Winning Old Liu's Favor

Chu Chen said humbly, "Old Liu, please don't say that. That day was just luck. I was in a good mood, so I decided to tease that person. Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother with someone like that."

Old Liu laughed heartily after hearing this, "Luck is good indeed. Our antique business really relies on luck and fate. Like the famous Yuan blue and white porcelain, I encountered it back then too. But I was young and didn't recognize its value, so I missed it. I still regret it immensely when I think about it now."

Everyone thought about it and felt it was true, especially Uncle Wu, who had the deepest understanding of this. He knew of several antique treasures that had slipped through his hands. If he had had a little luck or fate, those treasures could very well have been his.

Therefore, in the antique business, it's best to believe in luck and fate, rather than not.

Old Liu continued, "However, Little Chu, I must remind you, it's best to get involved less when you encounter people like that in the future. Other than that, it doesn't matter, but if you run into desperate criminals, you could easily fall into their trap."

Uncle Wu chimed in, "I think he's a bit overconfident because he knows some martial arts. As the saying goes, even the best boxer can't fight off four hands. Even if you're skilled, can you really fend off their knives, spears, clubs, and staffs? Remember Old Liu's words next time. When you encounter such situations, prioritize your own safety and don't act rashly."

What Old Liu said was indeed a real possibility. After all, those who "lay landmines" were all criminals, and anything could happen in any situation. Moreover, Uncle Wu made a valid point. What if they encountered a thug with firearms? Wouldn't that be a disaster? Therefore, Chu Chen nodded and humbly accepted their advice.

"Oh, I didn't expect Little Chu to be a martial artist too! Tell me, what style do you practice? Perhaps we can discuss it." Old Liu became interested when he heard Chu Chen was a martial artist. He had been practicing Xing Yi Quan for many years and had achieved some accomplishments in this field.

Chu Chen said sheepishly, "I practice a family martial art, ancient style Tai Chi, which is similar to what Old Zhu practices."

Hearing him mention Old Zhu, Old Liu immediately recalled who he was referring to:

"The Old Zhu you're talking about is Zhu Dafu, right? I've seen his Tai Chi. It focuses on combat and also has health benefits. I heard he has reached the Minor Heavenly Cycle realm and can easily live past ninety. I don't know if it's true, but judging by his appearance, it seems plausible. How is your practice going, Little Chu?"

Chu Chen scratched his head and said, "I'm a bit luckier. I also reached the Minor Heavenly Cycle a few days ago."

"What?"

Old Liu was astonished upon hearing this. He realized, "No wonder Zhiping said you were a bit overconfident earlier, and I also felt your spirit and energy were very strong. It all makes sense now. You have good potential, kid. If it were ancient times, you would have been a martial arts grandmaster! Since that's the case, we must spar next time."

While Chu Chen modestly nodded in response to Old Liu's praise, Li Beibei beside them scoffed. Ancient style Tai Chi? Tai Chi looks so soft and weak, how much power can it have? No way! I must find time next time to let him experience the power of my fists and feet.

"Getting back to the topic, a Ding ware large plate like Little Chu's, with excellent craftsmanship and even better condition, is a masterpiece. I've only admired such fine pieces in museums since I was born. Today, I consider myself fortunate to be able to appreciate it so closely. It's truly a joy in life."

Old Liu sighed with genuine emotion, not hiding his fondness for this Ding ware large plate.

Seeing this, Chu Chen suddenly had an idea. He then glanced at Uncle Wu casually. The two understood each other tacitly. Uncle Wu understood Chu Chen's intention and nodded slightly.

Seeing Uncle Wu's agreement, Chu Chen began to ponder. If he could build a good relationship with Old Liu, it would be worth gifting this item to him. However, this was clearly unrealistic. Old Liu wasn't foolish; why would he accept it for free? Not only would their relationship not improve, but it might even incur his displeasure.

Since that was the case, setting an appropriate price was important. A low price would seem disingenuous, and a high price would certainly be unsuitable. Thus, after much thought, he finally settled on a price.

Then, Chu Chen said with a smile, "Old Liu, since you like this item so much, how about I let you have it?"

Old Liu's spirits lifted upon hearing this, but he hesitated, "Really? You're willing to part with such a masterpiece?"

Honestly, Chu Chen felt a pang of reluctance. After all, his recently set life goal was to become a great collector.

We know that only those with considerable financial resources, professional experience, and a substantial collection can be called collectors. To become a great collector, in addition to higher knowledge, their collection needs to be not only large but also unique, meaning it should contain rare or one-of-a-kind items.

