The years when I was an old man

When I arrived, it was already past eight o'clock in the evening.

The nearby shops are all closed.

Only the signboard of Lishe Bookstore is still flashing with neon lights.

Pushing the door open and entering, a scent of ink wafted into the nostrils.

Beside the rows of bookshelves, Yang Ximing, who was wearing a vest shirt and smoking a pipe, was holding a book in a foreign language and looking down.

Seeing me coming in, he hurriedly put down his book, stepped forward and shook hands with me.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, I sat on the sofa and asked straight to the point:

"Mr. Yang, if you have anything to say, just speak up!"

Yang Ximing sat at the desk, took out a piece of letter paper from the drawer, handed it to me and said:

"Come on, look at this!"

I took a look at the letter paper, and I couldn't help but froze for a while.

Because the inscription on the letter paper is actually from Teacher Zheng Xia of Luda University.

I glanced twice, and Yang Ximing also said to me directly:

"This is a timed email. I just discovered it two days ago and just printed it out..."

I nodded slightly and looked at the content above.

"Ximing, seeing words is like meeting. In this world, there are only two or three people I can trust. Although you and I are divorced, you are one of them. I only want to ask for one thing. I have been obsessed with archaeology for half my life. I have been addicted to gambling for half my life. Knowing that I have been harmed by gambling, it is difficult to extricate myself. I am going to follow the example of thousands of people and play a game. If the game is successful, I may still have a chance of survival. If the game is defeated, I will die myself!"

Seeing this, the scene of Teacher Zheng Xia in the sea of ​​fire came to my mind.

"You also know that it is rumored that I have four ancient paintings handed down in my hand, which are invaluable. But the actual rumors are not true. The so-called four paintings are just one pair. But Tang Yin, Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, Qiu Ying, "Four Masters of the Wu School" The cooperation was completed. Among them, Shen Zhou and Qiu Ying painted the painting, Wen Zhengming wrote the postscript, and Tang Yin wrote the poem. In addition, there are private seals collected by the three emperors of the Qing Dynasty. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is invaluable! It is a pity that this painting is not in our hand..."

Seeing this, I couldn't help but smile bitterly.

That day at Luda, the painting that everyone tried their best to get.

In the end, it was not in Zheng Xia's hands.

"During my trip to Bashu last year, I had a gambling addiction and it was difficult to control. So I mortgaged this painting to Qiankun Shengshi Pawnshop at a price of 1000 million. If I succeed this time, I will redeem this painting myself. If If it fails, please help me redeem this painting. In addition, help me find a person named Melo. Sell this painting to him. Based on my understanding of Melo, his minimum bid is more than 3000 million. Of course, the auction price of this painting must be higher. But I think Mr. Mello is a person who cherishes ancient culture. Selling it to him can be regarded as finding the most suitable owner for this painting. Regarding the distribution of money, one of Five million is my thank you for redeeming my paintings. Please give the rest of the money to my niece Zhong Rui..."

The following content is mostly emotional words, and I didn't read too carefully.

When I handed the letter back to Yang Ximing, I was even more puzzled, so I asked directly:

"Mr. Yang, why do you want me to help you? Redeem the painting? Can't you just go by yourself?"

Yang Ximing smiled wryly, and took out another redemption receipt from the desk.

He flicked his fingers and said helplessly:

"It's overdue! It's been two days!"

what?

Expired?

The pawn rule is that the pawnshop can handle the expired collateral by itself.

"Then what do you want me to do?"

I still don't understand.

Does he want me to win it back?

But this is not possible at all.

Yang Ximing sighed and said:

"As far as I know, this Qiankun Shengshi pawn shop is very close to the people in Landao, Bashu. There are many high-end pawns pawned there, and they will eventually transfer high prices to some people on Landao. Mr. Chu, I In fact, I wanted to try my luck to find you. If possible, can I get this painting back through the people on the blue road. Forget about Teacher Zheng’s wish. It’s not in vain for me to be married to her..."

Yang Ximing's emotion is of no use to me.

But teacher Zheng Xia mentioned my father in the letter, and based on this alone, I might have to try it.

Even if it doesn't work, I have nothing to lose.

"Okay, then I'll try it!"

As soon as I agreed, Yang Ximing's eyes showed surprise, and he immediately said:

"Mr. Chu, I will fully reimburse all the expenses of your trip to Bashu. In addition, if you need any money, you can call me anytime!"

I smiled and shook my head.

It's not that I don't want money, it's just that there's a good chance it won't work out.

"By the way, Zhong Rui is in Bashu. If there is anything you don't understand, you can contact her anytime!"

Mention Zhong Rui.

Immediately came to my mind, that glamorous girl.

Only when looking at Lao Hei, the eyes will relax a lot.

After explaining everything, Yang Ximing sent me to the door.

Before getting into the car, Yang Ximing suddenly said to me again:

"By the way, Mr. Chu. Do you still remember the life-threatening gate I told you last time?"

I do remember this incident, but I just don't understand how a scholar like Yang Ximing mentioned killing the door so many times.

"Pay attention to the people who are asking for life, I heard that they also want to get this painting!"

what?

It's okay if Yang Ximing didn't say it, this statement surprised me.

I've had enough troubles now, won't I get into Suo Mingmen, the most mysterious member of the eight sects, again?

Yang Ximing also seemed to realize that his words were a bit inappropriate.

He smiled and said:

"It's okay, just ask Zhong Rui if you have anything to do!"

I nodded and said nothing more.

Originally, the location of my plan was not in Bashu.

But looking at it now, the most suitable place to go is Bashu.

He Xiaoshi booked air tickets for everyone, and Diamond Seven didn't want to go.

But I was worried about his safety in Fengtian, so I let him go with the mute.

It was already midnight when we arrived at the airport.

Everyone ate something briefly and were about to go through the formalities.

Suddenly, Xiaoduo pointed at a distance away and said:

"Look, who is that?"

As soon as he turned his head, he saw a short stake at the door.

An old man with slightly disheveled hair was lowering his head, not knowing what he was doing.

Kanye?

The moment I saw him, I was surprised and delighted.

To my surprise, why did he show up at the airport?

Happily, I finally got to see him again.

Because I know that there is a lot of difference between Kanye and I.

If you have the chance, learn a thing or two from him.

Maybe my journey of a thousand doors will be smoother.