Chapter 422: Antique World Big Shot! An Age‑Defying Friendship!

5 p. m., in front of the Warehouse.

Lin Yang drove over with Su Yang, and the two first inspected the treasures, confirmed they were safe, then waited for the 'client' to arrive.

Before long, a blue Ford car appeared.

Four people got out of the car, one of whom was the old acquaintance Huang Youcai.

He had the trademark stout build, pea‑sized eyes rolling around, exuding shrewdness.

Beside him stood an elderly man with white hair and beard, slightly stooped, yet his eyes were bright and piercing.

The other two were tall and broad‑shouldered, each carrying a box, their steps steady, clearly martial practitioners.

"Brother Su, we meet again!" Huang Youcai beamed, stepped forward and gave Su Yang a big hug.

"A day apart feels like three autumns; did Boss Huang sleep well last night?" Su Yang asked with a smile.

"Thanks to you, I haven't closed such a big deal in ages; I was so excited I didn't sleep all night, yet today I feel more vigorous than a youngster!" Huang Youcai patted his belly.

"Good to hear." Su Yang looked at the elderly man, "And this is…"

"I forgot to introduce him; this is Chen Gongjin, Old Chen, the antique appraiser that Li Xian Sheng hired." Huang Youcai said.

Upon hearing the name, Zhao Xian beside him showed surprise.

Lin Yang, seeing this, asked curiously, "Who's that old man? Is he impressive?"

Zhao Xian nodded, "More than impressive—when it comes to eye for value in Jinshan City, no one surpasses him. Thirty years ago, Old Chen was the chief of Jinshan City Auction House, his vision was razor‑sharp, handling over 18,000 treasures without a single mistake."

"But… I heard he retired from the antique world long ago; many bosses who ask him are ignored."

"I didn't expect Li Yongfeng to be so capable, actually coaxing him out of retirement."

He then listed many of Chen Gongjin's honors, leaving Lin Yang bewildered.

Indescribable, but he seemed formidable.

"So it's Old Chen, a pleasure." Su Yang smiled and extended his hand.

However, Chen Gongjin ignored the courteous gesture, replying coolly, "Where are the items? Take me to see them."

Su Yang's hand froze midway, quite awkward.

Huang Youcai immediately grasped his hand, his tone eager, "The business is priority; later I'll treat you all to a meal at He Feng Restaurant."

A barely perceptible cold glint flashed in Su Yang's eyes, yet his face still wore a spring‑breeze smile.

"Very well, then!"

Huang Youcai breathed a silent sigh of relief; had he not reacted quickly, the situation could have turned ugly.

He dared not offend either side: on one hand the ferocious Liuhe Gang, on the other the venerable senior of the antique world.

The latter, occupying a high position, has witnessed countless storms over the years.

If Li Yongfeng hadn't offered generous terms, with Chen Gongjin's stubborn temperament, no one could have persuaded him.

Thus, when facing a modest‑sized gang leader, he unintentionally displayed a hint of aloofness.

"Disrespecting the elder." Lin Yang muttered inwardly.

Su Yang pointed at the neatly arranged treasures and said, "Old Chen, these are the items we intend to sell."

"Please sit; I will bring each item over for your appraisal."

"No need." Chen Gongjin's expression remained unchanged as he said, "These small pieces can be examined in a moment."

Small?

Su Yang replied, "The items aren't especially fine, only abundant in number. I know Old Chen has seen countless priceless treasures, but for the sake of your health, it's better to remain seated."

Chen Gongjin hummed, "I am in good health; no need for Brother Su to worry."

"These goods of yours are indeed hard for me to appreciate."

His tone was laced with contempt, even a hint of…

Disdain?

Su Yang has encountered many reckless people, but it's the first time he's seen someone as utterly arrogant as Chen Gongjin.

Prioritizing the bigger picture, he did not lose his temper over a few words.

"Please, go ahead." Su Yang indicated.

"Hand over the items." Chen Gongjin extended his hand without turning his head.

Two hulking men behind him set down their boxes and produced an old‑style reading glass and a magnifier.

With the glasses on, Chen Gongjin's demeanor changed dramatically, his brows radiating undeniable pressure.

At that moment, even his waist seemed a few inches straighter.

The next instant, he strode forward to the treasure marked with the number 'One', ripped off the red cloth, revealing a blue‑and‑white porcelain vase.

"A blue‑white glaze plum vase? Nice find!" Huang Youcai exclaimed.

Lin Yang crossed his arms, proudly saying, "Need I say more? Our items are not comparable to the junk out there."

He spoke loudly, making no effort to lower his voice.

Clearly he meant it for Chen Gongjin to hear.

But the latter ignored him, focusing intently as he put on gloves to examine.

"Brother Su, you're so fortunate to have even this kind of item in your grasp; let me preemptively wish you smooth sailing and rolling wealth." Huang Youcai bowed his fist.

"Thanks to Boss Huang's recommendation, otherwise I'd never have had such a good chance to meet Li Xian Sheng and Old Chen." Su Yang smiled faintly.

"Haha, Brother Su's words are always pleasant; if Huang weren't so old, I'd truly want to become sworn brothers with you!"

"An age‑defying friendship isn't out of the question, Boss Huang? Think about it."

"If the feeling's good, I'll take the liberty of calling you… Brother Su?"

Su Yang bowed slightly, "Little Brother here, honored to meet you, elder brother."

Huang Youcai felt an indescribable relief, as if every pore in his body relaxed.

He felt weightless, as if he had reached the summit.

Since meeting Su Yang, he felt his life had taken a major turn, with limitless prospects.

The Scale of luck, after fifty years, finally tipped a few degrees toward him.

"Little brother, did you receive the remittance slip Li Xian Sheng sent you?" Huang Youcai asked with a smile.

"I received it this afternoon."

"Rest assured, based on my years of knowledge of Li Xian Sheng, he is a man of his word; if he says he wants your goods, he won't owe you a cent!"

"I naturally place ten thousand hearts on Li Xian Sheng's side."

He said, Su Yang shifted his tone, "But back to the point, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to earn so much money."

"Alright, once I have all the payment in hand, I will definitely give you ten percent."

Huang Youcai waved his hands repeatedly, "That can't be done; it's against the rules."

"On my Six Harmonies Society territory, my rules are the rules," Su Yang said with a stern face, "If you, brother, don't accept it, that means you look down on me."

"You…" Huang Youcai sighed helplessly, "Since Junior Su is so generous, I, older brother, will not decline either."

"That's how it should be; you and I are like family, no need for formalities," Su Yang said with a smile, a mysterious Radiance flashing in his eyes.

During the pause in their conversation, Chen Gongjin had already examined dozens of treasures, their values recorded by the two hulking men beside him.

The speed was astonishing.

Su Yang had thought the appraisal would last five hours, but he unexpectedly completed a tenth of it so cleanly and efficiently.

"Some…something…"