103 Impatient Anticipation

Xiao Yao meticulously selected more than twenty rare ancient books, all transferred into the present day, each a unique or treasured edition. Among these volumes, some were secret royal court prints, while others were painstakingly compiled by renowned scholars. All contained records related to antiques and cultural artifacts.

Many of Pan Wu’s collections—famous calligraphy, paintings, stone carvings, jade sculptures—unrecorded in later generations, were documented in these ancient texts. Having such authoritative origins would provide a solid basis for authenticating previously undocumented masterpieces. Whether auctioned or sold privately, these items would command high prices.

Among the twenty-two rare ancient books Xiao Yao presented, there were five from the Tang dynasty, eight from the Song, and nine from the Ming dynasty. Though only a small fraction of Pan Wu’s vast library, their market value was substantial. A single well-preserved page from a Song edition could fetch around 100,000 yuan; a complete, well-preserved volume would be worth at least twice as much. Treasured editions, depending on their content, could command far higher sums.

As long as Xiao Yao refrained from releasing similar books, all twenty-two were unique copies worldwide, impeccably preserved, making their value truly incalculable. For Xiao Yao, the final auction price mattered little; his priority was to publicize their contents swiftly, providing antique experts with more material for authentication.

The next morning, shortly after breakfast, Xiao Yao received a call from Lu Yahong. “Mr. Xiao, Director Wang has brought appraisers and security and rushed over overnight. Shall we head over now?”

Xiao Yao hadn’t expected Director Wang to be so impatient. “Everything’s ready. Since Director Wang is here with his team, let them come.”

Within half an hour, Lu Yahong and his party arrived at Xiao Yao’s home.

Upon meeting, Lu Yahong introduced, “Mr. Xiao, this is Wang Xiaoxian, chairman of Yiyun Auction House and an old friend of mine.”

Wang Xiaoxian bore no resemblance to his delicate-sounding name. He was a large, burly man, easily weighing over 200 pounds.

“Hello, Mr. Xiao. I heard the good news from Yahong yesterday and came overnight with my team. I hope my sudden arrival isn’t an imposition,” Wang greeted warmly.

“Director Wang is known for his decisive style—no wonder he brought Yiyun to the top in just ten years. It’s an honor to cooperate with you,” Xiao Yao responded enthusiastically, as they were already partners.

After pleasantries, they moved to the sitting room. Butler Lu poured each a cup of tea, but Wang wasted no time savoring it. “Mr. Xiao, ever since I saw Director Tang’s Nine-Dragon Pearl jade bracelet, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. When I learned you and Yahong are friends, I asked him to connect us. I’m eager to collaborate and honored to have your approval.”

“I’m friends with Director Lu, so naturally I’ll support him. And Director Wang’s offer is sincere. Our cooperation is truly mutually beneficial, and I personally value working with you,” Xiao Yao replied.

Having expressed mutual goodwill, Wang directly broached the subject. “Mr. Xiao, your collection of top-quality jadeite has truly impressed me. Besides Director Tang’s Nine-Dragon Pearl, those exquisite jade pieces you transferred to Miss Cheng are rare treasures indeed.”

Wang did not hide his longing. “If your top jadeite pieces headline this autumn auction, Yiyun’s publicity power will make it resound nationwide and abroad. Trust me, your jadeite will fetch a price that satisfies you.”

“I’m not planning to auction jadeite. Director Wang, do you have a special need for it? If necessary, I can swap some items,” Xiao Yao responded, surprised by Wang’s insistence.

“I heard you have other top jadeite pieces and assumed you’d bring them this time. Seems I was mistaken,” Wang explained patiently, not wanting to offend. “We’ve gathered many fine jade and jadeite pieces for this autumn’s dedicated jade session but still lack a show-stopping top jadeite. That’s why I’m eager. May I ask what rare treasures you plan to auction?”

Wang’s urgency was deliberate—to ensure Xiao Yao’s offerings included a top jadeite piece.

Wang had already met with Tang Tianhao and Miss Cheng and knew Xiao Yao’s background better than Lu Yahong did. Because of Xiao Yao’s unique status, Wang had waived commission fees before meeting him, an unprecedented concession by Yiyun Auction House, which usually only lowers commissions.

Knowing Xiao Yao possessed jadeite rivaling Tang Tianhao’s bracelet, Wang hoped to create a grand spectacle for the autumn auction. Fearing Xiao Yao’s reluctance, Wang’s approach was a subtle invitation, hoping to coax a yes.

Although Xiao Yao hadn’t committed, his silence suggested room for negotiation.

“If Director Wang truly needs a top jadeite centerpiece, I can substitute or add one,” Xiao Yao offered. Adding one item was trivial, and since Wang raised it, there was no need to slight him.

“I’ve prepared four Western art pieces already. Director Wang can take a look and see if they meet your standards,” Xiao Yao said, pulling back silk covers from four items laid out on the sitting room table.