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121: Shipwreck news
Julia and Hank were stunned by Qin Yun's attitude.
They hadn't expected Qin Yun to care so much about this matter.
"The treasure chest was found near the coast. While it's very likely from a shipwreck, there are other possibilities. Isn't doing this too risky?"
Julia believed in Qin Yun's intuition and judgment, but she understood that deep-sea salvage was a bottomless pit.
Despite there being many shipwrecks in the deep sea, the ocean is too vast; finding a shipwreck is no easy task.
More importantly, if a shipwreck is found in the deep sea, salvaging it is extremely difficult, and it's not certain whether there are treasures inside.
Therefore, salvage companies generally don't salvage on their own; they prefer to be hired by Tycoons, ensuring a guaranteed income regardless of the outcome.
"Yeah, salvaging is a very expensive endeavor. There's only one page of the yongle encyclopedia, and it was in a single chest. Even if the shipwreck is found, it's hard to say if the yongle encyclopedia is inside."
Hank also spoke up to persuade him.
He only wanted to provide Qin Yun with a clue and didn't want him to spend too much energy and money on it.
"I know you're looking out for me."
"But I have a feeling that the yongle encyclopedia will be on that shipwreck. Besides, there are likely Xia Country antiques on it; I won't give up no matter what."
Qin Yun said with a serious expression.
Seeing Qin Yun's firm attitude, Julia and Hank found it hard to refuse.
Qin Yun was a magical person; perhaps a miracle would happen?
"Since you've already decided, I won't say much more."
"I'll officially commission my friend to search for the shipwreck's location. They're professionals, but the ocean is vast with many uncertainties. Even if they don't find it, you shouldn't be too disappointed."
"A search vessel costs at least twenty thousand dollars a day. Are you sure you want to do this?"
After laying out everything he knew, Hank wanted to make one last effort.
"My mind is made up. Have them use their utmost ability to search for that shipwreck. Money is no object."
Qin Yun said with a look of determination.
The two stopped trying to dissuade him and began to help Qin Yun to the best of their ability.
Hank went to consult his friend, negotiated a price, and had their company put their maximum effort into searching for the shipwreck.
Julia searched for accident vessels online, hoping to find some clues.
Professional matters should be left to the professionals; he couldn't help much, so besides providing the funds, he didn't intend to interfere too much.
Taking advantage of this gap, he decided to handle caesars armor.
Julius Caesar's name was too famous; even though he had only given his private phone number to a few people, he had already received over thirty calls from strangers.
Without exception, they were all after caesars armor.
While happy, Qin Yun also felt somewhat speechless.
Julius Caesar died before he could even wear this armor, yet it still had such a great appeal.
If it were something Julius Caesar had actually worn in battle, what a sensation it would cause!
As expected of the cultural desert that is the US; if it were in Xia Country, armor never worn by an emperor of the ages certainly wouldn't cause such a stir.
This was fine too, as the armor could be sold for a high price. It would be a waste not to fleece these suckers.
However, it was best to sell the armor as soon as possible. Associated with such a famous figure, many criminals might take desperate risks!
Also, the Xia Country antiques in his possession would only increase, so he needed to find a proper place to store them.
Upon arriving at the shop, Qin Yun found that everyone was there for caesars armor.
Many billionaires were crowded in the shop. Li Qiang was overwhelmed trying to attend to them, and even the business was somewhat affected.
This only strengthened his resolve to sell it.
"In one week, I will hold a small auction here. At that time, the armor will go to the highest bidder. This way, you can all rest easy; otherwise, I'd feel bad having you all camping out in my shop."
Qin Yun clapped his hands to get everyone's attention before speaking.
The Tycoons, seeing the owner arrive and hearing about the auction for caesars armor, looked at Qin Yun with excitement.
"Really? You're really going to auction the Great Emperor's armor?"
"Great! I definitely won't miss this auction!"
