“What ‘Tongling Baoyu’…”

At the outset, though some people heard Mr. Liu’s shout, there was a momentary pause before anyone reacted. In contrast, the scholars of Redology culture could not maintain their composure, all turning their gaze toward the stage.

Regrettably, due to the distance, these scholars could only make out the object’s silhouette; they had no clear concept of its precise appearance. Yet, they trusted Mr. Liu’s character; he wouldn't make groundless claims. If he dared to name it the Tongling Baoyu, he must have some basis for it.

At once, one scholar couldn't help but call out, “Brother Liu, what evidence do you have to claim that is the Tongling Baoyu?”

“What is the Tongling Baoyu?”

Meanwhile, some others still hadn’t caught up, dumbly asking the person next to them.

“Idiot, even if you haven't read Dream of the Red Chamber, you must have heard the story. The protagonist, Jia Baoyu, was the reincarnation of the celestial stone left over from Nüwa mending the heavens, born with a jade in his mouth. That jade is the Tongling Baoyu…”

As he spoke, the man grew animated and excited: “I knew coming today wasn't a mistake! Good heavens, they even brought out the Tongling Baoyu—what a grand production!”

“Um…”

Timely, someone nearby weakly reminded him, “Dream of the Red Chamber is a novel; surely the things in it are fictional, right?”

“See? I called you slow, and you still deny it.”

The man continued to look down on him: “It’s common knowledge that the objects in Dream of the Red Chamber all have historical prototypes for research. Otherwise, how could such a large group of Redology experts make a living? Furthermore, Mr. Liu has studied Redology for decades; if he says it’s the Tongling Baoyu, he must have some confidence…”

“Whether it’s real or not is secondary; the important thing is how exquisitely beautiful the object is.”

At this moment, someone nearby exclaimed in awe, “The hazy, diffused radiance is like an explosion of fireworks. No, it’s more marvelous than fireworks. Fireworks only burst forth briefly before vanishing into dust. But the brilliance of this object seems eternal, like the sun, moon, and stars.”

“Precisely.”

Instantly, many people nodded in agreement, sighing in wonder: “More dazzling than a diamond.”

“Indeed, it’s tremendously bright, yet the glow has a certain gentleness to it, not harsh on the eyes.”

Amidst the general murmuring, the Redology experts and scholars had already squeezed through the crowd. With Elder Qian’s permission, the security guards allowed them passage to the display stand to examine the Tongling Baoyu.

After observing for a moment, the experts and scholars exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and elation.

“It resembles it, it resembles it so much.”

At this juncture, one expert sighed: “It’s not just similar; it is an exact match.”

While speaking, the man couldn't help turning back to look at Wang Guan, inquiring, “Young man, can you tell us the provenance of this item?”

“…That’s hard to say.” Wang Guan shook his head, seeing the look of disappointment on the assembled experts. Then, he suddenly smiled: “But I heard someone mention that this is an artifact from the Cao family of Jiangning.”

“An artifact from the Cao family!”

Hearing this, the experts and scholars erupted in renewed joy.

“Is there proof?” Mr. Liu pressed urgently.

“No.” Wang Guan shook his head directly, cleanly and crisply: “That’s just what he said. As for whether it’s true or false, I have no way to verify it.”

“Sigh…”

At once, not only the experts and scholars sighed, but even those who had been listening intently couldn't help but shake their heads. If the object could be confirmed as the Tongling Baoyu from Dream of the Red Chamber, what a sensational discovery that would be.

Of course, one must be content. Being able to view such a treasure was already a rare opportunity, and asking for more felt greedy. Moreover, in the minds of many, they were convinced Wang Guan was not lying. Even if the object wasn't the Tongling Baoyu itself, it must be the very prototype upon which Cao Xueqin based his description—absolutely correct.

“This… this looks like the legendary Crimson Jade.”

While the cultural scholars were absorbed in study, some seasoned connoisseurs couldn't stay silent. After observing for a long time, someone suddenly had an epiphany and, in a single phrase, revealed the object’s secret nature.

“That’s right, it must be Crimson Jade, Hetian Crimson Jade.”

At this moment, some people couldn't understand why the connoisseur was suddenly shouting with such excitement, as if he were having a seizure.

However, while some were ignorant of the background of Crimson Jade, others clearly understood its immense value. Prompted by that expert’s exclamation, many people re-examined the object on the display stand. After a moment of confirmation, they all arrived at the same conclusion.

“So it’s Crimson Jade, no wonder…”

Through the explanations offered by some experts, the others finally grasped the rarity of Crimson Jade—a material considered utterly extinct, now presented before their eyes. Naturally, their gazes became blazing and somewhat fixated.

There was no choice; they had learned the pattern: whatever was displayed today would be put away tomorrow. If they didn't seize the moment to appreciate it now, who knew when the next exhibition might be.

However, these assumptions were mistaken. Just as the crowd was 'greedily' admiring the treasure, Wang Guan suddenly reached out, cupped the bead and jade in his palm, and took it down directly.

