Chapter 53

"According to what you said, don't I need to stick some white beard on my face?"

Jing Shizhen gave Su Xiaofan an annoyed look. He knew what Su Xiaofan meant; this was a mockery of those experts.

"In our circle, although some people are hyped up, those without real talent and knowledge can't go far."

In recent years, treasure appraisal shows have become extremely popular, giving rise to a batch of appraisal experts.

The audience watches for entertainment, but insiders know that these appraisal experts vary in quality, and many of them run around to different venues to earn extra fees.

"By the way, Uncle Jing, how old are you exactly?"

Su Xiaofan looked at Jing Shizhen with some curiosity.

According to Su Xiaofan's understanding, Jing Shizhen returned to the country over forty years ago to found the Tranquil Heart Hall. Even if he was young then, he must have been in his twenties.

That means Jing Shizhen should be at least in his sixties now. Didn't the white-bearded Mr. Yuan from the Tranquil Heart Hall in Luochuan call him "Brother Jing"?

However, from his appearance, Jing Shizhen looked like a middle-aged uncle.

You could say he was forty, and if he dressed more fashionably, people might believe he was in his thirties.

"What are you worrying about these trivial things for? I'm talking about the show," Jing Shizhen waved his hand, somewhat dissatisfied.

"Uncle Jing, how old are you really? How do you maintain yourself? Tell me."

Su Xiaofan had no interest in the appraisal show but was very curious about Jing Shizhen.

After all, when he was selling antiques in the Luochuan antique market, Jing Shizhen was a god-like figure in Su Xiaofan's mind, and using the word "admiration" to describe it was not an exaggeration.

Su Xiaofan never thought he would one day be so familiar with Jing Shizhen, so naturally, he wanted to learn more about his idol.

"I'm sixty-eight this year, okay? Stop worrying about these useless things."

Jing Shizhen, unable to resist Su Xiaofan's persistence, revealed his age.

"Uncle Jing, how do you maintain yourself? When we go out, people believe you're my older brother."

Su Xiaofan's words were a bit exaggerated, but not far off. Jing Shizhen's appearance was indeed much younger than his actual age.

Su Xiaofan suddenly exclaimed, "Uncle Jing, you didn't get injections, did you? I see those celebrities, nine out of ten have had injections, and they look very young."

"Get lost."

Jing Shizhen was annoyed by Su Xiaofan's words.

"I practice health-preserving exercises. What's strange about looking younger? Hey, why do you always change the subject?"

"Uncle Jing, I really don't want to participate in that appraisal show."

Su Xiaofan was caught by Jing Shizhen's insight and couldn't help but laugh bitterly. However, he didn't take Jing Shizhen's talk about health-preserving exercises seriously. Some male celebrities in their sixties also looked like they were in their thirties or forties.

As for the appraisal show, Su Xiaofan was fine with watching it as an audience member, but he didn't want to be on stage and be the entertainment for others.

"You know nothing!"

Jing Shizhen took a sip of tea to clear his throat and said, "Do you think I would go on those shows if I had nothing better to do? Do I need that appearance fee?"

"Huh? There's money? Uncle Jing, how much do they pay? You didn't mention this earlier..."

Hearing about the appearance fee, Su Xiaofan's eyes lit up. If it was about making money, they could continue the conversation.

"How fresh. Without appearance fees, half of those 'experts' would starve to death."

Jing Shizhen laughed.

"Uncle Jing, how much is your appearance fee?" Su Xiaofan asked.

"Me? It's fifty thousand."

Although Jing Shizhen rarely participated in appraisal shows, his reputation in the industry was significant, and the fee for his appearance was far more than what other experts could command.

Moreover, Jing Shizhen didn't really care about the fifty thousand.

He usually appraised items in his store for tens of thousands, and even the lower end was in the thousands.

But appraising at the show, he would have to appraise many antiques, and he would definitely lose money.

"If I go, how much would they pay me?" Su Xiaofan was most concerned about this.

"You? About fifty thousand."

Jing Shizhen was uncertain. Fifty thousand was a generous offer from the Beijing station, and some experts who ran around to different venues only got two or three thousand.

"So little?"

Su Xiaofan was a bit disappointed.

"Fifty thousand is little? Do you really think you're an expert?" Jing Shizhen gave Su Xiaofan a sidelong glance.

"Fifty thousand isn't little. It would take me months to earn that much before."

Su Xiaofan was taken aback by Jing Shizhen's words. He had recently become a bit arrogant, to the point where he didn't even care about fifty thousand.

"I participate in appraisal shows not for the appearance fee."

Jing Shizhen said, "Xiao Su, do you know what's most important for running an antique shop?"

"Customers? Inventory?"

