C12 A Skyhigh Price of 17 Million

"Hidden words within words, indeed. I can only wonder what treasures lie beneath!" Elder Mo mused aloud.

"Who cares about that? Whatever treasures are inside, I've already won this wager," Liu Gaang declared with a smug grin.

"Bro, you're incredible! Elder Mo couldn't decipher the secrets of this piece, yet you managed to uncover them. That's seriously impressive!" Lee Wei exclaimed, giving Liu Gaang an encouraging slap on the shoulder.

"Mr. Lee, I'm not that skilled, it was just dumb luck. When I picked up this piece on Antique Street, it was nothing more than a hunch. Just a feeling that there was more to it than meets the eye, which is why I brought it to Elder Mo for verification."

"A hunch, you say? What an understatement! Haha!" Elder Mo laughed robustly. "Indeed, in the world of antiques, while a keen eye is crucial, sometimes it's all about following your instincts."

Liu Gaang blushed, his casual remark unexpectedly hitting the nail on the head.

As they unveiled the calligraphy, an extraordinary work was revealed to all. The strokes were bold and vigorous, executed with fluid grace. The inscription and seal were crisp and distinct.

Even Liu Gaang and Lee Wei, who were novices in the field, could sense the exceptional nature of the piece.

"My goodness! It's an original 'Lanting Composition' by the 'Calligraphy Sage,' Wang Xizhi!" Elder Lin gasped in disbelief.

"What? The actual 'Lanting Composition' by the 'Calligraphy Sage,' Wang Xizhi?" Elder Mo approached, his face a mask of astonishment.

After a thorough examination, both Elder Mo and Elder Lin marveled, "Incredible, simply incredible. This is indeed an authentic 'Lanting Composition' by Wang Xizhi."

Upon realizing it was a genuine piece by the Calligraphy Sage, Lee Wei's eyes gleamed with envy. An avid collector, he treasured these priceless authentic works. Despite their hefty price tags, the symbolic significance of owning them was immeasurable.

"Elder Mo, Elder Lin, how much is this calligraphy worth?" Lee Wei inquired eagerly, barely able to contain his desire to possess it.

In ancient China, there were six revered figures known as saints: Wang Xizhi, the Calligraphy Sage; Zhang Xu, the Grass Sage; Wu Daozi, the Painting Sage; Zhang Zhongjing, the Medical Sage; Sima Qian, the Historian Sage; and Du Fu, the Poet Sage. With a history spanning five thousand years, China has seen only these six individuals attain such saintly status, underscoring the immense value of their works.

Elder Mo grumbled, "Kid, why is it always about money with you? Money, money, money—just like your old man. Don't you realize this is Wang Xizhi's work? It's a national treasure!"

"But Elder Mo, even a national treasure must have its price, right?" Lee Wei ventured cautiously.

"You have a point. Elder Lin knows more about this than I do. He can give you an estimate," Elder Mo conceded, acknowledging Lin Qingyu's greater expertise in the art.

Lin Qingyu weighed his words carefully before speaking with a grave tone, "Seventeen million. But to the right buyer, it could fetch more. I wouldn't be surprised if it went for twenty million."

At the mention of the figure, Guo Yong collapsed, utterly overwhelmed. The thought of even 1.7 million was staggering—selling himself wouldn't cover such a sum!

"Mr. Liu, what's your plan for this piece of calligraphy?" Lee Wei asked, barely containing his eagerness after Elder Lin's appraisal.

"Sell it, of course," Liu Gaang responded matter-of-factly. "Collecting is a luxury I can't afford right now. My family's immediate crisis takes precedence."

"In that case, let me be the buyer," Lee Wei offered. "Elder Lin mentioned that to an enthusiast, twenty million wouldn't be out of the question. So, I'll give you twenty million."

"Mr. Lee, there's no need for formalities between us. If you're set on buying it, then take it for Elder Lin's price—seventeen million," Liu Gaang replied without a second thought.

Lee Wei's respect for Liu Gaang deepened. To casually forgo three million yuan took incredible resolve, especially given Liu Gaang's family's financial situation.

Although they had hit it off just the day before and quickly became as close as brothers, their bond had seemed somewhat superficial. But after this ordeal, Lee Wei wholeheartedly embraced Liu Gaang as a true brother.

"Alright, Mr. Liu, just give me the word and I'll be there for you, ready to brave fire and water without a second thought."

...

In that moment, Guo Yong, having been roused by a pinch to the philtrum from Lei Tai, came to his senses, his face etched with terror as he looked at Liu Gaang.

"Mr. Liu, Guo Yong is young and reckless, and doesn't fully grasp the situation. Could you perhaps find it in your heart to forgive him and drop the matter of the bet?" Lei Tai asked tentatively.

Seventeen million—selling his Purple Cloud Pavilion would barely cover the debt.

Liu Gaang remained silent, shifting his attention to Elder Mo.