Chapter 81: Authenticating an Ancient Painting
Chapter 81: Authenticating an Ancient Painting
As Gu Wenfeng went out to gather information, Lu Jiaxin insisted on tagging along. Having studied abroad in Huadu and then worked here for six years, she had a deep attachment to this place. It was a rare opportunity to witness the transformation of this city from a small town into an international metropolis.
Gu Wenfeng didn't agree, not because he was worried about the petty thieves, but because Lu Jiaxin looked a bit pale, and he was concerned about her health. "You should rest well at the guest house for the next few days. If there's anything you need, just ask the staff."
Lu Jiaxin was insistent, dismissing her fatigue. "I didn't get much sleep last night because of the noisy neighbors. I'll just take a nap when we get back."
The night before, a couple in the neighboring room had a loud argument that lasted for hours. Even after the staff intervened, they started fighting again and continued until the early hours of the morning. By then, Lu Jiaxin had lost all desire to sleep.
Seeing her persistence, Gu Wenfeng relented. "Miss Lu, when we return to Si Jiucheng, I want you to stay at home and take care of your health instead of running around."
At her age, one night of lost sleep shouldn't result in such a noticeable deterioration in her appearance.
Lu Jiaxin nodded in agreement. "I plan to do the same. With the money I'll make from this deal, I can afford to take it easy for a while."
Gu Wenfeng thought her expenses were excessive. A painting could fetch tens of thousands, and an ordinary person wouldn't spend that in a decade. Nonetheless, he knew that advising her would be futile. "Your health is the most important thing. You can make money anytime."
In the end, Lu Jiaxin stayed at the guest house to catch up on her sleep, while Gu Wenfeng went out to gather information. He returned earlier than expected, around two in the afternoon.
Gu Wenfeng shared his findings: "I've learned that there's a new teacher at the museum, Mr. Zhang, who is an expert in calligraphy and paintings. We can seek his help in authenticating the painting."
Lu Jiaxin asked, "What's his reputation like?"
"Rest assured, Miss Lu. Mr. Zhang is known for his integrity and high moral character. We can trust him to keep our inquiry confidential."
Lu Jiaxin trusted Gu Wenfeng's sources, but she still had one concern. "What if the painting turns out to be a masterpiece by a renowned artist? If Mr. Zhang finds out that I intend to sell it, will he try to stop me?"
Gu Wenfeng dismissed her worries as unfounded. "Unless you tell him yourself, how would he know your plans for the painting? Miss Lu, I'll take the painting for appraisal tomorrow, and it's best if you don't come with me."
Despite her intelligence, she was still only fifteen and lacked life experience. He was worried that she might accidentally reveal their intentions during the appraisal, which could lead to unnecessary complications.
Lu Jiaxin chuckled. "Mr. Gu, Mr. Zhang is a big shot in the antiquities world of Pengcheng. Such people usually have their ears to the ground. If we show any hint of wanting to find a buyer, he'll likely get wind of it."
"Big shot?"
"It means a highly respected and influential person, an expert in their field."
Gu Wenfeng found her choice of words amusing. "This painting is yours, acquired in the antiques market. Now, if you want to sell it, no one has the right to object. If he likes it, he can always buy it himself."
Lu Jiaxin was delighted. "Yes, I found it in the antiques market."
Gu Wenfeng intended to go alone for the appraisal, leaving Lu Jiaxin at the guest house. However, she wanted to be present as she hoped to seek Mr. Zhang's expertise in the future for her dream of opening a shop to buy antiques.
Unable to dissuade her, Gu Wenfeng eventually agreed, but with the stipulation that she must remain silent and let him do the talking when they met Mr. Zhang.
"Okay," she agreed.
It was unclear what position Gu Wenfeng's comrade held, but they certainly had influence. The next afternoon, Lu Jiaxin was granted an audience with the esteemed Mr. Zhang.
Zhang Laozi was a slender man with a stern-looking face, wearing black-rimmed glasses, his face etched with wrinkles, and dressed in a plain gray cotton outfit, with cloth shoes on his feet.
Gu Wenfeng introduced himself first and then introduced Lu Jiaxin: "This young lady insists that the painting she bought is authentic. I don't know much about these things, so I'd appreciate your help in taking a look, Teacher Zhang."
Hearing that an old friend had claimed it was a famous painting, only for Lu Jiaxin to now say it was bought from an antique market, Zhang Laozi frowned and asked, "Haven't you had it appraised before?"
Gu Wenfeng shook his head. "No, we're pressed for time. However, my cousin took this painting to an antique shop in the ancient capital. She asked for ten thousand, but the owner offered two thousand at most. My cousin thought the price was too low and refused to sell."
Someone who could manage an antique shop would have top-notch knowledge, experience, and discernment. The fact that the owner was willing to offer two thousand proved the painting was genuine.
Anxious to see the painting, Zhang Laozi urged, "Let's see it then. Quick, bring it out for me to examine."
Gu Wenfeng took the ancient painting out of his backpack and handed it to Zhang Laozi.
Zhang Laozi carefully received the painting with both hands and gently placed it on a round table. He then took out four paperweights from a drawer. Just when they thought he would start the appraisal, Zhang Laozi went to wash his hands and put on gloves before slowly unfolding the painting on the table and carefully placing the paperweights on its four corners.
Recalling Lu Jiaxin's casual handling of the painting earlier, Gu Wenfeng turned to look at her. He wondered what she was thinking, knowing full well that it was an antique.
Ignoring Gu Wenfeng, Lu Jiaxin quietly asked, "Teacher Zhang, how do you distinguish between a genuine and a fake ancient painting like this?"
Zhang Laozi explained, "The first step in appraising an ancient painting is to rely on one's eye for detail. Some paintings are obviously fake, so there's no need to waste time on them. If it passes this initial test, the next step is to examine the composition and brushwork, as the mastery of these aspects by renowned artists is unmatched. The third step involves identifying the era and individual style of the painting..."
It was already past two in the morning when Zhang Laozi finally concluded, "This 'Longevity Celebration' painting is the work of Wang Zhenpeng from the Yuan Dynasty."
He then shared some information about the artist: "Wang Zhenpeng was a renowned painter of the Yuan Dynasty, well-versed in figure painting and court painting. He was known as the master of court painting. His works are characterized by intricate and delicate brushwork, forming a unique style."
Lu Jiaxin asked the question that was on her mind: "Teacher Zhang, how much could a painting by a master like this be sold for?"
Zhang Laozi's face darkened instantly.
Realizing she might have overstepped, Lu Jiaxin quickly explained, "My mother passed away while saving someone. My father remarried, but my stepmother tried to harm me, and although I survived, my health suffered. Instead of standing up for me, my father drove me out of the house. I've been relying on my cousins and uncles for support. They have their own families to take care of, and I need money for my health and to repeat my senior year. I can't depend on them forever."
Her intentions were clear—she needed to sell the painting to fund her medical treatment and education. Whether the buyer was from the mainland or Hong Kong City was of no concern; she would sell it to the highest bidder.
Gu Wenfeng stared at her, dumbfounded. At just fifteen, she was already so adept at spinning lies. In a couple of years, who knew how her skills would sharpen...
He quickly shook off the unpleasant thoughts that had begun to form in his mind. Once this young lady entered university and received a higher education, her crooked ways would surely straighten out.
(End of Chapter)
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