CHAPTER 10: CHAPTER 10: EARNING ANOTHER TEN THOUSAND YUAN

When it comes to running an antique business, the key lies in the power of perception.

It’s not just about assessing the item but also evaluating the person.

Whether the visitor is a seasoned expert, a clueless outsider, or someone carrying treasure but unaware of its value...

With just a glance, an experienced antique dealer can make a rough assessment.

The owner, Shi Feng, has been in this trade for years and is quite adept at its intricacies.

From the moment Qi Yun stepped in, Shi Feng knew this was an outsider; his attire lacked the typical finesse found among antique experts.

His manner and gait reflected a casual ease, unlike those steeped in antiques, whose every gesture exudes calm stability.

An imperceptible gleam of shrewdness flashed in Shi Feng’s eyes as he greeted with a smile, "Brother, feel free to look around. There’s plenty of good stuff in my shop."

"The New Year is approaching; if anything catches your eye, I’ll give you a 20% discount, my friend."

As soon as he spoke, Qi Yun sensed a touch of greed in his tone.

With a faint smile, Qi Yun retrieved an old brush washer from his coat pocket and placed it on the counter.

He spoke unhurriedly, "I’m not here to buy. See if you’re interested in this."

Shi Feng’s gaze instantly fixated on the brush washer on the counter as he reached out to inspect it carefully.

"Brother, judging by its craftsmanship and material, this brush washer does have some age."

"However, such brush washers are plentiful in the market, and yours isn’t perfectly preserved; it has a few flaws."

As he spoke, he subtly observed Qi Yun’s expression out of the corner of his eye.

"You see, these scratches considerably affect the quality of this brush washer..."

Qi Yun just quietly listened to the other party picking out various faults without responding.

Though he didn’t know much about antiques, he grasped a simple truth: the more you say about things you’re unfamiliar with, the more likely you are to reveal weaknesses.

After all, the system had already given an appraisal. If the other party tried to undervalue it, he simply wouldn’t sell.

After rambling on, Shi Feng finally offered a price.

"Brother, for this item, I can offer you at most eight hundred bucks. How does that sound?"

Qi Yun chuckled inwardly, finding this guy quite greedy.

But he didn’t get angry, calmly holding up one finger.

"A thousand?"

Shi Feng’s right cheek twitched slightly, struggling to suppress the smile stretching across his lips.

"Well, honestly, this thing is at most worth eight hundred, but seeing you’re upfront..."

His words were cut short by Qi Yun.

"Ten thousand."

Shi Feng’s smile froze instantly upon hearing the figure of ten thousand.

With a forced laugh, he said, "Brother, you must be joking. This thing isn’t worth that much."

As he spoke, he gently placed the brush washer back on the counter, expressing his disbelief at accepting such a price.

"Alright then, I’ll ask around elsewhere." Qi Yun wasted no time with chit-chat and made a move to retrieve the brush washer.

Seeing this, Shi Feng felt a pang of anxiety.

Did he misjudge? Could this fellow be an expert?

He knew full well that, despite the slight flaws, the brush washer was made by a significant figure from the late Qing dynasty and could definitely fetch ten thousand.

Moreover, such items were small treasures and easy to sell.

Sure, it’s business, and who doesn’t want to earn a bit more?

With Qi Yun about to pack up and leave, Shi Feng quickly grasped his hand, saying, "Brother, honestly, I wasn’t deceiving you. This brush washer isn’t worth ten thousand."

"How about I offer you a sincere price, three thousand! How’s that, fair enough?"

Qi Yun remained silent, exerting more force in his hand, indicating his intent to leave.

Shi Feng hurriedly held him back, with a pained expression, his sparse hair visibly swaying.

With raised volume, he exclaimed, "Five thousand! Brother, five thousand bucks is my absolute limit!"

Qi Yun relaxed his grip, noticing the ashtray on the counter, he took out a cigarette, offered one to Shi Feng, and lit another for himself.

After a deep drag, he calmly said, "If you genuinely want it, pay ten thousand and take it. If I come across something good later, I’ll bring you business again."

Shi Feng took the cigarette, momentarily stunned.

Looking at Qi Yun’s composed demeanor, he realized that this person was undoubtedly an expert.

Awkwardly, he chuckled, "Seems my eyes failed today. Since you’re straightforward, let’s go with your price—consider it making a new friend!"

Only then did Qi Yun smile satisfactorily and nod, "Alright."

After both signed the agreement, Shi Feng tucked away the brush washer and transferred ten thousand bucks to Qi Yun’s bank card.

Upon leaving, Shi Feng added him on WeChat, reminding, "Bro, if you have more good stuff, don’t forget to reach out to me."

Outside Qiuyue Pavilion, Qi Yun promptly transferred the ten thousand bucks to Lao Feng, while renaming his contact to ’Lao Feng 8000’.

Despite Lao Feng mentioning there was no rush to repay, Qi Yun knew Lao Feng was under a lot of stress too. Business hadn’t been good in recent years, with two of his hot pot restaurants closing down.

"...Sigh~"

Seeing that it was getting late, Qi Yun rode his e-bike back to his rental and then hailed a cab to Peng’s house.

Passing by a neighborhood fruit store, he picked up some strawberries and cherries that women and kids enjoy.

The last time he visited Peng’s place, he lived in a 200-square-meter mansion in the Vanke estate, but now he’s switched to a regular three-bedroom apartment.

Life is unpredictable; many people around him have experienced significant changes over the past few years.

Carrying the fruit, Qi Yun followed the signs to Peng’s apartment building.

He went upstairs and knocked on the door.

Before long, Peng’s familiar booming voice resonated, "Hey, you finally made it, been waiting for you!"

Peng was the same as ever, warm and hearty, though his face showed traces of weariness and life’s rigors.

Qi Yun smiled as he stepped inside, handing over the fruits, "Didn’t know what your wife and kid enjoy, just grabbed something casually."

Peng patted his shoulder, laughing, "You’re thoughtful, come in and have a seat, Lao Feng and the gang are all here."

In the living room, the table was already laden with food and drinks, Lao Feng chuckling as he rose to pat Qi Yun’s arm.

Old Xu, with a Zhonghua cigarette in his mouth, sat relaxed alongside Qiang, who sported a Rolex, both with a subdued expression.

Lao Feng eased the atmosphere with a laugh, "Come, we’ve been waiting for ages, have a seat! Old Peng, now everyone’s here, let’s get started!"

Qi Yun nonchalantly smiled and took the empty seat beside Lao Feng.

Peng personally filled everyone’s glass, raising his cup, saying, "It’s been ages since we had drinks together, my wife and kid are visiting her relatives today,

so I called you all over, rare as it is, let’s skip the chatter and toast!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank at one go.

Rounds of drinks later, conversations drifted to past times, with everyone reflecting on the challenging years.

The gathering wound down in the deep hours, as the several liquor bottles ran dry.

At that juncture, Old Xu, blushing and seemingly silent until then, suddenly fixed his gaze on Qi Yun and slowly uttered, "Qi Yun, aren’t you planning to share something with us?"