Chapter 89: Is This Going to Be Trouble? (4K, Second Update, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The teacher and student looked at each other from across the space, their eyes reflecting a daunting light.

Regardless of which grand estate one comes from, or how formidable one's father or grandfather might be. Regardless of how many lifetimes one has lived, or whether one has transmigrated or been reborn, I ask you: if you were given an Imperial Seal, would you not be excited?

The fact that these two could control their hands from shaking and their legs from trembling is already considered quite restrained and composed.

Believe it or not, if it were someone else, would they dare to find a royal robe to wear and shout "I, the Emperor"?

The two stared at the Iron Seal, silent and speechless.

Teacher Ma smiled triumphantly: "How about it? Good stuff, right?"

Lin Sicheng let out a breath and pushed it back: "It looks a bit like a Heavenly Iron Dharma Seal of the Esoteric Buddhism from the Qing Dynasty period; as for whether it is, I'm not yet sure. But Teacher Ma, I can be certain that it has absolutely nothing to do with Dong Qichang!"

The woman was startled: "Why?"

"Dong Qichang only became a Buddhist at the age of seventy, and he believed in Zen Buddhism; it has nothing to do with Tibetan Buddhism, so how could he possibly carve a Sanskrit Dharma Seal?"

The woman muttered, speechless.

She had bought the item many years ago and had asked people to appraise it more than once, so she knew very well what it was: it was exactly the Heavenly Iron Dharma Seal that Lin Sicheng had mentioned.

Unfortunately, not only was the seal script in Sanskrit, but it was also a script from before the Common Era; absolutely no one could translate it. There weren't even many people willing to discuss it, and even then, they would only offer one or two hundred thousand.

She was unwilling to sell it at a low price, so she had never let it go.

She hadn't expected that in just eight or nine minutes, this little puppy could see through seven or eight tenths of it?

But it might also be a lucky guess.

The woman was relentless: "Who says that just because one believes in Zen Buddhism, one cannot carve a Sanskrit seal? Besides, if it isn't Dong Qichang's seal, why was it stamped on his authentic work?"

Lin Sicheng looked helpless: "Teacher Ma, I never said that the scroll was an authentic work by Dong Qichang!"

The woman was stunned and recalled carefully:

Ye Anning had asked at the time: Lin Sicheng, who do the characters on this look like? Jin Cong, or Dong Qichang?

But this little puppy had dodged the question and asked instead what university Ye Anning had attended.

Thinking about it now: if it were, he definitely would have said so. The only reason he didn't was out of consideration for Ye Anning's face...

Suddenly, the woman felt a bit discouraged. But then she thought about how Lin Sicheng had offered eight hundred thousand without hesitation, and her mind became active again:

"At the very least, the item is genuine; it is definitely a Heavenly Iron Dharma Seal of Esoteric Buddhism, and it must have been blessed with power by a great virtuous master... A single Buddha statue from Esoteric Buddhism can sell for two or three hundred thousand, let alone a Dharma Seal from a Great Lama?"

Lin Sicheng was ten thousand times willing in his heart, dying to grab it and stuff it into his pocket. But his expression remained indifferent, and his tone was unhurried: "If you bought it together with the scroll, then it has been at least seven or eight years, so why haven't you sold it?"

Just this one sentence left the woman speechless: why hadn't she sold it? Because its provenance was questionable...

This pretty boy, he's actually quite shrewd?

The woman rolled her eyes: "You don't know, do you? When this sister does business, I value the 'eye-fate': if the fate isn't there, I won't sell it no matter how much money you offer!"

Wang Qi Zhi had just taken a sip of coffee and nearly spat it out: You value what, exactly?

This shameless woman, she actually hugged Lin Sicheng's arm?

Just like that, clutching it tightly to her chest, even trying to squeeze it in...

For a moment, Wang Qi Zhi's eyes went wide, profanities surged to his lips, but he suddenly swallowed them back: The Imperial Treasure is more important, the Imperial Treasure is more important...

