Chapter 588: Bidding on Fakes Too?

Curiosity is curiosity, but both Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng knew that one could not see the auction items on the day of the auction.

Besides, there were many people and prying eyes, and the items had not yet been secured. Beijing was only so big, and there were only so many people involved in collecting; one might run into an acquaintance.

If that happened, they would see: "Well, well, Lin Sicheng actually wants to bid on this?"

"Then I'll bid too—"

With these thoughts, the group walked toward the back. Just halfway there, Wang Qi Zhi stopped again.

What was just said: one might run into an acquaintance?

As it turned out, in the blink of an eye, they ran into one.

Tian Rulong and Sheng Guoan stood up and stared at them, looking even more surprised than they were.

The day before yesterday, Director Tian had just called Lin Sicheng to say that the progress on the Palace Porcelain was a bit stuck and asked him to come to the institute to provide some guidance.

But Lin Sicheng said the Center was currently hiring and still had training to do, so he really couldn't get away.

As it turned out, just two days later, he had run off to attend an auction?

"No—Lin Sicheng, aren't you so busy you can't even find time to eat? How do you have time to browse an auction?" Tian Rulong looked behind him, "Who invited you?"

Of course, no one invited him, but it wasn't something that could be explained in a sentence or two.

Lin Sicheng bluffed casually: "Director Tian, my teacher said there are a few rare items at this auction and brought me here to broaden my horizons."

Wang Qi Zhi secretly curled his lip: until they went upstairs just now, he didn't even know this auction was being held by Bonhams. Let alone knowing if there were any rare items, he didn't even know what the main items being auctioned were.

But Tian Rulong took it as the truth.

"Perfect, help out in a moment and discuss it with Director Sheng!"

As he spoke, Tian Rulong turned around, "Professor Wang, General Manager Zhao, let me introduce you: this is Mr. Zhang Zongxian's granddaughter, Zhang Yuanfan. Yuanfan, these are my friends!"

"This is General Manager Zhao, this is Professor Wang, this is Assistant Ye, Professor Wang's nephew. And this one, Lin Sicheng, my friend, and also a Partner—"

Tian Rulong introduced them one by one, and Zhang Yuanfan greeted them in turn.

Hearing the name Zhang Zongxian, Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng were both stunned for a moment.

This man was a legendary figure in the history of Chinese collecting; whether in the collecting world, the appraisal world, or the auction world, few did not know him.

Zhang Zongxian's grandfather was a master engraver during the late Qing Dynasty; his uncle Zhang Yongchang and father Zhang Zhongying were both famous antique dealers in Shanghai. When Zhang Zhongying was learning his craft as a young man, he was a fellow apprentice with the famous Beijing collector and antique dealer Sun Yingzhou.

After the founding of the country, Sun Yingzhou donated his entire collection and served as a Consultant at the Forbidden City. Also arriving at the Forbidden City with him was his student, Geng Baochang, who was also a collector and antique dealer. He is the now-living Gu Taotao, Mr. Geng.

When Zhang Zongxian was fourteen, he was sent by Zhang Zhongying to Beijing, where he lived in Geng Baochang's home and followed Sun Yingzhou to study porcelain appraisal. Later, after returning to Shanghai, he apprenticed under Xu Bangda to study Painting Appraisal.

Therefore, he was both a fellow apprentice of Mr. Geng Baochang and a student of Mr. Xu Bangda.

This meant he was both the junior martial uncle of Tian Rulong (who studied under Geng Baochang) and the junior fellow apprentice of Sheng Guoan (who studied under Xu Bangda).

But in terms of fame, or rather prestige, the two junior fellow apprentices and the nephew were nowhere near him.

In 1949, Zhang Zongxian went to Hong Kong. At that time, the old nobility of Beijing and the former collectors of Shanghai were fleeing to Hong Kong, making it a major hub for the circulation of Chinese Cultural Relics. Zhang Zongxian used small capital to gain large returns, earning his first pot of gold.

Later, with the financial support of his father, who worked at the Shanghai Foreign Trade Arts and Crafts Company, he opened Yongyuan Hang in Hong Kong. From then on, he traveled between London, New York, Tokyo, Paris, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong.

His goal was one word: buy.

He dared to bid on what no one else dared to; he dared to want what no one else dared to; he dared to raise his paddle when no one else would. He created the highest price for Chinese ancient porcelain in London auction history, and even created the highest price for modern Chinese Calligraphy and Painting.

As long as it was a Cultural Relic that had left China, there was nothing he didn't want, and nothing he didn't dare to bid on, no matter how high the price.

Therefore, he repeatedly broke auction records for various categories of Cultural Relics, and every time, he broke the records he had set himself.

Later, finding air travel troublesome, he invited Sotheby's to hold auctions in Hong Kong. Sotheby's lacked enough items and shipping them from London was too much trouble, so Zhang Zongxian brought out over a hundred pieces from his own collection to support the scene, helping Sotheby's successfully hold its first auction in Hong Kong.

That year was 1973.

