Chapter 81: Negotiations and Schemes

"It's time for a change."
"Is that so? Take a seat. What are your thoughts about today's auction?"
"Not much," Zhao Fan replied as he sat down, raising his gaze to meet a face that wore a half-smile, half-mockery. He narrowed his eyes and went straight to the point: "Actually, I find something a bit odd."
"Oh? What is it?"
"With your status, Master Wu, this auction shouldn't even be able to invite you."
Yet not only had Wu Qingfeng shown up, he had even spent eight and a half million to win that Ru ware bowl.
"Is that bowl really worth eight and a half million?"
"You don't think it is?"
"An auction of such dubious origin—even if the items are rare, could they ever see the light of day?"
Zhao Fan made his stance clear; he believed the items from this auction couldn't withstand scrutiny.
Wu Qingfeng fixed his gaze on Zhao Fan. "Since you've figured that out, you still dare to say it so openly?"
"Why wouldn't I dare? You called me here and asked for my thoughts. Isn't it because you also believe there's something wrong with this auction?"
Wu Qingfeng was never known for his good temper; in his previous life, he became the richest man in the world not because of his temperament, but because of his methods.
After Zhao Fan spoke, Wu Qingfeng suddenly broke into a smile.
"You're right. I do think there's a big problem with this auction. In fact, these kinds of unofficial auctions are held in Yang City from time to time, and every time, there's an antique worth a fortune."
"Like tonight's Ru ware bowl?"
"Just like tonight's Ru ware bowl."
The same words, spoken in a different tone, meant something else entirely.
Zhao Fan studied Wu Qingfeng, his thoughts whirling. Wu Qingfeng would never summon him without reason, nor say such things without a purpose.
What was he really after?
"I suppose you're wondering about my intentions," Wu Qingfeng leaned back, perfectly at ease.
Zhao Fan nodded. "Yes. I wonder if you can enlighten me?"
"This auction can't be allowed to continue."
"What do you mean?"
"I want you to find a way to shut down these kinds of auctions."
Zhao Fan was speechless for a moment.
After several minutes of silence, Zhao Fan gave a wry smile, "To shut down these auctions—wouldn't it be easier for you to handle it yourself, Master Wu?"
Handing him this task—what a joke. Neither his status nor his resources could compare to Wu Qingfeng's.
"On the surface, it would be easier for me, but you must understand, Yuanhong Group is too big. If I make a move, all eyes will be on me immediately."

Wu Qingfeng's words made Zhao Fan lower his gaze, suddenly realizing that the man before him was not the Wu Qingfeng he knew in his previous life. The Wu Qingfeng he remembered was the world's richest man, a man who could almost shroud the sky with one hand.
But this Wu Qingfeng was different. He had not yet purged the rot within Yuanhong Group and was surrounded by enemies on all sides.
This version of Wu Qingfeng was born into a higher status, yes, but his circumstances were hardly any better.
Realizing this, Zhao Fan's heart became calm.
Thinking further on Fang Tiancheng, Zhao Fan's expression eased. "I can do this, but the issue is, I might not get invited to every auction."
To eradicate something completely, one must first understand every detail in its early stages and uproot it entirely.
Wu Qingfeng said, "I can handle what you're worried about."
"What do you mean, Master Wu?"
"My own auction invitations—I’ll transfer them to you."
Zhao Fan straightened, his expression solemn. "Thank you."
Wu Qingfeng smiled faintly, leaning back, his whole body exuding a languid indifference.
"As long as you can protect those antiques, that's all that matters. Those things from Huaguo are not for them to auction off as they please."
Zhao Fan curled his lips slightly; he agreed with Wu Qingfeng's sentiment.
After some more detailed conversation, Zhao Fan took his leave.
He had just walked out to the hotel entrance when he ran into Mu Tianrong.
"Oh, Mr. Zhao, where have you been? What took you so long to come out?"
Zhao Fan replied calmly, "Just went to the restroom, stayed a bit longer than usual. President Mu, are you seeing someone off?"
Mu Tianrong laughed heartily and waved his hand. "Seeing someone off is too strong a word—just greeting some people. Did tonight scare you?"
"Not really scared, just surprised. I really didn’t expect a dinner party could..."
Here Zhao Fan stopped, giving Mu Tianrong a knowing smile, just like the one on Mu Tianrong’s face.
"To be honest, these things are pretty common here in Yang City. You'll get used to it."
"Is this the gentleman who bought the Song dynasty porcelain vase earlier?"
A sudden voice interrupted Zhao Fan and Mu Tianrong's conversation—it was Wang Er, another host of the auction.
Zhao Fan reached out his hand. "That's me. Zhao Fan. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Wang."
Wang Er returned the handshake with a broad, squint-eyed smile. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Zhao. How did you find tonight's event?"
"Unexpected. Absolutely astonishing."
"Hahaha..."
Wang Er burst out laughing. "Nothing we do can compare with you, Mr. Zhao. At our event, we can’t allow that sort of thing—would be disgraceful."
"It would indeed. After all, if the staff isn’t up to the job, it can cause big losses."
"Exactly, exactly."

The three of them stood at the hotel entrance, making small talk for a while. Suddenly Wang Er checked his watch. "It's already eleven. I have other business—let's talk again another day, Mr. Zhao."
"Of course."
Zhao Fan stepped aside, opening the car door just as a Rolls-Royce pulled up for Wang Er.
"Thank you, Mr. Zhao."
"You're welcome."
Once the Rolls-Royce had driven off, Zhao Fan withdrew his hand and rested it on Mu Tianrong's shoulder.
"President Mu, you and I are pretty well acquainted by now, aren't we?"
Mu Tianrong, still standing with Zhao Fan’s hand on his shoulder, replied, "Of course."
"How about an introduction?"
Their eyes met, and Mu Tianrong chuckled, "Tomorrow?"
"That works."
The next afternoon, Zhao Fan arranged to meet Mu Tianrong at Lao Hong’s Private Kitchen.
After the food and drinks were served, Zhao Fan toasted Mu Tianrong a few times before getting down to business.
"Are events like last night’s common in Yang City?"
"They’re not just common—the quality of the items is consistent too. There’s one every three days, it’s a fast pace."
Zhao Fan frowned. "Are they all like the one at the end last night?"
"Not necessarily, but the prices are usually about the same."
Noticing that Mu Tianrong’s wine glass was nearly empty, Zhao Fan quickly refilled it. "So, according to you, as long as I succeed, the money..."
"As long as you succeed, if not rolling in wealth, any sale will at least guarantee you break even."
Mu Tianrong drained his glass again.
Seeing this, Zhao Fan refilled it once more.
But no matter how Zhao Fan pressed, Mu Tianrong kept circling back to superficial topics.
It wasn’t until Zhao Fan asked when Mu Tianrong first got involved with these events that Mu Tianrong gave a sly laugh.
"That, I owe to you."
"Me?"
Zhao Fan was puzzled. What did Mu Tianrong's involvement in these events have to do with him?
Wait—the Song dynasty porcelain vase.
"President Mu, are you talking about the auction of the Song dynasty vase?"