The antique circle, even across the entire country, isn't very large, and much of the news circulates amongst its members.
Owners of businesses that have been in the antique trade for a long time, or shopkeepers, all maintain contact with each other. This is mainly to grasp news more quickly and to sell antiques.
Although I don't manage Anyuantang, Anyuantang has its own channels for news and sources of information.
This aspect is basically managed by Hong Yunpeng.
Without this information and news, Anyuantang wouldn't have been able to acquire and sell so many antiques.
The Fat Man and I stayed at the hotel and rested well. By evening, Hong Yunpeng sent me news.
"Xiao Fei, I've inquired. There's a boss in Gui City who specializes in burial artifacts, named Zhang Jiande. Basically, all the burial artifacts in Gui City go through him," Hong Yunpeng told me over the phone.
"What's this Zhang Jiande's background?"
"It's said he got his start in earthmoving and then moved into dealing antiques. He gained some fame in the circle after a Tang Dynasty porcelain bowl went through his hands."
"Alright, I understand. Send me his contact information and address."
"I've already had someone contact him. You can call him tomorrow, and you can meet him directly. I also mentioned your situation to him, and he said he would definitely help you get justice," Hong Yunpeng said.
"Oh?" I was somewhat surprised. "Is this person so warm-hearted?"
"Not warm-hearted. He wants to cooperate with Anyuantang. You know our antique business in Guangling has been quite lively in recent years, and many items are easy to sell. He wants to open up this channel through you."
"So that's how it is. That makes things easier. I'll go meet him tomorrow."
"Okay, be careful. Call me anytime if anything happens... Oh, there's something I wanted to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"I..." Hong Yunpeng stammered, "I want to borrow some money from the shop."
"Borrow money? What's wrong? Is Hongyuan having cash flow problems?"
"Not exactly."
"Then what are you borrowing money for?"
"I want to buy a house..."
"Buy a house? Don't we already have a place to live? Besides, isn't Uncle Hong's house going to be yours eventually? Why are you thinking of buying a house now?"
"It's not for me to live in."
I was stunned. "Then who will live there?"
"Ni Li."
Hearing that name, I finally understood. "How far have you and she progressed? Why are you buying a house for her?"
"We've pretty much established a relationship..."
"So fast? Has Uncle Hong heard about this?"
"I haven't told my dad yet. I was planning to wait until you're less busy, and then perhaps you could go and gently break the news to him."
"You want me to go and talk to Uncle Hong?"
"Yes. You're the boss of Anyuantang, and you've been a benefactor to my father and me. If you talk to my dad, he probably won't be too angry," Hong Yunpeng said with a smile. "Xiao Fei, you really have to help Brother Peng this time. I'll be your ox and horse in return."
I found it amusing. "Brother Peng, you're being a bit too dramatic. Alright, when I get back, I'll talk to Uncle Hong. As for buying the house... how about this: I brought out ten thousand yuan. If I get that money back, I'll transfer it to you as an early wedding gift. Then you can take some from the shop as well."
"Great! Xiao Fei, you're a good friend! I'm glad I befriended you."
After hanging up, the Fat Man came over and asked, "What's up? What were you guys talking about? You've been smiling non-stop."
"Fat Man, have you ever thought about getting married?"
"Married? To whom?"
"How should I know who you'd marry? I'm just asking if you've ever thought about it?" I asked.
The Fat Man shook his head like a rattle drum. "Never. Marriage is so boring. You'd be bossed around by your wife, and it would be harder to go out in the future."
"But you'll have to get married eventually."
"That's a matter for the future. What's going on with Hong Yunpeng?" the Fat Man asked curiously.
I told him about Ni Li, and the Fat Man was surprised. "He's got his eye on that widow?"
"Can you say something nicer? If they get together, you'll have to call her sister-in-law."
"Sure! I didn't realize this kid Hong Yunpeng was into that sort of thing. Isn't that like getting a daughter for free?"
The Fat Man really had a foul mouth. I couldn't be bothered with him. I was about to tidy up and go out for dinner when he kept asking, "When did they get together? Why didn't you tell me when we were in Yanjing?"
"What's there to talk about? Do people have to report their dating to you?"
"Not necessarily. It's just that Ni Li isn't simple. Can Hong Yunpeng handle her?"
"Simple or not, she's still a woman. And you know Brother Peng, he's straightforward and devoted. I actually think they'd be quite good together."
"How so?" the Fat Man asked with a confused look.
I pursed my lips. "Think about it. A woman who's been through hardship for most of her life, who's suffered all kinds of bitterness. A straightforward, loyal, and reliable man. How could they not be good together?"
"But... isn't Hong Yunpeng at a huge disadvantage? Marrying a widow..."
"You call her a widow, and you believe I won't tell Brother Peng?"
"Don't do that, Brother Xiang! This is a private conversation between brothers. You can't tattle."
"Stop with the nonsense. Let's go eat. Are you coming?"
"Yes!"
After a good night's rest, the next day I dialed the number Hong Yunpeng had given me. As soon as the call was connected, a neutral voice replied, "Is this Boss Xiang?"
"Hello, Boss Zhang. This is Xiang Fei."
"Oh, I've been waiting for your call all morning. You've finally called. Where are you now? I'll come pick you up right away."
I didn't expect Zhang Jiande to be so enthusiastic. I couldn't refuse, so I gave him the address of the hotel where we were staying.
"Okay! Wait for me at the entrance. I'll be there soon, in ten minutes at most."
After hanging up, the Fat Man and I tidied ourselves up and went downstairs. Exactly ten minutes later, a Jeep pulled up in front of us.
Zhang Jiande was wearing a leather jacket, jeans, and a pair of shiny black leather shoes. He also wore a pair of sunglasses.
He looked about forty-something, and when he smiled, his eyes narrowed into slits.
"Boss Xiang, it's a pleasure meeting you!" He took off his sunglasses, shook my hand, and then looked at the Fat Man. "And who is this?"
"He's my assistant. You can call him Fat Man," I said.
"So you're Brother Fat. It's a pleasure meeting you... You two haven't had breakfast yet, have you? I've prepared something. Let's go chat over a meal."
As Zhang Jiande spoke, he opened the car door and gestured for us to get in.