Chapter 14: The Lord of Heaven Knows the Art of Wealth

　　Xiao Fan: (ﾟoﾟ;;

　　Wow! Xiao Fan actually used his hands to take the statue of the Lord of Heaven out of the ecological box!

　　...

　　In Beiqing City, at the Panjiayuan Antique Market, in a certain antique shop.

　　Zhao Teng, the chubby guy, wiped the counter while yawning; his shop had been closed for two months.

　　Just as Zhao Chubby was getting drowsy, the shop door opened. Just about to greet, he saw his good friend, Xiao Fan, entering.

　　Smiling, Zhao Teng put down the rag and greeted, "Hey, my good son, what brings you here today? Did you set your eyes on some good stuff?"

"Hehe, Chubby, your old father is here to bring you some business. I don't know about your entire store, but at least a hundred percent of it is fake!" Xiao Fan teased.

　　"Phew, what nonsense! It's not fake; it's modern craftsmanship. If you don't understand, don't speak nonsense." Zhao Teng gave Xiao Fan a disdainful look and said grumpily.

　　"I've got a good item now. Why don't you come and take a look?" Xiao Fan said mysteriously.

　　Zhao Teng looked at Xiao Fan suspiciously and asked, "Trying to trick me again?"

　　"How should I talk to you? I'm here to help you make big money. Yet, you say I'm trying to trick you. Tut-tut, our four years of father and son relationship is almost wasted..." Xiao Fan shook his head and took out a small stone statue, about two centimeters high, from his pocket, placing it on Zhao Chubby's counter.

　　Originally, Zhao Teng didn't pay much attention. Just a small thing like this, even if it's good, it wouldn't be worth much. However, after taking another look, he felt that something was off.

　　Although the item was small, it was intricately carved, clearly a valuable treasure!

　　Zhao Teng suddenly woke up from his drowsiness, took the magnifying glass from under the counter, and carefully observed it.

　　Not looking was fine, but once he looked, he was shocked. Such a small object was actually made entirely by hand. Under the magnifying glass, one could even see clear traces of hand-carved craftsmanship.

　　This is not an inconspicuous little item; it's simply a rare piece of micro-carving craftsmanship.

　　Xiao Fan: (￣ 3￣)

　　Xiao Fan looked at Zhao Chubby's wonderful expression, feeling pleased.

　　After observing for a long time, Zhao Chubby finally breathed a sigh of relief, nodding approvingly.

　　"Dad, where did you get this thing?" Zhao Teng exclaimed, still feeling somewhat unsatisfied. He had to call out 'dad' stubbornly.

　　"Hehe, it's a secret." Xiao Fan said mysteriously.

　　"Damn, did you steal this shit? Are you trying to sell stolen goods in my little shop? Fxxk! " Zhao Teng's face changed dramatically when Xiao Fan didn't answer, thinking this was a dirty item!

　　"Stop talking bullshit! Zhao Chubby, how many years have we known each other? Am I the kind of person who commits crimes?" Xiao Fan, angered by Zhao Teng's questioning, became furious.

　　Seeing Xiao Fan's angry expression, Zhao Teng thought again. Xiao Fan indeed wasn't that kind of person. "Well, that's true... My good son wouldn't do such things. Hehe, we've both been good citizens in Beiqing City. We shouldn't engage in illegal activities like cheating, deception, and theft." Zhao Teng changed his attitude, trying to please.

　　"My son understands me well." Xiao Fan laughed. He wanted to tease a bit more, but he had more important things to ask Zhao Teng at this moment. "Zhao Chubby, I want to sell this thing now, but I don't have a sales channel. I want my brother to sell it in your shop. If it sells, you get a share."

　　Zhao Teng looked at Xiao Fan and had a rough idea. This good friend must be in trouble; otherwise, he wouldn't have come to trouble him. Xiao Fan had always been like this, shouldering everything by himself and not willing to talk about it.

　　"Get lost." Zhao Teng directly scolded Xiao Fan.

　　Xiao Fan felt a bit low-spirited. Indeed, the news was unreliable.

　　"You talk about a commission? What do you think of me, Zhao Teng? I'll help you sell this thing, and that's it. Whatever it sells for is your money!" Zhao Teng calmly said. For four years of friendship, he wouldn't suck his brother's blood.

　　Xiao Fan looked at Zhao Teng's casual expression, feeling somewhat excited, but still spoke seriously, "No, you must take a commission! This is not a one-time deal. If you help me find a market, then we are long-term partners. So, you must take a commission."

　　"Long-term cooperation?" Zhao Teng looked at Xiao Fan, feeling surprised, but quickly understood Xiao Fan's meaning. "Heh, it seems like you, little guy, found a master in micro-carving craftsmanship. He is responsible for making the goods, you act as the intermediary. In that case, I can't lose money either. I'll take a ten percent commission."

　　Xiao Fan: (＾∇＾)

　　"Great!" Xiao Fan agreed readily, but then added, "I don't understand micro-carving, and I don't know how much it can be sold for. Zhao Chubby, you'll have to set the selling price."

　　Zhao Teng carefully examined the micro-carved stone statue. It clearly was a stone Buddha, but the craftsmanship and design were not common styles. As he looked, he even sensed a bit of the grand Tang Dynasty atmosphere.

