Chapter 260 - Luck
Su Ming approached a painting and paused in front of it.
While Su Ming was not well-versed in calligraphy and painting, he recognized the remarkable composition of the painting.
It was evident that this painting was the work of a highly skilled artist.
“This work is titled ‘Zhan Ziqian's Spring Tour'.”
Just then, a very soothing voice spoke up next to him.
Su Ming turned to see who it was.
He noticed Xiao Ke'er approaching with a gentle smile.
“This piece represents the earliest landscape painting in our nation, and it is also considered the most ancient to date.”
Xiao Ke'er positioned herself one meter from Su Ming.
Her attention was fixed on the painting.
“This piece captures the exquisite beauty of the mountains and rivers.”
“Although what you’re seeing is a copy, the original resides in the Forbidden City Museum. Despite being a replica, this piece still embodies profound ideas.”
Xiao Ke'er’s eyes lingered on the painting.
She spoke with great appreciation.
“Thank you for sharing that; it seems you are quite knowledgeable in this field. I, being an outsider, can only look on without truly understanding.”
Su Ming expressed, smiling.
“Is that so?”
Xiao Ke'er chuckled, “Mr. Su, you're being too modest. Recognizing and acquiring treasures among numerous antiques suggests you're hardly an outsider.”
“You might think that, Miss Xiao, but”
Su Ming smiled, “I'm merely a novice. I’ve never dealt with antiques before. It was purely by chance that I acquired a few items and sold them, which Old Master Tang collected. That's why he invited me to the auction.”
“I thought I'd bid on one or two items just for fun since I didn’t have much to spend. When a painting came up with a starting bid of just a hundred thousand, I took a chance on it.”
“Who would have thought it was a national treasure?”
“So, I'm really just an amateur who got lucky with that painting.”
Su Ming said with a subdued smile.
“Really?”
Hearing this, Xiao Ke'er laughed, her initial curiosity fading.
Back in the capital, she had heard rumors of a young man who snagged a national treasure for a steal.
Many had seen the painting but failed to recognize its true worth.
The auction was quiet and uneventful, with only Su Ming placing bids.
This piqued her curiosity even more.
She had come to Eastsea accompanying Old Master Tang.
There, she met the young man and discovered the details of that day.
Now, hearing Su Ming’s account, she realized it was all just fortunate coincidence.
Her interest waned.
“Mr. Su, I must attend to another matter, so I'll take my leave.”
Xiao Ke'er offered a courteous smile and walked away.
Su Ming smiled subtly, unbothered.
He resumed his exploration of the exhibit.
Xiao Ke'er was strikingly beautiful and carried herself with grace.
She drew the gaze of many.
Yet, she remained composed as she made her way to Old Master Tang.
“Did you speak with Su Ming one-on-one?”
From Xiao Ke'er's demeanor, Old Master Tang surmised what had transpired.
Xiao Ke'er confirmed with a nod.
“Are you disappointed in him?” Old Master Tang inquired.
Old Master Tang asked this question.
“Grandpa Tang, let's just focus on the exhibition,” suggested Xiao Ke'er.
Xiao Ke'er preferred not to continue discussing this topic.
Nonetheless, she belonged to a distinguished family based in the capital.
Her family was of ancient lineage and adhered to strict traditions.
She possessed a refined demeanor that could not be bought with any amount of money.
She didn't find a common person who accidentally discovered a national treasure particularly noteworthy.
Old Master Tang simply offered a smile in response.
He pondered quietly to himself.
While Xiao Ke'er was slightly older than Su Ming, she lacked his cunning.
It wasn't her fault; she had been overly sheltered at home.
Xiao Ke'er was not well-acquainted with Su Ming.
But Old Master Tang was more familiar with him.
He vividly recalled the events at the auction.
Su Ming was decisive in his bidding for the national treasure.
His gaze was determined, fully convinced of the item's significance.
Furthermore, before the auction concluded, he had gone backstage to secure the item and arrange for its restoration.
His actions were executed with precision and clarity of intent.
Nonetheless, Old Master Tang realized that both Su Ming and Xiao Ke'er had their justifications.
It was inappropriate for him to comment further, and he chose not to meddle.
Old Master Tang then smiled and acknowledged the other attendees.
“Apologies for my tardiness,” he announced.
Suddenly, a jarring voice interrupted the moment.
An elderly man entered, smiling broadly.
A striking young man followed behind him.
Old Master Tang's expression soured upon seeing the elder.
This man was a veteran in the antiques field.
Known for his sarcasm and tendency to claim others' possessions.
Additionally, he shared a strained relationship with Old Master Tang.
Old Master Tang had not invited him to the exhibition.
Yet, he had flown in from the capital specifically to attend.
The young man accompanying him was his grandson, Bai Tianlei.
As expected, the other elders noticed their presence.
Bai Qiusheng observed Old Master Tang's disregard for him.
Unbothered by the snub.
He greeted with a light smile, “It's been a while.”
The other elders responded briefly.
“Bai Qiusheng, you weren't invited, were you?” questioned Old Master Tang, stepping forward with a frown.
Old Master Tang confronted him, visibly displeased.
“I purchased a ticket for entry. It cost two thousand yuan,” Bai Qiusheng defended.
Bai Qiusheng brandished a ticket as he spoke.
Su Ming would have been delighted to witness this scene.
Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m fr𝒆ewebnove(l).com