Chapter 16

After the first item, the atmosphere in the room gradually became tense. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the table, and when a good item appeared, everyone wanted to be the first to grab it. After all, many of the antiques here were cheap, and buying them meant making a profit.

"The second item is Mr. Qi Gong's 'Fishing by the Lake and Mountain' painting."

Contemporary calligraphy and painting? Yang Bo was slightly taken aback, not expecting to see contemporary works. In his view, many of the items here might have some issues, possibly stolen from tombs. Now it seemed there might be other channels.

Since it was a painting, fewer people went up this time, only Old Yu and another elderly man.

Yang Bo did not go up, as he knew he had little knowledge of paintings and would not be able to improve his appreciation skills in such a short time. It was better to stay in the audience.

He watched from a distance, but the light around the painting was faint, making it hard to judge.

After the two men finished viewing it, Old Mei waited a moment, seeing no response, and felt somewhat disappointed. However, he still smiled and said, "Mr. Qi Gong is a master of Sinology and a master of Chinese painting. I'm sure everyone knows his name. The starting bid for 'Fishing by the Lake and Mountain' is 200,000 yuan!"

The room fell silent, with no one bidding. This situation made Yang Bo pause. Since he could not appraise the item, he wanted to see others' reactions. Now, with no one responding, he could only hear breathing, which clearly indicated the problem.

Old Mei's face was somewhat awkward. "I, Old Mei, have always been fair in business!"

"Alright, Old Three, don't say more. If no one wants it, you can't force it!" Old Yu interrupted.

"Mr. Mei, we are here to buy things, not to see you put on a show!"

Yang Bo turned to look and saw the young man leaning back in his chair, slouching as if he were on his own sofa.

Old Mei, hearing this, did not get angry but instead became serious. "I apologize, everyone. I was mistaken. Let's continue!"

Yang Bo watched the peculiar auction, feeling curious. He never expected to see such a lively scene on his first visit.

The third item was a Ming Dynasty seated Guanyin statue. Yang Bo went up to examine it. It had a golden headband, delicate features, a broad-sleeved robe, and a necklace, looking dignified and benevolent. A beam of light entered his eyes, indicating it was a fine piece.

"Starting bid is 30,000 yuan! Each bid must be at least 1,000 yuan higher!"

Old Mei carefully observed the audience, but they were all experienced, and even a newcomer like Yang Bo remained expressionless.

"50,000 yuan." The young man's voice came from behind. "The old lady at home believes in Buddhism and wants to invite a statue home. This one is suitable."

Yang Bo turned to glance, wondering if such a reason was necessary during an auction. He could have come up with a dozen different reasons without repeating himself.

To Yang Bo's surprise, the young man's words caused the room to fall silent. Old Mei showed no displeasure, instead smiling and saying, "If Young Master Luo wants it, just say so."

Young Master Luo waved his hand and smiled. "Business is business, and friendship is friendship. Let's not mix them up."

"Right, right! Young Master Luo is correct!" Old Mei's smile was thick, as if he were delighted.

"Is there anyone else who wants to bid?" Old Mei asked the audience.

Yang Bo scoffed inwardly. It seemed Young Master Luo had a significant background, making everyone yield. The Guanyin statue was worth at least 200,000 to 300,000 yuan, but no one dared to bid higher due to Young Master Luo's status. Old Mei's question was just a formality.

Sure enough, Old Mei quickly said, "The Ming Dynasty seated Guanyin statue goes to Young Master Luo!"

No one responded, and Old Mei moved on to the next item.

This incident made Yang Bo pay more attention to Young Master Luo. He noticed that Young Master Luo always spoke first, and then his appraiser would go up. However, they knew when to stop, and after securing the Guanyin statue, they did not bid again.

A few more items were auctioned, and then a jade dancer was presented. It was made of white jade, with parts already reddened, indicating that this white jade dancer might have been recently excavated from a tomb.

Yang Bo became interested and went up to examine it closely. The dancer was in a waist-bending, sleeve-throwing pose, one arm raised above the head, and the other hand placed on the bent waist. The long sleeves curled at the hem, creating a graceful and elegant figure, despite being a small item, it was very charming.

A light emanated from the dancer, forming a halo around the waist, gradually thickening, much thicker than many items Yang Bo had seen before, though not as thick as the Shang Dynasty string-patterned jue. Seeing the fine, continuous lines, Yang Bo had some new thoughts.

After everyone finished viewing it, Old Mei said, "Han Dynasty jade dancer, starting bid is 20,000 yuan, each bid must be at least 1,000 yuan higher!"

The jade dancer's elegant form attracted many bidders. Yang Bo, knowing his financial limitations, did not wait for others to bid and said, "21,000 yuan!"

Yang Bo was young, and this was his first time speaking up during the auction, causing many to turn and look.

"25,000 yuan," Old Yu said.

"27,000 yuan," Yang Bo nodded to Old Yu.

"Young man, you're very polite. Since it's your first bid, I won't raise the price."

There were only Yang Bo and Old Yu bidding, and to his surprise, Old Yu withdrew after just two rounds.

Old Yu's gesture of goodwill was appreciated, and Yang Bo nodded in acknowledgment.

Old Mei did not mind, as the jade dancer was just an ordinary item, and the price was about right. Old Yu wanted to be a good person, and he was happy to cooperate.

Seeing no one else bid, Old Mei was about to close the auction.

"28,000 yuan!"

The room was stunned, and Yang Bo's mouth dropped open in surprise. He turned to see who had spoken and saw it was Curator Qu!

Yang Bo was filled with indescribable anger. He had indeed taken a treasure from Deputy Curator Qu, but according to the rules, once Deputy Curator Qu left, he had no right to prevent others from buying it. He never expected Deputy Curator Qu to first conspire with Mr. Jia and now to bid without reason!

Does he really think Yang Bo is made of clay?