The crowd laughed, and one of the middle-aged men gave a thumbs-up. "We knew we couldn't hide it from you. You truly live up to your reputation as an appraisal expert—sharp-eyed and perceptive."

"Stop the flattery," Lei Yunchang chuckled. "I'm just puzzled why you, holding a modern calligraphy and painting exhibition, would invite me, an antique shop owner. I figured you must need something."

Sitting nearby, watching Lei Yunchang chatting and laughing with them, Wang Guan began to understand why Lei Yunchang was so knowledgeable about modern art. It was likely from constant exposure.

"Alright, enough pleasantries."

At this point, Lei Yunchang smiled. "I knew you wouldn't invite me just for a pleasant visit to the exhibition. If you have business, say it quickly; I need to return to Shudu later."

"Hey, now that you're here, how can you leave so soon?"

"Exactly! Since we're finally gathered, we have to drink for three or five days to be considered proper friends."

Suddenly, several enthusiastic people started urging him to stay.

Amidst the lively chatter, one of the middle-aged men took out a few photographs and handed them to Lei Yunchang, saying with a smile, "No more beating around the bush. Take a look at this piece for me quickly."

"This... this looks like Linglong porcelain."

Lei Yunchang took the photos and, upon glancing down, showed a flicker of surprise.

Wang Guan, sitting next to him, leaned in upon hearing the exchange. He saw a large blue-and-white bowl in the picture. However, the bowl had intricate openings carved through its body. On top of these openings, there seemed to be a thin, semi-transparent membrane affixed, creating a very beautiful effect.

"Mmm, it is blue-and-white Linglong porcelain."

The middle-aged man who produced the photos smiled concurrently. "I'm told this piece dates back to the Longqing-Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. I wasn't sure, so I wanted you to take a look and see if it’s genuine."

Lei Yunchang frowned, studying the photos intently. After a while, he handed the photos back to Wang Guan and gently shook his head. "Fusheng, you think too highly of me. I'm not some immortal who can divine the future. How could I possibly judge the authenticity of an object without having it in my hands?"

The name Fusheng was somewhat common, and his full name, Ma Fusheng, was even more so. Yet, his appearance was far from common. He was around forty, with slightly long hair and a thick, dark beard trimmed on his chin. His demeanor radiated the style of an artist.

And indeed, he was an artist, quite renowned in Shu territory. At the very least, several of his works were displayed in a room on the second floor of this very exhibition, marking him as an outstanding young painter in the Shu region.

Don't doubt it. In certain professions, forty is still considered young.

After all, artists can be considered perennial figures. Even if they live past one hundred, as long as they can still hold a brush, their creations are even more eagerly sought after. To put it brutally, someone over a hundred years old doesn't have much time left. Once they pass, their works immediately appreciate in value, thus possessing greater collection worth.

To return to the point, as an artist, Ma Fusheng inherently lacked resistance to things exquisitely beautiful. By chance, he saw this Linglong porcelain and was instantly smitten.

However, being middle-aged, Ma Fusheng’s affection didn't equate to a loss of reason. After clarifying the situation regarding the Linglong piece, he didn't rush to buy it; instead, he took several photographs and returned.

At home, Ma Fusheng researched extensively but still couldn't definitively determine the item's authenticity. That's why he thought of his good friend, Lei Yunchang, using the art exhibition as an opportunity to invite him over for a look.

After hearing Ma Fusheng’s narrative, a smile spread across Lei Yunchang's face, and he praised, "Fusheng, you restrained yourself and didn't buy the piece on the spot—that was correct. We antique dealers hate people like you. But, as a friend, I am genuinely happy for you. Perhaps, it was precisely your temporary patience that saved you from being swindled."

"Heh, I often hear you drone on about the tricks in the collecting trade, so how could I not be vigilant?" Ma Fusheng chuckled. "But the piece is truly magnificent, and I adore it. You absolutely must come with me to see it. In your professional lingo, you need to lend me your discerning eye."

"My discerning eye doesn't come cheap, you know," Lei Yunchang said slyly.

"That's right. He's a big boss now, managing his shop daily. When would he have time to run around with you?"

"Indeed. Hiring an appraisal expert these days costs at least several thousand or tens of thousands, right?"

"Fusheng, it seems you’ll have to bleed a little for this."

Perhaps because their relationship was so close, the others present didn't misunderstand; instead, they egged him on.

"Alright, alright..." Ma Fusheng chuckled bitterly and waved his hand. "Once this is settled, you can pick anything you like from my studio."

"It's a deal," Lei Yunchang smiled, completely satisfied.

Just then, Yu Feibai suddenly asked, "Uncle Lei, can we come along to see it too?"

"You want to come as well?"

Lei Yunchang paused, then turned and smiled. "Fusheng, these two juniors of mine are also studying antiques. They want to tag along to gain some experience; what do you say?"

"Of course, no problem," Ma Fusheng readily agreed, though a slight hesitation followed. "I must warn you beforehand, the place is rather remote; I hope they don't mind the trip."

"Where is it?" Lei Yunchang inquired.

"Linqiong..."

