Chapter 45: Liu Lao's Delight

  Chu Chen said humbly: "Liu Lao, don't say that. That day I was just lucky, and my mood was good, so I thought of teasing him. Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother with someone like him normally."

  Liu Lao laughed and said, "What good luck! In our line of work with antiques, we really do talk about luck and fate. Take the famous Yuan Qinghua, for example. I also encountered it when I was younger, but at that time, I didn't recognize its value and let it slip away. Now, thinking back on it, I still regret it."

  Everyone thought about it and felt that it was indeed the case, especially Wu Shu. He had a deep understanding of this, as many antiques and treasures had slipped through his hands, and he knew that if he had just a bit of luck or fate, those treasures would likely have been his.

  In this line of work with antiques, luck and fate are best thought of as existing rather than not.

  Liu Lao continued, "However, Xiao Chu, I must remind you that in the future when encountering people like this, it's best to stay out of their way. Otherwise, it doesn't matter, but if you encounter a fugitive, one careless move and you might get caught up in their troubles."

  Wu Shu interjected at the side, "I think he's become arrogant because of his own martial arts skills. As the saying goes, 'two fists can't defeat four hands.' Even if you're formidable, can you withstand others' swords, guns, and clubs? Next time, remember Liu Lao's words: when encountering such situations, consider your own safety first and don't act impulsively."

  What Liu Lao said might really happen, after all these "landmines" are all some lawless people, anything can happen. And what Wu Shu said is also reasonable, what if they encounter a scoundrel with a gun? Wouldn't that be a disaster? So Chu Chen nodded and humbly accepted their words.

  "Oh, I didn't expect Little Chu to be a practitioner's child too! Tell me, what kind of practice do you do? Maybe we can discuss it." Liu Lao became interested as soon as he heard that Chu Chen was a practitioner's child. He himself had been practicing Xingyiquan for many years and had some insights in this area.

  Chu Chen said with some embarrassment: "I practice family-style boxing, ancient Tai Chi, similar to what Zhu Lao practices."

  Liu Lao heard him mention Zhu Lao and immediately thought of who it was:

  "Are you referring to Old Zhu, aka Zhu Dafu? I've seen his Tai Chi before, it's quite focused on combat techniques and also has health benefits. I heard he's already reached the Small Week Heaven realm, which means he can easily live past 90 years old, not sure if that's true or false though. But judging from his appearance, it should be somewhat close to that. How about you, Little Chu, how's your practice going?"

  Chu Chen scratched his head and said: "I was lucky, I also practiced the small Zhou Tian a few days ago."

  "What?"

  Liu Lao was surprised after hearing this and said with a hint of surprise: "No wonder Zǐ Píng said you were somewhat arrogant, and I also feel that your spirit is very vigorous. It turns out that you should be here. You little guy, your foundation isn't bad at all! If it were in ancient times, you would be another great master of the martial arts world! Since this is the case, next time we have a chance to exchange blows."

  When Liu Lao praised him like that, Chu Chen was humble and nodded repeatedly. However, Li Beibei on the side sneered at it, what ancient Taichi, just Taichi's soft and fluffy appearance, how could it have any power? No way! Next time I must find a chance to let him taste the ferocity of this lady's fists and feet.

  "It's rare to see such a fine piece, like this small Chu-style plate with intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship. I've only seen such masterpieces in museums before, so it's truly a delight to be able to appreciate it up close today."

  Liu Lao sincerely sighed and did not hide his fondness for this large Ding kiln plate.

  Chu Chen had an idea as soon as he saw this, and then glanced at Wu Shu unintentionally. The two were tacitly understood, and Wu Shu immediately nodded slightly when he saw it.

  Wu Shu also agreed with his idea, so Chu Chen began to ponder in her heart. If she could establish a relationship with Liu Lao, then this thing would be worth giving to him even if it was a gift. However, this was definitely unrealistic. Liu Lao wasn't stupid, how could he possibly want something for free? At that time, the relationship between the two people wouldn't increase, but instead would lead to his disgust.

  In that case, quoting a suitable price is more important. If it's too low, he would appear somewhat hypocritical; if it's too high, it would be even less appropriate. So he thought and thought before finally settling on a price.

  Then, Chu Chen smiled and said: "Liu Lao, since you like this thing so much, I'll give it to you. What do you think?"

  Liu Lao's spirits lifted immediately upon hearing this, but he hesitated for a moment before saying: "Really? Such a fine piece, can you bear to part with it?"

  To be honest, Chu Chen still had some reluctance in his heart. After all, the life goal he had just set for himself was to become a great collector.

  We know that only those who have a certain economic strength, and possess certain professional experience, and reach a considerable collection scale can be called collectors. And to become a great collector, apart from higher knowledge, his collections must not only be many but also have unique features, simply put, the collections must have rare or solitary pieces.

