Chapter Forty-Seven: It’s All a Lie

"Master Cheng, I'm glad you like it."

Upon hearing Cheng Ziqiu's praise, Zhao Qiankun's face blossomed into a broad smile.

"So, how about another cup?"

Cheng Ziqiu waved his hand gently.

"No need for more tea, Boss Zhao. Let's first have a look at those antiques you mentioned."

Instantly energized, Zhao Qiankun rubbed his hands excitedly.

"Alright, alright, Master Cheng, please follow me!"

He led Cheng Ziqiu to a room on the second floor of his villa.

As the door opened, Cheng Ziqiu was nearly blinded by the dazzling sight.

The room was filled with all kinds of antiques, glimmering and splendid.

Porcelain, jade, calligraphy, bronze ware...

It was practically a miniature museum!

Cheng Ziqiu inwardly marveled—Zhao Qiankun was truly a collector fanatic!

However, the authenticity of these items was another matter.

"Master Cheng, these are all my treasures! Please have a look and see if anything slipped through the cracks," Zhao Qiankun said eagerly.

Cheng Ziqiu paced calmly, his eyes sweeping over the dazzling “antiques,” a faint smile curling his lips.

These pieces were crafted to look remarkably convincing.

If he hadn’t spent decades crawling through tombs in his previous life, he might have been fooled.

Jun kiln’s plum vase, Ru kiln’s water basin, Guan kiln’s ear-handled bottle...

Masterpieces from various dynasties seemed to have gathered here, competing in beauty.

Yet, the entire room’s collection could be summed up in one word—fake!

Poor Zhao Qiankun, he must have been scammed badly by some “expert.”

Thinking this, a slight smile tugged at Cheng Ziqiu’s lips.

The scene reminded him of the fat targets he had fooled in his past life.

Fortunes change, and this time he stood on the side of justice.

"Boss Zhao, are these treasures... legitimate?" Cheng Ziqiu asked with a hint of cunning in his eyes.

Zhao Qiankun quickly patted his chest to assure him.

"Of course! I bought them through official channels, with proper invoices—absolutely authentic!"

Cheng Ziqiu suppressed a laugh, thinking to himself:

“Official channels? Probably someone’s unlucky ancestor’s grave.”

Feigning surprise, he said, "Oh? That’s rare indeed! Boss Zhao, you really are flush with cash!"

Flattered, Zhao Qiankun puffed out his chest.

"Master Cheng, you flatter me! Actually, I have one more treasure I’d like you to examine."

With a mysterious air, Zhao Qiankun approached a safe, carefully entered the code, and retrieved a brocade box.

---

Cheng Ziqiu twitched his lips as Zhao Qiankun proudly presented a bronze mask.

"Master Cheng, look at this treasure! From Sanxingdui! An unparalleled relic! Even the Forbidden City doesn’t have one like this!"

Cheng Ziqiu’s mind screamed in disbelief:

Brother, are you joking internationally now?

Sanxingdui artifacts in your private villa?

Why not say your backyard hides the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang?

He masked his disbelief, nodding with feigned profundity.

"Hmm, indeed... quite distinctive."

Puffed up with pride, Zhao Qiankun seemed to feel validated.

"Naturally! I paid a hefty sum, getting it from an old expert. So, Master Cheng, with your sharp eye, could you give it a price estimate?"

Cheng Ziqiu fought the urge to roll his eyes.

On the street market, these would go for ten yuan each, and wholesale would be cheaper.

An appraisal?

He feared hurting Boss Zhao’s pride—what if the shock caused a brain hemorrhage?

"Ahem."

Clearing his throat, Cheng Ziqiu said, "Boss Zhao, this item... is indeed rare."

He chose his words carefully, not wanting to dampen the collector’s enthusiasm.

"However, it’s more suited for a museum, to be appreciated by the public."

Zhao Qiankun grew even more excited.

"Master Cheng thinks it’s a treasure too! I tell you, I spent a fortune on this! Those old guys tried to keep it from me, but if it weren’t for my—"

Lowering his voice mysteriously, "If it weren’t for my connections, I couldn’t have gotten it!"

Cheng Ziqiu nearly burst into laughter.

Connections?

Could connections get you fakes?

He nodded perfunctorily.

"Boss Zhao, you truly are generous. I admire that."

Flushed with pride, Zhao Qiankun launched into endless tales of other “treasures”:

Bronze swords from the Warring States, official kiln porcelain from the Tang Dynasty, famous calligraphy from the Song Dynasty...

Cheng Ziqiu’s ears nearly grew calluses listening.

While observing these “antiques,” the more he looked, the more amused he became.

Zhao Qiankun had been scammed terribly.

These items were not only unworthy of the Forbidden City, even the street stalls at Panjiayuan were better!

"Boss Zhao."

Finally, Cheng Ziqiu interrupted him.

---

"Are you sure about the provenance of these items?"

Zhao Qiankun patted his chest confidently.

"Absolutely! I got them from an old friend, a well-known collector in the circle!"

Cheng Ziqiu snickered inwardly—more like a well-known con artist!

"Boss Zhao."

He decided to give a gentle warning.

"The antique business is tricky—a careless step can lead to disaster. I suggest you have a professional expert verify these items carefully."

Zhao Qiankun frowned.

"Master Cheng, what are you implying? Do you think my collection is fake?"

Cheng Ziqiu sighed; Zhao Qiankun was truly stubborn.

"Boss Zhao, I don’t mean that."

He spoke tactfully.

"I only want to remind you that caution is the best policy."

Zhao Qiankun’s expression darkened.

"Master Cheng, are you here to appraise my collection or to cast doubt on it?"

"Boss Zhao, do you want the truth?"

Cheng Ziqiu’s eyes held a trace of pity.

Zhao Qiankun, belly proud and large, waved his hand grandly.

"Of course! I, Zhao Qiankun, love the truth! Master Cheng, speak freely—I can handle it!"

Secretly, he was eager for praise of his discerning taste.

Seeing Zhao Qiankun’s confident demeanor, Cheng Ziqiu could only sigh and say:

"Boss Zhao, to ensure an accurate appraisal, I think we should speak privately."

Zhao Qiankun was momentarily taken aback, then laughed heartily.

"Master Cheng, don’t tell me you have some secret technique you don’t want others to learn? Rest assured, I won’t spread it!"

Cheng Ziqiu was caught between laughter and tears.

"No, it’s just that some things are better discussed in private."

Though puzzled, Zhao Qiankun dismissed the servants as requested.

After all, he was a master; eccentricities were to be expected. Who knew if there really was some secret?

The servants exchanged glances, unsure what was happening, but obediently left the room.

Only Cheng Ziqiu and Zhao Qiankun remained in the spacious living room.

Cheng Ziqiu finally spoke:

"Boss Zhao, with all due respect, your treasures... are all fake."

"What?!" Zhao Qiankun’s smile froze instantly.