"Chonglou, I'm here today to find a precious item with a well-documented provenance," Lu Xuan said softly as she, along with Li Chonglou and Xu Lie, entered the building. "This item is very important to me and concerns the future development of my company."
"That Zhong Liang is also here for this reason."
"Whoever gets it first will gain the upper hand."
"I don't have enough confidence myself, so I've asked you to help me appraise it."
"I will reward you handsomely once the task is done."
She felt an instant connection with Li Chonglou, which had fostered trust. This trust had only intensified after she had shed her previous misconceptions about the Guo Bao Bang. After all, someone who could discern a replica from several meters away must possess genuine skill. Although he was young, he was far more capable than she was.
Seeing Lu Xuan's seriousness, Li Chonglou knew the matter was important. He immediately nodded, "After it's done, give me a 10% commission."
Xu Lie looked surprised. He knew Li Chonglou was not short of money, and he felt a sense of kinship towards this woman named Lu Xuan. So why would he bring money into it? Didn't that seem very transactional and lacking in loyalty?
Xu Lie's thinking was straightforward, simple, and even rather chauvinistic. Therefore, he was loyal and would risk his life for Li Chonglou. In his eyes, Li Chonglou, despite his thoughtful nature, could also be impulsive, disregarding himself for others. This was something he deeply admired. But why had he suddenly changed his demeanor and started asking for money?
"Alright, 10% it is." Lu Xuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled with relief. She was a smart person, otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to establish such a large presence in Beijing. Talking to her was efficient and hassle-free. In an instant, she understood that Li Chonglou had put the money matter on the table to reassure her. In reality, based on his bearing and demeanor, Li Chonglou did not seem like someone who lacked money. There was a tacit understanding between intelligent people.
With that, the three of them entered the venue. The hall was already bustling with people. Various antiques and cultural relics were displayed inside bulletproof glass cases, accompanied by detailed descriptions. Most of the visitors on the first floor were common people or tourists; they could only look, not touch. Transactions or sales were not conducted here. Armed security personnel were stationed throughout the hall to ensure order and safety.
Li Chonglou had checked about this exchange meeting at the hotel. It was officially organized by the Chang'an City Museum, partly to showcase the grandeur of Chinese civilization and partly to clear out surplus inventory. Many people mistakenly believe that items in museums are kept forever. However, this is not the case. National treasures are certainly not for sale. Ordinary cultural relics can still circulate legally. After all, museums also need funds to operate, and relying solely on government funding is unrealistic. It's just that the artifact appraisers who work in museums are all discerning, and very few items slip through their hands. Trying to find a bargain from them is as difficult as climbing to heaven. Even Li Chonglou wasn't very confident, approaching it with a hopeful attitude. Lu Xuan, being an amateur and due to her past understanding and habits, believed she would surely find a bargain here, and was filled with confidence.
Xu Lie followed them, his sharp eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. His sole mission was to ensure Li Chonglou's safety; nothing else mattered. The three of them admired the antiques displayed in the hall one by one. After looking at a few items, Li Chonglou frowned slightly. Some of the items here were unearthed from the Qianling Mausoleum, which Wu Zetian had publicly declared as her main tomb.
"Since Qianling has been excavated, it's no wonder Kunling is guarded by the military." The fact that items from there were on display in the museum indicated that the authorities were aware that Qianling was merely a decoy tomb. This meant that the difficulty of his descent into the tomb to find his father would likely be far greater than he had imagined. If it weren't for Fan Da, he might have made a wasted trip. At this thought, gratitude arose in his heart. Fan Lei was his benefactor; without him, he and Liu Ping'er would likely have perished long ago.
"We can't trade anything on the first floor. Let's go to the second floor. That area is for private transactions, and those without verified assets can't go up," Lu Xuan reminded him anxiously, seeing the preoccupied look on Li Chonglou's face. This exchange meeting had no main auction; the rule was first come, first served. Zhong Liang had already gone upstairs. If he got there first, wouldn't her trip be in vain?
"Let's go." Li Chonglou nodded in agreement. The second floor had fewer people, and the overall quality had significantly improved. Many attendees appeared to be refined scholars or successful businessmen. The items displayed were even more numerous than on the first floor, a dazzling array beyond enumeration. At a glance, they were all genuine articles. The Chang'an Museum was indeed impressive, strategically located in this ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, offering significant advantages. It had collected many national treasures comparable to those in the National Museum. Its strength was evident. Although these genuine articles were mostly worth only a few thousand to tens of thousands of yuan, it was enough to demonstrate the museum's capabilities.
After a brief scan, Li Chonglou's gaze met that of Zhong Liang, who had mocked him as a country bumpkin earlier. The latter also looked at him. Their eyes met, and intense animosity flashed between them. This animosity was entirely absent before.
