bestfiction Chapter 47 Buying Paintings in the Capital
Chapter 47 Buying Paintings in the Capital
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the train windows, illuminating Zhao Yuan and Zhao Xiaoqing's faces. They woke to the announcement, "This train has arrived at its final destination, Beijing Station. Passengers, please gather your belongings and prepare to disembark."
Zhao Yuan stretched, turned to look at Zhao Xiaoqing, and said with a smile, "We've arrived. Brother Zhao, where are you staying?"
Zhao Xiaoqing slept very well last night. He stood up, stretched, and said with a smile, "I'm staying at the Blue Sky Inn next to the Temple of Heaven Park. It's close to the art exhibition. Where are you staying, Brother Zhao?"
“I don’t know where I live yet. If I have time, I will definitely come to find you, and we can go shopping for calligraphy and paintings together. I should be able to learn a lot from shopping for calligraphy and paintings with a professional like you.”
Zhao Yuan said with a smile.
"I'll leave your information at the front desk. When you arrive, just tell the front desk that I'll be staying here for a few days."
Zhao Xiaoqing said.
"Okay, I've arrived at the hotel. Once I find out the itinerary, I'll come find you to browse the calligraphy and paintings together. I'll need your advice, Brother Zhao."
After saying that, the two quickly packed their luggage, stood up, and followed the flow of people toward the train door. As they stepped out of the carriage and onto the platform of Beijing Station, a lively atmosphere greeted them.
Zhao Yuan took a deep breath, savoring the unique atmosphere of the capital. He gazed at the surrounding skyscrapers and bustling crowds, his heart filled with anticipation. Zhao Xiaoqing, on the other hand, excitedly looked around, brimming with curiosity about this unfamiliar city.
They walked side by side toward the station entrance.
At the exit of the station, a large crowd of people gathered, and a man in a smart Zhongshan suit stood out. He stood steadily among the people waiting to greet them, holding up a conspicuous sign that read "Welcome Zhao Yuan" in large characters.
The man held the sign high, as if afraid of being ignored. Zhao Yuan and Zhao Xiaoqing spotted the sign before they even got close.
"Brother Zhao, look, the person who's here to pick you up has arrived! Let's part ways here. I look forward to seeing you again someday. Be sure to keep in touch!" Zhao Xiaoqing smiled and waved gently at Zhao Yuan before turning around and walking alone towards the exit.
Zhao Yuan then walked quickly toward the middle-aged man holding the sign, and upon approaching him, politely introduced himself: "Hello, I am Zhao Yuan from Huzhou."
"Haha, welcome, welcome, Brother Zhao! You must be tired from your long journey! My name is Han Ping." The middle-aged man responded warmly and quickly extended his right hand to shake hands firmly with Zhao Yuan.
Zhao Yuan quickly reciprocated with politeness: "Not at all, Brother Han, you're too kind. I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting here for so long."
"Oh, it's no trouble at all, it's all what I should do! Come on, let's go to the hotel to rest first." Before he finished speaking, Han Ping led Zhao Yuan out of the station.
Before long, the two arrived at a Beijing 212 car parked on the side of the road.
Han Ping opened the car door, invited Zhao Yuan to get in, and then got into the driver's seat himself. He started the engine, and the car slowly drove out of the parking lot, merging into the busy and noisy street traffic, speeding towards the bustling area in the city center.
Zhao Yuan looked out the window. After all, this was the capital city, and compared to Guangzhou, it was far more prosperous. Gazing at the scenery outside the window, Zhao Yuan was filled with mixed emotions. The streets and alleys of the capital were brimming with life and energy, and the people were busy and fulfilled.
As the vehicle passed through Tiananmen Square, Zhao Yuan saw the majestic city gate and a surge of pride welled up in his heart.
As Han Ping drove, he chatted with Zhao Yuan, introducing him to the local customs and attractions of Beijing. Zhao Yuan listened with great interest, occasionally asking questions to liven up the atmosphere.
Before they knew it, the car had pulled up in front of a hotel. Han Ping parked the car and led Zhao Yuan into the hotel lobby.
After checking in, Zhao Yuan followed Han Ping to the room.
"Brother Zhao, you must be tired from your long journey today. The meeting starts tomorrow, so take a rest today. It will take a few days to get back into work mode after tomorrow, depending on how well the work progresses."
