The Courtier Drum case ended here. We kept our promise and sold the Courtier Drum to Ao Bai’s descendants, who lived in Malaysia. They couldn’t thank us enough and generously gave me a cheque. Then, they buried their ancestors’ remains and let them rest in peace.

I checked my new bank account balance, which made my eyes bulge. Three million renminbi! That Malaysian businessman was really rich.

The next period of my life was a little monotonous. Every day, I would sit in my antique shop and watch people walk past my door. I appraised antiques and beautiful calligraphy drawings from time to time, but none of them could arouse my interest. 

Although trading ordinary antiques could help me earn some dimes to make ends meet, it was nowhere as thrilling.

Otherworldly items were like drugs. Once you tried the business, you would get addicted. There was no...