Chapter 49: A Troublemaker Among Us
Certainly, we will definitely trouble Brother Hu when the time comes..." As the saying goes, "A flower-laden sedan is carried by people," when others extend a hand, one must graciously accept. After Fang Yi agreed, the bearded man and a few other stall owners dispersed back to their own stalls.
"Hehe, we brothers have finally made a name for ourselves..." The rotund man chuckled, his eyes narrowing into slits. Although setting up shop in this antique market was somewhat taxing, his spirits were high. Watching the items in his hands transform into cash brought him immense joy.
"Made a name? Not so fast..." San Pao retorted, somewhat irritable. "We won't truly have made it until we've all purchased homes in Jinling City. For now, let's focus on doing business diligently..."
"Right, let's all buy houses in Jinling and marry city girls!" The rotund man, unusually not arguing back, revealed a glimmer of aspiration in his eyes. Growing up in the countryside, he dreamt of living in the city, and he was no exception.
"Enough daydreaming, Fatty. How did business go earlier?" Fang Yi interjected, interrupting the two's reverie. Rather than indulging in fantasies, it would be more prudent to sell a few more strings of beads.
"With Fatty on the case, business is bound to be excellent..."
Upon hearing Fang Yi's words, the rotund man's face lit up with genuine delight as he began, "I sold two strings of small leaf rosewood beads for a total of four hundred, four strings of star and moon bodhi for eight hundred and eighty, and one string of diamond bodhi for one hundred and eighty..."
The rotund man grinned with pride and continued, "Fang Yi, guess what else I managed to sell?"
"How would I know? With so much merchandise, missing three or five pieces would hardly be noticeable..."
Fang Yi shook his head. The inventory given to them by Man Jun consisted of hundreds of various decorative beads, and their stall displayed only a small portion, with many more tucked away in the three-wheeled cart beneath the glass display.
"Fang Yi, I sold the Hu Yang wood Guanyin that Brother Man gave us..." The rotund man laughed heartily, extending his two chubby hands. "For one thousand, a full thousand yuan! What do you think, am I impressive or what?"
"Really? You sold that Guanyin?"
Fang Yi paused, momentarily taken aback. Among the items they brought to sell, that Guanyin was the largest, standing over thirty centimeters tall, exquisitely carved. According to Man Jun, it should fetch at least eight hundred, yet the rotund man had managed to sell it for two hundred more.
"Of course! You should see who you're dealing with..."
The rotund man proudly tilted his head back, his chin nearly pointing to the sky. In the hours Fang Yi had been away, the rotund man had successfully sold several items, regaining the confidence that Fang Yi had previously shaken.
It must be noted that the rotund man had a way with words, capable of turning the dead into the living. Earlier, an elderly gentleman had wandered to their stall, and after a brief conversation, the rotund man discerned that he was a devout Buddhist. Seizing the opportunity, he produced the Hu Yang wood carving and skillfully persuaded the old man to part with his money.
"Fatty's business acumen is commendable. Brother Man set the price for that piece at three hundred, which means we made a neat profit of seven hundred..." San Pao remarked from the side. While he might not match the rotund man in salesmanship, San Pao was responsible for managing the finances, diligently calculating costs and profits with each sale.
"San Pao, how much did we earn today in total?" After the afternoon crowd thinned, the rotund man and San Pao began chatting with nearby stall owners, neglecting to tally their earnings.
"Let me calculate..."
San Pao retrieved a small notebook, jotting down figures as he spoke. "Brother Yi bought one string of small leaf rosewood for five hundred, and the other two strings of beads totaled four hundred and twenty. Fatty sold seven strings of beads for one thousand four hundred and sixty. Not counting the Guanyin carving, we made two thousand three hundred and eighty in bead sales today..."
After calculating the day's sales, San Pao's voice trembled with excitement. It was worth noting that Man Jun had priced all their beads at one hundred yuan each. After deducting the cost of ten strings, amounting to one thousand yuan, Fatty and the others had netted a remarkable profit of one thousand three hundred and eighty yuan just from bead sales.
