"I found it in the basement of my home when I moved earlier. It was my father's collection." Chen Yuanyuan didn't know how to explain the antiques that came out of thin air. She remembered the basement of the island villa and just used it.
"If I have a chance to get to know your father, these paintings are better preserved than in museums. I'll have to ask him for advice then," said Mr. Zou.
Although Zou Baisong could be considered Chen Yuanyuan's grandfather, the collector community respects all ages regardless of age. After seeing the paintings, Zou Baisong was convinced that Chen Yuanyuan's father was a low-key expert.
"My father passed away two years ago..." Chen Yuanyuan said.
"Sorry, alas...it's a pity that we didn't meet each other by chance, otherwise..." Zou Baisong said regretfully.
"Grandpa Zou, my feet are numb. Why don't we go have a meal before we talk." Zheng Jiayu interrupted Zou Baisong at the right time and quickly asked everyone to go to eat first.
After arriving at the restaurant, there was a steady and well-rounded middle-aged man waiting outside.
"Hello, Chairman Zou, Mr. Zheng, Manager Yuan and Miss Chen, I am Jia Xiangjun, the person in charge of this auction. I have prepared fine wine and delicious food for all distinguished guests. I wonder if we can have some noodles and come to the box together." Jia Xiangjun said. When he saw someone coming, he immediately came forward to receive him.
Just now Li Limao reported to him what happened in the exhibition area, and he almost became so angry that he slapped Li Limao to death.
Whether it was Zou Bosong from the Antiques Association or the Zheng family behind Zheng Jiayu, Jia Xiangjun could not afford to offend him. Jia Xiangjun immediately ordered someone to arrange a box and wait for the four of them here early.
"Xiao Jia, your people have offended my distinguished guest." Mr. Zou frowned and said displeased.
"I'm sorry, Miss Chen. On behalf of Christie's Auction House, I solemnly apologize to you." Jia Xiangjun bowed deeply to Chen Yuanyuan and apologized sincerely.
"It's okay, it's all over." Jia Xiangjun's solemn apology shocked Chen Yuanyuan. Although Jia Xiangjun was also responsible for mismanaging his subordinates, he did not expect to apologize as soon as they met.
"Mr. Jia, please take us in quickly. Mr. Zou is tired after looking at the paintings all morning." Yuan Shaoxue said to smooth things over.
"Go in!" Mr. Zou said. He also saw Jia Xiangjun working in an auction house from a young age to becoming a big business now. He was a pretty decent person, so he let him go without pursuing Chen Yuanyuan.
Hearing Mr. Zou's words, Jia Xiangjun immediately breathed a sigh of relief and led everyone to the box.
After everyone sat down, Jia Xiangjun toasted to everyone present, and the atmosphere of the dinner was quite harmonious.
A waiter wearing a slim long cheongsam entered the box carrying basins of delicious food.
Braised shark fin, geoduck sashimi, crispy roasted suckling pig, abalone and goose feet, braised shrimp and vegetables, pan-fried wagyu beef with garlic, steamed egg white egg white, roasted goose with fruit wood, etc.
As a foodie, Chen Yuanyuan did not miss any dish on the table, and she tasted the food silently while responding to everyone's conversations.
There was an auction in the afternoon, and everyone just had a few drinks and chatted about the various auction items in the afternoon.
"Several big names are here today for the grand finale of the auction." Speaking of the auction items, Jia Xiangjun let everyone know.
"Oh? What did it come from?" Yuan Shaoxue asked.
"Do you have any impressions of the massacre of the Zhao family in Xiangcheng thirty years ago?" Jia Xiangjun said in a nonchalant manner.
Everyone immediately became quiet when they heard about the Zhao family.
Thirty years ago, thirteen members of the Zhao family were wiped out overnight. Even the infant baby was not spared. The crime was committed with brutal methods and deadly swords. Only the young master of the Zhao family, who was studying abroad, survived.
"The Zhao family heirloom that disappeared after the murder - the exquisite jade bead is the highlight of this time!"
"Exquisite jade beads? What did they come from?" Chen Yuanyuan was not born thirty years ago and had only heard a little bit about the Zhao family's murder case. In addition, the information was not circulated at that time, so only a few people knew the inside story.
"Have you heard of the legend of Heshibi?" Jia Xiangjun asked Chen Yuanyuan. When Chen Yuanyuan nodded, Jia Xiangjun continued.
"It is said that after the King of Qin unified the world, he carved the Heshi jade, which is known as the most precious in the world, into a jade seal passed down from generation to generation. However, the rest of the original stone after the sculpture ended up unknown over the years."
"And the exquisite jade beads are said to be part of He's wall." Jia Xiangjun said.