I'll just pretend I don't see it, damn it...

Not only did she hold his arm, but the woman also cast flirtatious glances: "Little brother, you aren't actually Assistant Ye's boyfriend, are you? Otherwise, how could you not know how many years she went to university? Actually, you just think she's pitiful, right? Look, this sister is also quite pitiful..."

Knowing full well that this woman was doing it on purpose, just trying to make him impatient, Lin Sicheng still felt goosebumps rise, and he pulled his arm away with a "whoosh": "Teacher Ma, this won't work; in all things, one must be reasonable!"

The woman would not give up and moved her chair closer: "I am being reasonable: look, this is definitely a genuine Heavenly Iron Dharma Seal, and it's a Great Lama's Dharma Seal; me asking for one million isn't high, is it?"

It was indeed not high; even if it were just a Great Lama's Dharma Seal, it would be worth one million.

Then why hadn't Teacher Ma sold it?

Because of the Brahmi Sanskrit: this was a script created in India before the third century, similar to the Insect-Bird Seal Script of China's pre-Qin period.

By the time Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to China, it was already the seventh-century Qiaohan Dynasty; by then, the Sanskrit had already evolved from the Brahmi Script to the Gupta Script, and then from the Gupta Script to the Siddham Script, long since becoming unrecognizable.

Therefore, even if you took it to the Potala Palace, they couldn't translate it. In the country, only Peking University and the two academies could translate it, but the problem was that apart from those three places, there were hardly any people who could recognize this script; it was like carrying a pig's head but being unable to find the temple.

As a result, since no one even knew what the seal script said, who would dare to claim it was a Dharma Seal?

Even if someone were interested, they would hesitate. Plus, this woman stubbornly held the price high, so it ended up stuck in her hands.

And why did Lin Sicheng know? Because he had dug graves in India...

Seeing Teacher Ma reach out her hand again, Lin Sicheng gave a start and stood up with a "thump": "Teacher Ma, speak properly!"

"I am speaking properly: look, you clearly thought that painting was a fake, yet you were willing to pay eight hundred thousand? And this seal of mine is at least genuine, right?"

Don't say it, although it was twisted logic, according to the woman's reasoning, it actually made some sense?

Seeing him standing still, seemingly tempted, Teacher Ma struck while the iron was hot: "One look at your eloquence and character, and I know you aren't an ordinary person. Your social connections must be vast, and you will definitely be able to find a suitable buyer... This sister will lower the price even more, eight hundred thousand... you will definitely make a profit!"

Hey, that makes even more sense?

Lin Sicheng paused, and just as he was about to say something, the woman gritted her teeth again: "Seven hundred, any lower and this sister will be so broke I'll have to sell my pants!"

As she spoke, she rummaged around, took out her wallet from her bag, and pulled out a yellowed invoice, "If you don't believe me, look!"

Lin Sicheng glanced at it, and the corner of his mouth couldn't stop twitching:

A formal Cultural Relics invoice; the transaction date was February 2000.

There were two items sold: Sanskrit Heavenly Iron Dharma Seal, price: 280,000.

Anonymous "Sanskrit Heart Sutra", selling price, 16,000 yuan.

Including tax, it was just over three hundred thousand; if it were today, one million would be an exaggeration, but six or seven hundred thousand would be more than enough.

But that wasn't the point; the key was the seller: Shenyang Cultural Relics Store.

Looking at it this way, it's possible that both this seal and that scroll flowed out of the Shenyang Forbidden City?

He couldn't delay any longer; even if this woman became suspicious, he would buy it first regardless...

Teacher Ma came to hug his arm again, and Lin Sicheng hurriedly pushed her away: "Alright, alright, seven hundred thousand..."

In an instant, the woman's face blossomed into a smile: "Thank you, little brother... Let's go, let's head to the bank..."

"No need for so much trouble, running back and forth!" Lin Sicheng waved his hand, "Right here is fine..."

