Capítulo 92: Encountering an Acquaintance
"They sell through regular channels, so we shall buy through regular channels. Thus, there's no need to fear being seen..."
Man Jun ultimately reached a conclusion regarding the matter. However, despite the auction's legitimacy and the company's qualifications, those well-versed in the industry still habitually referred to this trading event as an underground auction.
"Alright, the time is nearly upon us; we can head up now..." Man Jun glanced at his watch, noting it was already 9:20. He called out to Fang Yi, rising to his feet and making his way toward the hotel elevator.
As Fang Yi and his companions awaited the elevator, three individuals approached from the hotel entrance. Leading the group was a middle-aged man, approximately forty-seven or forty-eight years old, whose imposing presence was accentuated by his formal suit and tie, even in the sweltering heat—clearly a person of high standards.
Trailing behind the middle-aged man was an elderly gentleman clad in a traditional gown, and accompanying them was a young woman in her twenties dressed in professional attire. The woman, adorned with a pair of black-framed glasses, carried a briefcase and followed closely behind the middle-aged man.
"Ah, isn't that Mr. Su?" Noticing the approach of the trio, Man Jun turned around. Upon recognizing the middle-aged man's features, he quickly pivoted, extending his hand towards him with a broad smile.
"Who are you?" The middle-aged man's eyes revealed a hint of confusion as he regarded Man Jun's outstretched hand, seemingly unfamiliar with the bald man before him.
"Mr. Su, you must be forgetful; I am Xiao Man, from the Antique Street of Chaotian Palace..." As Mr. Su did not reciprocate the handshake, Man Jun felt a twinge of embarrassment and quickly added, "The last time Brother Zheng visited Jinling, you came to my shop, remember?"
Brother Zheng, referred to by Man Jun, was Zheng Yuguang, the friend from Beijing who had introduced him to this auction. Zheng Yuguang had a thriving antique business, and Mr. Su was one of his clients in Jinling. The last time, Zheng had sold an ancient jade piece to Mr. Su through Man Jun's antique shop.
"Oh, now I remember; you are a friend of Boss Zheng. We have met before..."
Upon hearing Zheng Yuguang's name, a look of recognition crossed Mr. Su's face. He extended his hand and gave Man Jun a brief handshake before retracting it, inquiring, "Xiao Man, are you here to participate in this auction as well?"
"Indeed, Mr. Su, Brother Zheng recommended me. Please, go ahead..." Man Jun nodded in response, noticing Mr. Su's reluctance to engage in further conversation. Just then, the elevator arrived, prompting Man Jun to pull Fang Yi aside.
"Hey, don't just stare at Mr. Su's companion!"
Man Jun noticed that Fang Yi, whom he had just pulled back, was fixated on the woman in professional attire. Leaning closer, he lowered his voice, "We can't afford to provoke Mr. Su's woman; stop staring so blatantly..."
Even without direct interaction with Mr. Su, Man Jun was well aware of his reputation. Su Shilun, just forty years old, was already a prominent entrepreneur in the country, ranking among the top ten on last year's Forbes list with a fortune of 2.7 billion yuan.
"Not at all, Brother Man, please don't say such things..."
Fang Yi hesitated momentarily upon hearing Man Jun's words, but quickly regained his composure as they entered the elevator, though his peripheral gaze couldn't resist darting back toward the woman.
In truth, Man Jun was correct; Fang Yi was indeed observing the woman. The reason was simple: he recognized her as Officer Bai, the very individual frequently mentioned by the overweight man and San Pao.
Although Bai Chuxia wore glasses similar to Fang Yi's, obscuring much of her face, and donned professional attire that drastically altered her appearance, Fang Yi's keen memory allowed him to identify her instantly. His shock was akin to Man Jun's excitement upon encountering Mr. Su.
Fang Yi was aware of Bai Chuxia's identity; she had revealed her police credentials during their previous encounter at the antique market. Considering her role and the context of this auction, it was not difficult for Fang Yi to deduce her purpose for being there.
