I'm reborn and I'm an international student again?

"The starting price for the second item is still ten thousand!" After congratulating the previous bidder, Yu Fen presented another piece of calligraphy in the Zhangcao style.

Upon seeing this thing, Chen Xi was greatly shocked.

He had seen this thing at an auction, where it was eventually bought by Gu Gong for tens of millions.

Why did they spend so much money to buy this item? It's because their museum also had a similar piece, but after acquiring it, the experts said it was a fake.

The auction house claimed the other party was trying to swap out the original item in an attempt to get something for nothing, leading to endless lawsuits...

Now that this thing has reappeared here, doesn't that make three?

"Open the door! It's really too good to pass up! Although it's a fake, the person who made the forger must have been a master from the Ming Dynasty..." At this moment, a young man wearing glasses shouted from the crowd, holding a wine glass.

"This isn't some kind of atmosphere-building team they hired, is it?" Chen Xi asked.

“A third of the people here are from the entertainment industry; they are actors themselves. It’s all a mix of truth and fiction, can you guess?” Jiang Xiaoyu blinked her big eyes.

"Twenty thousand!"

"fifty thousand!"

"..."

The painting was eventually sold for 1.2 million.

"This deserves applause!" The bespectacled young man was the first to clap.

Led by the young man, the others joined in the commotion, and the prices of the items auctioned off kept rising.

After the auction ended.

Fang Wenjie asked Chen Xi, "Wasn't that kid interesting? Let me tell you, he was just part of the atmosphere-building team. Some friends said they wanted to develop him and put him on a live streaming platform to do treasure appraisals. These days, it's easy to make money off fools, and this guy is quite talented. Not only does he act well according to the script, but he also knows how to improvise. You saw it before, his style is very similar to that recent internet celebrity, what's his name again?"

“Ma Niu 13!” Jiang Xiaoyu answered for him.

"Yes, yes, let's call it Ma Niu 13!"

As for tonight's auction, Chen Xi didn't think much of it. He had seen these things countless times in his previous life, and as for the cultural relics... he wasn't some upright official like Bao Zheng, so he couldn't be bothered with them at all.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Do you think we're doing this even though we're not short of money? Sigh, business is tough these days. You know Li Kacheng, right? He came to the mainland to do business before, but after a while, he just packed up and left. Guess why?" Fang Wenjie asked when Chen Xi didn't speak.

"Because the input and output did not meet expectations!" Chen Xi was very familiar with Li Kacheng and naturally knew the inside story.

"Haha, over the years, quite a few foreign investors have come here to invest, only to find that they can't start construction through normal procedures. Any abnormal procedures would leave them with a handle to use against them, thus threatening the safety of their huge funds, so they can only keep the land under wraps and not develop it," Fang Wenjie laughed, clutching his stomach.

"There's no other way, you have to do as the Romans do!" Chen Xi laughed.

“It’s still early, let’s go play the next game! There are lots of fun things to do in Shanghai, such as private yacht gambling, high-end e-sports betting, supercar club-related events…” Tan Guang put his arm around Chen Xi’s shoulder and pushed him toward the elevator.

An hour later, at an abandoned factory in Pudong.

Tan Guang excitedly pointed to the two men fighting on stage and introduced them to Chen Xi: "It's 2015 now, don't you think there are no more underground boxing matches in China? Let me tell you, there are plenty of these things in Shanghai..."

Chen Xi pursed his lips upon hearing this.

Tan Guang is acting like a complete country bumpkin. Of course he knows about these boxing matches, and he even knows who the owners are. The biggest underground boxing match owners in Shanghai are two rich second-generation heirs from Zhejiang. They usually hold matches in either abandoned factories or the basements of private clubs.

The no-protection MMA rules allow for high stakes. The presence of retired athletes and Southeast Asian fighters among the participants attracted a large audience.

After all, we live in a society governed by the rule of law, and the thrills that can only be seen in movies are much more appealing.

Because a boxing match later resulted in a death, many underground boxing matches in Shanghai were shut down, and the two owners disappeared without a trace.

As the two were chatting, one of the contestants on stage suddenly collapsed, drawing cheers from the surrounding crowd.

To be honest, Chen Xi wasn't very interested in these things. He understood that the outcome was all pre-arranged.

It's like that line from a movie: "If a boxer takes my money, he has to lie down! If a woman takes my money, she has to lie down too!"

"Do you usually come here to play?"

"What, you don't like it? Then I'll take you to play something else."

Tan Guang was about to stand up when Chen Xi grabbed him.

"Who said I don't like it?" Chen Xi smiled, as if he had spotted a familiar face on stage.

At this moment, Shan Xun, who had just entered the arena, was staring fiercely at his opponent.

His opponent was a Muay Thai expert, and after a few moves, he was almost knocked unconscious.

MMA rules prohibit attacks on the back of the head, spine, throat, and groin, as well as dangerous actions such as headbutting, eye gouging, and biting. Without these restrictions, Shan Xun felt this Muay Thai fighter would definitely not be his match.

