C136 – Ancient Antique Shop
“Mr. Zhang, are you looking to purchase a finished jade piece this ti, or are you considering cutting your own stone?” President Chen inquired from nearby.
In the past, the jade trade was the domain of professionals. But as living standards improved, the industry flourished rapidly, attracting a surge in counterfeiters. Finished jade pieces are, of course, extracted or carved from raw stones, and there are many varieties. The most coveted are the top-tier eralds and earth king greens. Often, it’s a matter of luck. So strike it rich overnight, while others fall into poverty just as quickly. Finding a flawless piece of jade is no small feat, yet even the simplest carving can fetch an exorbitant price if the stone is right.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Zhang Tao mused. “I might just pick up a finished piece.”
President Chen nodded, then added, “However, I’ve heard that a new shipnt of foreign raw stones recently arrived. Wouldn’t you like to give it a try?”
Zhang Tongtong’s eyes lit up at the ntion. “I want one!” she exclaid.
Zhang Tao affectionately stroked his daughter’s hair. At over fifty, he was the father of a twenty-year-old, a fact that seed to delight him.
Their conversation flowed easily as they made their way to their destination. Su Ming had visited before but hadn’t ventured inside; this ti, he was keen to explore. President Chen, well-acquainted with the area, led the way with ease. Lee Tiankuo, the quiet one, kept to himself, while the beautiful Zhang Tongtong, close in age to Su Ming, chatted with him nonstop.
Two hours flew by as they browsed through nurous shops, yet few items truly captured Zhang Tao’s attention. Nonetheless, he had co prepared and had ntally noted a few pieces of interest: an ivory fan, a high-quality jade ruyi, and an inkstone. The trade in ivory was now illegal, with only heirlooms remaining on the market. This particular fan was a rarity, valued at over three million. Its price was lower than it should have been due to minor defects—two of the fan’s blades had cracks. The jade was of decent quality, albeit with so impurities.
Su Ming couldn’t help but realize the imnse profitability of the antique business.
He had a knack for finding treasures in the countryside and other places, often earning hundreds of tis the profit margin.
“I didn’t eat much at lunch, and now I’m actually feeling quite hungry,” Zhang Tao remarked as he paused.
He had been tied up in etings all morning and had only grabbed a quick bite with his daughter and Lee Tiankuo at noon. His hunger was catching up with him now.
President Chen quickly located a restaurant he had visited before, known for its tasty cuisine. Su Ming, upon entering, imdiately noticed the pri location of the establishnt. The top floor was the third, and it was adorned with elegant mahogany furniture that exuded an air of antiquity. The waitresses were all tall and attractive, adding to the pleasant ambiance. It was no surprise, given that this was Antiques City, a place frequented by the affluent. Those less well-off seldom ventured here. Though Su Ming was wealthy, he seldom indulged in such luxuries.
The group of five settled at their tables, ordering six dishes in total, with a bowl of rice each. Zhang Tao, being older and having a diminished appetite of late, didn’t eat much. Lee Tiankuo’s hefty size made sense, given his hearty appetite. Su Ming, not one for fuss, had worked up a hunger after skipping lunch and ended up eating three bowls of rice. Watching him, Zhang Tao felt a pang of envy; in his younger days, he could out-eat Su Ming and found himself longing for those tis.
Zhang Tongtong, who was usually very disciplined with her diet to maintain her figure, was tempted by the sight of Su Ming’s enjoynt and allowed herself a bowl of rice. After a period of relaxation and so tea, they descended the stairs.
As they approached the entrance, a middle-aged man holding a box brightened up and approached them. “President Chen, you’ve arrived?”
With a hearty laugh, President Chen replied, “This ti, I’m accompanying Mr. Zhang from the capital. He’s looking for a birthday gift for a relative.”
“Oh?” Boss Zhu, montarily taken aback, smiled at Zhang Tao. “Mr. Zhang, what kind of gift are you looking to buy? I have a few treasures that might interest you. Would you honor by taking a look at my collection?”
“Of course,” Zhang Tao readily agreed to the request.
As they traveled, President Chen took the opportunity to tell Zhang Tao a bit about Boss Zhu.
Boss Zhu owned a sizable shop known as Fragrance Hall.
He indeed possessed so fine treasures.
President Chen had previously purchased several items from him, and over ti, they had beco friends.
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