Zhao Qian said with a beaming smile, his voice entirely sincere, "Your luck, young man, is truly enviable. To actually receive a painting within a painting. Forgive my boldness in asking, but do you happen to know which master artist created this piece?"

This much was easy to surmise; if the object weren't precious, why would someone go to such lengths to conceal it?

"I suspect it might be Wen Tong's Ink Bamboo Scroll," Wang Guan chuckled. After all, the mystery should be revealed shortly, and since Yu Feibai and Elder Yang were also in on it, he didn't mind letting Zhao Qian know ahead of time.

"The authentic work of Wen Yuke, the grandmaster of the Huzhou Bamboo School!" Zhao Qian exclaimed in admiration.

It was clear he possessed a certain connoisseurship regarding calligraphy and painting, and he understood the cultural value of an authentic bamboo painting by Wen Tong. He hadn't expected that during a routine visit, he would have the chance to encounter such a treasure—it could certainly be called an unexpected delight.

Amidst this surge of pleasant surprise, remembering the primary reason for his visit to Elder Huang, Zhao Qian quickly retrieved a business card and presented it to Wang Guan with both hands, saying politely, "Young man, Zhengyaxuan is planning to host an auction towards the end of the year. If you have any items you intend to part with, you are welcome to entrust us with their auctioning."

"Zhengyaxuan is financially robust and maintains strong connections in the business world..."

Taking advantage of the opening, Zhao Qian launched into a lengthy introduction, essentially praising Zhengyaxuan to imply that if Wang Guan handed his items over to them, they would certainly secure an astronomical price for him.

"This... Mr. Zhao, I don't have anything ready to sell right now. However, should the opportunity arise in the future, I will certainly consider Zhengyaxuan," Wang Guan replied with a slight smile, tucking the card away.

Zhao Qian was persistent and continued to probe indirectly, "Young man, for instance, regarding that Ink Bamboo Scroll just now..."

"Mr. Zhao, I only just acquired the Ink Bamboo Scroll, and I have no intention of transferring ownership for the time being," Wang Guan frowned slightly. At this moment, he finally understood why Elder Huang had found the situation bothersome and retreated to his studio for peace.

Just then, Yu Feibai suddenly spoke up, "How come I didn't know Zhengyaxuan was planning an auction?"

This question was rather odd. Why would the auction held by Zhengyaxuan concern Young Master Yu, and why did he feel the need to be informed?

Everyone present was slightly taken aback, especially Zhao Qian, who paused, hesitating, "This young gentleman seems quite familiar with our Zhengyaxuan..."

"Not particularly familiar. It's just that when I was in Sijiucheng, people were always dragging me along to listen to him brag about how wonderful Zhengyaxuan is, how much profit it makes, how large its scale is, and how many branches it has opened..."

Yu Feibai said nonchalantly, "I recall the Chengdu branch only opened at the beginning of the year, didn't it?"

"Uh..."

Zhao Qian was stunned, slowly nodding. If that weren't the case, and they hadn't managed to establish a foothold, he wouldn't have conceived of hosting an auction at year-end to expand Zhengyaxuan's influence.

Simultaneously, Zhao Qian seemed to grasp something and tentatively asked, "Sir, perhaps you know Manager Tang?"

"What Manager Tang? I don't know him," Yu Feibai scoffed. "I only know a fellow named Tang Qinghua, and he's just some deputy general manager scrambling for a living."

Hearing this, Zhao Qian actually breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly stood up, a touch of deference returning to his manner, beaming with a smile, "Oh, so you are Manager Tang's friend. My apologies for my lack of courtesy."

"He is he, and I am me. Don't act as if I'm your superior," Yu Feibai waved his hand. "Besides, that brat is too disloyal; he's hosting an auction and didn't even bother to notify me."

"This was a small auction that the Chairman instructed all our branches to organize a few days ago," Zhao Qian explained quickly. He was acutely aware of Manager Tang's status, and since Yu Feibai was Manager Tang's friend and acted so casually, he must possess an extraordinary background. Although, as the head of the Zhengyaxuan branch, he was also noted by the Chairman, there was certainly no harm in being more polite.

"That's how it should be," Yu Feibai nodded. "Look at Rongbaozhai; their spring and autumn auctions alone generate over a billion in turnover annually, raking in massive profits. It just shows how hot the auction scene is."

"You can't compare that," Elder Yang chuckled from the side. "Rongbao Auctions, just like Poly and Jiade, are among the top national auction events. Moreover, Rongbaozhai itself is an old establishment, with a three-hundred-year legacy; their reputation is paramount, and their popularity is naturally soaring."

"Indeed," Zhao Qian agreed. "So, what Zhengyaxuan needs most right now is to build recognition by first organizing some smaller auctions. Once we establish our name and expand the market, we can make further plans."

"Mmm," Elder Yang neither confirmed nor denied.

It was known that ever since the collecting craze swept the nation, the antique business had boomed. Various auction houses, pawnshops, and jewelry companies had sprung up like mushrooms after a spring rain in cities large and small across the country.

However, most operated on a small, local scale; truly achieving nationwide fame on par with Rongbao, Jiade, and Poly was something none had managed yet. Zhengyaxuan seemed to fit this pattern too. As a newly established entity, no matter how ambitious, it would likely struggle to exert significant influence in the short term.

For the time being, the group continued their conversation, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of domestic versus international auction houses. During this time, the housekeeper came in to change the tea three times. When the third pot was nearly empty, Elder Huang's voice echoed from upstairs.

"All of you, come up now," Elder Huang beckoned from above. His face held a hint of fatigue, but his eyes seemed to glow brightly, appearing distinctly excited.

At this, no one could remain seated any longer. They all rose and ascended to the second floor, entering Elder Huang's studio.

The studio was vast, even larger than the downstairs living room, with clean windows and ample sunlight. In the center of the room sat a massive worktable, ten meters long and five meters wide. The wood was a dark, rich brown, the surface smooth and polished, emitting a subtle sheen that lent it a quality of deep, restrained beauty.

Standing next to Wang Guan, Yu Feibai whispered, "That's Black Rosewood, a top-tier precious hardwood. A table this size, I doubt you could acquire it for less than a million."

"This mounting table is worth 1.5 million," Elder Yang said upon hearing this, a hint of pride in his voice. "I had it made five years ago. The craftsmanship is excellent, isn't it?"

"Ingenious and divinely crafted," Wang Guan chuckled.

"Nonsense with your flattery," Elder Yang chided with a laugh. "A mounting table prioritizes flatness; the design shouldn't be overly ornate. So, the entire table is just a platform surface plus four legs—the simplest design."

"Simple, unadorned, that’s where true skill is revealed," Wang Guan said with a smile. "At least, when I look at this table, my first impression is one of steadfastness and weight, as if no matter how much the ground shakes, the table will remain as unmovable as Mount Tai."

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

Thanks to the book friend "GuaiGuaiHu" for the tip. It seems the annual survey is starting on the book page again. I hope everyone, besides collecting and recommending this book, will also cast a vote for the annual title. Thank you. C