ps: Since today is Monday, recommendations are in order, and as this month is dedicated to Urban stories, monthly tickets are requested. (Search on Baidu) The beginning of every month is a trial; the monthly ticket count is too low—please offer your support.

"Stop being so modest."

At this moment, Fang Mingsheng shook his head. "I've given hints to others before, and they were true experts, yet they couldn't discern anything. So, you see, people's eyesight truly varies. Otherwise, why would some constantly overlook treasures while others keep stumbling upon incredible finds?"

"Uh-huh…" Hearing that sounded like it was aimed at him, Wang Guan nodded absently, then quickly changed the subject. "Right, where is the hidden mark you mentioned? The patterns are too intricate; it’s not easy to find."

"It is difficult. Even Elder Zeng spent two or three days studying it before noticing that specific hidden mark, only then realizing this item was actually a fake produced by Mr. Zhu the Great."

As he spoke, Fang Mingsheng extended his finger, pointing to an inconspicuous corner within the band of underglaze blue decoration encircling the lower part of the large vase, then gestured, "Look here…" Wang Guan lowered his head and instantly felt the other blue patterns blur, causing this single hidden mark to stand out so sharply it was impossible to ignore. Of course, it was also extremely jarring; judging by Fang Mingsheng's expression, he looked as if he wanted to scrape it off with a knife.

"You see it now, don't you?"

At this point, Fang Mingsheng returned to the coffee table and sat down. After several cups of Gongfu tea, he managed to quell the anger churning within him, then said gravely, "Wang Guan, if you ever come across any leads on Mr. Zhu the Great, you must tell me. To dare cheat me like this—if I don't sink him to the bottom of the ocean to feed the sharks, my surname isn't Fang."

Sensing the grimness and palpable killing intent in Fang Mingsheng’s tone, Wang Guan knew he wasn't joking. While wary of this man's casual disregard for the law, Wang Guan also felt a flicker of satisfaction. After all, Fang Mingsheng possessed considerable influence, making him a significant asset.

"If I get any leads, I will certainly notify Boss Fang,"

Wang Guan nodded at this moment. "Boss Fang should also pay attention to movements overseas. Based on what we currently know, Mr. Zhu the Great is likely hiding abroad, which is why we can’t track him down domestically."

"Overseas?" Fang Mingsheng frowned, clearly showing some difficulty. This was entirely normal; it was like some tycoons could behave tyrannically within the country but were rendered powerless abroad, forced to tuck their tails between their legs. Perhaps Fang Mingsheng was similar, but after some consideration, he declared with icy resolve, "Cross me? Forget hiding overseas—even if he fled to outer space, I would drag him back."

This wasn't mere boasting. Space travel was hardly a novelty in developed nations anymore. Given Fang Mingsheng’s wealth, if he was willing to spend the money, experiencing a trip to space wouldn't be difficult. Of course, verbal threats counted for little; the real measure would come with future actions. It was anticipated that, given Fang Mingsheng’s nature, he would never rest until Mr. Zhu the Great was apprehended.

Wang Guan was also content to see this unfold.

"Boss Fang, please calm your temper."

At the same time, Wang Guan walked over, offering a few casual words of comfort, then suddenly inquired, "By the way, Elder Zeng also resides in Jieyang, doesn't he? I wonder if Boss Fang could take me there to pay a visit? That way, I could ask the esteemed elder for guidance in person." If he hadn't known, it wouldn't matter, but now that he was aware of a respected and influential figure nearby, it would be a true pity not to pay respects and light some incense.

"Elder Zeng doesn't live in Jieyang."

However, Fang Mingsheng shook his head directly. Only after Wang Guan sighed in disappointment did he smile and say, "The old man lives in Chaozhou."

"Oh, that's not far then."

A sudden turn of events brought a touch of joy to Wang Guan's expression. After all, looking at the map, Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang formed a triangle, belonging to a region of mutually complementary economic cooperation with highly convenient transportation. Just then, Fang Mingsheng seized the opportunity to issue a condition. "I can take you to visit Elder Zeng, but you have to help me examine something first."

"Examine what?" Wang Guan frowned, vaguely sensing that this was the real reason Fang Mingsheng had invited him over. Yet, Wang Guan was somewhat puzzled. If Fang Mingsheng knew Elder Zeng was so capable, why not simply ask him for help instead of going to such lengths to involve himself? "A painting."

Perhaps sensing Wang Guan's confusion, Fang Mingsheng explained, "Elder Zeng usually only studies ceramics and wood carvings; he rarely dabbles in calligraphy and painting. Even if he understands a little through extrapolation, he wouldn't dare definitively declare the authenticity of a painting."

Wang Guan nodded in understanding. Even Elder Qian, when encountering questionable aspects in calligraphy or painting, would directly admit ignorance and ask Elder Zhou to assist with authentication. Human energy is finite; to achieve true mastery in one area necessitates focus. Distracting oneself too much generally leads to being adept at many things but mastering none. Of course, Wang Guan was an exception. Even though he specialized in ceramics, when uncertain about other areas like painting, calligraphy, jade, or stone, he could, effectively, cheat.

