That night, Deputy Bureau Chief Qin Yong invited Dong Xuebing to a private room at Hui Yang Restaurant for dinner.
Dong Xuebing does not know much about Qin Yong's background. He only knows that he is from the Provincial Public Security Bureau and is in charge of the Patrol Team and Traffic Team. He is one of the top leaders in the Party Committee, and he seems to be a capable young leader. He is ambitious and always wants to achieve something. His eagerness to prove himself is more important than Dong Xuebing. Overall, Dong Xuebing has a good impression of him. Qin Yong is the closest leader to Dong Xuebing, and they are of the same age.
"Brother Dong, today's meal is to celebrate your victory. You can't do without wine."
"Ah … I can't hold my liquor well." Dong Xuebing was telling the truth.
"Then open a bottle of Beijing Liquor. You Beijing people are used to drinking this, right? The alcohol content is not high. "
After all the dishes were served, the waiter filled their glasses. Dong Xuebing looked at his glass, which is only 3 ml full. He raised his glass and toasted Qin Yong. "Chief Qin, I know you can hold your liquor well, and I am not joking with you. To be honest, I can only hold 2 ml. Our State Security had a rule against drinking too much, and I had not drunk much."
Qin Yong did not mind. "Actually, I can't hold my liquor well. Let's drink."
After taking a sip, Qin Yong laughed. "I heard Brother Dong is still not married?"
Dong Xuebing replied. "Yes. I still have not found someone suitable."
"Haha … Yan Tai County is a place with many beauties, and our bureau has lots of pretty officers. Brother Dong, why don't you consider? If not, I can ask my wife to introduce you to a few. "
"No need. I think it's better to live alone."
"That's true. Haha, marriage is the grave."
It's not that Dong Xuebing does not want to get married. He also wants to settle down and give his mother a grandchild. But Xie Huilan and Qu Yunxuan's relationship is still a mess. Dong Xuebing wants to marry Aunt Xuan, but Aunt Xuan had not given him a definite answer. He also wants to marry Xie Huilan, but Sister Xie's attitude is a problem. Her family might also not agree to it. That's why Dong Xuebing's relationship with Xie Huilan and Qu Yunxuan is a mess. Also, Dong Xuebing's standards had reached a certain level after being with Xie Huilan and Qu Yunxuan. Dong Xuebing does not even like a pretty Office Director like Hu Silian. Compared to Xie Huilan and Qu Yunxuan, which woman dares to say they are pretty? The difference was too great!
"Chief Dong, let me give you a toast."
Dong Xuebing was prepared to be forced to drink when he arrived at the grassroots level. He knew this was the way of communication here. After one shot, Dong Xuebing felt a little dizzy. After two shots, Dong Xuebing felt very dizzy. After he finished his three shots, Dong Xuebing could not drink anymore. He covered his head in a daze, and his eyelids were drooping.
Qin Yong believed Dong Xuebing and stopped drinking with him. He started to talk to Dong Xuebing about the Bureau.
Although Dong Xuebing was feeling dizzy, his mind was still sober. He listened attentively.
Dong Xuebing was not sure if Qin Yong was really drunk or doing it on purpose. He told Dong Xuebing many things about the Bureau. For example, Hu Yiguo was crazy about power. For example, Deputy Bureau Chief Zhao Jingsong, who was close to Hu Yiguo, was lustful. He was interested in the Office Director, Hu Silian. For example, Deputy Bureau Chief Gong Zhongwen, who had been following Chief Liang's footsteps, was very low profile. He only wanted to stay in his current position until his retirement. Thanks to Qin Yong, Dong Xuebing had a better understanding of the County's Bureau leaders. Of course, Dong Xuebing did not believe everything he said. He still needs to verify many things with his own eyes.
After leaving the restaurant, Qin Yong laughed and asked Dong Xuebing if he had a powerful background. If not, how could he be a Deputy Bureau Chief at such a young age? Dong Xuebing immediately sobered up. He asked Dong Xuebing what background he has. Actually, Dong Xuebing does not have any powerful background. Xie Huilan does, but that is her background. It has nothing to do with Dong Xuebing.
Seeing Dong Xuebing could not get anything out of him, Qin Yong did not say much and started to talk about other topics.
It was 7 pm when Dong Xuebing returned to the Bureau's dormitory.
Dong Xuebing entered the dormitory and lay on the bed. He rubbed his head.
Ring … ring … ring … Dong Xuebing's phone rang. He did not look at the caller ID and answered. "Hello?"
The voice paused for a second, and Qu Yunxuan's sweet voice said. "Are you drunk?"
Dong Xuebing was impressed. "Huh? I had only said one word, and you can tell?"
