Chapter 027
Lu Mingzhu had already raised her head alertly the moment the car stopped. Through the window, which had been half-open and now quickly rolled down further, she saw He Yun’s remarkably youthful, dignified, and refined face, and immediately felt reassured.
As long as it doesn’t attract troublemakers.
“Mr. He,” Lu Mingzhu spoke first, her voice obedient and polite, a bright smile on her face.
He Yun stepped out of the car, glanced at the curry fish balls in her hand, and asked gently, “Are you hungry?”
Lu Mingzhu shook her head. “No, no. Since I can’t enjoy these delightful snacks at my elder brother’s home, I came out alone to eat them. I’ll head back right after finishing.”
He Yun smiled. “Are they good?”
“Delicious!” Compared to gourmet delicacies, they offered a unique flavor perfectly suited to her humble palate.
“May I have a taste?” He Yun asked, glancing at the skewer of fish balls she hadn’t touched.
Lu Mingzhu paused for a moment before handing it over, saying, “I assumed someone as distinguished as Mr. He wouldn’t eat street food.”
“I come from humble beginnings. As a child, I craved those little snacks sold on the streets but had no money to buy them; I could only watch with longing. Besides, fish balls are quite common in my hometown.” He Yun held the bamboo skewer delicately and ate with refined grace.
Lu Mingzhu let out an “Oh,” then playfully asked, “Do you miss it very much?”
He Yun nodded. “Indeed.”
Lu Mingzhu smiled. “That’s perfectly normal—recalling past hardships to appreciate present sweetness! Only those like you, who have endured suffering and trials on the path to success, truly understand what that means. Since I’ve never known hardship, I wouldn’t get it.”
“Recalling past hardships to appreciate present sweetness?” He Yun repeated the phrase slowly. “That describes it quite aptly.”
“It wasn’t me who said it; a great man did.” Lu Mingzhu quickly finished the last fish ball, then took out her handkerchief to dab her lips, worried about leaving any stains. After He Yun finished eating, she tossed the three bamboo skewers into an orange-yellow metal trash bin just a few steps away from them.
He Yun watched silently.
Lu Mingzhu, however, was accustomed to it. She walked back and said, “Mr. He, I must be going now. Goodbye.”
Take advantage of the school break and finish writing the script quickly.
Lu Mingzhu always sees things through from start to finish.
She had expected He Yun to politely ask if she needed a ride, and she was already prepared to take the car instead of the rickshaw for the next leg of her journey. Instead, He Yun asked, “Do you have anything important to attend to?”
“No.” Upon reflection, writing the script wasn’t all that urgent after all.
Especially with Father Lu as her backing, Lu Mingzhu was quite adept at concocting various reasons to ask him for money.
Who would willingly toil and struggle when one could have money without effort?
After hearing Lu Mingzhu’s response, He Yun said, “Mingzhu, could I ask you for a favor?”
“What favor?” Lu Mingzhu asked, looking puzzled. “I’ve just arrived; I don’t think I can be of any help to you.”
“There is a batch of precious antiques pledged at Citibank by someone else a year ago. Since the owner’s business failed and they were unable to redeem them upon maturity, the bank is now disposing of them itself. I have received an invitation to inspect whether they are worth acquiring, and I would like to ask for your help in appraising them,” He Yun revealed his plans for the day. “I’ve heard you possess remarkable talent in this field, with exceptionally keen eyes.”
Lu Mingzhu widened her eyes: “How did you know?”
Both her predecessor and herself had grown up handling precious antiques since childhood.
As for her predecessor, she came from a family with deep scholarly traditions and had studied under renowned masters, which needs no further elaboration. As for Lu Mingzhu, she grew up in Grandma Zhang’s old Western-style house, where antiques were everywhere one looked; even the door handles were royal European fixtures. Furthermore, under the elderly lady’s personal guidance, she frequently visited old friends to handle various antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and rare treasures. The discerning eye she developed through such experiences is thus easily imaginable.
Grandma Zhang even wrote a novel about finding hidden treasures in the antique market, using her as the prototype!
She is the female lead.
Although the old lady has difficulty walking, it doesn’t hinder her in other aspects.
