39: True Master
ming dynasty master Wang Shuyuan?
Hearing this name, everyone was very confused.
They didn't even know about the ming dynasty, let alone a sculptor like Wang Shuyuan.
Seeing the group of Treasure Hunters looking bewildered, Qin Yun smiled slightly.
He looked for a long time until he found the character "Ming" on the furniture.
The character "Ming" was indeed Wang Shuyuan's abbreviation.
Only then did Qin Yun know that the furniture was made by Master Wang Shuyuan.
But how could this group of Western barbarians, who knew nothing of history, know of this great sculptor?
"Wang Shuyuan was a master of micro-carving from my Xia Country's ming dynasty. He had extraordinary attainments in micro-carving and was even innovative, capable of carving a complete scene on a piece of wood or a walnut only an inch in diameter."
"Everything was carved according to its original shape, each with its own posture and expression, lifelike and vivid. The skill was so exquisite it seemed like the work of heaven, as if it were a miniature world!"
"In the inconspicuous parts of this Red Sandalwood furniture, there are many such micro-carvings depicting the affluent life of the ming dynasty, which have high commemorative value."
When Qin Yun said these words, everyone listened with looks of utter confusion.
"To put it in simpler terms for you, Russell and Michelangelo, whom you've heard of, were both influenced by him. They achieved such greatness because they worked on the fine details."
"One of Wang Shuyuan's micro-carved walnuts once sold for the sky-high price of six million..."
Qin Yun spoke very seriously while introducing a Xia Country artist to these foreigners who knew nothing.
He didn't dare go too deep, fearing they wouldn't understand at all, so he gave a brief overview of Wang Shuyuan's achievements.
The onlookers, the Treasure Hunters, were greatly shocked to hear Qin Yun say that even Michelangelo was influenced by this person.
Because it was so exaggerated, it felt somewhat surreal.
An artistic youth who knew about carving couldn't help but nod as he listened to Qin Yun's explanation.
After Qin Yun finished speaking, seeing the confusion on the faces around him, he spoke up to explain.
"What Qin Yun said is true. Russell recorded in his autobiography that he indeed drew inspiration from Xia Country's techniques."
"I didn't expect Xia Country to have micro-carving technology over five hundred years ago. For an era with such crude tools, it's truly incredible!"
The more the artistic youth looked at the carvings on the furniture, the more he liked them, and he couldn't wait to share this miracle with everyone.
Hearing this man's words, everyone on the scene was in an uproar.
Even the guys who were previously dissatisfied with Qin Yun and stubborn had nothing to say.
"Russell's techniques were actually learned from Wang Shuyuan's carvings."
"Holy crap, the Eastern Kid is truly amazing; he even knows this kind of stuff!"
"How does he know so much? Compared to him, I'm such a failure as a Treasure Hunter!"
"Compared to the Eastern Kid, a veteran Treasure Hunter like me is just trash. Our knowledge reserves aren't even on the same level; he deserves to make a fortune!"
"The Eastern Kid is so capable that he doesn't need hype at all. I misunderstood him before."
"I think the Eastern Kid is even more impressive than the rumors say. In this auction, the two most valuable storage units fell into his hands. I'm truly convinced by his strength."
"I've been buying storage units my whole life, and all together they aren't as valuable as the Eastern Kid's. I'm truly outclassed!"
...The crowd of Treasure Hunters all greatly admired Qin Yun's strength.
Many of the onlookers, the Collectors, were the first to react.
They clamored and squeezed to the front.
"Are the harley motorcycle parts for sale? I'll definitely offer a price that satisfies you."
"I love Harleys the most. How about selling the parts to me? I'll buy them at a price higher than the market value!"
"Are you selling the Red Sandalwood furniture? I can offer a high price!"
"I'm from Christies Auction House. Leaving the Red Sandalwood furniture to us will definitely satisfy you!"