After a few exchanges, Shan Xun's left eye was so swollen he couldn't open it, and blood kept flowing from the wound on his brow bone. But he still hunched over, staring intently at the Muay Thai fighter opposite him.

"Ding!" The turn bell rang.

The Muay Thai fighter launched a sudden sweeping kick, creating a sharp whistling sound. Shan Xun instinctively blocked, only to see his opponent suddenly change his move, feinting!

The real killer move is the right hook that follows immediately.

"boom!"

The punch landed squarely on Shan Xun's chin.

He felt the world spinning around him, the sharp pain of his teeth clattering shooting straight to his head. His legs went weak uncontrollably, and all he could see was the blinding light of the ring.

The Muay Thai fighter gave him no chance to catch his breath, taking a step forward and slamming his left knee into Shan Xun's abdomen.

"Ugh!"

Danxun grunted and staggered back to the edge of the ring. The Muay Thai fighter did not relax, but rushed over quickly, and a sharp elbow strike came like lightning.

With a muffled thud, Shan Xun's vision went black as he collapsed heavily onto the ring.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but when he woke up, he found himself lying on a hospital bed in a clinic.

Not far away, a man was sitting there smoking.

"You're awake. Do you remember me?"

"It's you?"

The memory of being given a meal, coupled with the images of participating in the chaotic battle back then, immediately flashed into Shan Xun's mind.

"Ha, I didn't expect to see you again in China. You're not a wanted criminal, are you?" Chen Xi squinted at the other person. In fact, he had already investigated this person thoroughly through Dark.

"No." Shan Xun didn't explain, he just shook his head.

"Well, you must be desperate to find a way to make a living by boxing here. I asked you before, and you'll only earn ten thousand from tonight's fight. I think you might as well work for me."

"A bodyguard? Or a murderer? Why not hire someone who's good at boxing? I can be taken down in just a few punches."

"I don't do murder or arson. I have something I need someone to do right now, someone who's skilled, flexible, and can get away unscathed... With your escape skills back in Australia, you're more than capable. Fighting? You might need a little bit..."

After saying that, Chen Xi placed several stacks of cash on the table.

"Do you know what I used to do? Aren't you afraid?" Shan Xun sat up in bed.

“I know your background very well. As long as you’re not a wanted criminal, I’ll hire you! Get well soon, and I’ll contact you later.” Chen Xi waved his hand and strode out of the clinic, leaving the other man with only his back to him. Chen Xi didn’t ask him why he suddenly appeared in the country. Everyone has their own little secrets, and he couldn’t be bothered to dig them out.

The Bund.

Ding Ningwen stared blankly at the river when his trusted aide approached and reported, "President Ding, several financial companies in Chongqing have been investigated these past few days..."

"Is it someone we do business with?"

"No, but because they were investigated, our lending business has surged. What do you think...?"

"Don't keep thinking about this little bit of money right now. I have enough money in my hands now. Hurry up and transfer the money out. I'm planning to live a carefree life in Myanmar."

"Um... the companies that were investigated are related to the Yang family's business, so the speed of fund transfers in the western region has slowed down again."

"..." Ding Ningwen glared at the other person with dissatisfaction.

"Mr. Ding, welcome to Shanghai." Just as the two were talking, a minivan stopped not far from them.

After getting off the bus, Yu Fen warmly shook hands with him.

Inside a business car.

“Mr. Ding, my business is just a small operation, and the amount of capital you're talking about is simply too large. If it were a long-term issue, it would be manageable, but you…”

"Mr. Yu, I heard you have a lot of exquisite replicas up for auction. Could I buy a few from you, and then..."

"Mr. Ding, your idea is good, but it's also quite risky to implement. If something happens to you, I might not be spared either." Yu Fen stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then shook his head.

Clearly, he couldn't accept Ding Ningwen's proposal.

"Business is getting harder and harder now. In a few years, when all the major companies follow the standardized procedures like those in developed countries, things will be even tougher. It's better to make plans early, make a big profit and then retire comfortably. It's better than living in fear later. I heard that business in Australia is also getting worse and worse, and several casinos have gone bankrupt due to losses. My casino in Myanmar is about to open soon, and there's a VIP room that's still vacant."

Seeing that the other party was still unmoved, Ding Ningwen gritted his teeth and said, "I also have an industrial park in Myanmar, and I can transfer some shares to President Yu."

"Oh dear, this is a difficult matter, but not impossible. Since Mr. Ding is in such a hurry, I'll give it a try. I also have acquaintances in Myanmar, so if Mr. Ding runs into any trouble, I can lend a hand."

Since it was a collaboration, Yu Fen had already investigated Ding Ningwen's background. The shady businesses in the Myanmar industrial park were incredibly profitable; how could he not be tempted?
However, he was afraid that the other party would change their mind later, so he still had to say a few threatening words.

