004, the old shop has stood for a century, facing the street on one side
The host announced: "Now, let us welcome Mr. Li, the eighth treasure holder, to the stage! ... Mr. Li has brought a complete Tang Dynasty ancient painting today, measuring 32.8 centimeters in height and 129.7 centimeters in length, in a hanging scroll format. It depicts the scenery and figures of the Shantang River shortly after its construction during the Tang Dynasty's Baoli period. If authenticated as genuine, its value would be immeasurable and would become the greatest achievement of our 'Treasure Hunt - Journey into Suzhou' event! Is this painting truly a genuine artifact from the Tang Dynasty? Let us wait and see."
Upon entering, Cheng Tianle cheerfully waved his hand and said: "As agreed, I will treat you all. No one should rush to pay the bill, please don't be polite, order whatever you like!"
Liu Shujun truly possesses great patience, refinement, and quality! She showed no signs of impatience or disgust at all. Instead, she took out a tissue from her small handbag, gently turned her face to wipe Cheng Tianle's chin and forehead, and softly said, "Look at you, you've sweated so much! After sitting down for a while, make sure to rest well after dinner."
However, the climax of this episode is not the appearance of any precious artifacts, but rather a stunning "ancient painting" that leaves one speechless
However, he still tried to remain calm, ensuring that his voice did not tremble, and truthfully introduced the origin of the painting in his hand, which he had purchased a few years ago for eight thousand yuan at a second-hand book stall. At that time, he did not believe it to be an authentic Tang dynasty piece, as the scroll and mounting showed signs of being too new, and the painting itself was almost completely intact with no damage. However, there were inscriptions from a collector of the late Qing dynasty on the painting, and even if it were a later imitation, it would still hold significant value, which is why he decided to buy it
In modern times, many people's impressions of "century-old brands" primarily come from media advertisements, such as certain pharmacies, restaurants, and pastry shops. This is especially true for restaurants, which are often located in bustling commercial areas with heavy foot traffic, displaying antique-style large signboards, such as the De Yue Lou on Guanqian Street in Suzhou
The program that Cheng Tianle sees appears to be a live broadcast, but in fact, it was recorded a week earlier, and all the footage is the result of editing. The situation at the program's live venue at that time was quite different.
This "holder of treasures" is named Li Wan, thirty-six years old, with a fair and plump appearance that is quite amiable. He runs a system integration company called "Anjietong" in Suzhou, primarily engaged in network communication and security monitoring, and his business is doing quite well. The painting in his possession was acquired by chance; he purchased it for eight thousand yuan at an old book stall. It bears several inscriptions and seals from various dynasties, indicating that it has been collected by different individuals throughout history, though none of them are renowned figures. According to an informed friend of his, the painting is an authentic work from the Tang Dynasty, depicting the scenery when Bai Juyi had just begun to excavate the Shantang River.
It is a noodle shop located in an old residential area, with most customers being locals from the vicinity, rather than patrons of a restaurant or hotel. Upon entering, Cheng Tianle was momentarily taken aback; he had expected a large restaurant where he could order several dishes and a few bottles of wine, but instead found it resembling a breakfast stall in the alleys of Shanghai
In order to compete with local satellite television variety entertainment programs, the relevant program teams of China Central Television have also ventured out of Beijing, planning one themed treasure-hunting and appreciation program after another across various locations, creating wave after wave of excitement. This is quite similar to the "Heart to Heart" concert, where each episode collaborates with a specific location, and this particular episode was set in Suzhou
The ancient city of Suzhou, with a history of over 2,000 years, boasts exquisite artworks, even in the form of wooden carvings removed from the beams of old residences. The local "treasure keepers" of Suzhou have naturally amassed a significant collection of precious cultural relics. As for the value of these antiquities in today's collecting market, many people arrive at the appraisal site with anticipation, seeking the insights of authoritative experts from within the country.
