Chapter 149: 2.7 million
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Chapter 149: 2.7 million
6 days later.
Zhejiang Province Lin'an District.
Branch Bureau Deputy Chief Xu Yan lead the team to Zhejiang Province. The group consists of another Branch Bureau Deputy Chief, Zhao Jingxi, a Deputy Director from the Finance Department, an old officer from the Sixth Bureau, a Section Chief, and a staff member, Xiao Gao from the Political Section and a few others. With Dong Xuebing, there were precisely 10 members. After alighting from the place, Xu Yan brought the team to check in to their hotel. The rooms were assigned, and after they kept their luggage, it was free and easy time. This "study" tour will last for 3 days. Other than visiting Lin'an District's State Security, they were free to do whatever they want. If any members wish to stay outside of the hotel overnight, they have to inform the team leader first.
Hotel. Room 3026.
The room was nicely renovated, and the décor was elegant. This was not a cheap hotel.
Dong Xuebing and Political Section Xiao Gao were assigned to a room. Dong Xuebing still has not reached the rank where he could get his own room. But Xu Yan took special care of him and gave him the biggest room.
Xiao Gao looked around the spacious room. "Chief Dong, thank you. If it is not for you, I will not get to stay in this room."
Dong Xuebing dropped his luggage by the bed. "Haha, where are you going later? Are there any famous attractions here in Lin'an?"
"Ah... There are many interesting places like mountains and rivers here. I had read up a tourist brochure while on the flight. Errr... if you don't mind, can I follow you around in the afternoon?" Other government agencies could bring their family members along on official visits. But State Security was different. This trip was a bit boring. What can one do alone? That's why Xiao Gao wishes to tag along with Chief Xiao Dong. At the same time, he hopes he would be able to foster a closer relationship with him.
Dong Xuebing laughed. "I'm sorry. I still have something to do later."
Xiao Gao quickly waves his hand. "It's fine."
After a while, Xiao Gao called that old officer from the Sixth Bureau and a few others to go out.
Dong Xuebing was alone in the room and went to take a shower. After drying his hair, he laid on his bed and called Qu Yunxuan. "Hello, Xiao Xuanxuan, I am in Lin'an now."
"Call me, Aunt!"
"Ah, what's wrong with you? Oh, where are you now?"
"I just arrived in Shanghai. I am asking one of my friends to teach me about business."
"Huh? How long has it been? You still have not decided what business to do? Stop deliberating. Just pick the industry you like. It doesn't matter even if you lose money!"
"How can you say that? The money is your hard-earned money. I must plan ahead and make preparations."
"Errr.... Then what's your plan?"
Qu Yunxuan paused for a while. "I will tell you my plan, and you see if it will work. Hehe, I think that since you are about to find treasures easily, how about we go into antiques and collection business? You can find precious ancient coins, pearl necklaces, ancient government kiln's bowl easily, and know about stone gambling. Also, there are more and more people going into this hobby. We will have many business opportunities. These few days, I have been reading up in this field." L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
Dong Xuebing's eyes brighten up. His BACK will be handy in this antique business and stone gambling. There was no way for him to make any losses. "Good idea! What are you going to do? Antique shop?"
"If we are going to set up an Antique shop, it will only be a small business. If we are going to do a rare stone business, a piece of high-grade jade stone will cost over a million RMB. If we are doing porcelain and ancient painting business, our cost will also be very high. Even ordinary paintings and porcelain cost a few hundred thousand. We only have 2 million, and it is not enough."
Dong Xuebing also felt the same. "You have any solutions?"
"Yes. What do you think of setting up an auction house?"
Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "It's a good idea. But our investment will be much higher."
"High investment is a must. But it should not be higher than setting up a high-grade antique shop. Those antiques for going for auction are also not bought by the auction houses. The sellers only sign a contract and leave their antiques with the auction house. Even if the item is sold for a low price, there will not be any losses for the auction house. The auction house will still get a cut from the transaction. Of course, the cost of an auction house is also very high. In the initial stage, we have to think of ways to persuade people to sell their antiques through us. We need to market our services and rent venues for our auctions. The staff we hire must include experts, etc. But I still think that this business will work."
