《Artifact Reading Inspector》 Chapter 1: Inside the unknown stone chamber… (Prologue)

Chapter 1: Inside the unknown stone chamber¡­ (Prologue)

The stone chamber was pitch-ck. The ce had lost its former looks, it was in a mess. The ground had been dug up here and there. If it wasn¡¯t for the lighting from the small LEDntern hanging on the wall, you wouldn¡¯t even be able to see your own hands. ¡°Hay, Park! What are you doing? We must get out!¡± Even though it was a whisper, the voice still sounded urgent. Yunseok looked back for a moment, but soon he turned back to the front. His bloodshot eyes were staring at the pile of soil in the dark. ¡®There¡¯s something!¡¯ It felt like someone was calling him. At first, the sound was simr to when someone is gnawing something. However, as he kept listening, he felt like it was talking to him. As if he was possessed by something, he started to dig without using a hoe or a bamboo knife. He just used his hands but, as if he knew where it was, his hands moved without hesitation. He didn¡¯t even worry about damaging the hidden object. No, he couldn¡¯t even think about that. ¡°Park! The police areing! Are you crazy? Get out!¡± ¡°Wait¡­ wait¡­¡± As he was urgently called from behind, Yunseok could only tell Jo to wait. ¡°Sh*t¡­ I am leaving. You¡¯re on your own. I¡¯ll be in Cheongdo Port until the 17 th . You know I can¡¯t wait for you if you¡¯rete.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Yunseok didn¡¯t answer, he just kept digging. Strangely, the soil, which should have been hard, was dug so easily as if it was sand in a yground. Normally, he would have found this strange; however, he currently couldn¡¯t think straight. ¡°Ha¡­ don¡¯t me me for this!¡± The sound left. Jo crawled through the small tunnel that led to the chamber where Yunseok was. They had already robbed a lot of artifacts, so they were about to receive a huge amount of money. Jo couldn¡¯t afford to waste time and get captured. It was the same for Yunseok. If he had thought about his son who was waiting for him, he would have run without looking back. However, having already lost all signs of reason, he kept digging like a madman. His thoughts were only on finding it. ¡°Pant, pant¡­¡± Soon, his hand grabbed a ck wooden box. Yunseok then woke up while gently brushing off the soil. ¡°It¡¯s not rotten?¡± The artifacts of this tomb were at least a few centuries old. However, the box with a strange symbol, that he had never seen before, wasn¡¯t rotten at all. Maybe it wasn¡¯t made out of wood. Crick¡­ Yunseok flinched. He didn¡¯t open it. No, maybe his hand touched it¡­ Inside, there was a ck rectangr object with no decorations. Yunseok ditched the box and put the object in his pocket. Next, he went through the small tunnel that was barely big enough for his body. It was time to escape. Chapter 2: Blood Cannot Be Denied (1)

Chapter 2: Blood Cannot Be Denied (1)

As usual, he went homete that day. He had worked from dusk to dawn, so his back ached and his arms were sore. However, he didn¡¯t head straight home. He went to the convenience store. To rx the mind that was as exhausted as his body, he needed some soju (alcohol) with a cup of ramen. ¡°Pant¡­ pant¡­¡± His home was in a slum. As he climbed up to reach his home, his breath got heavier. He lived there for more than a decade and, even though he was strong because of his work, he could never get used to the hill. Creak¡­ He pushed the old and screaming iron gate. He then stopped, he couldn¡¯t move. From the window of his room, he could see a bright light. He lived alone. If the lights were lit in his room, he could only think of two possibilities: someone broke in or his father, who had left two years ago, came back. Most of the people in the area were poor, so there was no way for a thief to be there. Therefore, Haejin¡¯s eyes turned red as soon as he saw the light. ¡°Father! Father!¡± His father had never done anything for him, but he was the only family he had. So, Haejin missed him more than he hated him. He hurried to enter while calling his father. ¡°Haejin.¡± ¡°Huh? Father!¡± White hair and a long beard that hadn¡¯t been shaved for months. He looked like someone who had been living in the wild all alone. If Haejin had met him on the streets, he wouldn¡¯t have recognized him. His father¡¯s face was pale. He had fallen on the floor and was calling his son. Surprised, Haejin went to him and slowly got him up. ¡°Father, what happened? I will call 119 first. Just hang on.¡± Yunseok, Haejin¡¯s father, didn¡¯t care about what his son said. From his bag, he slowly took out something wrapped in newspapers and gave it to Haejin. ¡°This¡­ this¡­¡± Even without unwrapping it, Haejin knew what it was. It had to be another artifact his father robbed. ¡°No. I can live well even without this.¡± Haejin quickly dialed 119 and asked for help. Yunseok spoke with a trembling voice, ¡°I am sorry. Because of me¡­¡± ¡°If you know that, then get up. What is going on?¡± ¡°It¡¯s time. Do you know what¡¯s happening?¡± They had known that it would eventually happen. A long time ago, when Haejin was in elementary school, Yunseok was forced to rob artifacts from graves by an evil Japanese art dealer for a few years. He worked without the right equipment, therefore he got lung disease. Next, he received a knee surgery. His body was failing him. At that time, Haejin suggested him to try something else since his health was not good enough. Yunseok tried working at an Insadong (street full of shops that trade antique goods), but he couldn¡¯t make a lot of money. He then went back to grave robbing. He didn¡¯t have any choices. He was born during the Korean War, so grave robbing was the only thing he knew. ¡°Just hold on. This has happened before. You will get better again.¡± ¡°This time is different. I know. I will not live anymore.¡± Shaking his head, Yunseok barely managed to lift his trembling hand to stroke the face of his son. ¡°Poor child. It¡¯s all my fault. me me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. It wasn¡¯t that bad. No son has spent more time with his father than I did. I enjoyed our time.¡± ¡°Poor boy¡­ poor boy¡­¡± Tears trickled down Yunseok¡¯s face. The hand, that was stroking Haejin¡¯s face, lost its strength and eventually dropped. ¡°Father!¡± That night, Haejin lost his father. The funeral was very simple. No one wasing to look for Yunseok so Haejin cremated him and scattered the ashes in the sea. His father had spent all his life working in the tombs of other people, therefore he would have said no to a tomb of his own. Returning home, Haejin picked up the object that was in the corner of his room. Yunseok used to take little Haejin with him and rob the graves in China, Vietnam and Cambodia. However, the son didn¡¯t think it was the right thing to do. So, he tried to stop his father, but he didn¡¯t listen. After his health started failing, Yunseok used part of the money, that he earned through grave robbing, for their daily expenses while spending the rest on buying Korean artifacts that were outside the country and anonymously donated them to museums. Haejin couldn¡¯t understand his behavior. Yunseok told him that his grandfather, Yunseok¡¯s father, was an antique dealer who sold many Korean artifacts abroad. Because of that, as if this was the purpose of his life, Yunseok wanted to repay his father¡¯s debt after he got ill. After secretly buying the Korean artifacts, he would always say, ¡°If I do not bring back the Korean artifacts like this, I will never be able to pay back the debt my father owes to this country.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand the act of robbing the graves of other countries to bring back the artifacts of their own countries. However, his father was so determined that he couldn¡¯t stop him. As Yunseok moved around regardless of the school schedule, Haejin barely managed to graduate from elementary school and took the qualification exams for middle and high school. Instead, his knowledge and discerning eye about antiques were better than most expert¡¯s. Because of that, Haejin studied archeology for a year at a not-so-good university to be a professional archeologist. He didn¡¯t want to be a grave robber. Instead, he just wanted to learn about beautiful artifacts. Next, his father was caught while illegally selling artifacts in Cambodia and was sentenced to two years in jail. Haejin gave up his studies for his father and spent all their money and artifacts they had to get him out of jail. Haejin attempted to stop Yunseok from robbing again after that, but he didn¡¯t listen. He tried to convince his father to not work with anything rted to antiquity and instead live through physicalbor¡­ but now everything hade to an end. Haejin¡¯s eyes were bloodshot while he slowly unwrapped the newspaper. ¡°What¡­¡± Heughed in despair. He didn¡¯t expect a great artifact, he thought it would at least be something of historical value. However, it was just a ck brick. But then, he felt that it was too light for it to be a brick. ¡°Huh?¡± It wasn¡¯t a brick. It felt rough to the touch, but it wasn¡¯t cold like stone or metal. It was more like leather. He didn¡¯t know why, but the moment he thought it was made of leather, he got goosebumps. Haejin put the thing on the floor and knelt down to take a closer look. There was a thin crack on the side. It was a book. As Haejin knew that his father had died after getting an unknown disease while robbing a grave and suffering for long, he believed in the existence of curses. Distressed, he questioned the idea of opening the book. It felt somewhat ominous. Even though he was thinking of getting rid of it, he couldn¡¯t stop looking at it. After staring it for a while, he then lifted his head. The sun was no longer up there in the sky. He looked at the clock, 9 p.m., 5 hours had already flown by. The strange thing was that his legs didn¡¯t even ache. He got the goosebumps again. Where did father get this? He still remembered the horror movie he watched yesterday. It was a fake documentary about young men going to haunted houses to prove unknown phenomena¡­ The moment he recalled that movie, he just flipped over the book¡¯s page. ¡°Sh*t¡­¡± He did it, but it wasn¡¯t him. His hand got out of his control and opened the book on its own. ¡®I am dead now.¡¯ These were his first thoughts. Next, he saw the letters on the book. They were written in blood red on ck pages. He had never seen these letters before. He used to think there were few alphabets that he was not aware of thanks to his grave robber father, but these were new. This had to be a curse. He couldn¡¯t stop the thought that if he kept reading, he will be crazy or start seeing things like in the movies and novels to then end up killing people, including himself. He went straight to the gas stove, turned it on and put the cursed book on fire. At first, nothing was happening to the book. Like the charcoal that didn¡¯t burn well, it caught fire only after a long time. Whatever it was made of, that cursed thing generated ck smoke with a disgusting smell that he had never experienced before. It was simr to burning stic. Nevertheless, Haejin didn¡¯t move until it was burntpletely. He feared that if he looked away, even for a moment, it would vanish and show up again elsewhere. There was a movie that had a simr plot. He gathered the remaining ashes and threw them out. Only then did he feel better. ¡°Why did he leave this to me?¡± What were his reasons to like the mystery book so much that made him bring it to me? He must have failed to sense the ominous energy it had. That night, Haejin had a really weird dream. A person, he had never seen before, grabbed his head while shaking it and muttering strange things. He had never heard thatnguage before; however, he could still understand everything. When he woke up, he looked outside the window as it was a habit of his. The sun wasn¡¯t up yet. He then looked at the clock. It was just past 5 a.m. Because of his pounding heart, he couldn¡¯t go back to sleep. Therefore, he got up. ¡°That¡¯s funny¡­ have I read too many novels these days?¡± The funny thing was that thenguage was meant to be some kind of magic that he had only read about in novels. He thought that he had such a strange dream because of the many webnovels that he had been reading. Shaking his head, he turned on the TV. He had decided to take a few days off. Since his father had passed away, he had no more reason to do physicalbor. Of course, there was nothing else he could do, but he didn¡¯t want to work so hard anymore. He had saved up some money, so he could rest for a few months. He spent the time withedy shows and dramas that he couldn¡¯t watch in the past. The sun was now in the middle of the sky. ¡°Shall I eat some stir-fried rice?¡± Since he was hungry, he picked up the flyer of a Chinese restaurant and was about to order delivery when he received a call from a familiar name. It was Hwang who always used to work together with him. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me. How are you?¡± ¡°Just living¡­¡± Hwang knew that Haejin was not at work because of his father¡¯s death. It was strange for him to ask how he was. Was there something worrying that he wanted to say to me? ¡°Hmm¡­ actually, we found something strange at the site. This is your area of expertise, right?¡± If it had been a body, Hwan would have called the police instead of Haejin. There was only one thing that he could imply by strange thing: an old artifact. As he used to study archeology, Hwang would sometime ask for Haejin¡¯s help. Therefore, he called again. ¡°Have you told this to the owner of the building?¡± The construction that was going on now was demolishing an old two-story house to build a five-story vi on that site. If an artifact was discovered at the site, the owner of the building had to be informed. ¡°Of course, he does. I also told him about you so now he wants you to take a look. You know the situation. He has loaned a huge amount of money to build the vi. He will go bankrupt if the construction is stopped. We might not even get our money¡­ you know what I mean.¡± If one or two artifacts were discovered from the ground, they just could inform the government about it and resume working. Of course, they could also secretly sell it. However, if it were a very important historical site, things would get different. If they informed the government and the site were to be designated as a historical site, the construction would be stopped while excavation would start instead. That would be the end for the owner. So, he was asking Haejin who knew more about this stuff. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ming.¡± Actually, Haejin could not change the oue. He could only let them know the result before the people from the cultural heritage administration arrived. More importantly, he would be able to find out what the artifact was. He hurried to take a shower and left his home excited. This was how his father probably felt when he saw new artifacts. Blood cannot be denied. Chapter 3: Blood Cannot Be Denied (2)

Chapter 3: Blood Cannot Be Denied (2)

¡°Captain Hwang.¡± Haejin arrived at the residential area of Guri, Gyeonggi-do. The building had been demolished and the debris had been almost cleared, so it was time to harden the ground. However, the construction workers were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a man in his fifties and another old man in his seventies were waiting for him. ¡°Oh, this is Park Haejin. Haejin, this is Yang Sangman, the building¡¯s owner.¡± Hwang knew many people in Guri, so he was able to receive many construction jobs. ¡°Hello, sir.¡± ¡°You are a fine young man. You don¡¯t look like you belong here¡­¡± Yang Sangman studied Haejin up and down. Just as he said, Haejin was six feet tall and had handsome looks so people often asked him why he worked as a construction worker. Last summer, while he was driving the construction truck in Hongdae, he saw a beautiful woman. He tried to start a conversation with her and waster able to get her number. They ended up breaking up a few monthster; however, Haejin was still someone very handsome and women often asked for his own number. ¡°Thank you. But I think all jobs are equally important. May I see the thing first?¡± ¡°Yes,e here.¡± Sangman took Haejing away from the site. Excited, he was wondering what kind of artifact it was. However, he tried not to show his emotions and kept talking to Hwang. ¡°Where are the others?¡± ¡°Uh? Oh¡­ we didn¡¯t work today. I just waited for you toe.¡± Something like this had already happened in the past, but Hwang had never been so secretive. This meant that Hwang was alone when discovering the artifact¡­ After walking for a long time, they finally arrived at a shabby real estate agency. Sangman opened the door with a small key and went in. This was probably his ce. ¡°You can sit here. Do you want some coffee?¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± ¡°These days, it is a lot easier with this instant coffee. In the past, I had to ask that to every customer. A long time ago, there was a coffee shop down the street, in there¡­ I don¡¯t remember her name. Anyway, she made great coffee.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Sangman kept saying all kind of uninteresting things. He then brought two cups of coffee and put them in front of Haejin and Hwang. ¡°You already heard about it, right? I need you to promise me something before I show it to you. You must keep it a secret. You know what I¡¯m saying, right?¡± If the artifact wasn¡¯t important, it seemed that Sangman would resume construction. Otherwise, if he informed the government and the artifact was deemed to not worth a lot, the construction would be stopped immediately and he wouldn¡¯t get enoughpensation. He would lose everything. More precisely, he would just bury everything unless a bunch of national treasures came out. ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°I trust you.¡± Sangman held Haejin¡¯s hand to make him understand the importance of this. He then went inside to take something out. In his hands, you could see some white porcin. ¡°Well, take a look. Is it expensive?¡± Sangman carefully carried the item as if it were a baby that could crack at any time. Next, he put it on the table. The moment he saw it, Haejin knew that it was real. ¡°Please wait.¡± He took out a small magnifying ss to take a closer look. Seen from the side, the top and the bottom were simr to ordinary Korean white porcins. However, when looked at it from the top, you could see a perfect dodecagon. Its height was 20cm while the diameter of its top and bottom was 12cm, so it wasn¡¯t that small. What was strange was that the apricot flower tree and the bamboo painted on its side were red. It was in great conditions, so it was unlikely for it to be just left on the ground. It was probably kept in an old chest or a warehouse. ¡°It¡¯s a Red Dot.¡± ¡°Red Dot? What is it?¡± ¡°Oh, if you paint or write with red dye on white porcin, apply ze then bake it, the porcin will look red like this. It used to be called Red Dot Porcin, but nowadays they call it Red Dye White Porcin.¡± ¡°Is it old?¡± ¡°Oh, you can¡¯t calcte it urately¡­ it¡¯s not like it has a pattern or sentence of a particr period. The Red Dye White Porcin was normally made from the Goryeo period to thete Joseon period, so I cannot tell you the exact date it was made.¡± ¡°But you must have a feeling!¡± Since it was white porcin, Sangman was very eager to know more about the artifact. ¡°Hmm¡­ honestly, I think it is probably from thete Joseon period. The Red Dye White Porcin was more popr during the 18 th and 19 th centuries. Look at the pattern of the bottle. You can see a bird sitting on the apricot flower tree. It was a typical pattern used bymoners and it was used a lot after the 18 th century. It¡¯s also in great condition so it cannot be that old¡­ of course, you must consult a real expert to know the details.¡± Actually, even an expert would not be able to tell you much. It wasn¡¯t like they could use age dating. To find the exact age of the porcin, it meant that the expert would analyze the patterns or letters on it, its shape, its heel, its ze, its dye and the mud that was used to make it. It wasn¡¯t perfect, in fact, it was more like appraising than determining the exact age. Most people would think about carbon dating when finding the age of the objects; however, as porcin is made of inorganic matter, mud, and it was baked in high temperatures, it didn¡¯t contain carbon. So, they couldn¡¯t use the method on porcins. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just buried in the ground. There was a huge closet buried. The reason why it is in such perfect condition is because it was well kept in that closet. Now, how much money is it worth?¡± ¡°Well, if I am right and it was made in the 18 th or 19 th century, if you sell it to an antique dealer, I think between 5,000,000 and 10,000,000 won. Of course, you could get more if you put it on auction.¡± ¡°Really? Can I really get 10,000,000 won?¡± It was a big amount of money, but Sangman¡¯s face brightened up too much even though his construction was about to be stopped. He must have more than one artifact. Moreover, he didn¡¯t seem to think about informing the Cultural Heritage Administration. Well, it made sense. If the porcin had been buried in the ground, the site could have been a historical site but, since it came out of a closet hidden underground, someone had probably hidden it there. ¡°I think it is worth that much.¡± Currently, Haejin only cared about how many white porcins Sangman had. He suddenly recalledst night¡¯s dream. ¡®That magic¡­¡¯ It felt like it could be real. It was strange since normally, when he woke up after having a dream, he couldn¡¯t remember it after some time passed; however, this dream was different. He could still remember the content very clearly, from the beginning to the end. He could only think of one reason. The book his father had brought. He thought that he had been cursed after burning the book. Therefore, he was terrified of using thenguage of that curse but, at the same time, he was curious about it. ¡®Reading the memories of objects¡­¡¯ The cursed spell that had been imnted in his mind during the dream,st night, was about reading the memories of objects. He thought about it for a long time. He knew how the spell worked. He didn¡¯t know how, he just knew it. It was as if he had been born with it. That made him even more scared to say it out loud. ¡°Thank you. This is my gratitude, so take it.¡± As Haejin was thinking about using the spell on the porcin, Sangman gave him a yellow envelope that wasn¡¯t used often these days. It was for appraising the artifact and keeping the secret, so Haejin had no reason to refuse it. ¡°Thank you.¡± Originally, appraising this kind of artifact would cost at least hundreds of thousand won. However, Haejin didn¡¯t bother to ask how much was in that envelope. Sangman didn¡¯t even know what antiques are. There was no reason to start exining how things worked in that area. Haejin took it and started to think about the spell again, but Hwang made it clear that they were done. He decided to give up. Even though he was curious, that curiosity melted like snow when he recalled his father who died in pain. He left the ce after a few words. Sangman and Hwang would probably sell that porcin and divide up the money. Then, Haejin opened the envelope. 300,000 won. Even though Sangman knew nothing about antiques, he had still given him quite a lot. Haejin was sure that he didn¡¯t know much about these things because, otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have asked him to see it. In fact, if he had already chosen who to sell it to, the buyer himself would have appraised the porcin. Haejin went back home and continued his break. He didn¡¯t receive any calls from Hwang, so he thought that they had already taken care of the porcin on their own. That night, he had another strange dream. ck hair, bloody red eyes and ck nails. It was a creepy witch. Like before, she muttered a spell while shaking Haejin¡¯s head. It was painful. Her voice was so terrifying and revolting that he wanted to throw up. Next, when he woke up after all that pain, his bed was drenched with his sweat. He kept having that horrible dream. It was always the same. No, the spell changed little by little while the pain got even worse. After three days, he could feel that the miserable dream would end only if he used the spell. He couldn¡¯t, not after seeing what happened to his father. Then, on the fourth day of the dream, someone pounded at his door. Bam! Bam! Bam! ¡°Hey! Haejin! Are you there?¡± Haejin was trying to focus on a drama to forget the dream. Hearing the shout, he stood up full of anger. He was already on the edge and that shout made him feel even worse. ¡°Who is it?¡± Angry, Haejin opened the door. Surprised, Hwang stepped back. He then answered, ¡°Huh? You were at home?¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t aware of it, but his voice was full of anger and annoyance. Hearing him, Hwang¡¯s voice got smaller and smaller. ¡°You see¡­ about that porcin you saw the other day¡­¡± ¡°What about it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fake! Do you know anything about porcins? Didn¡¯t you just pretend to examine it when you knew nothing?¡± Hwang raised his fists and yelled as if the porcin was his. ¡°It is real. You probably got a punch in the face somewhere. Why are you letting out your anger at me?¡± ¡°What? A punch?¡± ¡°You brought the thing and they scolded you saying it¡¯s fake, right? You probably didn¡¯t put it on auction and went directly to a dealer of Insadong¡­ didn¡¯t you? You just kept it and didn¡¯t tell the Cultural Heritage Administration.¡± Hwang flinched then yelled again, ¡°You know we will lose everything if we tell the government! We knew something was strange, so we took it to an appraising agency! The expert in there said it was fake?¡± How much had Hwang been promised to be given that he was raging like that? ¡°So, you want the money back?¡± ¡°Yes, you were wrong, so you must give it back.¡± He didn¡¯te just for the 300,000 won. He ran here because he had no other ce to vent his anger. Haejin didn¡¯t have a problem with giving him back the money and never see him again, however, he was enraged. I am Park Haejin, who has seen all kinds of artifacts and strange things with myte father. Now, someone dared to call the artifact I have appraised to be real as a fake? Chapter 4: Blood Cannot Be Denied (3)

Chapter 4: Blood Cannot Be Denied (3)

¡°Where did you have it appraised?¡± ¡°What? That-that¡¯s¡­ if you are so sure, will you go talk to Yang Sangman?¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s go. We can visit the agency with him. Wait here for now, I need to change my clothes.¡± Hwang could only nod, he didn¡¯t expect Haejin to behave like this. A whileter, Haejin came out in a pair of jeans and a hoody. Hwang had still some doubts on his face. He then said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I came because I was shocked as well. But do you really know how to appraise artifacts?¡± ¡°Nonsense! If you don¡¯t believe me, you shouldn¡¯t have shown it to me in the first ce.¡± Haejin answered bluntly. Embarrassed, Hwang looked away. ¡°I thought all appraisers are the same. You did well thest time so I thought you would do well this time too, but you made a mistake.¡± Hwang would rather put his faith in that expert than believing in Haejin. It didn¡¯t matter anymore. What happened has already happened, Haejin will never again waste his time with Hwang. He just wanted to see the face of the expert who said that the porcin, which was worth tens of million won, was a fake. ¡°Where is that ce? The appraising agency.¡± ¡°Ha! I told you it¡¯s pointless to go there. It¡¯s the ¡®Cheonjin Appraising Agency¡¯. It is a really famous appraising agency in the middle of Insadong. Don¡¯t even bother going there and embarrass yourself. Just go to Yang and tell him that you are sorry. Then, give him the money back.¡± ¡°I will take care of it myself. Just let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± His father was not just a grave robber. If he had the opportunity to graduate from university, he would have be a respected archeologist in Korea. He was even called a legend in Insadong, everyone knew him there. Yunseok was a great archeologist and grave robber. As soon as Haejin started to talk, the father took him to museums and galleries. Later, when he started to learn reading, he was taught Korean and Chinese. Even though he couldn¡¯t participate in the process, by the time he was in elementary school, he saw all kinds of artifacts that his father excavated. While the other kids learned literature, English and math, he learned about paintings, sculptures and porcins from his father. If only Yunseok had boughtnd and a few apartments with the money he had gotten from grave robbing, Haejin would be a wealthy man by now. Instead, Yunseok took Haejin and traveled around the world, visiting the Louvre, the British Museum, National Pce Museum of Taiwan and many others. Therefore, Haejin ended up living in the slums. Of course, spending all their money and artifacts they had to get Yunseok out of jail was the biggest reason. ¡°Sir! He says that his appraisal is correct, and we should go back to the agency to find out more!¡± Hwang took Haejin to that shabby real estate agency they had visited a few days ago. Yang Sangman was sitting in front of an old desk. Just in a few days, he looked much older. His back was bent and, whileing out, he was ring at Haejin. ¡°Find out what? It is all over. Well, even if it was real, it¡¯s not worth that much. The construction won¡¯t be stopped, so both you and I are saved, Hwang. I was crazy to ask that young boy¡­ you, give me my money and get the hell out of here!¡± Haejin knew this was going to happen. So, he nned to go to the appraiser with Sangman since he was not satisfied with their answer¡­ but now he changed his mind. ¡°Really? Okay, I get it. Then, how about this? Sell me those fakes. I will give you 1,000,000 won for each. I will buy them all. Oh, and I will give you back the 300,000 won you gave me.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I will buy them all. You are going to bury the whole thing without telling the Cultural Heritage Administration, right? Or have you sold them all to that appraiser at an insanely low price?¡± If that had happened, it would be the worst situation. However, Haejin didn¡¯t think Sangman was that stupid. The expert was probably waiting for his scheme to work. ¡°No, but¡­ will you really pay 1,000,000 for each? Wait, how did you know that there is more than one?¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have rejoiced so much just for 10,000,000 won. There must be more. Anyway, sell them to me. After what happened, it would be better for you to sell them at 1,000,000 per piece.¡± Sangman and Hwang looked at each other, then, nced at Haejin. However, they were not doubting the professional appraiser, they were scorning Haejin. Maybe it was natural. Anyone would trust more an appraiser than a guy who works as a construction worker. ¡°You will buy them at 1,000,000 each? Really?¡± ¡°Yes, I will send you the money right now.¡± Haejin had saved about 20,000,000 throughbor. Moreover, it was unlikely that more than 20 porcins came out of the site. ¡°Okay! Deal!¡± ¡°Oh, sir, if you decide it so hastily¡­¡± Hwang tried to stop Sangman who had made the decision too quickly but, in the end, he didn¡¯t back off since he wanted to give a lesson to this young man. ¡°What? 1,000,000 for each. Good. I can get rid of these useless things and resume the construction. Stay here, don¡¯t go anywhere!¡± Sangman told Haejin to not run away and hurried to get inside to bring the items. There were five of them in total. ¡°Well, will you buy them all? Huh?¡± The white porcins were all real and valuable. There was even a bowl without any decoration, which looked worthless, but the mud and the ze used were the best. They were grey with a soft glow. The others were all Blue Flower White Porcins. One of them was a dish that was used to contain water for the ink. It had an apricot flower and a bamboo drawn on it like the first one. The other three were all Red Dye White Porcins that were 30cm tall. They looked even better together. Unlike the blue porcins, white porcins may seem simple and dull but, because of their mysterious blue-white hue, you would never get tired of looking at them, so they were very valuable. Additionally, these white porcins were able to keep their beautiful shape. ¡°Give me your bank ount number and let¡¯s write a contract.¡± Haejin said. ¡°What? Write what?¡± ¡°Write a contract that says you are giving me those porcins at 1,000,000 for each. You said they are fake. I don¡¯t want you to change your mind ande back to me after you give them to me.¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡± Sangman just kept saying ¡®haha¡¯; however, even kids could tell that he was just dragging for time. ¡°What? Are you worrying about them turning out to be real? Then, I don¡¯t have to give back that 300,000 won. Don¡¯t bother me ever again. You should just me yourself¡­¡± Haejin showed his anger while Sangman¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Okay! You think I can¡¯t do it? How dare you boy talk to me like that¡­ okay. Don¡¯t youe back and beg to get that money back!¡± Sangman took out a new piece of paper from his printer and wrote down the contract. ¡°Here! Send me the money and sign it with your thumbprint!¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin sent the 5,000,000 won to Sangman¡¯s ount with his smartphone, he then showed it to him, ¡°You see! I sent the money.¡± Next, he applied red paint on his thumb, stamped it on the contracts and then took one of the two contracts. ¡°They are all mine now, right?¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± ¡°Then, I will take them all with me. I am also giving you back that 300,000.¡± He put down that yellow envelope on Sangman¡¯s desk and called a cab. He then got some paper boxes and newspapers from the nearby supermarket and carefully wrapped the porcins with them. As it was far from downtown, it took some time for the cab to arrive. Haejin got a soda from the supermarket and waited while Sangman came to him. ¡°Where will you go now? Are you going to that appraiser? It will all be in vain. Something fake won¡¯t turn into real.¡± ¡°Of course, something fake will not turn real.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°They were real in the first ce.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ you haven¡¯te to your senses yet. Young man these days don¡¯t know how to value money. You don¡¯t even think about saving money, huh? 5,000,000 won could be spent as the deposit money for rent!¡± Haejin knew why Sangman was using him like that, his wish was that the items he sold were actually fake. ¡°Sir, you have never bought antiques, right?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°You have never bought some and I am the first person you sold them to, right?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Sangman just coughed as he had nothing to say at this sharp question. ¡°When ites to antique goods, you should never sell the things that have be yours so easily.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°This is thest advice I can give you. Goodbye.¡± The cab had arrived so Haejin carefully put the items on the back seat. ¡°Oh, you are crazy. This ck cab is really expensive¡­ you don¡¯t know how to value money¡­¡± Sangman kept tutting, but Haejin just smiled. Unlike what he said, Sangman had an urgent face as if he was about to cry. Not caring about his feelings, Haejin closed the door. ¡°Sir, these are very valuable objects. If any of these cracks, you will have to sell your car. So please drive carefully. I don¡¯t care about the fare.¡± ¡°Okay. All the better for me.¡± The cab driver with some white hair drove slowly. ¡°Uh? Uh?¡± Sangman couldn¡¯t catch the car. He just grabbed the air and plopped down. Now, he felt that something might be wrong. The young man was so confident while he, himself, acted too quickly. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°Oh, Jongro, Seoul.¡± While Haejin wanted to keep scolding Sangman, he held it back. Sangman was a victim, there was a really bad guy out there. He was going to Jongro instead of Insadong not to show that he had antiques but to leave the porcins at a nearby business hotel. The cab ride cost him 130,000 won, but he paid with the card. Compared to the money he would get from selling those porcins, this was nothing. Once he was at the hotel, he put the things in his room, took a water container and headed to Insadong. He started whistling. Even though he had just a few porcins, he felt like he had the whole world. Suddenly, he missed his father. Chapter 5: Using Magic (1)

Chapter 5: Using Magic (1)

He nned to go straight to the auction house. No matter what kind of story the porcins had, they were already in his hand. He didn¡¯t want to bother other¡¯s business. He also didn¡¯t want to announce that he had them now. ¡°Oh¡­ I shouldn¡¯t do this¡­¡± He knew that he didn¡¯t have to, but he went past the Korean Auction, his destination, and went deep into Insadong. He wanted to see the faces of those who dared to y with the valuable artifacts of the ancestors. ¡°Is that-?¡± On the first floor of an old building, he spotted a sign saying ¡®Cheonjin Appraising Agency¡¯. He was doubting his idea again but, in the end, he went inside the building. Ding¡­ He opened the door. The bell rang while making a clear sound. ¡°Wee. Have youe for an appraisal?¡± A woman in her mid-thirties looked at Haejin and smiled. She was pretty, so it didn¡¯t seem like she would belong in a ce with old-fashioned stuff. The woman looked more like the employee of a bigpany. ¡°Yes, I came to have a white porcin appraised,¡± Haejin said. ¡°White porcin? Oh¡­ could you please wait for a moment? Can I bring you some coffee?¡± ¡°Anything.¡± She opened the door and came out with a cup of coffee which she then gave to Haejin. About ten minutester, Haejin was finally asked to go in. ¡°Oh, a young CEO. Sit here¡­ this is my friend. He is a very good expert so please show us the item.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay.¡± The man who greeted Haejin warmly was in the early 50s. He was wearing a modernized Hanbok (traditional Korean cloth) and he somehow looked familiar. If a man working in Insadong looked familiar to Haejin, there was only one possible reason: Haejin had met the man when he worked with his father. ¡°You brought white porcin? Many people bring them nowadays. The white porcin is basically just a white bowl, so it is hard to appraise unless you are a real expert.¡± He started his scheme before Haejin even took out the porcin. The man in his 40s next to him smiled oddly and kept looking at Haejin and the appraiser back and forth. Haejin saw the people of Insadong with his father only when he was very young. Since he stayed mostly abroad, except for those who excavated with his father, few knew Haejin¡¯s face. Haejin must have seen often the man when going around Insadong with his father to learn. Well, he didn¡¯t get attached to them, so he was not going to go easy on him. Anyway, he then put the small water container on the table and slowly unwrapped it. A snow-white porcin with some blue painting was revealed. ¡°I don¡¯t even know your name. Your name is not Cheon Jiin, right?¡± Haejin asked. The appraiser flinched, he then replied, ¡°Of-of course not. I am Gang Cheolsang. Everyone knows me at Insadong. However¡­ this is odd. I think I saw this just a few days ago.¡± ¡°Really? Actually, I got lucky earlier today and bought this. I wondered how much it is worth and came here.¡± ¡°You bought it today? Then¡­¡± ¡°From an old man. He said that those precious-looking porcins were all fake and kept sighing, so I bought them all at 1,000,000 won each because I thought maybe it was worth more than that.¡± ¡°1,000,000 for each?¡± Cheolsang was shocked. He probably felt like Haejin had stolen something that should have been his. ¡°Yes. I thought of it as gambling and spent 5,000,000.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Cheolsang and the man next to him stared at the porcin. They were distressed. What will happen? Will they keep insisting that it was fake? Or would they show some respect to this precious Blue Flower White Porcin? Actually, there was nothing that could be done if they just kept saying it was fake. Porcins could not really be measured scientifically. They could only guess the period, the kiln it was made in, its shape, colors and patterns. So, even experts were sometimes wrong. It was somewhat different, but a typical example would be of the well-known painting called ¡®Painting of a Beautiful Woman¡¯ from the artist Cheon Gyeongja. Although the artist said that she never painted the painting, the expert said that she did. Who was in the right? As a result, Haejin could not sue Cheolsang even if he kept insisting that the porcin was fake. ¡°Sadly, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s real.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°First, you need to know a few things. The people who don¡¯t know much about porcins, they find the Blue Flower White Porcins as beautiful because of their splendid color. Therefore, a lot of fakes are made. Judging from the color and the patterns, it is from the mid orte Joseon. However, its conditions are too good for them to be from that period. Can you also see the letters at the bottom?¡± ¡°Yes. It says ¡®Park¡¯.¡± The word was written under the porcin. It must have been thest name of the artisan who made it. ¡°Artisans didn¡¯t use to engrave their names on Joseon White Porcins since they valued their anonymity.¡± The expert then closed his mouth. Those were the only reasons why it was fake? Haejin almostughed. The porcin was in good condition because it had been preserved well without making ite in contact with the air. Moreover, even though artisan would normally not write their name when ites to White Porcins, it just meant that Hajin¡¯s was even rarer. The appraiser had toe up with a different reason to say that it was fake, but he couldn¡¯t find it. Haejin thought about using him; however, he decided against it. He didn¡¯t want to openly admit that he would be making a huge profit. However, he couldn¡¯t back off now. A spell kept hovering in his mind. He knew this wasing. Because of the growing pain, he would have been eventually forced to use the magic. Today was the day. He started to record with his phone while dipping his index in the water on the table. He then waved his hand. ¡°So, is this fake?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ it must be some really bad news for you since you bought it for 1,000,000 won. However, I am sure that it is fake.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Haejin waved his hand to draw the pattern he wanted while quietly saying the spell. He then felt like something was leaving his chest. He felt like vomiting while his head hurt like hell. ¡°Excuse me? What did you say?¡± ¡°Nothing. Hmm¡­ this is really fake, right?¡± He was terrified and scared. He feared that he might grab his chest and fall but, at the same time, he wanted to find out whether the spell would work. ¡°No. It¡¯s real,¡± Cheolsang¡¯s face turned red after he said that. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Uh? What are you saying?¡± The man next to him was also surprised. He even stood up. However, he was less surprised than Haejin. ¡°It¡¯s real? Really?¡± ¡°It¡¯s-it¡¯s real,¡± Cheolsang couldn¡¯t control himself. He looked at the guy next to him, he was about to cry. ¡°Then, why did you tell me that it was a fake earlier?¡± ¡°Because I already said it was a fake before! To rip that ignorant old man off!¡± He wanted to make excuses, yet his mouth kept saying things he didn¡¯t want to say. Panicked, he screamed and wailed; however, he couldn¡¯t say what he really wanted. ¡°Haha!¡± Even though Haejin casted the magic, he could only make some hollowughs. How could this be called magic? It was more like a curse. ¡°What is wrong? Are you crazy?¡± The guy grabbed Cheolsang and shook him. ¡°Sh*t! I don¡¯t know! There¡¯s something wrong with me!¡± ¡°Then, you must have tricked the original owner. I will not let this go.¡± Haejin showed them his phone to let them know that he had been recording. Their faces turned pale, the appraiser then replied, ¡°It is all his fault! He couldn¡¯t recognize something so valuable! If I had told him it was real, you think that old fox would have sold it to me? He doesn¡¯t deserve to own this!¡± ¡°Stop! Please!¡± The man tried to stop Cheolsang, but the truth kepting out of his mouth. ¡°I understand. Then, goodbye.¡± Haejin picked up the porcin, tried to control his shaking legs and left the agency. All his strength had been drained out of his body. Maybe it was right, he had really cursed the man. ¡°Uh¡­¡± He eventually leaned on a wall and threw up. The spell he had just used had the effect to make others tell only the truth. It was one of the many spells he knew. He thought it would be fun, but¡­ He was supposed to draw the spell with blood. However, he just used water to make it lighter so it wouldn¡¯tst for long. That¡¯s good. Even though it was very close, he took a cab to return. At first, he nned to go to the auction right away, but he was feeling really bad. He even wondered whether he should go to the hospital. He couldn¡¯t even take a shower, he just fell on his bed since he was feeling both dizzy and weak. He justid there without thinking. He smiled. It was weird, strange, but also felt good. He knew that Insadong was full of frauds, but everyone thought of antique dealers as frauds exactly because of people like Cheolsang. Punishing those frauds felt great. It was different from the pleasure he used to feel when working to earn money. He always felt like he was sinning because of his father¡¯s original sin, robbing, but maybe he could now do the right thing with his newly obtained power and knowledge. He continued to think like that and soon fell asleep. ¡°Pant¡­ pant¡­¡± Opening his eyes, he saw that it was still bright outside. However, he then looked at his clock, it was 8 o¡¯clock. ¡°What? A day has passed?¡± The date on his phone said that it was the next day. Surprisingly, Haejin had slept for more than 16 hours. While getting up, he jumped lightly and shook his arms. To his surprise, his body was full of energy. The emptiness he had felt had been reced by a mysterious energy. ¡°Sh*t¡­ I have been hooked.¡± That strange energy brought fear in him. He felt like the devil¡¯s power was now in his body. He walked around in the room for a while, but he couldn¡¯te up with a good n. It was because he could feel that the pain had been greatly decreased during the dreamst night. Will the pain get worse again if I stop using the magic? Probably. But what if it¡¯s not a curse? It must be a fortune worth greater than winning the lottery. He decided to stick to his original n and go to the auction. He took a shower, put on his clothes and left the hotel. The Korean Auction was located next to Insadong. It was the biggest antique auction agency in Korea. Most rich people got their antiques in there. Of course, those who were much richer than them, the so-called trillionaires, had many other ways to get their things. ¡°Wee. Are you a member of the Korean Auction?¡± Haejin decided to forget about the curse for now. Father, just let me live a decent life from now, okay? Chapter 6: Using Magic (2)

Chapter 6: Using Magic (2)

In Korea, when ites to antiques, most people would think of Insadong. Therefore, Korea Auction was located in quite a good spot since it was at the entrance of Insadong. The truth was that Heajin had never really been in an auction house. His father always dealt with the dealers, who bought his artifacts in secret, so he had no reason to go there. So, when Haejin saw a lot of people walking around the auction house, he started to look at the surroundings and was wondering about what to do. He theoretically knew how things worked in there, but he panicked when he was actually there. A woman, wearing a neat two-piece suit, came to him. Her face was round with cute dimples. ¡°Can I help you?¡± Haejin came to his senses at the calm and polite greeting. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s my first time here.¡± ¡°Really? Let me help. Are you here for today¡¯s preview?¡± The preview was an event where you would exhibit things 1-2 weeks prior to the actual auction. Haejin, of course, knew that as he understood, more or less, how everything worked in theory. ¡°No, I am not here to bid.¡± ¡°Then, have youe for consignment?¡± Consignment meant entrusting items to the auction house to sell them. ¡°Yes. Where should I go?¡± ¡°I can help you quickly if you tell me what kind of object you want to entrust,¡± the woman replied with a pleasant smile. It made Haejin feel better. ¡°It¡¯s a white porcin. Blue Flower White Porcin. A water container.¡± ¡°Oh, then follow me, please.¡± Haejin followed her and got on an elevator. Suddenly, he got curious. ¡°What kind of artifacts will be exhibited on today¡¯s preview?¡± ¡°Some artifacts from the Song, Yuan and Ming periods of China, a few of Goryeo and Joseon, and many from the Japanese colonial era. ¡°There are multiple Chinese artifacts?¡± ¡°Yes, a private owner has put them on auction.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Nowadays, almost all countries were keen about importing their artifacts, including China. So, except for private properties, Chinese artifacts almost never came up on auction. ¡°Therefore, a lot of people are here for today¡¯s preview.¡± ¡°I see.¡± They arrived on the 3 rd floor. The interior was different from the ground floor. Warm yellow lights brightened up the simple space. It looked quite luxurious. ¡°Could you please wait here?¡± The woman took Haejin to a small conference room. She gave him a cup of juice and disappeared. He waited for about 20 minutes while reading the Korea Auction¡¯s brochures. Then, the door opened and someone came in. ¡°Hello. I am Hong Mijin, porcin appraiser of Korea Auction.¡± The woman looked to be in herte 40s. She adjusted her sses and gave Haejin her name card. She seemed to be an elite. ¡°Nice to meet you. Please take a look at this first.¡± She studied Haejin¡¯s water container for a long time. Then, she opened her mouth. ¡°It¡¯s a good artifact.¡± It was a simple remark, but that was enough. ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Haejin said. ¡°I will have it on the next major auction. The warranty will be in my name. Do you have any more question?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡± With interest, Mijin looked at Haejin as he stood up. ¡°That¡¯s strange. Normally, people ask how much the minimum bid would be and at what price would it be sold¡­¡± ¡°You said it is real. Then, I will get as much as it¡¯s worth.¡± Was the auction the best way of selling antiques at its real price? Haejin didn¡¯t think so. Real artifacts could be sold at the right price only when the buyer was someone who knew about artifacts. If there are only ignorant people at the auction, the artifacts would be sold at a low price. If things were to be sold on auction at a decent price, why is it that the dealers don¡¯t put their things on auction? They wanted to sell at the right price to those who appreciated the item¡¯s value. Of course, that was only if the item was real. If it wasn¡¯t, they would just try to rip people off. Nevertheless, Haejin was putting his porcin on auction even though finding someone who would pay the right price would be hard. Moreover, he was confident that people would definitely want this beautiful porcin. ¡°A wise answer.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I also have a question. Why are you not asking where I got it?¡± The source of an artifact was a very sensitive and important problem. If Korea Auction sold stolen good, its reputation would plummet. ¡°Because I have never seen it. If I don¡¯t know it, it cannot be a stolen good.¡± She meant that even if it was a stolen artifact, it didn¡¯t matter because it had never been exposed to the world. It showed her great confidence. It meant that she knew all of the white porcins that had been found. ¡°And, if it had been stolen, you would not have been so calm when you showed it to me. Anyway, thank you for your first deal. Pleasee to Korea Auction if you get another good artifact again. For that, I will charge an 8% fee for the first deal.¡± ¡°I like it. I have a few more of these.¡± ¡°Then, I will look forward to it. Would you like to see the preview on the first floor? We can help you.¡± ¡°No, I will look around on my own.¡± ¡°Okay. Then¡­¡± Haejin left her and went down to the first floor. Seeing artifacts was always entertaining. The exhibition hall was full of people. They were all wearing expensive clothes. Haejin mingled with them to watch artifacts quietly. Then, he heard a sharp and rude voice. ¡°You know nothing¡­¡± Haejin had nothing to do with it, but it still made him feel offended. Then, how was the one who received the sentence feeling? Curious, he looked toward their direction. ¡°I know nothing?¡± White skin. Delicate eyshes. Proud but deep eyes. High nose. There was a beautiful woman standing there. She was biting her lip in anger but, even that, looked beautiful. Haejin had never been called ugly. This was why he could perform the miracle of winning a girl while working as a truck driver. He used to spend the money he made through work at clubs to defy his father, but he had never seen such a beautiful woman. ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t want to be fooled again, you should know that it is safe to buy items in an auction. Why would you believe that foolish story? Even I am getting ashamed of it.¡± The woman, who was letting her anger out on that beautiful woman, was wearing luxury brand items from the bottom to the top. She looked quite pretty. Men would probably look at her everywhere. However, as Haejin had just seen a goddess, she was just one of the many ordinary women. ¡°Hu¡­ yes, I made a mistake. I admit it. But what are you doing here? The media says that your father is about to get summoned to the prosecution. How can you evene here?¡± Haejin had thought that the beautiful woman would just suffer through it, but he was wrong. She also had a thorny tongue. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t buy something here when you can¡¯t even afford it. You might get attached to it. Aren¡¯t you supposed to go abroad now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s-it¡¯s not like that!¡± ¡°I heard that ¡­ is managing your family¡¯s money ¡­ you look extremely rxed.¡± The women kept firing at each other, but they still kept their voice low. Heajin could barely hear their conversation. He wanted to hear more, but he was missing some parts of their talk. Therefore, he went a step closer. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you are talking about. The prosecutors have already done something simr in the past. They will always fire some garbage and then give up. Well, what do you know? You just manage a small gallery with a few cheap goods. If you were smart enough, you wouldn¡¯t have been fooled by a crude scheme that even my youngest sibling would not fall for. Oh, have I already told you this? He is in fifth grade now.¡± The fight was about to get physical. Haejin watched, half worried and half expecting a nice scene, but then someone interrupted. ¡°Miss, please. There are many eyes watching.¡± An attendant of the woman who started the fight arrived and stopped her. He looked over forty, but he wasn¡¯t that tall and wasn¡¯t that bulky. So, he didn¡¯t seem to be a bodyguard. ¡°Oh, I lost my temper. Sorry. It happens when I see a friend who doesn¡¯t have a discerning eye¡­ really, I get really angry when I see kids who have a lot of money but know nothing about artifacts. I always get mad!¡± Now, Haejin wondered who she was. ¡°What is the problem? Which artifact is this about?¡± ¡®Huh?¡¯ Haejin thought the man would just take his angry miss away, but he lit the dying fire again. She immediately started again. ¡°Oh, look at this. This jade buddha. I heard someone saying it was valuable and worth at least billions, so I stopped here. Then, it was Eunhae (grace)! How are you going to repay your parents¡¯ ¡®grace¡¯ with that stupidity?¡± A stupid joke¡­ nevertheless, Haejin was happy to know that her name was Eunhae. On the other hand, Eunhae couldn¡¯t say anything. She just stared at the man. The jade buddha was right in front of Haejin. It was as big as the hand of a seven-year-old child. It didn¡¯t seem that special, more like a souvenir sold on tourist sites. It was in a ss box, so it could only be examined with the eyes. The exnation card said nothing much, except that it was probably from the Ming dynasty period. ¡°Hmm¡­ jade buddha of the Ming period. Its color is beautiful, but its line is crude, and the bnce is not right. Looking closely, the end of the buddha¡¯s cloth has been damaged. Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t think it is worth more than a billion.¡± There was a reason Eunhae stared at him. He wasn¡¯t just an attendant, he was a personal appraiser. Eunhae¡¯s face burned red: she had been conned. So, as if someone saw her secret diary that she wrote in her puberty, she was ashamed. Haejin wanted to help her. There wasn¡¯t a particr reason. It was just¡­ she was pretty. That was the most important and only reason. He applied some saliva on his finger, drew on the ss box of jade buddha and quietly chanted the spell. ¡°Huk¡­¡± His head spun. His legs trembled. The world went dark and, when he could see again, the beautifuldy was standing in front of him. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Oh, yes, I¡¯m okay. I probably drank too much yesterday. But¡­ I was going to just leave; however, this is so absurd that I can¡¯t.¡± In fact, he was about to vomit and wanted to leave, but he looked at her face and endured it. ¡°What?¡± ¡°This jade buddha¡­ if you only judge it from its appearance, it means that you know nothing. With that taste and discernment, I think you would even throw away a Greyish Blue Powdered Cdon while calling it dull¡­¡± The attendant¡¯s face quickly hardened. Chapter 7: New Work (1)

Chapter 7: New Work (1)

In order to use magic, firstly, Haejin had to draw its patterns depending on the magic he wanted to cast and then say the spell. Next, the mana would leave his body and the magic would be activated. The magic just used by Haejin showed the memory of the object. He could even choose the period he wanted to see. Of course, Haejin chose the time when the jade buddha was first made and, in a second, that time was embedded in his mind like a photograph. ¡°You are quite arrogant. I don¡¯t know who you are, but you should not say nonsense like this so easily.¡± ¡°It¡¯s you who are talking nonsense, not me. Especially in front of this priceless object,¡± Haejin said. His legs shook like those of an 80-year-old man and his head ached. That was the aftereffect of the little mana he had, leaving him. So, just talking casually required all the strength he had. ¡°Is there a reason?¡± Eunhae asked him with hope. He looked at her and spoke, ¡°This is not just a jade buddha.¡± ¡°Haha, you are funny. Then, what is it?¡± the other woman sneered. ¡°This jade buddha was born in a family of Sacheon Province, China.¡± He spoke a little louder on purpose. People around them were eavesdropping in curiosity, but he wanted to draw even more attention. ¡°Family? What family? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Let me tell you the story of this family. The Woo family was a strong family of Sacheon. The family¡¯s head, Song, had a son. Song loved his wife so much that despite his subjects¡¯ advice, he couldn¡¯t forget his dead wife and didn¡¯t take any concubine. So, he had only one son to seed him. But then, a tribe invaded thend. The righteous Min, the son of Song, volunteered to join the army and defeat the tribe.¡± ¡°What does this have to do with this good buddha?¡± His breath was getting heavy. The appraiser gave him some time to catch his breath. ¡°You will find out soon. It is hard to appreciate the true value of a precious object by hastily judging it from its appearance.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± ¡°Okay, go on. If it doesn¡¯t make sense, I will make you pay.¡± ¡°Such a beauty, yet so impatient. Okay. Hu¡­ Min left home to join the army. Song, his father, prayed for his son¡¯s return again and again. One day, an old monk came to his house who saw a peach tree in the yard and said, ¡®That peach tree is sick. The father¡¯s prayers are in vain.''¡± ¡°So?¡± curious, Eunhae asked. ¡°Song heard about this from his servant. He hurried to send someone and brought the monk to his home. He then asked if his son was noting back. The old monk replied that the peach had only one seed. As the peach tree was dying, it meant Song¡¯s only seed would not be able to live. What were the feelings of the father at hearing that? In despair, Song asked if there was a way for his son to return. The monk said there was. He told Song to get a precious Hwajeon Jade from Gonryun Mountain, make a buddha statue with it, put the most precious thing he had in it and offer it to a temple.¡± ¡°Then, this is-?¡± Surprised, Eunhae looked back at the jade buddha. ¡°The story does not end here. At the time, Hwajeon Jade of Gonryun Mountain was a precious jade mined at the height of 3,500~5,000m. Even though it is now easy to get, back then it wasn¡¯t.¡± ¡°That¡¯s real?¡± The woman scolded as if she didn¡¯t believe Haejin, but he didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Song didn¡¯t send his servants. Instead, he climbed the Mountain himself and mined the jade to make a buddha. His toes started to rot because of the cold, but he didn¡¯t stop. It was his determination to save his son. Song eventually got the jade. He then put a pair of rings, the most important jewelry his wife left him, in this jade buddha and offered it to a temple.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± The people around Haejin eximed, including Eunhae. Because of Haejin¡¯s voice, everyone was focused on his story. ¡°Thanks to Song, even though he had lost a leg, his son came back alive. Later, he got a wife and had children. Their family carried on.¡± People smiled and nodded. Some were even moved by the story and almost cried. The appraiser red at Haejin with a distorted expression. Haejin scolded him, ¡°You said the bnce is not right? That¡¯s because the artisan dug a hole first, put the rings in there and carved the jade to make a buddha. If you say it looks bad because it¡¯s distorted, you must scold the architect of the Pisa¡¯s Tower. This is not just a jade buddha. It¡¯s a precious artifact that has the love of parent who worried about his son. So, billions wouldn¡¯t be expensive for it.¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± ¡°What is the opening bid of this?¡± The jade buddha got popr immediately and the exhibition¡¯s moodpletely changed. The woman¡¯s face was now red. She red at Haejin so hard that mes almost came out of her eyes. ¡°What you just said, is it real? Can you prove it?¡± ¡°There was a man named Ju Yun who lived in the early Qing period. He looked around for all kinds of strange and entertaining stories. When he got old, he organized those stories and wrote a book called ¡®Saegyeolgigyeong¡¯. There is a story about this jade buddha in that book. I never imagined I would see it here.¡± ¡°What if there¡¯s nothing inside the book?¡± ¡°Simple. The book mentioned the presence of the carving of a hole, which was then mended to put in the rings, therefore it will not be hard to find out.¡± Actually, he made it all up when it came about the ¡®Saeseolgigyeong¡¯ book. However, as the rings were in the buddha, it didn¡¯t matter if the book didn¡¯t exist. ¡°Huh! You got lucky this time. Congrattions,¡± she spoke coldly at Eunhae and left. ¡°I will see you again. You were impressive,¡± the appraiser said while looking at Haejin, he then followed the woman. Haejin didn¡¯t know if he would see him again, but he could rx a little after they were gone. ¡°Hua¡­¡± His legs wobbled, but he forced himself to lean on a bar that came up to his waist and smiled at Eunhae. ¡°Thank you,¡± the girl said. ¡°It was nothing. She spoke so rudely that I couldn¡¯t stand it. They were also really mistaken when they insulted this buddha.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t know that the buddha had that kind of history until he used the magic. ¡°You really know about artifacts. Which university did you graduate from?¡± ¡°Ahh¡­¡± At that moment, Haejin regretted not attending a good university for the first time. Eunhae realized that he probably didn¡¯t attend a good university. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not important. I¡¯m sorry. It is a habit of mine to ask things when I meet someone¡­¡± ¡°Yes. That is not exactly a good habit. Haha!¡± ¡°If you haven¡¯t had lunch yet, I want to thank you for your help.¡± It was a great fortune. Helping a beautiful woman brought fate¡¯s help. The problem was that, although he was now capable of standing, he was about to copse. ¡°I cannot today. How about tomorrow?¡± She was surprised, as if she hadn¡¯t thought she would be rejected today. Then, she smiled again. ¡°Tomorrow is good. Where should we meet?¡± ¡°I will be at Gyojeong Bookstore at noon tomorrow. Shall we meet there?¡± ¡°Good. Then, I will see you tomorrow.¡± She gave Haejin her name card, slightly nodded and left. Haejin looked at her until she was out of his sight. He moved his shaking legs to grab a taxi and returned to the hotel. ¡°Uh, I feel like I¡¯m dying¡­¡± As if his head was spinning, he felt dizzy. Again, he went straight to bed without taking a shower. When he got up the next day, his body was full of energy again. He took a hasty shower and arrived at the bookstore. It was time. If he had slept just a little longer, he would have beente. He called Eunhae. She said she was waiting at the parking lot, so he ran there. The beautiful woman, who seemed to havee out of a magazine, was waiting for him by the elevator. ¡°Did you bring your car?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then, should we use my car?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± He was embarrassed and wondered if he should have bought a used car in advance but when she took Haejin to her car, he was d he didn¡¯t buy one. While she was beautiful, the moment she sat at driver¡¯s seat of a Porsche Macan, she also turned sexy. She was perfect. ¡°Let me take you to this ce I know. It¡¯s a steak restaurant. Are you okay with that?¡± ¡°Of course, I like steak.¡± ¡°Pup! Okay.¡± Even her smile was so beautiful. She was so perfect that Haejin was about to be overwhelmed. Being overwhelmed by a woman was something that didn¡¯t really ever happen to Haejin but, as Eunhae was beautiful and rich, he started to think that maybe he should have robbed more with his father to be rich. Eunhae took him to a restaurant at the Shinra Hotel. Now, he started to wonder who she was. He had heard that she managed a gallery, but she looked to be in the middle of her twenties. So, which family did she belong to¡­ The steak was delicious, beyondpare to anything Haejin had eaten. Eunhae focused on eating the whole time but, when the dessert came out, their eyes met. ¡°Did you enjoy it?¡± ¡°Yes, it was delicious.¡± ¡°I am d you liked it. Hmm¡­ I have a question. Could you please answer it? I know it¡¯s rude but, when I meet someone, I must know who he or she is. I was educated like that.¡± She wasn¡¯t normal. She could just ask. ¡®How are you? How do you know so much about antiques?¡¯ Was she a very polite person? Judging from the conversation she had yesterday at the preview, it didn¡¯t seem like it. ¡°Okay, please ask.¡± ¡°You know a lot about antiques. What do you do for a living?¡± Haejin was embarrassed to say that he was a construction worker, but he couldn¡¯t say he used to be a grave robber who traveled around the world with his father. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe, but I used to be a construction worker until recently.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t show any disappointment. She had been educated well or just kept her thoughts well hidden. Moreover, she looked at him with even more interest than before. ¡°But you are too capable to just be a construction worker. You know the appraiser you met yesterday? He is one of the top three appraisers in Korea.¡± No expert could be as good as Haejin. He had magic with him. Additionally, even before gaining magic, he didn¡¯t think of himself less good than others. The only difference was that he used to think of himself as good as any expert; however, now he was better than anyone beyondparison. ¡°Really?¡± Haejin sounded as if saying ¡®so what?¡¯. Eunhae bit her lip and smiled. ¡°See. You are not discouraged at all! Even my grandfather respected his opinions about antiques. So¡­¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I want to know you.¡± Chapter 8: New Work (2)

Chapter 8: New Work (2)

Haejin¡¯s heart took a roller coaster ride, as if Eunhae just said that she loved him. Curious about me? She probably doesn¡¯t mean that she wants to date me¡­ ¡°Ha! Don¡¯t get nervous. I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡± Haejin was a little disappointed, but he kept a straight face lest Eunhae misunderstood. ¡°Haha, really? Then, I was surprised for nothing.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ most men quite like me but, this time, I somehow feel like I have been dumped. Am I wrong?¡± Haejin realized he could not let her take control. He answered even more boldly. ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of guy who falls in love easily because of their appearances.¡± ¡°Oh, then you are saying that I am beautiful. Thank you.¡± She was a strong opponent. ¡°Kmm¡­ then, you want something from me?¡± ¡°Actually, I manage a gallery that my grandfather left me.¡± Inheriting a caf¨¦ was great enough, but she had inherited a gallery. She was a real silver spoon owner. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± ¡°It might look great to others but, to me, it¡¯s not easy. You heard it yesterday, I was conned.¡± It was something that people would find embarrassing; however, she sounded calm when mentioning it. ¡°Yes. I heard.¡± ¡°I hurried because I thought I could get a good artifact, but I was conned. The problem is that I cannot tell the police. My family¡­ no, if others find out about this, I will probably lose the gallery.¡± At first, Heajin thought that her family is probably not normal but, clearly, there was a dispute within the family. ¡°You are in a trouble.¡± ¡°Yes. But it¡¯s not just because I lost the money. I can forget about that money but, if things like this keep happening, words about my mistake could get out. Yaerin hates me, but she would never speak about that out loud, so I¡¯m not worried about her¡­ anyway, I cannot let others know about this.¡± ¡°The woman you had a quarrel with yesterday, is she Yaerin? Her lips must be heavier than I thought. She didn¡¯t appear to be so¡­¡± ¡°No, her lips are lighter than a feather. It¡¯s just that I know one of her secrets, too. So, she won¡¯t be able to babble about mine.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then you want me to catch those frauds quietly¡­¡± ¡°Pft! Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Haejin almost felt a little mad, but her smile made that feeling melt like snow. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Haejin said. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re a private detective. I want you to help me.¡± Haejin now recalled the man who was Yaerin¡¯s appraiser. ¡°You want me to be your private appraiser?¡± ¡°Yes. I know it¡¯s rude. We just met, but I am asking because it is urgent. Think of it as me recruiting you. You will receive as much as a section chief.¡± ¡°Section chief¡­.¡± ¡°A sry of 8,000 with a 400% bonus. I will also give you additional bonuses when you get me good artifacts at a low price. Plus, you will get a half-size sedan. It would be thepany¡¯s car, but you can use it as your own. After a year, you can be a full-time employee if we both agree.¡± Those were excellent conditions. If it had been before Haejin got the porcins, they would have been even greater. However, the best part was that he would get to work with Eunhae. Haejin¡¯s answer, however, was not what Eunhae expected. ¡°I am sorry. I don¡¯t think I can take your offer.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ why? I would like to know the reason.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always dreamt of being a yboy. Call me if you need my help. I will help you from time to time as a frencer. Of course, I will keep your secret if you want.¡± Eunhae stared at him with a strange expression. Then, she crossed her arms and asked, ¡°I guess I was too arrogant. I thought you would think my offer was good enough after you told me that you work in the construction industry¡­¡± She said, ¡®work in the construction industry¡¯ instead of ¡®construction worker¡¯. She was very considerate. She was rich, therefore it was easier for her to look down on others. It appeared that she had been educated well. ¡°Your offer is good. However, I didn¡¯t work as a construction worker just because I needed the money. I wanted to show my father¡­ should I call it defiance? Anyway, I earn enough money through the hard way on purpose for that reason. Well, it¡¯s not like I have great ability, but I have no reason to do physicalbor now. I am also not poor enough to have myself tied to a job¡­ let me just say, I just want to live with ease.¡± ¡°I see. Then, will you work for me if I treat you as a frencer?¡± ¡°Of course, I will always work for you, Miss Eunhae.¡± ¡°Ha, I like that. Good. Then, I will officially give you a case. Pleasee to mypany to talk about the details. Have you heard of Saeyeon Gallery?¡± Haejin had not just heard about that ce, he had even been there. ¡°You mean the gallery in Bukcheon?¡± ¡°Oh, you know it well.¡± Haejin knew it very well. He had seen the artifacts his father sold abroad exhibited at Saeyeon Gallery a few times. Therefore, he was surprised. The artifacts had been sold as stolen goods in China and other countries, so Haejin wondered how they ended up in a gallery in Korea. However, it¡¯s not like he could ask the director where she had gotten it, so he just backed off. And¡­ that director was in front of him now¡­¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I will see you there tomorrow. I am already excited, about the case.¡± ¡°I am also d that we got to work together.¡± Eunhae drove Haejin back to the bookstore again. She asked where he lived, but he didn¡¯t want to tell her. He couldn¡¯t tell her that he lived in the slums where even thieves didn¡¯t dare to rob you. At first, he had just nned to sell the porcins but, now that he thought about it, he realized that he couldn¡¯t live without antiques. He had done physicalbor to stop his father from grave robbing. That was no longer necessary, so he thought since things turned out this way, he should move to Seoul and start over. Although my father lived the life of a grave robber, I will be a real antique appraiser. No, I will do even more than that. I will find that evil art dealer who threatened my father and made him die like that and I will also retrieve the Korean artifacts that were taken away from us. As he thought, his heart started to pound. He didn¡¯t think everything had just happened by coincidence. Maybe the recent events were a sign, telling him to fulfill his father¡¯s dying wish¡­ Haejin kept making some crazy excuses while biting his lip. He couldn¡¯t take it lightly, so he was going to start from the beginning. If he could really get back the Korean artifacts scattered abroad, if he could retrieve them from those who took them away and argued that it was part of their collections, wouldn¡¯t that be more meaningful? That night, Haejin looked up at the night sky and nned what to do with his future for the first time. The next day, he went straight to a nearby housing agency and found a studio that was closer and at the right price. He had to spend 10,000,000 of the money he had left as the deposit, but he still had 5,000,000 won left. He took a taxi and went back to his home and packed his things tillte evening. He didn¡¯t have much to pack since he gave the things he couldn¡¯t move or didn¡¯t need to his neighbors. He had only three boxes of things he needed. He had them delivered to his new home and came back to the hotel. It was just past midnight. The next day, he checked out from the hotel, went to a nearby department store and bought a pair of suit. It cost 500,000 won but he thought it was necessary. He had to look like an expert, so he couldn¡¯t go to the gallery wearing something casual. He arrived at Saeyeon Gallery at around 11 o¡¯clock. It was the perfect time to talk about business and have lunch together. He went into the gallery where he first spotted a huge flower vase with luxuriant colors. It had the painting of a deer ying in the mountains. It was in great condition, so its color was clear and looked beautiful. Anyone would think of it as a precious artifact. The vase was not unfamiliar to Haejin, his father had excavated it and sold it to a Chinese dealer. People who were interested in porcins knew that the vase had been made in China, but it had been brought into Korea without a problem. That was strange. ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Her voice was clear and beautiful, just like her face. Haejin turned his head. Eunhae, in a tight H-line skirt and a blouse, was looking at the vase proudly. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a good artifact.¡± ¡°It was one of my grandfather¡¯s favorites.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you must have liked him a lot.¡± ¡°He really loved me. Although he is now gone, when I miss him, I keep looking at the things he liked. Then, I feel like he is talking to me.¡± She was sensitive. If it had been anyone else, Haejin would have thought that person was whining, but he somewhat felt sorry for Eunhae. Was it because of her beauty? ¡°I can see why he loved you so much?¡± ¡°Hoho, really? Shall we go in? We cannot talk about business here.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Eunhae took Haejin to an office deep in the gallery. As people of wealth and power often visited, her office was in a simple white mood but luxurious with valuable paintings. ¡°Actually, I need your help urgently. A while ago, the man I¡¯ve been mainly dealing with got a problem, so I have to find someone new¡­ but I don¡¯t know who to trust.¡± ¡°Got a problem. Does that mean he¡­ um, should I call you CEO?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what to call her. She smiled. ¡°You can call my name. The CEO or the director doesn¡¯t fit my age.¡± ¡°Your title wasn¡¯t on your name card.¡± ¡°Officially, I am the director of the department, but I didn¡¯t write that on that name card. It¡¯s not for people I meet for business.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know if that was true, but it made him feel good. ¡°Oh¡­ I see. Khmm¡­ to continue, you got a problem, meaning the broker gave you an artifact with a problem?¡± ¡°Yes. He fooled me with a fake. I am looking for him now, but I have a bigger problem than finding that fraud. I don¡¯t have enough artifacts for the uing exhibition.¡± ¡°The jade buddha we found at the preview?¡± ¡°I am keeping it in mind, but you talked so loudly, therefore I might not be able to get it. I can only a spend a certain amount of money at auction this year.¡± ¡°I see. Then, do you mainly get artifacts through brokers?¡± ¡°I get 70% of them from auction and get the others through Insadong. As you know, there can be really good artifacts in Insadon that are at a really low price, but there can also be some fakes. Just like in this case, so I get worried every time I make a deal.¡± ¡°I have a question. I don¡¯t think you keep all the artifacts you get in this gallery¡­ what do you do with them?¡± ¡°The group buys them often. Actually, my cousin really wanted the vase you saw at the entrance. He said he wanted to have it¡­¡± ¡°The group¡­¡± ¡°Hwajin Corporate Group. My cousin is Hwajin¡¯s vice chairman.¡± Wow¡­ I assumed she was from a rich family, but she is a member of the family that owns the biggest enterprise in Korea¡­ ¡°Oh¡­ what a great family!¡± ¡°No. Strictly speaking, we have nothing to do with Hawjin. Not even 1% of it is at stake. Anyway¡­ are you going to help me?¡± She didn¡¯t have to ask. ¡°Of course.¡± Chapter 9: Ma Won’s Ume Flower Seowon (educational institute of Confucianism) (1)

Chapter 9: Ma Won¡¯s Ume Flower Seowon (educational institute of Confucianism) (1)

In an unnamed tomb in China, about a dozen people were walking around. One of them took photos while another carefully copied the footprints left on the floor The leader Yang Chuin, manager of the Chinese National Culture Bureau¡¯s Artifact Management team, sighed. He was in his forties. ¡°It¡¯s happened so many times¡­¡± China was the country where grave robbing happened the most. Even though all the important artifacts of the former empire were in the National Pce Museum in Taiwan (When Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek lost the Chinese Civil War and ran to Taiwan, he took all artifacts of the empire with him. In total, he took about 700,000 artifacts.), an enormous number of artifacts were still owned by civilians. It was also estimated that there were a lot of artifacts still buried in the ground. Of course, the Middle East also had lots of artifacts waiting to be excavated but going there was dangerous because of the terrorists. So, maybe it was natural that many grave robbers came to China. The problem was that Yang could not entirely stop the illegal excavations. He couldn¡¯t focus all his personnel on stopping the activity, so they could only end up cleaning after the robbing was done. ¡°They dug straight to the ce where the artifacts were buried. It was a clear job and didn¡¯t leave any trace. I think it¡¯s him.¡± Yang Chuin looked at Zeou Shuin while he reported with sparkling eyes. ¡°Then, I guess the artifacts will not be exported.¡± It was the guy who had been giving Yang a severe headache for decades. He didn¡¯t know his name or where he was from, but the guy had been robbing dozens of tombs using the same method. However, it was strange that he sold some of the artifacts abroad since, most of the time, he always sold the stolen artifacts in the Chinese ck market. He would always get away with it after taking the money. Some of them were secretly delivered to powerful people and gangs, so Yang could do nothing about it. In a way, that relieved him. However, he couldn¡¯t let that keep happening. ¡°But I found something strange.¡± Zeou Shuin, while wearing a white glove made of cotton, gave Yang Chuin a ck box. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never seen this design before.¡± Zeou Shuin had studied archeology at Beijing University. Although he was still young and inexperienced, he was smart. So, if he had never seen the design, it meant that it was really rare. Yang took out a white cotton glove from his pocket and then took the box from Zeou. Next, he studied it closely from the bottom to the top. ¡°Hmm¡­ it seems to be made of wood¡­ but I can¡¯t even guess what kind of ze was used. It also hasn¡¯t rotted in a 400-year-old tomb. This pattern is also new to me¡­ what is it? And why did he not take this? Wait, where did you find it?¡± ¡°It was lying on the floor.¡± ¡°Then, there must have been something inside, right?¡± ¡°I think so, probably.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t think we can appraise it. Take it to the Appraisal Committee. There must be someone who knows about this in there.¡± ¡°Then, the thing that was inside¡­¡± ¡°We must know what this box is to find out what was inside! Check the ck markets as well. There might be something like this. But I have a feeling that he hasn¡¯t sold this in the ck market.¡± Zeou Shuin thought it was strange for Yang Chuin to say something so unscientific, as he normally relied on scientific investigations. ¡°A feeling?¡± ¡°Yes, I think it is not for sale.¡± Zeou Shuin couldn¡¯t understand him, but he put his curiosity aside and carefully wrapped the box. He was thinking about the date he would have with his girlfriend when he was finished. Eunhae moved to Insadong with her driver. When she drove herself, she rode a Porsche Macan and looked sexy. Now, while sitting in the back seat of a BMW7, she looked reserved and noble. ¡°Do youe here often?¡± ¡°I used to, but I haven¡¯t been here for a while.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t know when you used toe here, but this ce has changed a lot. It got a little brighter since foreigner tourists started to visit. I liked the way it was before, but it is also a way for a better living, so I just ept that.¡± Eunhae got off in front of Insadong. She took Haejin and stopped in front of a normal shop that was located among the many shops. Anyone could pass through there. ¡°Here.¡± ¡°This looks more like a souvenir shop than an antique shop.¡± ¡°I thought so at first. However, the owner of this ce came to my gallery and showed me a photo. He said I shoulde here if I was interested.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go in first.¡± While going in, the dusty smell of antiques reached Haejin¡¯s nose. He used to hate the smell, but now, it made him feelfortable as if he hade home. ¡°Wee.¡± The man who emerged from the inside was in his forties. He was wearing a modernized hanbok and had a mustache. He looked like a professional. Of course, Haejin didn¡¯t judge a person¡¯s ability from his appearance. The artifact would tell him whether he was the real deal. ¡°Hello. I am Lim Eunhae, owner of Saeyeon Gallery.¡± ¡°Oh! You came for the thing. Then he is¡­¡± The man smiled as if he knew that she would arrive. ¡°This is my personal appraiser.¡± ¡°You are very young for an appraiser. You also look good. Hahaha!¡± Normally, antique appraisers were old. The better they were, the older they were. It was because urate appraising required knowledge from a lot of experience. So, Haejin found the man even more suspicious when seeing that he was d that the appraiser was young. A person with a real artifact would doubt Haejin, wouldn¡¯t he? If you took out a real artifact and some young fraud said it¡¯s fake, the deal wouldn¡¯t be done. ¡°May we see it first?¡± ¡°It¡¯s inside. Please,e this way.¡± He opened a small door that led deeper inside the shop, there was arge space behind it. The man went in and motioned them to follow. Inside the door, there were many artifacts. They were clearly different from the souvenirs disyed in the outer part of the shop. Some of them were worthy enough to catch Haejin¡¯s attention. The man stopped in front of a table in the middle. Next, he carefully took out a painting from behind. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± He nced at Haejin while asking. He meant ¡®Are you good enough to recognize this?¡¯. He was trying to find out how good Haejin was. It was an orientalndscape painting. There was a garden that looked down on a waterfall and a guy who was sitting there, rxed. Over the man, there was arge ume flower tree. It was quite impressive. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a painting of Ma Won?¡± Ma Won was a Chinese artist who lived in the Southern Song period. He greatly had an effect onndscape painting in China. ¡°Hoo¡­ then you recognize this painting?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Ume Flower Seowon.¡± ¡°You are good enough to apany the director of Saeyeon Gallery. You¡¯re right. This is Ma Won¡¯s Ume Flower Seowon. Bringing it from China was not easy.¡± Eunhae nced at Haejin after asking, ¡°You know it shouldn¡¯t be a stolen good, right?¡± If Eunhae were to keep it to herself for enjoyment, it would not be a problem. However, if she exhibited a stolen artifact in her gallery, she would be humiliated and might even be summoned by the prosecutors. ¡°Of course. Its former owner was a Chinese named Wang Gwang. He made a business deal and lost a lot of money. The Triad, a Chinese gang, took many of his artifacts to recover the money they had invested. Legally, of course. That was more than 20 years ago. You can check it if you doubt me.¡± His im was so confident that Haejin thought that he was telling the truth. ¡°I¡¯ve already checked that.¡± Just as Haejin had thought, Eunhae had tried to find out the whereabouts of the painting when the man left after giving her the photo. ¡°You see? No one knew where this was for the past 20 years. Now, it¡¯s here.¡± ¡°How did you get it?¡± ¡°A while ago, the owner of the painting came to Korea. Luckily, he and I are close friends. He wants me to sell this painting at a good price¡± Haejin chimed in, ¡°Why does he want to sell it here instead of selling it in China?¡± ¡°Because he is Korean.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°More urately, he is Korean Chinese. He is a middle boss in the Triad, but he is also a Korean with Korean citizenship. He came to Korea because he was in great danger. Now, he wants to settle down in Korea. He thinks that this painting could fund his stay.¡± ¡°Does that prove that it is not a stolen good?¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ of course not.¡± He smiled and showed them a piece of paper he had prepared in advance. ¡°This is a certificate that proves that this painting was been given by a Chinese who used to own it. Of course, he was the boss of the Triad. Well? I think this deal is legal enough.¡± Haejin could see the greed in Eunhae¡¯s eyes. An artifact like this would certainly draw attention in the uing exhibition. ¡°What is the price?¡± ¡°Five billion, no discount.¡± Eunhae looked surprised, but soon she nodded. If it was real, it was worth at least that. No, if she could buy it with five billion, she would be buying it cheap. ¡°In check?¡± Haejin interrupted to sound him out. He smiled and shook his head. ¡°Oh, you know how it works. A check would leave traces. The owner of this painting doesn¡¯t want to leave any traces. He wants to stay low.¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin. Her eyes said that everything was up to Haejin now. ¡°Then, I will take a closer look. May I turn on the lights?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± While he could use magic, he was worried about losing control of his legs and embarrassing himself. Therefore, he preferred not to use it. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin had seen Ma Won¡¯s paintings many times with his father. He knew well how a seal should look and also knew his style. Because of that, he thought a crude forgery wouldn¡¯t fool him. However¡­ looking at it, he couldn¡¯t find anything that told him it was a fake. The touch of the brush was delicate but elegant. The seal was perfect. As for the paper, making fake paper was possible, so he couldn¡¯t tell if it was fake by examining the texture of the paper, dust or dirt. Then, he needed tools for a detailed analysis¡­ but, judging from the guy¡¯s confidence, he probably wouldn¡¯t find out the truth even if he used proper tools. ¡°Can I get a cup of water, please?¡± ¡°You are thirsty? You must be careful.¡± He brought the water and put it far away. It meant that Haejin shouldn¡¯t drink near the painting, he could understand that. Haejin pretended to drink the water and dipped his index finger into the cup. Then, he drew the spell¡¯s pattern on the table, as if it meant nothing. Chapter 10: Ma Won’s Ume Flower Seowon(2)

Chapter 10: Ma Won¡¯s Ume Flower Seowon(2)

