Chapter 80

Wu Di placed his little finger on the woodblock print. Indeed, it was from the Ming Dynasty, and the shop owner had not lied. Just as he was about to take his finger away, a cool but distinctively different aura from jade emanated, and Wu Di exclaimed, "Huh?" He then took his finger away and carefully examined the edge of the woodblock print.

"Sir, is something wrong?"

The shop owner had been observing Wu Di's expression and attire, sensing that he was quite satisfied with the woodblock. He was pondering:

"None of his clothes are branded, but mainlanders have learned to hide their wealth, especially those who come to the antique street to hunt for treasures. They are all very cunning. However, he is so dark, he doesn't seem like a rich man's son. How much should I quote?"

Hearing Wu Di's exclamation and his careful examination of the woodblock's edge, the shop owner hurried over.

"Nothing, I just felt a prick on my finger, so I wanted to check if there were any splinters."

The shop owner felt reassured, thinking that Wu Di was interested and was starting to nitpick.

"Sir, this woodblock has been around for hundreds of years and has developed a patina, making it generally smooth. You might have accidentally touched something else."

While chatting with the shop owner, Wu Di thought to himself:

"There's actually a painting hidden in this woodblock, and the cool aura is quite substantial and soft. It's definitely a good thing. This is a good start in Hong Kong. If it turns out to be a masterpiece by Shi Tao, it would be perfect. Whether I find a Tianhuang stone carving or not, I can consider this task accomplished."

Earlier, he had been afraid that the shop owner would become suspicious, so he hadn't examined the painting in detail, only knowing that it was a painting without seeing its content or the signature. He was also puzzled why the Heavenly Book hadn't given a clear indication this time. Could it be that antiques and jade required different identification times?

"Boss, I know this is an old item, and we are all into this. I really like this woodblock, it's just a matter of whether you are willing to part with it."

After much consideration, the shop owner quoted a price that was both offensive and defensive:

"350,000!"

"Too high, lower it a bit."

"330,000, sir, I can't go any lower."

"Woodblock prints from the Ming Dynasty in Zhuxian Town, mainland China, generally cost around 150,000. Your piece is in good condition and has an ancient style, so I'll add 50,000. Since we are in Hong Kong, I'll add another 20,000, making it 220,000 in total. If you agree, wrap it up for me. If not, put it away, and I'll look around."

The shop owner knew he had encountered an expert and, after a moment's thought, nodded:

"Alright, I'll wrap it up for you!"

The shop owner's packaging was very considerate, using a backpack designed for art students to carry their drawing boards. The woodblock was wrapped in a layer of velvet and then placed in the backpack, fitting perfectly.

"This is a custom-made package to provide the best service to our customers."

Wu Di gave the shop owner a thumbs up:

"Your service is worth the extra 20,000. Hey, boss, do you know any shops that sell various small stone carvings?"

"Oh, the first shop after the corner, called Yashi Xing, specializes in stone carvings, with all kinds of stones."

Wu Di was delighted, not expecting to find it so easily. He thanked the shop owner and walked forward with the backpack.

Wu Di didn't rush to check the painting in the woodblock, preferring to leave some suspense for the evening. He was also a bit afraid of the Heavenly Book's reaction and didn't want to try again immediately. As for the gift for Mr. Yang, the woodblock clearly wasn't suitable, but he wasn't worried. There were still many shops, and he would surely find something appropriate. Besides, even if he didn't buy anything, Mr. Yang wouldn't mind.

Yashi Xing was a small shop specializing in various stone carvings. Wu Di quickly scanned the items and was pleased to find many high-quality pieces. He didn't see the man with the pompadour, who was probably out collecting items, which was normal. Wu Di called the shop owner over and asked:

"Boss, do you have any more refined Tianhuang stone carvings suitable for a birthday celebration?"

"Oh, you asked the right person. I just received one a few days ago, a set of the Three Stars of Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity, perfect for an elderly person's birthday! Just wait a moment."

That's it! He couldn't believe his luck, finding it so easily. He planned to spend the next few days exploring Hong Kong, which he had never visited before.

The shop owner brought a box and hurried over, placing it on the table and gesturing for Wu Di to open it himself.

Wu Di wasn't in a rush. He first examined the box, which looked right. He rubbed his hands and smiled as he opened the box. Instantly, his smile froze. It was indeed a Tianhuang stone carving of the Three Stars of Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity, but the stone quality was clearly inferior. To be safe, Wu Di put on white gloves and, under the shop owner's admiring gaze, picked up the carving, examined it, and asked:

"Boss, do you have any with a similar design but better stone quality?"

"None, sir. Tianhuang stones are very rare, especially ones of this size. We almost never encounter them. This one was just brought back from the mainland."

Wu Di shook his head and put the item down, saying:

"The old man has a keen eye. This might not be suitable. Thanks anyway."

"Wait a moment, young man. I know another shop that has one. If you're serious, I can get it for you to see."

