If someone else had asked this question, he might have thought that person was too materialistic and mercenary, but since it was Chiang Xiao who asked, he felt there was nothing inappropriate about it.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "I estimate more than five or six thousand yuan, but it’s hard to say how much exactly."
It’s difficult to appraise the value of paintings and calligraphy.
He could only say if it were less than that amount, he’d feel the work was undervalued.
More than five or six thousand yuan!
Tyrant Meng, if I act on it, I could earn more than half of what you’re worth!
The first thought that popped into Chiang Xiao’s head was actually this sentence.
And the moment she asked that question, Meng Xinian sitting behind her had a slight premonition; he suddenly believed that Chiang Xiao inquiring about the market price of the Autumn Scenery Painting was absolutely because she could replicate it!
She could reproduce the Autumn Scenery Painting and earn more than five or six thousand yuan with a single stroke.
The smart and acute Meng Xinian caught up with Chiang Xiao’s train of thought in an instant.
Suddenly, he felt that no, he couldn’t just sit back and do nothing; when the two of them got married, he couldn’t let her be the only one earning money. Wouldn’t that mean the wife was supporting the family?
Yes, that five thousand yuan must be invested, and then, he had to go and ask friends for help with the other part of the money.
Chiang Xiao didn’t expect her casual remark to immediately kick-start Meng Xinian’s thoughts of making money to provide for the family. Although she had asked, she hadn’t considered selling the Autumn Scenery Painting for the time being.
She might as well keep that painting for now; it might come in handy for meeting her teacher in the future.
"How about it, Chiang Xiao? If you’re thinking of selling the Secluded Valley Orchid, the best method would still be to auction it off in a gallery and let the highest bidder win," suggested Kuang Yunxian sincerely, although he was quite interested in that painting himself.
Chiang Xiao was somewhat tempted.
Hearing him say this, Chiang Xiao knew her painting wouldn’t fetch a low price. She did need the money, so being able to sell the painting would be great.
However, she also hesitated a bit because the first-place prize was extremely significant to her.
It was an award that proved her own value.
It marked a fresh start for her after having been foolish for so long in her previous life; from now on, she would have more confidence in her art than before.
Plus, she actually liked that painting quite a bit herself.
As she was still hesitating, she heard Meng Xinian’s voice from behind, "I want that painting. If you really want to sell it, sell it to me."
Both Chiang Xiao and Kuang Yunxian were taken aback.
Meng Xinian had already stood up, walked over, and sat down next to Chiang Xiao. He turned to Kuang Yunxian and said, "I get the impression that Brother Yun Xian is also interested in that painting, right?"
"Indeed," Kuang Yunxian acknowledged frankly.
Meng Xinian said, "I’m sorry, Brother Yun Xian. This is Chiang Xiao’s first award in her life, her very first award-winning piece, and I would like to keep it."
He actually wanted that painting too?
Kuang Yunxian looked at him and said half-seriously, half-jokingly, "Xinian, if we were to auction off Xiao Chiang’s painting, it would go for at least two to three thousand yuan. It won’t be cheap."
Yes, the painting was too well-composed; it could quieten one’s heart just by looking at it.
"Hm, I’ll pay five thousand yuan," Meng Xinian said, looking at Chiang Xiao. The meaning in his eyes was clear to her,You don’t want to take my money for nothing, right? So consider that I’m buying your painting with it.
He offers five thousand when others say the painting’s worth two to three thousand? She was witnessing a buyer raising the price on their own for the first time!