"Is 2 million RMB enough?"
"It's not enough for sure. I come to Shanghai to visit a friend to ask about this business. When I was working in a newspaper agency, I know a lot of people. One relative of this friend owns an antique business and understand this industry inside out. I had spoken briefly with him, and he said we need at least 3 million RMB to set up a small auction house in a second-tier city."
"Then, we do not have enough funds."
Qu Yunxuan paused for a while and said. "We are only a bit short. My friend might also be interested in working with us. If you decide to set up an auction house, I will speak to him."
Dong Xuebing frowned. "Aunt Xuan, I disagree."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't mind setting up an auction house. This is a good idea and has a good prospect. But I do not want to partner with someone else. I want this business to belong to both of us only." Dong Xuebing felt it would be troublesome if there were other partners. He knew that he would increase his investments in this company in the future. If there is one more partner, the share proportion will be complicated.
"Haha, ok. I will listen to you."
"Yes."
"Then, should we set up a small antique shop with the 2 million?"
Dong Xuebing thought for a while and said. "We will set up an auction house. It is only about money, right? I am now in Lin'an. Changhua Chicken-Blood Stone and Field-yellow stone is found here. I can go stone gambling later in the afternoon. We are only short of a few hundred thousand to a million, right?"
"Stone gambling is too risky."
"Aunt Xuan, I will not suggest this if I am not confident. Just listen to me."
After hanging up, Dong Xuebing got off the bed and took out a bag from his luggage. Dong Xuebing did not come here for a holiday. It was not easy for him to go to Zhejiang Province again, and he must make full use of this trip to make some money. He had prepared 100,000 RMB for this trip. But because he was traveling with his colleagues, he dare not bring too much cash. If his money is not enough, he can call Aunt Xuan to transfer some over.
Dong Xuebing had accumulated 12 times of BACK, and it should be enough.
After leaving the hotel, Dong Xuebing walked around the City's streets, asking people if there were any places for stone gambling. Although Chicken-Blood Stone was found in Lin'an, there were no places selling uncut stones. After asking many people, Dong Xuebing finally met an old man who gave him an address.
This was an old shop, and the signboard was faded.
Dong Xuebing stood in front of the shop and looked around, before entering the small shop. There were many Chicken-Blood Stone seals on display at the counter. The seals were bright red. On a shelf, there were 7 to 8 pieces of Chicken-Blood Stones and Field-yellow stone artifacts. However, there were no uncut stones.
"Boss" Dong Xuebing pointed to a seal on the counter. "How much is this?"
The boss of the shop was a middle-aged man with small eyes. "This seal is 70% red and is considered 'Big Red Coat'. It is worth at least 800,000 RMB."
It was bright red, and the density of the red color was dense. This was the highest-grade Chicken-Blood Stone, Big Red Coat!
Dong Xuebing was also stunned. Who would expect the part where there was almost no red color on the surface will be bright red inside? This stone was not a big piece, but the red color parts were enough to make a seal. A Chicken-Blood Stone Big Red Coat Seal!
That man started laughing! He would earn a few hundred thousand!
The color and density of the red were scarce!
Dong Xuebing finally got his chance. BACK! BACK! He used two BACKs in a row!
...
The scenes flashed before Dong Xuebing's eyes!
It was two minutes ago!
"Damn! This is my second stone! Anyone wants to buy this stone? The back of the stone is still not cut. You all can try your luck. I had paid 80,000 RMB for this stone, and I am selling it at 30,000 RMB now!"
"Just cut it yourself!"
"Hahaha, who will buy it?"
"If you are selling it for a few thousand, maybe you will get a buyer."
The man had given up hope on this stone. He was thinking of lowering his losses. But he knew the people there were not idiots. No one would want to buy this stone. He thought to himself. Since no one is willing to buy, he might as well keep it for himself. He turned to the shop assistant.
"Wait a minute." Someone among the crowd said.
That man turned and asked. "What is it? You want to buy this stone?"
It was Dong Xuebing. "I am interested in this stone. But the price you asked for is ridiculous. I can buy an uncut stone with 30,000 RMB. Why should I buy this from you?"
