Chapter 138: Xia Hao Returns to the Magic City, Embarking on a New Journey (Bonus Chapter for 750 Monthly Votes)

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Auctions cannot guarantee authenticity.

Basically, no auction house can absolutely guarantee the authenticity of every item; at best, they can vouch for the provenance and their own appraisal, but beyond that, nothing is assured.

People can undergo plastic surgery to create flawless replicas; antiques, calligraphy, jade, ceramics, luxury watches, and artworks are even easier to counterfeit.

...

“Erniu, wait a moment.”

During the auction’s intermission, attendees can take a bathroom break, have some tea, or settle payments and pick up purchased items at the back room. It’s not necessary to wait until the auction ends completely to pay and leave; one can come and go freely.

Of course, if you bid on an item and then decide not to pay, your deposit will be forfeited.

“What is it, Yingzi?”

Niu Ze paused as Qian Caiying and Zhang Long squeezed up behind him. “There might be some issue with that watch. Take a good look when you pay later.”

“No problem, it’s not a big deal.”

Although unsure why Qian Caiying said that, Niu Ze hesitated but didn’t comment further. “As long as the watch’s origin and authentication check out, it’s fine. This model has a global serial number; if it’s genuine, it can’t be fake.”

Conversely, even fakes can be considered genuine.

Zhang Long looked puzzled. What does that mean?

“Alright, I get it,” Qian Caiying signaled to Zhang Long with a knowing glance and didn’t say more.

“Are you going to buy the fake one too?”

After Niu Ze and Jiang Rou went to the back room to pay and collect their items, Zhang Long scratched his head in confusion. Qian Caiying shrugged and sighed, “I’m serious about fakes, but Erniu doesn’t care.”

“The Haolun Auction has a solid background. It holds several auctions each year during the cruises, and its reputation is fairly reliable.”

“The watch’s provenance and authentication are sound; once on Erniu’s wrist, it’s genuine—very genuine.”

“That means the rest are fake.”

Zhang Long was speechless. Qian Caiying smirked and spread her hands, “Authority represents authenticity. If the real thing is damaged or lost, the restored or replicated item becomes the genuine article. That’s roughly the idea.”

“Phew, I get it.”

Zhang Long exhaled lightly. The true original no longer exists, so today’s auctioned watch, with clear provenance, serial number, and authentication, is the genuine article.

Sometimes, it’s better not to overthink.

...

The auction resumed, and items were not arranged strictly from low to high prices. Some moderately priced pieces were followed by higher-priced ones, like waves rising and falling, building momentum before a surge.

“1.75 million, sold after three bids.”

On stage was an oil painting. Zhang Long couldn’t see its appeal, but several bidders made it lively.

Paintings of the deceased tend to be more valuable than those of the living.

“Planning to leave empty-handed?”

After the painting auction ended, Qian Caiying nudged Zhang Long, and a piece of porcelain was brought forward.

“Just watching for fun.”

Zhang Long shrugged. The Haolun Auction felt somewhat unorthodox, being conducted on a cruise ship rather than a fixed land venue. After finally being tempted by a luxury watch, the experience had been quite eventful.

“Hm?”

After the porcelain auction, a jade bracelet was brought out—crystal clear, vividly green. Qian Caiying’s eyes lit up; the jade looked excellent.

“350,000, sold on the first bid.”

The bidding began. This jade bracelet hadn’t been on the original list but attracted considerable interest.

“700,000, sold on the first bid.”

Quickly, the price rose to 700,000. Qian Caiying then raised her paddle: 750,000!

“You like it?”

Zhang Long asked. Qian Caiying nodded ambiguously, “Just joining the fun. If it goes over a million, forget it. No point wasting money.”

Hearing this, Zhang Long was moved and also raised his paddle, adding 50,000 to Qian Caiying’s bid.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

Qian Caiying was surprised, while Zhang Long’s gaze fixed firmly on the jade bracelet in the tray. Whether moved or bidding, the potential returns weren’t clear—what did this mean?

This jade bracelet should be genuine.

“No worries. I’m helping you bid.”

Zhang Long shrugged, “But you pay. Just let me enjoy the thrill of bidding.”

Qian Caiying rolled her eyes, “Whatever.”

Perhaps a million was the price ceiling for many, as no one competed when Zhang Long’s bid reached one million. After three gavel strikes, it was his.

