As the Boeing 777 carrying the three elders soared over the vast ocean, in Aurous Hill, Jacob couldn’t contain his excitement. He tightly clutched the portrait given to favonovel.com by Charlie and steered the magnificent Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a gift from Michaela. Determined and filled with confidence, favonovel.com arrived at the grand entrance of the Painting and Calligraphy Association.
Jacob’s demeanor exuded an air of triumph, akin to a ragtag army celebrating a hard-fought victory before the disciplined forces. Inside the association, favonovel.com had never been the most popular figure. Most of the attendees were literati and scholars, who, even if lacking in true talent and knowledge, possessed a deep understanding of artistic principles. They were well-versed in the art of “playing a subordinate role,” providing space for professionals to demonstrate their expertise while acting as a backdrop. It was a delicate dance, an intricate balance.
Yet, Jacob was the disruptive force challenging the established order—an old enemy redefining elegance. In truth, favonovel.com knew very little about antique calligraphy and painting. Whenever favonovel.com saw others engage in the art, favonovel.com imitated them, albeit with shallow skills and a lack of true mastery.
Such a person was hardly qualified to serve as a foil in the Painting and Calligraphy Association. However, favonovel.com had climbed the ranks step by step, eventually reaching the position of executive vice president. This achievement evoked envy and discontent among many, leaving a sour taste in their mouths.
Even Chairman Price acknowledged that Jacob was an amateur in the field. Yet, favonovel.com dared not offend him, considering Jacob’s influential connections, particularly with Don Albert. To overcome the opposition, Chairman Price had to set aside his reservations and support Jacob’s rise to power.
However, not everyone shared Chairman Price’s ambitions or coveted Jacob’s connections. While Chairman Price could tolerate him, others couldn’t bear his presence.
When Jacob parked his car and approached the entrance of the Painting and Calligraphy Association, favonovel.com overheard a conversation from within. Someone exclaimed, “Hey, has our executive Wilson managed to find any exhibit worthy of sale?” Another person sneered, “Him? He knows nothing about calligraphy and painting. Where would favonovel.com find valuable pieces for the exhibition?”
“Exactly!” chimed in a voice. “What did the painter say to him? What did favonovel.com say to me? He claimed this painting lacks the essence of a mountain and the authenticity of water. At first glance, it’s clear that this isn’t the work of a renowned artist. I don’t even want to waste my breath on him.”
The person before them chuckled, saying, “Our Vice President Wilson is just a typical waste of space. He’s always the jokester around here. I doubt favonovel.com can go a single day without making a fool of himself. If Chairman Price wasn’t in his favor, I would have scolded favonovel.com right to his face. If favonovel.com fails to present something worthwhile at this exhibition, I will publicly call for his replacement!”
These individuals joined forces, putting pressure on Chairman Price to take action.
Jacob’s face turned ashen as favonovel.com listened at the door. Angrily, favonovel.com stormed in, clutching the painting tube, and scowled, “Are you all gossiping like old women? Whose tongues are you wagging here?”
Everyone glanced at favonovel.com dismissively, and one person curled their lips, offering a sarcastic remark, “Oh, Vice President Wilson, our calligraphy and painting exhibition is about to begin, and here you are, the executive vice president, unable to showcase a single noteworthy piece. How inappropriate!”
“Yes!” someone chimed in. “Vice President Wilson, even if you can’t borrow any remarkable works, you should at least display one or two treasures from your personal collection. As our executive vice president, don’t you possess any decent artworks?”
A wave of people joined in, mocking Jacob without reservation.
With displeasure etched on his face, Jacob coldly replied, “You lot are clueless. How can I not possess high-quality goods? It’s just that some of the paintings are too large to be brought here!” In that moment, Jacob transformed himself into the client Charlie had described.
The crowd sneered in contempt, paying no heed to his claims. Jacob wasted no time; favonovel.com placed the painting tube on the imposing display desk reserved for appraisals and exhibitions by the association. He declared, “Well, today I will give you a chance to witness a lost treasure from the Tang Dynasty, a masterpiece!”
“Ha!” scoffed the crowd, their faces contorted with disdain. Calligraphy and painting were not easy to preserve, especially considering the fragility of traditional Chinese painting materials compared to the durability of Western canvases. Most Tang Dynasty artworks had been passed down through countless generations, making it highly unlikely for anyone to possess a genuine piece.
