Chapter 43: Jinsinnan and Huanghuali

Liu Yong and Chen Hu returned to the company after successfully moving all the wood into the warehouse.

The top priority now was to find an expert who could identify the type and value of the wood. It was crucial to determine if the wood had significant monetary worth, as the company required substantial funds for investment.

Liu Yong pondered over whom he should approach for help. Suddenly, an idea struck him. Zhao Zhenbiao from Hongda Group would be the perfect candidate for the task. Zhao had years of experience in the mahogany industry and always showed warmth and friendliness toward Liu Yong during their encounters.

Around two o'clock, Liu Yong decided it was an appropriate time to contact Zhao Zhenbiao. He took out Zhao's business card and dialled his number, hoping he would be available at the company.

The call connected swiftly, and Liu Yong introduced himself " Mr. Zhao, excuse me. I am Liu Yong from Global Ocean Services. "

Zhao Zhenbiao's deep, husky voice came through the phone, " Hello, Mr. Liu. How can I assist you? "

Zhao had just concluded a meeting with several senior executives from Hongda Group, discussing the acquisition of the Jinsinan desk. However, after observing for over half an hour, they had yet to find any leads on the case.

Despite Hongda Group announcing a high-priced purchase offer, people had yet to claim to possess the golden Nanmu desk.

Back in his office, Zhao Zhenbiao's face displayed a touch of gloom and irritability. Therefore, when he received a call from Liu Yong, he was surprised and approached the matter cautiously. If it wasn't necessary, he intended to end the conversation quickly.

Liu Yong explained, " Mr. Zhao, I have a batch of wood in my possession. We salvaged it from the sea, but we are unable to identify its type. I have taken some photos. If it's convenient, I can come over now for you to take a look. "

Zhao Zhenbiao's interest was piqued when he learned it was about wood. Being in the industry, he held a special affection for various types of timber. " I'm waiting for you at the office, Mr. Liu. Please come over now. "

After ending the call, Liu Yong left the office and quickly arrived at the front desk of Hongda Company. The notice must have been given, as someone was already waiting for him. The person at the front desk asked, " You are Mr Liu, right? "

Liu Yong nodded, replying, " Yes, I am from Global Ocean. "

The receptionist guided Liu Yong to Zhao Zhenbiao's office. It was his first time attending a meeting in Zhao's office, and as soon as he entered, the scent of cigarettes filled the air. Noticing the ashtray on the desk brimming with cigarette butts, Liu Yong sensed that Zhao Zhenbiao might be in a sour mood.

Intending to disturb him as little as possible, Liu Yong planned to present the photos for identification and then leave promptly.

After exchanging polite greetings, Liu Yong and Zhao Zhenbiao took out their mobile phones and opened the photos. Liu Yong requested, " Mr. Zhao, please help me identify the type of wood in these photos. "

Zhao Zhenbiao took the phone and examined the photos earnestly. Gradually, his expression grew more animated, and the severe countenance with slightly furrowed brows melted away.

His face now brimmed with surprise and excitement. Turning to Liu Yong, he asked, " Are all these logs yours? "

Zhao Zhenbiao's reaction also dumbfounded Liu Yong. Even though he wasn't an expert in the field, Liu Yong was well aware of the value of Jinsinan and Huanghuali, especially considering the large quantity he had salvaged.

" Mr. Zhao, are you sure they are Jinsinan and Huanghuali? " Liu Yong asked, his voice filled with surprise and excitement.

Zhao Zhenbiao's expertise and the ease with which he identified the wood brought overwhelming happiness to Liu Yong. He couldn't help but feel that what lay before him was not merely a pile of wood but a fortune waiting to be realized.

" Mr. Liu, if my judgment is correct, then indeed, these are Jinsinan and Huanghuali, " Zhao Zhenbiao replied confidently. " Based on my experience, I can say with 70% to 80% certainty. However, since these are only photos, I can be more certain if I can see the real thing. "

Liu Yong's mind raced with possibilities. If the wood was indeed Jinsinan or Huanghuali, he could sell them and convert them into much-needed cash for the company's investment. He decided and said, " All these logs are stored in my warehouse, not far from here. It will take a little over an hour to drive there. Shall we go and have a look? "

Zhao Zhenbiao's face lit up with enthusiasm. " If you wish, let's go now, " he said eagerly, not wanting to waste a moment.

Liu Yong politely invited, "Mr Zhao, please ride in my car. "

" Sure, no problem, " Zhao Zhenbiao agreed, and they set off, accompanied by Chen Hu driving the car and Zhao's assistant sitting in the co-pilot seat. The group of four made their way to the seaside warehouse.

Upon arriving at the warehouse, Liu Yong swung open the gate and gestured for them to enter. " Come on, let's go inside. All the wood is in there. "

Zhao Zhenbiao couldn't contain his excitement as he hurriedly walked toward the woodpile, which towered like a hill inside the warehouse. His eyes scanned the logs with great anticipation.

" It's Huanghuali and Jinsinnan! " he exclaimed, his voice filled with certainty.

Even Zhao's assistant, who had some knowledge in the field, couldn't help but exclaim, " My God, such thick Huanghuali, and there's Jinsinnan! "

Seeing the reactions of both Zhao Zhenbiao and his assistant, Liu Yong felt an immense sense of relief. What lay before him wasn't just a pile of wood but a treasure trove.

Liu Yong thought, " I'm going to be rich again soon. "

Zhao Zhenbiao carefully inspected the wood, examining the details and scrutinizing each piece. Liu Yong patiently observed, giving Zhao enough time to assess the wood thoroughly.

When Zhao seemed satisfied with his examination, Liu Yong asked, " Mr. Zhao, are these truly Jinsinnan and Huanghuali? "

With utmost certainty, Zhao Zhenbiao replied, " Yes, I am 100% sure that these are centuries-old Jinsinnan and Huanghuali. "

He pointed to the most significant piece, measuring eight to nine meters long and over 1.5 meters in diameter, and added, " That is a golden nanmu tree, likely over a thousand years old. "

" You've struck gold, Mr Liu, " Zhao Zhenbiao exclaimed enthusiastically.