Qu Yunxuan smiled. "I know you better than you know yourself. I know how you sound when you are about to sleep, when you are awake, and when you are drunk. Are you going out for dinner today? Don't drink so much in the future. Alcohol is not good for your health. Do you understand? "
Dong Xuebing nodded. "Are you missing me?"
"Pah! You're always talking nonsense. Are you looking for a beating?"
"If you don't miss me, why did you call me? You only know how to talk. "
"Go to hell. I have something important to discuss with you." Qu Yunxuan replied angrily. "I had set up the Auction Company, and I had contacted two experts through my friends. The staff recruitment is almost done, and the office location is also confirmed. The only problem now is the first batch of auction items. Although many people had contacted me and expressed their interest in auctioning, I had asked the experts to look at the items, and they are all ordinary. I am not talking about counterfeits, but those items are not worth much. For example, a small bowl from a kiln, a third-rate painter's calligraphy, and nothing else."
"Then let's look for more. We can even spend money to buy them."
"I think so too. The first auction must be successful and create some momentum. But the problem now is that we have spent so much money to set up the company. A year's rent for the office, rent for the hotel venue, advertising fees, and so on. Now we don't have much left."
Dong Xuebing thought for a while. "What grade of items should we be auctioning?"
"This is a small auction. We only need an antique worth a few hundred thousand RMB or close to 1 million RMB."
Dong Xuebing sat up from his bed and rubbed his brows. "Alright. Let me think of a way."
"You want to buy rare antiques? But your County does not have enough resources in this area. "
"I will wait and see. Aunt Xuan, wait for my good news."
Other than his career, Dong Xuebing was more concerned about his company's development. He had invested all his savings into this company, and if the first auction did not go well, it would be hard for him to get back on his feet. This was related to his future, and he must not make any mistakes.
After washing his face, Dong Xuebing sobered up and went out to look for an antique shop.
Yan Tai County is not like Beijing, which is a cultural center. There are very few antique shops and stone gambling. It is already past 7 pm, and most of the shops are closed. Dong Xuebing walked around the busiest County Central Square and asked many people. In the end, he did not see any antique shops. Just when Dong Xuebing was walking along the streets, two people on bicycles passed by him. It is Hu Silian.
"Eh, Chief Dong?" Hu Silian stopped her electric bicycle and asked. "What a coincidence!"
Dong Xuebing had met the man beside Hu Silian at the family quarters. "Director Hu and your husband are out shopping?"
Hu Silian is not wearing her Police uniform today. She is wearing a bright dress. "Haha … no. My husband's unit had organized an event, and we went to dance. Here, it is at the ballroom opposite the square. Chief Dong, are you going shopping?" Hu Silian's husband also alighted from his bicycle. He had heard from his wife about what happened at the bureau, and he is very polite to Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing smiled. "I am looking for an antique shop, but I can't find it."
Hu Silian smiled. "Chief Dong, you also like antiques? Let me accompany you. I remember there is an antique shop nearby, and it should still be open. "Hu Silian turned to her husband." Give me your bag and go home first. " Hu Silian's husband is an honest man. After hearing what Hu Silian said, he passed her a lady's handbag and bid farewell to Dong Xuebing. He seems to be obedient to Hu Silian.
Dong Xuebing was touched when he saw this scene. He thought to himself that women who are government officials are different. If a man's status is lower than a woman's, his status in the family might change. Hu Silian's family reminded Dong Xuebing of his relationship with Xie Huilan. During their interactions, Xie Huilan had always taken the initiative to take the initiative.
"Brother Hu." Hu Silian's husband's surname is also Hu. Dong Xuebing said. "If you have nothing to do, let's go together. It's not right for me to disturb the both of you. Haha …" Dong Xuebing had sobered up a little. He knew that if he were to go shopping with Hu Silian alone, people might start gossiping about them. He is new here, and he needs to be careful.
Hu Silian understood Dong Xuebing's concerns and nodded to her husband. The three of them walked towards the antique shop.
Although Dong Xuebing is not as imposing as Xie Huilan and the other leaders, he is respectful and does not put on airs. He addressed Hu Silian's husband as Brother Hu, and Hu Silian's husband has a good impression of Dong Xuebing. Hu Silian is pleased to see Chief Dong treating her husband with such respect.
Bao Xuan Ge. This is an antique shop specializing in porcelain, calligraphy, and paintings.
The moment Dong Xuebing entered the shop, he saw a pile of porcelain in a cabinet on the west side. That's right. Dong Xuebing does not know anything about calligraphy or paintings. His target is porcelain. He had smashed a small bowl at Liu Li Chang with Xie Huilan, and he was able to identify the authenticity of the porcelain from the broken surface. Now, he has seven times of BACK, and if he uses his BACK, he might be able to pick up the leftovers like the last time. Of course, Dong Xuebing does not have high hopes. Firstly, this small shop might not have any treasures, and secondly, Dong Xuebing had not seen many porcelain pieces. Even if they are real, he might not be able to tell. That's why he is here to try his luck.
