Land Speculation chapter 1

John had a passion for collecting antiques. He was always on the move, spending his free time exploring remote rural areas in the United States, searching for treasures he loved. This hobby was often referred to as “scouring the countryside” in the collector’s circle. Over the decades, through this method, John had amassed more than three hundred pieces of collectibles. Among them, a gold – inlaid copper incense burner worth seven figures was his most prized possession. Gradually, he gained a reputation in the antique – collecting community.

One day, just like any other, after breakfast, John headed to the antique market in New York. As he was strolling around, he suddenly noticed a jade token on a stall at a corner. Since he didn’t have such an item in his collection, he squatted down to take a closer look.

This was a token from the early 20th – century United States, which was used to unfreeze a huge amount of assets. Generally, items from that era might not have extremely high collection value. However, since it could fill the gap in his collection, why not buy it? So John started to bargain with the stall owner. In the end, he managed to get it at a 70% discount, paying only $150.

After paying and getting the token, John continued to wander around the market. From time to time, he would stop, looking at his new acquisition with pride. People around him thought he had found a real treasure and gathered to have a look. A young man also came over to join the crowd. After just one glance, he was shocked and exclaimed, “Sir, how much do you want for this token? Name your price, and I’ll buy it!”

John looked up at the young man. He was in his thirties, with a gentle and scholarly appearance. John smiled and said, “Young man, I only buy things I like. How could I sell it right away? I’m not selling it!” With that, he put the jade token in his pocket and strode out of the market. The young man was persistent and followed him, saying, “Sir, just name a price. I’m willing to pay any amount!”

John originally bought the token just to fill a gap in his collection. But being chased by the young man like this, he began to wonder: Could this token have some special background? Then he definitely couldn’t sell it easily. He stopped, turned around, and said to the young man, “Give up this idea. I’ve said I won’t sell it. Please don’t bother me!” But the young man still didn’t stop.

There was a coffee shop on the street. The young man said to John, “Sir, would you be so kind as to step inside and have a short break? Let me tell you why I’m so eager to buy this token from you.” John looked at his serious expression and thought, Well, even if I don’t sell it to him, it wouldn’t hurt to hear the story behind the token. So he followed the young man into the coffee shop.

The young man ordered two cups of coffee and sat opposite John. While sipping the coffee, he began his story. In fact, the origin of the token was not complicated. The young man’s name was Tom. Tom’s great – grandfather was a division commander under a military governor in the early 20th – century United States. He was highly regarded by the governor. One day, the governor privately gave this jade token to Tom’s great – grandfather, asking him to withdraw money from the treasury. Unfortunately, on the way back, an officer under his command stole the token and the money and fled in the middle of the night. Later, people all said that Tom’s great – grandfather had forged the governor’s token to withdraw money. Unable to bear such a false accusation, he committed suicide in despair…

After telling the story, Tom looked at John seriously and said, “Sir, this token may not be very important to your collection, but for our family, it means a great deal. Three years ago, after I graduated from college, I managed to open a fairly large company in Los Angeles. Once I had some money, I vowed to find this token and clear my great – grandfather’s name.” With that, Tom opened his briefcase, took out a check, wrote a number on it, signed his name, and pushed it in front of John.

John was stunned when he saw the number on the check: it was $60,000!

Tom smiled and said, “I’ve been preparing this money for a long time. I’ve done some research in the antique market. This kind of jade token usually costs no more than $1,000. It’s fate that I met you today. I’m paying 60 times the price. I think you won’t lose out.”

After hearing Tom’s story, John thought about how his $150 investment had turned into $60,000 in less than half a day. This was an incredible stroke of luck! Besides, the token wasn’t really a valuable item. No one would pass up such a chance to make money. So, after some polite remarks, he took the check and took out the jade token from his pocket and gave it to Tom.