Ouyang Jun had known Gu Yun through Zhuang Rui before. This time, his attitude was completely different from how he treated Director Zheng. He actually took out a cigarette from his bag and offered one to Gu Yun.
"Fourth Brother, let me check the yard first. Don't worry, it'll be perfect..."
Gu Yun took the cigarette and saw that it was a giant panda cigarette. He quickly took out a lighter, covered it with his hand, and lit it for Ouyang Jun. He thought to himself that these two brothers must have taken a lot of cigarettes from their elders. However, Gu Yun did not know that Ouyang Jun had taken the cigarettes from his own father, and then Zhuang Rui had taken his.
After circling the two courtyards a few times, Gu Yun returned to the gate and said, "Fourth Brother, this courtyard is really nice. However, it used to be the residence of officials below the level of the Six Ministries. The blueprints probably haven't been preserved. If you're thinking of demolishing and rebuilding it, it might be a little different from what it is now, but it definitely won't affect the overall architectural style."
During the Qing Dynasty, there were strict rules regarding the type of residence an official could live in, its size, and square meters. Exceeding these rules was considered a violation and would result in punishment. Of course, if an official had the money to buy an outer residence, the court would turn a blind eye. As long as no one was offended, who would bother to care about such things?
The Yuanwailang that Gu Yun mentioned was an official position under the Six Ministries, equivalent to a deputy director-level cadre today, which is the same goal that Director Zheng is currently pursuing.
"I don't know anything about this. You should make the drawings first, and then we can talk about it."
Ouyang Jun felt a little resentful. The house that Zhuang Rui bought was for the heads of the Six Ministries, which was several levels higher than his own house.
"Fourth Brother, why don't you find a warmer place to talk? Where's your friend? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
It's freezing cold, and it's not like he bought the house himself. Zhuang Rui is waiting for Ouyang Jun's friend to come so he can take him to explore the old house.
Chapter 415 Uncovering the Old House (Part 2)
"I'll call him again..."
Ouyang Jun was also shivering from the cold. Standing outside in this freezing weather, the cold wind felt like knives scraping his face. It was the big star who had the foresight to wrap himself up tightly before going out, leaving only his eyes showing.
"Hey, Bai Lao Er, what are you looking at? Over here, come over here quickly..."
Just as Ouyang Jun took out his phone, he saw a person walking out of the alley, peeking out cautiously. He quickly raised his hand and called out to him.
"Hey, Brother Jun, not bad. There aren't many people in our circle who have set up a house here..."
This man seemed to have a close relationship with Ouyang Jun. Although he called him "brother," he didn't have the same obsequious manner as Director Zheng. Judging from his speech, he seemed to be doing quite well in Beijing as well.
"Come on, Bai Lao Er, don't think I don't know you also have two courtyards, bought quite a few years ago, right? I'm telling you, you're not being fair. I've been looking for these for months, and you haven't said a word. Are you just waiting to see me make a fool of myself?"
Ouyang Jun glanced at the newcomer with displeasure, then pointed at Zhuang Rui and said, "That's my cousin, Zhuang Rui. He also bought a courtyard and wants to collect some antique furniture. Didn't you say there was a demolition project that yielded a lot of good items? Why don't you take him to see them..."
"His name is Bai Feng, he's my childhood friend. You can go with him later. Alright, Brother Gu, let's find somewhere to talk. This weather is fucking weird, it's not even December yet and it's already this cold..."
Ouyang Jun turned around and introduced himself to Zhuang Rui, stomped his foot on the ground, and then beckoned Xu Qing and Gu Yun to walk out of the alley.
"Brother Zhuang, right? Let's go. I've never heard Jun'er mention you before."
Bai Feng rubbed his hands together. He called out to Zhuang Rui. He and Ouyang Jun were childhood friends, and from elementary school to junior high, they often got together to fight. However, his family had fallen on hard times early on. His grandfather, who had fought in the war, had passed away in the early days of the Cultural Revolution. Bai Feng was too young to remember back then. If it weren't for the army taking care of his family, he might not even be able to live in the military compound.
But as time went on, even the best of friendships faded. After Bai Feng entered junior high school, he moved away from the military compound. Those who had come from the war believed that workers and farmers were the most honorable, so although Bai Feng's father did not go back to his hometown to farm, he was just an ordinary factory worker.
Bai Feng was a very ambitious person. After graduating from junior high school, he didn't continue his education and entered the workforce. Considering that his grandfather was also an elderly woman, the neighborhood committee arranged a job for him. He worked at a scrap metal recycling station, and in the early 1980s, Bai Feng, at the age of fifteen or sixteen, started earning a salary.
