The transaction concluded, Chen Zhongping immediately invited Qin Xuan to his office for tea, citing the appreciation of his collection as the reason.
This was partly to prevent Qin Xuan from causing further trouble downstairs, and partly because he genuinely had something to discuss with him.
The two followed each other up to the fifth floor of the Treasure Pavilion.
As the door opened, countless artifacts instantly met Qin Xuan's gaze.
Various antique porcelain pieces and famous calligraphy and paintings filled almost every corner.
It was a dazzling array.
"Like Old Ye, I also enjoy collecting these things. Please forgive me, Brother Qin," Chen Zhongping said.
Qin Xuan smiled and shook his head. If he had the ability, he would also fill his entire house with the things he loved.
After they were seated, Chen Zhongping refilled Qin Xuan's teacup. "To be frank, Brother Qin, I actually asked you to come up for a favor."
"A favor?"
Qin Xuan was taken aback.
He and Chen Zhongping had only known each other for less than half a day. What could he possibly help him with?
But in a moment of thought, Qin Xuan understood the other party's intention.
Chen Zhongping must have taken a liking to his special ability to appraise ancient artifacts.
As expected.
After pouring Qin Xuan a cup of clear tea, Chen Zhongping got straight to the point, "I believe Brother Qin has already guessed my intention."
"That's right. I asked Brother Qin to come up precisely because of your antique appraisal skills."
After speaking, he stared intently at Qin Xuan, his gaze sincere.
"In seven days, the Fang family in Jiangcheng will be holding a private antique auction."
"Many extremely precious and rare treasures will appear then."
"Items worth millions, like Empress Dowager Cixi's bracelet or Dong Qichang's calligraphy, will be mere trifles compared to those treasures."
"As seasoned collectors, how could you and I not go and join the fun?"
"However..."
Chen Zhongping changed his tone.
"Our treasure appraisal skills are only slightly better than ordinary collectors."
"We might be able to discern one or two things upon initial inspection, but they won't be as effective at an auction."
"That's why I wanted to invite Brother Qin to accompany us, to offer some advice to us brothers."
"We've only known each other for half a day, and you trust me this much, Brother Chen?" Qin Xuan asked calmly, taking a sip of his tea.
"Naturally!"
"Brother Qin's appraisal skills are evident for all to see."
With that, Chen Zhongping chuckled, "Of course, there will definitely be some tests."
"Agreed."
"Since Brother Chen has said so, I will naturally give it my all."
After a brief consideration, Qin Xuan nodded in agreement.
This matter brought him no disadvantages.
He could broaden his horizons and earn some extra money. Why wouldn't he?
"However, I must state this upfront."
"My intuition is limited to distinguishing authenticity; I cannot provide specific prices."
"Therefore, the bidding at the auction will still be up to you two brothers to decide."
"No problem!"
Chen Zhongping laughed heartily, then pointed to the collection filling the room.
"How about this, Brother Qin? As long as you can accurately identify the information of ten items, I'll consider you passed."
"After passing, you can choose any item in this room as a deposit. How about that?"
"Really?"
The corners of Qin Xuan's mouth curved upwards, causing Chen Zhongping's heart to skip a beat.
But words, once spoken, are like water spilled; even with a bad premonition, he nodded firmly.
"Really!"
Upon receiving the affirmative reply, Qin Xuan didn't dally.
He concentrated his mind, and the voices of various artifacts began to resound one after another.
Zisha teapot: I am a beauty's shoulder, made by Mr. Chen Yongqing during the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty. A pleasure to meet you.
Calligraphy: I am Wen Zhengming's "Miscellaneous Poems Scroll," elegant and vigorous, unparalleled in the world.
Porcelain vase: I am a Qianlong period blue-glazed eight-sided vase. Please tell the owner that I am a bit socially anxious and he shouldn't touch me casually in the future.
...
Switching the information to text mode, Qin Xuan successively revealed the specific details of ten artifacts.
At this point, Chen and Ye were completely convinced by Qin Xuan.
It wasn't just because he could accurately state the items' information, but more importantly, he hadn't even approached the artifacts to examine their specific details!
This ability could only be described as miraculous.
"Brother Qin is indeed amazing; the information he provided is all correct!"
Qin Xuan smiled slightly, deliberately drawing out his voice, "So, about this test..."
"Passed!"
"Passed with flying colors!"
"You can pick anything in this room, no matter what it is!"
"Then thank you, Brother Chen." Qin Xuan expressed his gratitude and then walked directly towards the calligraphy scroll that was nearly two meters long.
Chen Zhongping's heart sank again.
Although this calligraphy wasn't the most expensive in his collection, he had paid over 80 million Dragon Coins for it.
The closer Qin Xuan got to the calligraphy, the more he wished he could slap himself a few times.
"Heh, what, Brother Qin, are you taken with this Miscellaneous Poems Scroll?" Chen Zhongping asked with a forced smile that looked more like a grimace.
Qin Xuan shook his head without answering, while Ye Shuliang couldn't help but laugh at Chen Zhongping's expression.
"You old fool, you just had to brag. Now look at you!"
"Eighty million, poof, gone!"
"Shut up!"
"We're both inviting him, so if my Miscellaneous Poems Scroll is gone, you'll have to give me 40 million as your share!"
Ye Shuliang, who was gloating, made Chen Zhongping grit his teeth in anger.
If Qin Xuan weren't present, he would have pounced and torn his mouth apart!
"I've made my choice, Brother Chen. It'll be this one."
While the two were bickering, Qin Xuan's choice was finally made.
It wasn't the Miscellaneous Poems Scroll that Chen Zhongping valued so highly, but a long landscape scroll.
It was 7.312 meters long and 31.5 centimeters wide, with a magnificent presence and delicate brushwork.
It was placed somewhat casually near the Miscellaneous Poems Scroll.
It didn't seem to be highly valued by Chen Zhongping.
Qin Xuan had considered the Miscellaneous Poems Scroll hanging nearby, but after much thought, he ultimately gave up.
After all, Wen Zhengming was renowned for his calligraphy, and the scroll itself claimed to be unparalleled.
What need was there to even consider its value?
It was undoubtedly sky-high.
Even though Chen Zhongping had said Qin Xuan could pick any item in the room, he wasn't foolish enough to specifically choose the most expensive ones.
One should leave room for future encounters.
Moreover, they would be attending an auction together in the future.
As for why Qin Xuan chose this painting, it was naturally because he had heard the painting's inner voice.
"Yandang Tu": These people truly don't know quality. I was painted by Qian Weicheng, the top scholar of the late Qing Dynasty, not some common trash! The auction only fetched a low price of 2.8 million. Don't your consciences ache?!