C55 Disclosing the Truth

"Is Young Master Wang really that discerning? You're not even impressed by the Storm Banana Painting? It's conservatively valued at seven to eight million!" an old expert exclaimed in astonishment.

"Truly worthy of the Wang Family's Young Master—his taste is simply unparalleled. I've been collecting for ages and still haven't acquired anything as high-end as this. Securing an original of this caliber would make my lifetime!" a middle-aged man remarked.

"What an extraordinary experience! Today has truly been a visual feast! Young Master Wang is certainly not someone ordinary folks can fathom."

Wang Ziwen smiled, clearly pleased with the situation and basking in his sense of superiority.

"Qimo, now you've witnessed Ziwen's excellence firsthand. His extensive knowledge, refined taste, and wealth are unparalleled. Where else could you find such a distinguished young man?" Zhang Hongyu said, her face alight with pride as she lavished praise upon her nephew.

After speaking, she cast a disdainful glance at Lin Yin and sneered, "Have you opened your eyes today, you worthless fool? You could strive your entire life and still not reach Ziwen's level of living. Just look at how far behind you are compared to Ziwen. And you still have the audacity to support Qimo in rejecting him? That's laughable."

"Second Aunt, please stop," Zhang Qimo interjected firmly.

Zhang Hongyu huffed, her mind racing with plans to speak to Zhang Xiufeng and his wife upon her return. She intended to have Lin Yin thrown out, clearing the way for an introduction to Wang Ziwen.

If this union could be arranged, it would forge a strong alliance between Wang Ziwen's family and her own, solidifying their standing within the Wang Family and elevating their influence.

It's worth noting that although Wang Zhong is nominally one of the Wang Family's leaders with considerable influence, he ranks at best fifth or sixth among his many brothers.

Wang Ziwen's father, on the other hand, is one of the two most powerful figures of the older generation within the Wang Family. Wang Ziwen himself is the chosen successor of the Old Master and is very likely to take the reins of the Wang Family's power in the future.

"By the way, Young Master Wang, you seemed uninterested in the Storm Banana Painting, but you mentioned finding the porcelain vase intriguing. Could you share your insights?" a young aristocrat inquired curiously.

Wang Ziwen gave a slight nod, his face brimming with satisfaction as he declared, "Indeed, I am quite impressed with this pair of porcelain vases!"

He gestured towards the exquisitely decorated porcelain vases on the mahogany table and boasted, "From my perspective, these vases are quintessential examples of the Ming Dynasty's Chenghua Doucai. Whether we consider the artistry or the design, they are undoubtedly at the zenith of mastery!"

Continuing at a measured pace, Wang Ziwen added, "Beyond that, I've discerned the special significance and value of these vases. On the base, alongside the Chenghua period mark, there's also a stamp from the Xu Family estate."

"What does this signify?" Wang Ziwen asked with a knowing smile, reveling in the moment. "Drawing on my scholarship, the Xu Family of the Ming Dynasty was renowned—clearly referring to the descendants of the Zhongshan King, Xu Da. The Xu Family, inheriting the titles of Duke of Wei and Duke Ding, was arguably the most illustrious lineage of the era. These vases likely date back to the Chenghua period, a pair of imperial porcelain gifted to the Xu Family as a significant honor."

"Moreover, considering the rarity of such a matched pair and the distinctive Doucai style, I estimate the value of these vases to be in the vicinity of 30 million!" Wang Ziwen concluded with an air of certainty.

Upon hearing Wang Ziwen's analysis, the assembled guests couldn't help but express their admiration.

"Spot on! Young Master Wang's erudition is truly formidable. In my thirty years in the field, I've yet to encounter such precise discernment!" exclaimed an expert, adjusting his reading glasses in amazement.

"Young Master Wang's views align with ours; we simply lack the boldness to state them so definitively," an elder expert commended.

"This symposium has been invaluable, offering a glimpse at such a premier artifact—it's been a worthwhile experience," remarked a young noble with enthusiasm.

"The value of Chenghua Doucai is already considerable, but a pair as rare as this, originating from the Xu Family's noble estate? That elevates its significance and worth to an entirely new level!" another noble scion said, his eyes alight with excitement. "Master Hu's contribution this time has truly broadened our horizons, and Young Master Wang's insights have significantly enhanced our understanding!"

Wang Ziwen eyed the pair of porcelain bottles with intense interest. Turning to Hu Mingren, he declared confidently, "Master Hu, for this pair of porcelain bottles, my offer is 30 million. It's up to you to decide whether to grant me this favor."

Unperturbed, Hu Mingren replied with a smile, "Young Master Wang, you must be jesting. I've made my living in Qingyun City; how could I refuse the Wang Family? However, I am curious. You're known to be a connoisseur, yet it's rare for you to purchase such treasures. What prompts you to acquire a collection worth millions now?"

With a chuckle, Wang Ziwen explained, "Ordinarily, even if I set my sights on something, I might not make a move. But as the elite know, my father's 80th birthday is approaching. He's an avid collector of antiques, and I've been searching for an appropriate gift. Today's fortunate encounter with this exceptional treasure is serendipitous, Master Hu. You've truly helped me out of a tight spot."

Smiling, Hu Mingren conceded, "Since Young Master Wang intends it as a birthday gift, I doubt anyone else would challenge you for it. Thirty million it is—take the porcelain bottles."

"Thank you, Master Hu, for this honor," Wang Ziwen said, visibly pleased with himself. He gestured to Qin Fei to finalize the transaction, feeling utterly triumphant. It was a stroke of luck to acquire the bottles, not only to outshine his peers at the upcoming birthday banquet but also to win his father's favor. Moreover, he had managed to flaunt his dominance in front of Lin Yin and Zhang Qimo, reclaiming any lost prestige.

Basking in the crowd's admiration, Wang Ziwen adopted a haughty stance and taunted Lin Yin, "Master Lin, do you have any thoughts on these porcelain bottles? Are you going to assert they're authentic?"

"Brother Wang, you made that purchase so decisively. I bet this loser is speechless," Qin Fei sneered. "He can't even afford a collectible, let alone debate the provenance of such a rare treasure with you."

Brother Wang doesn't mince words—if he sets his sights on something, he buys it. That loser can't afford a collectible to save his life, all he does is put on airs. He has the nerve to claim that no one in Qingyun City understands collecting better than he does. Brother Wang's expertise towers over his by leaps and bounds!" Wu Chuyu joined in the mockery with gusto.

Zhang Hongyu couldn't help but sneer, her gaze cutting as she looked at Lin Yin. "What a pathetic excuse for a man. You realize now just how pathetic you are, don't you? Think you can still measure up to Ziwen? The collectibles Ziwen fancies go for 30 million. He can spot a high-end rarity and doesn't hesitate to back his judgment with cold, hard cash. How's that for confidence in his collecting prowess? His skill is simply unparalleled."

She then turned to Zhang Qimo with a smile, "Qimo, after this visit to Mingbao House, you've seen Lin Yin's true colors, haven't you? You ought to know what to think now. Second Aunt set you up with Ziwen—that's a connection worth its weight in gold."

"What's the matter, Master Lin? Cat got your tongue? Can't comprehend the value of such a treasure, can you?" Wang Ziwen pressed his advantage, taunting mercilessly, "You boasted in front of all these renowned figures, and now you're speechless. How will you ever show your face in Qingyun City again? Oh, but then again, for someone like you who's used to mooching off others, the concept of shame is probably foreign, isn't it?"

Lin Yin faced Wang Ziwen, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "Heh, nothing but a fake."

An eerie silence fell over the entire hall.