C11 The Words Were Written in Big Letters

"Ridiculous! I'm well aware there's a major issue. This piece of calligraphy is clearly from the Republic of China era. The brushwork is crude, lifeless, and the seal is indistinct. On the market, it would fetch no more than 300 yuan. And you expect me to appraise such shoddy work?" Elder Mo chided with evident displeasure.

Lei Tai cast a glance at Guo Yong and silently nodded in agreement. Elder Mo's assessment confirmed it—Guo Yong did have a discerning eye. With further experience, he could indeed become quite capable.

At that, Guo Yong's face lit up with a smug look of schadenfreude.

Well, kid, let's see how you handle this one!

"Hmm! There's something off about this piece of calligraphy," Lin Qingyu suddenly interjected.

"Obviously, there's a problem. Didn't Elder Mo just point that out?" Guo Yong replied dismissively. He had long aspired to take over Elder Lin's role. In his view, he was ready to step up; Elder Lin was getting on in years and it was time for him to step down. The title of Chief Appraiser at the Purple Cloud Pavilion rightfully belonged to him.

Elder Lin merely furrowed his brow at Guo Yong's words, choosing to remain silent. He was well aware of Guo Yong's ambitions. Rising from his seat, Elder Lin fetched a bottle of liquid from a nearby cabinet. Dipping his index finger in it, he gently touched the corner of the calligraphy and began to rub it methodically.

"Hidden characters?" Elder Mo thought to himself as he observed the process.

In the chaotic times of the past, countless treasures were looted or destroyed. To safeguard their prized possessions, collectors often resorted to ingenious methods, similar to the Republic-era copper mirror Liu Gaang had purchased the day before.

The so-called "hidden characters" involved using a special substance to adhere an unremarkable piece of calligraphy to a genuine one, making it appear as nothing more than a mundane piece of paper, thus concealing the true masterpiece within.

"Elder Lin, could this be a case of hidden characters?" Lee Wei inquired. Although his expertise in antiques was limited to his hobby of collecting, he was familiar with many of the fundamental concepts.

"It's too early to say for certain, but considering Liu's precise evaluations of the jade pieces earlier, I suspect there's more to this calligraphy than meets the eye," Elder Lin said, exhaling deeply as he spoke.

It was clear that Elder Lin was taken aback by Liu Gaang's recent display.

"Pfft, what kind of discernment can that kid possibly have? It's probably nothing more than a common piece of calligraphy from the Republic era!" Guo Yong grumbled discontentedly.

If this calligraphy piece did indeed contain hidden characters, it would be a real blow to his ego! For one, Guo Yong was already irked by Liu Gaang's earlier actions. Secondly, he was somewhat resentful of Elder Lin's authority. Coupled with his own prideful nature, it was no surprise he reacted that way.

Liu Gaang shot Guo Yong an annoyed glance. He had always been irked by this presumptuous fellow. With a snort, he challenged, "Oh? How about a wager? If this calligraphy contains hidden characters, you tell me how much it's worth and pay up. If not, the two million yuan here is all yours." He then pulled out a bank card from his pocket and offered it to Guo Yong.

"Two million yuan, just like that? You expect me to believe there's that much on this card?" Guo Yong scoffed.

"I can vouch for him," Lee Wei interjected. "Mr. Liu just sold me a Qing Dynasty Double Dragon Stamp for two million yuan yesterday. If he says there's money on that card, you can bet there is."

Guo Yong was well aware of who Lee Wei was—the financial deity of Pingnan Province. With Young Master Lee's endorsement, he had little else to say.

"Fine, if Young Master Lee is backing you, I'll take the bet!"

Lei Tai's brow furrowed upon hearing this, but it was too late to intervene.

This bet was problematic for him either way. Guo Yong was his employee—if he lost, he might be ruined trying to cover the debt. And if he won, it would be a slight against Elder Mo, which was even less desirable given Elder Mo's stature...

"Moron," Liu Gaang silently sneered to himself, holding his tongue.

All the while, Elder Lin remained silent. As Liu Gaang and Guo Yong placed their bets, he had been meticulously unrolling the scroll, his fingers constantly moistened with a special solution, gently rubbing the corner of the calligraphy.

Gradually, a layer of paper began to peel away from the surface of the calligraphy.

Guo Yong's expression shifted to one of shock, leaving him momentarily dazed.

Lee Wei and Lei Tai watched the unfolding scene with incredulous eyes, almost as if they were anticipating a miracle. They had heard about the embedded characters within the calligraphy before, but this was their first time witnessing them.