"Chief Dong, do you want to look at paintings or porcelain?" Hu Silian asked.
"I prefer porcelain."
"Hehe, me too. I often watch some antique programs on TV. My favorite is Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain."
"That's right. I also like Yuan Dynasty porcelain." Who doesn't like porcelain that is worth more than 100 million RMB?
Hu Silian had always been a smooth talker. She saw Dong Xuebing looking at the porcelain vases and did not say anything. She pulled her husband to another cabinet to look at the porcelain vases and did not disturb Dong Xuebing.
The shop owner walked over. "What do you all want to look at?"
Dong Xuebing points to the cabinet. "How much are these?"
"Oh, this Civilian Kiln jar is 5,000 RMB, this Official Kiln bowl is 30,000 RMB, and that Ci Zhou Kiln is also 30,000 RMB …" Dong Xuebing needs to know the prices first. If not, he will not be able to pick up the leftovers even if the other party is selling them for a few hundred thousand RMB. Luckily, these items are not expensive, and the shop owner should know they are fake.
After that, Dong Xuebing started to look around.
After about 10 minutes, Dong Xuebing picked 3 pieces that he felt are authentic. Huh … Let's start.
Dong Xuebing raised his hand and smashed a piece of Longquan Kiln porcelain on the floor. He picked up one of the porcelain pieces and looked at it.
The shop owner was furious. "What are you doing?!"
Hu Silian and Brother Hu were also shocked. "Chief Dong, you …"
Dong Xuebing ignored them and looked at the piece of porcelain. He felt it is not authentic and quickly picked up another Yuezhou Kiln and smashed it on the floor. He continued to look at it. The shop owner panicked and went forward to pull Dong Xuebing back. He raised his fist and wanted to punch Dong Xuebing. Hu Silian knew Chief Dong might be drunk, but as a subordinate, she cannot watch Chief Dong get beaten up. She quickly pushed her husband back, and Brother Hu quickly went forward to stop the shop owner.
Dong Xuebing had also finished looking at this piece of porcelain. He shook his head and smashed the third porcelain.
This piece also does not look authentic.
After a while, Dong Xuebing mumbled to himself. "BACK 1 minute!"
… …
Time returned to normal.
The antique shop became quiet again. Hu Silian and Brother Hu were discussing a small porcelain bowl, and the shop owner was smiling as he recommended a Blue and White porcelain to Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing replied to the shop owner and continued to look around the pile of bottles. In the end, he picked another 3 porcelain pieces.
Click! Dong Xuebing threw the porcelain pieces on the floor and repeated what he did earlier!
It does not look authentic!
It does not look authentic!
It still does not look authentic!
… …
… …
Half an hour later, Dong Xuebing had used 6 minutes of BACK, and he only has 1 minute left!
Hu Silian bought a small porcelain bowl. It is not expensive and only costs about 1,000 RMB. "Chief Dong, which one do you like?"
Dong Xuebing smiled. "I don't have anything I like now."
Hu Silian points to a colorful cup on the counter. "Actually, I think this one is not bad."
Dong Xuebing had smashed that cup earlier, and it does not look authentic. Sigh … … 6 minutes of BACK was wasted. I did not get anything. Seems like the quality of this antique shop's collection is not good. It is far from Beijing's collection. There are nearly 20 porcelain items, and none of them looks authentic. What is going on? Dong Xuebing still has 1 minute of BACK left. Should he waste it on this?
Dong Xuebing picked up a Guanyin statue absentmindedly. He was hesitating.
Hu Silian saw Chief Dong did not move and thought he is interested in this Guanyin porcelain. She laughed. "You want to bring this Guanyin home?"
Brother Hu looked at the Guanyin porcelain and reminded her. "This is not an antique. It is a modern handicraft."
Hu Silian frowned and looked at her husband. "Chief Dong, you still don't know this is a handicraft? Tell me! "
Brother Hu paused for a second and did not say another word.
Dong Xuebing knew this Guanyin can be bought in any shopping mall, and it will not cost more than 200 RMB. Dong Xuebing is more experienced than Hu Silian and her husband. He picked up this Guanyin porcelain because he was thinking about something. He will not be interested in this modern handicraft. Sigh … never mind. No matter how much he smashes it, it will not be authentic. He should not waste his BACK. Dong Xuebing placed the Guanyin porcelain back in its original position. "Let's go back."
When Dong Xuebing was about to turn around, his hand accidentally touched the base of the Guanyin porcelain!
Dong Xuebing was also drunk, and his control of his body had weakened. Before he could react, the Guanyin porcelain had fallen from the shelf!
