, and countless treasures.

Elder Zhou hurriedly took Hu Tian and his granddaughter Zhou Waner to meet him, wearing a genuine, kind smile on his face, even carrying a hint of respect, bowing slightly. His movements were smooth and flowing, fully displaying the etiquette of his generation: "Elder Qin, it has been a long time. You look even more spirited; truly, you have white hair but a youthful face, and an extraordinary bearing. To be able to see you today is truly an honor."

"Boss Zhou, you must let me feast my eyes this time. I've specifically saved room in my stomach waiting to eat some 'hard dishes'."

Elder Qin responded with a smile, his voice resonant but not harsh, exuding affinity yet commanding respect.

This Elder Qin, named Elder Qin, was a highly respected antique collector in the area and a director of the Beijing Collection Association.

He usually kept a low profile, but in the circle, his words held immense weight; even the association chairman had to give him face.

It was said that his family was wealthy, his private residence was a small Museum, and the treasures he collected were enough to shock the industry; many national-level cultural relics had passed through his hands.

"I wouldn't dare to show off; I've just brought some small trinkets for everyone to enjoy. I hope Elder Qin will offer some guidance."

Elder Zhou exchanged pleasantries, keeping his posture low, his words sincere, showing full respect for the senior.

He then turned to introduce Hu Tian, his tone solemn: "Hu Tian, this is Elder Qin, a titan in our circle, a true expert. You must learn more from him in the future; don't show off, but humbly seek his advice."

Hu Tian hurriedly bowed respectfully, hands at his sides, his posture humble but not servile, his eyes clear: "Greetings, Elder Qin. I have long admired your name. To see you today is a stroke of great fortune. I am the junior, Hu Tian; I ask for your guidance, Elder Qin."

Elder Qin looked Hu Tian up and down several times, his gaze gentle yet sharp as an eagle's, as if it could penetrate the human heart and see through Hu Tian's background.

He nodded slightly, a flash of approval in his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting: "Young and promising, with an extraordinary bearing. His eyes are clear and firm, neither arrogant nor impatient—a good seed. Elder Zhou, you truly have a sharp eye for talent, having taken in such a good apprentice, or rather, having made a good friend."

He said to Elder Zhou with a smile, his tone carrying a hint of teasing: "The young man is full of vitality, and what is rare is this steadiness; he will surely achieve great things in the future. Elder Zhou, you've picked up a treasure."

"I ask for Elder Qin's guidance and tolerance later."

Elder Zhou said sincerely, his tone full of respect, his body leaning forward slightly to show his sincerity.

Elder Qin's gaze fell on the wooden box in Hu Tian's hand, pausing for a moment, his eyes slightly narrowed as if seeing through the box to what was inside.

He didn't ask much, just said casually, his tone flat but meaningful: "This is..."

Elder Zhou smiled and took the conversation, his tone mysterious, deliberately playing coy: "The exhibits brought this time are all provided by young friend Hu Tian. They will definitely surprise you; perhaps they might even shock a connoisseur like you."

Elder Qin turned his head and re-examined Hu Tian, a playful arc hooking at the corners of his mouth, his interest growing.

"Oh?"

Just this one word, the tone carrying three parts curiosity, three parts expectation, and four parts scrutiny—he didn't say it outright, but it left people imagining.

Hu Tian nodded at him, not explaining further, just guarding the box tightly, his eyes firm.

Elder Qin was truly extraordinary; he could sense something unusual just from a box.

Ginger is still spicier when old.

However, true gold fears no fire; later, when I open the box, I will definitely shock you and make those who look down on me shut up.

Elder Qin didn't press further, withdrew his gaze, and smiled: "We shall see when we see the actual item later. Come, let's go in first. The good show is yet to come."

After speaking, the group had already started walking toward the depths of the courtyard.

Elder Zhou stepped aside and made a "please" gesture toward Elder Qin, his manners perfect and orderly.

After Elder Qin left, the three of them walked toward the depths of the courtyard.

Along the way, people constantly greeted Elder Zhou, mostly figures of standing in the industry.

