bookcurios Chapter 159 5 Colored Jade
Chapter 159 5 Colored Jade
"Mr. Shen, don't say that after you go in. These scholars tend to think highly of themselves." Shopkeeper Chen reminded with a wry smile.
"I'm not stupid. How can I say that when asking someone for a favor?" Shen Wei curled his lips in disdain, but his eyes were drawn to a Rolls-Royce next to him, and a playful smile played on his lips. "Scholars nowadays don't focus on their studies, they only care about making money."
"That car doesn't belong to Lao Lin. It seems that a guest is visiting." Shopkeeper Chen recognized the owner of the car at a glance.
"Those who come here are rich people, haha." Shen Wei shook his head and sighed, and was quite disdainful of the reputation of current scholars and experts.
"Stop talking nonsense." Lin Fan glared at him, signaling him to be more restrained.
"Okay." Shen Wei shut up obediently.
Shopkeeper Chen sighed inwardly, this Young Master Lin was truly extraordinary, he could actually make Young Master Shen so obedient.
"Old Chen, you're finally here." An old man with casual clothes and gray hair walked out of the house. His casual appearance surprised both Lin Fan and Shen Wei.
Shopkeeper Chen quickly stepped forward to greet them and introduced Lin Fan and Shen Wei. Upon hearing the name "Shen Family," the old man merely glanced at Shen Wei, showing no particular interest.
"Old Lin, I know you are quite knowledgeable about ancient jade, so I brought them here to ask for advice." Shopkeeper Chen explained his purpose.
"Come in." The old man responded briefly and turned to walk into the house.
Following the old man to the main hall, Lin Fan and Shen Wei were surprised by a familiar figure.
"Oh, isn't this my little brother? We are really destined to meet." Qin Ruoshui also seemed quite surprised, with a bright smile on her face.
"Since we are so destined to meet, why not sell the painting to me?" she suggested half-jokingly.
"Do you know each other?" Lin Ruzhou looked at Qin Ruoshui and then at Lin Fan, a puzzled look on his face.
"Uncle Lin, he is the lucky guy I mentioned before who bought the authentic work of Tang Yin." Qin Ruoshui explained quickly.
"Oh? It was you who humiliated Qian Bin?" Lin Ruzhou's tone revealed a bit of surprise and curiosity.
Lin Fan's heart tightened, fearing that Lin Ruzhou and Mr. Qian were old friends, but he remained calm. "Mr. Qian's reputation has been damaged, but it wasn't my fault. If he's been upright, how could his reputation be ruined just because of a few words from me?"
"Hahahahaha!" Lin Ruzhou suddenly burst into laughter. "You're absolutely right! That old guy should have met this end a long time ago. He's been doing whatever it takes for money in recent years. This day will come sooner or later!"
Shopkeeper Chen showed a somewhat helpless smile, shook his head and said, "You are a businessman after all, so it is understandable that you are a little cunning." Lin Ruzhou waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "He is different from other businessmen.
Back then, he was considered a member of the archaeological community. Unfortunately, as he got older, he was blinded by money and even abandoned the most basic bottom line.
Hearing this, Lin Fan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Apparently, this Lin Master didn't think much of Old Qian, which was undoubtedly good news for him. At the very least, they weren't close allies.
"Come, let's sit down and chat slowly." Lin Ruzhou greeted warmly and personally brewed a cup of tea for Lin Fan.
"Although I don't agree with Qian Bin's personality, I do recognize his professional accomplishments. It's truly impressive that you were able to pick up a bargain from him. I wonder who your master is?"
Lin Fan smiled bitterly and said, "I may disappoint you, but I actually know nothing about antiques."
"Know nothing?" Lin Ruzhou was clearly unconvinced. "How could someone who knew nothing pick up an authentic Tang Yin work right under Qian Bin's nose?"
Qin Ruoshui also looked puzzled. She had tried to investigate Lin Fan, but apart from knowing that he was the deputy manager of Zhao's company and Zhao Ziqing's fiancé, she found nothing. "Are you really relying on intuition?" she asked curiously.
"That's true," Lin Fan said frankly, "I just go by my feeling." In front of an archaeological authority like Lin Ruzhou, he didn't dare to exaggerate.
Lin Ruzhou smiled after hearing this, thinking that Lin Fan might not want to reveal too much, so he didn't ask any further. "I heard that you have an ancient jade. I want to know its origins?"
"That's right, Mr. Lin." Lin Fan handed over the five-colored jade respectfully.
Lin Ruzhou took the jade and examined it carefully. Lin Fan, on the other hand, stared at him nervously and expectantly, hoping to learn more about the jade from this master. For him, this might be the key to unlocking the mystery of his own life.
After a while, Lin Ruzhou put down the multicolored jade and went upstairs. At this moment, Qin Ruoshui asked curiously, "Can I take a look?" After getting Lin Fan's consent, she carefully picked up the jade and examined it, a look of surprise on her face.
"What's wrong?" Lin Fan noticed the change in her expression and his heart moved.
"This piece of jade...gives me a sense of déjà vu." Qin Ruoshui frowned as he recalled, "Although my specific memory is a little fuzzy, I do feel it is very familiar. Perhaps it's because I've seen similar multicolored jade before."
Lin Fan nodded, thinking that the multicolored jades were indeed similar in appearance, so it was no wonder she felt that way. "This jade means a lot to me," he said gravely, "and it may be related to my life story."
"Background?" Qin Ruoshui looked at him in surprise. When she was about to ask further, Lin Ruzhou came down from upstairs holding a book.
"I searched all the ancient books, but neither the shape nor the material matched the description in the books."
He shook his head and said, "In ancient times, precious jades were usually sought after for their single color. Colorful jades like this are very rare. They are often only used in special occasions and rituals, such as offering sacrifices to heaven."
"Sacrifice to Heaven?" Lin Fan repeated in surprise.
"Yes," Lin Ruzhou explained, "In addition to offering sacrifices to heaven, some special institutions such as the Imperial Astronomical Observatory also use this special jade for divination and observing the stars."
At this time, Shopkeeper Chen couldn't help but interrupt and asked, "So is this piece of jade worth anything?"
Lin Ruzhou glanced at him with a smile and said, "You're a businessman who can't stop talking about your business. The jade itself is already valuable; if you consider the historical and cultural significance it may carry, its value is even more immeasurable."
After saying this, he looked at Lin Fan and said, "I need to consult ancient books to confirm the specific origins of this jade. Do you mind if I take a few photos? If I find anything in the future, I will inform you as soon as possible."
"Brother Lin Fan, if I help you uncover the mystery of the five-colored jade, can you give me that authentic painting by Tang Yin?" Qin Ruoshui asked tentatively.