"The last collection to be auctioned tonight is a traditional Chinese painting that has been treasured by Mr. Jiang Wenlan for many years. You can enjoy it."
"Wen Riguan's "Grape Picture"? " Fang Zhicheng exclaimed softly.
"Do you understand painting?" Ning Xiangcao looked puzzled.
Fang Zhicheng only came into contact with calligraphy and Chinese painting last year and has some basic knowledge of them.
Wen Riguan was a painter in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty. After the fall of the Song Dynasty, he became a monk. He had a strong character and was addicted to alcohol. He was good at cursive writing and also good at painting grapes. He had his own style. People also called him "Wen Grape". He was a very story-telling person.
This "Grape Picture" originally flowed into the island country, and now it has appeared in this small collection meeting. If someone knows the subject, he will definitely exclaim in amazement, because this picture is of great collection value.
Fang Zhicheng smiled awkwardly and said, "I don't know much about painting, but I do know something about this painting. There were originally two copies of "Grapes". One was given by Wen Riguan to his fellow villager Zeng Yu, and the other was given to Zhao Mengfu, the eleventh grandson of Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty, for imitation. The painter praised it highly."
Ning Xiangcao's eyes flashed with brilliance, and she said calmly: "It seems that this painting must be taken down."
Ning Xiangcao was finally ready to make a move after being immersed in it for so long, but Fang Zhicheng focused his attention on the old man "Jiang Wenlan", who was a powerful figure in the Yunhai business community and a leading figure among Yunhai entrepreneurs after the reform and opening up. In the past ten years, Jiang Wenlan gradually faded out of the Yunhai business circle, but his influence was still there. He had a lot of resources in his hands, and he only needed to give a hint to solve problems for the company.
Ning Xiangcao wanted to bid for this calligraphy and painting, obviously she wanted something from Jiang Wenlan. However, Ning Xiangcao was not the only one who had this idea at the scene. There must be other competitors. As the collection of the final auction, it would not be easy to get it. Many people present had not participated in the previous auctions. I am afraid that they must have gathered their strength and exerted their strength at the last moment. Most of them held a disdainful attitude towards the wide-ranging net of the Jincheng Group. Financial investment has always been about the principle of concentrated advantage. Obviously, a large-scale investment like the Jincheng Group is not as important as winning the last key auction item.
While Fang Zhicheng was lost in thought, Ning Xiangcao said softly, "You will help me bid later. Unless I say stop, you will keep bidding for me."
Fang Zhicheng said awkwardly: "Why would you give such a glorious mission to me?"
Ning Xiangcao stared at Fang Zhicheng. She didn't believe that Fang Zhicheng couldn't see her intention, so she said calmly: "Dongtai Investment Promotion Bureau wants to enter the Yunhai business circle. This is an excellent opportunity. If you don't want to, then I will bid the price myself."
Fang Zhicheng thought to himself that Ning Xiangcao was thoughtful and calm, but he was still a little excited because this auction was indeed a good opportunity to make a name for himself. If he could win the "Grape Picture" at the auction, he would definitely attract the attention of many entrepreneurs, and it would be a good opportunity for him to attract investment in the future.
Fang Zhicheng smiled and said, "I bid the price and you pay. Why wouldn't you agree? Sister Vanilla, wait and watch me take the picture of the Grapes."
Chapter 0237: Great Wisdom of Retreating While in Tide
Fang Zhicheng probably knew something about this "Grape Picture", and estimated its value at about 25 million yuan. There were 29 items auctioned before, and the total price was only a few million yuan more than the unit price of this painting. This shows the importance of this collection.
Du Xi's beautiful eyes flashed with a strange brilliance, and she said crisply: "I am very excited to host the last auction. The cumulative amount of the first 29 auction items today has exceeded the previous ones. So will the auction of the last item create another miracle?"
"This painting, Grapes, by Master Wen Riguan from the late Song and early Yuan dynasties, has a reserve price of RMB 8 million. You can bid on it now..."
"Nine million..."