It was too hard, he felt disgusted. He legs trembled while his head hurt. He thought this time should go slightly better since it was the third time, but it didn¡¯t. ¡°Haejin?¡± ¡°It¡¯s-it¡¯s nothing. Hu¡­ I just got a little dizzy.¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin with concern. She was sorry to see that he got sick at such an important moment. Haejin shook his hand and opened his mouth. ¡°I can still appraise this. Anyway, I am done.¡± ¡°Already?¡± ¡°Yes, this is a fake.¡± There was someone who was even more surprised than Eunhae. It was the dealer who brought the painting. He started yelling, ¡°What are you talking about? A fake? Can you take responsibility for what you just said?¡± ¡°Yes. If needed, I will take the whole responsibility.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t doubting the painting, he was sure that it was a fake. The dealer was very discouraged. ¡°Then, then why do you say this is fake?¡± ¡°The painting¡¯s lines are different. They are slightly different from Ma Wons¡¯.¡± Eunhae studied the painting again and asked, ¡°How are they different? And how did you know that these are not Ma Won¡¯s lines?¡± She wasn¡¯t trying to argue. She was just curious. ¡°There was a man named Tanzing in Shanghai, China. Do you know of him?¡± ¡°Tanzing?¡± Eunhae tilted her head, but the dealer was shocked. His eyes widened. ¡°This-this is a forgery made by Tanzing?¡± Either he was good at acting or he really didn¡¯t know that it was a fake. He was even more shocked than Eunhae. He then stared at the painting. Haejin didn¡¯t care about him. He just looked at Eunhae. ¡°Tanzing was famous in the Shanghai area. He was a fraud who left his name in the art history of modern China by creating a number of forgeries. He fooled so many collectors and galleries that no one knows how many fakes he made even now. He found great artists of the time and made fakes. Shizung Bai, who painted this painting, often painted Ma Won¡¯s paintings. Apparently, he made another forgery other than the famous fake ¡®Song In Reply¡¯. Do you see the lines of the ume flowers? They are bolder and rougher than Ma Won¡¯s paintings. Ma Won would have trimmed this part a little more delicately.¡± ¡°Is-is that so?¡± Eunhae epted that because the real painting wasn¡¯t there, but the forgery was so real that even Haejin would not have recognized it without magic or the real painting. When Haejin looked into the past with magic, he saw a man in a small room doing his best to copy Ma Won¡¯s painting. He recalled Tanzing as soon as he saw that. Tanzing was known for forging Ma Won¡¯s ¡®Song In Reply¡¯. He looked at it again after he found out that it was a fake. The lines were slightly different from Ma Won¡¯s. An average expert would not have dared to say that it is a forgery. ¡°Shizung Bai painted for Tanzing. Zung Suyeo signed, Hu Zing made the seal and Tang An made it look old. Finally, Hwang Chozuin mounted the painting and finished it. It was a professional forging group. Most of Tanzing¡¯s forgeries were sold abroad, so I don¡¯t know how this one went back to China. However, the National Culture Appraising Committee of China is needed to appraise this.¡± The dealer was enraged. ¡°So, you are saying that you just appraised an artifact that can be appraised only by China¡¯s Appraising Committee?¡± ¡°If you really want to find out, you can send it to Europe or the United States. Radiography or infrared microscopy would tell that it was made recently. But, as the paint and the paper are the same as those used for the real painting, they would not be sure that it¡¯s 100% fake. The Chinese people, however, must know Ma Won well, so they would be sure.¡± ¡°Haha, that¡¯s impressive. I was fooled by this, and you found out that it was a fake. Of course, I will send this back to China and have it appraised. If it turns out to be real, I won¡¯t let this one go.¡± The dealer was really mad now, he was even speaking rudely. Haejin, however, didn¡¯t even blink an eye at his threat. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Okay. And I will also not let this go. If this artifact turns out to be fake, you won¡¯t be able to work in Insadong again.¡± Eunhae¡¯s warning made his face turn pale. Well, if he got busted after trying to sell a forgery to the director of one of Korea¡¯s top galleries, he would not be able to pay for that. They left the shop and went to the entrance of Insadong. Eunhae¡¯s driver was waiting for them. ¡°Could you drop me at Saehan Apartment near Jonggak Station?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ but you don¡¯t look well¡­ I think you need to go to the hospital. I will talk to the doctor, I know him well personally. He is really good.¡± No matter how good a doctor was, he couldn¡¯t solve the aftereffects of mana leaving the body. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. I will be fine after getting some sleep. Please, go to the apartment.¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t make any other suggestion, she just sighed and nodded at her driver. ¡°Thank you. As you are leaving like this today,e back to the gallery tomorrow and I will pay for today¡¯s help. As you have taken care of the case, you must be paid.¡± ¡°Since I just saved you from wasting five billion, may I have some expectation?¡± ¡°Huh, yes. Of course.¡± She dropped Haejin at his apartment and left. Haejin bought a lot of bread from the bakery on the ground floor and went up. At first, his legs trembled while his head ached. But now, he was also famished apart from the exhaustion and headache. He ate all the bread and fell asleep without taking a shower. Ziiiing¡­ He woke up at the sound of his phone. It was dark outside. He picked up his buzzing phone and checked the time. It was past midnight. ¡°Huh?¡± Hepletely woke up because of the name on the phone. Yang Byeongguk. He was the man who robbed the most graves with Haejin¡¯s father¡­ they might as well have been partners. Haejin didn¡¯t call him when his father died, so Yang must not know about it. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Is that you, Haejin? It¡¯s Byeongguk. I cannot reach your father, so I wondered if you know where to find him.¡± ¡°He¡­ died. A while ago.¡± ¡°What? Yunseok is dead? Is that real?¡± ¡°Yes. I cremated him and scattered the ashes at sea. So, you don¡¯t have to bother visiting him.¡± Byeongguk was so shocked that he couldn¡¯t speak for a while. ¡°Oh¡­ I actually saw thating. He didn¡¯t look too well¡­¡± Haejin thought so, too. That¡¯s why he told his father to stop excavating and rest¡­ ¡°You called me because¡­¡± ¡°Oh, you see¡­ don¡¯t you want a part-time job?¡± ¡°What part-time job?¡± ¡°I heard you work as a construction worker these days. Don¡¯t do that. Juste and appraise something for me and I will pay you well. I was going to ask your father, but he is dead. So, what can I do?¡± Appraising artifacts could be done by other people than Haejin, while his father didn¡¯t appraise things in front of others unless it was a special circumstance. And that special circumstance was¡­ ¡°Is that something that has been excavated and sold illegally?¡± Haejin¡¯s father never revealed his knowledge to ordinary people lest they find out he was a grave robber. He only verified the artifacts he excavated and sold when they came out into the world again. Of course, he didn¡¯t do that openly, he did that secretly. ¡°You see¡­ I don¡¯t want to ask you a favor like this¡­ but as you know, I don¡¯t have a discerning eye! I cannot put it on auction, so I must find a buyer in another way. However, I can only deal with it if I know the value of this thing!¡± Unlike Yunseok, Byeongguk sometimes brought in artifacts they excavated abroad and sold them in Korea. He believed that as many of ours had been taken from us, we should take away others¡¯ too. Yunseok didn¡¯t try to stop it. Of course, the fact that selling artifacts in Korea paid more greatly attributed to that belief. Both Haejin and his father knew that. ¡°You have lots of friends in Insadong.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know this, but I always had my things appraised by your father before I sold them. People of Insadong might appear to be gentlemen but, on the inside, they are snakes that only think about how to rip people off. You cannot even believe a friend you¡¯ve known for a decade in Insadong. Hu¡­ I have relied on your father all my life, but he is gone now¡­ I will have to give up now.¡± Haejin knew Byeongguk since he was a toddler, so he wanted him to stop grave robbing. ¡°Yes, you should stop now. How long are you going to be chased by the police? Don¡¯t you feel sorry for Sujeong?¡± Sujeong was Byeongguk¡¯s daughter and Haejin¡¯s first love. Haejin had never seen her since elementary school because Byeongguk had sent her abroad when she was little. ¡°Hey, Sujeong would not have been able to study in Europe without that money.¡± ¡°Sujeong wanted to study in Korea, but you forced her to leave.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t let her see her father getting arrested by the police! Anyway¡­ Yunseok¡¯s gone¡­ and I am retiring. Ohh¡­ what a disaster¡­ anyway, pleasee and take a look.¡± ¡°Okay. Where are you?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m in Busan now. I will go to Seoul tomorrow and call you.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Unlike Yunseok who sold the artifacts he robbed at a low price in the ck markets, Byeongguk often met and dealt with the investors to get the right price. He sometimes even got in trouble with chairmen and gangs. So, he had been convicted 10 times already. Both the police and the Cultural Heritage Administration were keeping a close eye on him. After retiring, he would be able to live in peace. Haejin didn¡¯t realize it when he was talking on the phone but, after he hung up, he could feel his body full of energy. Every time he used magic, the pain and exhaustion decreased slightly and the energy he got after sleeping was getting bigger. Haejin knew that his body was getting used to magic every time he used it and the energy came from the mana filling his body again, but he was still worried. He couldn¡¯t fall asleep again, so he spent the rest of the night at a nearby PC room and went to the gallery early in the morning. Eunhae greeted Haejin in the office. As usual, her beauty made butterflies fly in his stomach. ¡°I felt bad about letting you go like that yesterday, but you look well now. I hope you are not on drugs or something?¡± Judging from her concerned face, she wasn¡¯t joking 100%. Haejin rolled up his sleeves and denied it. ¡°No. Of course not. That just happens to me sometimes.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s good. Oh, and wait. I want you to meet someone.¡± She left the office and came back in. Behind her, a young and handsome man followed. Haejin thought he would never be defeated when ites to appearances, but the tall man looked like a star who just popped out of a TV. ¡°This is manager Lee Jongmyeong of Mirae Corporate Group. He is the most important client of this gallery and also my fianc¨¦.¡± What the¡­ her fianc¨¦? Chapter 11: First Step as an Antiques Appraiser (1)

Chapter 11: First Step as an Antiques Appraiser (1)

Haejin barely managed to keep a straight face. The man was so handsome that Haejin thought if he had been a woman, he would have fallen for him. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Lee Jongmyeong. I heard that you helped a lot my Eunhae. Thank you.¡± Ha¡­ even his voice was great. That low voice could win a girl with just a 5-minute phone call. However, that ¡®my Eunhae¡¯ made Haejin feel sad. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Park Haejin.¡± ¡°I am surprised to see such a young man who is knowledgeable about antiques.¡± ¡°Haha, I am a little young in this field.¡± ¡°My Eunhae seldompliments and relies on someone, so I was impressed to hear about you.¡± That stupid ¡®my Eunhae¡¯¡­ but the way Jongmyeong looked at Haejin was not as hospitable as his words. He seemed to be on guard. Well, Haejin thought if he were in Jongmyeong¡¯s position and Eunhae brought another guy, saying she relies on him, he would not like him either. ¡°She doesn¡¯t really rely on me. I just solved her case as a frencer¡­ well, I guess she said that because I am worth my sry. Hahaha!¡± Eunhae took the cups of juice an employee brought them and came to the table. ¡°That worries me. Maybe we should have talked about the money in advance. I hope you don¡¯t get disappointed¡­¡± Actually, the appraising fee of auction agencies wasn¡¯t that expensive. It was just that appraiser agencies would not have been able to discern forgery so perfectly as Haejin did in such a short time. Appraising fee of auction agencies were all about hundreds of thousands won, everywhere in the world. However, the more expensive the artifact was, the more appraising cost. Appraising fee of artifacts which cost more than a hundred million differed greatly, depending on time, ce and situation. ¡°First, let me tell you my term. My fee is 1% of the appraised price, without negotiation.¡± ¡°If it is fake?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the same. 1% of the money you would have lost if it had been judged as real. If you don¡¯t want it, you can give me any amount you want.¡± Eunhae had promised Haejin a big reward, but even she looked surprised. If she agreed to his term, she would have to give him fifty million won just for appraising once. Eunhae didn¡¯t offer the price first because the appraising fee of that field was, more or less, determined. She thought Haejin¡¯s request wouldn¡¯t be that different from that price¡­ She didn¡¯t expect Haejin woulde up with a price that was much higher than what she had nned. Lee Jongmyeong, surprised, interrupted them. ¡°I admit that you have greatly helped Eunhae. But the appraising fee of France¡¯s Drouot Estimation is 0.5% of the appraised price. Moreover, it¡¯s 0.5% only if the price is 152,000 Euro or higher and, for artifacts cheaper than that, the fee is much lower. It gets even lower when it is not real.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s a group and I¡¯m an individual. Of course, as I said earlier, if you don¡¯t ept it, you can pay me as much as you like.¡± Eunhae smiled bitterly. ¡°Then, there will not be the next deal.¡± ¡°I guess that could happen.¡± Haejin had asked a little too much, but that wasn¡¯t because of Eunhae¡¯s fianc¨¦. He had requested to be paid a lot because he was confident that he was the best appraiser in the world with his knowledge and experience he got from his father. Additionally, he also had his unique magic. ¡°Hu¡­ what should I do¡­¡± Eunhae bit her lips. Jongmyeong tried tofort her while looking at Haejin. ¡°Could you give us a moment?¡± ¡°Of course. I will wait outside.¡± Even though Eunhae was linked to Hwajin and had a gallery that sold and bought artifacts worth billions, giving fifty million as an appraising fee wasn¡¯t easy. So, Haejin was thinking to ept it if Eunhae said she couldn¡¯t take his term. He had helped her this time because of their coincidental meeting at the preview and he was taking his first step as a real appraiser, so failing to receive that fifty million won was okay for him. The only thing made him sad was that he had to say goodbye to such a beautiful woman. After five minutes, Jongmyeong opened the door and came out. ¡°We are done. Pleasee in.¡± Haejin went into the office again where Eunhae looked very troubled. ¡°What is your answer?¡± Eunhae kept hesitating and then spoke, ¡°I am sorry. I don¡¯t think this gallery can ept your term.¡± ¡°Well, that can happen. It¡¯s been a pleasure meeting you.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t show his disappointment, he just stretched out his hand. Eunhae looked so sorry when she took his hand. Her hand was quite soft, Haejin could feel that she was sorry through that handshake. ¡°Here¡­ I hope I get to see you again.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Then, goodbye¡­¡± Haejin left the gallery with a white envelope Eunhae gave him. He went back to his new home where he opened the envelope. There were exactly a hundred fifty thousand notes. ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s disappointing.¡± Haejin could understand Eunhae made the hard decision because fifty million was big, but the amount was too smallpared to the five billion and legal problems if it hadn¡¯t been for him. Ziiing¡­ Then, Byeongguk called him. Has he arrived in Seoul already? ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me. You¡¯re in Seoul, right?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Have you already arrived?¡± ¡°Yes, I just got off at Seoul Station. Do you know the Four Season Hotel in Junggu?¡± ¡°That hotel is really expensive. Have you made a reservation there?¡± ¡°I have a meeting there this evening.¡± Byeongguk always took care of matters fast. He often rushed like that, but this was his nature. He couldn¡¯t change it. ¡°That¡¯s fast. Have you found the buyer already?¡± ¡°Then, you think I asked you to appraise it when I had no one to buy it? I just sent a photo without mentioning money, so the buyer would already have a price in mind. So, all you have to do is appraising it well.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ who is the buyer?¡± Making the deal at a hotel was a little strange. Normally, when rich people bought antiques, they would be brought home. There were many forgeries so they wanted to have the items appraised by experts they trusted before they bought it. On the other hand, deals were often made outside, when the seller could not trust the buyer. Rarely, it would happen that the buyer came to the house of the seller and leave without paying them. Of course, that was only possible when the source of the antiques couldn¡¯t be told. In this case, the seller would call the buyer to a hotel or a gallery he knew. The possibility of this happening was proportional to the artifact¡¯s value. ¡°Why? You¡¯re worrying that I¡¯m dealing with a gang?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t worry about gangsters. The gangs of this country know nothing about antiques. I am worried that it is someone very powerful, but you cannot trust them.¡± Like a politician¡­ ¡°You are smart, just like your father.¡± ¡°Be careful. You know you might be the only one who loses.¡± ¡°I have sold things to those high people many times. There are no such bastards these days. Plus, I asked them to meet at a hotel because I am being careful. The buyer will send someone else.¡± Well¡­ Haejin had only heard and watched from the side, but Byeongguk had been making deals for decades. He must know better. ¡°The buyer is sending someone instead ofing himself? He must be someone more important than I thought.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ you would be surprised to find out. Anyway,e quick. We don¡¯t have much time.¡± ¡°Okay, but you must pay me well.¡± Eunhae looked at the door from where Haejin went through and sighed. ¡°Hu¡­ I think I made a hasty decision.¡± Jongmyeong leaned against the sofa and scolded her. ¡°What are you talking about? Is it normal to ask for fifty million for appraising just one artifact? He was so full of himself after appraising a few times¡­ what does he know for you to give him fifty million? Do you think they would leave you alone when they find about it? They would just think you are mad!¡± ¡°I know, but¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s say you gave the money to him. Then, what are you going to do about ounting? You waste fifty million as the appraising fee and don¡¯t even buy the artifact? Who would let that go? He prevented you from wasting five billion? That¡¯s right but running apany doesn¡¯t work that way. They would suspect that you took that money as your private secret fund!¡± Jongmyeong was right, but Eunhae shook her head. ¡°Hu¡­ I think I made a mistake. I didn¡¯t expect Haejin would ask so much. I should have talked about the fee first¡­¡± Eunhae bit her lips and sat down ming herself. Jongmyeong didn¡¯t want to see her do that. He got up and approached her. ¡°There are many experts. If you are so nervous, I will find you someone.¡± ¡°I have seen many experts. I had three experts with me when I bought that fake thest time. They didn¡¯t tell me for sure it was a fake after an hour of appraising. Oh, and you had rmended one of them.¡± Eunhae replied sharply while Jongmyeong¡¯s face hardened. ¡°You¡¯re ming me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. I¡¯m just saying I decided too soon. I think I should have given him my personal money.¡± Jongmyeong smiled and reclined on the sofa again. ¡°Very well. Why don¡¯t you call him? I saw earlier that he has already fallen for you. It¡¯s time to use your beauty, right?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be sarcastic.¡± Eunhae¡¯s face hardened. She looked so cold that she looked like someone else. However, Jongmyeong stopped mocking her. ¡°What? Are you interested in him, too?¡± ¡°Jongmyeong!¡± ¡°Oh, stop it. This is what I get for helping you. Keep it in mind, neither you nor I can afford to care about others. If you fail to keep your position, you will lose me as well. You know that.¡± Eunhae looked away. She was mad, but she needed Jongmyeong. He red at her for a while and left the office. ¡°Ha¡­ this woman gives me headaches¡­ anyway, fifty million for appraising one artifact? That guy is crazy.¡± Jongmyeong called someone while leaving the gallery. Chapter 12: First Step as an Antique Appraiser (2)

Chapter 12: First Step as an Antique Appraiser (2)

Haejin arrived at Four Seasons Hotel, went up to Byeongguk¡¯s room and knocked. A head with ck hair popped out. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you. Come on in.¡± Byeongguk was about 170cm tall and had shaggy hair and beard, so without taking a shower for even a day, he started looking like a homeless guy. That was how he looked today. ¡°You need to take a shower. And shave.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. If I go to make a deal and look neat, they would suspect me as a fraud. I have to be ¡®natural¡¯ to make them think, ¡®Oh¡­ I guess things like this are sold from this kind of shaggy people.''¡± ¡°You are just toozy. Don¡¯t make up stories¡­ you said Sujeong ising. Are you going to greet her in that nasty condition?¡± Sujeong studied preservation and restoration of artifacts at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria and wasing back to Korea soon. When she was little, she used to hate her father noting home often, but she also got interested in antiques because of her father. As the university was famous for restoring artifacts, Byeongguk was very proud of Sujeong and often said she was very good at it. Haejin wondered how good she really was. ¡°Then, she might run away. She hates dirtiness so it¡¯s so hard. Hhhh¡­ she ising next month, so you should leave out some time. Let¡¯s go to meet her at the airport, she would love to see you.¡± ¡°You used to tell me to stay away from her.¡± ¡°Hey, that was when you were in elementary school. Well, I cannot let her live abroad forever. Hu¡­ what if she suddenly brings a foreigner and tells me she will marry him? I just want to have some grandchildren now.¡± The death of Haejin¡¯s father had certainly changed Byeongguk. ¡°Anyway, what¡¯s the thing?¡± Byeongguk¡¯s eyes sparkled. He put a cdon on the table. It was a kettle, less than 30cm tall, but its mouth was long, and the body was ample but elegant. The pattern of the body had iid peonies. Its beauty and grace would easily draw your attention. ¡°You remember this?¡± ¡°Of course. I think my father gave this to you as your share in Sacheon, China. I clearly remember this. Why did you bring this here instead of selling it there?¡± Haejin remembered this cdon most clearly for one reason; it was the only artifact that had been made in Korea, more specifically, Goryeo. ¡°Cdons of Goryeo are not considered much in China. You know that. They think their own cdons are the best.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s true.¡± Apart from the artistic value of the artifact, Chinese think their artifacts are the best. So, Goryeo Cdons are never as expensive as Chinese cdons of simr quality. Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean Goryeo Cdons are treated as cheapies. ¡°So, I brought this here. How is it? Is it good?¡± Byeongguk focused only on grave robbing. He didn¡¯t study art like Yunseok or had an interest in it. Therefore, he didn¡¯t have a discerning eye. Yunseok had told Byeongguk that Haejin was the best of Korean appraisers many times, so he called Haejin instead of histe father. ¡°Yes, the color is good and there¡¯s no sign of a mended crack. It was a ssic Goryeo Cdon made around the 13 th century. This is worth at least two billion.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t two billion too cheap?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t know. If the buyer appreciates its value, he might pay you more. The problem is whether he likes it or not¡­ but he is buying it without seeing it and he is sending someone else¡­¡± ¡°It happens sometimes. The buyer sends an appraiser to check that the thing is real and then call me to his or her home.¡± ¡°So, you don¡¯t know whether you will make the deal here or not yet.¡± Byeongguk seemed bitter. ¡°Even if I have a real artifact, I cannot summon those people with heavy butts with just one phone call. Some will buy immediately, some call me to their homes¡­ I don¡¯t know what will happen.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s bad. I would get paid only if only you get paid.¡± Haejin said that as a joke, but Byeongguk took out an envelope full of money. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I know you. Here is your money, so you can go now.¡± It couldn¡¯t be thousand won notes, so Byeongguk was giving Haejin big money. ¡°Why are you paying me so much?¡± ¡°It includes condolence money for your father. Taking care of the funeral must have been hard¡­ you should have called me.¡± Byeongguk was the only one who cared about Haejin¡¯s father. But suddenly, Haejin wondered about something. ¡°Oh, I have something to ask you. Wasn¡¯t there something strange when you excavated with my father?¡± ¡°Something strange? And which excavation are you talking about?¡± ¡°Thest one¡­¡± ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t do it. Oh¡­ I had to go to Austria because of Sujeong, so I couldn¡¯t go to China with your father. Someone else must have apanied him, probably.¡± ¡°Do you happen to know who that is?¡± ¡°You know your father wouldn¡¯t have told me that. I wouldn¡¯t have said that if I were him.¡± Haejin wondered if the book or something that happened there worsened his father¡¯s condition. However, now he didn¡¯t know who he should ask. ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. I should go now.¡± ¡°Okay. Oh, wait. If you are not busy, will you go to Insadong with me after the deal?¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I still feel bad about the time I ran away alone when I was excavating in Cambodia with your father. You are alone now, so I cannot just send you away. I will give you one of the things I have, so sell it to get some money. I have sold everything expensive, so the rest are not that expensive, but it will give you enough money to start a little shop.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine. Just sell it yourself and buy Sujeong a house when she gets married.¡± ¡°I have that prepared. So, stop talking ande with me. Or you will regret it.¡± ¡°Hhh¡­ then I will pick the most expensive one.¡± ¡°You do that. Huh? A phone call. Hello? Yes, room 318. Yes, I will be waiting.¡± Byeongguk hung up. He didn¡¯t look nervous. They took out some juice from the refrigerator and waited. Soon enough, they got visitors. ¡°Hello, I am director Lee Minsung of Hwajin Electronics.¡± Three men entered the room. One of them was an old man, at least eighty years old, director Lee Minsung was in his early 40s, and thest was a young man who had an overwhelming aura with sunsses and a muscr body. Hwajin Electronics? Haejin felt he somehow kept running into Hwajin¡¯s businesses. ¡°You brought a bodyguard?¡± Byeongguk asked with his unique sly face. Minsung adjusted his sses and asked. ¡°To prepare for unpleasant situations. But this is?¡± ¡°My nephew.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think you just brought your nephew here¡­ what does he do?¡± Minsung studied Haejin with a sharp gaze. It was like he shot infrared ray with his eyes. ¡°I appraise antiques.¡± Minsung was a little surprised at this answer. ¡°You appraise antiquities, at such a young age? Haha¡­ this man here also came to appraise, do you who he is?¡± He was implying Haejin should know him to call himself an appraiser. The old man was thin and had long face. He was smiling slightly while looking at Haejin as if asking, ¡®You know me?¡¯. Haejin studied his face. He recalled a name. But he got mad at that annoying look on the old man¡¯s face that looked down on him. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know.¡± His opponents were more surprised at the bold answer. Minsung coughed and nced at the old appraiser. He tried to make his point nicely. ¡°Khmm¡­ I don¡¯t understand how an appraiser doesn¡¯t know professor Oh Wonsang of Korea University¡¯s Antique department. He is also a member of Korea Antique Association¡¯s Appraising Committee.¡± ¡°I used to live abroad and just got here. If knowing that is needed to appraise antique, I will start studying now.¡± Byeongguk knew well that Haejin was proud and feisty just like his father. Heughed and changed the mood. ¡°Hahaha! My nephew is a little straightforward, right? It¡¯s because he used to live abroad. Well, that¡¯s not important, right?¡± Minsung didn¡¯t hide that he was offended. ¡°Yes, but¡­ I do worry about your nephew¡¯s social life.¡± ¡°I work as an appraiser because I don¡¯t care about my social life, but if this also involves being social, I have chosen the wrong job.¡± Minsung¡¯s face now turned red. He wasn¡¯t the one who was buying, and he couldn¡¯t break the deal, so he tried to control his anger. ¡°Khmm¡­ let¡¯s see the thing first.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what matters. Here.¡± Byeongguk brought the cdon again. Oh Wonsang took out a magnifying ss. He studied the cdon from the bottom to the top and nodded to Minsung. It was real. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°We cannot give you the money here. Besides, we cannot talk about the price. The chairman would see it himself and decide.¡± Byeongguk thought it might happen, so he wasn¡¯t that shocked. He nced at Haejin and agreed. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go.¡± Two young men came in and started to carefully wrap the cdon. They had done it many times, as it took them less than 3 minutes to lift it up by its bottom and put it in a box. ¡°We will go with it. No objections?¡± Byeongguk was worried that they might switch the cdon, but Minsung didn¡¯t care. ¡°Okay. It¡¯s not like we will¡­ khmm¡­ anyway, we should move fast. But is your nephewing with us?¡± ¡°Of course. I feelfortable with him by my side¡­¡± ¡°Well, okay.¡± Haejin had no choice but to get on a Range Rover after Byeongguk. After 20 minutes, they arrived at a wealthy vige of Pyeongchang-dong, Jongrogu. It was surrounded by high walls but, even from afar, it looked like a different world where themoners had no ess to. ¡°Please, get off.¡± ¡°This ce is great.¡± Haejin had thought he wanted to live in a ce like this someday but, actually seeing it, he wanted it even more. ¡°You¡¯ve never been to a ce like this, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I wish I could live here. But why is this vige so expensive?¡± ¡°Oh, you see, the president¡¯s residence is close from here. So¡­¡± ¡°Stop talking, let¡¯s move.¡± Minsung didn¡¯t like that Haejin and Byeongguk were fine in front of arge mansion that would overwhelm anyone. Anyway, they went through the entrance after an ID check and security cameras. They then walked across arge garden to enter the mansion. As Haejin had expected, the interior and everything was expensive. However, he then saw a painting on the wall that caught his eyes. ¡°Hello.¡± There was a man in his early 50s sitting on a sofa. It was the vice chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin who Haejin had only seen on TV. Chapter 13: The Meaning of Lion Tamer (1)

Chapter 13: The Meaning of Lion Tamer (1)

¡°Oh, it is an honor to meet you. I am Choi Byeongguk. I am an art dealer.¡± Haejin knew that Byeongguk couldn¡¯t say that he was a grave robber, but art dealer¡­ he had to restrain hisughter. ¡°An art dealer? Well, what kind of artifacts have you sold?¡± Byeongguk was over 50, but Sungjun talked to him as if he was his superior. ¡°I mainly sell porcins of Ming and Qing dynasties. I have also sold a few Korean white porcins and cdons. I mostly trade with Eastern artifacts more than Western artifacts.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I have heard of all the good art dealers in this country, but you are new to me.¡± He was the leader of Hwajin, the richest corporation group in Korea, so he was very charismatic. The statement may sound rude but,ing from him, it sounded like Byeongguk needed to exin himself. Haejin was worried that Byeongguk might be discouraged but, contrary to his expectations, Byeongguk smiled and kept speaking. ¡°Congressman Kim Manbok, who has been elected five times in a row, used to proudly talk about a white porcin someone presented himst year. Actually, that porcin used to be in my hands. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you who I sold it to, but I guess you can find out, Mr. Lim.¡± If you think about it, Byeongguk used to deal with the most powerful people in China and gangs like the Triad, so he would not be scared by someone like Sungjun. ¡°I remember. It was a Moon Porcin as white as snow.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Lim. It was worth over five billion.¡± ¡°Yes, right. The development of the Yongin area, which had been very slow, suddenly proceeded in a sh. About 17,000 square meters of the greenbelt area was changed into a residential area. Whichpany did that construction?¡± Lee Minsung quickly answered. ¡°It was Pyeonghwa Construction.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ so, Oh Jaeman of Pyeonghwa Construction bought that porcin from you.¡± When the rumor came out that rich people moved hundreds of billions to bribe government officials, the news, instead, just said they gave only about tens or hundreds of millions. Would the officials take the risks to get that amount of money? When businessmen bribed, they used antiques more than money. Antiques could not be tracked and were epted more easily. ¡°Haha, I cannot say his name out loud, but I sold that porcin.¡± ¡°Well, then let¡¯s see your artifact.¡± Byeongguk carefully put down the box he had and carefully opened it. ¡°Hmm¡­ do you know how this kettle was used?¡± Byeongguk looked at Haejin. He didn¡¯t know since he had spent his life in excavating artifacts instead of studying. Haejin had no choice but to speak up instead of Byeongguk. ¡°In the 13 th century, Goryeo people liked to drink tea using the Jeomda method. To make tea with the Jeomda method, one must put soft, well-grounded tea powder into a teacup instead of a teapot, make it gooey like an ointment, pour some hot water and stir it well to make it foam. This kettle was for that hot water.¡± At this, Sungjun looked at Haejin for the first time. He had nced at Haejin when they first entered, but now, he was looking at him properly. ¡°Really? You seem to know this well. Who are you?¡± ¡°He is my nephew.¡± Byeongguk answered instead, but Sungjun frowned. ¡°Someone¡¯s nephew isn¡¯t a proper answer. I also don¡¯t like it when someone interrupts me. Understood?¡± His gaze was sharp. Byeongguk could only drop his head. ¡°I am Park Haejin. I appraise antiques.¡± ¡°You look too young to be an appraiser. How old are you?¡± ¡°I am 31 years old.¡± ¡°31¡­ that¡¯s too young.¡± ¡°Is it? I am not interested in bing your son-inw.¡± Sungjun didn¡¯t see thating. He tilted his head backward andughed. ¡°Hahaha! You are bold. Okay, yes. It¡¯s not like you are going to marry my daughter. As long as you are good at your job, it¡¯s fine. I made a mistake.¡± ¡°Sir¡­¡± Minsung tried to interrupt them at seeing Sungjun apologize to someone so young, but Sungjun raised his hand to stop him. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It can happen.¡± Even Byeongguk was surprised at Haejin¡¯s bold answer and looked back. He knew that Haejin was proud and stiff, but he didn¡¯t imagine it to be this serious. Haejin himself also knew that if it wasn¡¯t for the thing his father had given him, he wouldn¡¯t have been so confident in front of the most powerful man in Korea. ¡°Uhhh! You are funny. Good. Then, how much you think this is?¡± ¡°My uncle will negotiate the price. I only appraise.¡± ¡°No, no. I want to hear the real appraisal, including the price.¡± ¡°If this were yours, I would tell you the price but, as I am here to help the seller, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t step back even a little so Sungjun¡¯s face started to harden. ¡°Really? Then, I don¡¯t have a choice. Tell me the price.¡± Sungjun was cold, not like when they just met. Byeongguk got tense and said the price he had in mind. ¡°I am thinking of three billion.¡± Byeongguk had heard from Haejin that the cdon was worth two billion at the hotel, but he said three billion. It meant he wasn¡¯t thinking of lowering the price to two billion. It¡¯s not like he was selling a pair of pants. Lowering the price from three billion to two billion would mean he was mocking Sungjun. He was not going to go below 2.5 billion. Haejin knew that Byonegguk was bold, but not this much. He suddenly looked like someone new. Sungjun didn¡¯t say anything, his eyes met Haejin¡¯s. After staring at Haejin¡¯s calm eyes, he then turned away. ¡°No. I don¡¯t need it. Take it away.¡± Haejin was surprised to see that Sungjun was not going to negotiate, but Byeongguk¡¯s reaction was also shocking. ¡°Okay. It has been a great time.¡± Byeongguk started to re-wrap the cdon without having any further talks. He wasn¡¯t hesitating at all, as if he had been waiting for Sungjun to not buy it. Sungjun also hadn¡¯t expected Byeongguk to act so coolly. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Don¡¯t you think three billion for this is too much?¡± ¡°Haha. Well, I guess it will meet its true owner some other day.¡± That was strange. It sounded more like he would find another idiot to buy it someday but, from a different perspective, it could also mean ¡®you don¡¯t know the value of this cdon¡¯. Haejin quietly watched Byeongguk from behind. He was impressed. He was seeing Byeongguk¡¯s courage and skills with which he had been dealing with people at the center of power without having a discerning eye about antiques. ¡°So, I am not the true owner of that?¡± ¡°Strangely, each antique has its true owner. So, I understand why you don¡¯t like this cdon. You don¡¯t have to worry about this.¡± They both knew Sungjun wasn¡¯t asking because he cared about Byeongguk¡¯s feelings. Sungjun knew that Byeongguk was saying that to try for thest time. However, provoking someone doesn¡¯t really work well if they don¡¯t see iting. It¡¯s called provocation because they are stirred if they see iting. ¡°Huh! You think I am an idiot? You dare to try to get three billion from me for this?¡± Byeongguk shook his head while looking sorry. ¡°If you think so, sir, it should be right. It¡¯s just that we have a different view about value. I understand.¡± If Byeongguk tried to argue that Sungjun was wrong, he would have kicked Haejin and Byeongguk out of his home, but Byeongguk sounded more like he really was sorry while packing and getting up. Sungjun couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡®What if?¡¯. ¡°Then goodbye, Mr. Lim.¡± Byeongguk got up with the box and bowed deeply to Sungjun, who asked him another question. ¡°Goodbye. But¡­ whom are you going to sell it to?¡± ¡°Haha, you are so thoughtful. Please, don¡¯t worry. I have someone I am meeting nearby. It¡¯s been an honor to be here.¡± As Sungjun was implying it, Byeongguk could have resumed the negotiation. However, Byeongguk was behaving strangely, he kept sharply cutting Sungjun off. Now, Sungjun couldn¡¯t talk more because of the price. Finally, he got angry. ¡°Well, good luck with selling that. I don¡¯t know if there would be someone who would pay three billion for that. I didn¡¯t know this country was so full of idiots.¡± Haejin was going to leave after Byeongguk, but Sungjun¡¯sst words offended him. He wanted to make him pay for that. So, he dipped his finger into some water and used his magic. He got dizzy and nauseous again, but it wasn¡¯t as painful as the first time. He could now control himself. He stopped on his way to the front door. He was looking at a painting of a lion sitting on a chair while a man was studying it. Byeongguk found it strange seeing him stare at the painting and dragged him by hand. Then, the silence was broken. ¡°Nice painting. May I ask where you bought it?¡± Haejin casually asked while staring at the painting. Everyone looked at him. Next, they heard a new voice. ¡°At Haevici Gallery. But who are you?¡± Haejin looked at the direction of the voice. There was a young girl, about twenty years old,ing down the stairs. She was a ssical beautifuldy with white, wless skin and an arrogant gaze. She was wearing makeup even though she was at home. Haejin didn¡¯t know much about fashion, but the dress she was wearing looked quite expensive, even to him. She was clearly someone important. ¡°I am an antique appraiser.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ one of those people who came to sell?¡± A side of her lips curled up into a sneer. She considered Haejin and Byoengguk like some sort of hawkers. ¡°Yes, we came here to sell.¡± ¡°It seems like you are done here. Why are you still lingering around? Are you too sorry to just leave?¡± Sungjun just watched Haejin, he was curious about his reply. ¡°This painting isn¡¯t mine, so it¡¯s none of my business¡­ but I feel a little bad.¡± ¡°What? Are you saying you feel bad about us?¡± She studied Haejin from the bottom to the top. Her expression just said, ¡®Who do you think you are?¡¯. She was nothing like Eunhae, who at least respected others. ¡°I just couldn¡¯t leave knowing that you were awed by this painting and bought it.¡± At that moment, Sungjun stood up. ¡°Say that again.¡± Chapter 14: The Meaning of Lion Tamer (2)

Chapter 14: The Meaning of Lion Tamer (2)

Even Byeongguk, surprised, grabbed Haejin¡¯s arm. Haejin went too far against Sungjun, the most powerful man in Korea. However, Haejin kept calmly speaking to Sungjun. ¡°Max Beckmann was a great artist. I remember that this painting was in the Rempart auction at K?ln. When was it¡­¡± ¡°2011.¡± The girl had been sneering at Haejin a moment ago, but now, she stared at Haejin without any expression, just like Sungjun. ¡°I don¡¯t know how this painting got here, but there has been a mistake.¡± ¡°What mistake? What nonsense are you bringing here?¡± Haejin smiled at her. ¡°This isn¡¯t a painting of Max Beckmann.¡± The painting caught Heajin¡¯s eyes the moment he entered the house, even without using magic. There was only one reason: he had seen the real painting with his own eyes. ¡°That is absurd. You dare to say my dad¡¯s painting is fake? You are making fools out of all the curators and appraisers of the Haevici Gallery, I cannot let you get away with this. Dad, we should call the police, now!¡± The girl threw a tantrum as if she had been openly insulted. Unlike her, Sungjun quietly stared at Haejin with angry eyes and then opened his mouth. ¡°You say things for which you cannot take the responsibility.¡± ¡°Do I? Then, you can call the police. I don¡¯t know what charges I would get but since I have offended Hwajin, my life won¡¯t be easy from now on.¡± Haejin was confident as if saying ¡®bring it on¡¯. Even Minsung nced at Sungjin. Judging from Haejin¡¯s attitude, there was something¡­ ¡°Why do you think that it is a forgery?¡± ¡°I am an appraiser. I cannot tell you that for free.¡± The mood turned serious, but the bomb Haejin threw made the ce freeze as if they were in Siberia. Shocked, Minsung yelled, ¡°Where do you think you are? This isn¡¯t a ce for your jokes!¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking, but I am sorry if you felt that way. But¡­ you are not going to get it appraised for free, right? Honestly, telling you it¡¯s a fake was a genuine favor from me.¡± Byeongguk watched the things going. He put down the box and stood behind Haejin. He gulped hard. As it was toote to stop Haejin, he could only support him. ¡°Fine. I cannot have it appraised for free. Name your price.¡± ¡°1% of the appraised price. That¡¯s my fee.¡± Things were getting even more serious. ¡°Dad! I think he is mad. Are you going to keep listening?¡± Sungjun¡¯s daughter yelled that they should call the police right away. The moment they epted the fee, they would be giving this stranger tens of million won. If the other corporation-owner families found out about this, they would get mocked. That was why she was so mad. Sungjun, who had been watching as if saying, ¡®Do whatever you want¡¯, now shook his finger at Haejin. With a loud voice, he said, ¡°Director Lee, check who he is. If you are talking nonsense, you will pay for it. 1% of the appraised price? You will get it but, if you are wrong, I will get that money back and throw you into prison, so start talking.¡± Haejin could feel that the magic had certainly changed him. Anyone would have shivered at this, but he wasn¡¯t nervous at all. ¡°Okay. Then, I will tell you what the fee is before I tell you why it¡¯s fake. When it was on the Rempart auction, this painting was sold at 864,000 Euro. Now, the price would be higher, but let¡¯s ignore that and set my fee ording to that price. The fee is twelve million. Do you agree to it?¡± This time, Minsung chimed in. ¡°You said 1% of the appraised price, so if this is fake, the fee cannot be twelve million. Right?¡± ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you this. Even if it is a fake, the fee is set ording to the real painting¡¯s price. If you don¡¯t want it, you can refuse.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ what the¡­¡± Minsung looked at Sungjun. He was asking his boss if he was going to ept this crazy deal. ¡°Fine.¡± Sungjun couldn¡¯t say no because of the twelve million. He had to send Haejin to prison or find out if the painting in the hallway was really a fake. Haejin smiled and approached the painting. Then, he lightly stroked the lion that was ying tricks in the chair. ¡°You must know that this ¡®Lion Tamer¡¯ was one of G?ring¡¯s collections.¡± During the Second World War, Hitler and the Nazi plundered all kinds of paintings, sculptures, craftworks and ornaments, about five million of them in total. They created a special force called Elnsatzstab. It wasmanded by Hermann G?ring, Hitler¡¯s right- hand man, and focused on raiding antiques using tanks. Max Beckmann¡¯s Lion Tamer was one of the paintings G?ring plundered or forfeited. ¡°Are we studying history now? Get to the point.¡± Sungjun¡¯s daughter urged with a cold face. ¡°I don¡¯t like studying history, either, but we cannot talk about Max Beckmann without discussing history. However, I didn¡¯t start talking about history to tell you about Bekmann. It was to talk about G?ring.¡± ¡°Be quiet. Go on.¡± Sungjun calmed down his impatient daughter and reclined back in his sofa as if telling Haejin to take his time. ¡°When G?ring started to collect works of art, there was also a painting of Vermeer. Do you know of ¡®Christ with the Adulteress¡¯?¡± Unlike his confused daughter, Sungjun was surprised. He then stood up. ¡°Meegeren! He was a fraud who sold fakes to G?ring but he was paid with fake money in return. Hmm¡­ are you saying it was Meegeren who painted this?¡± Han Van Meegeren was a Dutch artist who was famous for copying Johannes Vermeer (famous for the Girl with Pearl Earring)¡¯s painting and selling it to G?ring. At that time, Meegeren was scolded by the critics, so he spent four years preparing a forgery that would fool them. Eventually, Abraham Bredius, the most well-known art historian and appraiser who dedicated his life studying Vermeer¡¯s works dered that Meegeren¡¯s ¡®The Supper at Emmaus¡¯ was a real Vermeer painting. After that, Meegeren sold his fakes as Vermeer¡¯s in order to make money. He sold one of them, ¡®Christ and the Adultress¡¯, to G?ring. After the War ended, he was put on trial for cooperating with the Nazi. Meegeren revealed that the painting wasn¡¯t real but a fake he made, he then turned from a traitor who worked for the Nazi to a hero who fooled G?ring. ¡°At that time, Meegeren found making his fakes look old the most difficult part. So, he started to forge paintings of artists of his own time. One of them was¡­¡± ¡°Max Beckmann?¡± ¡°Max Beckmann was very hated by the Nazi. He eventually ran to America. So, who could have appraised this as a fake? There were no scientific analyzing tools.¡± ¡°This painting was sold on a proper auction. What evidence do you have to prove that it was a fake?¡± ¡°The painting on auction was probably real. That is why I told you earlier there must have been a mistake during the process¡­ anyway, the evidence is in the right corner at the bottom of this painting. The ck part of the chair has Meegeren¡¯s signature.¡± Minsung quickly approached the painting. He stared at it for a long time and found something. He pointed at one spot of the painting and made a weird sound. ¡°Huh? Huh?¡± He was surprised to see that it was there for real. ¡°Get out.¡± Sungjun¡¯s daughter hastily came and stared at the spot Minsung pointed at. Then, she saw a small alphabet ¡®mee¡¯ that was as tiny as a grain. She looked back at Haejin. ¡°Is that an alphabet?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a sign that Meegeren left on his painting. The real painting doesn¡¯t have it.¡± ¡°Then where is the real painting?¡± ¡°That, I don¡¯t know.¡± Actually, Haejin knew where it was. Five years ago, he and his father went to Uffizi Gallery in Italy and got to speak to an old woman. Surprisingly, she was very fluent in English. She liked Haejin¡¯s father and invited them to her ce. Although Yunseok¡¯s English wasn¡¯t good, she could see that he knew a lot about antiques. When Haejin and Yunseok went to her house, they found out that the olddy¡¯s family was a noble family of Firenze with a long history. She had many paintings including the Lion Tamer. She would never sell it, as it was worth a lot, so Haejin found it strange to see it here. However, he nned to ignore it as he couldn¡¯t take a closer look. However, Sungjun and his daughter mocked him and Byeongguk which made him angry. So, he used his magic. This magic allowed him to see better as if he was using a magnifying ss or a telescope. Although it was only for a short moment, he found something on the painting that shouldn¡¯t be there. If it wasn¡¯t for that, it would have been possible that the painting wasn¡¯t real. He would then have been forced to let this go. ¡°You say that you don¡¯t know but, judging from your look, I think you know where the real painting is.¡± Maybe being in such a high position turned Sungjun into a seer. He seemed to be sure that Haejin knew. Anyway, Haejin now cared about only one thing. ¡°May I give my ount number to Director Lee here? I will leave thinking that you will give me that money. Well, there¡¯s nothing I can do if you don¡¯t but, I don¡¯t think you will¡­¡± Haejin added that to be sure. Sungjun then stopped him. ¡°Enough. The money will be in your ount today.¡± ¡°Thank you. It has been a pleasant time.¡± Haejin was feeling good just as if he had punched Sungjun¡¯s arrogant face. You could probably see it from his face since his daughter was steaming with a red face. However, Sungjun was now calmy looking at Byeongguk. ¡°It has been interesting. And¡­ you. I will buy that. For three billion.¡± ¡°Really? Oh, I¡¯m sorry. This has never happened before¡­ then, I will take it out again.¡± Byeongguk lifted the box again, put it back on the table and opened it. ¡°He is your nephew?¡± ¡°Yes. Although he looks a little rude, he is quite nice. He also the best at his job.¡± ¡°Yes, as you say, he seems rude but good at his job.¡± ¡°Mr. Lim, do you have something for that rude but skilled young man?¡± Byeongguk was quick-witted. Sungjun carefully stroked the cdon. ¡°I want him to help me¡­¡± Chapter 15: The Meaning of Lion Tamer (3)

Chapter 15: The Meaning of Lion Tamer (3)

¡°Uh¡­¡± Byeongguk looked back and met Haejin¡¯s gaze. He was implying that it was up to Haejin to make the decision. Eventually, Sungjun gestured at Haejin to sit on the opposite sofa. Haejin didn¡¯t understand what was going on, but he couldn¡¯t just run away. Therefore, he sat on the sofa while dragging Byeongguk to make him sit next to him. It was to show that Byeongguk deserved to sit as well. ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Sungjun¡¯s face hardened as he didn¡¯t like an art dealer sitting opposite to him. He considered most art dealers as people who traded with stolen goods. However, he couldn¡¯t just tell Byeongguk to sit up, so he was going to continue speaking. Then, however, he was dumbfounded again. His daughter plopped down next to him. ¡°Why did you sit? Get up.¡± ¡°I want to hear as well. Although you made me buy the painting, in the end, it was me who bought it. I have the rights to listen to what you are about to say.¡± That argument had some logical ws, but Sungjun couldn¡¯t argue with his daughter anymore. He sighed and resumed talking. ¡°Huh¡­ you, are you also good with ceramics?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what Sungjun wanted from him, but he wasn¡¯t really interested in hearing him out. He didn¡¯t like the young girl who was raising an eyebrow at him but, more than that, he wanted to go home and rest since he was exhausted after using the magic. It had be less painful but, if it had been as strong as when he was in the Cheonjiin Appraising Agency, he might have thrown up there. ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I came here with my uncle, not because I am a great appraiser.¡± For a moment, Sungjun looked panicked for the first time. He had asked that to be sure before he got to his point. He didn¡¯t expect that Haejin would back off here. ¡°You came to help your uncle, who came here to sell a cdon, but you are not good at ceramics?¡± ¡°Yes. So, if you want to give me a task, please think carefully. You must be determined that you will not make me responsible for the gains and losses from the oue of my appraising.¡± Sungjun had never heard anything this straightforward. He couldn¡¯t even close his mouth. ¡°You are not the only appraiser in this country. Dad, forget it. We can find someone else¡­¡± ¡°Be quiet! If you don¡¯t want to get up, stay still,¡± Sungjun yelled at his daughter, he then continued to speak, ¡°An art dealer called Yang Sojin visited me a week ago. Have you heard of her?¡± Sungjun got to the point without any useless chat once he realized that with Haejin, formality wasn¡¯t needed. Haejin had never heard of Yang Sojin, so he looked at Byeongguk. He exined, ¡°She is the director of Haneul Gallery and the best art dealer in Korea. She works on all kinds of antiques, Eastern and Western¡­¡± ¡°Yes. She showed me something, offering a difficult deal.¡± Sungjun got up, went somewhere, and soon put a photo on the table. Before Haejin saw it, he just wanted to go home¡­ However, the moment he spotted the cdon in the photo, he started leaning forward. ¡°It¡¯s a greyish-blue-powdered cdon.¡± It was a short remark, but Sungjun read the exmation in it. He nodded. ¡°Well? Isn¡¯t it good?¡± The object in the photo was a grey-blue cdon. Haejin couldn¡¯t measure its size, as it was a photo, but the elegant line that started at the round, ample shoulder and shortened to the bottom was impressive. Additionally, the thick spiral pattern that ran down from the top to the bottom was bold without any hesitation. It was good. ¡°Yes, it is really good.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s a problem. The owner is Japanese, he also wants to trade it for something of my own. So, it is giving me a headache.¡± ¡°He is not going to sell it?¡± ¡°He will not sell it for money, regardless of the price, and will only trade it for the thing in my gallery.¡± ¡°Your gallery¡­¡± ¡°Saeyeon Gallery. I own it.¡± Haejin was quite coincidentally going to meet Eunhae again. ¡°Then, you want me to re-appraise the thing that Japanese wants in return.¡± ¡°Yes. It has been appraised again by the experts, but they only said absurd things. I want you to go there and appraise it yourself.¡± ¡°Even if I go and appraise it, I might tell you something simr to what those experts said.¡± ¡°That can happen.¡± ¡°And unlike them, I have a very high fee.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°But, is there a reason for you to choose me? Was it only because I found out that the painting was a fake?¡± Sungjun¡¯s daughter also agreed with Haejin. She nodded and looked at her father. ¡°I have seen a lot of people who try to look worthy. However, they all get timid in front of me. They don¡¯t state their opinion because they want to be likable. But you are different. Few have requested tens of millions in front of me. You are either mad or confident.¡± ¡°I have already told you I am not confident when ites to ceramics.¡± ¡°So? Are you going to refuse this task?¡± Of course not. The greyish-blue-powdered cdon in the photo was worth at least five billion. ¡°No. I will take it.¡± ¡°See? If you are really not confident, you wouldn¡¯t have epted it.¡± Sungjun smiled as if he knew it. His daughter, however, objected. ¡°He could really be mad¡­ no, he may just be overconfident or in real need of money.¡± She couldn¡¯t call Haejin mad because he had revealed the fake painting. ¡°If he is that mad, that is also an ability.¡± Sungjun didn¡¯t even blink an eye at his daughter¡¯sin. He looked at Haejin¡¯s. ¡°As I said, my fee is 1% of the appraised price. Even if it¡¯s a fake, it is 1% of the real price. Which object do you want appraised, the ceramic in the photo in your gallery?¡± ¡°Both. I need to know which one is worth more. But, why don¡¯t you show me some gratitude? I am paying you a high fee, so what about a buy one get one free?¡± Sungjun coolly epted the 1% fee, so Haejin could just say no. However, that would be too cold. ¡°Okay. I will, however, get 1% of the most expensive between the two. Do you agree?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ fine. That will do.¡± Minsung, who had been watching, quickly interrupted. ¡°But sir, the fee could then be over a hundred million.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine. When Yang Sojin gave me this photo, it didn¡¯t seem like she had only one of them. She wanted something more from Saeyeon. What if I be the only one who gets fooled?¡± ¡°Then, she might have things that she wants from other galleries¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, go to Saeyon Gallery as fast as you can. As I said before, the fee for your earlier appraisal will be in your ount today.¡± ¡°I understand. Then, I guess we will meet again after I am finished.¡± ¡°It has been a good time.¡± Byeongguk was about to leave when Sungjun added. ¡°Oh, Director Lee Minsung will take care of the money for you.¡± Sungjun got up and went into his study as if he had nothing more to say. However, his daughter stood up, her eyes were sparkling. ¡°I will see you at the gallery tomorrow.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have toe¡­ if you are going to be there to distract me, why don¡¯t you just wait for the result?¡± ¡°I-I won¡¯t¡­ anyway, I am going.¡± Even though she had a thick skin, she couldn¡¯t help but notice how she behaved today. That was why she left with a steamed red face. Haejin and Byeongguk went back to the Four Seasons Hotel riding the same car they had used previously. Haejin then copsed on the bed. ¡°Byeongguk, let¡¯s go to Insadongter. Let me rest for now.¡± ¡°Why are you so weak at such a young age? Don¡¯t you need to be examined at the hospital?¡± In fact, Haejin had gotten a lot better than a few days before, but he couldn¡¯t tell that to Byeongguk, so he just ignored it. ¡°Let¡¯s eat meat for dinner. I am famished.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s go out and eat now.¡± ¡°No. I must get some sleep now.¡± ¡°Very well. Hey, but how did you know that painting was a fake?¡± ¡°I went to Italy with father once and I saw the real painting there. So, I was sure that this was a fake and took a closer look.¡± ¡°I almost had a heart attack. He had hung that painting at the best spot, so he must have liked it a lot, and you called it a fake¡­ it felt like I was visiting hell.¡± Even though Byeongguk has a lot of guts, he now looked relieved. He must have been genuinely surprised. ¡°While I talked to Lim Sungjun, I could see why he hung it at the best spot.¡± ¡°Really? There¡¯s a meaning?¡± ¡°He looked at the man taming the lion and thought he, like the man, was controlling a country. He must have thought he was the king of this country.¡± ¡°Well, he is the No.1 of Hwajin, so he can think like that.¡± ¡°Oh, by the way, why did you say three billion earlier?¡± Byeongguk took out a bottle of water from the refrigerator. He drank it and winked. ¡°You think he would have bought it if I had said two billion? He wasn¡¯t going to buy it, anyway.¡± ¡°He wasn¡¯t going to buy it?¡± ¡°I knew it the moment I saw him. He would buy it after at least two, three meetings.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ I didn¡¯t know that, but you are a real seer.¡± ¡°Kkkk¡­ hey, you seem to look down on me because I spent few days in school, but I am considered a petty criminal only in Korea. In China, I am famous. It was just that I got unlucky and got busted¡­ khmm¡­ anyway, I could tell that he had done a background check on me.¡± ¡°Huh? Then, he knew you are a grave robber!¡± ¡°Of course, he did. He must have thought the cdon might also be a stolen artifact.¡± ¡°That would not have stopped him from buying it¡­¡± Unrecorded, illegally excavated artifacts could be bought at a lower price. Sungjun wouldn¡¯t have refused to buy it only because it was a stolen good. ¡°Yes. But he didn¡¯t want to buy it at the right price. I could not just say that I will lower the price in there, like street merchants do. He couldn¡¯t say ¡®I will buy it at ¡­ won,¡¯ so he was going to kick me out first and see how things would go, but my reaction was different from what he had expected, so he was surprised. Haejin could now understand the earlier situation. ¡°Then, you said three billion because¡­¡± ¡°I thought he would call me again only if I lower the price by more than 50%. So, I asked for three billion¡­ if I knew this would happen, I would have said four billion. What a shame.¡± Wow¡­ he just earned three billion in a few minutes and felt bad about not getting an additional billion¡­ should I just call him bold? Or a fraud? ¡°So, you were thinking of 1.5 billion?¡± ¡°Yes. I can see in his eyes that he knew who I was, so I was going to give up the cdon at 1.5 billion. But my new nephew gave me an additional 1.5!¡± Now that he thought about it, Byeongguk had earned 1.5 billion more thanks to Haejin. He couldn¡¯t let that go. ¡°You¡¯re right. Then, shouldn¡¯t you give me my share?¡± ¡°Hh¡­ originally, when things like this happen, people try to keep everything, but you and I go way back. Nevertheless, I sold the cdon, so your share is five hundred million. How¡¯s that?¡± Haejin raised his hands high. ¡°Yay!¡± ¡°Hahaha! But you shouldn¡¯t get excited like that.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You think they will give you three billion at once? In your dreams.¡± Haejin was a little disappointed, but five hundred million was big! He was definitely having steak for dinner. Chapter 16: Unrecorded Legacy (1)

Chapter 16: Unrecorded Legacy (1)

Beijing, China ¡°This came out from there?¡± Lee Shian, the head of the Chinese National Culture Bureau¡¯s Appraisal Committee, stared at the ck wooden box for a long time. Yang Chuin, manager of the Artifact Management department, studied Shian¡¯s hand as it stroked the box. ¡°Yes, I think they left that box behind because there was something inside it¡­ I need to know what that is.¡± ¡°Why are you curious about that?¡± Yang Chuin frowned at the unexpected question. ¡°Of course, I want to know! It is estimated that at least thirty artifacts were stolen from that tomb. They also left that strange box behind, so what was inside might be one of our great country¡¯s precious legacy! We must track it immediately!¡± Even though Yang Chuin was quite angry, Lee Shian put down the box with a bored face. ¡°The material of this box is unusual and that¡¯s all. This pattern was often used by people who believed in the White Lotus Religion. Take a look.¡± Lee Shian took out one of the many books in his bookshelves and put it in front of Yang Chuin. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Yang Chuin carefully opened the book. Among dozens of ck-and-white photos, he found one of the patterns that was simr to the one on the box. ¡°It is simr, but to call it the same¡­¡± ¡°Usually, each pattern that has a religious connotation will have a different meaning. One of them could be about wishing good luck, while another could be about curing diseases¡­ this is one of them. I think the box used to contain a gold ring or a jade ring, at best. You don¡¯t really think that there was a great artifact in this small box, do you?¡± Lee Shian was clearly mocking him. Yang Chuin was angry, but he couldn¡¯t ignore Lee Shian¡¯s opinion as he was the best appraiser in China. Eventually, he sighed and stood up. ¡°I understand. And the box?¡± ¡°I admit that its material is strange. So, I think the Appraising Committee needs to analyze it.¡± Lee Shian spoke so sharply that Yang Chuin felt embarrassed in asking to take it back. He had no choice but to leave empty-handed. However, once he left and the door closed, Lee Shian¡¯s expression changed. ¡°The hunting dog has caught the scent, this is difficult¡­¡± Lee Shian muttered to himself and studied the box again, his eyes were full of greed. A whileter, he picked up his phone and called someone. ¡°I¡¯ve found some traces.¡± Surprisingly, he was speaking in English. Hard English with a British ent. He heard someone on the other side and nodded. Then, he spoke again. ¡°A month at most. One month would be enough to find out where his legacy is.¡± Lee Shian hung up. He stroked the box again and carefully put it in his bag. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go into hibernation?¡± Byeongguk keptining as Haejin woke upte at night. He was famished. He was so hungry that he had eaten a cup of ramen at a nearby convenience store. ¡°Hey¡­ that could happen to anyone. Anyway, I¡¯m buying today, so please eat a lot.¡± Haejin woke up around midnight, so they had to go to a barbeque ce near Dongdaemun. The message on his phone said that he had received twelve million, so the meat wasn¡¯t expensive at all. Byeongguk was also happy to see that it was beef. They ate six portions of beef in a sh and ordered two extra portions. ¡°But Yang Sojin, is she famous?¡± They had been busy eating but, now that they were quite full, Haejin asked about what he had been wondering. Byeongguk had a ss of soju and poked the table with his chopstick. ¡°She is great. You don¡¯t know her because your father used to only deal with the few he knew well. So, it¡¯s only right that you know few people in Insadong.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Plus, I didn¡¯t even go near Insadong by the time I was in middle school.¡± ¡°As you know, most art dealers of Insadong used to be Gaidasis.¡± It was a sad story, but most artifacts in Korea were stolen goods. More than 30 years ago, the then director of the National Museum wrote on a newspaper, ¡®There is no archeologist in Korea. Grave robbers are the archeologists, and they know better than professors and archeologists.¡¯ ¡°Yes, they took artifacts from people who knew nothing about them and sold them to Japanese and rich people.¡± ¡®Gaidasi¡¯ was a Japanese word that meant ¡®retailer buying goods from a wholesaler¡¯, but in Korea, Gaidasi was not a retailer. They were the middlemen who collected antiques and sold them to art dealers. They went around the country. Whenever they spotted a huge house, they took a look inside, took out the things that were worth some money and sold them to antique dealers. ¡°That Yang Sojin is the daughter of the most famous Gaidasi in this country. His name was Yang Mancheol. He was really great. He did everything to buy things at a low price and sell them at extremely high prices. He didn¡¯t even overlook a dog¡¯s bowl in the countryside. He was the bastard of the bastards.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Sojin¡¯s life was simr to Haejin. They both learned about antiques from their fathers. Byeongguk noticed what Haejin was thinking and added. ¡°Your father, however, never robbed the graves in this country. Whenever he got an artifact that used to belong to our ancestors, he sold it at a low price to let it go to Korean museums.¡± ¡°I also think my father was a great man. Even though he did a lot of bad things¡­¡± ¡°Grave robbing was the only thing he knew, so what choice did he have? Anyway, this Yang Sojin inherited a lot of artifacts and personal connections with Japanese and Chinese art dealers from her father. She used that to open a gallery and befriended rich people and politicians. She is good at selling, too. So, once she holds an exhibition, almost all the artifacts are sold.¡± ¡°She is remarkable.¡± Byeongguk was angry. He drank more soju with meat and spoke again with a red face. ¡°Yes. The problem is that she sells Korean artifacts abroad for money, just like her father used to. Mostly in Japan. Do the prosecutors and politicians not know about this? No, they all know. But they can¡¯t touch her. Do you know why?¡± Byeongguk¡¯s story was quite interesting. Haejin asked, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Her prime clients, Japanese politicians, are powerful. You know Japan still has arge influence in the Korean political world, right? Plus, they all sell to or buy from Yang Sojin. Therefore, she holds their weakness. Of course she does, they are buying stolen artifacts or selling our ancestors¡¯ artifact to Japan! So, no one dared to mess up with Yang Sojin.¡± ¡°She is a mean woman, but how do you know her so well?¡± Byeongguk looked bitter. He drank another ss of soju. ¡°When I was a boy, there was an old porcin at home. Yang Mancheol, Yang Sojin¡¯s father, forcefully took that at a low price. So, of course, I know about Yang Sojin.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t leave that woman alone. ¡°Oh¡­ good! We will make her pay.¡± Haejin shouted, hitting the table with his fist. Byeongguk¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Make her pay? How?¡± ¡°That would depend on what she has and what she wants.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ yes. This is exciting!¡± Byeongguk agreed as a joke. He was probably thinking that it was impossible. They ate 10 portions of meat. The next day, Haejin dropped by at his new home, changed into his new suit, tidied his hair and went to Saeyeon Gallery. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t get involved into Hawjin¡¯s business after this,¡± Byeongguk said when they were almost at Saeyeon Gallery. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Grave robbers who get involved with rich people never end well. Your father was the best grave robber in Korea, but he never got close to rich people. You know what I¡¯m saying, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Although Haejin didn¡¯t know if he could do that. They went inside the gallery where a woman in her early 30s approached them. Haejin had never seen her before. She had a nametag that read Curator Jong Mina. ¡°Wee. Is this your first time here?¡± She wasn¡¯t extremely beautiful, but she was calm and polite. ¡°No. Is director Lim Eunhae here now?¡± ¡°Yes, she is here, but¡­ may I ask who you are?¡± ¡°I am Park Haejin.¡± ¡°Okay. Please wait.¡± Mina left while Byeongguk asked, ¡°Huh? You¡¯ve been here before? And you know someone here?¡± ¡°I somehow ended up working with her. You will be surprised to see her.¡± ¡°Surprised? Why?¡± Eunhae¡¯s office door opened. They heard an urgent sounding from the high heels. Surprised, Eunhae, who was wearing bright-colored clothes, quickly reached them. ¡°How¡­ no, would you like toe in?¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Haejin was about to follow her into her office when Byeongguk poked his side. Haejin looked at him while Byeongguk was frowning. He pointed at Eunhae with his chin. ¡°Do you like her?¡± Byeongguk spoke without making a sound. Haejin shook his head and also spoke quietly. ¡°No, but isn¡¯t she pretty?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Byeongguk didn¡¯t like it. He sat down on a sofa before Eunhae asked him to. Haejin smiled and sat next to him. Eunhae then brought them some juice. ¡°Why did you¡­ I am d to see you, but you were clear on noting ever again thest time.¡± Byeongguk¡¯s gaze became even sharper. Haejin tried to ignore it and answered. ¡°I was given a case. Didn¡¯t Vice Chairman Lee tell you?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you mean Director Yang Sojin¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Yes, I am the appraiser.¡± ¡°But I have something to ask. Are you asking for the same fee¡­¡± She was asking if Haejin had requested the 1% fee to Sungjun. Her face said that was impossible, but she was wondering ¡®what if?¡¯. ¡°Yes. I will receive 1% as the fee.¡± ¡°Wow¡­.¡± She was genuinely impressed. Someone knocked on the door and came in. ¡°Director Yang Sojin is here.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Then¡­¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin who smiled widely and stood up. ¡°Then let us go. I wonder what kind of item it is!¡± Chapter 17: Unrecorded Legacy (2)

Chapter 17: Unrecorded Legacy (2)

They went outside where a middle-aged woman with a young female attendant was watching an artifact. She seemed to be in her early 40s. Her clothes, essories and bag looked expensive. She had to be Yang Sojin. However, her young attendant wasn¡¯t wearing Korean makeup. She was probably Japanese. ¡°Huh? You¡¯re here already?¡± Sungjun¡¯s daughter was also next to Sojin. Haejin had almost forgotten about her. ¡°I told you to stay home¡­ don¡¯t cause unnecessary trouble.¡± ¡°Why-why would I? I also majored in art. Stop ignoring me!¡± she yelled, but she also looked away as if she knew of her behavior yesterday. ¡°I will really ignore you if talk to me so rudely again. I am not a Hwajin¡¯s employee. Understand?¡± ¡°Huh! Well, fine. You¡¯re so full of yourself¡­¡± She pouted her lips and turned her head away. Everyone, watching this, was amazed. They had never seen her acting like this. ¡°Oh, Hyoyeon, you know Mr. Haejin?¡± Eunhae asked surprised. Sungjun¡¯s daughter was called Hyoyeon who then answered without looking back. ¡°I was there when he talked with my father yesterday. Don¡¯t ask further any further. Anyway, is this what you want?¡± Yang Sojin didn¡¯t answer the question directed to her. She locked her eyes with Haejin. ¡°Did the Vice Chairman send you?¡± ¡°Yes, have you not brought the item?¡± ¡°No, it is too precious for it to be taken around for appraisal. After the deal is struck, it will then be moved to where Mr. Lim wants with the help of experts and equipment.¡± ¡°I hope I don¡¯t have to go to Japan.¡± Haejin clearly showed that he found it annoying. Sojin was a little surprised, Haejin was working for Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin, but he looked like someone who was going to the supermarket because his parents ordered him. ¡°No. I have it in my gallery.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. Anyway, is this what your boss wants?¡± The artifact Sojin had been watching was a small teacup, a Blue Flower White Porcin. Its bold bamboo pattern was impressive, but it was weird that it didn¡¯t seem to have an artistic value as great as the Greyish-Blue-Powdered Cdon, which Haejin saw in the photo. ¡°He is not my boss. He is my client.¡± Sojin was offended and corrected him. However, Haejin didn¡¯t even look at her. ¡°All the same¡­ then shall we go to see the cdon?¡± ¡°Have you already finished appraising this?¡± To appraise the teacup properly, Haejin had to lift it up to see the bottom and the heel, he also had to study the condition of the ze and look for traces of restoration. However, he just took a quick look and suggested that they should go, so everyone else was shocked. ¡°I¡¯m half done. I will see the Greyish-Blue-Powdered Cdon ande back to finish.¡± ¡°What the¡­ hu¡­ okay. It¡¯s only five minutes away from here by foot, so let¡¯s walk.¡± Sojin¡¯s face said, ¡®What kind of man is he?¡¯, but Haejin appeared so confident, therefore she had to back off. They left Saeyeon Gallery and arrived at Hanbit Gallery five minutester. It was a luxurious white building. The most famous galleries and art museums in Korea were in the Bukcheon and the Insadong area. The size of Hanbit Gallery was smaller than Saeyeon Gallery, which was legally an art museum. However, the interior was enough to imply that the ce wasn¡¯t for ordinary people. The exhibition schedule was written at the entrance, but there was no schedule today. There was no artifact inside. ¡°It¡¯s empty.¡± ¡°We¡¯re preparing for our next exhibition.¡± ¡°It¡¯s about Eastern paintings, right?¡± ¡°Yes. We have a few decent paintings, so pleasee if you have the time.¡± She was answering like a robot as if asking ¡®You are not going to reallye, are you?¡¯. Apart from Haejin¡¯s capability, Sojin didn¡¯t like that amoner had entered the ce for the rich and the powerful. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I will have the time but, if I do, I¡¯ll drop by. I hope you won¡¯t kick me out for reallying.¡± Hyoyeon, who was following them behind,ughed. ¡°Of course not. This way, please.¡± She led the group to the deepest part of the gallery. ¡°Haha¡­¡± Byeongguk was the first to react when they saw the Greyish-Blue-Powdered Cdon. Although he didn¡¯t have a discerning eye like Haejin¡¯ste father, he had lived as a grave robber for decades. The moment he saw the real cdon, he recognized that it was extraordinary. Sojin stopped Byeongguk from approaching it and looked at Haejin. It meant he should quickly appraise it. In fact, Haejin hade here first because he wasn¡¯t sure which artifact he should use his magic on. His mana wasn¡¯t enough to use magic twice, so he might copse in the gallery. However, the moment he saw this Greyish-Blue-Powdered Cdon, he decided where he should use the magic. ¡°Judging from its shape with an ample shoulder and a narrow waist, it was made after the 17 th century. This free pattern also shows that it was made in a Minyo, a stove for ceramics used by ordinary people, instead of a Gwanyo, a stove that was for making ceramics for the government. Ceramics like this, those made in the 17 th century and baked in Minyo, are rare. Especially ones with a perfect shape like this.¡± Sojin smiled with satisfaction for the first time. ¡°I know that the Vice Chairman sent you, but I have been doubting you because you are so young. However, you immediately recognized its value. It was clearly made by the greatest artisan of the time. That is why I would never sell it for money.¡± Haejin took the white gloves from Eunhae and started to examine the cdon. It was 50cm tall, so it weighed quite a lot. Byeongguk carefully lifted it so that Haejin could look at the bottom. About 15 minutester, Haejin took off the gloves and gave them back to Eunhae. ¡°Thank you. Now, let¡¯s go back.¡± ¡°Are you saying that you are finished?¡± ¡°No. I haven¡¯t finished appraising the teacup, so I should go back to it.¡± Sojin wan apparently annoyed. ¡°Haa¡­ fine. The way you work is very inconvenient.¡± Sojin did not look happy about this but, even though sheined, she returned to Saeyon Gallery with them. Haejin then took the gloves from Eunhae and approached the teacup, but he asked in advance for a cup of water and dipped his finger into it. With that finger, he drew on the ss box and casted the magic. It was a spell that showed the past of the item. Soon, the aftereffect of a momentary headache and nausea faded. His legs didn¡¯t lose much strength like before, it was getting better. Haejin kept looking at the teacup. He then put it down and looked at Eunhae. ¡°We should talk. And you too, talkativedy.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to be with Hyoyeon, but she was practically the representative of Sungjun. So, he had no choice. ¡°I¡¯m not talkative¡­ I¡¯ve been still.¡± The group including theining Hyoyeon went back into Eunhae¡¯s office, except for Sojin. ¡°Well? Is the Greyish-Blue-Powdered Cdon worth the trade?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anyway, why haven¡¯t you sold that yet?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t mind Eunhae¡¯s question and asked what he wanted to know. ¡°What? You mean the Blue Flower White Porcin? Actually, it came here only a while ago, so¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand Eunhae¡¯s answer. ¡°It has been here only for a while, and a rich Japanese who knows a lot about antiques picked it up for a trade?¡± ¡°Actually, I can¡¯t understand it either. I started running this gallery two years ago, and I bought that porcin from someone I know in Insadong. It wasn¡¯t that expensive, but it was the first artifact I bought, so I would say I got attached to it. So, although there were a few people who wanted it, I refused to sell it.¡± ¡°There were people who wanted it?¡± ¡°Yes, but now that I think about it, there was something weird. About a month ago, someone asked me to sell it even though it didn¡¯t have a price tag. So, I told him that it wasn¡¯t for sale and he then asked me why¡­ he told me to name the price and that made me wonder¡­ what if it is a really valuable artifact? So¡­¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°I asked this to some of the appraisers I know of, and they all told me that it was made in the 16 th century. Of course, it is worth a lot, but not that much. So, I was confused. A week ago, the Vice Chairman then suggested the trade, saying that there was a good piece.¡± Haejin was curious about something. Sungjun had spoken as if Saeyon Gallery was his but, judging from what Eunhae said, Sungjun couldn¡¯t give the order. He then asked a question. ¡°He doesn¡¯t own this gallery?¡± ¡°It is my dad¡¯s.¡± Hyoyeon spoke before Eunhae could answer. However, Haejin didn¡¯t even nce at Hyoyeon and kept looking at Eunhae. Hyoyeon was still a kid who knew nothing, so Haejin couldn¡¯t expect an answer from her. ¡°Actually, this gallery is the only thing my grandfather left to me. Of course, it was built with Hwajin¡¯s money, but I have the biggest share. Of course, I cannot make decisions on my own. You know what I mean.¡± Of course, he did. That was why Sungjun asked for his help. ¡°Hmm¡­ so, the Vice Chairman cannot force you to sell the teacup, and he and Yang Sojin had agreed to trade the two valuable artifacts. Then, have you also epted this?¡± Eunhae nced at Hyoyeon and carefully spoke. ¡°When I saw the cdon, I thought it might be fine.¡± She carefully said that because Hyoyeon was there. However, it also meant she didn¡¯t like the deal until she saw the photo. ¡°You bought that teacup at a low price, so getting that cdon, worth billions, is a good deal.¡± ¡°Yes. The recent exhibitions haven¡¯t turned out well, so I have been feeling bad about it. If I make it up with this deal, the board would also like it and, honestly, when I saw the cdon earlier, I thought it will raise the reputation of this gallery.¡± ¡°So, are you going to trade it?¡± The impatient Hyoyeon chimed in, but she looked away from Haejin¡¯s cold gaze. ¡°Ha, you are just showing off¡­ ah, so you are not going to trade?¡± ¡°Yes, you shouldn¡¯t.¡± Everyone was surprised to hear Haejin¡¯s unexpected conclusion. Eunhae was also shocked, as she wanted that cdon they had seen earlier. ¡°Why?¡± Chapter 18: Unrecorded Legacy (3)

Chapter 18: Unrecorded Legacy (3)

¡®How should I exin this?¡¯ What Haejin saw by using the magic was a general writing something while drinking tea between the desperate battles. He was writing using Chinese letters, but Haejin could read that. However, he was writing something important. I still have twelve ships. If I fight to the death, I can stop them¡­ All the Koreans knew this story. (In thete 16 th century, Japan was invading Korea to then conquer China next. The line above was part of a letter that General Lee Sunsin wrote to the king. Lee Sunsin was a great navy general who won 23 times out of 23 battles against Japan. After six years of war, the Korean (the then Joseon) navy had only 13 ships remaining. The Japanese army, instead, wasing with 133 battleships. Lee Sunsin thought that he could still win the fight and wrote a letter to the king to persuade him. He actually ended up winning while destroying most of the 133 Japanese ships. He is thought to be one of the greatest heroes in Korea.) Surprisingly, the teacup used to belong to General Lee Sunsin. The magic ended after a fierce battle and the general¡¯s death. (Lee Sunsin attacked the Japanese when they were retreating because he couldn¡¯t let them go peacefully after 7 years of invasion. He was shot during the battle and died. Hest words were ¡®Don¡¯t announce my death¡¯ lest it discourages his soldiers.) Haejin¡¯s mana wasn¡¯t enough to see what happened next, but what he saw was enough to be sure that the teacup was Lee Sunsin¡¯s. The problem was that he had no way to prove it. If there was a record about the teacup, he would tell some lies and use the record as proof but, no matter how hard he thought, he couldn¡¯t think of a good thing say. Of course, he couldn¡¯t let this precious legacy go back to Japan either. ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯m just advising you as an appraiser. The owner of the teacup should decide. However, personally, I think you shouldn¡¯t sell it.¡± ¡°But why?¡± ¡°I¡­ it is hard to exin.¡± Haejin smiled. He could neither do this nor that¡­ Hyoyeon got angry and started yelling. ¡°So, tell us the reason! I am getting impatient!¡± Haejin suddenly wondered. How did the Japanese know about the value of the teacup? Unless they could use magic like himself, they must have some records about it. ¡°Do you have to make the decision now?¡± Eunhae seemed to realize that there was somethingplicated. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have to decide now. When ites to artifacts so expensive, making the decision right after an appraisal would be a rather rare case.¡± ¡°Then, please give me some time.¡± ¡°How much?¡± ¡°Three days would be enough and the talkativedy over there, tell your father I will give him the results in three days. Tell him not to worry, as I won¡¯t ask for the fee if I fail.¡± ¡°You keep calling me talkative, but I am usually quiet. We also don¡¯t care about that fee¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t stand her thrilling voice. He just stood up. ¡°Oh, and I need to ask you a favor. Please find out who is that Japanese who wants the teacup and who Sojin¡¯s young attendant is. You can do that, right?¡± Eunhae hesitated and looked at Hyoyeon, who shrugged and red back. ¡°What? Are you asking me?¡± ¡°She isn¡¯t asking you. I am. Tell me that and I will see you after three days. Don¡¯t tell me that you can¡¯t find this out?¡± ¡°Huh¡­ you are ignoring¡­¡± Haejin cut her short again. ¡°I am asking because I know what Hwajin can do. Text me as soon as you find that out. Then I will see you in three days. Byeongguk, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, okay. Let¡¯s go.¡± They came out. Haejin then lightly bowed to Sojin who was waiting there. Next, they left the gallery and went back to Haejin¡¯s home. Surprisingly, Haejin received the text about that Japanese before he even arrived at his home. ¡°Mizno Toru. 56 years old. President of the Maisaru Electronics.¡± ¡°The owner of the cdon?¡± Byeongguk came with him without checking out from the hotel. Sujeong wasing in a few days and as the airport was nearby, he had no reason to go away. ¡°Yes. I think I must go to Japan.¡± ¡°What? You are actually going? What will you do there?¡± ¡°I should go and encounter them.¡± Although Haejin has asked for three days¡¯ time, he didn¡¯t have any n. If he couldn¡¯t figure out what to do, he was going to meet that Japanese and use magic to make them tell the truth. If he could find out how the Japanese knew about the true identity of the teacup, things would be easier. However, he couldn¡¯t figure out everything from the teacup¡¯s memory. It was a difficult situation. But¡­ ¡°That man is hard to meet.¡± Byongguk gave an unexpected help. ¡°What? You know him?¡± ¡°Yes, he is quite famous. His grandfather was the right-hand man of Terauchi Masatake, the first Japanese governor to rule Korea during the Japanese colonial era. You¡¯ve heard of him?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I know him. He made business by digging Korean tombs and took an enormous number of artifacts.¡± Japan was more interested in collecting artifacts than Korea. Of course, they tended to rob graves for that purpose, so during the Japanese colonial era when Japan illegally colonized Korea, they didn¡¯t leave the countless tombs alone. Among the many who stole Korean artifacts, the most popr was Terauchi Masatake. He took about ten thousand Korean artifacts and kept them. He donated them to his old school before he died, so he is considered a good man in Japan. However, to Koreans, he deserves to be trashed till death. ¡°I guess you heard about him from your father. Well, he did hate the Japanese. Anyway, Mizno Toru also inherited lots of artifacts from his grandfather and now owns arge art museum.¡± ¡°How do you know him so well?¡± Byeoungguk smiled bitterly. ¡°Hhhh¡­ he is one of my clients. He buys all precious artifacts; Korean, Japanese, Chinese and even Thai. He pays well, so the few grave robbers like me cannot survive without knowing him.¡± ¡°I hope you didn¡¯t sell Korean artifact?¡± Haejin yfully teased him. Byeongguk leaped up. ¡°I don¡¯t do such things! If I did, your father wouldn¡¯t have worked with me!¡± ¡°Haha, I was just joking. Anyway, you said meeting him is not easy?¡± ¡°Yes. I have sold him items more than once, but I never got to meet him. A different man dealt with me and bought the things instead.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s a problem.¡± ¡°But please, tell me what this is all about. I am so curious. That Blue Flower White Porcin didn¡¯t seem that valuable. Why did you disagree to the trade?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what to say. Then, he got another message. ¡°It¡¯s from Hwajin. That female attendant is Kitagawa Momoko. Her age is unknown, but she certainly does not work at Yang Sojin¡¯s gallery. I think she works for Mizno Toru.¡± ¡°Finding out who she is took longer than finding out Mizno Toru. I guess she is not well-known.¡± ¡°Byeongguk, will you go back to Hanbit Gallery with me tomorrow? I cannot tell you today why I stopped the trade. I will tell you this tomorrow after checking something.¡± Byeongguk picked up his jacket and stood up. ¡°Okay. I should go back to the hotel and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, right?¡± ¡°Yes. I will meet you in front of the Hanbit Gallery at around 10 o¡¯clock.¡± Although the aftereffects were getting smaller, Haejin was not okay. After Byeongguk left, he ate something and went to sleep. The next day, he met Byeongguk in front of the gallery. He was smiling when he greeted Haejin. There was a reason for that. ¡°Sujeong is on the ne now, hhh¡­¡± ¡°Already? I thought she wasing a few dayster.¡± ¡°I told her I am working with you, so she said she wille sooner. She ising early for you, so finish this task as soon as possible.¡± ¡°It depends on the situation. Then, will she go to Busan with you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. She has nothing to do in Busan, I don¡¯t know what will happen. Anyway, let¡¯s go in.¡± Byeongguk kept smiling as he was about to see his daughter after a long time. They went in and asked an employee to tell the director. A whileter, Sojin came into the exhibition room. Just like yesterday, Momoko was with her. ¡°I thought you finished appraising yesterday.¡± ¡°No. I came back because I need to examine the cdon again. As it is the Vice Chairman¡¯s business, there cannot be any mistake.¡± It made sense. Sojin nodded and took them to the cdon. On the way, Haejin saying that he was thirsty, he took a cup of water. When they arrived, they could see the cdon that caught the people¡¯s attention, just like yesterday. ¡°How long will it take?¡± Haejin was thinking of a way to get rid of Sojin, but she showed it first that she was in a hurry. She was probably busy because of the uing exhibition. ¡°It will take long. Why don¡¯t you take care of your business and thene back? Thisdy here can keep watch on me.¡± Haejin pointed at Momoko. Sojin nodded and told her something in Japanese. She looked like she was asking Momoko to stay there and keep an eye on Haejin. Sojin nced at the security camera on her way out as if telling Haejin to not try anything stupid. ¡°But why are you taking another look at it?¡± Byeongguk whispered after Sojin left. ¡°You speak Japanese, right? Trante for me.¡± ¡°Trante? Okay.¡± Then, Haejin pretended to examine the cdon and used the magic. The mana left his chest and the aftereffect arrived. It was bearable for now. ¡°Ask her how she found out the true identity of the teacup.¡± Byeongguk¡¯s face said, ¡®why?¡¯. It wasn¡¯t like she would tell them the answer and he also couldn¡¯t understand what the ¡®true identity of the teacup¡¯ meant. However, as Haejin insisted, he looked at Mimiko and kindly asked in Japanese. ¡°How did you know the true identity of the teacup in Saeyeon Gallery?¡± Mimiko was startled. She then waved her hands and said something. She was probably trying to say she didn¡¯t know what he was talking about but, this time, it was Byeongguk who was startled. ¡°What? She said it is written on the treasure of the Terauchi family! Isn¡¯t that a secret? Why did she tell us that?¡± Mimiko had confessed the truth. She turned red and didn¡¯t know what to do. Byeongguk was as surprised as her. He pointed at Mimiko and looked at Haejin. He was asking what was going on. ¡°Then, please ask her what was written about the teacup.¡± ¡°Huh? Uh, okay. Khmm¡­ fine.¡± Momoko was desperately trying to think of a way to solve the situation. She seemed to think of a way to exin this when Byeongguk asked another question, she stammered and told the truth again. She then panicked and sat down. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s wrong with her? Why is she confessing everything?¡± ¡°What did she say?¡± ¡°She said a Japanese stole it from Lee Sunsin¡¯s descendant about a century ago, but it went missing in 1985¡­ after that, the Terauchi family wrote about it in details in order to find it! What? That teacup is General Lee Sunsin¡¯s?¡± Byeongguk yelled. It made Momokoe to her senses. She got up and ran away. There was nothing more to find out there. ¡°Let¡¯s leave. I will exinter.¡± ¡°O-okay. But why did she talk and was shocked? Shouldn¡¯t I be more shocked?¡± ¡°Oh, let¡¯s go out and then talk. Hurry.¡± Haejin took the dumbfounded Byeongguk and quickly left the gallery. His heart pounded as if he had stolen an artifact from the exhibition. Chapter 19: Unrecorded Legacy (4)

Chapter 19: Unrecorded Legacy (4)

