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Chapter 233 Hero, Please Come In

In the afternoon on Liuli Old Street, the signs of several time-honored shops are hung high, swaying gently in the breeze, attracting customers.

People come and go in front of the "Juguxuan" store, and occasionally a few tourists stop and look at the antiques and curios in the store curiously.

At this time, a yellow and green taxi slowly drove over and stopped steadily in front of the store.

The car door opened and Fang Cheng got out carrying an old-fashioned travel bag.

He raised his head and glanced at the large gilded characters on the plaque, which were a little faded but still exuded an ancient charm.

Then he nodded slightly and thought to himself, "This is it."

As you step into the store, you will find that the lighting in the whole store is a little dim and the decoration style is antique and elegant.

A few yellowish lamps hung from the carved wooden ceiling, illuminating the rows of shelves filled with antiques.

Porcelain, calligraphy and painting, jade, all kinds of objects are dazzling, exuding an atmosphere of a lot of money.

Fang Cheng had no intention of appreciating it and walked straight to the counter.

A young clerk stood behind the counter, wiping a blue-and-white porcelain vase with a soft cloth. He asked without looking up:
"What are you looking at, sir?"

There was a hint of nonchalance in his tone. He glanced at Fang Cheng out of the corner of his eyes, but seeing that he was dressed simply, he didn't look at him any further.

Fang Cheng was not annoyed and said calmly:

"I'm looking for Xu Sanduo. Please inform him."

The guy paused, looked up at him again, and showed a look of surprise.

I wondered how this ordinary-looking visitor could know my boss, so I said perfunctorily:

"The boss is usually not here, what can I do for you?"

At this time, an old master from the inner room also came out after hearing the sound.

He seemed to be the manager of this antique shop. He wore a pair of reading glasses, and his eyes behind the lenses showed a bit of shrewdness. He greeted us warmly at first:

"Welcome, sir. We have a lot of good stuff in our store. Please take your time to look around."

After his eyes rested on Fang Cheng for a moment through the lens, he added with a hint of caution:
"If you're here to consign items, you can take them out first and let me take a look if it's convenient."

Probably because they saw Fang Cheng's ordinary clothes and strong physique, they thought he was someone who did dirty work like tomb robbing and was not worthy of being seen.

Fang Cheng glanced around the store and repeated calmly:
"I'm here to look for Xu Sanduo. Ask him to come and talk to me."

As soon as these words came out, the smile on the store manager's face froze for a moment, and he immediately shirked his responsibility:
"I'm sorry, our boss is usually not in the store. How about you leave your contact information and I'll have him contact you when he comes back?"

The words were almost exactly the same as the previous guy's.

Fang Cheng nodded upon hearing this, his expression still calm, and he said slowly:

"Then please inform your boss now and tell him that the guy in the woods a few days ago wants to see him."

A hint of surprise flashed in the old master's eyes and he hesitated.

Seeing Fang Cheng's firm attitude, he couldn't refuse him directly, so he turned around and walked slowly towards the back hall, apparently to make a phone call.

Fang Cheng stood there, waiting quietly.

Several guys around him looked at him secretly and whispered to each other.

"Who is this? He is so arrogant and wants to meet our boss."

A guy whispered, his eyes full of confusion.

"That's right. He's dressed in ordinary clothes. He doesn't look like someone who can talk to the boss. Is he here to cause trouble?"

Another guy echoed, shaking his head.

"I think he might be a relative of the boss, otherwise how could he dare to approach the boss so directly."

Another guy lowered his voice and made a different guess.

Everyone was talking at once, all curious about Fang Cheng's identity.

After all, Xu Sanduo is a well-known name in this Liuli Old Street and even in the entire antique trading circle.

It is rumored that he has connections that span both the black and white worlds.

The people he usually interacts with are either wealthy business tycoons who are driven around by luxury cars, or big brothers who are feared in the underworld and walk with a swagger.

Those important figures who came to discuss business with Xu Sanduo were all accompanied by a group of bodyguards, and were surrounded by people, making for a very grand occasion.

Unlike the person in front of me, who was alone, dressed simply, carrying an old travel bag, and came here by taxi.

This huge contrast made it difficult for the guys to connect Fang Cheng with anyone who had a relationship with Xu Sanduo.

No wonder they would talk about it behind the scenes and be full of suspicion.

But Fang Cheng seemed to have heard nothing and continued to stand there calmly.

Just as everyone was whispering, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from the back hall.

Then, a fat man appeared, jogging along, and his agile speed made it seem as if there was a ferocious beast chasing him from behind.

When everyone looked closely, they saw that it was Xu Sanduo, who always acted in a dignified manner.

As for the person following behind him, it was the store manager who was running a little out of breath.

"Oh, hero, you are here at last!"

