I Transmigrated Into a Villain and All the Heroines in This Novel Have Systems?

Chapter 10:

In the end, Lin Chuan selected all three antiques.

After some bargaining, he purchased the other two items—a porcelain bowl and a jade pendant—for forty thousand and thirty thousand respectively.

Altogether, he spent ninety thousand on the three antiques.

That was twenty thousand less than what the novel’s protagonist, Qin Chao, had spent.

After settling the payment, Lin Chuan checked his bank account—he had less than ten thousand left.

But his mood was fantastic as he carried the antiques back to the antique market.

Qi Xuan had already finished his selection and was sitting leisurely on a peachwood chair, casually chatting with Fang Shijing.

“Oh, you’re done picking?”

Seeing Lin Chuan return, Qi Xuan couldn’t hide the smile at the corner of his lips.

He had already noticed where Lin Chuan had made his purchases—from Donkey Zhang.

Donkey Zhang was notorious in the antique market for being a swindler.

Even he, when he was new to the trade, had almost been scammed there.

And this guy actually went to Donkey Zhang for antiques?

That was hilarious.

At this moment, Qi Xuan suddenly felt like this competition was going to be too easy.

What’s the point of winning against such a weak opponent?

“Sigh… this is going to be too easy.”

“There’s still time,” Fang Shijing said, taking on his role as the referee. “Are either of you considering swapping your selections?”

“No need,” Qi Xuan shook his head first, then turned to Lin Chuan with a smirk. “I advise you to reconsider, or you’ll lose miserably.”

Lin Chuan placed the three antiques on the table. “No need. These three will do.”

Qi Xuan curled his lips in disdain. He couldn’t even be bothered to persuade him anymore.

“Alright, then let’s have Elder Fang evaluate and announce the results.”

The number of spectators had grown, and they completely surrounded the area, eager not to miss the show.

Fang Shijing first picked up the painting Qi Xuan had chosen and carefully unrolled it.

The painting depicted a majestic eagle perched atop a mountain rock, looking strong and fierce.

The details in the eagle’s expression were extraordinarily lifelike, making it a rare masterpiece.

Fang Shijing examined it under a magnifying glass for a while before announcing his verdict.

“This is ‘Majestic Eagle,’ a painting by Master Zhu Zuguo. I have identified it as authentic.

“Young Master Lin, if you do not trust my judgment, you are welcome to verify it yourself.”

This last part was directed at Lin Chuan.

But Lin Chuan simply waved his hand.

“If I appoint someone to judge, I will trust their judgment. I have no doubts about your expertise, Elder Fang.”

Fang Shijing smiled in appreciation.

It was always a pleasure to be trusted.

Yet, at the same time, he sighed inwardly.

This Young Master Lin seemed like a decent person, so why did he insist on challenging Qi Xuan of all people?

“Elder Fang, how much is this painting worth?”

“Yes, give us an estimate!”

“Qi Xuan bought it for two hundred thousand—as long as it’s worth more than that, it’s a profit!”

“Of course, it’ll be worth more than that! Qi Xuan’s eye for antiques is top-notch!”

Hearing the audience’s excitement, Fang Shijing didn’t keep them in suspense.

“This painting, ‘Majestic Eagle,’ is estimated at five hundred thousand. Do either of you have any objections?”

Qi Xuan had expected this result. A slight smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“No objections.”

He then glanced at Lin Chuan, eager to see shock or panic on his face.

But he was disappointed.

Lin Chuan’s expression remained calm and unbothered.

“I have no objections either.”

“Alright. Qi Xuan’s first-round result: Cost: 200,000. Estimated value: 500,000!”

“Whoa!”

The crowd exploded in excitement.

“Wow, that’s two and a half times the original cost!”

“Yeah! A single painting made a 300,000 profit! This is insane!”

“I knew Qi Xuan wouldn’t disappoint. When he makes a move, he always shocks the world!”

“This is the true skill of a master. Respect!”

Everyone was full of admiration for Qi Xuan’s expertise.

Qi Xuan couldn’t help but smile smugly.

He loved it when people praised him.

The more exaggerated the praise, the more he enjoyed it.

“Now, let’s evaluate Young Master Lin’s painting.”

Despite expecting Lin Chuan to lose, Fang Shijing still needed to go through the process.

Lin Chuan, however, remained calm, as if this had nothing to do with him.

In contrast, Ning Wenrou was extremely tense, her small hands sweaty with nerves.

Lin Chuan lightly tapped her nose and chuckled.

“It’s just a competition. Relax.”

Ning Wenrou forced a small smile but couldn’t calm down at all.

At this moment, Fang Shijing finally unrolled Lin Chuan’s painting.

He knew that Donkey Zhang’s stall was full of counterfeits, and real antiques were rare.

Since Lin Chuan had bought his painting from Donkey Zhang, this had to be a loss.

So, he only glanced at it briefly before preparing to roll it up.

But then—

His gaze suddenly froze.

“Hmm?”

Fang Shijing let out a soft gasp.

He hurriedly laid the painting flat on the table and grabbed his magnifying glass for a closer look.

Qi Xuan had assumed he had already won and was just waiting for the final announcement.

But seeing Fang Shijing’s reaction, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Could there be a twist?

Fang Shijing carefully examined the painting for a long time, then gave Lin Chuan a strange look.

As if afraid he had made a mistake, he double-checked before finally lowering the magnifying glass.

“Incredible… simply incredible…”

Qi Xuan felt a surge of unease and hurriedly stepped forward.

“Elder Fang, what is going on?”

Fang Shijing furrowed his brows.

“If… if my judgment is correct, this is ‘Red Lotus Reflecting the Sun,’ a painting by Li Kuchan.

“From what I can tell… this is undoubtedly an authentic piece.”

“What?! That’s… impossible!”

Qi Xuan’s expression changed dramatically.

Ignoring all etiquette, he shoved Fang Shijing aside and hurriedly examined the painting himself.

At first, he thought Elder Fang had made a mistake.

But as he inspected it himself, his heart pounded with fear.

The brushwork, artistic intent, seal, and signature…

There were no flaws.

This was indeed a painting by Li Kuchan.

Although it wasn’t one of Li Kuchan’s top masterpieces, it still carried immense value.

Famous paintings had one major advantage—

Even an average piece by a grandmaster was still more valuable than a masterpiece from an unknown artist.

Qi Xuan’s voice trembled as he asked,

“Elder Fang… w-what’s your estimated value for this painting?”

He had already guessed the answer, but he refused to believe it.

Fang Shijing took one last look at the painting before finally speaking.

“My estimated value for this painting is…

One million.”

“BOOM!”

The crowd, which had been waiting for the answer, erupted in an uproar.