On the top floor of the Chen family mansion, there is a room that is rarely opened, with an area of over two hundred square meters. This room was designed by a company that created a vault for a bank in Tangshan when Chen Sanjin built the mansion. The entire structure of the room is a replica of the bank's vault, with extremely strict security measures.
Chen Sanjin and Wang Linzhu stood outside the thick, nearly twenty-centimeter-thick bulletproof door, entering the password and using fingerprint recognition to open the door. The room inside, with an area of over two hundred square meters, is indeed a veritable vault. Its value may even exceed that of a bank's vault because it houses all the valuable items that the Chen family has collected over the past few decades. Most of these items are antiques and priceless works of art, with some being the Chen family's gold reserves.
Chen Sanjin strolled casually inside the room. He picked up a cup of Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain, looked at it for a moment, seemed dissatisfied, and put it back. Then he walked to a bronze ancient tripod, hesitated for a moment with his hand reaching out, and then retracted it.
Wang Linzhu whispered beside him, "The Yuan blue and white porcelain was forcibly auctioned by you at Christie's five years ago. You were in a competition with someone, and it cost exactly a nine-figure sum to win the bid. As for that ancient tripod, you bought it forcefully from a group of tomb raiders. Not only did you spend a considerable amount of money, but you also made enemies. Moreover, this item can only be privately stored and not bought or sold."
"The tomb raiders have already been fed to the fishes in the sea. As for the intermediary who made enemies, do you think he would dare to speak up? He personally witnessed how those tomb raiders were fed to the fishes."
"My point is to remind you that these two things are the most valuable in our family. If you still feel reluctant to part with them, I don't know what you plan to use as a reward for that person."
"Dear, your words hit the nail on the head," Chen Sanjin looked at the collection he had accumulated over decades, feeling quite distressed. "Money seems a bit tacky as a reward, and giving gifts is not a problem for me, but for the gentleman, he probably won't appreciate it. We have to follow the rules in their line of work. If you don't provide something substantial, they won't make a move. My head is really buzzing with this."
Wang Linzhu chuckled, shook her head helplessly, then led Chen Sanjin to the innermost row of shelves in the room. From a inconspicuous corner, she took out an item and handed it to him, saying, "This is something those tomb raiders sold to you as well. At that time, you even had it appraised by experts, but several connoisseurs in the antique world couldn't figure out its origin. They only said it should be an artifact from a certain Taoist sect. As for its origin, source, and even value, it's unclear. You were so angry at the time and wanted to throw it away. I persuaded you, saying that since it's a burial item from an ancient tomb, it must be rare. Keeping it might pay off in the future, especially if you encounter someone knowledgeable who can understand its value."
The item Wang Linzhu handed to Chen Sanjin was a jade pendant, with two yin-yang fish embedded in it. At first glance, this jade pendant had an unremarkable workmanship, and its touch could be described as smooth at best. However, upon careful examination for a moment, one would notice that the two yin-yang fish inside seemed like living creatures, swimming slowly within the jade pendant.
Chen Sanjin took the jade pendant, frowned, and said, "Since its value is unknown, isn't it too reckless to give it away?"
"You're overthinking it. Since this yin-yang fish jade pendant is a Taoist item, it would be appropriate to give it to that gentleman. However, I think the jade pendant is just the beginning," Wang Linzhu suggested.
"Uh?" Chen Sanjin was puzzled.
"What do you think about sending your daughter?" Wang Linzhu asked.
"What? Are you trying to sell our daughter for glory?" Chen Sanjin was a bit confused, but after a moment, he suddenly realized, "Dear, if I may say, you are truly an excellent wife. No wonder I haven't had the mind to pursue anything outside. Even though you're getting older, your wit can still make me obedient. Your thoughts are quite impressive."
Early in the morning, Xiang Que got up, packed up, and walked out of the room with a yellowed canvas bag. He Jingzhong was standing outside the door waiting for him. Seeing him come out, he informed Xiang Que that the boss was waiting downstairs.
In the Chen family mansion, there were two black cars parked. Chen Sanjin, Wang Linzhu, and Chen Xia were waiting by the cars, while Chen Dong was squatting by the car, puffing on a cigarette, glancing at Xiang Que with disdain.
"The gentleman is returning to the northeast. I have arranged everything with the airport. How about we give you a ride?" Chen Sanjin smiled. "You better not refuse. In Tangshan, I have to handle everything properly. It's only right to pick you up and send you off."
Before Xiang Que could speak, Wang Linzhu, holding a sandalwood box, handed it to him, saying, "This is a gift prepared by Sanjin. We know the rules of people like you, sir."
The box felt weightless in Xiang Que's hands, and a slight movement produced a subtle sound from inside. After opening the box, a jade pendant with a yin-yang fish caught Xiang Que's narrowed eyes. After carefully examining it for a moment, he said to Chen Sanjin, "Are you sure you want to give this thing to me?"
Chen Sanjin and Wang Linzhu exchanged a glance, suddenly realizing something. It turned out that this item was indeed suitable as a gift, and Xiang Que definitely knew the details of this jade pendant, or at least understood its value.
"I originally wanted to give money, but I estimate that the gentleman won't accept it. Someone told me at the time that this jade pendant is related to Daoism, and I thought it would be suitable for the gentleman."
"It is quite suitable, but I feel a bit redundant holding it. It's not of much use." Xiang Que picked up the jade pendant, suddenly extended it in front of Chen Dong, and said, "Here, kid, take off that broken necklace from your neck and put this on."