Afterward, he used the same method to hold the first auction for Christie's and persuaded both companies to establish offices in Hong Kong.

From then on, until 2000, no matter which auction house it was, and no matter if it was in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, or even Japan, Zhang Zongxian would always sit in the number one seat and always raise the number one paddle.

Thus, he had a nickname: Mr. Number One.

And every year, the total value of his successful bids would exceed 100 million Hong Kong dollars. Also every year, the "Zhang Zongxian Collection" special auctions he entrusted to Sotheby's and Christie's would likewise reach transaction prices of over 100 million Hong Kong dollars.

Many people said he was a white glove for a certain department, and all the collections he bid on were sold back to the country. This was because his sister was a member of the board and Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. She was also a member of the political and business association and a standing member of the National Committee.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Regardless of his identity, he made an indelible contribution to the Chinese ancient art auction market, the promotion of overseas Chinese art collecting, and the dissemination of Chinese culture.

Without him, many collections belonging to old nobility and former warlords would still be gathering dust in cabinets—

Amidst these reflections, Wang Qi Zhi was filled with reverence and hurriedly shook hands: "Miss Zhang, I hope Mr. Zhang is well!"

Zhang Yuanfan smiled: "My grandfather is in good health, though he doesn't go out much anymore!"

Counting the years, Zhang Zongxian was already eighty years old—

Zhao Xiuneng followed closely behind and offered a few words of flattery.

Then it was Ye Anning, and then Lin Sicheng.

Lin Sicheng's greeting was very ordinary, just one sentence: "Miss Zhang, nice to meet you."

He only shook her hand lightly, polite and decorous.

But the moment their fingers touched, Zhang Yuanfan was stunned for a moment.

Lin Sicheng made no untoward movements, and his expression was quite normal, carrying a faint smile.

But Zhang Yuanfan always felt that this person's gaze was not quite right.

The moment he saw her, his pupils dilated slightly, but quickly returned to normal. It was as if a memory had been triggered for an instant, but he had quickly regained his senses.

His gaze was very gentle, with a mist-like soft light in the depths of his eyes, like the evening sunset.

Beneath the soft light, there was a sense of calmness, nostalgia, and melancholy.

It even hid a trace of concern, as well as doubt.

It was as if he were asking: Is it really you? Are you doing well?

It was very brief, fleeting, and the process of their eyes meeting was less than two seconds before Lin Sicheng lowered his eyelids.

The change in his gaze was also very subtle, the kind that was almost imperceptible, but Zhang Yuanfan trusted her intuition.

That moment gave her a very strange feeling, as if the man before her had known her for many years, understood her very, very well, and was very, very familiar to her.

Even, very, very intimate—

But she was also very certain that she had never seen him before?

While suspicious, Zhang Yuanfan stared into Lin Sicheng's eyes.

Lin Sicheng raised his eyelids, and their eyes met.

Zhang Yuanfan felt as if she were looking at a pool of lake water, clear, clean, and without a ripple.

But it was definitely not like this before; when she had probed earlier, he had even dodged.

Muttering to herself, Zhang Yuanfan actually became distracted, and only when her fingertips felt cold did she snap back to reality.

Lin Sicheng let go, their fingertips nearly parting, when Zhang Yuanfan's hand suddenly reached forward.

The two hands clasped together again, this time even tighter.

The others were all stunned for a moment.

This was their line of work, this was how they earned their living; no one's eye for detail was worse than anyone else's.

Although it was subtle, several people saw it clearly:

The moment he saw Zhang Yuanfan, Lin Sicheng was clearly stunned for a moment. Although it was quick, his expression was very complex.

And Zhang Yuanfan had simply zoned out.

She held his hand without moving, staring straight into Lin Sicheng's eyes. When Lin Sicheng said "Nice to meet you," she didn't even have an expression.

Perhaps feeling awkward, Lin Sicheng withdrew his hand, but before he could pull it away completely, it was grabbed by Zhang Yuanfan again?

And then, she started zoning out again—

Tian Rulong's gaze was fixed, staring at Wang Qi Zhi. As if asking: No—what is this situation?

Wang Qi Zhi revealed a cold smile: You brought the person here, I haven't even asked you yet, and you're asking me instead?

Subconsciously, he glanced at Zhao Xiuneng again. Zhao Xiuneng shook his head rapidly.

He was very certain that whenever he was with Lin Sicheng, he had never seen this woman.

Wang Qi Zhi was also very certain that he hadn't seen her either.

And ever since he had known Lin Sicheng, whenever Lin Sicheng went out, either Wang Qi Zhi accompanied him or Zhao Xiuneng did. Since neither of them had seen her, where did this woman pop out from?

The key was the expressions on both sides. No matter how you looked at it, it didn't seem like a proper relationship.

Especially this woman, how long has it been, and you still won't let go?

And that look in her eyes, are you trying to eat him alive?

Just as he was suspicious, Lin Sicheng's wrist moved slightly: "Miss Zhang, your complexion doesn't seem very good?"

