Chapter 6

The Haizhou City God Temple, with a history of over 800 years, was originally built during the Song Dynasty. Having endured many vicissitudes, it has now become a famous tourist attraction in Haizhou and even the East China region.

As a Taoist temple, the Haizhou City God Temple enjoys a high reputation both at home and abroad. With the development of the economy, a vast area has formed here, comprising a Taoist temple, folk customs, a street of snacks, an antique market, and more, showcasing a profound historical and cultural heritage.

This place is not only a must-visit tourist spot for visitors from home and abroad but also an important place for Haizhou residents to relax and shop.

After dinner, Xiaofeng took the No. 23 bus from his home and then transferred to the subway, finally arriving at the Haizhou City God Temple as the city lights began to twinkle.

It was the old man's 80th birthday, and as the eldest grandson, Xiaofeng naturally had to prepare a decent birthday gift for him.

The old man had received traditional private education during the Republic of China era and developed a love for calligraphy after retirement. Therefore, Xiaofeng easily narrowed down the gift options.

Ideally, Xiaofeng should have written a birthday couplet for the old man, but unfortunately, his handwriting was as messy as chicken claws, making it unsuitable for such an occasion.

Unable to make the gift himself, Xiaofeng decided to buy a "Hundred Longevity" painting at the City God Temple, thinking the old man would like it.

The antique market at the Haizhou City God Temple is one of the largest antique trading centers in East China and even the entire country. Here, you can see various treasures from different historical periods of China, making it a true treasure trove. However, the phrase "nine fakes to one real" is no longer sufficient to describe the severity of the mix of genuine and fake items. Even so-called "experts" can be fooled and end up embarrassed!

Xiaofeng was well aware of his own level and naturally would not choose expensive antiques but instead focused on modern works.

Moreover, the rare treasures in the Purple Bamboo Space far surpass those available on the market. However, Xiaofeng lacked the opportunity to publicly display these national treasures, so he had to settle for a lesser option.

The City God Temple at night is not deserted; on the contrary, due to the recent high temperatures, many citizens choose to visit the temple in the evening, making the night market even more bustling.

In the past two years, due to his research on antiques, Xiaofeng had visited the City God Temple frequently and was familiar with the environment. He entered the antique and craft market with ease.

Because of the popularity of the City God Temple night market, these shops, which originally operated only during the day, now stay open until around 11 PM.

With a clear goal, Xiaofeng moved quickly, browsing several shops in no time. However, due to price and other factors, he needed to compare and take his time.

...

"Xiaofeng?!" Just as Xiaofeng was standing on the street, pondering which shop to enter next, a familiar voice came from behind.

Xiaofeng turned around and indeed saw an acquaintance!

"Old Xu, what are you doing here?" Xiaofeng raised his hand to high-five the other person and asked curiously.

Xu Boming was Xiaofeng's alumnus from Haizhou University of Technology, graduating in 2002 with a degree in International Economics and Trade. Both were members of the university's economics and management college football team, making them comrades-in-arms.

However, after Xu Boming graduated, their contact gradually decreased, and they only greeted each other occasionally on QQ.

"I was just handling some business nearby." Xu Boming, seeing Xiaofeng come out of a craft store, asked curiously, "Are you here to buy something?"

Xiaofeng, with his rough and sporty personality, had never shown any interest in art or antiques, which Xu Boming had never noticed. After all, Xiaofeng's interest in these things had only developed in the past two years, so Xu Boming's lack of awareness was understandable.

"My elder relative is turning 80, and I want to buy a 'Hundred Longevity' painting," Xiaofeng nodded and said, "How have you been lately?"

Xiaofeng did not reveal that it was his own grandfather's birthday, using the vague term "elder relative" to change the subject.

"Work has been busy after graduation, and there are too many social engagements!" Xu Boming patted his beer belly with a helpless smile, "Look, in just three years, my six-pack has turned into one!"

Xiaofeng then noticed that Xu Boming's once lean figure had become plump and round, with a large belly, which added a touch of humor.

"Comfortable and well-fed, you're doing great!" Xiaofeng gave a thumbs up and chuckled.

"Do you want to check out a shop opened by an old friend of mine?" After a brief chat, Xu Boming suggested.

As a local of Haizhou, Xu Boming knew that the shops in the City God Temple were a mix of genuine and fake items with inflated prices. If one was not knowledgeable, it was easy to be cheated. As a close friend who had played football, drank, and fought together, Xu Boming naturally did not want Xiaofeng to be taken advantage of.

"Sure, that would be great!" Xiaofeng nodded and said, "I've been looking around, but I haven't found anything suitable yet! My budget is around 5,000 yuan, so anything too expensive is out of my reach!"

The old Xiaofeng would not have dared to set such a high budget, but the current Xiaofeng, backed by a hundred gold bars, felt confident.

Xiaofeng did not doubt that Xu Boming would deceive him, even though they hadn't seen each other for over three years. He still had confidence in their friendship. Besides, Xu Boming's family background was not simple, and he, being penniless, was not worth the trouble.

As they walked and chatted about their recent lives, they gradually recaptured the easy and relaxed feeling they had in school.

After graduation, Xu Boming joined the Haizhou Foreign Trade Bureau, a job that matched his major, and things had gone smoothly for him.

As for Xiaofeng's experiences, they were rather unremarkable. He felt embarrassed to mention his multiple job losses and vaguely said he worked for an e-commerce company.

Although Xu Boming noticed Xiaofeng's hesitation, he did not press the issue but instead changed the topic to some amusing stories from Haizhou University of Technology.

With Xu Boming's recommendation, Xiaofeng bought a "Hundred Longevity" painting by Luo Xing, a young teacher from the Haizhou Art Academy, for 3,000 yuan at a calligraphy and painting shop called "Hanmozhai."

Xiaofeng originally wanted to have a drink with Xu Boming, but unfortunately, Xu Boming was unavailable, so they agreed to meet another day.

After leaving "Hanmozhai," Xiaofeng felt quite lucky. He had expected to spend a lot of effort but unexpectedly met Xu Boming, which made the task much easier.

...

"Xiaoliu, why did you give such a big discount to this alumnus today? That's not like you!" After Xiaofeng left "Hanmozhai," Xu Kai'ning, dressed in white silk short clothes and with a few strands of gray beard, asked curiously.

Xu Kai'ning knew that his nephew had always been decisive and would not act without reason.

"He's a good friend from my university days, and I have high hopes for him!" Xu Boming paused and said, "Anyway, we didn't lose money on this deal today. Giving him a favor might bring some benefits in the future!"

Xiaofeng, of course, had no idea that Xu Boming and his uncle Xu Kai'ning had staged a double act for him. He was too preoccupied with the changes in the space as he took the bus home.

PS: The book has entered the top 70 of the new book chart, thanks to everyone's support! This week's goal is to reach the top 50. Please add to your collection and recommend it. Xiaosan thanks you!

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