Despite her advanced age, she loves keeping up with trends; she is remarkably adept at using smartphones and computers, often immersing herself in games and critiquing online entertainment gossip. Furthermore, blessed with rich life experience, extensive knowledge, and an elegant writing style, she has taken to writing novels online.
Before she passed away, the old lady was already a god-tier web novelist!
Isn’t that impressive?
Truly, one never stops learning until they stop living.
Lu Mingzhu was her devoted reader, topping the “Tyrant Leaderboard” as number one.
Few people knew that her original self was skilled in appraising jewelry and antiques; where had He Yun obtained this information?
Thinking that he was so capable, it wasn’t impossible for him to have investigated her past within just a few days. Lu Mingzhu immediately waved her small hands. “I’m young; how could I possess such remarkably accurate judgment? I’ve merely accompanied Teacher Zhang on various outings to broaden my horizons. Mr. He, it would be more appropriate to seek senior experts within the field for appraisal and valuation. While I can authenticate items, I’m not very familiar with current market trends.”
He Yun smiled gently. “Through A-Xuan’s introduction, I invited two experienced masters to examine them, but I don’t fully trust their judgments. I only need your help to verify their authenticity.”
Lu Mingzhu understood.
Every industry has its share of genuine experts and charlatans, especially this one.
Appraisers cannot guarantee the accuracy of every assessment; many have been bribed into telling colossal lies. Forgery by merchants is hardly news, and sometimes even the owners themselves remain unaware that the antiques or jewels they purchased are fakes. The original body had certainly been deceived before, suffering significant financial losses.
“When was it?” she asked He Yun.
Given that he had gifted her a large collection of precious jewels, it seemed only proper to offer her assistance.
He Yun pointed to the sedan parked by the roadside: “I was just on my way to the bank.”
“Then I shall take advantage of Mr. He’s kindness to broaden my horizons,” Lu Mingzhu replied without hesitation.
“Thank you.” He Yun invited her to get in the car.
Once inside, He Yun asked her, “Why didn’t you ask Xie Junyao to accompany you when you went out? Some friend he is.”
“He has his work, and I have my own matters; there’s no need for us to be together every day!” In the half-month since arriving in Hong Kong, Lu Mingzhu had met Xie Junyao only three times: their first meeting over a meal, a date for dinner, and attending a banquet together–quite frequent already.
In her view, couples truly had no need to cling too closely to each other, especially since they weren’t even a couple yet.
He Yun smiled gently. “You’re right; a girl who maintains some reserve appears more dignified.”
“All people are equal; there is no such thing as dignity or lack thereof. I simply do what I believe is right.” Lu Mingzhu remained clear-headed and resolute, never swayed by others nor living for their approval. Skilled at steering conversations, she asked, “Mr. He, how exactly did you learn that I know how to appraise jewelry and antiques?”
He Yun replied tactfully, “Do you know Qu Jinghui?”
Lu Mingzhu pondered for a moment. “Is he the short, thin old man who always wears a gray homespun robe and black cloth shoes? I think I caught sight of him at Sister Xuan’s dinner party the other night, but he was too far away for us to speak.”
He Yun smiled. “It’s him. He is one of the veteran experts introduced to me by A-Xuan, reputed to be highly renowned. When Citibank accepted this batch of collateral, they also engaged him for authentication and valuation. This time, when we invited him, he said that securing your participation would provide even greater assurance. Originally, I did not wish to disturb you, yet fate has brought us together; who would have thought we would meet right here?”
Since we have met, inviting you is simply unavoidable.
Lu Mingzhu blinked her eyes. “I never expected this old gentleman to hold me in such high regard behind my back; I am truly overwhelmed by the honor! His family formerly resided very close to the Imperial Palace and princely mansions—where the east signifies wealth and the west nobility. He established his shop in the western part of the city, conducting an exceptionally thriving business in jewelry and antiquities, with customers flocking like clouds. In earlier years, he competed with Teacher Zhang—the very master who taught me the authentication of precious treasures and antiquities—for the same piece of calligraphy and painting but failed to win. Later, he lost out to me as well, because at that time a large portion of his jewelry collection was stolen, depriving him of most of his fortune, leaving him less wealthy than myself!”
Lu Mingzhu felt exceedingly proud.
