Someone Wants to Treat Us

"Alright, it's about time; I should head to work..." 

After imparting some fundamental knowledge about cultural artifacts to Fang Yi and Fatty, Zhao Hongtao realized it was already around two in the afternoon. He had to dismiss them, but before Fang Yi departed, he reminded him to inquire whether Man Jun would be willing to part with that old star and moon bodhi bead.

If it were Fang Yi's possession, Zhao Hongtao might not have even bothered to ask for a price. After all, when Sun Chao had offered a million for that old agarwood bracelet, Fang Yi had remained unmoved, let alone for something worth just a few thousand.

However, Man Jun was different; he was a genuine antique dealer, one who constantly touted his prized possessions as family heirlooms, refusing to sell them for any price. Yet, once a high offer was made, those so-called heirlooms would be discarded without a second thought.

"Zhao Ge, I'll ask him when I get back and give you a call..." 

Fang Yi raised Zhao Hongtao's business card in his hand. For some reason, he felt an odd sensation in his heart. The last time, the bracelet sold at the antique market had been mistakenly given to him by Man Jun; how could it be that Man Jun could also misplace something worth tens of thousands?

"This cultural artifact business is truly lucrative! This entire string of beads consists of only one hundred and eight pieces, yet it can fetch fifty thousand! That's nearly five hundred per bead..." 

As Fatty exited Zhao Hongtao's office, he continued to mumble, rubbing his own string of star and moon beads, wishing fervently that it could transform overnight into the exquisite one adorning Fang Yi's neck.

"Fatty, the essence of this pursuit lies in the mindset. Can you truly enjoy it with such a gritted-teeth approach? Do you understand what a 'wenpan' is?" 

Fang Yi shot a bemused glance at Fatty. Earlier, Zhao Hongtao had explained the distinction between 'wenpan' and 'wupan' in the realm of cultural artifacts. 'Wupan' refers to the rough handling of items through sheer physical force, hastening the process of becoming familiar with them, often resulting in damage due to carelessness. 

In contrast, 'wenpan' requires the item to be kept close to the body, nurtured by the relatively stable temperature of the human touch. After a period, one would then gently caress and play with it. This method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often taking three to five years to yield results, but the outcome is a lustrous and radiant piece.

To illustrate with the example of walnuts, if one were to hold a pair and gently roll them, 'wenpan' would mean the two nuts do not touch, resulting in undamaged walnuts, while 'wupan' would involve them colliding, leading to some wear and tear—this illustrates the difference between the two methods.

"Fang Yi, can I really compare to you? Your method of handling is called 'yipan'..." 

Fatty, hearing Fang Yi's words, dismissed them with a shrug. Zhao Hongtao had mentioned another technique earlier, known as 'yipan.'

'Yipan' refers to the practice of communicating with the object through one's own intent during the handling process, allowing the person to nurture the object while being nurtured in return, ultimately leading to a spiritual connection between the two. According to Zhao Hongtao, few throughout history have achieved such a spiritual state, let alone the restless modern individuals.

However, Fatty understood that when Fang Yi chanted scriptures while handling objects, it might indeed be 'yipan.' He had heard from an old Taoist that this could also be referred to as 'opening light.' Earlier, in Zhao Hongtao's office, Fatty had boisterously suggested that any item Fang Yi polished should be sold as a consecrated artifact.

"You can do it too! How about I teach you to recite scriptures?" 

Fang Yi looked earnestly at Fatty, feeling that the latter was far too restless; memorizing scriptures would serve as an excellent discipline for him.

"Don't even think about it! I have no intention of becoming a Taoist..." 

Fatty was taken aback by Fang Yi's suggestion, waving his hands in protest. "I haven't even married yet! With a wife and kids in the future, not even a deity could tempt me, let alone becoming a Taoist..."

"Reciting scriptures doesn't mean you have to renounce the world," Fang Yi retorted, losing interest in Fatty's objections. After all, Taoists have always been permitted to marry and have children throughout history.

"Hey, Fang Yi, you should teach me and San Pao that technique of yours..." 

Suddenly, Fatty recalled something and quickly added, "Look at San Pao; he already has a girlfriend—he's definitely not a virgin! If you don't teach him, who knows, he might end up exhausted one day..."

"Is it you who wants to learn?" Fang Yi shot a disapproving look at Fatty. "I'll teach you when we head back tonight, but if you can't grasp it, don't blame me..."

Fang Yi had mentioned before that he would teach Fatty and San Pao about nurturing their health and vitality, but he was skeptical about Fatty's ability to persevere; he might just end up dozing off after five minutes of practice.

"Rest assured, I'll practice diligently..." 

Upon receiving Fang Yi's assurance, Fatty's spirits lifted. Having been in Jinling for several days, he had been contemplating visiting a small salon to discuss life aspirations with the beautiful staff, but upon recalling Fang Yi's earlier words, he remained obediently at home.

