章 137: Mutual Appreciation
"Axel, it wasn't me who figured out the hidden depths of this painting, it was him! His name is Jake." Dirk wasn't taking credit for himself; Axel looked surprised as he turned his gaze toward Jake.
Knowing Dirk's background, Axel was aware that although Dirk liked tinkering with antiques, his level of appraisal was average at best. So, he had been curious about how Dirk had detected the peculiarities of the painting. However, he hadn't expected that the young man next to Dirk was the one who discovered it.
"Jake indeed has sharp eyes," Axel admired, "I dare say, there are very few people in the world who could see through the disguise on this painting."
Axel was quite confident in this. If he couldn't see something, then very few others could. Nevertheless, this further showcased Jake's expertise in antique appreciation.
"Please don't exaggerate." Jake humbly said, "I just enjoy reading books on the subject in my spare time. When it comes to actual appraisal skills, I'm far inferior to Axel. My recognition was mostly guesswork."
"You're being modest, young master Jake." Impressed by Jake's humility, Axel had a favorable impression of him, "When there's a chance, let's have a thorough discussion on antique appreciation."
Antique appreciation relies on experience, insight, and some techniques. Therefore, when two appraisal experts engage in dialogue, it's beneficial for enhancing their respective appraisal abilities.
"Sure, absolutely." Jake forced a smile.
He knew he didn't possess the expertise in antique appreciation, only relying on his identification ability. If he engaged in conversation with a true appraisal master like Axel, he might easily give himself away.
After bidding farewell to Axel and having the servants leave, the whole hall was left with only Jake and Dirk. On the table in front of them lay the masterpiece, now revealed without its disguise.
"Jake, I'm finding it harder and harder to understand you." Dirk said to Jake, "As far as I know, you're not wealthy, and you're even somewhat short on money. In such a situation, you still refuse to accept this painting from me and even reveal its secret to me. Your actions are truly astonishing."
"Dirk, is it too late for me to regret it now?" Jake joked.
"It's not too late," Dirk said, "Even now, you can take this painting with you. Originally, this painting was a gift from me to you. Since it's already given away, it belongs to you, whether it's a mediocre piece or an invaluable masterpiece."
Dirk was sincere in his words, not just teasing Jake. Jake also spoke seriously, "Dirk, your actions are equally surprising. Even though I know you're just joking, the fact that you'd give away such a precious gift is astonishing."
"Jake, I'm not joking with you. You can take this calligraphy artwork back and decide what to do with it—whether to keep it for your collection or put it up for auction. There's no problem either way." Dirk said.
"I've already mentioned that I can't accept it." Jake said, "I have my principles. If I didn't know its secret, I might have accepted it. But now that I know it's not an ordinary piece, I can't. It's just too valuable."
Both of them had their own principles: one was unwilling to take back a gift given, the other was unwilling to accept such a valuable present, especially a precious piece without a rightful owner.
"Since neither of us wants to keep it, how about this? I'll have it sent to JH Auction House to participate in the upcoming Summer Auction in three days. Whatever money we get from the sale, we'll split it evenly. What do you think?" Dirk finally suggested.
"Well..." Jake wanted to refuse, considering that even if it was a 50-50 split, it still meant a substantial sum of money.
"Don't refuse again," Dirk interjected, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have bought this painting in the first place, and I wouldn't have discovered its secret. So, you definitely have the right to share its value."
"Alright then." Jake agreed, seeing Dirk's determination.
"Don't feel pressured." With Jake's agreement, Dirk finally smiled, "To be honest, I feel like I've gained an advantage here. I'm getting a share of several million for no reason. These millions aren't insignificant to me either. If you hadn't spoken up, all of this money would've been yours."
"I can't do that either." Jake also smiled and said.
"Jake, I truly haven't misjudged you. You're definitely someone worth forming a deep connection with." Dirk looked at Jake with seriousness and said, "It's not about the money, it's about your character."
Millions of dollars, while not a small amount for Dirk, wasn't enough to alter his perception of a person. What he valued was the qualities Jake exhibited in this situation.
Dirk believed that most people wouldn't be able to make the decision Jake did. After all, Jake himself was in financial need, yet he could willingly give up such a sum of money. That was not something an ordinary person could do. From this, Dirk could see Jake's broad-mindedness, which made him someone worth forming a close bond with.
"As for the matter with Carlton, I'll do my best to handle it for you." Dirk considered Jake a true friend now, so he would naturally look out for his interests.
"Thank you, Dirk." Jake expressed his gratitude.
Dirk continued, "However, be cautious with Carlton's affairs. Although I'll try to mediate, he's not an easy person to deal with. You still need to be careful. I'll keep you informed if there's any news from his side."
"Sure, thanks." Jake said.
Jake spent a long time at Dirk's place. They discussed numerous topics until late at night when Dirk arranged for someone to take Jake back home. As for the calligraphy artwork, it stayed with Dirk. He would arrange to have it taken to the auction house. They also agreed to attend JH's Summer Auction together in three days.
Jake was quite satisfied with today's outcome. Although he didn't set up his stall, he unexpectedly obtained a windfall. If the calligraphy artwork fetched a high price at the auction, he might even have enough money to buy a storefront.
While gaining a windfall, Jake also gained Dirk's friendship. He could sense that Dirk's attitude toward him had changed significantly. The present Dirk truly considered him a friend, unlike before when their relationship was based on mere affinity.
The value of Dirk's friendship might not be lower than those millions of dollars.
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