"But isn't that shop owner too dishonest? He can sell something for two hundred yuan, but he dares to ask for a hundred thousand. How can he say that with a straight face?"
"It all depends on whether the buyer knows their stuff. If they don't, the shop can operate for three years on that one sale. They might not look busy usually, but if they make one sale, like you almost getting duped, they can still make a good profit this month after all expenses!" Liu Yifeng said.
Xia Qianqian sighed in amazement after hearing this, "Today has truly opened my eyes."
"Weren't you just saying that everything in antique shops is a fake, and yet you almost fell for it?" Liu Yifeng teased.
This made the already embarrassed Xia Qianqian wish she could find a hole to crawl into.
"It's all my fault for being deceived by his certificate. I thought it was a legitimate shop, and if they were faking things, they could be held accountable. I didn't expect them to dare to use fake certificates to fool people. Aren't they afraid of others taking it for appraisal and reporting them?"
Liu Yifeng explained, "Actually, it's very simple. No matter what they sell, once it leaves their shop, they can deny it's theirs. They can even turn around and accuse us of hiding the real item and deliberately using a fake to extort them."
After hearing Liu Yifeng's explanation, Xia Qianqian finally understood, "So that's how it is. I'm really so foolish, I didn't think of that!"
"It's quite normal that you didn't think of it, as you haven't been exposed to this business. Next time you want to buy these things, remember to be more vigilant and don't make decisions lightly!" Liu Yifeng advised.
Xia Qianqian immediately nodded, "I know. I definitely won't trust these things so easily again. Today, you two father and son have really taught me a lesson."
The three of them left the antique shop and walked directly to the parking spot, preparing to return to the hotel.
On the way, Xia Qianqian opened the box, took out the flute, wiped it with a tissue, and then started playing.
She had learned this instrument in college, but it was made of bamboo, not jade, so there was a slight difference when playing.
Having not played for a long time, she had become quite rusty, and many notes were off-key.
However, to Liu Yifeng, who was an outsider, it sounded pleasant and melodious.
After she finished playing, he immediately praised her, "You play really well. You know so many instruments and sing so beautifully, yet you haven't become famous. It's truly outrageous."
He couldn't understand why someone as talented as Xia Qianqian, if the company were to invest in her, could bring so much wealth to the company. Yet, because she refused to accept any unspoken rules, she was denied resources. Wasn't that also a loss for the company's wealth?
In fact, it was quite understandable. Talented contestants like Xia Qianqian were not lacking in any entertainment company, but those who were unwilling to comply were. If they couldn't accept unspoken rules, many capitalists wouldn't invest. In that case, why wouldn't they give opportunities to those who were willing to be obedient?
Xia Qianqian had placed her last hope on this competition. As long as Tongtong won the championship, she would have many resources, and good ones at that, to choose from. If not, she wouldn't have any regrets. When her contract with the company expired, she wouldn't renew it and could even become a music teacher in the future.
In the car, only Tongtong remained silent. He was constantly looking at the inkstone in his hand, as if he were studying something.
Liu Yifeng had always been curious why Tongtong chose this inkstone. Compared to those sold on the market, this inkstone's condition was far from good. It didn't look regular at all, nor was it smooth enough. There was so much dust on it, indicating the shop owner didn't cherish it at all. Therefore, he suspected whether this inkstone might be a genuine antique. However, this thought was quickly nipped in the bud. The shop owner was in this business, so he must be an expert. If this were a real antique, he wouldn't fail to recognize it. But he forgot a saying: "The lamp casts darkness underneath!" Even experts make mistakes, let alone someone who doesn't have the price of an expert.
"Tongtong, are you really going to use this to hold ink for painting?" Xia Qianqian asked.
"I actually have another one at home, but I can use this one," Tongtong replied.
Upon hearing this, Xia Qianqian immediately said, "I don't think this one looks very easy to use. I'll buy you a new, better one another day. Although you didn't pay for this one, and the shop owner gave it to you, we should use the best if we're going to use it. You should just throw this inkstone away. I can't believe the shop owner found it an eyesore and put it in an inconspicuous place! It's quite heavy too, be careful it doesn't fall and hit your foot."
"It's okay. I quite like this inkstone. Thank you for your kindness, Auntie Xia."
Seeing that Tongtong liked the inkstone, Xia Qianqian couldn't say anything more, "Alright then, make sure you hold it firmly. If it falls and hits your foot, it could cause a fracture."
Tongtong nodded heavily, "Mhm, mhm, I understand."
Liu Yifeng kept observing Tongtong's expression through the rearview mirror. He felt that things were not as simple as just liking it. However, since Tongtong hadn't told Xia Qianqian the truth, he decided not to ask further, planning to inquire once they were in their hotel room.
Soon, they returned to the hotel. Although they had left at 5:30 PM for dinner, it was already almost 10 PM when they got back, which was about the same time they usually returned. After getting out of the elevator, Xia Qianqian said goodbye to Liu Yifeng and Tongtong and entered her room. Then, Liu Yifeng and Tongtong returned to their own room.
As soon as he entered the room, Liu Yifeng eagerly asked, "Tongtong, tell Dad the truth, is there anything different about this inkstone? Otherwise, why would you choose it?"
Tongtong carefully placed the inkstone on the table, "Dad, I'm going to the bathroom first. I'll tell you in a bit."
While Tongtong was in the bathroom, Liu Yifeng picked up the inkstone and examined it closely. This was his first time observing an inkstone up close, but after looking for a long time, he couldn't figure anything out. It looked no different from an ordinary inkstone. If he had to point out a difference, it was that it was heavier than he expected and felt quite substantial in his hand. But apart from that, its appearance was no different from the inkstones he had seen before.
A moment later, Tongtong came out of the bathroom. Seeing his dad looking at the inkstone, he said, "Dad, didn't you ask me why I chose this inkstone? Then I'll tell you the truth, because this inkstone is a genuine antique!"
He said it directly, without any pretense.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yifeng was stunned. He hadn't completely ruled out the possibility of it being a real antique, but he later felt it was unlikely. After all, no matter how clever a buyer was, they couldn't be smarter than the shop owner. The fact that the shop owner gave this inkstone away for free showed that he didn't value it at all. Now that Tongtong said it was a genuine antique, he couldn't see it at all! So, he carefully examined the inkstone again.