“What’s going on?”

In an instant, many people cried out, their eyes filled with displeasure and their expressions decidedly unfriendly. If Wang Guan didn't offer a reasonable explanation, he was likely to face a barrage of criticism.

“Please, everyone, remain calm.”

At this, Wang Guan smiled amiably and spoke softly to soothe them: “Don’t you all feel this exhibition hall is a bit cramped? Many people can’t properly appreciate the items…”

“It is a little small.”

That was the honest truth, and the crowd nodded, especially those in the back who raised both hands in agreement. Most importantly, since Wang Guan mentioned it, he must have a solution. Anyone can point out a problem; solving it is the crucial part.

Under the expectant gazes of some, Wang Guan smiled and spoke plainly: “I wonder if you all noticed, but our museum actually has four floors.”

“Ah…”

Hearing this, many people froze, instinctively looking up. At most, they could see three floors, followed by the ceiling. But more people realized that just because they could only see three floors didn’t mean the building only had three.

After all, when viewed from the outside, the structure was quite tall. But upon entering, people adopted a fixed mindset: seeing only three levels displaying items, they subconsciously assumed the museum had only converted three floors for its use.

Of course, some people speculated that the museum might have even more than four floors, given the existence of a basement level. That underground floor, formerly a parking area, might have been converted into a highly secure vault after renovation…

Amidst some people’s conjectures, Wang Guan smiled again: “The fourth floor also has a rather spacious exhibition hall, but the items displayed there are exceptionally precious, so we must impose a small restriction. Only thirty people will be allowed in to visit for half an hour at a time. After all, too many people prevent careful appreciation. This is a necessary measure, and I ask for your understanding.”

“Everyone still has their tickets, correct?”

At this, Wang Guan continued without pause: “The tickets have serial numbers. Friends numbered one through thirty, you should not have left yet? If you are interested, you may proceed to the fourth floor for viewing right now.”

“We’re here, we’re here!”

“Ha! Looks like getting here early has its perks after all.”

Instantly, quite a few people broke into happy smiles. Hearing Wang Guan’s announcement, they started moving toward the fourth floor under the envious stares of those left behind.

“…I told you to come earlier, but you insisted there was no rush. See your mistake now?”

Meanwhile, some people began to complain to their companions, shaking their heads and sighing. It was obvious that the fourth-floor hall must hold more treasures—perhaps the Withered Wood Rejuvenation Vase and the Zhong Kui Subduing Ghosts painting were also there. Most importantly, with so few people allowed in, each visitor could thoroughly examine the items, perhaps even handle them for research.

Thinking of this, many felt deep regret, then began checking their ticket numbers. Those with low numbers were undoubtedly in high spirits. As for those who bought their tickets at noon, they probably calculated the closing time and realized with dismay that they might not get a turn before the museum closed.

Trying to argue with the staff, they only received a firm reply: today’s ticket is only valid today. If they missed their chance, they could only be apologized to and told to come earlier tomorrow. The principle of first-come, first-served was a universally accepted norm, so even if they were unwilling to accept it, they couldn't press the issue after receiving such a clear answer.

Naturally, some resourceful individuals immediately began eyeing those with early ticket numbers. As for any agreements or transactions they might strike up between themselves, that was their own business; the museum staff certainly wouldn't interfere.

However, what offered some small comfort was that even with the fourth-floor exhibition opening, the Tongling Baoyu in the first-floor lobby had not been removed—which was, after all, a cause for relief.

Simultaneously, the group of Redology experts remained planted by the display stand, refusing to leave. They scrutinized the item from different angles, carefully examining its texture, ornamentation, and shape. The more they looked, the more convinced they became that this was the legendary Tongling Baoyu. At that moment, many experts were struck by sudden inspiration, immediately writing articles about the matter upon returning, which instantly caused a heated public reaction.

Of course, by that time, the museum was already at the center of public scrutiny. These articles merely served to fan the flames or add polish to an already blazing fire. Because, at this very moment, after fermenting for two days, the museum had already attracted the attention of interested parties…

These interested parties were, naturally, media reporters. After seeing the Withered Wood Rejuvenation Vase and the Zhong Kui Subduing Ghosts painting, some individuals had already made disclosures to various major newspapers. Initially, the newspapers didn't pay much attention, thinking the tipsters were trying to fool them, as they doubted such miraculous items could truly exist in the world.

However, if only one or two people had said this, it might have been dismissed. But when more than a dozen calls flooded in, originating from different people, including even some reliable informants, the newspaper executives, after synthesizing the tips, began to harbor doubt and decided to dispatch reporters to investigate and verify if there was any news value.

It must be said that while the quality of journalists in the field varies, they possess a fundamental eye for news. Especially upon hearing that the object displayed in the lobby was the Tongling Baoyu, they immediately realized this was explosive news—guaranteed to cause a sensation and capture the public's attention… RS