King Jingyao looked surprised. "Such a coincidence? Then I wonder, Miss Shen, to which prominent family do you belong?"
At his words, Shen Wanqing felt a little uncomfortable. She gave a faint smile. "Just an ordinary family, nothing more."
King Jingyao dropped the subject and turned to chat with Jiang Chaoge. He was powerful, handso, and witty, so Shen Wanqing found her gaze drawn to him more often than not.
Jiang Chaoge wasn’t annoyed. A woman of Shen Wanqing’s background had no real prospects in Jiangcheng and wouldn’t even rit a second glance from King Jingyao. Jiang Chaoge had only brought her along because she herself knew little about art and wanted soone to help keep up appearances.
In the eyes of Beicheng’s elite, art was re entertainnt, far less alluring than projects yielding tangible benefits. Thus, Jiang Chaoge paid Shen Wanqing little serious regard.
As they spoke, Zhou Yunchen stood beside Shen Wanqing, a wine glass in hand. He said lightly, "Beicheng is not the place for you. Since you’ve managed to make a bit of a na for yourself, you should just stay in your own little pond. Why wade into these muddy waters?"
Shen Wanqing didn’t heed his words. She had moved heaven and earth to reach her current position; how could she give up so easily?
She pursed her lips, then looked up and offered a faint smile. "I don’t understand what Mr. Zhou is saying. I am simply here at Dr. Jiang’s invitation. Does Mr. Zhou intend to interfere with this as well?"
She knew Zhou Yunchen was currently a key figure in King Jingyao’s circle and was bound to rise further. Therefore, she dared not offend him lightly. This was a crucial ti for her to curry favor with Mr. Wang, and she couldn’t let those around him obstruct her.
Hearing this, Zhou Yunchen rely chuckled and said nothing more.
Just then, the paintings were unrolled. He Lao and Bo Nianyao both leaned in, Bo Nianyao exclaiming, "Magnificent paintings! Truly magnificent!"
King Jingyao smiled and then asked He Lao, "What do you think, He Lao?"
He Lao, equally captivated, murmured, "Indeed, they are quite remarkable."
At this, Jiang Chaoge glanced at Shen Wanqing. "You should have a look too."
Shen Wanqing was there on a mission. Jiang Chaoge had given her two million to put on an act of expertise.
Hearing Jiang Chaoge, she went over and examined them closely. When Bo Nianyao and He Lao saw her, they couldn’t help but frown. It was her.
He Lao particularly disliked her, so he rose, his lips pressed together in silence.
Bo Nianyao did much the sa, yielding his spot to Shen Wanqing.
Shen Wanqing earnestly took out a magnifying glass and began her inspection, murmuring, "They are indeed quite good..."
King Jingyao leaned back against the sofa, leisurely sipping red wine, the picture of relaxed contentnt. His Chief of Staff brought him so desserts. With a glance, he said, "I don’t eat sweets. Give them to Xiao Jiang."
Jiang Chaoge was instantly thrilled. Forgetting all about her figure, she devoured the entire plate of desserts.
Wang Jingchuan watched, stunned.
Just then, Shen Wanqing suddenly declared, "This painting is a fake."
What? A fake? The entire room was stunned.
Old Wang, however, remained perfectly composed. He set down his wine glass, walked over, and crossed his arms. "I paid a fortune for this at auction. How could it possibly be a fake?"
He stood rather close, causing Shen Wanqing’s heart to pound and her cheeks to flush slightly. "There’s sothing not quite right with the signature, and the painting itself... so aspects are off. The brushwork and style deviate sowhat from the original artist’s."
King Jingyao stared at her for a few seconds, then picked up the painting, glanced at it casually, and looked towards He Lao.
At this, Jiang Chaoge said with a hint of displeasure, "Miss Shen, have you examined it carefully? This is Mr. Wang’s painting."
Does she have a death wish? Even if it were fake, she should have declared it genuine!
Then it dawned on her: the painting was indeed a fake, and Shen Wanqing was aiming to steal the spotlight.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, He Lao picked up the magnifying glass again. He examined the painting ticulously once more, then, after a long pause, sighed softly. "To think my eyes deceived . This painting is indeed a fake."
King Jingyao feigned anger. "This painting cost tens of millions!"
Bo Nianyao was also speechless. After a long mont, he asked, "Which auction house was it?"
Before King Jingyao could respond, Wang Jingchuan interjected, "Jiaxing Auction."
At this, Bo Nianyao was perplexed. "But that’s a reputable source. Nothing like this has ever happened with them before."
Old Wang rested his hand on the table, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Then, looking as if he held Shen Wanqing in high regard, he said, "Take a look at the other paintings too."
Shen Wanqing was instantly overjoyed. She examined them one by one... Finally, she shook her head. "They’re all fakes."
