Chapter 134: Collectible Walnuts
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Hey, Old Master Ma Weidu, it’s Zhou Chao.”
“Oh, it’s rare for someone as busy as you to remember an old man like me. What brings you to call today?”
After some initial pleasantries, Zhou Chao got straight to the point.
“Mr. Ma, my girlfriend’s grandfather’s birthday is coming up in a few days. I’ve been searching for a suitable gift at Panjiayuan today, but 1 haven’t found anything. So, 1 thought of seeking your help.”
Ma Weidu took a moment to ponder and replied, “No problem, come to my place.”
Ma Weidu had his own considerations. After all, Zhou Chao had generously presented him with valuable items during their initial encounter, and their friendship had continued to blossom. Ma Weidu was more than eager to help with this request.
“Send me the location to my phone, and 1’11 use GPS to get there!” After ending the call, Zhou Chao promptly received the location message from Ma Weidu, indicating the Guanfu Museum. After checking, he realized it wasn’t a considerable distance away.
“All Li, let’s go. We’re heading to Ma Weidu’s place!” Both of them walked hand in hand, leaving behind the bustling noise of Panjiayuan, which gradually faded away.
Zhou Chao glanced at the navigation on his phone; it wasn’t too far, around 20 kilometers. It would take less than half an hour to reach the Guanfu Museum.
“Ah Li, what kind of item do you most want to buy for your grandfather?”
“Well… I’m not sure what would be suitable. Do you have any suggestions, Chao?”
“Hmm, let’s go see what Mr. Ma suggests. I’m not very experienced in this area; I’ve had very little exposure to it before.”
In less than half an hour, Zhou Chao arrived at the Guanfu Museum, relieved that it had its own parking lot.
“Hey, Mr. Ma Weidu, looks like you’re busy,” Zhou Chao remarked as he and Jiang Li entered the museum and spotted Ma Weidu wandering around.
“Chao’er, you came. Is this the lovely girlfriend you often talk about?” Ma Weidu’s words made Jiang Li blush, her pretty face glowing like a red cloud.
“Yes, this is Jiang Li,” Zhou Chao introduced, pulling Jiang Li closer to him. His gesture only made Jiang Li feel even more bashful.
“Hello, Mr. Ma,” Jiang Li greeted Ma Weidu confidently.
“Hello, come on, let’s go to my office, sit down, and have a good chat!” Ma Weidu said, leading Zhou Chao and the others towards his office.
“Please have a seat; I’ll make some tea for you.” Zhou Chao’s eyes gleamed as he looked at the various tea sets on the table.
Zhou Chao hadn’t been a tea drinker in the past, but since acquiring the system, he had developed a taste for it. He also thought about the tea leaves he had left at home in Modu. He missed home but wasn’t sure when he’d be able to return.
“Let’s start with some tea.” Ma Weidu poured tea into their cups.
“Mmm,” Zhou Chao took a sip, savoring the aroma. It was indeed excellent.
“Mr. Ma Weidu, 1 came here today to ask for your help in finding a suitable antique gift. There’s no need to worry even if you don’t have anything suitable for us.”
“Don’t worry, as long as 1 can be of help, I will certainly assist!” Although Ma Weidu held a respectable position in Beijing, having more friends meant more opportunities, and Zhou Chao could potentially be a valuable connection.
After some casual conversation, Ma Weidu led Zhou Chao and Jiang Li into his collection room. Shelves and desks were adorned with various collectibles, creating a captivating display of cultural treasures.
“Both of you please come over here to see my treasures.” Ma Weidu stood beside a table, beckoning to the two of them. Zhou Chao and Jiang Li approached him.
“Mr. Ma, what kind of treasure has captured your admiration?” A finely crafted box adorned the table.
“This item is quite rare. There are probably only about ten of them in the world, more precious than chicken cups. Of course, compared to your painting, there’s still some difference.” Ma Weidu’s words piqued Zhou Chao’s curiosity. It was known that the most expensive chicken cup had been auctioned for 208 million yuan, so one could only imagine the value of what was inside this box.
Ma Weidu carefully opened the box, revealing a piece that rested quietly inside.
“This is a true national treasure, Ming Chenghua Doucai Sea Creature Motif ‘Tianzi’ Jar.” Zhou Chao and Jiang Li didn’t take the object out, as it was a national treasure. Mishandling it could result in a cultural loss.
After a brief inspection, Ma Weidu closed the ‘Tianzi Jar’ and put it away.
“I’ll show you around, just let me know if anything catches your eye.” Ma Weidu led the two on a tour of his collection.
“Brother Chao, there are two walnuts over there; they look quite nice!” Jiang Li suddenly grabbed Zhou Chao’s hand and whispered, pointing to the walnuts on the shelf.
“Those are collectible walnuts. Many older people enjoy playing with them. They would make a nice gift for your grandfather,” Zhou Chao explained softly. Jiang Li carefully examined them and found them to be a suitable gift.
Observing their expressions, Ma Weidu understood their preferences and walked over to take the collectible walnuts off the shelf.
“These walnuts are made from the heartwood of the Chinese walnut tree and have a standard ‘heart’ shape, making them significant in the world of collectible walnuts.”
“Mr. Ma Weidu, are you willing to part with them?” Zhou Chao asked directly.
“What parting with them? If you like them, just take them. If you give me money and let Yu Qian and Wu Jing know, they’ll make fun of me!” Zhou Chao didn’t respond immediately but turned to Jiang Li to gauge her thoughts.
After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Li looked up at Zhou Chao with a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
Seeing this, Zhou Chao turned to Ma Weidu and said, “Mr. Ma Weidu, I won’t be coy either. We’ll accept these walnuts if you don’t mind.”
“Look at what you’re saying. 1 haven’t even properly thanked you for the wine you gave me last time, and now you’re accepting these walnuts without hesitation. It seems I’m fortunate to have a friend like you, Zhou Chao!” Ma Weidu chuckled while putting the collectible walnuts and the box into a bag.
“Mr. Ma Weidu, do you have a nice painting box here?”
“Are you planning to store the painting of Tang Yin’s Peach Blossom Monastery?”
“Yes, my girlfriend’s grandfather’s birthday is coming up in a few days. 1 can’t just carry the painting like this.”
“Haha, wait a moment. 1 have just the right one.” Ma Weidu went out but returned in less than two minutes, holding a box.
“It’s made of Purpleheart wood, a perfect fit for your painting.” Zhou Chao received the painting box from Ma Weidu and inspected it. It seemed to be an excellent fit.
“How much is it?”
Ma Weidu waved his hand, “You’re practically family; there’s no need to be so formal.”
“In that case, thank you very much.”
The three chatted for a while, and then Zhou Chao expressed his thanks and took his leave. Ma Weidu didn’t insist on him staying but reminded Zhou Chao to call him for a drink sometime, to which Zhou Chao readily agreed..