The Mysterious Old Man

Ever since slapping Liu San's face, Lin Mo's reputation in the antique market had grown bigger and bigger. Many people knew that there was a young man who exposed fakes in the antique market with astonishingly sharp eyes.

That day, Lin Mo was organizing his items in front of his stall when he suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"Young man, how's business today?"

Lin Mo looked up and saw Zhang Lao standing right in front of him, his face wearing a kind smile.

"Zhang Lao!" Lin Mo immediately stood up and said respectfully, "You're here."

Zhang Lao nodded, walked over to Lin Mo's stall, carefully examined the items on display, and then said, "Not bad, they're all genuine. Though the value isn't high, it shows your eye is improving."

Lin Mo's heart filled with joy. Receiving Zhang Lao's approval made him very happy.

Zhang Lao continued, "Lin Mo, the reason I came today is to invite you to a Treasure Appraisal Gathering."

Lin Mo was taken aback. "Treasure Appraisal Gathering?"

Zhang Lao explained, "Yes, it's a small gathering organized by the Jianghai Treasure Appraisal Association. It's mainly for appraisal enthusiasts and experts to exchange insights. I think you have a good eye, so you should come and see for yourself."

Lin Mo nodded excitedly, "Thank you, Zhang Lao. I'll definitely go!"

Zhang Lao smiled. "Good. The gathering will be held at the Jianghai Treasure Appraisal Association tomorrow evening at seven. Be there on time."

Lin Mo nodded again. "Yes, Zhang Lao."

Zhang Lao turned and left, leaving Lin Mo standing alone, his heart full of anticipation. He knew this was a rare opportunity to get in touch with the real appraisal circle.

The next evening, Lin Mo arrived at the Jianghai Treasure Appraisal Association on time. It was an antique-styled building with a plaque hanging at the entrance that read "Jianghai Treasure Appraisal Association."

Lin Mo pushed the door open and found many people already inside. There were old and young, men and women—all seemed to be appraisal enthusiasts.

"Lin Mo, you're here." Zhang Lao's voice came.

Lin Mo turned and saw Zhang Lao standing not far away, with several people beside him.

Lin Mo walked over and said respectfully, "Zhang Lao."

Zhang Lao nodded, then introduced him to the people nearby, "This is Lin Mo, a young man I recently discovered. He has a good eye."

Everyone beside Zhang Lao looked at Lin Mo, their gazes filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

A middle-aged man in his forties spoke first, "Zhang Lao, you've always been spot-on when it comes to judging people. This young man must have exceptional qualities."

Zhang Lao smiled. "President Wang flatters me. Lin Mo still has a lot to learn."

So that middle-aged man was Wang Jianguo, the president of the association. Lin Mo quickly said respectfully, "Hello, President Wang. I'm Lin Mo. Please guide me."

Wang Jianguo nodded. "Young man, study hard. In the appraisal business, what matters is real skill."

Lin Mo nodded again.

The gathering officially began. Everyone sat in a circle, each person taking out an item they had brought for everyone to appraise.

When it was Lin Mo's turn, he took out a copper coin from his pocket and placed it on the table.

"This is a Qianlong Tongbao Mother Coin. Please take a look," Lin Mo said.

Everyone turned their attention to the copper coin and examined it closely. Wang Jianguo picked up the coin, looked it over, and said, "Indeed, it is a mother coin, and in excellent condition. Lin Mo, where did you get this copper coin?"

Lin Mo replied, "I picked it up from a street stall. It cost me thirty yuan."

Everyone was astonished. Buying a mother coin worth twenty thousand yuan for just thirty yuan—that was an incredible steal!

Zhang Lao smiled and said, "Lin Mo is quite lucky, and he has a good eye too."

The gathering continued, with everyone exchanging experiences and the atmosphere lively. Lin Mo learned a lot about treasure appraisal and also made some acquaintances in the field.

At the end of the gathering, Zhang Lao called Lin Mo aside and said seriously, "Lin Mo, you have great talent, but you still need systematic study. I plan to take you on as my apprentice. Are you willing?"

Lin Mo was so excited he nearly jumped up. "Zhang Lao, I am willing! Thank you!"

Zhang Lao nodded. "Good. Starting tomorrow, come to my home, and I'll teach you the knowledge of treasure appraisal."

Lin Mo thanked him again, his heart filled with gratitude and anticipation.

What he didn't know was that in a corner of the gathering, someone had been observing him all along, a strange gleam shining in their eyes.