Chapter 123: The Feng Shui of Bengjian Market

“Yes, it’s me,” I replied in a low voice, striving to keep my tone calm and resolute.

From the other end of the line came Li Tiancheng’s voice, tinged with surprise and doubt. “Mr. Wang Hu, I never expected you to reach out to me first. That day at the bureau, I really couldn’t help you—my apologies!”

I knew exactly what he was referring to—the incident at Gao Youde’s funeral.

I said lightly, “That matter has nothing to do with you. You were only inadvertently involved. Don’t think I’m unreasonable; I judge people and situations by reason.”

Hearing this, Li Tiancheng finally relaxed.

“So, Mr. Wang Hu, is there something you need to discuss with me?”

“Tiancheng, I need your help,” I cut straight to the point, unwilling to waste time. “To be honest, I used to be under Sister Hong’s wing. Now, she has her own ideas and no longer wants to support me—she’s cast me out. So…”

Li Tiancheng fell silent for a moment, seemingly contemplating my words.

“Are you planning to find new backing?”

I shook my head. “Not backing, per se, more like a partner. You know, given my strength, I wouldn’t stoop to working under someone.”

Realizing his misstep, Li Tiancheng hastened to apologize, “I’m sorry, Mr. Wang Hu, that was a slip of the tongue. Someone like you is obviously seeking partners, not dependents.”

I smiled faintly, softening my tone. “It’s okay. I understand what you mean. Actually, I’m contacting you because I have a new plan and need your assistance.”

Li Tiancheng’s voice grew cautious. “Mr. Wang Hu, please speak freely. I will do everything within my power to help.”

I took a deep breath to steady myself. “I intend to secure a jade license. The location is already chosen—Bengjian Market. You’re a local, and your appraisal agency is top-notch. You should have some connections in this area. Could you help me smooth the way?”

Li Tiancheng considered this briefly before responding, “This isn’t difficult. I have a few friends in the relevant departments who can get it done. But, Mr. Wang Hu, you know that the Eastern District is a hotbed of disputes. Are you sure you want to open a large market there?”

“If you set up a big market, you’ll face opposition from several powerful families.”

“As for the jade license, there aren’t many left to give. Years ago, they established a seniority system to limit newcomers from encroaching on the market.”

I sighed softly, tinged with helplessness. “Tiancheng, I understand your concerns, but I’ve thought it through. The Eastern District may be fraught with troubles, but precisely because of that, it holds greater opportunities and challenges. If we can establish ourselves there, the future potential is immeasurable.”

“There isn’t a license holder in this area yet—I want to be the first.”

Li Tiancheng fell silent again, then said solemnly, “Since you’ve made up your mind, I will support you fully. Regarding the jade license, I’ll arrange for someone to start working on the connections right away.”

“Thank you, Tiancheng,” I said softly. “Can you estimate how much it will cost to secure this license?”

Li Tiancheng didn’t answer immediately, as if calculating in his mind. After a pause, he said slowly, “Mr. Wang Hu, the price won’t be low, especially in a competitive place like the Eastern District. You’re looking at at least nine figures.”

I furrowed my brow. Nine figures was no small sum.

But for the sake of the long-term plan, this investment was necessary.

I said firmly, “Money isn’t the issue. As long as I can obtain this license, I will raise the funds wholeheartedly.”

Li Tiancheng’s tone carried a hint of admiration. “Your resolve impresses me, Mr. Wang Hu. I’ll arrange for people to handle this as soon as possible and strive to secure the license promptly.”

“Good,” I nodded. “By the way, could you appraise the jade-faced fox I left at your Tiancheng Auction House? I want to know its current value.”

Li Tiancheng hesitated briefly, then replied, “Mr. Wang Hu, that jade-faced fox is indeed a fine piece. The market has been favorable recently, and the highest bidder has offered forty million. However, a precise figure requires a more thorough evaluation.”

“The auction is next month; I hope you can attend. If we get a definitive price, doubling the value shouldn’t be a problem.”

“But this is just my past experience—I can’t guarantee anything. It depends on the buyer’s eye and taste.”

I nodded, mentally calculating whether the funds could serve as startup capital.

“All right, I will definitely come to the auction.”

“No problem. I’ll arrange for someone to receive you,” Li Tiancheng said with conviction. “Also, Mr. Wang Hu, is there anything else you need my help with?”

I paused, then decided to share another plan. “Tiancheng, I’m also considering opening a high-end jade exhibition hall near Bengjian Market to attract upscale clients and investors. What do you think?”

Li Tiancheng was silent for a moment before replying slowly, “Mr. Wang Hu, that’s a visionary idea. If successful, it will not only elevate your market position, but—”

I knew those words were leading to a key point, so I pressed on, “But what?”

He hesitated, then said, “There’s a local legend here saying the feng shui of Bengjian Market is bad. The character ‘Beng’ means collapse, and many people are reluctant to bring precious jade there.”

“You know, many in our trade are quite superstitious…”

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

“I’ve never heard of that before.”

“Really?” Li Tiancheng nodded. “That’s why at the last jade gambling event at Bengjian, you probably noticed the audience wasn’t very refined. Honestly, I was only there by chance. If you hadn’t spotted the jade-faced fox…”

“I might have left within three minutes.”

“To be honest, you were the only person there who caught my eye.”

Over the years, I had toughened my mind enough to resist flattery, but Li Tiancheng’s subtle compliment was still appreciated.

I pondered for a moment and asked, “Do you believe in feng shui?”

Li Tiancheng answered, “I do. What about you? Don’t you?”

I smiled. “I believe in people. Because people are the greatest feng shui.”