The previously still image suddenly came to life, as if a gust of wind had swept through the mountain pines.
The pines rustled, white cranes soared, and a stream gurgled through the mountains.
The entire painting seemed to have been brought to life by the cup of water Ye Kunlun splashed, and the crowd could even hear the sounds of the flowing water and the cranes.
"This, this... this is simply incredible!"
Old Li, looking at the completely transformed "Crane Pine Painting," became so excited he stammered, "An Shishan is truly a divine presence, to be able to bring a painting to life."
"This old man has also never witnessed such a miracle in his life," Elder Xu couldn't help but sigh. "If it weren't for the young friend's move, Old Li and I would likely have debated until our dying day without reaching a conclusion."
After all, only by splashing a cup of water could the authenticity of the painting be proven.
In this world, how many people would dare to splash water on a famous painting?
Zhang Yuan came back to his senses, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
The "Crane Pine Painting" was more than enough to be the pride of Songhe Tower, especially after discovering its mystery. Countless people would flock to witness this marvel.
For Songhe Tower, it would be an endless source of wealth.
However, he quickly suppressed the reluctance in his eyes and smiled at Ye Kunlun, "Young brother truly has remarkable insight."
"Remarkable insight, and remarkable courage!"
Elder Li and Elder Xu also gave Ye Kunlun a thumbs-up, admiration gleaming in their eyes.
Ye Kunlun smiled and replied, "This painting uses special materials and is not afraid of water at all. I believe if the two elders study it for a while longer, they will also discover its secret."
Upon hearing Ye Kunlun's words, Elder Xu chuckled, "Young brother is neither arrogant nor impatient, which is excellent. I, Old Xu, have taken you as a friend. If you encounter any trouble in the future, you can find me at the Cultural Relics Workshop."
"If you find Old Xu, you find me, Old Li," Elder Li added with a smile.
Ye Kunlun nodded and said to Zhang Yuan, "Boss Zhang, name your price?"
Zhang Yuan's gaze shifted from the painting, and he smiled at Ye Kunlun, "To be honest with you, young brother, I acquired this painting for thirty million."
"The 'Crane Pine Painting'? Regardless of its authenticity, I'll pay sixty million for it."
At this moment, Changsun Che's voice echoed from the staircase.
Liu Meng was taken aback, surprised to encounter Changsun Che at Songhe Tower again, having just seen him at Xinxin Gold Shop.
"Boss Zhang, I offer sixty million. What do you think?"
Changsun Che looked at Zhang Yuan with a smile, directly doubling the price.
Zhang Yuan knew Changsun Che, as Xinxin Gold Shop was located not far from his establishment, and Changsun Che's identity was also rather special, making him unwilling to offend him.
As he spoke, Changsun Che had already walked forward, looking at the "Crane Pine Painting" hanging on the wooden frame.
By now, the water stains had almost completely dried, and the miraculous scene from moments ago had vanished.
"My grandfather has always been fond of calligraphy and paintings, which is why I specifically came here. Since Boss Zhang happens to have a 'Crane Pine Painting,' I hope you will sell it to me."
Changsun Che completely ignored Qian Rourou and the other two beside him.
Zhang Yuan smiled awkwardly, and before he could speak, Liu Meng interjected with displeasure, "Why? Boss Zhang has already agreed to sell this 'Crane Pine Painting' to me!"
"You?"
Changsun Che sneered, "What is the Liu family? How dare you compete with me, Changsun Che, for something?"
At this moment, Changsun Che seemed like an entirely different person from the one at Xinxin Gold Shop.
Upon reflection, there were many customers in Xinxin Gold Shop at the time.
Changsun Che naturally had to consider his image and the reputation of the Changsun family.
However, here in Songhe Tower's third floor, with no outsiders present, his true nature had completely erupted.
"Rourou, don't you think so?"
Changsun Che asked Qian Rourou with a smile.
Qian Rourou's eyebrows furrowed, and her expression was equally displeased. "Changsun Che, even if the Liu family is not as influential as the Changsun family, you should still respect the principle of 'first come, first served,' shouldn't you?"
Changsun Che shrugged and looked at Zhang Yuan, "Boss Zhang, did Liu Meng pay? And, when we came upstairs, I only heard Boss Zhang say he acquired the 'Crane Pine Painting' for thirty million, but it seems no price has been set yet?"
Zhang Yuan came back to his senses, finding himself in a difficult situation.
Anyone else would naturally sell the item to Changsun Che, as the Changsun family was one of the seven prominent clans, their status in the capital unshakeable.
However, Zhang Yuan was a man who had seen the world. He had secretly glanced at Ye Kunlun, noticing that Ye Kunlun had remained calm and composed throughout the entire affair.
It was as if Changsun Che meant nothing in his eyes.
Zhang Yuan trusted his instincts; he wouldn't misjudge.
Therefore, he found himself in a dilemma.
"Young Master Changsun, I did promise this young lady, and Songhe Tower's reputation..."
*Slap—*
Before Zhang Yuan could finish speaking, Changsun Che raised his hand and slapped him.
This slap stunned Qian Rourou and Liu Meng.
They had known Changsun Che to be ruthless in his dealings, but they never expected him to resort to violence so readily, completely disregarding reason!
"Changsun Che, I know your grandfather as well. Does Changsun Changkong know how you conduct yourself outside?"
Elder Li glared angrily at Changsun Che.
Changsun Che chuckled, feigning a look of being taught and scared.
But in the next moment, his gaze turned cold, and he said sternly, "So it's Elder Li from the Cultural Relics Workshop. Shouldn't you be enjoying your retirement at home instead of rushing your fate?"
"You!"
Elder Li trembled with anger, completely taken aback by the young man's utter disrespect for elders.
"Very good, very good. The Changsun family has produced a fine descendant!"
Changsun Che's gaze was sharp, and he no longer paid attention to Elder Li, turning to Zhang Yuan and asking, "Boss Zhang, would you be willing to sell this 'Crane Pine Painting' to me?"
"Changsun Che, you are utterly shameless!"
Liu Meng's temper flared up, and she unleashed her fury without any restraint. "Is the Changsun family so great? Can the Changsun family be so arrogant? Do you think Changsun Qingwan has already married into Shanhetian?"
"With your disposition, how could your sister be worthy of marrying into Shanhetian? If your Changsun family were to become royalty, wouldn't the common people of Huaxia suffer, finding themselves in dire straits?!"
Liu Meng poured out all her anger, even involving Changsun Qingwan.
There were widespread rumors among the populace that Changsun Qingwan would marry into Shanhetian.
The Changsun family was naturally doing everything in their power to ensure her marriage into Shanhetian, thereby consolidating the Changsun family's status and influence.
However, no one had ever dared to speak as frankly as Liu Meng, claiming that Changsun Qingwan marrying into Shanhetian would bring suffering to the people of Huaxia!
If such words were to reach the ears of the person in Shanhetian, it would undoubtedly become a thorn in the Changsun family's side.
"Liu Meng, you're asking for death!"
Changsun Che was completely enraged by Liu Meng's words, stepping forward and raising his hand to strike her across the face!
Liu Meng's face turned pale with fear, and she instinctively closed her eyes.
The anticipated slap never landed.
Liu Meng opened her eyes to find Ye Kunlun's hand gripping Changsun Che's arm, shielding her.
"Boy, you're seeking death!!"
Changsun Che, surprised that Ye Kunlun dared to stop him, his eyes shot out a killing intent.