037. Receiving the Goods, Receiving the Goods

Back at his home after returning from the other world, Lin Shan immediately crossed over again. Upon arriving in the courtyard, he found a letter lying on the ground. Opening it, he saw it was from Xiao Qiang.

During his last visit to the other world, Lin Shan had asked Xiao Qiang to help him collect some jade artifacts. Initially, Lin Shan had considered collecting antiques, calligraphy, and paintings. However, he realized that the truly valuable items in such fields usually originated from famous historical figures. Since this was, after all, another world, those great masters from his own world’s history did not exist here. While there might be people with similar skills, the names would be different, and the historical value would not be comparable.

Therefore, Lin Shan had asked Xiao Qiang to collect jade crafts. The value of such items lies primarily in their ancient craftsmanship and the passage of time—exactly the sort of thing sought after by collectors in his home world.

Additionally, Xiao Qiang’s letter mentioned that Zheng Tu had hunted another tiger and had already transported it over. Fearing that Lin Shan might be away for a long time, he had salted the meat, and the tiger's gall had been soaked in wine.

After reading the letter, Lin Shan left the courtyard and headed toward the Xiao residence. To his surprise, he ran into Zheng Tu chatting with Yin Ziwei at the main gate.

Zheng Tu spotted Lin Shan from afar, jumped high with excitement, and shouted, "Benefactor!"

"Brother Zheng!"

Zheng Tu was a warm-hearted man who knew the value of gratitude, and Lin Shan held a certain respect for him as well.

Seeing Lin Shan arrive, Yin Ziwei hurried over and said, "Commissioner Lin, the tiger is currently being kept in our gatehouse. I am guarding it myself; I assure you, not a single hair is missing."

Lin Shan nodded and said to Zheng Tu, "Brother Zheng, thank you for your hard work. I will pay you for the game shortly."

Zheng Tu quickly replied, "No rush, no rush..."

After greeting the two, Lin Shan walked into the Xiao residence and made his way naturally to the main hall. Once he arrived, a servant went to inform Xiao Qiang.

A short while later, Xiao Qiang arrived. Lin Shan stood up and said, "Brother Xiao, I have troubled you."

Xiao Qiang laughed heartily. "Not at all, it’s just a small matter. You are too polite. Come with me."

With that, Xiao Qiang took Lin Shan’s hand and led him to the back hall. On a table sat a box containing three jade pieces: a jade pendant, a jade disc, and a jade bracelet.

Lin Shan was not an expert, but even he could feel the warm, smooth texture of the jade. He knew these items were certainly not ordinary. Standing by the table was an elderly man, about sixty years old, with a goatee and eyes narrowed in a kind, gentle expression.

Xiao Qiang introduced him: "Lin Shan, this is Mr. Yan Yu, an expert in appraising jade."

Yan Yu stroked his beard and smiled. "Master Xiao is too kind. I am humbled. Let us discuss these three pieces."

"These three jade pieces are worth one thousand taels of silver. Though that may seem expensive, they are absolutely worth more than the price."

Yan Yu followed with a string of technical jargon. Lin Shan, not fully grasping the terminology, simply did some mental math. One thousand taels of silver translated to 50,000 grams. At a unit price of 7 yuan per gram, it would cost 350,000 yuan.

Seeing that Lin Shan remained silent and unaware of his background, Yan Yu gestured for him to examine them himself. "Young man, why don't you take a look?"

Lin Shan shook his head. "I trust your judgment. I will bring you the one thousand taels of silver within three days."

Pleased by Lin Shan’s straightforwardness, Yan Yu said, "You are a man of your word. If I come across any good jade in the future, I will be sure to introduce it to you."

Lin Shan nodded and left the room with Xiao Qiang. As they walked through the corridor, they discussed the recent situation in Sanwen County. The county magistrate was gearing up to wipe out the Qingfeng Stronghold, and the atmosphere in the county was becoming increasingly tense.

Lin Shan did not linger long. After returning to his courtyard, he went back to his home world and visited his usual gold shop.

When Lin Shan requested 50 kilograms of silver, the clerk was momentarily stunned but quickly promised to have it transferred from other branches. Lin Shan paid the deposit and waited.

An hour later, the silver arrived. Lin Shan placed it into his inventory and returned to the other world.

Exactly three days had passed since he left. Lin Shan kept his word, handed over the one thousand taels of silver to Yan Yu, and collected the three jade pieces. He also gave Zheng Tu one hundred taels, settling the payment for the tiger.

In truth, the amount he gave Zheng Tu far exceeded the market price, but Lin Shan chose to be generous in recognition of Zheng Tu’s consistently respectful attitude. Although tigers were not rare in this era, they were not exactly easy to come by, and Zheng Tu had risked his life to hunt it.

After securing the jade, Lin Shan returned to his home world, took out his phone, and dialed Luo Bing’s number.

The call was answered after two rings.

"Senior?"

Lin Shan said, "It’s me, Luo Bing. I have three jade pieces and would like you to take a look at them."

Luo Bing’s voice sounded excited. "That’s great, Senior! I’m at the auction house. Just give me a call when you arrive."

"Understood."

Lin Shan hung up the phone and drove to the auction house. He still lacked a pass, so he waited at the entrance after calling Luo Bing.

Before long, Luo Bing emerged. She was wearing a white dress that looked elegant and dignified, revealing her shoulders and delicate collarbones. Her long hair was as smooth as silk, and she wore subtle makeup.

Luo Bing possessed a classical beauty, perhaps cultivated by her long association with ancient artifacts.

After they met, she led him into the auction house. Once they were seated in the same room as before, she asked curiously, "Senior, what kind of treasures have you brought for me today?"

Lin Shan produced the box containing the jade. "I wouldn't call them treasures, but I have three nice pieces. I’m not sure if your auction house would be interested."

He opened the box. When Luo Bing saw the jade pieces, her expression changed instantly. Her gaze was like that of a predator spotting a rare, irresistible prize.

"Senior, may I pick them up to examine them?" she asked.

Lin Shan nodded.

Luo Bing reached out with her slender, fair hands and picked up the jade disc, examining it with meticulous care. She clicked her tongue in wonder.

"This jade quality... it’s truly miraculous, completely natural. And this color—it’s as if it has never been buried in soil... but it is clearly an antique. Judging by the craftsmanship, it appears to be from the Tang Dynasty..."

She seemed to forget that Lin Shan was even in the room, critiquing the pieces as she examined them.

After finishing, she regained her composure, looking at Lin Shan with intense fervor. "Senior, the collection value of these three pieces is extremely high. Let us auction them! They will certainly fetch a fantastic price!"