¡°Hua¡­ hey, I¡¯m too tired. Can we go slowly now?¡± Byeongguk was panting, only then did Haejin slow down. It wasn¡¯t like they had stolen something, but he still felt nervous. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s drink something at this coffee shop.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that. Hu, I¡¯m so tired.¡± They each got themselves a drink and sat down. It took them a while to catch their breath. Byeongguk then asked, ¡°What happened back there? Why did that Momoko tell us all those secrets, and how did you know she would tell us everything?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say that it was magic. Even though he was close to Byeongguk, he felt that it was a secret that should never be spoken out loud. ¡°Actually¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, what?¡± ¡°I hypnotized her.¡± ¡°What? You hypnotized her? When?¡± It made no sense, but that was the only excuse Haejin could think of. ¡°I hypnotized her as soon as we entered the gallery. I was worried that it might not work, but even I didn¡¯t expect it to work so well?¡± ¡°Really? You really hypnotized her?¡± ¡°Yes, I used to not believe in that stuff, but you know what happened to my father. He once entered a strange tomb and got a disease that even doctors couldn¡¯t identify.¡± ¡°Yes, of course, I know that.¡± ¡°So, I tried everything I could to cure him. I also happened to hear from a psychologist that self- hypnosis can work on serious diseases, even cancer. If someone really believes that he or she has fully recovered, keep eating healthy food and work out, the effects will be much greater. ¡°Yeah, I think I saw that on the news.¡± ¡°So, I learned some hypnosis skill from that psychologist and thought that if I make my father believe that he has recovered, he would really recover¡­ ha¡­ however, by the time I met him, it was already toote. This is the pendant I used to hypnotize people.¡± Haejin then took out a baby angel ne from the pocket of his trousers. He actually bought that during a date with his ex-girlfriend. He had left it somewhere and brought it with him this time for the situation. As for why he didn¡¯t throw it away, it was because¡­ he was justzy and didn¡¯t really care about it. Anyway, he felt bad about dragging histe father into this. Father, I¡¯m sorry. ¡°Oh, I wish he came to you to cure his disease! But it is toote¡­ so, she was hypnotized by you and then confessed everything? How does your hypnosis even work so well?¡± It was normal for Byeongguk to doubt him; however, no one would think, ¡®Isn¡¯t Haejin using magic?¡¯ Momoko, who had been enchanted, would not think so, either. Would she even ask herself, ¡®Was I enchanted by Park Haejin?¡¯ after what happened to her? Even if she thought so, who would believe her? The CCTV was there to prove that Haejin only looked at the cdon, it would be impossible for anyone to assume that Momoko panicked because Haejin used some magic on her. If Mizno Toru, Momoko¡¯s boss, heard her excuse, he would think that she was siding with Sungjun and told him everything. No sane person would think that this happened because of magic. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to work so well. I might have some kind of talent. Anyway, it should be kept secret that I can hypnotize people, okay?¡± ¡°Oh, of course. To whom would I even tell this kind of thing?¡± Haejin thought Byeongguk was buying his excuse, so he immediately changed the subject. ¡°Anyway, I didn¡¯t know that the teacup belonged to General Lee Sunsin.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know? Then, why did you even do something like this?¡± ¡°Because the more I thought about it, the weirder it seemed. The teacup is not worthless, but the cdon was clearly worth much more, but they still wanted to trade it. So, I thought there must be something we were not aware of. I could not just say I don¡¯t know in front of the Vice Chairman¡¯s daughter, so I asked for some time, and indeed there was something¡­¡± Haejin thought that he was a great actor while shaking his head. ¡°Well, I thought it was strange, too. No one would suggest that kind of trade, except for idiots. But what are you going to do now? We can tell them what we just heard, but if that Momoko says that we¡¯re lying, then that¡¯s it.¡± Haejin recorded everything that Momoko said, just in case, in the way he did at the Cheonjin Appraising Agency. However, he could not y the recording in front of Sungjun. He would definitely find it strange that Momoko was telling everything. To tell him that she was hypnotized and then gave the answers? That was risky. Haejin could trust Byeongguk and, even if they fall apartter, Byeongguk was nothing more than a grave robber. However, Haejin couldn¡¯t reveal himself in front of Sungjun who had both power and wealth. ¡°I should tell him about the treasure of the Terauchi Family. Of course, I need to add some more lies, and you must help me with that part.¡± ¡°You want me to make your story reliable? You know I¡¯m good at that.¡± ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t know what that Terauchi treasure says, but when they find out the teacup belonged to General Lee Sunsin, they will never be able to sell it.¡± ¡°Of course. Who would try to sell Lee Sunsin¡¯s teacup? It literally is a national treasure! Well, of course.¡± Strictly speaking, the teacup was not a national treasure, but it was a treasure that had great meaning and immeasurable value. Especially for those who greatly admired Lee Sunsin. ¡°Oh, but I am curious about what the Terauchi family treasure is. Ha¡­ I should have asked that, but I couldn¡¯t because she ran away. That¡¯s too bad.¡± Haejin thought that if he used his magic, he would definitely get her answer. However, she ran away from the spot¡­ the truth-telling magic had this unexpected w. ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about it. Anyway, we¡¯re going to Saeyeon Gallery, right? Sujeong ising tonight, so we have to go to the airport.¡± ¡°This case is worth a lot¡­ at least ten million.¡± ¡°Hey, you just earned five hundred million a few days ago.¡± ¡°You mean that five hundred million that isn¡¯t in my ount yet? The money I haven¡¯t even seen yet¡­¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ anyway, we should finish this quickly. Let¡¯s go.¡± Embarrassed, Byeongguk hurried to get up and leave the shop. Haejin smiled and followed after him. It was still too early to have lunch, so they went to Saeyeon Gallery straight away. When they arrived, Eunhae was busy preparing for the exhibition. ¡°Have you already finished?¡± ¡°Yes. Please call Ms. Hyoyeon. I have my conclusion, so we should meet. Should I tell her father or her?¡± Eunhae must have been extremely curious, but she didn¡¯t ask for anything when Haejin didn¡¯t mention what happened. ¡®She really is patient,¡¯ thought Haejin. ¡°Okay. Please wait.¡± A whileter, she came back. ¡°Do you have time? You have to go to Pyeongchangdong.¡± ¡°He is the Vice Chairman but has a lot of free time? It¡¯s not noon yet but he will meet us at his home.¡± That could sound offensive, but Eunhae faintly smiled. ¡°My uncle has important meetings at his home. He doesn¡¯t go to work every day.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ so the rich work in a different way. Anyway, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s take my car. He asked me toe with you.¡± Eunhae looked nervous while she was driving. Meeting Sungjun, her uncle and the Vice Chairman, was probably not easy for her. It was their second meeting and Sungjun looked kinder this time. ¡°Wee. Please, sit.¡± Haejin, Byeongguk and Eunhae sat opposite to Sungjun. ¡°The appraising fee was sent quickly. Thank you.¡± Sungjun slightly frowned. Even though it sounded like a thank you, it was actually aint about not receiving the money for the artifact sold while the appraising fee was, instead, given so quickly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. That¡¯s only right. Director Lee will take care of the money, you should receive it as soon as possible.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± Byeongguk seemed d to hear that. ¡°Anyway, you said that it will take three days. You came earlier than I thought.¡± ¡°Yes. I had to check something, and I could do that faster than I thought.¡± ¡°I am excited.¡± Sungjun nodded. Next, Hyoyeon ran down from upstairs while makingrge sounds. ¡°You said it will take three days, but you finished earlier. Dad, I can hear the result with you, right?¡± She sat down even before Sungjun answered. That probably happened all the time since Sungjun didn¡¯t scold her. He looked at Haejin. ¡°First, the Greyish-Blue-Powdered Cdon was great. You must have heard this from Ms. Hyoyeon, but it resembled the ck Grapes White Porcin, which is a national treasure. The cdon is not a national treasure, but it certainly has a considerable value.¡± ck Grapes White Porcin was made in Gwanyo (kiln for government use) and was thought to be painted by the best artisan of the time. It had an immeasurable artistic value. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be so valuable, but it definitely is a great artifact.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Sungjun¡¯s lips moved. He thought for a moment and spoke again. ¡°Hmm¡­. as far as I know, that teacup is not as good as the cdon. You have seen it, so you must know this. However, the other appraisers said that it was worth less than a hundred million. Someone even said that thirty million is too much. Is that why you asked for three days¡¯ time?¡± ¡°It was simr to that.¡± ¡°Simr? Then, did you recognize the real value of the teacup when you examined it?¡± ¡°I assumed so, but I couldn¡¯t be sure of it.¡± ¡°That is a vague expression.¡± ¡°So, I went to Yang Sojin to check. More specifically, it was to meet Kitagawa Momoko. She works for Mizno Toru, the man who employed Yang Sojin.¡± Sungjun interest was piqued. He leaned forward and asked in a low voice, ¡°So?¡± ¡°She told me one thing. This teacup was stolen by a Japanese about a century ago, but it disappeared in 1985. It was then discovered again in Saeyeon Gallery. So, I asked who that teacup originally belonged to and, surprisingly, she said it had been stolen from General Lee Sunsin¡¯s descendants.¡± Sungjun was surprised. ¡°General Lee Sunsin?¡± ¡°Yes. Actually, there is no record about the teacup in Korea, so appraising its true value is very hard. However, they knew it. Because there is a record about the teacup on the treasure that has been handed down in the Terauchi family. That is how they immediately recognized the true identity of the teacup.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ the Terauchi family. You mean Terauchi Masatake¡¯s family? The first governor of the Japanese colonial era?¡± Just as Haejin had expected, Sungjun knew about the Terauchi family. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s something I want to know. How did you manage to make Momoko tell you all that? I heard that you didn¡¯t know her before.¡± This was the critical part. ¡°We made a deal.¡± ¡°A deal? What deal?¡± Haejin felt sorry for Momoko, but he had no choice. Chapter 20: Two Paintings (1)

Chapter 20: Two Paintings (1)

¡°Soon after I received the information about Momoko from Ms. Hyoyeon, surprisingly, she contacted me first. Well, not me but my uncle.¡± Sungjun nced at Byeongguk. ¡°Him? So?¡± ¡°She offered us a deal. She would tell us the truth about the teacup, in exchange she wanted some of the artifacts that my uncle exports secretly.¡± Now Momoko turned into a traitor who sold information. ¡°That Mizno Toru can¡¯t even manage his people. Hahaha! Fences often betray one other. That¡¯s good.¡± In fact, Gaidasis and Horidasis (People who make profit from buying goods at a low price. Secret expression used by antique dealers) who showed up after the Japanese colonial era had a nature of fooling others. Like gamblers who yed cards, they tricked ordinary people all the time, and even ¡®experts¡¯ tried to often rip off one another. This was the reason Koreans thought that antique dealers were half frauds. ¡°Strictly speaking, she is just an employee and will get nothing whether the deal is struck or not. At best, she would get a little bonus. However, if she gets some of my uncle¡¯s artifacts, she would be able to get a considerable profit in Japan. Of course, that deal was good for my uncle as well. It is a chance to get various selling routes in Japan.¡± ¡°I see your uncle is quite famous.¡± Whether Haejin was telling the truth or not, Sungjun didn¡¯t seem to mind that since he had gained a lot. ¡°He is. I¡¯m not saying this just because he is my uncle.¡± It was Byeongguk¡¯s turn. ¡°Haha, as I said before, I trade various kinds of goods. Especially Chinese and Middle Eastern artifacts that are hard to get. Most of the artifacts of the Middle East that are traded in this country have gone past my hands.¡± He was extremely good at bluffing. ¡°Hmm¡­ I would like to see some artifacts from the Middle East. They are quite rare in this country.¡± ¡°If I get something good, I will bring them to you first. I can show Momoko the rest.¡± ¡°Yes, you know how you should work.¡± Sungjun seemed to buy the story, so Haejin moved on to his conclusion right away. ¡°So, this is the result of my appraisal. I think the Japanese¡¯s cdon is worth approximately five billion. However, the teacup¡¯s value cannot be measured. Judging only its artistic value, it is worth much less than the cdon, but the teacup has General Lee Sunsin¡¯s breath.¡± ¡°I admit that pricing it is hard, but if that teacup was really used by Lee Sunsin¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t be sure just from the record of one family since there was no official record. ¡°Actually, I also wish we could see the treasure of the Terauchi family, that is why I cannot be 100% sure that this is the truth. However, we can assume that if it wasn¡¯t true, they would have no reason toe up with such aplicated scheme.¡± Sungjun thought about it. Next, he nodded. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. We will take it from here. Lastly, which artifact do you want to be paid by?¡± ¡°I will get 1% of the cdon¡¯s appraised fee; fifty million.¡± ¡°I guess that¡¯s because the teacup is priceless?¡± ¡°Yes. To someone, it may be worth ten million but, to someone else, it could be worth more than ten billion. It¡¯s a shame that the person who knows the real value is a Japanese.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because he knew about it in advance. Anyway, you have been impressive. You will get the fee today.¡± Sungjun went into his study again. ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t appraising, it was more like investigating. I don¡¯t acknowledge you. Anyway, you¡¯ve done well,¡± Hyoyeon shrugged and went up. She was half right and half wrong. Haejin used someone else¡¯s mouth to reveal the true identity of the teacup. However, he used magic to find that out. He had to go through a veryplicated process to prove it. Anyway, they next left the luxurious mansion. Haejin then asked Eunhae, ¡°What will you do now? If he tells you to trade¡­¡± Eunhae smiled brightly and stopped his worries. ¡°He won¡¯t. He sometimes makes decisions that are hard to understand, but he tries to keep the rules when ites to artifacts. Anyway, I didn¡¯t know the teacup I bought was such a great artifact. The board will certainly be satisfied.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t really believe her. He had heard more than enough stories, from Byeongguk and his father, of people in the center of power. They would pretend to be just while they would then betray their conscience. In particr, he didn¡¯t believe it after seeing the Chinese artifacts exhibited at Saeyeon Gallery. He thought Sungjun might try to negotiate by saying that he will give them the teacup if Mizno Toru was willing to give them the cdon and extra money. However, since Eunhae was the actual director, he was slightly relieved. Anyway, Eunhae was happy about the oue of the Yang Sojin¡¯s event. She kept smiling widely, unlike when they made their way there. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Hey¡­ I am sorry about thest time. Please, take this.¡± Eunhae gave Haejin a white envelope. There was a 45 million in check. ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡­¡± ¡°No, please take it. So, that I can ask for your help when needed.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t refuse that. Of course, Byeongguk made a pout and looked away. ¡°Okay. Oh, but I have a question.¡± ¡°Please ask.¡± ¡°How does the gallery get Chinese artifacts? I mean since before you inherited it.¡± In fact, Haejin was looking for a chance to ask the question that was bothering him for a while. Eunhae hesitated slightly and then said, ¡°Most artifacts from Chinae through Insadong. As you know, finding Chinese artifacts on auction is not easy.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t upset about the fact that the artifacts his father had excavated were in Korea. As a Korean, he thought it was fine as long as the Korean artifacts were not exported. It was selfish, but any human being would feel that way. The problem was that if Chinese artifacts were secretly brought in Korea, Korean artifacts were also secretly sent out, and Saeyong Gallery could be in the middle of it. Was Eunhae pretending to not know this even if she actually did? Or was she really ignorant? What would Hwajin even gain by exporting Korean artifacts? ¡°You said Insadong. Then, there must be more than one man.¡± ¡°Yes. There are about three of them in total, and we get the artifacts from them. Of course, they are not stolen goods. I told you before about Ma Won¡¯s painting, but stolen goods cannot be exhibited and may cause problems. So, we don¡¯t buy them, even personally.¡± Honestly, there wasn¡¯t such thing as an artifact that wasn¡¯t a stolen good. Artifacts turned into not stolen goods only after the people who owned them were revealed in time. It was a lot likeundering money. In that perspective, those dealers who brought artifacts from China brought them after changing them into clean goods. Additionally, that wasn¡¯t a job an art dealer could do alone. ¡°Okay. Please drop us at my apartment.¡± ¡°Maybe we can have lunch together¡­¡± Haejin really wanted to, but he couldn¡¯t avoid Beyongguk¡¯s annoyance. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I have something to do after lunch.¡± When Eunhae left them, Byeongguk patted Haejin¡¯s shoulder and lifted his thumb. ¡°Wow¡­ that was a great idea. Now, that Vice Chairman doesn¡¯t even need to pay attention to Momoko. Now that Momoko has betrayed Mizno Toru, she won¡¯t be able to set foot in Japan.¡± ¡°She can¡¯t go back since she is now a traitor, even though she didn¡¯t want that. If she tells Mizno ¡®This is what happened so please forgive me,¡¯ they would only think that she is mad. My story makes more sense, even to someone else.¡± ¡°Of course. Wow¡­ you have grown up so much.¡± ¡°I have been taller than you for a long time. You know that¡­¡± They chatted while eating lunch. They then returned to Haejin¡¯s home. Even though the aftereffect was lighter now, he couldn¡¯t help but still feel weak. He woke up in the evening and went to Incheon Airport with Byeongguk. However, in the taxi, Byeongguk said something crazy. ¡°Are you going to date Eunhae if she asks you?¡± ¡°Date her? She has a fianc¨¦.¡± At that moment, Byeongguk¡¯s face brightened up as if someone casted a light on it. ¡°Really? I thought¡­ but why did she get engaged instead of marrying right away? We didn¡¯t do such a thing even in 1988. Is it because they are rich? They do such useless things.¡± ¡°Would youe after me if I say that I won¡¯t date Sujeong?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ not like that¡­ it doesn¡¯t work that way. You should connect to each other. It¡¯s not something I can make happen. You should connect, of course¡­¡± Byeongguk looked back, but Haejin knew he wanted Sujeong to fall in love with him and settle down in Korea. They arrived at the airport and waited. Just when Haejin was about to go mad because of boredom, Sujeong¡¯s ne arrived. ¡°Dad!¡± The gate opened and a young woman ran out. Was she really Sujeong? Theyst met when they were in elementary school, but now, she had turned into a beautifuldy. Haejin had seen her photo sometimes but, in real life, she was a lot cuter. ¡°Oh, my girl. You must be tired.¡± ¡°No, you booked me a first-ss seat. So, it was bearable.¡± Byeongguk earned three billion in just one night, so he would never let his daughter fly in economy ss for more than ten hours. Sujeong turned her head, stared at Haejin and suddenly hit his stomach with her fist. ¡°Uk¡­¡± It didn¡¯t hurt much, but Haejin didn¡¯t expect it and was surprised. Sujeong smiled. ¡°Hey, you have be cooler than I thought.¡± ¡°Uh¡­ you still have your temper.¡± ¡°You know I have a temper. I¡¯ve heard about your situation. Your father passed away and you are now appraising antiques, right?¡± ¡°Yes, it is natural for me to work in that field after my father, but I didn¡¯t know you would also join it. You used to hate it.¡± Byeongguk looked away and pretended not to hear him. Sujeong had to move around so many times to avoid the police¡­ ¡°So, I don¡¯t need to steal.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ I don¡¯t do that anymore either. Now I just help him to pass the time. Really,¡± Beyongguk said. ¡°Don¡¯t you do that again! Or I will never see you again and not treat you as my daddy!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t! Really! Anyway, you must be hungry. Let¡¯s go to eat something. You must miss Korean food, right? Do you want to eat samgyetang (Korean chicken stew)? Or how about rib eye?¡± Byeongguk pinched Sujeong¡¯s cheek while she smiled brightly. ¡°Rib eye, yes! Let¡¯s go!¡± She had lots of luggage, so they went to the hotel where Byeongguk was staying. Sujeong then checked in. Next, they had ate dinner at a nearby Korean barbeque restaurant. Haejin thought it might be a little ufortable as he was in the middle of a family reunion but, strangely, he feltfortable as the time passed. ¡°I have something to show you. Follow me.¡± After dinner, Haejin was about to leave, but Sujeong stopped him and took him to her hotel room. She then took out a long painting container. Of course, Byeongguk was with them. ¡°What is it?¡± Sujeong stopped opening it and looked at Haejin and Byeongguk. Her yful eyes said that it was nothing important, but¡­ ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t tell anyone what you are about to see.¡± ¡°Okay, so take it out. What is it?¡± She opened the container and carefully took out the painting inside. Chapter 21: Two Paintings (2)

Chapter 21: Two Paintings (2)

¡°Careful or you might destroy it.¡± Byeongguk said this since the painting had faded, it had stains and it was worn out; therefore, it was very old. ¡°What do you think of this?¡± Sujeong carefully stretched the painting, pegged it with tweezers and asked while looking at it. It was a painting of a peaceful urban vige. You could see a man with a cow and a boy was on top of it while ying the flute. ¡°You want me to appraise it?¡± ¡°Yes. I have studied western paintings, but I don¡¯t know much about eastern paintings. So, although I think this might be a good piece, I cannot be sure. What do you think?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ the expression is alive and each movement is described in details. Look here, the eyes are painted differently. The artist obviously cared about the gaze. He recreated exactly what he saw. He also used different lines to paint the father and the child. The background looks simple to make it focus on the men. It has a folksy atmosphere, but it¡¯s not rough. It¡¯s rather warm.¡± ¡°So, your conclusion is?¡± It had no signature and no writings, so to assume the artist, Haejin could only find out with the painting itself. It was a very difficult job, but a proper appraiser must be able to verify whether a painting is real or not and find out the artist of a painting without any mark or record. It was the appraiser¡¯s job to analyze the painting with the data in mind, like the artist¡¯s unique mood, his style, theposition he liked to use, the touch of the brush, details, the shape of the description and determine the artist in seconds. ¡°I think it¡¯s Yoon Duseo¡¯s.¡± ¡°Yoon Duseo? Who¡¯s that?¡± Sujeong tilted her head, but Byeongguk reacted differently. ¡°Huh? Really? This is really Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°Is he famous? Then, is it a good thing that I bought this painting?¡± Sujeong was confused while the excited Byeongguk pped her shoulder. ¡°Where did you buy it? Is it real? How much was it?¡± Sujeong was surprised to see Byeongguk get so excited. ¡°Huh? Oh¡­ I went to France and saw it at a flea market. It looked like a Korean painting, so I bought it because I thought it might be valuable¡­ but is he really famous?¡± ¡°You bought this at a flea market? Haejin, do you think this is real?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t even have to use magic. It was in poor condition, but it was real. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s real, but it¡¯s too damaged¡­ you said you are good at restoring antiques, right?¡± Haejin had thought Sujeong would say okay, but her face turned dark. ¡°My school specializes in pottery and western paintings. I don¡¯t know much about the paints, papers and the glues used for eastern paintings. Plus, western paintings and eastern paintings seek different things. The style ispletely different.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I can teach you. Shall we restore this?¡± Byeongguk interrupted. ¡°Sujeong, a valuable artifact like this must be restored well and put in a ce where it can be safe. It is our ancestors¡¯ artifact. It should be kept somewhere with the right temperature and humidity.¡± Sujeong looked at Byeongguk and frowned. ¡°You mean I should sell it to someone who has that kind of facility.¡± ¡°If we are going to keep it, we must have the right facility. However, my warehouse in Insadong is for potteries only, so adding a facility for paintings would cost, oh¡­¡± He shook his head and pressed Sujeong. ¡°How much can we get?¡± Her voice had softened. She was Byeongguk¡¯s daughter¡­ ¡°A billion at least. Right, Haejin?¡± Yoon Duseo was Jeong Yakyong¡¯s grandfather. He was praised as the leader of the artists in thete Joseon period and was called one of the Three Greatest Painters of Joseon with Sim Sajeong and Jeong Seon. His self-portrait is a national treasure and is thought to be the best eastern self-portrait. ¡°It is another painting of Yoon Duseo that hasn¡¯t been revealed yet, so I think it would worth at least that much.¡± Haejin said a billion for Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting while he had agreed at five billion for Ma Won¡¯s painting, not because Yoon Duseo was less skilled than Ma Won. After Chiang Kai-shek took all the treasures of the Chinese imperial family to Taiwan, the maind China got extremely sensitive about the export of artifacts and, as a result, the price of Chinese artifacts soared. Now, many Chinese ceramics were sold for over ten million won (about nine million dors) at Christie¡¯s Auctions in Hong Kong, but it wasn¡¯t the real value of the actual artifacts. ¡°Sujeong, I will sell this at a high price. Don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Then that money is mine, right?¡± Byeongguk flinched and smiled kindly. ¡°Okay, but you must pay me the fee. About¡­ 10%?¡± ¡°Well, I can give you that much. Okay. Then what should I do with that money? Should I open a shop at Insadong, too? One that specializes in restoring.¡± Sujeong was having happy thoughts. However, Haejin stopped that. ¡°Then how are you going to restore it?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to help me?¡± ¡°For free?¡± Only then Sujeong frowned. ¡°I will have nothing left if I give a share here and give a share there.¡± ¡°You know restoring is harder than selling, right? I¡¯ll take 20%.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you thieves.¡± Sujeong thought it was unfair, but that was how things worked in that field. ¡°You will give me a ce to work, right?¡± ¡°O-okay. The warehouse in Insadong is big, so you can work there. I will give you the address. Come to Insadong tomorrow afternoon. I need to change the interior, and you must tell me what you need to restore this so that I can prepare.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± After that, they drank wine and celebrated the finding of the treasure. Next, Haejin went home and slept. Ziiiing¡­ His phone buzzed in the morning. He picked it up and answered. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Mr. Haejin? It¡¯s me, Eunhae. Sorry about calling you in the morning. Can we talk?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Director Yang Sojin wants to meet you.¡± Haejin flinched, but he tried to pretend that there was nothing wrong. ¡°What did you tell her that she wants to meet me?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say much. I told her we won¡¯t ept the deal and she asked me to let her meet you.¡± ¡°What does she want from me?¡± ¡°That is something unexpected, she wants your help.¡± Haejin wanted to sleep more, but his eyes were too awake so he couldn¡¯t. After he started to use magic, his body was full of energy and, apart from the aftereffect of mana leaving his body, he didn¡¯t feel tired after sleeping less. He ate a simple breakfast and went straight to Hanbit Gallery. He wondered if Yang Sojin knew the teacup¡¯s true identity when she offered the trade, additionally, if she had found out Momoko had confessed the truth, how would Momoko react when they met again. ¡°Wee.¡± Just like before, Sojin was elegant and was wearing luxurious goods; however, there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes. That made Haejin curious. ¡°Yes, Ms. Eunhae told me you asked for my help¡­ but I couldn¡¯t believe you would ask me to help. What¡¯s it about?¡± Sojin elegantly drank tea and looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. ¡°Before that, I want to ask you something. After your visit, an employee from Japan suddenly disappeared during work.¡± ¡°What? But why?¡± Haejin thought this may happen, but he didn¡¯t expect that she would actually disappear. Was the pressure so heavy? Was Mizno Toru much scarier than Haejin thought? ¡°I don¡¯t know that, but it is very puzzling. She was sent by the person who asked me to take care of this deal. Since this kind of thing has never happened before, and that person is very cold, I have to exin how this happened.¡± So Momoko ran away because she couldn¡¯t handle what happened¡­ then Haejin could really see her on the news, probably dead. ¡°I see. What happened back then was pretty weird. I had a question about the cdon and asked, but she was surprised and babbled about something. So, I asked her why and she sat down as if someone hit her, she then ran away. I was so surprised at that time¡­¡± Sojin looked at Haejin with doubt, but there was nothing she could really say. It was not like her CCTV could record the voice. ¡°Really? Okay. Then, let¡¯s put that behind and get to the point. I heard from the Vice Chairman yesterday that the teacup is actually an artifact with a great history behind it.¡± ¡°Yes. It is a very important artifact.¡± ¡°You found out a secret that even my experts couldn¡¯t do so quickly, so I asked to meet you.¡± ¡°Have you heard about the appraising fee? My fee is much more expensive than others¡­¡± ¡°I know. 1% of the appraised price?¡± ¡°Yes. Even if it¡¯s fake, I will get 1% of the real artifact. Do you still want my help?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Actually, Haejin hade here to find out how things were going after he used magic on Momoko. Now that he knew it, he didn¡¯t want to take Sojin¡¯s case. Moreover, she was an evil art dealer who exported Korean artifacts. However, it would look strange to not ept the offer as he was already here. Especially when she was willing to pay the high fee. Haejin needed an excuse. ¡°Hmm¡­ let¡¯s see the artifact first. If it is something I can appraise, I will and, if it¡¯s not, I won¡¯t.¡± That could sound absurd, but since Haejin had done so many strange things, Sojin nodded and stood up. ¡°Okay. Please,e this way.¡± Haejin, Sojin and a buffy security guard went down to the warehouse of the artifacts. It was called artifacts, but paintings, potteries and sculptures were all in different ss boxes with the best temperature and humidity. Although Sojin was a bad person, she understood antiques. Sojin opened one of the many ss rooms and entered. In the middle, there was a wooden table. She carefully put a painting on it. ¡°Getting it was not easy.¡± The moment Haejin saw the painting, heughed in shock. ¡°What the¡­ how on earth did you get it? Shouldn¡¯t this be in the National Museum?¡± Chapter 22: Two Paintings (3)

Chapter 22: Two Paintings (3)

It was a painting of two stonemasons making a hole in a rock. A young stonemason was about to strike with the hammer. He wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt while the other stonemason was old. He was holding a chisel and was focusing. What a coincidence! The artist who made this painting was Yoon Duseo. Haejin just found an unrecorded painting of Yoon Duseo yesterday, and today he was seeing another painting of Yoon Duseo that was supposed to be in the museum. ¡°That is why I brought you here. I happened to get this, and it is like the same painting in the museum. So, one of them must be fake¡­ but the problem is that my appraisers gave up.¡± Haejin could understand that, but if the appraisers had given up, things were probablyplicated. ¡°They gave up?¡± ¡°Yes. They said that unless they appraise the one in the museum, they cannot find out which one is fake with just this painting.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ what if this is real? Will you donate it to the museum?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t think that all artifacts should be exhibited in museums. However, this ¡®Stonemason¡¯ painting was being exhibited in a museum as a real painting, he couldn¡¯t let another one being sold somewhere else iming ¡®actually this is the real painting!¡¯. ¡°Of course, I can¡¯t do that! This is a painting that I got legally. If you give up appraising this, then you have never seen this painting. I hope you have your ethics?¡± Just as Haejin had thought¡­ the woman¡¯s eyes were filled with greed. Now, Haejin couldn¡¯t just ignore it and leave. It wasn¡¯t because of his ethics, but because he decided to punish this greedy woman. ¡°Okay, I will appraise it. The fee is 1% of the appraised price, in cash.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Then please, step back.¡± Sojin took three steps back, crossed her arms and leaned on the ss wall. She red at Haejin as if implying she would not forgive him if he tried anything suspicious. ¡°There¡¯s a security guard here, so I think you don¡¯t have to worry so much. Please be quiet, the sound of your breath is irritating.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± She left the room quite angry. The room was made of ss so she could look inside, and as there was a CCTV camera filming everything, she thought it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. Now was the important part. Haejin first had to check if the painting was worth using magic to appraise it, and that meant it had to seem real when he examined it with his skills. Most forgeries imitated paints and the paper, but there were a few things hard to copy. One of them is the line of the artist, even in the smallest parts. Yoon Duseo was great at clearly showing the situation of the character and nature with just a few brush touches. For instance, in the case of the man without a shirt who was raising his hammer, you could feel his energy because of his tightly closed lips and the posture of raising one foot to lean forward. On the other side, the old man with a chisel had knitted eyebrows and his shoulders were thrown backward. It showed he was worried about getting hit by the stone fragments. The style, realistic and so borate, was Yoon Duseo¡¯s specialty, so Haejin couldn¡¯t think the painting was a fake. He pretended to rest his head on his hand and applied saliva on his finger. Then, he casually muttered. ¡°Is the paper made of mulberry tree¡­¡± It looked like he was looking closely to check the material but, actually, determining the material of the paper by looking at it was impossible. Actually, he was faking with a serious expression while drawing the magic pattern. The magic he used was a tracking spell. Haejin would be able to know the location of the painting, no matter where it went. It was quite simplepared to looking at its past. He used magic, waited five more minutes and stretched his back. Then, Sojin opened the ss door and came in. ¡°Well? Is it real?¡± ¡°I think it is Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°Then¡­ you mean the painting in the museum is probably fake?¡± ¡°Maybe, or maybe not, as Yoon Duseo must have made many sketches when he drew his paintings. Look here. Doesn¡¯t this feel alive as if the man would strike with the hammer at any moment?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°He couldn¡¯t tell these stonemasons to stay still to draw this. He must have made countless sketches in a short time while drawing the final piece by reconstructing them. To do that, it is possible that he made two finished paintings toter find out which one is better.¡± ¡°You meant to choose the better one?¡± ¡°Yes. However, after drawing the two, he might have had trouble choosing one and decided to save both. Of course, there is another hypothesis. It might be a copy of Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting made by Gang Huieon.¡± Gang Huieon was an artist of thete Joseon period. He once copied Yoon Duseo¡¯s Stonemason. The two paintings are so alike that if you ask an ordinary person to guess which one is Yoon Duseo¡¯s he or she would get confused. What was funny was that the imitation was also exhibited at the National Museum. You could see the real and the imitation at the same ce. ¡°No, as far as I know, Gang Huieon never left two imitations of one painting.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then this must be Yoon Duseo¡¯s.¡± At first, Haejin was not too convinced, but things were getting better and better. ¡°Thank you. I will pay you the fee tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay, then I will wait for the thirty million.¡± ¡°What? Thirty million? You are saying this painting is worth three billion?¡± She lifted her eyebrows and raised her voice as if it was nonsense. ¡°I appraise the right price of this painting to be three billion. Are you not admitting to that?¡± Haejin was confident. Sojin started to panic since if she didn¡¯t admit it, she would be lying and, as soon as that happened, Haejin could reveal the existence of the painting to others. ¡°That¡¯s-that¡¯s not it¡­ I meant, isn¡¯t the fee too high? Three billion is too big.¡± ¡°So, you cannot give that money to me?¡± Sojin sighed and nodded. ¡°Okay. I will give it to you, so please go upstairs.¡± ¡°You made the right decision.¡± Although it was expensive, Sojin seemed to think that she wasn¡¯t losing much as Haejin quickly managed to do something that any other appraiser couldn¡¯t. Haejin went up to the ground floor and watched the people preparing for the next exhibition. About 10 minutester, Sojin appeared with a white envelope. ¡°Your thirty million, just as promised.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I told you I only take cash.¡± Sojin didn¡¯t give cash for only one reason. She was implying that if any problems urredter, she would get that money back. ¡°Sorry. The amount of money you asked is too big. I didn¡¯t have enough cash, so I brought a check.¡± ¡°Well, fine. I¡¯ll allow it only this time.¡± Haejin took the envelope and left the gallery. Usually, he had to go home to get some sleep after using magic, but the spell he used this time costed little mana, so he didn¡¯t rest and went straight to Insadong. He went through the alley and arrived at the address Byeongguk gave him. There was a shabby workshop. ¡°Oh, hey!¡± ¡°What took you so long?¡± Byeongguk and Sujeong had been chatting inside. They each had a cup of coffee. They greeted Haejin enthusiastically. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you here. Let¡¯s go down to the storage and talk.¡± ¡°Huh? What is it?¡± Secret stories that others don¡¯t know always excite the listeners. Byeongguk and Sujeong led Haejin to the storage with their eyes sparkling with excitement. There were many ceramics in rows in Byeongguk¡¯s storage but, even with a quick nce, Haejin knew that none of them were worth a lot. ¡°What, I thought you had found a good piece¡­ you were telling me to pick one among these?¡± Byeongguk smiled and shook his hand. ¡°No, I keep the good ones apart. I will show youter. Anyway, what do you want to tell us?¡± ¡°Ms. Eunhae called me this morning. I answered, and she told me Yang Sojin wanted to give me a task.¡± ¡°Huh? Yang Sojin? She has more than enough appraisers. Why would she want you?¡± ¡°So, I went because I also wanted to know what happened to Momoko, and it seems that she disappeared.¡± Byeongguk stood up and pped his hands together. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t this kind of thing we often see in thriller movies? Is she going to emerge as a dead body at someketer? I heard Mizno Toru is pretty scary.¡± ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s what happened so I couldn¡¯t find out more.¡± ¡°Yes. However, if she really does appear on the news, Lim Sungjun would also get surprised. He would think that her greed has doomed her.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ anyway, Yang Sojin called me because she wanted me to appraise a painting. She said she will pay the fee, so I agreed, and that was Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting. The Stonemason exhibited at the National Museum. You know that, right?¡± Sujeong was also surprised this time. ¡°Of course I do! Then, she asked you to appraise a painting of the National Museum?¡± ¡°How can that happen? Has she stolen it?¡± Haejin shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anyway, I examined that painting and, surprisingly, it was real.¡± ¡°Real? That painting was really real?¡± ¡°Yes. It was real.¡± ¡°Then, what¡¯s that painting in the museum?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. It might be real, it might be fake¡­¡± Although Haejin said that, he was thinking the piece at the museum was also real. If Sojin had really stolen from the museum, she would have no reason to ask him to appraise it. As the one in the museum and the one in Sojin¡¯s possession were both real, Haejin wasn¡¯t going to mind if she sold it in Korea. But if she sold it abroad, Haejin was going to get it back. It might not be his business. However, as he knew Sojin was breaking thew, he couldn¡¯t let her get her way. Retrieving the painting would be easy. Haejin just had to tip off the police that some strange people are stealing artifact when that painting leaves the storage. As the painting was in the National Museum, once Sojin gets busted, she would have to exin how she got it, and her gallery would be searched. ¡°What are you going to do? Are you going to tell the Cultural Heritage Administration?¡± ¡°No, I am going to forget about it. There¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± ¡°Of course. You know Yang Sojin is the queen of this field, right? Don¡¯t even think about doing something. Just pretend you never saw anything.¡± What kind of choice would Yang Sojin make? Chapter 23: Two Paintings (4)

Chapter 23: Two Paintings (4)

Getting the basic supplies and ingredients needed for the restoration took more than three days. Setting a new vent and new lights also costed millions. ¡°Why do you need all this to restore a painting? It¡¯s like you are about to set up ab!¡± Although restoring artifacts required the right equipment, the most important thing was the skills of the restorer. They told Byeongguk to leave as he wasn¡¯t needed, but he stayed, saying he had never seen the restoration of an eastern painting. ¡°It¡¯s just a few chemicals, pipette and a beaker. It¡¯s not ab. You¡¯re just exaggerating¡­¡± Sujeong changed into her work suit and asked a question. ¡°We should analyze the paper¡¯s material, right?¡± ¡°Yes, finding out the paper of the painting is the first step. To do that, we need graph ¡®C¡¯ dye. We can examine the oue and determine the paper.¡± While speaking, Haejin carefully lifted a corner of the painting with a bamboo tweezer and cut out a piece. He then dropped one drop of graph ¡®C¡¯ dye that he had made in advance. The paper piece absorbed the dye and turned into a light brown a whileter. ¡°That¡¯s Anpi.¡± ¡°Anpi? What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Diplomorpha tree. It used to be used to make drawing papers, but it is still often used to make high- quality papers. Byeongguk, please give me that third paper.¡± Byeongguk carefully handed Haejin one of the many papers that had been prepared. ¡°It is the same paper?¡± ¡°Yes. This is Choji made of Diplomorpha. It is different from Korean paper manufactured in factories. It is made by taking out the paper fibers floating in the water tank. An old-fashioned way.¡± ¡°Oho¡­¡± ¡°Sujeong, you should start cleaning.¡± As the painting had been greatly damaged, Sujeong had to use a soft wool brush to remove the dust on the surface. This is dry cleaning. After that, they covered the painting with rayon paper (half-transparent paper used for restoration) and used spray to apply water. ¡°This is wet cleaning, right?¡± ¡°Yes. The rayon paper will absorb the pollutants.¡± They removed the rayon paper, dried the painting and cut the new paper to mend the missing parts. This process had to be done very carefully and delicately, so Byeongguk had to cover his mouth to mute the sound of his breath. After repeating the process of cutting, gluing, setting and attaching dozens of times, the painting was somewhat finished. ¡°Wow¡­ now it looks like a painting.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t done yet. We should remove the backing paper, mount the painting again and reinforce it.¡± Reinforcing the painting meant applying color to the awkward-looking parts created by mending the lost parts. It didn¡¯t mean drawing. True restoring was preserving the original painting as much as possible to help people enjoy it properly. Hastily drawing to restore would damage the value of the painting. Sujeong took the camera that had been recording the process and checked the recorded video. ¡°The important part is about to begin. I guess we are done today?¡± Haejin stretched his back and took off the reading sses. ¡°Yeah. It wasn¡¯t hard, right?¡± ¡°I think I know how this works.¡± Even though Sujeong had never restored eastern painting before, since she was an expert of restoring western paintings and ceramics, she learned fast. ¡°Well, the teacher taught so well.¡± Sujeong ignored that and took off her apron. ¡°But when did your father teach you all this? I thought he only excavated¡­ and wasn¡¯t he more interested in western paintings than in eastern paintings?¡± She must have heard a lot about Haejin¡¯s father from Byeongguk. ¡°Yes. My father was more interested in western paintings. So, he visited many art museums in Europe with me. I didn¡¯t learn restoration from my father. I learned it from Lee Hongjae before I went to college. He has passed away, but he was the best at restoring eastern paintings. I learned from him while others were in high school, so of course I am good at it.¡± Restoring artifacts wasn¡¯t limited to great artifacts. In fact, apart from national treasures, when things like an old book of a family getting wet or the traditional folding screen getting ripped, restoring was required as well. So, while ordinary people studied things like math and English, Haejin worked on paintings to improve his skills. ¡°Oh¡­ then you must know little about restoring western paintings.¡± Sujeong¡¯s smile was mischievous. It was probably her self-pride about the fact that there was something she was better at. ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know a lot about restoring western paintings.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Don¡¯t worry. I will exin it to you. Of course, not for free.¡± After that, they almost never came out of the storage to work on the painting. They had seeded. The painting, which was about to break apart, was now a new painting. Of course, paintings that have been restored and paintings that have been stored well have different values, as restored paintings have been touched by people who were not the real artist. Nevertheless, as this one was Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting that hadn¡¯t been discovered yet, it would certainly surprise the world of art. Additionally, the story of how it got to Korea was especially remarkable. Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting was found at a flea market in France¡­ They were celebrating their sess at a barbeque restaurant when Haejin received a call from Eunhae. Haejin nced at Byeongguk, he then said that he should answer, although he looked like he felt a little bad about it. ¡°Hello, Mr. Haejin. Do you have a moment?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s okay.¡± ¡°There is an auction tomorrow in Korea Auction. There are some artifacts I want, including the jade buddha you told me at the preview, but I cannot believe the other appraisers. I can also afford your fee. So, could you please help me?¡± Her voice was small, probably because of her previous mistake. However, as sheter gave forty-five million more, Haejin was not mad at her. ¡°Okay. Oh, but do you have time today?¡± ¡°Today? Yes, I¡¯m free.¡± ¡°Then, could youe here? I will give you the address. I¡¯m at a workshop in Insadong, and I want to show you a painting. You will be the first to see it, so I am giving you a great privilege.¡± ¡°A painting? Okay, I will be there right away.¡± Haejin hung up while Byeongguk sulkily asked, ¡°You are going to sell it to that Eunhae? Khmm¡­ You know how it works, right? I am the seller.¡± ¡°Oh, okay. I won¡¯t touch your fee, so please take it.¡± Sujeong ate a piece of the rib eye and snorted. ¡°Hah! But you are going to take 20% fee for restoring¡­¡± ¡°Hey, but I am taking a low fee because it¡¯s you. Do you think it is easy to learn eastern painting restoration with an actual artifact? I am your teacher from now on.¡± ¡°Oh, okay! Take this from your pupil¡¯s money!¡± Theyughed, chatted and ended their barbeque party. Then, they returned to the workshop to rest. Eunhae carefully opened the door and went in. ¡°Hello. Oh, Mr. Haejin.¡± Eunhae carefully looked inside and smiled brightly when she spotted Haejin. She waved her hand. However, there was a familiar guying after her. ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. We see each other again.¡± Manager Lee Jongmyeong of Mirae corporate group smiled and offered his hand. Haejin took it and they shook hands. Byeongguk approached. ¡°Who is this?¡± ¡°Oh, this is Ms. Eunhae¡¯s fianc¨¦. You know Mirae corporate group, right? He is the manager. His name is Lee Jongmyeong.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you are really handsome.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Thank you.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Oh Byeongguk. This is Oh Sujeong, my daughter and a restoration expert.¡± Byeongguk was already promoting his daughter. Well, to work as a restoration expert in Insadong, leaving a good impression to the wealthy businessmen was always needed. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Oh Sujeong.¡± ¡°You are a very beautiful woman.¡± ¡°Thank you, hoho.¡± It looked very hospitable, but Eunhae looked sorry as if she knew Haejin¡¯s bitter feelings. He could guess why Jongmyeong had tagged along. It was probably he was worried about his fianc¨¦ getting ripped off, although Haejin could understand, he could feel a little offended. ¡°Please, this way¡­¡± Byeongguk led Jongmyeong and Sujeong to the underground storage. Eunhae moved fast to follow him while speaking in a very low voice as she passed by Haejin. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. He insisted oning¡­¡± However, Jongmyeong was already here. Byeongguk went to the table in the middle of the storage and proudly spoke. ¡°This is the painting.¡± The tall Jongmyeong bent down to look at the painting. Haejin wanted to say, ¡®Can you even find out anything if you do that?¡¯, but he restrained himself. ¡°This painting is?¡± Jongmyeong eventually looked back and demanded an exnation. Haejin looked at Eunhae instead of answering. He was asking her to take a look. Eunhae went next to Jongmyeong and studied the painting. But she couldn¡¯t recognize it either, so she also looked back. Haejin put a photo on the table. It was a photo of the painting before the restoration. ¡°First, this painting was discovered by Ms. Sujeong here at a flea market in France and has been restored here. It was in poor condition, so it would have been destroyed without the restoration.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see. In this condition, restoration was its top priority. However, this is impressive. It¡¯s Ms. Sujeong, right? How have you restored it so perfectly¡­ it looks great.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t going to step forward with the restoration. They had agreed to put Sujeong forward, so Byeonguk spoke. ¡°She has studied conservation and restoration of the artifacts at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria. She is great at restoring ceramics and paintings. I am not saying this because she is my daughter.¡± Eunhae smiled and nodded. ¡°I see. It seems she is worthy of thatpliment. Then, could you exin this painting? I haven¡¯t heard about this.¡± ¡°Actually, it is impossible to recognize this painting, unless you are an appraiser.¡± Haejin nced at Jongmyeong as he spoke. His lips hardened. Haejin meant why he hade when he couldn¡¯t recognize it, and he understood that. ¡°Yes, that is why I trust you.¡± ¡°This painting is an unknown painting of Yoon Duseo.¡± Chapter 24: Winner of the Auction (1)

Chapter 24: Winner of the Auction (1)

The moment Haejin heard that, he was dumbfounded. How could he even im to help Eunhae when he was so ignorant¡­ Eunhae was more than embarrassed by Jongmyeong¡¯s stupid question and scolded him. ¡°He was a schr and artist of Joseon, he is great. His self-portrait has be a national treasure¡­ I told you not toe along.¡± Jongmyeong¡¯s face hardened at this. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it would be an eastern painting.¡± They finished it there because there were others with them, but anyone could tell that the engaged couple wasn¡¯t very close. Haejin found the situation awkward and tried to change the subject, but Eunhae spoke with a sorry face. ¡°You said it is Yoon Duseo¡¯s?¡± Ordinary people only knew of Kim Hongdo and Sin Yoonbok when it came to paintings of Joseon, and those who know a little more knew of Jeong Seon and Jand Seungup. ¡°Yes. He described the situation of the characters with just one touch of a brush. This painting shows his unique structure of focusing more on characters than on the background and his own style of lines.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s impressive. You have also restored it so perfectly¡­ then how much is the price?¡± Haejin took a step back and looked at Byeongguk. He was implying Eunhae should negotiate with him. Eunhae looked at him and smiled brightly. ¡°You will sell it at a good price, right?¡± Normally, Byeongguk would have agreed at her angelic smile, but as he thought she was his daughter¡¯s rival in love, he wasn¡¯t moved. ¡°It is Yoon Duseo¡¯s new painting that hasn¡¯t been revealed. It also has a story behind as a painting that was lying in a corner of the flea market in France, it should be quite a sensation. I think the right price would be 1.3 billion. It isn¡¯t that expensive, right?¡± Actually, the price of the artifact changed all the time since all artifacts were basically one of a kind. So, if the seller insists, discussing whether his price is high or not would mean nothing. ¡°Umm¡­ I think it is a little expensive. Although a new painting of Yoon Duseo is meaningful, Yoon Duseo is not that popr in Korea.¡± Jongmyeong saw things were not in their favor and spoke to turn the tide around. However, he was way too inexperienced to ovee Byeongguk. ¡°You know there are many cow paintings of the artist Lee Jungseop, right? There are dozens. Their structure and shape are all alike that ordinary people cannot tell them apart. Still, when a new cow painting of Lee Jungseop is found, it is worth at least billions¡­¡± ¡°That is because he is Lee Jungseop¡­¡± ¡°So, Yoon Duseo is not as good as Lee Jungseop? Judging by the current poprity, yes, but if we tell the media this is a painting found in France, its value would increase way over 1.3 billion. Well, if you think it is expensive, then I have no choice. There are many other galleries.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you give us some time to think? You don¡¯t have any reason to sell it so hastily, right?¡± ¡°Yes, but we don¡¯t have any reason to drag the time. There must be many people who would want this, including Yang Sojin. They will decide if we show it to them. It¡¯s not like we would have to hand out flyers¡­¡± As the painting had been restored and wasn¡¯t in Yoon Duseo¡¯s picture book, if they pointed out the authenticity, there were chances of lowering the price. So, Byeongguk had said 1.3 billion when he had a billion as the Maginot Line, but lowering the price is not an easy thing to do unless you are an expert. ¡°Then we will decide till tomorrow. As we have some history with Mr. Haejin, I hope you can wait until tomorrow?¡± ¡°Well, okay. A day would be fine¡­¡± After Eunhae and Jongmyeong left, Sujeong and Byeongguk were d as they were about to get an extra three hundred million. Haejin left the workshop. He felt the painting on which he had cast the tracking spell was moving. ¡°Incheon¡­¡± If an antique headed to Incheon, there could only be two destinations. One would be dealing on a boat out at the empty ocean, and the other would be sending it on a container ship that had been acquired in advance. However, unless they were sending arge number of artifacts at once, they usually made deals inside the ship. Haejin used a public phone to tip off the maritime police. He said there was an artifact being illegally traded on a ship at Incheon Port right now and hung up. He thought if the police could not capture them, then there was nothing he could do. Later that evening, reports about the illegal trade of artifacts came out and Haejin thought Yang Sojin¡¯s days of crimes were over. However, strangely, the next morning, all reports about it were gone. Haejin asked Eunhae about the reports when they met in front of Korea Auction, and she told him something unexpected. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve seen the reports, too?¡± ¡°Yes. They are really bad people. They should all be convicted¡­ but there¡¯s no report about them today.¡± Eunhae slightly frowned. ¡°This is a secret, so don¡¯t tell anyone.¡± ¡°Oh, of course. My lips are sealed.¡± ¡°Actually, these people who illegally sold artifacts are the employees of Yang Sojin¡¯s Hanbit Gallery.¡± Was it because she was a member of Hwajin family? How could she be so urate? Anyway, Haejin overreacted as if he knew nothing about it. ¡°Really? Wow! So?¡± ¡°People of the Cultural Heritage Administration are checking the artifacts that were confiscatedst night, but all the employees of Hanbit Gallery who were arrested have been set free. The others will be freed soon.¡± What the¡­ Haejin knew Sojin was powerful, but they were freed in a day. ¡°How were they freed so easily?¡± ¡°Yang Sojin has great influence on politicians. Well, at least she must have received quite some damage this time. She will have to cancel the uing exhibition and stay low for a while.¡± ¡°Why would she cancel the exhibition?¡± ¡°There must be some problematic artifacts among the artifacts that were going to be exhibited. I never exhibit artifacts like that, but she is different. As things are serious now, if something bigger happens, even she would not be able to handle the consequences. She was powerful enough to take care of this one, but that¡¯s it.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ she is really powerful.¡± As Byeongguk had said, Sojin had great powers. Haejin decided to be content about retrieving the painting that was about to be sold abroad. ¡°Then what will you do about yesterday¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°I will buy it. I am thinking of nning a new exhibition with it. How about the ¡®First Stroll of Yoon Duseo back from France¡¯? Oh, but you are giving me a discount, right?¡± ¡°That is¡­ you should talk to Byeongguk about that.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Well, shall we go in?¡± Eunhae went to the front row of the saleroom on the first floor and sat down. She was natural as if it were her seat but, surprisingly, a familiar face soon sat next to her. ¡°Long time no see.¡± She was lifting her chin high with a cold face. It was Yaerin who they had met at the preview. Haejin remembered her and Eunhae arguing as if they had killed each other¡¯s parents. ¡°Yes. You came together.¡± Eunhae nodded at the middle-aged appraiser next to Yaerin. He bowed to Eunhae and was surprised to see that Haejin was with Eunhae. ¡°You are¡­¡± ¡°Hello. It is the second time.¡± Yaerin frowned at this. She had been concentrating on Eunhae and didn¡¯t care about the guy next to her. Only now she recognized he was the one who had humiliated her before. ¡°Oh¡­ that show-off?¡± ¡°I may not have money, but when ites to antiques, I do know a lot. Oh, and I think my appearance is also above average¡­¡± Yaerin snorted at Haejin¡¯s joke and ignored him. ¡°Your mouth is alive, just as before. Oh, right! I heard your uncle has turned the Haevici Gallery upside down. What was it about?¡± Haejin had thought Lim Sungjun, who had bought the fake Lion Tamer of Max Beckmann, would not let that go. ¡°Well¡­ I think it is a little inappropriate to talk about it here¡­¡± ¡°Inappropriate? Ha¡­ well, everyone in that family is so full of whims¡­ they said they will invest and changed their mind, they said they will buy the painting and changed your mind¡­ aren¡¯t you going to change your mind about your engagement?¡± That was enough to make one mad, but Eunhae smiled and replied with ease. ¡°Marriage is not an easy thing. You always miss your first love, but others don¡¯t live so foolishly. Or they will end up getting betrayed like you¡­¡± Even Haejin, who knew nothing about it, was surprised, so there was no way Yaerin would stand that. ¡°Shut up! What do you know?¡± There were dozens of people in that room, but she didn¡¯t seem to care. ¡°I am getting embarrassed and tempted to go back. Sit. How can I say something to you when your aunt has said nothing?¡± It turned out the director of Haevici Gallery was Yaerin¡¯s aunt. Yaerin¡¯s face was so red that it could explode at any moment. She bit her lip and sat down. Then, she stretched out her hand to her appraiser with a temper. The appraiser gave her the catalog of today¡¯s auction as if nothing had happened. Buyers of an auction don¡¯t get what will be on auction on the day. The auction agency would choose the things and make a catalog. When making a catalog, professional photographers worked, they added a detailed exnation of the piece and stories of the maker. So, the buyers would be able to know what kind of thing it is and what value it has by reading the catalog. People usually read the catalog and attend the preview. You should see the thing you saw on the catalog at the preview for real and then go to the auction in order to not regret it. So, the people in the room knew well what kind of artifacts woulde out and when. They had also thought in advance how much they should call. In addition, the auction proceeded in the catalog¡¯s order and the agency took care to set that order. Of course, things that came outter tended to be more valuable. Yaerin was going through her catalog not to choose artifacts, but to check again the artifacts she wanted. ¡°Is there anything you like? Let¡¯s not strain ourselves.¡± Eunhae put her catalog on herp and spoke. She was going to choose and focus while giving up the ones she didn¡¯t really want. ¡°Hmm¡­ fine. I don¡¯t want to spend money on useless things, either. 68, 72, 79. Those are what I want.¡± It sounded she was epting Eunhae¡¯s offer, but Eunhae clenched her teeth to hear that. ¡°68¡­ Didn¡¯t you criticize that before? Saying that if it is worth billions, I don¡¯t know how to discern good artifacts.¡± Haejin quickly opened his catalog at this. That jade buddha was No.68. Wow¡­ Yaerin was as shameless as she was rich. Chapter 25: Winner of the Auction (2)

Chapter 25: Winner of the Auction (2)

¡°Even monkeys sometimes fall from trees. My appraiser is great, but he does make mistakes sometimes. I, however, don¡¯t get all mad about just one mistake of the employee.¡± Yaerin had told Eunhae that she was angry when seeing a person without a discerning eye, but now, she was ming her appraiser. If it had been Haejin, he would have left the room. However, the middle-aged appraiser didn¡¯t even flinch, as if he had heard nothing. Was it the responsibility of a man who had to support his family? Or was it the loyalty to a rich family? Eunhae ignored Yaerin¡¯s nonsense and looked at Haejin. She was asking him what to do. There was some time left, so Haejin first looked at No.72 and 79 that Yaerin wanted. No.72 was an inkstone of Ching period of China, and No.79 was Mui Nine Hills folding screenposed of 10 paintings made by Chae Yong sin. Chae Yongsin was great at drawing portraits. He was famous for drawing king Gojong¡¯s portrait. He was also good atndscape paintings. His Mui Nine Hills is different from others¡¯ Mui Nine Hills paintings. It had almost no empty spaces and thendscape that changes with the seasons fills the screen. There are also many men in all 10 scenes. Both the folding screen and the inkstone were very valuable. Haejin excluded those two and the jade buddha. He then studied the other artifacts. Next, he saw No.81. It was a painting of a man walking through a beautiful valley. The shape of the bent pine tree was like a real photo and the fresh atmosphere had been recreated with elegant lines. Haejin stared at it for a long time. Eunhae frowned and tapped him. ¡°What will you do?¡± She meant he had to choose the artifacts she should buy fast. ¡°Hmm¡­ but I would be losing too much if I look at all these and pick. You know I take 1% of the appraised price, right?¡± ¡°I know. You cannot be asking 1% of all the artifacts¡¯ prices, so offer your terms.¡± She seemed to ept Haejin¡¯s terms, no matter what they were. ¡°How about this? 1% of the price you buy at. If you fail to buy, then that¡¯s it. It¡¯s a win-win.¡± That was good for Eunhae, so she nodded. ¡°Okay. Then what do you¡­¡± Haejin picked No.75 white porcin and No.77 painting of Lim Sujin, instead of the No.81 painting. ¡°This and this.¡± Haejin picked other things because Yaerin was ncing at them. Eunhae immediately realized this and smiled slightly. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay.¡± What Haejin had picked were good artifacts that woulde out in theter part of the auction. However, as they looked good to anyone, thepetition would be hot. Eunhae, however, seemed to think she could handle that as they were not wanted by Yaerin. The auction started soon. It started with some artifacts of low price, and they were not sold at a high price. ¡°I think everyone is after that jade buddha. Well, after what happened at the preview, words about it went around among the people with money. There are more people here than usual.¡± Eunhae whispered. ¡°Is that why that Yaerin wants it?¡± ¡°I think¡­ the Haevici Gallery is getting nervous. As you just heard, Yaerin¡¯s aunt is the director of that gallery. As she has made a huge mistake with my uncle, of course, she is nervous.¡± Haejin asked while looking at Yaerin¡¯s cold face, ¡°I guess it was quite noisy?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not like they don¡¯t know each other, he couldn¡¯t make it noisy like a rude customer at a supermarket. But the point is that Haevici Gallery is no longer trustworthy to my uncle, the No.1 of Hwajin. That means my Saeyeon Gallery is about to be the best.¡± She raised her eyebrows and smiled mischievously. ¡°Aha¡­¡± ¡°And in the middle of all that, the history of the jade buddha became an interesting story in Insadong and it became the hottest issue of this auction. So, she needs to go back with it, even if she gets humiliated.¡± ¡°So, that Yaerin hase as the representative of Haevici.¡± ¡°Today, yes. However, her family was always interested in antiques, she doesn¡¯t always participate in auctions instead of her aunt. So, she is here for multiple reasons.¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t Haevici send someone¡­¡± Eunhae pointed at the man next to Yaerin with her chin. ¡°Strictly speaking, they don¡¯t trust her. They trust that appraiser, Oh Jaepil. As I said before, he is quite popr in this field. Yaerin¡¯s family once helped him greatly. After that, he¡¯s been with Yaerin to help her, so she got bigheaded.¡± Well, with such a good expert helping at the side, Yaerin could think she was also an expert, too. After the boring auction of items with opening bids of hundreds of thousands, artifacts that were worth millions started to show up. As the bidding price went over ten million, the rooms started to heat up, and the chief auctioneer¡¯s voice was getting higher. Atst, the jade buddha, the hottest issue of today¡¯s auction, appeared. As Haejin had felt before, the green jade buddha was charming. He even wanted to stroke it. He lightly pushed Eunhae with his arm. She looked back, confused. He whispered. ¡°We cannot just let her have it. I also don¡¯t think she will let us buy the things we have chosen even if we stay quiet this time¡­¡± Eunhae smiled and slightly nodded. ¡°You want me to make her spend money? Okay.¡± The young female chief auctioneer who was in her early 30s pointed at the jade buddha and spoke with a clear voice. ¡°This artifact is a jade buddha that was made in the Ming period. Its story is touching. The father climbed the high Gonryun Mountain and mined the jade for the son. The jade buddha has rings in it and contains the love of a parent for the child. Lot (number of artifact on auction) 68, starts at five hundred and thirty million and rises by twenty million. Bidding starts now.¡± She spoke as if she had been trained by the military. As soon as she finished, paddles with bidding numbers came up here and there. ¡°Six hundred and fifty million, six hundred and seventy million¡­¡± Yaerin raised her paddle the most often and she was followed by Eunhae. Yaerin looked at her and spoke as she raised her paddle again. ¡°I thought we had agreed not to strain ourselves.¡± ¡°Eight hundred and fifty million, eight hundred and seventy million¡­.¡± The price kept soaring. ¡°But this is something I also want.¡± ¡°Nine hundred and ny million. 1.1 billion bidding on the phone? No more bidding higher than 1.1 billion? 1.15 billion came out!¡± With the chief auctioneer¡¯s excited voice, Yaerin and Eunhae¡¯s faces started to get hot. ¡°You want a match?¡± ¡°1.5 billion! 1.52 billion. 1.54 billion. Highest bidding ever.¡± After 1.5 billion, most of the people, except for Yaerin and Eunhae, gave up. However, there were many rich people in Korea as there were still some raising their paddles. ¡°I guess your aunt will spend some money today?¡± The moment Eunhae raised her paddle, the chief auctioneer¡¯s voice became a little hoarse. She was excited at the rare high bid. ¡°Two billion! The price rises by fifty million from now! 2.5 billion bid on the phone!¡± Eunhae had decided she would pay three billion for that jade buddha. She didn¡¯t hesitate to raise her paddle as if she really wanted it. Yaerin¡¯s face turned red and they raised their paddles as soon as the chief auctioneer shouted. The salesroom was heated. After three billion, only Eunhae and Yaerin at the front were raising their paddles. ¡°4.8 billion! Is there¡­ 4.85 billion. Is there any more? If there isn¡¯t, the bidding will end here.¡± How could Haejin describe the Yaerin¡¯s expression as she raised her paddle for thest time? She looked arrogant as if there was no one above her, but the nervousness behind it showed that she was hoping no one would raise paddle again. ¡°It is sold at 4.85 billion to customer No.178!¡± p p! People around her pped. Yaerin looked around with elegance and slightly smiled. Haejin wanted tough at the feeling of sess on her face, but he held it back. The auction wasn¡¯t over yet, and the real winner would be determined after it. No.72 inkstone and No.79 Mui Nine Hills painting of Chae Yongsin also went to Yaerin. Moreover, she also got the No.73 white porcin Eunhae had openly chosen, but that was because she was forced to buy it after trying to raise its price as Eunhae wanted it. Eunhae was delighted that their smokescreen tactic worked, but Yaerin again victoriously smiled after getting the item Eunhae wanted. ¡°Have you spent what, ten billion?¡± Yaerin took that as envy. Although she had gotten the unwanted white porcin with a lot of money, she was satisfied with the fact that she took what Eunhae wanted. ¡°If you don¡¯t have the money, you shouldn¡¯t havee to auction¡­ what about your uing exhibition? Do you have anything to disy? There must be some meat on the table to invite the guests, I¡¯m worried there will only be a sd.¡± ¡°You may not know, but I have prepared some meat stew.¡± As soon as Eunhae finished talking, the chief auctioneer spoke again. ¡°This is andscape painting of the Joseon period. Its artist is unknown. It shows a beautiful scenery and the rxed life of a seonbi (schr). Fortunately, it was entrusted to us by an American businessman who moved to Korea. Lot No. 81, starts at two hundred million and rises by twenty million. The bidding starts now.¡± Eunhae raised her paddle. Yaerin snorted and scolded her. ¡°Are you nning andscaped painting exhibition? Will you fill it with paintings of unknown artists?¡± ¡°I think it looks good, although its artist is unknown.¡± Eunhae was confident. Yaerin turned her head and looked at her personal appraiser, Oh Jaepil. He knew Eunhae¡¯s choice was based on Haejin¡¯s appraising, he stared at the catalog and thought about it for a long time. However, he then shook his head. Yaerin looked at Eunhae and Haejin again. ¡°You think he can y the same trick again?¡± She was saying that because Oh Jaepil had finished appraising the painting. Eunhae¡¯s face darkened for a moment. However, Haejin poked her from behind and she raised her paddle. ¡°I don¡¯t know about his other tricks, but he knows about paintings.¡± Chapter 26: Winner of the Auction (3)

Chapter 26: Winner of the Auction (3)

¡°My appraiser is good with paintings as well¡­ why are you so confident?¡± Yaerin couldn¡¯t let Eunhae just have it. She raised her paddle while ncing at Eunhae. ¡°Four hundred and forty million. Oh, four hundred and sixty million over there.¡± The price was doubling the opening bid and was still soaring. ¡°You want this painting?¡± Eunhae looked at Yaerin as if she was annoyed by her who kept raising her paddle. ¡°I thought about it, and it looks fine¡­¡± ¡°Hu¡­ then will you have it?¡± Eunhae stopped in the middle of raising her paddle and hesitated. Yaerin flinched as she was thest to raise the paddle. She had spent an additional billion on spontaneously buying that white porcin, so she couldn¡¯t spend more money easily. ¡°What? You think it is not good?¡± ¡°Five hundred and forty million! Is there more?¡± Eunhae hesitated at the chief auctioneer¡¯sst check and raised her paddle. ¡°Hu¡­¡± Eunhae sighed. Yaerin could not follow her anymore. ¡°Oh, you are about to make a hole on the floor with your sigh. Okay, you can have it. You will need it to have less empty spaces at your exhibition. You cannot have people stare at the walls!¡± ¡°Five hundred and sixty million! Is there more? If there isn¡¯t then the bidding ends. It has been sold at five hundred and sixty million to customer No.153!¡± p p! People pped. Eunhae smiled brightly for the first time today and thanked everyone. Her smile made a warm breeze fill the room but, in one spot, it was still cold. ¡°Congrattions. You managed to get one.¡± Eunhae was about to say something when Haejin chimed in. ¡°Congrattions. You got the second best thing in today¡¯s auction.¡± Yaerin and her appraiser flinched. That meant excluding the jade buddha, the painting Eunhae just bought was the best of the rest. Yaerin couldn¡¯t help but get curious and said, ¡°I admit it that it is less valuable than the jade buddha but, are you saying what you just bought is the best apart from it?¡± ¡°You know it well. Congrattions on getting the jade buddha. Your parents will be delighted.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t strongly rmend it to Eunhae because it would be too expensive as Yaerin wanted it, but its meaning was also not fit for a museum. If it ends up in a museum, people would just think ¡®That¡¯s the meaning¡¯. However, Haejin believed it had to be kept at home and cherished to carry out the meaning of wishing for the children¡¯s safety and well-being of the parents who made it. The moment Yaerin heard it, she frowned. As he said, the jade buddha¡¯s value would truly be appreciated at home but, if she put that in the gallery after spending five billion on it, it would be corrupting the buddha¡¯s meaning. ¡°I am a devoted daughter, so¡­¡± Eunhae looked down and let out a ¡®pup!¡¯ sound. She couldn¡¯t stopughing. ¡°Oh, sorry¡­ I was thinking about something else. I know you are a devoted daughter. I remember your grandfather bemoaning to my grandfather. He said he couldn¡¯t even die because he was so worried about you¡­ he will certainly live long thanks to you.¡± These two were always ready to pierce each other whenever they saw a weak spot. ¡°Of course. He would have died ten years early if it wasn¡¯t for me. So, he¡¯s still alive. I call him every day. That¡¯s the pleasure of his life. He loves me so much! Well¡­ the only thing you got from your grandfather is your gallery, so you must not know this kind of feeling.¡± ¡°My grandfather also loved me!¡± Eunhae spoke coldly and looked forward again. Yaerin red at her and looked forward to seeing the auction proceed. She had lots of things to say, but as the auction was still going, she held it back. About five minutester, the auction ended. The chief auctioneer¡¯s forehead was sweating as she had spent an energetic day. She lightly bowed at Yaerin and Eunhae. ¡°Ms. Yaerin, Ms. Eunhae, nice to see you again¡­¡± They hade so often that the auctioneer greeted them. ¡°I couldn¡¯t buy much today.¡± Eunhae spoke, a little embarrassed, and the auctioneer became nervous. ¡°Why do you say that? Our appraisers said that thendscape painting of the unknown artist is a good one.¡± Yaerin interrupted. ¡°Of course, my jade buddha is the most valuable, right?¡± ¡°Haha, I cannot say anything about that as I am not an appraiser, but it went through the fiercestpetition and was sold at the highest price. It would mean everyone acknowledges it.¡± Yaerin didn¡¯t show her victorious smile at this indirect acknowledgment. Haejin¡¯s ¡®your parents would be delighted¡¯ kept ringing in her head. So, she took out that subject again. ¡°This man here said that painting is the second most valuable artifact, right after the jade buddha. Is it true?¡± Oh Jaepil¡¯s face hardened at this. As Yaerin had spoken in front of so many people, someone would be humiliated. It was inevitable now. However, he just slightly shook his head and didn¡¯t try to stop Yaerin. Probably because he knew her well. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t¡­¡± The chief auctioneer was saved not by Eunhae or Haejin but by a third person. ¡°Oh, aren¡¯t you that young man who told us that story about the jade buddha?¡± She was a woman in her 40s sitting behind Eunhae. Judging from her clothes and essories, she was quite rich. ¡°Ah, you are the one who told the history of the jade buddha. Nice to meet you. Our appraisers only found out that there are rings in the buddha thanks to you. Unfortunately, we couldn¡¯t find the book but, as they¡¯ve never seen the jade rings inside the jade buddha, they admitted you were right. We saw the record of the CCTV and wanted to contact you, but we couldn¡¯t as it would have been rude.¡± It made Yaerin¡¯s and Jaepil¡¯s face darken. That jade buddha was an embarrassment to them. ¡°It¡¯s okay, that was nothing¡­ anyway, there were many good things on today¡¯s auction. Especially thendscape painting of Lee Inmun¡­¡± ¡°What? Lee Inmun¡¯s painting? There was no Lee Inmun¡¯s painting on today¡¯s auction!¡± The chief auctioneer looked puzzled. At that moment, a low exmation came out of Jaepil¡¯s mouth that had been shut tight all the time. ¡°Uuh!¡± ¡°What? What is it?¡± Yaerin was surprised to see this unusual reaction. Haejin casually answered the auctioneer¡¯s question. ¡°The painting we bought, that¡¯s Lee Inmun¡¯s. Didn¡¯t you know?¡± Lee Inmun was a famous artist of thete Joseon period. He was of the same age as Kim Hongdo. He left manyndscape paintings of utopia. He was so good at drawing people, birds, animals and grapes that Sin Wui said he and Kim Hongdo were equals. The painting had beenbeled unknown artist, so the appraisers didn¡¯t know it was Lee Inmun¡¯s, and Haejin knew that. He was asking because his target was Yaerin, not the auctioneer. ¡°Not at all¡­ could you wait for a while?¡± The auction was over, but the chief auctioneer couldn¡¯t let that go. She hastily left. The woman behind Eunhae lightly grabbed Haejin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I didn¡¯t get to talk to you before. It¡¯s nice to see you again. I am Do Eunchae. I own a small amodations business.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Hello.¡± Haejin thought the small amodations business meant a motel, but Eunhae smiled and spoke. ¡°Oh, you must be Executive Director Do Eunchae of Ps Hotel. Hello, I am Lim Eunhae of Saeyeon Gallery.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. You sent many invitations to my husband. He, however, doesn¡¯t know much about this kind of thing. So, I went to your exhibitions alone a few times.¡± ¡°You should have told me in advance.¡± ¡°Uh¡­ that would be noisy. I like to be quiet. This young man let me know something I loved, so I wanted that jade buddha, but I gave up because it got too expensive.¡± ¡°Haha, me too. I couldn¡¯t spend five billion¡­.¡± Now Yaerin, who had gotten the buddha, was feeling awkward. Eunchae realized it and smiled. ¡°Talking about things I couldn¡¯t buy on auction is no good. I am curious. How did you know that painting is Lee Inmun¡¯s? Korea Auction said it was of an unknown artist, so the appraisers here didn¡¯t know it¡­¡± Haejin was about to talk about it when the chief auctioneer returned with a man over 50s in hurry. That man had little hair, and that made him more trustworthy. It made him look like an expert. ¡°Hello. I am Jeong Gangseok, eastern paintings appraiser of Korea Auction. Are you the man who said No.81 painting of the unknown artist is actually Lee Inmun¡¯s?¡± ¡°Yes, I said so.¡± ¡°May I ask with what evidence you said so?¡± Now, most of the people who had participated in the auction came around them in curiosity. ¡°Do you know Lee Inmun¡¯s Quiet Mountains and the Sun series?¡± ¡°How can I not know? Then, this is the missing part of it?¡± Lee Inmun¡¯s Quiet Mountains and the Sun series is one of his early works. He drew it based on the schrs of China¡¯s Southern Song period, Na Daejeong¡¯s Living in Mountains. That poem was about the pleasure of living in mountains, so it became a subject favored by thete Joseon schrs who wanted to live quietly in nature. Lee Inmun took verses of Living in Mountains and drew 8 paintings. The second, fourth, seventh, and eighth remain and the other four have gone missing. ¡°The uniqueness of Lee Inmun¡¯sndscape paintings are famous. The solid and angled shape made by a delicate touch and the fresh, clean atmosphere were his style and strong point, and they are here in this painting. Additionally, as you can see, the pine tree is light and dark crossed. It is writhing as if Lee Inmun is saying ¡®I drew this¡¯.¡± Jeong Gangseok wiped off the sweat on his bald head and carefully asked. ¡°Yes, but this is not enough to say that Lee Inmun drew this¡­¡± Jaepil interrupted before he even finished. ¡°It is not enough. You know we cannot be sure with that.¡± He didn¡¯t like Haejin being so confident about something that he couldn¡¯t appraise. Now, convincing with a talk was not going to work. ¡°Bring me the painting. I will show you the evidence.¡± Gangseok had no reason to hesitate. He quickly called an employee and told him to bring the painting. It came in less than five minutes. Haejin pointed at the top end part of the painting, which was some empty space. ¡°See here? If you see this and still cannot know this is part of Lee Inmun¡¯s Quiet Mountains and the Sun¡­¡± Gangseok studied the part with a magnifying ss. Then, he abruptly stood up and looked at Haejin with trembling eyes. ¡°Gaebyeon (Strolling on a Stream Bank)¡­¡± Chapter 27: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (1)

Chapter 27: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (1)

Haejin tried to answer Gangseok¡¯s question, but Jaepil pushed him away to approach the painting. Then, he stared at the top part and soon moaned. ¡°Byeon (ß…)¡­ it is the letter byeon and the higher part is gone¡­ it was unrecognizable before because it was covered by the tree¡­¡± ¡°Yes. This painting should have an empty space on top with a verse of Yoo Hanji¡¯s poem, like the other paintings of the Quiet Mountains and the Sun series. However, someone who used to own this cut out the empty part, probably because he or she didn¡¯t know much about paintings or the painting was too long. So, there are no traces of it. However, if you look closely at the top, the letters are not all gone. One-third of them has been cut off, the remaining part has faded and is hard to recognize, and that part is also oveyered with the top of that lonely tall tree. You cannot tell whether it is a letter or part of the drawing if you don¡¯t take a closer look, but when you are certain that it¡¯s a letter, you can be sure what letter it is.¡± Gangseok wiped the sweat on his forehead and took it from there. ¡°Actually, you might wonder how we can be sure with just one letter, ß…, but the scenery and the atmosphere of the painting is very alike with those of other Quiet Mountains and the Sun paintings. Like a piece of a puzzle. In that perspective, if thest letter is byeon, I think it is part of this verse; ¡®drink bitter tea again and stroll on the stream bank¡¯. This painting so naturally reminded me of that verse. I couldn¡¯t recall Lee Inmun while seeing this painting, but now that Ipare it with the other Quiet Mountains and the Sun paintings, I grieve about not thinking of this before. This is probably the sixth of the missing four paintings. Yes. This is one of Lee Inmun¡¯s eight Quiet Mountains and the Sun paintings.¡± After Gangseok finished talking, people started to apud. p p! ¡°Congrattions. You bought a good painting at a low price.¡± With Do Eunchae as a start, many people congratted Eunhae who was more than happy about buying a good painting at such a low price. However, she was even happier about getting excellent remarks for the painting in the uing exhibition. She smiled like an angel and thanked everyone. On the other hand, Yaerin couldn¡¯t stand it. She snorted, turned around, and left the room. ¡°She is so narrow-minded¡­ this is why you should be nice to others, right?¡± Eunhae pointed at Yaerin¡¯s back and said. The chief auctioneer smiled and replied, ¡°She might seem rude, but she is quite thoughtful.¡± ¡°Huh, really? I¡¯ve known her for a decade, but never knew her for that.¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t argue and awkwardly agreed. Haejin added. ¡°You hold a grudge for longer than I thought.¡± ¡°Haha, really? I¡¯m sorry. Anyway, it¡¯s been a good auction. Oh, if youe to Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s exhibition starting at the end of this month, you will see the Lee Inmun¡¯s painting you saw today again, so pleasee.¡± Eunhae seized the moment and promoted her next exhibition to the remaining people. Next, she paid the auction for the painting and left with it, but there was someone unexpected waiting. ¡°Huh? You¡¯re still here?¡± Yaerin was standing at the entrance with her arms crossed. She looked serious. She ignored Eunhae and looked at Haejin. ¡°You, what¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t count a rude person as a person. I don¡¯t have any reason to tell you my name.¡± Yaerin was shocked at this. Her face turned slightly red, but she soon spoke again. ¡°I am sorry. I am Song Yaerin. What is your name?¡± Eunhae was dumbfounded. Her jaw dropped. She had never seen Yaerin act like this. ¡°Park Haejin. Why were you waiting for me here?¡± Haejin thought she might have another case for him, but her answer was beyond his expectation. ¡°You are the first person to humiliate me twice. I thought I needed to know who you are.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ that wasn¡¯t necessary¡­¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t want to get to know Hyoyeon and Yaerin. They were both equally rude and made him tired. He even wondered if the family members of rich group-owners were educated by the same person these days. ¡°I must. I cannot sleep if I don¡¯t. Hmm¡­ are you going to keep sticking to her?¡± That ¡®her¡¯ was obviously Eunhae. ¡°I was offered a case. She asked for my help, so I helped her.¡± ¡°Aha¡­ I see.¡± Yaerin¡¯s eyes sparkled. She smiled mischievously and looked at Eunhae. Then, she looked at Haejin again and smiled. ¡°Then see you again, without this boring girl¡­¡± She left while Eunhae exploded with anger. ¡°Funny! Huh¡­ she is the real boring one, and she calls me boring?¡± ¡°Have you two been always like this?¡± Eunhae thought about the past and wrinkled her nose. ¡°No, we used to be very close till high school¡­ but the boy she liked suddenly told me he liked me. I swear, I didn¡¯t know. Really.¡± Her eyes red and argued that she didn¡¯t know¡­ judging from that¡­ ¡°Did you go out with him?¡± Eunhae was angry now, she yelled, ¡°I said I didn¡¯t know! He was the most handsome boy in our school! Anyway, I had a huge fight with Yaerin and broke up with him. After that, we drifted apart. No, we became each other¡¯s sworn enemy.¡± ¡°So, there really was a story for the two families to be enemies.¡± ¡°Haha, no. They are quite close. When we are with the adults of our families, she is nice to me as if we are still best friends. Funny, right?¡± ¡°It is funny.¡± ¡°Families like mine haveplicated issues. Oh, but I want to ask you something. I looked at the catalog, but I couldn¡¯t figure it out. The letter was so small in the catalog that it was a dot. How could you recognize the remaining half of the letter that was oveid with the tree and was at the end of the painting from such a distance?¡± The greatest appraisers must be able to know the artist of a painting even without any marks. Haejin recalled Lee Inmun in seconds when he saw the catalog. However, although he was sure that it was Lee Inmun¡¯s there was no proof to convince the others. When the auction started, he used the water he was drinking to use the magic for the magnifying ss and was able to find the part of the letter at the top of the painting. If he hadn¡¯t been sure that it was painting of the Quiet Mountains and the Sun series, he would not have been able to find it. There had to be a verse written on the top part, so he could find it. ¡°I have good eyesight. To others, it would look like a dot, but I can tell if it¡¯s an ink drop made by mistake or a smudged letter. As Lee Inmun¡¯s style was a little unique even in his time, I became sure instantly.¡± Eunhae found it hard to believe, but she couldn¡¯t say more. Haejin had seen it and was sure. She nodded. ¡°I see. Anyway,ing here with you today was worth it. I got a good painting at a low price and made Yaerin buy the jade buddha at some billion. Honestly, I really wanted it, but after hearing what you said, I realized I was wrong.¡± ¡°Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting and Lee Inmun¡¯s painting would be great together.¡± ¡°Right. I am going to change the main title of this exhibition. Coming Home, how is that? Paintings of our ancestors, that have been abroad, came back after the ordeals. Especially the story of finding Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting at a French flea market by chance is so great. Oh! Have you filmed or taken photos of the restoration process?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Then, could you give me a few photos? The story would be more abundant if there is a description of the restoration process.¡± She liked the paintings for the uing exhibition, so she kept talking with excitement. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind, but I think my uncle would raise the price. Or no discount.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ please talk to your uncle.¡± Eunhae was feeling good and tried using her charm, but Haejin was not going to interfere as the price was Byeongguk¡¯s problem. ¡°Okay. Anyway, thank you for today.¡± Haejin thought saying no would make the conversation linger. However, he said goodbye and went home. He wanted to sleep after using magic. When he woke up, it was midnight. ¡°Ugh¡­ I am awake.¡± As usual, waking up after a post-magic sleep filled his body with energy. He couldn¡¯t go back to sleep, so he turned on hisputer and looked at his phone to order some fried chicken. There were 15 missed calls. He didn¡¯t recognize the number. He thought about letting it go, but he got curious and called that number. After a few dial tones, a man answered. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Yes, I got a lot of calls from you. 15 in total¡­¡± ¡°Oh, are you Mr. Park Haejin?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ but who is this?¡± ¡°Hello. I am Yang Jeongjin, section chief of Yuseong corporation group¡¯s secretary office. I know I should have sent you messages when I couldn¡¯t contact you, but I kept calling because of a reason. I am very sorry for your inconvenience.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t tell because he couldn¡¯t see the man, but at least his voice sounded he was genuinely sorry. ¡°Oh¡­ but why did you call me 15 times?¡± ¡°Actually, our chairman wants your help urgently. I heard you are a professional antique appraiser. Is that right?¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± He must have kept calling because he thought Haejin would ignore the messages. Was he worried about Yaerin being rude to him? ¡°I again apologize for calling you so many times.¡± ¡°Who said I wouldn¡¯t take your call if you sent messages?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ hahaha.¡± An awkwardugh. He must have heard of Yaerin¡¯s story. ¡°Do you know my fee? It is a little high¡­¡± ¡°I know. 1% of the appraised price, even if the object is fake.¡± If he knew that, then Yaerin wasn¡¯t the only one who had told about Haejin to him. ¡°What is the object?¡± ¡°A porcin of the Yuan period¡­¡± He said Yuan period. It meant it was a Chinese porcin. If it were a Goryeo porcin, he wouldn¡¯t have said Yuan. Haejin suddenly remembered something after hearing that a porcin of the Yuan period was going to be appraised in Korea. ¡°Is it¡­ from the coastal waters of Sinan?¡± It was called a treasure ship¡­ he recalled the twenty thousand artifacts that were recovered from the bottom of the ocean. ¡°Yes. It is one of the porcins that sunk near Sinan. Will you appraise it?¡± Chapter 28: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (2)

