Don't Be Unappreciative

Chen Shaojun strode straight through the hall, passing the screen in its center.

Behind the screen were several separate rooms, like little courtyards, each fashioned with an arched doorway. Above every door hung a plaque.

The plaques bore the words Purple Jade Pavilion, Gold Treasure Room, Water Cloud Retreat...

They were the appraisal rooms of the three official appraisers.

"So this is what it means to be an official appraiser. The treatment is far better than that of an appraiser apprentice."

Chen Shaojun sighed and headed straight for the entrance to Water Cloud Retreat.

Just as he was about to knock, he vaguely heard voices conversing inside.

After his strength had improved, his five senses had greatly sharpened as well. Even through the door, though the voices were low, he could still hear them clearly.

"This is the second batch. It would be best to have them appraised before the Treasure Fair begins.

"The first batch needs to be hurried along too. These are things they specifically requested."

A somewhat deep voice drifted out.

Chen Shaojun halted, surprise appearing on his face.

This voice sounded rather familiar.

And this conversation... seemed somewhat conspiratorial?

"Don't worry. I'm nearly finished appraising the first batch. Only two troublesome treasures remain.

"You know that I normally have to help the pawnshop appraise treasures too, so I'm a little short on time and energy.

"But it'll be done soon. I'm planning to call over a few more apprentices to help. I definitely won't delay your business."

Zhang Gao's voice followed.

"Don't talk nonsense.

"This matter has nothing to do with me. I'm only passing it through my hands to earn a little silver."

The other voice seemed somewhat wary and quickly warned him in a low voice.

"Don't worry, I know.

"We're all only earning a little extra money. It has nothing to do with that side."

Zhang Gao chuckled, his voice carrying a tacit understanding.

"Good that you know.

"Also, let me remind you: it's fine to call a few appraiser apprentices over to help, but don't make too much of a commotion.

"Especially not those newcomers. Don't touch them for now.

"That Lin Qi is no simple character."

"Newcomers can't withstand much baleful aura. I wouldn't choose them.

"Those old hands have all been here for at least half a year. They're always more nimble when it comes to resisting baleful aura.

"Especially one of them—didn't he just raise his Divine Gaze Technique to the proficient level?

"He'll be perfect for appraising this batch of treasures.

"As for Lin Qi, isn't he just from a collateral branch?"

"A collateral branch? Even among collateral branches, a true dragon may yet emerge.

"That is all I have to say. I won't linger here any longer. Hurry up with this batch of treasures."

"Understood..."

The conversation ended. The sound of a chair scraping back came next, followed by footsteps approaching the door.

Chen Shaojun was startled and quickly hid behind a massive wooden pillar.

Having heard such secretive words, he knew it was no longer suitable for him to appear before the two of them.

Soon, the doors of Water Cloud Retreat opened. A burly figure hurried out and went straight downstairs.

"So it really was him, Xu Hongtao."

Chen Shaojun watched the figure, his eyes flickering.

He had already recognized Xu Hongtao's voice earlier. Now that it had been confirmed, he was not particularly surprised.

What truly shocked him was that Xu Hongtao had connections with Zhang Gao.

Moreover, it was not hard to tell from their earlier conversation that this was not their first transaction, nor even their second.

"Earning extra money? Then why were they acting as though they were hiding something unspeakable?"

Chen Shaojun knew that pawnshop appraisers were dangerous yet special professionals, and were likewise sought after by outsiders. They could indeed earn extra money by appraising treasures for others.

Even if the shopkeeper knew, he would generally turn a blind eye and say nothing.

Yet judging by Zhang Gao and Xu Hongtao's furtive manner, the matter could not possibly be so simple.

"Also, Third Appraiser Zhang Gao really is preparing to call apprentices over to appraise treasures again.

"Am I really his next choice?"

Chen Shaojun trembled with rage, fury, and cold. Who had he offended? Just because he stood out a little, he had been targeted?

When would an appraiser apprentice like him ever be able to stand tall?

He felt only fortunate that he had chosen to strike first. Otherwise, if he sat waiting for death, it would only bring endless future troubles.

Originally, he had felt somewhat reluctant and conflicted about using the Plum-for-Peach Substitution Technique on Zhang Gao.

After all, it was an act of harming another. Having been shaped by his previous life, he was still, at heart, a simple, kind, promising young man.

Murder? He had never considered it.

But when he learned that the other man's next target would be him, he was utterly enraged and cast aside his last shred of reluctance.

As for the Lin Qi they had mentioned, he had long known that the man was no simple figure. Now, it had merely been confirmed.

His collateral-branch status was quite normal.

A true direct descendant would never lower himself to work in a pawnshop as a mere ticket clerk.

After deliberately waiting for a while, Chen Shaojun returned to the entrance of Water Cloud Retreat and knocked on the door.

"Enter!"

A gloomy voice came from within.

Chen Shaojun pushed open the door. Before him stood a solid wooden table, while all around were carved wooden objects and jade artifacts. Farther inside was a screen, beyond which he could vaguely make out a wooden bed.

At this moment, Zhang Gao was the only one in Water Cloud Retreat. He sat in a chair, looked up at Chen Shaojun, and asked strangely, "Why is it you?"

"Reporting to Third Appraiser.

"When I was downstairs, I happened to run into A Zheng. He had an upset stomach and was afraid of delaying Third Appraiser's tea, so he asked me to bring it over for him."

Chen Shaojun hurriedly explained.

In any case, Zhang Gao would not investigate.

"Put it down."

Zhang Gao nodded, unconcerned. Instead, he looked at Chen Shaojun with interest and said, "Since you're here, it saves me a trip.

"Come to Water Cloud Retreat on the second floor tomorrow. I have a few treasures that need your help appraising."

Chen Shaojun's heart tightened. So it had come, just as expected. Yet he said, "Thank you for Third Appraiser's kindness, but I have been diligently appraising treasures lately and have injured my mind with baleful aura. I truly lack the strength to help."

"Injured your mind with baleful aura?

"That's nothing serious. I have several sticks of calming incense here. Take them back and light them; you'll recover before long.

"Besides, if you help me appraise treasures, I won't treat you poorly.

"I can make the decision to give you six hundred copper coins a day. In three days, you'll save up two taels of silver—far more than what you earned before.

"And you'll also receive guidance from an official appraiser like me. Ordinary people don't get such an opportunity."

Zhang Gao persuaded him.

"But..."

Chen Shaojun was about to speak, but Zhang Gao had already grown impatient. Among appraiser apprentices, few dared to defy him, so he cut Chen Shaojun off directly. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, you'll come over with Zhang Ke.

"Don't be unappreciative."

"..."

"Yes!"

Chen Shaojun answered softly, but a cold glint flashed deep in his eyes.

Since the other man was so impatient, he could not blame Chen Shaojun.