That man looked at Dong Xuebing and knew he was a noob in stone gambling. However, he was overjoyed when he saw Dong Xuebing was interested in buying this stone. He asked. "Alright. Make an offer." That man did not want to continue cutting the stone. He knew this stone would worth only a few thousand if he carries on cutting it. He might as well sell it.
Dong Xuebing was lazy to bargain with him. "10,000 RMB."
The crowded was shocked. They thought this person was crazy. 10,000 RMB was enough to get a small uncut stone.
That man was laughing in his heart. "No. At least 25,000 RMB."
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Forget it."
"Wait!" That man tried to bargain a while more, but in the end, he sold the stone to Dong Xuebing at 10,000 RMB.
Dong Xuebing took out 10,000 RMB from his bag and gave it to that man. That man was overjoyed as he had minimalized his losses. The crowd looked at Dong Xuebing and shook their heads. This person must not know anything about stone gambling. He doesn't even know the market price of Chicken-Blood Stone.
Dong Xuebing looked at that shop assistant. "Can you help me cut it?"
The shop assistant nodded. He also does not believe this stone would be red inside. He carried on cutting the stone from another angel.
1 cut...
2 cuts...
3 cuts....
The shop assistant only made 3 simple cuts!
But after the third cut, everyone drew in a deep breath!
The whole surface area was bright red!
Sudden! This was too sudden! No one was prepared for this to happen!
1 second... 2 seconds... 3 seconds...
The crowd looked at each other and were speechless!
This was not a waste stone! This was the top-grade Chicken-Blood Stone!
The man, who sold this stone to Dong Xuebing, turned green! He hit himself on his lap in regret. Why did I sell it? Why didn't I continue?!
This is stone gambling. No one knows what is inside an uncut stone.
"Young man, do you want to sell this Big Red Coat?" The shop assistant asked and then run out to get his boss.
A young man said: "I offer 400,000 RMB!"
A middle-aged man asked: "550,000 RMB! Are you selling? If you agree, I will write you a cheque now!"
"Sell it to me at 550,000 RMB!"
Big Red Coat was extremely rare, and the crowd started to make offers.
Dong Xuebing was not in a rush to sell it. He listened to the offers patiently.
The boss arrived at the backyard. "Big Red Coat? Where is it?" The boss saw the half-cut stone on the floor and squat down to get a closer look. He nodded: "This is a quality stone. Young man, this stone belongs to you? You are very lucky. I do not know about how much other people offered you, but I have a 700,000 RMB cheque with me. Do you want to sell it?
Everyone heard 700,000 RMB and stopped making offers.
Dong Xuebing was jumping with joy in his heart. He thought for a while and nodded.
With this 700,000 RMB, Dong Xuebing's total assets had reached 2.7 million RMB!
It is sufficient to set up a small auction company!
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 149: 2.7 million
6 days later.
Zhejiang Province Lin'an District.
Branch Bureau Deputy Chief Xu Yan lead the team to Zhejiang Province. The group consists of another Branch Bureau Deputy Chief, Zhao Jingxi, a Deputy Director from the Finance Department, an old officer from the Sixth Bureau, a Section Chief, and a staff member, Xiao Gao from the Political Section and a few others. With Dong Xuebing, there were precisely 10 members. After alighting from the place, Xu Yan brought the team to check in to their hotel. The rooms were assigned, and after they kept their luggage, it was free and easy time. This "study" tour will last for 3 days. Other than visiting Lin'an District's State Security, they were free to do whatever they want. If any members wish to stay outside of the hotel overnight, they have to inform the team leader first.
Hotel. Room 3026.
The room was nicely renovated, and the décor was elegant. This was not a cheap hotel.
Dong Xuebing and Political Section Xiao Gao were assigned to a room. Dong Xuebing still has not reached the rank where he could get his own room. But Xu Yan took special care of him and gave him the biggest room.
Xiao Gao looked around the spacious room. "Chief Dong, thank you. If it is not for you, I will not get to stay in this room."
Dong Xuebing dropped his luggage by the bed. "Haha, where are you going later? Are there any famous attractions here in Lin'an?"