Back then, it was the era of the planned economy, and the scrap metal collection stations were all state-owned. They were mostly filled with old books and scrap metal. Bai Feng was young, so others took care of her. She didn't have much work to do; she just weighed things every day. In her spare time, she would read those old books, and over time, she gained a lot of knowledge.
In addition, Bai Feng was quick-witted, somewhat educated, and had grown up in a military compound, so he was not lacking in experience. After working for about two years, Bai Feng, who was only seventeen or eighteen years old, actually became the station manager of the scrap metal recycling station.
Logically, his life would have ended like this. He would get older, get married, and settle down. His grandfather's glory would have nothing to do with him anymore. However, by chance, Bai Feng attended a reunion with his junior high school classmates, and this reunion completely changed his life.
In old Beijing, only a handful of schools were truly renowned, and Bai Feng's school was primarily frequented by the children of military or local officials. This gathering was no exception; although most of the attendees were still in school, their attire was far more fashionable than Bai Feng's.
Bai Feng was a proud man. He knew he didn't belong in this circle anymore, so at gatherings he would only listen and not speak. However, one of his classmates caught his attention when he said something while showing off.
That classmate has a relative in Hong Kong who came back to the mainland to visit relatives this year. He brought a lot of electrical appliances that can't be found in Beijing. He also said that in Hong Kong, some lousy book that came from the mainland can sell for tens of thousands of yuan. In that classmate's words, Hong Kong seems to be a land of gold.
The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart. Everyone just treated it as a joke and moved on. However, Bai Feng's heart was stirred. A tattered book? His collection station was full of tattered books; he had read quite a few over the years, and he had even found an imperial edict from the Qianlong Emperor's time among them. Could these things be valuable?
With doubts in his mind and a sense of unease, Bai Feng began to flatter his classmate, intentionally or unintentionally. Having been in the business for several years, it was easy for him to flatter a teenager who was still in school. After a few words, the classmate was overjoyed and regarded Bai Feng as a close friend. Bai Feng also heard a term from him: antique!
That classmate couldn't quite explain what an antique was, but basically just said that anything old was valuable. However, this didn't stump Bai Feng. After the class reunion, he inquired around and eventually found Liulichang. Upon inspection, he realized that the items he had handled before were actually treasures.
After realizing the value of those junk items, Bai Feng took it to heart. He instructed the junk collectors to collect more old books and paintings, promising his collection station high prices. The so-called high prices were actually only a few cents per book and a few cents per painting. However, in those days, these items were sold by weight, and a pound was only worth a few cents. Upon hearing that Bai Feng was buying them individually, junk collectors from far and wide began sending their wares over.
Of course, Bai Feng didn't just collect things randomly. After getting this information, he worked during the day and spent his nights exploring various shops in Liulichang. Back then, Panjiayuan didn't exist yet; the Beijing antique market was concentrated in Liulichang.
Because Bai Feng was young, had a sweet tongue, and was hardworking, he often helped with cleaning and splashing water. Over time, the experienced antique dealers in Liulichang liked him and would often give him pointers. This made Bai Feng's knowledge of antique appreciation increase rapidly.
In just two short months, Bai Feng had exchanged the wages he had earned over two years for a pile of tattered books and paintings, as well as some ceramic jars. He had also secretly squandered his father's savings of more than ten years. But this constant spending without income was not a solution. In desperation, Bai Feng took a piece of Qing Dynasty Kangxi porcelain and sold it to an antique shop in Liulichang, getting back a thousand or so yuan.
Back then, a person's monthly salary was only a few dozen yuan, so a thousand yuan was a huge sum of money. However, Bai Feng was not satisfied. He always remembered what his classmate had said: these things could be worth tens of thousands of yuan in Hong Kong!
After much deliberation, Bai Feng gritted his teeth and finally found his classmate. He told him that he had a treasure and asked him to contact his relatives to help sell it. He promised to split the profits 50/50 with his classmate.
The classmate's relative was a businessman. Upon hearing about this, he actually came and took a painting by Huang Gongwang that Bai Feng had given him to Hong Kong. It was auctioned off for over 300,000 yuan, and Bai Feng received 120,000 yuan, which can be considered as making his first pot of gold.
After tasting success, Bai Feng spent a few thousand yuan privately to buy a nice courtyard house, and invested all his other money in collecting antiques. Over the years, the house he bought was filled with all kinds of antiques. Later, when the scrap metal recycling station was to be contracted out to a private individual, Bai Feng resigned from his public office and took over the recycling station.
