It is now widely known that Heaven’s Art Investment Company has coerced the elderly into crowdfunding three million yuan to purchase that set of Qianlong thumb rings. My plan is as follows: first, we need to build momentum. In Xi’an, we will openly acquire this set of Qianlong thumb rings. We need to let Lin Zhiyuan know that such a national treasure exists in Xi’an.
As the King of Underground Palaces, Lin Zhiyuan possesses a different perspective and strategy. He will realize that selling this artifact abroad would fetch at least forty million yuan. Therefore, Lin Zhiyuan will undoubtedly purchase this set of thumb rings at a high price.
“Sell it to him for thirty million?” Old Tie asked me seriously.
“He’s a businessman, has been a businessman his whole life. For something worth forty million, buying it for thirty million, is a profit of just over thirty percent worth such a risk?”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Mao secretly nodded. If one spends thirty million in costs to sell for forty million, that is truly not the mark of a competent businessman.
“Then how much do you plan to sell it for?”
“Eight million.”
With an eight million cost to sell for forty million, this ratio would give Lin Zhiyuan the possibility to operate.
Old Tie looked at me, appearing confused. He asked, “Selling something that cost three million for eight million, is that called cheating? Isn’t that called business?” His question made both Zhang Mao and I laugh.
Zhang Mao skipped over Old Tie and asked me, “What price do you think is appropriate for us to operate with this set?”
“Don’t exceed five million. If something costing five million is priced at ten million, that leaves Lin Zhiyuan with two million in room for negotiation.”
Old Tie was even more bewildered. “What on earth are you talking about?”
Zhang Mao explained, “Tie Zhishan, since you’re working with me, I need to explain the entire situation to you. First, we need to create buzz, letting everyone in Xi’an know that someone spent five million at Heaven’s Art Investment Company to buy this set of Qianlong thumb rings. Then, through the introduction of the Tang Nan brothers, we will connect the buyer of the Qianlong thumb rings with Lin Zhiyuan.”
Old Tie nodded, understanding yet not understanding. He asked, “By doing this, I only earn three million!”
Zhang Mao laughed heartily. “Tie Zhishan, do you know why you weren’t highly regarded by the teacher even after bringing the Qianlong thumb rings from Beijing? It’s because your mind is too dull. If we were only after that paltry three million, why would we need to trick Lin Zhiyuan? It would be much easier to trick those old men and women. This transaction is merely the beginning. Think about it, with Lin Zhiyuan’s professional expertise, if he bought even one fake Qianlong thumb ring for eight million, what would he think? According to the rules of the antique world, perfect condition and flaws command vastly different prices. At this point, we tell Lin Zhiyuan that we have another one. Even if Lin Zhiyuan realizes he’s been swindled, he’ll have to accept it. He will continue to purchase, and this time, we will raise the price. Tang Nan brothers, how much should we raise it?”
“We’ll make up the difference, twenty-two million.”
Old Tie gritted his teeth, veins bulging in his neck. “This set of thumb rings, we’re just going to sell it for thirty million?”
“What else? Would Lin Zhiyuan choose to lose eight million or gain ten million? What should be our next arrangement? Tang Nan brothers?”
“The Qianlong thumb rings have a record in Beijing, but this matter hasn’t been made public. We can leverage this. On the day of our transaction, Brother Zhang Mao, you can send a few police officers to confiscate this set of thumb rings for the state.”
As I said this, Zhang Mao’s eyes gleamed with laughter. Old Tie was dumbfounded. “Impersonating police? Are you crazy?”
“Why not? We are strategists!”
Zhang Mao added, then burst into hearty laughter. After laughing, he raised his wine glass. “Brother Tang Nan’s ingenious planning is remarkable. Once we’ve swindled Lin Zhiyuan, I will definitely recommend you join the ‘Logical Paradox’ family.”
“Thank you, brother. Cheers, I’ll drink first.”
I downed the wine in my glass and then glanced at Old Tie, whose eyes were a mix of emotions. He must have seen through my plan. Even if he didn’t know the specific details, he must have realized I was playing Zhang Mao. After all, we grew up together, and he understood me intimately. However, understanding is a double-edged sword. He understood me, and I understood him.
Old Tie has sacrificed so much; he would never willingly be a dog for someone else. With his strong pride, being bossed around by Zhang Mao, he had long harbored hatred for Zhang Mao. Him witnessing Zhang Mao fall into my trap was something he’d gladly see.
The plan was successful, but I felt no sense of exhilaration. I was watching my good friend rapidly descend into depravity, and I was powerless to stop it.
…
It was getting late by the time I returned to the Lin family home. Lin Han opened the door for me and told me to shower since I smelled of alcohol. When I came out of the bathroom, she was in the study, wearing glasses and reading. I leaned against the doorframe and watched her for a while. Lin Han looked very focused while reading, and her aura was captivating. As I came to understand Lin Han better, her image in my mind began to subtly change.
At our first meeting, she was dressed sexily and alluringly. But I saw not her beautiful body, but the thick layers of disguise wrapped around her. When we temporarily became a team in Beijing, Lin Han shed that theatrical pretense, but she was still putting on an act, trying hard to become a strong young girl. In reality, her heart was soft and tender, and she still yearned for the home she had left behind. Now that Lin Han has returned home, she has completely reverted to her innocent self.