"Ah... There are many interesting places like mountains and rivers here. I had read up a tourist brochure while on the flight. Errr... if you don't mind, can I follow you around in the afternoon?" Other government agencies could bring their family members along on official visits. But State Security was different. This trip was a bit boring. What can one do alone? That's why Xiao Gao wishes to tag along with Chief Xiao Dong. At the same time, he hopes he would be able to foster a closer relationship with him.
Dong Xuebing laughed. "I'm sorry. I still have something to do later."
Xiao Gao quickly waves his hand. "It's fine."
After a while, Xiao Gao called that old officer from the Sixth Bureau and a few others to go out.
Dong Xuebing was alone in the room and went to take a shower. After drying his hair, he laid on his bed and called Qu Yunxuan. "Hello, Xiao Xuanxuan, I am in Lin'an now."
"Call me, Aunt!"
"Ah, what's wrong with you? Oh, where are you now?"
"I just arrived in Shanghai. I am asking one of my friends to teach me about business."
"Huh? How long has it been? You still have not decided what business to do? Stop deliberating. Just pick the industry you like. It doesn't matter even if you lose money!"
"How can you say that? The money is your hard-earned money. I must plan ahead and make preparations."
"Errr.... Then what's your plan?"
Qu Yunxuan paused for a while. "I will tell you my plan, and you see if it will work. Hehe, I think that since you are about to find treasures easily, how about we go into antiques and collection business? You can find precious ancient coins, pearl necklaces, ancient government kiln's bowl easily, and know about stone gambling. Also, there are more and more people going into this hobby. We will have many business opportunities. These few days, I have been reading up in this field." L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
Dong Xuebing's eyes brighten up. His BACK will be handy in this antique business and stone gambling. There was no way for him to make any losses. "Good idea! What are you going to do? Antique shop?"
"If we are going to set up an Antique shop, it will only be a small business. If we are going to do a rare stone business, a piece of high-grade jade stone will cost over a million RMB. If we are doing porcelain and ancient painting business, our cost will also be very high. Even ordinary paintings and porcelain cost a few hundred thousand. We only have 2 million, and it is not enough."
Dong Xuebing also felt the same. "You have any solutions?"
"Yes. What do you think of setting up an auction house?"
Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "It's a good idea. But our investment will be much higher."
"High investment is a must. But it should not be higher than setting up a high-grade antique shop. Those antiques for going for auction are also not bought by the auction houses. The sellers only sign a contract and leave their antiques with the auction house. Even if the item is sold for a low price, there will not be any losses for the auction house. The auction house will still get a cut from the transaction. Of course, the cost of an auction house is also very high. In the initial stage, we have to think of ways to persuade people to sell their antiques through us. We need to market our services and rent venues for our auctions. The staff we hire must include experts, etc. But I still think that this business will work."
"Is 2 million RMB enough?"
"It's not enough for sure. I come to Shanghai to visit a friend to ask about this business. When I was working in a newspaper agency, I know a lot of people. One relative of this friend owns an antique business and understand this industry inside out. I had spoken briefly with him, and he said we need at least 3 million RMB to set up a small auction house in a second-tier city."
"Then, we do not have enough funds."
Qu Yunxuan paused for a while and said. "We are only a bit short. My friend might also be interested in working with us. If you decide to set up an auction house, I will speak to him."
Dong Xuebing frowned. "Aunt Xuan, I disagree."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't mind setting up an auction house. This is a good idea and has a good prospect. But I do not want to partner with someone else. I want this business to belong to both of us only." Dong Xuebing felt it would be troublesome if there were other partners. He knew that he would increase his investments in this company in the future. If there is one more partner, the share proportion will be complicated.
"Haha, ok. I will listen to you."
"Yes."
"Then, should we set up a small antique shop with the 2 million?"
Dong Xuebing thought for a while and said. "We will set up an auction house. It is only about money, right? I am now in Lin'an. Changhua Chicken-Blood Stone and Field-yellow stone is found here. I can go stone gambling later in the afternoon. We are only short of a few hundred thousand to a million, right?"
"Stone gambling is too risky."