Adding in the seven hundred earned from the Hu Yang wood Guanyin, the three of them collectively earned two thousand yuan in a single day—an income surpassing that of many dual-income families in Jinling City. It was no wonder San Pao was becoming increasingly animated.
"Two thousand a day means sixty thousand a month, right? Brothers, we are on our way to riches!"
Although Fatty's math skills were honed by a teacher who taught everything from physical education to language and politics, he could still manage to multiply two thousand by thirty with his fingers, his eyes widening in astonishment.
Fatty couldn't help but feel exhilarated. Previously, when he worked as a security guard, he barely earned over a thousand a month. After paying ten yuan daily for food, he was left with only eight or nine hundred. It would take him five or six years of frugal living to accumulate sixty thousand yuan.
"Hold on, you two, don't get too carried away. The accounting doesn't work quite like that, you know?"
Seeing the two of them dancing with excitement, Fang Yi doused their enthusiasm with a splash of cold water. "This market only sees exceptional business on weekends. During the week, selling a third of what we sell on weekends would be a success. Today is Sunday, and tomorrow's sales are likely to decline..."
Fang Yi had not wasted his afternoon; through observation and conversations, he learned that while the antique market thrived on tourist traffic, most transactions were conducted by local enthusiasts. Since these players typically worked during the week, weekends were when the market truly flourished.
"Even so, that's still a decent income. It adds up to nearly twenty thousand a month..." Fatty and San Pao remained undeterred, both having spent time in the working world. They understood that as two veterans, they would be lucky to earn even two thousand in a month.
"Indeed, there is potential in this trade..." Fang Yi contemplated before stating, "You two should learn as much as possible. We can establish a direct supply chain in the future and continue working in this antique market..."
"Great! Let's make a big splash!" With money in their pockets, both Fatty and San Pao wore expressions of newfound confidence.
"Alright, let's quickly pack up and head out..." Fang Yi pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. "It's nearly six o'clock; we shouldn't keep Old Sun waiting..."
"Understood!"
The rotund man and San Pao nodded in agreement, swiftly gathering the items from the glass display into bags, which they then returned to Man Jun's shop. As Man Jun prepared to leave, he entrusted the keys to San Pao, for there was little of value left in his store.
"Hey, Xiao Fang, over here..." As Fang Yi and the others arrived at the market entrance, they heard Old Sun's voice emanating from a small vehicle.
"Get in, I'll take you to your accommodation..." Old Sun rolled down the window and waved at Fang Yi, while his student, Zhao Hongtao, occupied the driver's seat.
"Xiao Fang, I hope you don't mind me imposing on you for a meal..." Zhao Hongtao greeted Fang Yi, aware that his teacher held this young man in high regard, so he refrained from adopting any airs of superiority.
Fang Yi understood that to flourish in the antique market, he would need to rely on Deputy Director Zhao. He promptly responded, "Not at all, Director Zhao's willingness to join us is a favor to us..."
"Alright, we can chat more when we arrive. It's a hot day, and with the window down, the air conditioning will be lost..." Old Sun interjected, cutting short the pleasantries between Fang Yi and Zhao Hongtao.
"Old Sun, we live just down here..." Fang Yi pointed in the direction of Man Jun's home and explained, "It's only four or five hundred meters down this path, right next to that utility pole. We can walk from here..."
"You live here? How convenient!" Upon hearing Fang Yi's words, Old Sun opened the car door and stepped out. "I'll walk with you; after lying in bed for so many days, I could use some movement..."
"Teacher, you go ahead. I'll park the car in the lot..." Zhao Hongtao offered.
"Hmm? Don't drive tonight; join me for a few drinks..." Old Sun nodded, clearly pleased with his disciple, Zhao Hongtao.
Years ago, when mentoring graduate students, Old Sun had intended to impart his knowledge of antique appraisal to Zhao Hongtao. However, Zhao had become enamored with miscellaneous items, showing little interest in ceramics or bronzes. Over the past decade, he had instead become an expert in miscellaneous appraisals.