"I didn't expect you to be Li Shi's illegitimate son. I heard you've stirred up quite a bit of trouble in Zhonghai," Zhong Liang said, with a woman on his arm, as he approached the trio again and sneered. "However, what kind of talent can emerge from a place as small as Qin Province?" "Aside from Lu Weishen, can you find any other experts?" "It's a pity that Li Shi, a master of cultural relics, fathered such a waste."
Lu Xuan was shocked by his words and suddenly understood. Everyone with even a slight involvement in the antique circle knew the famous name of Li Shi, a legendary master. Although he had passed away, his reputation still lingered. She hadn't expected Li Chonglou to be his son, which explained his exceptional eyesight. It seemed she had found the right person this time.
Li Chonglou's eyes, however, turned cold. "You investigated me?" It was clear that Zhong Liang must have had him investigated to know all this information. However, the information he found was intentionally leaked by Fan Lei to facilitate his undercover work at the Xingzhi Group. Zhong Liang let out a more sinister laugh. "So what if I investigated you? Lu Xuan, you're not really pinning your hopes on this kid, are you? Then you're just waiting to lose!" "Let me introduce someone." With that, he beckoned someone from a distance. Immediately, a middle-aged man with graying hair, wearing a cotton jacket printed with various coin patterns, walked towards them, twirling a string of eighteen prayer beads.
Xu Lie's eyes narrowed, and a hint of caution appeared. "Master Zhu, I've been waiting for you." As the middle-aged man arrived, he first cupped his fists towards Zhong Liang, then glanced at Li Chonglou and the others with disdain. Zhong Liang revealed a hypocritical smile and returned the salute. Then he continued, "Let me introduce you. This is Master Zhu Qiliang, a renowned expert in the cultural relics circle here in Chang'an." He then pointed at Lu Xuan. "As for her, she's my business rival in Beijing, President Lu Xuan." "These two are helpers hired by President Lu. They are unknown individuals, not worth mentioning." His words were filled with condescension and intentional belittling.
Lu Xuan's face changed, and she said coldly, "Zhong Liang, the word 'character' is something I never see in you." "If it weren't for your reliance on the underground economy, would someone like you be qualified to be my competitor?" "They are my friends, and there's nothing more to discuss with you. Goodbye!" With that, she turned and left.
Although Zhong Liang had investigated Li Chonglou, he deliberately didn't mention his name, intentionally belittling him in front of Zhu Qiliang. This was a common tactic in business negotiations, designed to put Li Chonglou and his friends on the defensive. While this was not inherently wrong, seeing it used against her friend made Lu Xuan extremely displeased.
Li Chonglou smiled slightly at this. Sister Xuan was as straightforward as ever, never hiding anything. She possessed both extraordinary wisdom and rare courage. If she met his senior sister, they would probably have a lot to talk about. Unfortunately, his senior sister had passed away early in his previous life, so he never had the chance. In this life, he could perhaps introduce them.
As he watched the three leave, Zhong Liang's smile gradually disappeared, replaced by a venomous expression. He vowed inwardly, "Lu Xuan, just you wait. One day, you'll be kneeling and begging me." "At that time, I'll see what difference there is between you, a woman lying in bed with your clothes off, and other women!"
"Mr. Zhong, it seems there's quite a rift between you and that woman," Zhu Qiliang asked softly, a hint of coldness on his face. "Master Zhu, you see it too," Zhong Liang's fawning smile reappeared. "In that territory of Beijing, in our field, only Lu Xuan can compete with me." "This matter is of great importance, and I've received inside information that the museum is about to release a major bargain, which is why I invited you here to help." "As long as I obtain that item, that woman will only be fit to polish my shoes." "Of course, there will be no shortage of benefits for the Master."
Zhu Qiliang beamed with pride as Zhong Liang flattered him, nodding. "Don't worry, when it comes to these two youngsters, I can make them return empty-handed with my eyes closed!" "You certainly have that ability, Master. However, I had someone investigate that小子. Apparently, he's Li Shi's illegitimate son." Zhong Liang lowered his voice to remind him.
Upon hearing the name Li Shi, Zhu Qiliang's pupils contracted instantly. His eyes revealed intense hatred. "He's actually that bastard's son." "Even if you hadn't told me, I would have humiliated him today and ensured he couldn't leave Chang'an City!" More than twenty years ago, when Zhu Qiliang was young and arrogant, he had encountered Li Shi. He was publicly humiliated, and the shame still lingered after more than twenty years, with no chance of redemption. By the time he gained some fame, Li Shi had already died. There was no way to avenge himself or quell his resentment. Unexpectedly, heaven had a plan, sending Li Shi's illegitimate son right before him. It was truly a case of finding something without looking for it. All these years of pent-up resentment would be unleashed on this kid!
Seeing this, Zhong Liang's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. How could he not know about Zhu Qiliang's past grievances with Li Shi? With this remark, that kid named Li Chonglou was likely in for a lot of trouble today.