Chapter 455: A Few Pieces of Waste Porcelain

The sky was deep blue, and the white clouds were far away. The morning light soaked through the dawn clouds, and several golden edges lit up in the east.

With a few "woo-woo-woo" sounds, a plane circled overhead, and an announcement rang out in the terminal: "Flight XXX is about to land. Passengers waiting to meet the flight—"

At the entrance of the terminal, Wang Qi Zhi held a cigarette between his fingers, tapping it against the standing ashtray again and again.

"General Manager Zhao, you have no idea how insidious that bastard surnamed Chen is; he deliberately didn't answer the phone, and he didn't let Guan Xingmin answer it either. Making it seem like that woman is so powerful, and making it seem like they were in such a difficult position regarding this matter?"

"Lin Sicheng is the same, taking it so lightly, calm and composed, purely not taking it seriously?"

Zhao Xiuneng felt the same way: "When has he not been like this?"

Even when a blade is held to his throat, if you ask him, he will at most say one thing: It's nothing, just a leaf blown down by the wind—

"Right? The more he downplays it, the more anxious I get. And then, I fell for that bastard Chen's trap—the key is, I didn't even realize it at the time?"

"After the Military Security Division made the arrests, on the way to the Municipal Bureau to give a statement, Lin Sicheng called me and joked: Teacher, do the Provincial Military District and Iron Construction both have the surname Wang?

I scolded him at the time, but guess what he said: If they don't have the surname Wang, how could the military and Iron Construction move so fast?"

"Only then did I realize: let alone me having the surname Wang, even if I had the surname Zhao, it would be impossible to have that kind of speed: barely an hour after the call, those two organizations had collected all the evidence, identified all the associated persons, and even had the arrest warrants issued?"

Get this straight, those two aren't just nobodies? Yet they were investigated the moment it was said, and arrested the moment it was said? By then, I finally understood: the matter happened too suddenly and too coincidentally; I had been used as a blade.

3

Wang Qi Zhi spread his hands: "It's my fault too, I was afraid Lin Sicheng would really get locked up and definitely suffer. So I added fuel to the fire, called my sister, and then called my brother-in-law. Finally, I wouldn't give up and begged my father—who would have thought it would play right into the hands of the military and Iron Construction?"

Zhao Xiuneng didn't know what to say: just any one of the people Wang Qi Zhi mentioned would be treated like an magnitude-eight earthquake by local departments if they inquired. He, on the other hand, didn't think one was enough and invited three?

Stunned for a long while, Zhao Xiuneng finally came back to his senses: "And then?"

Wang Qi Zhi sighed: "Then, of course, it was a total sweep!"

That woman, that woman's husband, and her son were taken away that very day.

Afterwards, following the vine to find the melon, a whole bunch of people were implicated.

Not to mention how high their ranks were, just look at the number of people: big and small, all told, there were twenty or thirty of them.

In Chen Peng's words: it was only because Wang Qi Zhi wasn't in Xijing during that time, otherwise, just the silk banners received would have numbered over a dozen.

Zhao Xiuneng finally understood: Wang Qi Zhi had acted as the vanguard.

He wasn't exactly used as a gun, and even less as a blade, because this matter had already been investigated to ninety-nine percent; others had done the vast majority of the work, and Wang Qi Zhi had only filled in the final missing piece.

To use an analogy, it's like treating a toxic sore: the medicine had already been used, and the pus and toxins had been forced to the surface. But because the toxicity was too high, no one dared to lance it, so they could only wait for an opportunity.

Coincidentally, someone with maxed-out poison resistance arrived and delivered the final blow.

Can you say this final blow wasn't important? Of course not; if no one had dared to lance it, the patient would only be waiting for death.

To say Wang Qi Zhi's role wasn't significant would be nonsense. If he hadn't withstood the pressure from all sides, it would have been a hundred percent botched job.

So, jokes aside, Chen Peng's words had some truth to them: there really was a huge crowd of people who were grateful to Wang Qi Zhi from the bottom of their hearts.

Zhao Xiuneng stubbed out his cigarette: "Professor Wang, you can't think like that!"

Wang Qi Zhi raised his eyelids: "Then how should I think?"

"Professor Wang, let's calculate: how long has it been since our junior brother started? And now, he comes to Xijing to snatch, goes to Shanxi to snatch, and in Beijing, he snatches from a whole bunch of people. Why? Because he can turn Stone into Gold."

"You lack political achievements, he can create them for you. You lack academic rank, he can fill sacks with top-tier Thesis papers for you. You lack influence, he launches satellites for you every day. Even units like the Public Security Bureau or the Song and Dance Troupe, which you'd never dream of, treat him like a treasure and fight over him."

"But he is only one person with two hands: if he researches this, he must neglect that. If he helps this person, he can't help that one. Over time, it's inevitable that he will offend people. And there are too many people like that Hu Kun or Gao Zhanhong: if you don't help me, you are my enemy; if you help my opponent, then we are mortal enemies, never to be reconciled. Just like this time?"

