Chapter 107: Eagerly Lifting the Sedan Chair

“This is truly wonderful—more than I could have hoped for.” Wang Xiaoxian hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise. “The autumn auction in Kyoto usually takes place about half a month earlier than the one on Hong Kong Island. I was worried I wouldn’t have anything good to offer. Mr. Xiao, you are like timely rain; this really helps me out immensely.”

“The contents recorded in these rare editions are all very important. I can’t hoard them selfishly. By making the contents of these ancient books public and increasing their promotion appropriately, everyone can benefit. In a way, this is my small contribution to the domestic relic authentication work,” Xiao Yao said, emphasizing the importance of publicity.

Wang Xiaoxian was a clever man and immediately grasped Xiao Yao’s intention.

Xiao Yao had just presented four world-class artworks. Compared to those masterpieces, while the ancient books he was about to present were also precious, their prices couldn’t possibly match. So, what Xiao Yao valued wasn’t the auction price, but the promotion of the content recorded in these rare editions.

“Rest assured, after we return, I will immediately arrange for a specialist to organize and compile the ancient books you’ve consigned. I will cooperate with a publishing house to complete the publication of these works as soon as possible,” Wang Xiaoxian promised without hesitation.

Even if the publishing house hesitated, Wang Xiaoxian could consider financing the publication himself. If the print run were small, the cost would be negligible compared to their current earnings.

“Then I must trouble Chairman Wang. The content recorded in these ancient books is indeed precious. While ordinary people might not be interested, for professional authenticators and collectors, these are must-read volumes. Small batch printing at least won’t incur losses. Chairman Wang, please wait a moment; I will bring these books over now.”

Xiao Yao had already prepared the ancient books for consignment and quickly took out twenty-two volumes from the box, laying them out one by one on the table.

“These are all unique editions found both at home and abroad. Among them are five Tang dynasty editions, eight Song dynasty woodblock editions, and nine Ming dynasty editions. Chairman Wang, you can let the authenticators take a look first.”

“These ancient books are remarkably well-preserved; they show no signs of damage,” Wang Xiaoxian examined them himself before instructing the two authenticators behind him to begin their verification.

The authentication took quite some time—over half an hour—before a definitive conclusion was reached.

“As Mr. Xiao said, these twenty-two volumes are indeed unique editions from home and abroad: five Tang dynasty woodblock editions, five Song dynasty woodblock editions, three Song dynasty handwritten manuscripts, and nine Ming dynasty editions,” one authenticator added gratefully, “Moreover, the content recorded within them is extremely valuable, especially for people like us authenticators. I personally thank Mr. Xiao for his generosity.”

“No need for thanks; books belong to all of humanity, not just to me. Making these rare editions public as soon as possible should also be the wish of the ancient sages,” Xiao Yao said. Though he had other motives for consigning these books, this was his genuine belief.

“There are even Tang dynasty unique editions and Song dynasty handwritten manuscripts! The publication of these ancient books will surely cause quite a stir,” Wang Xiaoxian said. Though these twenty-two volumes were not as shocking as the earlier four masterpieces, they were exceptionally rare. “Well-preserved Tang and Song dynasty ancient books are truly scarce, especially unique editions from home and abroad. They are collectors’ treasures. With the books Mr. Xiao provided, we finally have the confidence to promote the domestic autumn auction.”

Unique editions from the Tang and Song dynasties have always been precious, especially when the content recorded inside is so important. Each of these rare volumes could fetch astronomical sums at auction—at least tens of millions each. Even if they appeared at the autumn auction, they would be heavyweight lots, enough to attract public attention and even cause a sensation.

After completing the handover, it was already one o’clock in the afternoon. Xiao Yao invited everyone to have a simple meal at his home.

Though called a simple meal, the dishes were not complicated, but each was exquisitely flavored. Everyone ate to their hearts’ content, their chopsticks moving nonstop.

The family’s chefs originally weren’t so skilled, but Xiao Yao was particular about food. Under his direct guidance, the two chefs at home quickly improved their skills, surpassing even those of five-star hotel chefs.

After lunch, Wang Xiaoxian was about to take his leave and head back to Kyoto with his team but was stopped by Lu Yahong.

“Chairman Wang, you should stay until tomorrow afternoon.”

“Is there something wrong? If you need my help with anything, I can stay an extra day. I can just make a call to rearrange. If it weren’t for Mr. Xiao’s offering of those four top-tier artifacts, I wouldn’t have bothered to come in person,” Wang Xiaoxian said, unaware of why Lu Yahong wanted him to stay.

Lu Yahong didn’t reply immediately but turned to Xiao Yao. “Mr. Xiao, you really aren’t considerate. Your ‘Flavor Quest’ restaurant is opening tomorrow, and you didn’t even tell us. If it weren’t for President Ding calling me, I would have missed it.”

“You knew about such a minor thing?” Xiao Yao was surprised at how well-informed Lu Yahong was. “It’s just a small restaurant opening. I didn’t pay it much attention, so I didn’t think to inform everyone.”

“‘Flavor Quest’ isn’t small at all. President Ding told me it occupies an entire floor, more than 3,000 square meters. Opening such a large restaurant is no minor event. Mr. Xiao, you’re too low-key. We usually can’t find a chance to enjoy a meal with you, so now that your restaurant is opening, we’ve all agreed to be there tomorrow.”

Though it was clearly an eager attempt to curry favor, Lu Yahong’s words conveyed a genuine warmth—neither off-putting nor servile.

Without needing more persuasion, Wang Xiaoxian understood Lu Yahong’s intention in asking him to stay. “Then I definitely can’t leave today. Having just enjoyed Mr. Xiao’s home-cooked meal, which was so delicious it nearly stole my tongue, and now with the restaurant opening tomorrow, I must stay to try it. Such a feast is not to be missed.”

With Lu Yahong and Wang Xiaoxian so eager to strengthen ties, Xiao Yao naturally couldn’t refuse. “Very well, then let’s take this restaurant opening as an opportunity for everyone to gather. I’ll call President Ding and the others later to see if they’re available tomorrow.”