Chapter 127: Even Buying a House Can Be a Steal

  After picking up the pen holder, what appeared before everyone's eyes was a thick stack of Xuan paper folded in half. The Xuan paper was wrapped in plastic bags on the outside, which Chu Chen estimated was also to prevent moisture. This thick stack of Xuan paper filled the entire bottom of the pen holder, so the movable bottom of the cylinder wouldn't be so easy to loosen.

  According to Chu Chen's previous experience, he knew that the things inside should be extraordinary. Since it was Xuan paper, it was likely to be a famous calligrapher or painter's work.

  Carefully took the rice paper out of the plastic bag, just put it on the table, unexpectedly something happened, and saw the rice paper "popping" open, scaring everyone.

  Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the previous owner had carefully placed a cushion made of sponge or similar material at the folded area to prevent damage to the rice paper when putting it away, which led to the unexpected discovery earlier.

  Fortunately, the table had been cleaned up earlier and there were no tea cups or anything else on it. If not, that sudden movement would have gotten water on them, which would have been a hassle.

  Chu Chen carefully spread out the cleaned rice paper on the table, took a closer look, and found it was a calligraphy work. The inscription on it was "Strolling in a Flower Garden" by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Jiuling.

  Orchid leaves are fragrant in spring, osmanthus flowers shine brightly in autumn. Joyful is the meaning of this life, since you are a wonderful holiday. Who knows that those who dwell in the forest, hear the wind and sit together in delight? Grasses and trees have their own intentions, why seek beautiful people to cut them off? - Xiangyang Mi Fu

  Seal of Mi Fu. There are also several bell seals and collection seals, each representing a famous historical figure.

  "This... this is actually a work by Mi Fu!"

  With those seals and stamps, as well as Liu's professional level of immersion in calligraphy and painting for many years, he immediately determined that this was a genuine work of Mi Fu's calligraphy, and couldn't help but be greatly shocked.

  Mi Fu, also known as Mi Nan Gong or Mi Xiang Yang, was a Chinese painter, poet and calligrapher from the Song Dynasty. He changed his name to "Fu" at the age of 41. His nicknames include Lu Men Ju Shi, Xiang Yang Man Shi and Hai Yue Wai Shi.

  Mi Fu was a master of calligraphy, painting, connoisseurship and collecting.

  He was most diligent in calligraphy, and his achievement was greatest in running script. Although his paintings are not passed down to the world, his calligraphy works have more remaining, and in the famous collections of the Southern Song Dynasty, many of them were engraved with his calligraphy, and their spread is extensive, influence is far-reaching, among the Song Dynasty calligraphers can be said to be the leader.

  His calligraphy is unrestrained and free, yet strict in its rules. Su Dongpo highly praised it as "True, Grass, Li, and Seal scripts are like a fleet of horses galloping with the wind, steady and delightful, worthy to be ranked alongside Zhong You and Wang Xizhi." What is meant by "steady" is that the brushstrokes are not careless, the dots and strokes are precise, and there is a deep sense of elegance; what is meant by "delightful" is that the brush moves swiftly, with a smooth and unimpeded flow, the brush force is strong and healthy, and the momentum is majestic.

  Mi Fu's calligraphy ranks among the Four Great Calligraphers of the Song Dynasty, after Su Dongpo and Huang Tingjian but before Cai Xiang. However, in terms of artistic skill, Mi Fu's traditional craftsmanship is the most profound, especially in running script, which surpasses that of the other two.

  It turned out to be a work by Mi Fu, and Liu immediately took out a magnifying glass, looking at it with almost his nose pressed against the paper. After carefully examining the painting from top to bottom, he put down the magnifying glass, let out a long sigh of relief, and exclaimed:

  "It's indeed worthy of Mi Fu's work, with a full and rich atmosphere, calm and delightful. No wonder Dong Qichang of the Ming Dynasty wrote in his 'Random Notes from the Painting Chamber', "I once evaluated Mi's calligraphy, considering it to be the best of the Song Dynasty, surpassing even Su Shi's. Although Mi Fu's calligraphy was self-taught, he achieved an extraordinary style, with a coldness that surpassed ice and water." It's truly deserving of its reputation!"

  After reading it carefully, Chu Chen couldn't help but sigh: "No wonder when the emperor asked him about his calligraphy, Mi Fu called himself a 'brush character', the two words 'brush character' reflect his quick and powerful brushstrokes, bold and refreshing, changing and transforming, strong and clear new characteristics."

  "Just look at this piece of calligraphy in front of us, it can be said that the writer has fully expressed himself and exhausted his energy, truly worthy of being called 'brushwork', these two words perfectly capture the essence of Mi Fu's own calligraphic style."

  Liu Lao nodded and said, "Xiao Chu, you're right. This piece has few words, but the brushwork and skill are not inferior to his handwritten scrolls. It can be considered a masterpiece of Mi Fu's work. Xiao Chu, you've hit the jackpot!"

  Chu Chen scratched his head and said with a silly smile: "It's all luck."