Despite his excitement, Li Wan spoke clearly and logically, accurately introducing the origins of the ancient painting and explaining why it was purchased at such a low price. The seller also believed it was not an authentic piece, but he had a knowledgeable friend who confidently asserted that the painting was from the Tang Dynasty. Li Wan remained cautious and did not publicly reveal his name or true identity—after all, if the painting turned out to be genuine, he would be in possession of a treasure, and one must not reveal their wealth openly
Why is he laughing so happily? Because just before entering, he said he would treat everyone and was already prepared to spend a bit, feeling that if he didn't show some appreciation, it would be unfair to the beautiful woman who was linking arms with him while shopping and to Yu Fei, who was carrying a backpack all the way! But as soon as he walked in, he found it was such an inexpensive noodle shop. It turns out Yu Fei and Liu Shujun brought him here for a meal. Where can one find such understanding people?
In this exchange of questions and answers, Cheng Tianle felt as if he had already recovered. The discomfort he had just experienced had vanished. It seems that this light beauty's gentle touch truly has a magical effect; just wiping away the sweat can alleviate fatigue. Cheng Tianle smiled and said, "Thank you, after you wiped my sweat, I feel so much better, really! ... Oh, isn't that Rongyang Tower you mentioned ahead? Let's go eat, it's my treat!"
As the music played, the eighth bearer of the treasure stepped onto the stage, holding a scroll. According to the program requirements, before handing the "treasure" over to the experts for appraisal, the bearer was first to introduce the provenance of the collection. As for the truthfulness of his words, only he himself would know.
As he walked back, Cheng Tianle's ribs ached faintly, and he felt dizzy and somewhat nauseous. The weather was hot, and after walking such a long distance, he might have been slightly suffering from heatstroke. As he continued walking, sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his legs felt a bit weak. Initially, he had been holding onto Liu Shujun, but now he had his arm around her shoulder, supporting the young lady as they walked.
Yu Fei's appearance while eating noodles does not resemble that of a senior executive in a large multinational corporation at all. Perhaps their corporate culture is indeed very simple, but Cheng Tianle does not take it to heart at all. After eating a bowl of braised noodles and half a steamer of soup dumplings, he felt already full, and his attention was completely drawn to the television program during the meal.
... ...
The century-old establishment "Rongyang Lou" offers only four items: noodles, wontons, soup dumplings, and pan-fried buns, all at very affordable prices. The cheapest options, the egg noodles and small wontons, are just 3 yuan per bowl, while the most expensive dish, the shrimp and pork chop noodles, is only 11.8 yuan. Cheng Tianle was not mistaken; the most expensive "dish" at this restaurant is indeed 11.8 yuan, and it is a whole number, characteristic of the old residential areas in Suzhou
The so-called century-old shop is nothing more than a store that existed a hundred years ago or a sign that was hung up. A hundred years later, the shop still exists or the sign has been hung up again. This may be due to luck, the embellishments of later generations, or perhaps the quality and affordability of the goods, as it is merely a small shop on the street, not a high-end establishment. For instance, there is Rongyang Building next to Shantang Street. In reality, there is no building; it is just an ordinary single-story shop facing the street. If it were not for the red paper on the glass displaying the words "Century-Old Rongyang Building - National Registered Trademark," it would hardly attract the special attention of passersby. It may also be due to the quality and affordability of the goods, as it is merely a small shop on the street, not a high-end establishment. For instance, there is Rongyang Building next to Shantang Street. In reality, there is no building; it is just an ordinary single-story shop facing the street. If it were not for the red paper on the glass displaying the words "Century-Old Rongyang Building - National Registered Trademark," it would hardly attract the special attention of passersby.
Yu Fei was truly hungry; he ordered a serving of shrimp and pork chop noodles with double sauce, followed by a serving of braised fish and meat noodles with double sauce, and finally finished off a plate of pan-fried buns. Liu Shujun was slightly more reserved but still ate quite a bit; she started with a bowl of small wontons to quench her thirst, then had half a steamer of soup dumplings, and ultimately ordered a serving of double sauce noodles as well. Cheng Tianle was a bit surprised; this girl looked delicate and bookish, yet her appetite was considerable! Perhaps she was tired from accompanying him shopping. He felt a twinge of guilt and thought to himself: "When I have money, I must invite them to a genuine century-old restaurant in Suzhou for a proper feast!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Fei thought to himself: "You are treating? Why didn't you say so earlier! Otherwise, why would I have brought you to Rongyang Building? We could have entered the restaurant earlier; I've been starving all afternoon!"
