Chapter 15

The two walked through an unnamed alley, and Yang Bo became wary, "If it's too far, then there's no need to go."

"Not far, not far, just a bit ahead," Li Er explained, adding, "Don't worry, I won't choose a place that's too remote and deserted. After all, I have to consider the customers!"

Yang Bo nodded, "Why did you suddenly pick me?"

Li Er was slightly taken aback, "Oh, haven't you noticed? Many people in the market are picky, but most of them are holding items they've bought. Some even need to use snake skin bags to carry them. Very few people are as carefree as you, with nothing in hand!"

"This indicates a problem. You must not be interested in those items. Such a person is exactly our kind of customer."

"I don't have much money on me," Yang Bo continued.

Li Er was unconcerned, "If you don't have much cash, it means your money is in your card. There's no need to worry. Even if you don't have money, this time is just for a look and to get familiar with our operations. Next time, you can prepare more, and it will be fine!"

Yang Bo was surprised and guessed that the other party was not just a simple fence. Many people directly sold items in the vicinity of the antique market, but from the tone of the other party, this seemed to be a long-term business!

Soon, Li Er stopped and pointed to a small courtyard, "This is it."

Yang Bo looked up. The courtyard was made of blue bricks and tiles, with an ancient and simple style. He had passed by here before but didn't know it had been renovated.

Li Er knocked on the door in a regular pattern. The person who opened the door called out to Li Er, and Yang Bo followed him inside.

The room was low, and a dim incandescent light bulb emitted a faint glow. Several people were already sitting inside, calmly chatting and sipping tea, filling the room with the aroma of tea.

When Yang Bo entered, everyone turned to look at him. After a quick glance, they turned away. Yang Bo was a first-timer, and everyone found him unfamiliar. He was young and came alone, so he didn't attract much attention.

Yang Bo noticed a gaze fixed on him. He looked up and saw a man in black, with sparse, oily hair neatly combed back into a pompadour. It was Deputy Director Qu!

Deputy Director Qu looked at him for a moment and then turned away. Yang Bo was surprised and puzzled. He hadn't expected to see the other party so soon. He had almost been deceived by Deputy Director Qu before, but he had also been the one to follow him, so he felt a bit guilty. Now, he was focused on making money quickly and didn't want to cause trouble, though he certainly wasn't afraid of it!

Yang Bo observed the scene. There were about seven or eight groups of people, some coming alone, and a few accompanied.

After sitting down, Yang Bo looked around the room. It resembled a small teahouse, with a stage in the center, though there was no actual stage. Everyone seemed to be gathered around a table in the north. Yang Bo chose the most secluded spot, as he wanted to observe on his first visit.

Actually, seeing this setup, Yang Bo had already guessed the nature of the transactions. Only an underground auction would be like this. However, with fewer people, the bidding wouldn't be too intense. He just didn't know the quality of the items.

Yang Bo felt a bit regretful. If he had known he would encounter such a situation, he should have brought more money!

Soon, with the sound of footsteps, the room became quiet, and everyone seemed to be eagerly awaiting something.

A man walked in from the door, smiling and bowing to everyone, "Thank you all for your support and for coming. The conditions are humble, so please bear with us!"

Lu Li turned to look at the man, who had a square face and large ears, with a firm and resolute appearance.

Everyone chuckled but didn't respond. The man seemed used to this and walked to the center, "Alright, no more formalities. Let's follow the old rules."

He looked around and suddenly paused when he saw Yang Bo, "Oh? We have a new friend today. Let me introduce myself!"

"My name is Mei, known as Old Third Mei. Our transactions are relatively casual, but the rules must be followed. No photography or recording is allowed. If anyone is found doing so, don't blame me for not warning you!"

As he said this, Old Third Mei's face became serious, and he scanned the room like a lion patrolling its territory.

Yang Bo showed no reaction. These were expected rules, and he had no intention of breaking them.

"Old Third, get started. We've heard this enough. Do you have any good items this time?" an elderly man in his sixties asked impatiently.

Old Third Mei smiled brightly, "Mr. Yu, you'll see. The items this time will definitely satisfy you!"

"Alright, let's start!"

As he spoke, someone brought a tray to the center table, and on it was a blue-and-white porcelain vase with poetic inscriptions!

"Those interested can come up and take a look!" Old Third Mei said with a smile.

The first vase, seen from a distance, had a slender neck and broad shoulders, with a clean and tight white glaze, like a beautiful young woman standing before them. The vase was inscribed with poetry, exuding a scholarly aura, which drew many people to come and observe.

Yang Bo noticed the rules and waited for the older people to go first. He didn't rush, and only after most people had gone up did he follow. Participating in such a transaction was a rare learning opportunity, and he didn't want to miss it.

After a careful examination, a light appeared in his eyes, and Yang Bo nodded. He could determine that the blue-and-white porcelain vase with poetic inscriptions was from the Shunzhi period, making it extremely rare.

Yang Bo sat back down and thought for a moment. He knew it was impossible for him to buy it, even if he used all the 170,000 yuan in his card.

Sure enough, Old Third Mei said, "Starting bid is 100,000 yuan, with a minimum increment of 1,000 yuan!"

No one in this place was an amateur, and the bidding began immediately.

"105,000!"

"110,000!"

"130,000!"

...

"180,000!"

Yang Bo watched the scene and felt a sense of relief. His mindset gradually became calm. Not every antique had to be a bargain for him. He was satisfied as long as he could earn enough for medical expenses and didn't want to hope for too much.

The bidding became less intense and soon stopped.

"230,000!" an elderly man surnamed Yu said.

No one responded, and Old Third Mei smiled, "Mr. Yu, this one is yours!"

Yang Bo estimated that the actual value of the vase was several thousand yuan higher. At this price, it was a small bargain, considering the taxes and fees at an auction house.