Chapter 449

Chapter 449 - The Complexity of the Antique Industry

“Gentlemen, how has this man been selling fakes for so long without getting caught?” Su Ming inquired.

Old Master Tang shook his head. “There are some things you're not quite familiar with.”

After Old Master Tang's explanation, Su Ming began to understand.

The antique business is incredibly complex, with over 90% of items on the market being counterfeit.

Even though this individual sold a fake to Old Master Xiao and Old Master Tang, he technically didn't break the law. Creating fake antiques isn't illegal.

Mostly, antique shop owners buy these fakes and then sell them to unsuspecting buyers.

These counterfeit antiques don't have a set market value; their prices are arbitrarily determined.

If someone spends a fortune on a fake, they're either unaware of its illegitimacy or have no choice but to come to terms with their purchase. Currently, there's no legislation governing the antique trade.

So, if someone ends up with a fake, they can only chalk it up to bad luck.

Even individuals like the two esteemed gentlemen, despite their influential backgrounds, are powerless once they've signed a contract and later discover they've purchased a counterfeit.

The two gentlemen were extremely frustrated, having spent 30 million yuan on a worthless stone.

Old Master Tang, clenching his jaw, said, “Ordinarily, that fellow wouldn't dare deceive us. I command a certain respect in the antique world, and with a word from me, no one would patronize his business.”

He continued, “He's likely done with the industry and wanted to cash in one last time before exiting. That's probably why he sold us a fake.”

Old Master Xiao, equally incensed, added, “Indeed, that's what I believe as well.”

The room fell into a heavy silence.

But Su Ming's mind was racing with a sudden spark of inspiration.

He quickly asked, “Gentlemen, could you tell me where this old friend of yours lives?”

“He's over in Eastsea,” Old Master Tang answered reflexively, “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. But Old Master Tang, didn't you just mention he was a friend from the south?” Su Ming pressed.

“He claimed he was from the south, but that's just a smokescreen. His plan was to transport the account book to the south and then back here. It might deceive others, but not us,” Old Master Tang said with a knowing smile.

After a moment's thought, Su Ming stroked his chin and requested, “Old Master Tang, could you provide me with his exact address?”

The room was taken aback, and Old Master Tang quickly interjected, “Mr. Su, we understand what you're intending to do. But Mr. Su, please reconsider. The risk is too high, and it's simply not feasible for you.”

“Elders, have faith in me, I have a plan,” Su Ming assured them with a confident smile. “This old man has swindled so many. We can't let him off scot-free. I refuse to stand by. I'm determined to ensure he spends his twilight years behind bars.”

The two old men paused, exchanging glances before inquiring, “Mr. Su, do you perhaps have another strategy?”

“I must keep the details confidential for now. Elders, rest assured, I wouldn't embark on anything reckless.”

The room pondered in silence. The two old men, despite Su Ming's youth, recognized that he was no ordinary individual. He surely had his reasons for being so assured.

Yet, after some contemplation, they still felt the endeavor was fraught with too much risk.

Despite their close relationship with Mr. Su, they couldn't possibly impose on him to handle such a delicate matter.

After pondering for a moment, Old Master Tang spoke up, “Mr. Su, let's drop the issue. There's no need for you to take any risks on our behalf.”