Mr. Cao looked at Ye Fan with a faint smile.
He had to admit that he thought highly of Ye Fan, both in terms of character and ability. If he could bring Ye Fan into his camp, with Ye Fan's capabilities, he would undoubtedly achieve great things.
And he himself would be the witness to his success.
Looking at Mr. Cao, Ye Fan nodded with a smile, "Mr. Cao is too kind. If you invite me personally and I refuse, wouldn't that be a lack of respect?
Moreover, in the antique circle of Jiangcheng, I believe you, Mr. Cao, are the ultimate authority. No one would dare to disobey. Isn't it a pleasure in life to have such a big tree to shelter under?"
Ye Fan did not hide anything and stated his intentions directly.
"Oh? Encountered trouble? The Liu family from the Dark Alliance?"
Mr. Cao was not foolish. Upon hearing Ye Fan's words, he immediately understood what he meant.
Ye Fan nodded, "It can't be called trouble, but to live a better life, someone has to be kicked out. With my current strength, it's difficult to achieve this. Therefore, if Mr. Cao can help me, I can join the Ghost Market, and even unite the Jiangcheng antique circle into a force, which is not impossible."
Having revealed his ambitions, at this moment, even though Mr. Cao was mentally prepared, his heart still skipped a beat.
To integrate the entire antique world of Jiangcheng? This required immense courage!
It was known that the Jiangcheng antique circle was not limited to Jiangcheng; it also included upstream supply channels and downstream buyer channels.
This was a vast trading network.
Mr. Cao swallowed and finally let out a wry smile, "Young man, having ambition is a good thing."
He was intimidated by Ye Fan's grand plan but did not want to show his fear in front of Ye Fan, so he used a wry smile to cover it up.
Seeing Mr. Cao's peculiar expression, Ye Fan knew what he was worried about.
He smiled and walked up to him, "The Jiangcheng Appraisal Convention is about to be held, and I don't have any suitable treasures on hand. I wonder if Mr. Cao can help me?"
This was the direct purpose of his visit. Instead of searching one by one, it was better to look at the catalog and select them with a clear target.
Mr. Cao looked up at Ye Fan. Seeing Ye Fan's smiling face, he finally came back to his senses.
"So you want me to help you, you brat."
Ye Fan's grand vision before had indeed stunned him. It was like drawing a big picture and drawing himself into it, and the main point was to help him select treasures.
"Mr. Cao is so wise, you must have seen through my intentions already."
After all, he was asking for a favor, so Ye Fan flattered him appropriately.
As expected, Mr. Cao's smile grew wider, and he nodded, "You brat, you will surely accomplish great things."
Then, he called Wang Ping and asked him to take Ye Fan to select treasures.
...
Emerging from the Ghost Market, Ye Fan felt much relieved. The items for the Appraisal Convention were prepared, and he was just waiting for the convention to start.
"Mr. Ye, have you really become an elder of the Ghost Market?"
Sun Yilang looked at Ye Fan with envy and surprise in his eyes.
It was known that the Ghost Market never recruited staff from outside. Their choice of Ye Fan was unprecedented, and it also meant that Ye Fan's ability was truly outstanding.
Upon hearing Old Sun's words, Ye Fan smiled slightly, "To resist the Dark Alliance, the Ghost Market is the best choice."
The situation in Jiangcheng was chaotic and complex, especially with the collusion between the City Lord's Mansion and the Dark Alliance, which made them a formidable force. To deal with such an existence, without strong backing, it would be difficult for Ye Fan alone to succeed.
Sun Yilang's expression gradually turned solemn, "With this identity, the Dark Alliance will definitely be wary. However, to contend with them, we must integrate the Jiangcheng antique circle."
Having been immersed in the antique world for decades, Sun Yilang naturally knew how difficult it was to do so.
Shen Bao sighed beside him, "If all else fails, we can eliminate them all with thunderous means. Those who join our side will be given opportunities, and others will be strangled at the root."
Those who follow me live, and those who oppose me die. With the power Shen Bao currently possessed, he could achieve this.
However, Ye Fan shook his head, "Doing so might make some people fear us and submit to us, but it won't be genuine. If we rely on these people to fight desperately for us in times of danger, it's obviously impossible. Therefore, to truly win them over, we must win them with virtue."
Shen Bao frowned. Winning them with virtue? Given the nature of these merchants in Jiangcheng, how could they be persuaded?
"Mr. Ye, what should we do next?"
Sun Yilang also frowned, unsure of what to do.
After all, Ye Fan's vision was beyond their comprehension. To integrate the entire Jiangcheng antique circle required more than just courage.
Ye Fan smiled mysteriously, "Instead of waiting to die, it's better to take the initiative."
...
The next morning, in front of the Tiancheng Antique Shop, Ye Fan and Sun Yilang wore faint smiles.
Last night, Shen Bao had sent people to investigate, and the Tiancheng Antique Shop was an industry under the Liu family.
Furthermore, in Jiangcheng, the Tiancheng Antique Shop had some reputation. Although the owner, Liu Tianqi, was not a graded appraiser, his keen eye was well-known in Jiangcheng.
With the support of the Liu family behind it, the Tiancheng Antique Shop had maintained stable performance growth.
This was inseparable from Liu Tianqi's efforts.
"May I help you gentlemen? Our Tiancheng Antique Shop sells various treasures, guaranteeing that you will return with a full harvest."
A young shop assistant at the entrance had already come forward, speaking to Ye Fan and the others deliberately.
Sun Yilang stepped forward slowly, "I heard that the Tiancheng Antique Shop has a town treasure. We would like to see it. Is it convenient?"
If anyone knew the various antique shops in Jiangcheng best, it would be Sun Yilang.
Having been in the antique business for decades, he was well aware of all the antique shops in Jiangcheng.
Upon hearing Sun Yilang's words, the shop assistant's expression immediately darkened as he looked at Ye Fan and Old Sun.
"You two are here to see the town treasure?"
He narrowed his eyes, a hint of vigilance in their depths.
Sun Yilang smiled kindly, "I am acquainted with Liu Tianqi, the owner of Tiancheng Auction House. This is my business card. You can ask him."
Saying so, he took out his business card from his pocket and handed it to the young man.
Glancing at it suspiciously, he finally took it, "Please wait, distinguished guests. I will go and ask the boss immediately."
Saying that, he quickly went upstairs.
"You know Liu Tianqi?"
Ye Fan asked with a smile, looking at Sun Yilang.
This Liu Tianqi was very low-key in the antique circle. Apart from a few appearances, he had never been seen displaying his appraisal skills in public.
Therefore, not many people knew him.
He did not expect Sun Yilang to be acquainted with him.