  And now this exquisite and unparalleled fixed kiln printed flower large plate, that is what others yearn for in their dreams, even if they search hard, they can't get it. Such a collection, how could Chu Chen not have any reluctance to part with it?

  However, he also thought that since he had special abilities, he already had an advantage over others, and he didn't have to worry about the money needed for collecting. Even if he couldn't find it in the market in the future, he could still find it at auctions, so compared to being able to get along with people like Liu Lao, his choice was obvious.

  As for Liu Lao's question, Chu Chen had already prepared his reason and replied with a silly smile:

  "Liu Lao, this thing, I didn't have much time with it, and it was only yesterday afternoon that I carefully appreciated it for a while. So my feelings for it are not deep yet. If I had it for a longer time, then I would really be reluctant to part with it."

  "Besides, I think I'm still young, maybe in the future, I'll be able to get another precious item like this, of course, that's also my extravagant hope, if at that time I really can't find one, I'll have to ask you again with a thick face."

  "Do you think it can still get out of my hands?" Liu Lao also started joking.

  Chu Chen reacted quickly and smiled: "That's okay, as long as you can show it to me often, I'll be satisfied."

  "You little scamp."

  Liu Lao smiled and nodded at him, then said: "Alright, I promise you. When I'm gone one day, I'll pass this thing on to you."

  "Dad! What's with the depressing talk? What's this about walking or not?" Liu Qinqu heard and immediately looked displeased.

  Liu Lao waved his hand and smiled: "My daughter, as the great poet Du Fu once said, 'Seventy years of life is a rarity in ancient times.' I'm already eighty-two, what's there to be cautious about? Besides, it's not easy to get such a treasure today. If I don't live a few more years, I won't even be able to see it when I'm underground!"

  Then he said to Chu Chen, "Little Chu, you name a price, but don't try to fool me. Like what Pei Pei said before, I'm old but my mind is still sharp, not senile yet. If you quote an outrageous price, don't blame me for turning against you!"

  The price is already set, but Chu Chen couldn't say it out loud immediately. After some deliberation, he finally spoke up: "Liu Lao, how about 8.2 million?"

  "What?"

  Liu Lao Yi's face turned stern as soon as he heard it: "I told you, Xiao Chu, I just said not to make an absurd offer, how could you still come up with such a low price?"

  Seeing Liu Laosheng getting angry, Chu Chen hastily explained: "Liu Lao, you listen to me first, this thing, when I came, it only cost 120,000 yuan. You are my elder, and the 820,000 yuan I'm asking for is already a high price. Otherwise, if word gets out, others will say I'm ruthless."

  "Besides, you just had a birthday, and I didn't have a chance to come over and congratulate you. Consider this as a small token of my goodwill, what do you think?"

  "You little scamp, you can talk about reason in a string of words, it seems that you are also a small swindler."

  Chu Chen saw Liu Lao say so, knowing he was no longer angry, and his heart also let out a sigh of relief. Then he heard Liu Lao continue to say: "However, 820,000 is really too low. If it gets out, I'll be laughed at by my friends. No way, you have to add some more."

  "This..."

  Chu Chen heard this, and he was a bit hesitant. He didn't know what price to open at that would be suitable. If he opened too low, he was afraid Liu Lao would get angry, but if he opened too high, it wouldn't be good for his reputation either.

  Wu Shu saw this and said: "Liu Lao, my nephew is also a filial son. If not, even if it's 10 million, I would still wish you a long life of one hundred years."

  "Zi Ping, there's a problem with what you just said. Does that mean living for over a thousand years?"

  "Dad, no one would wish someone a thousand years old on their birthday, that's just cursing them with a bad fate!"

  Everyone burst out laughing at Liu Qiu's words, but Chu Chen laughed while still worrying in his heart whether Lao Liu would agree to this price.

  "Alright, since Zi Ping has said so, I'll accept it then. It's better than being criticized by you younger generation for not being close to the situation. Xiao Chu, is that bag of yours containing the fragments of the Tang Sancai? Can you leave it with me for two days to study?"

  After Chu Chen agreed, Old Liu patted his back and sighed: "Ah, I'm getting old, my bones are a bit rusty, sitting for too long makes me feel uncomfortable. Xiao Shu, you help Xiao Chu with the contract later, I'll go back to my room to rest for a while."

  Liu Qingshu nodded in agreement and then went forward to support Liu Lao, slowly walking towards the house.

  "Old Liu, slow down."

  Chu Chen and others stood up one after another to see him off.

  After Liu Lao and the others had walked far away, Wu Shu turned to Li Beibei on one side and said: "Beibei, how has your grandfather's body been recently?"

  Li Pei smiled and replied, "Thank you, Uncle Wu, for your concern. My grandfather is doing well. He mentioned you just the other day, saying that it's been two or three months since he last saw you."