When Chu Nan wiped the bronze mirror for the thirteenth time, blood suddenly oozed from the mirror.
The dark red liquid snaked down the ravine with gluttonous patterns, glowing strangely under the lamp. He retracted his hand as if he was electrocuted, and the bloody deerskin glove hit the glass counter, causing the Northern Wei Dynasty Buddha statue in the corner to shake slightly.
"What the hell!" He pulled off his mask, revealing his stubbled chin. The damp musty smell mixed with the smell of copper rust exploded in his nose. This smell reminded him of the Bronze Jue that broke down in Panjiayuan three years ago - it also suddenly oozed blood, and then the entire stall was ransacked by the Cultural Relics Bureau.
The phone vibrated in his trouser pocket, and the debt collection number lit up for the eighth time. Chu Nan glanced at the auction catalog on the counter. The store rent that was due to be paid three days ago was stuck in his throat like a fish bone. He bit open the alcohol swab package and wiped the mirror ferociously, but he couldn't wipe away the blood stains. The mottled inscriptions on the frame suddenly glowed with a faint blue light, like the breath of some ancient creature.
