“Of course.” David Carter actually didn’t know why he had spent such a large “sum of money” to buy such an item. When he held the ornament just now, he felt an extremely comfortable sensation. It was as if someone was spending money just to make themselves feel good.

　　“Young man, do you know what this is?” Henry Brooks carefully took it, then took out a small magnifying glass and examined it closely. He picked up a banknote from the table, gently wiped the ornament, then placed it in front of him and asked.

　　“Bamboo carving, ornament.” David Carter answered honestly. When it came to antiques, he was a complete layman.

　　“Not bad, this is a ‘Boy Bathing an Ox’ ornament. Look closely, it’s carved from a bamboo root, delicate and light, with a lustrous patina. The boy is leaning forward on the ox’s back, his face round and smiling, one leg stepping to the side, the other bent, holding a bowl in his left hand and a broom in his right, about to pour water to wash the ox. The old ox lies docilely on the ground, its belly pressing on its four legs, raising its head to look at the mischievous boy on its back, licking at the splashing water. It’s a lovely piece, made in one go, bringing joy to the heart.” Henry Brooks said. This thing looked like a craftwork, but on closer inspection, it should be from the early Qing dynasty.

　　“Sir, you’re very knowledgeable, much more so than that stall owner just now.” David Carter was quite impressed—so much could be said about a single ornament.

　　“You bought this just now outside?” Henry Brooks asked in surprise. If that was the case, it was quite a lucky find.

　　“Yes, cost me seventy yuan.” David Carter said with some pain. If he hadn’t inexplicably liked it, he definitely wouldn’t have spent such a “huge” sum on something neither edible nor wearable.

　　“Seventy? Young man, you really got a bargain.” Henry Brooks looked at David Carter in disbelief. To buy an early Qing ‘Boy Bathing an Ox’ ornament for seventy yuan and still act like it hurt—how could anyone else survive?

　　Although Henry Brooks had been dealing with antiques for decades, the times he’d gotten a bargain were few and far between. Yet this young man, who had just arrived in Tanzhou today and hadn’t even spent a night, had already scored a bargain. And it was clear that David Carter wasn’t an insider, not even an antique enthusiast—otherwise, how could he not even explain exactly what he’d bought? So all of this could only mean his luck was just too good, so good that even this seasoned expert was envious.

　　“A bargain? When did I get a bargain? Where did I get it?” David Carter was completely confused.

　　“Haha, young man, you’re really amusing. By the way, we’ve met twice now, so it must be fate. Can you tell me your name? I’m called Henry Brooks, and I live nearby.” Henry Brooks said with a smile. Someone buying antiques who didn’t know what a bargain was—this was a first for him. To get a bargain, besides knowledge, vision, and skill, the most important thing is luck. The first three can be lacking, but luck is the one thing you can’t do without.

　　“Hello, Grandpa Wu, my name is David Carter. I just arrived in Tanzhou today, please take care of me.” David Carter stood up, bowed respectfully, and said. Respecting teachers and valuing education is a fine tradition of the Chinese people. He had received traditional education since childhood, and this was ingrained in his bones. Up until junior high, he had only been taught by the old man.

　　“Xiao Yu, may I call you that? A so-called bargain means buying a valuable antique at a very low price, and the seller is usually unaware. For example, what you did today counts as getting a bargain.” Henry Brooks explained.

　　“So that’s what it means. Grandpa Wu, does that mean this ‘Boy Bathing an Ox’ ornament is very valuable?” David Carter asked. He hadn’t expected Henry Brooks to be so interested in such a small item. Although he was interested too, his interest was completely different from Henry Brooks’s.

　　“Xiao Yu, the purpose of collecting is not to invest and make money, but to pass on culture. Talking about money is too vulgar. Bamboo carvings were highly favored by scholars in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This piece is simple in form, exquisitely carved, slender and delicate. The figure’s posture is vivid and relaxed, elegant and bright, fresh and refined, and of considerable value.” Henry Brooks said. He felt it was a bit too early to talk to David Carter about the art of collecting—at least not until he’d solved his basic needs.

　　Antiques are usually for those with money and leisure; for David Carter right now, it was indeed a bit out of reach. But he was also curious—since David Carter was a layman, why would he buy antiques, and how could he buy a genuine one on his first try?

　　“Grandpa Wu, you really are knowledgeable and well-versed in history. You can say so much about a clay item.” David Carter said admiringly. He had bought the ornament purely on a feeling.

　　“I originally did historical research. After retirement, I was rehired, and I often help others appraise things, so naturally I know a bit more.” Henry Brooks said modestly. Although he often dealt with antiques, he didn’t actually collect many himself.

　　“I wish I could have your level of knowledge someday.” David Carter said.