"So, there will only be more things like this in the future. And these are still legitimate trades; once his influence grows and his fame increases, believe me, all sorts of monsters and demons, the Five Elements and Eight Trades, will all smell the scent and swarm around. When that time comes, what if someone makes trouble again?"

How could Wang Qi Zhi not believe it?

Not to mention anything else, just Lin Sicheng's skill in Treasure Appraisal and Dragon Seeking and Pointing—which antique dealer wouldn't be jealous, and which Grave Robbing practitioner wouldn't be envious?

Zhao Xiuneng exhaled forcefully: "A great man once said: strike one punch to avoid a hundred punches coming, and I think it makes a lot of sense. So Professor Wang, this time it wasn't you overexerting yourself and doing the work for others as you thought. On the contrary, it was a lucky hit, just right."

To put it mildly, this is called deterring the petty. To put it bluntly, this is called killing the chicken to scare the monkey. For example, next time if someone has crooked thoughts about Junior Brother Lin, don't they have to consider: can they afford to take this risk, and is the cost proportional to the gain?"

"At the very least, don't they have to weigh: is their connection as strong as that Deputy Section Chief Wu, or is their rank as high as that Vice President Gao?"

Zhao Xiuneng guided him step by step, and Wang Qi Zhi nodded frequently.

Others would only think: Lin Sicheng's energy is unimaginably large, and his backing is incredibly solid.

Because those two were not ordinary people, and they were at the height of their power and influence. But suddenly, they became prisoners?

And without any warning, they fell just like that?

Come, whoever thinks they are powerful, come and try—

Suddenly, Wang Qi Zhi's mood improved a lot: "General Manager Zhao is better at counseling people!"

Zhao Xiuneng was stunned: Is this counseling? I'm reasoning with you, okay?

After smoking another cigarette and seeing that the time was about right, Wang Qi Zhi took out his phone, preparing to call Lin Sicheng.

Before the number was dialed, with a "creak," a business van pulled up.

It was still that same one from the school; the space inside was large enough, and it could seat enough people.

Zhao Da and Zhao Er jumped down from the back row to retrieve the luggage, and Lin Sicheng got out of the passenger seat.

Wang Qi Zhi looked at his watch: "Didn't you leave earlier? Why did you arrive so late?"

Lin Sicheng didn't speak, but pointed behind him.

Immediately, the car door on the other side slid open, and a foot wearing a sneaker stepped out.

Seeing those familiar shoes, Wang Qi Zhi looked suspicious: Ye Anning?

Ye Anning poked her head out, then shrank back. Then she called out softly: "Uncle!"

Wang Qi Zhi frowned: "Ye Anning, stop pretending!"

From childhood to now, wherever you go, you are always lording over everyone. At this moment, you're acting like Lin Daiyu?

No wonder Lin Sicheng was delayed for so long? It's probably because Ye Anning pestered him, wanting to follow along.

While thinking to himself, Wang Qi Zhi glared: "Ye Anning, what kind of trouble are you causing again?"

"I want to go too!"

"We are going to handle business, not to play around. Why are you joining in the fun?"

"Just because you can handle business, doesn't mean I can't?" Ye Anning argued with conviction. "The head office's autumn auction is in Hong Kong this year, and the company sent me to learn. Besides, I also need to go to Guangzhou for an inspection—"

Wang Qi Zhi was half-doubting: Is it really such a coincidence?

We go to Hong Kong, you go to Hong Kong too? We go to Guangzhou, you go to Guangzhou too?

"Uncle, why would I lie to you? It's not like you don't have our company's phone number? If you don't believe me, just ask!"

No need to ask; there must be such a thing. The question is when she is going.

For someone like Ye Anning, her schedule is very flexible: if the autumn auction is at the end of the year, she can go in October or November. Even going a few days before the auction starts is no problem.

As for the inspection, that is even more up to her to pick any of the three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.

Of course, the prerequisite is that her performance must be sufficient, and she must be able to collect enough high-quality auction items. But to be honest, with Lin Sicheng around, what kind of auction items could she possibly lack?

Wang Qi Zhi looked back again: "Are you going alone?"

"Of course not, there's also our manager, supervisor, and appraisers—lots of people. But they are arriving two days later, with tickets for next Monday—"

"

Huh, so she really is going to learn and inspect?

But Wang Qi Zhi suspected that Ye Anning had been pulling strings behind the scenes: otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?

He didn't say anything more and gave Lin Sicheng a look: Business comes first; if there's time, deal with her, if not, then ignore her.

Lin Sicheng still didn't speak, just sighed and looked behind him again: She has already found a companion, where would she need me to deal with her?

Wang Qi Zhi didn't understand and subconsciously turned his head. Then, his eyelids jumped:

Ye Anning was bending over, taking things out of the car one by one.

Li Zhen stood behind, receiving them piece by piece.

Two ladies' suitcases, two ladies' handbags, two laptops.

Although many people are going this time, not a single one is a woman. If Ye Anning insists on going, then she is the only woman.

