Xu Ke’s unusual behavior quickly caught the attention of Lin Yiran and Shen Mi, both of whom furrowed their brows in puzzlent.
Lin Yiran reached out her hand but withdrew it before touching him, murmuring softly, "What’s wrong with you?"
Leaning on the table, Xu Ke waved his hand, forcing a smile, "Suddenly, I’m feeling a bit dizzy. I’ll be fine in a mont!"
Shen Mi spoke up as well, "Why are you suddenly dizzy? Shouldn’t you head to the hospital?"
"No need. What kind of big deal warrants a hospital visit? Just watch, I’ll rest for a mont!"
Xu Ke shook his head. He knew his own situation well — this wasn’t related to any illness, but rather, there’s sothing strange with that painting.
After what happened earlier, he didn’t dare to activate the Magic Eye to examine the painting again, as he wasn’t ready to damage his eyesight.
His Magic Eye hadn’t fully recovered its ability; it was just a fleeting glance earlier, but even that brief look turned him into this state.
The conversation here also caught the attention of an elder nearby. Or perhaps it should be said, from the mont Xu Ke used the Magic Eye, the elder was already watching him.
With eyes flickering, yet unsure of what he’s contemplating, the elder finally glanced at Xu Ke and smiled slightly, "Young man, I know a thing or two about the art of discernnt. How about I take a look for you?"
Xu Ke couldn’t help but frown, but before he could react, the elder had already grabbed his arm and felt his pulse.
His entire body froze, and Xu Ke’s pupils shrunk. Although in a weakened state, he remained vigilant, but the elder effortlessly grasped his wrist even as he was thinking of dodging.
"Is he an expert?" Xu Ke wondered. But recalling the elder’s movents before, he wasn’t quite sure.
After all, the elder’s movents weren’t fast; he saw them clearly, seemingly no different from an ordinary person’s actions.
Resisting the urge to pull back his hand, Xu Ke watched as the elder maintained a serious and focused expression, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
After a while, the elder removed his hand, furrowing his brow but said nothing.
Seeing this, Xu Ke couldn’t help but feel disappointed, his faint anticipation disappearing completely.
"It seems you’re blessed, and the old man almost made a fool of himself!" the elder said in a casual tone.
However, this remark made Xu Ke’s heart skip, but before he could inquire further, the elder had already turned his head.
By now, the ancient painting in the room was announced at a low price, with few people interested.
According to the auctioneer’s introduction, the landscape painting was done by a Tang Dynasty Taoist, not a renowned artist, rely possessing so painting techniques.
Thus, there weren’t many bids, possibly the coldest item at the auction so far.
The elder didn’t bid initially, only waiting until later to purchase the painting for half a million, then paid no further attention to the auction.
Xu Ke gradually recovered, initially thinking Shen Mi wasn’t interested in antiques or artwork, yet in the end, she made a bold move, spending ten million on a jade bottle.
As the auction wound down, after the exchange, Xu Ke teased while watching Shen Mi carry a box, "Why did you choose this particular item?"
"Old Master Chu agreed to et ; I can’t go empty-handed!"
"But you’re using sothing they provided at the auction to gift back to them. Do you think that’s appropriate?"
"Why not? Not all auction items are from the Chu Family; many are consigned by others. The Chu Family only earns a commission!"
"So you chose this to gift him? If he was truly interested, this item wouldn’t have made it to the auction!"
Xu Ke said bluntly, actually holding back one more thought — he had spoken with Old Master Chu, and it’s uncertain if he’d accept such a grand gesture.
"That’s why I selected this one!" Shen Mi smiled slightly.
Xu Ke appeared puzzled, not quite grasping her aning, while Lin Yiran shook her head, showing a mysterious, bitter smile.
"At least Yiran understands !" Shen Mi grinned at Lin Yiran, lowering her voice, "I have no interest in antiques. If they break, they’re just a pile of dirt, but this item is different; even if it breaks, it can be used to craft jewelry."
Shen Mi spoke these words with no sha, instead wearing an expression of inevitability.
Xu Ke couldn’t help but curl his lips, realizing her intent.
After pausing for a mont, he rolled his eyes, "It’s considered a national treasure, yet in your hands, it might be wasted!"
"Who’s to say it isn’t?" Shen Mi nodded in agreent.
As they conversed, Old Master Chu had sent soone to invite her, and as she was about to leave, the elder who had been at the sa table approached.
Xu Ke asked the ssenger to lead Lin Yiran and Shen Mi ahead while he walked towards the elder himself.
Looking down at the painting tube in the elder’s hand, Xu Ke smiled, "Is this the painting you purchased?"
"Do you want to take a look?"
"No, I’m just an ordinary person, likely unable to appreciate it!" Xu Ke waved his hand, although his gaze lingered.
To say he wasn’t curious would be a lie, but he couldn’t afford another glance.
The elder smiled faintly, indifferent to Xu Ke’s reaction. After a while, he retrieved sothing from his pocket and offered it to Xu Ke.
"What’s this?" Xu Ke asked, bewildered, staring at the item in the elder’s hand.
"You’re quite an interesting young man. The old man feels a connection with you, but I’m caught up in other matters and must depart for now. Consider this a small gift; please don’t refuse!"
With these words, the elder placed the item in Xu Ke’s hand and left without lingering.
Xu Ke wanted to decline since it’s their first eting, and accepting a gift seed inappropriate, especially as he was unprepared.
But the elder didn’t pause, not giving Xu Ke ti to refuse. In a blink, the elder was gone.
Xu Ke opened his palm to see the item nestled there, quickly realizing it was a copper coin.
"I thought it was sothing rare and felt a bit embarrassed. Turns out it’s a copper coin! Do I really look that poor?"
He mused aloud while inspecting the copper coin, feeling increasingly vexed.
Typically, copper coins have "Round Heaven, Square Earth," but this one has a round hole in the center.
It lacks the usual "Certain Yuanbao" inscription, instead having a coiled dragon on one side and a flying phoenix on the other.
"This thing isn’t money either — can it be used in gas?"
Scratching his head, Xu Ke pocketed the copper coin and headed toward Shen Mi and Lin Yiran’s direction.
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