Hu Silian quickly reached out to catch it, but she was too late.
But he was still a step too late. With a crisp crack, the porcelain Guanyin fell to the ground!
"You … …" The boss gave Dong Xuebing a stare.
Dong Xuebing cursed in his heart. He saw the shop owner staring at him, and he took out his wallet to compensate the shop owner. But when he saw the broken Guanyin statue, he was stunned. He thought to himself that his vision was affected by the alcohol. But when he saw Hu Silian and Brother Hu looking at the floor, they were also stunned. Dong Xuebing knew he was not seeing things. He stepped forward and pushed the shop owner aside. He squatted down and started to rummage through the broken pieces of the statue! Damn! What happened? What happened?
The boss also saw the broken porcelain and was stunned. He took a deep breath. "This is … …"
Dong Xuebing did not have time to think and quickly said BACK 1 minute!
… …
Dong Xuebing's eyes flashed!
"You want to buy a Guanyin?" Hu Silian smiled and looked at Dong Xuebing.
Brother Hu replied. "This is not an antique. It is a modern handicraft."
Hu Silian stared at her husband. "Chief Dong, you still don't know this is a handicraft? I don't need you to tell me! "
Time had returned to normal!
Dong Xuebing quickly grabbed the Guanyin statue in his hand and took a deep breath. He suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked the stall owner. "How much is this Guanyin?"
The boss looked at Dong Xuebing. His friend had asked him to sell this Guanyin porcelain in his shop a few months ago. The boss knew this Guanyin porcelain was not worth much, but because of his friend, he did not reject Dong Xuebing. That's why he kept it there. No one had asked about it for the past few months, and the boss did not think anyone would sell it. "If you really want it, I will give you 500 RMB."
Dong Xuebing took out 500 RMB from his wallet and gave it to the boss without hesitation.
The boss was stunned. He did not expect Dong Xuebing to give him money so easily. Is this person crazy? If you go to the mall to buy it, you can get it for 100 RMB!
Hu Silian was also stunned. She saw her husband was about to say something, and she pulled his arm and shook her head. They had reminded Chief Dong earlier, and since Chief Dong still wants to spend money, they should not try to persuade him. It will not be nice if they talk too much.
Dong Xuebing knew what they were thinking. He also knows this Guanyin porcelain is not worth much.
… …
Back at the unit's dormitory, Dong Xuebing closed the door and smiled.
He placed the Guanyin porcelain on the table carefully and took out a screwdriver from his drawer. He rolled up his sleeves and sat on the sofa. He flipped the Guanyin porcelain with one hand and used the screwdriver to poke the bottom of the porcelain. One, two, three, four times. Crack! A hole appeared on the bottom of the porcelain, and a few pieces of paper fell off. Dong Xuebing reached out and took out the paper from the Guanyin porcelain and placed it on the table.
Flipping over the white paper, an exquisite jade hairpin suddenly revealed its sharpness!
It's Nephrite!
Nephrite White Jade!!
Dong Xuebing laughed. He doesn't know who hid this Hetian jade hairpin in the Guanyin flower and sealed it with putty. But this time, his company's first auction item is finally settled!
Dong Xuebing immediately called Qu Yunxuan. "I got it."
Qu Yunxuan did not know what Dong Xuebing meant. "What did you get?"
"Our first auction's main item. A jade hairpin."
Qu Yunxuan suddenly realized what Dong Xuebing meant. She paused for a few seconds and asked: "What jade? Which era? "
Dong Xuebing replied confidently. "I am sure this is the most valuable Nephrite White Jade. As for the era, it should be more than a hundred years old. I am not sure about the details, and you can get an expert to appraise it. Even if it is not worth 1 million RMB, it should be worth at least a few hundred thousand."
"… Xiao Bing, you … I am in awe of you."
"What are you talking about?"
"What are you talking about? It's only been a while since I called you. You got it again? Even robbing a bank is not as fast as you! "
"Haha … it's nothing. I am lucky this time. Hmmm … how should I give you this hairpin?"
"I had sent a friend to pick up an expert from your Provincial Capital this morning. She is not back yet and should be on her way back to Beijing. I will ask her to look for you in Yan Tai County."
"You trust me? This jade hairpin is not cheap. "
"It's Xiao Tao. She had worked for me for a long time when I was working in the newspaper agency. She had quit her job and came to help me. She is trustworthy."
"Ok. Give me her number, and I will contact her."
At about 9 pm, Xiao Tao arrived at a teahouse not far from Dong Xuebing's hostel.
Dong Xuebing passed the wrapped jade hairpin to her and smiled. "Remember to ask Yunxuan to inform me when the auction starts. I will rush back when I am free."
With this Nephrite White Jade hairpin, it should attract lots of attention on the day of the auction!
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