C12 Treasure

Xiao Nan glanced over at Elder Lin, seemingly unfazed. However, noticing Ai Xiaohan's furrowed brow, he couldn't help but comment, "She's invited me for tea, and you're not pleased? Isn't this a way of showing you respect among friends?"

With a look of discomfort, Ai Xiaohan responded, "I'm just worried that the tea he's offering might not be all that pleasant."

Xiao Nan got her drift, but he wasn't concerned. He hadn't stolen or robbed anyone; at worst, he'd been a bit too eager in the auction. Surely a person of stature wouldn't bother with trivialities involving an unknown like him.

"I'll check it out first. Relax, he's not going to harm me."

Clutching the box containing the glass artifact, Xiao Nan approached Elder Lin with confidence.

"What's your name?" Elder Lin inquired, sipping his tea nonchalantly while his gaze lingered on the item displayed on stage.

"I'm Xiao Nan," he replied casually. "And how should I address you?"

The butler exploded before Elder Lin could utter a word, "Impudent! You don't recognize Elder Lin, yet you dare to bid against him? You're really asking for trouble!"

Scratching his head, Xiao Nan offered an awkward apology, "I'm terribly sorry. I'm just a student and not well-acquainted with society's elite. If I've caused any offense, please forgive me."

The butler, visibly irked by Xiao Nan's unflappable demeanor, struggled to find a retort, as Xiao Nan had maintained a courteous tone throughout.

Elder Lin set his teacup down and fixed his gaze on Xiao Nan, asking, "What do you think of that painting on the stage?"

Caught off guard, Xiao Nan turned to look. The price tag was clear: four hundred thousand! It was a portrait of court ladies, featuring just three maids, each with a different expression—sorrow, joy, and serenity—and holding various objects. The painting was so vivid that it seemed to reveal the innermost thoughts of its subjects.

Xiao Nan found himself captivated by the maids in the artwork. The artist had rendered them with such realism that they exuded an ethereal charm. As a young man in the prime of life, how could he not be drawn to such celestial beauty?

"What do you think? Is the collectible value high?" Elder Lin asked with a serene expression.

Xiao Nan snapped out of his daydream and quickly turned to respond, "I believe an item's collectible value isn't just about the numbers. It's more about the attitude with which you approach the auction."

Elder Lin, intrigued by Xiao Nan's insightful comment, shifted his attention from the painting on stage to the young man. He hadn't expected such profound thoughts from Xiao Nan, who was no fool himself. He could see Elder Lin's keen interest in the painting and knew it was important to speak with substance, to reflect his own depth.

"So, should I bid on this painting?" Elder Lin inquired, his interest in Xiao Nan growing.

"If you like it, go ahead and bid. It's an opportunity for charity as well—why not? If you don't care for it, then don't bid. Why let it sour your mood?" Xiao Nan replied with a smile.

Elder Lin found this refreshing; it was rare to encounter someone who spoke like this. Having been in the business world for so long and encountering countless individuals, most approached him with flattery. Yet here was this young man, standing before him with a unique approach to life, perhaps fitting the description of a 'small fresh stream.'

"Alright, butler, I'll take this painting," Elder Lin commanded decisively.

The butler understood immediately and joined the bidding fray.

Xiao Nan, observing Elder Lin, ventured, "You didn't invite me here just to appraise this painting, did you?"

Elder Lin, usually sparing with his words but speaking amiably, replied, "I haven't had a chance to talk with the younger generation in a while. I just wanted a brief chat. That's all. You can go now."

What kind of hospitality was this? Dismissed without even a sip of tea? It seemed excessively miserly, especially considering this was Old Mr. Ai's birthday celebration. Even if it were just tea, it was the Ai family's tea—was there really a need to be so frugal?

Xiao Nan was about to walk away when something struck him. He spun back around and extended the glass he held out to Elder Lin, saying, "During the bidding, I noticed how much you admired this glass. I had no intention of competing with you for it; I merely wanted to enhance its value. This auction holds great significance, and I wanted to contribute in my small way. Little did I know, I would inadvertently snatch away something dear to you. Please, accept this glass as a token of my apology."

Elder Lin was taken aback by Xiao Nan's sudden gesture. The glass indeed held special significance for him. He had hesitated during the auction, ultimately choosing not to bid, and had been regretting his decision. Now, to his surprise, Xiao Nan was offering it to him outright, leaving him somewhat puzzled.

"Without merit, I cannot accept a reward," Elder Lin said, politely refusing. "What is it that you need my help with?"

Xiao Nan gave a simple, honest smile. "As I mentioned earlier, an item's value isn't just in its price tag. What matters more is whether the owner truly cherishes it. For me, this glass is merely a number. Though I'm just a student and not as wealthy as you businessmen, I understand the joy of giving."

Elder Lin's smile broadened, tickled by Xiao Nan's perspective and finding himself increasingly intrigued by the young man. He instructed his butler, "Keep the glass for now. After the painting is auctioned, wrap it up for this young man as a reciprocal gift between us."

Then, turning back to Xiao Nan, he added, "If you ever face any difficulties, feel free to seek me out. Consider that painting as your credential for seeing me. Also, hold onto this." Elder Lin produced a pocket watch from his coat. It was an old timepiece, its patina showing its age, giving it a somewhat grimy appearance.

Xiao Nan hesitated to accept it, not seeing any value in the worn object and having no interest in collecting such items. But then he paused, questioning himself. Why couldn't he see the value in this pocket watch? It made no sense; even a common stone had its price, so why didn't this watch?

Startled, Xiao Nan instinctively queried the system within his mind.

"Why can't I discern its worth?"

The system responded with a brief prompt.

"Insufficient level, identification not possible!"