Chapter 28: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (2)

The only case of a massive number of Chinese artifactsing to Korea in a very legal and normal way was when the artifacts were fished out from the ship that had sunk in the sea near Sinan. Of course, Haejin was interested. ¡°Yes. I will do it.¡± ¡°Then, could youe to the Hilton Hotel tomorrow at 10 a.m.? You can appraise it there.¡± ¡°Okay. I will see you tomorrow.¡± Haejinzily spent the rest of the night and was eating breakfast at a nearby bistro when Byeongguk called. He said Haejin shoulde by if he wasn¡¯t busy, so Haejin went straight to Insadong after breakfast. ¡°Hey, Eunhae is buying the painting.¡± Byeongguk was grinning widely, so it seemed he would sell it at 1.3 billion. ¡°She told me she would yesterday. She asked me to talk to you¡­ have you agreed on 1.3 billion?¡± ¡°She said she can¡¯t and offered 1.1 billion. She also wanted the record of the restoration process.¡± That was a surprise. ¡°Oh¡­ she doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s good at negotiating, but I guess she is.¡± ¡°She seemed na?ve, but once we started talking about the price, she was so strong. Therefore, I agreed to back off a little.¡± However, Sujeong pouted and added. ¡°You didn¡¯t back off¡­ he insisted he should get 1.3 billion while I told him to take it at 1.1 billion. It¡¯s not a perfectly preserved painting, and I thought a billion at first. So, I felt sorry for Eunhae to buy it at 1.3 billion. So, I told dad to take that offer, and he turned all sulky andined so much¡­¡± ¡°You call your dad sulky?¡± ¡°I said sulky because you were sulky. Then, what should I say? You have earned enough, so I hope you don¡¯t go after money anymore. I am quite skilled now. I will be sessful here at Insadong as a restorer, so please rx now.¡± Sujeong didn¡¯t like Byeongguk being so keen about money. Maybe she was worried that his greed might make him go back to prison. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay.¡± ¡°Then, I should give dad a hundred million and two hundred million to Haejin, right? That leaves me eight hundred million. I will set a decent shop at Insadong with it. I will make the interior luxurious, so people that pass by will think, ¡®what is this ce?¡¯. Sujeong was full of dreams while Haejin, feeling sorry for her, said, ¡°You don¡¯t know the price for a shop in Insadong. You know the 30 square meter essory shop across the road? It¡¯s five hundred million.¡± ¡°¡­ no way. You¡¯re telling me I cannot open a shop with eight hundred million?¡± ¡°You cannot put up a sign that says antique restoration in front of a 30 square meter shop. There won¡¯t be a ce for the needed equipment.¡± ¡°But how do you know so well the prices of the shops?¡± ¡°I thought about opening a shop, just like you. Park Haejin Appraising Agency.¡± That was real. He couldn¡¯t keep being called forever, so he asked for a real estate agency. Additionally, Insadong was a town where you couldn¡¯t settle in by earning like others. ¡°Ohhh! That¡¯s cool! So?¡± ¡°I did some research. Merchants here don¡¯t shut down their shops or leave easily. There are many foreigner customers, so profit is always good. So, I thought about a first or second floor instead of the ground floor, but there were no empty shops there and setting a shop would cost a lot.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ should I go elsewhere?¡± Byeongguk sat next to Sujeong. ¡°If we get 1.3 billion¡­¡± ¡°Oh, forget it! We have agreed on 1.1 billion¡­ what about the areas near Insadong?¡± ¡°I asked, and it is not as expensive as I thought, except for the Gwancheoldong area.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s do this; I will open a restoration shop on the ground floor, and you can open an appraising agency on the first floor. Isn¡¯t that going to be great?¡± Sujeong was having happy thoughts again. Haejin stood up. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s think about it. I am going. I have to go to the Hilton Hotel.¡± Byeongguk smiled. ¡°You got a case? You have been an appraiser for a little while, and cases are flooding in. You will be rich soon. I should have stopped robbing and learned from your father instead.¡± ¡°Not anyone can be a grave robber.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s right¡­ huhuh. Okay, go. I will finish the deal with Eunhae.¡± ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll go. Oh, will youe with me?¡± Haejin nodded and was about to leave, but then he looked at Sujeong. She had been bored so her face brightened up. ¡°Okay!¡± Haejin arrived at the Hilton Hotel and called the number that had called him yesterday. The man came to greet him in no time. He was in the middle of his 30s and was wearing a neat suit. ¡°Hello, I am Yang Jeongjin.¡± ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. I¡¯m Park Haejin. This is a restoration expert, Oh Sujeong. I came with her because I might need her to appraise, is that a problem?¡± Jeongjin thought about it and smiled. ¡°Okay. Could you wait for a moment?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Jeongjin called someone. He soon hung up. ¡°It is okay. Pleasee here.¡± They followed him to a suite room. There was a man over 60 years old sitting on a big sofa in the living room. There was an old water bottle on the table and, at the end of the room, you could see a man in his 40s. He was standing with his hands politely folded. ¡°They are here.¡± ¡°Umm¡­e here.¡± The owner of the suite room called them. Haejin didn¡¯t recognize him but, judging from the situation, he had to be the chairman of Yuseong. ¡°I am Park Haejin. You want me to appraise an artifact?¡± Haejin spoke as soon as he and Sujeong sat down on the sofa. The man¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Yes. Do you know who I am?¡± It meant do you know who you are speaking to¡­ they are all so authoritative. Being in a high position apparently changed people. ¡°Are you the chairman of Yuseong Group?¡± ¡°Yes, I am Song Haecheol.¡± ¡°I see. I heard you know my fee?¡± Instead of answering, Haecheol stared at him. Haejin didn¡¯t avoid the gaze and looked back. Haecheol smiled. ¡°You are bold, just as I was told. I heard you took some money from Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun.¡± Haejin had thought Haecheol had heard about him from someone other than Yaerin, and he was right. It was clearly Lim Sungjun. ¡°I didn¡¯t take, I got the money I deserved. I guess you don¡¯t enjoy paying appraisers?¡± ¡°Fences and grave robbers are all the same.¡± Haecheol knew Haejin would feel offended but still said that. Haejin thought there had to be a reason. ¡°Nevertheless, you called me. Is there a reason?¡± ¡°If Vice Chairman Lim acknowledged you, there has to be a reason. You are also the first fellow to humiliate my granddaughter twice. I was a little surprised. She might seem like a tempest who is rude and doesn¡¯t know manners, but I¡¯ve never seen her get humiliated by someone like that.¡± ¡°I know you love your granddaughter, but as she does not have any professional knowledge about antiques, I think it can happen¡­¡± Haejin thought Haecheol was overestimating him because of his overflowing love for his granddaughter, but he answered without changing his expression. ¡°There is only one reason I rose to my position. I am never wrong about people. Even my own children. Anyway, in that perspective, I thought you are worthy enough to be here.¡± ¡°Then you will ept my fee.¡± ¡°Yes, but not just like that.¡± What on earth was that now?¡± ¡°Not just like that¡­ what do you mean?¡± ¡°If you fail to appraise this properly, you must ept my terms.¡± ¡°Then, I don¡¯t have any reason to appraise this. It¡¯s not like it will pay me much¡­¡± Haejin pointed at the water bottle with his chin and crossed his arms. Haecheol frowned for the first time. ¡°You are rude.¡± ¡°It is so strange. People in high positions always think I am their employee. Do I look like an employee of Yuseong? If you need my help, offer a deal, not an order. What can you give me?¡± Haecheol red at Haejin with a stern face. Then, he spoke. ¡°I will give you 10%. But, if you fail, you must ept my terms.¡± Now Haejin wondered what Haecheol was up to. He was clearly thinking Haejin would fail and was luring him into epting his terms. Sujeong didn¡¯t like it, either. She poked Haejin¡¯s arm. It meant they should leave, but Haejin¡¯s rebellious spirit came up. ¡°Give me 30%. Then, I will follow your terms if I fail.¡± Both Haecheol and the man standing with polite hands were surprised. 30% meant if the porcin was ten billion, Haejin would take three billion in that spot. ¡°That is too much. Certainly, too much.¡± Haecheol shook his head with a determined expression as if that was impossible, but Haejin was stubborn as well. ¡°Then, there will be no deal. I have no reason to ept this term, anyway.¡± Just because Haecheol was sitting at a high seat, it didn¡¯t mean he was the winner of every deal. He could lose a little ording to the situation, and he didn¡¯t seem to like it. However, he made up his mind. He looked at the polite man and spoke. ¡°What about you? Will you ept it?¡± Apparently, Haecheol had made a deal with him before Haejin arrived. ¡°Yes. I ept.¡± Haecheol then turned back to Haejin. ¡°Good. I will give you 30% of the appraised price if you appraise this. But, if you fail, my term is this; you must be my personal appraiser.¡± Haejin had wondered what that term is¡­ he was dumbfounded and blinked his eyes. Haecheol added. ¡°I will treat you well. Your sry will be as high as Yuseong¡¯s board members¡¯. So, you are not losing at all.¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see about that. But how are you going to prove that I am wrong? You cannot be thinking of taking this to Oxford.¡± The United Kingdom was the country that did the most reliable appraising of porcins, but the problem was it couldn¡¯t be brought there. ording to thews about management of artifacts, sending artifact abroad to determine its authenticity is illegal. Even if they took it, bringing it back to Korea would be hard. Avoiding thew enforcement would be hard, even for Yuseong. ¡°I have a way. Then, you ept the deal?¡± Haejin had no reason to refuse. He had an appraising skill that could never fail. ¡°I do. I am thirsty, so please let me get some water.¡± Chapter 29: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (3)

Chapter 29: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (3)

Using magic wasn¡¯t a problem, but Haejin¡¯s mana was not enough to see the whole history behind the porcin. To check if it was real, he only had to see the time when it was made, but his thoughts were, ¡®what did they do for them to offer a bet like that?¡¯ ¡°Before I start, who is this?¡± Instead of replying, Haecheol looked at the man sitting on the opposite side. It meant he should answer himself. The man, who was over 40, turned to Haejin. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Jo Gangmin. I am an art dealer.¡± He had a slight Chungcheongdo ent. Haejin thought he should havee with Byeongguk who was an expert when it came to art dealers. ¡°Are you trying to sell this water bottle?¡± ¡°Yes, and you are supposed to appraise it.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand. There is no way to prove if I am wrong. Are you going to scratch it and send a piece to Oxford?¡± As porcins don¡¯t contain carbon, radiometric dating could not be used. The only way to scientifically appraise it was to send it to Ennd. However, bringing it to Oxford Authentication to have it appraised would be legally impossible. The only legal way was to cut out a small piece and send it to Ennd. This is how Oxford appraises porcin. First, they carefully take a piece of the porcin that roughly weighs 100mg. Of course, the process of taking the sample should be recorded with photos and a video. When heated in a high temperature, the sample would emit a faint blue light. This light is called thermoluminescence, or TL for short. That light is measured by a very sensitive device called photomultiplier tube, and it can tell how much time has passed since the porcin was baked in the kiln by measuring the brightness of the light. As that kind of technology and devices were not in Korea, porcins had to be appraised through the deductions of the appraisers so there could be mistakes. ¡°Yes. I must know whether it¡¯s real, even if I have to damage it.¡± Haecheol answered instead of Gangmin. Taking a sample of porcin is not easy. One must cut out a piece that is 3mm wide and 4mm long from a piece without the ze, like the bottom, with a special tool made of diamond under cold water. This sample is cut into a thin te that is 0.2mm thick with a machine called diamond wheel. As the process might damage the valuable porcin, the owner would want to avoid that, unless he is very desperate. ¡°Is there a reason you have to do that?¡± Haecheol looked out the window, thinking about his past. ¡°It was the summer of 1976. I was young. I was working in a building at a fertilizer factory in Gwangju, Gyeonggido. At the time, they were taking out the treasures from the ocean. However, as civilians, we had no right to do that. We wanted to, but we didn¡¯t dare to try. The president, at that time, was strong.¡± Well¡­ that was the time when even rich chairmen would be doomed if they didn¡¯t fear the politicians. ¡°So?¡± ¡°And one day, a middleman like this came to me.¡± Haecheol pointed at Gangmin. His tone made it clear he despised antique merchants. ¡°Did he bring the artifacts recovered from Sinan?¡± ¡°Yes. He said he had siphoned three of them in secret. He told me when the fisherman first fished out the six porcins, there were actually nine, not six. He had the three and wanted me to buy them.¡± The story of the treasure ship at the bottom of the coastal ocean of Sinan started when a fisherman fished out six Blue Flower White Porcins with his by chance. ¡°What was the price?¡± ¡°Ten million. At that time, an apartment was worth two million. And he wanted ten million for those three artifacts, so I thought it was ridiculous.¡± ¡°So, you didn¡¯t buy it?¡± ¡°I was going to, but my wife, who was interested in porcins, didn¡¯t like it. So, she couldn¡¯t let those porcins go and, even if she had to, she wanted to find out whether they were real. So, she went to Jeonrado herself to find that fisherman who first recovered the porcins but, on the way, there was a car ident. That ident killed my wife. I was just starting to earn enough to support my family, and then she left me. I still think about it. I can¡¯t understand why she made all that fuss as if buying a fake would be fatal¡­ but the thought of it being fake, I cannot bear it.¡± Only now Haejin could understand why Haecheol was obsessed with the authenticity of the porcin. ¡°That is sad.¡± ¡°At that time, I thought I didn¡¯t need those porcins. However, strangely after that, I could not let go of antiques. So, I bought every good artifact I could find. That is why I gave a personal appraiser to Yaerin. However, by a twist of fate, this is one of the three porcins. That middle merchant disappeared with them soon after the ident, so I thought I would never see them again in this life and, here it is, right back in front of my eyes. So, it is driving me crazy.¡± Haejin had thought Haecheol was doing all that for fun, but it turned out he had to know if the porcin was real no matter what. Haejin looked at the art dealer Jo Gangmin, the person directly involved in this important case, he just stood there with his hands folded as if it had nothing to do with him. Judging from that confidence, there was no way the porcin was a fake¡­ but you should never believe an antique dealer, even if he says that crows are ck. ¡°Where did you buy this?¡± ¡°I bought it from Mr. Gang Sangchun at Haman, Byeongnam. He is a local rich man who owns a few buildings, and I happened to get to know him. If you find it hard to believe, you can contact him. I will give you his name card. He hasn¡¯t left his hometown for decades, so meeting him will be easy, even if you don¡¯t call in advance.¡± Haejin looked at Haecheol. He nodded, as he had already checked that. ¡°What will happen to him if this is a fake?¡± Haecheol looked at Gangmin and spoke coldly. ¡°He will have to take the responsibility.¡± Gangmin¡¯s eyebrows slightly shook. Only Haecheol would know what that responsibility meant. ¡°Let me ask you for thest time. You can send it to Ennd without me appraising it first. Why are you making thingsplicated?¡± ¡°You are so talkative. I am old now and talking makes me tired. However, as it is thest question, I will give you the answer. I like talented people. If you fail, I will be recruiting someone better than Oh Jaepil and, if you seed, I will know who I should run to when I have something troublesome in the future. So, that is also good. Well, although I didn¡¯t know you would ask for such a high fee.¡± ¡°So, it is for your granddaughter, after all.¡± Haecheol couldn¡¯t let Eunhae have someone better than Oh Jaepil at her side. ¡°I have a few days to live now. Although this is a little inconvenient, I can at least do this for her.¡± ¡°Do you want to take a look first?¡± Sujeong, who had been listening quietly, flinched. However, she soon cleared her throat and answered. ¡°You want me to see if there is any trace of restoration? Okay.¡± She carefully lifted up the porcin and examined it from the bottom to the top. She spent ten minutes studying each part and pattern. Then, she put it down and shook her head. ¡°No trace of restoration.¡± Restoring a porcin meant putting together broken pieces. You might think it makes no sense, but porcin restoration using special glue is so delicate that ordinary people cannot do it. ¡°Okay, then I will see.¡± Haejin pretended to drink water and used magic. Next, he started to examine the porcin. The feeling of the mana leaving his chest hurt him, but it was quite bearable now. The porcin had a long mouth and an ample bottom, which was the typical shape of a flower base. It had a unique dark brown color. Its main pattern was the flower and the elegant spiral pattern. These are the characteristics of the porcins made in a Giljuyo kiln in China, especially the splendid dark brown pattern that was different from the porcins in other kilns like Gyeongdukjinyo and Yongcheonyo. It was popr in the Song period and disappeared after that. ¡°What did Mr. Oh Jaepil say about this porcin.¡± Haecheol raised his eyebrows. He couldn¡¯t guess Haejin¡¯s intention. ¡°Are you trying to imitate his remark?¡± ¡°It might look that way. So, you won¡¯t tell me?¡± Haecheol was confused at Haejin¡¯s cool attitude, but he quickly ignored it and asked, ¡°Are you finished?¡± ¡°Yes, I am.¡± Even someone with an iron heart would be nervous at this moment. Haejin could see it on Gangmin¡¯s face. ¡°Is it real? Or is it fake?¡± Haecheol was also nervous. This was the reason for his ill-fated rtionship with antiques, and it was what destroyed that rtionship. ¡°You know I will take the fee ording to the price of the real artifact even if it¡¯s fake, right?¡± ¡°I know. So, tell me your results now.¡± ¡°It is fake. There are no artifacts from Sinan in the hands of a civilian. That¡¯s a shame. I really wanted to see one¡­¡± Haejin did want to touch a real porcin of the Song, Yuan and Ming period. He had handled the artifacts his father excavated but, as they were fresh out of the tombs, they were not processed properly and couldn¡¯t be clean like this. ¡°What? Can you be responsible for that?¡± The moment Haejin finished speaking, Gangmin lost his cool and raised his voice. ¡°I think you can be responsible to Chairman Song here¡­¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s enough. It is a fake? If you determined it is a fake, there must be a reason.¡± Song looked calm as if he kept his cool, but Haejin didn¡¯t miss his hands slightly shaking. Maybe he didn¡¯t expect that. ¡°It is a very delicate fake. The unique pattern of Giljuyo, the ze that was applied three times, and even the shape of the heel that tells the authenticity of the porcins most urately, it has all the characteristics of a Song period porcin.¡± ¡°But still you are sure that it¡¯s a fake. Why?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ just cut out a piece and send it to Ennd. Then, you will know that it was made recently.¡± It was a perfect fake. Haejin couldn¡¯t persuade them with its looks. If he hadn¡¯t used magic, even he would have been fooled. ¡°No, no. That¡¯s not it. Give me a reason. A reason that I can ept. Or you may have guessed it with a 50:50 chance.¡± ¡°A reason you can ept? You will regret it.¡± Haecheol looked shocked for a moment. ¡°I will? No, I won¡¯t. So, tell me, why is this fake?¡± ¡°Are you sure you will not regret it?¡± Haecheol now looked angry. ¡°Who do you think I am¡­¡± ¡°Then I have your word.¡± Before Haecheol finished talking, Haejin grabbed the porcin by its mouth and lifted it. Both Haecheol and Gangmin opened their mouths and eximed. ¡°Uuh!¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Haejin ignored that and smashed the porcin on the table with all his might. ng! Chapter 30: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (4)

Chapter 30: Artifact of the Treasure Ship (4)

The pieces of the porcin flew in every direction. Haecheol and Gangmin looked at Haejin with rage and shock. ¡°Oh, oh no¡­¡± Sujeong didn¡¯t know what to do, she just stood there awkwardly. Haejin showed Haecheol the mouth of the porcin. ¡°Look here.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Haecheol was heated up as if he was going to start yelling at any moment, but he studied the porcin piece Haejin showed him. He was mad, but he also wanted to know why Haejin had done that first. ¡°Can you see it? There has to be a letter written there¡­¡± ¡°A letter¡­ huh? What is this? Is it Zhang(³¤)?¡± ¡°Let me see, too.¡± Haejin turned the porcin piece and looked at the inner side. Just as he thought, the past he had seen through the magic was right. There was a letter, Zhang, written on the inner side of the mouth of the bottle. ¡°Hmm¡­ it is there. Can you now see why it is fake?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a fake because there is a letter written inside?¡± ¡°If it was just a letter, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. However, this letter is simplified Chinese.¡± Haecheol saw it now. He turned to Gangmin like a sh. ¡°Simplified Chinese¡­ why is simplified Chinese engraved here?¡± Simplified Chinese was made by the Communist Party of China. It wouldn¡¯t be on a porcin of the Song period. ¡°I-I¡­¡± Gangmin was also shocked. He hurried to get the mouth part of the broken porcin and looked at the inner side. Then, he staggered back. He had found the letter. ¡°You saw it, right?¡± ¡°I-I didn¡¯t know! I am so sorry. But, but I didn¡¯t know, I swear. I was fooled, too!¡± Gangmin knelt down on that spot. Haecheol didn¡¯t say anything, he just stared at Gangmin for a long time. Then, he picked up a piece of the porcin and opened his mouth. ¡°It was a fake¡­ I never got to see my wife¡¯s hair turn white and her face get wrinkles. And it was a fake¡­¡± His voice was full of grief. ¡°You should send it to Ennd, just in case. The results woulde out in a month.¡± ¡°No. It¡¯s not like the letter was written by a pen. It was engraved on the inside, so it was etched when the porcin was made. But how did you know that? Even Oh Jaepil couldn¡¯t tell me it was a fake.¡± It was a delicate forgery that would have fooled Haejin if he didn¡¯t have magic, so he could understand why Oh Jaepil was fooled. ¡°Yes. It is a truly delicate forgery. I almost believed that it was real.¡± Making fake porcin is nothing like imitating a painting. The locations of the kilns like Gyeongdukjinyo, Yongcheonyo, and Giljuyo were important because each kiln had a different cultural uniqueness, but more importantly, the soil was different. The soil of each region has different elements like iron, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium, so the porcins made in each kiln were different, even if they were baked at the same temperature. Some soil melt at 1000¡ãC, some melt at 1200¡ãC, some had iron, some have a good color. The shape and the color depended on how these soils were mixed. Recreating a porcin of Giljuyo so perfectly, that even experts got confused, meant the forger had used the exact mixture of soil and ze that was used at Giljuyo all those years ago. The forger also had to know the exact shape of the heel of a Song porcin and the exact temperature to bake that porcin. In conclusion, forging porcins of great quality required an enormous amount of time and effort that no individual would dare to try. ¡°And?¡± ¡°I saw the trace of the maker of Giljuyo forgeries with the shape of the heel.¡± He was lying. He had been sure it was a fake because he saw a man making that forgery through magic, and he saw him engraving hisst name. From that, he got the only way to convince Haecheol that it was a fake. You might wonder why would anyone leave a trace when making a fake, but making fakes is something that only extremely skilled craftsman could do. It was craftsman¡¯s desire to leave one¡¯s trace, even though on a fake. However, Haejin suddenly wondered. How many fake porcins did the man he saw through magic made? Probably more than one, and all those would be in museums and galleries as reals now. Haejin had a feeling that he was not done with that Zhang and his porcins. ¡°I guess hisst name is Zhang?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know his first name, either. Only hisst name. Breaking the porcin revealed his mark.¡± ¡°What would you have done if it wasn¡¯t there?¡± ¡°Look at the pieces. If the porcin was really made in the Song period and used as a water bottle, it should have dark water marks.¡± Haecheol took another look at the piece in his hand. His eyes widened. ¡°I see. There is no mark, as if it was made as an ornament. It also has no trace of time, unlike the outer side.¡± ¡°Well, in case you didn¡¯t ept it, there was onest way. You said you were going to send it to Ennd, anyway. The results wille out in a month, so I was going to wait.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ you are bold. Good. I shall finish with you first and take care of the rest.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t bother to ask what that rest was. He didn¡¯t want to get involved in a troublesome event, and he thought Haecheol would not kill a man like in the movies. He would probably send Gangmin to jail for fraud. ¡°I will judge it as a bottle made at Giljuyo of the Song period. As you know, there are few artifacts of Giljuyo left now. As it is not amon teacup but a flower pattern bottle with a unique pattern, its value is special.¡± ¡°So, how much is it?¡± ¡°If it were real, I think it would be worth a billion.¡± ¡°A billion¡­ not as expensive as I thought.¡± ¡°Although there are only a few of them, ceramics of Giljuyo are not that preferred. Most people like cdons and white porcins.¡± ¡°I see. Okay. Then go. My employee will give you the money.¡± ¡°Thank you. It has been a pleasant experience.¡± ¡°Me too¡­ it is a little expensive, but I am satisfied to know a talented man like you. And¡­¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Haecheol straightened his index, hesitated, and added. ¡°When you see my granddaughterter, be nice to her. Think of it as included in today¡¯s fee.¡± ¡°Haha, I will.¡± Haecheol didn¡¯t mean as a man and woman rtionship. He meant not to humiliate Yaerin too much when Haejin met her with Eunhae. They left the hotel. Yang Jeongjin, who had been waiting, came after them. ¡°The chairman told me. Pleasee with me, the car is waiting.¡± ¡°To where?¡± ¡°Haha, you should get your money. We just heard how much it is, so we need time to prepare. I will take you somewhere quiet. Please wait there a little and I will get you the cash.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay. Let¡¯s go.¡± They followed Yang to a small building. Yang then told them to wait at the parking lot. Soon after, he brought a small suitcase and gave it to Haejin. ¡°Forst, please forget what happened today.¡± ¡°Please tell him it has been my pleasure.¡± ¡°I will.¡± They left the parking lot. Sujeong, who was sitting in the passenger seat, yelled, ¡°Wow! Three hundred million! Look here, there are so many fifty thousand notes!¡± ¡°If I had known this. I should have worked as an appraiser instead of working as a construction worker to convince my father. I would have earned a lot and told him that he didn¡¯t have to rob graves. I was too stupid.¡± ¡°How could anyone think that antique appraiser could earn so much? Appraisers usually don¡¯t earn this much, even in Europe. You are special.¡± To think about it, if Haejin had be an appraiser then, he wouldn¡¯t have earned like now. He didn¡¯t have his magic back then. ¡°You are right.¡± Haejin drove with a smile on his face. Sujeong then asked seriously, ¡°What are you going to do with all this money? My dream is to be the best artifact restorer in Korea, but judging from the fee, you are already the best appraiser in Korea.¡± At first, Haejin just thought about earning a lot. Although he used to see countless artifacts abroad, when he came back, he had to live in a small home and had to often move around lest someone find him or his father. He once won a beautifuldy in Hongdae while driving a construction truck, but he still envied others who drove sports cars and he sometimes couldn¡¯t date a girl because of his not-so-bright future. However, since he started to earn a lot in just a few days, he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what he should do with that money. Be the best appraiser in the world, get wealth and honor, then what should he do? ¡°I am going to do something wonderful.¡± ¡°Something wonderful?¡± ¡°I want to build an art museum named after myself. A big art museum.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ well, you grew up watching artifacts, so you must think differently. Hmm¡­ do you want to be like Jeon Hyeongpil?¡± Jeon Hyeongpil sold everything he had to collect artifacts and keep them so that they wouldn¡¯t be taken to Japan during the Japanese colonial era. Most of the artifacts he collected were national treasures, including paintings of Kim Hongdo, Kim Jeonghui, Shin Yoonbok and Kim Jeonghui. ¡°Simr, but a little different. I want to be like Anna Maria Luisa.¡± Sujeong was surprised. She widened her eyes and raised her voice. ¡°Wow! You are going to make Uffizi? Wow¡­ well, a man should have that kind of dream. You will have to earn a lot, Haejin.¡± Anna Maria Luisa was the heiress of Medici family who made the Uffizi Gallery, the best gallery in the world during the Renaissance period. Strictly speaking, Haejin wasn¡¯t going to be like her since she was just born rich. Haejin, however, had great abilities. ¡°Yes. I am going to earn a lot. I am also going to build an art museum and name it after me, just like Anna Maria Luisa built the Uffizi. The best art museum in Korea. I am, however, not going to donate like Anna Maria. She could do that because she was the heiress of a great family, but I started empty- handed. Everything I buy is mine.¡± ¡°Then, the three hundred million you just earned is not that big. If you earn like this, building a museum would be hard, even if you try hard till you die.¡± That might really happen. So, Haejin couldn¡¯t build an art museum by earning money. Unless he excavated himself¡­ ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Ziiiiing¡­ When Haejin was about to reply, he got a call. He put in the earphones and answered. He heard Eunhae¡¯s bright voice. ¡°Mr. Haejin! Are you busy now?¡± ¡°No, I finished a case and going back now.¡± ¡°Oh, then could you stop by at my gallery? I bought the painting from your uncle, and I think that was an excellent choice. The exhibition will be great! I also have something to show you before the exhibition starts tomorrow, so¡­¡± ¡°Okay. I am free now, so I¡¯ll be there.¡± It wasn¡¯t about money. It was a natural instinct, the desire of watching a good exhibition. They stopped at a bank to deposit the money and went to the galley. People were going around in a hurry for the exhibition. ¡°You¡¯re here!¡± Eunhae greeted Haejin in a white blouse and a silk long skirt with colorful patterns. ¡°I can feel the exhibition tomorrow. This is exactly how the mood was before the inspection when I was in army¡­¡± ¡°Hahaha! Right? This way, please¡­¡± Haejin was about to follow her to her office when he saw two employees carefully moving a painting. However, that painting caught Haejin¡¯s eyes. ¡°How much is that?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Chapter 31: Fishing (1)

Chapter 31: Fishing (1)

¡°That. The one employees are carrying now.¡± Eunhae looked in the direction Haejin was pointing at. She then brightly smiled. ¡°That? That painting is one of the reasons I asked to see you here. You pointed it out the moment you saw it. Haha!¡± Haejin only asked the price, but Eunhae kept talking, delighted. She encouraged the employees and had them hang the painting on the wall and started to promote it. ¡°It came here yesterday, actually. I once told you Manager Lee Jongmyeong is from Mirae Group, right? They got this painting and sold it at a low price to me.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin went closer and checked the identity of the painting. He was very disappointed but kept listening. ¡°The lines are neat and delicate, and the beauty of the empty space coexists with the theme. How is that?¡± It was a painting of a butterfly near a chrysanthemum, and the scene was very still. The wings of the butterfly didn¡¯t move like those of an airne and there were bugs crawling next to the white chrysanthemum. Haejin would stop calling himself an appraiser if he couldn¡¯t recall an artist when seeing his works; however, under the painting, there was an unknown artist sign. ¡°Good, but from where did they get it?¡± Eunhae covered her mouth with her hand and whispered as if she was worried about someone else listening. ¡°They bought it from China. It was sent to Japan during the colonial era and was sold to China again. Mirae Corporate Group got it as a gift while doing business there, but he didn¡¯t tell me exactly from who. Who do you think the artist is?¡± Her eyes sparkled as she asked. She was waiting to hear the name of the artist she had in mind. ¡°It looks like Sinsaimdang.¡± ¡°Oh, doesn¡¯t it? My appraisers have appraised it, too, and they were saying it might be Sinsaimdang¡¯s. Although we are not sure yet, doesn¡¯t the painting look too much like Sinsaimdang¡¯s Grass and Insects? Her unique quiet andfortable atmosphere, and the soft colors¡­¡± ¡°I see. So, what is the price?¡± ¡°Hm¡­ can¡¯t you wait for a while? The exact result of the appraising hasn¡¯te out yet¡­¡± Eunhae was expecting the painting would turn out to be Sinsaimdang¡¯s. ¡°But I have my result.¡± ¡°What? You finished appraising this?¡± ¡°Yes. Actually, it¡¯s a fake.¡± Haejin spoke quietly so the employees would not be able to hear. Eunhae was shocked, her eyes widened, and she took a step back. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t make jokes about this kind of things. Why don¡¯t we go in and talk? There are many listeners here.¡± ¡°O, okay. Let¡¯s go in and talk. Oh¡­ but should I put it away?¡± ¡°No. Keep it there for now and let¡¯s go in.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± They brought Eunhae to her office. She made an employee bring them tea while she gulped down cold water. Sujeong felt sorry for her and couldn¡¯t look her in the eyes. She kept looking around and saying, ¡®Oh, the interior is good¡¯. ¡°Which part shows the painting is fake?¡± The cold water slightly brought back Eunhae¡¯s to her senses. She bit her lips and carefully asked. ¡°Firstly, the lines might look delicate, but if you look closer, they are over delicate. They are messy. Even the unnecessary parts were touched, so Sinsaimdang¡¯s graceful mood isn¡¯t there. Secondly, there is shade at the bottom part of the chrysanthemum flowers, and that doesn¡¯t exist in the Grass and Insects.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s another painting. The part with the shade is so small that we cannot be sure if it is really a shade.¡± Eunhae protested. Haejin smiled and shook his head. ¡°Sinsaimdang¡¯s other paintings don¡¯t have that faint shade. Yes, it is another painting, but what I am trying to say is that the artists have different eyes of seeing the objects. ¡°Simr structure, simr objects, but different eyes. It means someone else painted it.¡± Most would think fake paintings are imitations that are exactly the same as the real paintings, but sometimes forgers argue that the real artist painted something he or she didn¡¯t. For instance, Han Van Meegeren imitated Johannes Vermeer¡¯s ¡®The Girl with Pearl Earring¡¯ and drew ¡®the Smiling Girl¡¯. The two paintings arepletely different but, at the time, experts considered Vermeer¡¯s choice of theme, his ability to handle the light and shade, his style that was affected by Caravaggio (Italian artist of the 16~17 th century) and were sure Meegeren¡¯s painting was Vermeers, but in time, it turned out it wasn¡¯t. This happens even if the real artist is still alive. Cheon Gyeongja¡¯s Beautiful Woman is so famous, and Byeon Siji¡¯s Landscape of Jeju was also sold over ten million at S Auction, but the artist dered that it was a fake. After that, the Korean Appraising Lab thought Byeon¡¯s Pony and Boy was real and even issued a certificate. Afterward, a collector had it appraised again by the artist and he said, ¡°This is fake, and I took a photo of it and uploaded it on my homepage to stop it from being sold illegally.¡± Finding out the authenticity of a painting the artist didn¡¯t draw is not at all easy, and a little mistake can make an expert be fooled by a forgery. ¡°Ha¡­¡± Eunhae put her hand on her forehead and plopped down on her seat. Haejin could understand her desperation as she must be thinking a fake was causing her problems again. But then, Sujeong, who had been watching, asked, ¡°If that Manager Lee Jongmyeong brought that painting, shouldn¡¯t you requestpensation for the damages? It¡¯s not like he gave it to you, he sold it.¡± It seemed Sujeong had momentarily forgotten who Lee Jongmyeong was. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember the man who came to buy that painting the other day with Ms. Eunhae? Her fianc¨¦.¡± Haejin scolded Sujeong. She quietly hit his side. She knew that but said it on purpose. ¡°Ooh! I am sorry. I thought it was a stranger, of course¡­¡± ¡°No, it can happen.¡± Eunhae¡¯ face turned even darker. Sujeong spoke again, ¡°You said Mirae appraised that painting?¡± ¡°Them and my appraisers as well. Actually, one of our appraisers couldn¡¯t be sure while another said it was Sinsaimdang¡¯s, so¡­¡± ¡°I see¡­ then you must call your fianc¨¦ and tell him that it¡¯s a fake. You should at least get your money back.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Judging from Eunhae¡¯s expression, it would not be that easy. Of course, if that painting was a fake, Lee Jongmyeong would be known as a fool who gifted a fake to his fianc¨¦ while, if it was real, Eunhae would be considered an idiot. Haejin thought about it and spoke. ¡°You said¡­ you bought a fake and got into trouble before, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I did.¡± ¡°That¡¯s strange. Although there are many fake artifacts, how can you be persuaded to buy three fakes in such a short time?¡± It was weird indeed. At the first time, Haejin thought it could happen, and then came Ma Won¡¯s painting and Sinsaimdang¡¯s¡­ How can fakese to one gallery in just a few months? As if someone was hoping Saeyeong Gallery to go bankrupt. No, galleries cannot go bankrupt, so did he or she wanted Eunhae to step down from her position? ¡°I am so confused, too. As you must know, forgeries of high quality that can fool expertse out only every few years. Not every year, as the whole Insadong goes wild whenever something like that appears once in a few years. Our experts, however, have beenpletely fooled in just a few months.¡± ¡°That is what I am talking about. I have never heard of anything like this¡­ especially that painting we just saw. It is even stranger.¡± ¡°What? What is strange?¡± ¡°I think forgery of that quality can be recognized by the other appraisers.¡± The porcin he had smashed in front of Haecheol was worth using magic, but Haejin didn¡¯t feel the need to use magic with this painting. It meant the best appraisers of the country would have been able to find out that there was a problem, but as Saeyeon Gallery was one of the top private galleries of Korea, its appraisers could not be so incapable. It would be right to agree the painting is disputable, even though they couldn¡¯t be sure that it is not Sinsaimdang¡¯s¡­ ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Eunhae shook her head as if it was impossible, but she was probably feeling that maybe it could be right. ¡°I won¡¯t conclude they tried to fool you, but I think there is a problem. You know what I mean?¡± Eunhae nodded. ¡°Yes, I understand. Haa¡­ I can¡¯t trust my fianc¨¦ now.¡± Sujeong smiled, she just heard what she had wanted to hear. ¡°I could feel it the moment I saw him. He is somewhat dark. Handsome, but dark.¡± ¡°Why did you say that?¡± Haejin scolded her again, but Sujeong stood up and kept talking. ¡°What? I am right! I might not be an antique appraiser like you, but I can tell when I see a person. Personality, manner, wealth, etc, I know when I see it!¡± Sujeong made a rectangle with her fingers and shook it. She was trying tofort Eunhae. ¡°I should have met you and asked you.¡± ¡°Hahaha! I know how to discern good guys and bad guys. It¡¯s just you are too nice.¡± They chatted and lightened the mood. Haejin chimed in. ¡°Well, you can talk about menter¡­ how much did you spend on it?¡± ¡°That painting? A hundred million¡­¡± Eunhae¡¯s voice faded. She had bought a forgery at a hundred million and rejoiced about buying it at a low price. ¡°A hundred million¡­ how much will you charge for it?¡± Haejin had thought he would buy good paintings at a low price and sell them at a high price. However, after finding out that the painting was a fake, a n to make huge money with it shed through his head. ¡°What? You will buy it? A fake?¡± Eunhae wasn¡¯t the only one surprised. Sujeong was also shocked and came to Haejin. ¡°What? What are you going to do with a fake?¡± ¡°I have a reason. Just wait. How much is it?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s¡­¡± Eunhae must have been tormented. As other appraisers couldn¡¯t agree on a result yet, she could think that Haejin might be mistaken this time. She also had to think about how much she should charge him. If Haejin was right, the fact that she had bought a fake wouldn¡¯t be a problem as long as she sold it soon. It might be a problem if Haejin was fooled and bought a fake, but as he was trying to buy it while knowing that it was a fake, everything was fine. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine why are you trying to buy this painting.¡± ¡°I will think about it. All you have to do is to make the decision. Will you sell it or not?¡± Eunhae thought about it for a while and soon nodded. ¡°Okay, I will sell it. Then the price¡­¡± ¡°A hundred million. I will buy it at the price you have bought it.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± Eunhae¡¯s face brightened. Haejin added. ¡°There is, however, one condition. If you do that, I will buy the painting at a hundred million. It¡¯s nothingplicated.¡± Chapter 32: Fishing (2)

Chapter 32: Fishing (2)

¡°What kind of condition?¡± ¡°We never had this conversation. You and I never talked about the painting being fake.¡± This was shocking. Eunhae couldn¡¯t talk for a while, she just bit her lips. Then, she calmly asked, ¡°Do you know that it can be a problem?¡± ¡°No, it won¡¯t be. You sold me this painting at a hundred million without it being a fake, and I am not nning to promote it to sell it.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ I really can¡¯t understand what you say sometimes. I don¡¯t know why you want to buy this at a hundred million when you are not going to sell it, and how can I pretend to be ignorant when I already know that it¡¯s a fake?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to keep that painting in the exhibition, anyway?¡± Eunhae nkly stared at Haejin¡¯s face. Now, she understood what Haejin meant by not promoting it. ¡°You mean you won¡¯t have to promote it. It will be promoted as a sold painting to the viewers until the exhibition is over. Do you think someone will want that painting just for that reason? And that person would buy it at a hundred million?¡± ¡°There will be. There must be someone who would want that painting for two reasons.¡± ¡°Two reasons?¡± ¡°First, it is thought to be a painting of Sinsaimdang, the person in the fifty hundred won bill. It is also not well-known yet. Of course, whether it is really Sinsaimdang¡¯s would be an issue, but if it¡¯s so controversial, it would mean the painting is very persuasive. Do you admit it?¡± ¡°You are right. I myself thought it was Sinsaimdang¡¯s.¡± ¡°The second reason is important. It is you.¡± Eunhae frowned. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes. You are going to introduce that the person who bought that painting is the appraiser who has been approved by Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin and Chairman Song Haecheol of Yuseong.¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡± Eunhaeughed, but she couldn¡¯t say no. She bought the painting, would sell it legally and tell everyone who bought it. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Shouldn¡¯t the people who sold the painting to you take their responsibility?¡± ¡°That is right.¡± Eunhae clenched her fists and nodded. Haejin smiled. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be a good chance for you to see their reaction? Whether they knew it was fake or not when they sold it to you.¡± If they had known, they would clearly try to pull another scheme before the exhibition ends. ¡°Then, wouldn¡¯t they stop me from selling the painting? If words get out that it¡¯s a fake before the exhibition ends¡­¡± ¡°I would finish everything before that. As long as you help me¡­ and if I get to sell this painting, you can take it out from the exhibition right away. It¡¯s not real anyway, so you can do that,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Hu¡­ then I should just be an ignorant, good child?¡± ¡°Yes. Just say you bought it cheap and sold it at a good price. If anyone asks how much you sold it at, just smile.¡± Eunhae shook her head. ¡°I am going to act. I didn¡¯t see thating.¡± ¡°Your beauty is enough to be an actress. Then, I will buy the painting. When and how should I pay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. We will keep it until the exhibition ends, you can pay me afterward. If you get to sell it in the meantime, you can give me the money then.¡± ¡°Okay. You are cool. Haha!¡± Haejinughed, but Eunhae couldn¡¯t. She followed Haejin to the entrance and said goodbye. She looked bitter. Curator Jeong Mina sensed that and carefully asked, ¡°Miss, would you like to check the moving line?¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, okay. Let¡¯s also change the location.¡± Eunhae pointed at the painting that was thought to be Sinsaimdang¡¯s. Mina asked, ¡°You told me before to put it at the end of the moving line¡­¡± ¡°No, I was wrong. We should put it in the middle of the moving line. On the opposite side of those genre paintings so that it would be viewed after them. It should still draw attention, so make the lights brighter, okay?¡± ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°Oh, and that painting has been sold. Don¡¯t write the price. Just write that it has been sold.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Then, those guests are¡­¡± ¡°Yes. We agreed on words, they won¡¯t change their promise. Note that the deal has been struck. If anyone tries to find out at how much it was sold for, tell that person you don¡¯t know. Just tell them that only I know that. Okay?¡± ¡°Yes. Wow¡­ the exhibition hasn¡¯t even started yet, and one has already been sold¡­ this is going well!¡± ¡°Well¡­ we shall see how it goes. And the VVIPs?¡± ¡°10 a.m. tomorrow. I finished checking each of them. Everyone was interested, probably the theme of this exhibition is good. Mr. Lee Jongmyeong is alsoing at 10 o¡¯clock.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind about him. Are the board membersing?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t been contacted about it. And¡­ it is not sure, but the Vice Chairman mighte tomorrow.¡± At that moment, Eunhae¡¯s eyebrows went up. ¡°What? Who told you that.¡± ¡°Mr. Choi of the secretary office. He said that the Vice Chairman has had the schedule for tomorrow morning canceled. He won¡¯t tell more, but he told only me, so¡­¡± ¡°Then he mighte here tomorrow. I get it. Sending meat and fruits to Mr. Choi¡¯s home was worth it. Make sure everyone is ready and keep texting Mr. Choi tomorrow. Ask him to call or text me if the Vice Chairman heads to Bukcheon. He probably won¡¯t answer, but it is worth trying.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Eunhae went back to her office alone. She picked up the phone right away. ¡°Hello. It¡¯s me, Eunhae. It¡¯s been a long time, right? I am sorry. I have been so busy with the exhibition. I was hoping to meet you with the experts who appraised the painting I just got. How about this Friday? There is a good restaurant in Samcheongdong. Let¡¯s meet there. Okay, I will see you then.¡± Eunhae hung up. She sighed and sat down. ¡°What would he get by pushing me away that he is doing this?¡± She grabbed her forehead. Then, someone knocked on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± Her voice was sharp. A female employee carefully came in. ¡°Researcher Lee Dongjin at Samcheok hase to report about the second excavation research.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Let him in.¡± Haejin and Sujeong went back to Insadong where Byeongguk was smiling widely. ¡°She is certainly cool. She sent 1.1 billion at once, while Lim Sungjun didn¡¯t even send half.¡± Sungjun¡¯s men said the money was too big and they would send it in time. It made Byeongguk angry, but what could he do? This happened all the time, so he had to ept it. ¡°Dad, forget it¡­ Haejin has just earned three hundred million as his appraising fee.¡± ¡°What, you said you were going to appraise and got three hundred million in return? Wow¡­ you are really crazy!¡± ¡°You have earned much more than me. Why do you say that?¡± ¡°Hey, I risked my life and went into tombs to take out the artifacts. Do you think selling them was easy? Gangsters, politicians¡­ I lost at least 3kg each time I sold a thing. You go, talk ande back with three hundred million, oh¡­¡± Byeongguk grabbed his forehead andy down on the huge table that was for restoring artifacts. ¡°Haha, then you should start studying antiques.¡± ¡°Forget it. I am too old for that. I should focus on not forgetting the things that are in my head.¡± ¡°But you just got some money with Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting!¡± ¡°I did. I was rejoicing about earning a hundred million, but suddenly I feel sad.¡± Sujeong sat next to Byeongguk and spoke. ¡°Three hundred million is nothing. There is something more remarkable. That is¡­¡± Sujeong was very excited. She told the story without taking a break. Byeongguk sometimes eximed, sometimes felt sorry and, in thest part about buying the fake painting, he widened his eyes and stared at Haejin. ¡°What? You can¡¯t be mad¡­ but you earned three hundred million and spent a hundred million on buying a fake?¡± Haejin asked instead of answering. ¡°Byeongguk, you know someone in Japan, right?¡± ¡°In Japan? Of course. But what kind of person are you talking about? You don¡¯t mean the owner of a restaurant I often visit.¡± ¡°Someone who can give rise to a rumor.¡± Byeongguk sat on an old wooden chair and spoke in a heavy voice. ¡°You want to start a rumor? About the painting you bought?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°To who?¡± ¡°Do you know Ando Hadake?¡± Byeongguk jumped to his feet. ¡°Ando Hadake? The Devil of Tokyo? You are going to drag him in?¡± In Japan, there were many frauds in the antique market even before Japan lost the Second World War. And unlike Korea, that had covered many parts with cement for development, Japan still had regions that kept its old self, so there are many Gaidasis (those who collect artifacts and sell them to middle merchants) working there. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Why? Why Ando Hadake?¡± ¡°I have a debt to pay back. It is good since I need the money. I have unexpectedly gotten a good bait, so I have a chance to lure a big fish.¡± ¡°Is it about your father?¡± ¡°My father, and also myself¡­ it was when I was in elementary school. My father was excavating in Japan, and something crazy came out of a tomb.¡± ¡°Something crazy?¡± ¡°Yes. There was a painting of Byeon Sangbyeok, an artist of thete Joseon period in that tomb.¡± ¡°Byeon Sangbyeok? The master of cat paintings?¡± ¡°Yes. Isn¡¯t it funny? Cat painting means long life, and someone asked to be buried with a cat painting after death¡­¡± Cat painting means long life, as the letter for cat, è, is pronounced simr to ë£, the letter for old man who has lived long. So, cat paintings are more than about describing cats. It was often drawn to celebrate or hope for a long life. ¡°That is funny. So?¡± ¡°It was our ancestors¡¯, and it had the meaning of a long life, so father tried toe back to Korea with it in secret. However, somehow, they found that out and kidnapped me just before father got onboard of a ship and threatened him. I saw him then. Ando Hadake. That old devil.¡± ¡°Oh! Really? Weren¡¯t you hurt?¡± Sujeong was surprised. ¡°Fortunately, no¡­ anyway, my father was shocked and tried to exchange me for the painting. However, they had another condition other than returning the painting.¡± ¡°He must have prohibited your father from making deals with other art dealers. That is why he never brought me to Japan no matter how much I begged. I didn¡¯t know it and I used toin¡­¡± Byeongguk knew a lot about Japan. He seemed to know well about Ando Hadake and his evil reputation. ¡°Anyway, please do it as soon as possible. There¡¯s no time.¡± Haejin turned around and left the shop. He heard Byeongguk¡¯s voice from behind. ¡°It will take two days. Two days and Ando Hadake will hear about your painting.¡± Chapter 33: Fishing (3)

Chapter 33: Fishing (3)

Three days passed. In the meantime, Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s new exhibition had be quite an issue in Insadong and among the wealthy antique collectors. ¡°You¡¯re here! You look good today and nice to meet you again, sir. Hello, Ms. Sujeong.¡± Haejin had earned a lot recently, so he bought a new pair of suit. Eunhae noticed it. It was funny that she was calling Byeongguk ¡®sir¡¯; however, Haejin couldn¡¯t tell her not to, so he let that go. ¡°Oh, you are getting prettier.¡± ¡°You are also getting much prettier!¡± Haejin ignored the girls¡¯ meaninglesspliments and went to the exhibition room. ¡°There a lot of people. This exhibition seems to be quite famous.¡± Haejin saw people who looked quite rich going around through the exhibited artifacts. ¡°Thankfully, people are interested in this exhibition. The paintings I got thanks to you are especially popr.¡± Eunhae went deeper into the room. As it was their first visit, Eunhae was trying to show them how it was going. ¡°The concept of the exhibition is Coming Home. I was originally nning just an exhibition of paintings, but thanks to the paintings you helped me with, I named it Coming Home. So, I have put Yoon Duseo¡¯s painting and Lee Inmun¡¯s painting at the end of the exhibition.¡± Eunhae exined calmly. Haejin asked, ¡°Hmm¡­ did anyone ask about the price?¡± Eunhae turned elegantly like a model and smiled mischievously. ¡°Which painting are you talking about?¡± ¡°All of them. The one I bought, Yoon Duseo¡¯s and Lee Inmun¡¯s.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you are not that curious about Yoon Duseo¡¯s and Lee Inmun¡¯s actually, right?¡± ¡°No, I am. Really¡­¡± In fact, Haejin wasn¡¯t curious at all, but as Eunhae was a big part of his n, he didn¡¯t want to disappoint her. ¡°Haha, I am joking. People keep asking about Yoon Duseo¡¯s and Lee Inmun¡¯s price. I haven¡¯t written the price on purpose. I think I will sell them onst day. Oh, and two days ago, my uncle¡­ no, the Vice Chairman came. I told him you have bought that painting and he immediately reacted. She pointed to the fake of Sinsaimdang that was in the middle. ¡°He reacted?¡± ¡°He asked how much it was. If it had been someone else, I would have smiled and said nothing, just as you told me; however, I couldn¡¯t do that to my uncle. So, I just told him I sold it at two billion.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ now I can see that you are quite bold, too.¡± ¡°Huhu. I did that because if I had said a lower price, he would have immediately called you to buy it back. Just as I thought, after I said two billion, he didn¡¯t say anything more about it. Yaerin also came with him, and you remember her appraiser? Oh, this isn¡¯t the right ce to talk. Let¡¯s go in my office.¡± They couldn¡¯t talk in front of so many people, so they all went into Eunhae¡¯s office. ¡°Do you mean Oh Jaepil?¡± ¡°Yes. He saw that painting and tilted his head. So, I was really terrified, but when I told him you had bought that, he couldn¡¯t say anything! Yaerin asked him if it was really Sinsaimdang¡¯s, and do you know what he said?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. What did he say?¡± Eunhae¡¯s cheeks trembled as she restrained herughter. She mimicked a man¡¯s thick voice. ¡°The lines are delicate and have dignity. Impressive. It is quiet and elegant but so colorful. These are the typical characteristics of Sinsaimdang. Hahaha!¡± Eunhaeughed out loud. Haejin had been a little nervous when hearing that Oh Jaepil had seen his painting, but things had gone as he had expected. Appraising painting is based on deduction when there is no scientific tool. It meant the results could differ by an individual¡¯s thought, but it is hard for anyone to counter a famous and trustworthy man¡¯s im. As they already had experienced Haejin¡¯s ability, it would be even hard to flip his results. ¡°I guess that Oh Jaepil is a famous appraiser?¡± Sujeong leaned back on the sofa and asked. ¡°Yes, he is quite famous in this field. But¡­ Byeongguk, as you know, a forgery of that quality is not easy to make on one¡¯s own.¡± Forging a western painting and forging eastern painting arepletely different in everything, including ingredients, process, coloring and technique. Eastern paintings aremonly painted on hanji, and this hanji has to be made by hand, and one must find old dust and cover the painting with it to make it look centuries old. If you bake it in the oven like western painting, it would be burnt. To conclude, it was hard to believe one person was behind multiple high-quality forgeriesing out in such a short time. Then, Byeongguk spoke seriously. ¡°I once sold a real Sinsaimdang¡¯s painting three years ago.¡± ¡°Really? Where did you get it? There¡¯s no way it was in a tomb¡­¡± ¡°Umm¡­ no. I was excavating near Beijing and sold a bronze buddha of the Yuan period to a Chinese merchant. As the buddha was worth a lot, I thought I would be able to get a fortune, but he offered to give me a painting instead of money. ¡°I would have dismissed that and found another merchant or call the shop owners I had made deals before, but the painting he brought was andscape of Sinsaimdang.¡± Originally, Sinsaimdang was famous forndscape paintings, but her nts and Insects became even more popr. This was after Uam Song Siyeol saw Sinsaimdang¡¯s nts and Insects and said, ¡°The painting was created by her hands, but I cannot feel any trace of a human as if the sky created it, so the essence of the five elements and the energy of nature has gathered. It has achieved true harmony. She deserves to be the mother of Yoolgok.¡± It meant it was only right that she gave birth to the great schr as she was so good at art, but Siyeol said that to praise Sinsaimdang as a mother who gave birth to Yoolgok Lee E rather than to praise her ability. From then on, others recall nts and Insects when they think of Sinsaimdang. ¡°So, you made the trade?¡± ¡°I did. I was losing a little, but I had no choice. The longer I had the buddha in my hands, the bigger the danger I would be in. So, I gave in, took the painting, and tried to sell it at Insadong, but they immediately used it as a fake. They said that Sinsaimdang¡¯sndscape painting couldn¡¯t just suddenly appear.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ so?¡± ¡°At the time, I thought it might be. There are more than a few fakes around. However, they said they would buy it right away after less than a day. That is when I thought something was wrong. ¡°Think about it. It¡¯s not like they took the painting. They just had taken photos of it, and the result of the appraisal flipped in less than 24 hours. That doesn¡¯t happen often.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t. Unless they were told by someone¡­¡± ¡°So, I asked if there were many fake paintings going around. I thought they would of course say yes, but they said no. They said they had doubted me just in case. ¡°Anyway, at the time, I sold the painting at the right price, so I just let it go. Now, however, to think about it, it was definitely strange. Right?¡± ¡°I think there is a fake making ce somewhere in this country. One with a great expert¡­¡± The mood turned heavy. Eunhae, who had been listening, interrupted. ¡°Anyway, the situation became even stranger after you bought that painting. As my uncle and Yuseong are both sure it is real, the appraisers who used to think it is fake are finding it hard to talk out loud. ¡°Someone called me saying that she is waiting for you, now they cannot say that it¡¯s a fake.¡± This is why Haejin hade to Saeyeon Gallery today. The bait Byeongguk casted had been bitten. ¡°It is faster than I thought.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ so you didn¡¯t put up all this for no reason. Anyway, the person who wants the painting is someone who we know well.¡± Eunhae nodded and assumed how things were going. As soon as she finished talking, Byeongguk shouted. ¡°Yang Sojin! She is the middleman once more.¡± ¡°Yes. She came to see paintings and was very surprised to know that the owner of the painting is you. She will probably contact you in a few days. ¡°And if words get out that none other than Yang Sojin has shown interest in that painting, it would be hard to dispute about its authenticity. If anyone offends her, he or she won¡¯t be able to work in this field anymore.¡± It was not just Yang Sojin. If a rich owner of a family corporate group bought it, the existing argument would be extinguished. Both gang members and businessmen hated getting humiliated. ¡°Did she ask how much I paid for it?¡± ¡°Yes. I just smiled, just as you told me. I am trusting you now. If things go well as you have said¡­ I will pay youter.¡± Haejin had met her in private and told her his n lest she tries to mess up because of her worries. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it when it¡¯s all finished. Then, all we have to do is to wait.¡± There was nothing else to do than to wait, literally. However, Haejin got a call much sooner than he had thought. Sojin called him that evening. ¡°I want to buy the painting.¡± Sojin was straightforward. They made an appointment for three dayster, at a hotel in Seoul. However, when Haejin got there, he couldn¡¯t hide his shock. ¡°Hello. We have met once before.¡± Manager Lee Minsung of Hawjin Electronics was there. What on earth was he doing there? Was he trying to buy the painting? ¡°Oh, yes. Did the Vice Chairman send you?¡± ¡°Yes. He was greatly surprised to know you have bought that painting. He couldn¡¯te as he was busy and sent me instead.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± That was unexpected. Haejin couldn¡¯t even think of selling a fake to Sungjun, regardless of the money. ¡°Let¡¯s sit, shall we? You look much better than thest time.¡± Haejin¡¯s body had been full of energy and his skin had turned smooth since he started to use magic. He was a little nervous about that energy as he could sleep only after working out to exhaust himself. ¡°Thank you, but it is a little strange to sell a painting without it.¡± ¡°The painting is in the gallery, so there is no reason to bring it here. We are all busy, so let¡¯s get it done quickly. I heard you bought it for two billion?¡± Yang Sojin¡¯s ability of getting information was really great. Haejin quickly looked at Minsung. He tilted his head, it meant he or his people didn¡¯t tell her that. Probably, Eunhae told that to people around her and it went to Sojin. Eunhae had to take care of her employees first. ¡°Yes.¡± Minsung interrupted before even Sojin opened her mouth. ¡°We will give you a billion more. Isn¡¯t three billion enough?¡± What should Haejin do? Haejin tried to think of a way to calm Minsung who was throwing money away, then Sojin smiled and spoke. ¡°I will give you double that.¡± Was it Haejin¡¯s imagination, or did Minsung¡¯s face really turned white? Sojin added. ¡°In cash. Tomorrow.¡± Chapter 34: Fishing (4)

Chapter 34: Fishing (4)

Three dayster, in a suite room of a five-star hotel in Seoul, a couple was talking on the bed. ¡°Then it is true, it has been sold.¡± The woman who spoke with her red lips was Hyoyeon, Lim Sungjun¡¯s daughter, while the man who looked at her with love in his eyes was, surprisingly, Lee Jongmyeong of Mirae Group. ¡°They told me that Haejin bought it, the painting was taken from the gallery yesterday. That idiot, he rambled about Ma Won and Yoon Duseo, and he suddenly buys a fake. I never imagined it, but it¡¯s good. We can send both of them away at once.¡± ¡°If the painting is gone, isn¡¯t it toote? You should blow it up. Don¡¯t wait till the exhibition is over.¡± ¡°Hhh¡­ I gave the information to a reporter before I came here. He will write an exclusive report soon.¡± ¡°Hahaha! All that is left is to see Eunhae thrown away! Then, Saeyeon Gallery would naturally be mine¡­¡± ¡°I will also be engaged to you, not to that annoying girl.¡± Jongmyeong stroked her cheek with love, but she hit that hand and sat up. The nket that had covered her upper body went down and revealed her breasts, but she didn¡¯t care. ¡°Huh! Don¡¯t get too far. You know that can never happen if things don¡¯t change. If you get rid of Mirae Innovation¡¯s executive director, then I might change my mind.¡± This made Jongmyeong¡¯s gaze turn cold, but soon he went to her and spoke tenderly. ¡°This is a start. Wait for a little while, and I will easily take care of my brother.¡± ¡°Okay, you should do that to be at my side. The report should be out by now, right?¡± Hyoyeon pushed away the nket and lightly walked to her handbag on the table, naked. Her back made Jongmyong¡¯s blood surge. He raised his upper body and stared at her, but Hyoyeon suddenly looked back at him. ¡°What is this? Have you done things right?¡± Her voice was as cold as the winter wind. Jongmyeong could feel his hot blood turn cool. ¡°What? Isn¡¯t that the exclusive report? Eunhae is over now¡­¡± ¡°Then, what is this report?¡± Hyoyeon threw her phone at Jongmyeong. And it hit his head. ¡°Aak!¡± Soon, the blood that came out of the wound wetted the white nket red. Hyoyeon, however, didn¡¯t care about it. She didn¡¯t even think about his wound and spoke. ¡°This is why I shouldn¡¯t believe a bastard¡­ get out of my sight, now!¡± Hyoyeon was enraged. Jongmyeong didn¡¯t say anything and picked up the phone to read the report. [Exclusive: Saeyeon Gallery says its Sinsaimdang painting might be fake] [Saeyeon Gallery, a gallery in Bukcheon, has dered the painting it is exhibiting now might be a fake and is drawing attention. The gallery said the painting of Sinsaimdang, that is part of its ongoing exhibition, Coming Home, is highly likely to be a fake. They are working with the police to track down the forgers. The person who bought this painting is an antique appraiser. He realized this painting is fake and bought it to make the forgers lower their guard in order to track them¡­] ¡°What the¡­ no way¡­¡± ¡°Idiot.¡± Jongmyeong was in shock. He stared at the phone and lifted his head to look at Hyoyeon. ¡°This isn¡¯t over yet.¡± ¡°Huh!¡± Hyoyeon stormed into the shower room. Jongmyeong wore his clothes. He wiped off the blood with his hand and came out of the room. A bodyguard in front of the door raised his hand and made a gesture of zipping his mouth with a sharp re. It meant Jongmyeong should forget everything that had happened in this room and keep his mouth shut. ¡°I know.¡± Only then, the bodyguard smiled. Jongmyeong tumbled to the elevator. ¡°Okay, thank you. That¡¯s a relief.¡± Eunhae hung up and looked at Haejin sitting on the sofa. ¡°As you said, they found the forgers near Yangyang. The detective just called me to tell they have retrieved the painting they were going to sell at Incheon Port.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°But how did you know that the forgers were there?¡± The fact that the painting was a fake made recently meant Haejin could always capture its forgers. As he could see the process of the painting being made through magic, he could see where it had been made and through who it had been sold. ¡°Byeongguk gave me a hint. He told me there was a rumor of a gang that forges eastern paintings in Yangyang. He gave me the location he had heard about, so I didn¡¯t have to do anything.¡± As Haejin had told her Byeongguk used to be a grave robber before he became an art dealer, making an excuse was easy. ¡°Huhu¡­ by now, Lee Jongmyeong must be in trouble, too. He sold me such a painting¡­¡± Soon after Eunhae found out that the painting was fake, she met the appraisers who had appraised it in private. She heard Jongmyeong pressed them to make them say that the painting is real, the buying process was also not clear. She was then sure that Jongmyeong was behind everything. ¡°He will probably say he didn¡¯t know. Mirae will just think that it is Jongmyeong¡¯s personal business. But, does he have power in Mirae Group?¡± ¡°No. His mother was an actress who was once famous. Easily speaking, she was a concubine. So, although Jongmyeong is thought to be smart and capable, he has little power in the group. The executive director of Mirae Innovation is thought to be the real heir of the group, and he is good at work, gentle and generous unlike how an heir would normally behave, so to Jongmyeong, he is a thorn on his side.¡± ¡°Then why did you get engaged to such man?¡± ¡°At that time, my father was an employee of a smallpany who had nothing. My grandfather didn¡¯t even acknowledge him. That is why I use my mother¡¯sst name instead of my father¡¯s. Now that both my mother and my father have left me, this gallery is the only thing I have. So, the heirs of other corporate groups would never choose me as a spouse.¡± Eunhae spoke as if it was nothing, but her shaking eyes said that the story was not so short. ¡°Oh¡­ that is why you inherited only this gallery.¡± ¡°And it is hard to keep it. The profits are notparable to otherpanies of Hwajin, and I didn¡¯t know sharks would try to attack from all sides. Anyway, congrattions. You earned four billion in no time. Against an evil art dealer in Japan¡­¡± Haejin had told her everything about why he had done this. As she had taken a risk to take part in this, he thought she deserved to know some truth. However then, there was some noise from outside and they heard a familiar voice. ¡°Let me go! Don¡¯t you know who I am?¡± Eunhae shook her head and opened the door. Outside, enraged, Yang Sojin was pouting. The employees were holding her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let her in.¡± The employees went away. Sojin then straightened her clothes and went in with arrogance. She sat down opposite to Haejin with her legs crossed and red at him. ¡°Nice to meet you. It¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°A while? Ahahahaha! A while? I think we met just a few days ago in the hotel!¡± ¡°Did we? I can¡¯t remember¡­¡± Sojin didn¡¯t think Haejin would be that bold. She turned nervous for the first time and bit her lips. ¡°Are you really going to do this? Aren¡¯t you afraid of the consequences?¡± ¡°Consequences of what? Trying to sell a fake painting to Ando Hadake? But I do feel bad about the painting not getting to him. If the police had moved just a little slowly, it would have crossed the sea and gone to Japan¡­¡± Haejin was teasing her. Sojin¡¯s eye widened. ¡°How did you know my client is Ando Hadake?¡± ¡°That is not important. What¡¯s important is that neither you nor Ando Hadake can get that four billion back. If you want to tell the police, you can. But can you? You have so much to lose.¡± To use the power ofw enforcements, she would have to confess that she was a broker who tried to illegally sell Sinsaimdang¡¯s painting to Japan. The moment that happened, her reputation and money would be gone. ¡°I have many powerful friends.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you will borrow the power of politicians? Then do that. Ms. Eunhae, this woman is threatening me now. What should I do?¡± Eunhae had been standing and watching. Haejin looked at her and she then sat down. Eunhae red at Sojin and warned her. ¡°What you just said about pressing him, you can exactly do that. However, you must remember it. I won¡¯t just let you hurt him.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ why? Is he your boyfriend?¡± That was an unusually offensive remark, probably she had just lost four billion, but Eunhae didn¡¯t even blink an eye. ¡°He isn¡¯t, but one thing that¡¯s sure is that befriending him is more useful to me than befriending you. Look, the reputation of this gallery might have dropped to the bottom because of Sinsaimdang¡¯s fake painting, but thanks to Mr. Haejin, I was able to turn the tide around. Our clients will trust us more, and I would get more influence over the board members.¡± ¡°How dare you¡­ you are just a kite without a string. You don¡¯t know your ce¡­¡± Sojin couldn¡¯t control her anger. Her face was red, and she was gritting her teeth. However, Eunhae leaned to her with a cold expression. ¡°You should be careful. I might be a kite without a string, but I still have Hwajin¡¯s blood. You want to y a power game? I will be ready.¡± Eunhae looked like a different person. Sojin saw that and tried to cool her anger. She stood up. However, she couldn¡¯t leave like that, so she red at Haejin once more and spoke. ¡°You know what Ando Hadake is like, right? He won¡¯t let this go.¡± She turned to leave, but Haejin opened his mouth. ¡°I once saw his face when I was a kid. He grabbed my arm and threatened my father with a long samurai sword. Give me the painting, or I¡¯ll cut your son¡¯s arm. He won¡¯t let me go? Haha, let him do that. I don¡¯t think I have fully repaid that debt, either.¡± ¡°You¡­ you did that on purpose. You are after Ando Hadake¡­¡± Sojin stared at Haejin with shaking eyes. Eunhae looked at him with a new-found interest. ¡°That is what you meant by bad history.¡± ¡°It is not that important. Anyway, thank you for taking care of this. If she reallyes after me, I would really be in trouble.¡± ¡°Those were not empty words. The jade buddha, Ma Won¡¯s painting and this case¡­ if it hadn¡¯t been for you, I would have been forced to step down. If I be Yang Sojin¡¯s enemy, I would lose a little, but that loss is nothingpared to losing my position.¡± ¡°Well, then¡­¡± Haejin had no more business here, so he stood up to leave. Eunhae, however, also stood up and spoke. ¡°Wait. I have a favor to ask.¡± ¡°What? What kind of¡­¡± ¡°A few dayster, an auction on Rembrandt will take ce in a meeting in LA. Unlike ordinary auctions, it will be small and only include acquaintances, but I have no one I can trust except for you.¡± ¡°Going to the U.S. is too¡­¡± ¡°I will pay you well.¡± ¡°Fine. I don¡¯t want the money, but I have a condition.¡± ¡°A condition instead of money?¡± ¡°Yes. Help me to excavate. That is my condition.¡± Chapter 35: Private Auction in the U.S. (1)

Chapter 35: Private Auction in the U.S. (1)

¡°You want to excavate? You probably don¡¯t n on bing a researcher in our gallery¡­ do you want me to make you an excavation agent? Or do you want to build a gallery?¡± Not anyone can participate in an excavation in Korea. Only the agencies that specialize in the excavation of buried artifacts can, it also means that the agencies belong to museums or have gotten the permission from each local government. ¡°I want to build an art museum. It is a little funny to say this as I have nothing yet, but it is my dream to have a big art museum named after me.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ that is not funny at all. It is cool. Hmm¡­ then, you need to find a ce to use as an art museum. You will also have to prepare the artifacts to exhibit.¡± ¡°I need your help for the administrative parts. I will also appreciate it if you could introduce me to a talented curator who¡¯s looking for a job.¡± You might think it was weird to ask for Eunhae¡¯s help when building an art museum when she, herself, had her own gallery. However, galleries and art museums were not convenience stores or supermarkets. It¡¯s not like if the clients buy from here, they won¡¯t buy from other ces. As artifacts are not merchandises produced from factories, more galleries would bring diversity, and more people woulde to Insadong and Bukcheon. So, Haejin was askingfortably, and Eunhae was not feeling bad. ¡°Good. It¡¯s not that hard. If youe to the U.S., I will find you a good ce for your art museum. You have probably earned a lot this time, but you must know it won¡¯t be enough to find a really good ce.¡± ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t have much to exhibit, so starting at a big ce would be hrious. Oh, you can book me an economy ss, but please let me stay at a good hotel. One with a great breakfast.¡± ¡°Haha, I cannot let you go in first ss, but I will book you a business ss. The hotel will be a five- star, of course, so don¡¯t worry. You will have to depart two dayster, so take some rest tomorrow.¡± As Eunhae said, Haejin spent a day doing nothing at home and then went to Incheon Airport. There was good news in the meantime. The white porcin he had entrusted would be on auction next month. He had nned to sell all the white porcins he had, but now that he changed his mind, this would be the first and thest time he would sell porcin on auction. ¡°You came early.¡± Haejin arrived at the airport where Eunhae greeted him infortable clothes. ¡°You are going with me?¡± ¡°Or what? Were you going to go alone? You cannot go in there without me. My face is my ID card. When we get there, we will probably see Yaerin.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ do I have to see that bloody war again?¡± ¡°Hahaha, she can¡¯t do that there. People usually think westerners are open, but rich families are conservative beyond your imagination. If they think she is a talkative and a rude woman, they might exclude her from the auction, so we pretend to not know each other there.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± The long flight wasn¡¯t that hard, maybe because there was a beautiful woman with Haejin. They arrived at LA Airport early in the morning, got some rest at the hotel and left after 5 p.m. Eunhae was wearing a neat suit and her hair was also in a neat style. That made Haejin wonder what kind of people they were about to meet. She was being so careful. ¡°You must be wondering where we are going now.¡± While Eunhae was driving, she smiled and asked. ¡°I was thinking about that¡­ you can really read people¡¯s mind. You would earn a lot if you started gambling.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it. I was so curious when I went to this auction for the first time. My grandfather brought me there, and although he usually wore simple a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and liked to joke, he was wearing a suit and never smiled. So, how could I not be curious?¡± ¡°Then, when did this auction start?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but less than forty years.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ that¡¯s very short.¡± ¡°It is, but there is a good reason. As you know, the U.S. doesn¡¯t have a proper history, unlike Europe. It started by kicking out the Native American who had been living well and building a country through the American Revolution. You know that movie? National Treasure, it was a blockbuster movie about finding hidden treasures. In it, the document had a hint about the treasure in the Deration of Independence which is barely over 200 years old.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°Money isn¡¯t the only reason the U.S. has grown so much. The country has built museums and galleries here and there to provide a mentally fertile soil to its students. So that they would be able to see them ande up with various thoughts and imaginations. The biggest difference between a criminals¡¯ childhood and that of elites like doctors and attorneys is ¡®whether they experienced a mental stimtion from museums and galleries¡¯.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that makes sense.¡± ¡°The problem was that after 1980, each country in Europe started to prohibit the export of artifacts. You said your uncle was a grave robber. Has he worked in Europe?¡± ¡°No, not in that area¡­¡± Haejin¡¯s father never worked in Europe, either. There was no special reason. It¡¯s just that the structure of the tombs and the location of the artifacts were different from Asia. He could if he wanted, but problems could ur when selling them, and he couldn¡¯t talk to sellers unless it was an English-speaking country, so he just gave up. ¡°Grave robbing is a serious problem in Europe as well. Countries like Italy and France started to stop the export of the artifacts, so getting antiques in the normal ways became hard for American museums and galleries.¡± Haejin did think that it might be the case, and he was right. While they could buy artifacts at Sotheby¡¯s or Christie¡¯s, they were not doing that and were going for a private auction instead. It meant the artifacts on auction weren¡¯t brought in the normal ways. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Once, the Metropolitan worked with a grave robber and tried to smuggle Italian ceramics and was busted. Anyway, it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that a worldwide war for artifacts is going on now.¡± ¡°Then, is the ce we are going today for stolen goods?¡± Haejin was worried while Eunhaeughed. ¡°Hahaha! No. It used to be but, after 2000, buying stolen goods became too dangerous. The people whoe to this ce have a high social status, so they would be in trouble if they bought stolen artifacts. These say, umm¡­ what should I say? Not stolen goods, but not that clean?¡± ¡°Huh? What is that supposed to mean? It¡¯s like ¡®I drank, but I didn¡¯t drive while I was drunk¡¯.¡± ¡°Phaaa! Is it? Then how about this? Artifacts with information about the original owners. So, there would be no trouble with buying them and bringing them here. How¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I guess the host is very powerful?¡± Eunhae snapped her fingers. ¡°You are smart. Anyway, let¡¯s hope we get something good today. This event happens only about once a year.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin had no reason to feel bad about artifacts with no legal problems. Hefortably enjoyed Eunhae¡¯s driving. After two hours, the car left the asphalt road and went into a dirt road. They still had to go for a long while. When they finally arrived, they saw a huge mansion that didn¡¯t seem to belong there. Expensive cars were parked in front of it¡­ the guards in ck suits at the entrance didn¡¯t look very kind. ¡°Shall we go?¡± Eunhae got off from her car and Haejin followed her. She showed the guards her invitation. The guards looked at it and her face, then let her pass. Haejin had been worried a little that they might not let him in, but they slightly smiled and let him pass. He was relieved. ¡°Don¡¯t get too nervous. Once we are identified, they are quite gentle. Bringing one or two for appraisal is no problem.¡± ¡°But what if they let someone with troubles and things go wrongter?¡± ¡°Then, the person who brought him or her won¡¯t be able to participate in this meeting ever again. I told you. They sell things without any legal problems¡­ I have been participating for more than 10 years, and there hasn¡¯t been any problem.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± They went in. The interior was different from ordinary houses. There was no furniture such as a bookshelf. Only a table, big enough for dozens, and some chairs filled the room. There were already many people. They were mostly whites, but there were a few cks and some Asians. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Eunhae went to Yaerin who was sitting in a corner with her arms crossed. She lifted her head to look at Eunhae, then turned to Haejin. ¡°Yes, and I am seeing him again. I heard he bought a fake on purpose to capture the forgers¡­ your uncle was going to buy that painting, right. You would have been on the news.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do that. If you want to leave, leave alone.¡± Eunhae was smiling, but her voice was firm. ¡°Oh, sorry. Anyway¡­¡± Yaerin coolly apologized and went on, but the host finally appeared at front. He opened his mouth with a cold face. ¡°Nice to have you all here. There are four paintings ready today. They will be engraved in your souls. I am very honored to introduce these paintings to you today.¡± He cleared his throat and went on. ¡°Today we have two paintings by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, one by Pierre Auguste Renoir, and one by Edgar Degas. I am very excited today. How much value would these precious and beautiful legacies of humanity be acknowledged by you?¡± Then, Eunhae whispered in a very small voice. ¡°The only problem in this auction is that you cannot protest even if the painting you bought turns out to be fake.¡± Haejin was confused. He also whispered. ¡°Then, why would they buy paintings here?¡± ¡°This is the only ce where you can buy those paintings legally. Of course, you can buy a Rembrandt or a Degas in Sotheby¡¯s or Christie¡¯s. However, they have only a few paintings. Those paintings have been bought in the normal way. It means¡­¡± ¡°You can buy perfectly washed paintings only here.¡± ¡°Yes. So, people here are willing to take that risk.¡± So many people wanted paintings by Picasso or Van Gogh. However, most of those paintings were already in museums and galleries around the world. So, it was inevitable that the war to get the few legal paintings left would happen. There was a reason for the rich collectors toe here. ¡°Wow¡­ that¡¯s impressive.¡± ¡°When an artifact turns out to be a fake and the buyer protests, they always say the same thing, ¡®We do not appraise the authenticity. We sold it because it is a great work of art, and the buyer should judge.¡¯ That is what most appraising agencies and auction agencies would say, it is just in a more straightforward way.¡± In most cases, appraising agencies don¡¯t take the responsibility when something they sold turns out to be fake. As appraisers are humans as well, they can make mistakes. If the fake often has a considerable quality to it that makes people think it is real, the court would help the auction agency. Additionally, even though an artifact is suspected to be fake, experts often cannot be 100% sure of that, even after going through a scientific test. Fakes of high qualities are not called works of art on their own for nothing. Finally, the auctioneer carefully removed the cover. ¡°Painting of Rembrandt van Rijn, the artist of light.¡± Chapter 36: Private Auction in the U.S. (2)

Chapter 36: Private Auction in the U.S. (2)

