Scum of the Cold Gate, 80s Scrap Collector

The Return to the 1980s

Chen Xinzhou, a renowned expert in antique restoration in the modern era, finds himself transported back to the 1980s. He awakens in the body of a student from a poor family who has just failed the college entrance examination. While his childhood friend and first love both successfully gain admission to university, Chen faces a starkly different path. Rather than following the traditional route to higher education, he decides to pedal an old tricycle, taking up the humble livelihood of a scrap collector.

Treasure Hunting in the Scrap Piles

To the outside world, Chen's choice appears to be a descent into self-destruction. However, his true motive is far more ambitious. Utilizing his knowledge of history and materials, he begins to sift through piles of rotten wood and discarded items. He successfully identifies and retrieves valuable artifacts, such as colored porcelain from the Qing Dynasty and imperial paper from the Ming Dynasty, hidden within old ancestral halls and scrap heaps. His goal is to restore these broken items and preserve the remnants of the past.

Building a Legacy Through Restoration

As the era's economic train speeds forward, others are still struggling to find their footing. Chen Xinzhou, however, leverages his exceptional eye for quality and his forward-thinking commercial instincts. He meticulously restores the old antiques, turning them into cherished treasures. Through his dedication and unique business sense, he carves out a significant career for himself, eventually earning the respect and admiration of everyone around him, including those who once ridiculed his choice to collect scrap.

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