At this moment, Gu Huaiyue's foxy eyes were filled with a strange light as she gazed at Zhou Yang's profile, her heart churning with turmoil.
Who exactly is he? At such a young age, he possesses such astonishing eyesight.
This composure and confidence far surpasses that of ordinary people.
Could he really be a descendant of some reclusive family of antique appraisers?
But which company's?
Gu Zhongchen pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "Young friend Zhou, I have a favor to ask. My Tianjin Auction House is in dire need of a discerning eye as sharp as yours!"
"I wonder if you would be interested in taking on the role of our bank's chief appraisal consultant? The annual salary is tentatively set at five million, plus a commission of one percent of the transaction amount as a bonus."
His eyes were full of sincerity: "If it's a particularly important item, the fee will be negotiated separately! How about it?"
It would be a waste not to recruit such talent!
Upon hearing this, Gu Huaiyue nodded to Zhou Yang: a five million annual salary plus commission!
This treatment is absolutely top-notch in the industry!
Zhou Yang simply smiled and shook his head: "Thank you for your kindness, but I am used to being a free spirit and do not like to be constrained."
"Setting up a small stall to earn some pocket money is a good thing."
Just kidding, I have a system that makes me rich every day, plus all sorts of big rewards. Why would I need to work for you?
A hint of disappointment flashed in Gu Zhongchen's eyes, but he quickly relaxed. After all, a master always has a temper.
Du Minghua was completely numb at this point. He waved his hand and gave Du Zhe instructions weakly.
"Xiao Zhe, go... go and prepare a check for one million each for the masters and young friend Zhou as today's appraisal fee."
Money can be earned back, but this favor, this moment of enlightenment, must be repaid!
"Dad, are you so devastated that you're not even seeing your guests off?"
Du Zhe was taken aback, but seeing his father's distraught appearance, he didn't say anything, nodded, and turned to get to work.
Soon, the check was presented.
Zhou Yang accepted it without hesitation.
Even a small mosquito is still meat, let alone a million dollars he earned with his sharp eyesight.
Du Zhe saw Zhou Yang, Xu Yao, and the three experts off.
As they reached the door, Gu Zhongchen called out to Zhou Yang, "Young friend Zhou, Miss Xu, it's getting late. If you don't mind, would you do me the honor of coming to my home for a meal and a drink?"
"I still have many questions about appraising treasures, and I would like to ask you for advice, young friend."
Gu Huaiyue quickly chimed in, a hint of anticipation on her foxy face.
"Yes, Mr. Zhou, and Sister Xu Yao, my grandfather has a large collection of fine teas. Please do us the honor of trying some. Also, I'd love to hear Mr. Zhou explain the ins and outs of those collections!"
This is a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity, and it would be good to spend more time with him.
Zhou Yang looked at Xu Yao beside him, "Do you want to go?"
Xu Yao scratched her head. Zhou Yang had been incredibly impressive today, and she was completely captivated by him. He was just too cool!
Now that a renowned expert in antique appraisal has invited him, if Zhou Yang goes, he can build connections that might come in handy in the future.
So Xu Yao smiled slightly at him and nodded, "Since we have been invited by a senior, let's go and take a look."
Zhou Yang agreed: "Alright, since the elder has extended such a generous invitation, I will respectfully accept."
...
The Gu Family Mansion is a typical Chinese-style garden villa.
Pavilions and towers, winding paths leading to secluded spots, all exude understated luxury and profound cultural heritage.
After taking a seat and enjoying tea, Gu Zhongchen humbly asked Zhou Yang for advice on many details regarding appraisal.
In particular, Zhou Yang's unique insights into the characteristics of Tang Sancai "Yinqiao Pian" and the brushwork of Qi Baishi's "Shrimp Fun" have greatly benefited him.
“Young friend Zhou, if I may be so bold as to ask a question,” Gu Zhongchen put down his teacup, his expression serious.
"Your extraordinary skills in appraising treasures, from whom did you learn them? Could you perhaps be a disciple of some reclusive master?"
Zhou Yang picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and smiled calmly: "You flatter me, Old Gu."
"These are just my humble skills, which I learned from my elders when I was young. They are nothing special and not worthy of being presented in a refined manner."
He casually made up a classic excuse: "I learned it from my grandfather."
Upon hearing this, Gu Zhongchen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he understood.
Indeed, the person who can teach such a prodigy disciple is no ordinary person!
It must be some unparalleled master appraiser!
As Gu Huaiyue listened, she became even more convinced of Zhou Yang's mysterious background, and her gaze toward him grew increasingly curious and admiring.
He spoke casually, but that composure and confidence are something that ordinary people cannot possess.
Soon, a sumptuous dinner was served, featuring delicacies from land and sea, all exquisite and delicious.
During the meal, Gu Zhongchen frequently raised his glass, praising Zhou Yang highly in his words.
He even told Gu Huaiyue that "you should learn more from young friend Zhou in the future. Even if you can only learn a little bit, you will benefit immensely."
Gu Huaiyue readily agreed, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Zhou Yang.
The meal was a pleasant one for both the host and guests.
After the meal, Gu Zhongchen, being quite old and lacking energy, went to rest.
Only Zhou Yang, Xu Yao, and Gu Huaiyue remained in the living room.
Gu Huaiyue seemed much more relaxed than before. Her eyes darted around, and she suggested, "Mr. Zhou, Ms. Xu Yao, it's still early. How about... I take you to a fun place?"
"Oh? What fun places are there?"
Zhou Yang became interested.
Gu Huaiyue smiled mysteriously: "Have you been to our Jindu jade gambling market? A batch of new jade just arrived a few days ago, and it's very lively!"
"Jade gambling?"
Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow. He and Xu Yao exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of curiosity in each other's eyes.
He had been so busy setting up his stall and studying the recipes in the system that he had never actually tried anything like this.
"Alright! Let's go check it out!"
Zhou Yang readily agreed.
Xu Yao naturally followed her husband's lead.
Upon seeing that the two had agreed, Gu Huaiyue clapped her hands excitedly: "Great! I guarantee your trip will be worthwhile!"
The three set off immediately.
Gu Huaiyue drove a red Maserati, while Zhou Yang's Cullinan drew a beautiful arc as they headed straight for the largest jade trading market in the southern suburbs of Jindu.
Even before getting close, you can feel the overwhelming popularity.
Luxury cars filled the parking lot, the market was bustling with noise, and the air was filled with the ear-piercing roar of cutting machines and the dust of stone powder.
The sounds of bidding and discussion, mixed with various accents, created a noisy and bustling scene.
Wow, there are so many people here!
Xu Yao couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
This was Zhou Yang's first time in such a place, and he looked around with great interest.
"It's really lively! Miss Gu, could you tell us about the intricacies and rules of jade gambling?"
As Gu Huaiyue led the two inside, she explained familiarly, "There are mainly several types of jade gambling."
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