Chu Chen said modestly, "Old Liu, please don't put it that way. I was just lucky that day. I happened to be in a good mood, so I thought of teasing that person. Otherwise, I wouldn't usually bother with someone like that."
After hearing this, Old Liu laughed heartily. "Luck is important. In the antiques trade, luck and fate really do matter. Take the famous Yuan blue and white porcelain, for example. I came across some back then too, but I was young and didn't know its value, so I missed it for nothing. Even now, I still regret it whenever I think about it."
Everyone thought it over and felt that this was indeed true. Uncle Wu especially understood this deeply. As far as he knew, several valuable antiques had already slipped through his fingers. If he had possessed even a little more luck or fate, those treasures might well have become his.
That was why, in the antiques trade, it was best to believe that luck and fate existed rather than assume they did not.
Old Liu continued, "However, Little Chu, I have to remind you that when you meet people like that in the future, it's best not to get involved too much. Other things don't matter, but if you run into desperadoes, you might accidentally fall into their trap."
Uncle Wu "cut in" from the side. "I think he's gotten a little too big for his boots just because he knows a bit of martial arts. There's an old saying that two fists can't beat four hands. Even if you're skilled, can you really stand against someone else's knives, guns, and clubs? Remember what Old Liu said next time. When something like this happens, think about your own safety first. Don't act recklessly."
What Old Liu described really could happen. After all, people who buried "land mines" were all criminals, and anything could happen under such circumstances. Uncle Wu also had a point. What if they encountered a criminal with a firearm? Wouldn't they be utterly helpless? Therefore, Chu Chen nodded and humbly accepted the advice.
"Oh? I didn't expect Little Chu to be a martial artist too. Tell me, what kind do you practice? Perhaps we can exchange pointers." When Old Liu heard that Chu Chen practiced martial arts, he immediately became interested. He had practiced Xingyi Fist for many years and had achieved quite a bit in that field.
Chu Chen said somewhat embarrassedly, "I practice a family-inherited form of ancient Tai Chi. It's about the same as what Elder Zhu practices."
When Old Liu heard him mention Elder Zhu, he immediately realized who he meant.
"You mean Zhu Dafu, right? I've seen his Tai Chi before. It focuses more on combat applications, while also having health benefits. I heard he's already reached the Minor Heavenly Cycle realm and can easily live past ninety. I don't know if that's true, but judging from his appearance, it probably isn't far off. How far have you gotten, Little Chu?"
Chu Chen scratched his head and said, "I was a little luckier. I reached the Minor Heavenly Cycle a few days ago."
"What?"
Old Liu was astonished. Then, with sudden understanding, he said, "No wonder Ziping said you were a little too full of yourself just now. I also thought your vitality was exceptionally vigorous. So that was the reason. You've got excellent bones and roots, boy. If you had lived in ancient times, you would have been another martial arts grandmaster! Since that's the case, we definitely have to exchange pointers sometime."
Hearing Old Liu praise him so highly, Chu Chen nodded repeatedly while remaining modest. Li Beibei, however, curled her lip disdainfully from the side. Ancient Tai Chi? With Tai Chi looking so soft and feeble, could it really have any power? No! Next time, I have to find a chance to show him the might of this girl's fists and feet.
"Back to the matter at hand. A Ding ware imprinted large dish like Little Chu's has excellent workmanship and even better condition. I've only ever admired such a fine piece in museums. Today, I can consider myself fortunate to have the chance to examine it so closely. It's truly one of life's great pleasures."
Old Liu sighed sincerely, making no attempt to conceal how much he loved the Ding ware large dish.
Seeing this, Chu Chen suddenly had an idea. He then casually glanced at Uncle Wu. The two of them were quite in sync. Uncle Wu understood his meaning at once and immediately gave a slight nod.
Seeing that Uncle Wu agreed with his idea, Chu Chen began thinking it over. If he could build a relationship with Old Liu, then giving him this piece would be worthwhile. However, that clearly wasn't realistic. Old Liu wasn't foolish—how could he possibly accept it for free? Their relationship would not only fail to improve; it might even provoke his resentment.
Since that was the case, offering an appropriate price was important. If it was too low, Chu Chen would seem insincere. If it was too high, that would clearly be even less suitable. After thinking it over again and again, he finally settled on a price.
Then Chu Chen said with a beaming smile, "Old Liu, since you like this piece so much, I'll let you have it. What do you think?"
Old Liu's spirits immediately lifted, though he hesitated. "Really? It's such a fine piece. Are you willing to part with it?"
To be honest, Chu Chen was still somewhat reluctant. After all, the goal he had just set for his life was to become a great collector.
As everyone knew, only someone with a certain degree of financial strength, sufficient professional experience, and a considerable collection could be called a collector. To become a great collector, one needed not only greater knowledge but also a collection with distinctive qualities in addition to its size. Simply put, the collection had to contain rare or unique treasures.