  Liu Qinxin said with envy: "Xiao Chu, your luck is really good, I think that in the future when I encounter a pen holder, I should also try it out, maybe I can also have a universe inside like you."

  Liu Lao shook his head and smiled: "Xiao Shu, wanting to pick up leaks is all about luck. If you're unlucky, even if you guard a tree for a lifetime, you won't catch a single rabbit. Take you for example, after following me for many years learning about antiques, not to mention big leaks, but small ones too - I haven't seen you encounter many. I think it's better if you don't keep thinking about picking up leaks."

  "Hum! I don't think so, I don't believe it, I won't even get a big break in this lifetime!"

  Liu Lao burst out laughing and said, "Look at you, acting like a spoiled child again! Suit yourself, anyway, you're rich, so wasting a few won't hurt. Little Chu, what do you plan to do with this Mi Fu calligraphy piece? Don't worry, I definitely won't ask you for it!"

  Chu Chen thought for a moment and replied, "Liu Lao, this calligraphy is definitely not for sale. After all, such a masterpiece like Mi's is hard to come by. Although the pen holder was given to me by its original owner, he didn't know there was a work hidden inside, so I always feel that getting it is somewhat unjust and unorthodox."

  Liu Lao nodded and smiled: "Xiao Chu, you can think this way, it shows that you are kind-hearted. But don't worry, this thing is like our usual antique hunting, would we buy something with good eyesight and then return it or pay extra? I'd say, treasures belong to those who have virtue, since he didn't discover it, he doesn't deserve to enjoy it."

  Liu Qingshu immediately chimed in, "Exactly, my dad was right. Xiao Chu, this is something you deserve. My dad finally opened his mouth and he's still asking for 30 million, it's really too shameless. Xiao Chu, you don't know, when they bought that villa initially, it only cost them 3 million, can you say he's not black-hearted?"

  Liu Lao waved his hand and said, "Alright, Xiaoshu, don't say anything more. Xiao Zhang also has his difficulties, you know that. He still wants to start a business in Shanxi Province, and he's the only one left in his family now, it's hard for him too. Besides, isn't the price he quoted market price?"

  Liu Qingshu still somewhat indignantly said: "Dad, you just know how to protect him. A mayor's real estate deal can't be that expensive, right? He's not a clean official. You don't know how powerful he was in the Transportation Department before. If it weren't for the change of minister, would he have ended up down here? Besides, with your protection, didn't he still give you market price?"

  Liu Lao sighed and shook his head, he knew what Liu Qinshu said, but after all, as the only son of an old friend now, he had to take care of him a bit. As for Chu Chen, he could only temporarily put up with it. Fortunately, this unexpected acquisition of Mi Fu's work also made up for some losses, making Liu Lao feel slightly better.

  However, if Chu Chen knew Liu Lao's thoughts, he would be even more grateful to Liu Lao. In fact, for 30 million yuan to buy this nearly 1,500 square meter villa, Chu Chen already felt that he had gotten a good deal. After all, he was just an ordinary citizen and without Liu Lao's help, he could only think about it in his heart. Now, he is already very content with the situation.

  An old saying goes: One who is content is always happy!

  So Chu Chen hastily made a round, saying: "Lao Liu, Aunt Liu, 30 million can buy it, I already think it's very good, and now we also got this Mi Fu's work, isn't it like getting a 95% discount? If it were someone else, how could they get such a good deal?"

  Liu Qingshu said: "If it were someone else, the pen holder would also be given away."

  Chu Chen chuckled and said, "But others won't think like me, to check the pen holder thoroughly. Unless they accidentally knock over the pen holder, no one will know when this piece of work will be born!"

  Liu Qingshu shook her head and said: "You, you clearly suffered a loss, but it seems like you've gained an advantage instead."

  Chu Chen smiled and said: "Isn't this being content with what I have?"

  Liu Lao patted his hand and smiled: "Good, you should learn from Xiao Chu, don't be so calculating all the time. When things are full, they will overflow. Sometimes you just have to let go, or else you'll be tired for your whole life! Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Xiao Chu, leave this piece here and I'll help you frame it, how does that sound?"

  Chu Chen hastily nodded and said: "Liu Lao, I'm willing of course, it's just that it's too much trouble for you."

  Liu Lao waved his hand and said, "What's the trouble? I'd be delighted if you framed works like this for me often. By the way, since you're here today, why don't you take back those two previous pieces?"

  "Liu Lao, didn't we agree that you would keep that bamboo and stone painting for a month?"

  Liu Lao shook his head and said, "You having this heart is enough, besides, you'll be moving over here in the future, I can see it whenever I want, unless you don't want me to."

  Chu Chen hastily said: "How is this possible? At that time you can watch, just call me and it will be fine."

  Then Liu Lao gave him some information about antiques and went to take a nap. Chu Chen had originally planned to go home, but unexpectedly the designer mentioned by Liu Qingshu had already arrived.

  The designer's surname is Shi, looking like he is over sixty years old. After chatting, it was discovered that he is actually a professor of architecture at Beijing University, and two students came with him.