Xu Sanduo shouted at the top of his voice, his voice full of surprise.

This guy had obviously been hiding in the back, avoiding visitors.

At this time, he took a few steps to Fang Cheng and said excitedly:

"Since we parted that day, I have been looking forward to your coming day and night, and I have not been able to sleep well, wondering when you will be able to come."

"Now that you're here, I feel relieved."

He completely ignored the subordinates who were in the store, his face was filled with an extremely enthusiastic smile, and his eyes were almost narrowed into slits.

That look was just like seeing his long-lost father.

After a few pleasantries, he immediately turned around and started scolding the store manager and the waiter:

"How do you greet a hero? Go and make some tea! Where are your eyes? You don't even have the slightest sense!"

The store manager and the employees were stunned, their jaws almost dropped to the ground and their eyes widened.

They could not guess who this ordinary-dressed, gentle-looking man was and who could make Boss Xu, who was usually so powerful and influential in the underworld, behave so servilely.

The store manager was secretly thankful that he had not said anything too harsh just now.

If you really offend this "mysterious hero", given Boss Xu's temper, not only will you not be able to keep your job, you might even end up in big trouble.

Seeing his subordinates in a daze, Xu Sanduo couldn't help but scold again:
"Why are you still standing there like an idiot? You are so stupid. You just eat and don't work. You should just dig a hole and bury yourself!"

The store manager shuddered, responded hurriedly, and ran to pour tea and water himself.

I was afraid that if I moved too slowly, my boss would be unhappy and I would be trapped.

Seeing this, the other guys also started to get busy. Some pretended to wipe the antiques, while others hurriedly sorted the shelves.

"Master, please come in and talk."

Xu Sanduo then bent down, smiled and made a gesture of invitation, his attitude was so respectful that there was no flaw in it.

Fang Cheng nodded and smiled: "Thank you for your help."

He seemed unaware of the awe-filled looks from the crowd, and walked calmly with his travel bag.

Under Xu Sanduo's personal guidance, the two walked through a narrow corridor and went deep into the back hall. On both sides of the corridor were some imitations of famous calligraphy and paintings, which were obviously used to decorate the facade and show off their elegance.

Xu Sanduo would occasionally turn sideways, point at a certain calligraphy or painting, and introduce it in a seemingly expert manner, trying to find a topic to talk about.

Fang Cheng just nodded slightly and didn't say much.

Finally, the two stopped in front of a heavy wooden door.

Xu Sanduo took out the key, opened the door carefully, stepped aside to let Fang Cheng in, and muttered earnestly:

"Master, please come in. It's very quiet here. I guarantee no one will disturb you."

Fang Cheng stepped in and looked around.

I found that this should be a secret room.

There are no windows on the surrounding walls, which are inlaid with soundproof wooden boards, and a quaint carved table is placed in the center.

There was a set of exquisite tea sets on the table, and around it were several fine antiques that seemed to have not yet been priced and were very valuable.

Xu Sanduo closed the door and hurriedly led Fang Cheng to sit down at the table, his face flattering and
"Hero, do you have any instructions for me?"

But his eyes kept glancing at the slightly old travel bag, his heart full of curiosity and speculation.

Fang Cheng nodded slightly and said:
"I have a few things on hand that I want to consign to you."

As he spoke, he opened his travel bag, took out a few items wrapped tightly in newspapers, and gently placed them on the table.

Xu Sanduo's eyes lit up, and he reached out to unwrap the paper, but then he seemed to remember something, so he retracted his hand and said with an apologetic smile:
"Don't worry, hero. As long as the stuff comes from somewhere... oh no, no, no matter if there's any problem with it or not, I can definitely sell it for a good price."

He knew in his heart that the man in front of him was no ordinary ruthless person.

The bloody scene in the woods a few days ago is still vivid in my mind, so I didn’t dare to ask any more questions about the origin of the things.

Fang Cheng ignored his little thoughts, unpacked the boxes one by one slowly and placed them generously in front of Xu Sanduo.

Two porcelain bowls and plates, three incense burners, and box-shaped gold and silver items.

These are antiques from shipwrecks found around cracks in the seabed. Fang Cheng is not sure about their specific origins and value.

There is also a calligraphy and painting work called "A Hundred Horses".

Ma Dong Hyuk had asked someone to appraise it before, and it was confirmed to be a genuine work by a famous artist. The price was estimated at 130,000 yuan, but he thought it was too cheap and did not buy it.

The room is softly lit and filled with the scent of sandalwood.

At Fang Cheng's instruction, Xu Sanduo carefully picked up these antiques and examined them carefully.

"This hollow silver incense burner with floral patterns is made of high-purity silver with a warm color. It must be quite old."