"San Pao, how's business? Have you sold any bracelets?" 

As they approached their stall, Fatty saw San Pao chatting with the old horse and plopped down beside him.

"Ah, Little Fang and Hua Zi are back..." 

Seeing Fang Yi and Fatty return, the old horse quickly stood up, pulling out a cigarette from his pocket and offering it to them. "Little Fang, it wasn't that I lacked loyalty yesterday; I simply couldn't afford to offend those people..."

In truth, someone had already called the old horse the night before to inform him about the events that transpired after he left. He could hardly believe that these young men had such deep connections, knowing both Old Sun and Deputy Director Zhao.

Realizing this, the old horse felt a pang of regret, tossing and turning in bed until five or six in the morning before finally falling asleep. Had he had Fang Yi's contact information, he would have likely called them that very night.

"Brother Ma, we understand; we don't hold it against you..." 

Seeing the old horse's sheepish expression, Fang Yi smiled and shook his head. He took the lighter from Fatty's hand and lit the old horse's cigarette. After all, the old horse had merely wished to avoid offending Gu Guoguang and hadn't done anything malicious, so Fang Yi had no reason to blame him.

"I should have left you with something as proof..." 

The old horse chuckled ruefully. He knew that while his cautious nature might prevent major blunders, it also limited his accomplishments, leaving little room for growth.

"Brother Ma, it's truly fine; don't overthink it..." 

Fang Yi offered more words of comfort until the old horse finally relaxed.

"Little Fang, how about we have dinner together tonight?" 

Upon learning of Fang Yi's connections to Old Sun and Deputy Director Zhao, the old horse's interest was piqued. Not to mention Old Sun's influence, just knowing Deputy Zhao would allow him to navigate the antique market with ease.

"Brother Ma, I have plans to learn something tonight; I genuinely won't have time..." 

Fang Yi couldn't help but smile at the old horse's eagerness. It seemed that Old Sun and Zhao Hongtao carried significant weight.

"Alright then, we can discuss it when you're free..." 

The old horse nodded, recognizing that Fang Yi was not simply brushing him off; he likely had genuine commitments.

"Fang Yi, I need to tell you something..." 

While Fang Yi was conversing with the old horse, San Pao pulled him aside and whispered, "Fang Yi, someone was looking for us earlier and wants to treat us to a meal. Are you going?"

"Another meal? Didn't you hear that Brother Ma also wants to treat us, and we declined?" 

Before Fang Yi could respond, Fatty waved his hand dismissively. "Who wants to treat us? Let him wait in line; there are plenty of people wanting to invite us, and we simply don't have the time!"

Fatty pouted defiantly, but he was speaking the truth. That very morning, someone had wanted to invite them for drinks, but Fang Yi had turned them down. With his commitments to learning in the afternoon and evening, he truly had no spare time.

"Oh, it's not someone from this antique market; it's someone from outside..." 

San Pao shook his head, chuckling at Fatty's reaction.

"Someone from outside? We don't know anyone from outside; is it a friend of yours, San Pao?" 

Fatty was puzzled by San Pao's words. He did have acquaintances in Jinling, like the contractor from his village, but he hadn't contacted him since arriving, and he doubted he had the standing to warrant an invitation to dinner.

"Not my friend; it's someone you know..." 

San Pao seemed to enjoy teasing Fatty, refusing to reveal the identity of the person inviting them.

"San Pao, let me tell you something: Fang Yi possesses an item worth several tens of thousands, and it's not a relic from his master..." 

After years of banter, Fatty's eyes sparkled with mischief as he shifted the topic to Fang Yi.

"What? What is it?" 

Sure enough, upon hearing the figure of several tens of thousands, San Pao's eyes lit up.

"Ahem, who is inviting us to dinner?" 

Fatty laughed heartily, steering the conversation back.

"It's that female police officer who was robbed yesterday; she came by at noon..." 

This time, San Pao didn't play coy but spoke candidly. "She said she wanted to thank us for what happened yesterday. Since she's working during the day, she asked if we're free tonight. If we are, she'd like to treat us to a meal..."

"That female police officer?!" 

Upon hearing San Pao's words, Fatty's eyes widened in disbelief, and he slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "Of course we're free! We absolutely have time! Incredible, a beautiful police officer wants to treat us to dinner?"

In reality, Fatty had felt quite disheartened when he went to the police station to give his statement, as he had never seen the beautiful officer again after arriving. Even after completing his statement, she hadn't come out to thank him, and on his way back, he had grumbled about her being ungrateful.

However, Fatty never imagined that the officer would still remember these insignificant characters, and his mood instantly brightened. Among all the women he knew, even including those he had seen on television, none could compare to her beauty.