Whenever Yao Xingang entered an antique shop and presented the golden Buddha, he was treated as an honoured guest, offered fine tea and cigarettes, which gave him a fleeting sense of prestige.
But it wasn’t long before the shop’s appraisers, after a thorough examination, would show troubled expressions and politely ask him to leave.
Over the next few days, Yao Xingang visited nearly every antique market in the city, but without exception, he was turned away.
Left with no other options, Yao Xingang learned about a hidden street behind the antique city.
Every night, a ghost market would spring up there, and he decided to try his luck selling the Buddha there.
To his surprise, even the ghost market seemed to have no place for this Buddha.
In the end, with no other recourse and ready to melt the golden Buddha down to sell it as raw gold, Yao Xingang encountered a buyer in the early hours of one morning, just as the ghost market was about to close.
Though it was dark, the moonlight revealed the buyer’s luxurious attire, clearly someone from a wealthy family. A companion introduced him as Jiang Tianlei, the eldest young master of the Jiang family.
Despite the Jiang family’s wealth and influence, it was riddled with internal factions and rivalries, with family members far from harmonious.
So, Jiang Tianlei was determined to make a strong impression at his matriarch’s seventieth birthday celebration, hoping to earn her favour.
For this grand gift, Jiang Tianlei racked his brains, unable to decide what would truly please the elderly lady.
A friend recommended the ghost market, which brought Jiang Tianlei there in the early hours, where he immediately took a liking to Yao Xingang’s golden Buddha.
“Goodness, such an ancient design, and made of pure gold! The matriarch is a devout Buddhist, this is perfect, I’ll take it!”
Jiang Tianlei then bought Yao Xingang’s golden Buddha for 500,000.
Though Yao Xingang knew the treasure was likely worth far more than 500,000, after repeated rejections, he didn’t care anymore, only wanting to sell it quickly.
Today was the second day after Yao Xingang sold the golden Buddha. Having spent two days living like a king at the Sunshine Tycoon Bath Centre, he was suddenly apprehended by Wang Qiang’s men.
“The Jiang family’s Jiang Tianlei? Is he a big deal?” Xu Fei muttered to himself.
Seeing this, Wang Qiang quickly explained, “Just a minor aristocratic family from the capital, nothing noteworthy. The golden Buddha falling into this guy’s hands actually makes things easier, it’ll be less trouble for me to retrieve it.”
Hearing Wang Qiang’s words, Xu Fei understood. It seemed the Jiang family wasn’t much to speak of, especially if even a businessman like Wang Qiang could look down on them.
But Xu Fei, observing Wang Qiang closely, noticed a hint of reluctance in his expression as he spoke. Coupled with Xu Fei’s own curiosity about the complete version of the Lingbao Tongtian Jue and its wonders, he made up his mind.
Patting his chest, he said, “Since I’ve agreed to take on this task, I’ll see it through. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely get the golden Buddha back from Jiang Tianlei.”
With that, Xu Fei prepared to leave, but as he turned a corner, he accidentally bumped into someone.
A wave of fragrance hit him, and Xu Fei instantly realised it was a woman. Sure enough, a startled cry rang out beside him.
Xu Fei quickly stepped forward, catching the woman who was losing her balance to prevent her from falling to the ground.
“Are you alright?”
But Su Yu, now in his arms, blushed furiously. Glaring at Xu Fei, who was inches away, she snapped, “I’m fine! Let go of me right now, or I’ll call the police and have you arrested as a pervert!”
Seeing the woman’s fiery temper, Xu Fei didn’t want any trouble. He promptly helped her to her feet and turned to leave.
