Chapter 103: Who Has Time for Romance?

Qin Feng did not speak, but instead devoted his full attention to observing every detail of the painting. His gaze moved slowly from the upper right corner to the lower left, then from the lower left back to the upper right, repeating this several times. As his scrutiny deepened, his expression grew increasingly grave.

The brushwork and style of this painting were remarkably similar to those of Yan Liben, the renowned Tang dynasty artist. Especially the figures within the scroll—their spirit was imbued with the unique charm characteristic of Yan Liben’s hand. Could this painting truly be an authentic work by Yan Liben?

Qin Feng’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly regained his composure. Yan Liben was a celebrated painter of the Tang dynasty, and his surviving works were exceedingly rare, each one a priceless treasure. If this painting was indeed an original by Yan Liben, its value would be beyond measure!

With this thought, Qin Feng took a deep breath and examined the painting once more with meticulous care. This time, he focused his attention on the lower right corner of the scroll. In that spot, there was a small seal, bearing two archaic characters—“Li Ben.” Upon seeing these characters, Qin Feng’s pupils contracted sharply and his heartbeat quickened. These characters were unmistakably Yan Liben’s signature!

In other words, this painting was truly an authentic work of Yan Liben!

A storm raged in Qin Feng’s heart, yet outwardly he remained composed, slowly rolling up the painting and returning it to its brocade box.

“Grandpa Bai, about this painting…” Qin Feng raised his head and looked at the old master Bai, hesitating to speak.

Master Bai observed Qin Feng’s expression, nodding inwardly, his suspicions further confirmed.

“What about this painting?” Master Bai asked, feigning puzzlement.

“This painting…” Qin Feng paused, then said, “I fear it is no ordinary piece!”

Master Bai’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, but he quickly regained his calm.

He picked up his teacup, took a gentle sip, and said slowly, “Oh? What makes you say that?”

“Grandpa Bai, please look at the lower right corner of the painting.” Qin Feng pointed to an inconspicuous spot on the scroll. “This seal, engraved with the characters ‘Li Ben,’ is one of Yan Liben’s commonly used signatures. Moreover, the carving and material of the seal are characteristic of the Tang dynasty, not a later imitation.”

Master Bai squinted, feigning confusion, and leaned closer. “Oh? This seal… My old eyes must be failing, I hadn’t noticed…”

Qin Feng continued calmly, “Furthermore, the depiction of the mountain rocks uses Yan Liben’s unique ‘Orchid Leaf Sketch’ technique. The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, the lines fluid and natural, capturing the grandeur of the mountains exquisitely. The expressions of the figures, especially, are Yan Liben’s hallmark—just a few deft strokes reveal the inner world of each character, a mastery that even modern technology cannot replicate.”

As Qin Feng finished speaking, the room fell into silence. Master Bai remained in his posture of scrutinizing the painting, but his clouded old eyes gleamed with a sharp light, as if he could see through everything.

After a long moment, he finally set the scroll down with a sigh, his voice tinged with both emotion and a hint of probing. “Xiao Feng, you’re right. This painting… is indeed no ordinary piece. I’ve lived most of my life, seen all manner of storms, but I have a special fondness for calligraphy and painting. It was pure chance that this painting came into my hands. To be honest, keeping it is just a waste of its worth.”

He paused, his gaze intense as he fixed it on Qin Feng, as if trying to see through him. “Xiao Feng, you understand this scroll so well; clearly, you know its value. I can see you’re not one to covet riches. Why not…”

Master Bai deliberately drew out his words, giving Qin Feng ample room for imagination. “Why not let me give you this painting?”

Qin Feng heard this and inwardly sneered. The old fox had finally shown his tail after all that circling. Outwardly, he feigned surprise, widening his eyes and waving his hands repeatedly. “Grandpa Bai, how could I possibly accept this? This is an authentic Yan Liben, worth a fortune! I couldn’t—”

“Ah!” Master Bai waved a large hand, cutting off Qin Feng. “What fortune? To me, it’s just a painting. But you—so young, yet so knowledgeable about antiques and art, you’re sure to achieve great things. Only in your hands can this painting realize its true value!”

Qin Feng tried to decline further, but Master Bai had already pressed the scroll into his hands, his tone brooking no argument. “It’s settled! Don’t refuse again—consider it my thanks for saving my life!”

Qin Feng accepted the painting with reluctant gratitude, though his heart was filled with suspicion. The old fox truly would not let go until he saw the rabbit! He was determined to see what exactly the old man was up to.

“Grandpa Bai, rest assured, I will treasure this painting with utmost care,” Qin Feng said promptly in thanks.

Seeing Qin Feng accept the scroll, Master Bai finally showed a satisfied smile.

“Xiao Feng,” Master Bai cleared his throat, his tone teasing, “You’re not so young anymore, are you? Is there a girl you like?”

Qin Feng’s heart skipped a beat—so this was where the old man was leading! Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Bai Ruoxi’s bowed head, her cheeks as red as ripe apples, and an idea struck him.

“Grandpa Bai, please don’t tease me,” Qin Feng replied, scratching his head bashfully. “Where would I find time for romance? Besides, I have nothing—no proper home, nothing to my name. What girl would look at me?”

“Oh, you child, how can you say such things!”

Hearing this, Bai Ruoxi’s heart raced even faster. She stole a glance at Qin Feng, noticing his sincere gaze upon her, and a rush of sweetness welled up inside.

Master Bai, seeing Bai Ruoxi’s shy expression, was even more pleased.

He coughed. “Xiao Feng, I have only this precious granddaughter. I’ve cherished her since she was little, afraid she might fall or fade away. Now she’s grown, and I’m getting old. I only hope she can find a man who truly cares for her, so I can entrust him with the family legacy I’ve worked for my whole life.”

Master Bai paused, his gaze burning as he stared at Qin Feng, speaking each word deliberately. “Xiao Feng, I can see you’re a good kid, and you know I, this old man, am very satisfied with you…”

Qin Feng understood perfectly what was happening, and hurriedly waved his hands. “Grandpa Bai, you flatter me, I…”

“Ah, don’t be so quick to refuse.”