Those ancient calligraphy and paintings were the finest pieces in her collection, each reaching the level of a national treasure. They were former Qing Dynasty imperial collections that had come from a princely mansion, acquired for a total of 500,000 silver dollars—a truly extravagant expenditure.
Teacher Zhang begged her to purchase them, even rolling on the ground in desperation to threaten her, because if she did not act, the treasures would be sold to the Japanese invaders.
Whenever he heard news of national treasures being lost overseas, the old man would feel profound grief and anguish.
That time, Lu’s father felt such pain at spending the money that he flew into a furious rage.
Lu Mingzhu initially received all the memories of her predecessor, but eighteen years’ worth was simply too vast and fragmented. Preoccupied with the present and desperate to flee Shanghai, many of these memory fragments had only briefly flashed through her mind; it was only recently that she began to sort them out, gradually recalling details she had previously overlooked.
For instance, the money Father Lu spent—hee hee!
One has to admit, the human brain is truly miraculous.
Actually, it’s not so strange; if she could experience time travel, then memories stored in the brain are hardly surprising.
Seeing He Yun smile with such radiant spirit, her beauty shining through even beneath heavy makeup, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “If we manage to acquire this batch of precious antiques today and there’s something you like among them, I’ll give it to you.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Lu Mingzhu had already received far too much. “I don’t take what others cherish. Well, except for what belonged to my father.”
It was only natural for Father Lu to raise her.
He Yun chuckled.
Amidst light conversation, they arrived at Citibank, where both the general manager and the branch manager rushed out to greet them.
The Americans, usually so haughty before others, now bowed their noble heads before He Yun, smiling with extreme obsequiousness. “Mr. He, please come inside; we have everything prepared.”
He Yun casually asked, “Has Master Qu arrived?”
Communication proceeded smoothly in English.
“He has, and so has Master Du; we’re all old acquaintances.” Citibank frequently received collateral and had dealt with today’s two appraisers on many occasions.
Lu Mingzhu followed He Yun into the inner chamber, later known as the VIP lounge.
Upon seeing them, Master Qu and Master Du immediately stood up with respectful demeanors. “Mr. He.”
He Yun nodded to them, his Mandarin still delivered at a deliberately slow pace. “I’ll be troubling you both shortly.”
“No trouble at all, no trouble at all; it is our honor to be of service to you.” The words came from Master Qu, who possessed greater experience and a more renowned reputation than Master Du, leaving Master Du to…
As a junior, she always treated him with the utmost respect.
Lu Mingzhu called out cheerfully, “Master Qu, long time no see!”
Master Qu looked at her in surprise, studying her for several minutes before finally recognizing her. “Mingzhu, you’re here!” he said cheerfully. “I’ll test your eye for detail later; don’t let your skills have gotten rusty.”
“Rest assured, I won’t let you down.” Lu Mingzhu spoke with full confidence. “Where are the items?”
The bank’s general manager glanced at He Yun; upon receiving his approval, he quickly retrieved a collection of precious artifacts and antiques.
There were jewels, ancient porcelain, calligraphy and paintings, and jade carvings—dozens of pieces, large and small, all arranged on a long table draped in red velvet. Though somewhat disordered, they immediately conveyed a sense of age.
Indeed, they were genuine antiques.
Master Qu spoke up: “Although these are all items I’ve previously authenticated, to prevent any substitution or damage during transit, I must re-examine and re-appraise them.”
“Of course,” replied Walker, the bank’s general manager, accustomed to his meticulous approach.
Master Qu and Master Du began their careful authentication of the collection from opposite ends of the long table.
Lu Mingzhu, intrigued by the sight, asked, “May I take a look?”
“Of course, I invited you here for the appraisal.” He Yun spoke, and Walker and the others naturally did not object; they simply fixed their eyes on Lu Mingzhu as she picked up a jadeite lidded bowl, unwilling to look away.
The moment she held it, Lu Mingzhu knew whether it was genuine or fake.
The base color was a pale lake green, light and translucent, with swirling patterns of green flowers that danced vividly and elegantly; the carving was exquisitely crafted beyond compare.
After examining it carefully for a while, she smiled at He Yun and said, “This is craftsmanship from the Qianlong era, undoubtedly authentic. If I’m not mistaken, this jadeite lidded bowl originally came as a pair, and this is one of them. If we can reunite the pair, multiplying its market value several times over would be no problem.”