"Old Sun, Director Zhao, you've arrived! Come in, come in! It's sweltering out here..." As Fang Yi and the others reached Man Jun's home, they found him eagerly awaiting their arrival. After ushering Old Sun and the others inside, he hurriedly fetched a watermelon that had been chilling in the refrigerator.
"Xiao Man, your home is quite nice..." Once inside, Old Sun remarked, "To find a house with a courtyard in such a bustling area is quite rare. Moreover, since you're in the antique business, you truly are in a prime position..."
In truth, Old Sun's residence was not far from here. During his tenure at the Jinling Museum, he frequently passed by Man Jun's home but had not known him at the time.
"Indeed, Old Sun is right. My success in this field is largely due to this house..." Man Jun nodded in agreement. "This residence is close to the antique market. When I used to accompany my father for evening strolls after dinner, we would often pass by the market, and over time, I found my way into this business..."
"Well then, continue to work diligently. The antique trade is vast and profound..." Old Sun regarded Man Jun with a hint of approval. He had inquired about Man Jun's reputation while still in the hospital and learned that Man Jun was considered a principled individual who had not engaged in any deceitful practices throughout his years in the industry.
This was precisely why Old Sun was willing to visit Man Jun's home; otherwise, given his cautious nature, he would never dine with a dubious merchant, no matter how fond he was of Fang Yi.
Sensing the implication in Old Sun's words, Man Jun quickly stood and assured, "Old Sun, rest assured, I will conduct my business with integrity..."
"Good. If you encounter any issues, seek out Hongtao..." Old Sun's statement brought a look of delight to Man Jun's face. He had acquaintances in the museum, but the highest-ranking among them was merely a deputy director. Establishing a connection with Zhao Hongtao would undoubtedly facilitate his endeavors in the antique market.
"Brother Man, I cannot engage in anything unethical..." Zhao Hongtao joked lightly.
"Of course not! I, Man Jun, would never dare to engage in any unlawful activities..." Man Jun hastily reassured, casting a glance at Fang Yi. It was already past six, and mealtime was approaching.
Noticing Man Jun's subtle gesture, Fang Yi rose and said, "Old Sun, please enjoy some watermelon while I prepare a few dishes in the kitchen..."
"Xiao Fang, do you need any help?" Zhao Hongtao stood up, saying, "You may laugh, but I do all the cooking at home. Would you like me to lend a hand?"
"Director Zhao, please take a seat. I assure you, Fang Yi's culinary skills will impress you..." Man Jun gently pulled Zhao Hongtao back onto the sofa. After tasting Fang Yi's cooking the previous day, Man Jun was eager to savor it again and had full confidence in his abilities.
"Oh? Then I must try it..." Zhao Hongtao smiled as he settled back down, noticing the somewhat reserved demeanor of the rotund man and San Pao. He pointed at them and remarked, "You two are commendable; nowadays, there are too few willing to act heroically. I spoke to the management, and you both will receive a reward of five hundred yuan each, while Xiao Fang will receive three hundred..."
In truth, Fang Yi was the first to apprehend the thief that afternoon, but it was the rotund man and San Pao who physically subdued him, thus most of the credit—and the larger monetary reward—was attributed to them.
"Thank you, Director Zhao! We merely did what was right..." Upon hearing about the bonus, the rotund man's eyes brightened, though he maintained a humble demeanor.
"Such insincerity..." Fang Yi chuckled inwardly at the rotund man's feigned modesty as he stood and headed to the kitchen to prepare the meal, knowing that the fish required careful attention.
Having been accustomed to cooking from a young age, Fang Yi worked swiftly, and within seven or eight minutes, he had prepared four cold dishes to serve first, while the other two burners heated oil for the stir-fry.
"Xiao Fang, you've worked hard! Come sit and eat..." Once the four hot dishes were on the table, Zhao Hongtao spoke up, "I brought a bottle of red wine. Do you prefer red or white?"