Based on his experience selling at a stall, Su Xiaofan answered, "When I was selling at a stall, the most important thing was customers. Tourists had a low conversion rate, and some regular customers who liked bronze artifacts were the most stable source of income."

The bronze artifacts Su Xiaofan sold were all made by himself, so inventory wasn't an issue.

What he needed to consider was how to sell the items he made.

"You're right, but for the Tranquil Heart Hall, the most important thing is inventory..."

Jing Shizhen wanted to guide Su Xiaofan and said, "The Tranquil Heart Hall has many channels for selling, including domestic and international auction houses. You don't need to worry about this.

But antiques are non-renewable resources. Even with a large collection, the Tranquil Heart Hall will eventually run out, so we need to constantly replenish..."

"Uncle Jing, participating in appraisal shows can help replenish inventory?" Su Xiaofan caught on.

"Yes, and there are other benefits." Jing Shizhen nodded and explained to Su Xiaofan.

Compared to museums and collectors, the number of antiques in the hands of the public is enormous.

Appraisal shows help uncover these antiques and make the public aware of their value.

Jing Shizhen doesn't need to buy antiques at the show; he just needs to get these items into the market.

A thriving market means better business for the Tranquil Heart Hall.

Of course, if someone is willing to sell on the spot, as long as there's a profit, Jing Shizhen is willing to buy.

After all, the antique business is about buying low and selling high. He can't rely on finding bargains to sustain the Tranquil Heart Hall.

Most of the antiques in the Tranquil Heart Hall's warehouse were acquired through market transactions, and the few bargains Jing Shizhen found were the exception.

However, some unscrupulous experts give low appraisals at the show and then buy the items from the owners for a profit.

Jing Shizhen is above such behavior, and he ensures it doesn't happen at the shows he participates in.

Participating in appraisal shows also helps promote the Tranquil Heart Hall.

The Tranquil Heart Hall is a recognized leader in the industry, but for the general public, it might be less known. Many people know the major auction houses but not the Tranquil Heart Hall.

By participating in appraisal shows, the Tranquil Heart Hall can become more familiar to the public.

These things have a subtle effect, like advertising. Over time, people will naturally recognize the Tranquil Heart Hall.

If viewers have antiques they want to sell, they will naturally think of the Tranquil Heart Hall.

"But what's in it for me?" After hearing Jing Shizhen's explanation, Su Xiaofan shook his head.

Apart from the appearance fee, nothing else seemed to benefit him. He couldn't turn his stall in Luochuan into an antique shop.

"Hmm, maybe not impossible."

Su Xiaofan suddenly had an idea. If he opened an antique shop, he could turn the antiques he found at a low price into cash.

Finding bargains individually would be too conspicuous, but selling antiques in a shop is a legitimate business.

As long as he didn't sell prohibited items or stolen goods, he didn't need to explain his inventory to anyone.

"This is a good idea. I must open an antique shop."

Thinking of this way to make money, the problems that had been troubling Su Xiaofan for days were suddenly solved.

"Now, I can open a shop in Luochuan and then a branch in Beijing..."

Su Xiaofan mused, envisioning a bright future, and then, perhaps, he could marry a rich and beautiful woman and reach the pinnacle of life.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?"

Jing Shizhen's voice interrupted Su Xiaofan's daydream. "Are you going to the appraisal show? If not, I'll turn it down and find someone else."

"By the way, participating in the show actually has some benefits for you."

"What benefits?"

Su Xiaofan felt he had become quite materialistic. Antiques are a refined business, but he had made it all about money.

"This is a miscellaneous category show, and there might be something you need."

"Meteorites?"

Su Xiaofan's eyes lit up. Absorbing meteorites was the most stable way he knew to increase his restoration value.

"Exactly, I've seen them at the show before."

Jing Shizhen nodded and said, "You know, miscellaneous antiques cover a wide range. People often bring items they don't understand or don't know the value of for appraisal. If you're lucky, you might find someone with a meteorite."

According to Jing Shizhen, the chances of items being sold at the show are high.

Not all antiques can go to auctions.

Some lower-value or niche antiques are often sold on the spot when the owners need money.

So, the show often attracts many collectors and antique dealers. Jing Shizhen's participation gives him an advantage.

"Uncle Jing, since you've asked, I must go!"

Su Xiaofan laughed and said, "But Uncle Jing, can you help me negotiate a higher appearance fee? It would be embarrassing for you if the fee for someone you introduced is too low."

"Sure, I can introduce you like this."

Su Xiaofan puffed out his chest, "Antique industry professional, youngest bronze craftsman, youngest bronze appraiser!"

"How did I not notice how shameless you are?"

Jing Shizhen gave Su Xiaofan a thumbs up, "I admire you. With your shamelessness, you'll definitely become famous on the show!"