C8 The Shop Was a Bully

During the Republic of China era, there was a calligraphy scroll of average quality, yet it contained a copy of the 'Lanting Composition' by Wang Xizhi, the esteemed Calligraphy Sage of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The scroll's value was minimal, but the inclusion of Wang Xizhi's 'Lanting Composition' made it highly valuable.

As Liu Gaang's fingers brushed over the scroll, that familiar voice echoed in his mind once more. A surge of excitement filled him, though he managed to keep his composure.

This scroll, much like the copper mirror he had acquired the day before, concealed a world within.

"Boss, how much for this piece of calligraphy?" Liu Gaang inquired, his face betraying nothing.

"Twenty thousand. You've got quite the eye, young man. This is a renowned work from the Republic of China era," the vendor claimed, his price inflated.

"Come on, boss, you can't be serious. This calligraphy might be old, but it's far from a master's work. The strokes lack vigor, the composition is lifeless, and the seal is so smudged it's illegible. There's not even a signature. I'll give you three hundred for it, take it or leave it," Liu Gaang countered.

"You're driving a hard bargain, young man. Let's meet halfway—how about ten thousand?" the vendor proposed.

"Three hundred, not a penny more."

After some back-and-forth, Liu Gaang secured the scroll for five hundred yuan.

With this scroll in hand, plus the two million from yesterday, it should be enough, he thought as he walked. He scrutinized the scroll, but despite his efforts, he couldn't unravel its secrets. The hidden compartment in the copper mirror was one thing, but how could something be concealed within a scroll?

He pondered the dramatic scenes from TV shows—splashing water, burning with fire—wondering if he should attempt such methods. But he quickly dismissed the idea; the risk of damaging a work by the Calligraphy Sage Wang Xizhi was too great.

Feeling disheartened, Liu Gaang suddenly remembered Elder Mo from the previous day. Pulling out his phone, he dialed the number.

"Hello, this is Mo Gu."

Once the call connected, Elder Mo responded.

"Elder Mo, it's Liu Gaang," Liu quickly replied.

"Ah, Liu, what brings you to call this old man? Are you puzzled by something or have you stumbled upon another treasure?"

"Elder Mo, you guessed it—I've got something I'd like you to take a look at," Liu Gaang said.

"You've really come into your own, haven't you? Speaking like a true insider," Elder Mo chuckled.

"Elder Mo, stop poking fun at me. I wouldn't dare claim to be an expert in your presence!" Liu Gaang said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Show off, show off, thunderbolts strike the boastful!

"Okay, I'm on the third floor of the Purple Cloud Pavilion. Bring your item over. It's a good opportunity to meet some of the veterans in the collecting world, and Lee Wei is here too," Elder Mo instructed.

"Mr. Lee is there? Great, I'm on my way."

Liu Gaang ended the call and hailed a taxi to the Purple Cloud Pavilion.

About ten minutes later, Liu Gaang arrived and stepped into the Purple Cloud Pavilion, admiring the classical and imposing sign at the entrance.

Inside, the pavilion was lined with cabinets showcasing a variety of antiques, from calligraphy scrolls and ceramics to metal artifacts, as well as exotic woods like yellow rosewood and golden phoebe.

"Sir, are you here to appraise a painting? Please come with me," a salesman approached Liu Gaang with a warm welcome as soon as he entered.

Assuming the salesman was sent by Elder Mo, Liu Gaang followed him to the counter.

"Master Guo, is this gentleman here for a calligraphy appraisal?" the salesman asked a middle-aged man in his thirties.

"Ah, bring it here then," the middle-aged man responded nonchalantly.

Liu Gaang paused, confused. Hadn't Elder Mo mentioned he'd be on the third floor?

After a brief wait, with no item presented, the middle-aged man grew impatient. "Hey, are you going to have it appraised or not?"

