So although Huang Xianzheng liked this art, he rarely had the opportunity to communicate with his friends, and he gradually lost interest. Now that he saw that Ning Zhiheng also liked this art, he was overjoyed and immediately became very talkative.
He pointed to the porcelain vase on the desk and said with a smile, "In that case, I'll test you. Can you tell me a thing or two about this porcelain vase?"
"Then I'll just have to show off my limited skills before an expert, and I hope you'll correct me!" Ning Zhiheng said modestly. He reached out with both hands and carefully took the porcelain bottle, examining the mouth and bottom of the bottle, as well as its shape and glaze.
He couldn't help but nod in admiration, saying, "This is a fine Yuhuchun vase from the Jingdezhen official kiln during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty! The body is light and delicate, the decoration is exquisite, the glaze is smooth and fine, the white glaze is even and clean, the joints of the three-dimensional shape are neatly finished, and the workmanship is extremely exquisite. Your collection is indeed a masterpiece. This is a fine piece!"
After listening to Ning Zhiheng's assessment, Huang Xianzheng slapped his hand on the desk and said with a beaming smile, "Excellent eye! You're absolutely right! Zhiheng, this is definitely not something you can achieve overnight. Zhiheng, you're only in your early twenties, yet you're not only skilled and quick-witted, but this kind of discernment can't be achieved without years of solid study. It's clear that you've been hardworking and diligent since you were young!"
Ning Zhiheng quickly replied politely, "I dare not accept your praise, Director. My Ning family has a long history of officialdom and scholarship, so we naturally have more exposure to these things than ordinary people, and over time we have gained some understanding. But if we were to delve deeper into these matters, we would be far from being as knowledgeable as you, Director!"
Huang Xianzheng nodded and said, "This is also due to your family's academic background. People have different talents and family backgrounds, which others can't envy."
He pointed to the jade vase in Ning Zhiheng's hand and said helplessly, "It's a pity, though. The world is tough these days. The market for antiques and jade is not good either. Look at this vase of mine. I bought it for eight hundred silver dollars three years ago, but now it's only worth seven hundred legal tender. It has dropped by more than half. If this trend continues, I'm afraid it won't even sell for a pittance in the future."
Sometimes I think it's such a pity, these are the treasures left by our ancestors. They contain humanistic sentiments and historical depth, yet they are increasingly decaying. Such is the state of the nation, such is the way of the world—what can we do?
When Ning Zhiheng saw Huang Xianzheng suddenly express his feelings, he didn't know how to respond for a moment. After thinking for a while, he said, "To be honest, these cultural relics and antiques are inanimate objects after all. In today's turbulent country, so many people are struggling to make a living. Survival is already difficult enough, so how can they care about these things? I'm sorry, I misspoke!"
Ning Zhiheng realized something was amiss when he said this, as it was indeed inappropriate to discuss the current situation in front of his superior!
Huang Xianzheng waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "The affairs of the state are like this, there's no need to hide them!"
He changed the subject abruptly, saying, "The situation is turbulent, and we can't just sit idly by! Zhiheng, I heard that your teacher went to Chongqing last year and joined forces with Shen Haocheng to acquire some properties. I heard that the scale of the deal was quite large!"
Ning Zhiheng was taken aback upon hearing this. He hadn't expected Huang Xianzheng to know about this matter as well. But then he realized what it meant. What kind of department was the Military Intelligence Investigation Bureau? Its tentacles reached all over the country. Given Huang Xianzheng's current status and influence, if he wanted to know, many things would be difficult to keep from him.
He gently placed the jade pot vase on the desk and carefully replied, "The Director is aware of this matter as well! The teacher is simply taking precautions and making some preparations for the future."
Seeing Ning Zhiheng's cautious demeanor, Huang Xianzheng chuckled and said, "What's so secret about this! Land prices in Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing, and other places have been rising rapidly, multiplying several times over. Those with inside information have already started making moves. We're on the same side, so there's no need to be secretive. Actually, I've made some preparations myself."
I just didn't expect that your teacher, who is usually so rigid and stubborn, would be so efficient and decisive in this matter! They started making arrangements last year. By the time I got around to it, land prices in Chongqing had already increased several times over.
Sometimes I think to myself, I always thought I was one of the quickest learners among my classmates, but now I realize that Crazy He is truly wise beyond his years. I can't even begin to see his insight!
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