Kong Lili rushed out the door early the next morning.
The taxi dropped her off at the antique market and left.
Here was Qingzhou's largest antique market, Peng Garden.
Kong Lili entered the market, greeted by rows of faux-ancient buildings, all adorned with plaques mentioning jade or pavilions.
Early in the morning, the market was completely deserted, save for the occasional cleaner sweeping the grounds.
As the autumn wind swept past, Kong Lili couldn't help but wrap her arms around herself and rub them.
Following the address, she arrived at the most luxurious and imposing faux-ancient building in the market.
The pure blue glazed tiles sparkled under the morning sunlight, with flying eaves and brackets, jade carvings, and golden inscriptions. On the black-pillared corridors flanking the building were phrases in bold gold brushstrokes: "Renowned Peng Garden across the world, timeless ancient charm illuminating China."