This middle-aged man, known as Master Guo, was a prominent figure at the Purple Cloud Pavilion, second only to the Chief Appraiser, Lin Qingyu, in expertise.

After all, while Lin Qingyu, the Chief Appraiser at Purple Cloud Pavilion, was adept at evaluating antiques, his expertise did not extend to more contemporary items. To address this gap, the Pavilion's owner specifically brought in Master Guo.

Master Guo, whose full name is Guo Yong, is a distinguished alumnus of a prestigious university, with an impressive academic record that includes several advanced degrees. His proficiency in appraising modern collectibles has earned him high regard from the Pavilion's proprietor.

Without thinking, Liu Gaang passed the item over, but then it dawned on him that he was actually there to see Elder Mo on the third floor; the shop assistant must have been mistaken. However, since the item had already been taken, it seemed inappropriate to request its return.

Upon unrolling the scroll, Guo Yong inspected it briefly before his face contorted with disdain. The piece, though originating from the Republic of China era, was neither a renowned work nor was its seal legible, rendering it virtually worthless.

"This piece, despite being from the Republic of China period, is not the work of a master. The seal is indistinct, and at best, it's worth two hundred," Guo Yong remarked dismissively.

Liu Gaang just smiled, keeping silent. The calligraphy slip might not be valuable, but hidden within was a 'Calligraphy Sage' Wang Xizhi's work—a truly invaluable gem.

Taking the slip back, Liu Gaang rolled up the scroll and turned to leave, only to be halted by Guo Yong's call.

"Hold on, who said you could go?" Guo Yong demanded icily.

"What's the matter, you're not letting me leave? Is Purple Cloud Pavilion now resorting to bullying its customers, trying to force a sale?"

Guo Yong was taken aback. The accusation of bullying customers was a serious one; in the antique business, reputation is everything. If Purple Cloud Pavilion were to be tarred with such a scandal, it could be devastating. No matter how much the owner valued him or saw him as Elder Lin's potential successor, he wouldn't be spared.

Liu Gaang's accusation of customer bullying immediately drew the attention of everyone in the vicinity—customers there to browse antiques or to make firm purchases—all eyes turned to witness the unfolding scene.

At that moment, a suddenly alert shop assistant scurried upstairs.

"Brother, you've got it all wrong. Here at Purple Cloud Pavilion, a renowned antique store in Pingnan, we pride ourselves on fair trade. We would never force a sale or a purchase. Our reputation speaks for itself. But since you've brought in a piece of calligraphy for confirmation, it's only reasonable to expect an appraisal fee, don't you think?" Guo Yong stated.

His lengthy explanation was intended for the ears of the other customers in the store. As expected, once they understood the situation, they lost interest and went about their business, allowing Guo Yong to breathe a sigh of relief.

Liu Gaang couldn't help but smirk at Guo Yong's self-importance. Who had asked for an appraisal, anyway?

Still, Liu Gaang didn't want to escalate the situation. With Elder Mo on the third floor, he was unsure of the old man's connection to the shop and didn't want to sour relations.

"Fine, you want an appraisal fee? How much are we talking about?"

"For the calligraphy appraisal, 800." Guo Yong responded.

"What? 800? You yourself said this piece is barely worth 200, and now you're asking for 800 just to appraise it? That's practically robbery. By your logic, I'd be paying you 600 just to take this piece off my hands," Liu Gaang retorted, clearly irritated. It wasn't about the money; it was the principle of being taken for a fool that didn't sit well with him.

"It's 800 yuan, take it or leave it. If you're short even a single yuan, don't bother trying to leave."

"Really? I'd like to see how you plan to stop me."

Liu Gaang was that kind of man—polite and courteous when treated with respect, but not one to be pushed around or bullied.

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, young man. You've got it all wrong," a voice interjected at that moment. Liu Gaang turned to see a middle-aged man in his forties descending the stairs, dressed sharply in a business suit, his smile smooth and practiced—the epitome of a shrewd businessman.