As Gao Dequan announced the price of the prized Black Ding ware bowl, the hearts of the surrounding shopkeepers couldn't help but thump violently, their gazes growing intensely scorching.

Of course, though their hearts raced, the shopkeepers were self-aware enough to know that with their current wealth, purchasing such a treasure was entirely out of the question. Merely being able to touch and examine it was already an extraordinary privilege. Thus, without unnecessary words, they tacitly passed it around—you look, then you, gradually transferring the precious item.

"This bowl seems quite beautiful..."

Just then, a crisp voice chimed in from nearby: "Boss, how much is a bowl like this? I want to buy one too."

"Hm?"

Everyone paused, quickly turning to look. The speaker was a pretty young girl, about seventeen or eighteen, in the vibrant bloom of youth. Although her attire still carried a hint of rawness, her graceful, elegant, and charming appearance would guarantee 100% of the attention as she moved through the bustling street.

"Boss, did you hear me?"

Immediately beside the pretty girl appeared a cocky young lad, also around seventeen or eighteen. But compared to the girl, he was far more arrogant, sporting the attitude of someone whose father was a powerful figure, shouting impatiently: "Hurry up and bring out the bowls. Bring as many as you have."

"Heh heh..."

In an instant, the expressions of everyone present became strangely unified, and they broke into laughter without prior consultation.

"Why are you all laughing?" The young lad faltered, then grew angry: "If you don't want to do business, just say so. We'll go to another shop."

However, this outburst elicited no reaction from the onlookers. But Elder Yan sighed softly with a touch of worry: "Today's youngsters are truly becoming more and more troublesome."

"Elder Yan, they are just children; it's normal for them to be reckless. They'll mature," one shopkeeper said with a smile. "My own son caused me a lot of grief two years ago; it forced me to be harsh and discipline him..."

"There's a term for it, something like the 'rebellious phase.' If you discipline them too strictly, they actively work against you. If you let them run wild, you fear they'll fall in with bad company. It truly keeps one up at night."

A group of middle-aged shopkeepers, all with children, immediately found common ground when discussing child-rearing. Even Gao Dequan and Hao Baolai nearby nodded repeatedly, showing they deeply empathized.

Of course, Wang Guan had no such immediate resonance in this area. Seeing the young lad beginning to look annoyed by his own humiliation, he chuckled lightly: "There's a shop a hundred meters to the left. Tell the clerk you are looking for Jian ware, and he will get it for you."

Wang Guan was referring not to an antique shop, but a crafts store.

Although he could tell neither the young man nor the girl came from ordinary families, one shouldn't let wealth breed resentment and actively push them into a dangerous situation.

In Wang Guan’s view, antique shops were quite similar to fire pits. Unless one possessed the ability to withstand severe scrutiny, it was best not to get involved, lest they be swindled without even realizing it.

However, Wang Guan's good intentions were met not with gratitude, but with the young man’s contrarian spirit. He pointed at the Black Ding tea bowl on the stone table: "I've set my sights on this bowl. Is five hundred yuan enough..."

As he spoke, the young man casually took out five red bills and tossed them onto the table, then arrogantly extended his hand: "Hand over the bowl."

At this moment, everyone exchanged glances, the smiles on their faces growing even richer. Especially Gao Dequan and Hao Baolai, who found the coincidence quite amusing. They knew Wang Guan had acquired this bowl for the bargain price of five hundred yuan. Now, this young man was attempting to buy it for the exact same amount—it was simply... a joke.

Indeed, it was a joke. Forget five hundred yuan; even five million would not buy this Black Ding treasure. If Wang Guan sold it, he must have water in his brain and be completely ruined.

"Little friend."

One shopkeeper kindly picked up the money and returned it to the young man’s hand, advising him: "This tea bowl is a very precious antique; you cannot afford it. Why don't you go play somewhere else, or grab some seasoned beans on the next street!"

"Antique?"

The young man was momentarily stunned. Under normal circumstances, one would retreat in the face of such a statement, but he was the opposite; he was overjoyed. He quickly exclaimed: "Antique is good! That's what I want. Name a price—ten thousand, or perhaps eighty thousand?"

As expected of the offspring of a wealthy second or third generation, he spoke in sums of ten or eighty thousand immediately. Yet, for the Black Ding tea bowl, ten or eighty thousand was merely pocket change, light-years away from its true value.

"Little friend, you had better leave," the kind shopkeeper smiled. "This tea bowl is a rare treasure. I cannot discuss the exact price much, but truthfully, you cannot afford it."

"Hmph, you look down on me?"

The young man immediately pulled out his checkbook, disdainfully saying: "If ten or eighty thousand won't do, then one million should be enough. But don't think you can take advantage of me. If I have it appraised later and it turns out not to be worth a million, don't blame me for bringing people here to smash up your shop."