"Is it also the Three Stars of Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity?"

"Yes."

"Alright, I'll look at other items here first. How long will it take you, boss?"

"About half an hour. Gangzi, serve the guest some tea. Please wait a moment."

Wu Di nodded but didn't sit down. He carefully examined the items in the shop. There were many high-quality pieces, including two glass-like green bangles! This Tianhuang stone seal must be worth around a million, yet it was casually displayed. This bloodstone seal had an ancient and elegant design, very interesting. The blood content was as high as 70%!

Wu Di gestured for Gangzi to bring the bloodstone seal with the highest blood content and placed it in his hand for a detailed inspection. From the design, it was a collection and appreciation seal, larger than a typical private seal but not quite double. It was likely cut to this size to preserve the blood.

First, he examined the blood. The color was bright and pure, full of vitality, as if it were about to blend into the stone. The blood content was abundant, forming a large, continuous mass, with a few blood spots scattered in the non-blood areas.

Next, he checked the clarity. There were no flaws or cracks.

Finally, he examined the base. The color was deep and elegant, semi-transparent, with a strong wax-like luster. Gently pressing with his fingertips, it felt as if he could press into the stone surface.

He then used his little finger to touch it, and the Heavenly Book immediately gave a prompt:

"Changhua bloodstone seal, blood content 69%, genuine."

A good piece, Wu Di nodded as he examined it. The seal, without any carving, had already captivated him. He suddenly wondered if the blood was cut at its maximum point. If he cut a bit deeper, would the blood content be even higher?

Wu Di looked through the blood mass inward. Indeed, the current surfaces were the areas with the highest blood content. Slightly deeper, the blood mass began to shrink rapidly, revealing more stone. The blood color also mixed with some black. About two millimeters in, the blood content dropped to around 50%, and the middle became sparse, except for large blood masses at the bottom and top.

Wu Di smiled and shook his head, thinking about human greed. Just as he was about to take his finger away, he felt something was off and examined it more closely. What was this? In the middle of the seal, a large blood mass formed a vertical strip, which narrowed into irregular thin lines at two millimeters deep. A shape became increasingly clear before Wu Di's eyes.

It was a head, with a wide-open mouth, a bright red tongue, black blood lines forming whiskers, and large red eyes with black spots. Three horizontal and one vertical black blood lines formed a "wang" character. It was a tiger's head! Looking up, a circle of black blood revealed a blood-red tiger body, with smooth, dynamic lines. The long, snake-like tail and powerful, agile limbs were amazing! Oh my God! This was clearly a fierce tiger descending from the mountain! One paw was on a rock, and it was roaring to the sky! The sparse black blood lines, varying in thickness and height, formed a scene with grass, trees, mountains, a tiger, and clouds.

Wu Di quickly turned the stone to another side, and the scene changed. A blood-red deer was leaping on a red grassland! Turning another side, rugged rocks, a dense black forest, and a red river! Turning another side, the river remained, but the mountains were gentler, and the trees were sparser. This, this, this, how was this possible?!

Wu Di felt dizzy and subconsciously gripped the seal tightly, leaning on the anxious Gangzi to slowly move to a chair and sit down. He calmed himself and said:

"Nothing, I just arrived from the north and might have a bit of heatstroke. I'll be fine after a rest."

Gangzi helped Wu Di sit down, took out some Rendan from a drawer, and had Wu Di take two. He then called the shop owner. A few minutes later, a man on a motorbike arrived with the shop owner, who quickly walked in with a box. Seeing that Wu Di was only pale but otherwise fine, the shop owner breathed a sigh of relief.

The man parked his bike and walked in. The shop owner introduced him:

"This is Mr. Jin from Qishi Xuan. I'm Mr. Liu. I forgot to introduce myself earlier."

Wu Di tried to stand up to greet him, but Mr. Liu quickly pressed him down and asked:

"Are you okay? Do you need to go to the clinic?"

"No, no, I'm fine now. I think it's just a bit of heatstroke."

"Yes, it's very hot this year. You must have walked a lot to look like that. Be careful, and it's best to see a doctor later."

Wu Di thanked him.

Mr. Liu hesitated and asked:

"What do you think? Should we postpone this for another day?"

"No, I'm really fine. I'm usually very healthy and have no hidden illnesses."

"Alright, young man, this is Mr. Jin's stone. If you like it, you can talk to him directly."

Wu Di nodded, opened the box, and saw the Three Stars of Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity. The stone quality was slightly better, but it had a skin and was much smaller.

Wu Di shook his head and said:

"Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Jin. If you have any with better stone quality, please call me. I'm really sorry."

Wu Di handed his business card to both men. Mr. Liu had already heard from Gangzi about the earlier situation and knew that Wu Di might be interested in the bloodstone seal. He subtly held the seal and gestured:

"Mr. Wu, shall we go upstairs to talk?"

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