"Mr. Li, why did you come here alone? You should have given me a heads-up," Jin Junhao greeted him with a big smile, eager to please.
In the antique business, connections are vital, and Mr. Li, along with his friend Professor Fang, were two valuable allies for Jin Junhao. But Mr. Li had just left a few days ago—why had he returned so soon? He must be satisfied with the store. The thought filled Jin Junhao with pride.
"Mm, just came to have a look," Li Honglin responded nonchalantly.
"Yes, yes, it's good to take a look around. Why don't you come inside, I'll make you some tea, haha," Jin Junhao said, laughing as he led Li Honglin toward the room.
"No, no need. I won't stay today, I've got something to do here," Li Honglin explained.
He pointed toward the neighboring store, feeling excited about soon acquiring the two small terracotta figurines. Unable to contain his joy, he said, "I really didn't expect you had such good stuff here. Haha, right next door to you—surely you know them. You knew there was good stuff here and didn't tell me? That's not fair, Old Jin."
Jin Junhao's smile froze slightly at Li Honglin's words. He felt a bit awkward but couldn't help asking, "What kind of good stuff?"
"Western Han terracotta figurines—genuine! Can you believe it?"
Western Han figurines? Could the ones he'd seen at Jin Mutong's place really be from the Western Han Dynasty? How was that possible?
Unable to resist, Jin Junhao asked, "How much did you pay?"
Li Honglin had a decent impression of Jin Junhao before, but his opinion of him had worsened after almost getting cheated at the "Treasure Hall." However, now he was both excited and eager to show off, so he didn't care. "Let me tell you, I really got a bargain this time! A pair of Western Han figurines, a pair! I got them for just three million! The girl in that shop is really nice—didn't overcharge me at all. Anyway, I need to go see my figurines, talk later!"
With that, he rushed into the shop like the wind.
Jin Junhao stood at the door of his store, his face gradually turning pale.
...
Inside the store, Jin Mutong hadn't noticed what was happening outside until Li Honglin entered. She quickly stood up and brought the box over to him.
The figurines had been restored, and Li Honglin held them lovingly, reluctant to put them down. He praised them for quite a while before noticing the box containing the two figurines. His eyes lit up.
"This box is quite interesting."
Seeing his interest, Jin Mutong said, "I couldn't just hand them over without proper packaging. This box seems to suit the figurines, and it'll also help you store them safely."
Li Honglin picked up the box and examined it closely. After a while, he looked at it with a complicated expression.
"Xiao Jin, you've struck gold. After a good look, this box is made of agarwood, and it's got some age to it. See the patina on the surface? It's at least from the Republican era. Agarwood is incredibly valuable and hard to come by nowadays. Are you sure you want to give me this box for free?"
Jin Mutong was a bit surprised. The box that she'd bought for fifty yuan was actually worth that much?
But she was relieved. The box had been chosen by the brothers, the little figurines. If Li Honglin liked it, the brothers would have a good home inside it.
"Yes, yes, as long as you like it, that's what matters," Jin Mutong waved her hand.
Li Honglin, however, felt a little embarrassed. "How could I accept this? You already restored the figurines for free, and now I'm getting this agarwood box as well."
Jin Mutong laughed, "It's my honor to know you and Professor Fang. I should be the one thanking you for purchasing these figurines."
Feeling pleased, Li Honglin found the girl even more likable. He handed her a business card.
"Here's my card. If there's anything I can help with in the future, don't hesitate to call me. I also have many friends in the collecting world. If you come across suitable antiques, let me know."
Jin Mutong accepted the card with both hands, her eyes showing a hint of joy. "Of course."
Her uncle was right: to establish oneself in this industry, connections were essential. This Mr. Li was clearly influential. He had just spent three million on antiques without hesitation and was friends with Professor Fang. She might need his help in the future.
After that, Li Honglin went to the bank to pay the remainder, completing the transaction. Jin Mutong carefully wrapped the two small figurines and handed them over to him.
As he left, Jin Mutong looked at the figurines with a hint of melancholy.
This was the first time she had ever held an antique in her hands, and also the first time she had restored one. She had heard their story and done everything she could to reunite the two brothers.
In the short time she had spent with them, she had grown attached to the small figurines.
But she also knew that going with Li Honglin was the best destiny for the figurines. There, they would never again gather dust and would finally receive the respect they deserved.
With that thought, her gaze softened, and just then, the little figurine looked back at her.
In that moment of eye contact, the figurine beamed a big smile and waved at her enthusiastically. "Goodbye, Big Sis! I had so much fun with you! Thank you!"
Jin Mutong smiled, her nose inexplicably tingling as she waved back gently and silently mouthed, "Goodbye."
As soon as she finished speaking, it was as if two figures appeared on the bodies of the small terracotta figurines. They were none other than the brothers who had created them.
The elder brother gazed at his younger brother with gentle, warm affection. Then, he looked up with gratitude at Jin Mutong and said in a warm voice, "Fan sincerely thanks the young lady."
At that moment, Jin Mutong froze in place.
Li Honglin and the small terracotta figurines completely disappeared, and Jin Mutong stared at the direction they had left, her heart racing. She hadn't expected that after taking over "Pinggu Zhai," she would witness the story of the Fan brothers and meet these adorable little terracotta figurines. It felt wonderful.
She took out her notebook and solemnly recorded the sale of the two small figurines, writing at the end:
"Two thousand years ago, Fan Lin could not wait for his elder brother. Two thousand years later, the little terracotta brothers were reunited. 'Pinggu Zhai' was fortunate to witness their story, and I hope they will stay together forever."