Han Ping escorted Zhao Yuan to his room, gave him some instructions, and then left.
Zhao Yuan looked around the room; it was spacious, bright, and fully equipped. After putting down his luggage and resting for a while, Zhao Yuan couldn't wait to go out and explore the city.
Zhao Yuan asked the receptionist downstairs for directions to the Temple of Heaven Park and then took the bus.
After several transfers, we finally arrived at the Temple of Heaven Park. As soon as Zhao Yuan got off the bus, he went straight to the Blue Sky Inn.
When Zhao Yuan arrived at the Blue Sky Inn, he was about to ask the front desk which room Zhao Xiaoqing was staying in when he heard a voice beside him:
"Brother Zhao, are you staying at this inn too?"
Zhao Yuan turned around and saw Zhao Xiaoqing walking towards him.
"No, I took the bus from the hotel. Come on, let's go for a walk."
After finishing their conversation, the two went to browse the calligraphy and painting market together. They walked and talked, and soon arrived at the market.
The market was bustling with people, and a dazzling array of calligraphy and painting works were on display.
Zhao Xiaoqing and Zhao Yuan strolled around and, upon seeing some calligraphy and paintings they liked, engaged in a lively discussion and critique.
"The brushwork in this painting is truly exquisite," Zhao Xiaoqing exclaimed.
"Yes, it's really good. However, I prefer this calligraphy; the characters are elegant and unrestrained, very charming," Zhao Yuan said, pointing to a piece of work in front of him.
The two exchanged their views on art.
"Brother Zhao, I only have one day to shop around. Accompany me to the Blue Whale Calligraphy and Painting Society. I want to find a suitable piece of calligraphy or painting. Could you help me consult with a certain advisor?" Zhao Yuan touched his underwear pocket, feeling very fortunate that his wife had brought all their savings with her.
“Okay, Brother Zhao is an expert. When you come to Beijing, you must visit the Blue Whale Calligraphy and Painting Society. Everything there is genuine.” Zhao Xiaoqing said with a smile.
The two then headed towards the Blue Whale Calligraphy and Painting Society.
The two entered the Blue Whale Calligraphy and Painting Studio, where the aroma of ink filled the air. The shop displayed a dazzling array of calligraphy and paintings. Zhao Yuan and Zhao Xiaoqing carefully admired each piece, occasionally exchanging their opinions.
Suddenly, Zhao Yuan's gaze was drawn to a landscape painting. The landscape in the painting was lifelike, conveying a sense of tranquility and serenity.
"This painting is really good," Zhao Yuan exclaimed.
Zhao Xiaoqing stepped forward, examined it carefully for a while, and nodded: "It is indeed a good painting. The style is simple and elegant, and it has great taste."
Upon closer inspection, Zhao Yuan realized it was Zhang Daqian's "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains".
Zhao Yuan was extremely excited; this painting had fetched a staggering HK$3.7 million at auction after the turn of the millennium. Suppressing his excitement, Zhao Yuan inquired about the price of the painting from the shop owner and learned it was 1000 yuan.
Upon hearing this number, Zhao Yuan felt his heart pounding uncontrollably in his chest, but he forced himself to remain calm.
Zhao Yuan patted his pockets; the total came to exactly 1000 yuan. At that moment, he silently thanked Lin Fangfang a hundred times. Getting this painting at this price wasn't just a bargain, it was an absolute steal!
"Brother Zhao, I'd like to buy this painting. What do you think?" Zhao Yuan tried to remain calm, but still turned to Zhao Xiaoqing for her opinion.
Zhao Xiaoqing said with a smile, "Brother Zhao has a discerning eye; this painting is worth collecting."
Zhao Yuan paid, carefully rolled up the painting, and smiled with satisfaction. Then, they strolled around the art gallery for a while, admiring some other works.
There are so many things he likes here.
"Thank you for helping me choose; it's been a very fruitful day," Zhao Yuan said to Zhao Xiaoqing.
“Don’t mention it, Brother Zhao. I’m very happy to be able to discuss calligraphy and painting with you,” Zhao Xiaoqing replied.
The two left the calligraphy and painting shop as dusk was falling. Having spent money on the paintings and calligraphy, Zhao Yuan had no choice but to tell Zhao Xiaoqing the truth. He treated her to a bowl of roasted meat and knife-cut noodles, exchanged contact information, and then returned to their respective hotels.