TL: Hua
Chapter 9: Enlightenment
Gu Min’s words caught everyone present off guard.
The Pixiu vessel spirit turned its head, sizing Gu Min up with curiosity.
In the eyes of the Pixiu, Gu Min was bathed in a faint purple aura and yellow glow. It was clear he possessed an extraordinary destiny, not only carrying an aura of wealth but also one of nobility.
The Pixiu licked its paws, leaped onto You Xingyue’s shoulder, and leisurely trod across the boss’s shoulder. Pressed up against the boss’s slender neck, it studied this mortal who had claimed he wanted to invite it home.
Vessel spirits lacked physical form. You Xingyue merely felt a wave of warmth by his neck as the Pixiu spirit snuggled snugly against him.
Under the Pixiu’s gaze, even Gu Min felt a bit embarrassed. He really hadn’t expected that his pair of eyes, which had been unique since birth, would actually have a moment where they failed him.
Just one sentence ago, Gu Min was still questioning the antique shop owner’s words, yet in the very next sentence, his tone took a wild turn and he was actually talking business with him!
Gu Min said, “I haven’t introduced myself yet. My surname is Gu, Gu Min. I am a native of Yingjiang City.”
Zhang Xuemei was utterly astonished: Isn’t this the Pixiu from my younger sister’s family?
Zhou Fan was completely flabbergasted. He hadn’t expected Gu Min to not only buy something from the antique shop but even say things like “willing to offer any satisfying price.” Wasn’t he just asking to be ripped off?
No, wait. Gu Min had started his own business back in university. How could he not know how to negotiate? It could only mean that Gu Min was determined to get that jade ornament, even if it meant paying a steep price.
You Xingyue was also very surprised, though his surprise stemmed from the fact that Gu Min actually seemed able to see the Pixiu’s vessel spirit.
Bu Liuke’s eyes lit up: “This Gu Min has a fate destined for wealth and nobility, and his character is quite good as well. He is indeed suitable for nurturing and honoring the Pixiu.”
Most importantly, the Pixiu spirit didn’t dislike Gu Min. If the Pixiu were willing, then Bu Liuke could gain a unit of power today.
In a good mood, You Xingyue turned to Zhang Xuemei. “Auntie, please excuse me for a moment.”
Zhang Xuemei nodded repeatedly. “Of course, go ahead and tend to your business.”
You Xingyue picked up the Pixiu ornament and made an inviting gesture. “Mr. Gu, let us talk in detail.”
Gu Min followed You Xingyue over to the table and chairs by the window. Before even sitting down, Gu Min noticed that this set of furniture was made entirely of solid yellow rosewood, and it appeared to be quite ancient.
Gu Min sat down gently, his expression taking on a much more serious tone.
Forget antique shops, even wealthy clans who had built their fortunes over decades wouldn’t easily move a complete set of solid rosewood furniture into a store to entertain guests.
You Xingyue raised his hand, gently cupping the Pixiu sitting on his shoulder, and said, “Mr. Gu, you can see it, right?”
Gu Min nodded, feeling extremely embarrassed now. “To be honest with you, Boss, my eyes can see things that ordinary people cannot. I… at first, I couldn’t see any spiritual energy on you, so I mistook you for…”
You Xingyue finished his sentence: “You think I’m a con artist who swindles and cheats people?”
Gu Min nodded apologetically.
You Xingyue said, “Since you can see it, I’ll briefly explain our rules. Not Keeping Guests forge ties with objects that have developed spiritual awareness. For instance, with this Pixiu, if it agrees, you may invite it home from me.”
The Pixiu swooshed down You Xingyue’s arm onto the table, taking small steps as it circled Gu Min’s hand, its big fluffy tail swishing lazily to and fro.
It was smaller than a palm, yet extraordinarily majestic.
Gu Min’s fingertips twitched, giving rise to an irresistible urge to stroke the Pixiu.
You Xingyue continued, “Once an object develops spiritual awareness, it is no longer just a cold piece of matter. They can think and possess a certain level of cultivation, which can bring benefits to their owner’s household. For example, this jade Pixiu, though not a real Pixiu, it borrows its form and indeed possesses the ability to attract wealth and guard the home.”
As You Xingyue spoke, his expression was gentle, and a slight smile even hovered at the corners of his lips. Yet the gaze he fixed on Gu Min seemed capable of piercing through a person’s heart, leaving all thoughts with nowhere to hide.
Gu Min took a soft breath.
“What I mean is,” You Xingyue smiled, noticing Gu Min’s tension, “the Pixiu is an auspicious beast. If it can forge a bond with a household that holds good intentions and performs good deeds, it benefits both sides. But if one harbors evil motives and disregards their conscience for money, it will not only harm them but also harm the Pixiu. Mr. Gu, do you understand what I mean?”
