Xu Kuo remained expressionless and uttered only one word: "Get out."
Wang Ming's face shifted between pale and flushed, but in the end, fear prevailed over anger. He gritted his teeth and glared at Xu Kuo with venomous eyes.
"Fine! Xu Kuo! You just wait! This isn't over yet!"
After saying that, he struggled to his feet, called to the other two thugs who were not injured, and hurriedly helped up Ah Hu, who was still groaning like a lump of mud. He ran away in a sorry state, scrambling and crawling, afraid that Xu Kuo would change his mind.
Wang Ming and his group disappeared in a flash. The entrance to the market was silent for a moment, then erupted into a deafening cheer!
"Good! Well done!"
"That was so satisfying! Those bastards who rely on their master's power!"
"Mr. Xu is awesome! Well done, Mr. Xu!"
The people who had been worried for Xu Kuo just moments before now looked at him with admiration and gratitude.
Niu Erbao and Tan Wang, along with several other villagers who had been worried, rushed over and surrounded Xu Kuo.
"Master! You...you're amazing! That punch just now was simply divine!"
Niu Erbao was so excited that his face turned red. He gestured with his fists. Although he wasn't the one who had stolen the show just now, he was even happier than Xu Kuo.
"Yeah, Brother Kuo! That big guy was like an iron tower, and you took him down with just one punch! It scared me to death!"
Tan Wang's face was full of admiration, but he was still shaken.
Wenwen, who was following behind, also stepped forward with red eyes: "Brother Xu, thank you for saving my mother!"
Secretary Wen stepped forward, his face filled with relief at surviving the ordeal and sincere gratitude.
"Xu Kuo, thank you so much for today! If it weren't for you, I..."
She paused, then said solemnly, "If there's anything I can help you with in the future, just let me know. I'll do my best to help!"
Xu Kuo waved his hand. He knew that he had actually implicated Secretary Wen in this matter, and he felt somewhat guilty towards Secretary Wen. Fortunately, Secretary Wen did not hold it against him, and nothing bad happened.
"It was nothing, Secretary Wen, please don't mention it."
Xu Kuo looked at everyone, signaling them to calm down, and then turned to Niu Erbao and the others.
"Erbao, Tanwang, take a few people and tidy up this place. Continue selling the vegetables as usual, don't delay business."
He needs to find Zhou Changke right away; if he's too late, something bad might happen.
"Alright, Master! Leave it to us!" Niu Erbao and the others immediately agreed and began to call on people to clean up the messy vegetable stall.
The crowd began packing up the vegetable stalls. The villagers didn't leave; they were all waiting for Niu Erbao and Tan Wang to finish so they could buy vegetables as soon as possible.
You should know that the dishes served at Xu Kuo's place are actually the cheapest and best in the area, but Ah Hu's intimidating presence was too strong just now, so they didn't dare to refute him.
After all, Secretary Wen, who was the first to speak out against it, was immediately arrested.
Their queuing up to buy groceries is a silent form of support for Xu Kuo.
Xu Kuo nodded to Secretary Wen again, indicating that he had to handle the follow-up matters, and then turned around and quickly left the vegetable market, heading straight for where Zhou Changke might be.
After passing through several familiar streets, Xu Kuo arrived at a relatively secluded courtyard, which was Zhou Changke's residence.
As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, I saw Zhou Changke accompanying an elderly man with gray hair and a sprightly spirit, the two of them sitting around an octagonal table.
On the table sat a blue and white porcelain vase. The vase had a lustrous glaze, a thin body, and exquisite and elegant painting. The exposed porcelain body at the mouth and bottom was delicate and white, clearly indicating that it was no ordinary piece and exuded a sense of historical depth.
Zhou Changke was carefully examining the details of the patterns on the bottle with a magnifying glass when he heard footsteps. He looked up and saw Xu Kuo, and a surprised smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Oh! Brother Xu! You've finally arrived! Come over here, come over here!" He put down the magnifying glass and greeted Xu Kuo warmly.
Xu Kuo walked forward with a smile, greeted Zhou Changke, and his gaze was drawn to the exquisite blue and white porcelain vase, which he couldn't help but look at a few more times.
Zhou Changke pulled Xu Kuo's arm and turned to the old man, introducing him with a hint of pride.
"Mr. Yuan, let me introduce you. This is Xu Kuo, whom I mentioned to you before. Brother Xu! Don't let his youth fool you; he's a true genius when it comes to appraising antiques!"
Zhou Changke's voice carried a hint of boasting, clearly showing that he admired Xu Kuo's insightful judgment immensely after Xu Kuo helped him with his eyesight last time.
It just so happens that Yuen Kwok-yau is here this time, so it's a good opportunity for him to show off.
The old man, known as "Old Yuan," was scrutinizing Xu Kuo from head to toe with a sharp and cautious gaze.
That look didn't seem like he was looking at a young man, but rather like he was assessing a rare treasure, with a hint of inquiry and a subtle sense of authority.
He had recently heard Zhou Changke talk about how amazing Xu Kuo was, especially in the field of antique appraisal, where he was said to be able to identify treasures with unerring accuracy. Zhou Changke was practically praising Xu Kuo as a god.
I met him today, and I'll take this opportunity to see if he's as miraculous as Zhou Changke described.
Just as Zhou Changke was about to enthusiastically introduce the old man's identity to Xu Kuo, the old man gently stopped him with a raised hand.
"Hehe, no need for Lao Zhou to introduce me." The old man showed a gentle smile, but his air of authority remained undiminished. He took the initiative to extend his hand to Xu Kuo.
"Young man, hello. My name is Yuan Guoyao. I'm a close friend of Old Zhou, despite our age difference."
Yuan Guoyao?
Xu Kuo's heart stirred slightly. He grasped that dry yet powerful hand and felt its warmth and steady strength.
He carefully observed the old man in front of him. Although he was dressed in a simple Zhongshan suit, he had an upright posture, a righteous air between his brows, and an imposing presence that emanated from his eyes.
This aura... is definitely not that of an ordinary person!
Or perhaps a soldier?
Or is he a high-ranking official?
Judging by their style, they must be someone important.
Despite his inner speculation, Xu Kuo remained outwardly calm, displaying his usual amiable smile.
"Hello, Mr. Yuan. I am Xu Kuo. It is a pleasure to meet you." He was neither humble nor arrogant, and his attitude was composed.
A hint of approval flashed in Yuan Guoyao's eyes.
Hmm, not bad. To be able to remain so calm and composed in front of me, showing no signs of being overwhelmed by praise or criticism, is a composure that is unmatched by people of the same age.
Zhou Changke's judgment was correct this time.
He withdrew his hand, pointed to the blue and white porcelain vase on the table, and asked with great interest, "Young friend Xu Kuo, since Old Zhou said you have an exceptional eye, why don't you help us take a look at this thing? Old Zhou and I are currently arguing about its authenticity and age."
"Hey! What's there to argue about!" Zhou Changke immediately shouted, patting his chest and spitting as he spoke.
"Professor Yuan! I guarantee you! This is absolutely genuine! Tang Dynasty blue and white porcelain! Look at the glaze, the painting, the crackle! There's no mistake!"
Zhou Changke spoke with absolute certainty, claiming that he had examined the item extensively and had it authenticated by numerous individuals, and that it was absolutely infallible.
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