Chapter 81: The Black Market for Antiques (Part 1)

  Chu Chen was on Zhao Qirui's big Bimmer for the first time, and as soon as he got in, he could tell at a glance that this car had been refurbished at least in terms of interior decoration. At a glance, it was clear that all the equipment was top-notch, but not too flashy, giving off a low-key luxurious feel.

  After the car started, Zhao Qirui asked: "Xiao Chu, what did you gain from this trip to Xijing?"

  Chu Chen said with some modesty: "It's okay, made a little money, and also got a few antiques."

  Zhao Qirui heard this and laughed: "Oh, is that so? You little brat, you're definitely not telling the truth."

  "Hey, since you've heard it from Xiaolan already, don't say that anymore." Chu Chen scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

  "Xiao Lan?"

  Zhao Qirui found it strange: "You're talking about Yulan? How did she go to Xijing with you?"

  "Really!"

  Chu Chen heard him say that, and explained somewhat strangely: "Xiao Lan's classmate just so happens to be the girlfriend of one of my friends, so this time we went to Xijing together. Didn't Xiao Lan tell you?"

  Zhao Qirui shook his head and said, "No, it's been a long time since this girl came to my house. How did she think of mentioning me to you?"

  "Haha, when you called me that day, we were drinking tea with friends in the teahouse, so she asked me about it. I didn't expect her to be your niece." Chu Chen explained with a smile.

  "Oh, I see."

  Zhao Qirui nodded and then smiled: "Right, almost got sidetracked by this matter, Xiao Chu, you're not being honest!"

  Chu Chen felt a bit awkward after hearing this, he didn't expect that Zhao Qirui was just joking earlier, so he simply told Zhao Qirui about the gambling and picking up the leak.

  After listening, Zhao Qirui shook his head speechlessly and patted him on the shoulder:

  "Good kid, your money-making speed is amazing. In Northeastern dialect, that's called 'gang gang' (extremely fast). I didn't expect that in just a few days, you'd become a multimillionaire! It's really 'after three days, one must look at each other with new eyes'. No way, nothing else matters, let me take a look at the legendary 'Taitian Yu' (a precious jade). If you don't have it on you, then let Ah Chao go back and get it."

  "Hehe, no need for that, I just so happen to have it with me." Chu Chen smiled and took out a brocade pouch, then retrieved the jade cicada from within and handed it over to Zhao Qirui, who was visibly impatient.

  As for why the jade cicada should be put in a brocade pouch, this is also what Liu taught. If you want to keep the jade cicada, it's best to put it in a brocade pouch or other pocket and store it close to your body, especially in summer.

  Because jade is in contact with too much sweat, it will be eroded, causing damage to the outer layer and affecting its original brightness.

  Zhao Qirui carefully examined the Yu Chuanzi and exclaimed: "So this is the birth of jade, the color is too beautiful, like top-grade rubies, Xiao Chu, can this thing really dye water red? Can I open my eyes?"

  Chu Chen heard Liu Lao's story of testing with his own body and was somewhat resistant to this request, but Zhao Qi Rui had helped him so much, so he couldn't refuse, and nodded in agreement.

  The mineral water slowly poured into the glass, and after that change, Zhao Qirui looked equally stunned, with an incredulous expression on his face. In Chu Chen's eyes, although there was still a hint of infatuation, but in his heart, he felt a faint pain, how long would it take for him to recover from this again!

  After returning the jade hairpin to Chu Chen, Zhao Qi Rui couldn't help but sigh: "Little Chu, your luck is really enviable. I'm so jealous that I don't even know how to be jealous. You must have been born for picking up treasures."

  Chu Chen smiled wryly, this matter he also didn't know how to answer, after all can't tell him that he himself had special abilities.

  Next, the two of them chatted about some strange and unusual things related to antiques. However, Chu Chen occasionally glanced outside the car and discovered that they seemed to be approaching the northwest edge of the capital city, near the border with Yan Province. He found this a bit strange, as he hadn't heard of any major auctions being held in this area. Could it be a small auction?

  He asked somewhat strangely: "Brother Zhao, are we going to Yan Province to attend an auction?"

  Zhao Qirui smiled mysteriously and said, "The auction we're going to participate in isn't some regular auction."

  "Isn't this an irregular auction?"

  Chu Chen was somewhat perplexed by this answer, and suddenly he thought of a possibility, hastily asking: "Brother Zhao, you're not saying that we're going to the antique black market, are you?"

  Zhao Qirui smiled and replied: "Xiao Chu, you really react quickly. We indeed need to go to the antique black market. How about you? Have you participated before?"

  The black market for antiques in Chuchun has been heard of many times, and it actually exists along with underground boxing and racing in China, and is unstoppable. After all, capital is profit-driven, and industries like antiques that have particularly high profits will inevitably attract some illegal elements.