"Don't any of you try to compete with me; caesars armor will definitely be mine!"
...After getting a definite answer, the Tycoons left satisfied.
"Li Qiang, you've done well. You deserve credit for the second-hand shop reaching its current state. Your base salary is being raised to five thousand dollars, and you'll get a ten percent commission on any small deals you find yourself."
Qin Yun called Li Qiang into the office and told him about the raise.
"Thank you, Boss! I will definitely work twice as hard."
Li Qiang's face was full of gratitude, and he kept bowing to Qin Yun.
His current life was entirely thanks to Qin Yun.
Now Qin Yun was giving him a raise, and more importantly, acknowledging his hard work.
Li Qiang decided that he would repay his boss's kindness even if it meant sacrificing himself.
"Alright, alright, there's no need to be so polite."
"I'll give you a fair warning first: I have high hopes for this second-hand shop. I won't tolerate any cheating or deception. You must ensure that the items you bring in are genuine; otherwise, I definitely won't let you off!"
Qin Yun knew the art of management; the carrot and the stick approach was the right way.
However, he trusted Li Qiang's character and only gave him a simple warning.
"Yes, I will guarantee with my life that there will be no issues with the gold jewelry!"
"If I do anything to betray the shop, I will apologize with my life!"
Li Qiang said with a look of determination.
"There's no need for such heavy oaths. I believe you."
Qin Yun patted Li Qiang on the shoulder and said.
After Li Qiang left, he called in his bodyguard Dewey and gave him a thirty percent raise in his annual salary.
Dewey had once traveled a great distance to save him and Julia.
He wasn't a stingy person; giving a raise was the right thing to do.
Looking at the two men in the shop, both full of fighting spirit, Qin Yun smiled with satisfaction.
With these two, nothing would go wrong even if he wasn't there.
He went to Li Zhengde's studio next door.
Li Zhengde, dressed in a green robe, was carving a large tree root.
Beside him, a dozen apprentices stared intently at Master Li's carving knife.
Seeing Li Zhengde's healthy, ruddy complexion, Qin Yun was extremely satisfied with his decision to help him open the studio.
While promoting Xia Country's culture, Master Li had also found his own pursuit.
While helping Master Li, he had also opened up a new path.
After finishing a section of the carving, Li Zhengde clapped his hands and was about to explain the precautions of root carving to his students.
Looking up and seeing Qin Yun had arrived, he sent all the students out.
"Why didn't you let me know you were coming? I feel bad making you wait."
Li Zhengde said somewhat apologetically.
"It's fine. Watching you carve is a pleasure!"
Qin Yun said nonchalantly.
"I owe my current career to your help. I feel my skills have improved another step. Why don't we have a drink to celebrate?"
Li Zhengde said with a face full of excitement.
Seeing Li Zhengde's excited look, Qin Yun had no choice but to agree.
Looking at the fine wine and dishes from his hometown, Li Zhengde felt a bit lightheaded even before drinking.
He couldn't help but exclaim, "This is what a hopeful life is like. As a down-and-out craftsman, I owe everything I have today to your help. I will spend my whole life repaying your kindness."
In the private room decorated with Jiangnan flair, the two felt as if they had returned to their motherland and drank to their heart's content.
Over the next few days, Qin Yun and Julia spent most of their time in the shop.
While organizing and valuing the goods, they discussed how to expand their inventory.
If they relied entirely on Qin Yun obtaining treasures from Warehouse Auctions, it would be somewhat inadequate for a shop with such a reputation.
The shop followed a high-end boutique route; ordinary supplies would lower its class.
Qin Yun decided to display Li Zhengde's carvings in the shop.
This was beneficial for both parties, and since it was his benefactor's suggestion, Li Zhengde agreed without a second thought.
Qin Yun and Julia finished setting up the carvings when Hank called.
"Qin Yun, it's just as you expected. My friend's company has already discovered that shipwreck. I've sent you the location; come over quickly."