Chapter 168: Who Takes Down Whom? Why Can’t We Go on the Offensive

"Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun were husband and wife. Not long after Zhuo Wenjun’s first husband passed away, Sima Xiangru was captivated by her talent. Later, Sima Xiangru gained the emperor’s favor for works like his *Upper Garden Ode* and was brought to serve as an official at court."

"After that, he became wealthy and powerful, and he began to indulge in the dazzling world outside, naturally thinking of taking a concubine. When Zhuo Wenjun learned of this, she wrote two poems for him—the very two mentioned in the verses here."

"First, she wrote the *Resentful Man’s Poem*, and then she wrote the *White Head Song*. After that, Sima Xiangru was jolted to his senses. He lost all thought of taking a concubine and also realized his own wife was far better and far more talented than anyone else... That’s what led to their later harmony and growing old together."

The man leading them listened with great interest. "Miss Gu, would you mind if our director joined in? He said he wants to hear your insights."

"That would be perfect."

Gu Shengsheng pointed at the painting. "This is a print. The painting was done by Zhuo Wenjun. If you check any of her collected works, you’ll find the style is identical to her early period."

"Most importantly, the original for this print is a T-shaped silk painting, which is a partial depiction of daily life. You can pull up the data and see for yourself—it was unearthed in 2013 from the Han Dynasty Tomb No. 1 at Mawangdui."

"This is part of our country’s culture. Please be sure to attribute it clearly when you use it," Gu Shengsheng said with a smile.

She then continued, "These partial life depictions are found in many Han Dynasty tombs. This painting is clearly a copy, but since it was copied during the Han Dynasty, it still holds value today."

"Furthermore, Sima Xiangru’s calligraphy is also very valuable. Therefore, while it’s not worth over three billion, a price of over two hundred million is reasonable."

After Gu Shengsheng finished speaking, the director of the United States lab spoke up directly, "Miss Gu, I ran my own comparisons while you were presenting your analysis."

"What you’re saying does make sense—the kind of sense that completely refutes our findings."

Then, Shang Jinhao sighed. "Another three billion plus wasted. And it’s still a fake."

’It’s good to finally have a definitive answer.’

Just as he was about to say more, the director on the other end said, "Boss Shang, whether it’s real or fake, the final decision was yours. It has nothing to do with us."

"Furthermore, we will not admit that our appraisal was wrong. We can’t tarnish our own reputation."

Gu Shengsheng understood the implication of his words.

’In other words, their decision is to remain silent and say nothing.’

’Shang Jinhao won’t get his three billion back, they won’t ruin their own reputation, and as for the rest, it’s up to Huaxia to decide what to do.’

Shang Jinhao clenched his fists. "Back then, it was clearly your United States museum and your lab that guaranteed it to me! How can you be so irresponsible now? Three billion is not a small sum!"

The voice on the other end said, "That was just a verbal agreement. It’s not in the written contract, Mr. Shang. If you keep this up, we can sue you for harassment."

Gu Shengsheng finally understood. ’It had been a scam from the beginning.’

’Even if exposed, they’re dead set on keeping the money; there’s no way they’ll give it back. If Shang Jinhao tries to fight this aggressively, he’ll be the one who suffers in the end.’

’Looks like life isn’t so easy for the super-rich, either.’

Shang Jinhao was at his wit’s end, looking at Gu Shengsheng, completely at a loss.

The director on the other end had already hung up. As for the people from the United States appraisal lab who had come, they were already dejected and had lost all their fight.

They had well and truly lost, utterly and completely.

Moreover, it had further exposed their ignorance and incompetence. At this point, they didn’t know where to hide their faces in shame.

So they quickly walked out of the conference room, wanting to return to their country immediately.

Wang Yu said anxiously, "They’re all leaving! The United States side refuses to take responsibility. What do we do about this mess? Are these people crazy?!"

Shang Jinhao sighed. "I’m the sucker here. There’s nothing I can do. I’m the one who signed the contract; this has nothing to do with any of you."

"A loss is a loss! I need to pull the artifact back immediately. Exhibiting this thing in the Forbidden City under the name of a Sima Xiangru painting was a bad idea from the start."

"Luckily, there’s still time. Otherwise, I can’t even imagine how badly I’d be trashed."

Three billion... There was nothing to be done. Although it stung, he had to accept it whether he wanted to or not.

He had long been prepared for this outcome. He was sighing constantly, and then the tycoon actually sat on the floor and started to cry.

Gu Shengsheng: "..."

Qiu Xiaojun and the others around them: "..."

’For a tycoon to get this upset, he was being a bit too "genuine."’

Gu Shengsheng said, "Don’t cry. There’s still a chance to turn this around."

He sat on the floor, snot and tears streaming down his face. "Miss Gu, my life is so bitter, what’s wrong with having a good cry?"

"Emotions need an outlet, you know! WAAAH... I may have a lot of money, but it doesn’t just grow on trees."

Watching the elegant, middle-aged man cry like a child, Gu Shengsheng suddenly found it cringey... and somewhat hard to watch.

She cleared her throat. "I said, I have a plan."

"It’s a complete mess now, what kind of plan could there be? If I pull the painting from the Forbidden City, public opinion will probably eat me alive!"

Though he said that, he was looking at Gu Shengsheng with his ears pricked up, ready to hear her scheme.

The other old-timers also gathered around, now treating Gu Shengsheng as their pillar of support.

Gu Shengsheng: "...I’m going to explain this openly. It’s not like we’re plotting some illegal crime. Why are you all crowding around me so nervously? We’re not filming a spy movie here."

’She was really getting tired of this.’

Seeing the old gentlemen suddenly scatter like a startled flock, then assume a posture of listening intently, she sighed.

"This so-called Sima Xiangru painting must be removed," she said. "For the exhibition, you’ll have to replace it with something even more stunning than this gimmick. That part will be up to you, Boss Shang."

"This step will be difficult, but you must do it."

"And as for the step I just mentioned, Mr. Shang, don’t tell anyone. You need to tell people that you haven’t switched it out. That way, you’ll find out who is trying to sabotage you from behind the scenes."

"Or who is trying to target our Huaxia."

"Finally, at the moment of maximum impact, we’ll come forward and expose today’s meeting and everything their side said. Post the entire screen recording online!"

Gu Shengsheng clenched her fist. "I’d like to see what the most authoritative lab in the United States is going to do then!"

The old men were first shocked, then incredulous. Finally, they were filled with admiration.

Then Wang Yu frowned. "But didn’t they just imply that their lab would stay out of this and wouldn’t issue a statement?"

Gu Shengsheng nodded. "Yes. They want to wash their hands of it. So what’s to stop us from dragging them back in and revealing the truth?"

"They’re trying to ruin us, so why can’t we turn the tables on them?"