52: Mysterious Auction

Li Zhengde was greatly shocked when he heard Qin Yun's words.

Promoting Xia Country's sculpting techniques in America was a thankless task.

Not only would it fail to make money, but it would also bring a host of troubles.

He gripped his wine glass tightly with his left hand, staring at Qin Yun with a face full of disbelief.

"This... this isn't a good idea, is it?"

"Opening a studio is a very troublesome matter; one would face resistance everywhere in America. I think we should just forget it."

Li Zhengde could see that Qin Yun was doing well in America.

He didn't want to implicate a person with such a bright future like Qin Yun just because of his own sculpting work.

Moreover, while the sculpting competition had been satisfying, it had actually offended the sculpting factions within Bolton city.

Qin Yun gently shook his head, disagreeing with Master Li's words.

"Let's drink this glass of wine first before talking."

After the two of them finished a glass, Qin Yun finally spoke his mind.

"While opening a studio in America brings many troubles, it has great prospects. With your sculpting skills plus my capital and connections, we can definitely achieve something in America!"

"The last time I sought you out, it was because I needed a favor; I have a set of ming dynasty Red Sandalwood furniture carved by Wang Shuyuan that needs restoration. After you open the studio, it will also be a great help to my treasure hunting career."

"Both sides can profit, and we can promote Xia Country's sculpting culture. No matter how many difficulties there are or how much money is spent, I will support it to the end!"

Qin Yun didn't hide anything and explained everything completely.

Li Zhengde tilted his head back to finish a glass alone, then poured wine for both Qin Yun and himself.

"Let's do it! At my age, what is there to fear? Promoting Xia Country's culture is an inescapable duty!"

"I toast you with this glass, thanking you for your previous help. In the future, I'll need you to look after the studio's affairs."

If it were for personal gain or loss, Li Zhengde would disdain competing for such fame and fortune.

But for the sake of Xia Country's sculpting, and because he was joining forces with Qin Yun, he finally agreed.

"I will help you repair Wang Shuyuan's furniture as soon as possible. Regarding sculpting, I will also invest all my passion to let these ignorant barbarians in America witness the wisdom of Xia Country's ancestors!"

For the first time in America, Li Zhengde felt a surge of excitement; his whole being was agitated as he began to talk about what needed to be done after opening the studio.

After they had their fill of food and wine, the three of them began to discuss the details of opening the studio.

Li Zhengde was somewhat impatient, so Julia drove the two of them back to the Secondhand Store.

After renting the shop next door, Qin Yun had people hang up the sign he had ordered over the phone.

The sculpting competition had caused quite a stir in Bolton City, and the jade ghost craft ball had even become the cover of many news magazines.

As soon as the studio's sign was hung, many people came, drawn by its reputation, to see the Sculpting Master.

Television and the internet also paid great attention, and several teams came to interview Li Zhengde.

Seeing Li Zhengde in high spirits, carrying himself with the poise of a master and conversing happily with people from all walks of life, Qin Yun was very pleased.

This move to sponsor Master Li had been the right one.

Li Zhengde could handle various people with ease and possessed such superb sculpting foundations.

He would surely succeed.

As the sponsor and partner, Qin Yun would also receive his share of the profits.

Seeing the smile on Qin Yun's face, Julia also gave a knowing smile.

"Qin, congratulations on setting up another business with a great future."

"The stock in the store is running low; what are your plans?"

After following Qin Yun through several major events these past few days, Julia still felt that participating in a Warehouse Auction was the most satisfying.

So, her words were a reminder to Qin Yun that it was time to join a Warehouse Auction.

Qin Yun thought of the strange gentleman in Salem who had given him a business card, inviting him to an auction.

Given that person's mysterious appearance, the auction would surely have a significant background.

The auction was not far off; he wondered if he should go.

"Replenishing stock through a Warehouse Auction is the quickest and simplest way, but there haven't been any good warehouses in Bolton lately. We need to plan where would be appropriate to go."

While deep in thought, Qin Yun took out that business card and toyed with it in his hand.

If there were no suitable Warehouse Auctions, he could go see what was so strange about this mysterious auction.

There were many Collectors at the door, and one sharp-eyed person, seeing the unique logo on Qin Yun's card, couldn't help but ask.

"Excuse me, are you going to use that business card?"

"If you aren't using it, could you transfer it to me? I can offer two thousand to exchange for the card in your hand."

Hearing their colleague say this, the surrounding Collectors also noticed the card in Qin Yun's hand and were very impressed.

As expected of the miraculous Eastern Kid, he even has an invitation card to such a rare Auction House.

Qin Yun turned his head and saw many Collectors staring at the card in his hand with eager eyes.

He immediately understood that it seemed this card was quite precious.

"No, I still intend to use this card."

"I don't know much about this auction; could you tell me some news about it?"

Since this card had something unique about it, and Qin Yun wasn't short on that bit of money while the shop was severely lacking valuable collectibles...

...he was definitely going to keep it for himself.

"This auction is very mysterious. I don't know much, but I'm very curious and want to see it for myself."

"If the money isn't enough, I can add more."

The elderly man who had asked shook his head, vaguely brushing off Qin Yun's question.

Although he desperately wanted that card, he didn't want to offend Qin Yun, so he didn't mention the details of the Auction House.

Seeing how persistent this person was, Qin Yun knew the card was likely not simple and was even less likely to agree.

"If you won't say, then forget it. I'll know what's so strange about the auction once I go."

Since he had nothing to do lately, Qin Yun had made up his mind to attend this mysterious auction.

In any case, he had the Profound Vision Treasure Eye, so he wouldn't lose out.

Seeing Qin Yun say this, everyone shook their heads, and a portly middle-aged man was the first to come forward and explain.

"This business card is an invitation; only those holding the card can participate in the auction."

"Because the cards are distributed by the auctioneers, the slots are very scarce."

"The place where that auction is held is a very formidable Warehouse Auction base. They only hold a Warehouse Auction there once every six months, and there are never any junk warehouses; every single warehouse is guaranteed to have treasures, so the starting bid prices are also very expensive."

"Don't be fooled by the fact that we are well-known Collectors; hardly any of us have ever participated in an auction there."

"Because the slots are truly too few, and they prefer to invite powerful Treasure Hunters. We simply have no chance to go!"

"With your strength, you will surely gain something at the auction. We congratulate you in advance."

"Right, right, right! You will surely show off your skills at the auction. If you win something good, don't forget me; I'll come to your shop immediately."

...Knowing they had no chance, the Collectors chattered away, revealing everything they knew about the situation.

It looked like the Eastern Kid was going to reap many good things again, and everyone was happy to do Qin Yun a favor.

Qin Yun was very excited to hear what the Collectors had to say.

He immediately made up his mind to attend this auction.

Julia jumped up in joy.

With Qin Yun's ability, if there were good warehouses, he would definitely be able to win them.

Not to mention these warehouses were full of treasures; the two of them would surely have a bumper harvest.

After bidding everyone farewell, the two returned home to begin preparing for tomorrow's long journey.

Early the next morning, the two headed toward the auction location with excited hearts.

Qin Yun was filled with anticipation.

What would this mysterious and grand auction actually look like?

And what treasures would be inside?