This exquisite Ding ware imprinted large dish was something others dreamed of obtaining, yet could not find even after searching painstakingly. How could Chu Chen not feel reluctant to part with such a treasure?
However, he had also considered the matter. After all, he possessed an ability that gave him an advantage over others, so he didn't need to worry about the money required for collecting. Even if he couldn't find such an item on the market in the future, he could still find one at an auction. Therefore, compared with forming a connection with someone like Old Liu, his choice was obvious.
Chu Chen had already prepared an explanation for Old Liu's question. With a foolish grin, he replied:
"Old Liu, I haven't had this piece for very long. In fact, I only had the chance to admire it carefully yesterday afternoon, so I haven't formed much of an attachment to it yet. If I'd had it longer, I really might not have been willing to part with it."
"Besides, I'm still young. Perhaps I'll be able to obtain another item this precious in the future. Of course, that's just wishful thinking on my part. If I can't find one, I'll have to shamelessly ask you to let me have it again."
"You think it'll leave my hands once it gets to me?" Old Liu joked.
Chu Chen reacted quickly and smiled. "That's fine too. As long as you let me come and look at it often, I'll be satisfied."
"You slippery little fellow."
Old Liu laughed and lightly pointed at him, then said, "All right, I agree. When I'm gone someday, I'll pass this piece back to you."
"Dad! Why are you saying such depressing things? What do you mean, 'when you're gone'?" Liu Qinshu said with an annoyed expression.
Old Liu waved his hand and laughed. "Daughter, Great Poet Du once said that it was rare for people to live to seventy since ancient times. I'm already eighty-two. What is there left to worry about? Besides, after finally obtaining such a treasure today, shouldn't I live a few more years? Otherwise, I won't be able to see it even after I'm underground!"
Then he said to Chu Chen, "Little Chu, name your price. But don't try to fool me. As Beibei said earlier, I may be old, but my heart isn't—I'm not senile yet. If you name some outrageous price later, don't blame me for losing my temper!"
The price was already prepared, but Chu Chen naturally couldn't say it immediately. He thought for a while before speaking. "Old Liu, how about eight hundred and twenty thousand? What do you think?"
"What?"
Old Liu's face darkened. "Little Chu, I just told you not to name an outrageous price. How could you quote such a low price?"
Seeing Old Liu get angry, Chu Chen hurriedly explained, "Old Liu, please hear me out. I only paid twelve thousand for this piece when I obtained it. You're my elder, so eight hundred and twenty thousand is already more than enough. Otherwise, if word got out, wouldn't people say I was heartless?"
"Besides, you just celebrated your birthday, and I didn't have the chance to come congratulate you. Consider this a small token of my feelings. What do you think?"
"Young man, you can certainly make a convincing argument. Looks like you're quite the little 'scoundrel merchant' too."
Seeing Old Liu say this, Chu Chen knew he wasn't angry and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Then he heard Old Liu continue, "However, eight hundred and twenty thousand is far too little. If word got out, wouldn't my friends laugh at me? No, you have to add more."
"This..."
Chu Chen hesitated. He didn't know what price would be appropriate. If he offered too little, he was afraid Old Liu would get angry, but if he offered too much, it would damage his reputation if word got out. He was caught in a dilemma.
Seeing this, Uncle Wu said, "Old Liu, my nephew is only doing this out of filial respect. How about this? One million, as a wish for you to live to a hundred."
"Ziping, there's a problem with your reasoning. Does that mean ten million would be a wish for me to live to a thousand?"
"Dad, does anyone wish someone a happy birthday by saying they'll live to a thousand? Wouldn't that be cursing them to be a turtle?"
At Liu Qinshu's words, everyone burst out laughing. Although Chu Chen laughed loudly along with them, he was still worried whether Old Liu would agree to the price.
"All right. Since Ziping put it that way, I'll accept it, so you juniors won't say I'm being unreasonable. Little Chu, the bag you have there contains those Tang Sancai fragments, right? Could you leave them with me for two days so I can study them?"
After Chu Chen agreed, Old Liu tapped his back and sighed. "Ah, I'm getting old. My muscles and bones are becoming rusty. Sitting too long makes me uncomfortable. Qinshu, help Little Chu and the others complete the contract later. I'll go back to my room and rest for a while."
After Liu Qinshu nodded, she stepped forward and supported Old Liu as he slowly walked inside.
"Take care, Old Liu."
Chu Chen and the others all stood up to see him off.
After Old Liu and Liu Qinshu had gone some distance away, Uncle Wu asked Li Beibei, "Beibei, how has your grandfather been lately?"
Li Beibei replied with a smile, "Thank you for asking, Uncle Wu. My grandfather is in pretty good health. He even mentioned you a couple of days ago, asking why you haven't gone to visit him for two or three months."
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