"What?" Chen Dong was confused. Even a blind person could see the dazzling diamonds on that necklace. Who would dare to say it was worthless?
"Save your leg. Don't break it. The premise is to hang it around your neck." After handing it to him, Xiang Que turned to Chen Sanjin and said, "If you want to reward me, just give money. It's the most practical."
Now it was Chen Sanjin's turn to be completely confused. Xiang Que continued, "The money you give me won't stay in my hands. You can donate it for me. Find a mountainous area, the poorer, the better. Build a school there, make it as sturdy as possible for me."
"Are you trying to save all sentient beings?" Chen Xia asked.
Xiang Que sighed deeply, almost shedding tears. "Who the hell complains that money is too hot to handle? I do, really. Money is a good thing, but I really can't keep it."
In Feng Shui arrangements, Yin-Yang masters conduct rituals, and diviners receive divination fees. There must be a return afterwards, even if it's just a token amount. This is an unchanging rule throughout the ages. It's called taking people's money to resolve their calamities. However, Xiang Que faced a contradiction. He had to take the money but couldn't keep it.
In the ancient well school, deep understanding of the Heavenly Dao is paramount, and having fewer drawbacks is more important than other Feng Shui Yin-Yang masters. Xiang Que must increase his own Dao foundation or donate his rewards quickly. As for daily necessities, he shouldn't be too high-profile. That's why the ancient well school has remained dilapidated to this day and has not been renovated.
"I can't help but say something, can I?" Chen Dong crushed the cigarette butt, holding the jade pendant, and said, "I've seen a lot of people who pretend to be cool, but you've elevated pretending to a level of becoming an immortal. Big brother, can you stop boasting? Can I kowtow to you?"
"Do you want to or not? If you don't, I'll break your leg." Chen Sanjin said.
"I want, I want. Truly treat you as my father." Chen Dong escaped a disaster and quickly took off the necklace.
The jade pendant appeared ordinary to outsiders, but Xiang Que could see its potential value at a glance. While Wang Linzhu and Chen Sanjin thought it was an item of unknown origin and unclear value, they didn't realize that this jade pendant was one of the most valuable items in their treasure trove.
The craftsmanship of this yin-yang fish jade pendant was rough, but its touch was smooth. This was because it had been played with by someone for many years, and it was undoubtedly an item carried and refined by a Daoist master. Although others didn't recognize its hidden value, Xiang Que immediately saw that this jade pendant was, in fact, a magical tool—a priceless magical tool.
This yin-yang fish jade pendant was rough in workmanship but had a smooth touch. It was due to being played with by someone for many years and had undoubtedly been carried and refined by a Daoist master. Although others didn't recognize its hidden value, Xiang Que immediately saw that this jade pendant was, in fact, a magical tool—a priceless magical tool.
Monks and Daoists both create magical tools. Magical tools carried and refined by high-level monks and Daoist experts have spirituality and contain many uses. For example, this jade pendant, when worn by Chen Dong, could ward off disasters, resist evil spirits, and dissolve any potential calamities. That's why Xiang Que let him wear it, saving him from the danger of having his leg broken, as the calamity could be resolved by the jade pendant.
For instance, if Chen Dong or Chen Xia had carried this jade pendant two months ago, they wouldn't have ended up lying in bed unable to wake up.
After finishing the discussion with Chen Sanjin, Xiang Que said, "I won't go back to the northeast for now. I have some matters to take care of in Tangshan, and after handling them, I'll return. As for the offer of transportation, it's not necessary. I feel airsick, and just the thought of taking a plane makes me feel nauseous."
Chen Dong asked in confusion, "Don't you usually vomit due to airsickness? Why are you talking about diarrhea now? Big brother, have you got it all mixed up? It's making me a bit nauseous just listening to it."
"Really ungrateful!" Chen Sanjin slapped him on the head and then turned to Xiang Que, saying, "If you have things to attend to in Tangshan, I won't inquire about them. Let me arrange a car for you and find someone to accompany you. Consider it as a guide."
Before Xiang Que could refuse, Chen Sanjin pulled Chen Xia over and said, "My daughter will accompany you for these two days, helping you with whatever you need."
"Eh!" Xiang Que didn't react. The guide's level seemed quite high. The Chen family's young lady was going to be the guide?
Chen Dong turned his eyes between Wang Linzhu and Chen Sanjin. This guy usually does things without using his brain, but when it comes to weird and shady matters, he reacts really quickly.
Without waiting for Xiang Que to speak, Chen Sanjin grabbed Chen Xia and said, "My daughter will accompany you for these two days."
"Huh?" Xiang Que didn't understand what was happening. Chen Xia probably didn't know either. However, Chen Dong instantly understood. Ah, this is interesting. Old Chen, who is usually shrewd like Sun Wukong, is now going to engage in a loss-making business, accompanying his daughter at that. This abnormality must have its reasons.
Xiang Que didn't understand the situation, and Chen Xia probably didn't either, but Chen Dong instantly comprehended. "Ah, this is interesting. Old Chen, who is usually as sharp as Sun Wukong, is now going to engage in a loss-making business, accompanying his daughter at that. This abnormality must have its reasons."
Chen Sanjin, with a smile on his face, patted his daughter's shoulder and said, "Mr. Xiang is a distinguished guest. Accompany him well these two days, you understand?"
After saying this, Chen Sanjin didn't give them a chance to refuse. He pulled Wang Linzhu and left, leaving the three remaining people stupefied on the spot.