Chapter 267: [267] It really is a coincidence_1
Chapter 267: [267] It really is a coincidence_1
On the way, Tang Feng learned from Mao Anyi about the identity of Elder Ouyang.
It’s said that in the Zhonghai Antique Circle, Elder Ouyang is the undisputed uncrowned king.
When the market first opened up, Elder Ouyang, in his forties and already a high-ranking executive in a state-owned enterprise, resolutely resigned to start collecting antiques.
At that time, many people thought he had gone mad, giving up a secure job for the uncertainty of speculation.
But Elder Ouyang was determined, wandering the streets and alleys every day.
The antique market hadn’t yet really taken off at the time, and there weren’t as many fakes and forgeries.
He spent almost all his savings on antiques.
In this way, he gradually grew to become the uncrowned king of the Zhonghai Antique Circle.
If you asked who was the most famous in the Zhonghai Antique Circle, there might be a hundred different answers.
But if you asked who was the most powerful, those in the know would mention the name “Ouyang Yushan.”
After listening to Mao Anyi’s introduction, Tang Feng realized he still had much to learn. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
He was about to become the chief appraiser at Ya Garden, yet he didn’t even know such a person, which was really inexcusable.
Ouyang Yushan’s mansion was located in the South District, in a private courtyard.
When Tang Feng parked the car outside the gate, someone had already been waiting there for quite a while.
It was a man in his thirties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, appearing very genteel.
However, Tang Feng could tell from his posture that this man was no ordinary person, like a leopard ready to pounce, prepared to strike down his enemy with a fatal blow.
“Mr. Chang, good to see you again,” Mao Anyi said with a smile, moving to shake hands with the man as soon as she got out of the car.
After the man greeted her, he turned his attention to Tang Feng, “This must be Mr. Tang, right? Hello, I am Elder Ouyang’s assistant, my name is Chang Wenhao.”
“Mr. Chang, hello.”
Tang Feng didn’t presume too much and shook his hand.
Chang Wenhao did not exchange any further pleasantries but walked ahead towards the courtyard.
Tang Feng and Mao Anyi immediately followed.
By this time, the sky had darkened, and lights were on in the courtyard, making it resplendent.
Tang Feng had thought it was just a small courtyard, but once he entered, he realized he was wrong.
This courtyard was very large, with winding corridors, artificial mountains, a man-made lake, pavilions…
Had it been daytime, one would have been able to see the beautiful scenery in the courtyard.
Although Zhonghai is considered a second-tier city and property prices are not exorbitant, owning such a large courtyard is still astounding.
Chang Wenhao seemed to notice his thoughts and explained with a smile, “This was built by a high-ranking official of the Qing Dynasty after he retired to his hometown.”
“During the opening-up period, the descendant of that official emigrated abroad and sold this courtyard to Mr. Ouyang at a low price.”
After hearing his explanation, Tang Feng couldn’t help but shake his head and smile, “I bet the former owner is turning green with regret now.”
“Why do you say that?” Chang Wenhao was taken aback.
“I read a joke before. Someone sold a courtyard house in Capital City for 300,000, left his hometown to start a business abroad. After hardships and struggles for twenty years, he finally made 2 million dollars and planned to return home for a peaceful retirement. At that time, he discovered that the courtyard house he sold is now worth a hundred million.”
“Hahaha…”
Although Chang Wenhao and Mao Anyi had both heard this joke before, when Tang Feng told it with such enthusiasm, it still provoked hearty laughter from them both.
The three of them, chatting and laughing, passed through the corridors and soon arrived in front of a house.
This house was located in the very center of the courtyard, combining architectural styles of Guangfu residential buildings and even elements of Huizhou architecture.
Before the three of them could enter the house, they heard a hearty voice from inside, “What are you three talking about? I could hear your laughter from far away.”
Before the words were finished, an elder with a walking stick came out from inside.
The elder had white hair, but his eyes were bright and sharp, commanding respect.
“Mr. Ouyang, Mr. Tang and Miss Mao have arrived,” Chang announced, his composure shifting in the presence of the elder.
The elder’s gaze fell on Tang Feng, “This must be Mr. Tang. Please forgive me for not being able to meet you from afar due to my mobility issues.”
Tang Feng knew this must be Elder Ouyang Yushan and didn’t dare to neglect, quickly stepping forward, “I am Tang Feng, paying respects to Mr. Ouyang.”
“Ha-ha, Miss Mao told me you’re also an antique appraiser, so we have something in common,” said Mr. Ouyang with a sparkle in his eye.
From Mao Anyi’s description, Tang Feng had expected Elder Ouyang to be a stern and formidable character.
But from his behavior, he seemed to be a kind-hearted elderly artist.
The two were then invited into the room where they sat down as hosts and guests, and tea was immediately served.
Tang Feng, who now knew a thing or two about tea, could tell from the aroma alone that it was likely Da Hong Pao from Wuyi Mountain.
“Miss Mao mentioned that Mr. Tang is the chief appraiser at an antique store? A chief appraiser so young, your prospects are boundless,” Mr. Ouyang said as he took a sip of tea and set down his cup, looking at Tang Feng with a grandfatherly affection.
Tang Feng modestly inclined his body, “You shouldn’t believe her blindly; I’m not there just yet.”
“Not yet? So that means it’s happening soon?” Mr. Ouyang caught the implication in his words instantly.
“Sort of, but I have to pass the appraisal exam first,” Tang Feng admitted, seeing no need to conceal it.
“An appraisal exam? So you mean, you haven’t got your qualification certificate yet?”
Mr. Ouyang was immediately surprised, someone yet to receive their professional certification had already been designated as the chief appraiser—this spoke volumes about his capabilities.
Tang Feng felt no embarrassment and confirmed openly, “I’m going to take the professional appraiser qualification examination next week.”
Upon hearing this, a curious smile spread across Mr. Ouyang’s face, “What a coincidence, I am an examiner for that assessment.”
“Uh…”
Tang Feng was dumbfounded.