"I'm from the Bolton Museum. Only by giving the Red Sandalwood furniture to us can its maximum value be realized!"
...Famous Collectors, in order to buy the treasures in Qin Yun's hands, announced their identities one after another, hoping Qin Yun would trade with them.
Qin Yun saw their enthusiasm and their obsession with the treasures.
He simply smiled and expressed his refusal.
"I'm sorry, I like all of these things very much. They aren't for sale for the time being!"
Because the harley motorcycle was still just a pile of parts, it would only be an antique Harley once assembled, which would then fetch a high price.
As for the Red Sandalwood furniture from the ming dynasty, it had cracks on it, and Qin Yun didn't think these foreigners would offer a very high price for Xia Country's cultural relics.
Besides, his purpose for this trip was to promote his Secondhand Store.
As long as high-quality customers went to his secondhand shop,
Qin Yun wouldn't have to worry about selling these items for high prices.
He could also sell other items in the shop along the way, maximizing the value of the treasures!
As Collectors, most of them were flexible-minded people.
They understood the meaning behind Qin Yun's words.
Saying he liked them very much was just an excuse; the Eastern Kid saying they weren't for sale for now indicated they would be sold later.
Furthermore, since the Eastern Kid had such strength, it meant he could find more treasures, and they were very eager to befriend Qin Yun.
"Here is my business card. If you want to sell, just contact me. I will definitely offer a high price."
"You can cooperate with us at Christies. I'm an employee of the Bolton branch; feel free to let me know if you have any requirements!"
"I am the butler of the Wendell family. For the things I take an interest in, I will certainly be more sincere than them."
...The Collectors had originally intended to buy a few treasures here or make friends with some capable Treasure Hunters.
They hadn't expected to find a Treasure Hunter with such extraordinary strength as the Eastern Kid.
Despite not being favored by everyone, he had bought the two most precious storage units!
They were all optimistic about Qin Yun's future, so they were eager to get to know him.
Seeing the many big shots expressing their sincerity, Qin Yun still didn't relent.
He signaled Julia to put away the business cards.
He said with a smile, "We will give you priority consideration."
"I have a Secondhand Store in the eastern suburbs of Borton City. If you're truly interested, you can go there and take a look."
Qin Yun was very satisfied with this result.
As long as four or five of these big shots from the collection world visited his shop,
after completing a few transactions,
once the shop's reputation was established in the collection world, he wouldn't have to worry about finding buyers for the precious treasures he found in the storage units.
Hearing Qin Yun's advertisement-like speech, the Collectors all smiled and nodded.
"Definitely, definitely. I'll certainly go take a look."
"I'm right here in Borton City, so I'll definitely go."
"Then I won't disturb you any further. See you at the shop."
...Having achieved their goal, the Collectors bid farewell to Qin Yun one after another, and most of them left directly.
Seeing that most of the people had left, Qin Yun began to pack up the storage unit.
Because the Red Sandalwood furniture was too precious, the two of them wrapped it in several layers of cloth before moving it onto the pickup truck.
There was no need to be too careful with the harley motorcycle parts; wrapping them in plastic and putting them in cardboard boxes was enough.
The two finished cleaning up the storage unit and prepared to get in the car and leave.
A middle-aged gentleman wearing a top hat walked over.
He tipped his hat slightly as a sign of respect.
"I've been watching you for a long time and would like to formally introduce myself."
The gentleman extended his right hand and bowed slightly, about to shake hands with Qin Yun.
Qin Yun felt a bit uncomfortable with this kind of etiquette.
"I'm sorry, but if you want to buy something, you can find me at my shop in Borton City."
After hesitating for a moment, so as not to appear too rude, Qin Yun stepped forward and lightly shook the man's hand.
The gentleman shook his head, a polite smile appearing on his face.
"It was my abruptness; I didn't make myself clear, which caused a misunderstanding."
"I'm not here to buy anything; I want to invite you to an auction."