The next item for auction is a blue and white porcelain disk by Chen Pingrui, from Ge Kiln. Although it’s not from an official kiln, it is also highly priced. Everyone knows Chen Pingrui from Beiping, a hard-to-deal character, and the goods he handles are always exquisite. The starting bid of 3000 yuan was not high, but it fetched a million yuan. As people around him congratulated him, Ye Tian sensed something was off.
Maybe it was Chen Pingrui’s too ostentatious behavior, it’s not easy to make a name for oneself here.
Hmm? Where is he? Ye Tian turned around inadvertently but frowned. When did Zhang Xiayang leave?
"What’s wrong?" Tang Su asked as she saw him frowning.
"Oh, it’s nothing." Ye Tian gently took Tang Su’s hand and placed it on his thigh, feeling the warmth from Ye Tian’s palm, Tang Su smiled knowingly.
"Dear friends, next up for auction is our third item, a Chinese-style painting, created by Miss Tan, with a starting bid of 3000 yuan." An auctioneer in a black vest, holding a gavel, presented the auction item and its owner on the stage.
Perhaps due to the presence of two secretaries, the auctioneer didn’t even congratulate Chen Pingrui, not that he minded it, having the resilience that withstands all adversities is not possessed by everyone.
The audience knew that the main event was coming up, perhaps genuinely disliking the style of Chen Pingrui, the rogue character from Beiping, Miss Tan was the first to stand out, though not to vent for the people of Tianhe City.
The painting wasn’t large, shaped like a long scroll. The auctioneer unravelled the scroll, and a black-and-white ink painting cascaded down, emitting a faint aroma of ink.
"I only knew Miss Tan was good at making money, didn’t expect her to be skilled at painting as well."
Everyone in Tianhe City knew, the Tan family being such a large tree attracted strong winds largely due to these outstanding young talents, with Tan Xiao undoubtedly being the brightest star, she is the rake that gathers money for Tan Family, supporting a significant part of their expenses.
"Uncle Zuo, look what you’re saying. This painting, I learned it from Aunt Shen. Aunt Shen, take a look, does it have some charm?"
It was then, Ye Tian noticed a well-maintained woman sitting next to Zuo Zhengyang, her dignity and resilience were something that ordinary women do not possess, something that couldn’t be highlighted by mere clothing and makeup—a firm foundation of profound family learning and a suitable environment, without which even the best face is but substandard window paper that breaks upon the slightest touch of water.
It appears that this is Zuo Zhengyang’s wife.
"Shen Xuepei, Secretary Zuo’s wife," as Ye Tian looked puzzled, Tang Su timely whispered in his ear.
Ye Tian nodded, also noticing that Chen Pingrui was watching him, smilingly nodded back.
"Did you come here with him?"
"What’s the problem?" Seeing some unnatural expression in Tang Su’s eyes, Ye Tian asked.
Tang Su shook her head, "Ye Tian, you better stay away from this Chen Pingrui, he’s been under tight scrutiny lately."
"Don’t worry, I know my limits. Let’s see how much this woman’s painting will fetch, shall we?"
Regarding Tan Xiao, Ye Tian may not fully understand her, but he somewhat knew her thoughts. The marriage alliance between Tang Family and Tan Family might be what everyone expects, but unfortunately, Tang Su is unwilling, be it for her brother or her family, she had reasons and responsibilities to facilitate this marriage. Ye Tian dislikes those who interfere in his matters, but he does not dislike responsible people.
As if sensing Ye Tian’s thoughts, Tan Xin also turned her head, nodded after making eye contact, and then continued with Shen Xuepei’s conversation.
"Xiaoxiao, your painting skills have greatly improved. You must have taken guidance from a master, this style has traces of Yangzhou Mei’s Faction."
As everyone knows, Shen Xuepei doesn’t talk much, and even less so to praise someone. Her speaking out in front of so many people indeed had some intentions, which only she knew.
"Aunt Shen, you’ve only guessed half right."
"Oh? Then tell me, which half did I guess right?"
"My painting has indeed improved a bit." Tan Xiao’s gesture with her pinky finger elicited an amiable smile from the crowd, reinforcing her reputation for being jovial.
"So what did I guess wrong?"
"This style indeed belongs to Yangzhou Mei’s Faction, but my master was no other than you."
"Ah? Old Shen, how come it looks so familiar? Isn’t this the unsolved painting of the water springs and mountain streams you discarded last time? Look, that crooked willow tree, didn’t I tease you for drawing it crookedly?"
Upon Zuo Zhengyang’s remarks, Shen Xuepei realized, lightly said with a mild smile, "Indeed it is."
"Last time I visited your house and saw this unfinished painting on Uncle’s desk, I took it with me, hoping you’d correct it today."
Shen Xuepei doesn’t talk much, and every time she speaks, it’s just a few short words. Seeing this, the auctioneer, sensing the atmosphere, ignited the first spark of the pre-auction, "Folks, this is not just any painting. This is a collaborative artwork by Mrs. Shen and Miss Tan. I’m not going to say more, you decide for yourselves."
The crowd suddenly quieted down, with none daring to speak loudly.
Wasn’t this auctioneer being too bold? Mocking is fine, joking is fine, but you need to measure it—not everyone’s jokes can be tolerated. Who is this? Shen Xuepei! The always proud and cold Shen Xuepei, are you qualified to joke about her? And telling us to ’see to it’—what does that mean? Bid high to buy it? Who has the courage? They’re all cunning old foxes, eyes radiant as 800-watt light bulbs, when the price reaches a certain point, they know when to pull back. Still says, ’see to it’—nonsense! There are quite a few government officials present, even though you’re doing a good deed, having too much money is conspicuous, what is the Commission for Discipline Inspection for, won’t they investigate you? What about the competitors, giving you minor trouble is the least of it, reporting you will have you unable to escape it.
Probably realizing the problem with his words, the auctioneer in the vest broke into a cold sweat instantly, holding the drooping scroll, and freezing there.
"Hehe, I’ll join the excitement, ten thousand."
Everyone was guessing who would be the first to offer a price, the one to speak at this awkward moment must be a strong figure, but unexpectedly, the first to shout the price was Chen Pingrui, commonly known as the great eunuch.
Tang Guoqing did not speak, not even a glance at him, but Zuo Zhengyang waved his hand towards Chen Pingrui, as a form of greeting.