With the increasing popularity of collection investment in recent years, and in line with the principle of catering to the public's interests, the originally serious work of cultural relic appraisal has also taken on an entertaining function, becoming a program with guaranteed viewership. Due to their advantageous access to expert resources, the Central and Beijing Television stations have excelled in such programs.
After the "holder of the treasure" Li Wan completed his self-introduction, he carefully handed the scroll to the three experts on stage for appraisal, with both parties wearing white gloves. Sitting in the center on the stage was the chief expert of this appraisal event, Zhou Xiaoxian.
Later, after an appraisal by a friend, it was believed that this was an original piece from the Tang Dynasty. For some unknown reason, it has remained in such pristine condition, which further highlights its value. With a mindset of trying his luck, Li Wan brought this painting to the program's venue. Normally, this painting is locked in the iron cabinet of his office and has never even been taken home. He is afraid that if his wife finds out he spent 8,000 yuan on such an item, he would be scolded if it turns out to be a fake. Normally, this painting is locked in the iron cabinet of his office and has never even been taken home. He is afraid that if his wife finds out he spent 8,000 yuan on such an item, he would be scolded if it turns out to be a fake.
A television was hung on the wall of the restaurant, and the owner and the waitstaff would sit nearby to watch it when they had free time. The position of Cheng Tianle was directly facing the television, and he saw a very interesting program that made him chuckle. Liu Shujun, puzzled, looked up and asked, "Handsome, what are you laughing at?"
Cheng Tianle came to his senses and chuckled, "I've seen it, of course! When I lived in Shanghai, there was a small eatery nearby called 'Yihu Chun', which is said to be a century-old brand. They only sell two items, pan-fried buns and beef soup; in fact, the main focus is on the pan-fried buns. However, eating just the buns can be too greasy and easy to choke on, so I would also order a bowl of soup."
Liu Shujun replied: "Handsome, I enjoy wiping your sweat, but I do not like wiping Mr. Yu's sweat."
The authentic relics from the Tang Dynasty! Not only are they rare antiques, but they also hold significant historical value. How much should they be worth? Back then, they were purchased for 8,000 yuan, and now 800,000 is simply out of the question; even 8 million wouldn't suffice. At the very least, it should be 80 million, and perhaps even more. It could very well be a national treasure! But could it really be genuine? Li Wan felt an unusual sense of anxiety, his hand holding the scroll trembling slightly.
Cheng Tian Le Yi Zhi Television: "Look, that painting is so interesting, it depicts Shang Tang Street! That person actually claimed it was an ancient painting from the Tang Dynasty, and even brought it to the scene for expert appraisal, appearing on a television program!" Before the words were finished, the boss and several waitstaff who were watching television all burst into laughter, causing the shop owner, who was drinking tea, to spray it all over the table
What is so amusing? The television is currently airing a special program co-produced by China Central Television and Suzhou Television, titled "Treasure Hunt - Entering Suzhou"
Liu Shujun noticed that Cheng Tianle was in a daze, and calmly said beside him: "Our company's corporate culture emphasizes frugality and prudent financial management, focusing on the most reasonable consumption. This Rongyang Building is a century-old brand in Suzhou. We can experience the true characteristics of Shantang Street with the most reasonable consumption. Handsome, don't you think? Have you ever seen such a century-old brand before?"
Cheng Tianle was quite moved; he felt a bit embarrassed walking with the girl while she gently wiped his sweat with a tissue. Where in the world could one find such a considerate girl? She was truly kind to him! Cheng Tianle turned his head to glance at Yu Fei behind him and said, "General Yu has also sweated quite a bit; why don't you wipe his sweat for him?"