At that moment, Hua softly said, "You've grown a lot over the past few days."
Jin Mutong, suddenly complimented, felt both happy and a bit embarrassed. "Really? I haven't really noticed it myself."
"You seem to have developed a different kind of feeling toward antiques."
Jin Mutong reflected, "Yes, I never knew there were such touching stories behind antiques. I think I'm gradually becoming more interested in restoring them."
Hua asked, "Now that you've secured three million in funds, there's no problem keeping 'Pinggu Zhai' running. What are your plans moving forward?"
Jin Mutong thought for a moment and said, "The immediate priority is to help my parents pay off part of their debt, keep some money for the daily expenses of 'Pinggu Zhai,' and continue learning antique restoration while seeking out more antiques."
Hua replied, "I'm sure you'll do great. Keep going."
...
As soon as Li Honglin's three million yuan arrived, Jin Mutong immediately transferred the ten thousand yuan owed to Zhu Yaqiang in Nancheng, clearing the debt, and still had two million nine hundred thousand yuan left.
With the New Year approaching, Jin Mutong went to the mall to buy two down jackets, a set of skincare products, and a scarf for her mother. For her father, she bought a wool coat, a pair of leather shoes, and a genuine leather wallet. She also ordered a few small household appliances for the elderly online and went to the supermarket to buy some delicious food.
Due to the debts, the family had been living frugally. Although the money she'd earned wasn't enough to clear all the debt, it was enough to ease the financial strain. With the New Year coming up, bringing home some things would at least make her parents happy.
Carrying several bags, Jin Mutong returned home. As she approached her building, she saw the neighbors gathered downstairs, gossiping.
Her home was located in the old part of Jincheng, inside the second ring. Most of the residential buildings there had been built in the 1980s and 90s, and the old neighbors had all watched her grow up.
Seeing her return, the uncles and aunties quickly gathered around her. "Mutong, you're finally back. Something's happened at your home."
Jin Mutong asked, "What happened?"
"You don't know? Your dad's creditors, the loan sharks he borrowed money from after his business failed, have shown up. They've trapped your parents inside, demanding money."
"Mutong, you're a young girl. It's best not to go up there. There are a lot of them, and we heard they even brought iron rods. It's really scary."
"Yes, we've already reported it to the police. Just wait a bit longer, the police will be here soon. Don't confront them yourself, let the police handle it!"
Jin Mutong grew anxious upon hearing this. Her parents were upstairs, and she had no idea how things were going. How could she wait? She dashed upstairs, taking the steps two at a time until she reached her home on the sixth floor.
The doorway was a mess, splattered with red paint, and the words "Repay your debt, it's only right!" were scrawled on the wall.
The scene, straight out of a TV drama, was now at her own doorstep, and her heart clenched.
The door was ajar. She took a deep breath and pushed it open.
Inside, things were not as chaotic as she had imagined. She made her way to the living room.
Her father was negotiating with someone. When he heard movement, he turned around and saw his daughter had returned.
"Mutong, why are you back? Who told you to come home?" Jin Weiming, who had been calm until now, finally lost his composure when he saw his daughter.
"Dad, when did we take out a loan from loan sharks? Didn't you only borrow from the bank before?" Jin Mutong was confused.
Jin Weiming averted his gaze. He already felt guilty enough toward his wife and daughter and couldn't bear to tell his precious daughter that he'd buckled under pressure and borrowed a million from the loan sharks.
A man in a floral shirt, lounging on the sofa, glanced at Jin Mutong. "You're the daughter of the family? Ha, so you don't know your family owes money, huh? You better figure it out, because we're not unreasonable. We're here to collect. If you don't pay up, well, let's just say things won't go well for you."
Jin Weiming, trembling with anger, said, "I borrowed the money on a six-month term, and it's only been three months! How am I supposed to repay it when you're causing trouble at my door like this?"
The man in the floral shirt snapped, "Enough with the excuses! You owe us money, so pay up! You think owing money makes you the victim here?"
Jin Mutong pulled her father aside. "Dad, how much did you borrow from the loan sharks?"
Seeing that there was no point in hiding it anymore, Jin Weiming sighed. "Mutong, this has nothing to do with you. Don't get involved. Go back to the shop, or better yet, stay with Weiwei for a while until I've handled this. Be good, alright?"
"Dad, just tell me how much we owe today," Jin Mutong asked anxiously.
The man in the floral shirt, crossing his legs, replied, "I'll tell you. Your dad borrowed one million three months ago. Now, with the interest, it's one million one hundred thousand. Pay up, and we'll be out of here."
Jin Mutong was taken aback. Three months of compound interest had added ten thousand yuan to the debt.
"Do you have the loan agreement?" she asked, stepping forward.
The man in the floral shirt pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it in front of her.
"See? Your dad's signature and fingerprint are right here."
Jin Mutong carefully examined the terms. It was indeed a loan shark agreement.
"So, are you going to pay or not?" the man demanded menacingly.
"I agreed to a six-month term!" Jin Weiming protested.
But Jin Mutong walked up to the man in the floral shirt and said, "We can repay the debt, including the interest, today. But you'll have to compensate me for the damage you did to our walls."
The man's face lit up with glee, but then darkened. "Are you messing with me?"
Jin Mutong said coldly, "It's only right to repay a debt. You're doing your job, and I don't have an issue with that. But the loan agreement clearly states a six-month term, and it's only been three months. You've caused a great deal of trouble for my family by coming early and damaging the walls. How do you explain that?"
The man narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"
"Deduct one thousand yuan for the cost of repainting the walls, and I'll pay the remaining one million and ninety thousand right now."