Chapter 212 Taking You to See the Big Fool
With a "pop," the candle flame exploded. Red tears trickled down, then solidified into strange shapes.
The setting sun pierced through the crack in the door, illuminating the floating incense ash. Wisps of smoke rose, and a faint fragrance lingered in the air.
The Taoist priest appeared calm and composed, but his heart was pounding uncontrollably.
What does one million mean?
For an ordinary person, it would take a hundred years of hard work without eating or drinking.
To be honest, the Taoist priest never intended to sell the incense burner; it was just a matter of conversation, and Lin Sicheng happened to mention it, so he just happened to hint at it:
Young man, look, if you want to get a talisman, you only need to offer incense for a year, which costs only 60,000 yuan. But if you want to get a ritual implement, you need to offer incense for three years, which will cost at least a million yuan.
Which is more, and which is less?
The so-called 60,000 was merely a test by the old Taoist priest to gauge the situation. His plan was to swindle 20,000 or 30,000, which would be a miracle from the Taoist patriarch. If he could swindle 10,000 or 8,000, he'd be honored to offer incense to his three patriarchs.
Lin Sicheng, on the other hand, immediately said "please"... Young man, did you hear that? This is a million?
After a moment's thought, the Taoist's eyes flashed, and he quickly looked him over again.
Two men and three women; apart from the big, dark-skinned guy, the other four should all be from well-off families.
Especially the two in the middle, they have excellent temperament, speak eloquently, and are even more well-mannered. Every smile, every word, exudes nobility.
Conversely, in 2008, what kind of family could take out a million without batting an eye?
Then another question arises: given his distinguished background, worldly experience, and intelligence, what kind of mentality would lead him to willingly let himself be cheated out of a million?
We can't let ourselves be fooled, can we?
That's bullshit, even a fool knows it's impossible: it's a million dollars, not a hundred.
Just look at the expressions of the three people next to him, and you'll know how unbelievable this is.
Since everyone is so shocked, why didn't anyone offer any advice or reminders?
The more the Taoist priest thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. He glanced at Lin Sicheng and then looked at the incense burner beside him.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind: most likely, the child's fortune-telling was fake; he really wanted the treasure furnace.
Although the old Taoist priest was dishonest, he did not lie about one thing: this thing was indeed a magical artifact left behind by the founder of his sect, passed down for more than two hundred years, a genuine antique.
Is the product good or not?
Of course it's good. The design is simple and elegant, the patterns are serene, and the whole piece is inlaid with gold.
It wasn't just one or two people who knew about this thing; believers who came from far and wide, sincerely seeking the treasure, came in an endless stream.
There are also professional institutions: Zhouzhi Loutai Temple, Baoji Longmen Cave, Huayin Yuquan Temple, and even Xi'an Jingyue Temple and Baxian Palace.
The latter two, in particular, are both Taoist temples and cultural heritage institutions with Taoist characteristics. Baxian Palace itself is the second largest antique market in Xijing, with a large number of knowledgeable people.
Dongwang Temple, on the other hand, is a proper folk museum, staffed entirely by experts.
Among so many experts, the most professional and highest-priced Dongyue Temple only cost 300,000.
And when this child opened his mouth, it more than tripled.
Did I misjudge it?
To be honest, judging from his appearance, he looks to be in his early twenties. Even if he knows a lot, how much discernment can he possibly have?
After pondering for a while, the Taoist priest put down the incense burner, remained silent, and simply stared at Lin Sicheng.
But it was all for naught; as long as Lin Sicheng didn't want him to see it, he wouldn't be able to tell a thing.
After a long silence, the Taoist priest sighed and said, "Sir, let's be frank. Have you taken a fancy to this furnace of mine?"
Haha, you're not pretending anymore?
Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "To be honest, Daoist Master, the divination was true, and so was my desire for treasure!"
The Taoist priest paused for a moment, then grimaced as if he had a toothache: "As expected?"
To obtain a sacred object from Longhu Mountain or Chongyang Palace, which has been blessed by generations of high priests through incense offerings and chanting, is a great act of merit.
At most, it would cost two or three hundred thousand.
Looking at the three patriarchs in the shrine, even if the old Taoist priest closed his eyes and went against his conscience, he couldn't say anything like "each has their own strengths" or "they are equally matched".
So what the hell are you asking for a divination for?
This scoundrel came for his treasure furnace, and he pretended to play along for half a day.
But what's so strange about that?
From beginning to end, the Taoist priest didn't notice the slightest flaw. If the price of one million hadn't been so high, he wouldn't have suspected anything.
So, should we sell or not?
Anyone who doesn't sell is a fool.
The price he offered for Dongwang Temple was only 500,000...
Suddenly, the Taoist's heart began to pound: "Sell, but we need a contract!"
Wow, they seem quite knowledgeable about this stuff?
Lin Sicheng nodded: "Daoist Master, has anyone inquired about this precious furnace?"
The old Taoist priest shook his head like a rattle-drum: "No!"