"Mr. Su, what a coincidence..."
Man Jun attempted to strike up a conversation in the elevator, knowing that Su Shilun was an avid collector of antiques, possessing a collection substantial enough to establish a museum. No antique dealer would pass up an opportunity to befriend such a valuable client.
"Yes, quite a coincidence..." Su Shilun replied curtly, prompting Man Jun to fall silent, as it was evident that the man had no desire for further dialogue.
"Indeed, it seems that coincidence is the mother of invention..."
As Man Jun pondered the serendipity of his upcoming transaction with Officer Bai regarding the large ebony bracelet, he couldn't help but smile wryly. He wondered if Bai Chuxia would recognize him when he removed his glasses the following day.
However, Fang Yi was likely overthinking, for from the moment they entered the elevator until they exited, Bai Chuxia's gaze remained fixed on Mr. Su, demonstrating exemplary professionalism.
In truth, Bai Chuxia had not recognized Fang Yi, as all her focus was dedicated to embodying her current role. She had actively sought to participate as Mr. Su's personal assistant for this auction, even having her family connections advocate on her behalf, eager to avoid any missteps.
As Man Jun had previously heard, the foreign trade company in Henan was under the close watch of the Ministry of Public Security. Each auction they held attracted officers posing as various identities, aiming to uncover direct or indirect evidence of illegal activities.
Originally, this task was not intended for a rookie like Bai Chuxia. However, during a visit to a relative within the police system, she learned of the situation and, after much persuasion, secured the opportunity to portray Mr. Su's assistant.
As a novice on her first assignment, Bai Chuxia felt quite nervous, but her solid upbringing enabled her to play the role convincingly. Had it not been for Fang Yi's recognition, no one would suspect that this professional woman was, in fact, a police officer.
"Art Collection Exchange Conference?"
Upon exiting the elevator, Fang Yi noticed a large promotional sign positioned directly opposite the elevator doors, emblazoned with the words "Art Collection Exchange Conference" along with an arrow indicating the direction. Following the arrow for several meters and rounding a corner led to the hotel's business conference room.
However, the conference room door was currently closed, guarded by two young men. Upon seeing Mr. Su and his companions approach, they scrutinized the group with discerning eyes.
"Excuse me, are you all together?"
Behind a table marked with a registration sign, a young man in his late twenties stood up and addressed them, "Could you please present your invitation letters? Additionally, if you wish to enter, please pay the auction deposit..."
"We three are together..."
Upon hearing the young man's words, Mr. Su glanced back at Man Jun and Fang Yi, gesturing for them to follow. Bai Chuxia stepped forward, opening her briefcase to retrieve several stacks of cash along with a white paper.
"Good heavens, this entire briefcase is filled with cash?"
As Bai Chuxia opened her briefcase, Fang Yi, standing behind them, clearly saw it brimming with stacks of bills. Even without counting, he could tell it far exceeded the amount in Man Jun's bag.
"Here is the invitation, and this is the 30,000 yuan deposit..." Bai Chuxia's voice, now tinged with a soft southern accent, was markedly different from the Beijing dialect Fang Yi had previously heard.
"Excellent, welcome to our collection company's exchange conference..."
After verifying the invitation, the young man smiled, seated himself, and wrote a receipt to hand to Bai Chuxia, saying, "I trust you are all aware that if you win an item and fail to make payment, the deposit is non-refundable..."
"Not a problem; may we proceed inside?"
Bai Chuxia smiled professionally, and after receiving the young man's consent, she stepped back. Only after Mr. Su and the elderly man in Tang suit entered did she follow closely behind.
The young man's gaze lingered until Bai Chuxia's figure disappeared through the door. Although she wore glasses that obscured her features, her tall stature was enough to capture the attention of all men present.
"Do you two have invitation letters?"
Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from Bai Chuxia, the young man finally shifted his attention to Man Jun and Fang Yi.
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