Li San’er, standing by, was already dumbfounded. What did it mean to be rich and powerful? He was finally witnessing it firsthand today.
Even Shen Bao frowned, unable to figure out Ye Fan’s intentions.
This was three million. While the Shen family was a prominent one, he had been self-reliant since childhood and had never possessed such a vast sum of money.
"Brother Ye, this is a huge sum. What exactly are you trying to do?"
He questioned Ye Fan in a low voice, his mind struggling to keep up.
"Naturally, to purchase antiques," Ye Fan replied with a light laugh. He then turned to Steward Liu, "Shall we go take a look?"
Finally getting a chance to see the factory, how could Ye Fan miss such an opportunity?
Steward Liu quickly led the way. This was a fat sheep, and if he could fleece it, he would gain immense profits.
More than a dozen factory buildings were closely connected, and outside, guards were stationed every few steps.
Upon seeing Steward Liu leading Ye Fan and his companions, the eyes of these men were filled with alertness. They gripped their clubs tightly, seemingly ready to attack at any moment.
Seeing their vigilance, Ye Fan couldn't help but frown.
"Steward Liu, I didn't expect the security here to be so tight. It seems the treasures here are of great value."
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Steward Liu smiled, "Brother Ye speaks the truth. Huacun possesses endless antique treasures. Even a single piece would cause a stir outside, so the security has to be strict. I apologize if it inconveniences Brother Ye."
Ye Fan chuckled, "Steward Liu is being too polite. It's precisely because the security is so tight that I feel at ease. After all, if this place were chaotic, I wouldn't dare to make any purchases, even if I wanted to."
Ye Fan's words were fitting, bringing a smile to Steward Liu's face.
"Brother Ye is right. In the antique business, caution is paramount. Only by remaining sufficiently cautious can one ensure foolproof dealings and make a fortune."
The group soon arrived at the factory buildings.
This must have been the factory's warehouse, as it was filled with boxes.
Steward Liu introduced with a smile, "Brother Ye, this is the batch of antiques I mentioned earlier. These are all rare treasures."
With that, he opened the nearest box.
Inside the box lay a porcelain vase.
Ye Fan stepped closer to examine it carefully.
"A Song Dynasty flask with a bulging belly adorned with coupled flower petals, its glaze is bright, and its colors are vibrant. A rare treasure indeed."
Ye Fan did not touch it, as it was a rule in the antique business not to touch anything without the owner's permission.
It could be said that Ye Fan handled every detail perfectly. Even seasoned experts would find no fault with him.
"Brother Ye is indeed an expert. An expert’s touch reveals their knowledge. Wonderful, truly wonderful!"
Steward Liu applauded.
Just by looking, he could discern the age and quality, which was something only a top appraiser could achieve.
Ye Fan smiled, "Steward Liu is too kind. I've simply seen a lot. May I look at the other items?"
Steward Liu nodded, "Of course. These are all treasures, after all. If Brother Ye doesn't inspect them thoroughly, I wouldn't dare to sell them to you."
As they chatted, dozens of boxes were opened.
They revealed a dazzling array of items.
Looking at these items, Shen Bao was stunned. As the second young master of the Shen family, although he didn't understand antiques as well as Ye Fan, he knew a little.
"These… there are so many here…"
In his daze, Shen Bao almost blurted something out, but Ye Fan quickly raised his hand to stop him.
"It's a rule in the antique business, no chattering. Have you forgotten?"
His tone suddenly turned stern, as if a sudden enlightenment, causing Shen Bao to tremble and immediately sober up.
"I'm sorry, I was reckless."
He quickly bowed his head in apology, a cold sweat breaking out.
He had almost ruined Ye Fan's plans. If he had really let something slip just now, Shen Bao would likely have lived with guilt for the rest of his life.
Giving him a sideways glance, Ye Fan then turned his gaze to the items.
"A Ming Dynasty Chenghua floral bowl, a Song Dynasty blue and white large plate, a painting from the early Qing Dynasty… Steward Liu, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed these were all genuine."
Ye Fan showed a look of shock.
At the same time, he secretly admired how formidable these people's methods were.
To be able to find fragments from the same era to piece together so many treasures.
This not only required a great deal of effort but also sufficient manpower to collect them.
"Brother Ye, are you satisfied with these items?"
Steward Liu's face was filled with a triumphant smile. He knew that Ye Fan would be astonished upon seeing these items.
The result was indeed as he had expected.
"Steward Liu, I want all of these items. Do you have the authority to make this decision?"
Upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Steward Liu was stunned on the spot.
This was dozens of items, even if each cost only tens of thousands, it would amount to tens of millions.
A huge deal, a monumental deal!
Li San’er was even more astonished, his mouth agape, drooling without realizing it.
At this moment, only one thought echoed in his mind: "I've struck it rich, I'm going to be incredibly rich…"
Seeing that both of them were in a daze, Ye Fan coughed, startling them awake.
"Brother Ye is indeed from the Ye family, truly imposing. However, with so many items, I, as a mere steward, cannot make the decision. Why doesn't Brother Ye rest here for the night? I will immediately notify the higher-ups to discuss this with Brother Ye personally."
Indeed, for such a large transaction, he was not authorized.
Ye Fan frowned, "In that case, we will head down the mountain and return tomorrow. I will also notify my family to send people to receive them."
If he were to really stay overnight, he would be exposed when Qin Zhonghe arrived the next day.
"Alright, it's settled. I'll go inform the higher-ups right away."
Seeing Ye Fan's willingness, Steward Liu said excitedly.
...
When they arrived, Ye Fan was cautious and careful, but when he descended the mountain, his heart was filled with joy.
Li San’er personally escorted Ye Fan down the mountain, treating him with great courtesy along the way.
"Brother Ye, you mustn't forget your brother's contribution this time."
With a fawning smile, he said to Ye Fan.
"If this deal is successful, I will naturally not forget Brother Li's contribution. Without you, I probably wouldn't have even been able to enter Huacun."
Under Li San'er's enthusiastic farewell, Ye Fan and Shen Bao hurried down the mountain and quickly returned to Jiangcheng City.
Now, the fish had taken the bait. The next step was to catch this big fish.
"Second Brother Shen, immediately deploy personnel. Tomorrow, we will go up the mountain to apprehend them. This time, with the evidence and the culprits caught, even if Qin Zhonghe had a hundred mouths, he wouldn't escape."