Xu Damao's Thirty-Six Stratagems in Siheyuan

In a large conference room of a hospital in Dongcheng District, Pu Yulin took advantage of the weekend to bring Xu Damao and attended this gathering with Shen Zhou's landscape scroll wrapped in a leather bag under his arm.

Speaking of this kind of gathering, it can actually be regarded as an exchange meeting within the cultural circle. Not only can they exchange feelings with each other, but also identify the authenticity of objects. Sometimes they also exchange and trade with each other. After all, there is no end to learning. Also, scholars are often poor, so eating is the most important thing. Even if you like something very much, eating is the top priority.

"Old Guan, long time no see. This is my student Xu Damao. Damao, this is Teacher Guan from Peking University, and he's acquainted with Professor Hu."

"Da Mao, this is Teacher Cui, the deputy director of a cultural center."

"Da Mao, this is Teacher Xie, from a certain district government office."

"Da Mao, ..."

Xu Damao met many people at the event. There were more than 30 people at the event, and Pu Yulin introduced more than a dozen people he knew well and had a good relationship with.

Almost everyone brought their stuff to share, except Xu Damao and a few others. After a round, Xu Damao made a cup of tea and just stood there to recognize people. After a round of greetings, some people showed off their stuff.

Now someone has come to Pu Yulin to look at something.

"Old Pu, show me this thing."

The visitor opened the package he brought on the table in front of Pu Yulin. Pu Yulin handed the scroll to Xu Damao and looked at the item carefully. Someone beside him also handed him a magnifying glass and a flashlight.

After checking it, Pu Yulin said to the owner of the object responsibly, "Old Master, this tripod cup with floral patterns is definitely from the mid-Ming Dynasty, and no later than the Wanli period. It is very interesting, and the carving technique is very delicate. Old Master, what did you bring it here for today...?"

"Old Pu, that's not the case. I'm just not sure about the age of this thing. I heard you were here today, so I wanted to let you take a look at it so that I can confirm its age."

"Old Fu, if you want to make a move someday, please consider me first. The carving technique of this cup is very unique. I would like to learn it, is that okay?"

"That's for sure. If that day comes and the item is in your hands, it will be put to good use and not just a pearl that has been buried in the dust."

"Then it's settled."

"Okay, Lao Pu, what interesting things do you have today? Show them to us so that we can have a look."

"Hey, I don't have anything interesting, but today I brought a collection of my student for everyone to appraise together." He then extended his hand to Xu Damao.

Xu Damao immediately understood the meaning and handed the package skin to Pu Yulin.

As Shen Zhou's large-scale landscape painting slowly unfolded, many people gathered around to get a sneak peek.

Xu Damao just stepped out of the inner layer and waited outside, taking the opportunity to observe everyone.

Hey, there really is someone who is absent-minded, and she is a woman. She doesn't seem to be very old, and most importantly, she has a distinctive appearance, which just meets Xu Damao's aesthetic point: tall, with curvy breasts, a slender waist and prominent hips. It is simply a standard S-shaped devil figure. Although the face shape is not very good, it is just average, with a little pockmarks that are faintly visible.

Xu Damao cautiously stepped forward and introduced himself, "Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Xu Damao, who is the lady?"

"Is this painting yours?" The lady did not directly answer Xu Damao's question, but instead asked about the origin of the painting.

"Yes, I exchanged it with someone two years ago."

"What's your relationship with Mr. Pu? He's a student. I don't think you're from our circle."

"You have a good eye. I am not a cultured person. I am a worker. It is just a coincidence that I fell in love with collecting and became a student of carving under Mr. Pu. Chinese culture is profound and I will not give up if I have the opportunity to learn. Right?"

"Yeah, that's true. My name is Fang Xiaoru."

Xu Damao suddenly thought of someone, "Ms. Fang, this name wouldn't be the same as that one, right?"

"Student Xu, please stop joking. Who knows? Laugh at the joke, if. Do you understand what I mean?"

"She has a smile as beautiful as a flower. She really lives up to her name."

"Tsk, Ruhua is a fart. She laughed, but her voice sounds the same as the one from Zhushizu, and I don't even know where her dimple is."

"Isn't this the character of Chinese literati? It is because of such literati that more excellent qualities can be passed down. Of course, he thought of his own ending, but not the ending of others. But there is no if in history. Don't you think so?"

"I didn't realize you were such a talker."

At this time, there was a discussion among the group looking at the paintings.

Xu Damao turned his attention to Pu Yulin.

What Pu Yulin didn't expect was that this time he brought Xu Damao's paintings for exchange, which left a very big hidden danger for himself and Xu Damao.

Someone covets this painting.

"Comrade Yan, this painting is definitely not mine. Firstly, I have no right to make the decision. Secondly, the owner of the painting is also a person who loves painting and would never think of selling it. I am just using this painting to show it to you and have an exchange. Please don't talk about the transaction anymore."

Xu Damao heard that a man named Yan wanted to buy the painting. He immediately pushed through the crowd and entered the inner circle.

"Teacher, what's wrong?"

"Da Mao, this Comrade Yan said he wants to buy your painting, and he lets you set the conditions. I know you won't trade, he doesn't believe it."

Xu Damao said to Comrade Yan, "Comrade, my last name is Xu Damao. This painting is mine. I have no intention of selling it."

"Xu, Xu Damao, you name a price, no matter how high it is, I just want to buy this painting to celebrate the birthday of my elders at home."

"I told you, I have no intention of selling it. Comrade Yan's filial piety is so touching, but you should find something else. You won't force me to buy or sell it, right?"

"Hehe, that's not the case. But Comrade Xu, I can't afford a big price. If you miss this opportunity, you won't be able to get it again."

"Thank you Comrade Yan for reminding me. I am currently living a decent life and do not have to rely on selling paintings to make a living. If that day ever comes, Comrade Yan will be the first person I consider."

Now all the roads were blocked. Comrade Yan said nothing more and looked at Xu Damao with a joking look. Xu Damao also looked at him seriously until the other party withdrew his provocative look.

Dozens of items were displayed at the venue for everyone to appreciate, and three items were actually sold. One of them was a Qing Dynasty imitation of the Ming Dynasty gilded bronze Buddha statue, worth 30 yuan.

One was a Qianlong blue and white lotus-shaped plum vase, valued at 10 yuan. Xu Damao almost wanted to raise the price by yuan to bid for it, but was stopped by Pu Yulin.

There is also an anonymous scroll in Liu style, which was bought by Comrade Yan just now for five pieces.

The entire exchange meeting ended at noon.

Pu Yulin gave the scroll to Xu Damao and asked him to take it back. He had to visit his daughter Pu Su's house, so he did not go home with Xu Damao.

Xu Damao held the package and watched Pu Yulin go away. He was about to ride his bicycle away, but was stopped by a voice from behind, "Where are you going, Xu? Would you like to give me a ride?"