It would be strange if there weren't any.
There aren't too many knowledgeable people in Xijing, but there are quite a few. With that old Taoist's flamboyant manner, always carrying an incense burner at the door and acting like a master, he's bound to run into someone who knows what's going on sooner or later.
Since we've come across this, we should definitely ask around and take a look. What if we find a bargain?
Therefore, the old Taoist priest had a general idea in mind...
Lin Sicheng didn't point it out, and stood up: "The banks are already closed, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow. Let's find a larger branch nearby, and we can transfer the money and sign the contract at the same time!"
The old Taoist priest was still somewhat incredulous: "Is it really a deal?"
"certainly!"
Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Daoist Master, see you tomorrow!"
The Taoist priest quickly stood up and followed them out step by step. After exchanging a few polite words, he watched as the five people got into two cars.
A Mercedes-Benz and a Grand Cherokee—clearly, they're both well-off.
The two cars drove out of the park square, one after the other.
Gu Ming gripped the steering wheel, staring at the Grand Cherokee's taillights, sometimes gritting his teeth, sometimes grinning.
Muttering to himself: I knew Lin Sicheng had never believed in this stuff since he was a kid, so why did he coax me into having my fortune told? Turns out, he just wanted the Taoist priest's incense burner?
You bastard, you're trying to trick me into taking the fall again...
In the back seat, Zhuang Yi belatedly realized: that incense burner was actually an antique.
Putting aside whether it's true or not, the offer is a million?
Her family owns a jewelry store; they're not super rich, but they're not bad off either. But even her father would hesitate over a million.
Subconsciously, the image of Lin Sicheng appeared in my mind: effortless and composed...
For a moment, Zhuang Yi was filled with mixed feelings of gain and loss.
The old Taoist priest was also plagued by anxieties about gains and losses.
After the car drove out of the courtyard, he went inside. Then he stared at the incense burner on the table for half an hour.
Having studied physiognomy for half his life and examined people for half his life, the Taoist priest was confident that he couldn't be wrong: this child was unusually confident, certain that he would sell it, and even more certain that this thing was absolutely worth the price.
But a million—just thinking about it makes my heart tremble.
On the other hand, with so many experts having examined it, it's possible for one to make a mistake, but it's impossible for seven or eight to all be wrong.
Despite these thoughts, the old Taoist priest still felt uneasy. He took out his phone, scrolled through it, found a number, and dialed it.
The call connected after two rings, and a middle-aged man's voice came through: "Master Jing, Happy New Year!"
"Happy Chinese New Year, Director Wan!"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Taoist priest chuckled again: "Nothing else, just wanted to inform Director Wan: that incense burner has been sold, and I can only apologize for the loan."
"Sold?" the man asked in surprise. "Master Jing, how many did you sell?"
"One million, nine hundred and fifty thousand!"
"impossible!"
“I also think it’s impossible!” the Taoist priest sighed. “But the buyer said that payment and signing of the contract can be made tomorrow!”
As if stunned, there was silence on the phone for a long time.
That incense burner was indeed an antique, but it was worth at most three or four hundred thousand. Suddenly, someone offered over a million?
Surely this person isn't just making fun of Taoist Jing?
After a long silence, Master Wan reminded him, "Master Jing, don't be fooled."
"That's what I was thinking too, so I'd like to ask Director Wan for help. Could you find an expert to accompany me tomorrow? The cost is negotiable..."
Master Jing is a registered Taoist priest with the Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau. He has a good reputation in the industry, and the Dongwang Temple often asks him for help. He definitely has to help this time.
"Okay, I'll call now and go with you tomorrow!"
"Thank you, Director Wan!"
"Master Jing, you're too kind!"
After hanging up the phone, Director Wan felt that something was amiss.
Taoist Jing has spent half his life hunting geese; shouldn't he be pecked blind by sparrows?
No, we need to hire not only an expert, but also someone with considerable influence.
After thinking for a while, Director Wan pulled out a number and dialed it: "Secretary-General Hao, do you have time tomorrow...?"
"Yes, the one I showed you last time, the buyer offered 1,095,000!"
"Ah, why are there odd and even numbers? I didn't know... Okay, Secretary Hao, it's settled then..."
After noting down Taoist Jing's phone number, Hao Jun hung up the phone, looking puzzled: "Something worth at most 300,000 yuan, why spend a million?"
Where did this big idiot come from?
Just as they were whispering to each other, Guan Xingmin's voice came from inside the private room: "Old Hao, did you fall into the latrine?"
"They're here, they're here..."
Hao Jun put away his phone and left the bathroom.
...
With something on his mind, Hao Jun didn't dare drink too much, and the party ended around nine o'clock.
I went to bed early, but got up very early the next day.
After starting the car and warming it up, Master Jing called: "Secretary-General Hao, it's arranged, 9 o'clock sharp, at the Industrial and Commercial Bank next to Jiaotong University... Oh, okay, thank you!"