"Aunt Xuan, I will not suggest this if I am not confident. Just listen to me."
After hanging up, Dong Xuebing got off the bed and took out a bag from his luggage. Dong Xuebing did not come here for a holiday. It was not easy for him to go to Zhejiang Province again, and he must make full use of this trip to make some money. He had prepared 100,000 RMB for this trip. But because he was traveling with his colleagues, he dare not bring too much cash. If his money is not enough, he can call Aunt Xuan to transfer some over.
Dong Xuebing had accumulated 12 times of BACK, and it should be enough.
After leaving the hotel, Dong Xuebing walked around the City's streets, asking people if there were any places for stone gambling. Although Chicken-Blood Stone was found in Lin'an, there were no places selling uncut stones. After asking many people, Dong Xuebing finally met an old man who gave him an address.
This was an old shop, and the signboard was faded.
Dong Xuebing stood in front of the shop and looked around, before entering the small shop. There were many Chicken-Blood Stone seals on display at the counter. The seals were bright red. On a shelf, there were 7 to 8 pieces of Chicken-Blood Stones and Field-yellow stone artifacts. However, there were no uncut stones.
"Boss" Dong Xuebing pointed to a seal on the counter. "How much is this?"
The boss of the shop was a middle-aged man with small eyes. "This seal is 70% red and is considered 'Big Red Coat'. It is worth at least 800,000 RMB."
It was bright red, and the density of the red color was dense. This was the highest-grade Chicken-Blood Stone, Big Red Coat!
Dong Xuebing was also stunned. Who would expect the part where there was almost no red color on the surface will be bright red inside? This stone was not a big piece, but the red color parts were enough to make a seal. A Chicken-Blood Stone Big Red Coat Seal!
That man started laughing! He would earn a few hundred thousand!
The color and density of the red were scarce!
Dong Xuebing finally got his chance. BACK! BACK! He used two BACKs in a row!
...
The scenes flashed before Dong Xuebing's eyes!
It was two minutes ago!
"Damn! This is my second stone! Anyone wants to buy this stone? The back of the stone is still not cut. You all can try your luck. I had paid 80,000 RMB for this stone, and I am selling it at 30,000 RMB now!"
"Just cut it yourself!"
"Hahaha, who will buy it?"
"If you are selling it for a few thousand, maybe you will get a buyer."
The man had given up hope on this stone. He was thinking of lowering his losses. But he knew the people there were not idiots. No one would want to buy this stone. He thought to himself. Since no one is willing to buy, he might as well keep it for himself. He turned to the shop assistant.
"Wait a minute." Someone among the crowd said.
That man turned and asked. "What is it? You want to buy this stone?"
It was Dong Xuebing. "I am interested in this stone. But the price you asked for is ridiculous. I can buy an uncut stone with 30,000 RMB. Why should I buy this from you?"
That man looked at Dong Xuebing and knew he was a noob in stone gambling. However, he was overjoyed when he saw Dong Xuebing was interested in buying this stone. He asked. "Alright. Make an offer." That man did not want to continue cutting the stone. He knew this stone would worth only a few thousand if he carries on cutting it. He might as well sell it.
Dong Xuebing was lazy to bargain with him. "10,000 RMB."
The crowded was shocked. They thought this person was crazy. 10,000 RMB was enough to get a small uncut stone.
That man was laughing in his heart. "No. At least 25,000 RMB."
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Forget it."
"Wait!" That man tried to bargain a while more, but in the end, he sold the stone to Dong Xuebing at 10,000 RMB.
Dong Xuebing took out 10,000 RMB from his bag and gave it to that man. That man was overjoyed as he had minimalized his losses. The crowd looked at Dong Xuebing and shook their heads. This person must not know anything about stone gambling. He doesn't even know the market price of Chicken-Blood Stone.
Dong Xuebing looked at that shop assistant. "Can you help me cut it?"
The shop assistant nodded. He also does not believe this stone would be red inside. He carried on cutting the stone from another angel.
1 cut...
2 cuts...
3 cuts....
The shop assistant only made 3 simple cuts!
But after the third cut, everyone drew in a deep breath!