To be honest, many of the antiques Bai Feng collected were fake, but even the fakes were old items, made by people from the Republic of China or the Ming and Qing dynasties, and were very valuable. In the 1980s, the antique craze had not yet taken off, and there were very few fakes made in mainland China, so Bai Feng amassed a huge fortune.
After the 1990s, it became more convenient to travel to places like Hong Kong. At that time, the restrictions on taking antiques out of the country were not so strict, so he sold some more items, and his wallet became very full. By the late 1990s, after the domestic collectibles market became very popular, Bai Feng had become a major collector in China. The items he owned were even more impressive than those of some large museums.
After having money, Bai Feng reconnected with his old friends and started a cultural communication company. Last year, when he needed Ouyang Jun's help, he picked out a screen and gave it to Ouyang Jun. It was the same screen that Zhuang Rui had seen in Ouyang Jun's office.
Bai Feng had quite a few items like these. You see, back in the 1980s, a genuine old rosewood table and chair could be had for five yuan each, and you could choose any you wanted. ...
"Brother Bai, my family wasn't in Beijing before, and we haven't been here long. Fourth Brother probably hasn't mentioned it to you. By the way, what kind of place are we going to today?"
At this moment, Zhuang Rui knew nothing about Bai Feng's past. However, judging from his appearance, he did have a refined air. He was wearing a double-breasted Zhongshan suit and glasses, but he had gained a little weight in his middle age.
“Not far from here, there’s an old house that’s going to be demolished. A few days ago, a guy named Mao’er came to me saying he had some good stuff. I haven’t had time to go see it yet. Jun’er just mentioned that you’re looking for these things, so I’ll take you to see them today…”
In recent years, Bai Feng has focused his energy on the film and television culture company and has spent less time on antiques. However, due to his reputation, many people still come to him. The "Master Mao" he mentioned, in Beijing slang, means a very honest and simple person.
"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Brother Bai..."
Zhuang Rui nodded. If one were not a native of Beijing, most people would not have access to this kind of information.
Chapter 416 Unearthing the Old House (Part 2)
"Why don't you find someone in the industry to take a look? I have things to do today. I'll be leaving soon after we get there..."
Bai Feng wasn't disrespecting Ouyang Jun; he was simply quite busy. Besides, he had long lost interest in things like digging up old houses. Unlike Zhuang Rui, he collected antiques to make money. Although he still had a few items from the house that he hadn't sold, it was for appreciation, not to leave to his descendants.
"Hehe, Brother Bai, I know a little about these things too, let's go take a look first..."
Zhuang Rui smiled noncommittally, which made Bai Feng shake his head. These days, there are quite a few people who dare to rummage through the antique market after reading a few books. In Bai Feng's eyes, Zhuang Rui was now classified as one of these people.
"Well... then I'll get someone else to keep you company..."
Bai Feng frowned slightly. He took out his phone and dialed a number. He was worried that if Zhuang Rui bought a fake item, Ouyang Jun would lose face. After all, his cultural company relied heavily on Ouyang Jun for many things.
Bai Feng still doesn't understand the relationship between Zhuang Rui and Ouyang Jun, thinking they're just distant relatives. So, given his current status, he's still keeping a bit of an air about him. If he knew that Ouyang Zhenwu is Zhuang Rui's uncle, he would have turned down any important business to accompany Zhuang Rui today.
The two walked out of the alley while talking. Coincidentally, their cars were parked side by side. Bai Feng was driving a Mercedes SUV, which was rare in China and was slightly shorter than Zhuang Rui's Grand Cherokee. After glancing at Zhuang Rui's license plate, Bai Feng was even more certain that Zhuang Rui was a distant relative.
It was freezing cold outside, so the two of them got into their own cars, turned on the heaters, rolled down the windows halfway, and started smoking and chatting.
“Brother Zhuang, the items in this old house aren’t necessarily good things. Take a good look around when you go, and don’t listen to those people’s empty stories. I’ll have Xiao Fang take a look for you later. If there’s anything you don’t understand, listen to his opinion…”
Bai Feng spoke, his breath fogging the half-open car window. These days, the antique trade is rife with counterfeits, and that's why he hasn't collected many antiques in recent years. He suffered a significant loss two years ago, and has been dabbling in the field ever since.
"Thank you for the guidance, Brother Bai, I understand now..."
