Bai Wuji's face showed a faint smile, but in his eyes, a clear disdain flashed.
Everyone knew how important the Zhong Kui painting was to Chu Nianxue.
Whether the Chu Group could soar with this opportunity depended on the crucial role of those precious antiques.
Yet, at this moment, Chu Xionghui stole the item and wanted to sell it to him, acting like a hindrance.
However, this was not of much concern to him.
He needed to use this painting to gain a favor.
He disdained it in his heart but did not show it on his face, smiling faintly, "I've been tied up with trivial matters, making Mr. Chu wait."
"Since you're in a hurry, let's cut the pleasantries. Bring out the painting. As long as it's authenticated as genuine, I'll have him transfer the money to you immediately."
He then made a gesture.
Chu Xionghui's face was full of smiles, "Mr. Bai, I'm not an idiot. I wouldn't casually carry such a precious painting with me."
"Besides, the place we agreed upon is too dangerous. If I were to be killed here, no one would ever know."
"So, I didn't bring the painting with me when I came."
"If you sincerely want to trade, you can transfer the money to me first. Once I confirm the funds are in order, I'll immediately take you to retrieve the painting."
"I'm here anyway, are you afraid I'll run off?"
"You are the renowned Mr. Bai. A small figure like me is nothing in front of you. I wouldn't dare to deceive you, as that would be no different from playing with you. Even if you were to kill me, the Chu family wouldn't dare to utter a single word of complaint."
Bai Wuji's eyes narrowed slightly. He hadn't planned to offer Chu Xionghui much benefit, intending to use threats and manipulation to acquire the painting at a very low price.
He hadn't expected this fellow to have a hidden card.
Even fools have their moments of cleverness.
He showed no outward reaction, merely saying, "The transaction of antiques is always a matter of cash on delivery."
"I haven't even seen if the Zhong Kui painting is genuine, and you want me to pay you upfront. Do you think that's appropriate?"
"If you don't want to sell the painting, I'll leave now. You can find another buyer."
"But I believe they won't have my reputation for trustworthiness."
"Be careful of being double-crossed."
With that, he stood up as if to leave.
Chu Xionghui, though lacking in cunning, was not foolish. He hesitated for a moment and did not stop him, "Then, even if the deal falls through, we can still be friends. If Mr. Bai needs anything in the future, you can call me anytime. I can still steal it from the family for you. All I want is money."
Bai Wuji's brow furrowed slightly, and he simply nodded.
He didn't want to lose face in front of this fool, so he subtly signaled to a nearby bodyguard.
The bodyguard nodded almost imperceptibly.
The group headed towards the door.
Chu Xionghui hadn't expected Bai Wuji to be so decisive and not just putting on a show, but genuinely not wanting the painting anymore.
Seeing them already at the door, he could no longer maintain his stance.
He quickly shouted, "Mr. Bai, please wait!"
"I've reconsidered. I believe Mr. Bai's reputation is the most reliable. Cooperating with others is definitely not as good as cooperating with you."
"I will only sell this painting to you."
A faint smile curved Bai Wuji's lips. He had already planned that if Chu Xionghui didn't sell him the painting, the accompanying bodyguards would discreetly follow.
Then, how the painting would end up in his hands would be another matter.
Of course, he wouldn't mind paying a price to acquire it, at least to silence the Chu Group.
"Since you want to trade, show some sincerity and take us to see the painting."
"As long as it's genuine, I'll pay immediately."
This time, Chu Xionghui didn't hesitate. He found Bai Wuji to be a trustworthy person.
After all, he hadn't resorted to force, and he left immediately when the transaction didn't proceed, without wasting any more words. This was how a businessman should act.
Upon arriving at the location and taking out the painting, Bai Wuji had the accompanying experts meticulously authenticate it. It was confirmed to be genuine.
However, the expert kept frowning.
Bai Wuji was adept at reading people, and a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes, "Is there a problem?"
The expert shook his head, "When I authenticated this painting earlier, I noticed some peculiarities."
"It's confirmed to be a genuine work because I can't find any flaws or defects."
"The key issue is that this painting has a unique fragrance, much like newly printed books that carry the scent of ink."
"I've never heard of the Zhong Kui painting having an ink fragrance. I also went to the exhibition booth at the antique fair, but the painting was protected behind a glass display, so even if there was a scent, it might not have been detectable."
"However, I've heard that among the calligraphy bestowed by the Emperor of Tang, the inkstones were for imperial use, and the ink sticks used contained the essence of 'Ten Thousand Year Fragrance.' While it's unlikely to truly last for ten thousand years without fading, the lingering ink fragrance now shouldn't be a point of concern."
He was somewhat uncertain about this.
Bai Wuji's face showed a smile, "Tomorrow, as long as the Chu Group doesn't display the genuine article."
"Then it can be completely confirmed that this painting is authentic."
He then looked at Chu Xionghui.
Chu Xionghui immediately said without hesitation, "I can absolutely guarantee that this painting is genuine. If I lie, I'll have all my teeth knocked out and be hanged to death."
"He's in it for the money and would say anything."
Furthermore, he was completely certain that the painting was genuine because he had stolen it from the most heavily guarded display case of the Chu Group.
That was why he dared to say such things.
Bai Wuji chuckled, "I can't completely trust your word."
"Let's discuss the price first!"
"I'll consider this painting genuine, but you know its origin better than I do. Naturally, I can't offer you too high a price. I'll give you one hundred million. If you think that's acceptable, we'll trade immediately."
"If you think the money is too little, then you can find another buyer."
After some haggling, Bai Wuji eventually purchased it for two hundred million.
They even signed a contract.
The sun shone on the earth again. Lin Xiaotian had originally planned to go to the pawnshop, but recalling what had happened last night, he took a car to the company.
There was a small exhibition here.
The Zhong Kui painting was prominently displayed.