Chapter 12

Noticing the two people's strange expressions, Cao Yuande couldn't help but ask, "Is there something inconvenient about this?"

Guo Bapi looked at Yang Bo, "The string-pattern jue is just something Yang Bo bought for a few dozen yuan from a street stall. There's nothing special about it, and he's just a shop assistant."

Cao Yuande's expression also became strange. He hadn't yet figured out the relationship between Yang Bo and himself, merely assuming they were relatives or business partners. It was because of Yang Bo's astonishing performance that night that he couldn't accept the fact that he was just a shop assistant.

Guo Bapi's words were also very clear: Yang Bo was just a shop assistant at Gudezhai, and as a distinguished professor, he shouldn't overpraise him.

Cao Yuande was stunned for a moment before laughing, "Oh, I see."

Guo Bapi felt relieved, grateful that the other party finally understood the hierarchy.

Unexpectedly, Cao Yuande continued, "It doesn't matter. Young people, even if they make mistakes, it's not a big deal. Everyone has made mistakes. The more you buy, the better you become. Young man, don't you think so? Can you show it to me?"

Yang Bo couldn't fathom Cao Yuande's twisted interests. He was clearly trying to force him to show the string-pattern jue.

Guo Bapi's smile was forced and awkward, "Yang Bo, look, Professor Cao is so interested. Why don't you show it to him? It might be a genuine piece, and you could sell it for a good price, right?"

Yang Bo, helpless, said to Cao Yuande, "The boss already said that the string-pattern jue was indeed bought from a street stall. Since Professor Cao is willing to help, that's great."

With that, Yang Bo went upstairs to fetch the string-pattern jue and handed it to Cao Yuande. As he passed it over, he winked at Cao Yuande.

Cao Yuende, a thin and gaunt man with thick glasses, smiled slightly and nodded in response.

Guo Bapi gestured to Yang Bo, and the two moved to the side. Guo Bapi whispered, "Yang Bo, tell me the truth, did you know Professor Cao before?"

Guo Bapi was very shrewd and could see that since Cao Yuande entered the shop, he had been protecting Yang Bo, which he couldn't understand. What merit did a small antique shop assistant have to deserve such treatment from a top university professor?

Yang Bo was taken aback and asked, "Which university is Professor Cao from? I've never been to university, how could I know a professor?"

Guo Bapi nodded, thinking it should be so, and added, "He's a professor of archaeology at Jinling University and a top expert in cultural relics appraisal. Be respectful!"

With that, Guo Bapi walked back as if nothing had happened.

The two sat down, and Cao Yuande looked at them, seemingly unaware of the small actions. He solemnly placed the string-pattern jue on the table and said to Yang Bo, "Young Yang, congratulations. This is a string-pattern jue from the early Shang Dynasty!"

Guo Bapi, who had just sat down, jumped up as if he had been burned, "What? It's genuine?"

Cao Yuande nodded, "It's genuine!"

Despite his expectations, Yang Bo was still excited when he heard Cao Yuande confirm it. This could be used as a basis for negotiation, and it would certainly fetch a higher price!

"The handle of this string-pattern jue has three inscriptions, which significantly increases its value!" Cao Yuande explained.

Guo Bapi found it hard to believe, "Professor Cao, it's really genuine! That means it should be worth a lot, right? Yang Bo, you sure have good luck!"

"Oh, right, Yang Bo, where did you find it? I want to go and see if I can find a pair!" Guo Bapi suddenly asked eagerly.

"Boss Guo!" Cao Yuande sighed, "Even if you know the location, do you think you can buy it?"

"Who knows!" Guo Bapi had a strong feeling that he could find a bargain. After all, if Yang Bo could find one, his level was much higher, so he would definitely find more!

Cao Yuende looked at Guo Bapi and smiled inwardly. He had even thought of trying to dissuade him, but wasn't that cutting off someone's source of income? Guo Bapi clearly didn't understand his meaning. He wanted to say that with Yang Bo's level, it was unlikely that he would miss anything for Guo Bapi to find, but Guo Bapi didn't get it, or rather, he didn't think about it that way!

Yang Bo, annoyed by Guo Bapi's eagerness, wanted to get rid of him quickly and said, "I found it at a street stall on Zhan Yuan Road in Fuzimiao. I don't know if that stall is still there!"

"No problem, I can find it!" Without waiting for Yang Bo to speak, Guo Bapi rushed out, shouting, "Take care of the shop!"

After Guo Bapi left, the room was left with the two of them, and it became quiet for a moment.

Cao Yuende looked at Yang Bo with a half-smile, "I really didn't expect it!"

Yang Bo was helpless, "What didn't you expect? That I'm just a shop assistant?"

Cao Yuende laughed and nodded, "That's one part of it. When I heard Boss Guo say you were a shop assistant, I thought that the day you sold the fish basket zun at Jiyatai was at his behest. I've had some dealings with Boss Guo before, and he doesn't seem like that kind of person. Seeing his eagerness, it seems you really did it on your own that day!"

Yang Bo smiled but didn't speak. There was no need to explain.

"Brother Yang is indeed young and talented. At your age, your expertise in cultural relics appraisal has already reached such a level!" Cao Yuende praised.

Yang Bo, who didn't like such formal modesty, just nodded, "You flatter me."

Cao Yuende laughed, "While Boss Guo is away, let's talk about the price of this string-pattern jue. Since you sold the fish basket zun that day, I believe you won't be reluctant to part with this string-pattern jue to me today!"

Yang Bo was delighted. He had been thinking about how to sell it, and this was like a pillow for a sleepy head. However, he had guessed some of it before. After all, the price of the string-pattern jue wasn't high, and Cao Yuende wouldn't go to such lengths just for this piece!

"Professor Cao is a straightforward person. You decide the price." Yang Bo cleverly said.

Cao Yuende pointed at Yang Bo and laughed, "You're really smart. But I'm not buying this for myself; it's for a friend. This piece is just right, and I won't let you down!"

"Thank you, Professor Cao." Yang Bo said.