Rembrandt was called the artist of light, magician of light, or the magician of light and darkness because of the strong contrasts. It would give a dramatic effect to the painting by contrasting the bright parts with the dark parts in a simple structure. At first nce, the painting will look dark but, if you keep looking, you will find yourself being sucked into it. The painting revealed by the auctioneer also had a dark background while the presence of the young and beautifuldy, that was focused on looking somewhere, was being highlighted. It was as if a ray of sunlight entered a dark stone room. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Small exmations rippled through the people. ¡°Can you see it? This beautifuldy. Her gaze must have been toward the artist, Rembrandt. This lovely gaze¡­ who was this young woman? His wife Saskia in her youthful days? Geertjie? Or Hendrickje?¡± Geertjie and Hendrickje were Rembrandt¡¯s maids. Rembrandt had rtionships with them after his wife passed away. After her death, Rembrandt lived a very hard life because of financial problems, and his reputation dropped even more after his rtionship with his maids was revealed. Moreover, Hendrickje gave birth to Rembrandt¡¯s daughter. ¡°What do you think?¡± Eunhae whispered tensely. Haejin raised his hand, implying he needed a moment. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t very far from the painting, but he wasn¡¯t very close, either. The problem was that he could use the magic only once. If he used the magic now and failed to get that painting, he would have to give up on all the three remaining paintings. Additionally, he couldn¡¯t see the painting at such a distance, so he had to give up looking into its past with magic. The only magic he could use was the magnifying¡­ However, casting that magic would take five minutes, which was just enough time to appraise one painting, so the auction would be over in the meantime. The important thing was whether this painting looked troublesome enough to use magic. ¡°Structure, color, touch of brush and texture¡­ I can only say it was drawn by Rembrandt.¡± Haejin gave up. If this was real, that would be an appropriate appraisal, but if it was fake¡­ that was an impressive technique. Why was he so doubting its authenticity? Like all the other famous artist, Rembrandt had many fakes. After he died, many fakes kepting up and, by 1860, 15,000 collectors and art organizations in America and Europe believed that they owned real Rembrandt paintings. In the end, the Nethends couldn¡¯t tolerate the enormous number of fakes and started a research project on Rembrandt. That projectsted 42 years and ended in 2011. It categorized the paintings into reals, fakes and unknowns. It was surprising that there were 162 paintings of which they couldn¡¯t determine the authenticity. They used almost all scientific methods of the time and still failed, you can imagine the quality of those paintings. ¡°Good.¡± Eunhae was satisfied with it. She smiled and slightly nodded. The auctioneer finished exining and announced the start of the auction. ¡°Who will win this beautifuldy today? I will start today¡¯s first auction with an excited heart. The opening bid is a million dors, and the price rises by fifty thousand with every call.¡± That was the glory of private auction exclusively for rich people. The opening bid was a million dors¡­ However, Haejin was the only one to think like this. No one else seemed to think it was expensive. They all started to raise their paddles the moment the auctioneer finished talking. The price went over two million dors in less than 30 seconds. Eunhae only then started to raise her paddle. Yaerin looked over her and raised her paddle. ¡°The beautifuldies over there have bid five million dors. From now on, the price rises by a hundred thousand. The gentleman there called five million and a hundred thousand.¡± As it was a private auction, it was different from Korea Auction¡¯s tense bidding. It was rxed but quite interesting to watch. However, that was only because Haejin was watching as a bystander. He looked at Eunhae who looked very serious. ¡°Ahu¡­ I won¡¯t be able to get it¡­¡± No matter how many times she raised her paddle, others followed her, so she was devastated. The price soared up and went over eight million. Eunhae finally gave up. She bit her lips and elegantly put her paddle on her knees. ¡°Nine million and two hundred thousand dors. Is there more? If there isn¡¯t, the owner of this beautifuldy is determined.¡± The first Rembrandt painting was finally sold. However, the winner really upset Eunhae. It was none other than Yaerin. She smiled at Eunhae victoriously as if announcing ¡®I have won today¡¯.¡¯ The hosts wanted to elevate the mood even more, so they offered wine to the participators. Haejin didn¡¯t know much about wine, to him it was just alcohol that was less bitter than soju, but Eunhae was distinguishing her anger with the wine. ¡°Yuseong seems to be richer than Hwajin?¡± Eunhae turned angry because of Haejin¡¯s teasing. ¡°No! It¡¯s not that Yuseong is richer than us. She is the CEO with more than thirty resorts in Korea. I only have one gallery and can spend the money on paintings depending on this year¡¯s budget, so, of course, she can spend more than me.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ more than thirty resorts? That¡¯s awesome¡­¡± Eunhae spoke as if it was unfair, but Haejin said something else. She was offended and turned away from him. ¡°If you like that so much, go and ask her out.¡± ¡°Ask her out? We are not of the same ss. Anyway, the auction is not over yet. We can choose among the remaining three.¡± ¡°You said this was real. They also say that at least one out of the four or five, there is a fake¡­ then the risk of picking a fake has gone up.¡± ¡°We can buy a real one among the remaining, but how did you buy the painting till now? You can¡¯t bet if you don¡¯t have enough money¡­¡± Not having enough money was offensive to Eunhae as she was from corporate group owner family. She red at Haejin. ¡°Before my grandfather died, at least two of those paintings were ours. Getting one became hard after many millionaires appeared in China and he passed away¡­ and she clearly has gone too far today. When she gets home, she will be scolded by her grandfather a lot and will be grounded at least for a month.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay, I get it.¡± Eunhae was about to get mad and yell if Haejin teased her more, so he just let that go. However, a young white man sitting next to Eunhae talked to her. He had distinctive red and curly hair. Haejin didn¡¯t like his eyes. ¡°One has gone, so you should do better from now.¡± ¡°Oh, I should. I saw you also feel bad about not being able to buy it¡­¡± ¡°Well, I actually didn¡¯t really like that painting. I couldn¡¯t see Rembrandt¡¯s gloomy mood in it. That¡¯s how Rembrandt is. If you keep looking, it somehow makes you feel gloomy¡­ he must have suffered from depression. I¡¯m sure. However, the painting we just saw didn¡¯t have that feeling. It is likely a fake. In that perspective, I should celebrate you for losing that painting.¡± He bloated with a sly face. He looked like someone who studied paintings for a long time. Eunhae found him cheesy, she just smiled awkwardly and waved her hands. ¡°Oh, I wish you were right. Anyway, I hope you get the next painting.¡± ¡°Haha,dies first. I hope you get a good painting first. I can always get a painting if I want.¡± He took out his business card and offered it to Eunhae. Its color was gold, he was probably rich. ¡°Oh¡­ you are giving me your business card¡­¡± ¡°I am the director of Face Note. You know Face Note, right? Haha, I shouldn¡¯t have bothered to ask. You must, just like everyone else¡­ could you give me the honor to have dinner with you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I would like to concentrate on the paintings now.¡± Eunhae¡¯s polite refusal made his face harden a little. ¡°I see. Is it because of the man next to you? Is he your boyfriend?¡± ¡°He¡¯s my appraiser.¡± ¡°Aha¡­ my, my¡­ did he not realize that the painting we just saw is real? That¡¯s a shame.¡± Haejin wondered if he should keep hearing that nonsense, but the auctioneer resumed. ¡°You must have felt sorry to let that beautifuldy go. But please, don¡¯t be too sad. There is still one more painting from Rembrandt, the magician of light and darkness.¡± He uncovered one of the three remaining paintings. ¡°Oh¡­¡± The crowd eximed again. It was a painting of a middle-aged Rembrandt reading a book to teach a little boy. Rembrandt looked kind, and the boy had a faint smile as if he was enjoying the study. It had Rembrandt¡¯s unique dark background and the light was on their faces and on the book as if there was a candle in front of them. ¡°Can you see it? Who is the mature Rembrandt teaching? Is he Titus, Rembrandt¡¯s only remaining child? Teaching a child requires a lot of patience, but Rembrandt seems to ovee it with pleasure. It is magnificent. Perfect. Well, who will be the owner of this painting?¡± The auctioneer looked around. He felt that there was no one who wouldn¡¯t want this painting. His voice was a little higher as he spoke again. ¡°Good. I cannot make you wait any longer. The opening big is a million dors as before, and the price rises by fifty thousand dors with every bid. The auction starts now.¡± Haejin then heard Eunhae¡¯s tense voice once again. ¡°How is it?¡± She nned to get that painting no matter what. Haejin frowned hard and stared at the painting. Rembrandt¡¯s face was the same with his other self-portraits that Haejin had seen. The wrinkles near his bulged eyes, ck cheeks, bold forehead and curly hair that resembled those of a poodle¡­ However, Haejin felt something. He couldn¡¯t be sucked into the painting like before. It was clearly Rembrandt¡¯s usual structure while the color and texture were simr¡­ In the end, Haejin dipped his finger into the wine and used magic. A minuteter¡­ ¡°How is it?!¡± Eunhae was frustrated by Haejin who didn¡¯t say anything. She poked his side with her paddle. Haejin then took that paddle from her and put it on hisps. ¡°Huh?¡± Eunhae was puzzled. Haejin shook his head. At the moment, the price was going over nine million and two hundred thousand dors, which was Yaerin¡¯s winning bid. The white man, with curly hair next to Eunhae, was winking at her as he raised his paddle. Chapter 37: Private Auction in the U.S. (3)

Chapter 37: Private Auction in the U.S. (3)

¡°Ten million and five hundred thousand dors. Is there more?¡± The excited auctioneer looked around with glistening eyes and soon hit with his gavel. ¡°Congrattions. This painting goes to that charming young man.¡± The white man with curly hairs, who raised his paddle confidently, got the painting. He shrugged while looking at Eunhae as if saying, ¡®I told you so¡¯. ¡°Congrattions.¡± Eunhae congratted him with a halfhearted apuse. He stood up, thanked the crowd and sat back. Then, he talked with an oily voice. ¡°Ladies first, but you didn¡¯t raise your paddle, so I took it. If you want to see the painting, you cane to my mansion anytime. Fantastic paintings will greet you. Oh, my¡­ I haven¡¯t told you my name. I am Eric Holton.¡± ¡°Oh, but I really don¡¯t want to see it,¡± Eunhae said. She heard from Haejin that the painting was fake, so she found that arrogant man annoying. However, he weed that remark and kept babbling in a small voice. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Don¡¯t you remember the painting you just saw? It has Rembrandt¡¯s unique gloominess. His torment, sadness and love for his only remaining child. Oh, actually, the light in this ce does not allow you to truly be absorbed in that painting. I admit that. We are a little far from it. Hmm¡­ I think I have no choice but to invite you.¡± Eunhae couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. She sighed and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I am only interested in real Rembrandt¡¯s paintings.¡± That was so shocking that the man was momentarily dumbfounded. He forgot that he had to be quiet andughed. ¡°Hahaha! Oh, I am sorry. That was too hrious¡­ I am sorry.¡± Eric Holton bowed around to apologize and turned to Haejin. ¡°Have you told her that the painting is fake? My¡­ that is too absurd and sad. Where have you studied? You are Korean, so Seoul University? Ha¡­ is this the level of Korean universities?¡± If Haejin didn¡¯t check the authenticity of the painting, he would have been discouraged by thement. However, now that he was sure it was fake, he just found Eric pathetic. The poor youth had blown away ten million dors in minutes¡­ ¡°I am not a graduate of Korea University. I never went to university.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ my God¡­ what a shame. Such a beautiful woman is getting help from such a fellow¡­¡± He said that it was a shame, but his eyes were smiling. He was mocking Haejin, saying he didn¡¯t deserve to appraise paintings. Haejin felt sorry for him and said, ¡°Have you heard of Tom Keating?¡± ¡°Tom Keating? The British painting restorer and legendary forger?¡± Tom Keating was called a terrorist of the art world and a time bomb. He was even worse than Han van Megereen, the forger who fooled the Nazi. He was a fraud who wanted to subvert the art world through his forgeries. He started to make fakes because of a reason simr to Megereen¡¯s. He was upset about the critics, galleries and curators that didn¡¯t appreciate his paintings. He also didn¡¯t like the art market moving for their interest. However, there were big differences between them. Keating made much more fakes than Megereen and imitated a wide variety of paintings. Unlike Megereen, who mainly forged Johannes Veermer¡¯s paintings, Tom Keating was a possessor of a crazy talent that could imitate all the great artists like Modigliani, Gainsborough, Titian, Rembrandt, Degas and Renoir. He didn¡¯t just imitate. He used the unique style of each artist, philosophy and mood as if they were his own. He also recreated the oil painting technique and paints that the artist used at the time. It was the true spirit of art that was more than forging. If this was all, he would just be a talented fraud, but there are a few reasons why he is called the terrorist of the art world and a time bomb. First, when he forged a painting, he always left marks that would tell it was a fake, and it was more to tease the experts than to show off his skills. For instance, he wrote with Kremnitz white (white paint made of carbonatite) and painted on it so that X-ray would reveal the writing, or he would put 20 th century objects in a 17 th century painting. If he ever got charged for fraud, he was going to say that people would never be fooled by his paintings as there were clear ws in them. This was enough to make you think of him as a weirdo, but Tom Keating sometimes even left time bombs in his paintings. He applied glycerin on the canvas and painted on it so that if the painting was suspected to be fake and people tried to wipe off the paint to check if that was true, the glycerin would respond, and the paintyer would melt. It was to clearly show that the painting was fake, so he was right to be called the legendary crazy forger. ¡°You know him. Then, why don¡¯t you go and take a proper look at the painting again?¡± Eric Holton¡¯s shaking eyes said he was bing nervous. He felt he should say something, but Haejin said something so shocking that he couldn¡¯t even open his mouth. ¡°Is it really Tom Keating?¡± Eunhae, who had been listening, was surprised and whispered. Haejin had said the painting was fake, so Eunhae had believed that. However, she didn¡¯t imagine that Rembrandt¡¯s painting was a fake from Tom Keating. ¡°Yes.¡± Then, Eric Holton gathered his senses and asked in a low voice, ¡°If it is Tom Keating, there must be a mark in the painting. I guess you said that nonsense because you have seen some kind of mark, right?¡± What would losing ten million dors feel like? Haejin couldn¡¯t even guess Eric¡¯s feelings, so he told him with pity. ¡°The table where the man and the boy are studying. Have you seen its grain of wood depicted in Rembrandt¡¯s unique coloring style?¡± ¡°Yes, of course, I have.¡± ¡°There are three gnarls in total¡­¡± Then, Eric Holton interrupted Haejin. ¡°Three? Not two?¡± ¡°Three. There is one more gnarl at the bottom left part of the painting. A very small one¡­ and if you look closely, there is another circle enclosing that gnarl. Can you see what that means?¡± Eric Holton was frozen as if he had been enchanted. Eunhae talked instead. ¡°A wheel¡­ no, a tire. Is it right?¡± ¡°Well¡­ we cannot be sure. However, it is sure that Rembrandt never drew such a small and delicate circle. He didn¡¯t have to. It is not his style.¡± Eric understood, so Haejin didn¡¯t have to exin more in English. Eric just sat there for some time with nk eyes and suddenly left the manor. Did they speak too loudly while they were excited? The reaction of the crowd was strange. As Haejin had spoken in English, the people who had heard would think that the painting which had just been sold was a fake. It could make Haejin nervous, but as he was not the host, he wasn¡¯t obliged to calm the crowd. So, he ignored them and so did Eunhae. ¡°Wow¡­ how could you see it? Your eyesight must be better than a Mongolian¡¯s. My eyes are not that bad, but how could you see that?¡± ¡°I did, luckily¡­¡± That might sound weird to her, but what she could say? He imed that he had seen it. ¡°You are amazing. However, if it is really Tom Keating, it might melt.¡± ¡°Judging from that Eric¡¯s temper, if he checks the gnarl and is sure that it¡¯s fake, he will certainly do that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a shame.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± They chatted like that. Soon, the auctioneer appeared again. ¡°People would call Renoir as the representative artist of the Impressionist¡­ but describing Renoir as an Impressionist artist is not enough. Bright and luxurious colors, purity with a clear outline, passionate attitude about life, admiration and indulgence about beautiful naked women. Who else would be worthy of all these titles? I give you Auguste Renoir.¡± The auctioneer uncovered one of the two remaining paintings. It was revealed with the crowd¡¯s exmation and showed a woman in a red dress reclining on a sofa and reading a book. Her blond hair was neatly tied. One of her arms was on the side of the sofa and she was staring at the book with a somewhat bored expression. That looked extremely rxed. It was a simple structure, but it had Renoir¡¯s unique colorfulness. It contrasted with Rembrandt¡¯s dramatic light and shade, it looked even more luxurious. Eunhae stared at the painting with her fists clenched, determined to get the painting this time. She turned to Haejin and asked in a small voice. ¡°If one of Tom Keating¡¯s fake is here, we cannot be sure if this one has not been touched by him.¡± That was what Haejin was worrying about. His mana had increased a lot and now he only felt a little tired after using magic; however, if he repeatedly did that, he could disgrace his country in this very room, so he dared not to. So now, he had to study the painting with his eyes and tell Eunhae to buy it if he was sure it was real, but if it was the work of a great forger like Tom Keating, he would be giving her massive damage. ¡°Who will get to own this fantastic beauty? We will start at a million dors again. The price rises by fifty thousand dors with every bid. The auction starts now.¡± The moment he finished, Eunhae looked at Haejin. He had to decide quickly. Haejin stared at the painting but, no matter how much he looked, he couldn¡¯t find anything strange. He could see Renoir¡¯s unique multiyer technique of applying multipleyers of the color, the colors he frequently used, and the texture of the oil painting was perfect. Still, Haejin wanted to check more. It wasn¡¯t about millions of won. It was a matter of billions and tens of billions. So, Haejin tried to ignore Eunhae¡¯s hot gaze and focused on the painting even more, but he heard a Chinese talking in front of him. He was wearing a small one-lensed magnifying ss, and thenguage he spoke was different from ordinary Chinese. It was mainly used in Shanghai and was called Wu as it was used in the old Wu country region, and it was another dialect different from Cantonese and Chinese. They whispered carefully, thinking there couldn¡¯t be someone who spoke Wu near them; however, because of the Chinese¡¯ distinct loud voice, Haejin could still hear them. Haejin heard what they were saying and flinched. Then, he secretly touched the paddle on Eunhae¡¯sp. It was a signal. It was time to raise the paddle. ¡°Finally, the beautifuldy is interested. Four million and five hundred dors!¡± Chapter 38: Private Auction in the U.S. (4)

Chapter 38: Private Auction in the U.S. (4)

Which was the country Haejin had frequently visited the most? China, of course. Each region in China had a different culture, and because of the Chinese¡¯s obsession with size, the size of the tombs and the number of artifacts buried in them were considerably huge. However, did Haejin know all of the local dialects in China? No. He just had to know the basic sentences and ents of each dialect and the professional terms needed for excavating and appraising. So, it was only natural that Haejin could understand the Wunguage. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Eunhae¡¯s hand was slightly shaking as she raised her paddle. Unlike before, the price was not rising so fast, so she was feeling that she could win. It was because the people heard that the Rembrandt painting was a fake. They didn¡¯t hear that Haejin was the man who had found that out, but they were stirring to know whether Tom Keating¡¯s fake was here. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m certain.¡± Haejin clearly heard it. There is a worn part at the left end of the painting¡­ hoping for a centuries old painting to be in perfect condition might be asking for too much since paintings often get damaged. However, if it was a fake from Tom Keating, he would never have left a part like this. He was not an ordinary forger. He was a snake who made traps and waited for preys. His goal was more than to just sell paintings and earn money. He wanted to subvert the art world, so until the critics and appraisers were certain that the painting was a fake, he would polish them in their best condition. So, he neverid a hand on a finished painting. Although the price kept going up, the mood was a little tired now. Even though this ce was about exciting fortune and fame for getting real items by taking risks, Tom Keating¡¯s influence was big enough to make everyone, in the art world, freeze. After the six million dors mark, only the Chinese next to the man with a mini binocr and Eunhae raised their paddles. The Chinese had also been sure that the painting was real because of the minor damage, but she was hesitating while raising her paddle. Eunhae kept persistently raising hers and finally heard what she wanted. ¡°Sold at seven million and three hundred dors. Finally, this beautifuldy is given to another beautifuldy. I would say it is perfect for you. Congrattions.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Eunhae lightly bowed and winked at Yaerin who crossed her arms and pouted. Then, she sat down. The Chinese who missed the painting stood up, turned around and congratted Eunhae in English. She was over 50 and, although she was small, her eyes were very sharp. ¡°Congrattions. Oh¡­ aren¡¯t you Director Lim Eunhae of Saeyeon Gallery?¡± ¡°Oh, Director Baiming of Shanghai Gallery! You haven¡¯te for a few years, so I thought you were noting again.¡± ¡°Actually, I was going around other ces and went back to Shanghai Gallery earlier this year. I wondered who the annoying person was that kept raising the paddle; if I knew that it was you, I would have given up earlier.¡± ¡°So, you should have turned back and looked at me! Hoho.¡± ¡°Hohoho! I really should have.¡± ¡°But, haven¡¯t you given up too early?¡± ¡°I got a great object in Hong Kong about a month ago. It was over thirty billion dors in Korean won, so I couldn¡¯t spend more here. Anyway, congrattions on getting Renoir¡¯s painting. I now have another reason to go to Saeyeon Gallery.¡± ¡°Oh, I remember. It was on the news a while ago. The porcin of the Song period that was sold at over thirty billion at Christie¡¯s. I wish I could see that porcin. I have seen the photos, but the feeling we get when seeing artifacts with our own eyes is different.¡± ¡°You are right. You are always wee.¡± They sat down again. Eunhae then turned to Haejin again. ¡°You sure it is real?¡± Haejin could understand why she was asking again. Heughed. ¡°It is. The man next to the Director of Shanghai Gallery you just talked to said¡­ that man with the small binocrs. If I had known such a thing, I should have gotten one¡­¡± As he spoke, he suddenly started to envy that man. If he had that, he wouldn¡¯t have to be so nervous¡­ ¡°You said you have a good eyesight? Better than Mongolians¡­¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ but having that would be even better. Even I cannot see everything and can make mistakes¡­¡± Eunhae thought he was right. She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I will get you er. Anyway, so?¡± ¡°He said the left end of the painting is worn out. I think the painting was damaged when they changed the frame, and Tom Keating would never make this mistake.¡± ¡°Why? He can also make mistakes.¡± ¡°He can. However, he would never damage a painting that he will show to others. I recalled other forgers who can make fakes of this quality, but none of them would make this kind of mistake. Although it is for a different reason from Tom Keating¡¯s, most forgers make fakes and want them to be appraised as real for money. Therefore, why would they damage a painting and damage its value? if the damaged part is big, people will try to restore it, they might then find out that it¡¯s a fake.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ but you don¡¯t mean that all damaged paintings are real, right?¡± ¡°Haha, you are right. However, there are only a few people in this world who can make forgeries of this high quality that even I cannot guess its authenticity by looking at its photo or from this distance. Those few people would also nevery their hands on the canvas of a finished painting.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I get it. As I trust you, I will believe it is real.¡± ¡°I can check the details if I can get to see it close. When can we get it? ¡°After the auction. I will pay the price and get the painting.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Eunhae¡¯s face was much lighter now, as she had taken care of the heavy and difficult business. So was Haejin¡¯s. It was not his money but billions of other¡¯s. If he had made a mistake, his fame and his future cases would have been gone. As for the auction of Degas¡¯ painting that followed, Eunhae and Haejin watched infort with the paddle put to the side. The auction ended and when Eunhae was about to pay the money they heard noisesing from outside. Steaming, Eric Holton, with a red face, came in with the guards. ¡°I know! I know! I will pay anyway! Can¡¯t you understand? I have the money!¡± Eric took out the check and shook it. He went forward. The auctioneer waved his hand at the guards. ¡°Let him go. He seems to have something to say.¡± One of the guards answered with concern. ¡°He is upset, saying his painting is fake¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. So, please let his arm go first. We cannot bruise the major shareholder of Face Note.¡± The guard let Eric go. He straightened his clothes and went to the auctioneer. ¡°There is a problem with the painting I won. I want a refund.¡± This is what Haejin had thought might happen, but now, as he was seeing it with his own eyes, he found it very interesting. How would the hosts handle this situation? ¡°A problem¡­ interesting. You mean it¡¯s fake?¡± ¡°It certainly is.¡± ¡°Good. Bring the painting.¡± An employee brought Rembrandt painting that Eric had won. It was still impressive. The crowd had seen it from afar during the auction but, as it was all over now, they got interested in what was going on and came to see the painting. ¡°Ohh¡­¡± ¡°This is a fake? I cannot believe it.¡± People shook their heads in disbelief, but Eric pointed at the small gnarl hole at the bottom part of the painting. ¡°Look here. It is a very small but a very delicately drawn circle. It is a tire. This tire didn¡¯t exist during Rembrandt¡¯s time, so this has to be Tom Keating¡¯s forgery.¡± ¡°My God¡­¡± ¡°Yes, it is very cunning. Is it really Tom Keating¡¯s?¡± People stirred but, unlike them, the auctioneer studied that gnarl hole and spoke as if it wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°It might look that way. However, you cannot conclude this painting is Tom Keating¡¯s because of that.¡± Of course, Eric was enraged at this. ¡°I cannot conclude? I cannot conclude with the clear truth, what kind of nonsense is that?¡± The auctioneer was in trouble. He couldn¡¯t say anything. If Eric had protestedter, he could have said that Eric was the one who made that choice and get over with it. However, now that it had been revealed he had sold a fake in front of so many people, he couldn¡¯t do what he usually did. As he had admitted things were bad, Eric¡¯s face had confidence as he imed the painting was a fake. Then, the auctioneer made a decision and sighed. ¡°Hu¡­ I have no choice. You said this is Tom Keating¡¯s fake? Then, we¡¯ll have to clean the painting. If the painting melts, it is a fake and, if it doesn¡¯t, it¡¯s real.¡± Now, Eric Holton was trapped. It was clearly a fake but, if the paint didn¡¯t melt, he would lose the ten million dors painting and not get his money back. Although Tom Keating was famous for setting the time bomb in his paintings, he didn¡¯t apply glycerin on every painting. So, this one could be a fake without glycerin. Eric looked at Haejin who was watching with his arms crossed. However, Haejin had no way to help him. He had given him the proof, so he had done everything he could. The choice was up to Eric Holton. He bit his lips. Finally, he lifted a bottle of luxury wine that was worth hundreds of dors and smiled at Eunhae. ¡°Hu¡­ I have no other way. People always have to choose. It was like this when I bought Face Note. This is another moment for a choice.¡± He drank from the bottle a few times and poured the remaining wine on the painting. Chapter 39: Eric Holton’s Collection (1)

Chapter 39: Eric Holton¡¯s Collection (1)

¡°He, he¡­¡± ¡°My God¡­¡± The crowd had a reason for being so shocked. It has been less than 30 minutes since that painting was sold for over ten million dors, and Eric just poured wine on it. The auctioneer was momentarily surprised, but he soon regained his coldness and stared at the painting. Everyone, tensely, concentrated on the painting. A minute passed, two, after five¡­ people started to show some disappointment. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not Tom Keating¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°He was probably unlucky. Or we all are mistaken¡­¡± Eric realized that his bet failed. At the moment, his dark face was a contrast to the auctioneer¡¯s rising lips; however, the man, who had been the closest to the painting, yelled. ¡°It¡¯s melting! It¡¯s melting!¡± The room turned hot in an instant as if they had been waiting for it. ¡°Uhh!¡± ¡°Where? Where is melting?¡± Haejin had been also sorry to not see the painting melt, then he quickly looked back. He couldn¡¯t get closer because of the crowd but, as time passed, he could see the colors melting from afar. ¡°Haha! Yes, yes! See this? Can you see this? Glycerin is responding, and the paint is melting! It is Tom Keating¡¯s!¡± Unlike Eric, who eximed in joy, the auctioneer looked at the melting painting and spoke without emotions. ¡°Yes. It appears it is Tom Keating¡¯s. This auction thinks that the responsibility lies on the buyers if the paintings are fake but, today, we will cancel your bid.¡± Eunhae flinched to see him canceling the bid so easily. So did Eric. His eyes shed for a moment, but soon heughed and turned back to his usual self. ¡°Hahaha! Of course! However, as I am guilty of not recognizing the painting properly, I will donate five million dors, half of the painting¡¯s price.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­¡± ¡°What a great man.¡± Everyone apuded to Eric¡¯s announcement. He shook his hands to say thank you and came to Eunhae and Haejin. ¡°Thank you, for telling me that it was a fake. I made a mistake earlier. You should never judge a person with his looks¡­ my mistake. Can you give me a chance to make it up to you?¡± Eric, who had been cheesy as if he bathed in butter, expressed his gratitude and apologized to Haejin. ¡°I will ept that apology. As for a chance to make it up¡­ I usually take money in return when I appraise something, and as that painting was over ten million dors, I would have taken 1% of it as my fee.¡± ¡°1%? Then it¡¯s a hundred thousand dors. You¡¯ll get it. I just promised to donate five million, so a hundred thousand is no problem. However, don¡¯t take away from me the chance to thank you with something else other than just money.¡± Haejin earned a hundred thousand dors with just a few words, so he was naturally happy. Now, Eric was offering even more. He found it both ufortable and exciting at the same time. So, he looked at Eunhae. She smiled and pushed Haejin to ept Eric¡¯s apology. ¡°Well¡­ okay.¡± ¡°Great! Then, let¡¯s go! Oh, you should take your painting, right? I¡¯ll be outside, so finish it quickly ande out.¡± Within the warm mood, there was someone who looked ufortable: the auctioneer. He watched Eric pat Haejin¡¯s shoulder and leave. Next, he turned around and went in. They got the painting and drove for 2 hours following Eric¡¯ car. They arrived at a mansion with a private beach. Even Eunhae, who had Hwajin¡¯s blood although she had no power, was awed with envy. The entrance to the mansion made them feel like they were on a vacation. ¡°He seems to be extremely rich, even for a major shareholder of Face Note. Wow¡­¡± ¡°Your uncle¡¯s house is shabbypared to this.¡± Eunhae agreed with Haejin. ¡°It is. Even though there are a few such huge mansions in Korea but, with this scale, the mansion¡¯s price must be extremely high. I think he is more than just a major shareholder of Face Note. I think he is probably the son of a trillionaire.¡± Eric didn¡¯t tell them to speak in English. He was sure, however, that they were admiring his home, even though he couldn¡¯t understand them. When they went inside, they saw arge window in the living room showing them the beach. Eric turned one side of the room into a bar. He went in and made some cocktails and offered them to Eunhae and Haejin. ¡°This ce looks like a fun ce, right? Actually, I do call girls here for fun, but I greet the really important guests downstairs. It is the ce for the artifacts I have collected so far.¡± ¡°Important guests?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Friends who don¡¯t just like to y but those who truly love artifacts. I don¡¯t show my collection to others. Even if I show it to my friends, they will say the same thing. ¡®Ohh¡­ is this expensive? How much is it? Why is it so expensive? It¡¯s not a Picasso or a Leonardo da Vinci.¡¯ Well, things like that¡­¡± Eric exaggerated like aedian, but that didn¡¯t look too unnatural. He was probably naturally this talkative and straightforward. ¡°You are right.¡± ¡°I wanted to invite thisdy, but then I had to invite you for giving me that exciting experience. You should be excited.¡± Eric drank his cocktail and winked. Haejin then asked him something that he had been curious about. ¡°You said you will donate five million dors. Are you really going to do it?¡± Eric frowned at this and looked offended for the first time. ¡°What, you think I¡¯m a liar? I don¡¯t lie about that kind of thing.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I have seen many things like that¡­¡± Haejin apologized. Eric sat down on the sofa with his cocktail. ¡°This spot has a great view. It is as if I own the whole world. Someone once said, although money isn¡¯t the best thing in the world, there¡¯s nothing as good. I think so, too. However, I didn¡¯t pour wine on that painting to get those ten million dors back. I wasn¡¯t angry just because I had lost that money.¡± Next Eunhae, who had been sipping the blue cocktail, asked. ¡°Then?¡± ¡°Pride. I med myself for not being able to tell a fake apart from a real and spending ten million. I haven¡¯t felt that kind of humiliation in front of people for a very long time. Five million dors? Yes, I can feel bad about losing that money. However, that five million is for my pride. So, I am not feeling sorry at all.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I can rte to that.¡± Eunhae nodded. Haejin looked at Eunhae who thought spending five million dors for pride was understandable and felt once again she and Eric lived in a different world. Eric enjoyed the view while drinking the cocktail. Then, he spoke again. ¡°Anyway, it was so thrilling. I gave a punch to those nasty fellows, so they must be shaking and cursing by now. Especially at you.¡± Those nasty fellows probably meant the hosts of the auction, but Haejin didn¡¯t know why Eric¡¯s finger was pointing at him. ¡°Why would they curse me?¡± ¡°Because you told me that the painting was a fake.¡± That was true, so Haejin could say nothing. ¡°But, why would you call them nasty fellows?¡± Haejin asked. At this, Eric looked at Eunhae confused. However, she was also confused and shook her head. Eric was surprised as he leaned back to his sofa. ¡°Haha, this is a surprise. You don¡¯t know it¡­ where do you think they bring those impressive paintings from?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t think about it, so she shook her head. Eric¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I do not know exactly how they can bring such precious artifacts every year, either. However, I can guess.¡± ¡°I would like to know that guess.¡± Haejin and Eunhae sat opposite to Eric. ¡°Apart from galleries and museums, all the artifacts on auction must be owned by individuals. However, there is something strange. I couldn¡¯t find the owners of their artifacts anywhere. Just records about them.¡± ¡°Yes. That record is what makes sure that there won¡¯t be any legal problems.¡± Eunhae agreed. Eric then put down the cocktail ss and folded his hands together. He was about to say something important. ¡°Do you remember Gogh¡¯s painting two years ago?¡± ¡°I do. Oh, then the person who got that painting¡­¡± Eunhae widened her eyes. ¡°Yes. It was me. When I buy an artifact, I always wonder with what story it came to me. Knowing the history of an artifact makes me look at it in a different way.¡± That made sense. The jade buddha was valuable not just because it was an old statue but because of the story it had. ¡°I agree.¡± ¡°So, I followed the record of the painting but, strangely, the record ended at some point. Of course, the record the hosts told me have been washed to be legal, so I didn¡¯t believe it entirely. I, however, thought there must be some truth in it, so I was very confused. Then, I found a record at Chicago Gallery. Coincidentally.¡± He strongly emphasized ¡®coincidentally¡¯. ¡°Coincidentally?¡± ¡°Haha, let me just say that. Anyway, I was able to find the previous owners of the painting with that record. But¡­¡± Eric¡¯s face was dark, he couldn¡¯t continue. He drank his remaining cocktail in one gulp and spoke again. ¡°They died. Very tragically¡­¡± ¡°Are you saying they killed him and took the painting?¡± Haejin was aghast, but Eric shook his head. ¡°If that was what happened, taking care of it would have been easy, but it wasn¡¯t. The owners had to suffer because of the threats from the creditors. After the painting was taken away from them, they ruined their lives with drugs and eventually killed themselves. However, when I found that out, I suddenly thought that maybe¡­¡± ¡°Maybe?¡± ¡°That might be not the first time that kind of thing happened.¡± The mood turned heavy. Then, Eric suddenlyughed out loud. ¡°Hahaha! It is nothing but a theory yet. I have liked this stuff since I was a kid. It¡¯s probably because I¡¯m a huge fan of Conan Doyle¡¯s Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie¡¯s books. Anyway, enough of those boring stories. I will show you my treasures.¡± Eric rubbed his hands and stood up. He confidently walked like a kid showing his toys to his friends. They went down the spiral staircases and stood in front of a small door. Eric took a deep breath, winked and opened the door. ¡°Wee to Eric Holton¡¯s Collection.¡± Chapter 40: Eric Holton’s Collection (2)

Chapter 40: Eric Holton¡¯s Collection (2)

As Eric was extremely rich, Haejin expected that his basement would be a gallery. So, when Eric opened the door, he was quite disappointed to see the not so big space and the few works of art. However, the moment he saw the painting at the front, he knew why Eric Holton was so confident. ¡°Wow¡­ it¡¯s a very beautiful painting. It¡¯s like a princess of the medieval times is standing right in front of me.¡± Thedy had determined expression, she looked tough and wise. ¡°It is the most prized painting among my collection. Ordinary people would say that it is the most expensive. What do you think¡­¡± Eric was about to say something, but Haejin couldn¡¯t help but exim. ¡°da Vinci¡­ a painting from Leonardo da Vinci¡­¡± Eric Holtonughed. ¡°Hahaha! My God, you said the name before I even told you¡­ this is a first. I knew you would recognize it! I knew it! Maybe it was only natural as you have recognized Tom Keating¡¯s forgery. Hahaha!¡± Eric was delighted and pped while Eunhae frowned. ¡°Earlier, you spoke as if you didn¡¯t have any da Vinci¡¯s painting. Were you trying to test Mr. Haejin?¡± ¡°Haejin? Is his name Haejin? It¡¯s so hard to pronounce. Yes, I set a trap.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Eunhae¡¯s voice was full of displeasure. Eric smiled and crossed his arms. ¡°Because it¡¯s fun. You see¡­ I don¡¯t really trust the words of the appraisers, critics and the powerful people of the art world. They always use their tongues for money. They pretend to know much when they, in fact, know so little.¡± He talked like Tom Keating. Anyway, Haejin really didn¡¯t feel bad about his prank. He didn¡¯t have any ill will but was expressing the thoughts he usually had while collecting artifacts. ¡°Actually, that is true.¡± ¡°Right? I thought you would understand me. No one has said this painting is da Vinci¡¯s first, till now.¡± ¡°Even if it was shown to the public, it wouldn¡¯t be recognized as da Vinci¡¯s easily¡­¡± Haejin¡¯s argument didn¡¯t make Eric lose his smile. ¡°I think so, too. However, I believe this is da Vinci¡¯s painting. You might think I am being too confident in front of the man who revealed Tom Keating¡¯s forgery, but I am so sure because of a record.¡± He pointed at the corner of the painting¡¯s background. ¡°You see the fingerprint there? I tracked it, and it was exactly the same with da Vinci¡¯s fingerprint imprinted in the Basilica di San Pietro.¡± With that kind of evidence, it would be hard to say that the painting was not da Vinci¡¯s. ¡°And, even I know that it is hard to make a fake with vellum. So, this cannot be a fake. Right?¡± Vellum was a word for high-quality parchments. Before paper of good quality was invented, vellum was used for documents and paintings. However, forgers didn¡¯t prefer vellum as it was hard to make it craquelure (phenomenon where the oil painting starts to crack because of time. It exists in all old paintings) naturally on vellum. Of course, forgers with exceptional skills like Tom Keating, Han van Meegeren and Eric Herburn could forge using vellum, but acquiring vellum that was made in the 16 th century was a hard task on its own. So, with paintings drawn on vellum, instead of canvas, people usually presume that it might have been drawn by someone else in the past other than the artist. They would not even think that it is a fake. For instance, experts might think that it might have been drawn by da Vinci¡¯s apprentice instead of da Vinci himself. In other words, it might be an imitation rather than a fake. If it hadn¡¯t been for the fingerprint stamped in the background, this would be the most possible theory. However, as the fingerprint was there, it would be right to think that it was da Vinci¡¯s painting. ¡°Yes. I think it would be right to call it real.¡± Haejin wanted to use magic. Not to determine the painting¡¯s authenticity, but to see da Vinci with his eyes through magic. What would the legendary genius look like? When did he make this painting and what kind of habits did he have when drawing? Haejin wanted to find out so many things. Actually, he couldn¡¯t be sure if he could use magic now. Unlike before, the aftereffect of using magic wasn¡¯t so big, and he could walk around and drink alcohol without feeling dizzy. However, the thought of using magic twice in a day scared Haejin. ¡°Hahaha! You are right! Oh, and I also have a Korean artifact, let me show you.¡± Haejin was surprised once again. As Eric had a painting of none other than da Vinci, that Korean artifact couldn¡¯t be somethingmon. ¡°Is it a painting? Or porcin? Or a statue of a buddha?¡± Unlike the excited Haejin, Eunhae couldn¡¯t take her eyes off from da Vinci¡¯s painting. Compared to the other great artists, da Vinci had left few paintings. So, getting a chance to see his painting so closely and in details didn¡¯te often, so Haejin didn¡¯t think she was acting strangely. However, Eric Holton had different ideas. He smiled to see Eunhae. ¡°Lady, you really love paintings.¡± ¡°Oh, yes, I do.¡± ¡°Haejin, I find this curiosity of yours quite interesting. You are so excited to hear about a Korean artifact even though there is a da Vinci in front of you¡­ honestly, as an American, I¡­ envy that a little.¡± He shrugged and went deeper into the exhibition. Haejin then saw an eastern painting that was hung on the furthest side of the wall. ¡°This¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s been about four years. A Korean American wanted to donate this to museum, but I convinced him and bought it from him. He didn¡¯t want to hand over this painting to an individual. I offered him five million dors at the time, but he didn¡¯t even blink an eye.¡± ¡°Well¡­ if he wanted the money, he would have put it on auction.¡± ¡°Yes. So, I kept convincing him. I told him something and he started to change his mind. I said if he donated it to the museum, this painting would never go back to Korea.¡± That was only half right. Selling it to an individual would mean the painting would never return to Korea unless the owner changed his mind. On the other hand, donating it to a museum could have made it possible for it to be returned through an agreement between the two nations. So, Eric Holton meant that he nned to give up that painting when he bought it. ¡°Then, he sold it?¡± ¡°With one condition. He asked me to sell it if a Korean will offer to buy it at the same price I did. So, I gave him my words and five million dors.¡± At this, Haejin studied the painting once again. Was this painting worth five million dors? The moment he looked into it, he knew the answer. It was. ¡°That hundred thousand dors you promised me, you don¡¯t have to give it to me. However, can I buy this in installments?¡± Eric found it hrious and couldn¡¯t stop himself fromughing. ¡°Hahaha! In installments? It¡¯s not like this is a car. I¡¯ve never heard of leasing a painting.¡± ¡°Whose painting is this?¡± Eunhae, who had finished watching da Vinci¡¯s painting, asked. It caught her attention as Haejin was interested enough to try to buy that painting. ¡°It is Danwon, Kim Hongdo¡¯s.¡± ¡°What? Kim Hongdo?¡± Sadly, most of the paintings of the great Korean artists like Kim Hongdo and Shin Yoonbok were abroad. They must have left the country for different reasons, but the experts don¡¯t argue about the fact that most of them were stolen or exploited rather than sold. ¡°Yes, his nom de plume, Danwon, is written here. The signature is also Kim Hongdo¡¯s as well. There¡¯s also the style of drawing straight with a touch of the brush.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­ five million dors is too¡­¡± Eunhae was saying that the price was too high. Of course, on auction, the price could be even higher with a good flow but, for a deal between individuals, it was quite expensive. Eunhae thought it was too much for Haejin as he had little money. However, Haejin had to get this painting. The original owner had sold it at five million dors and had told Eric to sell it only to someone who was willing to pay that price because he wanted it to be sold to someone who understood and loved it. As Haejin now knew about it, he couldn¡¯t leave this painting behind. ¡°Hoo¡­ but you must know a hundred thousand dors is only the down payment of this painting. Even though you have helped me earlier, I cannot sell it in installments¡­¡± Eric was neither smiling nor feeling ufortable. Haejin could see that it was not absolutely impossible. ¡°If Mr. Haejin doesn¡¯t pay you, I will. So, you don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡± Eunhae tried to help, but Eric smiled and shook his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t let a third person get in the middle of money problem. It makes mattersplicated. So, I don¡¯t want to make this a matter of trust. I don¡¯t want to lose a friend because of money.¡± Eric thought about it. Haejin quickly looked around. He could have argued that he had stopped Eric from losing ten million dors, but now Eric had the upper hand. The past wouldn¡¯t help Haejin negotiate. He could only hope Eric would count that. To negotiate, Haejin had to find something that would change Eric¡¯s mind. Now. Then, he spotted a painting. It was the painting of a hugedy with crossed arms looking forward with a somewhat angry expression. Her clothes were very luxurious, but her rumpled hair and angry face said that there was a story. It was not a mere portrait. ¡°Okay. Then, let¡¯s make a deal.¡± ¡°A deal?¡± Eric showed interest. Haejin turned to him and looked into his eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t give you five million dors. Instead, I will find you a w in your collection.¡± ¡°You will find a w?¡± ¡°You must think your collection is perfect, but I don¡¯t think so. If anyone asks me about your collection, I don¡¯t think I would be able to say it is wless.¡± ¡°So?¡± That could sound offensive, but Eric didn¡¯t seem offended at all. His smile became even wider. ¡°I will get rid of that w so, in exchange, give me Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°Are you going to take in and sell it?¡± ¡°No, it will be part of Park Haejin¡¯s Collectionter.¡± ¡°Hahaha! It turns out you are my great rival. Okay. I will have to make my collection wless to win against a great rival. I ept the deal.¡± Eric easily epted, just as Haejin had thought. He didn¡¯t want the money for the painting. ¡°Good.¡± Haejin turned around and pointed at the painting of the maddy. ¡°You believe that this painting is fake, right?¡± At that moment, Eric¡¯s face hardened for the first time. Chapter 41: Eric Holton’s Collection (3)

Chapter 41: Eric Holton¡¯s Collection (3)

¡°What do you mean? I think that painting is a fake?¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t, then it¡¯s strange. All the other paintings are hanging on the wall and each one of them has individual lights. Only this painting is leaning against the wall on the floor, isn¡¯t that strange?¡± Eric looked at the painting and answered. ¡°I might just don¡¯t like that painting. Or have put it down to hang it in a different ce¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s be honest. You don¡¯t think it is Ilya Repin¡¯s painting, right?¡± Ilya Repin was the best realistic artist in Russia. He was always critical about the systemic paradox and social evil of the empirical Russia, and he actively expressed this through his works. The painting that was leaning against the wall was Ilya Repin¡¯s painting of the Grand Duchess, Sophia Alekseyevna. Sophia was the sister of Peter the Great. She ruled Russia for seven years as the regent and tried to be the Tsar herself. However, she lost to Peter the Great and his men, she was then locked in Novodevitch Convent for 15 years. Before she died, she witnessed her subjects and 1,700 guards get killed. Additionally, the head hanging outside the window in the painting was one of the hanged guards. It told us why the duchess looked so angry although she was wearing the pearl ne, jewels and a luxurious silk dress. ¡°Hmm¡­ I cannot fool you. Yes, I bought this painting within three months of starting to live in this house and leaving my parents.¡± ¡°Were you already rich then?¡± ¡°Rich? Hahaha! Oh, sorry. No one asks it so straightforwardly to me. Yes, my father bought me this house when I moved out.¡± Haejin almost hit Eric¡¯s face in envy. ¡°This is why the world can never be fair.¡± ¡°I admit that. Anyway, because of my father, I am interested in art. I am not good at drawing, but I like enjoying the paintings. I participated in Sotheby¡¯s auction in Ennd and got to know about this painting through someone I knew.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know about this painting at the time?¡± ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t know much in the past, and I just wanted to own many works of art like my father. You know, the useless pride and rebellious spirit¡­ it was like that.¡± ¡°Did you regret buying it afterward?¡± ¡°No, it was the first painting I bought. I was humiliated when I showed this to otherster, but I couldn¡¯t get rid of it because it was the first painting I bought. It also allowed my interest to live for paintings for a while. So, I included it in my collection, but I just left it there to be passed by. When someone asked¡­¡± ¡°You told that person it¡¯s a fake and you should see the other things?¡± Eric was a little ashamed. He looked away andughed. ¡°Haha, I did. But you¡¯re saying it¡¯s not a fake? It can¡¯t be. The real is in Tretyakov Gallery in Russia, so there¡¯s no way this is real.¡± Although he said it couldn¡¯t be real, his face had some hope. He was thinking Haejin would not have said that it was real for no reason. ¡°It is known that Sophia Alekseyevna was fat and short. However, thedy of the painting in Tretyakov Gallery is tall, unlike her! But in this painting, Sophia is small as if she has been downsized.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because¡­ Ilya Repin tried to describe her with dignity.¡± ¡°Yes, but the first painting was not like that.¡± Eric took a step closer. ¡°Huh? What do you mean? The first painting?¡± ¡°After Ilya Repin drew this painting, he showed it to the people of the upper ss of the time. He had many friends. However, a few said it didn¡¯t look nice because the duchess was too small. There was no dignity.¡± ¡°So, he drew another painting?¡± ¡°Yes, and his second painting is exhibited at the gallery now. I heard Repin hid the first painting because he was ashamed of it, and it was here.¡± Eric looked back at the painting and stared at it. It could be because he couldn¡¯t fully believe Haejin, or because he was filled with emotions after hearing that it was real. ¡°How do you know that? I¡¯ve never heard of this story.¡± That was also because of the olddy Haejin¡¯s father met in Italy. She showed them many artifacts and told secret stories that were unknown to the art world with a delicious dinner. ¡°I heard it from the Verni Family in Florence. The current head of the family is Olivia Verni. She is over 70. She liked my father very much and kept us for days to talk about art.¡± ¡°Verni¡­ yes, I¡¯ve heard of them. It¡¯s a big family, although not as much as the Medici.¡± ¡°She has a record about Repin¡¯s paintings of the time, so if you go and ask, she will tell you the truth.¡± Eric went to the painting, knelt, and carefully lifted it. ¡°I have done all kinds of appraising after I heard it was a fake. Do you see the spot without paint here?¡± There was a spot without paint in the dark background. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I removed some paint to use the radiocarbon dating method. It turned out that it was drawn in thete 19 th century or early 20 th century, but that was it. I checked if the craquelure had been oveyered and forged with ultraviolet, but there was nothing wrong. However, I could tell this to no one.¡± In fact, that often happened with fakes. Only non-experts would think that scientific appraisal can discover every fake. Forgers know what kind of scientific tests their works would go through, so theye up with methods to defeat the high-end scientific tests. Some forgers even fabricate evidence or imnt them so that appraisers would be confused. Some scientific methods can only tell the date of the materials instead of the date of the painting itself, so forgers acquire ingredients that were only used in certain eras, mostly the paint. Forgers with worldwide fame(?) think making creative paints of their own is only natural. So, Eric Holton could not argue that the painting was real, even though the scientific tests proved there was nothing wrong. ¡°That could happen, but now you can confidently say this is real.¡± ¡°First, I will have to go to the Verni Family and check. If I find that record, I will call the friends who humiliated me and pay them back.¡± Eric looked delighted as if he was already working on a n for vengeance. ¡°Then, will you send me the painting?¡± Haejin asked with worry. Eric shrugged and went to Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting. ¡°Actually, I was going to give you this painting when you wanted it. I just wanted to see how you would react.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too mean!¡± Eunhae protested, but Ericughed as he pulled off the painting from the wall. ¡°It¡¯s funny. I also got to find out that my duchess Sophia, although fat, is not fake. If it hadn¡¯t been for that, that pal would have just nced at it and left. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t argue. As Eric said, if the situation hadn¡¯t been so urgent, he would have just thought about the duchess¡¯ painting and left without talking about it. ¡°I cannot say that¡¯s not true. Anyway, ¡®my duchess Sophia¡¯¡­ you have quite an unusual taste.¡± That was a joke, but surprisingly, Eric nodded and agreed. ¡°My mom was just like that. She was always angry. So, that painting reminds me of her. Well, let¡¯s stop talking about boring things and go up. We should write the certificate.¡± Certificates were necessary to go back to Korea with the painting. Without it, Haejin would be arrested as an artifact smuggler and put behind bars. Eric called hiswyer. While they waited, they ate dinner cooked by Eric¡¯s personal chef. Eric suddenly recalled something and pointed at Haejin with his fork. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what I told you earlier.¡± ¡°What you told me earlier? I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Haejin blinked. Eric smiled and answered. ¡°About helping me at the auction. They will keep an eye on you from now on.¡± ¡°If you think about it, things are strange. Why did they let you reveal that the painting is fake? If they thought it was a fake, they could have canceled your bid. Or, if they weren¡¯t sure, they could have left you behind to check¡­¡± Eunhae, who had been elegantly cutting steak, tilted her head. ¡°I couldn¡¯t think about it as the situation changed fast, but now that I think about it, it is indeed strange.¡± Eric wiped his mouth with the napkin and seriously said, ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t go to the auction to win a painting. You remember that I suspected them because of the painting I bought before? In fact, I went there to see what kind of paintings woulde out this time because of it. However, there was my favorite artist¡¯s, Rembrandt, painting. So, I got excited and bid¡­¡± ¡°But it was a fake.¡± The story was quite interesting. Eunhae also wiped her mouth and focused. ¡°Yes. Anyway, I needed time to think. Ten million dors is a huge sum of money, but I wouldn¡¯t die without it. So, I went out and thought that maybe I could use this as a chance to lure them in.¡± ¡°Lure them in how?¡± ¡°It¡¯s simple. Awsuit. A big and a loud one¡­ I wondered what kind of people they were, so I wanted to drag them into the light.¡± Eunhae shook her head as if she couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°It¡¯s not like no one had ever sued them before. I know that a wealthypany owner family once sued them.¡± Eric shook his index finger at Eunhae like a hero of a movie. ¡°You don¡¯t know things well. No one ever sued them before. If there was a problem about a fake, they solved it by having a discussion. Oh, I don¡¯t know exactly what that talk was about. All I know is that¡­ the people who bought fakes neither sued them nor tried to get anypensation.¡± ¡°It makes no sense!¡± ¡°It makes sense. If they threaten me to not let me participate in the next auction, I would think about it a lot. Whether to give up ten million dors or go through awsuit that I might win or not. Ten million is big but giving up all the fantastic paintings that would be on their auctions in the future¡­ that is more painful than you think.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Eunhae could understand that. She nodded. ¡°Anyway, I made up my mind and went in making a fuss. It is important to notice that I was very loud. The eyes and mouths of the powerful people in that room were as important as the media. They, however, reacted in an unexpected way. They let me reveal the fake in front of everyone. It turned out to be a fake and I didn¡¯t lose my ten million dors, but¡­¡± ¡°You lost the pretext to sue them.¡± ¡°Yes, I got my money back, but my n failed. I think the reason they acted unusually today is you.¡± Eric looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. ¡°They changed their strategy when they realized the story of a fake went around. Anyway, what I am trying to say is this; they will certainly react. If that happens, call me. You might not be able to handle them on your own.¡± ¡°You are helping me?¡± Eric heard the doorbell ringing and stood up. ¡°Mywyer is here, and I am the one who¡¯s asking for help. My curiosity is killing me. I must find out who they are.¡± He spoke as if he wanted to find out who they were just because he was curious about it, but Haejin thought there had to be more reasons that he was not telling them. He wondered what it was, but he didn¡¯t ask. One day, Eric would tell him. The day Haejin came to Korea with the painting, he went into Byeongguk¡¯s shop. He was excited to see Sujeong and Byeongguk get surprised by the new painting he got. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here.¡± It had been a while, but Sujeong didn¡¯t even look up. Haejin carefully put down the painting and went closer. She was concentrating on a broken cdon. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Oh, this? Someone asked me to restore it¡­¡± ¡°What? It¡¯s a cdon. Where did you get it?¡± Chapter 42: Excavating and Collecting (1)

Chapter 42: Excavating and Collecting (1)

Only then did Sujeong smile and look at Haejin. ¡°Hehe¡­ my reputation has preceded me.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? You haven¡¯t even opened your shop yet, and you already got a job? Does that belong to someone you know?¡± Sujeong shook her head and sat down again. ¡°No, I heard Ms. Eunhae is going to help you build a gallery. So, I talked to her employees about this and that, I also mentioned that I was going to open a shop about restoring porcins and western painting. They then called me in less than a day.¡± ¡°They asked you to restore it?¡± Sujeong was thinking about how to restore the cdon. ¡°Yes, isn¡¯t it funny?¡± ¡°Not funny at all¡­ so? Continue.¡± ¡°They were looking for you at first. They tried to reach me through you.¡± ¡°Reach you through me?¡± As Sujeong hade to Korea only a while ago, guessing who wanted to find her wasn¡¯t hard. ¡°Yuseong Corporate Group was looking for you?¡± ¡°Yes, Chairman Song Haecheol had an employee call me. So, I told him toe here, and he brought this.¡± She picked one of the pieces, between the dozens, of the shattered cdon and studied it. ¡°He must know a lot of restorers. Why did he want you specifically?¡± ¡°Hehe¡­ he must have recognized my potentials.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Sujeong was about to boast, but soon she dropped her shoulders. ¡°Hmm¡­ I wish I could say that, but my rational guess is that you appraised fantastically back then. So, he must have thought I will restore this as well as you did.¡± ¡°But did someone smash this with a hammer? Why is this in this condition?¡± The restoration of porcins can be divided into two cases. First, putting together the pieces that had been destroyed during the excavation process. Second, porcins that were stored or exhibited in households or organizations might break because of an idental mistake and needed to be restored. However, the cdon Sujeong was looking at had been smashed into so many pieces that was hard to think that it had been excavated from a historical site. ¡°Right? They said it was smashed by mistake, but we know what really happened. A couple got angry during a fight and threw it, or a child nagged his parents for money and smashed it in rage¡­ something like that.¡± ¡°Does that happen in Europe, too?¡± Sujeong seemed to have gone through many cases like this, that made Haejin smile. ¡°Europe is not free from madmen. They are even more aggressive. Someone even murdered a person with a centuries-old sword disyed on the wall¡­¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ chairman Song has given you a hard mission. And the money?¡± ¡°I got a million won as a start. I will get fifty million more if I seed.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s a good start.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ my eyeballs will be tortured for months, but it¡¯s a good start.¡± Getting fifty million won for one job might sound like a lot, but restoring shattered porcin is harder than most would think. If you want to find out how, buy porcin, smash it with a hammer, and put the pieces together. Unless you are a holy man like Jesus and Buddha, you will definitely end up cursing. ¡°Oh, but why were you sote? Shouldn¡¯t you havee yesterday?¡± As Sujeong said, Haejin should havee yesterday, but he had to stay for one more day because of Eric Holton¡¯s hospitality. ¡°You are asking too quickly. I had a story. Anyway, stop staring at that shattered cdon ande here. You must see the painting I brought.¡± Haejin put it on the table and carefully unwrapped it. He had wrapped it in manyyers lest it gets damaged but, as he had unwrapped it once at the airport, the painting was soon revealed. ¡°Ohh¡­ this says Danwon, right?¡± ¡°Yes, it is Kim Hongdo¡¯s. Even though you don¡¯t know about eastern paintings, you have learned from your father. You can read Chinese letters.¡± ¡°Of course, but this is impressive. You brought Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting. If you have reported to the customs, there will soon be reports about it.¡± The fact that Haejin had reported the painting to the customs meant that it would be registered to the Cultural Heritage Administrations soon. A painting from Kim Hongdo that had been abroad would be quite an issue. ¡°Probably.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ I didn¡¯t get a good start. You did. You haven¡¯t opened your gallery yet, but the words will get out first. People will go to your gallery just to see Kim Hongdo¡¯s paintings. Congrattions.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a start.¡± ¡°Then, you¡¯re buying dinner today, right? Oh, dad is ying Baduk with Mr. Yoon outside. I will bring him, so watch over the shop in the meantime.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Sujeong left. Haejin then walked around and spotted the cdon pieces. He had nothing to do, so he knelt down, like Sujeong did, to look at them, and suddenly he wanted to see it¡¯s past. Haejin didn¡¯t want to see its shape before it was smashed, but he wanted to know why it had been shattered and how Yuseong got to own this cdon. It was out of mere curiosity, but he had no business to use magic today, so he used water to cast the spell. ¡°Huh?¡± Haejin eximed without realizing it. Surprisingly, Haecheol had gotten it just a while ago. ¡°Dad, look. It¡¯s Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting that Haejin has just brought.¡± ¡°Wow, you are amazing. You went to the U.S. and came back with a Kim Hongdo. I hope you haven¡¯t sold an organ or something¡­¡± ¡°Please watch over the painting. I should go.¡± Haejin interrupted Byeongguk¡¯s silly joke and left the shop. ¡°Huh? Hey! I thought you were buying dinner today!¡± ¡°Later! Just keep that painting safe!¡± Haejin hurriedly left Insadong¡¯s alley and called Section Chief Yang Jeongjin of Yuseong. He answered after a few beeps, so he probably had Haejin¡¯s number. ¡°Hello, Mr. Park Haejin.¡± ¡°Yes, hello. I have something to tell Chairman Song¡­ is it possible to meet him?¡± ¡°What?¡± Even heirs of other corporate groups wouldn¡¯t dare to meet Haecheol so urgently, and an appraiser was asking to meet him. Jeongjin was confused. Of course, Haejin had shown exceptional skills before but, to Jaeongjin, he was still an appraiser. ¡°I know it is hard. So please, tell him something. I will let him find the treasure from the coast of Sinan. Of course, if he doesn¡¯t want it, I will ask someone else. So, he doesn¡¯t have to feel bad about it. I will wait until 3 o¡¯clock.¡± ¡°3 o¡¯clock? Huh¡­ okay.¡± Jeongjin was shocked to see an appraiser asking to meet the chairman and was also setting a time limit. Haejin hung up. In less than 10 minutes, Jeongjin called. ¡°Hmm¡­ he will meet you. He has postponed a conference to meet you, so I hope it will be something meaningful.¡± ¡°It will be. I¡¯m almost there.¡± Haejin took a taxi while calling Jeongjin. He didn¡¯t even think that Haecheol would refuse. He knew how much regret Haecheol had about the treasure ship in Sinan. When Haejin arrived at the lobby, Jeongjin was waiting for him. Haejin followed him to the top floor, went past the secretaries¡¯ office, and stood in front of Haecheol¡¯s office door. ¡°Mr. Park Haejin is here.¡± ¡°Let him in.¡± A familiar voice came from the inside. It was Haecheol¡¯s that Haejin had heard at the hotel before. ¡°This ce is not a hotel. Be careful of what you say. Then¡­¡± Jeongjin warned Haejin once again and opened the door for him. The chairman¡¯s office was wide, but there was only a desk for Haecheol and luxurious sofas for the guests. ¡°Wee. You look even better than before.¡± ¡°You also look good, sir.¡± ¡°I am too old to look good¡­ don¡¯t just stand there, sit.¡± Haecheol sat and gestured to Haejin to sit next to him. Haejin sat down. Haecheol then folded his hands on his belly and asked, ¡°Actually, I am not feeling that good. I am a very busy man. If you didn¡¯t help me before, I wouldn¡¯t have thought about it¡­ but as you are the one who said that, I couldn¡¯t give up.¡± ¡°Thank you for thinking good of me.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ it doesn¡¯t mean that I think good of you. You were about to go to Lim Sungjun if I said no. I was¡­ shocked, dumbfounded¡­ I¡¯ve never seen someone who threatens me so openly.¡± ¡°I am sorry, but it wasn¡¯t a threat.¡± ¡°See? You never let a word go, and I know it is not an empty threat. That is why you are here. Now, show me your card. What kind of cards do you have for you toe here with such confidence? There can¡¯t be another treasure ship in Sinan.¡± Haejin caught his breath and got to the point. ¡°Yes. There isn¡¯t another treasure ship in Sinan.¡± Haecheol didn¡¯t even blink an eye as if he had suspected this. ¡°Then?¡± ¡°That cdon you broke, where did you get it?¡± Haecheol frowned. ¡°I got it through some personal friends¡­ you can¡¯t be threatening me by telling me it¡¯s a stolen good¡­¡± Of course not. ¡°That is not why I asked.¡± ¡°Yes, anyway, I bought it personally through an art dealer I know. Why? Is there a problem?¡± ¡°I think I know where it came from.¡± ¡°Where it came from? What do you mean?¡± ¡°It has been recovered from the bottom of the ocean. And quite recently¡­ I don¡¯t know if you know this, but there is only one ce where that is possible these days. Do you know?¡± Haecheol jumped to his feet. ¡°Taean¡­ that cdon is from the sea in Taean?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Haejin had seen the cdon¡¯s recent past through magic. It was in the deep darkness and was recovered by a. The scene of the deep ocean made feare up in his heart, but he still could feel the thrill he felt the moment it reached the surface. Fortune was with him. ¡°Then you are here for¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you want to recover the treasures from the ocean with me?¡± Chapter 43: Excavating and Collecting (2)

Chapter 43: Excavating and Collecting (2)

Haecheol thought about it. Then he sat down again, closed one eye and asked, ¡°But how did you find out it had been under the ocean?¡± ¡°Sujeong¡­ I mean, when you asked my friend to restore the cdon, she did aponent analysis. She then found out that part of the cdon had been processed with hydrochloric acid.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know if Sujeong had such equipment, but Haecheol had no choice but to believe it. ¡°Hydrochloric acid?¡± ¡°Yes. In time, ms and shells attach themselves to the porcins underwater. So, it should be melted with hydrochloric acid, and ultrasonic waves are used to remove the filth. Then, the porcin should be cleaned because of the microorganisms and pollutants, and it recovers its original hue.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± ¡°So, artifacts recovered from the ocean have the remains of all kinds of chemicals. It is easy to find out.¡± ¡°Fine, let¡¯s say that cdon is from the shore of Taean. How are you going to find the location? Can you find it?¡± In fact, that was the most important part. Haejin had to make Haecheol believe him or his ns would be in vain. ¡°I already have a few guesses.¡± ¡°You know the location? How?¡± ¡°I had some interest in the Goryeo cdons that were found in Taean in 2007. At the time, some 12 th century cdons were recovered, and people said there were about fifty thousand high-quality cdons that used to belong to the nobles of Goryeo. So, I started to find the excavation points.¡± Finding half of them would be enough to fill his new gallery with cdons. ¡°So, you found it?¡± ¡°I have narrowed my guesses to three spots. Here, here, and here.¡± Haejin pointed three spots on the map in his smartphone. One of the spots was true, but he just picked the other two spots randomly. However, as the ships went to and fro between China and Japan mainly went through that area, there were many wrecked ships underwater, so any spot looked reasonable. ¡°What if there¡¯s nothing?¡± Haecheol was right to ask that. Recovering artifacts from the ocean would cost a lot, so he had to be careful. ¡°Why don¡¯t we decide this first? If we find artifacts in the coastal waters of Taean and get them sessfully, how about 5:5? Half to the Haevici Gallery, and half to my gallery.¡± ¡°You are going to build a private gallery? That is a huge ambition. Well, anyway¡­ 5:5? When we are using my money?¡± ¡°I, however, know the location. Well, if you think you can do it alone without me, you can always work on your own.¡± Haecheol thought about it and spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll ask again. What if we find nothing?¡± ¡°If we agree on 5:5 and nothinges out, I will pay half the costs. I will pay back no matter how long it takes, so you won¡¯t have to worry about it.¡± ¡°That is what people always say when they borrow money¡­¡± Haecheol muttered to himself and thought about it. Then, he stood up. ¡°Okay. I will think about it.¡± Businessmen never make this kind of decisions in a moment. They tell their answer after countless meetings, and that answer always prioritized their benefits, sometimes they would even backstab you. ¡°Okay. I will wait until tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Tomorrow morning? Isn¡¯t that too early?¡± Unlike the surprised Haecheol, Haejin stood up and was about to finish the meeting. ¡°Even if we had made good deals before, we cannot trust each other about business yet. If I cannot make a deal with you, I should find someone else.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ you have anyone to turn to?¡± ¡°I will talk to others and, if that doesn¡¯t work, I am going to work with my uncle. Even though it may not be enough. As he has saved quite a lot of money, we should be able to work for a short while.¡± Excavating underwater cost much more because it takes so long. If Haejin could finish the excavation that would take more than a year in three months, he could save a lot of money. ¡°Khmm¡­ anyway, you will get my answer tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Then, I will wait. I hope to get a good result. Then¡­¡± Haejin was sure he had won Haecheol over. His eyes were shaking. No man would be able to refuse a treasure ship. As he had expected, Jeongjin called him when he left his home early in the morning. He wanted to talk about the official contract for the excavation. Haejin said he would go in the afternoon and went to Saeyeon Gallery. It was about his gallery. Eunhae was grinning widely when she greeted Haejin. ¡°You¡¯re here! Please, sit.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you proceeding too fast? I saw the ad about Renoir at the entrance.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I have to promote early to lure in the reporters. You¡¯re here because of your gallery, right? My employee has found a good ce nearby. It is about 230 square meters wide, but as the building is old and the location is a little deste, it is cheap.¡± ¡°Thank you, and have you found a good curator?¡± ¡°Yes, she is a junior of my curator. She is smart and talented. The only reason she hasn¡¯t been hired by a big gallery is that she doesn¡¯t have many friends. I told her about the gallery you are about to build, she said that she would be willing to join you. If you want, I will set up an interview right away.¡± ¡°And the excavation team?¡± ¡°Getting a job is difficult these days. So, I gathered a group of people who have studied in the best universities but haven¡¯t been hired yet. Oh, but there¡¯s no director with a lot of experience, so you will have to go through some trouble during the first few times.¡± ¡°Good, thank you.¡± ¡°You should thank our employees. I went to the U.S with you, but you are making an excavation team because you n to start working immediately after you build the gallery?¡± ¡°Yes, I will start as soon as I get the permission from the authorities.¡± Haejin had asked Haecheol instead of Eunhae not because she didn¡¯t have the money. Of course, she was not as rich as Haecheol, but¡­ The most important reason was that even though Haejin didn¡¯t know whether Eunhae knew or not, he was suspecting Korean artifacts were being exported through Saeyeon Gallery, so he could not excavate with her. ¡°Have you found a site?¡± Her eyes sparkled. Of course, she was curious. ¡°Yes, thankfully¡­¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I guess it¡¯s a secret. Okay, I won¡¯t ask. You have helped me enough, anyway. The board is greatly surprised by the result of our trip to the U.S. I had spent so little for a Renoir that they are now looking at me differently.¡± Eunhae seemed to be satisfied enough about bringing a Renoir to Saeyeon Gallery. ¡°Congrattions. Then, you won¡¯t have to trouble yourself with that guy anymore.¡± Haejin was talking about Lee Jongmyeong. Eunhae had gotten engaged to him to protect her gallery but, in time, it became a bad decision and almost hurt her badly. ¡°This is why both men and women should meet good spouses. I almost lost this position because of a momentary mistake¡­ thank God it didn¡¯t happen. Shall we leave now? You should sign the contract for the lease yourself.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin followed Curator Jeong Mina of Saeyon Gallery to the ce that would be his gallery. He liked it more than he had thought. The building was old, but the red brick exterior was beautiful. He signed the contract with its owner, met the interior designer and agreed to start the construction immediately. Next, he met the management consultant, that Eunhae introduced to him, to talk about the business ns. He worked hard without having the time to eat lunch and headed to Yuseong for the deal of the excavation, but then he got a call. ¡°Huh?¡± Surprisingly, it was Captain Hwang, the construction worker with which Haejin used to work together. He thought Hwang would never see him again, so what was this about? ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Haejin? It¡¯s me, Hwang.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. How have you been?¡± ¡°As usual¡­ I am sorry about thest time. There was a misunderstanding.¡± It was a huge misunderstanding, but it was about Yang Sangman, the building¡¯s owner. Hwang was only a helper, so Haejin had no reason to hate him. ¡°It¡¯s in the past. Plus, I got those porcins at an extremely low price¡­¡± ¡°I know. You remember Cheonjiin Appraising Agency? They came to Mr. Yang and confessed there had been a problem with the appraisal.¡± ¡°So?¡± They probably got scared after confessing the truth to Haejin. ¡°So, things went really crazy. Mr. Yang said he had to get those porcins back from you, crying and yelling but, as you had written that contract, there was nothing he could do about it. Then, he got ill for a few days and got up only a while ago.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a shame, but there¡¯s nothing that can be done¡­¡± ¡°Yes, there¡¯s nothing that can be done. Anyway, that is not why I called¡­ actually, a rtive of mine is building a new house and he found an artifact buried in the ground. I told him he should go to Insadong, but I told him about Mr. Yang before. So, he is scared of getting fooled in Insadong and wants to have it appraised by you.¡± ¡°What is it? Is it a buddha? Or porcin.¡± ¡°Porcin, porcin. White porcin. Simr to the things you have bought from Mr. Yang.¡± ¡°Really? Okay. Send me the text, but you should tell him that I take a fee.¡± ¡°Yes, of course. I already did. Then, when will youe?¡± ¡°I will leave Seoul before evening.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Okay. I will tell him so.¡± Haejin was not curious about the porcin. He was thinking that he might be able to find another historical site other than Taean. He didn¡¯t mention the 1% appraising fee because although he thought he should receive a lot from the wealthy people, he didn¡¯t want to demand so much from ordinary citizens. He went into Yuseong, negotiated about the details of the deal, agreed to start the excavation next week and left. The address was Pocheon, Gyeonggido. As it was far, when he arrived, it was 8 p.m. The sun had set. It was a deste site for a country house. Materials for construction were on one side. The workers had all left, and a man in his 40s saw Haejin¡¯s car and reached him in a hurry. He was small but, judging from his dark sunburn skin and wrinkles, he had worked hard on something like farming for a long time. ¡°Oh, are you the appraiser, Park Haejin?¡± ¡°Yes, I thought you would call me to your home, but this is the site.¡± ¡°I was worried that I might make a mistake if I touched it, so I left it where it was found yesterday. My family is guarding it in turns.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see it first.¡± Haejin wanted to skip the unnecessary stories and get to the point. He was famished as he didn¡¯t eat anything the whole day. ¡°This way, please.¡± Although the man was much older, he politely bowed to Haejin and walked in front of him. He took Haejin to the north corner of the construction site. Haejin spotted a white porcin that was lying on the ground. Half of it was still buried. There was a lot of dirt on it, but guessing its original shape wasn¡¯t easy. ¡°This is it¡­¡± They dug half of it and called someone because they thought they couldn¡¯t do more, and Haejin thought that was great. Making a mistake while digging and damaging the porcin would be a great loss. ¡°Wow¡­ you are lucky.¡± It was a Moon Porcin, about 40cm tall. The clean milky-white porcin without any pattern was simple but touching. It was a great artifact that had the unique spirit of Joseon White Porcin. ¡°Am, am I? Is it good?¡± ¡°Yes. If you clean it, it will show its true self.¡± ¡°Haha, that¡¯s good.¡± However, Haejin suddenly thought something was wrong. He didn¡¯t know exactly what, but he was getting a bad feeling about it. Strangely, the man was looking at Haejin instead of the porcin, although he clearly looked delighted. It was clearly strange. Haejin applied some saliva on his finger and used magic. It was to see how the porcin ended up there, and¡­ ¡°You have won a fortune.¡± ¡°Haha, thank you.¡± Surprisingly, that porcin had been imnted on the ground by the man. He also had an aplice¡­ Chapter 44: Excavating and Collecting (3)

Chapter 44: Excavating and Collecting (3)

It had been made about five years ago. It had also been buried about two years ago¡­ it wasn¡¯t made in Korea but hade from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province of China. It was a great forgery that impressed Haejin. Antique forging techniques from China were great, they were the top of the world. Counting only porcins, more than 60% of the 1,400,000 people in Jingdezhen works in the porcin industry. More than ten thousand porcins are made every year and the revenue is over a hundred million dors, but what is important is that 80% of them are fake. Everyone, including gallery owners, middlemen, the police, and the locals agree with these statistics, and some even say it is 95%. ¡°And there, too¡­¡± The man pointed at the west corner of the site. Haejin looked there, and he saw another porcin poking out of the ground. ¡°How many have you found?¡± ¡°There are two more.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ sir, your ancestors must be helping you. He must have buried them in a good spot.¡± ¡°Haha, yes. It¡¯s all thanks to my ancestors. But how much will they be?¡± ¡°Well, this Moon Porcin is almost good enough to be a national treasure, so it can be sold at a considerable price.¡± ¡°When was it made?¡± ¡°I think around the 18 th century. It was probably made in Saongwon of Gwangju, Gyeonggido.¡± Haejin pretended to know nothing. He didn¡¯t know whether the man was simply trying to con him or had another purpose. ¡°I was just building a house, and this happened¡­ I still cannot believe it.¡± Haejin could not stand it more as he knew he was lying. ¡°Then I should go¡­¡± ¡°What? Oh please, join me for dinner. And here¡­¡± He took out an envelope and gave it to Haejin. It was probably his fee, but Haejin didn¡¯t know if he should take it or not. The man had clearly called Haejin for a purpose¡­ should he eat together and see how he would react? Or should he just ignore it? ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°There is a nice duck barbeque ce nearby. Please, follow me.¡± He got in his car and gestured to Haejin to follow him. If Haejin didn¡¯t have his magic, he would have been delighted to follow him. However, as he had seen the man¡¯s dark intentions through magic, he could not do such a foolish thing. When they arrived at the restaurant, the man¡¯s wife and children were waiting for them. Haejin awkwardly said hello and sat down. Then, the man asked him, ¡°Actually, as you have seen, it isn¡¯t enough to be a historical site. There are only a few porcins¡­¡± Haejin knew why he was saying that, but he pretended he didn¡¯t know. ¡°You should do some research, that will tell you.¡± ¡°Haha, I¡¯ve already heard you bought some porcins that came out from a construction site¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I did. However, now is different from back then¡­¡± ¡°Please, I will sell them to you at a low price. If you don¡¯t want it, I am willing to sell them to someone who¡¯s willing to buy them¡­ how about that?¡± How about what¡­ the man was clearly trying to con Haejin so, of course, he didn¡¯t feel good. However, he decided to y along with him. ¡°Really? Then, at how much will you sell them?¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know much¡­ but I heard that the Moon Porcin alone is worth more than a billion. Is that true?¡± Look at that! He wasn¡¯t thinking to get some allowance. Well, bringing that kind of fake would have cost a lot. ¡°It is possible.¡± ¡°So, I am thinking 1.5 billion for all four.¡± Haejin was so shocked that he couldn¡¯t evenugh but, actually, if those porcins had been real, that would not have been a bad price. ¡°Hmm, 1.5 billion¡­ not bad.¡± ¡°Right? Hahaha! I don¡¯t know much, but I do know that is not that expensive.¡± Although he kept saying he didn¡¯t know much, but the price he spoke of was not a price someone who knew nothing could say at all. ¡°Getting too greedy would make it hard to sell.¡± ¡°Yes. So, I don¡¯t want much. I just want my family to not starve.¡± Not starve with 1.5 billion¡­ what kind of nonsense was that?¡± ¡°Of course. Then, I will try to find someone who¡¯s willing to buy the four white porcins at 1.5 billion. Send me some photos.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve taken some during the day. I will send them right away but, if you buy them, it will be much simpler, hahaha!¡± ¡°I wish I had that kind of money.¡± ¡°Why? You have a good car¡­ I guess you must have earned a lot.¡± Haejin was just over thirty now, so most people would think his ¡®good¡¯ car was from his dad or he was just too poor to afford a really good car. However, the man was speaking as if he knew that Haejin had lots of money. That was strange. ¡°Do I look that way? Thank you for thinking that I am rich but, in fact, I am just an appraiser.¡± ¡°Nay¡­ you don¡¯t look that way¡­ well, if you don¡¯t have the money, I have no choice.¡± Haejin thought that maybe¡­ he was not just trying to fraud him. What if Haejin was the target of this scheme? If he was, then how did they recruit Hwang? They had to know the rtionship between him and Hwang¡­ who had such money and power? And who was the man in the ck suit who was watching from the side when the porcin was buried? Haejin had only seen the owner of the porcin through magic, so he couldn¡¯t figure out the man behind him. He couldn¡¯t find out more until dinner was finished. Then, he returned with doubts and guesses. The next day, he met and had lunch with the future employees of his gallery at a restaurant in Jongro. ¡°Nice to meet you, everyone. I am Park Haejin, owner of Park Haejin Gallery. The gallery is under construction, but it will be opened officially next month. Firstly, who is the curator?¡± ¡°Hello. I am Curator Lee Jisu.¡± A woman in her 20s stood up. She was not extremely beautiful, but her eyes were clear and looked nice. ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. Director Lim Eunhae said you are very talented. I have high hopes for you.¡± She smiled awkwardly and bowed. ¡°No, but I will do my best to let everyone know that there is a Park Haejin Gallery in Jongro.¡± That was quite an impressive ambition, but that part was Haejin¡¯s job. ¡°Haha, by next month, every Korean will get to know Park Haejin Gallery even if you do nothing.¡± ¡°What? How¡­¡± ¡°The excavation team will start working next week. Curator Lee Jisu, you should be at the gallery but, this time, I want you toe to the site with us and help.¡± A young man raised his hand. He had countless pimples on his face, but the eyes behind his sses were full of passion. ¡°Where is the site?¡± ¡°We are going to Taean. When we are there, you won¡¯t have to dig and use brushes.¡± ¡°Huh? Then what will we do?¡± ¡°You will be busy restoring the porcins from the ocean.¡± At that moment, silence fell. Recovering artifacts from the ocean meant Haejin had found an underwater treasure. ¡°Really? Have you checked the location?¡± Jisu asked with excitement. ¡°We and Yuseong Group will work together starting next week, so you should get some rest in advance. Once the porcins start toe up, there will be no time to sleep.¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± They had been given a huge workload, but they looked at one another in excitement. Underwater excavation would give them important experience and knowledge to those who dream to be archaeologists. They talked about the schedule and ns for the gallery. Then, Haejin returned to the shop. Byeongguk greeted him with a sad face. ¡°Aren¡¯t you way too busy these days? I will spend the rest of my days ying Baduk. I am so bored.¡± Byeongguk had lived a life full of thrills like smuggling and illegal excavating, and now living as a good citizen was boring for him. ¡°Where¡¯s Sujeong?¡± ¡°She¡¯s putting back that porcin together with the glue. I tried to help, but she got mad at me.¡± There had to be a reason for that. ¡°You made a mistake, didn¡¯t you? That¡¯s a very delicate process¡­ not anyone can do such a thing.¡± ¡°I was trying to help. If I made a mistake, she can do it again. How could she scold her dad?¡± ¡°However, a mistake will leave a glue mark. She would have to erase that and work again, so she is right to be irritated. Anyway, don¡¯t touch her while she is working and y with me instead.¡± Byeongguk¡¯s eyes brightened at this. ¡°What? What is it? Are you selling? Or Buying? Or putting someone through some troubles?¡± ¡°¡­ You are never going to be a normal guy.¡± ¡°I think of myself very normal. Although you wouldn¡¯t understand that¡­ anyway, what is it?¡± Byeongguk was like a child. Haejin smiled. ¡°There is a construction worker captain I used to work together, and his rtive found porcins while building a new house. So, I went there, and there was this Moon Porcin good enough to be a national treasure.¡± ¡°Uuh? Really? His ancestors must have helped him.¡± ¡°Yes, if it were real.¡± Byeongguk was certainly different from others. His eyes sparkled even more when hearing that it wasn¡¯t real. ¡°It¡¯s fake? So?¡± ¡°I pretended to not know, but¡­ I think I am the target.¡± ¡°What? He¡¯s trying to con you? Hahaha! That¡¯s a funny guy.¡± Byeonggukughed. ¡°We cannotugh at him because the porcin has great quality. I was momentarily fooled by it.¡± ¡°Really? That good?¡± Only then did Byeongguk turn serious. He realized it was not a thing tough about. ¡°It is from Jingdezhen, China¡­ and it has great quality. They recreated Joseon White Porcin almost perfectly. They probably analyzed the soil used at Saongwon of Gwangju, Gyeonggido, to make that porcin. They must have mixed the right elements. They are not ordinary frauds.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know much, but you¡¯re saying they have made a great forgery, right?¡± ¡°Yes. In conclusion, it is something great enough to fool most experts. It has also been buried for at least two years.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ so, someone bought it and buried it for two years? I am confident that it is not an individual. It is hard for an individual to be that patient.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why it is strange. Clearly, a group is trying to con me¡­ is it him?¡± Byeongguk smiled and nodded. ¡°The person I thought about. I guess you recalled him as well?¡± ¡°Probably.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ it has to be him. A person who has lost four billion can pull off this kind of scheme.¡± ¡°Right? Ando Hadake can¡­¡± Chapter 45: Excavating and Collecting (4)

Chapter 45: Excavating and Collecting (4)