This was a reminder to her: Hey, a lot of people are watching, wake up!

Zhang Yuanfan was stunned for a moment, her cheeks slightly flushed: She had zoned out again?

But this wasn't her fault; it was just that this man's eyes were too strange.

As for that second handshake, she didn't know why either; it was as if she were possessed, and her hand had reached out without her control—

She took the opportunity to let go: "Mr. Lin, have we met before?"

Lin Sicheng sighed: Her personality was still the same, clean and decisive.

But now it was a mess, and he couldn't explain it even with a mouth full of words.

Looking to the side, looking at the expressions of those few: they were just short of grabbing some melon seeds to snack on while watching.

He smiled: "Miss Zhang, I have never been abroad, nor have I been to Hong Kong!"

"Me neither!" Zhang Yuanfan paused, "This is my first time in Beijing!"

Lin Sicheng smiled politely and changed the subject: "The scenery in Beijing is quite good; Miss Zhang can come often in the future!"

Zhang Yuanfan looked thoughtful and brought the topic back: "Is that so? I heard the Three Hills and Five Gardens are quite nice; has Mr. Lin been there?"

Of course he had been; in his past life, he had grown tired of visiting them.

Zhang Yuanfan used to say: A pile of broken rocks, what is there to see?

Lin Sicheng spoke insincerely: "I go to the Forbidden City occasionally, but I haven't been to the Three Hills and Five Gardens—"

As the two asked and answered, Ye Anning narrowed her eyes.

At first glance, it was quite normal: just like strangers who had just met, having that kind of polite conversation.

However, this woman's eyes were wrong.

It was as if she had seen something extremely interesting and wanted to explore it immensely?

Several people had been introduced together, and whether it was her, her uncle, or General Manager Zhao, this woman only responded with polite etiquette each time.

Why, when it came to Lin Sicheng, did she not only zone out and refuse to let go of his hand, but also keep talking non-stop?

Looking at Lin Sicheng again, he was very normal: polite, courteous, and decorous.

But this wasn't her fault: the moment Lin Sicheng was stunned, she was standing parallel to him and hadn't seen it.

Since they were all new friends, it was indeed impolite to only talk to Lin Sicheng, so Zhang Yuanfan took the initiative as a host and invited everyone to sit down.

The waiter brought over some tea, and the atmosphere slowly returned to normal.

Tian Rulong gave a rough explanation again: both he and Sheng Guoan had been invited by Zhang Zongxian to come and appraise items for Zhang Yuanfan.

But when they spoke of the specific items, Lin Sicheng was stunned for a moment.

You said you were going to auction what?

A Southern Song Dynasty Engraved Edition, Zhu Xi's Authentic Handwriting?

This was rushing headlong into being swindled—

Lin Sicheng spoke without hesitation: "Director Sheng, have you all seen the items?"

"We didn't have time; Senior Brother Zhang only called yesterday afternoon, and by the time we rushed over, the preview had already closed!"

Sheng Guoan paused, "Although I haven't seen the physical object, I have seen the catalog and photos. I feel it's alright!"

Tian Rulong added, "At least sixty or seventy percent!"

In this setting, for these two, this "alright" and "sixty or seventy percent" meant two words: bid for it!

But Lin Sicheng could not figure it out: these two were usually so cautious, how did their courage get so big it was Floating up to the sky this time?

It was impossible for them not to know that whether it was photos, pictures, or even videos, they could all be faked.

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "Director Sheng, Institute Head Tian, I think it would be best to see the physical object!"

The two of them were stunned in unison.

To listen to the sound of gongs and drums, to listen to the tone of words; being so familiar with each other, who didn't understand whom?

Lin Sicheng was one step away from shouting at them: that thing has a problem.

This was also the first time they had seen Lin Sicheng be this direct: without any ambiguity, without any avoidance.

The two exchanged a glance, and Sheng Guoan weighed his words: "Sicheng, although we haven't seen the physical object, we have seen the video materials—"

Lin Sicheng paused.

No need to ask, these video materials were definitely provided by the relevant departments.

From this, one could tell who the person really wanting to bid for this item was.

Therefore, they must not be allowed to bid for it even more—

Lin Sicheng shook his head very firmly: "Director Sheng, Institute Head Tian, trust me!"

Sheng Guoan and Tian Rulong both said nothing, but instead looked at Zhang Yuanfan.

Lin Sicheng sighed inwardly again: just by looking at the expressions of these two, he could guess seven or eight out of ten.

These few pages of paper had definitely not appeared for the first time, but had attracted the attention of the relevant departments a long time ago.

It was also not the first time Zhang Zongxian had set his sights on these few pages of paper; otherwise, he wouldn't have had Zhang Yuanfan come over the moment he heard the Wind.

At the same time, it also meant that Sheng Guoan and Tian Rulong could not make the final decision.

Including Zhang Zongxian, he could at most make half the decision. Or perhaps, not even half.

If the higher-ups said to bid, then they must bid.

But surely, they couldn't bid for a fake one?

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