Therefore, Wang Guan did not refuse Fang Mingsheng’s request to look at the painting, only asking curiously, "What kind of painting is it? If even the esteemed elder is uncertain, the issue must be significant, right?" "The painting appears very much like an original, but there is a seal on the artwork that causes everyone to harbor doubts, making them hesitant to confirm its authenticity."

Fang Mingsheng explained, "The item is extremely precious; if the doubt cannot be cleared, I dare not take possession of it."

"Where is the item?" Wang Guan asked, intrigued. "What kind of seal is it that can determine the authenticity of a painting?"

"You'll know once you see it."

As he spoke, Fang Mingsheng stood up and gestured, "The item is with someone else; I'll take you there."

"Why ask me to help look?" Wang Guan rose to follow, still somewhat perplexed. "I might not be able to judge accurately either?" Even if he could judge correctly, others might not know he could. The phrasing was convoluted, but it was true. After all, Fang Mingsheng didn't know about Wang Guan's special ability, so how could he be certain Wang Guan could accurately authenticate paintings?

"I don't know if you can judge accurately, but I know you have never once made a mistake,"

Fang Mingsheng stated seriously at the right moment. "I know your intuition is extremely sharp. When you see the painting later, I don't need you to judge how real or fake it is—just tell me if I should buy it or not."

"Oh."

Wang Guan suddenly understood, yet his brow furrowed slightly, feeling that perhaps he had shown too much. In his career for so long, he had never suffered a loss—it seemed his success was too conspicuous.

Just as Wang Guan was considering whether he should intentionally make a few wrong calls to temper his shining reputation, the car smoothly arrived at an antique shop in the city.

At Fang Mingsheng's direction, Wang Guan got out to look around. The antique shop was decorated in a vintage style yet exuded an air of luxury. The ground floor featured a spacious hall primarily dealing in porcelain, jade, and wood carvings. As for calligraphy and painting, those were on the second floor.

"Boss Fang."

It seemed Fang Mingsheng was a frequent visitor, as the shop assistants recognized him immediately and rushed out to greet him warmly upon seeing him.

"Is Shopkeeper Mi in?" Fang Mingsheng asked composedly as he entered the shop. "That painting is still here, right?" Whether Shopkeeper Mi was present didn't matter, as long as the painting remained. However, Fang Mingsheng was not worried; as long as he hadn't expressed abandonment of an item he desired, surely no one would dare sell it to another.

Indeed, as the assistant called out, Shopkeeper Mi quickly emerged from the resting area.

"Boss Fang has arrived! Welcome, welcome."

Shopkeeper Mi was beaming with happiness. He certainly had reason to be pleased; the more frequently Fang Mingsheng visited, the higher his interest in the painting, and thus the greater the likelihood of a successful transaction. Of course, the entire premise depended on proving the painting was free of issues.

But alas, even the highly respected Elder Zeng dared not reach a firm conclusion, let alone anyone else. Thinking of this, Shopkeeper Mi felt both regret and relief. This seemingly contradictory mindset was quite understandable. If he could confirm the item was genuine, he could confidently quote a high price. However, if the item turned out to be a fake, its value would plummet significantly. This is why Shopkeeper Mi regretted that Elder Zeng hadn't declared it genuine, and was even more relieved that he hadn't declared it a fake. Viewed this way, having lingering doubts was actually advantageous. There are countless items in the world with questionable provenance; even the Palace Museum holds a vast collection of items whose authenticity is debated. But until they are proven forgeries, they are still meticulously cared for. Under such circumstances, what difference did true or false truly make? Of course, if it could be confirmed as genuine, it would naturally be a cause for universal celebration.

His thoughts racing, Shopkeeper Mi habitually glanced behind Fang Mingsheng, as Fang Mingsheng always brought an appraiser when he visited. But upon seeing Wang Guan, Shopkeeper Mi’s gaze flickered and passed over him, clearly not believing this young man was the person Fang Mingsheng had specifically invited to view the painting. However, after passing over him, he saw several bodyguards. Seeing this formation, Shopkeeper Mi was naturally surprised, assuming Fang Mingsheng had come alone to see the painting. But a moment later, he realized how utterly mistaken he had been.

A short while later, under Shopkeeper Mi’s warm reception, Wang Guan and his party entered the VIP room. While Shopkeeper Mi personally poured tea and water, Fang Mingsheng waved his hand dismissively. "Let the assistants handle these trivial matters. Go bring out the painting so I can see it."

"Boss Fang, please wait a moment; I'll be right back."

Shopkeeper Mi smiled and nodded, turning to leave. Naturally, an item of such extreme value would not be casually displayed in the shop but carefully stored in the vault. Two or three minutes later, Shopkeeper Mi returned to the VIP room, holding a long, brocade-covered box. At this point, without needing a signal from Fang Mingsheng, Shopkeeper Mi proactively opened the box, gently lifted out a scroll, and carefully unrolled it onto the clean tabletop.

"Boss Fang, Zhang Daqian’s Red-Clad Maiden, please examine it."

As he spoke, Shopkeeper Mi stepped back a few paces, a hint of pride in his smile. After all, without considerable capability and connections, one could hardly acquire such a precious item.

"Zhang Daqian again…" Wang Guan felt a sense of surprise, yet also that it was entirely predictable.