Qin Xiao's voice was not loud, but it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly silencing the noisy hall.
All eyes, including those of Old Madam Liu, who was carefully examining the luxurious screen in the main seat, turned to him.
Ye Chen's smug expression froze slightly, then turned into deeper contempt and disdain.
A piece of calligraphy?
How can it compare to his national treasure-level screen? It's a joke!
Old Madam Liu didn't show any particular expression; she simply raised her hand slightly.
"Oh? There's another piece of calligraphy?"
She looked at the butler beside her.
"Bring it here and open it to take a look."
The steward quickly responded and respectfully took the simple and elegant long brocade box from Qin Xiao's attendant, carefully placing it on the table in the center of the high platform.
Amidst the curiosity and inquiry of the crowd, and Ye Chen's undisguised mocking gaze, the butler slowly opened the brocade box.
A beautifully framed scroll was revealed.
The butler skillfully unfurled the scroll.
The next moment, the entire hall seemed to be muted.
The gasps and whispers that had arisen because of the screen vanished without a trace.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the slowly unfolding scroll.
That was a painting of "One Hundred Longevity Characters"!
On the snow-white Xuan paper, one hundred different "longevity" characters were written densely!
Every single character is written with vigorous strokes and full of spirit!
What's even more astonishing is that these hundred longevity characters encompass various schools of calligraphy!
The flowing and unrestrained style of running script.
The cursive script is as graceful as dragons and phoenixes dancing.
The powerful and majestic style of Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy.
The European style is rugged and upright.
The elegance and beauty of Song typeface...
Each "longevity" character looks as if it were written by the master of the corresponding school, and the imitation is so lifelike that it is almost indistinguishable from the real thing!
"My God! This...this is..."
Those in the know couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
"This running script! This cursive script! And this Yan style, Ou style... How could all of this have been written by one person?!"
"It's so similar! It's practically identical to the original!"
However, this is not the most shocking part.
At the end of the scroll, there are several "longevity" characters, whose style is completely different from all the previous characters!
That's a completely new font!
It possesses the robust and resolute style of Wei stele calligraphy, with its forceful strokes penetrating the paper.
It also carries the harmonious and grand style of the calligraphy of the great masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, with free and unrestrained strokes and vivid charm!
It combines strength and gentleness, forming its own unique style!
These words instantly elevated the artistic value of the entire "Hundred Longevity Painting" to an unbelievable level!
The old lady Liu, who had been sitting upright, leaned forward slightly at some point, and for the first time, her well-maintained face revealed an undisguised excitement and shock!
She loved calligraphy and painting most of all her life, especially calligraphy!
The "Hundred Longevity Painting" in front of her, whether it was the technique of imitating the strengths of various schools in the front or the groundbreaking innovation that set it apart from others, made this gourmand's heart flutter and she loved it to the core!
"Excellent! Excellent calligraphy! What a wonderful painting of longevity characters!"
Grandma Liu couldn't help but praise him repeatedly, her gaze towards Qin Xiao filled with admiration and surprise.
"Young Master Qin, this... this really was written by you?"
She could hardly believe that such masterful, even groundbreaking, calligraphy skills could come from the hand of such a young man!
The surrounding guests were already in an uproar, rushing forward to marvel at the "Hundred Longevity Characters" painting.
"My goodness! This newly created font is absolutely amazing! What's it called?"
"It has both integrity and elegance! Remarkable! Truly remarkable!"
"This level of skill is far superior to those so-called calligraphy masters of our time!"
"Young Master Qin! Young Master Qin! Are you selling your calligraphy? I'll offer 50,000! No! 100,000 per foot! Please write one for me too!"
"Me too! Young Master Qin, please give me a chance!"
The crowd, who had been eagerly eyeing Ye Chen's screen just moments before, now seemed to have completely forgotten about the treasure. They excitedly surrounded Qin Xiao, and the scene instantly transformed from a gift-giving event into a large-scale calligraphy request event.
Ye Chen stood to the side, his face ashen and extremely ugly.
The screen he was so proud of, which he had spent a fortune preparing, was actually outshone by Qin Xiao's shabby calligraphy that came from who-knows-where.
How is that possible!
He stared intently at the calligraphy, then glanced at Qin Xiao, who was being fawned over by everyone. The jealousy and murderous intent in his eyes were almost tangible.
Faced with the crowd's enthusiasm, Qin Xiao simply raised his hand slightly, signaling everyone to be quiet.
His face still wore that gentle and humble smile.
"You flatter me."
"I am not a professional calligrapher. I just like to write and draw in my spare time for my own enjoyment."
His gaze turned to Old Madam Liu, filled with genuine respect.
"I heard that the old lady has a fondness for calligraphy and painting, so I dared to offer my humble work in the hope of making her smile."
"As for selling calligraphy..."
Qin Xiao gently shook his head, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable principle.
"For me, calligraphy is an expression of my feelings, not a tool for making money. Money cannot buy sincerity, and I only give this calligraphy to people I respect."
He paused, then his voice carried clearly throughout the room.
"Filial piety is not about who gives the most expensive gift, but about who can make the elders happy. It is the greatest honor for a junior to please the matriarch."
These words were spoken with neither arrogance nor servility, and with resounding force. They not only revealed integrity, but also flattered the old lady, and subtly criticized a certain "chosen one" who only knew how to use money to bribe others.
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