The whole surface area was bright red!
Sudden! This was too sudden! No one was prepared for this to happen!
1 second... 2 seconds... 3 seconds...
The crowd looked at each other and were speechless!
This was not a waste stone! This was the top-grade Chicken-Blood Stone!
The man, who sold this stone to Dong Xuebing, turned green! He hit himself on his lap in regret. Why did I sell it? Why didn't I continue?!
This is stone gambling. No one knows what is inside an uncut stone.
"Young man, do you want to sell this Big Red Coat?" The shop assistant asked and then run out to get his boss.
A young man said: "I offer 400,000 RMB!"
A middle-aged man asked: "550,000 RMB! Are you selling? If you agree, I will write you a cheque now!"
"Sell it to me at 550,000 RMB!"
Big Red Coat was extremely rare, and the crowd started to make offers.
Dong Xuebing was not in a rush to sell it. He listened to the offers patiently.
The boss arrived at the backyard. "Big Red Coat? Where is it?" The boss saw the half-cut stone on the floor and squat down to get a closer look. He nodded: "This is a quality stone. Young man, this stone belongs to you? You are very lucky. I do not know about how much other people offered you, but I have a 700,000 RMB cheque with me. Do you want to sell it?
Everyone heard 700,000 RMB and stopped making offers.
Dong Xuebing was jumping with joy in his heart. He thought for a while and nodded.
With this 700,000 RMB, Dong Xuebing's total assets had reached 2.7 million RMB!
It is sufficient to set up a small auction company!
Chapter 149: 2.7 million 6 days later. Zhejiang Province Lin'an District. Branch Bureau Deputy Chief Xu Yan lead the team to Zhejiang Province. The group consists of another Branch Bureau Deputy Chief, Zhao Jingxi, a Deputy Director from the Finance Department, an old officer from the Sixth Bureau, a Section Chief, and a staff member, Xiao Gao from the Political Section and a few others. With Dong Xuebing, there were precisely 10 members. After alighting from the place, Xu Yan brought the team to check in to their hotel. The rooms were assigned, and after they kept their luggage, it was free and easy time. This "study" tour will last for 3 days. Other than visiting Lin'an District's State Security, they were free to do whatever they want. If any members wish to stay outside of the hotel overnight, they have to inform the team leader first. Hotel. Room 3026. The room was nicely renovated, and the decor was elegant. This was not a cheap hotel. Dong Xuebing and Political Section Xiao Gao were assigned to a room. Dong Xuebing still has not reached the rank where he could get his own room. But Xu Yan took special care of him and gave him the biggest room. Xiao Gao looked around the spacious room. "Chief Dong, thank you. If it is not for you, I will not get to stay in this room." Dong Xuebing dropped his luggage by the bed. "Haha, where are you going later? Are there any famous attractions here in Lin'an?" "Ah... There are many interesting places like mountains and rivers here. I had read up a tourist brochure while on the flight. Errr... if you don't mind, can I follow you around in the afternoon?" Other government agencies could bring their family members along on official visits. But State Security was different. This trip was a bit boring. What can one do alone? That's why Xiao Gao wishes to tag along with Chief Xiao Dong. At the same time, he hopes he would be able to foster a closer relationship with him. Dong Xuebing laughed. "I'm sorry. I still have something to do later." Xiao Gao quickly waves his hand. "It's fine." After a while, Xiao Gao called that old officer from the Sixth Bureau and a few others to go out. Dong Xuebing was alone in the room and went to take a shower. After drying his hair, he laid on his bed and called Qu Yunxuan. "Hello, Xiao Xuanxuan, I am in Lin'an now." "Call me, Aunt!" "Ah, what's wrong with you? Oh, where are you now?" "I just arrived in Shanghai. I am asking one of my friends to teach me about business." "Huh? How long has it been? You still have not decided what business to do? Stop deliberating. Just pick the industry you like. It doesn't matter even if you lose money!" "How can you say that? The money is your hard-earned money. I must plan ahead and make preparations." "Errr.... Then what's your plan?" Qu Yunxuan paused for a while. "I will tell you my plan, and you see if it will work. Hehe, I think that since you are about to find treasures easily, how about we go into antiques and collection business? You can find precious ancient coins, pearl necklaces, ancient government kiln's bowl easily, and know about stone