Gu Min replied solemnly, “I understand. I am not inviting the Pixiu home just to make more money. It’s simply that the moment I saw it, I felt a natural sense of warmth and affection.”
You Xingyue looked thoughtful; Gu Min’s expression did not seem fake.
Having grown up in an orphanage, You Xingyue had seen all walks of life since childhood. Compared to his peers, he appeared livelier, better at initiating conversations with strangers, and more capable of seeing through a person’s outer shell to their true nature.
Yet beneath his outgoing exterior, You Xingyue was actually someone who warmed up to others very slowly.
You Xingyue looked down at the little Pixiu. “What about you? What do you think?”
The Pixiu tentatively extended a paw and placed it onto Gu Min’s finger. Its tiny paw was no larger than a fingernail. “I think he’s alright. I can barely find him pleasing to the eye.”
You Xingyue intertwined his fingers. “Then let me briefly go over the Pixiu’s condition. This jade Pixiu ornament is quite small, weighing under four hundred grams. The carving craftsmanship is good, though its age is relatively short.”
The Pixiu chimed in: “Me. Antique.”
Gu Min adored it so much and said with a smile, “Then how expensive do you think you are?”
The Pixiu sank into deep thought, then said, “You can’t let the boss take a loss. At my previous place, I was almost ruined to the point of fading away. If the boss hadn’t brought me back and nurtured me for a few days, I would have completely reverted into a lifeless ornament.”
The Pixiu added, “You must offer a price that makes both me and my boss very satisfied.”
Gu Min was almost driven crazy by its cuteness. Being so tiny, yet so dead serious when negotiating a price! Gu Min held up a single finger. “Do you think this price works?”
This “one,” of course, referred to one million.
Gu Min felt a little uneasy in his heart and added, “I know this price is actually on the lower side. After all, bringing the Pixiu back must have cost you a lot. It is a priceless treasure; it’s just that I’ve only recently started my business, and my disposable capital is limited, so…”
Hearing Gu Min’s offer, You Xingyue was a little surprised. After all, he had gotten the little Pixiu for free from that immoral scumbag, Cao Duo.
As for You Xingyue himself, he was a boss who had taken over halfway through and only knew a little about the antique industry. So to him, it was astonishing that a jade carving ornament the size of a fist could actually sell for this price.
In other words, in this transaction for the Pixiu, You Xingyue made a pure profit. It was impossible to lose money.
In this whole turn of events, Cao Duo was the only one who got hurt. But who would care about a scumbag? At least You Xingyue didn’t care. Besides, scumbags deserved to have unfortunate lives.
Bu Liuke was also utterly shocked: “Wow! He can actually sell for one million!”
His tone was filled with shock and disbelief.
You Xingyue subtly glanced at Bu Liuke.
Fortunately, the Pixiu couldn’t see Bu Liuke. Otherwise, given the Pixiu’s narcissistic personality, it would definitely pick a fight with Bu Liuke.
Gu Min: “What do you think of this price?”
You Xingyue intertwined his fingers and said calmly, “I rescued the Pixiu from a black-hearted contractor without spending a single penny. Whatever price you give, it’s all pure profit for me.”
The Pixiu was shocked: A little darling like me was actually gotten for free?!
The Pixiu said in deep anguish, “This Pixiu misjudged you! You’re a black-hearted businessman, too!”
You Xingyue gave the Pixiu a gentle poke, causing it to tumble over. “You haven’t even gone to his house yet. Don’t start taking his side.”
Gu Min froze for a moment, then finally couldn’t help letting out a laugh. “Hahaha.”
He had thought the antique shop owner was a refined, hidden master living quietly in the city. The oppressive pressure in the look the boss had given him earlier had made Gu Min feel a rare sense of constraint. He hadn’t expected the boss to banter like this; he was actually just like any ordinary young man, which instantly wiped away the sense of distance.
In the end, You Xingyue didn’t take the one million but settled on a compromise price instead. He said with a smile, “I’d better ask for less, so the Pixiu doesn’t feel heartache over the money in its own pocket.”
Gu Min: “Thank you, Boss.”
Five hundred thousand was no small sum, and he couldn’t produce that much cash on the spot. Besides, when Gu Min arrived, he hadn’t expected at all that he would spend money in an antique shop, so he could only pay a deposit using his mobile phone.
Gu Min said, “Then I’ll head back first to pick up a check, and I’ll definitely deliver it this afternoon.”
