Chapter 83

Yang Bo received a call from his mother, informing him that his father had already gone to Lishui to find Yang Lang.

Yang Bo didn't pay much attention, as he had a customer in his shop, and Lu Dongxing had arrived as promised!

Yang Bo poured tea and exchanged a few pleasantries with Lu Dongxing.

Lu Dongxing, however, was extremely straightforward. After a brief chat, he said directly, "I know you're about to catch a flight to the capital, so I won't keep you. I'll be blunt: I want to hire you as my personal appraiser!"

"Personal appraiser?" Yang Bo was slightly taken aback. He knew that some wealthy collectors had appraisers, but he hadn't expected this to happen to him.

Lu Dongxing nodded, "Yes, a personal appraiser. But you don't need to worry too much. You can continue with your regular activities. I'll only call you when I need an appraisal. According to my habits, I usually attend two auctions in Hong Kong each year and a few domestic auctions, mainly the spring and autumn auctions of three or four auction houses."

"In total, you'll spend about half a month a year on this. Of course, there are also some good items I come across during my business trips that I'll buy and ask you to appraise."

Yang Bo nodded lightly. This job as an appraiser seemed quite relaxed.

Seeing Yang Bo's interest, Lu Dongxing was delighted and said, "Regarding the compensation, it will be calculated daily, at 100,000 yuan per day, the same as Professor Cao, although he has moved to the capital and it's not as convenient for him now!"

Yang Bo thought for a moment and couldn't find a reason to refuse. Such generous compensation was indeed rare. He agreed, "Alright!"

Lu Dongxing was overjoyed and gestured for his secretary to bring a contract. "I have the contract here. Take a look, and if there are no issues, we can finalize it!"

Yang Bo smiled, "No need to look. I'm sure Mr. Lu wouldn't deceive me!"

Despite his words, Yang Bo still flipped through the contract and saw that the term was one year, which satisfied him, and he signed his name.

Lu Dongxing quickly left, but due to the back-to-back visitors, Yang Bo's time became tight. His phone rang suddenly, and he answered it.

"Where are you?" Luo Yaohua asked.

"I'm in the shop."

"Wait for me, I'll come over right away!" Luo Yaohua said urgently.

Yang Bo checked the time and hurriedly stopped him, "No need to come. I'm about to catch a flight to the capital!"

"What a coincidence!" Luo Yaohua almost swore, then added, "Alright, I'll meet you in the capital this afternoon!"

Yang Bo hung up, grabbed his suitcase, and without packing, locked the door and took a taxi straight to the airport.

On the plane, Yang Bo remembered that he had intended to bring the Japanese lacquer box, but it was too late. The box was in the safe at the shop, and there was no way to go back for it.

Upon arriving at the airport, Yang Bo found Cao Yuande and told him about forgetting the lacquer box. Cao Yuande said helplessly, "If you didn't bring it, that's fine! It's not like it's the only piece!"

Cao Yuende had just arrived in the capital and hadn't planned to buy a house yet, so he was staying in a two-bedroom apartment rented by his workplace. Yang Bo didn't want to disturb him, but Luo Yaohua arrived just in time, and the three of them had dinner together.

Yang Bo suddenly mentioned, "Old Brother Cao, why have I been hearing so much about the fish-patterned colored pottery jar in my possession? Some even say the National Museum wants to reclaim it, which is quite amusing."

Cao Yuende laughed, "You don't need to be so cautious. I didn't spread the news. That day, there were too many people, and I didn't think it through. I should have kept it to a few people after the meeting!"

Yang Bo shook his head, "With so many people, it's normal for the news to spread."

"I know the National Museum wants to reclaim the fish-patterned colored pottery jar. It's true!" Cao Yuende added.

Yang Bo became anxious, "On what grounds? They want to reclaim it directly? But there's nothing illegal about the colored pottery jar!"

Cao Yuende calmed him down, "Let me explain. They haven't approached you yet. When they called me, I strongly opposed it. Later, I told them you would be in the capital in a couple of days, so they didn't come."

Yang Bo was stunned, "Brother Luo, let's leave. The capital is truly a den of tigers and dragons!"

Luo Yaohua laughed, "Why are you so anxious? The fish-patterned colored pottery jar is yours. They're just using the pretext of acquisition. As long as you keep your mouth shut and deny it, they can't do anything to you!"

Yang Bo turned to Cao Yuende, unsure if this was true.

Cao Yuende nodded, "Do you think they can persuade you so easily? They know the chances of reclaiming it are low, which is why they're waiting for you."

Yang Bo sighed in relief, "Thank goodness!"

...

The exchange was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, and there was no need for Yang Bo to arrive so early. However, he didn't want to stay in Jinling, so he came early to explore.

The night passed without incident. Yang Bo got up early and, with Luo Yaohua, headed straight for Liulichang.

Liulichang, originating in the Qing Dynasty, was where scholars from all over the country stayed during the imperial examinations. Over time, many shops selling stationery, books, and antiques were attracted to the area.

Yang Bo and Luo Yaohua followed the crowd, entering each shop to browse.

Some of the older antique shops had a long history, and the antiques they displayed were genuine and clearly priced. It was extremely difficult to find a bargain, but the two were still very interested.

Luo Yaohua was fond of the Four Treasures of the Study and often claimed to have excellent calligraphy, which Yang Bo doubted.

They bought brushes from Daiyue轩, ink from Yidege, and paper and inkstones from Qingmige, completing their set of the Four Treasures. Luo Yaohua then began to grind ink and write on the spot.

His brush strokes were full and lively, and his calligraphy was praised by the onlookers!

Luo Yaohua was quite pleased and bowed to the crowd, "Thank you, thank you!"

Yang Bo was curious, "I never expected this. I always thought you were a slacker, but you're actually a top student!"

Luo Yaohua tidied up his brush and ink, and upon hearing Yang Bo's words, pretended to splash the remaining ink at him, "You're the slacker! I graduated from a prestigious university in the capital, recited the Thousand Character Classic and the Hundred Family Surnames at three, and practiced calligraphy from the age of four. I've been practicing for over a decade, and it's not just talk!"

Yang Bo was greatly surprised, "So you're not just a troublemaker. I thought your proudest achievement was flirting with girls in kindergarten?"

Luo Yaohua shook his head, "You should learn from me more. You should learn calligraphy, music, and other skills to impress girls!"

Just as Luo Yaohua finished speaking, two foreign girls with blonde hair and blue eyes approached, pointing at his brush and ink, and holding cameras, seemingly wanting to take a photo with him!

Luo Yaohua was even more excited and winked at Yang Bo!