Movie variety show soul travels between two worlds to become a rich man

Chapter 676 The arena is not about fighting and killing
However, Liu Zhan Dou was not lying. He had indeed spent most of the money he had earned over the years on the top-tier private club he was planning to build.

As the vice president of the calligraphy and painting appraisal association, his most valuable asset is his extensive network of contacts in Shanghai, cultivated over more than 20 years, and his influence among the city's top collectors.

The club he built was also a place for his top connections and wealthy collectors to gather.

"Boss, I'm not lying to you. I've invested all my savings in No. 16 Xinle Road. I'll take you there to see it, and then you'll believe me," Liu Zhandou said with a wry smile.

"Heh, Liu Zhan Dou, you really do have a fighting spirit of fighting to the end and never giving up. You're still trying to outsmart me even now. I admire you! It seems you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin... How about we find somewhere else to talk?"

Gao Dongxu looked at Liu Zhandou with a bitter smile and sneered, making a move to get up. Although he didn't know how much wealth Liu Zhandou had, he didn't believe that the other party would not transfer his assets to others.

"No, no, please don't be angry, please don't be angry. I have a villa in Los Angeles worth three million US dollars, five million US dollars in overseas accounts, and five million US dollars in bonds. This is my backup plan in case of any eventuality..."

Faced with Gao Dongxu's oppression, Liu Zhandou once again squeezed out the last drop of toothpaste. He knew that here he could still use money to protect his future and his life, but once he changed places, his freedom, wealth, and reputation would all vanish.

Once he goes in and comes out, everything he's worked hard for over twenty years will be for nothing.

If the money is gone, you can make it again.

"That's all?" Gao Dongxu continued to sneer.

"There are also three properties in Shanghai and Beijing, some savings, stocks, funds, etc., but they're all with my wife... That's really all." After weighing the pros and cons, Liu Zhan Dou no longer concealed anything, though he didn't elaborate further.

According to his guess, Gao Dongxu was willing to let him go not only for money, but perhaps for other purposes. Therefore, he would not kill him and would leave him a way out.

As expected, after listening, Gao Dongxu gave a noncommittal sneer, leaned forward, stubbed out his cigarette in the crystal ashtray, stood up, and looked down at Liu Zhan Dou, saying, "Get up, lead the way—"

"Huh?! Okay, okay..." Liu Zhan Dou was stunned for a moment, then immediately got up with a sigh of relief, smiling apologetically, wiping his sweat, and bowing carefully.

Leaving the luxury suite, they took the elevator directly to the underground parking lot. Without the elites from 749, only Gao Dongxu, along with A Ning, the three women Ru Xin Ru Qing, Fu Gui, Fu Sheng, and Er Pang, in three cars, headed to No. 16 Xinle Road, guided by Liu Zhan Dou.

These old villas, as the most classic residences in the city, each hold a legendary story from a bygone era. These stories, like pearls, are inlaid in the long river of history, shining brightly.

If Shanghai were a magnificent cheongsam, then these villas would undoubtedly be the most eye-catching and exquisite buttons on the cheongsam, adding a unique charm to the city.

Upon arriving at No. 16 Xinle Road, Liu Zhan Dou got out of the car, used a key to open the large black iron gate, and the three cars drove into the yard.

After getting off the bus, Gao Dongxu saw a white old villa in the Baroque style, a unique architectural feature even in the city center.

"This building was built in 1921 and has a history of 89 years. This villa has four floors, covering an area of ​​445 square meters and a building area of ​​540 square meters. In the city center, this is definitely a very rare detached garden villa."

Surrounded by open space on all four sides, the nearly 200-square-meter garden not only boasts a pleasant environment but also provides ample living space. Furthermore, I renovated and added two stairwells and an elevator. Most importantly, this property is privately owned with clear title; I was so excited and thrilled when I bought it that I couldn't sleep all night.

Liu Zhandou bowed slightly, stood beside Gao Dongxu, and with a beaming smile, introduced the characters to Gao Dongxu in a proud and boastful tone.

Gao Dongxu glanced at Liu Zhandou and said calmly, "Indeed, not bad."

Seemingly emboldened by Gao Dongxu's approval, Liu Zhan Dou became even more enthusiastic, saying with a touch of boastfulness, "The outside is nothing compared to the real essence inside. Please—"

Liu Zhan Dou made an inviting gesture, then scurried a few steps to unlock the door with his key. He then stood to one side, smiling respectfully as Gao Dongxu entered.

Upon entering the house, Gao Dongxu and the three women's eyes lit up. It has to be said that Liu Zhan Dou really wasn't exaggerating.

"The entire floor is in a completely European style. Look, this is a Picasso ceramic water jug—" Liu Zhan Dou pointed to a Picasso ceramic water jug ​​displayed on a Regency table in the entrance hall with eyes full of pride and smugness as he introduced it.

Gao Dongxu raised an eyebrow and casually asked, "What's the number?"

Liu Zhan Dou's eyes lit up, and he flattered him with a fawning expression, saying, "You're an expert, this is the 83rd item."

Gao Dongxu stepped forward, picked up the bird-patterned water jug, examined its base width, and felt its cool, jade-like texture, confirming it was an authentic piece.

In 1962, Spanish art master Pablo Picasso collaborated with the French workshop of Madoura to create a breathtaking series of bird-patterned water jugs. This series of water jugs not only blends functionality and artistry but also showcases Picasso's profound love for nature and animals.

