Chapter 81

"Sorry, not for sale!" Zhang Tianyuan's response was straightforward, which made Xu Gang, standing beside him, feel a bit heartache. After all, it was two hundred million; how long would it take to earn that much? However, he did not say anything because he supported his brother. While he liked money, it depended on the occasion.

"Oh? Little kid, you're quite impressive, not even moved by two hundred million. That's rare, very rare." Tu Shou looked at Zhang Tianyuan with a smile, seemingly taking more interest in him.

"Hmph, I think you have a problem with your head," one of the models said coldly.

"I do have a problem with my head, unlike some women who can sell their bodies and souls for money," Zhang Tianyuan replied with a sneer. He usually did not like to say such things; everyone had the right to choose their own way of life. Even if they worked in the service industry, it was their freedom, and he did not want to interfere. However, if someone provoked him, he was not one to back down.

"Alright, alright, the auction has started. Everyone, please stop arguing. Whether this eagle is sold or not, we'll discuss it after the auction. I'll find an expert to appraise it. If it's really a Snowy Eagle, it's worth tens of millions. If not, you'll be at a loss, Boss Mu. So, let's not be impulsive now," Yang Yijun said, not wanting to waste more time on this matter. The guests had all arrived, and the auction was about to begin.

The auction was held in a building by the lake, which was originally used to sell jade, antiques, and souvenirs. It was quite large, and this time, Yang Yijun and his friends had rented it out for the auction, which could accommodate two hundred people.

Since it was not a dedicated auction venue, there were no private rooms for people of high status and position. Everyone was seated, and those who could not easily show their faces sent their subordinates to bid on their behalf. Yang Yijun had arranged for them to be in a separate area with monitors to watch the proceedings and the descriptions of the items.

Zhang Tianyuan and the other young people were seated in a position that was neither too far nor too close, a gesture of respect considering they were friends of Zhao Shenluo. Many others were sitting on the floor or standing, as they were people with little status and wealth.

These people, who would be considered wealthy in ordinary circumstances, did not even have the right to sit here.

Xu Gang looked around. He had not been able to observe everyone earlier due to the distance, but now he could see clearly.

"Hey, brother, did you see? There are quite a few foreigners here, not just the two blondes, but also people from other countries. Look, that couple must be from Korea. The knife marks on their faces are too obvious. They might even be famous Korean actors, with a large following in our country. Of course, the main reason is that I heard them speaking Korean. And those two bearded men behind them are from Japan. As for the others, the Westerners are too obvious, no need to mention them," Xu Gang said.

"I can see, I'm not blind," Zhang Tianyuan replied irritably.

"Aren't you angry? This is an antique auction. Do you understand the significance? If good things are auctioned off to foreigners, it will be a loss for our country," Xu Gang said excitedly.

"You don't understand; it's just an auction strategy, using your patriotism. If a Korean or Japanese person bids, would you not bid higher?" Zhang Tianyuan smiled.

"Of course! I would definitely bid higher. How can they get the things left by our ancestors?" Xu Gang replied.

"Exactly. Yang Yijun is very cunning. He uses this psychology to make people with a sense of patriotism bid higher. It's despicable," Zhang Tianyuan said coldly.

"Damn, using patriotism like that, it's despicable," Xu Gang said angrily.

"Alright, don't be angry. With Old Tu and me here, Yang Yijun won't get away with making money unscrupulously," Zhang Tianyuan said with a cold laugh.

"Old Tu? You seem very interested in that old man?"

"Don't call him 'old man.' Although Old Tu is a bit sharp-tongued, he is upright and honest, much better than some wolves in sheep's clothing. He is a true friend, and we can help him later."

"Do you have a plan?"

"Don't worry, I have many plans. Yang Yijun's tricks won't work, and if foreigners want to buy fakes, that's fine, but if they want to buy our ancestors' treasures, I'll make it difficult for them," Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile. Patriotism doesn't always have to be shown openly; doing it secretly can be just as effective.

"By the way, where is the bamboo tube you had?" Xu Gang asked.

"I gave it to Yang Yijun. He is in charge of the auction, so I had to give him the items. Many people are not confident, so they are waiting backstage with their items. I don't mind; my item was just a casual sketch. If he wants to switch it, let him," Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile.

"Your painting? Wow, you can paint? When did you learn? You really think of yourself as an artist, don't you? Putting your own painting up for auction, do you think everyone here is an idiot? Do you think your painting is as good as Picasso's?" Xu Gang was surprised because he had not seen Zhang Tianyuan's painting and was clueless about art.

"Hehe, you'll see," Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile, deliberately keeping it a mystery.

"Everyone, please be quiet. The auction is about to begin. Let's introduce the first item!"

As he spoke, Yang Yijun and a woman walked out. The woman, likely a hostess, carried a wooden tray with the item.

The item was placed on the table, but covered with a red cloth. Yang Yijun smiled and said, "This painting is called 'Farewell to Dongpo,' created by Mi Fu after meeting Su Dongpo..."

Just as he said this, someone in the audience shouted, "It's a fake, right? I heard 'Farewell to Dongpo' was sold to Boss Zhao for nearly four hundred million. Would he be willing to sell it? He's not short of money."

The person speaking was Tu Shou, who was there to cause trouble. However, Yang Yijun could not kick him out because Tu Shou was highly respected in Nandu, and many bidders had specifically said they would only bid if Old Tu was present, as they trusted his judgment.

Yang Yijun, instead of getting angry, smiled and said, "Old Tu, you're right. This is indeed a copy, made by an unknown contemporary artist. It's just an appetizer for the auction. The starting bid is one thousand RMB, and the minimum bid increment is five hundred."

Many people immediately lost interest. A modern painting by an unknown artist? Who would care? A good painting might sell for a thousand RMB, but who would set the starting bid at ten thousand? It would definitely not sell.

Xu Gang muttered, "There are so many weirdos these days. Is this artist crazy to want to become famous?"

"Sorry, that person is me," Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile.

"What? It's you?"

"Yes, the painting is mine. I didn't expect it to be the first item. It seems Yang Yijun is not very knowledgeable, judging things by their fame. He's a good businessman but not a good antique dealer," Zhang Tianyuan said disdainfully. He was confident that his copy could sell for two to three thousand RMB, and if someone with a good eye saw it, they would recognize the qi in the painting and the almost perfect copy of Mi Fu's work, which could easily fetch tens of thousands.

Xu Gang did not say anything, fearing he might discourage Zhang Tianyuan. Honestly, he did not believe Zhang Tianyuan's painting would fetch much.

The painting was taken out of the bamboo tube and unfolded for everyone to see. Yang Yijun's actions showed his disdain for the painting.

At first, no one paid much attention, thinking it was just a copy, nothing special.

Old Tu, who had been squinting, suddenly stood up and said, "I'll bid fifteen thousand!"

"Wow, there are really such fools. Typical Japanese, they don't know anything," Xu Gang thought, but he did not realize that Zhang Tianyuan was deeply moved.

His painting, unexpectedly, was appreciated by the Japanese, whom he disliked. Should he be happy or sad?

Was there no one else in the room with good taste?

His worry did not last long. As soon as the Japanese bid, Old Tu, as if shocked, jumped up and stared at the painting.

Why was he so excited? Because he recognized the Japanese man, who came from a famous Japanese family of artists. This family had taken many paintings from China during the war, though their actions were despicable, their understanding of Chinese art was higher than many domestic experts.

"Can I take a closer look?" Tu Shou asked Yang Yijun.

"Of course, Old Tu, you are highly respected here..."

Before Yang Yijun could finish, Tu Shou snatched the painting. He was in the front row, so he was quick.