gambling. Also, there are more and more people going into this hobby. We will have many business opportunities. These few days, I have been reading up in this field." L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n.Dong Xuebing's eyes brighten up. His BACK will be handy in this antique business and stone gambling. There was no way for him to make any losses. "Good idea! What are you going to do? Antique shop?" "If we are going to set up an Antique shop, it will only be a small business. If we are going to do a rare stone business, a piece of high-grade jade stone will cost over a million RMB. If we are doing porcelain and ancient painting business, our cost will also be very high. Even ordinary paintings and porcelain cost a few hundred thousand. We only have 2 million, and it is not enough." Dong Xuebing also felt the same. "You have any solutions?" "Yes. What do you think of setting up an auction house?" Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "It's a good idea. But our investment will be much higher." "High investment is a must. But it should not be higher than setting up a high-grade antique shop. Those antiques for going for auction are also not bought by the auction houses. The sellers only sign a contract and leave their antiques with the auction house. Even if the item is sold for a low price, there will not be any losses for the auction house. The auction house will still get a cut from the transaction. Of course, the cost of an auction house is also very high. In the initial stage, we have to think of ways to persuade people to sell their antiques through us. We need to market our services and rent venues for our auctions. The staff we hire must include experts, etc. But I still think that this business will work." "Is 2 million RMB enough?" "It's not enough for sure. I come to Shanghai to visit a friend to ask about this business. When I was working in a newspaper agency, I know a lot of people. One relative of this friend owns an antique business and understand this industry inside out. I had spoken briefly with him, and he said we need at least 3 million RMB to set up a small auction house in a second-tier city." "Then, we do not have enough funds." Qu Yunxuan paused for a while and said. "We are only a bit short. My friend might also be interested in working with us. If you decide to set up an auction house, I will speak to him." Dong Xuebing frowned. "Aunt Xuan, I disagree." "What do you mean?" "I don't mind setting up an auction house. This is a good idea and has a good prospect. But I do not want to partner with someone else. I want this business to belong to both of us only." Dong Xuebing felt it would be troublesome if there were other partners. He knew that he would increase his investments in this company in the future. If there is one more partner, the share proportion will be complicated. "Haha, ok. I will listen to you." "Yes." "Then, should we set up a small antique shop with the 2 million?" Dong Xuebing thought for a while and said. "We will set up an auction house. It is only about money, right? I am now in Lin'an. Changhua Chicken-Blood Stone and Field-yellow stone is found here. I can go stone gambling later in the afternoon. We are only short of a few hundred thousand to a million, right?" "Stone gambling is too risky." "Aunt Xuan, I will not suggest this if I am not confident. Just listen to me." After hanging up, Dong Xuebing got off the bed and took out a bag from his luggage. Dong Xuebing did not come here for a holiday. It was not easy for him to go to Zhejiang Province again, and he must make full use of this trip to make some money. He had prepared 100,000 RMB for this trip. But because he was traveling with his colleagues, he dare not bring too much cash. If his money is not enough, he can call Aunt Xuan to transfer some over. Dong Xuebing had accumulated 12 times of BACK, and it should be enough. After leaving the hotel, Dong Xuebing walked around the City's streets, asking people if there were any places for stone gambling. Although Chicken-Blood Stone was found in Lin'an, there were no places selling uncut stones. After asking many people, Dong Xuebing finally met an old man who gave him an address. This was an old shop, and the signboard was faded. Dong Xuebing stood in front of the shop and looked around, before entering the small shop. There were many Chicken-Blood Stone seals on display at the counter. The seals were bright red. On a shelf, there were 7 to 8 pieces of Chicken-Blood Stones and Field-yellow stone artifacts. However, there were no uncut stones. "Boss" Dong Xuebing pointed to a seal on the