Chapter 111: Young Master Feng, the Master Is Calling!

“Hahaha… Is this for real, Elder He? That’s wonderful!” Chen Jianguo was so excited he didn’t know where to put his hands, his face lit up with joy as he laughed heartily.

At that moment, a gleam of delight also appeared in Su Zheng’s eyes. But his joy was not because of the authentic Lantingji Xu scroll; it was because of the other item remaining.

Inside the belly of the twin-eared vase, there was another object that everyone had overlooked.

The revelation of the genuine Lantingji Xu had already captivated everyone’s attention, and no one was paying any heed to the lump of ‘mud’ inside the vase’s belly.

Su Zheng quietly pressed his hand against it, and immediately a profound vitality emanated from the ‘mud’—as if a living essence was contained within, astonishingly vibrant.

“Swish!”

Taking advantage of everyone’s focus on the Lantingji Xu, Su Zheng swiftly pocketed the lump of ‘mud’ with a sense of satisfaction.

Ever since obtaining the red jade pendant, he had been having the Li family help him search for various objects imbued with life force, hoping to interact with the deathly energy in the pendant to greatly enhance his constitution.

Now, unexpectedly, he had made a tremendous gain from the twin-eared vase by sheer coincidence.

Su Zheng was certain that the lump of ‘mud’ he had taken was worth far more than the Lantingji Xu scroll. But with so many eyes around, and the Lantingji Xu’s appearance already driving people mad, it was better to take the ‘mud’ home for careful study.

“You… you old bastard, you won’t get away with this! The Feng family won’t forgive you!”

Suddenly, a furious shout rang out, thick with resentment and frustration.

Feng Qingyuan was nearly losing his mind.

He had personally brought the twin-eared vase and even willingly gifted it to Su Zheng, only to discover it concealed such a rare treasure. He immediately wanted to bang his head against the wall in regret, his insides twisting with remorse!

Beyond regret, he was filled with dread—dread of his father coming to settle the score.

He had secretly taken the vase, planning to follow Chen Xiong’s scheme: once they had the money, he would buy his father a replacement. But fate had other plans. Not only had he gained no money, but he had also let slip a treasure that rightfully belonged to the Feng family!

“Ugh…”

Chen Xiong’s face was still burning with pain, but no pain compared to the ache in his heart. Though Feng Qingyuan was cursing him, all he could do was sigh helplessly, too exhausted to retort.

The more he thought about it, the more bitter and regretful he felt. His vitality seemed to be drained in an instant; his blood surged uncontrollably, and he fainted.

Feng Qingyuan himself was not in better shape. His brain felt as if struck by a hammer, buzzing relentlessly.

Clutching the single coin in his hand, his anger grew. Finally, he threw the coin away violently, his body trembling uncontrollably.

“Young Master Feng, the master is calling!” a servant who had followed them warned in terror.

Feng Qingyuan’s hand trembled as he realized it was over.

The group of onlookers had just filmed and uploaded the video; news of the discovery was surely spreading throughout Qingyang City. His father would definitely know by now!

When his father saw the twin-eared vase missing from the collection room and found through surveillance that Feng Qingyuan had taken it, he would investigate thoroughly.

“Dad! It’s me. Please calm down and listen…”

Feng Qingyuan fumbled to answer the call, his shaking hands accidentally turning on speakerphone.

“Qingyuan, you’re not going to tell me that twin-eared vase at the antique street belongs to our family, are you? Damn it, answer me!”

“Dad, I… I was wrong. It was that old bastard Chen Xiong who egged me on. If it weren’t for him, how could I have dared take your collection out?”

Feng Qingyuan’s face turned ashen. Hearing his father’s angry voice on the phone had left him utterly helpless.

“Ah!!!”

A piercing scream came down the line, then the call abruptly ended with a click, startling Feng Qingyuan into a shudder.

He knew it was all over now. Having caused such a disaster, his father would surely kill him!

“Let’s go! Take me away from here, we’ll talk elsewhere!”

Feng Qingyuan weakly collapsed to the ground, ordering the servant.

But the servant hesitated, then finally brought his phone to Feng Qingyuan and played a voice message.

“Catch that bastard and don’t let him escape. I’m on my way! If you dare disobey orders, I’ll kill your whole family!”

The voice of Feng Qingyuan’s father was ruthless and fierce.

“Ugh!”

Feng Qingyuan’s face turned pale as he was terrified senseless.

The onlookers were now even more excited, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Feng family to see how they would deal with this spoiled second-generation heir.

“Master Su, may I have a word with you?”

At that moment, He Ruijing, struggling to contain his excitement and joy, quietly gestured for Su Zheng to step aside.

Su Zheng smiled faintly and followed He Ruijing to a corner of the shop, where Chen Jianguo stood guard by the counter—there was no worry about trouble.

“Master Su, the authentic Lantingji Xu is a rare treasure passed down in the Xia Kingdom. Now that you have brought it back into the public eye, what are your plans?”

He Ruijing spoke respectfully, using the honorific ‘Master’ to express his reverence.

“Elder He, why don’t you share your suggestion? I’m willing to listen.”

Su Zheng replied with a smile.

“Very well. Then I shall boldly share my thoughts.”

He Ruijing’s expression grew serious and solemn. “If it were any other artifact, I wouldn’t make such a suggestion. Even relics once owned by emperors of past dynasties are yours to deal with as you please, Master Su.”

“But this is the authentic Lantingji Xu—the pinnacle of our Xia Kingdom’s calligraphy. This event has surely spread throughout Qingyang, and soon the entire kingdom will know. Such a top-tier treasure in your possession—have you considered the safety of yourself and your family? Have you thought about the security of this masterpiece?”

“If, and I emphasize if, this treasure were to ultimately fall into foreign hands, we would all be traitors!”

“Therefore, I humbly implore you, Master Su, to consider the greater good and hand this treasure over. Of course, I will use all my influence and resources to ensure you receive suitable compensation and reward.”

“Master Su, I have said all I wish. I speak for antique lovers everywhere, hoping you will seriously consider my words.”

He Ruijing’s gaze was earnest and sincere.

“Heh… I thought you wanted to discuss something else,” Su Zheng replied calmly, his eyes bright and clear. “Well, your thoughts align perfectly with mine!”

“Ah! Wonderful! Master Su, your noble character commands my admiration!”

He Ruijing beamed with joy and relief. In his view, as long as the Lantingji Xu did not fall abroad, that would be the best outcome.

“Rest assured, Master Su, I will immediately arrange for the museum to take custody of the matter and have them present a detailed reward plan. I will personally oversee this and ensure you receive the highest honor!”