Chapter 69

Xiao Fan stood at the entrance of the classroom, took a deep breath, and tightly held the letter containing secrets that his mother had given him.

Zheng Dagang could ignore the origin of the items, but he had to understand the acquisition price. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to set a reserve price when negotiating with the auction house. If the reserve price was set too low, they would end up losing money.

"Eight ancient coins, if we can auction them for over ten million, we won't lose money."

Xiao Fan had also checked the market prices of these ancient coins. Two of them were slightly cheaper, totaling around 1.2 million. However, the remaining six were quite expensive, with five of them once selling for over 2 million each. The most expensive one was the Tianjuan Tongbao from the Jin Dynasty, which sold for over 3.6 million five years ago. If it were auctioned now, its value would at least increase by 30%.

Another coin was even rarer and more valuable, as it was a unique piece with no market price. This coin was the Zhining Yuanbao, cast in the first year of the Zhining era by Emperor Weishao of the Jin Dynasty, Wanyan Yongji. To date, only one has been discovered, and it is now housed in the National Museum.

Since it is a unique piece, it has never been traded on the market, so the Zhining Yuanbao cannot be priced. If a passionate ancient coin collector were to encounter it, it wouldn't be surprising for it to sell for over ten million.

Xiao Fan didn't know if they would encounter such a passionate collector. However, when he mentioned these ancient coins, Brother Gang became excited and almost rushed out of the toll exit in his excitement.

"Xiao Fan, with these eight rare coins, if I can't organize a grand ancient coin event in the country, you can count me as incapable!"

While driving, Zheng Dagang patted his chest. He couldn't wait to turn the car around, buy a ticket to Yanjing, and find those auction houses.

"Brother Gang, calm down."

Xiao Fan waited until Brother Gang calmed down before speaking: "I also have two magical artifacts. Take them to Old Zhao and have him appraise them."

"More magical artifacts?"

Zheng Dagang's eyes widened. "Are they real magical artifacts? Like the one you bought last time?"

"Absolutely real."

Xiao Fan nodded. "The quality is better than the Zhanfeng Bell I bought last time. Each is worth at least 8 million. Don't sell them for less."

The Zhanfeng Bell Xiao Fan bought last time was a low-tier magical artifact, but it was damaged and required repair. This time, the Hetian Jade Guanyin pendant and the Bagua Fengshui Mirror he brought were complete low-tier magical artifacts, so they would definitely be more expensive.

"Alright, I'll go see Old Zhao later."

Zheng Dagang's face was full of excitement. He had seen Uncle Jing trade magical artifacts, which often involved millions, and no one haggled.

"By the way, Brother Gang, say the magical artifacts are from a temple, and don't mention that I found them."

Xiao Fan reminded Zheng Dagang. Although it might be hard to keep it from Uncle Jing in the future, Xiao Fan didn't want Uncle Jing to know too soon that the magical artifacts came from him.

"Alright, you know I can keep my mouth shut. Whoever asks, I'll say I collected them myself."

Zheng Dagang nodded, though he was curious about the source of these items, he could resist asking as they had agreed beforehand.

"Brother Gang, where are we going?"

Xiao Fan was puzzled when he saw Zheng Dagang's car not heading towards his home. They had agreed to go home first to check the items.

"Hehe, you'll see when we get there."

Zheng Dagang chuckled and pressed the gas pedal harder.

"By the way, Brother Gang, take me to buy a car this afternoon."

The antique market where Xiao Fan used to set up a stall was still his base, but now he lived far away, so having a car would be more convenient.

"Sure, what kind of car do you want? A Mercedes or a BMW?"

Zheng Dagang glanced at Xiao Fan. "I have a friend who deals with imported cars. They come from Tianjin Port, and the prices are reasonable. If you can't find what you want, you can order one from him."

"Let's see this afternoon. I haven't decided yet."

Xiao Fan shook his head. He had 4 million in cash, but he needed to save some for buying meteorites, so a cheaper car for commuting would suffice.

"Short on cash?"

Zheng Dagang misunderstood Xiao Fan's meaning. "Tell me what you like this afternoon, and I'll make up the difference. We're both bosses now, so the car can't be too shabby."

"It's just a commuting tool, no need for something too fancy."

"That won't do. A car is your face, you understand?"

"Ah, we're here, Xiao Fan, get out!"

While chatting, Zheng Dagang had already parked the car by the roadside.

"Brother Gang, why are we here?"

Xiao Fan looked around, puzzled. "The antique market is up there, and there's a parking lot. Why did you park here?"

