Chapter Eighty-Nine: Advertisement

Qin Feng smiled slightly, his heart already calm and assured. What he needed now was momentum, to let more people know about Skywind Pavilion and that they were soon to open for business.

“Sir, five million is certainly a tempting price, but you know as well as I do—rare treasures like this are hard to come by, and once missed, may never be found again.” Qin Feng deliberately feigned hesitation. “Besides, I have a certain affection for it, after all, it was chosen from among many other collections.”

The old man frowned slightly at his words, clearly not expecting Qin Feng to refuse. Yet he quickly composed himself and spoke again, “Young man, let me be honest with you, I’ll offer sixty million for this painting. What do you say?”

Sixty million—a figure enough to tempt almost everyone present. But Qin Feng maintained his calm demeanor, gently shaking his head. “Sir, I appreciate your sincerity. However, I didn’t come here today to sell the painting. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce my soon-to-open new shop—Skywind Pavilion.”

At these words, the crowd erupted in surprise. They suddenly realized Qin Feng was here to advertise! Yet they had to admit, this move was brilliant—not only had he captured everyone’s attention, but he had also cleverly raised the reputation of Skywind Pavilion.

“If you want the painting, you can come to Skywind Pavilion once it opens. I’ll offer you the best price then. And this is not the only treasure I possess.”

Hearing this, the old man’s eyes flashed with surprise, then shifted to admiration. He realized that this young man before him not only possessed extraordinary appraisal skills, but also a remarkable business mind.

The old man smiled and nodded. “Very well. When Skywind Pavilion opens, I’ll make sure to visit in person.”

The surrounding crowd sent curious and expectant glances his way. Many began to whisper among themselves, their interest piqued by the soon-to-open Skywind Pavilion. Some were already making plans to join the excitement on opening day, hoping to find a treasure or two.

Qin Feng watched, secretly delighted. He knew that today’s move had fired the first shot for his Skywind Pavilion. Now, he needed to strike while the iron was hot and build its name far and wide.

“Thank you all for your attention and support. Skywind Pavilion will officially open next month, and there will be many more rare antiques on display. You are all welcome to visit!”

Qin Feng announced loudly, his voice full of confidence and anticipation. With his declaration, the discussions among the crowd grew even more animated. Some began to inquire about the specific location of Skywind Pavilion, while others speculated about the kinds of treasures it might house.

No sooner had Qin Feng finished speaking than someone shouted from the crowd, “Boss Qin, where exactly is your Skywind Pavilion? It’s not tucked away in some obscure corner, is it? Trying to keep us guessing?”

The speaker was a short, sharp-faced man known as Liu Ma, famed in Panjiayuan as a troublemaker. He wandered Panjiayuan all day, whether truly knowledgeable or only pretending to be, constantly criticizing others’ goods, picking faults to pressure prices. Novices, once swayed by his bluster, might really sell their treasures as worthless junk.

Qin Feng had already noticed Liu Ma lurking nearby, observing him furtively, but hadn’t bothered to engage. Now, seeing Liu Ma jump out, Qin Feng’s lips curled in a playful smile.

“You jest, my friend. If I dare make such claims, I naturally have confidence.” Qin Feng spoke unhurriedly, “Skywind Pavilion, you see, is located in the busiest area of Panjiayuan—right across from Treasure Hall, that three-story building.”

At this, a chorus of exclamations broke out.

“Across from Treasure Hall? That’s prime real estate!”

“This kid’s got nerve, opening right across from Treasure Hall!”

“Bold as brass, isn’t afraid of anything!”

Treasure Hall was the largest antique shop in Panjiayuan, and its owner, Zhao Taishan, was a renowned antique tycoon in the capital. Zhao Taishan was domineering, his influence in Panjiayuan nearly absolute. Anyone daring to compete with him was asking for trouble—like the God of Longevity eating arsenic, courting death.

Liu Ma hadn’t expected Qin Feng to reveal the shop’s location, especially right across from Treasure Hall—clearly a challenge to Zhao Taishan! His eyes shifted, realizing it was an opportunity to stir things up. He sneered, “Quite the bravado! You don’t even know whose turf Treasure Hall is, and you dare make trouble there? Aren’t you afraid you won’t even know how you died?”

The crowd watched, eager for drama, waiting to see how Qin Feng would respond.

Qin Feng remained unfazed, merely casting Liu Ma a cool glance. “I do business with fairness and competition. If the items are good and prices reasonable, I’m not afraid of customers. As for anything else, you needn’t worry yourself.”

Liu Ma wanted to retort, but a burly man beside him pulled him back.

“Liu, let it go. Their business is none of ours,” the man whispered.

Liu Ma was reluctant, but seeing the warning in the man’s eyes, he grudgingly held his tongue.

Qin Feng observed everything, and inwardly speculated about Liu Ma’s background. He guessed Liu Ma was likely sent by Zhao Taishan to gather information. However, since he dared open a shop in Panjiayuan, he was fully prepared.

“Everyone, that’s all for today. When Skywind Pavilion opens, I hope you’ll all support us!” Qin Feng clasped his hands and turned to leave.

The crowd parted, watching him go. Once Qin Feng was out of sight, the crowd erupted again.

“This kid really doesn’t know his limits!”

“I bet his shop won’t last long. Zhao Taishan will deal with him soon enough!”

“What a pity. He seems sharp, but why do something so foolish?”

Most were pessimistic, thinking Qin Feng was courting disaster. Only a few watched his departing figure with unusual glimmer in their eyes.

“Interesting, truly interesting…” An old man dressed in traditional attire, holding a folding fan, murmured to himself, a meaningful smile at his lips. “Looks like Panjiayuan is about to change…”

Qin Feng paid no mind to the surrounding chatter and returned directly to his rented courtyard.

He had been in the capital for some time, quietly observing the market and waiting for the right moment to open his shop. His bold announcement, and choosing the spot across from Treasure Hall, was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

In his hand, he held a trump card—namely, the Dragon Jade.