CHAPTER 74: CHAPTER 73: A PAINTING OF GREAT ORIGIN

Lu Shouyue glanced at the three old professors who were still gathered around the painting studying it incessantly. He took off his white gloves, sat next to Lin Wanwan, and smiled, "The painting is quite impressive. If you plan on selling it, you’ll need to have a good story about its origins. If this painting goes to auction, it won’t go unnoticed."

Lin Wanwan shrugged, "I’m not planning to sell it."

Lu Shouyue laughed, "Really not selling? It might be worth several billion."

Lin Wanwan gasped silently, several billion?! What kind of painting is this?

Then she definitely couldn’t sell it. If it were hundreds of thousands or millions, she might sell it quietly. But a piece worth billions would definitely be big news, maybe even attracting attention from international media.

And the origin of the item wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny by others. Better to give up and avoid trouble, she thought, since I have enough money for now anyway.

However, from what Lu Shouyue was saying, it seemed this wasn’t Xiao Chong’s painting.

Xiao Chong died young in history, leaving hardly any traces; it’s unlikely his paintings would be so valuable. So whose painting was this?

"What’s the story with this painting? I got it from a descendant of the Xiao Family."

"The Xiao Family, as in the descendants of Xiao Tong you asked me to investigate recently?"

Lin Wanwan didn’t expect him to remember and vaguely replied, "Yeah, sort of. But you haven’t mentioned the significance of the painting yet."

Lu Shouyue didn’t keep her in suspense and said, in a low voice, "This painting is a meticulous ink drawing of grass and insects, with flowing ink and imposing momentum, yet full of natural charm, like living creatures. Whether it’s the brushwork or the ink application, it’s the work of a master craftsman with strong artistic effects.

Moreover, it has a seal, which is a rare feature.

In the world of calligraphy and painting, prominent artists before the Tang Dynasty seldom signed their works, which makes authenticating early works particularly difficult. Even works left by the Master of Calligraphy are sometimes considered fake due to the lack of signatures in the archaeology community today.

The painting you’ve brought has the signature of Gu Yewang and the character seal of Xifeng. Coupled with the exquisite workmanship and exceptional brushwork, I believe there’s a good chance it’s genuine."

Lin Wanwan pondered and said, "Yewang, Xifeng, Xiao Chong... Ah, is it Gu Yewang?"

She remembered the Xiao Family documents Lu Shouyue had given her earlier, which stated that Xiao Chong’s maternal family was the Gu family of Wu County.

Thinking of this, Lin Wanwan pulled out her phone, opened the previously saved file, and quickly turned to the section about Xiao Chong’s maternal family, soon seeing the name Gu Yewang. Sure enough, his mother was a descendant of Gu Yewang.

"Hiss, could this painting be an authentic work by Gu Yewang?" Lin Wanwan was amazed.

Though she didn’t know much about painting, she had heard of someone as renowned as Gu Yewang!

According to historical records, Gu Yewang was a well-read and knowledgeable figure, an official during the Southern Dynasty Liang and Chen periods, recognized as a scholar, historian, calligrapher, painter, and more—a true polymath.

Lu Shouyue smiled and said, "It’s quite possible, and the likelihood is very high. Modern-day authentic works by Gu Yewang are extremely rare. His original ’Jade Chapter’ was taken by Japan and is now in a museum there. If your painting can be proven to be an authentic work of Gu Yewang, its value would be incalculable. At an auction, you could name your price."

"Sigh," Lin Wanwan sighed, troubled by the painting’s immense value, fearing to take it out.

Seeing her like a wilted eggplant, Lu Shouyue couldn’t help but laugh, "With such a priceless treasure in hand, you’re still sighing? I’m envious of your luck."

Lin Wanwan smiled wryly, "With such a huge value, what if the state wants me to donate it?"

Lu Shouyue laughed heartily, "It won’t come to that, it won’t."

No matter what conclusion the group of experts might reach, Lin Wanwan had already convinced herself it was an authentic work by Gu Yewang. A genuine item gifted from Xiao Chong, a direct descendant of Xiao Family, couldn’t possibly be a fake. Moreover, the Gu family of Wu County was indeed his maternal clan.

Xiao Chong, with such generosity, actually gave her two priceless treasures! An authentic piece of Gu Yewang’s work was priceless even in the Tang Dynasty, and in modern times, it’s undoubtedly a priceless gem.

After sitting quietly for a moment, Lin Wanwan and Lu Shouyue finally saw the three old professors finish their study. They stood silently by the side, staring at the painting, each with furrowed brows, saying nothing.

Lu Shouyue smiled slightly and leaned over to Lin Wanwan, whispering, "It seems this painting really confounded the experts! How about putting it in my family’s auction house? I’ll handle it for you, promise to take great care without troubling you."

Understanding the implication, Lin Wanwan realized that no matter how she acquired the painting, Lu Shouyue could make its background completely legitimate!

But Lin Wanwan still didn’t want to take the risk and gently shook her head, "I said I wouldn’t sell it."

Lu Shouyue feigned a look of pain, clasping his heart and smiled, "You always tease me. All your good stuff just makes me drool with envy. Alas, since that’s the case, may I at least take a good picture to admire it?"

"Of course."

Meanwhile, the three experts on the other side finally spoke up.

"This painting is quite possibly an authentic insect and grass drawing by Gu Yewang, and its preservation is incredibly remarkable," said the elderly Wang, his eyes full of envy and affection, "Xiao Lu, after you take the photo, send me a copy."

Lu Shouyue looked at Lin Wanwan. She nodded lightly, and he smiled, "Sure, no problem."

Both of them stood up and walked over to the painting. Lu Shouyue gently took the painting and hung it on the white wall on the other side, then conjured up two whiteboards and a tripod from the cabinet.

With everything ready, Lu Shouyue stood behind the camera, constantly adjusting the tripod to find the right position and angle. It took him a whole half-hour before he put away the camera and smiled at Lin Wanwan, "Done."

Lin Wanwan carefully and gently packed the painting away and said to them, "Thank you, dear professors, for appraising the painting for me today."

"It’s hardly an appraisal," Elder He chuckled, "Both Old Wang and I teach painting; we’re not experts in antiquities appraisal. We’re just taking the opportunity to admire a good painting. Whether or not this painting is a relic, its artistic skill is unsurpassed and undeniable."

Professor Wang nodded with a smile, evidently agreeing.

Cao Yong asked Lin Wanwan, "Miss Lin, are you selling this painting?"

Everyone tactfully avoided asking about the painting’s origins. In the antique business, asking about the source of someone’s goods is somewhat taboo. Unless you’re a buyer needing to confirm the legality of the source.

And the three old professors clearly didn’t have the financial capacity to buy it.

An authentic work of Gu Yewang could be auctioned for a fortune.

Lin Wanwan shook her head, "No, I’d like to keep it and appreciate it myself."

Elder He murmured, "It’s good to enjoy it yourself. The brushwork on this painting is of a grandmaster level, truly rare."

In the longing eyes of the elders, Lin Wanwan, holding the painting, left together with Lu Shouyue.