The woman paused, her eyes beginning to linger again: at Poly Trading, the advantage was stability. But at least a ten percent commission, a full seventy thousand, no matter how she thought about it, it wasn't worth it.

Yet this little puppy didn't even blink?

And how many years had it been since she encountered such a rich, stupid, and incredibly generous sucker?

Suddenly, the way the woman looked at Lin Sicheng was like looking at walking currency: "Fine, Poly it is!"

Saying this, she pushed the box containing the seal forward: "Good brother, it's yours!"

Lin Sicheng, however, didn't move at all: "No rush!"

He wasn't in a rush, but the woman was.

"I'll go find them and print another contract!"

Teacher Ma stood up abruptly, swaying her waist, and headed to the office area.

Only the teacher and student were left, facing each other in silence.

The atmosphere was indescribably eerie.

Wang Qi Zhi had been sitting quietly to the side, asking himself, in just this short moment, could he be like Lin Sicheng, sitting so steadily and remaining so calm?

Of course he could.

But he certainly couldn't act as realistically as Lin Sicheng; he would definitely give himself away the moment he opened his mouth. And he absolutely couldn't do what Lin Sicheng did—clearly wanting it in his heart, wanting it like crazy, yet not showing the slightest bit on his face.

Even more, Lin Sicheng had acted impatient from start to finish. But because of his own upbringing, he had to try hard to endure it. Including the end, he only agreed reluctantly because he was pestered by that crazy woman and truly felt there was some profit to be made.

But Lin Sicheng, get this straight, this is a Qianlong Imperial Treasure, why can you act so realistically? Why are your eyes filled with emotions that are "both suspicious and somewhat disdainful"?

Tone can be faked, and expressions can be faked, but Wang Qi Zhi couldn't figure out how he managed to fake this kind of emotion that came from the heart.

Especially that temperament of a "true rich person," a "Second Generation," who is both snobbish and cultured, and incredibly graceful, which Lin Sicheng embodied perfectly.

Wang Qi Zhi even felt a bit suspicious: who exactly is the Second Generation?

This is truly outrageous...

Just as he was secretly astonished, with a "thump-thump-thump," the deputy director and the Supervisor rushed to the reception area.

Their expressions were very surprised and also very suspicious, but their address was very polite: "Mr. Lin, Teacher Ma says you are willing to purchase her iron seal for the price of seven hundred thousand?"

"Yes, and I'll have to trouble the two of you to handle the procedures!"

It certainly wasn't a trouble; earning a seventy-thousand commission in one transaction, what could be troublesome about that?

They just couldn't figure it out: this thing, other than being made of iron, had no other information, are you really so rich that your money is burning a hole in your pocket?

"Just boosting the performance for Sister Ye Anning!" As if explaining, Lin Sicheng smiled, "Does this not comply with company regulations?"

It complies, how could it not comply?

But this is seven hundred thousand, not seventy... are you an idiot?

Instantly, the two men's expressions became strange. Then they smiled again: "Of course you can, we just came over to confirm: are we still using the third-party sales contract?"

"Yes, the commission will be paid as usual!"

The two nodded and said to wait a moment.

The woman followed behind, curling her lips incessantly.

Ye Anning followed further behind, exchanged a look with Lin Sicheng, and then they both smiled together.

Wang Qi Zhi actually understood:

Good stuff?

Good stuff!

No, it was just like that a moment ago?

Not to mention where this inexplicable tacit understanding between the two came from, just look at their character: this is digging a hole to bury you, and still making you say thank you.

For no reason, Wang Qi Zhi shuddered...

Teacher Ma's paperwork was fast; after receiving the money, she only needed to sign a third-party resale contract and a liability waiver with Poly: basically selling the item to Poly. As for who Poly sells it to, it has nothing to do with her.

But for Lin Sicheng, there were many benefits: because he bought it from Poly, legally speaking, it had absolutely nothing to do with Teacher Ma.

Even if this woman regretted it later, she could only find Poly, not him.

