Zhao Qirui

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Zhao Qirui (赵齐瑞)
Alias(es)	Manager Zhao; Brother Zhao; Uncle
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Antique trade; general manager of an unnamed company
Occupation/Role	Businessman, antique collector, and former reconnaissance platoon leader
Status	Alive
First Appearance	Chapter 7

Background / History

As a high-school student, Zhao Qirui fell into depression after his unrequited love for classmate Lin Shaochun and learned that she was dating Liu Yazi. His grades declined, he withdrew from others, and his parents consulted a psychologist before he finally disclosed the cause of his distress. 183

Zhao later served as a platoon leader in a reconnaissance company. During an ambush, his platoon suffered devastating casualties; only Zhao, Yi Hongguo, and one other soldier survived, all seriously wounded. The survivors were honorably discharged. 192

By the time he enters the antique trade, Zhao is an established businessman with a Mercedes-Benz, a personal driver-bodyguard, an antique collection, and extensive connections. He is already acquainted with Wu Ziping and meets Chu Chen during a trip to Qianxiu Town. 7 8

Zhao initially notices Chu Chen's appearance and name with unusual interest. When Chu's possible identity as a member of the Chu family later emerges, Zhao recommends a paternity test and eventually treats Chu as his nephew. 8 165 174

Appearance

Zhao Qirui is a burly man in his early forties with thick eyebrows and large eyes. Though he carries a sharp, forceful aura, he does not resemble a pampered wealthy businessman and is generally approachable. 8

• Broad, sturdy build. 8
• Thick eyebrows and large eyes. 8
• Carries a sharp, imposing presence. 8
• Usually presents himself with the confidence of a successful businessman. 81 123

Personality

Zhao is direct, proud, and protective of people he considers family or friends. He dislikes sycophancy, disrespect, and attempts to exploit the vulnerable; when Qian Changxing threatens Chu Chen, Zhao makes clear that he will not tolerate intimidation of his associates. 83 84

Despite his wealth and influence, Zhao values fair dealing. He objects when Chu Chen prices an item too cheaply for him and accepts losses in collecting as an unavoidable part of the antique business rather than blaming others without cause. 123 188

He is also capable of impatience and intimidation when confronted with arrogance or corruption. In the hospital dispute involving Feng Bohong and Director Miao, Zhao uses his reputation to force them to provide proper care for the Lü family. 168 169

Zhao acknowledges faults in his past relationships. After Gao Yiya criticizes his former behavior, he shows remorse and begins treating his wife more attentively. 184

Abilities & Skills

Antique Appraisal and Collecting

Zhao is a knowledgeable collector with particular interest in jade, porcelain, calligraphy, and paintings. He can identify broad issues in artworks, including suspected ghostwritten paintings, though he frequently relies on Chu Chen for detailed authentication. 89 123

• Maintains an antique collection valued in the hundreds of millions of yuan. 188
• Recognizes the appeal and historical value of rare jade and porcelain. 83 276
• Identifies a painting as likely ghostwritten and disapproves of modern ghostwriting practices. 89
• His collection is not infallible: Chu Chen finds ten forgeries in it, with losses exceeding five million yuan. 188

Business Influence and Negotiation

Zhao commands considerable influence in the antique market and beyond it. His connections grant him access to private transactions, black-market auctions, influential officials, and overseas contacts. 81 169 739

• Arranges Chu Chen's entry into an antiques black market through intermediary Baldy Ma. 81
• Uses his standing to secure cooperation from Director Miao and Feng Bohong during the hospital dispute. 169
• Acts decisively in auctions, including a prolonged bidding contest over the Tianmu Cup. 529
• Has contacts in Myanmar through Xu Youhai, whose family controls mining areas in Hpakant. 739

Military Experience

Zhao previously served as a reconnaissance platoon leader and retains close ties with former comrades. 192

• Led a reconnaissance platoon before being wounded and honorably discharged. 192
• Reunites with former subordinate Yi Hongguo after years without contact. 192
• Maintains friendships formed during military service, including Yi Hongguo and Xu Youhai. 192 739