Then whose is this extra piece of luggage?

And Li Zhen: she couldn't have come specifically to see Ye Anning off, could she?

Seeing Wang Qi Zhi staring with wide eyes, one didn't need to guess what he was thinking. Ye Anning curled her lip: "Uncle, I'm the only woman, wouldn't it be inconvenient if I went alone? Assistant Li has stronger professional skills and is more familiar with the procedures. If she goes, Lin Sicheng's work efficiency will be higher—"

Nonsense, what does this have to do with work efficiency?

But since she's already here?

Wang Qi Zhi cursed inwardly, then squeezed out a smile: "That's fine too!"

After collecting the luggage, the group entered the terminal.

Seeing that Wang Qi Zhi's expression wasn't quite right, Zhao Xiuneng deliberately fell back two steps: "Don't worry, Junior Brother has a sense of proportion!"

That goes without saying: If Lin Sicheng let these two step one foot past Customs, Wang Qi Zhi would dare to change his surname.

They aren't just going to Hong Kong and Guangzhou this time. They are also going to Malaysia, Singapore, and even Japan. And they are going there to stir up trouble; the uncertainty is too high, and the danger factor is even higher.

Therefore, Lin Sicheng would at most let them follow as far as Hong Kong.

Wang Qi Zhi was a bit confused: His wife nags about it every day, every night, always mentioning Li Zhen. To minimize the chances of Lin Sicheng and Li Zhen being alone together, she even forced him to change Lin Sicheng's assistant twice.

Ye Anning, on the other hand, is doing the exact opposite?

One look and he knew what he was thinking. Zhao Xiuneng smiled: "There's even less need to worry about this!"

Wang Qi Zhi was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but nod.

It seems there really is nothing to worry about?

Rather than worrying about this, it would be better to worry about Lin Sicheng: he basically runs into bad luck every time he picks up a bargain.

He just picked up a big bargain in Beijing (the Japanese Porcelain Saint Blue and White Bowl), and the moment he returned to Xijing, he was almost sent to jail. By that count, this bad luck should have already been used up.

Then this time, where will he pick up a bargain, and where will he run into bad luck?

If it were within the country, it would be fine, but if it were abroad, Wang Qi Zhi would really be a bit apprehensive—

Thinking secretly, the group collected their boarding passes and entered the departure lounge.

There was still a while before boarding, so the group sat down to rest. Just as they sat down, Lin Sicheng's phone rang.

The screen displayed the contact name, just one character: Feng!

Lin Sicheng answered: "Master Feng!"

Feng Laosan's voice came through the phone: "Boss Lin, about to board, right? Aqin and I have already arrived at the airport—"

Lin Sicheng was stunned: It takes at least two hours to get from Xijing to Guangzhou. Not to mention, they hadn't even boarded the plane yet.

"Master Feng, there was no need to be so early!"

"I know, but I had nothing else to do!" Feng Laosan replied with a smile, then paused, "Boss, there is a situation I need to report to you: Old Hu will be two days late."

"No problem!" Lin Sicheng didn't mind, "Is he still in Taiwan?"

"No, he is in Hong Kong. He had previously scavenged many defective items from Nanyang, and because they were hard to sell, he left some in Hong Kong. Old Hu said he would go back and rummage through them to see if he could find a few usable ones to bring to you, Boss—"

Lin Sicheng was stunned: Weren't those few imitation Ru Porcelain brush washers scavenged from Nanyang?

And that Blue and White Bowl from Li Canping was also scavenged from Nanyang, and it looked even more like a defective item than the defective items.

Surely, Feng Laosan couldn't be talking about things like that?

While pondering, his thoughts stirred: "Master Feng, no need to be in such a rush. We will have to go to Hong Kong sooner or later; we can take a look when we get there."

"That's what I said too, but Old Hu has that kind of personality, acting on a whim—"

After a slight pause, Feng Laosan lowered his voice, "Boss, I'm just worried about Chen Weihua's side!"

"Don't worry!" Lin Sicheng shook his head, "General Manager Chen is a businessman; he will definitely keep his word!"

Unless Hu Pangzi deliberately stirs up trouble.

After offering a few more words of comfort, Feng Laosan hung up the phone.

Wang Qi Zhi squinted his eyes: "Who called, that swindler?"

"It's not!" Lin Sicheng shook his head, "It's Master Feng!"

Wang Qi Zhi curled his lip: Isn't that still the same swindler?

No matter what title he changes to, he is still a swindler.

"What, are they getting impatient?"

"They aren't impatient, it's that Hu Shifu will be a few days late!" Lin Sicheng smiled slightly, "He said he had scavenged some waste porcelain from Malaysia back then and stored it in Hong Kong. He's going to go dig through it and bring me a few pieces in better condition—"

Malaysia, waste porcelain?

Upon hearing these two words, the eyes of Zhao Xiuneng and Wang Qi Zhi both lit up simultaneously: That Blue and White Bowl, wasn't it just that kind of waste porcelain?