"That's great." Ding Ningwen smiled and shook hands with Yu Fen.

Three months later, in South Africa.

Zou Huajian sat dejectedly on the ground, recalling what had happened a few days ago.

"Don't you guys have any respect for the law? This is commercial fraud! I'm going to sue you! I'm a hero of your country, I once saved the Great Chief!" Zou Huajian shouted as he was pushed to the ground.

The black boss who had shaken hands with him amicably last time flashed a bright white smile and said, "It's all clearly written in the contract. It's not like I haven't paid you for the goods!"

"You paid me Tanzanian shillings, which cost over 2000 shillings to exchange for 1 US dollar. That's only a little over 1,000 US dollars in total... Wait, you can actually speak Mandarin."

"Yes, you're not the only Chinese person I've done business with."

"Damn, this was a setup from beginning to end!"

Zou Huajian roared.

“This is Tanzania. What else can I pay you if I don’t use your local currency? Let me give you some advice: because of what happened last time, the Tanzanian shilling has been depreciating. It’s dropping every day now, and I estimate that in a few days, one dollar will be worth three thousand. You’d better hurry up and sell it.” The black man shrugged.

Zou Huajian was unaware that if it weren't for the Lionhead City incident, the other party might not have paid any fees at all.

Because Chen Xi had encountered an even more ruthless swindler in his previous life.

They not only want to receive the goods, but also demand a large sum of money from you; they're practically taking both the money and the goods.

"Alright, take the money and get out of here." The black boss waved his hand, and two of his men grabbed Zou Huajian and threw him ruthlessly onto the street.

"Mr. Zou, what are you thinking about!" Zou Huajian, who was lost in thought, was suddenly patted on the shoulder.

He turned his head and said with a fawning expression, "Mr. Lei, I'm wondering how many people I can help you recruit this time."

"Of course, the more the better. There's no shortage of people in the country, and with the economy not doing well right now, many people are thinking about going abroad to work. We're short a lot of construction workers here, so they'd definitely be very willing to come." The man with slicked-back hair pushed up his sunglasses, with a bodyguard holding an AK standing beside him.

"Forehead……"

"Just report the highest possible salary, and while you're at it, post some pictures of African culture and scenery online to attract some young people."

"Okay... okay."

Zou Huajian glanced at the gleaming gun beside him and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

News of his business being swindled in Africa quickly reached China.

Huajing.

"Look at all the good things Yang Xiao has done! He's distorting the truth and spreading rumors about what you did in Africa. He said you lost people while leading the team, and he even said our association..." Lin Xi slammed her hand on the table angrily.

"So what? I don't care at all." Chen Xi lay on the sofa, leisurely smoking a cigarette.

"Are you kidding me? The association's reputation is being damaged right now. And aren't you worried about your own reputation? Why don't you fight back against him online? I'm afraid all the returnees in the country are laughing at you." Linxi looked surprised.

If it were me, I would have already lashed out online. How could I tolerate that brat Yang Xiao pissing on my head?

“Posting these things online shows that he’s anxious. His achievements on the Silk Road are not as good as ours. A smart person can see that immediately. I don’t need to explain at all. The more I explain, the more people will think I’m trying to cover something up.”

"Heh, you have such a good attitude." Linxi shook her head.

"By the way, how's Zou Zhi doing?"

"My family went bankrupt."

"Forehead."

The Association of Overseas Returnees of China.

"I really don't understand why he's still staying over there. He clearly has no real power in their association. The entire association is controlled by Lin Xi and Xu Yun. He might as well come here." Yang Xiao frowned, his pen clattering on the table.

Yu Guoqiang, standing nearby, agreed: "He's as hard as a rock. I've relayed your words to him multiple times, but it's had absolutely no effect!"

"The message has been out for several days, but he hasn't responded with a single word. Does he look down on us or just not care?"

"I think this guy is only interested in business. He doesn't seem to care about the Overseas Returnees Association. Even if someone like him came here, he wouldn't be of much use."

Yu Guoqiang waved his hand.

"Wait a minute, I need to take this call." Just then, Yang Xiao's phone rang. After looking at the caller ID, he stood up and moved to another room.

"Hey, you still have the nerve to call? I did everything you asked, but they didn't even utter a sound." Yang Xiao complained as soon as the call connected.

"Don't rush, take your time," a female voice came from the phone.

"Take your time? Go ahead and have your fun. From this moment on, I'm terminating our cooperation."

"No way~ I still have a trick up my sleeve. I'll put some stuff online for you in a bit, and they'll definitely be doomed over there."

"I don't believe you for a second. You're always using that crappy phone to remotely control things. Do you think I'm your subordinate? Tonight, we'll either meet in person to talk, or we're done talking. You choose!" Yang Xiao said, and hung up the phone without waiting for a reply.

"How dare they yell at me!" A woman on the other end of the phone stamped her feet in frustration. (End of Chapter)