"This kind of thing is totally foreign to me," Jiang Chen said. "People say switching trades is like crossing a mountain. I'd better stick to my medicine."
Zhao Liang quickly replied, "That's where you're wrong, Jiang Chen. Ever heard the saying, 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'? You shouldn't just focus on medicine. You can do antiques and medicine at the same time."
"Heh."
Zhao Liang added, "Just take a look. This world is flooded with wealth—seriously thrilling."
As they spoke, they entered the fourth-floor auction hall.
The auction hadn't started yet. Inside the VIP lounge, many people had already gathered. The place exuded luxury. The thick silk carpets alone radiated opulence.
There were dozens of people, all rich and powerful—top-level tycoons from Jiangcheng, and even some from the provincial capital. Their outfits alone screamed wealth: designer clothes worth tens of thousands, watches worth millions. A few women wore ruby necklaces, sapphire earrings, and massive diamond rings. Jiang Chen couldn't help thinking—when can I afford jewelry like that for Wen-xian?
With her looks, Wen-xian would outshine them all in a place like this.
Despite being a lounge, it was actually a networking spot for collectors. Many were showing off their antiques and negotiating trades on the spot—saving the auction house's commission in the process.
After observing for a bit, Jiang Chen noticed that everyone's attention seemed to revolve around an elderly man with white hair.
Everyone respectfully called him "Master Qi."
Master Qi was in his seventies, lean and dignified, with silver hair and a youthful face—clearly someone respected in the field.
People took turns presenting their antiques for his opinion. Master Qi spoke with authority, referencing history and literature, explaining everything eloquently and with ease.
Jiang Chen kept silent, watching from the side.
About ten minutes later, the lounge door opened.
A swaggering man walked in, followed by two hulking bodyguards.
Huh?
Jiang Chen froze.
What rotten luck.
It was that bastard again—Xu Peng.
Jiang Chen still burned with the urge to get revenge for being sent to jail and having his clinic shut down.
"Young Master Xu is here!" someone called.
A crowd went to greet Xu Peng warmly. Clearly, he was a regular in this circle.
He shook hands gracefully with everyone, even bowing slightly to Master Qi. "Master Qi, my father sends his regards."
"Very well," Master Qi smiled.
Xu Peng then spotted Jiang Chen.
His eyes lit up like a cat seeing a mouse. The last time, he'd crushed Jiang Chen without mercy, even had his clinic padlocked.
With a smirk, he greeted, "Hey, look who it is—Jiang Chen! What brings you here?"
Jiang Chen snorted. "Why, I'm not allowed?"
"This place is for successful people, you know. Just got out of jail, didn't you? Flat broke, I assume?" Xu Peng sneered.
That drew disdainful looks from all around—aimed straight at Jiang Chen.
Zhao Liang, sitting beside him, looked visibly uncomfortable, like his face had just been slapped.
Jiang Chen didn't bite. Instead, he smiled and said, "And you, Xu Peng, the one who got kicked out of school for being too dumb—playing with antiques now, are you?"
Xu Peng's face darkened. He was worried Jiang Chen might bring up his shameful school past, so he quickly turned to his bodyguards. "Bring it out. Let Master Qi take a look."
The guards unzipped a large duffel bag and carefully took out a scroll, laying it on the table and slowly unrolling it.
Everyone crowded around.
As the painting was revealed, a wave of gasps rippled through the room.
"Isn't this Autumn Mountain Pleasures by Bada Shanren?!"
"Bada Shanren?!"
Everyone knew Bada Shanren—a legendary painter from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, a former royal who turned recluse after the fall of the Ming, expressing his grief through powerful art. Even his signature looked like "cry" and "laugh," capturing his torn emotions.
Master Qi leaned in, adjusting his reading glasses, inspecting the scroll closely.
After a long pause, he lifted his head and sighed, "Yes, without a doubt, a genuine work by Bada Shanren. These are rare—most were kept in the Qing imperial collection. After the burning of the Summer Palace, genuine pieces became even scarcer. This is a real treasure."
Xu Peng beamed with pride, then gave Jiang Chen a sideways glance. "Old classmate, can you even touch something like this?"
Jiang Chen said nothing. He'd already been humiliated enough—there was no point arguing.
Master Qi was visibly moved. "Young Master Xu, I've admired Bada Shanren's work for years. May I ask your price?"
Xu Peng played coy. "This piece… is hard to let go. My family bought it years ago for twenty million. It's appreciated a lot. We've been thinking of holding onto it."
"Master Qi doesn't just collect anything," someone interjected.
"Exactly. If he's interested, that's a badge of honor."
"If he acquires your piece, your name in the antique world will soar."
Xu Peng smirked. Perfect. That's exactly the effect he was going for.
He pretended to call his father, then after a fake discussion, said, "Since Master Qi likes it, I'll let it go."
"You're generous," Master Qi smiled.
Xu Peng hesitated theatrically. "As for the price… how about forty million?"
Master Qi didn't speak.
Xu Peng sensed his hesitation and added, "I've got other business to attend to."
He rolled up the painting and turned to leave with his bodyguards.
What a clever move.
"Wait."
Master Qi's voice rang out.
Xu Peng stopped and turned. "Yes, Master Qi?"
"I'll take it."
"Thank you, Master Qi!"
Without further ado, Master Qi pulled out his phone. "Give me your account number. I'll transfer the money right away. Forty million."
Just as he was about to confirm the transaction, Jiang Chen let out a quiet but mocking laugh:
"What a load of crap."
Everyone froze.
They turned to stare at Jiang Chen.
"Who is he?" Master Qi asked.
Zhao Liang quickly stepped up. "That's my close friend, Jiang Chen."