Elder Zhou responded one by one, his attitude humble yet dignified, every gesture displaying the bearing of a master—neither overly enthusiastic nor cold. He handled the boundaries perfectly, making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Hu Tian observed along the way and found that these people were polite on the surface, calling each other "Teacher" or "Senior," but their eyes hid scrutiny, probing, and even a bit of excitement to watch a good show, like a group of spiders waiting for prey to enter the net.

Clearly, everyone had heard that Elder Zhou had brought new goods today and was waiting to see how this play would unfold.

Did they want to see Elder Zhou make a mistake and lose face so they could step on him, or did they want to see him continue his legend so they could get a share of the profits?

Human nature is just like this: they cannot stand to see others do well, yet they hope others will have trouble so they have a chance to pick up leaks or step on them.

This antique circle was indeed more dangerous than a battlefield.

Elder Zhou found an empty rosewood table on the east side of the courtyard and signaled for Hu Tian to put down the box.

"Don't be in a hurry to open it; wait until everyone has mostly arrived."

Elder Zhou lowered his voice, a flash of slyness in his eyes, like a calculating fox. "In this kind of occasion, the more mysterious it is, the more it whets the appetite, and the value can naturally be raised higher. This is called 'hunger marketing,' understand? Let them guess, let them be anxious; the stronger the curiosity, the higher the price."

Hu Tian nodded in understanding, silently placing the box under the table.

He guarded the sides with his hands, like a guardian protecting a treasure, watching the box and staying alert to the gazes cast around, his body slightly tense.

This wasn't just protecting a treasure; it was protecting a secret of imminent wealth. It must not be revealed until the very last moment.

Just then, a few more people gathered around, clamoring with hypocritical smiles on their faces.

"What treasure did Elder Zhou bring today? Let us have a look first!"

"That's right, Elder Zhou, don't hide it. Sharing joy is better than enjoying it alone; good things should be shared by everyone!"

A few middle-aged men leaned forward with smiles, their necks stretched long, their eyes glancing at the box by Hu Tian's hand from time to time, wishing they could reach out and lift the lid directly. Their greed was evident, and they were almost drooling.

Elder Zhou slowly picked up his teacup, gently blew on the hot steam, took a sip, and then slowly smiled, his speech slow but every word clear: "No rush, no rush. Good food is not afraid of being late. We will all enjoy it together later and have a lively time. If we open it now, it won't be interesting."

Seeing that he refused to reveal it, the crowd couldn't shamelessly keep asking and had to disperse disgruntledly, still muttering something.

But those curious gazes remained fixed, occasionally casting over, as if the box contained some shocking secret that could hook people's souls.

Time ticked by, and more and more people gathered in the courtyard. The originally scattered conversations gradually merged into a wave of sound, lively and extraordinary, like a pot of boiling water.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the exchange meeting officially began.

Following the host's short and powerful opening remarks, the atmosphere in the courtyard instantly heated up to its peak, and the air seemed to burn.

The flow of people began to move, heading toward the antique exhibition hall in the back hall, like a winding dragon.

Hu Tian followed behind Elder Zhou, passing through a vermilion corridor, and followed the flow of people into the main exhibition hall of the collection exchange meeting.

The exhibition hall was more spacious and grand than he had imagined, like a small Museum, with an imposing atmosphere.

In the antique-style hall, dozens of exquisite multi-treasure cabinets were arranged along the walls, displaying various antique treasures—a dazzling array.

The blue and white porcelain was as warm as jade, the underglaze red was bright and dripping with color, the official kiln ware was regular and grand, and there were even rarer items like Hetian jade, Tianhuang stone, ivory carvings, and ancient books and paintings, which were overwhelming and dazzling.

The soft light shone on the exhibits in the cabinets, making those antique artifacts appear even more lustrous and radiant, as if they were telling the history of a thousand years, exuding charming fascination.

The entire exhibition hall was permeated with a heavy cultural foundation, making people involuntarily hold their breath, afraid of disturbing these sleeping spirits, afraid that their own vulgarity would defile this simplicity.

The moment Hu Tian stepped into the exhibition hall, the Treasure Hunting Radar in his mind suddenly received a large amount of information, and the intense signal impact almost made him slip under his feet, his head dizzy for a moment.