counter. "How much is this?" The boss of the shop was a middle-aged man with small eyes. "This seal is 70% red and is considered 'Big Red Coat'. It is worth at least 800,000 RMB." It was bright red, and the density of the red color was dense. This was the highest-grade Chicken-Blood Stone, Big Red Coat! Dong Xuebing was also stunned. Who would expect the part where there was almost no red color on the surface will be bright red inside? This stone was not a big piece, but the red color parts were enough to make a seal. A Chicken-Blood Stone Big Red Coat Seal! That man started laughing! He would earn a few hundred thousand! The color and density of the red were scarce! Dong Xuebing finally got his chance. BACK! BACK! He used two BACKs in a row! ... The scenes flashed before Dong Xuebing's eyes! It was two minutes ago! "Damn! This is my second stone! Anyone wants to buy this stone? The back of the stone is still not cut. You all can try your luck. I had paid 80,000 RMB for this stone, and I am selling it at 30,000 RMB now!" "Just cut it yourself!" "Hahaha, who will buy it?" "If you are selling it for a few thousand, maybe you will get a buyer." The man had given up hope on this stone. He was thinking of lowering his losses. But he knew the people there were not idiots. No one would want to buy this stone. He thought to himself. Since no one is willing to buy, he might as well keep it for himself. He turned to the shop assistant. "Wait a minute." Someone among the crowd said. That man turned and asked. "What is it? You want to buy this stone?" It was Dong Xuebing. "I am interested in this stone. But the price you asked for is ridiculous. I can buy an uncut stone with 30,000 RMB. Why should I buy this from you?" That man looked at Dong Xuebing and knew he was a noob in stone gambling. However, he was overjoyed when he saw Dong Xuebing was interested in buying this stone. He asked. "Alright. Make an offer." That man did not want to continue cutting the stone. He knew this stone would worth only a few thousand if he carries on cutting it. He might as well sell it. Dong Xuebing was lazy to bargain with him. "10,000 RMB." The crowded was shocked. They thought this person was crazy. 10,000 RMB was enough to get a small uncut stone. That man was laughing in his heart. "No. At least 25,000 RMB." Dong Xuebing laughed. "Forget it." "Wait!" That man tried to bargain a while more, but in the end, he sold the stone to Dong Xuebing at 10,000 RMB. Dong Xuebing took out 10,000 RMB from his bag and gave it to that man. That man was overjoyed as he had minimalized his losses. The crowd looked at Dong Xuebing and shook their heads. This person must not know anything about stone gambling. He doesn't even know the market price of Chicken-Blood Stone. Dong Xuebing looked at that shop assistant. "Can you help me cut it?" The shop assistant nodded. He also does not believe this stone would be red inside. He carried on cutting the stone from another angel. 1 cut... 2 cuts... 3 cuts.... The shop assistant only made 3 simple cuts! But after the third cut, everyone drew in a deep breath! The whole surface area was bright red! Sudden! This was too sudden! No one was prepared for this to happen! 1 second... 2 seconds... 3 seconds... The crowd looked at each other and were speechless! This was not a waste stone! This was the top-grade Chicken-Blood Stone! The man, who sold this stone to Dong Xuebing, turned green! He hit himself on his lap in regret. Why did I sell it? Why didn't I continue?! This is stone gambling. No one knows what is inside an uncut stone. "Young man, do you want to sell this Big Red Coat?" The shop assistant asked and then run out to get his boss. A young man said: "I offer 400,000 RMB!" A middle-aged man asked: "550,000 RMB! Are you selling? If you agree, I will write you a cheque now!" "Sell it to me at 550,000 RMB!" Big Red Coat was extremely rare, and the crowd started to make offers. Dong Xuebing was not in a rush to sell it. He listened to the offers patiently. The boss arrived at the backyard. "Big Red Coat? Where is it?" The boss saw the half-cut stone on the floor and squat down to get a closer look. He nodded: "This is a quality stone. Young man, this stone belongs to you? You are very lucky. I do not know about how much other people offered you, but I have a 700,000 RMB cheque with me. Do you want to sell it? Everyone heard 700,000 RMB and stopped making offers. Dong Xuebing was jumping with joy in his heart. He thought for a while and nodded. With this 700,000 RMB, Dong Xuebing's total assets had reached 2.7 million RMB! It is sufficient to set up a small auction company!
