Chapter 63

"This is Shi Tao's 'Lotus Flower Painting.'" Yang Bo pointed to another painting.

Cao Yuande stepped forward again, appraised it, and nodded in approval.

Lu Dongxing nodded to Li Er, who kept making notes with his pen.

After mentioning two pieces, Yang Bo stopped speaking because he noticed that each time he recommended something, Cao Yuande had to re-appraise it, making it seem as if Cao Yuande was his assistant. He had not noticed this before, but now that he did, he had to stop.

"Nothing else?" Lu Dongxing, who had just acquired two pieces and was in high spirits, asked when he saw Yang Bo standing still.

"There's nothing else. I didn't see many pieces just now; only these two caught my eye." Yang Bo explained.

Cao Yuande said, "You don't have to hold back. If you have any recommendations, just say them!"

Yang Bo still shook his head, "Nothing else."

Lu Dongxing turned to Cao Yuande, "Professor Cao, can you recommend a few pieces for me?"

Earlier, when Cao Yuande's appraisal of the cloisonné had issues, Lu Dongxing did not pay much attention. After all, Cao Yuende was an experienced expert, and the cloisonné had been expertly restored, with no visible cracks. In his view, Yang Bo's ability to spot the issue was merely due to his young and keen eyes.

Cao Yuande did not refuse and led Lu Dongxing over.

"Ming Dynasty Hongwu Red Underglaze Plum Vase!"

"Qing Dynasty Kangxi Flower and Bird Gilt-Painted Porcelain Bowl!"

The two pieces of porcelain recommended by Cao Yuande made Yang Bo's heart race just from hearing their names. He had also seen the prices earlier, and the reason he did not recommend them was that their prices were much higher than the market value. He did not expect Cao Yuande to recommend them!

Cao Yuande also had his own difficulties. He had been Lu Dongxing's appraiser for some time, and every time, he was the only appraiser present, with the final say in any situation. Now that Yang Bo was there, he clearly lost a lot of his authority.

Although he could see that Yang Bo was holding back, in this situation, he had to defend his status and authority!

Both pieces were worth millions, and although their prices were slightly higher than the market value, they were genuine!

Lu Dongxing looked at the two pieces and turned to say, "Brother Yang, come over and give your opinion!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the room was stunned. Li Er, who had already prepared his notebook and was about to write, was startled and quickly closed his notebook.

Although Cao Yuande's feelings needed to be considered, Lu Dongxing was his client, the one who paid him, and he had to follow Lu Dongxing's lead!

Cao Yuande was stunned for a moment. After a while, he finally understood that he had overestimated his own status. In front of a wealthy person like Lu Dongxing, perhaps his feelings as an appraiser did not matter at all!

"Oh, Professor Cao, I'm not doubting your abilities. I just think Brother Yang has good skills and can help take a look." Lu Dongxing explained.

Cao Yuande nodded. Mr. Lu had finally considered his dignity, giving him a way out. He did not insist further, "No problem, Yang Bo's skills are indeed very good!"

Yang Bo was in a dilemma. He walked over, glanced at the pieces, and was about to speak when Cao Yuande interrupted him, "Yang Bo, take a closer look. I'm old and my eyesight isn't good. Don't let another restoration issue happen!"

Seeing Cao Yuande's hint, Yang Bo did not hesitate and turned to look.

After a short while, Yang Bo stood up, "They are indeed good, no problems."

Lu Dongxing sighed with relief and said with satisfaction, "This trip has finally been fruitful!"

Li Er then started to take notes. Yang Bo stood to the side and exchanged a glance with Cao Yuande. Lu Dongxing's reaction had made both of them uncomfortable!

According to Yang Bo's thinking, even in an employment relationship, there should be some camaraderie. However, Lu Dongxing's behavior completely shattered his illusions. It turned out they were just a bare money relationship!

Next, Yang Bo moved away and did not recommend any other items. Lu Dongxing also seemed to have no intention of spending more money. The four pieces today added up to about 17 or 18 million, and he was already satisfied.

A short while later, Yang Bo stopped by a wooden box and looked at the yellow silk inside, which held a piece of Hetian jade Guanyin!

Yang Bo looked at the price, 35,000, which was not high.

Yang Bo went to find Yue Min for the key. Yue Min slowly walked over, examined it for a moment, and found no abnormalities, but he did not readily hand over the key.

"Young man, you are a smart and discerning person!" Yue Min, with his gray hair and advanced age, always spoke with pauses.

"This piece of Hetian jade Guanyin is indeed a rare treasure!"

Yang Bo had thought that he had ruined Yue Min's business and that Yue Min would raise the price, but Yue Min did not mention it, showing his intelligence!

If Yue Min had threatened Yang Bo, he would have certainly spread the word. Since Yue Min did not say more, Yang Bo would not say more either when he returned.

When Yang Bo returned to the car with the wooden box, the three of them were already sitting in the car!

Seeing the box Yang Bo was holding, Lu Dongxing could not help but laugh, "I was wondering why Brother Yang was late. I thought Old Yue might have given you some benefits, and it turns out he did!"

Once outside, Lu Dongxing no longer used formal titles. Yue Min's behavior with the cloisonné was indeed despicable, using a low price to lure them in without revealing the issues!

Yang Bo raised the box, "My grandfather is sick, so I bought this jade Guanyin for him, hoping he will recover soon!"

"Let me see!" Lu Dongxing took the wooden box and pulled out the jade Guanyin, examining it for a while. The car had already traveled a considerable distance before he spoke, "This jade Guanyin is of average quality. Did you notice that the jade is only ordinary Hetian jade, not very translucent!"

Yang Bo nodded, "I don't have much money, so this one is good enough. Having a Buddha in your heart doesn't mean that a lower-quality material will make your wishes less effective!"

Hearing Yang Bo's words, Cao Yuande could not help but turn around. They had known each other for some time, and Cao Yuande was sure that given Yang Bo's character, he would not buy this jade piece without a reason!

Sitting in the passenger seat, Lu Dongxing took out a large Hetian jade Guanyin from his pocket, "Little Yang, what do you think of this one? Isn't it much better than yours? This was brought back from Xinjiang by a friend of mine over ten years ago!"

Yang Bo nodded, "Top-grade white jade!"

Cao Yuende glanced at the wooden box Yang Bo was tightly holding, "I think you didn't buy the jade Guanyin, but the box!"