017. Ancient Goldsmithing Techniques
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Zhang Zhi spoke in a neutral tone, "That's right, sis-in-law. My brother’s assets have long been thoroughly accounted for by you. What is there that you don’t know?"
Zhang Wan clenched her teeth, still feeling a bit aggrieved. "Bingbing, take a closer look. Maybe it’s fake, copper mixed with gold."
Luo Bing forced a smile. Though simple-minded, she could tell that the marriage between Lin Shan and Zhang Wan was far from happy. Sticking out her tongue playfully and abiding by her professional ethics, she picked up a small goldfish-shaped piece to examine.
At just one glance, Luo Bing exclaimed softly, "Hmm?"
Zhang Wan immediately asked excitedly, "Well? Is it fake?"
Luo Bing awkwardly shook her head. "No, Sister Wan, it’s genuine gold. Moreover, this gold was refined using ancient methods — something like the Tang Dynasty technique, though with subtle differences."
Lin Shan thought to himself, Luo Bing really had a discerning eye. She had studied archaeology, a rather niche field, and it seemed after graduation she had entered the appraisal industry, aligning her profession well.
"Impossible..."
Zhang Wan looked at Lin Shan with reluctance and a hint of resentment.
Her mind was in turmoil. She instinctively felt something must have happened to Lin Shan recently, causing a drastic change in him. The better things went for Lin Shan, the more humiliated she felt.
Luo Bing then examined each small goldfish piece one by one. After an hour, she tapped Lin Shan lightly and finally told Zhang Zhi, "Sir, these gold pieces can be consigned through our auction house. According to regulations, we charge a five percent service fee. You should be aware of this."
Zhang Zhi glanced at Lin Shan, who barely nodded in agreement.
Although the gesture was subtle, with only four people in the room, both Luo Bing and Zhang Wan caught the small movement.
Luo Bing, having seen the world, was somewhat surprised. She had encountered Lin Shan a few times in college and had heard sporadic news about him, though not very favorable. Realizing these gold pieces belonged to Lin Shan, she felt happy for him.
But Zhang Wan could not remain calm.
Having worked at the auction house for some time, she had developed a keen eye. She knew that if Lin Shan’s gold went up for auction, the minimum price would be three to four million.
Because these pieces were refined using ancient methods, they might attract collectors interested in such craftsmanship, potentially driving the price even higher.
And half of these should have been hers!
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Seeing Zhang Wan’s face fluctuate between pale and flushed, Lin Shan felt a surge of pleasure. Zhang Zhi, seeing Lin Shan’s consent, said, "Then let’s sign the contract."
Luo Bing stood up. "Alright, I’ll draft the contract now. Please wait a moment."
After saying this, she turned and left the room, with Zhang Wan trailing behind angrily. Once outside, Luo Bing curiously asked, "Sister Wan, why did you two get divorced? Lin Shan had quite a good reputation in college."
Zhang Wan snorted coldly, "Student council experience means nothing. The real skill is making money in society, and Lin Shan is a complete failure in that regard. I’ve suffered enough living with him all these years."
Her words were full of resentment and complaints about Lin Shan.
Once they left, Zhang Zhi lowered his voice and asked, "Who was that woman?"
After hearing the whole story, Zhang Zhi laughed and said, "That Sheng Teng fellow sure knows how to play. He’s fearless, isn’t he? He’s really daring."
Lin Shan replied, "She didn’t know I was already aware of the relationship between Sheng Teng and Luo Bing; otherwise, she would have been frantic by now."
Soon Luo Bing returned with the contract. It was still under Zhang Zhi’s name, with the linked bank card also in Zhang Zhi’s name.
But all four present knew these pieces of gold truly belonged to Lin Shan.
After signing the contract, Lin Shan left the auction house without a word to Zhang Wan.
However, just as they reached the parking lot, a voice called out from behind, "Wait, senior!"
It was Luo Bing hurrying after him. Zhang Zhi got into the car first, grinning as he looked at Lin Shan. "Ah Shan, I think this girl might like you. Why don’t you make a move on her? Sheng Teng would surely go mad."
For a moment, Lin Shan felt tempted. Such a revenge would certainly drive Sheng Teng into a frenzy. But then he thought that Luo Bing was actually the true victim in this whole affair, and he felt it would be wrong to use her like that.
"What is it, Luo Bing?"
Lin Shan asked.
Luo Bing took out her phone, displaying a QR code. She smiled, "Senior, if you ever have any antiques, you can come to me. As for the price, we can negotiate."
Seeing Lin Shan casually produce so much gold, and antiques at that, she naturally assumed he had other channels to acquire such items.
After graduation, she had joined this auction house through her father’s arrangement. It was partly her personal interest and partly because the people here were mostly wealthy or influential, offering a good network.
"Alright..."
Lin Shan took out his phone. After exchanging contacts, Luo Bing waved goodbye.
Later, Zhang Zhi accompanied Lin Shan to the hospital.
Inside the ward, they saw Liu Ying conducting rounds. She was still dressed in her white coat, wearing white canvas shoes. Despite the loose coat, her alluring figure was unmistakable—her chest prominently outlined at the front, and her hips curving attractively, drawing attention.
Liu Ying flipped through the report and smiled at Lin Jiabao, "Uncle, your indicators look very good. Keep up your current diet."
Lin Jiabao and Lin Wei smiled and thanked her. As Liu Ying left, she caught Lin Shan’s eye and nodded slightly.
Lin Shan recalled the last time Hua Xiong had quietly entered Liu Ying’s office. He wondered how Liu Ying had handled that matter.
Just as this thought crossed his mind, he saw Hua Xiong briskly approaching and saying to Liu Ying, "Come with me for a moment."
Hua Xiong’s voice was not loud, but since Lin Shan had cultivated true energy, his senses were sharper, allowing him to overhear.
Liu Ying’s face showed clear reluctance, but she eventually followed him.
Lin Shan considered that Liu Ying was his father’s attending physician, so her condition was important. Moreover, he was curious about what Hua Xiong was up to. He quietly moved closer, pretending to admire the scenery but actually eavesdropping on their conversation.
Hua Xiong said, "Liu Ying, you know the promotion evaluations are coming up in a few days. You’ve brought this up to me many times already. Based on your performance, it should be yours. But Ruan Yan is also outstanding, so I’m in a difficult position."
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