  In the past, there weren't many antique black markets, and ordinary people rarely encountered them. However, in recent years, after the craze for collecting antiques, this kind of antique black market has shown a tendency to spread. I believe that people who are somewhat familiar with antiques will have heard of these antique black markets, and many of them yearn for them.

  However, the goods traded in the antique black market will not have a team of experts to check, and there is no guarantee of quality. Whether the item is good or bad can only be judged by one's own eyesight. Moreover, the antique black market often has many unsavory characters, so there are undoubtedly great risks to personal safety and property.

  So, why are antique black markets so attractive to people? This is because such places are where thieves and tomb robbers sell their loot, many cultural relics that cannot be sold through normal channels are sold here, so there must be a lot of good stuff, and some fine and rare pieces appear, which of course greatly boosts people's enthusiasm.

  And transactions like this, unlike ordinary auctions, do not require the payment of various fees. Of course, those who can participate in the antique black market are all with a certain strength, and they will not mind the small amount of money for things they like. The key is still to see the probability of high-quality goods appearing here.

  As for safety, Chu Chen wasn't too worried because unless it was that kind of organization that would shoot and change locations, there would always be some guarantee in terms of safety. After all, if something really happened, the news would leak out quickly, and at that time, no one would be able to escape unscathed. Moreover, once their reputation was ruined, no one would come to visit again.

  Besides, Zhao Qirui will definitely consider the safety aspect. After all, he is a precious person and with his ability, it's impossible that he doesn't have any understanding of the organizer.

  Chu Chen said with some self-deprecation: "No, I had only heard of it before. Moreover, no one would have notified me, a small figure like myself. Today, however, thanks to Brother Zhao's kindness, my long-held dream has finally come true."

  Zhao Qirui burst out laughing and said, "What's with the 'good luck' or 'bad luck'? If we're talking about good luck, I'm even more lucky than you - I got to see the legendary Detian Jade! By the way, Ah Chao, how's the house thing going?"

  A-Chao drove while answering: "It's already been taken care of, the house is located on the west side of the city, and I've also contacted Director Li about the household registration, as long as the documents arrive, it can be handled."

  Upon hearing this, Chu Chen hastily expressed his gratitude: "I'd like to thank you both on behalf of my friend. Thank you so much! Whatever the cost is, please just let us know."

  "Don't mention thanks, it's just a small matter. We'll talk about the expenses later." Zhao Qirui waved his hand and said.

  It was at this time that Ah Chao drove his car to a relatively remote place and gradually slowed down.

  "Over here!" Suddenly, a loud shout came from the left intersection in front, and someone waved their hand vigorously.

  A-Chao saw this and pulled the car over, the man didn't hesitate, directly opening the front door and getting in.

  As soon as he came in, Zhao Qirui asked: "Ma Tuzi, long time no see, how's the goods this time?"

  Chu Chen found it somewhat strange that Zhao Qirui called this person "Ma Tu Zi", as he looked to be only in his thirties. It wasn't until the man turned around that Chu Chen suddenly understood. Although the man appeared to be only in his thirties, the front of his head was already bald.

  Moreover, this person looks quite ordinary, but Chu Chen always feels a bit strange. After careful consideration, he finally understands that the person's eyes are slightly upturned at the outer corners, like those of a fighting cock.

  Ma Tuizi said with a flattering smile: "Director Zhao, if it's not good stuff, why would I come to inform you?"

  "Alright, you asked for it! If things don't go well, I won't be polite!"

  Ma Tuizi nodded and bowed, saying: "Don't worry, if the goods are not good, you can come to me. Zhao Zong, who is this young brother? He looks a bit familiar."

  "This is Little Chu, I've invited him as our master of ceremonies."

  Zhao Qirui saw Ma Tuzi's slightly disdainful gaze and said, "You're just a dog looking at people with low eyes. Xiaochu can pick up leaks and become a millionaire worth thousands of dollars. Can you say that his eyesight is bad?"

  Ma Tu-zi's eyes lit up as soon as he heard the words, and he hastily took out a business card and handed it to Chu Chen, saying humbly:

  "Director Zhao, you're absolutely right. I'm just a dog's eye, and as people say, dogs are nearsighted. And indeed, I didn't recognize the golden jade piece. Mr. Chu, don't mind me, my name is Ma Jinsheng, also known as Baldy Ma. I specialize in organizing errands or doing odd jobs related to antiques. If you need anything in the future, feel free to give me a call."

  In this line of work, you must know a few people from all walks of life, which is also very helpful for collecting antiques. So Chu Chen also exchanged his business card and smiled: "Mr. Ma, what's the young master that I dare not be, but next time I have something to ask, I will definitely bother you."

  Zhao Qirui interrupted Ma Tuzi who was about to say something, waving his hand and saying: "Alright, Ma Tuzi, stop stalling, hurry up and show the way."