The downside was that the commission was too high; back and forth, that was one hundred and fifty thousand, enough to buy a house in a slightly remote neighborhood.

But it was worth it!

Just like that, in about ten minutes, Teacher Ma left the finance office. She even thoughtfully greeted Lin Sicheng: saying that Poly let her keep the previous invoice and Identification Certificate.

But she only said two sentences, and left as soon as she finished.

She didn't even dare to sit down, fearing Lin Sicheng would change his mind.

With a "clang," a soft sound came from the hallway. The elevator door closed, and Teacher Ma's figure disappeared completely.

"Phew~" The teacher and student let out a breath in unison.

The dust has settled, everything is fine!

As long as they wait a moment to sign the resale contract, that calligraphy and that seal will be in their hands.

Just as he was thinking this, "rustling" footsteps came from behind.

It was those same staff members, their expressions even stranger this time, as if they were increasingly envious and jealous.

But their gazes were also more direct; they looked at Lin Sicheng as if looking at a fool.

He just couldn't understand, how can such a big company be managed like this?

But how could the teacher and student care about that now?

Wang Qi Zhi was thinking: should he go to Beijing tomorrow?

At the very least, he must first help Lin Sicheng figure out that seal, otherwise Wang Qi Zhi definitely wouldn't be able to sleep well.

Lin Sicheng, on the other hand, was thinking: what was the transaction record for Qianlong's collection seals to date?

The lowest-priced one seems to be only around a million, right?

But that's definitely nonsense: either there's a dispute over it, or the historical research conflicts.

It doesn't need much; at most, if this Iron Seal is worth ten million in four or five years, Lin Sicheng would dare to chew it up and eat it.

But relatively speaking, money is only secondary, or even the lowest, least important link. The reason is two words: Imperial Seal.

Even if it is made of iron, and even if it is inscribed with Ancient Sanskrit that no one recognizes, it is still an Imperial Seal. Its symbolic significance and historical value far exceed its economic value.

Imagine it: who wouldn't want to hold an emperor's seal and shout, "I, the Emperor"?

As his thoughts wandered wildly, the surroundings suddenly went quiet. Subconsciously looking up, the deputy director and the Supervisor had returned.

One was holding a crate, and the other was carrying a box. Ye Anning followed at the very back, holding several copies of the Contract in her hands.

The Supervisor waved a hand: "Mr. Lin, sorry to keep you waiting. This is the resale Contract; please take a look!"

Ye Anning handed it over, and Lin Sicheng took it and began to read it carefully.

Wang Qi Zhi secretly praised him: if it were him, he would definitely think, "With Ye Anning here, what is there to fear?" and would have signed it after a mere glance.

But make no mistake, half of the ten times experts fall into traps, it happens exactly like that.

After about ten minutes, Lin Sicheng finished reading the two copies of the Contract and signed his name.

The director took out the official seal and stamped them one by one.

In duplicate, Lin Sicheng packed away his copy. Then, the Supervisor opened the crate and the box again to let Lin Sicheng inspect them.

This is called verifying the identity to prevent a switch.

Don't think it's troublesome; out of ten old hands, at least seven have fallen at this stage.

For an item worth over ten million, Lin Sicheng naturally wouldn't be annoyed; he even took out his Magnifying Glass again.

But just as he raised it, a "clang" sound came from the hallway, and several people turned their heads in unison.

The elevator door opened, revealing a signature chubby face, glistening with oil. While still over ten meters away, the person already had a smile on his face.

Behind Hao Jun followed an old man of about fifty, who looked quite imposing.

Subconsciously standing up and about to greet them, Lin Sicheng froze for a moment: Teacher Ma, who had just left not long ago, was actually here too?

With a hint of smugness on his face, his lips kept moving as he whispered something to Hao Jun. By the looks of it, the two were very familiar?

Instinctively, a bad premonition surfaced in Lin Sicheng's heart: this is going to be trouble?

Without a second thought, and with lightning speed, Lin Sicheng covered the crate and the box...