As soon as he entered the professional field, his expression suddenly became serious. He gently held the incense burner, and his fingers slowly moved along the hollow floral patterns, muttering to himself:
"Look at the carving, it's so detailed, every flower is lifelike, and the stamens are even more vivid, which took a lot of effort from the craftsman."

"And from what I see, it looks a bit like something salvaged from a shipwreck. It should have been a foreign trade product supplied exclusively to foreign nobles back then..."

Fang Cheng listened, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes:
"Boss Xu has good eyesight!"

Xu Sanduo couldn't help but feel quite proud when he heard this:
"There are still some traces of water on the skin. Although it's not very conspicuous, as an expert in the industry, you can tell at a glance. If I'm right, it should be from a shipwreck in the South China Sea, right?"

Having said that, he felt that he seemed too presumptuous and glanced at Fang Cheng nervously.

Fang Cheng didn't say much, but pointed with his finger, indicating that he should continue watching.

Putting down the incense burner, Xu Sanduo turned his gaze to the bowls, plates and porcelain:

"Tsk, these pieces of secret color porcelain are really worthy of their reputation, the glaze is thick and even, with a layer of precious light, and there are almost no traces of throwing, which shows that the craftsmen are very skilled, and they are not something that can be imitated by those imitations nowadays..."

His hands seemed to be holding a rare treasure, and he slowly turned it under the light to look at it, his words full of amazement and praise.

Fang Cheng felt something was not right the more he listened, so he frowned and said:

"Is it really that good? Boss Xu, you have to tell the truth."

I don't want to be a person who asks for rewards for favors, nor do I want to be deceived by others.

Xu Sanduo's heart skipped a beat and he quickly put down the plate in his hand, putting on a flattering smile:
"My dear hero, I, Xu Sanduo, have been in this business for many years. I can't say anything else, but I do have good eyesight."

"These things are all genuine fine products. Don't worry, I will definitely not cheat you."

Fang Cheng nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"I know the rules of your business. Don't play tricks on me. I will give you a commission. If the news leaks out..."

Before he finished speaking, he looked at Xu Sanduo fiercely.

"No, no, I will definitely keep my mouth shut about the hero's affairs."

Xu Sanduo nodded hurriedly and said:

"Besides, you have done me a favor, how dare I play tricks in front of you."

As he spoke, he patted his chest to assure himself, and even a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead, fearing that Fang Cheng would misunderstand that he had bad intentions.

At this time, a knock on the door suddenly sounded.

It was the store manager who brought the tea over with a tray.

Xu Sanduo immediately stood up, picked up the teapot himself, and respectfully poured tea for Fang Cheng.

The store manager glanced at Fang Cheng, who seemed to be a guest of honor, then moved closer to Xu Sanduo and whispered something in his ear.

Xu Sanduo frowned, put down the teapot, waved his hand impatiently, and said in a low voice:
"Just say I'm on a business trip to collect goods and I won't be back for the next ten days or half a month. During this time, no matter if you are acquaintances or strangers, don't bother me."

The store manager understood what he meant, nodded in agreement, and quickly went out to send the visitor away.

The room returned to silence. Xu Sanduo smiled again and explained to Fang Cheng:
"My dear hero, I'm sorry to have embarrassed you. This line of work is full of troubles."

After Fang Cheng drank a sip of tea, he also prepared to say goodbye and leave:

"I'll leave these goods with you. Please pay more attention to them, Boss Xu."

Xu Sanduo quickly promised:
"Don't worry, my hero. You're giving me this business to add luster to my shop. I will definitely do it well!"

However, he secretly thought that as long as he could win over this distinguished guest, he would have a master to protect him in the future. Humph, those colleagues who always wanted to find fault with him would have to think twice about their abilities.

Just as he was daydreaming like this, a faint noise was heard outside the secret room, interrupting his interest.

A trace of displeasure flashed across Xu Sanduo's face. He quickly picked up the intercom and pressed the call button, speaking with a bit of majesty in his tone:

"What's going on outside? Where's the security guard? Ah Qiang, go and deal with it!"

However, before there was a response, a painful groan was heard from the other end of the intercom.

It seemed that the security guard named Aqiang was kicked out.

Then came the frightening sound of collision and the sound of porcelain breaking.

Through the intercom, there were also shouts of surprise from the guys.

Something had obviously happened in the lobby.

Xu Sanduo's face turned pale in an instant. He stood up in a panic, as if he wanted to hide somewhere, his eyes full of fear.

After a while, a sound of footsteps approached this side rapidly.

With a loud bang, the door of the secret room was kicked open.

Two figures in black robes rushed in with a gust of wind.

The two men were tall and sturdy, wearing monk hats similar to those of Lamas, and had fierce eyes.

Xu Sanduo was so frightened that he fell down on his chair, his body trembling, and his voice became stammering:

"You... who are you? What do you want to do?"

(End of this chapter)