The bottom of the jug is engraved with the logo of the Madora workshop, and only two hundred pieces were ever made. The logo is not only a mark of Picasso's collaboration with the Madora workshop, but also a symbol of his unshakeable position in the history of modern art.

"...And this chandelier is a French product from the 1830s, while these two German hall chairs are from 1820. I personally bought them from the Mallet Antiques Company..."

Gao Dongxu and the three women toured the first floor under Liu Zhandou's expert guidance. Gao Dongxu now truly believed that Liu Zhandou was putting his heart and soul into renovating this old villa.

Almost every detail is exquisite: Alex Hampton's sofas are covered in Pollac silk, the doorframes and mantels are adorned with Louis XVI-style gilded bronze wall lamps, and nearby stand paintings by Hans Hoffmann, a pioneer of modernist abstract expressionism and bridge art.

It has to be admitted that Liu Zhan Dou is indeed a talented person with something in his head.

He truly brought out and realized the petit-bourgeois sentiment inherent in the people of Shanghai.

Gao Dongxu noticed the three women's eyes brighten considerably; it seemed they liked it very much.

"The first floor is in a European style, while the second floor is entirely in a Chinese style. Most of my collection is there; please—"

Liu Zhanzhu, who had been carefully observing Gao Dongxu's eyes and expressions, noticed that Gao Dongxu remained calm throughout and showed no emotion whatsoever, which made him even more certain that Gao Dongxu was extraordinary.

Guided by Liu Zhan Dou, Gao Dongxu climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Upon reaching the second floor, a corridor comes into view, with collections lining both sides of the corridor.

"These carpets are all from the Qing Dynasty imperial court. I got them from the warehouse of an antique shop back then..."

Liu Zhan Dou pointed at the carpet in the corridor without any sense of shame, and instead introduced it to Gao Dong Xu as if he had great taste.

"Most of these pieces of furniture are from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with some from the Song dynasty, and the porcelain pieces are from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties..."

As Liu Zhan Dou introduced the items, Gao Dongxu's eyes swept over each one and he found that whether it was the chair, the stone statue, or the landscape painting, they were all rare collectibles, works by masters such as Qi Baishi and Fu Baoshi.

The living room maintains a traditional Chinese style, with furniture made of precious woods. The chairs and tables are priceless. According to Liu Zhandou, some pieces of furniture were made of pear wood from a hundred years ago.

Of course, the most eye-catching feature in the living room is the display shelves that are everywhere, filled with Liu Zhan Dou's collection of porcelain, including a Kangxi blue and white porcelain general jar and a Qianlong cloisonné-style bronze vase. With the addition of a classic floor lamp, the room exudes an antique charm and a sense of extravagance.

“Every antique here was carefully selected by me. They may not be the most expensive, but their cultural value is rich and has long-term research significance. They have a clear provenance and are all good collectibles.” Liu Zhan Dou said, glancing at Gao Dong Xu’s expression while inwardly bleeding inside, yet forcing a smile.

"Given your mercenary nature, I thought you valued price more." Gao Dongxu sat down in a century-old huanghuali armchair and teased Liu Zhan Dou with a playful expression.

"I'm mercenary, that's for business. As for personal collection, I only collect what I like. To be honest, I make fakes because I feel bad for selling genuine articles to someone who doesn't know their value..." Liu Zhandou explained shamelessly.

"So, you're the fraudster," Gao Dongxu said with a sneer, looking at the somewhat smug Liu Zhan Dou.

Liu Zhandou felt a chill run down his spine under Gao Dongxu's cold and mocking gaze. He hurriedly forced a smile and said, "I know I was wrong. I won't dare to do it again. Please, have mercy on me."

Gao Dongxu glanced calmly at Liu Zhandou, who was bowing slightly, smiling broadly, and sweating profusely. Amidst Liu's extreme tension and trepidation, Gao Dongxu said indifferently, "If it weren't for the fact that you're still somewhat useful, I would have handled this strictly by law and put you in jail for life."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhan Dou immediately perked up and excitedly declared, "From now on, I am your man, serving you faithfully and going through fire and water for you..."

"Alright, stop with the nonsense." Gao Dongxu looked at the scoundrel in front of him and interrupted his oaths. For someone like Liu Zhan Dou, oaths were no different from farting.

Gao Dongxu also valued this guy's extensive network of contacts and top-tier antique trading network in Shanghai, which he had cultivated for over twenty years.

To put it bluntly, in the antique trade, it's the top-tier, small circle that makes it easiest to sell and make money.

Moreover, Gao Dongxu considered Liu Zhan's network of connections in Shanghai to be the most valuable asset.

As long as Liu Zhan can be used for his own purposes, then the city will be like opening all its doors and windows to Gao Dongxu.

Even though Gao Dongxu is a powerful outsider, he still needs the help of local bigwigs to truly establish himself in Shanghai.

At the lower levels, Xiao Qing is already there, and at the upper levels, Liu Zhan Dou is undoubtedly the best candidate.

The martial arts world is never just about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social interactions.

Squeezing Liu out of his life, whether by putting him in jail or killing him, would be a one-off deal. In fact, the ruthlessness of the actions might even make some people wary and suspicious, making it the most unprofitable outcome.

A petty person like Liu Zhan Dou, who poses no threat whatsoever, is undoubtedly the easiest tool to control. Only by bringing him under one's control can one maximize one's interests.

(End of this chapter)