Chapter 32: Came here just to remind her?

Wang Yuanwu’s guts turned to ice.

He knew of the unseen forces behind Lin Moran, but never expected that simply detaining her for a few days would lead to such a devastating downfall.

He’d lost a priceless painting, his courtyard was destroyed, he was blindfolded and subjected to intense lights for three days.

When released, he was nearly blind.

His position as honorary chairman of the Liuli Factory would also be revoked.

This decision was the worst in his life; he’d lost everything.

“Yunfeng, thankfully you didn’t show up.”

This was Wang Yuanwu’s only consolation.

Wang Yunfeng’s eyes were cold, his knuckles white. “Grandpa, don’t worry. I’ll find out who’s behind this.”

“It’s just a pity about our ‘Ten Thousand Li River and Mountain Map.'”

Their ancestors had connections with the Qianlong Emperor, so possessing certain court items was normal; inherited antiques were legally owned.

Yet someone reported them, claiming the painting’s origins were dubious.

To be safe, his grandfather donated it to the museum overnight.

Over a hundred years ago, the Wang family was powerful and wealthy.  But after numerous setbacks and targeted attacks, their glory had faded.  Add to that the opium addiction that ravaged the family over the previous century, depleting their wealth. 

Their branch was a side branch, and to survive, they sold everything of value, leaving them with little. The ‘Ten Thousand Li River and Mountain Map’ was their most prized possession.

Now, their most valuable remaining treasure had been forcedly donated to the museum.

Wang Yuanwu’s eyes were narrowed. “The Long family is almost extinct, yet Old Man Long took so many disciples.”

“Back then…”

Wang Yunfeng was curious. “Grandpa, back then? What happened back then?”

Wang Yuanwu immediately stopped. “Nothing. Yunfeng, the revival of the Wang family rests on your shoulders.”

For generations, none of their ancestors had been blameless. Why were they the ones who fell from grace?

Lin Moran received news of Wang Yuanwu’s dismissal from her master in Jingdezhen, along with the restored Yuan Dynasty enamelled porcelain.

Even after donating the ‘Ten Thousand Li River and Mountain Map,’ he was still removed from his position.

This indicated a complex web of relationships she didn’t fully understand.

Regardless, it was good news for her.

The restored enamelled porcelain was vibrant and exquisitely crafted, captivating Lin Moran.

Meanwhile, the Qinghai jade cabbage carving, commissioned from Old Wang, was completed.

“Moran, are you still planning to sell this piece?”

“Yes.”

Lin Moran nodded firmly.

For her, these two items were the most important for the upcoming international exchange conference.

The success of the conference, and her potential earnings, depended on this piece.

The International Cultural Exchange Conference arrived quickly.  To Lin Moran’s surprise, her shop became a small market.

“Comrade Lin, we’ll leave our goods with you to sell. We’ll thank you afterward.”

Those from Kyoto, too proud to sell in the general area, left their goods with Lin Moran.

She agreed, realizing a business opportunity. She put up a “Consignment Sales” sign, offering buyers low prices but guaranteeing no less, saving them the trouble and earning herself a commission.

Xu Jingya was shocked by Lin Moran’s strategy.

How could she be so clever?

Wasn’t this the later model of an intermediary?

People left their goods, she sold them, and kept the commission, plus any profit margin.

Xu Jingya was furious.  How could she not have thought of this lucrative business model?

In her past life, the first International Antique Exchange Conference had made everyone rich.

She’d focused on selling her own stock, especially the important enamelled porcelain,

ignoring the highly profitable, low-cost intermediary business.

Now she wanted to open a shop, but it was too late.

Foreign buyers had seen the opportunity; no one would give away money to others.

“Moran, let me help.”

Shen Haoyang arrived when Lin Moran was overwhelmed.

“Young Master Shen, this isn’t easy. You’ll have to deal with many people all day. Can you handle it?”

Shen Haoyang scoffed. “Moran, do you underestimate me? How hard can it be?”

“I don’t care how hard it is.  You have to help, whether you want to or not.”

He’d finally had a chance to impress Lin Moran, only to have it snatched away by Gu Jingyao.

This time, he had to help Lin Moran properly.

“Fine!” Lin Moran didn’t insist.

She couldn’t predict how many people would attend, and she hadn’t hired anyone.  If she got overwhelmed, Shen Haoyang’s help would be invaluable.

Then she saw the smug smile on Shen Haoyang’s face.

Turning her head, she saw Gu Jingyao standing at her door.

Gu Jingyao usually wore casual clothes when he came to Luli Street. Today, he was in uniform, his presence commanding and imposing.

His expression was as stoic as ever, but his eyes were colder when looking at Shen Haoyang.

Lin Moran’s smile vanished.

“Moran, come here.”

Gu Jingyao beckoned her.

Lin Moran frowned slightly and walked over.

As soon as she reached him, she felt enveloped by his presence.

She frowned deeper. She knew Gu Jingyao well enough to understand that he was wary whenever Shen Haoyang was around.

He’d keep her away from Shen Haoyang.

Or warn Shen Haoyang to stay away from her.

He wouldn’t let her accept help from other men.

“The people at this conference are a mixed bag. Be careful. If you have any problems, contact us.”

Gu Jingyao looked deeply into her eyes, then turned and left.

Lin Moran was stunned. He’d come to her shop not to deal with Shen Haoyang, but to warn her?

The International Exchange Conference was divided into three zones.

The first was in Luli Factory, showcasing items from the factory, the National Museum, and private renters; the second was a general area for individual sellers; and the third comprised other shops on the street.

The quality of the goods followed this order.

Lin Moran had planned to sell her enamelled porcelain vase in the general area, but due to her incident with Wang Yuanwu, the association chairman, feeling apologetic, offered her a prime display spot.

Lin Moran didn’t refuse; a good display space was invaluable.

After placing the vase, she discovered that the Qing Dynasty imitation Yuan Dynasty enamelled porcelain vase Xu Jingya had bought was displayed next to hers.

Xu Jingya was shocked. When did Lin Moran get a similar vase?

But seeing how pristine Lin Moran’s vase was, she assumed Lin Moran had no real treasures and had bought a new one to fill the space!

Her gaze was challenging when she looked at Lin Moran.

Lin Moran glanced at her indifferently, saying nothing.

Then came the display phase.

“This vase is beautiful.” A group of foreigners approached, staring at Xu Jingya’s vase.

Xu Jingya’s spirits soared. Her moment had finally arrived.

“But this one is even more beautiful.”

Someone stopped at Lin Moran’s enamelled porcelain vase.

Xu Jingya’s heart leaped into her throat.