Chapter 165 Lesson In Giving A Gift (1/2)

“It’s w.a.n.g Pei, w.a.n.g Pei’s calligraphy.” w.a.n.g Ping said excitedly after seeing the work. “The biggest feature in w.a.n.g Pei’s calligraphy is that there is an image in the poetry and poetry in image. Look, in this image of the field, it is portraying a beautiful scene of nature at the same time it reveals the appeal of a quiet and peaceful life. w.a.n.g Pei is a representative of the landscape school of poetry, a standout in the Tang Dynasty. His calligraphy is something other people cannot copy.”

Ye Qian faked a blank look and asked in surprise, “Secretary w.a.n.g, this is really w.a.n.g Pei’s work? I thought that buyer was tricking me, haha. A crude person like me doesn’t know anything about calligraphy, but when I saw the buyer talking so solemnly, and since he is my patron and he also needed money, I bought it from him.”

“Eh, Brother Ye, I don’t know how to ask you this but, do you know how much this piece is worth in the market?” w.a.n.g Ping said. Ye Qian shook his head and w.a.n.g Ping continued, “This work is worth at least two million US dollars, and that is the lower end of it. But the most important bit is not how much this calligraphy costs, but its cultural value. For lovers of calligraphy or researchers of history, this piece of calligraphy is a priceless treasure.”

“From what Secretary w.a.n.g is saying, I picked up a treasure, haha!” Ye Qian said. “Since Secretary w.a.n.g really likes this work of calligraphy, then I’ll keep it longer, help me find a buyer.”

“Oh? You want to sell this work? Brother Ye, think it over. This work of calligraphy is very precious.” w.a.n.g Pin said in amazement.

“I’m just a crude guy, I don't know how to appreciate it. Keeping this piece myself is useless for me, so it’s better to sell it.” Ye Qian chuckled awkwardly then said, “I’m an ordinary person, Secretary w.a.n.g, please don’t take offense.”

“Brother Ye, if you really want to sell it, then sell it to me.” w.a.n.g Ping said. “You know I’m a fan of calligraphy. Haha.”

“Since Secretary w.a.n.g likes it so much, then I’ll leave it here. A great gift for a great man.” Ye Qian said.

“Ay, this can’t be. I can’t receive such an expensive gift.” w.a.n.g Ping said. “As a friend too, I cannot let you take such a loss. But I don’t have that much cash on me right now, so I will pay you in installments. How about it? Brother Ye? Are you okay with it?”

“Since Secretary w.a.n.g says it, I humbly accept. I bought this for two million, but now US dollars, just in RMB, I’ll sell it to you for that value. In any case I’m not in a hurry for money, you don’t have to worry.” Ye Qian said.

The truth was everybody understood that this was just a formality. It was also very clear to w.a.n.g Ping that Ye Qian was lying a little. No matter how foolish a person was, they would not spend that much money on calligraphy they didn't know the value of. Besides, the person who sold the calligraphy to Ye Qian could not be that stupid either to sell a piece worth two million USD for two million RMB. Even if he was pressed for money fast, a trader of cla.s.sics would not sell for such a price.”

Of course Ye Qian understood that even though he spoke so tactfully, w.a.n.g Ping certainly understood the underlying meaning. But in giving gifts one had to pay particular attention to the formalities on how to give it. Even though Ye Qian’s style was not original, it was not old-fas.h.i.+oned either. Anyway, w.a.n.g Ping was extremely drawn to the calligraphy.

After leaving w.a.n.g Ping’s house, Ye Qian drove Jack back. The painting was naturally left behind, since everybody was well aware that w.a.n.g Ping said he was going to buy it.

“Boss, wasn’t it a little excessive?” Jack could not help asking while they were on the road.