At that moment, Elder Zhang’s beard and hair bristled with anger, his voice booming like a great bell: “This fellow is a colossal tycoon; who can compete with him? Moreover, with this object in his hands, does he even know how to appreciate it? It’s clearly a pearl cast before swine; it will probably be utterly wasted.”

Fang Mingsheng heard this, his expression somewhat awkward, yet he had nothing to refute.

“Heh heh, are you all referring to Li Mo?”

Just then, Su Wenyu spoke up, diffusing Fang Mingsheng’s embarrassment. He smiled broadly, saying: “Actually, I am also quite interested in this Li Mo. In a few months, it will be my father’s seventieth birthday. He has always enjoyed indulging in calligraphy and painting. If I could present this as a birthday gift, he would surely be immensely pleased.”

“For a child, the greatest wish is nothing more than for their parents at home to enjoy health, longevity, and happiness.”

Su Wenyu spoke with genuine feeling and offered a price with a smile: “Therefore, I propose fifteen million to acquire the Li Mo as a birthday gift. I ask that everyone grant me this courtesy; I will be deeply grateful.”

“Oh…”

Hearing this, Elder Zhou and the others fell silent.

A moment later, Elder Zhang shook his head and sighed: “It is rare to see such filial piety; truly, Elder Su is blessed. In that case, we shall yield it to you. Besides, even with my modest savings, I couldn't reach fifteen million.”

“It’s also good if it falls into Brother Ruisheng’s hands,” Elder Zhou nodded slowly. “As far as I know, the Bronze Da Ke Ding, the treasure of the Shanghai Museum, was donated by Elder Su, correct?”

“That is indeed my father’s doing,” Su Wenyu replied with a slight smile, dimly grasping the meaning behind Elder Zhou’s words.

However, Elder Zhou made no move to conceal his meaning, stating frankly: “Well then, in a few years, when Brother Ruisheng has tired of playing with it, I shall visit and persuade him to donate it.”

“To call me despicable, you are even more cunning,” Elder Zhang laughed, chiding him.

“Hahaha…”

The crowd chuckled, and amidst the laughter, they seemed to have overlooked one crucial detail.

As the principal party involved, Wang Guan felt he had to speak up lest things proceed further. Feeling somewhat vexed and finding the situation both funny and frustrating, he said: “Excuse me, everyone, but this item seems to be mine, doesn’t it?”

For an instant, several people froze. Thinking it over, they realized that attempting to buy something without consulting the owner was indeed profoundly impolite. For a moment, they all felt awkward, unsure how to face Wang Guan.

“Wang Guan, you’ve heard, this Mr. Su intends to offer fifteen million for your Li Mo,” Elder Qian spoke up with a smile, trying to smooth things over. “What do you think?”

“Little brother, I am very sincere,” Su Wenyu chimed in at the opportune moment with a smile. “I sincerely hope you can fulfill my filial aspiration.”

“Mr. Su’s filial piety touches me greatly. However, I am also very fond of that piece of Li Mo. Furthermore, it was the very first item I decided to collect, and I have no intention of selling it,” Wang Guan stated firmly, softly adding: “Therefore, I must apologize, please forgive me.”

“Ah…” Su Wenyu sounded somewhat surprised. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again: “Little brother, if you feel the price is unsuitable, we can still negotiate.”

“It’s not an issue of money,” Wang Guan shook his head. “The value of Li Mo cannot be entirely measured by money. Otherwise, everyone knows Fang Boss’s jade Buddha is far more expensive, perhaps worth two to three hundred million. Yet, the price set for the Li Mo is not that high. But why do people feel the value of these two treasures is nearly equal?”

“The White Jade Golden Top Holding Pearl Buddha was crafted by a master artisan of the Tang Dynasty using top-grade Hetian jade. Whether considering its texture or the skill of its carving, it has reached the pinnacle of perfection,” Wang Guan slowly analyzed. “However, the Li Mo, no matter how rare or scarce, is ultimately just an inkstone. Perhaps only the technique of its creation can rival the jade carving. In terms of age or material quality, logically, they shouldn’t be in the same league. Yet, everyone equates their worth.”

“Especially Elder Zhou and Elder Zhang, including Mr. Su. Relatively speaking, Fang Boss’s jade Buddha is superior, so why don’t you try to persuade him to donate it, or try to buy it? I believe, setting aside the high price and the inability to afford it, the greater possibility is that you also feel the Li Mo is more precious.”

Noticing everyone deep in thought, Wang Guan smiled: “In truth, I feel the same way. After all, we are all educated people; deep down, we retain the respect and love for traditional culture cultivated over thousands of years in China. And ink happens to be one of the representatives of traditional culture. That is why everyone finds the Li Mo precious, capable of being ranked alongside the jade Buddha. It is not just the rarity of the ink; more importantly, everyone subconsciously imbues the Li Mo with greater and deeper cultural value.”

“Although I have only recently started collecting, I also know that an object like this might only appear once in a lifetime. Therefore, I wish to collect it myself and have no plans to transfer it,” Wang Guan reiterated. “So, I must disappoint Mr. Su’s filial wishes; please bear with me.”

The crowd remained silent, seemingly processing Wang Guan’s explanation.

A little later, Elder Zhang looked up and clapped his hands in admiration: “Good, very good. I did not expect someone so young to possess such an understanding of traditional culture, and to see through it so clearly.”

“Indeed,” Elder Zhou nodded gently. “The Li Mo came into your possession; this is your predestined encounter. I hope you will cherish it and pass it down through the generations.”

With two highly respected elders having spoken, the tone was virtually set. Fang Mingsheng and Su Wenyu, no matter their reservations, found it inappropriate to press the issue further. However, the way each person looked at Wang Guan held a certain unfamiliarity. Especially Elder Qian, Fang Mingsheng, and Gao Dequan, none of them could have imagined that an ordinary young man could resist the temptation of over ten million.

Wang Guan was also fully aware that fifteen million meant a common person would never have to worry about livelihood again—they could truly just eat, drink, and wait for death.

Such a life had once been Wang Guan’s distant dream, one seemingly impossible to realize. Yet, now that it was within reach, Wang Guan felt none of the expected excitement or elation; instead, he had lightly refused it.

This was easily understood. As the saying goes, when the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when food and clothing are sufficient, people know honor and disgrace. With capital and the relevant capabilities, Wang Guan’s pursuits naturally differed completely from before.

“It is indeed regrettable that the little brother is unwilling to part with his treasure,” Su Wenyu remarked. Seeing his attempt to purchase the Li Mo fail, he shifted to a secondary goal: “However, I heard you mentioned having a box of antique Qing Dynasty inkstones on hand. Perhaps those can be transferred?”

“That shouldn't be a problem,” Wang Guan replied with a smile. “However, the items are at the Longhu Mountain Visitor Center. If Mr. Su is in a hurry, I can go retrieve them now.”

“No rush,” Su Wenyu smiled. “I will pay you a visit tomorrow when I am free…”

.......................

The day’s plan lies in the morning; please add to favorites, recommend some votes! C