Instantly, several people frowned. Elder Yan shook his head, clearly displeased: "Such a young age, yet so volatile. I wonder how your elders educated you."

"...Hmph!"

The young man did possess some perception; perhaps sensing Elder Yan's uncommon status, he dared not be too presumptuous. However, there was no expectation that he would restrain his temper; he continued to bluster: "One million! Are you selling or not!"

"...Forget it then."

At the same time, the young girl beside him spoke timidly: "It's too expensive; I don't want it anymore."

"Why not? I want this one," the young man grinned. "I promised to buy you a gift. Since you think this bowl is pretty, we'll buy it. I don't care about the price."

In a flash, the girl seemed to lower her head shyly, while the young man held his head high, his eyes betraying unconcealed pride, like a peacock displaying its tail feathers.

These modern children are truly something else...

At this juncture, everyone understood the young man’s motive. His irritable temper might be genuine, but his true objective was spending lavishly for the sake of romance.

However, it was a pity that the young man's wish was destined to be unfulfilled. Dreaming of buying the tea bowl for one million was pure fantasy.

At this moment, Wang Guan asked the tea set shop owner for a box, carefully placed the Black Ding tea bowl inside, and then smiled: "Elder Yan, esteemed seniors, it's inconvenient to carry something this precious outside. I think I should take it back for proper safekeeping, so I must excuse myself for now."

"That's only proper."

Elder Yan and the others nodded in full understanding of Wang Guan's feelings. Forget Wang Guan; if they had obtained such a magnificent treasure, they would likely take it home to hide immediately, checking on it three or five times a day just to feel at ease.

"Oh, right, young brother, this is my contact information. Come by often when you're free."

One shopkeeper offered his business card, and the others quickly followed suit, including Elder Yan. Although one wouldn't easily part with such a treasure, fortunes are unpredictable; who knew what the future held, or if Wang Guan might eventually decide to sell?

The shopkeepers didn't necessarily expect to acquire the Black Ding bowl themselves, but acting as a middleman offered its own advantages—facilitating transactions could bring benefits and expand their influence; why wouldn't they try?

Failing that, even just befriending a collector who owned such a Black Ding treasure was a matter of great prestige and provided excellent conversation material.

While everyone was busy exchanging cards, the young man became angry, his rage now evident. He felt completely ignored, and his pride was deeply wounded.

Just as the young man was about to flare up, roaring to assert his presence, the girl beside him gently tugged his sleeve and whispered: "Cousin is here."

"Hm?"

The young man turned around, and the look of anger vanished instantly, replaced by a fawning smile: "Brother Meng, you've arrived. Eh, why isn't Eldest Sister here?"

At this moment, a young man in formal attire approached. His hair was neatly combed, immaculate; his suit was perfectly straight, without a single crease. His entire presentation could be summed up in one word: meticulous.

Of course, one could also call it taste; he exuded the aura of a talented young scholar in every aspect.

"Your sister got tired from shopping and asked me to come gather you all to head back," the young man smiled faintly, his bright white teeth flashing under the sunlight, making him look quite handsome.

"Going back already?" The young man looked stunned and troubled. "But I haven't bought a gift for Xiao Jing yet. Why don't you go back, and I'll keep Xiao Jing company a little longer?"

As he spoke, a hopeful look appeared in the young man's eyes, wishing the youth would immediately agree.

Unfortunately, the young man's hope was destined to be in vain. The youth smiled warmly: "You keeping us company while shopping is the best gift; there's no need to buy anything else."

"Brother Meng, Xiao Jing has already set her heart on something. Wait a few minutes for us to finish buying it before we leave; it won't be too late," the young man insisted, trying to stall for time, hoping for some kind of change in fortune.

"What gift is it?" The youth also sounded a bit curious.

"A bowl—they claim it’s from an ancient tomb and won't sell it for a million," the young man grumbled angrily. "They must think I don't have the money. If they really push me too far, I'll immediately call people over to withdraw cash and bury them."

"Zhihao, what nonsense are you spouting, always talking about burying people? Who taught you to speak like that?"

Simultaneously, a stern, cool voice, yet carrying a trace of seduction, drifted over. The voice, naturally as melodious as a warbler's song, instantly drew attention, causing many to turn their heads.

Upon first glance, everyone present, especially the men, felt a pang of astonishment. Undoubtedly, she was a beauty. Her fine, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, lending a subtle softness. Her figure was graceful, and as she walked lightly, the confident air emanating from her every gesture revealed a presence full of elegant, ethereal charm.

Seeing this beauty, Wang Guan frowned, yet a flicker of déjà vu stirred in his mind. He was certain he had encountered her somewhere before... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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