In the antiques trade, the business of authenticating items for others is called "appraising by sight."
Fake antiques made to look old, goods passed through the black market, treasures lost under layers of dust, and the major case of "stealing from one's own storehouse" from fifteen years ago that drove his grandfather to the brink... Every old object bears the marks of human nature.
He finds bargains at ghost markets, makes a name for himself at treasure duels, and hunts down rare objects at international auctions. People laugh at him: a kid who's been in the business for only three days dares to take on half the collectibles world.
Chen Shi wipes the old copper coin in his hand. "Things are dead, people are alive. But someone has to fight for justice on behalf of the dead things."