"Ten million..."
"Twelve million..."
“The prices are rising so fast…”
Soon, the price of "Grape Picture" reached 20 million, and then the speed began to slow down. Jin Feng of Jincheng Group spoke in a very calm tone. Whenever there was a price higher than his, he would quickly surpass it.
"Why don't you make an offer?" Ning Xiangcao shook her head helplessly. From the beginning till now, Fang Zhicheng had never raised his hand, as if he had forgotten to bid.
Fang Zhicheng waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's not the last minute yet, don't worry."
When the price reached 23 million, there was a moment of silence. This price was close to the original price of the work, and many people began to waver. After all, charity auctions have to take costs into consideration. 23 million is close to the actual price of the collection, and merchants began to calculate the cost gains and losses, and became cautious every time they bid.
A middle-aged man stood beside Jin Feng. He kept leaning close to Jin Feng's ear to talk, "Mr. Jin, if we can buy this painting now, it will definitely increase in value later."
Jin Feng smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Master Qiao."
Qiao Yu is a master in the treasure appraisal world, and is the trump card that Jin Feng brought tonight. In the field of collecting, the key lies in the eye. At the auction today, Jin Feng had bought more than ten pieces before. It seemed that he had spent a lot of money, but in fact, he did not lose money, but made a lot of money. Jin Feng was also a drunkard with other intentions. He had bought so many pieces before, but they were just a feint. His ultimate goal was still the last piece.
Jiang Wenlan has shown signs of returning to the business world after retiring for many years. Tonight, he is offering a valuable painting at the Yunhai Charity Auction Banquet to prepare for his return to the business world. After his return, Jiang Wenlan will definitely choose a partner. Both Huaying Investment Group and Jincheng Group are striving for this opportunity.
And this painting of "Grapes" is the weight for fighting for the first stepping stone.
"I must buy this "Grape Picture" at all costs." Jin Feng's eyes showed undisguised confidence. With the acquisition of more than ten collections in the early stage, his momentum had reached its peak. Everyone knew that the Jincheng Group was determined to get this collection, and they all began to avoid it wisely and not confront the Jincheng Group.
"Twenty-four million." Fang Zhicheng said loudly.
This announcement obviously surprised many people, including Du Xi, who was hosting the auction. She was also slightly stunned. After a few seconds, she reacted and reached out to lift her hair to hide her embarrassment. She said, "Twenty-four million. That gentleman bid twenty-four million. Is there anyone who can offer a higher price?"
Du Xi knew Fang Zhicheng's background and originally thought that Fang Zhicheng was just going through the motions, but he actually opened his mouth and asked for a price. Twenty-four million, could this guy have been pretending before, and was he actually a real rich second generation
"Twenty-five million!" Jin Feng was surprised to find that it was Fang Zhicheng who was bidding against him. He glanced at Ning Xiangcao beside Fang Zhicheng and knew that woman was the real competitor.
Fang Zhicheng did not hesitate and quickly called out the price: "Twenty-five million and five hundred thousand..."
Jin Feng naturally did not give in, and the price quickly rose to "30 million yuan".
"The price is already a bit inflated." Qiao Yu reminded.
If this painting were put up in a regular auction, its value would be around 25 million. Normally, the price would fluctuate around 5 million. As an appraiser, the price of 30 million is already on the verge of risk.
Jin Feng's eyes flashed, revealing a ruthless look, and he said, "I must get this painting."
The price continued to rise, and soon broke through 35 million. Fang Zhicheng whispered: "Sister Vanilla, what is your budget?"
"Until I win it!" Ning Xiangcao frowned, obviously unhappy with the Jincheng Group's pressure. But she was determined to win the last auction.
Not far away, Xia Mang's eyes flashed with joy, thinking to himself that Jin Feng was quite interesting. It seemed that he had a great grudge against that kid named Fang Zhicheng. He waved his hand, called a subordinate, and ordered: "Go ask Ms. Ning if she needs my help. I am willing to be a peacemaker to avoid any grudges between the two parties."