Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Painting (First update)

Translator: 549690339

Having held a high position for so long, coupled with the fact that she is a goddess in the upper-class circles of Binhai, it must be said, Cui Feiyan truly carries a majestic aura.

At her outburst, the middle-aged fat man became stunned and grumbled as he walked away. “Damn it, two nutjobs. This woman is indeed a goddess, but why is she with a small-time farmer conman…”

“Little Long, was that guy really diagnosed with liver cancer?” Cui Feiyan couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes. If he doesn’t get treatment, it’ll turn terminal within a year. Then a few months later, he’ll kick the bucket,” Huang Xiaolong muttered. “A diagnosis fees of 500,000 yuan to save a life, it should be well worth it. He truly fails to recognize the value. Alright, Feiyan, let’s keep exploring.”

Walking along, they arrived at an antique-like quaint street.

This street has architectural styles from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with projecting eaves and upturned corners, emanating a strong historical vibe.

On both sides of the street are carefully decorated, upscale antique shops.

There are also quite a number of street stalls.

“Little Long, this is the largest antique street in Binhai. It’s unexpected that we’ve wandered here,” Cui Feiyan laughed.

It seemed that Cui Feiyan was not particularly enthusiastic about antiques, but the quiet and elegant environment here didn’t bother her.

“Antique street, eh?” Huang Xiaolong’s eyes flickered slightly.

At this moment, on the street, some tourists were stopping at the street stalls, squatting down, and examining some items carefully, obviously hoping to find a gem among the cheap goods, which is so-called ‘bargain hunting’.

At this, Huang Xiaolong inwardly laughed.

Huang Xiaolong had also studied antique appraisal before, allowing him to spot quality.

Moreover, there were many ancient people in the underworld, which gave Huang Xiaolong a unique sensitivity towards antiques.

He could tell the real from the fake with a simple glance.

At a single look, every item on this antique street was fake, with some even being very poorly counterfeited.

“Little Long, there’s nothing interesting on the antique street. Let’s go somewhere else,” Cui Feiyan suggested after browsing for a while.

“Feiyan, there’s no rush. Let’s keep looking,” Huang Xiaolong said, his eyes sweeping around. “Who knows, maybe we can make some money here.”

“Huh? Little Long, you want to make money here? You…you’re being a bit too fanciful, aren’t you?” Cui Feiyan looked at Huang Xiaolong with incredulous eyes. “In fact, there are many con artists here. It’s not only the street stalls but even in the regular antique shops, mostly fakes are sold. Nowadays, the art of faking antiques has almost reached its peak, producing convincing counterfeits. Even the appraisal certificates issued by some organizations are fake.”

“Hehe, Feiyan, are you into collecting as well?” Huang Xiaolong asked with a grin.

“I’m not into it, have no interest. But my dad has been conned several times,” Cui Feiyan answered.

“Don’t worry, Feiyan, I won’t be conned,” Huang Xiaolong reassured her with a smile. “This shop is quite large. Let’s check it out.”

After saying this, Huang Xiaolong enthusiastically went into a nearby classy yet tasteful antique shop.

Inside the shop.

The fragrance of sandalwood filled the air and ink paintings were hung all around the walls.

Upon stepping inside, Huang Xiaolong and Cui Feiyan saw a middle-aged man dressed in a Tang suit, holding a snuff bottle and said, “Snuff bottles were popular during the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty archives recorded that emperors often rewarded ministers with snuff bottles. In the era of Qianlong, the most corrupt official, He Shen, got his house confiscated. Of the confiscated items, there were more than two thousand snuff bottles, demonstrating the use and collection of snuff and snuff bottles had been a trend and a symbol of civilization in the Qing Dynasty!”

A young man on the side listened intently, nodding repeatedly.

The middle-aged man in Tang costume continued, “Young man, your white jade snuff bottle has dozens of colors on the surface, offering a vibrant and rich variety, showcasing the superb craftsmanship and porcelain firing techniques, painting skills, and other artistic talents of the craftsman… Hahahaha, it’s a seamless imitation, but even a very careful person makes a mistake sometimes!”

“Boss Zuo, are you saying… my snuff bottle… is fake? I… I spent several tens of thousands to get it…” The young man’s voice trembled, and his face became paler and paler.

“The snuff bottles from the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong periods each have their unique features. Those from the Kangxi and Yongzheng periods are elegant and simple, light and gentle. Those from the Qianlong period highlight grandeur and vibrancy, where shape and decoration are organically combined, offering strong visual appeal. Your snuff bottle… Haha, in terms of style, it should be from the Qianlong period, but… the snuff bottle has a slightly concave bottom with the black square box containing the four characters ‘made in Kangxi period’ in seal script. Doesn’t this contradict itself? Besides, jade snuff bottles became popular in the Qianlong period. Those from before the Qianlong period are mostly fakes!”

“Oh!!!!! I’ve been tricked!” The young man cried and stomped his feet in frustration.

“Hahahaha  It’s normal to pay some tuition fees when you’re collecting. Young man, take more time to observe and be cautious before making a move.” The middle-aged man in Tang costume wore a proud smile, returning the snuff bottle to the young man, “If you’re willing to sell this fake snuff bottle to my shop, I’ll give you the highest price… 3000 yuan.”

“3000 yuan? I bought it for 60,000 yuan! Forget it, forget it, Boss Zuo, I’ll just keep it and play with it at home.” The young man left, holding his snuff bottle with a grief-stricken face.

“Heh  A fool.” The middle-aged man in Tang costume smirked subtly.

At this moment, he saw Huang Xiaolong and Cui Feiyan enter his shop, and he hurriedly greeted them.

Huang Xiaolong’s attire wasn’t remarkable, but Cui Feiyan’s presence demands his attention.

Not only did she have remarkable knowledge in antiques appraisal, but she also had a knack for spotting people.

Cui Feiyan was not just beautiful and high-quality, her outfit alone would cost hundreds of thousands!

In the eyes of the middle-aged man in Tang costume, Cui Feiyan’s face clearly spelled out three large characters—”Rich! and! Beautiful!”

‘Hehehe, these rich second generations, they are the easiest to deceive. Yes, I haven’t opened business for half a year, and when I do, I’m set for the next half. This time, I’m going to make a good chunk of money from her!’

“Both of you, may I know what you’re interested in? Our shop offers jade, calligraphy and paintings, and bronze artifacts… You name it, we have it. We also have some rare items.” The middle-aged man in Tang costume, the owner of this antique shop, ‘Boss Zuo’, was looking at Cui Feiyan with a pleased expression.

“There’s no need for formalities, boss. I’m here to accompany my friend.” Cui Feiyan answered indifferently.

“Accompanying a friend?” Boss Zuo was astounded, his eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Huang Xiaolong.

‘Is this possible? This goddess, so rich and beautiful, she’s here as a companion? Accompanying such a rustic little country bumpkin?’

Huang Xiaolong quickly scanned the store and shook his head secretly…

Authentic my ass!

All fucking fakes!

Huang Xiaolong was quite disappointed. He initially wanted to see if he could snap up a good deal, but with nothing but fakes, it was meaningless.

He was about to leave with Cui Feiyan.

Just then, a ragged-looking middle-aged man looking really anxious walked into the antique shop with a scroll in his hand, “Boss, Boss, take a look at this painting for me.”

“Oh? What painting?” Boss Zuo’s eyes fluttered slightly.