Chapter Eighty-Five: Antiques and Magical Treasures-The Shady Shop in the Age of Spiritual Awakening(This person has survived by living in obscurity until now.)

"Oh, I see. It's fine. Chen Hua and I broke up amicably; there's no bad blood between us."

Hearing Qin Jing's calm voice, Yan Yizhen was somewhat surprised. People always said their breakups were peaceful, but in reality, how could there truly be such a thing between a man and a woman? Unless there was a clear disparity in status, with one party hopelessly devoted—yet even then, there would inevitably be some lingering resentment.

But today, from the way Chen Hua acted, she didn't seem to harbor any grudges toward Qin Jing. There was even a trace of nostalgia in her demeanor. And as for Qin Jing, his tone revealed no hidden troubles. Could it be that their breakup was genuinely amicable?

After hanging up, Qin Jing walked into Erdaozi Alley. The people there were the same as always, but their attitude toward him was warmer now. Everyone knew Qin Jing had become successful, having apparently bought the very shop he once rented to expand and renovate it. Buying a shop was impressive enough, but expanding and renovating? That would cost a hefty sum. To ordinary people, money remained the most important measure of social status.

Passing by Old Song’s shop, Qin Jing was called over by the old man.

"Qin, come in and sit a while?"

Qin Jing grinned and agreed, stepping into the shop. It was only then he remembered he’d never appraised Old Song’s antiques before. He wondered what the people of the Mythic World thought of such items. With his own shop expanding, Qin Jing planned to broaden his network in the Mythic World. In fact, tonight he had already decided to make a second deal with Jenny and even spend some G points to contact Jessica.

After some casual conversation, Old Song got to the point. "Qin, I heard you bought the surrounding properties? Today, that Wang family kid came by and told me my lease's up in six months and it won’t be renewed, since the store’s been sold to you."

Qin Jing smiled. "Uncle Song, with our relationship, you don’t have to worry about that. Here’s my word: you can run your shop here as long as you want. The rent will follow the market rate. How does that sound?"

Old Song had been worried about this all day. He’d seen the renovations at Qin Jing’s place, with workers coming and going.

"Heh, Qin, I appreciate your kindness. But honestly, business hasn’t been good. I’m about ready to close up. My son’s gone abroad, my daughter’s married off to Jinling, and I’m here alone. I thought you’d be eager for the shop, which is why I called you over. If you’re not, I’ll clear out the remaining stock and close down."

Qin Jing was surprised. "Uncle Song, are you planning to retire?"

"Business isn’t working out. What else is there to do but retire?"

"Would you mind showing me your collection? To be honest, I’m planning to get into the antiques business, but I’m new to it and could use your expertise."

"Oh?" Old Song’s eyes lit up, and he smiled. "That’s wonderful. If you’re serious, take the shop and let me be your expert appraiser. That’s my only real passion. If it’s not my own business, I’m even happier to help."

Qin Jing smiled, accepting readily. He trusted Old Song’s character. They were all familiar faces. If Old Song joined, together with Yan Yizhen and Susan, the core staff of the new shop would be complete.

"Wait here," Old Song said, "I’ll show you something good, let you see what a real antique is. The aura of it—tsk! Even an ordinary person can feel its worth with a single glance!"

With that, Old Song hurried to the back counter, took out an old string of copper keys, opened a box, and carefully brought out a red lacquered wooden case.

Opening the box, he uncovered a layer of red cloth, then revealed the item inside.

Just as Old Song said, the moment one laid eyes on it, the piece exuded a simple but profound aura of antiquity.

Qin Jing wanted to appraise the antique, so he held his phone at the ready. But instead of taking a picture immediately, he asked Old Song, "Just as you said, this item is remarkable, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why. Uncle Song, may I take a photo?"

With Old Song’s permission, the click of the camera captured the object, and instantly, related information appeared before Qin Jing’s eyes.

Blue and White Porcelain Plate:
Production Year: 1651
Usage Period: 1651–present
Materials: Porcelain stone, kaolin, water, cobalt pigment, ancient dyes
Original Price: 100 taels of gold
Appraised Value: 6,800,000 RMB

Enable recycling appraisal? Cost: 50G

Every recyclable item that appeared before Qin Jing had this "Enable recycling appraisal" option. He’d only used it once before, when buying Zheng Qiuyin’s Mercedes. Now, seeing that even a simple appraisal cost 50G, he raised his brows but enabled it without hesitation.

Additional information appeared over the porcelain plate’s original details: previous owner, current owner (Old Song), and the item’s condition.

But more importantly, the following:

Brief Value Description: Blue and white porcelain is a facet of Huaxia civilization, carrying the weight and brilliance of its history. In this world, it is a highly valued antique. In the Mythic World, its deep cultural resonance naturally attunes with the world’s spiritual energy, making it a prime vessel for crafting magical artifacts. Yet, antiques in the Mythic World grow ever rarer.

Suggested Recycling Price: 10,000,000 RMB

A vessel for magical artifact creation? And this profound cultural essence naturally harmonizes with the world’s spiritual energy? That was a revelation.

Qin Jing pondered the information provided, feeling as if some hidden truth was being hinted at, though there wasn’t enough detail to fully understand. What was clear, though, was that this item was exceedingly valuable.

"Uncle Song, I really like this blue and white porcelain plate. Would you be willing to sell it to me?"

Looking up at Old Song, Qin Jing asked sincerely. He didn’t have ten million on hand, but that wasn’t a problem; once he confirmed the item’s value, he could sell some spiritual rice to raise the funds.

Old Song smiled. "I’ve been in the antique business most of my life, and this is the only truly fine piece I’ve kept. You really have the heart to ask me to part with it? Anything else, maybe, but not this one."

Hearing Old Song’s firm refusal, Qin Jing didn’t press the matter. If it were someone else, he might have forcibly taken it, but what difference would that make between him and Hu Chaoyang, who became arrogant the moment he gained extraordinary power? Qin Jing had his principles and boundaries.