"Boss, you're back."

Chen Zhuo, who was doing his homework inside, paused instantly upon hearing this. He scanned the notebook to make sure the handwriting was neat and beautiful before slowly continuing to write.

However, it stopped again very quickly.

Because he heard a woman's voice.

"Hehe, Boss Chen is indeed different now, he's even brought in some helpers." Xu Manling looked Li Guaizi up and down and said.

She felt something was off about this person, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why.

Li Guaizi stood respectfully to one side, and Chen Ke introduced him, saying, "This is the antique craftsman in the shop, and also my former fellow apprentice."

"Oh, Master Li, it's an honor to meet you."

Li Guaizi smiled calmly and nodded in response. Chen Ke had told him that in this situation, he only needed to nod and smile.

"Please, Miss Xu."

As Xu Manling walked into the store, she said with some dissatisfaction, "Boss Chen is so stingy. He came to discuss something with me, but he couldn't even afford to treat me to a meal."

"Hey, who's this little brother? Wow, he's really handsome!" Xu Manling saw Chen Zhuo doing his homework at the table as soon as she came in, and walked over to him.

Chen Zhuo looked at the ink stains left on the notebook after the pen had been idle for so long. The black stain seemed to be imprinted in his pupils, and he suddenly felt extremely annoyed. He simply threw down the pen and looked at Xu Manling.

Xu Manling paused, and the boy who looked over had a very unfriendly look in his eyes.

After a moment of surprise, Xu Manling smiled brightly, "Hmm? Little brother, have we met somewhere before?"

At this moment, Chen Ke also came up. "This is my younger brother, Chen Zhuo. You two probably haven't met him before, have you?"

"Chen Zhuo..." Xu Manling repeated, drawing out her words, then said with a regretful expression, "I'm sure I've never seen him before, but Chen Zhuo, have you seen me somewhere before?"

Chen Zhuo listened to Xu Manling's words and said expressionlessly, "No."

Xu Manling turned to look at Chen Ke, spreading her hands helplessly, "Your brother is so cold and heartless."

"Stop teasing him, come over and let's talk business." Chen Ke interrupted Xu Manling's mischievousness. "Chen Zhuo, you sit down and listen too."

Chen Zhuo didn't say anything, but turned around and put the pen cap back on.

Xu Manling waited for Chen Zhuo to come over before asking in a low voice, "Chen-Zhuo, why do you hate me?" Xu Manling was very good at judging men. She knew from the first glance that Chen Ke was not interested in her at all, and from the first glance Chen Zhuo looked at her, she knew that this young man not only did not like her, but also hated her very much.

Xu Manling was outstanding in appearance from a young age, and she grew up to be a standard beauty. With her graceful figure, Xu Manling wouldn't dare to say that every man who saw her would like her, but there would definitely be no man who disliked her.

Chen Zhuo stopped, his eyes deep and unfathomable as he stared straight at Xu Manling. After a long while, he managed a kind smile and said, "Miss Xu, you're overthinking it." Then he left.

Xu Manling felt a sudden chill for no apparent reason.

Li Guaizi closed the door and went inside. Chen Ke had already poured four glasses of water. When he looked up, he saw that all three of them were standing by the table, and none of them seemed inclined to sit down.

Chen Ke was taken aback. "Why are you all standing? Sit down."

Li Guaizi didn't sit down first because he felt he was the lowest in status, while Xu Manling wanted to sit next to Chen Ke but was blocked by Chen Zhuo, so she stood.

As for Chen Zhuo...

He politely extended his hand in a gesture of invitation, pointing to the seat opposite Chen Ke, "Ms. Xu, please sit down."

Xu Manling's eyes flashed, she said "thank you" and then gracefully sat down with her handbag in hand.

As soon as Xu Manling sat down, Chen Zhuo took the opportunity to sit next to Chen Ke, while Li Guaizi, who was still standing, could only sit next to Xu Manling with a blank expression but secretly delighted.

Chen Ke was completely unaware of this undercurrent.

After taking a sip of tea, he said, "Miss Xu, I would like to borrow your venue to hold a small auction once a week."

Xu Manling exclaimed in surprise, "In my Lido Ballroom?"

Chen Ke nodded, "Yes, you can collect rent or take a cut."

"What are you auctioning? Antiques? I'm afraid antiques aren't suitable for a dance hall." To be honest, Xu Manling was very tempted. Not only could she earn extra income, but if the auction went well, it could also create a lively atmosphere and boost the dance hall's reputation. It would be a win-win situation.

However, her dance hall would not be suitable if it were an auction of antiques.

Chen Ke shook his head. "It is an antique, but not an ordinary antique." As he spoke, he picked up an exquisite wooden box from the side and opened it.

“This…” Xu Manling’s eyes lit up instantly.

Chen Ke smiled and said, "So, Miss Xu, are you interested?"

Xu Manling was not only tempted, she couldn't wait to try it on around her neck.

This is an ancient ruby ​​necklace. The rubies are incredibly vibrant, and the surrounding gold filigree is intricate and exquisite, making it look extremely noble and beautiful. Xu Manling is sure that every woman would want to try wearing it around her neck.

"My heart is fluttering," Xu Manling answered sincerely.

"What if we paired it with a legendary owner, like Wang Zhaojun, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China?"

Xu Manling was stunned when she heard this. She felt that even the men would be tempted now, after all, who wouldn't want to collect the beloved possessions of such a beautiful woman?

"Boss Chen, I think it's a good idea!" She'll take a cut, the more they sell, the more she gets.

“But…would they easily believe this is true?” Chen Zhuo suddenly asked.

These words were like a bucket of cold water, calming Xu Manling down a bit. She had been acting as if she were possessed.

"Hehe, did Miss Xu even consider whether this necklace was real or fake just now?"

To cover up her earlier lapse in composure, Xu Manling stammered, "I... I didn't do that because I trusted you—"

She abruptly stopped mid-sentence, for Xu Manling suddenly remembered that Chen Ke had told her long ago that he was selling fake antiques…

"Right, if you like it at first sight, and if the price isn't particularly unacceptable to you, wouldn't you not even care if it's genuine or not?"

Chen Ke continued, "Besides, even if they buy it and have it appraised, aside from its story, the necklace is definitely genuine."

"That's no problem. We can sell some cheaper items first, and then gradually sell the more expensive ones after they've authenticated them and confirmed they're genuine."

After listening, Chen Zhuo did not raise any further questions, and the four of them began a new round of discussion about the auction's time, process, and pricing.

After the discussion was finally over, Xu Manling glanced at the sky and exclaimed, "Wow, Mr. Chen, I haven't seen a single penny of your money yet, but the people have already started working overtime for you."

Chen Ke was unusually apologetic. "I'm sorry, Miss Xu, I'll take you back now."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhuo stood up as well: "Let's go together."