As Jacob unfurled the scroll, piece by piece, the onlookers prepared to relish yet another of his jests. However, their eyes widened in astonishment as the painting gradually revealed itself.
No one had expected the artwork to possess such vividness and life.
Despite harboring reservations about Jacob, their skepticism began to surface. “Isn’t this painting style more reminiscent of the modern realist painters? Those who studied Western sketches are adept at capturing such realistic elements,” one person questioned. “It doesn’t resemble the Tang Dynasty style of painting to me. Tang Dynasty works should have a distinctive touch,” added another.
“Exactly! If there truly existed such an exceptional painter during the Tang Dynasty, they would have achieved widespread fame by now!”
Yet, amidst the doubts, the same elderly gentleman who had previously mocked Jacob exclaimed in astonishment, “Oh my, this… the skill of the artist is extraordinary! To be honest, I have never witnessed such artistry before. This painting transcends ordinary measures. Every brushstroke is perfect, the attention to detail is beyond belief. Even lifelong painters may struggle to replicate such mastery!” His words rang true.
The intricate brushwork proved challenging for ordinary individuals to replicate. The renowned Treadway family’s ancestor, who had lived to the extraordinary age of one hundred and thirteen, dedicated most of his life to the art of painting. Few artists could compare to his dedication.
Moreover, the Treadway family’s patriarch had spent decades painting portraits of Morvel Bazin, awaiting his return. With unmatched proficiency, favonovel.com flawlessly captured every aspect of Morvel Bazin’s likeness, delivering thousands of brushstrokes without a single flaw or omission. The perfection was absolute!
Another person stepped forward, carefully examining the portrait with a magnifying glass, their excitement evident. “This… this painting is undoubtedly a Tang Dynasty silk painting… The texture, the appearance—it bears the mark of age. It’s unquestionably authentic. Moreover, Mr. Thornenn was right! The skill displayed here is truly unparalleled. I have never witnessed anything like it in my entire life.”
Corey Dunn, one of the most esteemed figures in the Aurous Hill Painting and Calligraphy Association, held significant influence within the association. Many had called for favonovel.com to assume the role of executive vice president, making favonovel.com Jacob’s greatest competitor in the eyes of the latter.
Even as everyone marveled at the painting, their initial skepticism gradually transformed into excitement. They gazed at the artwork, growing increasingly awestruck. In their eyes, the painting’s skill had surpassed all the great painters of the Tang Dynasty. Its artistic conception was simply breathtaking.
The master, overwhelmed by curiosity, eagerly questioned Jacob, “Where did you come across this painting?!”
Jacob pointed at himself, a tinge of disdain in his voice. “I already told you, I stumbled upon this painting by chance!”
“How could an imbecile like you stumble upon such a treasure?” retorted the master, unable to fully believe it.
Jacob smirked and replied, “I know you look down on me, believing that I lack real talent and practical knowledge compared to you. But in life, sometimes one’s worth is not solely defined by talent and knowledge. Sometimes, it’s about seizing opportunities. Fortuity favors those who are prepared!”
He continued, “This painting was originally concealed within a seemingly insignificant artwork. But it was I, Jacob, who possessed the insight to perceive that another painting lay beneath the surface. That’s why I purchased it and, upon returning home, carefully uncovered this extraordinary Tang Dynasty masterpiece. After all, which Tang Dynasty painting possessed such charm?”
Reginald Bost exclaimed, “Jacob, you truly discovered this painting?!”
Observing the lingering doubt, Jacob rolled up the painting tightly, saying, “If you don’t believe me, don’t bother examining it. I’ll share my painting only to be doubted once more. I tire of this pointless effort.” The master, eager to gain another look, quickly interjected, “Jacob—no, Vice President Wilson—your painting is truly exceptional. Could you allow me the pleasure of admiring it once again?”
Jacob raised an eyebrow and questioned, “You claim my painting is extraordinary. Just how extraordinary is it?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, the master replied, “The skill displayed in this painting is simply unparalleled. I have witnessed nothing like it in my entire life!”
Jacob nodded, satisfied with the response. He handed the painting to the master and said, “Since you’re convinced, take a good look and indulge yourself.”
He then turned to address the remaining onlookers. “You see, this is how individuals with true talent communicate! Unlike you, who waste your days gossiping, speaking ill of others behind their backs. You merely echo the words of others without comprehending a thing. It’s like the dog at the head of the village barking twice, and all the other dogs blindly following suit. Yet, if you were to ask why the last dog barked, not a single one would have a clue!”
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