This exquisite Ding ware printed large plate was something others dreamed of and could not obtain even after a diligent search. How could Chu Chen not feel reluctant about such a collection?

However, he also considered that with his special ability, he already had an advantage over others, and he didn't need to worry about the money required for collecting. Even if he couldn't find it on the market in the future, he could still find it at auctions. Therefore, compared to establishing a connection with someone like Old Liu, his choice was obvious.

Chu Chen had already prepared his reasons for Old Liu's question. He replied with a simple smile:

"Old Liu, I haven't had this item for long, and I only had a chance to admire it carefully yesterday afternoon. So, my emotional attachment to it isn't deep yet. If I had it for a longer time, I would truly be reluctant to part with it."

"Also, I'm still young, and perhaps in the future, I might be able to acquire another precious item like this. Of course, that's just my wishful thinking. If I really can't find one, I'll shamelessly ask you to let me have it again."

"Do you think it can get out of my hands once it's with me?" Old Liu joked.

Chu Chen reacted quickly and smiled, "That's fine too. As long as you let me see it often, I'll be satisfied."

"You little sly fox."

Old Liu smiled and nodded at him, then said, "Alright, I promise you. After I'm gone someday, I'll pass this item on to you."

"Dad! What morbid talk is that? What do you mean 'gone'!" Liu Qinshu said with a playful scold.

Old Liu waved his hand and chuckled, "Daughter, the great poet Du said that seventy is rare in life. I'm eighty-two now, what else do I have to worry about? Besides, I've finally obtained such a treasure today, I have to live a few more years, otherwise, I won't get to see it in the afterlife!"

He then said to Chu Chen, "Little Chu, name your price. But don't try to fool me. Like Beibei said earlier, I may be old, but my mind isn't, I haven't become senile. If you name an outrageous price, don't blame me for getting angry!"

The price was ready, but Chu Chen couldn't say it immediately. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Old Liu, how about eight hundred and twenty thousand? What do you think?"

"What?"

Old Liu's face fell upon hearing this. "Little Chu, I just told you not to name an outrageous price. Why are you naming such a low price?"

Seeing Old Liu getting angry, Chu Chen quickly explained, "Old Liu, please listen to me. When I acquired this item, I only spent twelve thousand. You are an elder, and eight hundred and twenty thousand is already quite high. Otherwise, if word got out, people would say I'm black-hearted."

"Besides, you just had your birthday, and I didn't have a chance to come and congratulate you. Consider this a small token of my appreciation. What do you say?"

"You kid, you're so eloquent. It seems you're also a bit of a 'shrewd' businessman."

Seeing Old Liu say this, Chu Chen knew he wasn't angry anymore and breathed a sigh of relief. He then heard Old Liu say, "However, eight hundred and twenty thousand is indeed too low. If word gets out, my friends will laugh at me. No, you need to add a bit more."

"This..."

Hearing this, Chu Chen hesitated. He didn't know what price would be appropriate. If he set it too low, he was afraid Old Liu would be angry. If he set it too high, it would be bad for his reputation. He was conflicted.

Seeing this, Uncle Wu said, "Old Liu, my nephew is also showing filial piety. How about this, one million? It's also a wish for your long life."

"Zhiping, your logic is flawed. Does ten million mean living for a thousand years?"

"Dad, no one wishes someone a thousand years for their birthday, wouldn't that be cursing them as a turtle?"

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing Liu Qinshu's remark. However, while Chu Chen laughed, he was still worried if Old Liu would agree to this price.

"Alright, since Zhiping has said so, I'll accept it, so I won't be accused of being ungracious by you youngsters. Little Chu, is that bag you have there the fragment of Tang Sancai? Can you leave it with me for a couple of days for research?"

After seeing Chu Chen agree, Old Liu tapped his back and sighed, "Alas, I'm getting old. My joints are all rusted. After sitting for a while, I feel a bit uncomfortable. Xiao Shu, help Xiao Chu and the others with the contract later. I'm going back to my room to rest a bit."

Liu Qinshu nodded in agreement, then stepped forward to help Old Liu, and they slowly walked back into the house.

"Old Liu, take care."

Chu Chen and the others all stood up to see him off.

After Old Liu and the others had walked far away, Uncle Wu said to Li Beibei, "Beibei, how has your grandfather been feeling lately?"

Li Beibei replied with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Wu. My grandfather is in good health. He was just mentioning you the other day, asking why you hadn't visited him in two or three months."