Residential slum area in the suburb of Gyeonggido. Between the old houses that were in the high ground, a man in his 20s was going up with a ck cat in his arms. He didn¡¯t like the hair sticking to his cheek because of the sweat and kept cursing. ¡°xx¡­ he had to live in this ce. Enko, do we have to climb more?¡± He asked the ck cat. Enko jumped off with a ¡®meow¡¯ and started to walk in front of him. ¡°I am tired, so let¡¯s go slowly. Okay?¡± Surprisingly, the cat waved its tail and walked slowly as if it understood. The man moved. About a whileter, the cat stopped and stared at the entrance of a house. The blue iron gate was old. The painting was worn out by more than half and the walls had various scribbles from children. ¡°This is it?¡± The cat tilted its head and went in. The man pushed open the gate and followed the cat. He frowned to see the scattered kitchen utensils while opening the door of the kitchen. ¡°What? No one¡¯s here?¡± The cat meowed at the sky as if it understood him. It went to a corner of the yard and started to smell. There were excrements of animals and trash. The cat put its nose toward a part of it and started to dig. The cat was acting strangely, so the man just looked at it. About 10 minutester, something ck was revealed. ¡°Stop!¡± At this, the cat stopped and jumped into the man¡¯s arms. He hugged the cat, knelt down, and went through that ck stuff for a long time. Then, he moaned and took out his phone. ¡°I found the Holy Book¡­¡± He was speaking in Chinese. He spoke seriously. ¡°But it has been burnt. Yes, I will send the remains via airmail. I¡¯ll need more men. Yes, I understand.¡± The man hung up and stood up. His hardened face and sharp gaze made it clear he was extremely angry. ¡°How dare you destroy the Holy Book¡­¡± He took the cat and quietly left. Byeongguk poured Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) in his cup and spoke. ¡°My instinct says it¡¯s Ando Hadake, but it might not be him.¡± ¡°But it might be him. No, I think it is him. I cannot think of anyone else.¡± After realizing Ando Hadake was after him, Haejin could not just go home, so he took Byeongguk and went to drink Makgeolli. ¡°There is a huge possibility.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ I think it is natural for him toe after me. He¡¯s lost four billion¡­ but how was that porcin buried underground for two years?¡± Byeongguk stopped drinking Makgeolli and asked, ¡°And how did you know that it had been underground for two years?¡± Haejin flinched, but he tried his best to act naturally. ¡°The soil on the surface of the porcin was not too old, but not too recent, either. Enough to fool a non-expert.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you certainly have keen eyes. Anyway, two years¡­ then it might have been a while since Ando Hadake expanded his business to Korea.¡± ¡°It can be. Funnily, they value Korean artifacts more than Japanese artifacts.¡± ¡°Right? If you think about it, you cannot be the only one Ando Hadake wants to fool. It¡¯s also not just him. There are many who wants to rip people off with fake artifacts. I think Ando Hadake had nned to fool someone else but changed his target to you because of what you did.¡± That made sense. Ando Hadake had lost four billion, and the easiest way to get that money back was to con Haejin in return. ¡°Then, how did he get the info about me? And he dragged in none other than Hwang¡­¡± ¡°I think all the info about you is in his hands by now. Yang Sojin is probably in it as well since you fooled her¡­ and that Hwang must have joined in that process. I am sure Hwang and the owner of that porcin have nothing to do with each other.¡± If this was true, then Ando Hadake had great power¡­ Haejin thought he might send the yakuza after him. Byeongguk read it on his face and smiled. ¡°Are you worrying about the yakuza?¡± ¡°With that kind of power, I should worry about them.¡± Even with magic, facing yakuza who shot from afar would be dangerous. ¡°If the yakuza had that kind of ability, they would be working openly in Korea by now. There are things they can do and things they cannot do, even if he has lost a huge amount of money. I don¡¯t think you have to worry about that.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin drank Makgeolli and leaned toward Byeongguk. ¡°Byeongguk, how about this?¡± ¡°Huh? What?¡± An idea had shed through Haejin¡¯s mind. ¡°If Ando Hadake is trying to get that four billion back, I can just pretend to get fooled and pass it to someone else.¡± ¡°Pass it? To whom?¡± ¡°Who is the person who would be the most delighted if that Moon Porcin is real?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Byeongguk thought about it and widened his eyes. ¡°Mizno Toru¡­ if he hears about it, he will certainly try to buy it. He is still mad about the Joseon White Porcins. He has stolen countless buddhas and white porcins from this country, so he won¡¯t let go of a chance to get it.¡± ¡°So, we let him know about this and make him buy it at 1.5 billion¡­¡± Byeongguk drank Makgeolli and nodded. ¡°Good, good. I happen to know a friend who is close to the executive director of Misaru Electronics¡¯ Korean branch. Well, he was a grave robber who used to sell to that director¡­ but anyway, if he hears about this, he will bring him.¡± ¡°I hope he¡¯s not Japanese. Ando Hadake¡¯s man won¡¯t sell that porcin if the buyer is a Japanese.¡± ¡°No, even Maisaru Electronics can¡¯t smuggle artifacts openly. They have Koreans that they use as ¡®faces¡¯ for this kind of business. Don¡¯t worry.¡± A few dayster, the owner of the porcin called. He was asking if Haejin had found a buyer, and he implied that if he didn¡¯t, he should buy it himself. ¡°I have found someone. He is very important to me and works for someone who has great influence in this country.¡± ¡°Someone important?¡± ¡°Someone with great power. This cannot go wrong, so if you try to fiddle with the price at the meeting, I would be in huge trouble. You understand?¡± ¡°Oh, of course. It won¡¯t happen.¡± He must have thought that kind of person was worth selling the porcin, even though Haejin wasn¡¯t buying himself. Maybe he was content because Haejin would lose a lot when the porcin turns out to be a faketer. They set an appointment and Haejin went to Insadong. ¡°Did he call?¡± Sujeong was still locked up in the restoration room. Byeongguk smiled and greeted him. ¡°Yes, he asked me if I have found a buyer. I got an appointment first. What about you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you. Let¡¯s see¡­ wait for a moment.¡± Byeongguk picked up his phone, looked for the number and called someone. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me. You remember what I told you about two days ago? Yes, the Moon White Porcin. Yes. Do you want to see it? Of course, you should bring an appraiser. Don¡¯t you know that not getting a proper appraisal can put us behind bars these days? Okay then, I will send you the address. Bring your appraiser. Okay then, see youter.¡± Byeongguk hung up and smiled. ¡°I casted the bait. He is bringing an appraiser from Insadong. It is good enough to fool a real appraiser, right? If it turns out to be fake on the spot, I won¡¯t be able to walk around in Insadong.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t worry. No appraiser can easily conclude that it is fake.¡± ¡°Okay, then let¡¯s eat something. We have enough time.¡± They had a meal and went to where the porcin was. On the way, Byeongguk made calls to check the situation, he looked like an office worker. ¡°I think you would have been a good office worker.¡± ¡°Hey, how can I be an office worker when I have learned so little? At my time, only kids of the wealthy families learned.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like you are my father¡¯s peer. You were born in 1962. You are much younger than my father. I heard that it happened during my father¡¯s time, but¡­¡± ¡°No, my father made me be a farmer because he thought I was stupid. I couldn¡¯t stand it, so I ran away. I tried to make some money and ended up bing a grave robber. I didn¡¯t want my kid to be like that, so I let her study abroad¡­ at least I didn¡¯t get crazy about money thanks to your father. If it hadn¡¯t for him, I would have sold anything including Korean artifacts to earn money. Hu¡­ no one knew he would leave us so soon.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Anyway, do well today. I¡¯ve done this many times but, honestly, I¡¯m worried about you.¡± ¡°You can trust me.¡± After more driving, they arrived at the site. The owner ran out to greet them. There was a middle-aged woman next to him, probably his wife. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here! And this is¡­¡± He looked at Byeongguk. ¡°Oh, he will help me. The buyer will be here soon¡­ oh, there hees.¡± A luxurious car came in. Byeongguk waved his hand at it. ¡°Here! Here!¡± ¡°They are¡­¡± Byeongguk hastily answered and ran to the car as it parked. ¡°The man who will buy the porcin.¡± The man who got out of the back seat was a big man in his 40s. He was more than 180cm tall and had broad shoulders. He looked like the boss of a gang. ¡°Hello. I am the Executive Director Gang Changgyu of Haeju.¡± The owner shook hands with him in confusion. The following process was boringly simple. Changgyu¡¯s appraiser appraised for more than two hours but concluded that it was real. 1.5 billion was given to the owner and the porcin was quickly packed. When the car left with it, the wife of the owner left with the money. The owner said it had been a good deal and offered them to have dinner together. There was no reason to refuse, so they ate and drank till early in the morning. They went to karaoke as their fourth ce. The owner sang for a long time and suddenly asked with a red face. ¡°The man I saw earlier who worked for a politician had a different aura. His force was overwhelming.¡± ¡°He is not a politician but someone who has a big influence on politics.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ a businessman who can influence the politics?¡± ¡°Yes, you are smart.¡± ¡°Then, who is he?¡± ¡°He is not a Korean but a Japanese. He has great power in the political world.¡± ¡°A Japanese?¡± ¡°Do you know of Mizno Toru?¡± At that moment, the porcin owner¡¯s face turned pale. Chapter 46: Excavating and Collecting (5)

Chapter 46: Excavating and Collecting (5)

¡°What do you mean? The man we met works for Mizno Toru?¡± ¡°Yes, he works for Mizno Toru. He is quite an important person.¡± Hup¡­ The man started to hup. He gulped down some cold water and urgently stood up. ¡°I am sorry, but I have to go.¡± ¡°Oh, it iste, right? Thank you for the good deal.¡± ¡°I should be the one thanking you.¡± He quickly put on his jacket and left in a hurry. He couldn¡¯t drive as he was drunk, so he called the chauffeur. When the chauffeur was beingte, he ditched his own car and left in a taxi. Byeonggukughed at seeing that. ¡°Hahaha! He is in big trouble now.¡± ¡°Yes. Now all that is left is to wait for the two of them to fight.¡± ¡°However, a fake that delicate is hard to prove as a fake¡­ what if they never get to prove it until we die?¡± Byeongguk¡¯s worry made sense. However, judging from the past Haejin had seen through magic, they hadn¡¯t done that much. ¡°If Mizno Toru sends a piece of the porcin to Oxford, Ennd, the result will prove it. I think they haven¡¯t pulled any tricks good enough to fool TL (thermoluminescent) sensors.¡± ¡°Oh, really? That¡¯s good¡­¡± Examining with eyes can never tell if the porcin can fool TL sensors or not. However, Byeongguk didn¡¯t know that much. Haejin said so and he just bought it. ¡°So, you must do something more.¡± ¡°What? You need a rumor about the porcin being fake?¡± Byeongguk already knew what to do. ¡°Yes, it should have arrived at Busan Port by now, and it will be in Japan by tomorrow morning. Spread the rumor after that. That the Moon Porcin he bought is a fake.¡± ¡°That is easy. He will be outraged.¡± ¡°And you should add one more thing.¡± ¡°That it was Ando Hadake¡­¡± They were almost reading each other¡¯s mind. ¡°But, won¡¯t there be a problem? I mean, you were in the middle of the deal.¡± Haejin smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t even know the guy who bought that porcin and never contacted him. It¡¯s not like I guaranteed its authenticity. You were in the middle. If something happens, it will happen to you, so¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Byeongguk got mad. ¡°Haha, I was joking. He knew what kind of man you are, so he brought his own appraiser.¡± Haejin had lit the fire between Ando Hadake and Mizno Toru, but he had a lot more things to do. The thing he cared about the most was learning scuba diving. Pointing the spot to excavate was not hard, but to recover the artifacts at once, he had to tell the exact location to the workers. He was confident about diving as he had the magic that would allow him to hold his breath for a long time but, to his surprise, diving was not just about holding your breath for long. It required considerable strength, patience, and mental power so, except for the time he worked on excavation ns with Yuseong, he put all his efforts into learning scuba diving. A few dayster, before the first diving session in the sea of Taean, Byeongguk hurriedly came into the new gallery where the interior construction was getting the final touch. He looked urgent. ¡°Have you heard the news?¡± ¡°You are the only source of news I have. Oh, I have entrusted a white porcin to an auction, and it will be on the preview next week. Do you want to see it?¡± ¡°Why should I look at your porcin. Go with my Sujeong.¡± ¡°Then, I should go with her, unless she is not too busy. But, what is all the fuss?¡± ¡°Minzo Toru found out that the porcin is fake.¡± ¡°What? Already? He shouldn¡¯t have had enough time to send a piece to Ennd¡­¡± Haejin had thought it would take some time for Byeongguk¡¯s rumor to work. It was a fake of high-quality, so some evidence was needed to conclude it as a fake. ¡°There was someone who knew that porcin.¡± ¡°What? What is that about?¡± ¡°It turns out that the man who brought that porcin to Korea knows Mizno Toru. So, after Mizno Toru bought it, he told him it was the porcin he had set in Korea. They have great trust between them, so Mizno got mad without sending it to Ennd.¡± ¡°So? Him getting mad cannot be the end.¡± ¡°As the man who brought that porcin is close to Mizno Toru, he already knows that Ando Hadake is behind all that without me spreading any rumor. Things are tense between Osaka and Tokyo now.¡± ¡°Tokyo must be Ando Hadake¡¯s territory¡­ I guess Osaka is Mizno Toru¡¯s?¡± ¡°Yes. Artifacts smuggling involves huge money. Of course, the yakuza is in it. No, strictly speaking, both Ando Hadake and Mizno Toru are yakuza bosses. Mizno Toru may look like a normal businessman, but it doesn¡¯t change the fact that he is a smuggler and grave robber.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ then my n worked well.¡± ¡°Yes, but there¡¯s a problem.¡± ¡°Huh? What problem in this great situation?¡± ¡°Ando Hadake is about to send someone in Korea.¡± Haejin was surprised to hear this, not because Ando Hadake was sending someone but because Byeongguk knew about it. ¡°Wow¡­ how did you find that out?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ I am not the FBI or something. He contacted me. He wants to meet you.¡± ¡°Me? What does he want?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. He must have gotten info about me from Mizno Toru. He is trying to reach you through me, so he already knows about us.¡± If Ando Hadake had that much of information, then avoiding him wasn¡¯t the answer. Haejin had to meet him and find out what he would say. ¡°Okay. Tell him I will meet him. Actually, I¡¯ve been thinking I would get to meet him one day, ever since he tried to con me.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll really meet him?¡± ¡°Yes. However, tell him toe after my uing excavation as I am busy now. Let¡¯s hear what he has to say.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ are you bold? Or are you stupid?¡± ¡°You told me before that he won¡¯te after me with guns¡­ that¡¯s enough. If it¡¯s not a gunfight, well¡­¡± Haejin smiled. ¡°Anyway, I believed that the porcin was real and couldn¡¯t buy it because I had spent all the money I had on setting my gallery. So, I introduced a buyer, I have nothing to be responsible of. Nothing to go wrong.¡± Haejin was so calm. Byeongguk stared at him, shook his head and turned around. ¡°Well, there is nothing he can use you of. Then, I will tell him so. And don¡¯t forget you are going to auction with Sujeong next week.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ why are you so worried? Stop caring about your mature daughter.¡± ¡°I am caring because she is mature. The interior is also not good. Too old. Khmm¡­ I¡¯m going.¡± Haejin knew Byeongguk said that to just make a remark, so he didn¡¯t bother to argue and said goodbye. Then, he worked with the interior worker next to him. ¡°Bye. We will use the white lights from here to there, so please make it a little darker. And please move that to the left a little¡­¡± The next day, 9 a.m., in the coastal water of Sinan. ¡°Are you ready?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin was wearing a diving suit and some equipment. He raised his thumb. The others seemed to worry a lot about letting a non-expert dive, but Haejin didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Although you have learned scuba diving for a short time, this area is not as calm as the other seas. If you think it¡¯s dangerous, you shoulde up immediately.¡± A diver, who used to be in special forces, was worried. However, Haejin smiled and patted his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You are going to help me, right?¡± ¡°Yes but, as the sea is dark, even if I am at your side, I might lose you. Safety first, safety second. Okay?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin braced himself with the trained diver like that. Then, someone talked to him from the side. ¡°I have trust in you.¡± ¡°Yes, I will finish it in one dive, so you won¡¯t have to be worried about the money you spent.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ are you going to make me a cold-blooded man who only worries about money in front of the men¡¯s lives?¡± Haecheol frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. Oh, as I am about to go in, please give me a bonus. So that I would be encouraged.¡± ¡°I thought you could encourage yourself without me.¡± ¡°Yes but, getting something will make me feel different. You know¡­ a bonus is as important as the sry to the employees. Especially to salespeople. To them, an incentive is the start and the end.¡± ¡°You always talk too well. Then, what do you want to have?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ I don¡¯t want money. Please let me have the first porcin I recover today.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ what kind of confidence is that? Okay, if youe back without dying and get me the excavation point, I can do that for you. Juste back safely.¡± ¡°You promised.¡± As soon as Haejin finished speaking, he fell back and dived. The trained went in with him. From then on, the people who were waiting started to feel nervous. ¡°How is the current?¡± ¡°Calm. It will stay that way for about two hours.¡± ¡°What if the current gets fast?¡± Haecheol was worried. The captain for the shipughed like a seaman. ¡°The sea is this calm only a few times a year. Both you and that bold young man are very lucky, sir!¡± The captain yelled while Haecheol smiled. ¡°Even the most talented person cannotpete with the luck of this fellow. Show me how fortunate you are.¡± His wish was answered. About ten minutester, a head came out of the water. ¡°Puahh!¡± Haecheol realized it was Haejin and yelled. ¡°Well? Have you found it?¡± ¡°The point? I found it!¡± At that moment, dozens of people, who had been waiting on the ship, all eximed. ¡°Hurray!¡± ¡°He found it!¡± ¡°He found the treasure ship!¡± Unlike them, Haecheol looked at Haejin¡¯s face and knew he had something more to say. ¡°And?¡± ¡°You cannot break your promise.¡± Haejin slowly approached the ship and went abroad with the help of the people. There was a huge water bottle in the he was carrying. ¡°This is¡­¡± Haecheol was more than surprised, he was shocked. Haejin took off his goggles and smiled. ¡°You cannot take this away, sir.¡± Chapter 47: Needle in a Haystack (1)

Chapter 47: Needle in a Haystack (1)

The professional diver came up after Haejin. He raised his thumb andplimented Haejin. ¡°It¡¯s like he has dived for more than a decade! Most people can¡¯t even keep their bnce because of the current, but he swam around like a fish. It was impressive. I also saw porcins lying at the bottom that looked good to even my ignorant eyes.¡± ¡°Ohhh!¡± ¡°He found it at once¡­¡± The diver¡¯s testimony proved that Haejin had found the exact spot. Everyone rejoiced. ¡°Is this what you found while swimming around like a fish?¡± Haecheol couldn¡¯t resist the temptation. He went to the huge water bottle in Haejin¡¯s and started to wipe the mud off. There were many treasure ships under the West Sea primarily because of the trade and merchants that happened between China, Japan and Korea. There was also one more reason: the harsh current and the countless rocks in the West Sea. Because of these, many ships were wrecked in there. Additionally, as the water wasn¡¯t deep, the ships would sink without being dismantled and be preserved that way. When the soil then covers part of the ship, it will block the oxygen in time. This will make sure the bacteria that would have made the ships rotten will not survive. In conclusion, the coastal waters of the West Sea were full of treasure ships. The huge bottle Haejin had brought through his fuzzy sight looked important even to non-experts. It was about 40cm tall, it had an elegant curved line that came down sliding from the ample shoulder, and the blue hue that shone through the mud made everyone expect a great relic. ¡°Water! Get me some seawater!¡± As the cdon had been embedded in the mud for a long time, it still had a considerable amount of mud on it, even if it had gone through the rough current. At Haecheol¡¯s excited yell, an employeeid down his belly on the floor to draw water from the sea and gave it to Haejin. Haejin took it and gently poured it on the bottle. He carefully wiped off the mud as if he were handling a baby. He started with a small part and slowly expanded the area he rubbed. Everyone gulped hard and watched the process. ¡°Ohh¡­ there it is!¡± ¡°I can see the pattern!¡± ¡°Oh, be quiet!¡± Everyonemented and fussed as the cdon¡¯s beauty was revealed little by little. Haecheol could only scold them. ¡°It¡¯s shape and color are extremely beautiful. It will be a national treasure.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t remove all the dirt yet, but hemented for the people waiting with excitement. ¡°Wow!¡± ¡°A national treasure!¡± Everyone yelled in joy. An employee from the Cultural Heritage Administration was dancing in delight. ¡°Can I really have it?¡± Haejin asked once again. Haecheol rubbed his nose andined. ¡°I cannot take back what I said, so I do not have a choice. This cannot be the only great relic you will find. Anyway, you have done well.¡± He was certainly generous. The Goryeo Cdon¡¯s beautiful hue enchanted people¡¯s heart. Even though he had made a promise, he couldn¡¯t help but desire it, Haecheol, however, resisted that temptation and let Haejin have it. Haejin thought that he was not an ordinary man. ¡°It wasn¡¯t hard. I¡¯m young. You have gone through more hardship by standing here in sea wind.¡± ¡°I am not dead yet. This wind is not enough to kill me! Well, you all saw it! This diver here confirmed it. All that is left for us is to recover those artifacts at the bottom!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Everyone raised their fists and yelled. They were highly motivated to see the national treasure artifacte up in front of their eyes. Haecheol had encouraged them enough, so it was time to go back tond. Haejin, Haecheol and his attendants got on a different ship and headed tond. When they arrived, many people were waiting, including the curator and Park Haejin Gallery¡¯s employees, who will work on the excavation and restoration of the artifacts. When they saw the cdon Haejin was carefully carrying, they all came to him. ¡°This just came out of the sea?¡± ¡°Yes, we cannot leave it here, so let¡¯s go to the pool.¡± ¡°The water is ready. This way¡­¡± The artifacts recovered from the ocean must go through a strict restoring process. Because of that, experts of many fields were waiting with all kinds of equipment. Haejin¡¯s employees had also prepared the devices and facility for the chemical processing. Of course, all of this had been prepared with Haejin¡¯s money. As he and Haecheol had agreed on 5:5, if Haejin used more of Yuseong¡¯s money, he would be giving them the chance to take more relics, so he had refused all their help. ¡°Careful, careful¡­¡± There was a pool big enough for dozens of people in the middle of therge ground. Digging and dragging had cost a lot of money. However, that kind of investment was necessary. The huge pool was already full of water. The water wasn¡¯t trapped there. It wasing in from one side and going out to the other side, so it kept flowing. Haejin slowly dipped the cdon in the pool and stretched his back. ¡°Even though there are CCTV cameras and the police guarding, from now, you should take turns watching them. You know it should be in there for at least a week, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± One of the employees replied. They had already learned everything about the restoration process of the artifacts from the ocean. ¡°After that, use the hydrochloric acid to remove the ms on one side. That job is not for you. I will bring an expert, so please, watch and learn.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin had thought they would be disappointed about it, but they looked rather relieved. It was probably because the cdon was too valuable for them to touch. ¡°Learn that process and practice with the dishes when theye up. I wille back to look after the final ultrasonic waves cleaning.¡± The artifacts that were going to be recovered were precious, but Haejin was an appraiser. It¡¯s not like he could get better artifacts by standing there. He would divide the artifacts with the Haevici Gallery after they had all been recovered, so he had no reason to stay there. It would be more productive to go back to Seoul and do something else. That is why he had hired the employees¡­ He took a shower and changed into new clothes to go to Seoul. Then, Haecheol called him. He invited Haejin to have some raw fish with him. Haejin wanted to go home and get some rest, but he could see Haecheol was not just asking to have a meal with him, so he said he would go. Among the many raw fish ces in the seaside of Taean, inside a little shabby and old restaurant, Haecheol and a beautiful woman, that Haejin already knew, were waiting for him. ¡°Come and sit.¡± ¡°Ms. Yaerin is here, too.¡± ¡°Hello.¡± She said hello with a little arrogant face while lifting her chin, just as usual. ¡°I thought you would reserve a much bigger restaurant and eat, but I guess I was wrong.¡± Haecheol smiled. ¡°That only happens in dramas. Well, young people sometimes do things like that these days¡­ but why would old people like us do that? We will just get criticized. This ce also sells good maeuntang (Korean spicy fish stew).¡± Yaerin added, ¡°Although it is not my style.¡± ¡°Why is your taste just like your mother¡¯s?¡± ¡°Why do you me my mom in front of others?¡± ¡°What? I cannot say that about my own daughter-inw? Khmm¡­¡± Haecheol couldn¡¯t handle his granddaughter. He coughed and turned away from Yaerin¡¯s gaze. After that, they talked about useless things like the weather and politics until the food came. When a te full of raw fish came out, Haecheol picked up his chopsticks. ¡°This is expensive wild fish. Please, eat.¡± ¡°Yes, sir. Thank you.¡± After Haejin ate a little, Haecheol asked as if it was nothing of importance. ¡°I heard you went to the U.S with Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s director?¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± ¡°And you brought a Renoir?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Yaerin told me you bought it at a very low price.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what that was about, but he couldn¡¯t avoid answering, so he spoke carefully. ¡°Not that cheap, but I bought it at a slightly lower price. There was a reason¡­ I guess Ms. Yaerin has told you about it. She has also bought the Rembrandt, so she didn¡¯t lose a lot.¡± ¡°I see. I didn¡¯t ask because I thought I have lost, but because I was curious about the process.¡± ¡°The process?¡± ¡°After Hanseok¡­ No, Sungjun¡¯s father, the current vice chairman of Hwajin, died, I¡¯ve never been to that auction. I sent my granddaughter instead, but it wasn¡¯t because I wanted her to buy paintings. I wanted her to interact with the other participators and earn a lot.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Everything in that auction is unclear, including its start. However, as the artifacts they sell are rare and more valuable than those of any other auctions, everyone has no choice but to participate, although they all doubted it.¡± ¡°I can understand that.¡± ¡°You are good at agreeing. Anyway, I poured a lot of money into that auction because I didn¡¯t want to lose to Hanseok. All the wealthy people who participated did that. However, because of my obsession with artifacts and mypetitive spirit that wanted me to win against the friend whom I¡¯ve never won against when it came to business, I had to spend much more.¡± ¡°Then this auction was simr, too. In the end, Ms. Yaerin spent more than Ms. Eunhae.¡± That hurt. Yaerin frowned hard. ¡°Odd, isn¡¯t it? That is why I feel bad about it. I wanted to win against Hanseok, at least once.¡± Haejin could understand that. Haecheol was leading Yuseong that was considered to be less good than Hwajin, so it was natural for him to have a sense of inferiority to Hwajin¡¯s ex-chairman. However, he couldn¡¯t say ¡®of course¡¯ out loud, so he just nodded. Haecheol continued with a serious expression. ¡°Next Friday is Do Gyeongmin¡¯s birthday, the former representative of the ruling party and minister of the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs. The rights for the duty-free shop business will depend on what he says. However, he receives a gift from only one person every year. The one he likes the most¡­ and I want him to receive mine this year.¡± ¡°I guess the duty-free business rights are important.¡± Haecheol nodded hard. ¡°It is, it has a huge meaning behind. I don¡¯t want to lose this time. So, I need your help.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you give him the Rembrandt?¡± Yaerin, who had been eating quietly, answered instead. ¡°He doesn¡¯t like dark paintings. If Hwajin gives him a Renoir that would be on the next exhibition, he would probably¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t have to hear the rest to understand. ¡°Helping with that is not hard, but where are you going to get a painting like that?¡± Haecheol took out a business card from his gold wallet and put it on the table. ¡°Will you go to Hong Kong with my child?¡± Chapter 48: Needle in a Haystack (2)

Chapter 48: Needle in a Haystack (2)

¡°Hong Kong?¡± ¡°There is a ce called Dafen not far from Hong Kong. Have you heard of it?¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t know of that ce, I should stop working as an appraiser.¡± If Jingdezhen was the biggest porcins production region in China, Dafen was the biggest oil painting region. More than 60% of the world¡¯s oil paintings were made in Dafen, and about 80% of them were fakes. They don¡¯t make fakes to sell them in secret and be rich (Of course, there were still some people who wanted to make money with forgeries). The people, who live and study art in there, will paint fakes to practice, and they sell those fakes to make their living. So, those fakese in various qualities, from the crude ones that look different to even ordinary eyes and to great ones that were hard to tell apart from a real painting. ¡°This business card belongs to a very famous art dealer in Hong Kong. Half of the works of arts in Hong Kong go through his hands. Most are fake, of course, but there are some reals.¡± ¡°So, you want me to find a real one and buy it.¡± ¡°Yes, I will pay you enough.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I¡¯ll go. I have, however, one condition.¡± Haejin had no reason to not go. One trip would give him more than a hundred million. ¡°A condition? What is it?¡± ¡°I am going as Ms. Yaerin¡¯s partner. Not as an employee¡­ I guess you know what I mean?¡± Yaerin¡¯s face turned slightly red. It was not that she was ashamed, but probably because she didn¡¯t expect that she would be scolded so openly. Haecheol nced at Yaerin and smiled. ¡°Hhh¡­ she might be reckless, but not enough to mess up with business. I will also warn her, so don¡¯t worry about it. We don¡¯t have much time, so please leave tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin pleasantly enjoyed the chewy raw fish while Yaerin was murmuring to herself. ¡°Show-off¡­¡± The next day, they went to Hong Kong. What was different from thest trip was that Haejin was going to Hong Kong instead of the U.S. and Yaerin was with him instead of Eunhae. ¡°Jason Chang has known my grandfather for a very long time. However, grandfather doesn¡¯t often buy his painting.¡± ¡°Because there are many fakes?¡± ¡°Simr to that. There are many fakes, and all his paintings are expensive.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­¡± Yaerin was wearing a sleeveless shirt and sunsses while enjoying downtown Hong Kong¡¯s beauty in the open car as if she was there for fun. ¡°Jason Chang buys almost all of the best fakes in Dafen and brings them to Hong Kong.¡± ¡°Then, fakes must be often sold.¡± ¡°Many buy fakes while knowing that, many buy them without knowing that. Unless you have the record of every oil painting in the world, buying only reals among his paintings is impossible.¡± It was a great expression. You can never buy only reals¡­ that would make all the appraisers¡¯ blood boil. ¡°Hmm¡­ I knew that he was that great, but¡­¡± Haejin had of course been to Hong Kong and Dafen when he and his father traveled around the world. When they were in Hong Kong, Haejin¡¯s father had lung disease and had gotten a knee surgery because of Ando Hadake so, instead of excavating, they just watched artifacts. They even went to Christie¡¯s auctions. Haejin¡¯s father showed Haejin some great forgeries in Dafen. At the time, there were only a few paintings of that quality. ¡°You do not believe me.¡± ¡°This is not my first time in Dafen.¡± Yaerin wrinkled her nose. ¡°I doubt it. It might not be your first time in Dafen, but it will be your first time working with Dafen¡¯s real paintings. I guarantee it. Even my appraiser was fooled more than once.¡± That ¡®my appraiser¡¯ had to be Oh Jaepil who used to appraise at her side. He was one of the top three appraisers in Korea so, if he had been fooled, the quality had to be great. ¡°I am excited.¡± ¡°I am hoping that you won¡¯t disappoint me. I really want my grandfather to win this time.¡± Yaerin looked rude, but she did care about her family. 30 minutes after leaving the airport, they went into a huge building situated in the middle of downtown Dafen. The lobby was full of employees in suits, so Haejin thought this wasn¡¯t right. However, when he arrived at the lower ground floor, he started to feel that he hade to meet an art dealer. ¡°Is it your first time?¡± A beautiful woman in her 20s greeted them politely. Haejin gave her the business card Haecheol had given him. She took it and went inside. A whileter, she came out with a man in histe 30s. He was wearing traditional Chinese clothes. ¡°I will escort you from now on. Please, let¡¯s go in.¡± Haejin was slightly nervous because the man looked as if he would start performing martial arts at any moment, but Yaerin followed him as if there was nothing wrong. He went past many paintings and went down to the second basement floor. They went down the stairs. The man then opened the door and went in, the room was not that big. There was an easel for the painting and afortable sofa to watch the painting at ease. Their material and pattern were not ordinary, so they must have been very expensive. ¡°We have many paintings here, but I guarantee you, they are all great. Which painting do you want to see first?¡± Haejin was not going to examine the paintings one by one. He didn¡¯t want to spend minutes on appraising one painting. ¡°Please show me all the paintings and I will choose one. Sitting still bores me, anyway¡­¡± The Chinese man was a little surprised at Haejin¡¯s fluent Cantonese. Then, he soon nodded and opened the door on the other side of the room. ¡°Then please,e.¡± Honestly, Haejin thought, ¡®There can¡¯t be that many¡¯. However, once he went through that door, the room was at least 300 square meters big and was full of paintings. ¡°If I see these paintings one by one, I would not be able to decide even after days.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because all the customers have different tastes. This is a painting by Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes, this is by William Turners, and this is Diego Vzquez¡¯s¡­¡± The names that came out of his mouth all belonged to great artists. Each time he said a name, he pointed at a painting of great quality. Yaerin had taken off her sunsses and was staring at the paintings. ¡°There is no need to hurry. Take your time and choose.¡± The man took a step back and stood like a guard. He was probably trying to protect the valuable paintings from the buyers. ¡°There is no price tag.¡± ¡°If you decided to buy, I will find out the price for you.¡± What nonsense. It meant the price could change all the time. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll take my time.¡± One good thing was that there was no time limit. Haejin started to examine the paintings at ease. Yaerin was wearing sneakers as if she knew that she would have to stand for a long time. After about 30 minutes, Haejin could see why Yaerin had warned him so much about this ce. All the paintings were good enough that made it hard to conclude them as fakes. Of course, most of the paintings he had seen so far seemed to be fake, but if someone just a little less capable had examined them, that person would have been shocked. This ce was so absurd. Even the paintings exhibited in the top 3 galleries of the world were here and arguing ¡®those are fakes and we have the real deal¡¯. ¡°You can do this, right?¡± Yaerin came and asked. She sounded nervous. ¡°Can¡¯t we just leave if I cannot decide on something?¡± ¡°If youe in here and just leave, you can nevere back. You have to buy something, even if you know it¡¯s fake.¡± What a crazy ce. However, that meant there had to be some reals among the enormous number of paintings. ¡°We have a lot of time, so stop nagging me. We don¡¯t have to hurry.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± However then, they heard the sound of the door opening again. Another customer came into this broad world full of oil painting. Apart from a man in his 30s, who seemed to be an employee of this ce, there were one man and one woman. Both of them were over 50 years old. The woman was quite well-built and was wearing all kinds of luxurious goods. On the other hand, the man was thin and was wearing a navy suit. As the woman walked in front, the man followed her one step behind. She was the buyer. ¡°There are guests here already.¡± The woman red at the employee. It probably meant, ¡®How dare you make me shop with someone else?¡¯ ¡°I am sorry, but as we offer enough time to decide on buying, multiple people can be here at the same time.¡± The anger in her eyes didn¡¯t fade after the polite apology. So, Haejin spoke in Cantonese. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stop letting your anger out at him and concentrate on the paintings? Fighting in front of these works of art is not good¡­¡± Although Haejin¡¯s Cantonese was good, it could not be the same as the locals¡¯. She crossed her arms. ¡°You are not even a Han Chinese? You are handsome¡­ but look like you don¡¯t have money.¡± ¡°Whether I am a Han or not, what does that matter? What is important is that I have discerning eyes.¡± That touched her ego. She took a step forward and lifted her chin. ¡°You think my eyes are lesser than yours? I won¡¯t tolerate you because of your handsome face.¡± Was that an insult or apliment? Haejin thought she was just weird. Then, she came even closer. ¡°I cannot concentrate on the paintings when I am distracted by others, so why don¡¯t you leave?¡± ¡°That is because you don¡¯t have a discerning eye. Just staring at a painting hard doesn¡¯t mean really recognizing their real value.¡± Haejin was teaching her and that attitude made her snap. She turned red in an instant and raised her index high. ¡°Lee Shian! Come here!¡± She yelled, and the man who had been standing behind politely came. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I guess this man has a great discerning eye, huh? Pick the most valuable painting here and bring it to me. Can you do it?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± At this, the woman raised her eyebrows and talked to Haejin and Yaerin. ¡°This is Lee Shian, manager of the National Culture Bureau¡¯s Artifact Management department. In other words, he is one of the top 3 appraisers in China. You think you can be more urate than him? How dare you¡­ and you look like you don¡¯t have enough money to be here¡­¡± This time, Yaerin snapped to hear that she looked not wealthy. ¡°You are hrious. Who doesn¡¯t have money? Judging from your shape, you must go crazy when ites to food¡­ hey, you can beat that fat woman, right?¡± Yaerin yelled in Korean as she could understand Chinese but not speak it. However, the woman could see that Yaerin was cursing at her and raised her index again. ¡°Lee Shian! Teach that ugly girl what true art is.¡± It was so hrious and absurd. Haejin was thinking about whether he should y with her or not when Lee Shian came to him and offered his hand. ¡°What a funny game. Nice to meet you.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Haejin shook hands with him. Then, he saw the ring on his finger. Its pattern was somehow familiar, but he had never seen it on any products from ordinary brands. He tried to forget it and concentrate on the paintings, but the pattern kept spinning around his mind. Just when he was about to feel irritated, he recalled where he had seen it. ¡°Uuh?¡± ¡°What? What is it?¡± Haejin was suddenly surprised. Yaerin quickly reached him. He waved his hand, said it was nothing, and got away from her. Cold sweat was running down his back, and he could feel his heart beating like crazy. The magic book¡­ it was the pattern that was on the book his father had brought him. Chapter 49: Needle in a Haystack (3)

Chapter 49: Needle in a Haystack (3)

¡°You must not be feeling well. Or do you tend to get nervous about small things?¡± Yaerin got mad at hearing Lee Shian¡¯s provocation and looked at him, but she then turned away. She was probably thinking that if she now got mad and talked to him, it would be bad for Haejin. Lee Shian smiled and started to examine the paintings. He was not nervous at all and was not trying to focus. He just looked at the paintings. He sometimes frowned, but he just moved and stopped as if he was there to enjoy the paintings at ease. He looked calm which made Yaerin worry. She kept ncing at Haejin, but he had turned away because of his still beating heart. ¡°This is why a man must have guts. He is good-looking but so weak. How is he going to do his part at night? Shouldn¡¯t you take him to a hospital or something?¡± Yaerin arrogantly smiled at the woman who was scolding them and spoke in Mandarin instead of Cantonese. ¡°You are worrying about how others spend the night, so you must have a problem with your own. What, is your husband having an affair? With a girl pretty like me?¡± Haejin thought that she couldn¡¯t speak Chinese, but she just didn¡¯t know Cantonese. That is why she could not restrain herself. Yaerin lifted her chin, sneered and licked her lips with her tongue. Haejin would have thought it was childish, but that childish provocation seemed to work well on the woman. She steamed, and her face was red. She looked like she was about to raise her index finger again in anger, but she just red at Yaerin for a long time and opened her mouth very slowly. ¡°Your guts are better than your boy¡¯s. Good, I will get to spend some money today.¡± Yaerin flinched at ¡®your boy¡¯. However, she didn¡¯t feel the need to correct that in the situation. She nodded and replied. ¡°I am about to do some very impressive shopping in Hong Kong after a long while.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t care about their arguments. His head was about to explode because he couldn¡¯t figure out what to do. Should he acknowledge Lee Shian? As he had learned magic thanks to his father¡¯s book, Lee Shian could have been one of his kind. On the other hand, he might have offended Lee Shian and his people by burning that book. He kept thinking that he probably should talk to Lee Shianter even if he couldn¡¯t do that now, but he was hesitating because of Lee Shian¡¯s eyes. His eyes were somewhat ominous and sharp. His gaze was stopping Haejin from putting his thought into action. Eventually, he decided to pretend that he knew nothing. He didn¡¯t know whether they knew about magic and, even if they did, there was no guarantee that they would help him if he revealed himself. Once he made up his mind, his heart quickly calmed down. He slowly took a deep breath and started to look at the paintings. The moment Haejin started to look, Yaerin faintly smiled and looked at the rude woman. She meant ¡®we are starting now¡¯, and the woman replied with a snort. After a while, he stopped at a painting. He thought ¡®it couldn¡¯t be¡¯, but he couldn¡¯t pass it. For a moment, he thought Lee Shain might realize it if he used magic as he was nearby, but he decided to ignore it. The moment he carefully casted the magic, he started to see something different from what he would normally see with magic before. The moment passed. Haejin nkly recalled what he had seen and walked away again. He could feel that Lee Shain wasing closer. He pretended to look at the paintings again and thought about what he had seen, then a dark shadow covered the painting he was looking at. ¡°The colors are clear and neat, and the theme is simple and in. Whose painting do you think it is?¡± Lee Shian was not looking at Haejin. He was looking into the eyes of the woman in the painting. In the painting, there was a woman with a drawing board. She looked like she had something to say. Her hair was in Greek style curls. The draped texture and beauty of her white tunic was depicted so well. Additionally, the simple background that illuminated her beauty made Haejin recall an artist. ¡°Do you want me to say Jacques-Louis David?¡± ¡°Oho¡­ you know.¡± ¡°Anyone with a little interest in art would know that this painting was drawn by Constance Marie Charpentier, David¡¯s apprentice.¡± ¡°You must know this painting is in the Metropolitan¡­ so is this real? Or is it the one in the museum?¡± Haejin took his eyes off from the painting and looked at Lee Shian¡¯s back head. He was still meeting the eyes of the woman in the painting. ¡°You cannot be believing this is real. The real one is in the museum¡­¡± Lee Shian slowly stood up and shook his head. ¡°That cannot be a reason, especially to an appraiser¡­ if you are right, all the paintings here, that have a copy in famous art museums and galleries, must be fakes, right?¡± Then what, they are not? ¡°It sounds like the Chinese¡¯ characteristic bluffing.¡± ¡°Haha, a lie is convincing when it is based on the truth. An appraiser must see the truth hidden in the lies and the lie hidden in the truths. To do that, you always have to have reasons. Reasons why it is fake, reasons why it is real¡­ to answer my question, you cannot simply say it¡¯s fake. You must say the reason why it¡¯s fake toplete your answer.¡± ¡°You are lecturing me? Then you are asking the wrong question. You should have asked whether this is real or fake first.¡± Only then did Lee Shain slowly turn back. His eyes were calm, but Haejin could see that he was not acknowledging Haejin as an opponent since he was young. ¡°Your learning attitude is not good.¡± ¡°I used to make my teachers angry as a kid.¡± Lee Shian tutted at Haejin¡¯s answer. ¡°Tut tut¡­ negative and selfish. You won¡¯t get to improve much. Sometimes, being young and hot- blooded stops you from progressing. It is sad that it is usually toote when you realize it.¡± Lee Shian was writing fiction. Haejin thought he had been too scared. He had thought Lee Shian would use a much harder and more dangerous magic than his own to press him. ¡°So, why is this painting fake? You have started a lecture, so you should finish it.¡± Lee Shain pointed at the wall that was in the background. ¡°The color is strange here. At the time, the umber color was painted with burnt wood, so it cannot be clear like this.¡± Exactly. That was why Haejin had thought it was fake. In the 17~18 th centuries, many artists, including Rembrandt, used umber made of burnt wood. Haejin had thought Lee Shian was only good at talking, but he was good as his job as well. He had verified a fake by perfectly analyzing the characteristic of oil paint, and it meant he had great skills. ¡°I see, but¡­ have you finished what your master told me to do?¡± It meant Lee Shian should go and mind his own business, but he curled up one side of his lips. That smile made Haejin tense. ¡°If you are trying to provoke me by calling her my master, that trick is not going to work. However, if you are asking if I have finished this mission, then the answer is yes. I am waiting for you to finish.¡± That was a long answer. ¡°You are fast.¡± ¡°When you are less skilled, you need more time to think, but thinking too long won¡¯t give you an answer.¡± He turned around and walked slowly, pointing at a painting for the employee. It meant he had chosen that painting. ¡°Our madams haven¡¯t seen the paintings yet, so why don¡¯t we cover them? It will be fun.¡± He seemed to fully enjoy the situation, regardless of the rude woman¡¯smand. ¡°Whatever.¡± The employee carefully covered the painting with a red cloth, picked it up with its easel, and brought it to the fatdy. ¡°What about us?¡± Yaerin really wanted to win. ¡°That one.¡± The employee looked at the direction Haejin was pointing at. His eyes sparkled as he approached it with the red cloth. It was the painting Haejin had used magic on earlier. ¡°Have you picked well?¡± Yaerin asked while looking at the fatdy. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know what meaning this game has, but¡­¡± ¡°It has a huge meaning to me.¡± ¡°Well, I guess so. Anyway, I have picked a good one.¡± ¡°I trust you.¡± Yaerin must have wondered what the painting was and who the artist was, but she didn¡¯t ask. She just looked into her opponent¡¯s eyes. It made Haejin think that she was a strong woman. She was like a gunslinger of the West looking at the enemy, seeking for a chance to take out her loaded gun. It was funny that it was Haejin who had prepared the gun. ¡°I will have a lot to teach, so let¡¯s start with your painting.¡± Lee Shian was about to start his lecture right away, but Yaerin made him lose his passion. ¡°Hey, mister! Do the teaching to your kids. Your madam asked for thisparison, so show yours first.¡± Sometimes, Haejin wanted to learn from her rudeness. ¡°Okay, showing you first is not a bad idea.¡± The woman had taken out the sofa that should have been in the room and was sitting on it. Yaerin sat down on the opposite end of the sofa and gestured to reveal the cloth. Lee Shian shrugged and removed the red cloth. ¡°Umm¡­ I knew it, Lee Shian¡­¡± The painting was depicting a nakeddy lying on the beach very beautifully. The glittering sand, white foams of the waves, and the water sparkling because of the sunlight made her even more beautiful. ¡°This is a painting from Mariano Fortuny. His uniqueness lies in how he used the light. The beach glittering in the sunlight, and the bright body of the woman is amazingly perfect. I must also admire the perfect description of the shadows made by the strong sunlight.¡± Mariano Fortuny was painting in southern Italy when he then died because of mria. The value of the paintings left behind by the tragic death of an artist tended to soar up. Additionally, Mariano¡¯s paintings were even more valuable as he died at a young age and left few paintings. p p! The woman pped. She was so strong that the pping sound made Haejin¡¯s ears ache. She turned to Yaerin. ¡°What do you think about this painting?¡± Yaerin looked at Haejin. He nodded and spoke in Cantonese. ¡°It is magnificent. Judging from the ability to use paint, light and the technique of using the brush, it is Mariano¡¯s painting.¡± Haejin appraised honestly, but the womanughed. ¡°Ahaha! You sound like a real appraiser!¡± ¡°It¡¯s your turn now. Which painting have you brought?¡± Lee Shian took a step away from his painting. It was Haejin¡¯s turn now. ¡°Hmm¡­ you might be a little surprised when you see this.¡± ¡°Surprised in what way? In a good way? Or a bad way?¡± Haejin smiled and removed the red cloth from his painting. ¡°Huh?¡± At that moment, Lee Shian took a few steps forward to examine the painting. Then, he looked at Haejin again and shook his head. He looked puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the paintings that have copies in museums are, of course, fakes?¡± ¡°I did.¡± ¡°And you brought this thinking it was real? Hmm¡­ I¡¯m afraid your girlfriend will be humiliated today.¡± Lee Shian sounded confident. Hisdy pped with a smile. p p! ¡°I guess your husband has made a huge mistake?¡± However, Yaerin didn¡¯t even blink an eye at this. ¡°You cannot resist food because you are so impatient. Why don¡¯t we hear him first like civilized people?¡± Haejin had thought she was only rude but, to his surprise, she knew how to trust a person. Anyway, her decision was right. This painting was real. And, one more thing¡­ Lee Shian¡¯s ring had turned dull. Chapter 50: Needle in a Haystack (4)

Chapter 50: Needle in a Haystack (4)

Haejin assumed that his magic had evolved because of Lee Shian¡¯s ring. Lee Shian had been wearing it a long time, but it turned dull only now. It meant he had never used it while wearing it. It also meant Lee Shian couldn¡¯t use magic. ¡°Khmm¡­ then let me exin.¡± The painting was tragic, even to ignorant eyes. There was a man with a towel wrapped around his face in a tub. There was a piece of paper in his left hand, and his right hand with a quell was dropped. It was Jacques-Louis David¡¯s The Death of Marat. Lee Shian chimed in before Haejin could start talking. ¡°That painting is in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium. You must have a great misunderstanding.¡± Thement was so correct and logical. However, there was a reason why Haejin had brought that painting. First, he couldn¡¯t find any evidence of forgery in the painting. There were many paintings that didn¡¯t have proof of forging in that room; however, the presence from Jacques-Louis David¡¯s painting was overwhelming. ¡°You told me earlier that the reason matters¡­ if this is fake, why?¡± If you be the superior and start teaching others, you sometimes forget to look back upon yourself. Lee Shian flinched at the abrupt question. However, he soon approached the painting and pointed at the man¡¯s face. His face had a very faint smile that didn¡¯t match with the dark mood. ¡°When David painted this, he still had a passion for the French Revolution. So, he would never have made fun of Marat¡¯s death. He made Marat¡¯s dead posture resemble that of Christ¡¯s.¡± David was the best political artist in history. He helped the French Revolution happen. His Oath of the Horatii is exined that it was meant to urge the French to join the revolution. If Haejin hadn¡¯t used magic, he would have absolutely agreed with Lee Shian. So, he nned to pass this painting. However, he couldn¡¯t ignore the smile on Marat¡¯s lips. It could not be a mistake as the muscles, skin, and even the veins on the arm were so delicately described. Finally, he used magic to look into the past. He could see David being tormented after finishing The Death of Marat. The smile of the dead Marat would certainly cause a controversy, but David had been extremely shocked by his death. The ideal of the French Revolution had been corrupted and, after Marat, who had been called the Friend of the People, was killed in a bathtub, he started to rethink thoroughly about the revolution he had believed in. Finally, David drew another painting. His apprentice, Francois Gerad, painted the face and finished the painting. He couldn¡¯t burn the first painting and hid it in the warehouse of his house, thinking it would be gone without anyone noticing¡­ but the warehouse was opened. Even Haejin hadn¡¯t seen thating. It was partly because his mana had increased, but certainly, Lee Shian¡¯s ring had a part on it. He saw the whole past of the painting till the modern age. David¡¯s real The Death of Marat was stolen by a German soldier. On his way, he was ambushed before he could cross the border, so he hid it and ran away. Then, someone, who knew about this secret hiding ce, took all paintings the German soldier had hidden there and sold them to a Jewish art dealer. However, on his way to China, that art dealer was caught by a Japanese soldier. The Japanese officer didn¡¯t know about the value of the works of art, so he sold David¡¯s painting to buy a girl he wanted and hid the rest near Shenzhen, China. He nned to get them back after the war ended. However, unfortunately, a battle took ce when he was about to make the deal and he died. Eventually, David¡¯s real painting went to Jason Chang in Hong Kong and showed itself now. Haejin thought that verifying its authenticity would be enough¡­ but he saw something much more important. ¡°Do you think the smile of the artist is a mistake?¡± ¡°What else could it be?¡± ¡°Look how natural the expression is. How can this be a mistake? The artist intended to make it like this.¡± ¡°No way! Why would David do that? For what reason would he paint it like that?¡± ¡°That, I don¡¯t know.¡± In fact, it was not something Haejin could convince him with logic, unless he showed Lee Shian the moment when David was working on the painting. ¡°That¡¯s absurd.¡± ¡°Then give me a piece of evidence that says David didn¡¯t paint it. Not the smile in Marat¡¯s face, but something else¡­ you said the paint was wrong earlier. Is there anything like that in this painting? Or was the canvas made in the 19 th century? Or is there a trace of someone painting over it?¡± Lee Shian couldn¡¯t answer this series of questions. He couldn¡¯t conclude the painting as a fake just with an assumption. He needed an objective proof that could convince anyone. That is why there are more than a hundred Rembrandts that can¡¯t be concluded as neither fake nor real. ¡°Wait.¡± Lee Shian stared at the painting. He looked as if he could find a w at any moment, but he couldn¡¯t bend his back after 10 minutes. ¡°Has the appraiser gone somewhere?¡± Yaerin pretended to look at her fingernails and sneered. She probably had yed Baduk often. Or had watched her grandfather y¡­ ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Lee Shian frowned and went closer as if he were about to kiss the painting, but that couldn¡¯t bring out any evidence. Anyway, the ill-tempereddy stood up and raised her index finger. ¡°Lee Shian!¡± Even Haejin and Yaerin were surprised at her loud voice. So, imagine how much Lee Shian was surprised. He turned back at her. She red at him and gestured to him to back off. Lee Shian couldn¡¯t say anything. He stood away from the painting. The woman exchanged nces with Yaerin and waved her hand at the employee. It meant he should take out Mariano¡¯s painting. Apart from her anger, it also meant that she would be buying it. ¡°You are an impressive young man. I¡¯ll see youter.¡± She took out a business card from her expensive bag, handed it to Haejin, and immediately turned around to leave the room. Haejin looked at the card. It said Director Wang Mingwan of China Gwangmyeong Electricity Industry. ¡°China Gwangmyeong Electricity Industry? Wow¡­ I knew she was rich, but not this much.¡± Yaerin didn¡¯t get surprised easily, so it made Haejin wonder. ¡°What is that? Is it bigger than Yuseong?¡± ¡°Yes. About¡­ three times bigger?¡± Yaerin replied. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s no match.¡± ¡°At least she didn¡¯t hold any grudges. With that kind of position, she must be really powerful around here¡­ I think it is probably because of you.¡± Yaerin pouted her lips and nodded as if saying ¡®not that bad¡¯. ¡°You are acknowledging me now?¡± ¡°I did that when I got a blow from Eunhae thanks to you. I just didn¡¯t admit it because you are such a show-off.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ you are a bigger show-off than I am.¡± ¡°I know that. Hey! How much is this painting?¡± The male employee, who had been following them, had already seen a great match of skills. At Yaerin¡¯s question, he talked to someone on the phone for a while and came to them. He was much politer than before. ¡°Mr. Jason Chang will give you that at a special price.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Yaerin put on her sunsses and asked. She could have just taken that special price, why is she asking¡­ ¡°He has found your conversation very interesting. So, he is offering you less than half of the original price.¡± ¡°Oh, he has been watching us through the CCTV this whole time?¡± ¡°Every corner of the first ground level and this ce is being recorded. Of course, it is to protect the paintings, so it will never be revealed, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡± ¡°Still, I do not feel pleasant about it. Anyway, okay. So, how much is it?¡± ¡°Twenty million Hong Kong dors.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t calcte fast. He looked at Yaerin. ¡°How much is that?¡± ¡°About¡­ 2.7 billion won? Good. I can buy it at a much cheaper price thanks to you.¡± However, that wasn¡¯t good news to Haejin. He would get a bigger fee if the price was high. Yaerin read that on his face. She curled up one corner of her lips. ¡°My grandfather will pay you a high fee, so don¡¯t worry. We are not stingy like Hwajin. Why are you getting disappointed because of that? You are a man. When working, you sometimes get less incentive than you thought or more.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t disappointed.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay. Then, I will say you were feeling sad about it, okay?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what the difference was between the two, but he decided to move on. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay.¡± ¡°I am sorry that I disappointed you today.¡± Lee Shian apologized in the passenger seat. Wang Mingwan replied on the back seat. She wasn¡¯t mad. ¡°No one can always win. What matters is whether you can get over with it and get to your feet again. You didn¡¯t make a mistake earlier. Rather, that handsome young man¡¯s skills are very impressive. I want to see that again.¡± ¡°Should I contact him?¡± ¡°No, I gave him my business card, so he will contact me someday. If I need him, I can just ask that girl¡­¡± ¡°We can ask Jason Chang. He should know.¡± ¡°Yes. Anyway, you have done well today. Don¡¯t forget Christies¡¯ auction next month¡­¡± ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t worry about it. And¡­ please give my regards to¡­¡± Lee Shian was talking politely to Wang Mingwan behind him. Suddenly, he happened to look at his right hand. His eyes started to shake when he saw the ring that had lost its lust. ¡°Hum? What is it?¡± Wang Mingwan realized something was wrong and asked. However, Lee Shian couldn¡¯te down easily. He was nervous. ¡°Lee Shian!¡± Wang Mingwan raised her voice. Only then did Lee Shiane to his senses and bowed his head. ¡°I am sorry. I should go now.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± As Lee Shian was about to go now, Wang Mingwan had to let him go. Moreover, she had never seen him so pale, so she thought something bad had happened. Lee Shian got off the car and ran up the emergency stairs as fast as he could. He saw Yaerin and Haejin waiting for a valet at the lobby on the ground floor. He quickly hid behind arge pir and looked at Haejin. ¡°You have nothing to do at the hotel, anyway.¡± Yaerin grabbed Haejin and said they should go shopping together. ¡°I am not interested in shopping. I don¡¯t care about luxury brands¡­¡± ¡°I am not suggesting because I like you. It¡¯s because getting around alone scares me. Being alone is dangerous for a rich woman, don¡¯t you know that?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you get a bodyguard.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too old-fashioned. I should go around with a person to talk to. Or I¡¯ll get bored. What fun is there in going around with a bodyguard?¡± That wasn¡¯t all wrong. However, Haejin didn¡¯t want to go shopping with her and didn¡¯t have the strength, so he was about to convince her when he saw a man reflected on the ss window. ¡°I need to go to the toilet.¡± ¡°Oh, but the car is here¡­¡± Haejin ignored that and quickly went to the toilet inside. When he got there, he saw a small door that led to the outside. ¡°Huu¡­¡± He still had enough mana after using magic once, probably because of the ring. He used water from the faucet to use magic. Then, he slowly left the toilet. Lee Shian could feel something was wrong. He quickly ran to the toilet. However, Haejin was nowhere to be seen. ¡°He¡¯s gone¡­¡± Lee Shian thought Haejin had sensed him. He picked up his phone with a shaky hand and called someone. ¡°I found a man who uses magic. A Korean antique appraiser. He probably has been affected by the Holy Book.¡± A blunt British ent was heard from the other side. ¡°Okay. He will be tracked.¡± He hung up and called someone else. This time, he spoke Mandarin instead of British English. ¡°Go to Insadong, Seoul. A young appraiser in his early 30s. He won¡¯t be hard to find.¡± He hung up and held his shaky hands. Then, he talked to himself. ¡°Finally¡­ the wish of the syndicate is about to be fulfilled¡­¡± Haejin left the building with an agitated heart and called someone. As he had expected, he heard Yaerin¡¯s angry voice. ¡°Where are you? Have you left the toilet? I am at the entrance now.¡± She couldn¡¯t see him, but Haejin had already passed by her. He had be invisible with the illusion magic, so both Yaerin and Lee Shian couldn¡¯t realize he was close. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I must go somewhere, it¡¯s urgent.¡± ¡°What? Are you kidding me? That¡¯s too mean!¡± In fact, Haejin was a little sorry, but he was with Yaerin for business and they would not see each other once they¡¯re in Seoul. Therefore, he decided to not care about it. ¡°I will buy you dinner when I get back to Seoul. But now, I must go. Then¡­¡± ¡°He, hello¡­¡± Haejin hung up and looked back. Lee Shian was quickly leaving in a taxi. He couldn¡¯t help but talk to himself. ¡°Why is he looking for me? And, what is the syndicate?¡± Haejin dismissed the thought as he could not get any answers now. He will get to know this in time when someonees to find him. After the magic faded, he caught a taxi. ¡°Shenzhen, please.¡± If¡­ if he was right, then great artifacts were sleeping in there. At a ce where no one can get¡­ Chapter 51: Hidden Treasures (1)

Chapter 51: Hidden Treasures (1)

Shenzhen is very close to Hong Kong. However, it still takes quite some time to get there. Haejin arrived in Shenzhen after two hours. He checked in at a nearby business hotel, had dinner at ease and started to work on a n. He knew the location and the terrain, but he couldn¡¯t just go and dig with his own hands. He needed the equipment and a car. He could get the equipment from a local supermarket and a hardware store, but the car was the problem. After thinking for a long time, he recalled one person: Byeongguk. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Huh? Is this Haejin? You should be abroad now. Why did you call?¡± ¡°I need to ask you a favor. Would that be possible?¡± ¡°What favor when you are not even in the country? I will do it if it¡¯s something I can, so tell me. Do you need money? You should already have a lot of money.¡± Most of the problems can be solved with money, but sometimes money just doesn¡¯t work. ¡°I am in Shenzhen, China, and I need a car and some equipment.¡± ¡°Car? You should rent one, and equipment? What equipment? Are you talking about the equipment to rob graves?¡± ¡°Yes, but I am not going to rob a grave. The ce is neither a grave nor a historical site. However, I need grave robbing equipment. So, I cannot rent a car. I cannot leave any traces.¡± ¡°So, you need a clean car.¡± ¡°Yes, a clean car that is owned by a Chinese. An SUV. I also need the equipment.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Byeongguk thought about it and carefully asked, ¡°You¡¯re really not going to rob a grave, right? Grave robbing is not easy at all. Even though you have experienced a lot with your father, you have never done that before.¡± Byeongguk was right to be worried. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t rob graves. I don¡¯t have to. It¡¯s just¡­ what if there¡¯s something really important in a mountain where no one cares about? Will you just let that stay there?¡± ¡°Well then¡­ finders keepers, of course.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°Okay. Go on the opposite side of the road of the Chicago Suite Hotel by 10 a.m. tomorrow. Then, someone will give you the car and the equipment.¡± Haejin hoped that Byeongguk would be able to help, but he gave him what he needed immediately like a CIA agent. He had expected Byeongguk to introduce him to someone he knew, but he didn¡¯t imagine that he would take care of everything so perfectly. ¡°What? How can you prepare things so fast?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t go to China unprepared when I go there. There is awork your father and I have used till now. I am temporarily using it. They will think that I am the one who would use them¡­¡± ¡°Then, how do I return the car and the equipment?¡± ¡°Just remember the ce where you parked the car for thest time and tell me. Of course, the further it is from the car¡¯s provider, the more he would charge, but you won¡¯t have to go back to return it. That¡¯s huge.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°You should also discard the equipment in a mountain or forest that has nothing to do with the ce you¡¯ll work at. Equipment is always for single use. You shouldn¡¯t use it again. And, how are you going toe back? Do you need a ship?¡± ¡°Can you get me one? That would be great.¡± Byeongguk was so thorough. That was how he didn¡¯t get caught by the police. ¡°Then, go to Zhengzhou Port at Xiamen when you are done. Among the customs workers in there, there is a man named Tanshao. He is small and has lots of gray hair. Money works on him, but you have to give him at least 30,000 yuan, so prepare cash.¡± ¡°Okay, thanks.¡± ¡°However, don¡¯t just give him the money on the site like an idiot. Find him on the evening of the day before and give it to him in secret. No traces¡­ got it?¡± ¡°Hhh¡­ I shouldn¡¯t make a mistake after receiving this private lecture.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. But, what is it? What is it that you are going through all these troubles? I guess it¡¯s not an ordinary artifact. If it¡¯s in Shenzhen, is it porcin of the Song or Ming period?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t tell you on the phone. I will show it to you first when I meet you in Seoul. Anyway, thanks.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ my curiosity is killing me. Anyway, be careful. Sujeong is looking forward to going to the auction with you.¡± ¡°Okay. See you in a few days.¡± Haejin was nning to consider what he would do for the next few days; however, Byeongguk took care of everything, so he decided to start working tomorrow. He wanted to move now, but he didn¡¯t have a car nor the equipment, so he couldn¡¯t¡­ Haejin then went to a nearby shopping center and bought some clothes, a hat that was in a different style from what he usually wore, and he even prepared a mask. He spent the night in excitement as if he were about to go on a pic. Next, he ate breakfast and went to the Chicago Suite Hotel. He was wearing the clothes, a mask, and the hat he had bought the day before, therefore no one would be able to remember him. He was on the other side of the hotel, but no one approached him, so he started to get nervous. However, a car stopped in front of him at 10 a.m. sharp. A man in his 50s got off from the huge SUV that was perfect for the off-road and threw the key. Haejin caught it. The man said one thing and turned around. ¡°Two days. No more.¡± It meant Haejin couldn¡¯t borrow the car for more than two days, but it didn¡¯t matter, anyway. If he spent more than two days, it would mean that there was something wrong. He went back to his hotel, checked out and went to his destination, Guao Ling Mountain. It was about an hour away to the east from Shenzhen. Although it was in thend, it was right next to the sea, so it had been a strategically important point during the war. He ate at a nearby restaurant and waited at a parking lot for the sun to set. Haejin kept waiting for the sun to be gone because there were still many people going by. Long after midnight, he parked his car at a deste ce near the mountain and started to climb with his equipment. The memory he had gotten through magic was clear like a video. So, he could find that ce without hesitation. As people didn¡¯t walk through this road, it was dangerous, and sometimes he would slip because of the piled-up leaves. However, he went forward. After about two hours, he reached his destination. ¡°Huu¡­ here¡­¡± He stopped at a very small cave near a stream. He could hear the sound of the running water. From the outside, the cave looked so small. People would have thought of it as a temporary shelter for the animals to get away from the cold rain. Haejin knelt down to take a closer look. He was trying to find traces of someone visiting the ce in the past but, as he had imagined, it was the same as what it had been when the Japanese officer left. He put down the luggage, took out a pickaxe, and went to the cave¡¯s entrance. Then, he struck down with all his might. The sound of the pickaxe hitting the sand was different from that of naturally blockednd or hardened soil. The officer had blocked that ce so well that the soil kepting out. After about an hour of work, the soil piled up nearby. Finally, the pickaxe started to hit the rocks instead of soil. Haejin wiped off the debris and struck again. After a few times of that, he suddenly saw a dark hole. ¡°Hup¡­¡± Grave robbers have some kind of taboos and rituals. It is like the routine of the athletes, and one of them is to not breathe the first air from the ces they rob. If there were bodies inside, the gas would have been cumted for a long time, and rumors said that if you breathe the gas of that corpse, you will die. Most of the grave robbers who robbed Tutankhamun¡¯s tomb in Egypt died, and the stories of that were so dramatic that people called it the curse of Tutankhamun. However, most think that they died because they had been infected by a virus. Because of that, grave robbers tried to enter only after the air circted for a while. Haejin held his breath, took about a dozen steps back and sat down on a small rock. ¡°Oh, my back hurts.¡± He took out a small water container from his bag, quenched his thirst, took some rest and went back to the cave when he thought that some time had passed. He used his LEDntern to look inside, but he couldn¡¯t see anything. He knew the treasures were deep inside, so he wasn¡¯t disappointed. He crouched down and moved forward. The entrance was bigger than he had thought, so he kept crawling in. The air was wet and smelled of dust, but it didn¡¯t smell like something rotten. After about 20m, he came to a ce big enough for him to stand without hitting the ceiling. ¡°Please, please¡­¡± He looked around with hisntern. It had been taken out from there¡­ ¡°Found it.¡± Haejin usually didn¡¯t talk to himself, but he kept saying things today, probably because he was nervous or because he was excited about finding a treasure. His eyes sparkled as he walked to the deepest corner of the cave. Finally, he saw a box of considerable size. It came up to his knees and was about a meter long. As it had been painted with paint and varnish, it hadn¡¯t been too damaged by time. He opened his bag, took out a lever and put it between the crack of the box. Creaaack! The sound was horrifying, but Haejin didn¡¯t even blink an eye. The iron lid opened slowly. Haejin then slowly removed it and shone the light on the box with hisntern. ¡°Ohh¡­¡± What he saw first was ude M¡¯s Haystacks. More urately, it was ¡®Haystack at Dusk, Weather with Frost¡¯. It was one of M¡¯s Haystacks series. Haejin knew he had to take it and leave as soon as possible, but he couldn¡¯t help admiring the painting¡¯s forlorn mood and the red sunset. However, that was only for a moment. He rolled up the painting and put it in the painting container he had brought. Then, a book, that was the size of a child¡¯s torso, came out. Its cover said ˇ Ô· œ[ Ùp. Haejin wanted to open the book because he was curious, but he resisted that temptation. He couldn¡¯t risk the chance of the book getting crumbled. He carefully picked it up, wrapped it with vinyl, and wrapped it again and again with newspaper. He put it in a file he had prepared so that it wouldn¡¯t be crumpled. Although the book stuck out as it was bigger than the file, it was better than nothing. After that, Haejin put the paintings in the containers without even looking at them. He didn¡¯t have the time to, and he was worried that someone might see the equipment scattered on the ground outside ande in. His father had spoken what to do when robbing tombs. It was not to teach his son but to teach the ones who worked with him. He said the most thing you should be on guard of while robbing graves is greed. He repeatedly said that trying to take a little more can expose you to danger, so you must be fast, urate and without hesitation when you work. Because of that, when the iron box was empty, Haejin should have turned around without any hesitation. However, he couldn¡¯t just leave, maybe because he had never done this before, or because of some kind of gut feeling. When he had seen this ce through magic, he remembered that the painting was hidden in the iron box and being recovered, but he couldn¡¯t see whether the Japanese had hidden more treasures nearby when he hid this box. Haejin thought the officer might have had hidden something else in the cave. So, he looked around thoroughly with hisntern, but he only saw bugs and moss. He looked around once more in disappointment and suddenly realized that he hadn¡¯t seen the lower side of the lid. As there was no light in the box, he would not have been able to see it even if there had been something inside the lid. ¡°Four O¡¯clock¡­¡± Even if he left now, he would reach the car after 6 O¡¯clock. He thought it was time to leave, but he also knew that he would regret it if he did. Eventually, he lifted the iron lid with all his might. When he then flipped it¡­ ¡°Just as I thought¡­¡± His hunch wasn¡¯t wrong. Chapter 52: Hidden Treasure (2)

Chapter 52: Hidden Treasure (2)

The Japanese officer, who had hidden this painting, didn¡¯t know its exact value. However, at least he knew that it had to be treasured. He had attached the painting to the lid, but he put on top a cloth made of cotton so that the painting wouldn¡¯t be damaged. He then put the painting on the lid and then covered it with a ck cloth. With that, the painting didn¡¯t fall off when the lid was removed, and it wasn¡¯t easily noticed because of the ck cloth. Especially in the dark cave¡­ ¡°Huu¡­¡± Haejin took a deep breath to calm down his throbbing heart and carefully cut the ck cloth. Then, he carefully removed it, and the painting was revealed. ¡°Huh¡­ no way¡­¡± No way. How could this painting be here? Even that Japanese officer had realized that this was one of the best among what he had by far. If Byeongguk had seen it, he would have just been happy, said that it looks like a good one and handed Haejin a painting container. Haejin took another deep breath to calm his surprised heart. He then extremely concentrated on removing the painting stuck on the lid with the knife. He wanted to do it quickly and put the painting in a container, then leave; however, his hand couldn¡¯t move fast lest he made a mistake. He gulped hard and worked for about five minutes¡­ Finally, the painting fell from the lid. Haejin rolled it up in a sh, put it in a container and crouched down at the entrance to crawl out. He came out from the cave, blocked the entrance again and started to walk through the trees faster than when he hade. Haejin left the mountain without using the same route he used first, instead, he followed the hiking road that people normally used. He was then able to go back to his car. He carefully loaded the equipment and the paintings, he then got on the car. Although he had left slightlyte, it wasn¡¯t thatte. On his way, he discarded the equipment he had used in a deste ce. He drove all night and arrived at Zhengzhou Port. He wasn¡¯t that tired even though he had worked and driven all night, probably thanks to his mana. He parked the car near the port and sent the location to Byeongguk who called Haejin immediately. ¡°Have you finished?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m at Zhengzhou. I¡¯m about to look for that customs worker you mentioned.¡± ¡°I know that you can take care of it yourself, but you should never be seen by the police. Especially so because you must have artifacts, and China¡¯s Ministry of Public Security are very keen about drugs and artifacts. If you get caught, you cannot get out easily, no matter how strong you are. You know what I¡¯m saying, right?¡± ¡°Of course, I do. I will never get caught by the police, so don¡¯t worry. However, who is the person who has helped us this much? It cannot be someone you used to make deals with. He lent me a car and prepared the equipment.¡± ¡°He owes me a favor. You cannot work on your own in this field. You must get help from others. So, I am often indebted to others and have often helped others. Of course, I didn¡¯t help for free. I must be paid enough.¡± ¡°Kind of mutual help?¡± ¡°Yes. If you don¡¯t do this, words will spread around quickly. Eventually, you cannot get any help. Giving and receiving, those are the basics, but very important.¡± Haejin entered the terminal with an agitated heart. He didn¡¯t hang up, just in case. He then stopped for a moment and he looked forward. ¡°Huh? Byeongguk, it¡¯s strange.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The guy you told me about, Tan Shao, he¡¯s not here. Small with lots of gray hair¡­ hang on, I¡¯ll keep looking.¡± Haejin pretended to talk on the phone so that the patrolling policemen wouldn¡¯t suspect while he kept searching for Tan Shao; however, he was nowhere to be seen. ¡°It¡¯s not lunchtime yet but he¡¯s not here. It means he has been transferred somewhere else or might not show up today.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a problem. Then, can you make it to Tsingdao?¡± Tsingdao, which was famous for its beer, is located in Shandong Penins close to Korea, so the ships that secretly sailed to and fro between China and Korea mostly went there. ¡°That is too far. I¡¯ve also been told that I can borrow the car only for two days. I cannot get there in two days. I can use the train but staying in China with these is way too risky. Even if I make it to Tsingdao, if the worker you know isn¡¯t there, then the situation would be the same.¡± ¡°What on earth are you carrying that you are so cautious? Can¡¯t you tell me on the phone?¡± ¡°No, not on the phone, never¡­ hmm¡­ okay. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°Somehow. Let¡¯s say I get on the ship. Will there be any problem when reaching Busan?¡± ¡°No, no problem. There¡¯s no ship to Busan from there, so you will have toe to Incheon. I¡¯ll talk to a man who works at Incheon customs. Don¡¯t worry. Juste.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll see you in Seoul.¡± Haejin hung up, bit his lips and thought about the situation. Using magic would probably work¡­ however, everything he had would be taken away from him if things went wrong, so he tried not to do that if possible. He was lost in thoughts like that, but then two policemen started toe toward his direction from afar. Since Haejin was not going through the customs for a long time, he looked suspicious. Haejin was about to lose his paintings. ¡°Huu¡­.¡± He took a deep breath and slowly walked toward the customs, applying saliva on his finger¡­ then the policemen stopped and didn¡¯te to him. ¡°Please put on your belongings.¡± Haejin¡¯s bag went through the X-ray and, at that moment, Haejin used magic. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± The customs staff, who stared at the screen, let him go without saying anything. Haejin picked up his bag and quickly walked to the ship. ¡°Pant¡­ pant¡­¡± It was strange. After the ring¡¯s help, his body had been full of strength even after using magic, but now his legs wobbled as if all the mana had been used just after casting that spell. ¡°Why?¡± Haejin forced himself to get aboard andy down. His head was still dizzy. It was probably because of the ring. Was it because its power had worn off? The more Haejin thought about it, the more he wondered about its power. He couldn¡¯t help but think that there had to be more items with that pattern somewhere in this world. Haejin¡¯s heart, which had been surprised by Tan Shao¡¯s absence, was not surprised at Incheon again. Thankfully, a customs worker who Byeongguk had oiled(?) in advance greeted Haejin. He went past through the customs and left the terminal. Byeongguk was there. After getting on the ship, Haejin had just sent him a simple text saying that he had passed, he had then turned his phone off. Therefore, Byeongguk was curious. ¡°How did you pass?¡± ¡°Money can solve everything.¡± ¡°What? You solved the problem with money? On the site? Wow¡­ should I call you bold? Or should I call you crazy?¡± If that¡¯s what Haejin had really done, he would be crazy. However, he had used the illusion magic to make the staff see an ordinary traveling bag so he could pass without any problem. ¡°I was in a hurry. I had to do something. I am tired, I should get some rest.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you would make for a great fraud.¡± Haejin now rxed after arriving in Korea and met Byeongguk. He had been very stressed mentally, even with his magic. When they arrived in Seoul, Haejin resisted the urge to go home and rest; instead, he went to Insadong first. He wanted to unpack and check the paintings he had brought as soon as possible. Especially thest one. If it was what he was thinking, Sujeong and Byeongguk would get shocked and get a heart attack. He arrived at the workshop with an excited heart, but there were unexpected guests in there. ¡°What are you doing here? And you are not that close to each other¡­¡± In the workshop, three beautifuldies were drinking coffee, including Sujeong. The other two were Eunhae and Yaerin. Instead of replying, Sujeong saw Haejin¡¯s bags in his hands and asked, ¡°I heard you went to Hong Kong with thisdy. But, why did you return separately? And what are those? Have you brought something good?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have any present for you, so don¡¯t get your hopes up. However, I¡¯ll show you something else instead.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ no, thanks.¡± Sujeong was disappointed. Haejin smiled and turned to Eunhae and Yaerin. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Yaerin talked first. ¡°You haven¡¯t received your fee. You have gotten me a Jacques-Louis David, so I couldn¡¯t let that go.¡± Eunhae flinched at hearing Jacques-Louis David. She probably didn¡¯t know that Yaerin had bought such a painting in Hong Kong. ¡°Is it that urgent? I was going to find you when Ie back to Seoul. I didn¡¯t know that the payer would rush about it.¡± Yaerin smiled. ¡°There is one more thing. The media is paying attention because of the cdons we have recovered in Taean. Especially the blue prunus vase you recovered first. It¡¯s quite an issue. The media is asking to see it, but it¡¯s not ours. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ why does Yuseong want the media¡¯s attention? It can excavate without getting attention first¡­¡± ¡°For the same reason I bought that painting. Yuseong is going through a hard time in many aspects, and we are trying to improve its image as much as possible. If we exhibit the artifacts from Taean in museums and open it to the public for free, the politicians will be quite favorable to us.¡± Yaerin talked without holding anything back, although herpetition was right next to her. ¡°Is it okay to say all that? Ms. Eunhae can hear you.¡± ¡°She knows it already, so it doesn¡¯t matter. Plus, she has no influence in Hwajin. She is busy taking care of her gallery.¡± Eunhae smiled, admitting it. ¡°She always talks like that, so it¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good that you are not fighting.¡± The two didn¡¯t react as if they didn¡¯t hear anything. Haejin then turned to Eunhae. ¡°And you?¡± ¡°The permission to build your art museum has been approved. The Cultural Heritage Administration liked Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting that you have brought from the U.S. As you know, the rank of the museum depends on what kind of artifacts it owns. However, this time¡­ you have found a national treasure cdon with the joint excavation with Yaerin¡¯s family, and now that you own a Kim Hongdo, you got the permission faster than usual. The rank is low, but it will be upgraded if you get more artifacts.¡± The rank didn¡¯t matter at all. What mattered was that Haejin had built an art museum. Chapter 53: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (1)

Chapter 53: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (1)

¡°Hmm¡­ I see. You didn¡¯t need to bother yourself bying here. I will buy you both dinner, someday.¡± Yaerin frowned hard. Haejin said that he would buy them dinner, but it actually meant that if they had no more business, they should go. ¡°Please tell your grandfather that I thank him for appreciating my skills. You can just send my fee to my ount. As for the cdon, which must be in the pool now, it would be better to show it to the public after it has been cleaned and restored properly so that it won¡¯t be damaged. It will take a week at most, so there¡¯s nothing to be impatient about¡­¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Yaerin stood up and so did Eunhae. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more I can do for your museum. As you have recovered a good artifact, I hope things go well for you.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Then, I will see you again.¡± They left. Byeongguk came and lightly hit Haejin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Wow¡­ you are the director of an art museum now!¡± ¡°A museum of which the interior is still in construction. Well¡­ although she didn¡¯t mention it, I¡¯m sure Yuseong helped in secret. Getting the permission this fast is hard. We are working together at Taean now, so if my museum is not opened in time, they will be in trouble.¡± ¡°Why would they be in trouble? If your museum doesn¡¯t exist, they can keep all the artifacts.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not how it works. I already have signed a contract to divide the artifacts in 5:5 with Mr. Chairman so, if they take those artifacts, they would be spending money to store artifacts that don¡¯t belong to them.¡± ¡°Well, yes. Even if their share of artifacts gets sent to a museum, it would still belong to Yuseong, so Yuseong would be gaining a lot. However, if they take your share, it will draw a little more people, but storing it properly would be troublesome, so they have no reason to do so.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I must go home first. I need to take a shower.¡± Haejin tried to leave, but Byeongguk grabbed him, closed the door and quickly came closer. ¡°Show me. What is it?¡± Haejin smiled and took out a container. ¡°Don¡¯t get too shocked. Hhh¡­¡± ¡°What is it? Let me see.¡± Sujeong leaned forward. ¡°You both know everything you see in here is a secret, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin carefully took out the paintings one by one. There were four paintings and a book. Haejin picked up a red painting container and slowly took out a painting. ¡°Huh? This is M¡¯s!¡± Sujeong was surprised. She looked closely. As she knew a lot about western paintings, she was trying to find out if there¡¯s anything wrong with the painting. ¡°Yes, one of the Haystacks series.¡± ¡°Its condition is not bad. And? The others?¡± The painting Haejin took out next was the one he didn¡¯t have enough time to properly examine back in the cave. It showed Venice with its beautiful harmony between the city, the water, and the people of the time living their busy lives. They were depicted with great uracy. ¡°This is Francesco Guardi¡¯s, right?¡± Sujeon said the answer again quickly. Guardi had painted various aspects of Venice, so Sujeong could recall his name although she wasn¡¯t an appraiser. ¡°Yes, he often drewndscape paintings like this, and the fast touch of the brush that shows Guardi¡¯s pictorial style is on it. I cannot think of anyone else apart from him.¡± ¡°More, more!¡± Byeongguk just blinked his eyes with surprise while Sujeong demanded more paintings like an excited child. Haejin carefully put back the two paintings and took out another one. It was the painting of ady, on a white horse, having a good time with a hunting dog. The horse was elegant and beautiful, while the hunting dog was walking next to the horse. However, the water had smudged the blue sky and clouds in its background and there were some dirty stains. ¡°This is¡­¡± This time, Sujeong didn¡¯t know the answer. ¡°It¡¯s Jacques-Laurent Agasse. He was great at painting racehorses. He was quite famous in Ennd as racehorses were popr in his times.¡± ¡°However, this part needs to be restored.¡± As Sujeong said, exhibiting it in its current condition was not an option. It needed to be restored¡­ ¡°You are working on that porcin. Can you do this, too?¡± ¡°What choice do I have? I cannot leave it like this, so I¡¯ll have to use my great skills. Leave it here. I must practice first, so it will take some time.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to finish it until the museum opens. Take your time.¡± ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll do it as fast as I can. Well, more, more!¡± ¡°This is thest.¡± The hero alwaysesst. Byeongguk and Sujeong frowned while staring at the painting as it was unrolled little by little. And, the moment the painting was fully revealed¡­ ¡°Uh! What the! This is Picasso!¡± Unlike Byeongguk, who thought it was a good painting and nodded, Sujeong was shocked and yelled, she then quickly lowered her voice at mentioning Picasso. ¡°Yes. I think Picasso painted this during his adolescence. He probably wanted to make another painting after drawing Boy with Pipe.¡± In the painting, there was a little girl with a gand on her head. She was holding a small flower with both her hands and was looking at the artist. The background was the same as Boy with Pipe, but the girl¡¯s intive and gloomy mood contrasted Boy with Pipe¡¯s emotionless expression. ¡°Do you know at how much the Boy with Pipe was sold on auction?¡± ¡°About a hundred and thirty billion won.¡± ¡°You are crazy¡­ how did you¡­¡± Byeongguk and Sujeong couldn¡¯t close their mouths. ¡°The world¡¯s top experts would have toe to appraise it again. Before that, this won¡¯t be acknowledged like that¡­¡± ¡°However, those great appraisers would being to your museum. That is great on its own. Then, your museum would be one of the world¡¯s greatest¡­¡± That¡¯s right. A museum with a great artifact from humanity is a global tourist spot on its own. ¡°Then, what is that?¡± The remaining thing was not a painting, but a book wrapped with newspaper. Haejin hadn¡¯t seen this book properly, so he also wondered what it was very much. He removed the file, unwrapped the newspaper and the vinyl. From there, an eastern book that was about to crumble came out. ¡°The paintings were all western. Why is there an eastern book?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­ I wonder that, too.¡± Haejin slowly opened the book, but then he saw a very faint red signature on its cover, right under the title. ¡°Huh? It¡¯s a signature. Byeongguk, do you have a magnifying ss?¡± ¡°Yes, wait for a moment.¡± Byeongguk stood up in a hurry and soon came back with a small magnifying ss that was used for appraising. Haejin took it and studied the signature. Although it had faded a lot, he knew to whom it belonged to. ¡°Wow¡­ Byeongguk, this is Kim Hongdo¡¯s signature!¡± ¡°What? Kim Hongdo? Then, this is his picture book?¡± ¡°I think so.¡± Kim Hongdo was the best folk painting artist in Korea. He left a lot of paintings. Most of them were known, but it is still estimated that there are more paintings from Kim Hongdo that haven¡¯t been revealed yet. ¡°Huh¡­ then how many more Kim Hongdo¡¯s paintings is this country about to get?¡± ¡°It depends on this picture book.¡± Haejin carefully turned the cover page. Then, a painting of arge lonely tree was revealed. It looked simple at first, but the tree¡¯s sturdiness, the delicate and excellent line that depicted the leaves, and the grain of wood made them all exim. After that, there were four paintings ofndscapes and people, and six paintings of trees, flowers and birds. ¡°How many?¡± ¡°Ten.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great. Even Jeon Hyeongpil couldn¡¯t get such great artifacts at the beginning, but you already have collected awesome relics.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not enough yet, but not bad, right?¡± ¡°Park Haejin Art Museum will be famous in the future. Countless artists and appraisers wille.¡± ¡°I hope so. Anyway, I should go now. I¡¯m tired and need to take a shower.¡± ¡°Okay. Hhhh¡­ I¡¯m already excited. Your museum will be crowded on its opening day.¡± Byeongguk and Sujeong rejoiced as if it were their own business. When Haejin opened his eyes, it was bright outside. He picked up his phone. Sujeong had sent him a message asking if they were going to the auction today. Haejin replied of course, then took a shower and headed to the workshop straight away. ¡°Where¡¯s your dad?¡± Byeongguk, who used to stay there and y baduk with the other merchants, was not there. ¡°Dad left in the morning. Someone called him. I don¡¯t know more¡­¡± Sujeong didn¡¯t leave the workshop for a while, so she was now wearing beautiful clothes and makeups. Her skin was clean, and she looked cute so, after the extra effort, she looked even more beautiful. ¡°Wow¡­ you look good.¡± ¡°My work is giving me a headache these days, so I prepared myself to get some fresh air. Lead the way.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± As Korea Auction was close to Insadong, they arrived there after 10 minutes of walking and chatting. As Haejin had been here before, he didn¡¯t ask the staff and went to the exhibition room on the ground floor. He took two catalogs and gave one to Sujeong. ¡°Do you oftene to the previews?¡± Sujeong flipped through the catalog and shook her head. ¡°How can I? I was stuck in theb and the restoration room the whole time when I was in university. Although I often went to galleries and museums, I didn¡¯t have the time to go to auctions. Oh, this white porcin, is it yours?¡± Haejin nced at her catalog. It was the porcin he had entrusted before. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s mine.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it looks good. And it is in good condition¡­ how much do you think you¡¯ll get?¡± ¡°Now much. Between thirty million and a hundred and twenty million? To get more than that, there must be something else about the porcin, but it¡¯s just white porcin, so I can¡¯t get more.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ is that so? I don¡¯t know much about it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because you only restore things.¡± ¡°Then, what if you put the cdon you got at Taean, how much will it be?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not for sale.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I said, ¡®what if¡¯.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t think about it as it was impossible, but now that Sujeong was asking, he estimated the price. ¡°Well¡­ at least a billion, I guess.¡± ¡°Wow! That¡¯s great!¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s great. I cannot sell it, but owning it is great on its own.¡± They moved while talking like that, but then, Haejin felt someone slightly touching his arm. ¡°Excuse me¡­¡± Haejin turned. It was the Executive Director Do Eunchae of Ps Hotel who Haejin had met before. ¡°Oh, hello.¡± ¡°Oh, you remember me? We met here before¡­¡± ¡°Of course, I do remember.¡± Eunchae was happy to hear that. She covered her mouth andughed. ¡°Hohoho! I was a little worried that you might not remember me, but I¡¯m delighted. Are you here to help her pick things?¡± She nced at Sujeong. ¡°Oh, back then I came to help the director of Saeyeon Gallery, today, I came to just watch. This is my friend.¡± ¡°Hello, I am Yang Sujeong. I restore porcins and western paintings.¡± Sujeong spoke with an awkward smile. Eunchae also greeted her back with an awkward smile. ¡°Is it because you are handsome and capable? You get around only with beautifuldies.¡± ¡°Haha, do I?¡± Haejin smiled awkwardly. Eunchae hesitated and spoke, studying Haejin¡¯s face. ¡°Are you busy today?¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°I would really like to invite you to my home today.¡± Chapter 54: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (2)

