Chapter 3

Han Jin stood with Zeng Mi at the entrance of a nearby teahouse, "Wei Quan Ju."

As soon as they entered, Han Jin heard a melodious tune that made his ears tingle.

Following the sound, he saw an old vinyl record player on the counter shelf. It was antique and exquisitely crafted.

Han Jin's eyes lit up instantly. He recognized it as the Alpha-Lyric classic model manufactured by German company Boka in April 1945.

This model, due to its unique shock-absorption design, produced almost no vibration when the turntable rotated, achieving the ultimate sound quality.

However, because of the rapid defeat of Germany in World War II, the Boka manufacturing company was forced to close, and the factory ceased operations, with employees laid off and documents lost.

As a result, the Alpha-Lyric record player became a rarity, with only 500 units produced. Due to its unique craftsmanship and sound quality, as well as its rarity, it became a sought-after item among collectors.

Han Jin had previously owned an Alpha-Lyric record player, which he treasured greatly, but unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire and did not accompany him through his time travel.

Therefore, when he saw this record player again, he couldn't help but stare in a daze.

"Jin, what are you looking at? Come over here and sit down first," Zeng Mi said with a smile.

Inside the counter, the owner also smiled and asked, "Young man, what's wrong? Why are you staring at my record player without blinking?"

Han Jin smiled, "Boss, your record player is really nice. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it?"

"Haha, someone actually dares to covet my beloved record player. Why don't you guys kick him out?" a customer nearby chimed in.

The few staff members who were busy in the shop heard this and really rolled up their sleeves and came over.

Zeng Mi gently pulled Han Jin aside, "Boss, boss, we just came for a meal." Then she said to the staff, "Bao Jie, please let us in for a meal."

The owner waved his hand at the eager staff, signaling them to back off, "Young man, do you know about record players?"

"A little bit," Han Jin said modestly, though in fact, he knew all about record players worldwide.

"Oh, then tell me about this record player. If you do well, your meal today is on the house," the owner said with a smile.

Zeng Mi clapped her hands, "Bao Jie, he's really good, let him show off."

Han Jin smiled, "Your record player is the Alpha-Lyric model made by Boka. It has exquisite and detailed craftsmanship, embodying all the excellent qualities of German manufacturing. The core technology is its unique shock-absorption design, which was lost during World War II and cannot be fully replicated with current technology."

"You know a bit," the owner nodded after hearing Han Jin's words.

The Alpha-Lyric record player is one of the most precious and rare classics among vinyl record players. For those who understand, it's not difficult to point out these advantages.

Han Jin continued, "Your record player is well-maintained, spotless. I can tell you take great care of it every day." He sniffed the air, "Yes, you use a homemade cleaning solution."

The owner's eyes lit up. He cherished the record player and treated it like a treasure. Worried that commercial cleaning solutions might damage it, he used a homemade solution for maintenance.

Only his few old friends knew this, but he was surprised that Han Jin could say it so easily.

"Yes, your cleaning solution is made of 30% castor oil, 30% gasoline, 20% ethanol, 10% rose essential oil, and 10% cod liver oil," Han Jin sniffed again and said with a smile.

This really stunned the owner. The homemade cleaning solution was his secret recipe, which he never shared, not even with his old friends. He never expected this young man to figure it out with just a couple of sniffs.

The owner raised his thumb in admiration, "Young man, you're impressive. Alright, your meal today is on me."

Zeng Mi clapped her hands in delight, "Wow, that's great. Boss, we'll have some dim sum, Bao Jin, order some shrimp dumplings."

Han Jin smiled modestly, "Boss, I have a suggestion. Add two drops of camphor oil to your cleaning solution; it will work even better."

The owner slapped his head, "Right, why didn't I think of that? Young man, it seems we are kindred spirits. Great, great! By the way, I'm hosting a music salon in a couple of days. If you're interested, come and listen."

Han Jin nodded, "Sure."

From the records the owner played and his care for the record player, Han Jin knew he was a genuine music enthusiast with a high level of appreciation, which suited his taste.

Han Jin and Zeng Mi were treated to a delightful selection of dim sum, which seemed endless.

"Wow, I won't be shy then," Zeng Mi laughed and ordered a large number of dishes.

Seeing her about to order more, Han Jin quickly smiled, "That's enough, enough. The two of us can't eat all this dim sum."

Zeng Mi was a bit embarrassed, realizing she had been too enthusiastic.

The owner didn't mind, laughing, "Alright, wait a moment, the dim sum will be here soon."

In no time, shrimp dumplings, rice rolls, chicken feet, char siu buns, glutinous rice chicken, beef balls, water chestnut cake, and radish pastries... a series of exquisite dim sum dishes were served one after another.

Smelling the fresh and fragrant aroma, Han Jin's appetite was whetted, and he started eating immediately.

He stuffed two shrimp dumplings into his mouth at once, savoring the delicious flavor and praising them endlessly.

At this moment, he suddenly noticed that Zeng Mi wasn't eating but was staring at him intently.

Han Jin felt a bit embarrassed. He had been so hungry that he ate without considering the lady sitting across from him.

"Magi, stop staring at me and eat," Han Jin said, a bit embarrassed.

"Jin, you seem like a different person today," Zeng Mi said with a smile.

Han Jin was startled but tried to act nonchalant, "Why do you say that? What's different about me?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but you seem more confident," Zeng Mi smiled, "You always lacked confidence, but today you were so confident, able to talk about the record player. It's really not like you."

"Is that so?" Han Jin smiled.

"Yes, Jin, how did you know all those things? I don't understand, but it sounded impressive," Zeng Mi asked curiously.

"Oh, the orphanage director I lived with loved vinyl record players, so I learned a bit from him," Han Jin casually made up an excuse.

"I see, no wonder you're so impressive," Zeng Mi nodded in understanding.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Eat quickly, or I'll finish all the shrimp dumplings myself," Han Jin said with a smile.

"No way, shrimp dumplings are my favorite. I won't let you have them," Zeng Mi smiled and started eating with him.