Before Ma Fusheng could finish speaking, a clamor suddenly erupted from the entrance area. Everyone quickly looked up, only to see that the people in front were all standing and blocking their view.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Wang Guan whispered doubtfully to Yu Feibai, "Didn't we plan to go sightseeing at Mount Emei after visiting the Three Su Museum? Why the sudden change of plans?"

"I just suddenly remembered, the last time you followed Uncle Lei to explore an old house, you ended up digging up treasure. That clearly shows Uncle Lei is a bringer of good fortune," Yu Feibai whispered with a grin. "Now he’s going treasure hunting again. I definitely have to follow; perhaps the chance to find a bargain is right before my eyes."

Wang Guan was utterly speechless upon hearing this.

"Wang Guan, didn't you say it yourself? Seeing too many scenic spots and tourist attractions leads to everything looking the same. Going treasure hunting is much more interesting," Yu Feibai said cheerfully.

"Suit yourself then," Wang Guan conceded, feeling it didn't matter much. "Anyway, I still have ten days until the auction ends, then I'm heading back to Cidu."

"It's settled," Yu Feibai said with a smile. "I’ll accompany you back then. If Uncle De scolds you, I can help shoulder some of the blame."

"Now that's more like it," Wang Guan nodded, satisfied.

At that moment, the noise in the conference room grew even louder. It sounded like someone important had arrived, and a crowd was gathering to greet them. Wang Guan also stood up, craned his neck to look, but the crowd was too dense; he could only see a sea of dark heads. He couldn't discern what was happening inside.

"It’s Elder Ren! Elder Ren is here!"

Suddenly, someone turned back and shouted, their face a mix of shock and delight.

"Elder Ren! Is that for real?"

Instantly, Lei Yunchang and Ma Fusheng, along with the others, looked surprised. Then, without hesitation, they began pushing forward with the rest of the crowd.

"Who is Elder Ren?"

Wang Guan asked Yu Feibai quietly, feeling confused. "Have you heard of him?"

"I think I have," Yu Feibai frowned, concentrating hard. After a moment of recollection, he finally realized. "Right, Uncle Qi mentioned him once. This Elder Ren seems to be a disciple of Daqian."

"Zhang Daqian’s student?"

Wang Guan paused, then immediately understood why these people were reacting so passionately.

As one of the most famous modern masters of traditional Chinese painting, Zhang Daqian's status had been elevated significantly by the world, perhaps even enshrined on a pedestal in some respects.

Furthermore, Zhang Daqian was born in Shu territory. As a local, the sense of recognition these people felt for him was naturally stronger.

Given that the majority of attendees were painters and calligraphers, if a political leader had arrived, few might have paid much attention. But since it was Daqian's disciple, an enthusiastic welcome was guaranteed.

Moreover, Elder Ren himself was one of the most renowned masters of traditional Chinese painting in Shu. Many people present hoped to exchange ideas with him and receive his guidance to elevate their own skills.

Thus, at this moment, they acted almost like fervent devotees, nearly ready to prostrate themselves in worship.

"Everyone quiet down, please don't shout! Let Elder Ren say a few words!"

Fortunately, the organizers saw the situation and quickly used a loudspeaker to loudly calm the crowd.

The attendees, all possessing a certain status, naturally valued order. Under the organizers' guidance, they gradually quieted down, dispersed, and returned to their seats.

At this time, Wang Guan could clearly see seven or eight people standing near the hall entrance. The foremost among them was an unremarkable-looking old man. His head was slightly bald, with only a few wisps of graying, short hair remaining. His chin was smooth and clean-shaven, while his forehead, eye corners, and cheeks were mapped with wrinkles.

Yet, this ordinary old man, leaning on a cane and smiling faintly, stood quietly, emanating an aura of calm, peaceful, and exceedingly refined scholarly elegance.

"Elder Ren, please take a seat!"

At that moment, Qi Qingguo emerged from the crowd, smiling as he gently helped Elder Ren toward the main stage.

"Huh, Uncle Qi is here too. The crowd was too thick earlier; I didn't notice him," Yu Feibai expressed slight surprise, then realized, "Oh, right. He's one of the exhibition organizers. Perhaps he was the one who invited Elder Ren."

"Mmm," Wang Guan nodded lightly, remembering that two days prior, at the Yu residence, Qi Qingguo had mentioned wanting to ask Elder Ren for a piece of calligraphy. It seemed he went and directly invited the man over.

Relatively speaking, Elder Ren was also a great Buddhist figure. Being able to invite such a figure indicated that Qi Qingguo's prestige was truly not small.

As if sensing Wang Guan's thoughts, Yu Feibai whispered, "My Uncle Qi seems to have some distant relation to Qi Baishi."

"Qi Baishi..."

Wang Guan was momentarily stunned, then instantly understood. In the domestic art world, purely judging by the economic value of their works, the only other person comparable to Zhang Daqian was Qi Baishi.

Since Qi Qingguo had some familial connection to Qi Baishi, inviting Zhang Daqian’s disciple seemed like an entirely natural affair. (To be continued) RQ