Chapter 92: Did I Accidentally Sell My Precious Treasures Again?
Sun Lao shook his head, saying, “I can only say it’s not bad!”
“The value of this antique doesn’t just depend on its year of production and rarity, but also on its historical significance and the impact it had during that time. In essence, the more famous it is, the more valuable it becomes! Like the calligraphy of Emperor Song Huizong we had before, he was an emperor himself and a person of great talent. His slim gold calligraphy naturally became highly sought after by people.”
“However, these few ministerial cups are different. The dynasties they come from were too short-lived to have a significant impact. Their fame isn’t considerable, their craftsmanship isn’t exquisite, and there are quite a few of them. When quantity is high, naturally the value diminishes. Each of these ministerial cups might be worth around two to three million. But, it’s really the complete set that holds immense value.”
“The overall price should at least double. But, that’s pretty much an impossible scenario. There are, at most, forty or fifty ministerial cups left in the world, collected by various major collectors.” Sun Lao spoke with confidence, displaying his expertise.
Wang Pangzi asked with anticipation, “Sun Lao, are you interested in these ministerial cups?”
He really hoped Sun Lao would join the competition now, so they wouldn’t incur such a big loss.
Sun Lao shook his head, “For me, the collectible value of these ministerial cups is too low. I’m not particularly fond of them. What truly interests me are the King’s cups.”
A glint of excitement flashed in Sun Lao’s eyes, “According to legend, these five King’s cups were crafted by the most skilled artisans under the king’s command at that time. The craftsmanship is exceptionally refined, a marvel of ingenuity. Each one is a work of art. Unfortunately, after that dynasty fell, these King’s cups disappeared from the scene.”
“Some say that the set of King’s cups was buried alongside that king as funerary items. Others claim that the set of King’s cups brought misfortune and was destroyed by later generations. There are even those who believe that during the downfall of the kingdom, the cups were stolen by individuals within the palace.”
“There are various interpretations!”
Wang Pangzi asked, “In your opinion, how much is this King’s cup worth?”
“Well… this single King’s cup is worth at least a billion! Even if it sells for two billion, I wouldn’t be surprised. If a complete set is assembled, its value could double, and selling for 20 billion wouldn’t be shocking!”
“Because, if it were me, I’d be willing to exchange it for 20 billion.” Wang Pangzi took a sharp breath.
“One worth a billion!”
“Not surprised by 2 billion!”
“The complete set could double!”
“Willing to exchange for 20 billion!”
Sun Lao’s sharp eyes caught this, “You seem surprised, could it be that you have it?”
“Well… of course not! How could I possess something so valuable? If I had it, I would have already become wealthy!”
Wang Pangzi chuckled playfully and exchanged a glance with Wu Ge. The happiness in their eyes was hard to conceal. Not only did they have a King’s cup, but they also had a complete set of five!
From where?
Naturally, they were excavated from some royal tomb! Along with these ministerial cups!
This was something worth 20 billion, right in their hands! If they sold it, they would definitely make a fortune! Both of them were extremely delighted. The depressive mood from losing several billion just a moment ago was now relieved.
Lin Beifan signaled to Wu Ge.
Wu Ge stepped forward, picked up a ministerial cup, pretended to appreciate it, and finally nodded, “It’s genuine, worth acquiring.”
Lin Beifan smiled, “Since Wu Ge confirms its authenticity, boss, name a price! If the price is reasonable, I’ll buy it.”
Ignoring Wu Ge’s suggestive look, Wang Pangzi firmly said, “3 million! One for 3 million! If you like it, take it, not a penny less!”
A moment ago, he suffered a loss of several billion, his heart was bleeding. Now, he must make up for it!
“Being able to reduce the loss a bit is something!”
Lin Beifan turned to look at Wu Ge, “Is it worth it?”
Wu Ge thought for a moment and said, “3 million for a ministerial cup is already the market’s highest price! However, it holds a great potential for appreciation. Leave it for a few years, and earning a few hundred thousand wouldn’t be a problem. Lin General, it’s a good investment.”
“This young man is right. 3 million for a ministerial cup indeed doesn’t leave much profit margin. But it has considerable potential for appreciation. After a few years, the price could rise,” Sun Lao nodded.
“Since both Wu Ge and Sun Lao believe it’s a good deal, I’ll buy it!” Lin Beifan quickly took out his bank card. 3 million each, so 5 of them amounted to 15 million, which wasn’t a significant sum for him.
After Lin Beifan paid, he received the ministerial cup. However, at that moment, Sun Lao called out, “Wait!”
Lin Beifan smiled, “Sun Lao, is there something else?”
Sun Lao furrowed his brows, carefully staring at the ministerial cup in Lin Beifan’s hand, and said, “These ministerial cups of yours seem a bit different from what I’ve seen before. Can I take a closer look?”
“Of course!” Lin Beifan handed it over.
“Thank you!” Sun Lao carefully accepted it. After examining it for a while, he became extremely excited, “Different! Indeed different! Haha…”
Wang Pangzi asked, “How are they different? Aren’t ministerial cups all the same in appearance?”
“Indeed, ministerial cups all look the same. However, there are slight differences between your ministerial cups and the dozen or so I’ve seen before. Look here… this mark, and also here…” The other party elaborated, pointing out a few places with confidence.
Everyone was taken aback, “So, you mean these are fake?”
“No! They are definitely not fake! The craftsmanship and quality of their forging are identical to the dozen or so ministerial cups I’ve seen before. But there are some structural differences, not like the ministerial cups, but more like…”
“Like what?”
Sun Lao’s voice was excited, “The legendary King’s cups!”
“King’s cups!!!” Everyone was shocked.
Just a moment ago, they heard Sun Lao talking about the immense value of King’s cups. The price could be in the hundreds of millions, and selling for 2 billion wasn’t extraordinary. If a complete set was assembled, its value could double, making it worth 20 billion!
“Sun Lao, do you think the real King’s cups might be hidden within these ministerial cups? Like a painting within a painting?” Song Yuqing’s imagination ran wild.
“Very possible! Ancient people often used such methods to preserve treasures. I’ve seen it many times,” Sun Lao said confidently.
Wang Pangzi and Wu Ge felt a sense of unease creeping in. Could they have unknowingly undervalued their treasures again?
This couldn’t be possible!
Because the real King’s cups were hidden right under their noses! There was no way King’s cups could be here!
