"Elder Qi, how much do you think this painting is worth? Ten million? Is it that outrageous?" Yuan Kang exclaimed, as if a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
Honghong, standing beside him, also widened her eyes.
They couldn't fathom how a painting bought for two hundred thousand could be worth ten million!
Chen Nan was also greatly surprised.
Although he recognized the artist from the signature, he had never expected the price to be so astronomically high.
"Not outrageous at all, not outrageous in the slightest," Elder Qi said, admiring the painting with the reverence of someone who had found a treasure. "Although this is a replica, its value is considerable."
"That's because the artist who replicated it was no ordinary person, but Liu Gongquan, the last calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty, and one of the four great masters of Kai script."
"Whether it's Wu Daozi or Liu Gongquan, both were renowned figures of the Tang Dynasty. This work can be considered a collaboration between them, hence its exorbitant price!"
"But... Liu Gongquan was a calligrapher. How could his painting skills be so profound?" Yuan Kang's face turned ashen; he couldn't accept that Liu Gongquan was skilled in painting.
Elder Qi chuckled, "Calligraphy and painting are interconnected. Many calligraphers throughout history have been proficient in painting, it's just that their achievements in calligraphy were more outstanding!"
Yuan Kang swallowed hard and asked, unwilling to accept it, "So, this is indeed a 'Sendong Tianwang' painting, a replica by Liu Gongquan after Wu Daozi?"
"There's no mistake about that. However, according to historical records, this painting has always been kept in the palace!" Elder Qi murmured.
Honghong whispered, "It seems that the middle-aged woman wasn't lying. This painting was indeed passed down from her husband's ancestors."
"Do I need you to tell me that? Don't I know she wasn't lying?" Yuan Kang erupted in anger, having previously mocked Chen Nan for so easily believing someone.
Now, reality had slapped him hard in the face.
The woman hadn't lied at all!
This was truly a treasure that had emerged from the imperial palace.
Thinking about this, Yuan Kang felt like he wanted to drink pesticide.
If he had known the painting was so valuable, he would have emptied his pockets to buy it.
And now, he could only watch as Chen Nan struck it rich, becoming a millionaire right before his eyes!
"Since Elder Qi desires it, I'll sell this painting to you then!"
Chen Nan was in high spirits.
He had thought Liu Gongquan's calligraphy would only be worth tens of thousands, and even if he lost money, it wouldn't be a big deal; he could consider it helping the middle-aged woman.
But.
He had never dreamed that the painting would be worth ten million!
This time, he had profited immensely!
Elder Qi immediately wrote Chen Nan a check for ten million and then carefully put away the scroll.
At the same time, he looked at Yuan Kang and said, "Yuan Kang, your classmate is exceptionally capable. You should learn from him."
Yuan Kang nearly spat blood.
Was he being caught in the crossfire just by lying there?
Seeing Chen Nan's radiant smile, he curled his lip dismissively, "What exceptional ability? He just got lucky!"
------
"Master, Chen Nan didn't leave the antique market. He spent the two hundred thousand you gave him, reportedly buying a landscape painting."
"I just received news that he's gone to Mo Xuan Pavilion, seemingly to appraise the painting's authenticity."
Inside Bao Yu Xuan.
The driver, Liu Ye, respectfully informed Jian Jianhua about Chen Nan's actions.
Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Jian Jianhua's eyes. "That guy truly aims too high. Could he be thinking of getting rich in the antique market with just two hundred thousand?"
Liu Ye sneered, "Many people dream of finding a bargain in the antique market, but where are there so many real bargains? In my opinion, he's clearly been swindled, believing some story someone told him."
Jian Jianhua said softly, "He really should have taken that two hundred thousand and lived a good life. Even if he squandered it, it would be better than wasting it here."
Liu Ye asked, "Master, are you worried he might still bother the young lady? If so, I can teach him a lesson."
Jian Jianhua cast a cold glance at him. "Can you be telling me about such things? If word of this gets out, how can I maintain my standing in Jizhou?"
Liu Ye chuckled; he understood Jian Jianhua's intentions.
"What is it, Dad? Who's upset you?" Jian Ning walked over with a smile. "Alright, alright, we're about to go celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Forget about your work troubles!"
"You're right, let's not think about those vexing matters." Jian Jianhua laughed heartily and turned to Liu Ye, "Is the item prepared?"
Liu Ye respectfully replied, "It's already in your briefcase."
Jian Ning said with a hint of disdain, "Dad, are you talking about the gift for Grandpa? Can a briefcase even fit it? Are you being too stingy? Couldn't you buy something more expensive?"
Despite her words, she still left the jade shop with her father.
Jian Jianhua smiled, "Gift-giving is about understanding preferences, not just focusing on price."
"Although the gift I've prepared isn't very valuable, your grandfather will surely love it when he sees it!"
Jian Ning's curiosity was piqued by his words. She glanced at the briefcase in her father's hand and said with a playful grin, "Why don't you let me have a peek first?"
"That won't do," Jian Jianhua said with feigned mystery. "You'll have to wait until tonight to see it. I guarantee it will surprise you."
"Alright then."
As they spoke, the three of them got into a black commercial vehicle and disappeared into the bustling traffic.
"Dad, when we go back this time, try to persuade Grandpa to live in Jizhou. It would be more convenient for us to take care of him," Jian Ning said.
"Even though Jizhou is only an hour away from his hometown, if something were to happen, it would be difficult for us to reach him immediately. Don't you think so?"
Jian Jianhua rubbed his temples. "I'd like for your grandfather to live in Jizhou, but he dislikes the schemes and deception of the city. He prefers to grow vegetables, raise flowers, and fish in his hometown."
"They say old age brings happiness, and if he's happy, then let it be!"
Jian Ning shrugged, "Then that's how it has to be."
Jian Jianhua suddenly said, "Are you sure you won't consider Cao Yang?"
"Dad, why do you keep bringing him up?" Jian Ning said with disgust. "I admit the Cao family is powerful, but Cao Yang isn't the type I like. It's destined that he and I won't work out. And you can stop whispering in my ear, it's no use. He and I have no chance."
Jian Jianhua smiled wryly, "The matter of love is up to you. But remember one thing: anyone worthy of you must be an exceptional person. Absolutely do not fall for that fellow named Chen Nan. He is not worthy of you in terms of knowledge, ability, or family background!"
"Don't worry, I have my limits," Jian Ning replied listlessly. She didn't care about her father's words regarding ability and family background; as long as they were compatible, that was enough.
But it was precisely Chen Nan, who had been stimulated, who had become unpredictable.
"Watch out!"
Suddenly.
Jian Jianhua cried out in alarm and lunged to the side to shield his daughter.
At the same time.
A heavy-duty earth-moving truck slammed violently into the commercial vehicle.