Chapter 85: Rushing to Get Beaten

Wu Chenghao was immensely pleased with himself. As long as Chen Muxue’s parents stood on his side, he need not fear Su Zheng, that useless fool, causing any trouble. Then, by slowly gaining Chen Muxue’s approval, this beautiful matter would be settled. As for Su Zheng—hmph! Trash like him was beneath notice.

Barely half an hour had passed when Lv Hongmei brought the last of her dishes to the table. At that moment, Zhang Pingbang, the Marketing Director of Chen Jianguo’s company, hurried in, his arrival loud and urgent. Without bothering with pleasantries, he rushed straight to Chen Jianguo and demanded, “Old Chen, where’s Mr. Zheng’s calligraphy?!”

“It’s right over there, Director Zhang. Please!” Chen Jianguo replied with a broad smile, leading Zhang Pingbang to the writing desk and swiftly handing him a magnifying glass.

Zhang Pingbang’s expression grew serious as he took the magnifying glass and studied the piece for a while. Suddenly, his eyes brightened, and he exclaimed with delight, “Indeed, the Six-and-a-Half Script! This is truly Mr. Zheng’s Six-and-a-Half Script!”

The term he used—Six-and-a-Half Script—was a technical one, referring to the Banqiao style Chen Jianguo had just mentioned. Zheng Banqiao blended the techniques and forms of clerical script with running and regular script, creating a style that lay between the two, but with more clerical than regular features. Since clerical script was also known as “Eight-Part Script,” Zheng Banqiao jokingly named his invention “Six-and-a-Half Script,” neither fully clerical nor regular.

Chen Jianguo and Wu Chenghao exchanged pleased glances, their faces aglow with pride.

“This appears to be a Hundred-Character Poem from Mr. Zheng’s later years,” Zhang Pingbang announced, his voice trembling with excitement. “Though the brushwork is somewhat lacking in vigor, the intention is clear, with a balanced interplay of density and space—it still carries the spirit of Zheng’s calligraphy. To have preserved it so completely is a rare feat!”

His words were charged with emotion, as if he had just discovered a precious treasure. Genuine works by Zheng Banqiao had become increasingly scarce on the market, making it almost unbelievable that Chen Jianguo had managed to obtain one. “Old Chen, are you really going to give me this piece?”

“Of course,” Chen Jianguo replied, still smiling graciously. “I know Director Zhang has always admired Zheng Banqiao most, so only in your hands will this treasure shine as it deserves.”

He continued, “By the way, Director Zhang, about my company rehire—I'll still need to trouble you for some help when the time comes…”

“Don’t worry, Old Chen. You’re so generous—do you think I’d be ungrateful? Leave it to me!” Zhang Pingbang patted his chest, his face radiant.

He had already guessed before coming that Old Fox Chen Jianguo wouldn’t simply gift him such a rare piece without reason—it was surely for the sake of the rehire.

But he was happy to make this deal with Chen Jianguo, as it was highly advantageous for him.

“Thank you, Director Zhang, thank you!” Chen Jianguo couldn’t contain his joy, quickly adding, “Let me help you roll up and pack the calligraphy!”

He moved to roll up the piece.

“Wait!” Zhang Pingbang suddenly called out, his brows furrowed. He brought his hand, which had inadvertently touched the ink, to his nose and sniffed it. His expression changed dramatically.

He glared fiercely at Chen Jianguo, his anger evident. “Well, Old Chen, trying to fool me with a forgery—fortunately, I know a thing or two about ink, or you might have tricked me!”

Both Chen Jianguo and Wu Chenghao were stunned, baffled. Moments ago it was declared genuine, so how could it suddenly become fake?

“Director Zhang, how could I ever dare deceive you?” Chen Jianguo pleaded anxiously. “This really is Mr. Zheng’s authentic work—is there something wrong with the ink? Has it grown damp over time?”

“That’s right, Director Zhang, this calligraphy was collected by my grandfather, Wu Chunjie—it can’t possibly be fake!” Wu Chenghao hastened to support him.

“So, you’ve teamed up to cheat me, have you?” Zhang Pingbang sneered, then glanced at Wu Chenghao with disdain. “I don’t care whose grandson you are—even if Wu Chunjie were here, this piece would still be a forgery. The ink used is San Shi ink, unique to the Republic era. Are you saying Zheng Banqiao traveled through time to write this during the Republic?”

At the mention of “Republic,” both Chen Jianguo and Wu Chenghao’s faces turned pale, a trace of dread flickering in their hearts. Su Zheng’s prediction had come true!

“That’s enough, Old Chen. Forget about the rehire—you’re too old to even distinguish real from fake, so there’s no need for you at the company. You’d better stay home and keep out of trouble!” Zhang Pingbang, furious beyond measure, spat out his words and strode toward the door.

Chen Jianguo broke out in a cold sweat, realizing Zhang Pingbang was cutting him off completely. He stumbled, nearly falling, then desperately grabbed at Zhang Pingbang’s sleeve, his face frantic and helpless. “Director Zhang, I swear I’m innocent! I truly didn’t know it was a forgery—I never meant to deceive you!”

Though he protested, regret twisted inside him—he cursed himself for not heeding Su Zheng’s warning earlier. Now, just as Su Zheng had said, not only was the rehire hopeless, but he’d thoroughly offended Zhang Pingbang.

“Dad! What’s happened? If there’s an issue, please sit down and talk it out!” Chen Muxue, hearing the commotion outside, came forward to help her father, but Chen Jianguo pushed her aside.

Chen Jianguo clung tightly to Zhang Pingbang’s clothes, apologizing tearfully, unwilling to let the opportunity slip away.

“Let go!” Zhang Pingbang tried to shake him off, but Chen Jianguo held fast.

“Director Zhang, it’s all a misunderstanding, I beg you—please give me another chance!” Chen Jianguo’s eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse, his posture humble to the point of abasement.

“Let go, now! Did you hear me?” Zhang Pingbang grew more furious, his voice harsh. “If you don’t let go, I’ll hit you!”

Seeing Chen Jianguo still refusing to release him, Zhang Pingbang’s expression twisted with rage. He raised his hand, aiming a hard slap at Chen Jianguo’s face.

“Ah!” Lv Hongmei, running out from the kitchen, shrieked in alarm, while Chen Muxue trembled in fright.

The slap was about to land when a strong hand suddenly intercepted, catching Zhang Pingbang’s wrist mid-air.

His forceful hand was halted, and he looked up to see a young man gazing at him calmly, bright-eyed and serene.

It was Su Zheng.

“Dad, are you alright?” Chen Muxue breathed a long sigh of relief, quickly pulling her father aside. Gratitude softened her face as she looked at Su Zheng.

Wu Chenghao, noticing the unusual light in Chen Muxue’s eyes, glared resentfully at Su Zheng. He was annoyed that he hadn’t acted sooner and allowed that hopeless fool to steal the spotlight.