Volume One, Chapter 10: A Discussion About Divorce

Lin Zhiwan spent a long time in the study chatting with Old Master Qiao. The old gentleman’s admiration for this young woman grew with each passing moment. Entrusting the auction to Lin Zhiwan, he felt completely at ease.

“Miss Lin, these treasures are in your hands now!” he said.

“Mr. Qiao, rest assured. I will do my utmost to ensure these precious items fetch their highest value,” Lin Zhiwan replied confidently.

Stepping out of the study, she returned directly to the main hall to continue her work. Strangely, only a few people were present; many others gathered near the entrance, seemingly engaged in something unknown.

“President Fu, take care on your way!”
“President Fu, let’s have a meal together sometime!”

After exchanging pleasantries with the crowd, Fu Yanzhou turned to the woman beside him.

“Let’s first see if there’s anything you like, then we can bid together, alright?” he said.

Song Jinhe blushed slightly but nodded.

“Okay, understood. You go ahead and get busy,” Fu Yanzhou said. “I’ll come pick you up after this is over.”

As Fu Yanzhou left, the crowd returned to the hall. Everyone had overheard his words and was now convinced that this woman was “Madam Fu.” Many eager to establish ties with the Fu family took the opportunity to curry favor with her.

“Madam Fu, you and President Fu seem very close!”
“Yes! I’ve always heard the Fu family’s ladies are not only beautiful but also virtuous. Seeing you today confirms it’s true.”

The crowd showered her with compliments, carefully choosing flattering words.

Song Jinhe did not correct their assumptions. On her face were equal parts shyness and calm, her response deliberately ambiguous.

“Outside, please just call me Miss Song.”

The others assumed this was simply Madam Fu’s modesty and thought nothing more of it.

Lin Zhiwan approached the group and immediately recognized the person they surrounded — the same neighbor she had met the previous evening. Although not fond of making friends, as an auctioneer, having an impeccable memory for faces was essential.

“Miss Song!” Lin Zhiwan greeted her.

Only then did Song Jinhe notice Lin Zhiwan’s presence. She glanced at Lin Zhiwan’s work badge and smiled. “So you’re the auctioneer! It’s rare to see such a beautiful auctioneer in our country.”

“Miss Song, you flatter me,” Lin Zhiwan said politely.

From the way others gathered around Song Jinhe, Lin Zhiwan surmised she was no ordinary person. Over the years of marriage, Lin Zhiwan had little knowledge of newcomers in the collecting world. This woman was likely a rising star.

After all, to be praised by the influential figures present today was no small feat. Just by the jade pendant of white Hetian jade hanging around Song Jinhe’s neck, Lin Zhiwan instantly recognized it as the piece bought by a mysterious buyer at the Hong Kong Sotheby’s auction two years prior for 230 million Hong Kong dollars.

This was a potential major client.

“Miss Song, is there a particular piece of porcelain you fancy?” Lin Zhiwan asked.

Song Jinhe moved to a display case and looked at a vase. “I didn’t expect to see such exquisite treasures today.”

“Miss Song truly has a discerning eye,” Lin Zhiwan said, standing nearby and explaining.

“This pastel-colored, hollow-carved ‘Auspicious Surplus’ revolving vase is a masterpiece from the imperial kiln during the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty. It is hailed as ‘enamel in porcelain, a living mechanism in a vessel,’ representing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese porcelain craftsmanship fused with royal aesthetics.

“See, the vase’s outer layer is hollow-carved, while the inner core rotates. It fits precisely with slots and an axle, requiring separate firing and assembly. The temperature difference must be controlled within five degrees Celsius, or it will crack.

“The most ingenious feature is that the inner core reveals four dynamic scenes—infant play, landscapes, pavilions—rotating to symbolize the ‘Four Seasons of Blessings.’

“In 2010, this vase sold in London at Bamburgh for 550 million yuan, setting a global record for art auction sales at the time.

“Mr. Qiao has reluctantly parted with this gem, lest we never have a chance to see it again.

“Miss Song, it seems you have a special connection with this revolving vase.”

Listening to Lin Zhiwan’s detailed explanation, Song Jinhe’s gaze held an inscrutable scrutiny—an expression that made Lin Zhiwan uneasy, tinged with arrogance, surprise, and a vague hostility she couldn’t place.

Still, Lin Zhiwan didn’t dwell on it. She was merely the auctioneer. Even if Song Jinhe was a client, there was no hierarchy between them. Her focus was to do her job well, complete the auction, and earn her commission. Nothing else mattered.

Song Jinhe withdrew her gaze and turned to a Kangxi blue-and-white fish-tail vase decorated with floral and bird patterns.

“Miss Lin, you know so much about porcelain. What about this one?” she asked.

Lin Zhiwan continued to explain patiently.

Throughout the day, Song Jinhe had examined every lot, asking Lin Zhiwan to elaborate on each piece. Usually, at a preview of this scale, attendees are collectors with a solid understanding of porcelain. Only a few would request extra details about particularly coveted items.

It was rare to meet someone like Song Jinhe, who asked about every piece from start to finish.

Though exhausted, Lin Zhiwan did her best to satisfy her curiosity, providing thorough introductions for all the items.

Song Jinhe’s reactions remained cool and indifferent, revealing no special interest in any particular piece.

“Thank you for your hard work today. On auction day, my husband and I will come to support you,” she said.

“Miss Song, you’re too kind. I wish you success in acquiring the porcelain you desire,” Lin Zhiwan replied.

Song Jinhe’s expression turned somewhat cold, and she soon left.

Watching her walk away, Lin Zhiwan felt something odd. Perhaps it was her imagination, but after her explanations, Song Jinhe seemed displeased.

Could it be that something in her presentation was amiss?

With that thought, after finishing her work, Lin Zhiwan gathered all the auction materials and prepared to study them thoroughly at home.

Returning to her seaside residence, Lin Zhiwan opened the door and stepped into the dark room. Perhaps from the intensity of the day’s work combined with lingering fever, her body felt weak, as if walking on cotton, devoid of strength.

She placed the materials on her desk and sat down in her office chair, intending to rest with her eyes closed.

But the sleep was restless, haunted by bizarre, eerie dreams as if demons clung to her.

She tried to open her eyes but could not.

Suddenly, a sharp ringing jolted her awake.

Drenched in cold sweat, Lin Zhiwan gasped for breath, slowly calming herself.

Her phone on the desk was still ringing. She picked it up.

It was a call from Imperial View Gardens.

Since moving out, she had not heard from them.

At this late hour, perhaps Fu Yanzhou finally had time to discuss their divorce.