Chapter 54: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (2)

¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin momentarily looked at Sujeong. He only did that because he didn¡¯t know what to do, so, of course, Sujeong didn¡¯t have any idea, either. Then, Eunchae continued again. ¡°At that time, I was so impressed by you, and I really wanted to invite you home; however, you looked busy, so I couldn¡¯t. I was so sad about it but, now that we met again, it would be great!¡± Haejin didn¡¯t have nothing to do after the preview today. He was going to Taean after a few days and, until then, he nned to take some rest, so there was no reason to not go. ¡°I hope we are not bothering you.¡± ¡°Of course not! Oh, wait. I should tell the housekeeper to prepare some food. What do you like to eat?¡± Normally, in this kind of situation, it would make anyone feel ufortable, but Haejin found himself talking because of Eunchae¡¯s warm eyes. ¡°I like meat.¡± ¡°Then, I will prepare a delicious steak.¡± She asked someone on the phone to prepare steak and other foods as there will be important guests today. Sujeong whispered that wouldn¡¯t it be too rude, but as Eunchae seemed very delighted, Haejin thought it would be fine. Unlike before, the preview had nothing worthy of Haejin¡¯s attention. The previous auction had been a quarterly auction, so there had been much better things than in this monthly auction. Afterward, they got on Eunchae¡¯s car and went to her home. She lived in Pyeongchangdong like Lim Sungjun. Although her house was a little smaller, the high walls and two-story mansion showed that she was also very rich. At first, Haejin had thought they would have dinner and talk but, the moment he entered the mansion, he eximed. ¡°Wow¡­ you really like antiquity.¡± The mansion was absolutely different from Sungjun¡¯s, which overwhelmed people with an expensive interior. In Eunchae¡¯s home, artifacts like porcins, buddhas from South East Asia, and paintings of the east and west were carefully stored in ss boxes. Now, Haejin could see why Eunchae had invited him. She liked antiques this much, so she wanted Haejin to look at her collection, appraise it, and talk about it with her. ¡°Please,e to the dining room, first.¡± Eunchae¡¯s housekeeper was very good at her job. The big table was already full of dishes. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much, but please, enjoy.¡± That day¡¯s dinner was very delicious. ¡°Do you have an artifact you are especially curious about?¡± They were eating dessert in the living room. Eunchae¡¯s eyes sparkled as she answered Haejin¡¯s question. ¡°Actually, I wanted to ask you something when I invited you. However, I have been worried that you might think that I invited you to just ask you that. Well, I am very grateful that you asked first.¡± ¡°Please, ask me anything. What is it?¡± ¡°I have been troubled about that painting on the left wall. A friend of my sister brought itst year when she moved in Korea, but she said she didn¡¯t care much about paintings and I should buy it if I liked it. So, I asked a curator that I know of for the right price and bought it¡­ but I wondered if that was the right decision.¡± The painting was a portrait of a man with impressive short hair. His gaze was strong, challenging and even rebellious. What was strange was that he looked both gloomy and serious, and the fact that all these emotions were there proved that a very skillful artist had painted it. ¡°How did she get that painting?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. She just told me her husband got it instead of the money he should have been given, and she wasn¡¯t happy about it¡­ anyway, she sold it to me at a considerable price, so I think she hasn¡¯t lost much.¡± ¡°How much did you pay for it?¡± ¡°Five thousand won. Is that too high of a price?¡± Eunchae¡¯s eyes showed that she was hoping for Haejin to say no. Luckily, her choice had been right. ¡°No. You have bought it at an extremely low price. That is a painting of Mohammad Reza Irani. I am so curious about how his painting went to your friend.¡± At this, Eunchae brightened and smiled. ¡°Really? Oh¡­ I have been worried too much. I couldn¡¯t be sure if that painting is really good, so I couldn¡¯t invite my friends. If that painting was weird, they would talk behind me and say that I know nothing about paintings. I hate women talking behind my back, but I cannot ignore them, right?¡± ¡°Yes, life doesn¡¯t work that way.¡± ¡°Thank you for understanding. I know you would think I am a snob, but this is who I am.¡± ¡°Haha, it¡¯s okay. You¡¯re just honest, that¡¯s all.¡± Eunchae felt good. She talked to Sujeong next to Haejin. ¡°You said you specialize in restoration? Is it Ms. Sujeong?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°In fact, to people like us, restoration is a little difficult. However, when you collect artifacts like this, they sometimes get cracked or damaged, and we normally entrust them to experts who the galleries introduce to us.¡± ¡°That would be right.¡± Sujeong thought she was about to get something, too, so she replied politely. ¡°The problem is that the result is often not good. And they charge a lot¡­ anyway, apart from money, the result is too disappointing.¡± ¡°Oh, I see¡­.¡± ¡°I have a meeting I often go to, so I will tell them about you to the people there. Everyone would like that.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Haejin smiled bitterly. Eunchae didn¡¯t know how good Sujeong was but was offering to promote her to the people around her. It was only to be nice to Haejin. He had appraised for free today because he thought he should pay back for the nice dinner which he didn¡¯t have for a long time, and she was also going to help Sujeong. Haejin was grateful. ¡°This is my business card which I made a while ago. Then please, take this.¡± Sujeong shyly gave Eunchae her business card. Ding dong! The doorbell rang, and the screen showed a caring with some goods. ¡°Oh, he shouldn¡¯te so soon.¡± Eunchae was a little surprised. She didn¡¯t know that her husband woulde now. ¡°Oh, then we should get going now.¡± Haejin and Sujeong didn¡¯t want to cause any inconvenience and stood up. Eunchae also stood up. She looked sorry. ¡°I am sorry. He usually doesn¡¯te at this hour.¡± They were about to go through the front door when someone flung it open. It was a man in his early 50s. His face was slightly red. He quickly nced at Haejin and Sujeong. ¡°Oh, you¡¯vee.¡± ¡°Who are these people?¡± He sounded displeased. Haejin sensed that something was wrong and locked eyes with Sujeong. She thought it was time for her to talk, so she offered the man her business card and spoke. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Yang Sujeong, an antiquity restoration expert. This is Park Haejin, an appraisal expert. We came here to appraise something.¡± She meant to eliminate the man¡¯s suspicion with a natural smile, but he didn¡¯t believe that easily. He looked away from Sujeong and stared at Eunchae and Haejin. ¡°I am in no situation to say hello. What is going on?¡± Eunchae looked troubled. She covered her forehead with her hand. ¡°He is such a great appraiser that I invited him to dinner. I met him at Korea Auction. He currently works with Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s director.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say no to this. Maybe giving trust with that excuse wasn¡¯t that bad¡­ ¡°Is it true?¡± The man pressed Haejin with a sharp gaze. Of course, Haejin would not get scared, but he felt offended. ¡°Do you have some delusional jealousy of your wife?¡± ¡°What?¡± Both Eunchae and her husband didn¡¯t think that Haejin would ask so openly. They were both shocked, especially the husband. He looked at Haejin with ring eyes. Haejin didn¡¯t care about it and added. ¡°You have many artifacts inside, so your wife can call an appraiser to ask. What are you so afraid of? Are you imagining that I, Ms. Sujeong and your wife have¡­ well, are you really thinking so?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say in bed, but everyone knew what the part which he couldn¡¯t speak out loud meant. ¡°Khmm¡­ that¡¯s not it. It¡¯s because suddenly there are strangers in my home.¡± Only then did the man get rid of his suspicion. Then, he started to make excuses. He must have thought his suspicion had been too much and, as Haejin was so confident, he suddenly realized his mistake. ¡°Anyway, I am sorry for making a situation you might misunderstand. However, what you are thinking has never happened, so please talk with your wife in a calm and logical manner.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± ¡°Then, we will go now.¡± It was about to end like this. Eunchae gestured them to leave. ¡°Yes, I am sorry. Please, go.¡± Her trying to make them go faster touched her husband¡¯s nerve. He got mad again. ¡°Why are you trying to send them away so quickly? Have you really done something?¡± ¡°Done what? Nothing happened.¡± ¡°Then why is this fellow leaving in such a hurry. That¡¯s suspicious.¡± Haejin was now irritated and couldn¡¯t hear more. He said, ¡°Your wife cannot even call a friend. I don¡¯t think she is happy, even in this nice huge mansion. We will go now.¡± Thatst sentence really upset the man. He started to insist on his nonsense. ¡°What, what? What do you know when you are so young¡­ an appraiser? How can someone like you appraise? You must lure in the girls and bluff by saying that you are an appraiser.¡± In any other situation, Haejin would have shown his skills to make him pay for that, but as the situation was too dirty, he just wanted to leave. So, he took Sujeong¡¯s arm and walked away. However, the man kicked at the gilt bronze buddha standing outside. ¡°Why? You are afraid? This fake buddha you have brought, some stupid appraiser said it was valuable. Was that him?¡± ¡°Please! Stop saying nonsense!¡± Haejin didn¡¯t look at that buddha, not because he wanted to find out what it was, but because he felt sorry for Eunchae living such a miserable life because of her pathetic husband. So, he turned again, but he couldn¡¯t walk away. ¡°Why?¡± Haejin was about to m open the door and leave, but he stopped. Sujeong looked at him and asked. ¡°I changed my mind.¡± He turned around and went to the man who was kicking the buddha on the floor. He flinched. ¡°What? What?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get involved in this mess, but I really cannot leave this buddha like this.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you sell it to me?¡± Eunchae and her husband couldn¡¯t say anything. They looked at each other. However, soon, the husband yelled. ¡°Why would I?¡± ¡°You said it has been appraised by me. If there¡¯s a problem with something I appraised, shouldn¡¯t I buy it? Or have you babbled just to let out your anger?¡± He flinched. He couldn¡¯t argue. He looked at the buddha lying on the floor. Then, he looked at Haejin and spoke. ¡°How much you will you pay for it?¡± ¡°How much you will you demand for it?¡± Then, Eunchae waved her hand and told Haejin to go. ¡°No, there¡¯s no need. We¡¯ve already been told it is not worth much. So please leave. I am so sorry.¡± However, this stimted her husband¡¯s pride. ¡°Why? Are you really up to something with him? Is that why you are stopping him?¡± Haejin had heard jealousy is dangerous, but now, to see it with his eyes, it was really creepy. It was so absurd that even Sujeong opened her mouth and said, ¡®Wow¡­¡¯ ¡°So, how much do you want for it?¡± ¡°Ten million! Buy it at ten million!¡± Eunchae was horrified at her husband¡¯s scream. ¡°Ten thousand? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Be quiet! Are you going to buy it or not? If you have the guts, do it!¡± Haejin would offer his own organs if he could buy it at ten million; however, all he needed was money and guts¡­ ¡°Then, let¡¯s write a contract.¡± Chapter 55: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (3)

Chapter 55: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (3)

¡°Why not?¡± He took out a piece of paper from his home and wrote the contract in an instant. Haejin then transferred the money. After that, the man looked at him as if saying he should get going with it, but he couldn¡¯t. ¡°It would be wrong of me to just take it away, so I will tell you what this is.¡± Eunchae¡¯s husband was about to tell him to just leave, but he shut his mouth and looked at the buddha. He was probably curious since Haejin bought it for ten million. It was less than 20cm tall, even including the halo. The buddha¡¯s body itself was less than 10cm tall. Its gilt was mostly worn off so it looked quite shabby, and this kind of gilt bronze buddha wasmon in temples, so people would not know if it was valuable, except those who knew a lot about antiques. It was not overwhelming like the western paintings, and it didn¡¯t draw attention like white porcins and cdons. As it also had a strong religious meaning, some people just refused to ept all buddha statues. ¡°Can you see this?¡± Haejin pointed at the topknot on the buddha¡¯s head. ¡°This is called Yukgyae. This buddha is wearing a cloth with a V-neck. And, if you look closely, the left hand is down while the right hand is in the opposite direction, up. All of these point to one country: Goguryeo.¡± When Haejin finished with a smile, Eunchae¡¯s husband¡¯s face was quite funny. He couldn¡¯t get mad. His face was red, but he couldn¡¯t show his regret. He pretended to be calm. ¡°That¡¯s hrious. The person who appraised this before said this is amon buddha that used to be in a temple in the 60s or 70s.¡± There were so many frauds in this field, so Haejin knew what happened. Someone had lied to make them sell it at a giveaway price. ¡°Who is it? I really wonder. There are only a few Goguryeo buddhas in Korea now. This buddha is at least worth hundreds of thousands, and that person devalued this like that¡­¡± Surprised, Eunchae came closer. ¡°It was Mr. Gong Byeoksang. He¡¯s an appraiser who often meets with my husband. He also has a shop in Insadong. He did that on purpose?¡± ¡°When ites to appraising, there is no answer. There¡¯s nothing you can do if he says he really thought so. It was just a mistake.¡± ¡°However, his reputation would be damaged.¡± It seemed like Eunchae didn¡¯t believe in Haejin¡¯s appraisal results. She trusted more that Gong Byeoksang. So, Haejin added, ¡°Even members of the Artifact Appraisal Committee make mistakes. Those who appraise authenticity for auction agencies also make mistakes. Mistakes happen all the time when appraising antiques. This kind of mistake won¡¯t hurt his reputation by much. Plus, there are only a few appraisers who specialize in buddha statues in Korea.¡± Then, Eunchae¡¯s husband interrupted. ¡°And, one of those few is you?¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t believe it, you don¡¯t have to. However, if you have to see the end, shall we go to the Korea Appraisal Committee and have it appraised? Their answer would be different from what you think.¡± Now, the married couple looked at each other and started to me themselves. ¡°Why did you sell it like that? I told you that the dealer said it was not ordinary!¡± ¡°Am I the one who said it was not good? Am I? It was Gong Byeoksang!¡± ¡°However, we shouldn¡¯t have sold it like that¡­ hu¡­ well, it¡¯s all good. It was the right choice for you to sell it. If you had kept it, you would have continued to be mean to me, so it¡¯s all good.¡± Eunchae sighed and gave up. Atst, she even smiled and told Haejin to leave with it. ¡°I am d that it was Haejin who bought it. If Gong Byeoksang had fooled me and took it, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to sleep. You must be happy about giving a hard time to an innocent person and selling that.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t give you hard time.¡± However, unlike before, the husband¡¯s voice was small. ¡°Fine. If you want to know more, go to the appraising agency with Mr. Haejin here. However, he is the man who told the secret of the jade buddha, which no one knew, at the Korea Auction and had it sold at billions. I don¡¯t think he is lying or making a mistake.¡± ¡°That jade buddha that was sold at 4.8 billion?¡± ¡°Yes. Anyway, I ended up giving you a present, Mr. Haejin. If you see meter, please help me.¡± She had let Haejin buy that buddha, so that wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°Of course. I will appraise for you any time.¡± ¡°Then goodbye. I should go in now, I have a headache.¡± Eunchae went in first while grabbing her forehead. Haejin lightly bowed his head at the husband who looked away in shame and left, carefully carrying the buddha. He thought the man would insist on going to the appraising agency, but he didn¡¯t. He probably had given up. ¡°Wow¡­ is this really a Goguryeo buddha?¡± Sujeong forgot the war of love that just had happened. She lightly touched the buddha¡¯s topknot and asked. ¡°I think so.¡± ¡°Then, that Gong Byeoksang or something tried to con them?¡± ¡°He¡¯s a fraud, but he cannot be arrested for that. As I just said, he can pretend that he didn¡¯t know. It has to be clear that he nned to fool someone. However, if he insists that he didn¡¯t know this buddha is from Goguryeo, he cannot be charged. Plus, he probably wasn¡¯t going to buy this himself.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°He probably would have said he would introduce a buyer and bring someone he knows. That¡¯s how horidasis work. They never buy things themselves. They make someone else do it and get the money from behind.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ such a perfect crime!¡± ¡°Yes. They¡¯re not the ones who buy it, so if someone uses them, they would just say, ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯, ¡®I didn¡¯t know¡¯, ¡®There¡¯s nothing I can do as someone else has bought it already¡¯.¡± ¡°Wow! Those bastards!¡± Sujeong shook her fist and let out her anger. Of course, she was angry, as Byeongguk had been conned by horidasis before. They came back to Insadong and had another uproarious time. Byeongguk made a great fuss again when he saw the buddha. So, Haejin, Byeongguk and Sujeong were celebrating for gaining another great artifact at a nearby makgeolli ce. Next, Sujeong¡¯s phone started ringing. ¡°Huh? I have never seen this number. Hello?¡± Sujeong answered and her face soon turned dark. ¡°Oh, really? We are at the makgeolli ce. Go straight from our shop and turn right at the first crossroad you see. Come here.¡± ¡°What was that about?¡± Sujeong ignored Byeongguk¡¯s question and looked at Haejin worried. ¡°The person who just called me, he¡¯s Gong Byeoksang. He sounded extremely angry.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eunchae and her husband probably had made him pay for what he had done. A whileter, a man in his 50s arrived. He was half bald and was wearing a modernized hanbok. He was already steaming whileing in. ¡°Here!¡± Haejin raised his hand high to greet him. He looked slightly puzzled. However, soon he gathered his senses and walked to Haejin. ¡°I am Gong Byeoksang.¡± ¡°Oh, really? I am Park Haejin. I¡¯m the one who appraised that buddha and bought it.¡± Byeoksang brought a chair from a nearby table, sat on it and talked in a low voice. ¡°Hey, there are ethics in this business. How could you get it like that?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t see thating. He couldn¡¯t evenugh. He had thought Byeoksang would insist his appraisal was wrong and they should find out the truth, but he was very straightforward. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I didn¡¯t know you were working on it.¡± Haejin casted the bait to see how it goes. Then, Byeoksang thought about it and continued talking. ¡°You just had one look and took it, but we have put too much effort in that buddha. We cannot give up now.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care if you have been working on it. It just happened toe in my way, and as it wasn¡¯t being appreciated enough, I bought it. You are not here to buy it from me, right?¡± Haejin thought of course not, but Byeoksang went beyond his expectation. ¡°I will buy it from you. Give it to me.¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help butugh. Byeoksang was making a hrious demand so openly. ¡°It¡¯s not that funny to me. That buddha you took practically belonged to us.¡± ¡°However, it wasn¡¯t yours.¡± ¡°Please, name your price. I¡¯ll just think we were too greedy. We¡¯ll take some loss.¡± That was nonsense, but Haejin suddenly wondered how much loss he was willing to take. ¡°Ten billion.¡± Byeoksang wasn¡¯t even surprised and shook his head as if he knew that Haejin would be like that. ¡°No, it¡¯s not worth that much. So, stop kidding. Let¡¯s not stress ourselves. Name the price you really want. A hundred million? Two hundred million?¡± ¡°A hundred million? Do you know what that buddha is? It was made in Goguryeo. You¡¯re trying to buy it at a few hundred million?¡± Byeoksang thought about it again and started talking. ¡°How about a billion?¡± At that moment, Haejin¡¯s chopsticks stopped. Not anyone can call a billion for a buddha statue. Especially in cases like this in which people like Byeoksang try to work like a horidasi and fail. They get stingy and try to get things back with as little money as possible. A billion would have been enough to buy that buddha before all that¡­ ¡°That¡¯s strange. Why didn¡¯t you buy the buddha with that amount of money?¡± Byeoksang didn¡¯t answer right away. He always took some time to think and then opened his mouth. ¡°Greed is not easy to ovee.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand what he meant, but Byeongguk pped. ¡°Yes. If you tell them it is not good, people will sell it easily. However, if you tell them that it is valuable, they will never sell it easily. If he had offered a billion for that, they would have never sold it.¡± Now, Haejin could understand. As Byeongguk said, if Byeoksang had said a billion, the buddha¡¯s owners would have wanted two billion, and if he had said two billion, they would have thought three billion. Offering the right price and making the deal would have taken at least a year. People who need money would make a deal quickly; however, as Eunchae and her husband were rich, they would have taken a considerable amount of time to make their decision. ¡°However, why did you offer a billion to me? I could also get greedy, like anyone else.¡± Byeoksang thought again and spoke. ¡°Because you know the buddha¡¯s exact value.¡± ¡°I know a billion is huge money, and that you have offered a price high enough¡­¡± Byeoksang interrupted Haejin for the first time. ¡°Two billion.¡± ¡°What?¡± Unlike porcins, buddhas were seldom sold at such a high price. So, offering two billion for a buddha meant Byeoksang was offering more than enough¡­ ¡°However, only until this evening. We work in the same field. Let¡¯s y the tug-of-war only with the clients. That is our Maginot line. We¡¯ll wait till evening.¡± He left a business card, stood up and left. Chapter 56: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (4)

Chapter 56: Secret of the Gilt Bronze Buddha (4)

¡°Isn¡¯t it strange?¡± Byeongguk was frowning hard as he looked at the business card Byeoksang left. It read, ¡®Cheongwan Appraisal Agency¡¯. Cheongwan, seeing the sky¡­ that was an arrogant name. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s strange. He offered two billion and set the deadline to this evening.¡± ¡°He could have set the deadline to stop you from getting other options. Or the buddha¡¯s value drops after this evening¡­ well, it is unlikely.¡± Byeongguk thought what he said was nonsense and smiled. Then, he continued. ¡°He kept saying ¡®we¡¯. He wasn¡¯t trying to hide that there¡¯s someone behind him. Additionally, he is also offering two billion first. It means this scheme about the buddha is quite big.¡± ¡°So, the pie has to be divided among many people?¡± ¡°Of course, and the lives of some people might depend on it. He said he would give you the money in advance, and it means he has been promised more than double of that money. It also means there are at least two or three middlemen.¡± Haejin only now understood what was going on after listening to Byeongguk¡¯s exnation. If this went wrong, it wouldn¡¯t end with just one or two people being screwed. ¡°Then, he must have a buyer already.¡± ¡°Of course. That buyer probably gave them some money in advance and had them proceed. So, they carried out the easiest n and suddenly you came in.¡± ¡°What would you do if you were me?¡± ¡°Honestly, I would just sell it. Getting on bad terms with those guys does not seem good. That Gong Byeoksang is just a messenger. The person who is controlling him from behind must be keeping an eye on you, too.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I should think about it first.¡± They thought it was not a good time to drink, so they went back to the workshop. Haejin kept staring at the buddha for a long time. It didn¡¯t seem to have anything special. Eventually, he used magic to look into its past while Sujeong and Byeokgguk were busy doing something else. The buddha had been in a temple, but it was taken during the Korean War. A monk fled with it during the 1.4 Retreat, but he lost it in Busan. The person who stole it worked for Yamanaka & Co. He brought it in Japan and sold it to a collector. However, there was a secret hidden in that story. The monk had hidden another small buddha in that buddha. In fact, he had fled to hide that small buddha and make huge money from it, and he had picked a not- so-great buddha to hide it, but he had lost it¡­ ¡°Uncle Byeongguk, I think there¡¯s something inside it.¡± Byeongguk was making coffee. He then came to Haejin. ¡°In this little thing?¡± ¡°Yes, someone ripped off the halo crudely, put something in it, and reattached the halo again¡­¡± ¡°What? Then you¡¯ll have to damage the buddha to check it.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t say it will happen 100%, but if I make a mistake, I might damage the buddha¡¯s body while removing the halo. To not do that, I should cut the halo off and put it back againter, but it would leave some traces. I think I shouldn¡¯t sell it. If I do, they will damage this to get the artifact inside.¡± ¡°What¡¯s inside?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure. However, I don¡¯t want to know. I might get greedy for no reason. I will just exhibit it in my museum.¡± ¡°Okay, then do that. However, I do wonder what¡¯s inside.¡± ¡°Me, too.¡± In fact, Haejin already knew what was inside. It was a very small gold buddha. As it had been carved from real gold, it was very valuable on itself. Plus, as it was a golden buddha made during the Goguryeo period, its value was beyond measure. Now, Haejin could understand why Byeoksang had offered two billion. They must have estimated that the golden buddha inside was at least worth five billion. Valuable treasures were often hidden inside buddhas and stone pagodas because buddha statues were hollow inside. Just like nowadays, thieves often snuck into temples to steal treasures, in the past, monks would hide their treasures in buddhas and pagodas in secret. So, experts often use X-ray to examine pagodas and buddhas to check whether there are treasures inside. ¡°If I leave it here, they will try to sneak in and steal it.¡± However, how did they find out that there was a golden buddha inside it? Haejin suddenly thought about it. Can anyone invest two billion on something one that hasn¡¯t seen yet? ¡°Yes, you should take it with you. Don¡¯t go home today, sleep at a hotel,¡± Sujeong said worriedly. However, Haejin smiled and waved his hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Even if they are crazy, they wouldn¡¯t try to steal it like that. You should still be careful,¡± Byeongguk said while smiling and answered Sujeong¡¯s concerns, ¡°You haven¡¯t visited his home, so you don¡¯t know it yet. It has the maximum security. It is a really luxurious apartment.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go now. Bye.¡± Haejin took the buddha and went home and locked his door, just in case. Additionally, he even blocked the entrance with his desk. After putting it there, he thought he had actually gone too far. Nothing happened until he woke up in the morning. Sujeong didn¡¯t call. Haejin called her and was informed by her that Byeoksang didn¡¯t contact her. Haejin felt a little ashamed, although no one was looking at him. He took a shower, put the buddha in a private vault in the bank, and headed to Taean. After three hours of driving, he arrived at the spot. It wasn¡¯t the excavation spot but the restoration spot. There were hundreds of porcins standing in rows under a huge tent. Inside the pool where Haejin had put the cdon prunus vase, there were many more porcins. ¡°You¡¯re here!¡± The ground was wet, and the mud was everywhere. However, curator Lee Jisu¡¯s white pants and blouse were as white as new. It showed her clean and neat personality. ¡°I heard the media is eager to know what is going on here.¡± Jisu shyly smiled and shook her fist. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s great!¡± ¡°How are things at the excavation site?¡± ¡°As you have chosen the right point, things are going well. I heard the sea has been calm a few days, so the divers are working without danger.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Yes. Yuseong is supporting the work well. There are lots of divers who have volunteered to work. So, now they are working in 5 shifts. No one is overworking, and they are progressing fast.¡± Jisu looked quiet, but she was quite talkative and friendly. ¡°I see. Let¡¯s see the blue prunus vase first.¡± ¡°This way, please.¡± She went past the pool and led Haejin to a small hall which they had rented in advance. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Good morning, sir!¡± The staff, who had been working hard, stood up and said hello. Haejin greeted them and walked in. Then, he saw a prunus cdon on a huge table. It was about 40cm tall and had an overwhelming aura. There was a dragon surrounded by clouds flying in the sky on that jade-green vase. It was so real and borate that Haejin couldn¡¯t take his eyes off for a while, even though he had seen it before. ¡°Everyone who sees this for the first time will lose track of time while watching it.¡± ¡°And it was sleeping under the water for centuries.¡± ¡°We were lucky.¡± ¡°That luck hase to us, so we should use it well, right? Who is in charge of Yuseong¡¯s workers? Is it Ms. Song Yaerin?¡± ¡°Oh, you knew?¡± ¡°I knew she is here, but I didn¡¯t know she was in charge. Anyway, she¡¯s in charge, right? Okay. Please go back to work now. Reporters will call you to schedule interviews and photographs, so pick a good time to do that. And you should give the interview¡­¡± ¡°Oh, you are not going to give it yourself?¡± Jisu tried hard to not smile and asked. She was thrilled. Haejin could understand her feelings. She had just joined a small art museum that hadn¡¯t been opened yet, and she was already getting a chance to be famous. ¡°I don¡¯t care about those things. Plus, promoting artifacts that will be exhibited is the curator¡¯s job. If I wanted it, I would have been the curator myself, right?¡± ¡°Haha, you are right.¡± There was a joy that couldn¡¯t be hidden in Jisu¡¯s awkward smile. Haejin left her and went to Yuseong¡¯s restoration site. It was not that far, so it took less than five minutes to get here. The site was buzzing with people, unlike Haejin¡¯s site. Additionally, in the middle of that was Yaerin, who always acted cool. Haejin had thought she was just an arrogant daughter of a rich family, but to see her instructing her workers with her unique charisma, she looked slightly different. ¡°Are you busy?¡± ¡°Oh, you should have called me if you were about toe. Have you had a meal? It¡¯s lunchtime, will you eat with me?¡± ¡°If you are eating with someone else, you should go. I don¡¯t want to eat with strangers¡­¡± ¡°You are shier than you look. I don¡¯t have any appointments, so let¡¯s eat together. If you called me in advance, I would have made a reservation at a nearby sushi restaurant.¡± ¡°We can eat anywhere. Anyway, how are things going?¡± ¡°We think we have excavated about 60% so far. We will drag up the ship when the excavation is 80% finished, so we are preparing for the PEG.¡± Wood that has been underwater for centuries will have holes like a sponge as the fiber leaves it. Those holes get filled with water, so if you dry them like that, it bes distorted. So, you should remove water and the salt slowly, then put in PEG. This chemical fills those holes and hardens them to make the wood keep its shape. ¡°Hmm¡­ do you want the ship?¡± Haejin asked. Yaerin said that first for a reason. Restoring a ship that had been wrecked would be a symbolic artifact on its own. Yuseong probably looked for something for the Haevici Gallery after Haejin took the prunus vase and therefore chose the ship. Yaerin was about to answer, but¡­ Buzzzzz¡­ ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I have to take this.¡± It was Eunhae of Saeyeon Gallery. Haejin then answered the call. ¡°Hi, it¡¯s me, Eunhae.¡± ¡°Hello. Why did you¡­¡± ¡°You are not in Seoul now, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m in Taean. You were there when we talked about this. I must discuss some things with Ms. Yaerin.¡± ¡°I know. I called because¡­ I know this is absurd, but Mr. Jongmyeong wants to meet you.¡± ¡°Mr. Jongmyeong? Your ex-fianc¨¦?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Why does he want to meet me?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me. However, he asked me to tell you one thing.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°That you and him should find a way for a win-win situation. It never belonged to you anyway¡­ what does this mean?¡± Chapter 57: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (1)

Chapter 57: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (1)

The person behind Gong Byeoksang was Lee Jongmyeong. That young man was already trying to rip people off with artifacts. That already told you what kind of man he was. ¡°You have done well, breaking up with him.¡± ¡°What? I think that was the right choice¡­ but has he done something again?¡± ¡°I think he is trying to. Anyway, I get it. Please give him my phone number.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we ignore him? It might be bad for you.¡± ¡°No, confronting him would be better.¡± ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll do that. I am sorry.¡± ¡°Haha, you don¡¯t have anything to be sorry for. Then bye.¡± Haejin hung up. Yaerin was staring at him, her eyes were saying that he should tell her what that was about. ¡°You won¡¯t tell me even if I ask, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid if I do, you will make fun of Ms. Eunhae with it.¡± ¡°Oho, so it is something to make fun of.¡± ¡°You already know, why are you pretending to be ignorant?¡± ¡°Oh, you are more quick-witted than I thought.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to have lunch.¡± Haejin walked away lest Yaerin would trick him to tell her more. Then, he spotted something. He went to it and Yaerin hurriedly followed him. ¡°What?¡± Haejin could feel that she was hiding her nervousness. ¡°Have you found the missing piece?¡± What Haejin was looking at was as great as the prunus vase Haejin had recovered but, sadly, its shoulder part was missing. ¡°We are looking for it.¡± Yaerin¡¯s eyes were slightly shaking, so they probably had the piece already. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. It is in good condition. It can be exhibited after being restored well.¡± If the porcin was broken into a few pieces, restoring it would be easy, and it could be restored into its previous condition. However, if it was smashed into dozens of pieces, even if the restorer was extremely skilled, there might be a tiny part missing or the glue might not hold. Its restored condition would depend on the restorer¡¯s skills. In that perspective, this vase could be recovered easily, as long as the missing piece was found. ¡°Probably.¡± ¡°You seem disappointed about me finding about this.¡± ¡°Of course not. We are going to put all the porcins in one ce and divide them up, right?¡± ¡°Right. So, I guess I was wrong.¡± ¡°Of course. Haha, shall we go? Mr. Yeongjun! You haven¡¯t photographed this, right? Please, do it now.¡± They probably had been tempted. Should we take it? Or should we exhibit it? Yaerin was giving instructions to take photos of that, so she had given up on it. With records, taking it in secret would be impossible. They went to a sushi restaurant with a great view of the ocean. Haejin suggested that they eat at the closest restaurant, but Yaerin insisted that they should eat sushi since they were on the seaside. Food came out, and when they were slightly full, Yaerin started speaking. ¡°My grandfather is very happy. The painting we bought, its receiver liked it a lot.¡± ¡°David¡¯s paintings have a political message, especially Death of Marat. It describes his political belief most dramatically¡­ the receiver must have thought he and Marat of the painting had something inmon.¡± ¡°What are you going to do after this excavation ends?¡± ¡°I should open my museum. I will invite you to the opening event. As long as you don¡¯t fight with Ms. Eunhae¡­¡± ¡°You think we are kids? We do know when and where we shouldn¡¯t do that¡­¡± Yaerin looked a little offended. She pouted. ¡°It¡¯s because you growl at each other whenever you meet. I also want to make one thing clear. Excluding the prunus vase I got, all the national treasure and treasure artifacts will be divided in 5:5.¡± ¡°What about the ship?¡± There was a reason she mentioned it before. ¡°You can have it.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay.¡± She liked that. She looked down and nodded. Taking the ship would give the gallery a symbolic meaning as the gallery that led this excavation. Yaerin put a piece of sushi in her mouth and chewed. Then, she recalled something. ¡°Oh, there will be a Salvadore Dali Exhibition at Haevici Gallery next month.¡± Salvadore Dali was a famous surrealist artist. He made many works of art. Most of them were sold at a high price and got great wealth. Dali liked money as much as he liked art. Once, Andre Breton, Dali¡¯s colleague and a surrealist artist, made an anagram with Dali¡¯s name; Avida Dors (crazy for money). Dali even got carpal tunnel syndrome by signing too much after realizing that each of his signatures were worth money. ¡°Rich people will like it.¡± Almost all the works of contemporary art after Jackson Pollock were sold at a high price thatmoners couldn¡¯t even imagine. Ordinary people would not be able to easily understand how the result from dirty lines that look like cobwebs could be worth tens of billions. ¡°Most of them are not for sale. There will only be about five paintings that you can buy.¡± ¡°There will be blood, then.¡± Yaerin covered her mouth andughed. ¡°Ahaha! You are right. Aren¡¯t you interested?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not that interested in surrealism¡­ it¡¯s not my favorite genre. Well, if you give me one for free, of course, I would go¡­¡± ¡°Not for free, but at a dirt-cheap price. You are opening your museum anyway, so wouldn¡¯t it be better to hang one more painting, regardless of the genre?¡± ¡°The moment I buy that, I¡¯ll have to keep filling in works of surrealism and Dadaism. I give up.¡± Haejin raised both of his hands. Yaerin leaned forward and said. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you one for free.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s not good. I know there¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. And you are giving me something for free with nothing in return, and that something is a Salvadore Dali? I can¡¯t believe it.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I could have given you that and boasted about it, but I guess my chance is now gone. And, we all need to help and be helped from time to time, don¡¯t we? We should help each other.¡± It was just as Haejin thought¡­ butpared to asking for help without anything, Yaerin¡¯s behavior was excellent. ¡°When you need my help, ask for it. Then maybe, I¡¯ll get to ept Dali¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°So be it. Well, do you want a ss of soju? If you¡¯re going to Seoul, I¡¯ll get you a chauffeur.¡± ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯ll go with a clear mind.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Haejin ate a good lunch with Yaerin and went back to the restoration site to examine the process. Then, a male worker raised his hand. ¡°Sir, could you take a look at this?¡± ¡°Hum? What is it?¡± ¡°I cannot find out.¡± He pointed at a cdon that still had some stains as it hadn¡¯t been cleaned yet. It was amon dish-shaped cdon, and Haejin couldn¡¯t understand what the man could not find out. ¡°You can¡¯t find out what?¡± Haejin asked without thinking much and, at that moment, the staff¡¯s eyes shook. ¡°Uh¡­ I¡­¡± ¡°Hum?¡± ¡°Do you mean that you can¡¯t determine which period it¡¯s from? Or you can¡¯t determine the use of this dish? Or you can¡¯t determine how much it is worth?¡± ¡°All of them.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know any of them?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Haejin nned to teach him well, but now he thought that something was wrong. It would be right for him to research about the excavated artifacts thoroughly to write reports and thesis, but he was asking the director everything. Usually, in a private museum, the director was as high as the sky to its excavation, researching and restoration staff. As the director can hire and fire all of the staff, they try hard to not make him feel ufortable, and this man was almost asking to be fired! However, next, Curator Lee Jisu arrived in a hurry. ¡°Oh, Taeju must still be hungover from yesterday. He is normally not like this¡­ haha, you, write me a report about this cdon before tomorrow. If you don¡¯t know what to write, start by writing the reason behind you not knowing this. Okay?¡± As there was no senior researcher, Jisu was managing the staff. The man ruffled his hair in agony, nodded and left. However, Haejin didn¡¯t miss him ncing at Jisu as he went out. That reminded him of a scene from his past. When Haejin was in university, a girl junior once asked for his help with an essay. So, he helped her but, after that, one of his friends started to act like that. He didn¡¯t look at Haejin, didn¡¯t talk to him and talked bluntly for nothing. Later, it turned out he liked that female junior. ¡°Is he¡­ jealous of me?¡± Haejin whispered lest the other researchers hear him, and Jisu started to panic. ¡°No, no. No way. Jealous¡­ hahaha! Of course not. You have a very good imagination.¡± It seemed Haejin was right. He didn¡¯t know if the two were dating or not, but that man¡¯s jealousy had exploded. ¡°Go and tell him that I am not going to do what he is worried about. Of course, with that jealousy, he wouldn¡¯t buy it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s not like that. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± Haejin ignored that and warned her seriously. ¡°If this happens again, I¡¯ll have no choice but to hire new staff. I don¡¯t know what he will say about me, so I cannot keep him here. Right?¡± Jisu realized that things were serious. She nodded and agreed. ¡°Of course, I think you are absolutely right.¡± ¡°Then go.¡± ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± Jisu left. Haejin was about to leave with a bitter smile, but he then looked at the dish Taeju pointed at earlier. It still had stains as it hadn¡¯t been cleaned yet, but assuming its original condition wasn¡¯t hard. He crouched down to take a closer look, but he got a call. He didn¡¯t recognize the number. However, he could guess who it was. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hello, it¡¯s Lee Jongmyeong. You remember me, right?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t like him, even his voice. Why had he been given such a face, tall body, and wealth? To think about it, he had everything. Haejin didn¡¯t know why such a man would want to destroy an artifact. ¡°Yes, I heard you asked Ms. Eunhae my phone number?¡± ¡°I am in big trouble, so I had to call Eunhae. I am being humiliated, really. Asking my ex-fianc¨¦ the phone number of her new man¡­ oh my God, my days are gone.¡± There was nothing between Eunhae and Haejin, but he didn¡¯t want to bother to point that out. ¡°Anyway, what do you want to say?¡± Jongmyeong was straightforward. He skipped the useless stories and went to his point. ¡°Let¡¯s talk man to man. That buddha, give it to me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have to say no. Even for two billion. You must know that I¡¯m preparing to open my museum. I am going to exhibit it there.¡± ¡°Wow, look at you. Not even for two billion? You must have struck it rich? Two billion is not small.¡± Jongmyeong was being rude. It made it easier for Haejin to counter him. ¡°If you know two billion is big, purchase it legally. Don¡¯t try to rip an innocent woman off. Or, should I tell Executive Director Do Eunchae about this? That I found out Mirae Corporate Group is behind this scheme?¡± For a moment, he heard nothing from the other side. Then, a long sigh was heard. ¡°Sorry¡­ I was a little too excited. Let¡¯s trade. If you don¡¯t like two billion, I¡¯ll give you something more valuable than that money. Myte mom would try to kill me if she finds out what I¡¯m about to do¡­ but you¡¯ll like it. Whether you¡¯ll ept that trade, you should decide after you see what I have.¡± Chapter 58: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (2)

Chapter 58: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (2)

That was quite a nice offer, but Haejin wasn¡¯t interested. He already had a Picasso, so he didn¡¯t want to bother himself and make a deal with Jongmyeong. ¡°I am not that interested. I am not giving you that buddha, no matter how valuable is the artifact you have.¡± ¡°Make your decision after you see it¡­ you¡¯ll see it in a few days. See it, and we¡¯ll talk again.¡± Jongmyeong hung up as if he had nothing more to say. ¡°What the¡­ he¡¯s a funny guy.¡± Haejin wondered what Jongmyeong was up to, but he decided to forget about it for now. He will find out in time. He crouched down and looked at the cdon again. Then, he raised his hand. ¡°Here!¡± ¡°What?¡± A staff with sses and pimples came closer. He would have been handsome if he had clean skin, it was a shame. ¡°Keep this cdon well. And¡­ no one should know that we are interested in this. You know what I¡¯m saying?¡± ¡°Of course. I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡± He understood what to do. Haejin liked that. ¡°And watch over it without anyone noticing it and keep it safe. I know it will be hard¡­ but I¡¯ll give you a bonus if we seed in bringing it to our museum.¡± The male staff readjusted his sses with his index finger and smiled. ¡°You can count on me, sir. However, is this a special cdon?¡± ¡°If I¡¯m right. Anyway, please, do what I asked.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t sure yet, but once it recovers its true self after being cleaned, he would get to find out if he had been right. After that, Haejin went to and fro between Taean and Seoul. As the museum¡¯s interior was about to be finished, he hired staff for the simple office work and called Jisu to prepare for the opening. Even though museums were for civilized cultural purposes, an opening event was needed. Some kind of special security was also necessary¡­ As it was kept secret from the employees till the opening, Haejin had to prepare it alone. It was to not have thieves breaking in and steal artifacts. Haejin picked a security service and added a bulletproof ss that could not be broken even by smashing the interior dozens of times with the hammer. That costed him hundreds of thousands. In fact, the security had to be even more perfect than bank vaults, so he had to spend that kind of money. He spent days like that, working busily. One day, Eunhae arrived. As Saeyeong Gallery was only a few minutes away on foot, Haejin wasn¡¯t that surprised, but her face said she wasn¡¯t there to just have a look. ¡°You are so great. You started empty-handed, and you are already about to open a museum.¡± ¡°I was lucky.¡± ¡°If you say that was only luck, others would criticize you. Everyone admits you are a great appraiser. In that perspective, you make me look back upon myself. I tried to get help from others to protect my gallery instead of doing it on my own.¡± ¡°It is human instincts to find the easiest way out of a crisis. I think you don¡¯t have to me yourself.¡± ¡°I was interested in art, music and business as a child. So, I tried to do them all. And now, although I know many things, I do not excel enough in one field to be an expert like you. If I had concentrated on art, I would be better now.¡± She was sentimental today. Something probably had happened. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past. Move on and think about the future.¡± ¡°You are right. If you are not busy, would youe to my gallery with me?¡± ¡°Okay. You are buying lunch, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin made Jisu handle the ce and went out with Eunhae. They went past many good restaurants in Bukcheon and arrived at the gallery. Many people were still going in and out. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little relieved after the sess of this exhibition?¡± Haejin said that to lift Eunhae¡¯s spirit as she looked sad, but she smiled bitterly. ¡°I thought so. Shall we go in? There is a guest. Someone you know.¡± ¡°What?¡± They went to Eunhae¡¯s office. Someone Haejin hadn¡¯t expected was there. ¡°Hey! It¡¯s been a while.¡± The man who greeted Haejin while reclining in a sofa was Lee Jongmyeong. Haejin could see why Eunhae was so troubled. ¡°What? You brought me here for him?¡± Eunhae shook her head with a dark face. ¡°Yes, but not just for that. I have a favor to ask.¡± ¡°What favor?¡± Instead of answering, she looked at Jongmyeong. Then, he put a painting on arge table. It showed a warm Korean rural area. Haejin immediately knew that it was Park Sugon¡¯s. ¡°My mom told me to never sell this when she died. However, what choice do I have? Sometimes, you must do something you don¡¯t want to do.¡± ¡°You are going to sell this? This will give you at least two billion if you put it on auction.¡± ¡°Yes, I know that. Well, I¡¯ll tell you my terms. I¡¯ll give you this. This is real, you can appraise it. My mom got it from artist Park Sugon himself.¡± Haejin nced at it. It seemed real, but he didn¡¯t intend to appraise it. He wasn¡¯t going to trade anyway. Although he admitted Park Sugon was a great artist, he couldn¡¯t let the Goguryeo buddha get destroyed. ¡°Not the buddha.¡± That was a firm answer without any room for negotiation. Jongmyeong took out a piece of paper and put it next to the painting. ¡°One billion. From Gukmin Bank and without any problems. If you want, you can get it in cash.¡± ¡°Still, no. Even if that check was worth ten billion, no.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t even blink an eye. Jongmyeong exploded. ¡°Aaaaak! What on earth do you want! Huh? xx I¡¯ve done enough for you, and shouldn¡¯t you ept it? Hey! What are you doing? Are you going to just stand there?¡± Jongmyeong jumped up and down in anger. Then, he yelled at Eunhae. She calmly shook her head. ¡°Bringing Mr. Haejin here has already made me miserable. So, if you want the buddha, convince him or offer him something better. Isn¡¯t negotiation like that?¡± ¡°You are crazy¡­ you think you can hold this ce after this? The vice chairman wants it!¡± At that moment, Haejin realized what was going on. Jongmyeong was behind Byeoksang, but the man who wanted the golden buddha behind everything was Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun. Eunhae knew it. That is why she had brought Haejin but couldn¡¯t persuade him to give up on the buddha. However, there was one thing Haejin couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to ask me a favor earlier?¡± ¡°I wanted to ask you not to ept his offer. However, you have refused it already, so I don¡¯t have to ask.¡± ¡°You are eager to be kicked out. What do you think you¡¯ll have left without this? You can¡¯t be expecting Mr. Vice Chairman would set you a coffee shop to make a living after he kicks you out of here.¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t lose her cool at this. She countered calmly. ¡°I have enough money to open a coffee shop. I am also not going to step down so easily. My grandfather gave me this gallery, so I am going to protect it. Mr. Haejin has said no, so please leave now. Seeing your face makes me tired.¡± Jongmyeong put the check in his pocket and picked up his phone to call his secretary. A whileter, a buffy man came in and carried out the painting. ¡°I am looking forward to knowing what Mr. Vice Chairman would do to you.¡± ¡°That is none of your concern. You should worry about yourself before you worry about me. Your brother, Executive Director Lee Gangjun, is not someone you can easily defeat. Don¡¯t forget that.¡± ¡°Lecturing till the end.¡± Jongmyeong left. Eunhae grabbed her forehead and fell down on her chair. She sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bringing you here.¡± ¡°Your uncle made you do it, so you don¡¯t have to feel sorry. You must do what your boss says.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ it¡¯s funny. This is an independent gallery, and I have a boss. Would you like to have some coffee?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want coffee, but Eunhae seemed she had something to say, so he said yes. ¡°Okay.¡± A whileter, a female employee brought them coffee. Eunhae moved to the sofa and started to talk. ¡°I was shocked a lot when Jongmyeong told me about the buddha and that my uncle is involved in it. However, I then got the feeling that this was not the first time, so I checked what had happened before I came here.¡± Haejin had wondered that for a long time. ¡°And?¡± ¡°There are no detailed records, but Chinese and Japanese artifacts were traded through this gallery. And, for a long time¡­ I knew only then why my uncle was so eager to take this ce away from me.¡± That was bad, but Haejin suddenly wondered something. ¡°Why did your grandfather give you this gallery despite all that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. He must be involved in all this¡­ ha¡­ anyway, because of what just happened, my uncle will be enraged at me and will try to convince the board members to kick me out. However, why is everyone so obsessed with that buddha?¡± Her eyes told Haejin that she didn¡¯t know anything. ¡°Well, I wonder that, too. Why do they want it so much¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, you were right at not selling it. If they had bought it, they would send it to China at any time.¡± ¡°But wouldn¡¯t it be hard if your uncle tries to get rid of you?¡± ¡°Even he cannot fire me right away. Although most of the board members are his men, they have been working since my grandfather¡¯s days, so they know how much I meant to him.¡± ¡°That means you can get kicked out in time.¡± ¡°It depends on how I work in the meantime. I heard that Haevici Gallery is opening a Salvadore Dali Exhibition a monthter.¡± Haejin knew that. Yaerin had already told him. ¡°And?¡± ¡°We are preparing a special exhibition about Baroque to counter that. We will exhibit artifacts owned by celebrities, but this is not my exhibition.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°My cousin, Hyoyeon, is preparing it.¡± Haejin could see why Eunhae was telling him that. She was cunning¡­ ¡°So¡­ you want me toe here and make a fuss? Very loudly?¡± Eunhae was nning to screw Hyoyeon over. Chapter 59: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (3)

Chapter 59: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (3)

She nodded sadly. ¡°Yes. Asking you this kind of thing is too embarrassing, but you know what kind of trouble I am in now. Plus, if Hyoyeon gets this gallery, it will be turned into a huge middle merchant that illegally trades artifacts with China and Japan. We cannot let it happen.¡± That was right. If a gallery with the powerful Hwajin on its back starts illegal artifact trading, the harm would be beyond anyone¡¯s expectation. ¡°Okay, but don¡¯t think I can surely do something just because I¡¯lle. Unless a fake is being sold openly, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± ¡°I know. I am willing to take that risk. However, you must know that among the artifacts that celebrities own and trust, there are massive amounts of fakes.¡± ¡°I know that. It¡¯s just that you will have to be extremely lucky. Hyoyeon would also have to be extremely unlucky.¡± It would be great if a fakees out but, if it doesn¡¯t happen, there¡¯s nothing Haejin could do. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have to be very lucky, judging from the artifacts Hyoyeon is contacting. Anyway, I can¡¯t wait.¡± ¡°What would happen if Hyoyeon¡¯s special exhibition gets ruined?¡± Eunhae smiled for the first time today. ¡°What would happen? The board would think of her as stupid. They need a good reason to kick me out. However, if my recement does something that stupid, the board cannot fire me.¡± Eunhae looked so na?ve and innocent, but she was strong when needed. ¡°Your uncle will be really mad if things go your way.¡± ¡°What can he do? Hyoyeon is also not good enough to run a gallery yet. I admit Yaerin has an experienced eye, even though she is rude. Oh Jaepil is teaching her about art history and antiques. But Hyoyeon? She¡¯s still a child.¡± After hearing this, Haejin thought he couldn¡¯t let that baroque exhibition end in glory. ¡°Okay. I will stop by a monthter, during the exhibition.¡± Apart from the friendship with Eunhae, Haejin couldn¡¯t let that happen as he had to protect the Korean artifacts. He was shocked by the fact that the man who wanted the golden buddha was Sungjun. He had thought Jongmyeong could do that, but¡­ Haejin ate lunch with Eunhae. After that, he went to Insadong to pick up Sujeong and they went to Taean. Sujeong had asked him to take her with him as she was about to get depression by staying inside the workshop and restoring things. Byeongguk was with them, of course, and he was looking forward to seeing the porcins excavated from Taean. Sujeong certainly brightened up after a few days in Taean with the sushi and the sea breeze. She checked in at a nearby hotel and recovered her self-pride through stopping by at the restoration spot to give some advice. Then, the excavation finally reached its end. It was exactly a week away from the opening of Haejin¡¯s museum. Haecheol came down from Seoul to celebrate. He then called the reporters and promoted the ce. Additionally, the next day, Haejin had lunch with Haecheol. He was very satisfied with the excavation being finished without anyone getting hurt. ¡°I used to think this could happen one day, and it did. It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t deny that.¡± Without the exact point, finding a ship that had been wrecked centuries ago and pulling out treasures in that murky West Sea would have been terribly hard, so Haejin didn¡¯t have to be humble. Especially when it was time to divide the booty. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but be shocked when I saw that blue prunus vase, you brought up the first time, in the news. It was so beautiful and fantastic. There is nothing else like that under the sky. I¡¯ve never been jealous of what others had but, for the first, time, I wanted it.¡± ¡°Do you want it?¡± Haejin asked calmly. Yaerin shifted. She wanted to say something, but she couldn¡¯t speak first as her grandfather was there. ¡°You are testing me. Will you give it to me if I say I want it?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Haecheol put down his chopsticks. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°I am. If you want, you can have it.¡± Haecheol looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes for a while. They had a strange staring match like that, but then Haecheol picked up his chopsticks again. ¡°No. Don¡¯t test this old man¡¯s heart again.¡± Yaerin couldn¡¯t understand that. ¡°Grandfather! He said he will just give it to us!¡± At Yaerin¡¯s protest, Haecheol stroked her head. ¡°Child, nothing is free in this world. If I take that, this young man will ask me something of more value than that or won¡¯t work with Yuseong again. Don¡¯t forget you should not try to gain from other¡¯s hospitality.¡± Haejin quietly eximed. As Haecheol said, if he had asked for that cdon, Haejin would have given it without any regret. However, he would have never again worked with Yuseong. Haejin had tested Haecheol by giving up that expensive and valuable prunus vase because he would get to excavate countless sites in the future, and he won¡¯t be able to work alone sometimes. Therefore, whether he could trust Yuseong or not was very important. Yaerin silently asked if Haejin had really meant that, but Haejin just ate without saying anything. At this, she frowned and drank beer. ¡°Khh¡­ I really don¡¯t like you.¡± ¡°Haha, what would you do if you like him? Are you going to ditch the man I¡¯ve picked for you?¡± ¡°You mean that man in the U.S who I haven¡¯t even met before? I saw his SNS once, there are photos of him and girls having fun.¡± Yaerin was being sharp, but Haecheol smiled sheepishly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask for a rich man? It¡¯s not like you asked for a rich man with a clean love life and will devote only to you, so you cannot me me now.¡± Haecheol said it as if it was unfair. Yaerin¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I would like that kind of guy. Who is he?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never seen anyone like that in my life. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll get to see one in the future.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± Haejin watched this with a smile, and then he spoke. ¡°Then, is there something special you want to have?¡± ¡°What if I do? Will you let me have it?¡± Haecheol narrowed his eye and smiled. ¡°Even if you made a promise, I happened to get that prunus vase, so I understand your disappointment. So, you should choose first.¡± ¡°Even though we will get the ship?¡± ¡°You have spent a lot, so I can do that for you.¡± Haecheol took a sip of beer and looked at Yaerin. She nodded. ¡°Mr. Oh picked it as the best one.¡± Mr. Oh was probably appraiser Oh Jaepil who used to apany her. Haecheol looked back at Haejin. ¡°Would you answer me if I ask which porcin is the most valuable to you?¡± Haejin calmly shook his head. ¡°As you know, when ites to antiques, others cannot tell you to buy or not to buy this or that.¡± ¡°Yes, you are right. I must make the decision, with business and with women. It is the only way to not regret. I get it.¡± They finished having lunch and went to the restoration spot. In there, thousands of porcins that had been found were standing under arge tent. The reporters had all left, and those who were remaining were the staff who had participated in the excavation and the security workers hired to protect the artifacts. ¡°About five thousand porcins were excavated in total, is that right?¡± Yaerin answered, ¡°Yes, 3,858 cdons, 1,429 white porcins and about 3,000 coins. There are also bamboo books that have records of all things, books and paintings. We are dividing them into those which can be restored and those which cannot be restored.¡± ¡°Well done. Then let¡¯s see¡­¡± Haecheol moved. Yaerin and Jaepil, who had shown up from somewhere, followed. He moved in big steps and stopped in front of a huge prunus vase that was yet to be restored. There was arge piece of it right next to it, so it seemed that restoring it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. ¡°I will choose this one.¡± Restoring it wouldn¡¯t be hard, and its beauty after cleaning it was not much less than Haejin¡¯s prunus vase. It would be a national treasure. Haecheol looked at Haejin. It meant it was his turn. ¡°Then¡­¡± He walked forward and picked a kettle that was about 30cm tall. It had a peony pattern that made it even more luxurious. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± Haecheol looked at Jaepil. He was asking how it was, and Jaepil faintly smiled and nodded. It probably meant it wasn¡¯t the best cdon among the remaining ones, unless he thought so. Haecheol got confidence. He moved with Yaerin¡¯s guide. Soon, he stopped in front of a flower vase in the shape of a Korean melon. It was about 25cm tall and had a wide-opened mouth, and the chrysanthemum pattern on it was excellent. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± ¡°It is great.¡± Haejin meant that. He admired Jaepil¡¯s skills, but he admired more the vase that had kept its shape intact during all those days under the water. ¡°Your turn.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± This time, Haejin stopped in front of a small dish that looked very ordinary. It appeared to be an ordinary dish, so Haecheol, Yaerin, and Jaepil were all confused. But soon, they all quickly came to Haejin. As Haejin had chosen it, they thought he might have found something they hadn¡¯t. In fact, this dish had been recently cleaned. So, even Oh Jaepil wasn¡¯t able to realize it. Haejin had also ignored it, but he luckily found it thanks to Taeju who made him take a closer look at it. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Haecheol red at Jaepil. It meant he should find out what it was quickly. At this, Jaepil took out his magnifying ss and knelt down. About a minuteter, he abruptly looked up. A single drop of sweat ran down his forehead and his eyes were shaking as if he had seen something he shouldn¡¯t have. ¡°Mr. Chairman, this¡­¡± ¡°What, what is it?¡± ¡°Ru, Ruyo¡­¡± ¡°What? Speak louder!¡± Haecheol yelled. Jaepil was surprised and continued speaking. ¡°This is from Ruyo.¡± Chapter 60: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (4)

Chapter 60: What is Hidden, What is Revealed (4)

¡°Ruyo? What is it?¡± Haejin could understand why Haecheol was asking with a frown. Ruyo, or Rugwanyo, was the kiln for porcin that existed in thete Northern Song period. Even though it wasn¡¯t that hot, Jaepil was sweating while exining. ¡°It is the first government kiln ran by the imperial court in China, it is one of the top five kilns in China. It can produce great porcins. It is said that Ruyo had all of Song¡¯s philosophy and beauty.¡± It was easy to think that the Song dynasty was weak as it was destroyed by the Yuan dynasty but, in fact, Song was a powerful country. It stood against Mongol for more than forty years. Additionally, during the Song period, the houses and stores werebined while merchants sold their things whenever they wanted instead of following the designated hours. Therefore, the culture developed greatly. Commoners could enjoy boating and flower viewing that were only avable to the nobles before the Song period. Moreover, as evenmoners frequently ate out, cuisine and ingredients started developing, and this brought about the development of porcins. Ruyo was the ce where this Song Culture was concentrated. ¡°Khmm¡­ so, it was made in such a great ce? Well, I have no choice, we missed it¡­ your appraising skills are great.¡± ¡°No, I was just lucky.¡± Haejin was not being humble, he truly was lucky. If it hadn¡¯t been for Taeju, he wouldn¡¯t have recognized it, and its true identity would have been revealedter. And for where the dish would go, it would have depended entirely on luck. ¡°It is a shame, but there¡¯s nothing we can do.¡± Haechoel nodded. He lightly hit Jaepil¡¯s shoulder since his face was still dark. ¡°Forget about it. We have gotten many good things.¡± ¡°Yes, sir, but¡­ the porcin from Ruyo is¡­¡± Jaepil shook his head with misery. This time, Yaerin spoke. ¡°How good is it for you to be so disappointed?¡± Jaepil hesitated for a while. He met Haejin¡¯s eyes who could only look away embarrassed. Jaepil then managed to talk. ¡°A while ago, a dish from Ruyo, just like this one, was sold at about forty billion in Hong Kong¡¯s Christie¡¯s Auction.¡± At that moment, everyone gaped in shock. Haecheol realized what was really going on and looked at Haejin. ¡°This is that great? Enough to be worth forty billion? I cannot understand!¡± Getting it would not make Haejin rich immediately. He couldn¡¯t sell it. However, he had gotten a windfall. That was why exining this while enduring Haecheol¡¯s re was very embarrassing and sorry. ¡°First, as Mr. Oh just exined, Ruyo¡¯s porcin making technique is thought to be remarkably good. Especially their zing skill is outstanding. If you look here closer, you can see the ze that was applied with great care has gotten tiny cracks in time.¡± Haecheol and Yaerin came closer and stared at the dish. ¡°This is also found in other porcins.¡± ¡°Yes. However, the cracks in the other porcins are random and uneven. However, porcins from Ruyo have thick and very even cracks. Only cdon makers in Japan can make this crack pattern now.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then, the craftsmen from Ruyo had this technique a thousand years ago.¡± ¡°Yes. The ze itself was also applied with great technique. Most importantly, Ruyo existed for only about two decades because of the war. So, porcins from Ruyo are very hard to find. They are very rare.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ it was right in front of me, but I couldn¡¯t find it. Yes, that¡¯s how it works. Treasures only appear to those who are ready. It was in front of my eyes, but I couldn¡¯t see it and let it go. Congrattions, your museum will be one of world¡¯s greatest now.¡± Actually, even without this Ruyo dish, Haejin¡¯s museum would still be one of world¡¯s greatest thanks to Picasso¡¯s painting; however, having the dish and not having it was a great difference, so Haejin couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Yaerin, you pick the rest. I am tired. I should go now.¡± It was more because of the sense of loss and disappointment rather than of tiredness. People from Yuseong dropped their heads and stepped back as they all knew it. Jaepil¡¯s and Yaerin¡¯s faces were also very dark. Yaerin felt responsible about this happening even though she had made Haejin back down yesterday. She bit her lips and swept her hair up. ¡°When did you know that it was from Ruyo?¡± It was of no use now, but she couldn¡¯t help but get curious. ¡°I didn¡¯t know, either. Then, one of my employees happened to find it, but I couldn¡¯t be sure then as it hadn¡¯t been cleaned yet. I was only sure yesterday evening, so I wasn¡¯t being humble when I said I got lucky.¡± Haejin meant it and Yaerinughed. ¡°Haha, this is unfair. So, I could have gotten it if I had been more careful¡­ it makes me angrier.¡± ¡°We have more than five thousand porcins here. It is impossible to examine all of them in such a short time. Plus, it hasn¡¯t been restored properly. So, you don¡¯t have to me yourself like that. Let¡¯s continue.¡± After that, they divided up the artifacts for seven hours. After the artifacts good enough to be national treasures and the normal treasures, they did the ¡®from here to here is ours, and from there to there is yours¡¯. After dividing, they moved the artifacts immediately. To prepare for the unfortunate events that could potentially happen, they lighted up the ce as if it was still morning and sent the artifacts to Seoul in special non-vibration trucks. [Exclusive. Park Haejin Art Museum that opens in three days will exhibit a Picasso] Haejin showed the Picasso to his employees a few hours before he showed it to the reporters. They almost fainted in excitement. They would be able to see that Picasso as much as they wanted and working at a museum with Picasso¡¯s painting would add an impressing line to their resume. Picasso¡¯s painting had been exhibited as special exhibitions a few times in Korea, but no museum or gallery had owned a Picasso, so its impact was great. Additionally, as the news of Haejin working with Yuseong to recover more than five thousand cdons had been reported already, that impact got even bigger. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please read the press release for details.¡± ¡°The director doesn¡¯t give any interviews. No, I cannot tell you his phone number.¡± ¡°I said no. You can write articles with the press release. Our director will exin about it after the opening.¡± As reporters kept calling, Haejin brought with him a few of the employees he had hired to restore the cdons from Taean. However, the phones in the office still kept ringing. The interior construction had just been finished, so they had to work with the windows open to circte air, although it was cold. What the reporters wanted to know the most was where the Picasso was from. How Haejin had gotten it? He hadn¡¯t revealed that yet, and only released the photos of the painting, so they were right to be curious. Anyway, they were getting great attention even before the opening, so the staff worked with a smile even though they were busy. Although they were working for excavation, it would be much better to work for a famous art museum for their own career. However, a ck cat snuck in through the open window. Everyone was so busy answering the phones that no one saw the cat. It went through the open door of the office and went to the exhibition room. It moved without making any sound, it was like a ghost. It stood in front of Picasso¡¯s painting. It looked up at it and, the next moment, it lunged at the painting. However, it hit the bulletproof ss and was thrown back. The rm rang. Beep! Beep! Beep! A redmp on the ceiling rotated to announce the emergency. ¡°What? What is going on?¡± ¡°Where? Where?¡± ¡°Huh? It¡¯s a cat! How did it get in?¡± The staff and guard, who heard the rm, came quickly and looked around to end up finding a ck cat. It looked at the painting again, ran to the office and went out through the window. ¡°Wow¡­ we lost it. It¡¯s really fast.¡± They just stared at the window. Jisu then crossed her arms. ¡°Let¡¯s check the CCTV first and open the window only a little. The air conditioners and air cleaners are working, so let¡¯s endure it for today. I¡¯ll tell the director.¡± Jisu checked with the security guard and found that the criminal who sounded the rm was really a cat. She then called Haejin with an ufortable feeling. ¡°Sir. There was a problem here. A cat came in and lunged at a painting and sounded the rm. The painting is fine and so are the other artifacts. Yes, yes, okay.¡± Jisu hung up. She frowned and looked at Picasso¡¯s painting. ¡°A ck cat¡­ that¡¯s creepy.¡± At that moment, the ck cat went to a man who was looking at Park Haejin Art Museum on a bench and jumped into his arms. ¡°Did you seed?¡± His voice had some expectations. The cat looked away. The man tutted. ¡°Well¡­ it was stupid of me to expect something. He has that kind of painting and I was hoping he would keep it unguarded. I was crazy. I wanted to give him a gift before we meet, but I failed¡­ I should just meet him, right?¡± He stroked the cat¡¯s head, got up, and walked away. Sujeong and Haejin were eating together when Haejin got the call. He looked serious. Sujeong then asked, ¡°Why? Something has happened?¡± ¡°Huh? No. An rm sounded at the museum, and it was a cat. Nothing serious.¡± ¡°Did they check the CCTV?¡± ¡°Yes, there¡¯s nothing wrong.¡± ¡°That is not good. You should be more careful with the security. Hire more guards. You said you have two guards?¡± ¡°Yes. I should probably hire more. I must do that even if it costs me more.¡± Haejin spoke as if it were nothing to him, but he was thinking that what just happened wasn¡¯t just an ident. He didn¡¯t have any proof, but he felt like it was the organization that hade after him in Hong Kong¡­ It was funny to link a cat to a break-in but, strangely, his guts told him so. He wasn¡¯t afraid. As he had magic, he thought he would be able to escape one or two crises. He just wondered why they wereing after him. Chapter 61: The Father’s Intention (1)

Chapter 61: The Father¡¯s Intention (1)

After the lunch with Sujeong, Haejin headed to the museum. He was going to prepare for the opening and some other things. He wanted to meet the person who would be waiting for him in there. However, when he arrived, there was no one waiting for him. ¡°You want me to highlight the prunus vase?¡± Jisu was puzzled. As they had the dish from Ruyo, she thought it would be better to promote it instead of the prunus vase. ¡°Yes, do it. The Ruyo¡¯s dish is a great artifact, but it is from China. I am not saying that Korean porcins are the best in the world. However, the main treasures from the ship in Taean are cdons. So, the prunus vase should be promoted instead of the Ruyo dish.¡± Jisu agreed with that. She nodded. ¡°Then, how should we exhibit the dish?¡± ¡°Give it some space instead, put it in the most important ce in the B2 area. Of course, in the guide, write how great it is for the Chinese.¡± ¡°Okay. Then, how should we promote M¡¯s, Francesco Guardi¡¯s and Jacques-Laurent Agasse¡¯s paintings?¡± They hadn¡¯t been promoted properly yet because of Picasso¡¯s painting, but they had a considerable value. Especially the M¡­ ¡°You don¡¯t have to promote them. Just show them well. We don¡¯t have enough paintings to do a special M exhibition, so promoting all those artists would make the entrance messy and distracting¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Please also pick and buy some furniture for my personal office. I need a secretary as well, so please hire one, too.¡± Haejin was the director now so, of course, he needed an office. However, he had been so busy and had been dyed, so his office didn¡¯t even have any furniture. ¡°Okay. I will prepare them as soon as possible, although doing so before the opening would be hard. Many people, who saw the media report, are also asking for the preview opening for the VIPs before the actual opening.¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t given invitations to VIPs nor contacted them in private while preparing for the opening. Maybe this felt unusual to those who had been ruling the art world. Unless Haejin was never going to sell anything like a national museum, he was just mistreating his greatest customers. So, they were confidently(?) asking for the special event for the VIPs. They wanted to feel that they were superior by seeing the paintings before themoners and wanted to buy them faster than anyone else if there was something they wanted. ¡°I know about preview exhibition, but preview opening? I¡¯ve never heard of it. Never mind. Tell them we won¡¯t do such a thing. If they have paintings they want to see or buy, they should buy the tickets ande in like everyone else.¡± That was unexpected. So, Jisu carefully spoke again. ¡°As you know well, to sell paintings, we need the help of the VIPs. The general public wants to see and enjoy paintings, but they don¡¯t buy paintings at a high price.¡± ¡°I know. However, those are my concerns. You don¡¯t have to stress yourself about ttering VIPs. I won¡¯t sell paintings that way.¡± ¡°Okay, I understand.¡± There would be a controversy, but Haejin didn¡¯t care. Rather, he hoped for a controversy. With it, his museum¡¯s value would rise even higher. There were many art dealers and curators who would do anything to please the VIPs. Haejin was not such a merchant. He finished and left the museum to the security guards at around 11 p.m. That area was deste during thete hours. So, he didn¡¯t take his car on purpose and walked to the metro station. Then, he saw a man with a ck cat in his arms. ck cat¡­ Haejin immediately realized that the man hade looking for him. He drank a mouthful of water, that he had prepared in advance, and silently used magic. Then, the man blocked his way. ¡°Are you the one who destroyed the Holy Book?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand that. Holy Book? He wondered if the man was from the Vatican, but then the cat jumped. Kiak! It lunged at Haejin with a strange sound but, the next moment, Haejin grabbed it around its neck with his hand. ¡°What the-¡± The man flinched and stopped while Haejin looked at the cat¡¯s eyes. ¡°Red eyes. It¡¯s not an ordinary cat¡­ what did you do to it?¡± The man tensely asked back, ¡°Then, how did you¡­¡± Haejin had used a spell that made his body react much faster after seeing the man waiting for him. It costed a lot of mana, far more than any other spell he had used so far, therefore he would probably faint when he got home but, considering the threat, it had been the right choice to use magic in advance. ¡°That is not important. Who are you? And, what¡¯s wrong with this cat?¡± The cat had lunged at Haejin with a will to kill, but now, it stayed still in Haejin¡¯s hand. ¡°You, you destroyed the Holy Book¡­ you should die!¡± The man wailed and lunged forward. In his hand, there was a knife. Even though Haejin was faster with magic but, as the opponent had a knife, he couldn¡¯t help but be paralyzed. ¡°Uhh¡­¡± In the movies, the hero would naturally twist the opponent¡¯s hand and strike back, but Haejin had never been in this situation before. He barely managed to let go of the cat¡¯s neck and grabbed the man¡¯s arm with both hands as it came to stab his belly. ¡°Die, you should die. You should have died that day.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what was going on, but the man had clearly been brainwashed. Additionally, he was so strong that Haejin couldn¡¯t stop the de froming for his belly, even though he was pushing back with all his might. But then, the cat, which had been lying on the ground, stood up and lunged at the man¡¯s face. ¡°Aak! Go away! Go away!¡± The man didn¡¯t let go of the knife even though the cat was wing at his face. However, his arms lost their strength. Haejin blocked the knife and kicked the man¡¯s balls while he was distracted by the cat. ¡°Khuk!¡± Even though he had been brainwashed and was as strong as a Winter Soldier, since he was a man, there was nothing else he could do. He fell to the ground. Haejin kicked his face as if it were a ser ball. That was the end. ¡°Pant¡­ pant¡­¡± The cat had backed off the moment Haejin kicked the man¡¯s balls. It was standing next to Haejin. Haejin didn¡¯t need to worry about what to do with this cat. He knew the magic would end soon, so he quickly moved to the metro station. However, the cat didn¡¯t follow Haejin. It kept looking at the fallen man. After Haejin left, he suffered in pain for some time. When he got up, the cat slowly went to him. ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯te!¡± The man realized its hostility was aimed at him. He managed to stand up and stepped back. The cat locked his eyes on him. The man soon turned around and ran. ¡°Don¡¯te! Don¡¯te!¡± He was an entirely different man from when he had appeared in front of Haejin. He ran as if he was possessed by something. His pupils shook like he has seen something terrible. It showed that there was something wrong in his mind. The man kept running and jumped into an eightne road. And¡­ Screeech! Bam! His body was hit by a 1-ton truck and flew into the air. After Haejin returned from the battle to the death(?), he threw up because of the mana exhaustion and copsed. When he woke up, it was afternoon. ¡°He was mad, he came after me with a knife¡­¡± Haejin had casted the magic to be careful, and it saved his life. If he had met that man with his guards down, he would not have survived. With a heavy heart, he took a shower and headed to the museum. There was something waiting for him at the very alley where the fight had urred. It was that ck cat. It was sitting on the wall and looked at Haejin. The difference was that it didn¡¯t look as hostile anymore. Haejin kind of liked the cat as it had helped him yesterday. However, he didn¡¯t go closer just in case and walked away. Then, the cat followed him. ¡°Good afternoon, sir. Huh? It¡¯s the cat!¡± Jisu greeted Haejin and saw the cat behind him. ¡°Really? This is the cat that broke in yesterday?¡± ¡°Yes, but why is it following you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± If it had felt ominous, Haejin would have kicked it out, but it didn¡¯t. The cat leisurelyy at the entrance where the sunlight came in. Jisu spoke to the staff next to her. ¡°Eunjeong, could you buy some cat food from a nearby convenience store?¡± Eunjeong then crouched in front of the cat. ¡°Okay. You are so pretty. What¡¯s your name?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help but smile at seeing this. The cat¡¯s eyes had no emotion, but he knew it was there to protect him. Two days passed in a sh, and the opening day for Park Haejin Art Museum finally arrived. ¡°I know it¡¯s the first time. Of course, you can make mistakes. However, you don¡¯t need to be nervous. Just exin what you know. Okay?¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± After that short speech, they opened the front door. Then, people started flooding in. They had sold the tickets online and, as they sold a limited number of tickets for each time slot, although there were a lot of people, the museum was not that full. ¡°Khmm¡­ is that Picasso?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s really great.¡± It was strange. Even though the tickets had been sold online, all the people who came in were celebrities. ¡°Hello. Congrattions.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you foring.¡± Among the first guests were Do Eunchae and her husband. He was ashamed, so he said hello in a small voice and went somewhere else. ¡°Please understand. He is too ashamed to face you.¡± Haejin could see why. If he hadn¡¯t been blinded by jealousy, they would still have that buddha. ¡°However, there is nothing about that buddha in today¡¯s exhibition.¡± ¡°Yes, we haven¡¯t exhibited it yet. We thought it would disperse the attention, so we are going to take it out the next month.¡± ¡°Good strategy. Although there are more than enough to see already. But¡­ there¡¯s someone I¡¯d like you to meet.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± Eunchae waved her hand to a man in histe 30s, who was a few meters away. He came closer, he was more than 180cm tall. He looked kind and very gentle. ¡°Hello. I am Lee Gangjun of Mirae Innovation.¡± This was the Lee Jongmyeong¡¯s rival. However, what was he doing here? ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. You are the executive director of Mirae Innovation, right?¡± ¡°Oh, you know me?¡± ¡°I happened to hear that you are a great man who will lead Mirae Corporate Group one day.¡± ¡°Haha, no, that¡¯s just an exaggeration.¡± He smiled and waved his hands. Eunchae then spoke. ¡°Actually, he wanted to meet you.¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes. When he found out that you are also an appraiser, he said he had to ask you something.¡± Haejin looked at Gangjun who carefully continued to speak. ¡°In fact, there¡¯s something I must have appraised. Would it be possible?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°A painting of Park Sugon.¡± At that moment, Haejin recalled the painting Jongmyeong had brought a while ago. Chapter 62: The Father’s Intention (2)

Chapter 62: The Father¡¯s Intention (2)

