The owner of the Nanxing Calligraphy and Painting shop was named Yuan Jin. We became acquainted when I mentioned the provenance of the "Peony and Double Chickens" painting.
This painting was not by Ren Bonian, but was created by his granddaughter.
Speaking of Ren Bonian's granddaughter, few people know that this woman was actually a heroine.
Influenced by her grandfather, she possessed exceptional artistic talent from a young age. It was a pity that she did not become a painter, but instead sacrificed her life.
Ren Bonian's granddaughter was named Ren Daidai. In '42, she disguised herself as a dancer to gather intelligence on the Japanese invaders. Once, she received orders from her superiors to assassinate a Japanese officer. However, something went wrong somewhere, and the operation plan was leaked. She was ambushed and killed by the Japanese at the Yangzi Hotel.
At the time, no one knew about this incident, believing she was merely a dancer who had died. It was later that the renowned calligrapher and painter Chen Dingshan, who was privy to the events, made the matter public, and Ren Daidai's name appeared in the public eye.
My father told me this story when I was a child. Deeply impressed by this heroine, I pestered him to tell me about Ren Daidai's painting style. Thus, when I saw the "Peony and Double Chickens" painting, I recognized its creator at a glance.
After listening to my account, the calligraphy and painting shop owner, Yuan Jin, couldn't help but praise, "I didn't expect Brother Xiang's understanding of calligraphy and painting to be so profound. I am truly ashamed."
I chuckled, "I only know how to appreciate it. If you asked me to paint, I'd likely be worse than a child."
Yuan Jin replied, "Appreciation is also a skill. Brother Xiang, at such a young age, has already reached the pinnacle of calligraphy and painting appraisal. I am truly impressed."
After some pleasantries, seeing that my objective had been met, I said, "Boss Yuan, if you truly intend to sell this painting, adding the story I just told you would undoubtedly fetch a price of eight to ten thousand."
Yuan Jin smiled, "Although this price is much higher than my expectations, I have no desire to sell it now."
"Oh?" I asked, somewhat puzzled.
"The遗作 (yì zuò - legacy work) left by such a heroine, I must cherish it well."
As Yuan Jin spoke, he clasped his hands and said, "Brother Xiang, you could have bought this painting for a mere one hundred and fifty yuan... Not only did you not buy it, but you also told me its provenance. May I ask for your guidance?"
Indeed, those who work in the antique trade are generally shrewd.
Seeing him say that, I couldn't keep my intentions hidden any longer. I replied, "To be frank, I wish to inquire about someone from Boss Yuan."
"Who?"
"Fu Honglang."
When I spoke his name, Yuan Jin's eyebrows rose. "Why are you asking about him?"
"It seems Boss Yuan knows him quite well?" I picked up my teacup, took a sip, and said slowly.
"To tell you the truth, Brother Xiang, I've known Fu Honglang for seven or eight years. I was even the witness at his wedding."
Hearing this, I was slightly taken aback. I hadn't expected to find a shortcut through sheer luck.
Originally, I had planned to find someone to inquire about Fu Honglang. At the very least, I needed to know what kind of person he was before deciding whether to pay the ransom.
However, I knew that if I asked about him out of the blue, even those who knew him wouldn't reveal specific details.
That's why I devised this plan: trading information for a piece of gossip.
Little did I know that my luck would be so good as to find someone familiar with Fu Honglang.
Yuan Jin sighed, "Old Fu has always made a living by dealing in illicit goods on Nanxing Road. Six months ago, a large item passed through his hands. Because of that item, his wife argued with him for months..."
"Why did they argue?" I asked.
"I'm not sure about that... I only heard that a month ago, his wife wanted a divorce and left home. After that, he became utterly dejected. Recently, under the guise of dealing in illicit goods, he swindled a lot of money from others and gambled it all away."
Yuan Jin shook his head helplessly as he spoke.
After listening, I had a clearer understanding. It seemed Fu Honglang was quite devoted.
I had been hesitant earlier. If Fu Honglang turned out to be a gambler, I would have to reconsider carefully. But now, it seemed that wasn't the case, and my worried heart felt somewhat at ease.
"Do you know where he is now?" I asked.
Yuan Jin gave a wry smile, "I haven't seen him for over half a month. He used to visit me every few days, but I don't know what's happened recently, he hasn't appeared..."
He paused, "It seems he owes too much money and is under a lot of pressure, looking for money from somewhere."
"You don't know?" I was a bit confused.
"Know what?" Yuan Jin looked at me, bewildered.
"Fu Honglang has been detained by the owner of Tianditonggu." I said.
"There's such a thing?"
I nodded and recounted the entire incident. Yuan Jin looked at me, both surprised and confused, "Brother Xiang, are you really planning to pay one million to redeem him?"
"I was entrusted by someone to find Fu Honglang, and I didn't expect to encounter this situation. Now, the only way to see him is to redeem him first. As for what happens afterward, I'll have him write an IOU, and he can repay me slowly." I said.
Yuan Jin looked at me with gratitude, "Brother Xiang, you are truly righteous. I thank you on behalf of Old Fu."
I felt a sense of helplessness. If it weren't for seeing Sister Ying, I truly wouldn't want to part with this million.
However, I thought it didn't matter. When Sister Ying left, she had left me so much money. It was only fitting to use this money to help Sister Ying with her affairs.
But now, I had to find a way to borrow a million. I would repay this sum after returning to Guangling, withdrawing it from the safe.
The only two people who could lend me such a large sum of money were Wu Tingxiu and Bi Zhengxiang.
Between the two of them, I chose Wu Tingxiu without hesitation.
After all, I was more familiar with her, and it also provided an opportunity to "hide" myself.
She still didn't know my true purpose in seeking the Suihou Pearl. She currently believed I was simply helping her for money. If that was the case, I should indeed demand a hefty price to prevent her from speculating about my true intentions, thereby better concealing them.
In the afternoon, I returned to the hotel and called Wu Tingxiu. I told her I had run into some trouble in Shangdu.
Upon hearing this, she asked me what kind of trouble I was in.
"I'll tell you about this matter when we get back to Guangling. Is it convenient for you to lend me some money now?" I asked.
On the other end of the line, Wu Tingxiu didn't hesitate. "How much do you need?"
"One million."
"One million? Why so much?"
"I'll tell you when I get back. If it's convenient for you, please transfer it to me first..."
"Alright, I'll transfer it to you shortly." Wu Tingxiu replied readily.
"Thank you very much then."
"Is there anything else you need my help with?" Wu Tingxiu asked.
I felt a touch of warmth, "No, this million is enough to solve my current predicament."