NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 136
Chapter 136: Cunning and Sneaky, Doesn’t Look Like a Good Person!
Su Lin remembered that Xiao Chen had bought this jade porcelain at a charity auction, meaning eventually this Old Man Qin Delin would put this jade porcelain up for auction.
It definitely wasn’t because he was out of money, so what could be the reason? Probably, he didn’t know the use of this jade porcelain and decided to auction it off to avoid any hassle.
After Su Lin looked at the jade porcelain, Qin Delin stared at him intently, trying to discern something from Su Lin’s expression. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much reaction on Su Lin’s face.
Holding the jade porcelain, he carefully observed it. “Old Man, this jade porcelain has exquisite craftsmanship, it doesn’t seem to be from the Ming or Qing dynasty.”
“Hmm? You mean it’s older, possibly from the Yuan or Song dynasty?” Qin Delin asked excitedly.
Su Lin shook his head. “I think this jade porcelain is most likely from the Republic of China period. The mouth of this porcelain used to have a fragrance, right?”
Qin Delin nodded, “Indeed, it had a very unique fragrance that refreshed the mind and cleared the senses. Sadly, it’s been opened too many times, so the scent has faded and can’t be smelled anymore. Can you smell it?”
Su Lin nodded, “My nose is more sensitive than most. As you know, to appreciate antiques, one needs either a good nose or good eyes, otherwise, there’s no fun in it.”
Qin Delin agreed. His eyesight was excellent; he could make a rough judgment on an object even from a hundred meters away, and he rarely made mistakes in such assessments.
“So you’re saying this is a medicine bottle from the Republic of China period?”
Su Lin nodded again, “Not just any medicine bottle, but one specifically made for wealthy families, similar to snuff bottles in function.”
Qin Delin nodded, “Indeed, during the late Qing and early Republic of China period, wealthy families loved such mind-refreshing objects. But most played with snuff bottles. This jade porcelain is quite large for that purpose.”
“That’s why only affluent families could afford such things. Just this bottle alone is worth a hundred million.”
Qin Delin appeared somewhat disheartened. “I didn’t expect it to be like this.”
Su Lin reassured him, “Old Man, don’t be too disappointed. This jade porcelain is a great item, and it’s such a large piece made of jade. My words are just a guess. You might want to get other experts to take a look; they might have different opinions.”
Qin Delin shook his head; other experts had similar opinions, all suggesting it was from the late Qing or Republic of China period.
Yet, he always felt that there was something special about this jade porcelain, but without any basis for identification, he couldn’t pinpoint what it was.
“Ah… you don’t know, before you, I’ve had it appraised by dozens of people, many of them big names in the industry.”
Seeing Qin Delin’s lack of interest in the jade porcelain made Su Lin smile. This was exactly the effect he wanted; otherwise, how could he bring up buying it?
After thinking for a moment, Su Lin said, “Old Man, if you don’t like this jade porcelain, could you part with it for me? Such a fine piece of old pit jade, if processed, can be made into a jade bracelet.”
“You want it?” Qin Delin was surprised.
Su Lin nodded, “My girlfriend’s birthday is coming up soon, and I can’t exactly give her a blue and white porcelain. But a jade bracelet would be perfect. You name the price.”
Qin Delin waved his hand, “If you like it, take it. But you need to exchange something for it.”
Upon hearing this, Su Lin’s face turned sour: “Old Man, you’re not asking me to exchange it for the blue and white porcelain, are you?”
“Cough cough… I know it’s a bit much to ask, but I really adore your blue and white porcelain vase, and I’ve never seen another like it in the entire country.”
“Rest assured, I will compensate for the extra value and also owe you a favor. What do you say?” Qin Delin looked at Su Lin expectantly.
His longing for Su Lin’s blue and white porcelain high-necked vase was no secret. Now that the opportunity had arisen, he had no intention of being modest. As long as the method was reasonable and legal, a little greed didn’t matter, did it?
Little did he know that Su Lin was inwardly overjoyed at this moment. This was no ordinary jade porcelain; it contained a cultivation technique.
However, Su Lin’s face showed no sign of this excitement. He responded with a deadpan expression, “Old Man, that’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? You know my blue and white porcelain is one of a kind in the country, and yet you still cut such a deal.”
“Hehe, young friend, it’s a matter of weighing your girlfriend against the blue and white porcelain,” Qin Delin teased.
Biting his lip, Su Lin retorted, “I could just break up with her, then go after your granddaughter Xiaoyue.”
“I would wholeheartedly support that! That way, we all end up family, and I don’t even have to spend a penny.”
Su Lin’s eyes widened in disbelief. After a half-minute standoff, he deflated and said, “Fine, fine, it’s yours. But I’ll take the jade porcelain first. You can send someone to collect the blue and white porcelain later.”
Qin Delin burst into laughter, “Alright, alright, I’ll personally come to collect it. Wait for me at home.”
Holding the jade porcelain, Su Lin left the room grudgingly, “I’m off then. I might as well see what your granddaughter Xiaoyue looks like.”
No sooner had Su Lin left than a sprightly young girl emerged from the inner room. She ran up to Qin Delin and hugged his neck, “Grandpa, that Su Lin is up to no good.”
“Oh? Xiaoyue, did you notice something?”
“Mmm! He definitely saw something special in that jade porcelain, or else he wouldn’t have put on such an act,” Qin Jiuyue grumbled, revealing two cute little fangs.
“Xiaoyue, you think I didn’t realize he saw something special? Su Lin is still a bit naive in his ways. At first, when he didn’t show any reaction, I didn’t suspect anything. But the moment he wanted to buy the jade porcelain, I knew something was up,” Qin Delin said with a chuckle.
“Then why did you still exchange it with him? That jade porcelain might be worth more than his blue and white porcelain,” Qin Jiuyue expressed her dissatisfaction.
“Xiaoyue, of course, I know the jade porcelain might be valuable, but what of it? After all, it’s still a piece of jade, and its historical value is certain. At most, it’s a Ming dynasty artifact.”
“But that blue and white porcelain is a true masterpiece. The craftsmanship, the patterns, the burning mouth… it’s simply breathtaking. Even if it’s worth ten billion, I’d gladly pay for it.”
“Grandpa, you’re hopeless, forever obsessed with porcelain.”
“Ah, your grandpa has spent a lifetime studying porcelain. There’s no saving me now. Xiaoyue, what do you think of Su Lin?”
After pondering for a moment, Qin Jiuyue said, “He’s cunning and sneaky, doesn’t seem like a good person.”
“Hahaha… Your assessment is quite accurate. This guy’s actions in Donghai clearly show he’s cunning. But he’s talented. Su Zhenguo himself is a tiger, and it’s true what they say: ‘Like father, like son.’ Make sure you interact more with him. It’ll be beneficial for you in the future.”
“I’d rather not. The Qin family won’t collapse without me. With such a huge family business, it’s not going to go bankrupt.”
“Ah… I’m just worried about you… Family strife often comes with conflict, Xiaoyue…”
“Grandpa, it’s my birthday today, I’m twenty years old. Can we not talk about this?”
“Alright, alright, let’s not. Go get ready and head downstairs. Hundreds of people are waiting for you.”