After the two finished discussing the matter, the Pixiu vessel spirit clung to Gu Min’s pocket, dipped its head, and plunged whole into Gu Min’s pocket.
Gu Min hesitated: “Boss…”
If he went back now, the vessel spirit would go back with him.
You Xingyue: “The physical object will stay here. You can take him back with you first.”
Gu Min thrust a hand into his pocket, a smile curling at his lips. “Thank you, Boss.”
The two walked to the outer room. Gu Min patted Zhou Fan’s shoulder: “Zhou Fan, I’m heading back for a bit.”
Zhou Fan: “Why are you leaving all of a sudden? I was still going to treat you to milk tea.”
Gu Min walked with hurried steps. Hearing this, he replied without even turning his head: “I’m going back to get a check.”
Zhou Fan: “Ah?!”
Zhou Fan watched Gu Min walk out in a daze, muttering, “How could my shrewd brother get tricked into becoming a fool like this?”
Zhang Xuemei slapped Zhou Fan on the head: “Show some respect!”
……
Gu Min left quickly and returned just as fast. In less than two hours, he was back at the shop with the check, and You Xingyue had also brought out the contract.
You Xingyue intentionally set the place for signing the contract by the floor-to-ceiling window.
From time to time, customers strolled into the shop. Because the flower baskets and red carpet outside the shop were eye-catching, pedestrians outside the window would occasionally glance in curiously.
You Xingyue and Gu Min sat in the chairs in front of the floor-to-ceiling window with the Pixiu ornament. Both of them possessed exceptionally handsome looks and were accompanied by an exquisite Pixiu ornament, giving off the complete look of a deal being successfully struck.
The moment the two sat down, they immediately caught the attention of everyone inside the store.
Zhou Fan watched helplessly as his friend handed a check to the boss, his expression filled with heartache: Brother, you’ve been scammed!
You Xingyue feigned ignorance and pushed the contract toward Gu Min: “The Pixiu is a fierce, auspicious beast. Remember not to place it in the bedroom. It can be placed in the living room or study to attract wealth and guard the house.”
Not Keeping Guests’ contract would be signed under the four-way witness of Bu Liuke himself, the boss, the buyer, and the artifact itself. Such a contract was, at the same time, a binding pact.
The moment the contract was completed, a delicate thread formed between the Pixiu and Gu Min, signaling that a formal connection now existed between them.
This thread split into two, one part breaking down further into two segments that sank into You Xingyue and Bu Liuke, respectively. You Xingyue felt a warm current surge into his body, strengthening the power hidden within him by a bit.
Meanwhile, Bu Liuke’s translucent body grew faintly more solid. Bu Liuke touched his face, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. With every bit of extra power, he could endure for a bit longer.
Under normal circumstances, when a conscious artifact had a certain level of interaction with a living being, a “thread” would form. However, this kind of thread was extremely fragile; once the artifact changed hands, the thread would gradually fade away over time.
But under a binding pact, the thread would become hard and stable. It would not weaken with the passage of time; unless the pact was destroyed or one party died, the thread would not break due to external forces.
With the pact established, a peculiar sense of satisfaction welled up in Gu Min’s heart. In the vague realm of intuition, he felt a layer of connection with the Pixiu that no one else could see.
Gu Min suppressed the excitement in his heart and spoke up, “Thank you, Boss. I…”
A phone ring interrupted Gu Min. He offered an apologetic smile: “I’ll take this call.”
He answered the phone, and a loud voice came from the other end: “Boss! Let me tell you! Our project deal went through!! Just a moment ago, the other company changed their project manager, and we’ve already signed the contract!”
Gu Min hung up the phone with an expression of utter astonishment. Out of concern, You Xingyue asked, “What happened?”
Gu Min seemed like he hadn’t fully snapped back to reality yet: “My assistant just called and said a major project at the company was signed. That project had been dragging on for half a month, and just now it suddenly…”
The Pixiu stood on the table. In the bright sunshine, it stretched all four paws out in a big, lazy stretch, its tail curling high up and swishing proudly a few times.
Gu Min immediately understood. He had the little Pixiu’s help to thank for this.
“I’ve always known that Pixiu attract wealth,” Gu Min said, pressing his lips together to hide the sheer disbelief in his heart, “but can it really be this effective?”
He simply liked the Pixiu and didn’t need to demand too much from it. So he worried whether the Pixiu would be harmed because of this and also worried if he wasn’t qualified enough to nurture such a powerful Pixiu.
As soon as these words were spoken, the onlookers all wore expressions of utter disbelief.
This is staged, right? It must be staged! Definitely!
Just bringing a Pixiu back could land a business deal?
The Pixiu: “I’m just that effective.”