The attic connects the past and present; I became a tycoon and got rich overnight!

Chapter 14 Masterpieces by Famous Artists [You'an] [Fanghua]

“I am a complete stranger to the young lady, and I cannot accept her help without a reason.”

As he spoke, Liu Fengyan opened his palm and showed the loose silver in his hand to Song Youan: "Besides, we still have some money left over, and we are not yet at our wits' end. I appreciate your kindness, young lady."

His companion hesitated, wanting to remind Liu Fengyan that now was not the time to be reckless, and that they were lucky that someone was willing to help.

“Young Master Liu, perhaps my behavior was a bit rash, but I am not pitying you. Rather, I believe from the bottom of my heart that with your talent, you will surely pass the imperial examination this year.”

"Girl, you..."

Seemingly shocked by Song Youan's confident words, and moved by them, Liu Fengyan took a step back and bowed again, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, Miss!"

Song Youan raised his hand to help him up, saying, "I know that scholars are proud. If Young Master Liu feels ashamed, consider this money a loan from me. If you pass the imperial examination and are selected by the Emperor, you can return it to me later."

“This…” Liu Fengyan hesitated.

The girl in front of him was talking as if he had already passed the high school entrance exam, but that was just a fantasy. What if he didn't pass the exam and failed?
Seeing his hesitation, his companion quickly spoke up: "Thank you, young lady. Don't worry, even if Fengyan and I don't pass the imperial examination, we will definitely repay your kindness today."

After saying that, he gently nudged Liu Fengyan and whispered, "Brother, stop being sentimental now. The key is to be in the best possible condition for the exam."

Liu Fengyan finally nodded: "Since you've put it this way, it would be rather unreasonable for me to refuse. Brother Han is right. Regardless of whether we pass the imperial examinations or not, we will repay you."

After saying that, Liu Fengyan put down the book on his back and took out paper and pen: "I'll write an IOU for the young lady."

“Young Master Liu, there’s no need for an IOU. If you’re willing, could you please write me a single word as a token of your gratitude?” Song You’an said.

Liu Fengyan was taken aback for a moment, then gave a shameful smile: "I am but an unknown nobody, what right do I have to write an inscription for you, young lady?"

Song Youan smiled and said, "Young Master, you are just a pearl hidden in the dust right now. If you really have a day when you can achieve great things in the future, then the words you mentioned today will have value."

"Oh dear, if the young lady wants your calligraphy, just write it. Why be so coy?" Han Mo looked anxious and pushed Liu Fengyan behind him, then grinned at Song You'an: "If the young lady doesn't mind, I'll also offer you a couple of words."

Song Youan readily accepted: "Alright, may I ask this young master's name?"

"My name is Han Mo, and I am also from Huainan."

Song You'an was startled. Han Mo?

Han Mo, one of the Eight Masters of Zhaoqi? He was a renowned poet and writer whose name is etched in history and whose talent was unparalleled. What incredible luck I have to meet two such important figures who appear in textbooks all at once.

Before the dishes were served, Han Mo laid a piece of paper on the table, borrowed ink from the counterkeeper, picked up the brush, and wrote with flowing strokes.

The two characters "芳华" (youthful beauty) leap off the page; his brushstrokes are elegant and unrestrained, and the ink marks are faintly visible, displaying a highly distinctive personal style.

May the young lady be beautiful forever!

After Han Mo finished speaking, he took out the seal he always carried and pressed it heavily on the seal.

"Thank you so much, Young Master Han!" Song Youan was overjoyed!

On the other side, Liu Fengyan had also laid out the papers. He looked at Song Youan and asked in a gentlemanly manner, "Does the young lady have any words she would like to mention?"

Song Youan thought for a moment and said, "Youan, the 'an' in 'ankang' (安康).

Liu Fengyan smiled slightly, raised his hand and began to write. His strokes were vigorous and straight, just like his upright and unyielding personality, which was completely different from Han Mo's calligraphy.

After putting pen to paper, Liu Fengyan stamped his seal and carefully handed the calligraphy to Song Youan.

Song You'an paid half a month's rent for the two of them, watched them go upstairs to rest and prepare for the night, and then left ten taels of silver for the innkeeper, instructing him to take care of their three meals a day. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Song You'an returned to the villa.

Ding!
[Detected that the host brought back two paintings and calligraphies from Da Zhao. Should we age them to look like antiques?]

The system suddenly popped up, and Song Youan was taken aback.

She quickly laid the two calligraphy scrolls on the carpet next to the sofa; the ink was fresh, and the Xuan paper was also new.

Although both were written by Liu Fengyan and Han Mo, they lack historical context and are not convincing in 2024.

Song Youan immediately clicked "Yes," and the system popped up a page that was aging the system.

Then, a magical scene unfolded: the two calligraphy scrolls in front of her were slowly becoming old at a speed visible to the naked eye. Song You'an stared at them intently, and couldn't help but get goosebumps all over her body.

What an amazing system!

The paper became more fragile after being aged. Song Youan ran upstairs to the study, took down the two scroll paintings hanging on the wall, removed the original content, and then carefully mounted the two paintings back on.

There was no damage; everything was just right.

Just as she was about to hang the two calligraphy pieces on the wall, the system popped up again.

[The system detected two authentic works by renowned artists brought back from Da Zhao by the host. Should we assess their value?]

Tap the screen to confirm.

System: Valuation in progress...

Valuation complete: Liu Fengyan's authentic work [You An], now estimated market auction price: starting from 4500000 yuan.

Han Mo's authentic work "Youthful Beauty" is now estimated to have a market price starting at 8800000 yuan.

Song Youan's eyes widened. So expensive? One starts at over four million, and the other is close to ten million?

Only later did she realize that Han Mo's original work was even more expensive than Liu Fengyan's, and almost twice as expensive!
However, in terms of fame, Liu Fengyan holds a higher position among historical figures, and even the Eight Masters of Zhao and Qi are not as influential as him.

Song Youan quickly checked the reason on her phone. It turned out that Liu Fengyan left behind a large number of genuine works, which were not particularly rare on the market.

Han Mo was different. He didn't like writing or painting. Although he left behind many poems, his calligraphy and paintings were extremely rare. Because of their rarity, Han Mo's authentic works are priceless treasures. Many collectors would spend millions to acquire even one piece.

The system popped up again, asking her if she wanted to cash out. Without thinking, Song You'an clicked "No." She wasn't short of money. One of the two calligraphy pieces had her name on it, and the other carried the other person's blessing for her. Song You'an didn't intend to sell them; she wanted to keep them for herself.

At this moment, Mu Zi sent her a message: "Honey, have you seen today's trending topics on Douyin?"

Song Youan: [No, what's wrong?]

Cheng Muzi: [Someone posted a video online yesterday about what happened at the hospital. The head nurse was fired, and the nurses who gave gifts were also disqualified from being promoted to permanent positions.]

Song Youan: [This is so satisfying! This kind of person is a parasite on society. Letting her bully you is retribution!]

Cheng Muzi: [The hospital contacted me and said they would give me a permanent position, but I refused. I still want to do what I love.]

Song Youan: [That's the right way to think. I've arranged everything for you. See you there soon.]

The PK (player kill/competition) begins on the 21st. Those of you who are following the story, please try not to let it sit idle. Votes and comments are very important, so please vote and leave comments to support us and help us advance in the PK. After that, I will update two chapters of 4000+ words daily. If the data is good, I will add extra chapters.

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(End of this chapter)