Watching Mr. He get into his car and leave, Fang Zheng curiously asked:
"Elder Lu, who exactly is this Mr. He? He just dropped over 30 million like it was nothing?"
"He's from the Capital City," Elder Lu replied:
"As for his identity... it's better not to concern yourself. In any case, he's way out of our league, and it's unlikely we'll cross paths again."
He waved his hand gently with a smile.
From this transaction, as the introducer, he earned a considerable fee, enough to cover a year's rent in Seven Miles with ease.
"Congratulations!"
Zheng Yubo clasped his fist:
"Boss Fang, you've made a fortune today. Shouldn't there be a celebration?"
"Absolutely!" Fang Zheng waved his hand generously:
"Later, let's head to Yunhai Restaurant; I'm treating everyone."
Yunhai Restaurant is the top-tier establishment in Qu City. Whether the food's good is another matter, but the price and atmosphere are second to none.
A meal costing tens of thousands is just ordinary.
Suddenly, with over 30 million more in his account, it's thrilling beyond measure for Fang Zheng, who grew up in poverty. Now, all he can think about is how to spend it.
A meal? What is that worth!
Buy a car!
Buy a luxury car!
Buy a house!
Buy a grand apartment, a big villa!
In an instant, the urge to splurge engulfed his mind, making his blood boil with excitement, leaving him somewhat dazed.
"Just kidding, just kidding." Zheng Yubo waved his hand:
"Did you arrange with the auction house folks?"
"Yes." Fang Zheng collected himself and said:
"Perhaps you two can be witnesses."
"That would be good!"
Elder Lu nodded.
The auction house representatives arrived promptly, two individuals: one wearing a suit with slicked-back hair, and the other, elderly with graying hair.
The older one had an air of scholarship, likely the appraiser.
"Boss Fang."
The man with slicked-back hair stepped forward enthusiastically for a firm handshake:
"Thank you for waiting. I'm Zhang Zhu, introduced by Manager Wen. You can just call me Xiao Zhang."
The man, Xiao Zhang, looked about forty.
"Mr. Zhang."
Fang Zheng felt a bit uncomfortable with such enthusiasm, still preferring the aloofness of Mr. He. He withdrew his hand awkwardly and gestured towards the house:
"Originally, there were two items, but one has been sold, so there's just one left. Let's take a look first."
"What a shame!"
Zhang Zhu showed regret.
Inside, their eyes were immediately drawn to the jade.
"This is..." Zhang Zhu was taken aback:
"Ice jadeite?"
"It seems so."
The appraiser stepped forward, took out an instrument, and inspected it meticulously before nodding:
"It is indeed ice jadeite. The quality and appearance are excellent, but it's a bit small; otherwise, it could reach over ten million."
"It's already good enough," Zhang Zhu beamed with excitement:
"In this year's city auction, it could probably rank in the top three for ice jadeite."
Although he appeared enthusiastic earlier, he was, in fact, indifferent, only making the trip out of respect for Wen Lei, with little expectation of the harvest.
Who would have thought,
there was indeed a treasure!
Auctions appear lavish to the average person, but items over ten million are rare, often emerging only from large nationwide auctions.
In smaller monthly auctions, items worth a few million count as the main attraction.
Qu City isn't a first-tier metropolis either.
A piece like the 30-million Chicken Blood Stone from earlier counts as top-notch in a large auction, while items valued over a hundred million are considered heritage treasures.
Such treasures are encounters of fate and not likely to be auctioned in Qu City.
If he knew he let a tens-of-million Chicken Blood Stone slip away, he'd probably kick himself.
"Boss Fang."
Zhang Zhu rubbed his hands earnestly:
"Please entrust this item to our auction house for auctioning."
"Alright." Fang Zheng was indifferent:
"How about you give it a valuation first?"
Zhang Zhu exchanged glances with the appraiser, whispered a few words, made some calls for inquiries, and finally gave an estimate.
Four million!
The auction would not start at such a high floor price, so Zhang Zhu suggested starting at 3.6 million, safeguarding at four million. If no one outbids four million, it won't sell.
According to Zhang Zhu, the chances of not selling are minimal. Even if it doesn't sell, he can persuade the auction house to purchase the jade, which can even be written into the contract.
Being a seasoned auctioneer for over a decade, his business acumen was impressive. Jing Long's reputation and Wen Lei's introduction were also reassuring.
"Let's proceed like this then!"
After settling the details, both parties officially signed the consignment auction contract, with a high-ranking auction house executive joining via video.
Once the signing, recording, assessment, and everything else was done, an hour had passed.
"The pending 4 million, combined with Mr. He's 36 million, means the Sky-Flipping Kite brought me 40 million in profits!"
"Even after taxes, there are still over 30 million left."
"I struck gold!"
"That guy is my lucky star!"
Fang Zheng took out his phone, looking at the bank message. The string of zeros was dizzying, his heart almost leaping out.
With this much money, he probably wouldn't have any worries for the rest of his life.
Martial arts training?
What for!
Well... he should still practice martial arts, and he can't let a bit of petty cash cloud his judgment. With the Otherworld, becoming a billionaire isn't hard either, and mastering martial arts there is essential for self-protection.
In his newfound wealth, all Fang Zheng wants is to spend wildly.
But alas, his Hundred Days Foundation Establishment isn't complete yet. Despite the urge, he has to suppress it, continue with the herbal baths and cultivation, and wait until his cultivation technique is perfected.
*
*
*
Xiahe Village.
Fang Zheng stopped his pickup, unloading several boxes, and knocked on the outer door.
"What's all this?" Seeing the boxes, Guo Ziran was somewhat puzzled:
"What's all this for?"
"I came into some money." Fang Zheng chuckled:
"So I'm here to pay respects to Master Guo."
The fact that he survived from the hands of three bandits and the Sky-Flipping Kite was thanks to the foundation set by practicing Xingyi Fist, so he had to express his gratitude.
"Hmph!" Guo Ziran rolled his eyes, opened one of the boxes, and took out a bottle of liquor. His eyes lit up immediately:
"The real deal!"
"Did you strike it rich, kid?"
This is Wuliangye, over a thousand per bottle, nearly ten thousand per box of six, along with the other boxes, it must be worth tens of thousands.
"Just small money, small money," Fang Zheng grinned:
"Thanks to Master Guo's guidance."
"You didn't do anything illegal or immoral, did you?" Guo Ziran eyed him suspiciously.
"How could I?" Fang Zheng widened his eyes:
"You know my character, no way!"
"That's true!" Guo Ziran nodded.
They had known each other for over a month. Guo Ziran somewhat understands Fang Zheng's cautious and timid nature, knowing he wouldn't do anything illegal.
"I sold an antique and made a windfall," Fang Zheng explained:
"I saw some empty Wuliangye bottles at Master Guo's place, guessed you might like it, so I bought a box."
"…" Guo Ziran smirked:
"You're considerate."
Watching Fang Zheng move box after box, his long stern expression slightly softened, and his eyes were complicated.
"Speaking of which..."
Fang Zheng began:
"With Master Guo's skills, life shouldn't be this tough! Didn't you retire from the military? No pension?"
"Hmph!" Guo Ziran snorted:
"I was kicked out for fighting, lucky to avoid jail time."
Uh...
Fang Zheng chuckled awkwardly.
"Kid." Guo Ziran gestured:
"Show me those boxing skills again."
"Yes!"
Fang Zheng obliged, setting down the items, and practiced the Five Elements Fist. His boxing skills had improved significantly after some real-world experience.
'This boy...'
Guo Ziran's gaze flickered, and doubt brimmed in his eyes:
'Could he truly be a martial arts prodigy?'