She is candid, at ease, mostly happy, and naturally exudes a charming aura.
Sensing my presence, Lin Han stared at me and then looked down my pajama shorts, giggling, “You still have leg hair.”
“Stop, don’t use your vulgar words to ruin this beautiful atmosphere.”
“Don’t be so romantic. We’re not filming an idol drama. You’re staying with me tonight. My mom approved.”
“Grandpa?”
“He’s probably asleep. He’s confused half the day. Don’t expect him to be your shield.”
Just as Lin Han finished speaking, Grandpa’s voice was heard: “Eldest grandson, you’re back. Come to Grandpa’s room quickly.”
I smiled, and Lin Han pouted.
“You sleep with Grandma. I’ll stay with Grandpa. This is a mission. I’ll need Grandpa’s help with what’s next.”
Lin Han heard this and her eyes blinked rapidly. She asked me in surprise, “Grandpa is senile, why are you looking for him for your plan?”
“A wise man has his own tricks. If I tell you now, it won’t work.”
“What a shame!” Lin Han said, then leered at my calves. I shivered and shouted, “Grandpa, I’m in the study. I’ll be right there!”
…
Zhang Mao and I ate together, not at a fancy restaurant, but at a Roujiamo stall under the city wall. It was generous with meat and had crispy bread. I ate heartily and asked Zhang Mao seriously, “Isn’t this bad? With your influence, won’t this affect your plan?”
Our plan has already begun. The first step is to build momentum. Zhang Mao has already spread the word: the Qianlong thumb rings that Heaven’s Art Investment Company helped the elderly crowdfund have had their sales contract signed, selling for a total of 5.18 million yuan after tax, with a profit of 2.18 million yuan. In a couple of days, Zhang Mao will arrange for the elderly investors to collect their dividends and principal, and he will also hold a press conference. This fraudulent company will openly tell reporters that they are genuinely helping the elderly make money.
Hearing me say this, Zhang Mao burst into laughter. “Brother, you’re still too naive.”
“Brother, I don’t understand. Please explain.”
“Explain what? I’ll tell you one thing: can a dog with a leash bite?”
Hearing this, I instinctively squeezed the paper bag holding the Roujiamo. Zhang Mao looked at me in surprise. I forced a smile. “Brother, your words gave me goosebumps. After this matter is over, you must recommend me to join the ‘Logical Paradox’ organization family.”
“No problem, brother!”
…
Two days later was the grand day when Heaven’s Art Investment Company announced they were helping the elderly make money. Today, the entire company was festively decorated, and reporters from Xi’an’s major newspapers had arrived early to secure spots. Crowdfunding to purchase antiques and encouraging the elderly to self-fund their retirement was a new topic, highly valuable for publicity.
Zhang Mao appeared, cheerfully discussing the day’s agenda with the staff. I heard that a local leader would also be attending this dividend distribution conference. As one of the investors, I also came to the conference site.
Grandpa and Huang Aiguo sat together, whispering. Huang Aiguo nodded with a resolute expression.
I smiled slightly. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
Hundreds of elderly people attended today. Besides the investors in the Qianlong thumb rings that day, there were also elders who participated in other art investments. They heard that the investors in the thumb rings had earned over ten thousand yuan in just over a week, and their envy was palpable.
The dividend distribution conference finally began. Zhang Mao tapped the microphone and cleared his throat. “I know the reporters have many questions, but I want to say that today’s focus is not on answering reporters’ questions, but on helping the elderly make money.”
Upon mentioning making money, Zhang Mao’s voice rose slightly, and applause erupted from below.
At this moment, Zhang Mao sighed deeply, and tears welled up in his eyes. He said with great emotion, “I’ve seen too many unfilial descendants over the years. The tragic lives of those elderly people pierced my heart. I vowed that one day, I would support these elderly people, and I would ensure they could live happy lives without relying on their children. This is truly difficult, but I’ve done it. I’ve truly done…”
Zhang Mao couldn’t continue. A staff member handed him a tissue. The elderly people below were moved, and the applause was thunderous.
At this point, Zhang Mao wiped away his tears and revealed a sincere smile. “Enough said, enough said, let’s give out money, give out money!”
The investors were presented with red flowers. The elderly, wearing red flowers, lined up to receive their money. The principal and dividends were laid out in cash. Huang Aiguo was the first to go up. The staff enthusiastically asked, “Elder Huang, as part of today’s company event, there’s a 10% reinvestment bonus on the principal. Would you like to take your principal back?”
“Yes, I want to take my principal back.”
Upon hearing Huang Aiguo’s words, the staff member’s expression changed. He looked at Zhang Mao, who subtly nodded.
Huang Aiguo took back his principal and dividends and stepped down with a heavy heart.
The second person… the third person… it never changed. Everyone acted as if they had agreed, taking back their principal and dividends. I was among the crowd receiving money, watching Zhang Mao’s increasingly grim expression, and snorted coldly, “Can a dog that’s had its leash tied bite?”