Chapter 55 Lets Hangout Together

Collecting was Ding Wen's most excellent hobby, and he didn't limit himself to antique watches. He was also interested in calligraphy, paintings, bronzes, porcelain, coins, and other collectibles.

One of his prized collections included several pieces of pastel porcelain from the Qing Dynasty. His passion for collecting had taken him to various antique markets and auctions, and he was always searching for the next unique and valuable addition to his collection.

Ding Wen was amazed and excited as he stood and walked over to the two Famille rose porcelain vases. He was surprised that Liu Yong had used Qing Dynasty pastels as decorations in his office and couldn't contain his admiration.

"Brother Yong, you are so clever! Using such precious Qing Dynasty pastels to decorate your office is amazing!"

Ding Wen exclaimed, impressed with Liu Yong's taste and appreciation for rare and valuable antiques.

Ding Wen smiled and carefully picked up one of the family rose vases to appreciate it closely. He was fascinated by the vase's delicate details and rich colors. After a few minutes, he gently placed it back on the table.

"Brother Yong, these two pastels are really treasures. If you ever want to sell them, please let me know first," Ding Wen said with a smile.

Liu Yong laughed and said, "Sure, I'll keep that in mind. But for now, let's focus on our current business dealings."

Ding Wen nodded and continued their conversation about the transaction they had just completed. However, Ding Wen couldn't help but steal glances at the two pastels from time to time, already imagining where he would display them in his collection.

Ding Wen smiled, took out a pair of white gloves from his pocket, and put

them on, then carefully picked up the pastel porcelain bottle and looked at it.

After admiring it for several minutes, he put down the porcelain vase and exclaimed:

"It's really beautiful, a rare boutique. Although it doesn't have a model, I suspect it is also from Jingdezhen."

Ding Wen examined one object before moving on to another to appreciate it. His eyes sparkled excitedly as he read "Made in the Kangxi Period of the Qing Dynasty" on the second object. Turning to Brother Yong, he exclaimed,

"This is a piece from the official kiln! I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon it today."

Kangxi famille rose porcelain is already scarce, and those from the official kiln are rare. While Ding Wen's collection includes two or three pieces of Qing Dynasty famille rose porcelain, they are unmarked and likely from a folk kiln rather than the official kiln.

Seeing Ding Wen's surprise, Liu Yong smiled happily, satisfied with his reaction.

Ding Wen gazed at the porcelain pieces for several minutes before finally speaking up, "Brother Yong, would you be willing to part with these two pieces of famille rose and sell them to me?" His expression turned to plead as he awaited a response.

Liu Yong was straightforward: "Yes, no problem, as long as the price is right."

Ding Wen suddenly elated and exclaimed,

"Brother Yong, you are so loyal. From this day forward, you will be my big brother, and I'll stick with you."

Liu Yong was taken aback and remained stunned for some time.

"Yes, I have messed with you. You are my brother Yong. If there is any time, just say a word, and I will go through fire and water."

Ding Wen said again.

Liu Yong replied,

"There's no need to go through great lengths. We truly know each other and have become friends. Let's stay in touch and get together more often in the future."

Ding Wen nodded quickly.

Liu Yong recommended finding a professional organization to appraise and determine the value of the items. Once established a price, the transaction can occur, and get the payment before the things are delivered.

Ding Wen agreed with Liu Yong's suggestion, stating that it was the fairest way to proceed with the transaction. However, he should have mentioned needing a few days to raise the money. As a sophomore in college, he didn't have any income and would need to ask his father for financial support.

Ding Wen credited his father's financial support for enabling him to build such an impressive collection. He reluctantly returned the two pieces of famille rose porcelain to their original places, urging Liu Yong to keep them safe for him and never sell them to anyone else. Liu Yong readily agreed to honor Ding Wen's wishes.

Just as he was about to chat with Liu Yong again, Ding Wen's eyes were suddenly attracted, and he walked quickly to the glass cabinet in the office and looked at the gold and silver coins in the cabinet through the glass.

"Fuck, Brother Yong, it's unreasonable. How can you have so many foreign gold and silver coins?"

Ding Wen asked.

Ding Wen also collects coins, but most are domestic, with few foreign gold and silver coins. Now, he saw more than a hundred coins at once.

Observing Ding Wen's excitement, Liu Yong couldn't help but laugh joyfully. The surprise positively impacted both of them and having such a friend in their lives felt good. Liu Yong felt grateful that he could turn to Ding Wen to lift his spirits when feeling down.

Ding Wen would have refrained from doing it and insisted otherwise if he knew what Liu Yong was thinking. It left Ding Wen surprised and happy.

"I am unsurprised that you have collected so many foreign gold and silver coins. It's only natural given your impressive abilities," commented Ding Wen.

"But can I take a look at them through the glass?"

Liu Yong replied, "Certainly."

After getting permission, Ding Wen opened the cabinet's glass door, picked up a gold coin, looked at it, and picked up another one after looking at it for a while.

He watched it for at least ten minutes.

He reluctantly put down the gold coins in his hand, his expression showing both envy and longing as if he wished he owned them himself.

"Brother, can I take a photo?" he asked. "I'll help you find someone who can identify which countries issued these gold and silver coins, as well as their respective values."

"Of course, you can take as many pictures as you'd like," replied Liu Yong, "Just make sure to arrange them neatly afterwards."

With happiness written all over his face, Ding Wen eagerly retrieved his mobile phone and took individual pictures of each gold and silver coin, capturing both their front and back sides. It took him over ten minutes to photograph more than a hundred coins.

Liu Yong was embarrassed and said, "But, I have already made an appointment with my girlfriend, and we have dinner together at noon today."

Ding Wen waved his hand, "It's easy, call my sister-in-law together, and the three of us will eat together. I know a good seafood restaurant. Let's go there now."

After hesitating, Liu Yong still agreed: "Okay, then you go first, send me the location when you arrive, and I will pick up my girlfriend first."

"Okay man!"

He said.

Initially, Li Changle could take a taxi herself, but Liu Yong would still pick her up. After a while, Chen Hu drove to the No. 2 Middle School of Huahai City.

It was already around 12:30 noon when Liu Yong picked up Li Changle and arrived at the restaurant Ding Wen mentioned.

After parking the car, Liu Yong said: "Chen Hu, you are also together."

Chen Hu felt a slight sense of emotion stirring within him. Being nothing more than a driver and bodyguard, he had intended to wait for his boss to enter the restaurant before finding a nearby place to eat and satiate his hunger.

Upon first glance, Chen Hu could tell that the restaurant was of a high caliber. Being brought to such a high-end establishment by his boss for dinner, he felt a sense of warmth and gratitude in his heart.

Soon after, Ding Wen arrived and opened the menu, and ordered the dishes.