Chapter 117: A Crushing Blow to the Face

At this moment, the old expert was truly convinced by Zhang Can, yet he found it utterly incredible. How could someone as young as Zhang Can possess the patience to learn the intricate skills of antique appraisal?

Moreover, the art of antique authentication is unlike other disciplines; experience is especially crucial. Much of it requires years of accumulation and broad knowledge—both indispensable.

Given Zhang Can’s age, it was hard to imagine he could have such keen insight and authentic appraisal skills. Previously, when Old Zhu mentioned it, Gu Jiulong had remained skeptical, thinking Zhang Can was merely lucky. But now, with the pieces Zhang Can had presented—each demanding significant technical knowledge, almost like an examination for antique connoisseurs—Zhang Can’s answers were not only correct but also surpassed the old expert’s imagination and expectations. In this regard, Zhang Can’s appraisal skills and discernment were undoubtedly superior to his own.

The old expert was well aware of the preciousness of the “Yinchen Wood” (沉香木), yet he had never seen it himself. Though remnants of Yinchen Wood artifacts existed in the Forbidden City, they were deeply concealed within the museum and inaccessible to ordinary people. He had only heard of its value, which far exceeded that of ordinary treasures. The small piece of wood on his smoking pipe was indeed Yinchen Wood and was extremely valuable. That pipe alone was worth over five million yuan, although very few knew this. Throughout his life, that had been his sole precious collectible, so he never intended to sell it or openly display it to outsiders—only to test if anyone had the discernment to recognize it.

Decades had passed without anyone identifying it, and the old expert had never imagined that today, a young man barely out of adolescence would recognize it—not only its essence but also clearly articulate its grade and quality. Such precision was impossible to achieve by mere luck.

Reflecting on the fine details Zhang Can mentioned, it was as if he had immersed himself in this field for decades. The expertise and knowledge embedded within were at the highest level. The old expert had never encountered anyone with sharper insight, especially one so young. In the antiques trade, not only does the value of the items increase with age, but so too does one’s skill and discernment grow more refined over time.

Everyone present—the three young women, the three assistants, along with Old Zhu and the old expert—listened to Zhang Can’s explanations as if spellbound, as though enjoying a captivating story.

Among those eight, only the old expert possessed the deepest appraisal skills, so only he fully comprehended the true significance of Zhang Can’s words. If he had to describe it in a phrase, it would be: “Transcendent and unfathomable.”

After much thought, only these eight characters could aptly describe it.

Zhang Can smiled and said to Old Zhu, “Old Zhu, is everything ready at the shop? I’ll check with Brother Wang to see when we can set off.”

“Alright, I’ve been ready for a while. Actually, the main preparation is at the shop. Bringing Old Gu back is already a great success!” Zhu Senlin chuckled. He genuinely was well prepared. When Zhang Can decided to head to Xinjiang and asked Wang to accompany him, Zhu had a sudden inspiration to go along. Over time, he had come to understand and think clearly—there was no need to lock Zhang Can inside the shop. Many treasures worth a fortune could only be found outside. Very few truly valuable items actually made it into the shop. Apart from the ancient silver coins that the young girl Xiang Lin brought last time, most treasures were discovered elsewhere. So this trip might even yield a few new finds. It was like a grand fortune hunt disguised as a journey.

Besides, Zhu Senlin had come to understand Zhang Can’s character well. Though young, he was deeply loyal. Zhu never put on airs before him and treated Zhang Can like a brother, always trying to get Zhang Can a larger share of any benefits, taking a smaller portion himself. He knew Zhang Can would never abandon him for that reason.

Turning to the old expert, Zhang Can said, “Old Gu, I’ll leave the shop and the girls in your care. Sorry for the trouble!”

The old expert nodded, “No need to say, rest assured. If you weren’t in such a hurry to leave, I’d want to chat with you all night about antiques and their fascinating stories. Ah… In all these years, I’ve never met anyone like you, Boss Zhang. Your appraisal skills and keen eye truly leave me in awe!”

“No problem. What I’ve learned and know can certainly be exchanged and studied with you, Old Gu. But honestly, I’m not as profound as you say. Many things just require careful observation, thinking, and cautious handling—that’s almost enough.”

