Chapter 90: Brother, Why Don’t You Laugh When You’re Happy?

"The authentic Thin Gold Script calligraphy of Emperor Huizong of Song!"

This script was too recognizable!

It was nearly identical to the previous fake one, but this version was even more elegant, graceful, and lively. Every stroke exuded a natural fluidity, making it clear at a glance that it was genuine.

"No one would have thought that a real masterpiece had been hidden inside a counterfeit for centuries!"

"The wisdom of the ancients is truly astonishing!"

"So, this piece is very valuable, right?"

"Of course! It's an authentic work of Emperor Huizong of Song! What do you think?"

Everyone was stunned, their faces filled with excitement.

Except for two people—Fatty Wang and Angkor.

"There really was another painting inside…"

"And it turned out to be the real one!"

Elder Sun examined the calligraphy closely, his voice trembling with excitement. "This is the real deal! Only Emperor Huizong of Song could create such a dynamic, refined, and fluid Thin Gold Script! Moreover, the style of this piece is very mature—it must have been written in his later years."

"On top of that, the condition of this calligraphy is pristine! It has been perfectly preserved, with no signs of weathering or damage. That only makes it even more valuable!"

"The worth of this calligraphy is immeasurable!"

Fatty Wang's voice quivered as he asked, "Elder Sun, you say it's 'immeasurable,' but everything has a price. How much do you think this piece is worth?"

"You're in the industry yourself—you can estimate the value."

Fatty Wang's hand trembled as he raised a single finger. "One hundred million?"

Elder Sun shook his head. "That's too low! A Thin Gold Script calligraphy by Emperor Huizong of Song was once auctioned at Sotheby's for a staggering 250 million!"

"I remember that piece! It was an early work, not as refined, and it had some damage, which lowered its value. Yet, it still sold for 250 million!"

"But this calligraphy is a later work—Emperor Huizong's style had fully matured by this point! It's also larger and in perfect condition. How much do you think it's worth?"

Fatty Wang's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor.

Angkor felt dizzy, as if he might faint at any moment.

The previous Thin Gold Script was worth 250 million.

But this one was even more complete, more valuable…

Had they really just sold a masterpiece worth over 300 million for a mere 3 million?

The more they thought about it, the worse they felt. Their faces turned ghostly pale.

But at this moment, no one noticed them.

All eyes were glued to the calligraphy.

"This piece is a true treasure! Every character is a work of art, every stroke is so natural and elegant! Only Emperor Huizong of Song could create such exquisite Thin Gold Script!" Elder Sun praised.

Then, he looked at Lin Beifan with anticipation. "Young man, I truly love this piece! Would you be willing to sell it? I'll offer you 250 million!"

Fatty Wang, who had just struggled to his feet, collapsed again.

Lin Beifan shook his head.

Elder Sun frowned. "250 million is indeed a bit low—it doesn't do justice to this masterpiece. How about this? I'll offer 300 million. Please, give this old man some face."

Fatty Wang, who had just gotten back up, stumbled and nearly fell again.

Lin Beifan still shook his head.

Elder Sun continued, "Alright then, I'll offer 320 million."

Fatty Wang wobbled.

Lin Beifan remained firm.

"350 million!"

Fatty Wang barely managed to stay standing by clutching onto the table for support.

"Young man, name your price. As long as it's not unreasonable, I'm willing to negotiate!" Elder Sun said eagerly.

Fatty Wang's hands went weak, and he collapsed to the floor once more.

Meanwhile, Angkor was completely numb.

His mind was numb. His body was numb.

He had just given away a piece worth 350 million?

Elder Sun stared expectantly, but Lin Beifan shook his head again. "Elder Sun, it's not about the money. I simply love this calligraphy too much to part with it. I plan to keep it in my personal collection."

If this had been earlier in his career, he might have been tempted to sell it for hundreds of millions.

But now, he wasn't short on money.

There was no need to let go of such a rare treasure.

Besides, keeping it would give him a more cultured image!

And it would definitely enrage a certain protagonist… Hehe!

Elder Sun sighed. "Are you sure you won't sell it?"

Lin Beifan shook his head. "Not selling."

Elder Sun looked disappointed. "Alright, a gentleman does not force another's hand. But I hope you'll let me admire it a while longer."

"Of course!"

Then, Lin Beifan turned and threw his arm around Angkor's shoulders, beaming with excitement.

"Brother Wu, thank you for helping me pick such a valuable piece!"

"I never imagined that I'd spend just 3 million to acquire an original Thin Gold Script of Emperor Huizong, worth over 300 million! Haha!"

"I never thought I could make so much money in one deal!"

"A return of hundreds of times—I've never made this much even in the stock market!"

"Brother, you're the best!"

"You're my lucky star! My god of wealth!"

"When we get back, I'll make sure to reward you handsomely!"

"Hahahaha!"

Angkor's mouth twitched. His heart clenched.

Every single word felt like salt being rubbed into his wounds!

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

It hurt more than he could put into words.

On the other side, Fatty Wang was holding his chest, struggling to breathe.

"Three hundred million… just gone like that?"

The heartbreak was suffocating.

Lin Beifan, still overjoyed, suddenly looked at Angkor and frowned. "Brother Wu, why aren't you laughing? This is a happy moment—smile!"

Angkor forced out an awkward grin. "Ha… ha."

"…Why does that sound like you're crying?"

Fatty Wang, overwhelmed by emotions, finally burst into tears.

After the laughter subsided, Lin Beifan leaned on Angkor's shoulder with a grin. "Brother Wu, it's all on you now! Pick me another valuable one, and I'll give you a big red envelope!"

Angkor forced a smile. "Sure, Mr. Lin! But, uh… I need to use the restroom first."

Lin Beifan waved him off. "Go ahead, but come back soon!"

Fatty Wang clutched his chest as he followed Angkor. "I have a restroom here—I'll take you."