Xiao Fan was familiar with the area. Luochuan was mountainous, and the city had many gentle slopes. The antique market was built on a slope, with the market at the top and a flower and bird market below, where Zheng Dagang had parked.

"Let's check out our shop."

Zheng Dagang got Xiao Fan out of the car and locked the door. Xiao Fan's suitcase was still in the car, and Zheng Dagang was cautious, as there were many thieves in the flower and bird market.

"Didn't we say we wouldn't rent a shop?"

Xiao Fan was surprised.

"Someone just vacated my shop last month, and it hasn't been rented out yet. I thought we could use it. It's also a good place to have tea when we have free time."

Zheng Dagang led Xiao Fan to a shop with the roller shutter closed and a red cloth covering the sign.

"Waiting for you to open it!"

Zheng Dagang laughed, unlocked the roller shutter, and took out a ladder from inside.

"Damn, they don't even let us set off firecrackers anymore, it's not festive at all."

Zheng Dagang gestured for Xiao Fan to climb the ladder. "Xiao Fan, pull off the red cloth on the sign, and we'll be open for business."

"What are you up to?"

Xiao Fan climbed the ladder with a wry smile, pulled the red cloth off, and revealed the sign.

"Fanren Hall?"

Xiao Fan couldn't help but smack his lips at the three gilded characters on the sign. When they discussed the shop name, Xiao Fan had let Zheng Dagang decide, and he didn't expect this name.

"How's it? The calligraphy on the sign was done by Liu Yibiao, and I paid over 10,000 for it."

Zheng Dagang looked up at the sign proudly. "Come inside, I've already set everything up. We're in a bustling area, much busier than Jingxin Hall."

"Brother Gang, our business isn't for ordinary people."

Xiao Fan was both amused and exasperated by Zheng Dagang's actions. Antiques worth millions weren't something ordinary people could afford. Unlike shops selling crafts and souvenirs, antique shops didn't need high foot traffic. They needed regular customers, good reputation, and connections with auction houses. Having a shop in a busy area was unnecessary.

"Brother Gang, if someone breaks an antique, would you make them pay or not?"

"Cough, I didn't think that far. I just thought a shop would make us look more legitimate."

Zheng Dagang scratched his head. He felt he had taken a big favor from Xiao Fan and wanted to make up for it by setting up a shop.

"Let's use this place for tea, don't put any antiques here."

Xiao Fan walked inside and found the space to be quite large, over 30 square meters. Zheng Dagang had brought in several antique racks and placed a sofa and a tea table inside, with tea sets ready.

"Brother Gang, if someone wants to rent it, let's consider it."

Xiao Fan shook his head. He wanted to make money quietly and keep a low profile. If they had to open a shop, it should be in a more secluded location.

"Alright, I didn't think it through."

Zheng Dagang nodded and took a file from one of the racks, handing it to Xiao Fan.

"Our business license and the shareholding agreement."

Zheng Dagang explained, "I'm the legal representative, but the shareholding agreement clearly states that you own 80% of the shares, making you the majority shareholder."

Since they were starting a company, they would need to deal with business and tax authorities, and Zheng Dagang, being well-connected, was more suitable as the legal representative.

"Alright, I'll take it home."

Xiao Fan took the file and looked at the bustling crowd outside, feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was too lively.

"Hey, boss, want to buy some puppies?"

As they were talking, the shop door opened. The person holding the door had a dog cage in his left hand, with three adorable puppies inside.

"No, please leave and close the door behind you."

Zheng Dagang felt it was inconvenient. If pet sellers kept coming in, they wouldn't be able to do any business.

"Interested in dogs?"

Zheng Dagang noticed Xiao Fan looking at the puppies and asked.

"Not really. I had a stupid dog when I was a kid. When I got into a fight, the dog pulled my pants."

Xiao Fan shook his head. It was a not-so-good memory. He lost the fight, his pants were torn, and he got scolded by his grandfather.

The geese they raised at home were much better for guarding the house than dogs and often chased the stupid dog around.

"If you want a pet, let me know. I know the area well."

Zheng Dagang looked outside and lowered his voice. "Some people used to buy lynx cubs, but they were too fierce and ended up hurting people and running into the mountains."

"Brother Gang, the leopard meat you got before, did you get it from here?"

Hearing Zheng Dagang's words, Xiao Fan laughed. Luochuan had mountains with some wild animals. Over the years, he had eaten many animals like pangolins with Zheng Dagang. However, leopard meat was sour and not very tasty, and its bones were often sold as tiger bones.

Every city has its dark corners. In places like the antique market and the flower and bird market, Xiao Fan had seen many such things.