PCJ – Chapter 715 Victory Is Certain

Li Zhuocheng was very satisfied with Zhang Jiaohua’s stance: “Excellent. But don’t worry, we won’t let you suffer a loss. The greatest use of bio-energy batteries should actually be in the military. We have a huge demand in this area, and soon technicians from the General Armament Department will contact you. As long as you can produce the type of bio-energy batteries we require, the General Armament Department will prepare an order that will satisfy you—guaranteeing your profits will far surpass those from new energy vehicles.”

Naturally, Zhang Jiaohua was more than happy to accept such an order. On one hand, Meishan Group would be contributing to the country. On the other, a lucrative order would allow the group to quickly recover capital. The New Energy Vehicle Industrial Park had always been Meishan Group’s biggest expenditure. If not for the enormous profits from their anti-cancer drug, it would have been difficult to sustain its operations. Now, at last, their massive investment was beginning to show promise of real returns.

After settling this matter, Zhang Jiaohua and Kong Fangzhou traveled together to the capital. Their destination was an important auction hosted by the Xu Auction House. Over the years, the Xu family had built it into one of the premier auction houses in Beijing, with international influence that could not be ignored. After all, worldwide, Jade Spirit Tea was exclusive to Xu’s auction house.

The quantity of Jade Spirit Tea each year was extremely limited, and all sales were conducted solely through Xu Auction House. Each auction of Jade Spirit Tea became a headline event, boosting the house’s prestige. Over just a few years, Xu Auction House’s reputation had caught up with even the oldest auction houses in Beijing.

It was no longer like the old days. Back then, Xu Auction House would send invitations far and wide, but many would not take them seriously, and filling half the seats was considered decent. Now the situation was completely different. Simply obtaining an invitation was already difficult. The Xu family had built a fixed circle of elite clients, and for many in Beijing, attending one of their auctions had become a matter of honor.

Zhang Jiaohua and Kong Fangzhou each held an exquisitely designed invitation card—not ordinary ones, but the kind reserved only for Xu’s top-tier clients.

When they arrived at the entrance, Xu Yanzhang was waiting personally. He normally did not greet every guest—those were handled by professional staff. At most, Kong Fangzhou might get a polite nod.

“President Xu, your place is the hottest spot in the capital now. Today’s exhibits are truly breathtaking. With so many international buyers coming to bid, I was thinking of selling a set of fine Yuan blue-and-white porcelain from my collection. Could you arrange something for me?” Liu Xiucen, an old client of Xu Auction House, greeted him warmly.

Xu Yanzhang had heard of that porcelain set before, and knew its origins were questionable. He wasn’t about to risk Xu Auction House’s reputation. He smiled politely and said:

“Mr. Liu, you’re making it difficult for me. If you can clarify the provenance of that porcelain, I would be more than happy to host a dedicated auction just for you.”

“Does provenance really matter? As long as the item is genuine, that should be enough. Xu Auction House isn’t the police bureau—why be so fussy?” Liu Xiucen replied, slightly displeased.

“My apologies, Mr. Liu, but I have an important guest to receive. Let’s leave this matter for another time.” Xu Yanzhang said, noticing Zhang Jiaohua and Kong Fangzhou approaching. He immediately went to greet them.

Liu Xiucen stopped in his tracks, surprised. It had been a long time since he’d seen Xu Yanzhang treat someone with such deference.

“Mr. Zhang, Mr. Kong, this way please. We’ve already prepared the finest private room for you. We can discuss details inside.” Xu Yanzhang said respectfully.

“Uncle Xu, you’re too polite. I’m classmates and good friends with Xiaoting. Has she been home recently? I haven’t seen her since I left the capital.” Zhang Jiaohua asked quickly.

Hearing this, Xu Yanzhang’s expression softened slightly:

“Xiaoting spends all her time in the lab. That child is too stubborn—she just wants to finish her PhD as soon as possible.”

He glanced at Zhang Jiaohua while speaking. He knew the real reason—his daughter was determined to match him. Since Zhang had obtained a doctorate, she insisted she must do the same. But Xu Yanzhang understood his daughter wasn’t competing with an ordinary person; it was an impossible comparison. He wished she would step away from such obsession, instead of immersing herself entirely.

As they spoke, Xu Yanzhang led them into a refined private lounge.

“Mr. Zhang, I already tried to negotiate with the owner of that ancient sword, but he was concerned we might undercut its price. So he insists on putting it to auction.” Xu explained, knowing Zhang’s real interest.

“No problem, Uncle Xu. Don’t worry. At worst, we’ll just pay more.” Zhang Jiaohua smiled.

Xu Yanzhang then remembered—how could Zhang possibly lack money? Every month, the Jade Spirit Tea auctions alone brought in astronomical sums. Forget one sword; if an entire ancient city were up for sale, Zhang could probably afford it.

Meanwhile, Tang Jingxian, upon learning that Zhang Jiaohua would attend the auction, secretly called her daughter Xu Xiaoting.

“Xiaoting, we’re about to host a very important auction. Can you come home to help greet some distinguished guests?” she asked.

“Mom? Don’t we have important auctions every month? You and Dad always handle them perfectly. Why do you suddenly need me this time?” Xu Xiaoting immediately sensed something unusual.

Knowing she couldn’t fool her sharp daughter, Tang Jingxian replied directly: “Because someone is coming—the one you’ve been thinking about day and night.”

Xu Xiaoting blushed furiously and protested in embarrassment: “Mom, what nonsense are you saying? I haven’t been thinking about anyone day and night!”

“Well then, never mind. I’ll hang up now. Bye, dear.” Tang Jingxian teased.

“Mom, why is he coming to the auction?” Xu Xiaoting asked anxiously.

“He? Who’s he?” Tang Jingxian chuckled.

“You know exactly who I mean!” Xu Xiaoting pouted.

“How do I know if the ‘he’ I mean is the same ‘he’ you think about all the time?” Tang Jingxian teased again.

“Mom!! If you keep this up, I’ll cut off our mother-daughter relationship!” Xu Xiaoting finally shouted into the phone in frustration…