Old Wang flew into a rage and slamd his hand on the table. "Send people to shut down this auction house imdiately!"
Wang Jingchuan quickly interjected, "It’s backed by foreign capital. We can’t just shut it down."
"Oh, really?" Old Wang turned, a look of surprise on his face. "So we’re powerless against them? Well, at the very least, we can prevent this wretched company from defrauding Chinese people in China, can’t we?"
Those present imdiately chid in, "Yes, yes! Expose them! Get everyone who lost money to co forward and testify! Make them pay compensation! It’s outrageous! Imagine how much dirty money they’ve made!"
Old Wang, having achieved his objective, softened his tone. "Now, let’s not jump to conclusions. Just because my paintings here are fake doesn’t an everyone else’s are."
Soone then suggested, "That’s easily solved! Why doesn’t everyone bring out their paintings and let Miss Shen here authenticate them?"
"An excellent idea!" Old Wang said with a broad smile, turning to Shen Wanqing. "Miss Shen, with great talent cos great responsibility. We’ll entrust this matter to you. The fortunes of Beicheng’s elite are now in your hands."
Shen Wanqing’s initial elation lasted but a mont before she froze.
How did things escalate to this point? If she took on this task, wouldn’t she be directly challenging that auction house, and by extension, its foreign backers? If things went sour, they might co after her...
Yet, King Jingyao’s power was such that she couldn’t refuse. Caught in a dilemma, she suddenly felt like a lamb that had wandered into a wolf’s den.
Jiang Chaoge, watching from the side, was secretly delighted. Heh, this Miss Shen has truly shot herself in the foot. Wasn’t she enjoying the lilight just monts ago?
Just then, King Jingyao addressed his Chief of Staff, "Jingchuan, I’ll leave this in your hands. Also, write a compelling article about Miss Shen. Let everyone know about this good deed she has perford. It’s a fine opportunity for soone so talented to gain recognition."
Wang Jingchuan responded with utmost sincerity, "Consider it done, Mr. Wang. Rest assured, I won’t let Miss Shen down. I’ll make sure it’s a front-page headline."
King Jingyao nodded, satisfied, then looked at Shen Wanqing. "I have full confidence in Miss Shen’s abilities."
And just like that, the burden was effortlessly shifted onto Shen Wanqing’s shoulders. She was easily thrust into the eye of the storm... Now, she had no choice but to brace herself and face it.
With that matter settled, Old Wang turned to He Lao, his smile amiable. "Nian Yao is passionate about painting, but he’s no expert. This ti, He Lao, it seems even your eyes deceived you, eh?"
He Lao smiled faintly. "The new generation always surpasses the old; it’s perfectly normal."
Old Wang chuckled again, seemingly unconcerned about the fake paintings. He led the group to eat, drink, and make rry. They all had a thoroughly enjoyable ti, and gradually, Shen Wanqing found herself drawn into the lively atmosphere.
So, this is what life is like at the very top.
A sense of yearning stirred within her.
Jiang Chaoge, of course, noticed the young painter’s aspirations and sneered inwardly. Her? Of all people? She was only just pushed into the spotlight by King Jingyao today, and she’s still completely clueless!
She had dealt with King Jingyao for a considerable ti. He was truly soone who couldn’t be swayed by carrot or stick. If she hadn’t possessed valuable projects, she wouldn’t have even gotten close to him. Even so, his attitude remained ambiguous; he maintained an air of indifference while still engaging with her, a dance that made Jiang Chaoge anxious and contemplate a drastic asure...
The banquet lasted for over three hours. The n had indulged in so alcohol. Towards the end, Chen Ming arrived to maintain order outside.
In his uniform, he cut an exceptionally sharp figure.
When Old Wang walked out, he saw Chen Ming and went over to pat his shoulder. "Why didn’t you co up for a drink?"
Chen Ming’s face imdiately flushed red. He whispered, "Mr. Wang, I’ve quit drinking."
"What’s this? Weren’t you drinking just recently? You even said a man who doesn’t drink isn’t a true man." Old Wang wasn’t too concerned and chuckled.
As soon as Old Wang finished speaking, Chen Ming’s face turned beet red, and he stamred, unable to utter a coherent word.
Old Wang looked at him, a knowing glint in his eye. Sothing most likely happened last night. He patted Chen Ming’s shoulder again. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze flickered towards a sports car. Song Jia stood before it, wearing a very short skirt, looking incredibly alluring.
Chen Ming saw her too. Then, to his utter chagrin, his nose began to bleed.
Alright, the truth is out. Old Wang chuckled. So that’s how it is.
He got into his car, then leaned out. "Chen Ming, ah, that girl is no pushover. She’s quite fierce. You’d best be careful."
With that, his amused gaze fell upon Chen Ming’s face, where the faint outline of a five-fingered handprint was visible. Old Wang grinned.
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