Chapter 198: The Hong Kong Merchant

The first truly significant auction hosted by the Jiade Auction House at the Great Wall Hotel in Beijing garnered immense attention both domestically and internationally.

Having just emerged from an era of planned economy and rigidity, many people still struggled to adapt their thinking from viewing business as a form of speculative trading. As such, public auctions of art and antiques, perceived as a hallmark of capitalist practices, seemed like a fantasy to many Chinese citizens and a significant transformation to outsiders.

However, it was happening in reality.

This realization highlighted the rapid changes in China's economic landscape.

After the auction, Hong Kong's *Ming Pao* dedicated its front page to reporting the event, which had a total transaction amount of just under ten million RMB.

In the midst of the anxiety before the handover, both the public and business communities in Hong Kong were highly sensitive to issues regarding mainland China's ideology and social changes. Every negative shift caused anxiety, while positive changes were a relief.

Thus, the fact that an auction, typical only in capitalist countries, was held in Beijing became a hot topic among Hong Kong's business circles.

The black pottery that shone brightly at the auction became a sensation, thanks to Jiade Auction House. Immediately, collectors, art enthusiasts, and those spotting business opportunities flocked to Bangye, this remote area in the north.

At the Bangye Black Pottery Association.

Yang Shuzhen followed the county leaders, nervously accompanying the Hong Kong visitors who spoke a dialect she barely understood, as they admired her black pottery pieces.

Although she couldn't grasp the Cantonese chatter, the smiling faces, appreciative gestures, and thumbs-up from the visitors filled her with joy.

When Yang Shuzhen led the group to a narrow-mouthed, rounded black pottery vase, a middle-aged woman among the visitors exclaimed and carefully picked up the vase, her eyes full of admiration.

"Madam Yang, how much is this vase? I really like it! Can you sell it to me?"

Seeing the woman's infatuation with her new work, Yang Shuzhen shook her head apologetically.

A few days earlier, Li Xian had instructed her that she was now… what was it again?

Oh yes!

An artisan, a master. If too many items were sold, it would devalue… yes, devalue the work.

The association relied on her work to build its reputation, so she couldn't just sell them off indiscriminately. If she were to sell, it should be just ten or eight pieces a year, like slicing off small bits, slowly squeezing out value.

Scarcity increases value, aiming for a limited quantity.

That was the idea.

Seeing Yang Shuzhen's firm refusal, the woman expressed her regret and reluctantly set the vase down.

It wasn't until a member of the publicity department intervened, offering a high-quality black pottery piece to each visitor after the tour, that the Hong Kong merchants felt slightly better and continued their visit.

Among the crowd, a fair-skinned, plump man smiled slightly at the reserved Yang Shuzhen.

After the tour, while a group of leaders and Hong Kong merchants were leaving, this man approached Yang Shuzhen.

"Hello, Ms. Yang, I'm Wei Dehua, an antique dealer. I really admire your craftsmanship. Since the craft trade system on the mainland is still underdeveloped, your black pottery skills would have substantial growth potential in Hong Kong. If you're willing, I can fund your promotion, and you can focus on making the pottery. We'll cooperate to profit together. What do you think?"

Hearing Wei Dehua's blatant offer in somewhat awkward Mandarin, Yang Shuzhen smiled and shook her head.

"This would benefit both you and your associates," Wei Dehua persisted.

"Well, my husband and I have lived here for half our lives, and our children are doing well here. We can't go too far away. Besides… my black pottery still has significant use, so it shouldn't be casually shared."

Seeing her resolute refusal, Wei Dehua sighed, wanting to say something but ultimately kept it to himself and left.

**Evening.**

In a relatively upscale small two-story house in Bangye.

Gao Sanshan welcomed the unexpectedly arrived Wei Dehua with great courtesy.

"Ah, Mr. Wei, why didn't you inform me of your visit to Bangye in advance? I could have made proper arrangements!"

It was summer, and Gao Sanshan had put away his winter mink coat. However, he now appeared even more extravagant. He had shaved his head bald and was wearing a silk robe, exposing a tattoo on his chest resembling two dragons playing with a basketball.

As a dealer of antiques, Gao Sanshan had a jade pendant hanging around his neck, but unlike normal people who use red cords, he had it strung on a thick gold chain.

Aside from looking a bit shabby, his overall appearance screamed opulence.

Under Gao Sanshan's hospitality, Wei Dehua entered the house and settled on the sofa, then opened his fan. "I'm here regarding the black pottery. I came with friends but didn't inform you."

Upon hearing about the black pottery, Gao Sanshan frowned. "Oh? Mr. Wei likes that stuff? I could have arranged some for you as a gift. Why come all the way here?"

Wei Dehua smiled lightly. "What I'm interested in isn't the black pottery itself but the cash."

Gao Sanshan was puzzled. Although black pottery seemed popular lately, it was worth only a few thousand. The best pieces were rumored to be worth only twenty to thirty thousand.

Responding to Gao Sanshan's doubts, Wei Dehua shook his head slightly. "The antique business is increasingly difficult. The market for mainland antiques is shrinking. It's costly and risky, with stricter law enforcement. But black pottery is just beginning to gain popularity. With the right promotion in Hong Kong, where people value these things, each piece could sell for thirty to fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars or even more. Hong Kong people are very particular about this."

Such a lowly item could fetch such a high price?

Hearing Wei Dehua's plan, Gao Sanshan jumped up from the sofa. "Then what are we waiting for? Mr. Wei, leave this to me. I'll immediately find someone to buy out the association! We'll monopolize this lucrative business!"

"I've already tried. The person named Yang is very stubborn. The negotiation didn't work," Wei Dehua said, lifting his chin slightly and shaking his fan. "So, I'd like to entrust this task to you."

Seeing the hidden intentions in his benefactor's gaze, Gao Sanshan immediately understood.

He chuckled, "No problem, Mr. Wei. Leave it to me, and I'll make sure it's done beautifully!"

"Be careful with the local officials. They seem to value this association. Don't use force," Wei Dehua reminded.

"Don't worry about that, Mr. Wei. We just need to get her to make the pottery for us!"

Gao Sanshan laughed heartily and replied nonchalantly.