The old expert sighed upon hearing Zhang Can’s humility. “That’s just your opinion. To others, being ‘careful’ is already a difficult feat. Without a discerning eye, no amount of caution helps. It’s like treasures scattered everywhere—those who recognize them see treasures; those who don’t see only stones and dirt.”

Zhang Can agreed with this wholeheartedly. Before he developed his X-ray vision, many treasures had been right beside him unnoticed, dismissed as rubbish until recognized. His four golden nanmu logs at home were handled and touched daily, yet who knew their value? Likewise, the four pigsty stones at Xiang Lin’s house—without his X-ray vision, no one could have identified them. Otherwise, they’d just be filthy, foul-smelling stones, coated thickly with pig dung and grime, invisible even to experienced jade gamblers.

For jade gamblers, appraisal relies mainly on color and patterns on the stone’s surface. Zhang Can’s X-ray vision allowed him to confirm these details internally, revealing that the so-called ‘experience’ of jade gamblers is largely unreliable. They lose nine out of ten bets, proving their expertise isn’t very effective.

What really matters is Zhang Can’s X-ray ability. Even the most advanced modern technology cannot penetrate jade rough stones. Of course, this applies to jade and similar stones. For antiques, mere X-ray vision isn’t enough; porcelain, coins, and bronze require knowledge beyond mere imaging to determine age and molecular structure.

Zhang Can’s ability also includes analyzing molecular structures and age. Coupled with his extensive reading and firsthand knowledge, he can weave together fact and insight, making his judgments believable.

For a true collector like the old expert, an antiques appraisal master, only when something is difficult for him but easily explained by another does he acknowledge the other’s superior skill. That’s why he truly respects Zhang Can and is now willing to serve as the chief appraiser at Old Stone Studio.

No one can master every technique and knowledge, especially in antiques. Many appraisal skills and insights are learned over a lifetime. When encountering someone far more skilled, they simply want to learn from them. Regardless of a hefty salary, even if unpaid, they would gladly stay at Old Stone Studio to gain experience and improve their skills—these are priceless.

Zhang Can’s modesty was only to placate others. His X-ray ability was a secret he would never share, not even with family—not from distrust, but to protect them. Revealing such a gift could attract deadly harm from those who would exploit it.

From movies and TV, Zhang Can knew this extraordinary ability must remain secret. Some people only see such talents as tools for profit or power.

Zhang Hua, Liu Xiaoqin, and Liu Xiaoli were completely absorbed in the discussion, largely because they aspired to the antiques trade. Liu Xiaoli, especially, developed a passionate enthusiasm for it. She regretted losing out on Zhang Can’s path but admired his achievements and astonishing wealth. She had always recognized his talents and thought that if she had the chance, she wouldn’t be any less capable.

Even if she couldn’t keep pace with Zhang Can, as long as she earned similar wealth, that would suffice. To live well, wealth was paramount.

“Second Brother, tell us more about how to appraise antiques, teach us!” Zhang Hua cupped her cheeks, marveling at her brother’s skill. She had thought it was just luck before but never imagined he was even more skilled than the old masters—Old Gu himself was left speechless by him!

Yet Zhang Can had little to say. His ability stemmed from his X-ray vision, something that could neither be taught nor explained. When he did share, it was always based on the results of his vision combined with his knowledge and anecdotes. His truths were blended with half-truths and lies to craft convincing stories.

“Next time, after I return from Xinjiang, I’ll teach you properly. But my skills and insight don’t come close to Old Gu’s. When you’re at the shop, learn as much as you can from him!”

Zhang Can smiled at Old Gu as he spoke sincerely, without pretense. In terms of real appraisal skill and judgment, Old Gu was far superior. Zhang Can’s only advantage was his X-ray ability. Without it, he would be blind—he wouldn’t have acquired any of the treasures or wealth he had.

Old Gu’s face flushed, shaking his head quickly, “If you want me to teach them, no problem, I’ll teach well. But to say Boss Zhang’s skills aren’t as good as mine—that’s slapping my old face! Haha, Boss Zhang, please don’t say that again!”

Zhu Senlin, knowing Zhang Can’s abilities, chuckled and said to Old Gu, “Old Gu, what I told you before wasn’t a lie, right?”

“Not at all…” the old expert replied awkwardly. “I’m just stubborn and don’t give in easily, but when I meet someone truly more capable, I admit it honestly. Boss Zhang, I didn’t believe it before, but now I absolutely do.”