Chapter 1416: Chapter 1416: Bargaining
The arrival of Fu Lao, a major figure in the political world, left Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue quite shocked.
They hadn’t expected that this elder who often appears on television played such an important role.
Even more unbelievable was how Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao addressed this elder.
Calling him "that old bastard Fu" was incredibly disrespectful, and it was astonishing that they dared to say it.
Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue understood clearly that it seemed Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao deliberately said these words after Fu Lao appeared.
The phrase "that old bastard Fu" was intentionally directed at Fu Lao.
"My god, this is too unbelievable. How can Mr. Ye and President Chu be so lawless?" Qi Haomin was too shocked to speak.
"..." Qi Sixue was left speechless.
The father and daughter stood up with a slight show of respect to welcome Fu Lao.
Fu Lao walked closer, laughing heartily, apparently unbothered by the term "that old bastard Fu," instead taking it as a friendly nickname, which indeed made Fu Lao quite happy.
This made the father and daughter even more astonished, deeply shocked.
The father and daughter looked at Fu Lao, then at Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, feeling an indescribable mix of complexity and awe.
"Please sit down, don’t mind irrelevant people," Ye Fan said to Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue.
"This?" The father and daughter were hesitant, looking at each other with bitter smiles.
Calling such a presence irrelevant—heavens, who would dare say such a thing?
"Sit down, guests come, and they must have some request, don’t treat certain people as unreachable," Chu Mengyao advised Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue once again.
The father and daughter could only comply with the host’s wish, sitting down somewhat uneasily.
"That old bastard Fu, what a fitting nickname! I didn’t know I had become so important in your minds, you consider me a senior, which makes me very happy. Isn’t ’old bastard’ a respectful term for me?" Fu Lao chuckled.
"I’ve seen shameless people, but none as shameless as you," Chu Mengyao teased.
"To deal with certain people, one must rely on a shameless spirit," Fu Lao nonchalantly said. "Otherwise, how could there be compromise? You have no idea how fond I am of you two!"
"After going around in such a big circle, the real players are finally here. Leaving a flaw on purpose, just to knock on the door at this moment," Ye Fan laughed, looking helpless at Fu Lao’s smiling face.
Such a method, only Fu Lao and Chu Erzhu could pull off, using their seniority.
Fu Lao was impressed by Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao’s cleverness, and he said with a smile, "Guests get served, why not see the host offering tea?"
"Make it yourself," Ye Fan replied grumpily.
Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue were speechless, realizing that although the conversation seemed friendly, beneath the surface lay hints of the dynamics between seniors and juniors, as well as some unfathomable meanings.
Fu Lao brewed a cup of tea for himself, and after sitting down, he said to Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue, "I’m just an old man, don’t be formal, calling me Fu Lao is enough, don’t mind my other identities."
"Yes, Fu Lao," the father and daughter agreed.
Qi Haomin asked puzzledly, "Fu Lao, isn’t it just an ancient painting? Why did you personally come forward?"
"Someone is not just interested in one ancient painting but possibly wants to use it as bait to gather all three to complete the treasure map," Ye Fan said.
"That’s how it should be; those cultural relics and treasures are Huaxia’s heritage, left by our ancestors, and mustn’t fall into foreign hands. Enough national treasures have been lost abroad, and it is a shame," Qi Haomin said, anguished.
"Ye Fan, you should learn this patriotism, it would only benefit you," Fu Lao said with a smile.
"Learn what? It’s none of your business," Ye Fan replied bluntly. "Designing such a meticulous plan to trap us, isn’t that your intention? Don’t cover it up with those pretentious excuses."
"You’re still mad that I approached you," Fu Lao said amicably, smiling. "How could such a meaningful thing proceed without you?"
"There are plenty of people to handle this matter; forcing me in, I think you have ulterior motives," Ye Fan said.
"It’s because some old acquaintances are also involved, that’s why we thought of having you join," Fu Lao explained without teasing. "The Peng Bird, Boss Zuo, and the Black Cat Team will come, along with many other forces, making this a lively event. Such a lively affair, without your participation, wouldn’t it be dull?"
"Indeed lively, I’m somewhat interested," Ye Fan said. "Aren’t you afraid that in the end, when the treasures are found, I’ll keep them for myself?"
Ye Fan was also intrigued as those associates he had dealt with would be involved, these forces truly penetrated all zones, even daring to handle such taboo matters, heedlessly.
Fu Lao was very pleased, for Ye Fan decided to intervene, nothing could be more delightful.
"How would you be interested in such worldly things?" Fu Lao smiled as he examined Ye Fan.
"It could be that I really might be interested," Ye Fan said calmly.
"We’ve already agreed, you can’t privately keep those artifacts, but I privately promised you could choose a few pieces you like. Everyone contributed, so you can’t privately keep them," Fu Lao, indeed worried about it happening, cautioned.
Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue were completely stunned, they never imagined such valuable artifacts could be bargained over, feeling like they were dividing loot.
This allowed the father and daughter to witness a scene unfathomable for a lifetime.
"We’ll see how I feel," Ye Fan casually said.
Fu Lao realized Ye Fan tacitly agreed to his suggestion.
"What about manpower?" Ye Fan asked.
"The auction place where the ancient painting is held has military backing, Zhang Lu, Qin Yi, and others have formed two lines of defense, repelling five theft attempts," Fu Lao said. "You can directly command those people once you get there, and you can decide whom to bring along, but bring fewer, I fear you’ll take away more artifacts if you bring many."
"You’re busy, are you leaving?" Ye Fan issued an eviction notice.
"Don’t rush me," Fu Lao amicably said. "Qi Haomin and Qi Sixue can assist you. If you need clarification on anything, consult them. Currently, the father and daughter are under our protection, so you’ll also have to shoulder this task.
"No problem," Ye Fan replied nonchalantly.
"There’s one week until the auction starts, and now, many forces are lurking in Jin City below, be careful," Fu Lao advised.
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