　　"Xiao Fan, to be honest, although I dabble in antiques, I haven't dealt with micro-carving before. I'll try to sell it for you, but if it sells at a loss..."

　　Before Zhao Teng finished speaking, Xiao Fan interrupted, "It's okay. You boldly sell it. As long as it moves, even if it incurs a loss, I won't blame you."

　　Zhao Teng understood. It seemed that his good brother was really in need of money.

　　The two settled on the agreement, and after Xiao Fan left, Zhao Teng began to examine this valuable item again. However, as he looked more closely, he couldn't help but feel puzzled. Why did this micro-carved Buddha statue look more and more like his good brother Xiao Fan?

　　On the other side, Xiao Fan had entrusted the matter to Zhao Teng, hoping everything would go smoothly and the micro-carving could be sold quickly.

　　Taking a bus home, Xiao Fan noticed an update on Zhao Teng's Moments.

　　"Taste Pavilion: New arrival of rare and exquisite treasure – micro-carved Tang-style Buddha statue. Exquisite craftsmanship, purely handmade. Don't miss it if you pass by! Fixed price: 6666 yuan!"

　　Behind the text were several professionally taken photos, highlighting the details of the micro-carved Buddha statue. Looking closely, the statue resembled Xiao Fan too much, despite having closed eyes—the expression was vivid.

　　Seeing this, Xiao Fan felt moved. His good friend had really put effort into this.

　　He attempted to like the post on his phone but received a prompt: "Operation failed."

　　"Huh? Why can't I like it?" Xiao Fan was puzzled and refreshed Moments. Unexpectedly, Zhao Teng's post had disappeared.

　　Soon after, Zhao Teng's call came in.

　　Xiao Fan was momentarily stunned, thinking something was wrong with the item. He quickly answered the call.

　　"Father, you're my turly Father, where are you?" Zhao Teng's voice sounded urgent and excited.

　　"What's wrong? Is there an issue with the micro-carving? I just saw the post you made..." Xiao Fan's words were cut off.

　　"Oh, don't mention it. This time, I really opened my eyes wide. Priced at 6666 yuan, I just posted it, and someone directly bought it! Where are you? Have you gone far? Come back quickly; I must treat you to a meal!" Zhao Teng's tone was filled with regret and disappointment. From his words, it seemed he had sold it at a loss.

　　"Is this thing so easy to sell?" Xiao Fan asked in disbelief.

　　"That guy must know the stuffs. Seeing that I priced it too low, he directly shot and bought it. Look, the money is already transferred to my account, without giving me any chance to bargain. I'm really stupid. I knew it was a good item; I should have priced it higher. I'm really sorry, making you share the loss with me. Ah, where are you? I must treat you to a meal!" Zhao Teng expressed regret.

　　Fortunately, Xiao Fan hadn't gone too far, so he hailed a cab and returned to the Panjiayuan Antique Market. Zhao Teng reimbursed the taxi fare.

　　As soon as they met, Zhao Teng transferred the entire 6666 yuan to Xiao Fan. Xiao Fan insisted on transferring back 666 yuan, considering it as Zhao Teng's commission. To establish a long-term partnership, rules had to be followed.

　　At the dinner table, both Zhao Teng and Xiao Fan were very happy. This was Zhao Teng's first time making such a straightforward deal, a fixed price transaction.

　　Xiao Fan: (◐‿◑)

　　"Xiao Fan, tell me the truth, do you still have more of these?" Zhao Teng asked with a cheerful smile.

　　"Truth be told, the existing stock is gone, but I can carve more if needed," Xiao Fan replied truthfully.

　　Excitement sparked in Zhao Teng's eyes. "You mean this micro-carving can be customized?"

　　"Exactly, completely customizable!"

　　Damn! Such excellent craftsmanship, and if it can be specified, it's definitely profitable! Zhao Teng's eyes were shining.

　　"Xiao Fan, this time was my mistake, pricing it too low, selling at a loss. I'll tell you, the buyer this time must know his stuff. When that person comes to pick up the goods, I'll set a trap and try to get the real value out of him. Next time, I'll definitely get the pricing right!" Zhao Teng swore with determination.

　　After a satisfying meal, Xiao Fan looked at the 6000 yuan displayed on his phone with joy. As his first priority, he transferred 4000 yuan to landlady Zhang, covering one month's rent and the next month's rent. The remaining 2000 yuan, including 1000 yuan for water, electricity, internet, and phone bills, left him with 1000 yuan.

　　Landlady Zhang, upon receiving the rent, immediately changed her attitude.

　　"Xiao Fan, there's still a week left; why did you transfer so soon? No need to rush. Xiao Fan, you don't have to worry about this money. Feel free to live here, and if you have any difficulties, just tell landlady Zhang. Coming to Beijing alone is not easy. I've always felt that you, young man, have abilities, have talents..." Zhang's message went on for a whole page, but Xiao Fan only read the first half before deleting it.

　　Xiao Fan: @(￣-￣)@

　　The second matter, more important, led Xiao Fan to a supermarket entrance, his eyes gleaming as he marched in.

　　Xiao Fan: (つД`)ノ