Chapter 17: I Won't Sell

The name Tang Chunqiu was renowned throughout River City! He was an elder statesman in the city’s antique world, a figure of such authority that, in the entire trade, his word was virtually law. Lin Feng, having heard of his reputation, did not hesitate and replied, “Of course, please, Master Tang.”

He proactively handed the bronze wine vessel to Tang Chunqiu, who received it and began a careful appraisal. First, he weighed it in his hand, then tapped it gently with his knuckles, bringing it to his ear to listen intently. Next, he took a light-transmitting lens from his person and examined it under the beam. After a series of professional evaluations, he nodded in satisfaction, smiling as he said, “It is indeed what I was searching for.”

“Young man, would you sell this wine vessel to me? I’m willing to offer ten million.”

“What?” Before Lin Feng could respond, Su Qingxue’s beautiful eyes widened in shock!

She looked incredulously at the vessel, feeling as if she were in a dream. Wasn’t this just a complimentary gift? Yet Master Tang was willing to pay ten million for it?

Lin Feng remained composed, shaking his head with a slight smile. “I’m sorry, I can’t sell this wine vessel.”

“Who said that? I’ll sell it!” As soon as he finished speaking, the stall owner from earlier came running over, excitement written all over his face.

He approached Tang Chunqiu with a fawning smile, bent low, and said, “Master Tang, don’t listen to this kid. This item is mine—I’ll sell it to you.”

“Oh? Isn’t this young man its owner?” Tang Chunqiu had clearly witnessed their earlier transaction as he passed by.

“I sold him a jade pendant; this wine vessel was a gift. But now I’ve changed my mind—I’d rather sell it to you,” the vendor shamelessly reneged, flattering Tang Chunqiu with a grin.

Tang Chunqiu’s brows knit together. He wasn’t sure what was going on between them.

At this moment, Su Qingxue strode forward angrily, glaring at the vendor in annoyance. “What nonsense! You made a verbal agreement just now: once you gave it to us, you wouldn’t go back on your word or take it back.”

“Do you have proof? When did I ever say that?” the vendor sneered dismissively.

“I…” Su Qingxue was momentarily at a loss, her cheeks puffed up with frustration!

The vendor, noticing her helplessness, admired his own cunning. Thankfully, he hadn’t drawn up a written agreement—otherwise, he’d never get the item back.

But what he never expected was that Lin Feng had already anticipated this when the verbal agreement was made.

Unhurried, Lin Feng calmly drew out his phone, walked up to the vendor, and said with a cold laugh, “Did you really think we have no evidence? I recorded everything you said.”

With that, he pressed play, and the recording was broadcast for all to hear.

The vendor’s face turned ashen! This kid had another trick up his sleeve.

After hearing the recording, Tang Chunqiu looked sternly at the vendor and gave a cold snort. “Since you gave the item away with a verbal agreement, and now you dare to try and reclaim it? Are you knowingly defying the rules of the antique trade?”

“Master Tang, I…” The vendor was utterly guilty, cold sweat pouring down his face.

Su Qingxue watched with delight, glancing back at Lin Feng, her admiration for him growing ever deeper.

After a brief moment, the vendor’s eyes darted as he sidled closer to Tang Chunqiu, smiling as he whispered, “Master Tang, could I speak with you privately for a moment?”

“What do you want to say?” Tang Chunqiu asked severely.

“That kid’s obviously a novice. He only got lucky with this find. Why not just let this slide? I’ll sell you the wine vessel for five million—you keep the rest. What do you say?” the vendor suggested slyly.

“What did you say?” Tang Chunqiu had assumed the vendor was seeking leniency, but to his astonishment, the man audaciously tried to drag him into breaking the rules of the trade.

The next moment, Tang Chunqiu stared him down, eyes resolute. “You, vendor, are incorrigible—even attempting to bribe me. It seems you won’t learn until it’s too late.”

“By the rules of our trade, you must cripple your own hands and never set foot in the antiques business again.”

“Master Tang, have mercy! Please, have mercy, I won’t do it again!” The vendor, shocked by this outcome, knelt before Tang Chunqiu as veins bulged on the elder’s forehead in anger, begging for forgiveness.

Tang Chunqiu, furious, flung aside his sleeve and kicked the man to the ground, shouting, “You have no right to beg. If you won’t do it yourself, I’ll find someone to do it for you—your choice.”

“I—I…” the vendor stammered.

“Hmph, you deserve this—greedy and untrustworthy!” Su Qingxue watched him without a trace of pity, only intense loathing.

After a moment’s hesitation, the vendor finally chose to cripple his own arms, knowing full well that with Tang Chunqiu’s connections, even his life might not be safe if he resisted.

A scream rang out as both his arms were broken, leaving a pool of blood at the scene. Clutching his wounds, he dashed off to a nearby clinic.

Once he had fled in panic, Tang Chunqiu approached Lin Feng and asked earnestly, “Young man, are you truly unwilling to reconsider selling the bronze wine vessel?”

“We still have use for this vessel, I’m truly sorry,” Lin Feng replied firmly.

“Very well. Since you won’t sell, I won’t press you. Here’s my card. If you ever wish to part with it, contact me anytime.” Tang Chunqiu handed his business card to Lin Feng, bid him farewell, and departed.

Watching Tang Chunqiu’s retreating figure, Su Qingxue hurried to Lin Feng’s side and asked, “Lin Feng, what is the story behind this wine vessel? Why does even Master Tang value it so much?”

“This vessel is also known as the Bronze Nine-Dragon Goblet. It was a drinking vessel exclusively used by the royal family of the Western Zhou dynasty—there is only one in the world, making it priceless,” Lin Feng explained straightforwardly.

“What? That extraordinary?” Su Qingxue was stunned!

No wonder Master Tang coveted it so much—it was a unique imperial treasure!

Looking at the vessel in his hand, Lin Feng smiled again and said, “The verdigris on the surface can be removed with an acidic solution. Once it’s all gone, the true appearance of the goblet will be revealed.”

“Give this as a gift to your father—he’ll be delighted.”

“Lin Feng, you’re amazing,” Su Qingxue said, her eyes full of admiration and affection as she gazed at Lin Feng, feeling that no man she had met cared for others as much as he did.

Her favorable impression of Lin Feng grew once more!

Their eyes met, and a gentle breeze blew, lifting her hair. Her exquisitely beautiful face deeply captivated Lin Feng.

At the same time, the breeze fluttered her dress, and from Lin Feng’s angle, he caught a glimpse of the alluring scenery beneath. He was momentarily stunned.

Gulp.

Lin Feng suddenly felt parched and couldn’t help swallowing.

Fearing Su Qingxue would misunderstand, he quickly composed himself, packed up the items, and smiled, “Nothing. It’s getting late; let’s head back.”

“Mm, alright.” Su Qingxue nodded sweetly, slipping her hand into Lin Feng’s arm. Together, they got into the car and drove toward the villa.

“How odd—do we have visitors?” As soon as Su Qingxue parked in front of the villa and stepped out, she noticed two more cars outside the gate, both belonging to the Su family.