"So you're saying we have to rely on this Master Fu to get out?"
Li Chonglou felt his head start to ache. Just moments ago, he'd been thinking of slacking off, expecting to grab his items and report back after the evening's event. Then, through Sister Feng, he could solidify his identity, allowing his new plan to commence. And the core of that entire plan was to remain low-key! Now, he was about to steal the spotlight?
Master Fu was clearly no ordinary person. Even someone of Yu Xianxian's standing treated him with reverence. Moreover, he had friends and influence in areas a hundred kilometers away from the capital. To make a spectacle of himself in front of such a person would essentially seal his fate for future endeavors.
"Wait, didn't I just get tens of millions from that guy?" Li Chonglou's mind raced, but he quickly remembered it was just a check, and he still needed to confirm its authenticity at the bank. If it turned out to be fake, things would get interesting. This town, though a minor power, had people and guns. If they encountered someone strong-willed and unreasonable, it was questionable whether the three of them could even make it back alive!
Seeing Li Chonglou remain silent, Ah Dong and the other companion felt a sense of dread. Could it be that the snobbish man in the gold-rimmed glasses was right? Was Brother Hua Dong merely all show and no substance? The thought filled them with anxiety.
Li Chonglou, however, smiled and said, "You're worrying too much. Helping is a small matter; I was just thinking about something else."
Ah Dong asked uncertainly, "Brother Hua Dong, are you really confident? That guy is from the Capital Antique Association. While I don't like him either, that's a fact..."
"Is the Capital Antique Association that impressive?" Li Chonglou chuckled softly and turned his attention back to a temporarily erected high platform. Ah Dong and his friend exchanged worried glances. It was over; he didn't even understand the significance of the Capital Antique Association, how could he possibly compete with them?
Little did they know, to Li Chonglou, an antique association was truly nothing. Back then, Xian Yan from Panjiayuan had almost pulled him in, but later Li Chonglou learned that above this association, there was an Elder Association, which was the real prize. Li Chonglou's initial target was that very association. In industry terms, the Antique Association was merely a place for newcomers and less talented veterans. Those with true authority and industry standing belonged to the Elder Association! However, everything had to start from the bottom. Since he currently had no connections to enter directly, and his past title as the president of an Antique Association could no longer be used, joining this student-like Antique Association seemed like a decent option. It was precisely with this in mind that Li Chonglou no longer agonized over the choice between being high-profile or low-key. As a great man once said, it doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat!
Just then, a beautiful woman with fair skin, long legs, wearing a qipao, walked onto the platform holding a microphone. Calling it a platform was a bit of a stretch; it was merely a ten-centimeter-high stage, only about five or six square meters, looking more like a personal display platform. With a sweet smile, the long-legged beauty briefly introduced the rules to everyone. It wasn't complicated. Liu Fang, as the host, would first present ten treasures for auction. Each person had three bids per item, and the highest bidder would win. Then, there would be an unsold item phase, where guests would line up with their numbers to bid on their own treasures. It was only then that Li Chonglou began to understand Ah Dong's earlier mention of a rule, likely in place to prevent individuals with ulterior motives from entering. From a small detail, they could infer the broader picture. If Master Fu hadn't brought them in, the three of them would indeed not have been qualified to enter.
Soon, the first treasure was presented. It was a jade bracelet. As the red cloth was lifted, a vibrant emerald green light instantly outshone the brilliance of the crystal lamps. A murmur swept through the crowd.
"Could this be part of that newly unearthed batch of spirit artifacts?"
"Spirit artifacts?"
Li Chonglou had some knowledge of this. However, before he could speak, someone in the crowd provided an explanation. "In our antique world, there are also two different realms. What we ordinary people deal with are called antiques, while above that, there's something called spirit artifacts."
"Spirit artifacts, as the name suggests, are antiques imbued with spiritual energy. In ancient times, even high-ranking officials couldn't get their hands on these. Those who could handle spirit artifacts were considered noble in the imperial court."
The murmurs intensified. "Does that mean we're even more noble than those ancient officials?"
"You can say that when you get your hands on one. But it seems Liu Fang has spared no expense for this evening's event. One spirit artifact, presented in the capital, would be enough to get one into the Antique Association without any problem!"
The crowd was astonished. The Capital Antique Association was a top-tier, central organization throughout China. Many present were merely members of local associations, equivalent to local officials in ancient times. Compared to the central officials, the difference was not insignificant.
The crowd's exclamations made the bearded man, Hu Tu, feel rather smug. His affiliation with the Capital Antique Association made him shine like a firefly in the darkness. Liu Rui directly stated, "You're too kind, everyone. This treasure was presented by Master Hu, who is beside me and hails from the Capital Antique Association. This is just to break the ice and add a bit of flair for everyone."
"So, this is the master from the Capital Antique Association. We are honored." Many people immediately came forward to greet him warmly. Hu Tu responded with a polite smile, seemingly accustomed to such attention.
Ah Dong could barely stand his smug demeanor and whispered, "What's so great about him? Looking at him, he's probably here to build connections. A small local force, still a hundred kilometers away from the capital, and someone might think he's hooked up with royalty."
Li Chonglou was surprised by Ah Dong's astute observation; he had seen through the man's true intentions. Yes, Ah Dong's thoughts were also his own. Logically, people from the Capital Antique Association were too busy with their internal rivalries to travel around looking for cooperative forces. A slight advancement within the capital would be more beneficial than courting several small factions. Only those who couldn't make it in the capital would seek opportunities outside. Of course, it wasn't impossible that someone with a grand vision was orchestrating a plan, but the current Hu Tu didn't seem like that kind of person.
"By the way, Brother Hua Dong, what treasure did you bring for Liu Fang as the opening piece?" Hu Tu suddenly turned and said to Li Chonglou. Ah Dong and his companion inwardly cursed. Just as Li Chonglou was about to explain, Liu Rui preempted him, saying, "Master Hu, please don't misunderstand. Uncle Hua Dong came with Master Fu; we only just met."
Ah Dong immediately whispered behind Li Chonglou, "These two are in cahoots. He knows we're newcomers, and Master Hu should know that!"