Qian Caiying got what she wanted, and Zhang Long enjoyed the thrill of bidding and winning. Quite satisfying.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Zhang Long was taken aback.

...

Following the jade bracelet Qian Caiying won, two more jade items appeared: a deep green, heavy thumb ring and a pixiu (mythical beast) figurine.

If the earlier jade bracelet was a woman’s accessory, these two were for men.

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Thumb ring and pixiu, worn and admired.

“Starting bid, 500,000!”

After a brief introduction, the auctioneer confirmed these items came from the same owner as the previous jade bracelet. The owner’s identity was undisclosed, but the items were authenticated.

Apparently, they were cherished possessions of a Qing dynasty prince, though that was likely just a story.

No more idle talk; bidding commenced.

“750,000, first bid.”

The price soared immediately.

Zhang Long estimated the total for both wouldn’t be less than 1.5 million, and raised his paddle to 850,000. He was somewhat tempted, but soon others raised to one million, doubling the price.

Fewer bidders for the jade bracelet likely because it’s a female accessory, but now with a male thumb ring and pixiu, and more men present, the competition was fierce.

“1.5 million, first bid!”

Without a blink, Zhang Long raised the paddle to 1.5 million, calm and steady.

“Wow, are you serious?”

Some bidders saw Zhang Long’s confident 500,000 jump and remembered he paid 980,000 for the jade bracelet, clearly aiming for the set.

Some gave up, but others still desired the thumb ring and pixiu. Good jade is hard to come by.

“1.5 million, second bid!”

The auctioneer scanned the crowd, signaling the urgency to bid. “Place your bids; miss this chance, and it’s gone.”

“1.6 million!”

Suddenly, a bid came.

“1.8 million!”

Before the bidder could rejoice, Zhang Long coolly raised to 1.8 million, not even glancing at others—unwavering.

The price was near the ceiling; beyond that, value diminished.

Thus, Zhang Long succeeded.

With no negative signs from his “golden finger,” what was there to hesitate about? Bidding higher was natural, especially since he truly wanted them.

Money can’t buy willingness.

Since Haolun was here, why leave empty-handed? At least it wasn’t a wasted trip.

“Shall we split payments?”

Suddenly, Qian Caiying whispered, “I’ll give you the thumb ring and pixiu, you give me the jade bracelet. You’d still profit by 800,000. How about that?”

Zhang Long gave her a look that said, “Think about it yourself,” and said no more.

...

Intermission: time to pay and collect.

Tonight’s Haolun Auction was divided into three sessions: opening, intermission, and final highlight. But Niu Ze and Jiang Rou were leaving early, not staying for the finale.

Guests who won items could stay overnight in the executive cabins.

“Not staying on the ship overnight?”

Qian Caiying was surprised. Jiang Rou shook her head with a smile, “The cruise sets sail tomorrow morning, and we’ll have to get up early. No thanks.”

In truth, most who stayed overnight left after having fun; few spent the entire night.

If some guests couldn’t get up, the ship would delay departure until noon.

A few hours’ delay wasn’t a problem.

“Shall we disembark too?”

Zhang Long suggested, not out of reluctance to part from Qian Caiying but because they had seen what they needed. The following days involved either holed-up forex trading or eating and drinking—nothing else.

If he were with Luo Man or alone, there might still be excitement in the room, but with Qian Caiying, it felt dull.

Unable to let loose and have fun felt boring.

“Not playing anymore?”

Qian Caiying coughed lightly. She knew that without special events, staying or leaving the ship didn’t matter. Maybe the cruise would extend to Europe, then it would be worthwhile, but otherwise, it’d be dull.

“Next time, maybe.”

Zhang Long shrugged. The Haolun cruise was nearly over; his passport and Hong Kong-Macau travel permit had been expedited this afternoon, allowing entry to the port city.

Visiting the port city was nice.

“Alright, let’s disembark.”

Qian Caiying didn’t hesitate. She asked Niu Ze and Jiang Rou to wait while she packed and then they all disembarked together. Niu Ze and Jiang Rou were surprised at their casual cruise style, but since they wanted to explore the port city, fine—let’s go.

Thus, Zhang Long and Qian Caiying officially ended their cruise. Shortly after, they joined Niu Ze and Jiang Rou and checked into a predetermined star-rated hotel in the port city.