When visiting others, it is customary not to arrive empty-handed. Before coming, Zhao Hongtao had brought a bottle of red wine from his office, yet the table was set with a twenty-year-old Maotai that Man Jun had produced. Just yesterday, he lamented having only one bottle left, yet today he had miraculously brought out an entire case.
"I'll have white..." Fang Yi removed his apron and took a seat at the table, raising the glass that Man Jun had poured for him. "This toast is to Old Sun, celebrating his discharge from the hospital and wishing him good health and all the best..."
During his time in the mountains, Fang Yi had shared drinks with his master nearly every day, engaging in playful banter, so these words flowed easily. Had they not known his background, the rotund man and San Pao might have found it hard to believe that Fang Yi had only recently descended from the mountains.
"Xiao Fang, what a skillful cook! I am truly impressed..." After sharing a drink with his teacher, Zhao Hongtao picked up a piece of fish and his eyes lit up as he gave Fang Yi a thumbs-up.
"Indeed, it's quite delightful—far superior to the dishes served in restaurants..." Old Sun also sampled a dish, nodding in approval. While he appreciated his son's cooking, it paled in comparison to Fang Yi's.
"Old Sun, Director Zhao, please eat more if you enjoy it. My cooking is rather rustic, not comparable to that of a restaurant chef..." Fang Yi humbly downplayed his skills. In the mountains, he had to make do with limited ingredients, always striving to make his meals delicious. Now that he was in a more abundant environment, he felt like a fish in water.
"Xiao Fang, why do you still call him Director Zhao?"
By the time Fang Yi joined the table, Zhao Hongtao had already consumed several glasses of wine, and his face was slightly flushed. He lightly tapped the table and said, "At the dining table, there are no superiors. If you don't mind my age, just call me Zhao Ge..."
This afternoon, while accompanying his teacher in the office, Zhao Hongtao had gleaned Old Sun's intention to take Fang Yi as a disciple. Thus, despite being nearly twenty years older, in terms of hierarchy, he was merely Fang Yi's senior.
"Very well, then I must toast Zhao Ge..."
As Fang Yi sat down, the atmosphere at the table grew increasingly lively. Old Sun downed several more glasses, and eventually, after much urging from everyone, he switched to tea, sipping while engaging in conversation.
"Excuse me, I need to take a call..." Just after sharing a drink with Fang Yi, Zhao Hongtao's phone suddenly rang. After glancing at the caller ID, he apologized to the group and stepped outside to answer.
"Yes, Hongtao, what's happened?" Old Sun noticed that when Zhao Hongtao returned from the call, his expression was somewhat troubled.
"There's been a situation..." Zhao Hongtao sighed, lifting a glass of wine with a serious demeanor. "I must apologize to you, Fang Yi and the others. I bear some responsibility in this matter..."
"Zhao Ge, what's going on?" Fang Yi inquired, though he had a sense of what was coming.
"It's about that Guo Guo Guang..."
Zhao Hongtao shook his head and explained, "The museum just called. They received a notice from the city bureau stating that Guo Guo Guang is suspected of accepting bribes from criminals, and the amount is significant. He has already been taken into custody..."
Upon hearing this news, Zhao Hongtao felt a pang of frustration. Although he wasn't responsible for logistics, Guo Guo Guang's arrest reflected poorly on him as a museum leader, especially in front of Old Sun and Fang Yi.
"Such things happen everywhere, Hongtao. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just be more vigilant when selecting personnel in the future..." Observing Zhao Hongtao's guilt, Old Sun offered some words of comfort. After years in leadership, he understood that certain issues are often unavoidable.
"Yes, Teacher, I will certainly be more cautious..." Zhao Hongtao nodded, adding, "I will raise this at tomorrow's meeting, advocating for a review of our internal political conduct. I'll ensure that a responsible and capable person is assigned to the management department."
Every situation has its dualities. While Zhao Hongtao felt embarrassed by the incident, there was also a silver lining; Guo Guo Guang was aligned with another deputy director, who was competing with Zhao Hongtao for the director's position. Guo Guo Guang's arrest would undoubtedly serve as a significant blow to that deputy director.
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