Chapter 19

After listening to Mou Ying's words, everyone in the room fell into deep thought. Finally, Old Dong, with a trembling hand, clenched his fist and then slowly relaxed it.

It was clear that he was conflicted, but in the end, he made a decision.

"Child, I'll give you the item. Put it in the museum, where everyone can appreciate it. Although I really want to keep it, a gentleman should help others achieve their goals. I know about the Shangpu Museum, and I felt quite sorry for it at that time. I even donated some items to the museum. Today, it's a coincidence, and I accept it!" Old Dong looked through the picture book several times before reluctantly handing it to Mou Ying.

Mou Ying took the picture book, feeling deeply grateful.

She looked at Zhang Tianyuan and said, "Can I really buy this thing?"

Zhang Tianyuan nodded and said, "Since Old Dong has agreed, how could I refuse?"

"Alright, I won't take advantage of you. Although we are old classmates, we should still be clear about business. Old Dong's final price was four million. I don't have that much cash, but you don't need to worry. My grandfather has it. He spent most of his life's earnings on buying back these picture books. If he knows the origin of this picture book, he won't be stingy." Mou Ying thought for a moment and said.

Zhang Tianyuan didn't refuse. At this point, it would be too hypocritical and pretentious to do so. If Mou Ying encounters difficulties in the future, he can always help her. Human relationships are not something that can be repaid with just money.

"Alright, we've seen the good things today. I and the others have had our fill of the sights. It's time to go home." Old Dong stood up, still showing a hint of regret on his face.

After all, when a treasure is right in front of you, but you can't get it, the feeling of regret is too strong.

"Yes, it's getting late. We won't disturb your business anymore." Old Li also stood up.

Zhang Tianyuan hurriedly said, "Don't forget to meet at Baiyi Workshop tomorrow. Although we missed the picture book, we can still appreciate Master Qi Gong's calligraphy."

"Your 'Shangyangtai Post' alone isn't enough. After seeing such a good picture book, our interest is really piqued. Why don't we each bring one or two items we're proud of, and have a treasure appraisal session? Old Li, it's been a long time since we've had a good discussion." Old Dong suddenly said.

Indeed, after seeing the genuine work of Wang Shizhen worth over four million, Qi Gong's 'Shangyangtai Post' wasn't as dazzling anymore.

"Hmph, do you think I'm afraid of you, old man? I'll bring an item to Baiyi Workshop tomorrow!" Old Li coldly snorted.

"Since we're all joining in, let's all bring something. I and Murong will also prepare something." Boss Xiao smiled.

"No problem, the more people, the more lively. Besides, I really want to show you young people what true treasure appraisal is!" Old Li chuckled.

"Can I join in?" Liu Mengxun suddenly smiled and said.

"Of course, Miss Liu can join. I heard your father is a skilled gambler with stones. I have a bit of knowledge in that area too. Why don't you bring an uncut stone tomorrow for everyone to gamble on? It will be quite exciting." Old Dong suggested.

"No problem, but my father is busy with business and may not be able to come..."

"No worries, your presence is enough. I've heard that Miss Liu has inherited the skills of your family." Old Dong smiled.

"Alright, I understand." Liu Mengxun nodded, seemingly having an idea.

At this moment, Mou Ying joined in, "Recently, our company acquired a painting from abroad. The opinions of the company's appraisers are not consistent. I originally planned to have the masters take a look. Can I bring it tomorrow?"

Mou Ying was happy to get free appraisals. Otherwise, it would cost a lot of money to have these people appraise it.

"Sure, if it's a good thing, bring it along." To her surprise, the four experts said in unison, showing how passionate they were about antiques.

"See you tomorrow!"

"See you there!"

...

After sending off the four experts, the group discussed some matters in the jade shop, mainly about how to manage the shop.

Following Mou Ying's suggestion, it was better to find some knowledgeable people to manage the shop. They could also open an online store. With the internet being so developed, online transactions have increased significantly. Even if jade items are not easy to sell online, they could still allow customers to place orders online and then pick up the items from the physical store, which could serve as advertising.

Zhang Tianyuan agreed with Mou Ying's suggestion. He didn't want to be tied down to the jade shop. Having professionals manage it was enough. He didn't need the salary; he wanted to spend more time on archaeology and treasure hunting.

These two activities could help increase his earth qi realm.

After this incident, he deeply felt that his earth qi realm was still too low. A good item worth over three million was only appraised for a few hundred thousand by the Gu family, which was a huge discrepancy and unreliable.

Xu Gang was also a restless person and didn't like staying in one place for long. Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked someone to manage the shop in Xifeng City in the past.

Since both partners had decided, there was no changing it. As for finding people, it was quite convenient. They could post a job ad online, and resumes would start pouring in. With Mou Ying's expertise in finding people, it would only be a matter of time before they found suitable candidates.

Before they knew it, it was already evening. Mou Ying was worried about the safety of the valuable picture book, so she first transferred one million to Zhang Tianyuan's account. Xu Gang then drove her to her grandfather's villa.

Her grandfather didn't live in the city of Shangpu but had built a very classical villa in the suburbs, where he lived in retirement. It took over an hour to drive from the city to there.

However, Mou Ying's family car was much better than Xu Gang's old Buick, faster and more comfortable, making the journey more pleasant.

After Xu Gang left with Mou Ying, Zhang Tianyuan naturally took on the responsibility of driving Liu Mengxun home. Although Liu Mengxun had her own car, she didn't refuse Zhang Tianyuan's offer.

"Thank you for today. If you hadn't reminded me, I might have suffered a great loss." Zhang Tianyuan was driving, and Liu Mengxun sat beside him. The scent of the young girl wafted over, making Zhang Tianyuan a bit dazed, and his heart pounded uncontrollably.

To calm himself down, he quickly found a topic.

"Don't thank me. I was just doing my duty as a friend. If you consider me a friend," Liu Mengxun smiled.

"Of course, I consider you a friend. I'm just afraid you might look down on me as a friend." Zhang Tianyuan smiled back.

"How could I? I've been wandering around the treasure alley in Xifeng City for several days and haven't found anything good. You found such a good thing on your first visit. That's skill, and I can't help but admire it." Liu Mengxun sighed, "These days, money is good, but people with real talent like you are even more precious. My grandfather likes young people like you the most."

As she said this, Liu Mengxun's face suddenly turned red. She didn't know why she felt this way, as if her words were a bit too intimate.

She hadn't felt this way in a long time. Was she really that shallow? Usually, the people around her were either top students from BJ University or wealthy young men, and she had always treated them politely without any real interest. But today, facing this rural "country bumpkin," she felt a stirring in her heart?

No, no! Too hasty! Does this person have some kind of magic?

She had a bit of an idea. Zhang Tianyuan, who mastered the six-character true mantra, was being gradually transformed by earth qi. Not only did his senses become more acute, but his demeanor also changed significantly. It was only natural that women would be attracted to him.