Chapter 412: Trade

Then it's settled, bro—we'll meet at the antique shop at two. I said and hung up the phone.

I told Xiao Yan, "Xiao Yan, it's agreed over there—we'll meet at Guwan Cheng at two for the trade."

Xiao Yan glanced at his watch.

"It's less than an hour until two."

After the trade is done then, I'll take the stuff back to Sijiucheng.

"You guys can leave afterward."

"Fine, let's do that."

"I'll arrange it."

"I'll take Wang Changguang to the trade; let him check the authenticity of the goods."

"Also, Shi Yong, you don't go—stay here and watch Lao Wai. Ding Li, go round up those stall owners."

"If they try any tricks,"

"you bring the people and charge in."

"and throw the market into chaos." I arranged.

"Why shouldn't I go? I want to go too." Shi Yong said.

"Shi Yong, your task is important: first, watch Lao Wai and don't let him take the money again." I told Shi Yong.

Shi Yong had no choice but to stay silent.

Shi Yong's good point is that he listens when I speak.

We set out from Ding Li's house at five-thirty, heading for the Guwan Cheng in the old district of Zaocheng.

I brought Xiao Yan and Wang Changguang,

Ding Li covertly contacted those stall owners, in case Fan Shazi causes trouble so they can help.

The three of us quickly arrived at Fan Shazi's shop.

Fan Shazi's shop was quite normal, with no extra people in sight.

When Fan Shazi saw us enter, he happily laughed, "Ah, brothers, quickly introduce these friends who've come from afar."

I introduced to Fan Shazi, "This is Mr. Yan, a senior antique dealer."

Fan Shazi immediately took Xiao Yan's hand,

"Welcome to Zaocheng! My brothers didn't even give me a heads-up—let's have a drink to get acquainted. After the trade, I'll definitely have a drink with Mr. Yan."

"Thanks for the enthusiasm, Mr. Fan, but drinking isn't important—seeing the goods is." Xiao Yan said.

"Of course the goods are important. We're all hoping these treasures will make us rich. This gentleman." Fan Shazi pointed at Wang Changguang and asked me.

"This is Expert Wang, highly skilled in artifact appraisal, especially bronze ware. Expert Wang was brought by Mr. Yan." I said.

At that moment, hearing he was called an expert, Wang Changguang immediately stuck his neck out proudly.

His eyes fixed directly on Fan Shazi.

This Wang Changguang wore thick glasses, had a solemn expression, and truly looked like an expert.

Fan Shazi quickly shook Wang Changguang's hand, saying, "Welcome, Expert Wang, to Zaocheng! I've only seen you on TV before—I never expected to meet you in person."

"In a bit, I'd like to properly ask Expert Wang for advice on antique matters."

Just as Wang Changguang was about to speak, I quickly gestured for him to stay quiet.

Wang Changguang held back and made no sound.

He strutted arrogantly into the shop.

Very good, quite fitting for an expert's demeanor.

After we entered the shop,

Fan Shazi immediately had someone close the shop door.

That's the signature move for a big deal—meaning no one can disturb us.

I said to Fan Shazi, "Bro, the money—we've brought it all, it's in the car,

and the goods—we need to inspect them first, then we'll bring over the money."

Fan Shazi smiled,

"I trust you, bro—we've been friends for years. You can't cheat me.

"the goods are in my secret room; I'll have them brought out now."

After Fan Shazi finished speaking, he clapped his hands.

Soon the secret room door opened,

four burly men came out, each holding a bronze artifact in his arms.

They came out and stood directly before us.

Fan Shazi pointed at the four men and said, "Stand firm—if you drop them, I'll take your lives. Brothers, let the expert have a look."

I glanced at Wang Changguang at that moment.

Wang Changguang walked up to the bronze artifacts, acting like a true expert—wearing white gloves, holding a magnifying glass, examining the artifacts carefully.

After looking at the exterior, Wang Changguang signaled the men to lower the artifacts so he could inspect the inside.

Wang Changguang, with the magnifying glass, then examined the interior.

After finishing, he shook his head at me.

indicating they were fake.

Fan Shazi saw Wang Changguang shake his head and became somewhat displeased.

"Expert Wang, take another close look—these items were taken from the museum; they couldn't possibly be fake."

At that moment, Wang Changguang walked up beside me and whispered, "No markings."

I heard Wang Changguang say that, and I knew Fan Shazi was definitely trying to cheat me with fake bronzes.

I smiled and walked up to Fan Shazi.

「Old brother, you don't need to be nervous. We came here for the genuine article; if what you have in your hands isn't the real thing, then what's the point of Mr. Yan coming all the way from Sijiucheng? 」

「If you want to buy fakes, there are plenty in Sijiucheng. Why waste this time? 」

「Old brother, we're all friends; there are some things I don't want to expose. 」

I hope to see the genuine article.

Otherwise, I will call off the deal.

My words had just finished when Fan Shazi burst out laughing: 「Brother, look at how anxious you are. Let me tell you, the things these people are displaying are just warm‑ups; I just wanted to test Expert Wang's ability, see if he has any real skill. Don't be a mere freeloader and cheat. There are plenty of cheats these days. 」

These things really let Expert Wang see through them; it looks like the expert by your side is the real deal.

Since you have a genuine expert, I also have genuine items.

Don't call off the deal.

「You guys go down and bring those things up. 」 Fan Shazi said to the four burly men.

At that moment Xiao Yan leaned close to my ear and asked,

「Those things just now were really fake. 」

I nodded,

「Our own things all have marks. 」

Xiao Yan then nodded reassuringly.

After the four burly men went in,

Soon after, four men came back out of the house, each holding a box in his arms.

The bronzes in the boxes gave off a dim luster; they looked even more ancient than the earlier bronzes, and were covered with verdigris.

Although these items have passed through my hands, so much time has passed that I can no longer tell them apart.

Are these things really genuine?

Only Wang Changguang stepped forward.

I called out to Wang Changguang: 「Expert Wang, come over and take another look at this batch. 」

Wang Changguang walked steadily up to the bronzes,

picking up a magnifying glass and examining them closely.

He looked at the outside for a while, then examined the inside.

He paused for about a minute,

Wang Changguang's face broke into a smile,

No need to ask—he had seen the items he himself had marked.

I stood beside Wang Changguang and asked, 「Brother‑in‑law, how is it? Is it genuine? 」

Wang Changguang nodded while smiling,

「It's absolutely genuine—I never expected they'd bring out their treasures to sell. Look at those two little circles inside; those are my marks. 」

Following Wang Changguang's finger, I indeed saw two small, not‑quite‑round circles in a cauldron.

No need to ask—those are Wang Changguang's marks.

Since Wang Changguang has judged them genuine, they are genuine.

I then said to Xiao Yan, 「Xiao Yan, it's genuine—let's take the money. 」

Xiao Yan nodded.

Actually, in such transactions we fear the worst, because they're irregular, so everyone is cautious.

I lifted my head and looked at Fan Shazi.