"Uncle Chai, is this a Zigan jade pendant???" In his previous life, Lin Yang had been obsessed with novels about finding bargains for a period of time.
To this end, he even studied antique appraisal for a period of time, thinking of buying antiques from roadside stalls.
Although I didn't actually find any bargains, I broadened my horizons considerably by strolling around the roadside stalls every day.
Lin Yang immediately recognized the jade pendant that Chai Jingcong had brought out as a jade carving by Lu Zigang, a jade craftsman from the Ming Dynasty!
It's not that he has a keen eye, but rather that Zigang Jade Plaque is the first top-tier jade plaque brand in the history of jade carving to be named after a craftsman.
In later generations, he often visited the Zigang Jade Plaque Shop to observe, and the shop would often play promotional videos.
He often saw the jade pendant in Chai Jingcong's hand in that promotional video.
"Wow, Yangzi has a good eye!" Chai Jingcong said with a hint of surprise.
Antiques are considered feudal dross in this era, and not many people like them.
He didn't expect Lin Yang to know this.
Lin Yang said modestly, "Uncle Chai, I've read some miscellaneous books before, and they mentioned that Zigang jade plaques are the most special. They usually have a landscape painting on one side and a poem or seal on the other, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture within a small space!"
Chai Jingcong gave Yan Zhaoqing a thumbs up and said, "Old Yan, Yangzi has good judgment. It's just that times have changed, and not many people care about these things now."
As he spoke, he placed the jade pendant in front of Lin Yang and said with a slightly sentimental tone, "Take it, Yangzi. No matter how precious this thing is, it's not worth much now. If you take it out and meet someone who knows its value, you can only exchange it for a few ounces of pork. If you find someone who doesn't like it, no one will want it even if you give it away."
Lin Yang stopped refusing. After getting his hands on the jade pendant, he felt a cool and smooth sensation, but upon closer inspection, he also felt a sense of solidity and robustness.
Yan Zhaoqing said speechlessly, "Why bring up these things, Lao Chai? We can still live our lives without them!"
"Yes, yes, yes." Chai Jingcong composed himself and smiled again, "Let's eat, let's eat."
After several rounds of drinks...
Lin Yang took the jade pendant out again and looked at it with Chai Jingcong, saying, "Uncle Chai, are these things worthless now?"
If he didn't have any interest in returning to an era where antiques could be found with just a reach of his hand, that would be a lie.
Although he himself didn't understand it, according to Uncle Yan, Chai Jingcong was an expert.
Chai Jingcong hadn't expected Lin Yang to be interested in this, but thinking of the current situations of his acquaintances, he couldn't help but shake his head helplessly.
"How could it possibly be worth anything!"
As he spoke, he pointed outside and said with a wry smile, "I used to know an old friend of mine, who was the grandson of a prince. His family had passed down a lot of good things. He used to make a living by appraising treasures, but now he's reduced to picking up junk. People call him the 'Junk Lord'!"
Then, as the alcohol took effect, he pointed to himself and said:
"Not just them, but myself!"
"Before, he was considered a big shot in Beijing with just his eyesight, but what good is that now? Whether the items are valuable or not is another matter, but those antique shops sell antiques by weight!"
"You could even shout out in the alley and exchange grain for old items, and you might find a whole bunch of exquisite antiques for you to choose from in no time."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yang's eyes flickered slightly.
The Broken-Up Marquis?
This person sounds familiar.
However, he quickly put the thought aside and focused his attention back on Chai Jingcong, saying:
"Uncle Chai, I'm going to start a scrap metal recycling station with someone soon!"
"But as you know, Beijing has a rich cultural heritage. As I just said, if we shout out, we might just find some exquisite antiques!"
"I think antiques are a part of China's cultural heritage and a source of pride for China!"
"It would be such a waste to just smash it up and use it as scrap!"
"But we're not very familiar with these antiques, so we'd like to hire someone to help us identify them!"
"Uncle Chai, would you be interested?"
He had actually been thinking about this for a long time; it's quite normal for someone who collects scrap to end up with antiques.
It would be such a waste to just sell them as scrap. Bowls and plates that cost a few cents a pound now might be worth hundreds of thousands or millions in future generations.
But he didn't have the discernment to tell which were antiques and which were genuine junk!
Not only him, but even the little rascals and the chatterboxes have never heard of them having this insight.
I had been thinking of asking Tong Xiaodao or asking Uncle Yan for help.
I didn't expect the problem to be solved today.
Chai Jingcong, who was still slightly tipsy, suddenly felt a surge of excitement in his eyes after hearing Lin Yang's words.
Then, in an extremely surprised tone, she said, "Yangzi, you actually managed to set up a scrap metal recycling station???"
I had mentioned to Yan Zhaoqing before that I was renovating the back house, and I also casually mentioned that it was going to be used as a scrap metal recycling station.
So Yan Zhaoqing wasn't that surprised.
"I used my connections with the supply and marketing cooperative. This waste recycling station is considered a subordinate unit of the cooperative, so all I have to do is meet their monthly quotas!"
Lin Yang gave a casual explanation, then looked at Chai Jingcong and said, "Uncle Chai, if you can come and help me, don't worry, I'll definitely make sure you're satisfied with the salary and receipts!"
Upon hearing that Lin Yang had connections with the supply and marketing cooperative, Chai Jingcong opened his mouth in slight surprise.
This is a supply and marketing cooperative!
The unit that everyone in the entire city of Beijing most wanted to work for, unexpectedly, Lin Yang actually had connections there.
However, he recently agreed to stay with that businessman from Hong Kong, so he really can't leave for the time being.
After he explained his predicament, he suddenly said to Lin Yang, "Yangzi, although I can't help you, that 'Scrap Lord' I mentioned before can! He grew up surrounded by antiques, and his eyes are even sharper than mine! Plus, he now collects scrap and sells it to recycling stations. If you're willing, I can introduce you to him!"
Yan Zhaoqing suddenly interjected at this moment, "Is it that shabby Hou who lives in the first room on the right after entering number 137 Yanzhi Hutong?"
Chai Jingcong nodded and said, "Yes, that's him!"
“Yangzi, I’ve heard of this person too!” Yan Zhaoqing said slowly. “I heard that he is both magnanimous and stingy, and also ruthless. He is magnanimous because he doesn’t care about money, stingy because he never sells his antiques, and ruthless because he has a keen eye for finding fine antiques.”
Then he said to Lin Yang, "Yangzi, if this person is willing to help you, then you won't lack someone to oversee your recycling station!"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Chai Jingcong nodded and said, "Old Yan's assessment is indeed very accurate. If you agree, Yangzi, I can have him come to see you in a while!"
He sighed and said, "It's a tragedy. This ragpicker has a daughter, but with a father who loves antiques like his own life, she goes hungry every day. If the ragpicker could work for you, that would be a good thing!"
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