Despite the busy Spring Festival tourism season, luxury suites were still available.

None of them lacked money; they checked in comfortably.

...

“Not having fun with me?”

That night, the luxury suite had two separate bedrooms facing a living room. Zhang Long and Qian Caiying finally slept in separate beds, though even cuddling would have been comfortable.

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“Hmph, what do you think?”

Zhang Long saw Qian Caiying’s triumphant look. “If not for you expediting my passport and because I’m a decent person, I’d have stripped you naked on the ship and given you a good beating.”

“Pfft, come on then.”

Qian Caiying, dressed in cotton pajamas, showing her legs from the bath downward, teased, “I won’t lock the door tonight; you’re welcome. Muah.”

“Your body doesn’t interest me, sorry.”

Zhang Long snorted.

“Aww, so sad.”

Qian Caiying laughed, noncommittal, waving him goodnight. “Self-disciplined men are the coolest. At least you pass my test. Keep it up.”

“If someday I like you, I won’t mind rolling around in bed with you.”

“Of course, you have to come knock first.”

With that, Qian Caiying turned and entered her room. Zhang Long smirked and went into his.

Not in this life or the next would he become a live-in son-in-law, no matter how easy the gains.

“Phew, not bad.”

Holding the exquisite jade thumb ring and pixiu under the lamp, they seemed deep and luminous, as if absorbing and transmitting light.

Whether the two items were worth 1.8 million was another matter; for now, Zhang Long felt pleased and comfortable.

He wore the thumb ring on his left thumb and fondled the pixiu in his right hand. The texture was smooth and warm.

“Encountered difficulties?”

The more he looked, the more he liked them. His mood lifted. Along with Qian Caiying’s jade bracelet, they had three fine pieces. If not pressed for urgent money, he probably wouldn’t sell.

Whether the jade bracelet or the thumb ring and pixiu, their luster showed they were often worn and cherished. Sadly, no matter how beloved, reality sometimes demands selling.

...

“How did it go? Profit or loss?”

Dawn came without incident. When Qian Caiying yawned and came to the other room, Zhang Long was already trading forex, chasing quick gains.

“Not bad, two wins and one loss.”

Qian Caiying glanced at his trades, noncommittal. “Go have fun. Making money all day is boring. Besides shopping, the port city has plenty to offer. Let’s go explore?”

“Sure, this afternoon.”

Zhang Long nodded. Before noon, he’d try a few more trades; making money was addictive.

“By the way, tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”

Qian Caiying yawned, then shifted tone. “I thought we’d be on the ship all along, so Valentine’s Day didn’t matter much.”

“Now we’re on land, and going back to Shanghai is easy. Going back or not?”

“Won’t you celebrate with your girlfriend?”

Zhang Long’s apartment in the Bund had feminine belongings. Qian Caiying knew he had a girlfriend—also the source of Liang Xue’s melancholy and conflict.

“Money’s endless.”

Qian Caiying shrugged and continued, “Girls care a lot about special days.”

“No matter your relationship, surprising her on Valentine’s Day—even just showing up—is the greatest gift. She’ll be devoted.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Zhang Long said calmly, “We’ll shop this afternoon and return to Shanghai at night!”

“Okay, I’m going to freshen up.”

Qian Caiying snapped her fingers, smiled faintly, and left. On the ship, they shared a room but slept in separate beds. Nothing happened, or if it did, it was fleeting—reality always returns.

Better not to take up Zhang Long’s time on Valentine’s Day. Whether he’d celebrate with his girlfriend back in Shanghai was his business.

Probably he would. After days apart, the couple might be eager to reunite.

Zhang Long had been holding back, only looking but not touching, his frustration building.

Valentine’s night must not be wasted.

“Hm? Leaving tonight?”

At lunch, Niu Ze and Jiang Rou were surprised when Qian Caiying said Zhang Long would return to Shanghai tonight. Just arrived and already leaving? Why rush?

“Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”

Qian Caiying reminded them with a pout and said no more. They didn’t press further.

So Zhang Long has a girlfriend.

That afternoon, Qian Caiying led Zhang Long expertly through the port city’s famous shopping districts for a thorough spree. At night, they flew back to Shanghai.

A plane soared through the night sky, heading north.

The Haolun cruise and port city visit concluded; the journey continued!

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