60: What to do with it?

After examining the contents of the album, Li Jianguo had no doubts whatsoever—it was absolutely authentic.

Faced with another wave of ecstasy, he became even more fervent this time: "Holy moly, what a treasure, an absolute treasure!"

Although the paintings appear somewhat casual, the series of works documents the master's journey of transformation.

The value of this album is no less than Huang Binhong's works from his peak period. Auctioning it as a set..."

At this moment, Li Jianguo not only didn't mind having been proven wrong earlier,

but also completely disregarded his personal image as a vice president, speaking incessantly and fully unleashing his inner joy.

After venting to his heart's content, without waiting for Lu Fan to ask, Li Jianguo proactively commented on the value of the paintings.

"Compared to Zhang Daqian's sketch copy, Huang Binhong's album is more valuable.

Because both are preliminary drafts and both are lost-and-found items, but the album forms a complete system.

Whether in terms of cultural value or market price, it's significantly higher.

I personally estimate the market price starts at 60 million, and the final transaction price definitely won't fall below a small target."

Lu Fan watched the two engrossed in the album, silently got up, returned to his room, and took out another painting from his space.

This time, he was determined to clear all his debts.

Although the gold he held was worth several small targets, selling cultural relics was the wisest choice at the moment.

Because gold is always a hard currency, useful for emergencies.

"Could you two help me look at this painting?"

Lu Fan came out of the room, placed a brocade box on the coffee table, and asked humbly.

"Another one?"

The excitement in Li Jianguo and Chen Ying's eyes, which hadn't yet faded, flared up again.

"Hmm~~" Lu Fan scratched his head. I can't understand the inscription on this painting.

To be honest, the painting in his hand was listed on the inventory as Zhang Daqian and Zhang Shanzi's collaborative work 'Roar, China 2#'.

But the inscription on the painting looked like scribbles, and he couldn't understand it at all.

Moreover, it depicted a group of tigers, with a title that seemed completely unrelated.

"Is there an inventory?"

This time, Li Jianguo was much calmer. He wasn't in a hurry to look at the painting; he first checked the inventory to ensure its provenance, avoiding another embarrassing moment.

"Yes!"

After replying, Lu Fan suddenly realized he had put the folder into his space. He could only pretend to go back to his room to fetch it.

Taking advantage of this time, Chen Ying quickly cleared the clutter from the coffee table and eagerly opened the brocade box.

Removing the dark blue brocade sleeve from the scroll, the first thing that caught the eye was the warm, heavy rosewood roller ends.

Then came the meticulously mounted and carefully preserved scroll, looking as good as new.

As the scroll was fully unfurled, eight magnificent tigers leaped off the paper.

Their forms were powerful and robust, their whiskers bristling like steel needles, their eyes blazing with fire, their tails tearing through mist, and their steps imposing and majestic.

They were either roaring at the sky, pouncing forward, clawing through the wind, glaring fiercely, or crouching ready to strike.

With just one glance, the two were captivated by the painting, standing stunned for a long time.

But soon, they snapped out of their shock, as there had been too many surprises tonight.

They were starting to experience aesthetic fatigue.

Exchanging a glance, they confirmed their conclusion: it was a forgery.

Because there were clear records that Zhang Daqian's authentic work had been reduced to ashes along with the Wangshi Garden in 1937.

Although their minds were very clear about this,

they still adhered to the professional principle of 'requiring solid evidence to deem something a forgery' and continued to examine it closely.

When Chen Ying saw the lower right corner of the painting, above the smoke shattered by the tiger's claws, a line of bold red characters: Roar, China 2#

The bright red cinnabar title, like boiling lava or seething blood, was fiercely imprinted on the rice paper.

The inscription matched, the seal matched, the painting's name... but wait, what's this '2#'? It doesn't match the records.

Chen Ying raised her voice and called out: "Mr. Li, look here!"

"2#, this is the second piece in the series."

Li Jianguo took a closer look, so excited he didn't know what to do, muttering repeatedly: "Authentic~ authentic~ authentic..."

"Uh..."

Chen Ying stood frozen in place, one hand instinctively covering her mouth, afraid her breathing might disturb this masterpiece.

Li Jianguo leaned over the coffee table, his back arched, mouth stretched wide open.

His chest heaved violently, making a wheezing sound like bellows.

At this moment, their gazes were seized by the tigers, scorched by the crimson, unable to look away.

Their minds had shut down, blank.

Their souls were speechless and bewildered.

Lu Fan walked out of the room with the inventory, seeing the two frozen like statues on the floor.

After a moment of daze, a relieved smile appeared on his lips.

If they were this shocked, the painting's price wouldn't be low.

He wasn't in a hurry to wake them. Lighting a cigarette, he calmly watched them, letting them remain immersed.

To get a good price for your item, you have to let the bullet fly for a while.

After finishing the cigarette, the two gradually recovered from their shock.

Lu Fan unhurriedly placed the inventory: "Here's the inventory you wanted."

"No need to look. This is authentic! Its value is immeasurable. If auctioned, I'd start the bidding at 2 small targets."

Li Jianguo stated the result with certainty and answered Lu Fan's doubts.

After speaking, he quickly swallowed a Fast-acting Heart Relief Pill, sat on the sofa, closed his eyes, and pressed his throbbing temples.

Starting at 2 small targets, why sell gold? These three items alone are enough to pay off the debts.

"Mr. Lu, are you planning to sell such precious collections?"

Chen Ying saw through Lu Fan's thoughts at a glance.

Lu Fan looked embarrassed, rubbing his nose as he explained: "Uh~~ I'm deep in debt. I have to sell!"

Chen Ying frowned and pressed: "How much do you owe, that you need to sell these?"

"All together, 3 small targets." Lu Fan sighed and spoke helplessly.

Hearing this number, Li Jianguo, instead of being surprised, scolded him with frustration: "Foolish~~

To sell such precious paintings for a mere 3 small targets is utterly senseless."

"Mr. Li, it's easy for you to say. My company accounts are frozen. If I don't sell, I'll really go bankrupt."

Lu Fan stated the facts. He had seen Cloud Pavilion's capabilities and knew Li Jianguo meant well.

"And you call yourself a boss? Don't you know about collateral loans?"

Li Jianguo clasped his hands behind his head and casually offered a solution.

Lu Fan smiled bitterly: "Of course I know! But the process takes too long. I can't wait!"

"If you sell in such a hurry, you'll be lowballed. Forced sales won't reach market price."

Chen Ying seized the opportunity to give a timely reminder.

Li Jianguo: "Don't worry about this. I'll help you with the 3 small targets."

Li Jianguo waved his hand grandly, boldly agreeing to help.

Then, he examined Zhang Daqian's painting again and said leisurely: "The help isn't free. There's a condition."