Zhuang Rui nodded. He understood what Bai Feng meant. Even the black market auction venues were using fake antiques to deceive people. It was hard to say that this old house wasn't full of fakes.
"Well, the person I found for you isn't very old, but he's quite shrewd. He's been around Panjiayuan for several years. He can spot most fakes. By the way, if Xiao Fang is unsure and the seller is offering a high price, don't rush to buy it. Let me know later."
"Okay, Brother Bai, don't worry."
Since others assumed he was a novice, Zhuang Rui didn't explain much and simply nodded in agreement.
"Xiao Fang, over here, come here..."
As soon as Zhuang Rui finished speaking, Bai Feng pushed open the car door and got out of the car. He called out to a person coming from behind, whom he had spotted in the rearview mirror.
"Boss Bai, you're looking at items, why do you need me to come along? You're just being annoying..."
Xiao Fang was not very old, and looked even younger than Zhuang Rui. When he heard Bai Feng's call, he ran over with a fawning smile on his face.
To be precise, Xiao Fang should be considered an antique broker. These days, from airplanes, missiles, and military weapons to disposable lighters, any transaction involves a middleman. Xiao Fang spends all his time in the antique market. Although he hasn't found any truly amazing bargains, he's quite well-informed. It was he who told Bai Feng about Master Mao's affair.
"Alright, I have something to do today, so I won't go. That's your brother Zhuang, you take him and give him a good look. If he buys a fake, I'll hold you accountable later..."
When Bai Feng saw that people had arrived, he simply didn't want to go anymore. It was so cold, and he was too lazy to bother with all the trouble.
"Mr. Bai, you can't not go, this..."
Upon hearing Bai Feng's words, Xiao Fang's face showed a hint of unease. He made his living as a broker, and if a deal was struck after he took someone there, both parties would give him a commission. Now that Bai Feng wasn't going, he didn't know if the person who went with him would understand the rules. If they didn't, wouldn't he have been wasting his time in this freezing weather?
"Kid, when have I, Lao Bai, ever let you suffer? Enough talk, get in your brother Zhuang's car, let's go..."
Upon hearing Xiao Fang's words, Bai Feng's face tightened. He extended his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and punched Xiao Fang's shoulder three times. Zhuang Rui was somewhat bewildered. This Bai Feng was quite domineering; no one had said anything, yet he had already started hitting him.
What surprised Zhuang Rui even more was that after taking three punches, Xiao Fang didn't utter a sound. Instead, he opened his car door with a big smile, got in, and waved to Bai Feng, indicating that he could go back.
"Brother Zhuang, I'll be going now. Call me if you need anything..."
Bai Feng took out a piece of paper and handed it to Zhuang Rui, then turned around, got into his car, and drove away.
"Brother Zhuang, would you like me to give you directions while you drive, or would you prefer I drive?"
Xiao Fang also noticed that the car had out-of-town license plates, and asked a question after getting on.
"You drive, I'm really not familiar with the roads in Beijing."
Zhuang Rui opened the car door and got out, switching seats with Xiao Fang.
"Hey, Brother Zhuang, you've come to the right person. There's no street or alley in Beijing I don't know. If you want to buy anything in the future, just give me, Xiao Fang, a call..."
As Xiao Fang backed the car out of the alley and onto the road, he casually introduced his business to Zhuang Rui, implying that someone who could afford a car worth hundreds of thousands must be a wealthy person.
"Xiao Fang, what did Brother Bai mean by those punches he threw at you just now?"
Zhuang Rui had been keeping this question in his mind for a long time. He could tell that it wasn't a beating; there must be an explanation. He was curious and finally got the chance to ask.
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Bai Feng knew that Zhuang Rui didn't often deal with people like him, and said with a smile, "Hehe, Brother Zhuang, that's the rule in the industry. You know, in this business, I rely entirely on the bosses' generosity after a sale. What Boss Bai meant was, even if there are no good deals, we'll still try our luck. Regardless of whether you buy anything this time, Boss Bai will still get a share of the reward..."
"Tsk tsk, is that a saying? Okay, Xiao Fang, if the gift is suitable, I'll give you a gift of money too."
Zhuang Rui found it intriguing and laughed. Upon hearing this, Xiao Fang thanked Zhuang Rui profusely.
Although the place Xiao Fang mentioned was also in Xicheng, it was quite far from here. It took more than half an hour to drive there. When Zhuang Rui looked around from the car, he realized that it was also a place where courtyard houses were relatively concentrated.
"Xiao Fang, is this area going to be demolished? Weren't they saying that all the traditional courtyard houses would be preserved?"