Collection & Assets

• Refitted Mercedes-Benz with high-end equipment, described as luxurious without being ostentatious. 81
• Antique collection containing porcelain, jade, paintings, and other collectible items. 123 188
• A genuine Ge Kiln double-eared tripod ding, later given to Chu Chen as a gift. 276 277
• A professionally designed general manager's office featuring custom bookshelves and antique display cabinets. 123

Relationships

• Chu Chen — Initially meets him as Wu Ziping's “nephew,” offers him guidance, and later recognizes and treats him as his own nephew. Zhao repeatedly relies on Chu's appraisal expertise and supports his ventures. 8 34 165 276
• Gao Yiya — Wife. She openly criticizes Zhao's past behavior, while Zhao later attempts to repair their relationship through greater care and remorse. 184
• Zhao Heyan — Daughter. Zhao is affectionate toward her, rewards her knowledge, and worries about her health and loneliness. 184 186 190
• Wu Ke — Niece and Chu Chen's girlfriend. Zhao supports Chu's choice to remain with her despite possible family objections. 184
• General Zhao — Father, a renowned general whose wartime injuries shaped Zhao's hostility toward Japan. 522
• Yi Hongguo — Former soldier under Zhao's command in the reconnaissance company; they share a long-standing bond formed during combat. 192
• Xu Youhai — Old military friend and Myanmar mining magnate. Zhao accompanies Chu Chen to meet him during the challenge involving the Jade King. 739
• Zuo Lei — Childhood friend and fellow antique enthusiast; the two frequently bicker over collectibles. 275 276
• A Chao — Driver and bodyguard. Zhao trusts him with transportation, security, and practical arrangements. 8 40
• Zhao Xueyi — Associate whose dispute with the Lin family prompts Zhao to intervene and seek compensation. 141
• Qian Changxing — Appraiser brought into Zhao's circle through Old Dong's connections; their relationship appears strained due to Qian's poor conduct. 7 8
• Lin Shaochun — Zhao's high-school crush; his unspoken feelings for her contributed to his depression. 183

Story Role / Major Arcs

Qianxiu Town and Chu Chen's Introduction

Zhao meets Chu Chen during the Qianxiu Town trip, where he is immediately struck by the young man's demeanor. He offers to guide Chu and becomes an important senior contact in the antique trade. 7 8

Birthday Gift and Business Trust

Zhao tests Chu's ability by asking him to find a suitable antique gift for his grandfather's birthday. The task strengthens Zhao's confidence in Chu's appraisal skills and develops their business relationship. 34 40

Antiques Black Market

Zhao brings Chu to a black-market auction, where they navigate counterfeit artifacts, rival collectors, and Qian Changxing's hostility. Their mutual respect deepens as Zhao sees both Chu's appraisal ability and martial skill. 81 83 84

Mysterious Brush Pot

After acquiring a bamboo-carving brush pot, Zhao and Chu discover a hidden box containing an extraordinary candle. Zhao is awed by the candle's projections and asks Chu to consider letting him use it to help his father's stress-related headaches. 89 90 91

Family Recognition

When evidence suggests that Chu Chen may be part of the Chu family, Zhao proposes a paternity test and helps facilitate contact between Chu and his biological relatives. He later openly calls Chu his nephew and brings him into the family circle. 165 174 184

Hospital Dispute

Zhao intervenes when Feng Bohong and Director Miao attempt to force the Lü family out of a hospital room. His presence immediately changes the power dynamic, securing proper treatment for the patients and a Ge Kiln artifact from Feng Bohong. 168 169

Hong Kong Auction

At a Hong Kong auction, Zhao's family background becomes widely recognized. He aggressively competes with Zhaotian Changjie for the Tianmu Cup, driven in part by resentment tied to his father's wartime experience. 522 529

Myanmar Journey

Zhao accompanies Chu Chen to Myanmar to confront the Jade King situation. He reconnects with Xu Youhai, supports Chu's challenge, and receives treatment from Chu after the difficult journey to Hpakant. 739 750

Notable Quotes

“We don't seek trouble, but we don't fear it either.” 84

“A Miracle!” 90

“I've always been against arranged marriages. Besides, does our family's current status still require us to maintain it through marriage?” 184