Chapter 4

"Hello! Is there something you need?" Yang Bo pretended not to recognize the other person, with a somewhat foolish look on his face.

"Hey there, young man! Wasn't it you who was squatting next to me just now?" Cur Guanzhang squinted his eyes and asked.

Yang Bo was taken aback, his heart sinking. However, he denied it, "Really? I didn't notice."

Cur Guanzhang laughed, "You have a good eye, young man. I had my eye on that fish basket vase earlier. The vendor is quite shrewd; if he knew I was interested, he would definitely raise the price. So I planned to walk around first and then come back to buy it. I didn't expect you to get it first!"

Yang Bo was filled with doubt and uncertainty, unsure of how to react. He knew what he did was not quite right, but he couldn't help it. Although he had made up his mind, he was still young and felt a bit ashamed. "Oh, I'm really sorry."

Cur Guanzhang waved his hand and smiled, "Young friend, since you also liked it, it shows we have something in common. Why don't we discuss it together?"

Yang Bo hesitated for a moment, wanting to refuse, but then he thought that if he could exchange ideas with Cur Guanzhang, he could truly understand the fish basket vase and avoid being cheated when he sold it. "Sure, please give me your guidance!"

Cur Guanzhang smiled, "It's too noisy here. Let's go to a quieter place!"

Yang Bo nodded, holding the fish basket vase and followed him.

They walked out of the small alley of the ghost market and turned a corner. Cur Guanzhang led Yang Bo to a brightly lit shop. Yang Bo was startled and looked up to see the sign "Bogu Tang"!

Yang Bo stood at the door, hesitated for a moment, and then followed in, gritting his teeth. At this moment, the owner of Bogu Tang, Mr. Jia, came over. He heard Cur Guanzhang politely say, "I found something at the ghost market and came to bother Mr. Jia again!"

Mr. Jia clasped his hands and said, "It's an honor for Bogu Tang to have Cur Guanzhang visit. How can it be a bother?"

After a few pleasantries, Mr. Jia noticed Yang Bo standing beside them. "Little Yang, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, what? Mr. Jia, you know Little Yang?" Cur Guanzhang seemed interested.

"Yang Bo, he works at Gudezhai," Mr. Jia said. "Cur Guanzhang, why did you bring him here?"

Cur Guanzhang smiled at Yang Bo and explained, "Little Yang just bought a fish basket vase and asked me to help him appraise it. We came here when we saw Mr. Jia's shop was open."

Yang Bo looked at Cur Guanzhang with gratitude, knowing that he hadn't revealed the details, which was a way of protecting him. He stepped forward, placed the fish basket vase on the table, and then stepped back.

Mr. Jia glanced at it and smiled, "Little Yang has only studied antiques for a couple of years, but to have Cur Guanzhang appraise it at his request is quite a stroke of luck!"

Cur Guanzhang waved his hand and smiled, "Let's not talk too much. Let's take a look at the fish basket vase first!"

With that, Cur Guanzhang took out his magnifying glass and leaned over the vase to examine it.

The fish basket vase is shaped like a fish basket used by fishermen, hence its name. However, it has no practical use and is only a decorative item.

Mr. Jia looked at Yang Bo with interest, wondering how he had such luck. He suspected the fish basket vase was a fake.

Cur Guanzhang tapped and examined it, then sat down and nodded to Mr. Jia. Mr. Jia didn't hesitate and took out his magnifying glass to examine it as well.

After a while, Mr. Jia stood up, and Cur Guanzhang asked, "What do you think, Mr. Jia?"

Mr. Jia thought for a moment and shook his head, "I can't tell!"

Yang Bo was filled with doubt. If Mr. Jia couldn't tell, it meant the vase was a fake, but it looked genuine to him!

Mr. Jia hesitated and said, "This imitation Jun kiln fish basket vase looks full, but it's actually too bulky. The belly is too round, which ruins the overall beauty!"

Cur Guanzhang also looked hesitant and nodded, "The lighting was dim earlier, so I couldn't see clearly. Now I agree with you."

Yang Bo stared at the fish basket vase. To him, it looked full and smooth, with an excellent overall shape. How could it be "too bulky"?

Despite the two people he respected denying it, Yang Bo was shaken. His vision blurred, and he felt dizzy. He had been so hopeful, but his first attempt had ended in a loss. What would he do about the 850,000 yuan needed for his father's treatment?

The 850,000 yuan felt like a heavy stone on his chest. He had felt a bit relieved earlier, but now he couldn't breathe again!

"Little Yang, the ghost market isn't that easy to find bargains in. You've probably heard many success stories, but those are rare. Most people end up losing money, and many have even gone bankrupt!"

Jia Huairen tried to console him, exchanging a glance with Cur Guanzhang. "Little Yang, life is hard for you. How about this: I'll take the fish basket vase off your hands. It might still have a chance of being sold if I keep it, but if you keep it, you'll lose everything!"

Yang Bo stared at the fish basket vase, his vision blurring into a halo. The thick halo made him feel dazed, and he heard Mr. Jia's words, looking up.

Mr. Jia continued, "Little Yang, how about I give you 50 yuan for it?"

Yang Bo frowned, unsure of what to do!

Was he really going to give up? If the vase was fake, what would he do? If his eyes were deceiving him, and this kept happening, did he have an eye problem?

No, he couldn't give up easily. He thought of his mother's tearful eyes and his father's painful groans. He had to try again!

"Thank you, Mr. Jia, but I need to think about it more!" Yang Bo walked over and hugged the fish basket vase.

Mr. Jia was both surprised and angry, "Little Yang, what do you mean?"

"I just want to take a look outside!" Yang Bo shook his head, his expression resolute.

"Little Yang, if you think my offer is too low, just say so. I can raise it a bit, but if you take the fish basket out of this door, don't come back!" Mr. Jia stood up, his voice stern.

Yang Bo held the fish basket vase, noticing Cur Guanzhang's uncertain expression. A glimmer of hope rose in his heart. There were many tricks in this business, and perhaps he had been deceived by the two of them!

With this thought, Yang Bo paid no attention to Mr. Jia's attitude and turned to leave. If they didn't want him, fine!

Mr. Jia's lips trembled with anger, "Yang Bo, you're really something! If you have the nerve, don't come back here!"

Yang Bo walked out without looking back, knowing he couldn't turn back. He had no way to turn back!