After hanging up the phone, Hao Jun had another thought: It's the Lantern Festival today, so Lao Guan definitely won't dare to skip work, but Lin Sicheng should have time.
He pulled out his phone book, then paused: Forget it, this kid is usually so busy, he finally gets a holiday, there's no need for him to join in this kind of fun.
Hao Jun casually tossed his phone aside and shifted gears. After about half an hour, he slowly drove to Jiaotong University.
It was still early before nine o'clock, but drums were already beating in the square of Xingqing Palace, and waves of pedestrians surged over.
Hao Jun glanced at it and locked the car.
Turning around, Hao Jun looked around for the location of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, then narrowed his eyes.
Not far away, about 20 or 30 meters away, a Mercedes-Benz with a Beijing license plate was parked in front of a breakfast shop.
I don't remember it very well, but I have a vague impression: Zhao Xiuneng's car has a Beijing license plate and the last digit is "8".
After glancing around and seeing that the car seemed empty, Hao Jun walked over. He paused again as soon as he reached the breakfast shop entrance.
As Lin Sicheng entered the breakfast shop, his back was to him, while Zhao Xiuneng and Zhao Da sat opposite him. The steamer baskets of buns on the table were stacked high, and the three of them were eating noisily, their heads facing each other.
What a coincidence!
He crept over stealthily, just about to scare Lin Sicheng, when Zhao Xiuneng raised his head.
"Oh, Secretary Hao?"
"Can't stand being nagged?"
Hao Jun smiled and sat down next to Lin Sicheng. "When I left this morning, I was thinking about whether I should give you a call?"
Lin Sicheng picked up the chopsticks and asked Zhao Da to order a bowl of porridge for Hao Jun. "So happy, did you get a bargain?"
"If I'm looking for a bargain, how could I not call you?" Hao Jun said with a look of surprise. "I ran into someone who spent a million to buy an incense burner, and I was thinking of inviting you to watch the show..."
Lin Sicheng had just picked up a steamed bun when he froze in mid-air.
What to buy?
"incense burner!"
"It is quite old, passed down for at least two hundred years, but it's just something burned in Taoist temples, with no particular origin or history. Three hundred thousand is the highest it can go. But Old Taoist Jing is sticking to five hundred thousand and won't budge, so it's been at a stalemate..."
"But last night, Director Wan suddenly called me and said that furnace had been sold. The transaction today was for a full 1,095,000? Not only was it rounded up, but it also tripled in value? I was thinking, where did this big idiot come from? I have to show him what's going on..."
Hao Jun, sitting to his side, didn't pay much attention and started talking non-stop, spitting as he spoke.
But as he spoke, he realized something was amiss: Zhao Xiuneng was holding his chopsticks and staring directly at him.
Zhao Da stood by the table with a bowl of porridge in his hand, his face contorted as if he wanted to smash the porridge over his face.
Hao Jun belatedly realized what was happening, and with a start, he turned his head and stared intently at Lin Sicheng.
“That’s right!” Lin Sicheng took a bite of his steamed bun. “Senior Brother Hao, the big idiot you’re talking about is me…”
With a "Ha!", Hao Jun's face twitched.
He wanted to slap himself across the face: I knew it, how could it be such a coincidence?
After a long pause, he gave an awkward smile: "It really was Qiao'er's mother who opened the door for Qiao'er?"
Then, Hao Jun lowered his voice and said, "But that's not right. Many people have seen that furnace, and they all say it's only worth two or three hundred thousand... Is there something fishy about it?"
Lin Sicheng sighed: "Senior Brother Hao, the Taoist priest paid for it!"
Hao Jun scoffed, "I'm not here to authenticate anything, I'm just acting as an intermediary and a witness!"
Lin Sicheng shook his head again: "Just a Taoist incense burner from the Qing Dynasty!"
impossible.
Having known him for so long, Lin Sicheng has found countless bargains and great finds, none of which have exceeded a million.
Hao Jun was incredibly curious, but after thinking about it, he shut his mouth.
Lin Sicheng couldn't possibly hide it from anyone, but to be honest, his current identity was indeed a bit inappropriate.
Moreover, this place is not suitable.
Just as I was thinking this, my phone rang again: "Secretary Hao, I'm at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China!"
"Okay, I'll be right there!"
After hanging up the phone, Hao Jun stuffed two steamed buns into his mouth, drank half a bowl of porridge, and stood up: "Remember, pretend you don't know me later..."
"Senior Brother Hao, what's the rush?"
Hao Jun chewed on a steamed bun, mumbling, "Nonsense, what if things go wrong?"
Even as a middleman, one could only earn a meager ten or twenty thousand at most, which Hao Jun certainly didn't need. He was afraid of being caught by the old Taoist priest and ruining Lin Sicheng's business.
No sooner had he finished speaking than Lin Sicheng pulled him back: "There's no need for that. Just eat in peace, and we'll go over together later."
Hao Jun paused for a moment, then sat down again: That's right!
It's not like he's stealing. With the bright red bills on the table, how could Taoist Jing not sell them?
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