Capítulo 136: Hidden depths
"Dirk, I can't accept this painting." Jake said to Dirk.
"Why?" Dirk asked in response, "I thought you liked this painting. Why don't you want it now? Do you think it's poorly made and don't want it anymore? It's alright, I'll give you another masterpiece in three days." Dirk thought Jake had come to his senses and didn't want the painting anymore, which he could understand.
"It's not that." Jake shook his head, "It's because this painting is too valuable."
"Too valuable?" Dirk exclaimed, then smiled and said, "It's just worth a few tens of thousands, how valuable can it be? Jake, even though you don't have much money now, I believe your future accomplishments will be extraordinary." Dirk thought Jake was refusing the painting because he felt tens of thousands were too expensive.
"If it really was only worth tens of thousands, I would accept it." Jake said, "But its true value is not just tens of thousands, it's worth tens of millions."
After saying that, Jake felt a sense of relief. Although he might be losing tens of millions, he wouldn't have a guilty conscience after speaking out. This was more important to him than the money.
"In the gaming world, I have so many resources. Just selling some of the trees in the Hermit Village's mountains would easily cover these tens of millions. If these millions are lost, they're lost." Jake consoled himself.
"Tens of millions?" Dirk was surprised and smiled, saying, "Jake, are you joking?" Dirk even thought the painting wasn't worth sixteen thousand, let alone being worth tens of millions.
"I'm not joking." After making his decision, Jake felt even more relaxed. He continued, "I've studied some antique appreciation during my leisure time, and I've read some related historical books. This painting is not as ordinary as it looks on the surface; it holds hidden depths."
"Hidden depths?" Dirk became interested due to Jake's words.
"That's right." Jake said, "I've come across some historical accounts. It's said that a famous calligrapher from the Sui Dynasty, Li Suzhi, passed down his work 'Farewell to a Guest'. In the Qing Dynasty, a lesser-known poet acquired it. To protect the masterpiece and keep it safe from others, he used certain techniques to incorporate Li Suzhi's 'Farewell to a Guest' into his own artwork, confusing its true identity."
"Are you saying that poet is Jin Fei, and the painting with Li Suzhi's 'Farewell to a Guest' hidden within is the one you have?" Dirk parked the car by the roadside, looking astonished as he gazed at Jake.
"It's quite possible." Jake didn't elaborate further, as that might raise suspicion, "When I looked at this artwork, I found it suspicious. Unfortunately, my self-taught knowledge of antique appreciation isn't comprehensive, so I don't know how to reveal its hidden layers."
This was an excuse Jake gave himself. If he claimed he was self-taught, it was normal for him to lack some knowledge. It also explained why he was able to identify the hidden meaning.
Dirk looked at the painting in Jake's hands, nodded with a serious expression, made a phone call, then started the car again. Jake was curious about Dirk's actions, but he had already decided to return the painting, so he didn't feel pressured anymore.
Twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of a villa. Dirk led Jake inside.
"This is where I live. If you have time, you can come visit." Dirk told Jake.
Inside the villa, apart from the servants, an elderly man was waiting. Dirk took the painting from Jake and handed it to the old man, saying, "Axel, please take a look."
The old man nodded, sat down on the couch, and took out a magnifying glass to study the painting. Jake felt a bit reluctant to see something worth tens of millions being taken away from him, but since he'd made his decision, he didn't regret it.
"Would you like something to drink?" Dirk asked Jake.
"Whatever." Jake said.
Dirk had a servant open a bottle of red wine and poured a glass for Jake and himself. He then said to Jake, "Axel has been studying antiques for many years, especially some ancient techniques. If this painting really contains hidden depths as you said, I believe Axel will be able to discover it and unveil its secrets."
Jake nodded, hoping that Axel could indeed reveal the hidden technique and broaden his own horizons. Axel spent about half an hour studying the painting. Suddenly, he exclaimed with excitement, "I've found it!"
Although Dirk and Jake had been chatting during this time, their minds were clearly focused on the painting. So, when they heard Axel's words, they both turned their attention to him.
"Axel, is it true that this painting holds hidden depths?" Dirk asked.
"Yes," the old man replied. He used a small flame to gently roast the painting, surprisingly, the painting didn't burn, only its surface changed slightly in color.
Then, he took out a small bottle from his pocket, pouring its contents onto the surface of the painting. The change in color on the surface seemed to intensify.
Finally, the old man had someone bring water and carefully wiped the painting, handling it delicately as if afraid of damaging it. By this point, the appearance of the painting had changed significantly, revealing individual characters and exposing its true nature.
Both Dirk and Jake widened their eyes, watching as the old man unveiled the true nature of the painting step by step. Their faces were filled with astonishment. Even Jake, who knew beforehand that the painting held hidden depths, was amazed at this moment.
"The techniques used on this painting are truly admirable, almost seamless. If Dirk hadn't informed me in advance that this painting held hidden depths, even I wouldn't have been able to see through its deception." Axel sighed with emotion.
Dirk looked at the revealed calligraphy artwork, which turned out to be the 'Farewell to a Guest' by Li Suzhi that Jake had mentioned earlier. His shock was immense. Jake had actually been right!
Beneath this unremarkable exterior, it had truly concealed a masterpiece by the calligraphy master Li Suzhi. How did Jake manage to see through it? Was he also skilled in antique appreciation? What other abilities did Jake possess that he wasn't aware of?
A series of questions flooded Dirk's mind. Initially, he thought he knew Jake quite well, but now it seemed that he had underestimated Jake's capabilities.
Capítulo 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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