The other one was in her possession.
These are the old master’s treasured pieces. While not entirely identical to the one before us due to differences in the pattern placement, they undoubtedly originate from the same piece of jadeite, were crafted by the same artisan, and even bear the same mark on the base.
Jadeite lidded bowls consume an enormous amount of material; it takes dozens of jin of raw jadeite to produce a single perfect bowl, which is why their price is exceedingly high.
Master Qu turned around in surprise. “You actually know there should be a pair?”
“Is that strange?” Lu Mingzhu countered.
Master Qu shook his head. “Strange and yet not strange. Your appraisal doesn’t surprise me, but the fact that you know this jadeite lidded bowl originally had a matching pair does—unless you’ve seen the other one.”
Lu Mingzhu simply smiled without saying a word.
Master Qu understood.
The Lu family had been in this trade for generations. They originally operated a shop in the imperial capital, dealing in all manner of high-end jewelry and antiques. With extensive connections, they amassed a fortune worth tens of millions. Lu Mingzhu’s grandfather was known as “Lu the Millionaire” long ago; it was only several decades past that he moved the entire family to Shanghai. Later, her father proved equally shrewd and capable, so naturally, their household possessed many treasures.
Lu Mingzhu had seen another jadeite lidded bowl before; it held no novelty for her.
Master Qu interjected, “I came across relevant records in a Qing Palace archive and know the provenance of this pair of gaiwan bowls. The other one was lost during the turmoil of war, which is why this one commands a much lower price.”
Lu Mingzhu understood instantly. “Exactly. What a pity. I wonder where that other jadeite lidded bowl has ended up.”
Even though the foreigners could not understand the Mandarin they spoke, the two remained extremely cautious.
Master Qu lowered his head to examine the mei ping vase in his hands, inspecting it thoroughly inside and out, before saying to Walker in stiff English: “When it was originally appraised, this mei ping was completely intact. Before being placed in storage, it underwent your rigorous inspections and multiple verifications. The appearance of even a hairline crack now is due to your improper custody, and its value must be reduced accordingly.”
Walker was startled. “Is it damaged?”
Leaning in for a closer look, he indeed spotted a faint mark from an impact.
Fortunately, this plum vase wasn’t priced too high; otherwise, the compensation would have been ruinous.
At that moment, Lu Mingzhu caught sight of a beautiful saddle ring: its face was a vibrant emerald green, while its band was a deep, rich purple. Flawlessly transparent, the two colors complemented each other brilliantly—a classic example of “spring carrying color”—leaving an unforgettable impression at first glance.
Another piece from the Qing imperial collection.
There is also a kingfisher-feather jade hairpin, vividly green and dripping with luster, exquisitely crafted, adorned with a tassel composed of four strings of perfectly round small pearls.
Though not ancient enough in age, its craftsmanship and formal specifications confirm it once belonged to Empress Dowager Cixi.
Next came the calligraphy and paintings. Lu Mingzhu proceeded with extra caution, for this was an authentic work by Wang Xizhi, its lines densely covered with Qianlong’s seals—so numerous they marred the original aesthetic beauty, greatly diminishing its value.
Lu Mingzhu whispered to He Yun, “Mr. He, who was the original owner of these goods?”
“Descendants of fallen nobility from the north, now surnamed Jin.” He Yun had made thorough inquiries, a faint smile playing on his lips. “They claim their business failed, but in truth, they lost everything gambling.”
Lu Mingzhu then asked about the overall price. Upon receiving the exact figure, she smiled and said, “We can acquire them; just this single calligraphy piece is worth it.”
Only 500,000 Hong Kong dollars!
It was an incredible bargain.
Back then, the bank had driven the prices down; now they couldn’t raise them too high. They simply recouped the interest and added a modest profit margin, especially since the buyer was He Yun, a major client of the bank who deserved their courtesy.
Master Qu and Master Du also told He Yun, “It’s a very good deal.”
The true value of these treasures far exceeded their appraised worth. Had they the capital to buy them back, reselling to prominent wealthy families would easily yield one or two times the profit; with a bit of luck, tenfold returns were entirely possible.