Tang Jingde's hands were trembling with excitement as he carefully placed the bowl on the table, fearing he might drop it and become a sinner in history.
His eyes were now filled with a burning intensity, and he stammered, "Xiao Tian, where on earth did you get this?"
"I never imagined such an unparalleled treasure would appear."
"While its material might not be exceptionally precious, its historical significance is immeasurable. This bowl alone could fetch billions. And it has been verified as an artifact of incomparable historical value."
"The old man here has a humble request, and I hope Xiao Tian can grant it."
His expression turned extremely serious as he spoke.
Lin Xiaotian chuckled, "Old Master, if you have something to say, you can talk to my wife. I've already given this to her. And she promised to agree to my request tonight..."
Before he could finish, Chu Nianxue covered his mouth with her hand.
Chu Nianxue shot him a glare, knowing full well Lin Xiaotian's personality and fearing what he might blurt out if left unchecked.
"Grandpa Tang, please speak freely. We are not outsiders."
Tang Jingde looked at Chu Nianxue with envy. "Nianxue, you've found a wonderful husband."
"I'm so envious of this old man that Xiao Tian would give such a precious item directly to you."
"What I want to discuss is quite simple. I just don't want these precious cultural relics to fall into the wrong hands. Some people have dark intentions; they wouldn't collect such artifacts but would immediately try to sell them."
"They might even sell this item overseas."
"That would be a devastating blow to us."
Chu Nianxue nodded, her gaze earnest. "Old Master, please rest assured. I will not lack funds, and I will absolutely not sell such precious cultural relics in the future. I was actually planning to discuss with Xiao Tian about displaying these valuable items in our company."
"We're planning to create an exhibition area on the first basement level of our company, specifically for public display."
"This will not only showcase our company's financial strength but also deter collectors, making it clear that the ancient artifacts on display are not for sale."
"Initially, I thought one floor would be enough for temporary exhibition. But seeing the sheer volume of precious items he's brought back, I believe the security level needs to be further enhanced. We'll convert the second and third basement levels, which are currently parking garages, into exhibition halls."
"This will require a significant investment, but we should be able to complete it soon. I hope Grandpa Tang can join us to witness the grand opening of the exhibition hall."
Lin Xiaotian's face lit up with a smile. "Wife, so that's your plan! This is a long-term business. We can charge admission fees and become rich!"
"The ticket price shouldn't be too low, otherwise, anyone could get in, leading to a mixed crowd."
"These wealthy collectors have plenty of money. For example, a few hundred yuan for Grandpa Tang would be a mere drop in the bucket. Grandpa, remember to buy a ticket when you visit in the future!"
Tang Jingde couldn't help but chuckle. "You're already trying to fleece me, you rascal."
Lin Xiaotian grinned. "Old Master, my wife has already agreed to your request. Shouldn't you also contribute some of your precious collections for exhibition?"
"You have so many treasures at home that you can't possibly enjoy them all. Why not display them here? You can take them back whenever you want to play with them."
Tang Jingde laughed heartily. "I knew you were waiting for me with this. If I contribute my items, will I get free admission from now on?"
"Absolutely. Not only will you have free admission, but you'll also get a share of the profits."
Lin Xiaotian was essentially recruiting another partner for Chu Nianxue.
Establishing an exhibition hall is not a simple task. Without absolutely trustworthy individuals to safeguard it, significant problems could arise at any moment.
Money can sway hearts. Betrayal isn't about whether it happens, but about the price of betrayal.
Even someone like Master Liu was blinded by wealth, let alone others.
Certain precautions must be taken.
Tang Jingde smiled and nodded. "No problem. But I won't be involved in the ancient artifact appraisal. This old man can still contribute in other ways."
"If people know that my own granddaughter is opening an exhibition hall, and I'm taking a share of the profits, won't they laugh at me?"
"It's settled then. Nianxue, you can call me anytime for the opening. I will sign off on all the authenticated items, and those personally appraised by me will have strong credibility."
Chu Nianxue's eyes welled up with emotion. "Grandpa Tang, thank you!"
"You're welcome. Your grandfather and I were close friends. Don't blame me for not helping when your company was in trouble before."
"At that time, it wasn't that I didn't want to help, but I knew that no matter how much I helped, those prodigal sons would still manage to bankrupt the company. Now that the company is entirely under your control, this old man is relieved."
"Remember this, no matter what, never easily give away your shares to others, or you'll face endless trouble."
Chu Nianxue nodded seriously.
Every word Tang Jingde spoke, though direct, was the truth.
Lin Xiaotian smiled. "Old Master, if you have nothing else, shall we go for a drink?"
"That might not be possible. I didn't come here for anything else today but to ask Nianxue what important item Tongtong has managed to create."
"She has sent out word that a peerless treasure will be auctioned at their jewelry store this afternoon at three o'clock."
"I initially thought the treasure was from your side, but now even Nianxue doesn't know what's going on."
Tang Jingde looked puzzled. "Given the increasing frequency of high-quality ancient artifacts appearing on your side, it's possible that the exhibition of those rare items previously has attracted many antique dealers to this area."
"If it is indeed a peerless treasure, we must go and see it."