¡°What a great coincidence! I saw one of Park Sugon¡¯s paintings just a while ago¡­¡± ¡°Oh, really? That¡¯s good.¡± Gangjun didn¡¯t take what Haejin said seriously. He didn¡¯t even consider that Haejin was talking about his half-brother¡¯s painting. ¡°However, why do you want to have that painting appraised? I guess you didn¡¯t buy it on auction?¡± Gangjun¡¯s face slightly darkened at the question. ¡°Actually, it is a little embarrassing, but you will get to know everything anyway, so I¡¯ll tell you the truth. Is there any ce where we can talk?¡± ¡°Oh, there is. Let¡¯s go to my office.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ve done my part, so I will go to see the paintings now.¡± Eunchae left them, and Haejin took Gangjun to his office. The interior was not ready yet, but there was one thing that was ready: a sofa for the guests. ¡°I haven¡¯t had enough time, so my office is in a mess. Please, don¡¯t criticize me too much.¡± ¡°Haha, of course not. Who doesn¡¯t know you opened today? I know that in museums what is important are artifacts, not the furniture in the director¡¯s office. So please, don¡¯t worry about it too much.¡± In fact, Jongmyeong¡¯s first impression hadn¡¯t been that bad. However, his face let out some kind of ominous vibe, on the other hand, Gangjun probably was good-natured. Haejin could see that he was a good man even though they had just met. Haejin asked an employee to bring them tea. Then, they started to talk. ¡°It is embarrassing to say this out loud, but my father had another woman, other than my mother. So, I grew up with two mothers: my biological mother and the mother in Samseongdong.¡± He must not have wanted to talk about this topic, but he continued to talk as if it were nothing. ¡°Others may not know this, but my mother and I knew. Although my father lived with us, his heart was always at Samseongdong. So, I tried even harder and became the man I am now.¡± ¡°Even I, who don¡¯t care about business andpanies, have heard that you are the future of Mirae.¡± ¡°That is what people, who don¡¯t know much, say.¡± At first, Haejin thought Gangjun was just being humble, but his face said otherwise. The dark shadow on Gangjun¡¯s face was very deep and dark. ¡°So, it¡¯s not true?¡± ¡°Actually, most don¡¯t know that except for me and my father. No, even my father doesn¡¯t know that I know of this, so almost everyone doesn¡¯t know except for those closest to my father. You might think Jongmyeong will be thrown out from Mirae as he fails with everything he does, but I think my father is thinking of him as his true heir.¡± That was shocking. To think that such a dull man could be the next chairman¡­ ¡°Is that real?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ everything I told you now is just my guess. That is why I came to you. It is time to find out if I¡¯m right.¡± ¡°What? Then, you want the painting appraised because¡­¡± ¡°A long time ago, my father bought two paintings. He gave one to the mother in Samseongdong and gave the other to my biological mother. They were both from artist Park Sugon.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°I happened to hear my father say something. He said, ¡®I thought the other would be sad if I bought just one, so I happened to get a fake and gave one to each.''¡± If Gangjun really heard that, then his father couldn¡¯t have said that in front of him. Gangjun probably had eavesdropped a phone call or a conversation with someone else. ¡°Then, if the painting you have is fake¡­¡± ¡°It would be a chance to see who my father really cares about.¡± ¡°What would you do if it¡¯s fake?¡± Gangjun smiled faintly. ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t figured out that part yet.¡± He was lying. Haejin just felt that way. He wondered what he was up to, enough to want to make him confess using magic. Of course, he just wanted that, that¡¯s all. He was not going to really do that. ¡°I am curious, too. When do you want me to appraise it?¡± ¡°The faster, the better.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go. This ce will work well even without me, anyway.¡± Haejin stood up right away as he was very curious. This is probably why people like soap operas about richpany owners. ¡°Thank you. Let¡¯s take my car.¡± They took Gangjun¡¯s car and went to a vi in Gyeonggido, outside Seoul. It was located in a nice mountainside area and was quite good. Every man would want to live in such a ce. ¡°My father gave this ce to Samseongdong-mother.¡± Gangjun said as he got out of the car and walked to the vi. ¡°And?¡± ¡°She gave it to me after Jongmyeong worked on a project and hugely failed. She asked me to bury it quietly.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ but I have a question. You could have just asked me to appraise that painting. Why are you telling me all this?¡± ¡°I heard you helped Ms. Eunhae, Jongmyeong¡¯s ex-fiance. You had them break up, right?¡± He hadn¡¯t, but he did have a huge share of that. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°A friend of my enemy is my friend. Plus, I wanted to get to know you. You started empty-handed and opened that museum. You will be someone important in the Korean art world in the future, so please, think of me as wanting to befriend you even before that.¡± Gangjun wasn¡¯t ttering him. He just calmly gave him apliment. It made Haejin feel good. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Gangjun smiled. He led Haejin to a sofa inside the vi and went away, saying he would bring the painting. Then, he came back with a painting that came up to his chest in less than a minute. ¡°As far as I know, my mother got this in the middle of the 90s. I was young then. So, I don¡¯t exactly remember what my father said when he gave her this painting.¡± The painting on the table showed the girls and women drawing with water in front of an old-style house that was scarce these days. Gangjun calmly put down the painting, but Haejin could feel that he was nervous. He was probably hoping that he was right but, at the same time, he was thinking what to do if the painting was fake indeed. ¡°Then, I will take a look.¡± ¡°Okay. Would you like some water? I am actually thirsty.¡± Normally, when appraising a painting, the owner doesn¡¯t offer water to the appraiser. It is because the appraiser might drop the water on the painting, but Gangjun didn¡¯t think of that as he was too nervous. ¡°Yes, I am getting nervous just by seeing you nervous.¡± Haejin drank the water Gangjun brought him, put it far away from the table and started to examine the painting. Artist Park Sugon¡¯s paintings have a unique style. He applied paints of low chroma colors like white, grey, and brown thickly on the background and painted while they dried. Its texture would feel simr to granite. About this kind of texture in oil painting, Park Sugon himself once said, ¡®I sensed the source of an indescribable beauty in stone buddhas, stone pagodas, and stone buildings, and I am trying to recreate them.¡¯ So, Haejin carefully felt the painting with the tip of his finger. Then, he turned to Gangjun. ¡°Are you interested in paintings?¡± Gangjun smiled awkwardly and sat down. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve never been interested much in art. Studying business and management to impress my father was hard enough. On the other hand, Jongmyeong didn¡¯t have any talent with management. He liked art and music. If it wasn¡¯t because he was forced to study business, he would have be quite good by now.¡± ¡°He was a little clumsy, but he is not entirely ignorant. Somewhere in between, perhaps.¡± ¡°When I was young, I thought it was his weakness.¡± ¡°Then, it isn¡¯t?¡± Gangjun smiled. ¡°Ha¡­ isn¡¯t it funny? Hmm¡­ my father likes art, just like Jongmyeong. We have lots of antiques in our home. He still goes to New York sometimes. He sponsors young artists and buys the paintings. I thought this was for the image of Mirae, but it turned out that it wasn¡¯t. My father truly likes art. I failed to see that.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°That is why he sees himself in Jongmyeong. In fact, objectively, he is not a great businessman. That¡¯s how his days were. When his nerves werebined with luck and personal connections, it brought about an unexpected synergy effect.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t know, but he just agreed. He had never studied those kinds of things¡­ ¡°One good thing is that Jongmyeong himself thinks he will be discarded soon. My father says it¡¯s not going to happen, but he doesn¡¯t believe it. He never got to live with our father, and he thinks of himself not good enoughpared to me, so that¡¯s understandable.¡± ¡°Even if this is not fake?¡± ¡°Hu¡­ that is why I want to check. Everything I¡¯ve thought so far, I hope they are all my delusions. However, why did you ask me if I am interested in art?¡± That was sad but, from a third person perspective, it was interesting as well. ¡°I guess your mother wasn¡¯t interested in paintings, either?¡± ¡°Yes, she liked music more than paintings. So, although she hung this painting inside, she hung it inside a room where only the family members can see it, instead of the living room where people came by. But why?¡± Haejin answered with regret. ¡°I think your father knew neither you nor your mother were interested in art.¡± Gangjun realized what Haejin was saying. He was dumbfounded in shock. He just blinked his eyes and looked at the painting. Then, he managed to speak. ¡°I guess this is not a fake of high quality.¡± ¡°Fakes of high quality are expensive but, more importantly, they are hard to get. Crude fakes are easier to get. The artist tried to imitate Park Sugon¡¯s style, but the touch of the brush is not delicate, and the colors are murky. And, most importantly, this painting is a representative piece of artist Park Sugon. He submitted this to the Korean Art Competition, so many know about this. If the painting had been really this bad, it would have never made it to the special selection.¡± Haejin had thought he might have to use magic before he came here but, after examining the painting, he realized he didn¡¯t have to. Gangjun dropped his head and ruffled his hair which had been neatlybed with wax. He was greatly shocked. ¡°Thank you. I was right to have it appraised in secret. I believe you will keep the secret.¡± ¡°Of course. Talking about a client¡¯s fake cannot happen.¡± If you think about it, it was funny. Jongmyoeng had tried to sell the painting which contained his father¡¯s love. If his father gets to know that he tried to sell it, buy the buddha, and give it to Sungjun, what would happen? The trip back in Gangjun¡¯s car was very awkward. Gangjun talked to Haejin from time to time, but he could see how Gangjun must be feeling, so he didn¡¯t talk for long. When Haejin got back to his museum, there was someone waiting for him. ¡°Nice to meet you. It¡¯s been a while since that Max Beckmann¡¯s painting.¡± Surprisingly, Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun himself was waiting. Chapter 63: Zwiebelmuster (1)

Chapter 63: Zwiebelmuster (1)

¡°Mr. Vice Chairman, why are you¡­¡± Next to Sungjun, he could see Eunhae, Hyoyeon and a few attendants, who appeared to be the board members of Hwajin. Apparently, they bought the tickets in advance. ¡°Why am I here? This is a chance to see Picasso¡¯s painting! There are too many people here, but there¡¯s nothing I can do about it.¡± As he said, Haejin could see some people ncing at Sungjun¡¯s group. However, most people didn¡¯t care much and were busy enjoying the paintings and the cdons. ¡°Haha, really? Then, I hope you have a great time.¡± Haejin tried to leave with that, but Sungjun didn¡¯t let him go. ¡°Are you busy? Aren¡¯t you going to offer me a cup of tea? It¡¯s been a while after all.¡± Haejin thought about saying no, but he decided to confront him. He didn¡¯t have any excuse to turn Sungjun down. ¡°Of course. Please,e to my office.¡± A staff saw Sungjun and was greatly surprised. She brought them tea with shaky hands. She was still young and, as the vice chairman, which she had only seen on TV, was right in front of her, her shock was understandable. ¡°Do you know that apart from the stars and politicians, you are the person who gets the most attention these days?¡± ¡°If we exclude the stars and the politicians, I am not that great.¡± ¡°Really? You seem to not feel your fame.¡± ¡°My employees are feeling it instead, by answering calls from the reporters.¡± ¡°I see. Well, let me ask you what those reporters want to know the most. Where did you get that Picasso?¡± Sungjun¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Haejin, however, looked away. ¡°Oh, my father left it to me as the inheritance. I was so shocked at first¡­¡± ¡°Your father left it to you? Are you serious?¡± Sungjun couldn¡¯t believe it. Haejin wouldn¡¯t have believed it, either. However, that didn¡¯t matter. If the painting had been bought decades ago, things would be different. However, if it had been bought recently, the Spanish government would check its authenticity and ask how Haejin got it. The museum opened today, so the articles about it would be on Spanish newspapers. So, if the source of Haejin¡¯s painting was not clear, the people of Spain would argue that they have to reim that painting. To avoid that, Haejin had to say that his father had brought it decades ago. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m telling the truth. I was so shocked¡­ once I saw it, I just couldn¡¯t keep it to myself. So, I decided to open a museum. It is too good to be enjoyed by only one person.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± Sungjun crossed his arms as if he couldn¡¯t believe it. However, there was nothing he could find out, so he gave up and came up with a different topic. ¡°I came here today myself to see the Picasso painting, but for another reason as well. I guess you already know it?¡± It had to be about the buddha, of course. However, even Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin, who was almost the most powerful man in Korea, was not almighty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I cannot give you the buddha. Not for money, not for any other artifact. Never¡­¡± Sungjun¡¯s face started to turn red as Haejin openly rejected him even before he could talk about it. This had never happened to him before. Being ignored even before saying something¡­ ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°If it wasn¡¯t about the buddha, I¡¯m sorry. I thought it had to be about the buddha which Mr. Lee Jongmyeong of Mirae wanted. Then please, go on.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Sungjun coughed and shut his mouth. One of the board members, an old one, realized the vice chairman was in bad mood and yelled at Haejin with ring eyes. ¡°What are you doing! Huh? Mr. Vice Chairman hasn¡¯t even said anything.¡± ¡°So, I told him I was sorry, didn¡¯t I?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°And, what kind of manner is it to interrupt our conversation? Is this how you work in Hwajin? Interrupting others while the Vice Chairman speaks?¡± The old board member had never heard anything like this. He just blinked. Haejin wasn¡¯t wrong, so he couldn¡¯t counter. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. He talks carelessly when he gets mad.¡± Sungjun didn¡¯t like the situation and ufortably apologized instead. The old board member was clearly older than Sungjun, so it was a little funny. ¡°Sir¡­¡± ¡°Please, enough. You are too old to argue with such a young fellow.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Sungjun realized that he was getting nowhere by getting mad, so he changed his strategy. ¡°Please understand. Hmm¡­ so, you cannot give me the buddha. In fact, I am here for that. But, why can¡¯t you give it to me?¡± Sungjun was now being honest. It made it easier for Haejin to talk. ¡°Do you want the other buddha inside it?¡± At that moment, Sungjun froze. He didn¡¯t think Haejin would know that. It didn¡¯t have anything to do with appraising skills. It was about finding a treasure hidden inside the buddha, so Sungjun had thought although Haejin was a great appraiser, he would never be able to find out what was inside. ¡°Khmm¡­ you knew.¡± Sungjun moaned. He really wanted that buddha. ¡°I was lucky.¡± ¡°Are you mocking me? Luck?¡± ¡°Lee Jongmyeong was so obsessed with the buddha that I thought it was strange. I couldn¡¯t find out why he would buy it, giving up a painting from Park Sugon and an additional billion.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this about Park Sugon¡¯s painting? Anyway, he tried to trade it for the buddha?¡± Sungjun wiped his forehead. ¡°Yes. So, even a child would have realized that there was something else about that buddha.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Sungjun didn¡¯t say anything, but he was cursing Jongmyeong quietly, like ¡®that idiot took care of it like that¡­¡¯ ¡°It was so strange that I kept examining that buddha. Then, I recalled the article about Buddhist scripture being found inside a buddha statue. So, I immediately did a 3D-CT test. There was a very small metal inside it.¡± Sungjun couldn¡¯t say anything. He stared at the empty wall of the office for a long time. Then, Hyoyeon, who had just been watching, started speaking. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give it up? You think you can run a museum after bing an enemy of Hwajin? No one would buy a painting from here after today.¡± Even Sungjun was surprised and looked at her. However, she was confident. Additionally, no board member stopped her. ¡°What are you talking about? Apologize immediately!¡± Sungjun made her apologize, which she reluctantly did. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± It was funny. They were ying the good cop and bad cop thing. Sungjun told his daughter to apologize, but he didn¡¯t tell her to take back what she said. It meant her threat was exactly what he wanted to say. ¡°Then do it. I don¡¯t have to sell paintings, anyway.¡± This made the temperature of the room drop, even more than Hyoyeon¡¯s threat. Sungjun frowned for the first time. ¡°Please forget about what she said. She is still a child.¡± Haejin wondered if he really thought so. ¡°I think she has learned enough and has matured enough. This is also a private museum. You came here to tell me that you won¡¯t let me sell paintings¡­ what are you doing? Plus, I asked for the buddha¡¯s registration to the Cultural Heritage Administration yesterday. They will send someone soon.¡± After that, Sungjun couldn¡¯t keep asking for the buddha. He couldn¡¯t mess with an artifact that had been officially registered to the government. ¡°Khmm¡­ you should have told me this earlier¡­ anyway, my daughter already apologized. Why don¡¯t we move on now?¡± Haejin wanted to continue scolding them, but he would gain nothing by doing so. Therefore, he decided to stop. ¡°Okay. I will just think that nothing happened with the buddha.¡± ¡°I will think so, too.¡± Sungjun seemed to have decided to end it there. He would gain nothing if they talked more. Next, Sungjun and his people left. Eunhae was the only one remaining. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you go with them?¡± ¡°He wouldn¡¯t care, anyway. He won¡¯t be able to hear anything because of that buddha. However, are you really going to be okay? My uncle said it as if he would let you get away with it, but his men won¡¯t. They will surely try to stop the people from buying your paintings.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care. I can run this ce without selling paintings.¡± ¡°The rent fee for this ce is ten million per month. Additionally, with the sries of the employees and the rent fee, you will have to spend a lot every month. You sure you will be okay without selling paintings?¡± This is why they say the owner of the building is mightier than the creator. However, Haejin didn¡¯t have to worry. Thanks to the cdons from the treasure ship in Taean and the oil paintings, including Picasso, he was earning millions every day just by selling tickets. Of course, the number of Korean visitors would decrease over time, but foreigners would keeping. This ce was about to be one of the mandatory tourist spots in Korea. However, despite Eunhae¡¯s worries, celebrities kept offering him to buy paintings. M¡¯s painting didn¡¯t even have a price tag, but someone demanded Haejin to sell it to him, saying he could give him a billion right away. Hwajin probably thought that pressing Haejin like that would be of no help to it. So, the museum opened with great sess like that, and the visitors kept flooding in even after a week. Because of the previous visitors¡¯ word of mouth, it was hard to get tickets. Great VIPs also arrived. Businessmen, politicians and even stars. The most surprising visitor of all didn¡¯t belong to one of those categories. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± The white man with curly hairs was wearingfortable clothes just like a tourist. He still had that buttery smile. ¡°I thought it was possible, but I didn¡¯t know you would reallye.¡± It was Eric Holton who had given Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting to Haejin as a gift. Haejin had sent an invitation to him when he opened the museum, but he didn¡¯t expect him toe. ¡°However, why haven¡¯t you exhibited the painting I gave you?¡± ¡°Showing all at once is no fun.¡± Eric nodded and looked around. He seemed to look for someone. ¡°Are you looking for someone?¡± ¡°Thedy who was with you. Where is she?¡± ¡°Haha, she is in Saeyeon Gallery, it is nearby.¡± ¡°Then, you didn¡¯t open this ce with her?¡± ¡°Yes. Why? Do you want to meet her?¡± ¡°It would be good but, since she¡¯s not here, there¡¯s nothing I can do. Today¡¯s beautifuldy is not alive, anyway. It is awesome. How did you get a Picasso? I read the articles on my way here, but I couldn¡¯t believe that.¡± Haejin had told the same excuse he had used on Sungjun for the reporters. ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter. Let¡¯s go in first.¡± Haejin was going to have some tea or something with Eric, but he waved his hand. ¡°Why would I leave a ce like this? Anyway, are you busy these days?¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes, you, of course.¡± ¡°Haha, it¡¯s just you suddenly asked my schedule. No, I¡¯m not busy at all.¡± ¡°Really? Then, can you leave your museum for a while?¡± ¡°Well¡­ my employees do all the work, and I am not needed for now. I can leave this ce for a few days.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s go somewhere.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°Hong Kong.¡± ¡°Hong Kong?¡± Haejin had juste back with both good and bad memories from hisst trip to Hong Kong, so going back felt slightly strange. ¡°Yes. You know how to appraise porcins, right?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± ¡°Not Asian porcins, European porcins. I need you to take a look at one of them.¡± Chapter 64: Zwiebelmuster (2)

Chapter 64: Zwiebelmuster (2)

When ites to antique porcins, most people think of Asia, especially China and Korea. However, the porcin industry in Korea has died with the modern age. Those that were left now were the old artifacts. There are a few artisans who keep the tradition alive, but the production and demand for Korean porcins are both too low. Sadly, even Koreans don¡¯t value Korean porcins that much. As for China, the porcins of Jingdezhen were still there, but they were famous for imitating the old relics in great quality, instead of being of high-quality on their own. Then, which ce leads the world¡¯s porcin industry now? It¡¯s Europe, especially Germany. European porcins can be divided into two types: porcins of ancient Greece and the imitations of Chinese porcins that were made after the 1700s. Greek porcins were the essence of philosophy and beauty in ancient Europe. As they were made a long time ago, they don¡¯t have a clear blue or white hue like the more recent porcins. After the 1700s, the development of European porcins was influenced by Asian porcins, including Chinese. Especially the white porcins with beautiful cobalt blue patterns, they immediately caught the Europeans¡¯ attention. At that time, European nobles valued porcins from China more than gold of the same weight. Augustus II the Strong, King of Pnd, even traded 600 dragoons with 151 porcins. As they liked eastern porcins so much, they worked on studying and making porcins. However, most of all, the most important element that let them lead the world¡¯s porcin market was their love for porcins. While the love for porcins died and people indulged in western things in Asia, the original home of porcins, in Europe, people tried to make even more beautiful porcins. That difference changed everything. ¡°Is there a porcin you want?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not on auction, but there is a rumor that a porcin made by Friedrich B?ttger showed up.¡± Friedrich B?ttger was an alchemist from Berlin, Germany. He was the first European to make porcin. ¡°Is it really B?ttger¡¯s?¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t asking because B?ttger was a great artisan and his porcins had great value. Although he seeded in manufacturing porcins,pared to Chinese porcins, his were of less quality in many aspects. His porcins would certainly have a symbolic meaning and rarity, but¡­ ¡°As you know, early European porcins were crudepared to eastern porcins. However, if it¡¯s really B?tteger¡¯s, it would certainly have some value. That rumor might not be true, so you don¡¯t have to take it seriously. Just think of it as a vacation.¡± ¡°Okay. Hong Kong is only a few hours away on a ne, anyway.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have much to prepare, right? Let¡¯s go immediately.¡± Eric spoke as if it was nothing. When they arrived in Hong Kong, a day had already gone by. ¡°What is a German porcin doing in Hong Kong?¡± Haejin put his jacket on his arm as it was hot and humid in there. ¡°Apparently, King Augustus gave it to a Chinese as a gift. Probably to show off the technique of his men. Maybe, he wanted to say, ¡®Look, we have already caught up with you by this much.¡¯ Anyway, we¡¯ll have to see it for ourselves.¡± ¡°I guess so. However, would that porcin be worth all this? Even if it¡¯s really B?tteger¡¯s¡­¡± For an artifact to be valued more than hundreds of millions on auction, just being old is not enough. It must have an eternal beauty, a philosophy, an artistic spirit, and something technical to impress the people. In that perspective, Haejin couldn¡¯t understand Ericing to Hong Kong for that B?tteger porcin. The porcin itself would be not as good as the Asian porcins of the same period. ¡°For that, and for other reasons. I am not asking you to help me for free, so don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡­ what is that other reason?¡± Eric smiled. Then, a Benz glided to a stop right next to him. He had made a chauffer stand by in advance. They sat in the back seat together. Eric said the name of a luxury hotel, next, he crossed his legs and looked at Haejin. ¡°My mother is a huge fan of Meissen. She has hundreds of Zwiebelmuster (Meissen recreation of the Asian Blue Flower White Porcin. More like the European style of a Blue Flower White Porcin.) in her home.¡± After B?tteger seeded in making porcins for the first time in Europe, in 1710, the first porcin factory was built in Meissen, Germany. Nowadays, the three world¡¯s best porcin brands are Meissen of Germany, Royal Copenhagen of Denmark and Herend of Hungary. Royal Copenhagen, Herend, S¨¨vres of France, and Royal Worcester of Ennd were all influenced by German Meissen, so Meissen is the origin and the apex of European porcins. However, if you think about it from a different point of view, Meissen¡¯s porcin factory was made because of China¡¯s Blue Flower White Porcins, so it is the charm that changed the history of porcin. ¡°Then, it¡¯s practically a museum.¡± ¡°In fact, after knowing about porcins from China, Korea and Japan, people didn¡¯t really care about European Zwiebelmuster, but my mother is different. She¡¯s from Germany.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°People are all like that. We all value more the artifacts from one¡¯s own country. You did the same with the painting you got from me.¡± ¡°In fact, westerners are not that fond of Koreanndscape paintings.¡± Eastern paintings were cheaper than western paintings because the clients who buy paintings are mainly westerners. It¡¯s not because eastern paintings have less artistic value than western paintings. That meant even though Asians may not value European porcins much, the European themselves could have a different opinion. ¡°Actually, my mother is the person who told me about this B?tteger porcin. So, I have no choice but to buy it. Of course, as long as it is real.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a gift for your mother.¡± ¡°Kind of.¡± They checked into the hotel. After that, Eric took Haejin and headed to the outskirts a little away from the crowded downtown of Hong Kong. Unlike the clean buildings at the center of the city, the buildings there were very shabby, and the streets were dirty. ¡°That Zwiebelmuster, is it really here?¡± ¡°I told you, I just heard a rumor. Just think of it as you are here for sightseeing. You should do that, or you will start thinking you came here in vain. You should rx to not get exhausted.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± One side of Eric¡¯s lips curled up. ¡°Your face says otherwise. Anyway, have you been to Hong Kong before?¡± ¡°Yes, a few times. This is where the biggest auctions in Asia take ce, so of course, I shoulde.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. So, I alsoe to Hong Kong at least three times every year. This city is called a heaven for shopping but, at least to me, it is a heaven for antiques.¡± He certainly seemed to enjoy looking at antiques. He thought if it was there, then it was all good but, if it wasn¡¯t, then never mind. Haejin really wanted to have that optimistic mind. They arrived in front of an old five-story building. There was no elevator. Both the exterior and interior looked at least forty years old. The shop was on the ground floor. It was an antique shop which you could easily find in Insadong. Dling! Any kind of shop would have a bell like that. An old man well over his sixties came out from the inside. He was frowning. He had some red stew stains around his mouth, so he was irritated to have visitors while having a meal. ¡°Are you looking for something?¡± As Haejin was fluent in Cantonese, he could read the irritation in that. So, he looked at Eric to see how he felt. He was smiling and bowing at the old man. ¡°I am sorry to interrupt your meal, but Jason Chang told me about this ce.¡± Although Eric¡¯s Cantonese was very shaky, it wasn¡¯t bad at all. However, Jason Chang? Haejin remembered Jason Chang owning the huge oil painting shop he had visited with Yaerin. It seemed that Jason Chang also somehow knew Eric. At the mention of Jason Chang¡¯s name, the old man turned slightly less annoyed. He gestured them toe inside. Inside, there was some food which the old man had been eating. He set another table next to the table with his meal and put a box that was 40cm tall on it. ¡°This is it. Open it.¡± The old man sat down and started to eat again as if he had finished his job. Eric lightly bowed his head at the old man, put his hands on the box and slowly stroked it. Then, he lifted the lid. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± A small bowl with a radiant blue cobalt color was revealed. Instead of Zwiebelmuster¡¯s unique pomegranate flower (although Zwiebel means onion, its real symbol is the pomegranate flower), it had a Xian (immortal human with superhuman powers of Taoism) on a cloud depicted slightly crudely. It looked like a well-made imitation. ¡°Well?¡± Eric looked at Haejin and asked. He couldn¡¯t determine anything himself. ¡°In the early days, Meissen factory tried to imitate everything from the Chinese porcins, including their patterns. So, they produced more of this kind of crude patterns than Zwiebelmuster¡¯s unique pomegranate flower pattern.¡± ¡°I know that. I¡¯ve seen them many times at Augustus special exhibition. That¡¯s why I¡¯m confused even more. If they tried to make this on purpose¡­¡± China¡¯s Jingdezhen can make this kind of porcin very easily. ¡°Then, let me take a look.¡± Haejin carefully lifted up the bowl and examined it carefully, starting with the bottom. However, there was JFB engraved on the bottom. ¡°Huh? Is that B?tteger¡¯s name?¡± Eric was guessing that they might be the initials of Johann Friedrich B?tteger, and it made sense. ¡°It could be.¡± ¡°This is not good enough to be in my collection. It is too crudepared to the porcins from China and Korea. Even the color is not clear, and it is not a perfect circle, so its bnce is tilted. Hmm¡­ even if it¡¯s really B?tteger¡¯s, only my mother would like it.¡± ¡°However, you really care about your mother. That is good.¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably because I¡¯m older now. I wasn¡¯t like this when I was a kid. Plus¡­ I must be good to my mother to inherit more. I have many brothers.¡± Eric smiled and winked. He was half joking and half serious. ¡°Then, it is quite important. It is more than a mere gift¡­¡± ¡°Something like that. So, you have to examine this well. Then, I¡¯ll give you a gift, too.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what that gift was, but it seemed like Eric was not talking about money. So, he concentrated on the dish even more. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that¡­ huh?¡± Being a little dullpared to China¡¯s delicate pattern was the characteristic of the early European porcin¡¯s patterns. So, Haejin was not going to consider much the patterns but, among the crude Xian patterns, one of them was a little strange. Eric thought Haejin had found something and came closer. Chapter 65: Zwiebelmuster (3)

Chapter 65: Zwiebelmuster (3)

The symbol that represents Meissen is crossed swords. Two crossed sticks. It is a very simple but impressive symbol. It became Meissen¡¯s symbol because crossed swords used to be Sachsen¡¯s symbol. This very symbol had been cunningly added to one of the dozens of Xian on cloud patterns. Instead of holding fan or staff like other Xians, this Xian was carrying a huge vase that had crossed swords pattern. It looked like the pattern of the vase itself. ¡°Can you see this?¡± ¡°Oho¡­. Meissen¡¯s crossed swords. You have good eyes. It would have taken a long time for me to find it.¡± ¡°Yes. But you would have found it eventually.¡± ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± ¡°I think it is too unnatural. Judging from its shape and pattern, it was made in 1700s¡­. But it feels like someone has slightly touched it. Actually, there was no need to put in the crossed swords in this ce¡­¡± ¡°To think about it, I¡¯ve never seen the crossed swords symbol being so carefully hidden in Zwiebelmuster. Normally, it is drawn on the bottom of the dish or very openly.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. It is too much. Plus, at the time, Augustus locked up B?tteger and forced him to work. So it is unlikely he could have afforded to put in such effort in a dish like this. He wasn¡¯t making porcins because he wanted it¡­¡± Eric stroked his chin and nodded. ¡°Hmm¡­. It makes sense. He tried to escape twice. Why would he draw the crossed swords and honor Sachsen? So your conclusion is it¡¯s fake?¡± ¡°I think it is. Writing JFB on a dish is also strange¡­. In addition, B?tteger couldn¡¯t produce white hue like this one at first. His early porcins were red, like tin. But how much is this?¡± Eric looked at the old man who was still eating and asked the price in Cantonese. Then he took his eyes off the rice bowl and showed five fingers. ¡°Fifty thousand Hong Kong dor?¡± Haejin asked in Cantonese out of curiosity. The old man shook his head. ¡°Five hundred thousand?¡± The old man nodded. Five hundred thousand Hong Kong dor. That¡¯s about seventy million won. For an antique that could be both cheap and expensive. But seventy million won for this¡­ ¡°Hu¡­. I was going to give a good gift to my mother, but I guess I can¡¯t.¡± Eric shook his head. It wasn¡¯t because the price was too high, but he couldn¡¯t but a fake in exchange of that amount of money. ¡°Actually, it can be B?tteger¡¯s. Unlike our guess, he might have had sudden surge of artistic spirit and painted the crossed swords and engraved his name.¡± ¡°I know. But I also know the probability of that being the truth is extremely small.¡± ¡°There is no Zwiebelmuster that was made by B?tteger alone, so there¡¯s no sample topare with. This might be real.¡± ¡°It means he never did something like engraving his name in dishes he made.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you being too negative?¡± ¡°You are being too optimistic. Fine. If you want to avoid the responsibility, that¡¯s enough. The choice is up to me anyway, and I¡¯ve decided not to buy it.¡± ¡°Your mother will be disappointed.¡± Eric¡¯s face turned dark for the first time. ¡°Hmm¡­. Well, I¡¯ll have to find something else.¡± ¡°Okay. With uncertain things like this, you should take time to think.¡± They were about to leave, but the old man finished his meal and grabbed Eric¡¯s arm. He looked around. The old man pulled him, as if he was offering to show them something else. ¡°Let¡¯s follow him. We should see what he wants to show us.¡± Eric got excited as if he had never been disappointed. The old man drew down adder from the ceiling and started to climb. It showed he was about to show them something great. So Eric didn¡¯t hesitate to climb after him. Haejin also followed them. Thedder led to an attic that was being used as storage. The old man groped a side of a wall to turn on light. ¡°Ooh¡­.¡± Eric looked around and eximed. The old man¡¯s attic storage was full of valuable things, far better than what he had shown at the entrance of the shop. ¡°He is about to show us real.¡± Now Haejin thoughting to Hong Kong had been a good choice. The old man struggled to bring a huge vase that was standing at a corner. It was about 80cm tall and the ample shoulder was about 70cm wide. The white porcin was covered with radiant pomegranate flower patterns of cobalt blue. It was delicate Zwiebelmuster, beyondparison with the dish they saw earlier. ¡°Blue Flower White Porcin.¡± It was good enough to call Blue Flower White Porcin instead of Zwiebelmuster. The old man crossed his arms and sat down. Now he was smaller than the porcin, but he was confident, like a wrestler showing his best move. ¡°Luxurious. But it isn¡¯t from China or japan. Right?¡± ¡°Yes. Its pattern shows ady wearing traditional princess costume of Europe. Even though Europe ordered many porcins from China, this wasn¡¯t made it China. It feels different.¡± ¡°Then it was made in Meissen. When was it made? Early 20 th century?¡± Eric¡¯s guess was very close to the truth. ¡°Late 19 th or early 20 th century. Anyway, this is good.¡± Eric smiled at this. ¡°But it is less good great porcins of China and Korea.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t Zwiebelmuster from Meissen what you are looking for now? It isn¡¯t B?ttegers, but it is from early 20 th century Meissen and thig big. Wouldn¡¯t your mother like this enough?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. Excuse me, how much is this?¡± This time, the old man showed eight fingers. ¡°Eight hundred thousand Hong Kong dors?¡± Haejin worried it might mean eight billion, but thankfully, the old man nodded. It was about thirteen million in Korean. He thought it was reasonable price. ¡°Good. I thought he was asking for eight million.¡± Eric had thought the same thing. ¡°Haejin, I need your help. I cannot carry this alone.¡± Haejin looked back at the old man. His thin arms and legs wouldn¡¯t be much of help. How on earth had he put it in the attic¡­. ¡°I will lower it down. You take it at the bottom.¡± ¡°Your guts are smaller than I thought. Are you afraid of dropping it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to break a ten million won porcin. Just go down. I will lower it with this man here.¡± ¡°Okay¡­ Be careful.¡± Eric went down first, and Haejin worked with the old man to lower the huge Zwiebelmuster. It wasn¡¯t that heavy, but its price made Haejin¡¯s arm shake. ¡°Hu¡­. I am sweating.¡± Eric¡¯s arm also shook. When he managed to put the porcin down on the floor, sweat was dropping from his forehead and chin. The old man went down after Haejin. Eric patted his shoulder. ¡°Tell me your ount number, and I¡¯ll send you the money now.¡± The old man smiled, took out a piece of paper from his pocket, and gave it to Eric. However, Eric slightly frowned to see the old man¡¯s ount number. ¡°Huh? Cultural Revolution? Isn¡¯t this Jason Chang¡¯spany?¡± The old man sat down on the chair on which he had had his meal earlier. ¡°Yes. That porcin belongs to Jason Chang. And it also belongs to me.¡± The old man was a little different now. It was like he was revealing his true self after testing Haejin and Eric. ¡°Huh¡­ Then what¡¯s that B?tteger¡¯s Zwiebelmuster? The one you tried to sell at five hundred million!¡± Eric was shocked. The old man raised his arms. ¡°When did I tell you was B?tteger¡¯s Zwiebelmuster? I never said that.¡± It was absurd, but the old man was right. ¡°Then Jason Chang lied to me?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. But Jason Chang never sells things through lies. Don¡¯t you know that?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± ¡°I think you have misunderstood Jason Chang. He never makes an assurance that would blow back on his face. That is how he keeps his ce at the top. Oh, may I have a smoke?¡± Without hearing Eric¡¯s answer, the old man took out a cigarette and lighted it. ¡°What the¡­ Fine. I got a good thing anyway, so I¡¯ll just let it go. This is why I cannot let my guard down even for a second.¡± Eric sighed as he sent money to Jason Chang¡¯s ount with his phone. As Haejin watched it, he wondered how they were supposed to move that heavy Zwiebelmuster, but then the old man talked to him. ¡°But aren¡¯t you going to buy anything?¡± ¡°I¡¯m an appraiser. And there¡¯s nothing I should buy here¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t because the antiques here were not good, but because Haejin couldn¡¯t feel the need to buy one from here. Unless there was something great here, something worth one or two thousand million wouldn¡¯t draw much attention and would just leave Haejin with less cash. However, the old man didn¡¯t take it that way. He took it as kind of a challenge. His face turned red. ¡°My shop doesn¡¯t have things?¡± ¡°No¡­. I didn¡¯t mean it doesn¡¯t have things. I meant there¡¯s nothing that catches my attention.¡± However, after saying that, Haejin realized that was all the same. He thought he had made a mistake and tried to make excuses, but the old man jumped to his feet. ¡°Huh! Arrogant. You think I am only that good because of thatme Zwiebelmuster I showed you first.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it. It¡¯s just there¡¯s nothing I must buy now. It¡¯s not like I am rolling in money, so I cannot buy everything I like.¡± Only then did the old man buy it. He sat down. ¡°Khmm¡­. That¡¯s right. Not having enough money is different. Of course there are good things here.¡± Haejin had tried to make the old man feel better, but now he felt bad himself. Then, Eric poked his side. ¡°Remember I said I¡¯ll give you a gift? Buy one.¡± ¡°That gift is buying me something here?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that earlier, but paying you with buying one here would be fine for me.¡± ¡°No, thank you. Let¡¯s just go. But how are you going to move this?¡± ¡°Hum? Wouldn¡¯t it be safe to ship it off through Hong Kong Port?¡± They were talking about the way to transport the porcin, but then the old man rubbed his cigarette at the ashtray to put it out and stood up. ¡°Wait for a second.¡± He went up back to his attic storage and came back with a scroll. He offered it to Haejin. ¡°You¡¯re Korean, right? Then you cannot just leave after seeing this painting.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°If you want to know, unroll it.¡± However, as the old man came, he knocked out the ashtray with the scroll. ¡°Oh¡­¡± The ash inside fell. The old man mumbled and put it back on the table. Then he looked up. That moment, Haejin quickly looked away. That ashtray¡­. The old man clearly didn¡¯t know. Chapter 66: Clue to the Past (1)

Chapter 66: Clue to the Past (1)

At a first nce, the old man¡¯s ashtray looked like an oldmon gilt bronze ashtray. It didn¡¯t show any great techniques and its shape was ordinary. Rather, it was thicker than necessary as if it had been crudely made in a factory. Its paint had worn off, and it had nothing that showed traces of any period. At least it looked like that¡­ ¡°Well, the string is old, so unroll it carefully.¡± At this, Haejin managed to take his eyes off from the ashtray and carefully undid the knot of the scroll. Strangely, when he unrolled it, the painting wasn¡¯t vertical but was horizontal. In the bottom, a stream was flooding while dark and nameless trees were on the river bank. Higher than that, there were huge hills, thatched houses and, on the horizon, you could see the mountains. The flourishing nature of the summer was depicted with the dark ck tree shades near the stream, and this ckness reminded you of someone¡¯s name. ¡°It¡¯s Lee Sangbeom¡¯s.¡± At this, Eric stretched his neck to look at the painting. ¡°Eastern paintings certainly have a different atmosphere from western paintings. Even realistic paintings somehow give you something to think about. It is nice. Did you say Lee Sangbeom? Is he famous?¡± ¡°He is. Lee Sangbeom was a great artist who led Koreanndscape paintings after Korea was liberated from Japan. His unique style is enough to call him the bestndscape painting artist after Jeong Seon and Jang Seungeuop.¡± He was great as an artist, but his pro-Japanese activities made Haejin¡¯s mouth taste bitter. ¡°Jeong Seon and Jang Seungeuop? Jang Seungeuop¡­ yes, I¡¯ve heard of him. He was a Korean artist of thete 19 th and early 20 th century, right?¡± ¡°Yes, he was a genius. He also had a unique personality and did many strange things¡­ I guess you don¡¯t know of Jeong Seon?¡± Eric frowned and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of him. He must be famous as you are talking about him, butpared to Japanese and Chinese artists, Korean artists are unfamiliar to me.¡± ¡°Well, knowing Jang Seungeuop alone tells me your knowledge about eastern paintings is way above average. Only a few appraisers and artists, who grew up in the western world, know the name Jang Seungeuop.¡± ¡°However, anyone who sees his painting just once would remember him. I was like that. Easternndscape paintings are all more or less the same, but his paintings were different. It might sound a little funny, but his paintings changed my mood every time I saw them. It was so strange.¡± Eric Holton certainly knew about paintings. He must have mainly seen western paintings, but he instinctively recognized the line and coloring methods of eastern paintings. ¡°You are great. Yes, Jang Seungeuop was a genius. So, he freely used all kinds of methods, like Baekmyeo method (maximizing the beauty of the line), Gongpil method (emphasizing the delicate coloring) and Gampil method (maximizing the light and shade of the ink). That¡¯s why his paintings are all different.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°He was a great artist¡­ usually, people like that start as geniuses, touch a bit of this and a bit of that, draw some ordinary paintings and disappear.¡± Not all geniuses seed. For instance, although Tom Keating had a great artistic talent, he was never recognized with his own paintings. Instead, he became a great forger. ¡°Lee Sangbeom, who drew this painting, was influenced by Jang Seungeuop. Lee Sangbeom was An Jungsik¡¯s apprentice, who in turn was Jang Seungeuop¡¯s apprentice. Anyway, I should examine it.¡± The painting had Lee Sangbeom¡¯s style, but it could be fake, so Haejin had to be careful. Additionally, as Jason Chang openly mixed reals and fakes, getting fooled by him wouldn¡¯t be a surprise to Haejin. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± The backing paper, the condition of the hanji, and Lee Sangbeom¡¯s unique style and line convinced Haejin. It was real. ¡°Why? Is it real?¡± Eric asked. Haejin shook his head as if he was dissatisfied. However, the old man was the one to react the most sensitively to Haejin¡¯s attitude. ¡°What? There¡¯s something wrong with the painting?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t answer that. He just stared at the painting seriously. It wasn¡¯t because he had found something important. He couldn¡¯t figure out a good way to take that ashtray. Should he just ask for it? Then, the old man would start doubting him. He would think that maybe he had underestimated that ashtray. Of course, he couldn¡¯t just leave with it. It would be stealing, even if he didn¡¯t leave any traces by using magic. Then, Haejin had to make a deal without magic, but he couldn¡¯t think of a way. ¡°Is it fake? Is it?¡± Eric didn¡¯t know what was going on, he just kept asking. Haejin answered, avoiding the old man¡¯s gaze, ¡°It¡¯s uncertain.¡± ¡°Huh? What do you mean? Uncertain? Are you saying you are uncertain of its authenticity? Or are you wondering if it is valuable enough for you to buy it?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Haejin nced at the old man and stroked his chin. The old man then yelled, ¡°You cannot think this is a fake. I have run this shop for forty years! I swear upon my pride and honor. It is not fake! The man who brought and sold it to me worked in the Korean Appraisal Committee!¡± Haejin had been dragging for time, but hearing this, he was shocked. A man from the Korean Appraisal Committee hade to Hong Kong to sell an artifact¡­ ¡°Who sold this to you?¡± The old man looked away. ¡°Khmm¡­ I cannot tell you¡­ anyway, this cannot be a fake. Although he sold it to me, he might as well have sold it to Jason Chang. If it turns out to be faketer, bring it to me. I will give you a full refund. I am not saying this to sell it to you. I am doing it for my pride.¡± The old man banged at the table with the painting on it. Then, Eric stroked the porcin he had bought and started speaking. ¡°Then, would you give me a refund to me if mine turns out to be fake?¡± The old man frowned and nodded. ¡°Fine, I will.¡± Eric¡¯s lips curled up at this. It meant his porcin was real. Haejin had appraised so, but Eric was the buyer, more assurance, of course, made him happy. A huge amount of money was involved in that deal. However, as the situation was going this way, Haejin thought he could take advantage of it. ¡°How can I believe that? You can just sell it and deny itter.¡± Eric was surprised as much as the old man. He put a hand on Haejin¡¯s shoulder and whispered, ¡°What are you doing? I thought eastern people were all about being polite.¡± He was right to be confused, so Haejin quietly poked his side. The old man was dumbfounded. Haejin added, ¡°And you just implied that the dish was B?tteger¡¯s. Of course, you said you didn¡¯t say so but, frankly, you knew that we would think that way. So¡­¡± Haejin¡¯s face showed some doubt. The old man snorted. ¡°Huh! Fine! If you can¡¯t believe me, don¡¯t buy it. I am too offended to sell it, anyway!¡± He rolled the painting again. Eric looked at Haejin and asked, ¡°But, what if it is real? How much would it be?¡± ¡°Well¡­ at least two thousand million.¡± Eric showed the old man his phone and talked. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just sell this painting? How about 1.4 million Hong Kong dors?¡± Even if Haejin and Eric had be closer after a few deals, giving a gift that was worth two thousand million won was impossible. Eric knew Haejin was doing it on purpose, so he was trying to revive the negotiation before things went wrong. In fact, Haejin had tried to refuse a few times, so he was a little shocked when the old man rolled the painting. So, he silently thanked Eric for chiming in. ¡°1.4 million? Hmm¡­ why? You said you thought it is a fake?¡± This time, Haejin spoke again. ¡°But is it really real? If it¡¯s fake¡­¡± ¡°Oh, it is real!¡± ¡°Then I don¡¯t need anything else. Just give me a signature to prove it.¡± ¡°A signature?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll need it when someone asks me from whom I bought itter.¡± That sounded reasonable, or the promise of 1.4 million was too tempting. The old man frowned and asked, ¡°Then, where should I sign? I cannot sign on the painting¡­ I also can¡¯t sign behind the scroll¡­ no, I¡¯ll sign here.¡± He picked up a notebook and ripped a page out. ¡°I should write that this painting is real in here, right? That I sold it to you.¡± Haejin tilted his head. ¡°Paper can be ripped, so let¡¯s choose something else. Oh, what about this?¡± Haejin put the empty ashtray on the table and picked up a pen. Then, he offered it to the old man. ¡°This? I should write on this?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a little dirty, right? Just a second, please.¡± The shop had a sink, so Haejin washed the ashtray. He cleaned only the inside lest the old man recognized its real value. Then, he dropped it in front of the old man. ¡°People in this vige must know that you used this ashtray. Well¡­ at least some of them must know. Sign on it, and I will believe you.¡± The old man looked at the paper in his hand and the ashtray in turn. ¡°What is the ount number? Should I send the money to Jason Chang again?¡± However, Eric¡¯s 1.4 million Hong Kong dors was too tempting. He ditched the paper and wrote, ¡®I sold Lee Sangbeom¡¯s painting¡¯ on the ashtray. In fact, he had never done anything like this, and Haejin had also never heard of making a deal in this way. Nevertheless, it went that way because 1.4 million Hong Kong dors was too huge. When ites to antiques for sale, having them doesn¡¯t mean having money. You have to keep waiting for someone who would pay for the right price but, if that person never shows up, that antique is no good to you, no matter how valuable it is. At least you can get a loan when you have a real estate but, with antiques, you buy them with money and just keep them until you sell them. Of course, the owner should try to sell when the right person was here. That was why he had bought it so easily. ¡°Send the money here.¡± The old man wrote a different ount number. Apparently, each thing had a different person to be paid to. ¡°Then, it was a good deal.¡± They called someone, put the porcin in the car, said goodbye to the old man with a huge smile and left the shop. As soon as Eric got on the car, he looked at Haejin and asked, ¡°What was going on there? Were you trying to get that ashtray?¡± ¡°First, tell me your ount number. I¡¯ll send you that money.¡± In fact, he didn¡¯t mean to buy the painting at two thousand million won, but as it was a 1+1, he decided to ept it. ¡°I was going to give it to you as a gift¡­ then send me half of it. I was going to pay you your fee, anyway.¡± ¡°How can the appraising fee be higher than the price of the porcin?¡± ¡°This time, it can be. That¡¯s how my situation is now. The gift I was going to give you was worth that much, anyway. Let¡¯s talk about itter and tell me. My curiosity is killing me. What was that about?¡± Haejin rubbed the bottom of the ashtray with his hand. Chapter 67: Clue to the Past (2)

Chapter 67: Clue to the Past (2)

¡°Huh? What?¡± Haejin gave Eric the ashtray. He studied it for a long time. However, there was nothing special. Then, he pointed at the pattern engraved at a corner of its bottom. ¡°Was it because of this? If there is something about this ashtray, it has to be this.¡± The pattern he pointed at had a circle around a smaller circle. Additionally, a strange pattern was around the bigger circle. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s because of that.¡± ¡°What pattern is this?¡± ¡°This pattern was used in a country called Baekjae a thousand years ago. It is called Gilt-Bronze Halo. As it was engraved, it looks like it was manufactured in a factory to the ignorant eyes.¡± Eric¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Thousand years? This was made a thousand years ago?¡± ¡°Yes, do you see the faint circle mark in the middle?¡± Even though it had been washed with water before, it used to contain ash and saliva, so Eric frowned to see Haejin rub it with bare hands. ¡°Do you have to do that?¡± ¡°Haha, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll wash my hands. Anyway, look here. Something heavy was on this for a long time. As this is made of gilt-bronze, it couldn¡¯t have been a vase. I think it was a gilt-bronze incense burner.¡± ¡°Incense burner, you mean with fire?¡± ¡°Simr to that. You burn incense made of sap or twig for the scent. You fill a huge container with sand or rice, light the long-stick type incense, and make it stand inside the container.¡± Eric recalled something. He pped his hands. ¡°Oh! I remember seeing it in a temple. Yes, the monks lighted incense sticks and put them in huge caldrons.¡± ¡°We use caldron nowadays but, at the time, in Baekjae, people carved incense burner with great care. Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner of Baekjae are great. When you use it, the smoke of the incensees out from dozens of holes. It is magnificent.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t seen any incense burner from Baekjae, but I wish I could see that Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner.¡± When you see it with your own eyes, you can find yourself overwhelmed by that mysterious beauty. It is totally different from seeing its photos. ¡°Anyway, the bottom is wide and even the form is simple. It would have been a matching base for the splendid incense burner of Baekjae.¡± ¡°Hoo¡­ impressive. You are as great as this base. You recognized all that in such a short time. However, that old man must have been in business for a long time, and he failed to recognize the pattern of that Baekjae?¡± ¡°If this pattern had belonged to one of China¡¯s old nations, of course, he would have known. However, even if Korea and China are in the same cultural area, it is hard to know another country¡¯s thousand- year-old pattern.¡± ¡°Then, what about you? If you had been in his position?¡± Eric didn¡¯t need to ask that question. ¡°Of course, I would have known. I am an appraiser. On the other hand, that old man is an antique dealer. If he and I have the same amount of knowledge, why would people hire me, paying a high fee?¡± Haejin shrugged while Eric touched his nose and smiled. ¡°Well, of course. Anyway, congrattions on getting an artifact from a thousand years ago. Even if it is a base.¡± He was congratting but, at the same time, he was feeling sorry. As he said, it was a great artifact, but it wasn¡¯t good enough to be one of the main artifacts in Haejin¡¯s museum. However, if this was the end, Haejin wouldn¡¯t have tried so hard to take it. He had taken it out because he was hoping to find other artifacts hidden somewhere like this. If he is unlucky, he would find nothing, but if he is lucky, he might be able to find the matching incense burner. ¡°However, what were you going to give me as my gift?¡± ¡°Why? I gave you a thousand million won. Do you still want more?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just curious. I wouldn¡¯t take it even if you gave it to me.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t just saying that. A gift that was worth too much woulde back as a price to payter. So, Haejin found the thousand million Eric had given him burdening. ¡°Actually, I was going to stop by at Jason Chang¡¯s painting shop as I am in Hong Kong. You know the massive amount of oil painting that goes in that ce, right?¡± Was that a coincidence? ¡°Wow¡­ I just bought a David from Jason Chang¡¯s shop, and we almost went there again?¡± ¡°David? Jacques-Louis David?¡± Eric looked even more surprised than when he had been about the ashtray. ¡°Yes. I wasn¡¯t there to buy for myself but to help someone else. However, I really didn¡¯t like that ce. He just spread out paintings as if he was someone great and told us to choose¡­ he was openly trying to rip people off!¡± ¡°Forget about that. So? Which painting from David did you buy? You wouldn¡¯t be talking about it if the painting you appraised was a fake¡­¡± ¡°Why? You want to buy it?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s David¡¯s, of course, I should. Regardless of the price.¡± It was a great life. To buy anything one wanted¡­ suddenly, Haejin wondered how much good deeds he had to do in order to be born as Eric Holton in the next life. ¡°What did you do during thest life that you were born with such a silver spoon?¡± ¡°Hhh¡­ I don¡¯t know, either. If I knew that, I would be doing many good deeds now. There¡¯s no guarantee that my good deeds would make me be born like this again in the next life, so I am just enjoying this life. Hahaha!¡± Eric burst intoughter. Then, he looked at Haejin. ¡°Oh, although you are not as rich as I am, you have great abilities. You must have done a lot of good deeds in yourst life, too. Anyway, forget this useless joke, and tell me. As far as I know, there wasn¡¯t any unfound painting from David in Jason Chang¡¯s shop. Then, it must be in a museum or a gallery¡­ what is it?¡± ¡°You know David¡¯s The Death of Marat, right?¡± Of course, he did. Eric was shocked. Haejin could see his eyes get bigger. ¡°You¡¯re saying the painting you bought is real? However, it¡¯s in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying that painting in Brussels is fake. It¡¯s just that David made two paintings.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? Two paintings?¡± Haejin exined the painting¡¯s history to Eric. However, he found it hard to believe. ¡°No way¡­¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t believe it, don¡¯t. But at least, I think so.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ if someone else had told me what you just told me, I would have called that person crazy.¡± ¡°Your expression tells me you are thinking something like that.¡± ¡°Actually, a little¡­ okay, I won¡¯t try to deny your appraisal. It¡¯s just so hard to believe.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like you are going to buy it, anyway. So just let it go.¡± Haejin was calm while Eric yelled, ¡°How can I let it go like that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like you spent your money¡­ aren¡¯t you overreacting? If someone sees you now, that person would think you have bought a fake David.¡± ¡°It is that shocking. Then, how much did you pay for it?¡± ¡°As I said, I¡¯m not the one who bought it, so I cannot tell you. You know it is an unspoken rule. Don¡¯t ask the price, unless it was bought on auction.¡± ¡°Huh! I don¡¯t know of such a rule. None of my friends know of that kind of rule.¡± ¡°Then, it exists only in Korea. Anyway, I¡¯m not the painting¡¯s owner, so I cannot tell you. But to give you a hint¡­¡± ¡°A hint?¡± ¡°It is over a billion won.¡± Eric looked disappointed. ¡°Then, you thought you could buy a David under a billion? From Jason Chang?¡± They kept talking about Marat¡¯s Death for a long time, then they went to the hotel Eric had booked. Haejin had nned to go back right away, but Eric stopped him, saying he shouldn¡¯t go back immediately aftering all the way to Hong Kong. Plus, he wanted Haejin to meet someone. They took some rest, then Eric took Haejin to the restaurant of the same hotel. He had made a reservation in advance. When they went inside, there was an old gentleman with white hair waiting for them. Eric smiled and lightly bowed his head. Haejin thought he was being very polite toward the old man. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, sir.¡± ¡°Is it him?¡± The old gentleman looked like a Jewish. He had to be at least seventy. ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ve never seen a better appraiser than him personally.¡± Haejin bowed. ¡°Hello. I am Park Haejin.¡± ¡°Korean names are always quite unusual. Haejin¡­ it is hard to pronounce, but I guess I will have to get used to it. Nice to meet you, I am Anthony Goldberg.¡± Haejin took his hand and shook it. Eric smiled at him and pointed at a chair. ¡°Sit. You are today¡¯s hero.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what was going on, so he couldn¡¯t say anything. Therefore, he just sat down. Anthony lifted a wine bottle and filled Haejin¡¯s ss. ¡°I think good appraisers deserve to be admired. For that reason, I am very excited and nervous. Do you understand?¡± Of course not¡­ Anthony looked extremely rich. Why would he be nervous because of Haejin? ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t believe me. However, it¡¯s true. The harmony between a great artifact and the appraiser always makes me exim. When I heard about an Asian appraiser who knows a lot about western paintings, I wanted to meet you.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­ but may I ask why?¡± ¡°When ites to business, human rtionships matter. Onement brings sess or failure, rather than analyzing and assumption based on statistics¡­¡± He could have just said what it was about¡­ ¡°Are you going to give a gift to someone?¡± The old gentleman smiled with the wine in his mouth. ¡°Yes. I need a gift for the royal family in Saudi Arabia. However, there is a small problem. I want you to handle that problem. Would it be possible?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if you know this, but my fee is higher than the other appraisers¡¯. I take 1% of the appraised price. Do you still want to hire me?¡± ¡°I guess you are worthy of that. Eric here is more urate about people than about artifacts.¡± ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll take the job.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll exin the details tomorrow. Today, you should take some rest.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin left the room. Eric followed him and put his arm around Haejin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go to dinner, just you and me.¡± ¡°But who is he? And what does he want from me?¡± Eric went into another room, sat down, and spoke. He looked serious. ¡°Remember what I told you before? About the source of artifacts of that private auction being suspicious.¡± Haejin recalled the conversation they had in Eric¡¯s home. ¡°Yes, but what does it have to do with this?¡± ¡°That old man you just met is the only known man among the auction¡¯s hosts.¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric picked up his fork and lightly hit the table with it. ¡°I heard there¡¯s this saying in Asia; to catch a tiger, go to the tiger¡¯s cave. I¡¯ll go into the cave, so just check if the tiger is there. Okay?¡± Chapter 68: Deal with an Arabian Prince (1)

Chapter 68: Deal with an Arabian Prince (1)

The steak from a five-star hotel in Hong Kong tasted really special. However, before Haejin could fully enjoy it, Eric forced him to decide. ¡°Why? Are you worried?¡± ¡°I am more curious than worried. Why are you into this¡­ no one would me you for standing by. I don¡¯t understand why someone rich like you would want to do something like this.¡± Haejin had seen people with power and wealth doing all kinds of bad things on the media. So, he couldn¡¯t be sure if Eric¡¯s intention were really pure. However, Eric took Haejin¡¯s question with pleasure. ¡°Haha! Yes, you can doubt me. If you can¡¯t believe me, don¡¯t believe me and just take the job. You¡¯ve already met that old man anyway.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Somehow, Haejin didn¡¯t have a bad feeling about this, maybe because of his trust in Eric. ¡°He will tell you tomorrow, but that old man will show you three paintings. He is going to give one of them to Prince Abd al Sahmadi of the Arab Emirates, but the problem is that this prince has high standards. No, more urately, his appraiser is great at his job.¡± There was something Haejin couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°What does it have to do with me having to see those three paintings?¡± Eric¡¯s smile faded. ¡°I wonder that, too. Strange, isn¡¯t it? Why does he want his paintings appraised again? He doesn¡¯t know if they are real? Or maybe they can be fake? Does it make sense? He doubts his own paintings and wants you to take another look?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about.¡± ¡°Right? Well, let¡¯s say that could happen. Sometimes it does, you know. You cannot trust your own decision¡­ but even if I think so, there¡¯s one more thing that bothers me.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°That old man was bragging about himself so much that everyone knows what kind of antiques he has in his home. However, he¡¯s not talking about this. Maybe he cannot talk about it.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t feel that Anthony was too talkative, so he couldn¡¯t understand Eric 100%, but he just thought it might be. ¡°That can be true.¡± ¡°So, I rmended you. I don¡¯t know what those three paintings are yet. However, I thought you might be able to find out something while you appraise them.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you¡¯re saying something bad might have happened when he got those paintings?¡± ¡°Maybe, maybe not. So, don¡¯t take it as if you are going to do something important. No need to think of yourself as an agent from Mission Impossible. Just appraise those paintings and let me know if there¡¯s anything suspicious. Then, I¡¯ll take it from there.¡± ¡°What if things go wrong? You said he is extremely rich. He must have great powers.¡± ¡°Come on. You don¡¯t know me well enough yet, but I can demonstrate some power if I want to. He cannot easily mess up with me.¡± ¡°Okay. I was wondering why you were going to give me that thousand million won gift, but I guess it was for this.¡± ¡°You know, sometimes you give, and sometimes you receive.¡± Haejin thought he should have taken that two thousand million. It wasn¡¯t like a thousand million was a small amount of money¡­ The next day, they met Anthony at the hotel¡¯s lobby. He then gave Haejin a ne ticket. ¡°You shoulde to Dubai with me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not seeing the paintings here?¡± Anthony lightly hit Haejin¡¯s shoulder and smiled. ¡°They are in Dubai. Bringing them to Hong Kong and taking them to Dubai again would have made thingsplicated. You should have seen them in the States before they left, or you would have to go to Dubai. Although if you can just appraise them with photos, you can finish the job here¡­ can you do it?¡± Appraising while seeing the real artifacts was hard, so appraising urately with photos? That was impossible. Haejin had no choice but to go. ¡°Then, I should go with you.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ good. I won¡¯t be bored on the way.¡± The journey to Dubai with Anthony was both bad and good. Haejin really liked thefort of a first- ss seat, but the conversation with Anthony was quite puzzling. Haejin knew that Anthony was obsessed with paintings just after five minutes. He also had such a great self-pride that Haejin was forced to receive a lecture on how happy his life was with all the women and wealth. Haejin could totally understand why Eric had said Anthony liked to boast about himself and was very talkative. One good thing was that as Eric was with them, Haejin could take some rest while he handled Anthony. The sunlight of the desert was dry and sharp. They went to the worldly famous hotel Burj Khalifa. ¡°I am liking Anthony Goldberg for the first time. I¡¯ve always wanted to stay here.¡± Haejin whispered to Eric. He smiled. ¡°You must have had a hard time on the ne. People get talkative when they get older, but rich old men are the worst.¡± ¡°I hope you don¡¯t be like that when you get old.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ judging from my nature, I doubt it. Anyway, I have high hopes for you.¡± Eric expectantly looked at Haejin. They arrived at a pre-booked suite room. There were buffy guards standing in front of it. However, one of them put a hand in front of Eric¡¯s chest and shook his head. ¡°I guess I¡¯m not qualified.¡± Eric spoke as if he was just disappointed, but his eyes were full of pity. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The secret must be kept, so I cannot take you with us.¡± Anthony looked sorry. Haejin didn¡¯t know if it was real but, if he was lying, he was a good actor. ¡°Okay. Do well. I¡¯ll wait in the lobby. I hope you aren¡¯t nning to eat him?¡± Eric smiled as if it were a joke, but Haejin could see he wasn¡¯t asking it as a joke. Anthony also answered without a smile. ¡°Are you going to turn me into a cruel criminal?¡± ¡°Haha! I was joking. Then, I¡¯ll see youter.¡± Eric left while Haejin followed Anthony into the room. There were three paintings in the living room. ¡°Sir.¡± A white woman with blonde hair greeted Anthony. She was about 170cm tall and was wearing a two- piece suit. She looked at Anthony with love. That was suspicious. ¡°Well, time to prove me why you have flown thousands of kilometers. What do you think about my paintings?¡± Each painting Anthony proudly introduced was enough to make Haejin¡¯s jaw drop. The one on the left had a dancing girl who showed Degar¡¯s style. A red color that caught the eyes, a delicate expression and gesture that contrasted to the color, and middle-aged men watching her¡­ it was a typical Degar. Degar¡¯s painting alone was shocking enough, but the next painting was Gogh¡¯s. It showed a riverbank with the sunset. Haejin had never heard of Gogh drawing such a painting. However, the painting showed the red river that couldn¡¯t exist in the real world with Gogh¡¯s unique overflowing energy. The red river ruffled as if it were about to flood over the artist and the strange bird that flew over it was ominously ck. Thest painting was Gogh¡¯s, too. It showed sunflowers stuck in a vase on a table. Haejin could see it was one of Gogh¡¯s Sunflowers series. ¡°Impressive. How did you get these paintings?¡± ¡°I was lucky. Oh, and of course I spent a lot of money. Each of these had an astronomical price. However, I¡¯m not lying about being lucky. You cannot get what you cannot find, no matter how wealthy you are.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. However, what do you want me to do? Should I just pick the real paintings?¡± Anthony reclined on a sofa. Then, he got some wine from his beautiful secretary and slowly took a sip. ¡°On our way here, we talked about many things. I could see that you were bored, but I didn¡¯t stop. Do you know why?¡± Haejin felt like he had been busted. However, he didn¡¯t want to bother to deny it, so he sat down next to Anthony. ¡°Well, you knew, and you did it on purpose? Isn¡¯t that too mean?¡± The secretary frowned, but Anthony raised his hand to tell her not to be rude. ¡°Huhu¡­ I¡¯m sorry if it looked that way. I always like to talk. It¡¯s because I can see what the people I¡¯m talking to are thinking. Agitated, bored, delighted, excited. However, it was strong. Most people who get on a ne with me show delight and excitement. No one has so openly shown that they were bored like you.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°People who act like me are mostly as wealthy as I am. In other words, people who think they cannot get anything from me are that bored.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Haejin kept answering, but he couldn¡¯t see what this had to do with the paintings. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m worried about. You cannot act like that in front of the Prince Sahmadi, who you will meet in an hour.¡± For a moment, Haejin thought he wasn¡¯t hearing properly. Why would he meet Prince Sahmadi? ¡°As far as I know, I¡¯m here to appraise paintings.¡± ¡°You are. You are also going to introduce these paintings instead of me.¡± ¡°And, why should I do that?¡± ¡°If you want to leave after appraising, I won¡¯t stop you. However, if you leave after promoting these paintings and a leave good impression on the prince, I will give you a bonus.¡± In fact, Haejin had just spent a thousand million, so earning more money was good, but he was not going to lunge in like an idiot for money. ¡°Well, I think the appraisal fee would be enough¡­¡± Anthony interrupted. ¡°Tell me your terms. I¡¯ve never met anyone who hates money. People pretend like they don¡¯t need it, but it is always about the amount.¡± Now, Haejin thought just refusing would be a little funny. He would look like a coward. ¡°Okay. You are going to sell one of these, right?¡± ¡°It can be one, it can be more.¡± Apparently, Anthony wasn¡¯t sure about his paintings. All the better for Haejin. ¡°How much are you nning to get?¡± Anthony narrowed his eyes and looked at Haejin. He couldn¡¯t answer quickly. He looked at the paintings. Haejin didn¡¯t press him. The choice was up to Anthony and pressing him wouldn¡¯t look cool. ¡°Fifty million dors at most.¡± When Anthony spoke, his secretary was surprised. It was more than what she had imagined. If the Gogh¡¯s paintings were real, the total price being higher than fifty million wouldn¡¯t be hard. Haejin could easily get him fifty million with the two Gogh¡¯s paintings. Nevertheless, Anthony said fifty million. He was clearly thinking that at least one or two of the paintings were fake. ¡°Good. Then, the price of the three paintings is fifty million dors. And, if I get more, I¡¯ll take the rest of the money. Do you agree?¡± Anthony¡¯s eyes shook. Then, he looked at the three paintings in front of him. ¡°You can get more with these?¡± Chapter 69: Deal with an Arabian Prince (2)

Chapter 69: Deal with an Arabian Prince (2)

Antique middle merchants made big profits for a long time. They buy valuable objects at a low price and sell them at a much higher price like Gaidasis, but they also take other¡¯s items and sell their things at a high price. The method they used most frequently when they are entrusted to sell is called the stable operation. It is the same with a real estate business¡¯ stable operation. When something is sold at a higher price than the actual price the seller wants, the middleman takes the rest of the money. Of course, the seller should know about this so that there won¡¯t be any problemter. If the middleman uses this method without telling the seller, he bes a fraud. In conclusion, the buyer uses this trick to encourage the middleman. ¡°That offer confuses me greatly.¡± Anthony must have done this kind of deal before. However, this deal was as important as selling apany. ¡°Really? I am surprised to see you confused.¡± ¡°No, no. If you had asked for a million or two million dors, I would have given you that money without thinking twice. However, what you are just suggesting doesn¡¯t have a limit. So, my mind is exploding with all kinds of thoughts.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. However, why does that sound like you are being stingy to me?¡± Haejin reclined on the sofa and put his arm on the armrestfortably. He wasn¡¯t worried about Anthony being one of the richest men in the world. Right now, Haejin held the high ground. ¡°I told you earlier. Money can manipte everyone. It¡¯s just the needed sum differ from person to person¡­ you seem to be testing me. Now, I cannot stop thinking about how I would feel if you sell these at sixty million. What about seventy million? Or eighty million?¡± ¡°You are honest. I think you didn¡¯t have to tell me that.¡± ¡°However, you would have known why I was hesitating, anyway.¡± ¡°So, have you made up your mind?¡± Anthony didn¡¯t answer. He kept staring at the paintings. Again, Haejin didn¡¯t speak and waited for Anthony to talk. Time passed. Haejin was absorbed into the paintings when the secretary started approaching Anthony. ¡°He wille soon.¡± At this, Haejin looked at Anthony. He sighed and then opened his mouth. ¡°I thought I would only have pleasure here. However, I think I won¡¯t be that happy even if I sell these at the price I wanted.¡± ¡°In Korea, there¡¯s this saying: when your cousin buysnd, you get a stomachache because of jealousy. I¡¯ve thought that applies only to people who don¡¯t have much. Are you getting a stomachache?¡± Anthony took his eyes from the painting and looked at Haejin. He looked shocked. ¡°Do you know how hard getting those paintings was? If I had been just rich, they would have nevere into my hands. I¡¯ve gone through a long time of patience and countless disputes. However, you are about to go over all those efforts and earn millions with just a few words!¡± During the flight there, Haejin had thought Anthony was a cool man, although he had some ego problems and was talkative. But now, it turned out he was just pretending to be kind. Inside, he was full of greed. Of course, he would get greedy. Then, he could offer different terms or cancel his offer itself, but he wasn¡¯t doing either of it. He found it embarrassing to take back what he said to an appraiser, so he couldn¡¯t make a decision. He just dragged for time. He was waiting for Haejin to change his mind. ¡°Then, should I take back my offer? I¡¯ll just considering to Dubai as sightseeing¡­¡± ¡°You will not appraise?¡± ¡°No. I came all the way here to appraise so, of course, I will appraise. I cannot break a promise.¡± If he wanted to refuse to appraise, he should have done that in Hong Kong. He couldn¡¯t do that now. Haejin spoke as if he would appraise but give up the additional offer. Anthony¡¯s hardened face slightly rxed. ¡°Good. I cannot take your offer, so you will only appraise the paintings.¡± Anthony tried to smile. However, Haejin could feel that he was greatly offended. ¡°Okay. We all make mistakes.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ this is embarrassing.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t like Anthony changing his mind after all those bluffing about his wealth. So, he decided to quickly appraise, get out of here and go sightseeing. He sat up and went to the paintings. ¡°You think there¡¯s a fake among these, right?¡± Anthony slightly frowned. ¡°I want your genuine appraisal. Just tell me what you see and what you know.¡± He seemed to think Haejin had asked this to test him. ¡°All the paintings are real. They all show the perfect style of the artists.¡± ¡°Really? There must be a reason why you thought you could get more than fifty million dors. Tell me more.¡± Anthony brightened up at hearing that all three paintings were real, unlike what he had thought. ¡°Here, this dancing woman painting shows the structure Degas frequently used. Look at the colors: lead white, chrome yellow, pure ultramarine and ivory ck. All of them are often used by Degas. The lines of the background and characters are also very delicate, they show Degas¡¯s style that set a high value on sketching.¡± ¡°Yes, I knew that, too. Degas thought sketching was important.¡± Anthony nodded like a student learning something he already knew. ¡°As Gogh¡¯s paintings show the extremely unique style, there are many fakes. But basically, even fakes of the greatest quality cannot imitate the amazing world of Gogh¡¯s unstable mind. It¡¯s the difference from a real lunatic and a guy pretending to be mad.¡± ¡°Hahaha! I agree. I¡¯ve seen a couple of Gogh¡¯s fakes. His paintings have something beyond ordinary people¡¯s imagination. That¡¯s why I thought it isn¡¯t a fake. I couldn¡¯t get any bad feeling like I normally do when I see fakes.¡± For that to be true, he seemed to be in great joy now unlike when he had thought there was a fake, but Haejin decided to move on. ¡°As for Gogh¡¯sst painting, it is one of his Sunflowers series. It is a little in than the previous painting, but as it is supposed to be so, it makes me sure it is real. Fakes show strange tricks to give the feeling of Gogh.¡± p p! Anthony was feeling so good. He even pped and stood up. ¡°Good, very good. Was your fee 1%? I will give you 1% of the sold price at the scene immediately.¡± Good. Haejin now had a reason to watch the deal if he were asked to leave. If Anthony sold the paintings at fifty million and told Haejin that he sold at thirty millionter, he would not be able to know the truth. 1% of fifty million dors is a huge amount of money, five thousand million in Korean won. It was too much for it to be earned with just a few words, but Haejin hade all the way to Dubai. Anthony turned to his secretary. ¡°Give this young man some wine. Waiting might bore him.¡± ¡°Yes, sir. Do you want white wine? Or red?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want wine, but if you have champagne, I¡¯ll have that.¡± ¡°I will get your champagne.¡± She smiled and turned around. Anthony then spoke. ¡°I have prepared a five-thousand-dor champagne, it would be perfect to celebrate.¡± ¡°I asked for champagne because I prefer it more.¡± ¡°So what? We might get something to celebrate for.¡± The five-thousand-dor champagne tasted awesome. Haejin forgot all about the prince and drank it while watching Dubai¡¯s great view. Then, someone knocked on the door. The door opened and a man with Middle Eastern clothes, shoes that showed his feet and a white turban on his head came in. He was young, not even 30, and a white man was with him. He had to be the prince¡¯s personal appraiser. Prince Sahmadi shook hands with Anthony and went straight to the paintings. ¡°Oho¡­¡± Haejin understood that, but he couldn¡¯t understand the rest of his mutters. He knew English, Japanese, and Chinese, but he didn¡¯t know Arabic. While Prince Sahmadi enjoyed the painting, Anthony drank the wine on the sofa and waited for him to finish. Haejin had thought he would be very polite, but he wasn¡¯t, so he could feel that the mood was not that heavy. The prince and his appraiser talked in a small voice for about five minutes. Then, the appraiser with the neat hairbed with wax turned to Anthony. ¡°Prince Sahmadi likes the paintings very much.¡± Anthony nodded, as if it was only right, and smiled. ¡°Haha, that¡¯s good.¡± ¡°The prince wants to buy all three paintings. What is the price?¡± Anthony was confident now. He said a price higher than what he had told Haejin earlier. ¡°I¡¯m thinking sixty million dors.¡± However, the white man frowned as if he had heard it wrong. ¡°Sixty million dors?¡± ¡°Yea. Sixty million US dors. That¡¯s the price for those three paintings.¡± The white man whispered to the prince. He probably told him the price. However, Prince Sahmadi was also startled at hearing the price. He looked at Anthony, shook his head, and said something in Arabic. His appraiser nodded and interpreted. ¡°He thinks sixty million is too much.¡± Anthony thought things were going differently from what he had thought. His smile vanished. ¡°Then, what do you think is a reasonable price?¡± ¡°The prince says forty million dors.¡± That made sense. Anthony straightened his back on the sofa. ¡°Hmm¡­ that price is hard to ept for us. These are paintings from Gogh and Degas. Aren¡¯t the two paintings of Gogh alone clearly worth over forty million?¡± Anthony was thinking that if each party gave up ten million dors, they would be able to make the deal at the price he wanted, but what the appraiser said next shattered his expectation. ¡°Forty million for three paintings. If that can¡¯t be done, we¡¯ll give up the Degas. Thirty-five million dors for the two paintings from Gogh.¡± The deal was going in a totally different direction from Anthony¡¯s n. Now, selling the paintings at fifty million was off the table. ¡°Isn¡¯t thirty-five million for two paintings from Gogh too cheap?¡± Anthony asked, but the white appraiser was cold. ¡°Then, please find someone who will pay more for the paintings.¡± At that, Anthony looked at Haejin. The moment their eyes met, Haejin spoke. ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Chapter 70: Deal with an Arabian Prince (3)

Chapter 70: Deal with an Arabian Prince (3)

Anthony thought about that and soon nodded. When selling, your words and actions differ depending on whether you know it well or not. It is hard to convince someone by guaranteeing the value of something. Additionally, the white man had far greater knowledge about paintings than Anthony. He couldn¡¯t just ask for a little more money. ¡°Why don¡¯t you exin?¡± The white man was looking with confusion, so Anthony spoke vaguely. He didn¡¯t want them to know that there was a deal between himself and Haejin. ¡°Shall I?¡± Haejin also asked back vaguely. However, he didn¡¯t move. He just stared at Anthony. ¡°Yes, now.¡± Anthony spoke as if he couldn¡¯t understand what Haejin was doing, but Haejin crossed his arms and just stared at the paintings. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± It looked like he was thinking about the paintings, but Anthony couldn¡¯t stand Haejin dragging the time and not saying anything. He came to Haejin and spoke in a low voice. ¡°What are you doing? Go and exin!¡± ¡°Am I supposed to help you for free? Or¡­ have you epted my earlier offer?¡± ¡°What, what¡­¡± Anthony knew. He knew, but he was pretending to have forgotten about the offer and was trying to drag Haejin in. However, Haejin made his point clear. Anthony slightly panicked, but he immediately nodded. ¡°Fine. I will ept that offer.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t we write a contract so that we would be able to trust each other?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Haejin was not worried at all about Anthony¡¯s anger. He crossed his arms and acted as if there was nothing wrong. ¡°If you had epted my offer earlier, I wouldn¡¯t do this. However, now that I know you can change your words anytime, I should get a guarantee before I proceed.¡± ¡°We cannot afford to sign a contract in this situation! I gave you an offer and refused yours earlier. I hadn¡¯t promised I would ept your terms, no matter what they were. But now, I ept. I will ept, so end this damn situation now!¡± He spoke in a low voice so only Haejin could understand him, but everyone could see that he was mad. Anyway, Haejin smiled at Anthony¡¯s red face and nodded. ¡°Okay then, I will trust you.¡± Prince Sahmadi got curious at seeing Anthony lose his cool at an Asian in the middle of the deal. He sat on the sofa and looked at Haejin, waiting for him to say something. ¡°Thirty-five million dors for the two paintings from Gogh. Is that your prince¡¯s opinion or yours?¡± Haejin passed Anthony and asked the white man. He flinched and looked at the prince. It told Haejin that it wasn¡¯t the prince¡¯s idea to lower the price so much. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s the prince¡¯s opinion.¡± Only then did he say that it had been the prince¡¯s decision, but he had told the answer already with his action. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s move on with that, but for what reasons do you think the two paintings from Gogh are worth thirty-five million?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be thinking that all Gogh paintings go for over ten million dors. Many are worth below that. And, Gogh¡¯s still-life paintings are not thought to be very valuable, and this one is from a series.¡± ¡°So, how much do you think this still-life painting is worth?¡± ¡°We think seven million dors would be reasonable.¡± That made sense. However, the still-life painting was not the one that mattered. ¡°Then, you are thinking this painting is worth about twenty-eight million, right?¡± Haejin pointed at Gogh¡¯s painting of the sun setting in the riverbank. The white appraiser nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± At this, Haejin went behind the painting and went to Prince Sahmadi. ¡°Haha, well¡­ so, you think this painting is only worth twenty-eight million dors. Do you know the meaning of this painting? Oh, you don¡¯t have to buy it, so please talkfortably. I¡¯m here as an appraiser. I am just curious.¡± The white man shrugged and answered. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of answer you want to hear but, in my opinion, Gogh drew this during hisst days, when his mental disease was the most serious. So, although it shows his style, it is not that creative. It is very simr to Wheatfield with Crows which he drew before he killed himself. There¡¯s nothing else.¡± He said exactly what he thought. ¡°I agree. It might look that way at a nce.¡± ¡°At a nce?¡± Yes. It could look that way at a nce. That is why Haejin had thought Anthony wouldn¡¯t be able to receive much for the paintings, even though they were all real. However, he couldn¡¯t just end like that, and he wondered how Gogh drew it at the time, so he had used magic to look into the past without Anthony and his secretary noticing. The result was amazing. This painting was not just one of Gogh¡¯sst works: it was his final piece on which he had signed right before he killed himself. The white appraiser was angry with Haejin for degrading his appraisal as an amateur¡¯s. ¡°You are rude and arrogant. What¡¯s your name? Are you Chinese? Or Japanese? I will officially protest to your country¡¯s appraisalmittee right away!¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t get mad. Listen to me first!¡± Haejin had touched his pride on purpose, but it was a little funny to watch him react so passionately. ¡°I am getting mad? You are giving me a lesson! Well, tell me. What is there if you look closer?¡± If he had been alone, he wouldn¡¯t have reacted so fiercely. However, Haejin thought he was angry because he was being insulted in front of the prince. Although he was interpreting for the prince, it was possible that he could understand a simple conversation. ¡°As you know, Gogh died in Auvers-sur-Oise. At the time, he was tormented with the guilt of relying on his brother economically and the disputes with the people around him. Because of the sense of shame about failing to seed as an artist, his depression reached his peak. This painting is hisst painting which he drew, watching the river that flowed in front of Auvers-sur-Oise right before he died. After drawing this, he showed his sorrow to his brother and shoot himself with a pistol.¡± The white man snorted. ¡°Huh! You are making things up. Then, show us the proof. Why is this Gogh¡¯sst painting?¡± Haejin crossed his arms in front of the painting. Then, he slowly knelt down. ¡°Gogh left hisst words to his brother Theo before he died. However, he left them in red paint on the red riverbank so that no one would be able to recognize them.¡± ¡°Well, what did he write?¡± This was Anthony speaking. Even he couldn¡¯t believe Haejin. His voice was full of doubt. Haejin pointed at the river in the painting with his index. ¡°Look here. The movement of the river is strange. It says ¡®Pijn is het einde¡¯ in Dutch. Can you see it?¡± At this, the white man, his prince, and even Anthony went to the painting. It was so delicately hidden that if Haejin hadn¡¯t seen the past, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to find it. After searching it for long, Anthony yelled first. ¡°Oh! I found it! This is it!¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it.¡± After Anthony, the white man and the prince found it in turn and eximed. The white man¡¯s face turned red with a thrill as he carefully traced the letters. ¡°However, what does that mean?¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t know what that meant. So, he had secretly searched its meaning on the Inte after using magic. ¡°Pain is over.¡± At Haejin¡¯s answer, the white man eximed. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Anthony sat on the sofa again and thought about it. ¡°Pain is over¡­ pain is over? Gogh once said, ¡®Pain is forever¡¯. Then, pain is over means?¡± ¡°That he was about to give up his life. That there would be no more pain¡­¡± ¡°That fits Gogh. However, why did he hide this like that?¡± The white man answered this question. ¡°Because of the guilt he felt toward his brother and the desperation he felt when facing death without sess. So, he wanted to hide it although he was admitting it. Ohh¡­ maybe this red hue represents his own blood.¡± Anthony agreed with him. ¡°Yes. The color that represents Gogh is yellow. He never filled the entire canvas with red. Maybe he thought about his own end as he painted this.¡± As they all knew well about art, they found their own answers without Haejin¡¯s further exnation. The white man whispered to the prince about the secret of the painting. The prince nodded as he listened. Then, he eximed and pointed at the painting. ¡°The prince wants to buy this painting very much.¡± ¡°At how much he wants to buy it?¡± The white man looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. However, Haejin¡¯s eyes were calm without any emotion. He soon gave up. ¡°How much do you want to receive?¡± ¡°Same with the start. Fifty million.¡± The white man looked surprised. Then, he talked to his prince. In the meantime, Anthony drank the wine and tried to not look nervous. ¡°The prince epts the deal.¡± Anthony smiled. ¡°Then, you are giving up Degas¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°Actually, the prince doesn¡¯t like this painting from Degas. He thinks paintings like this that emphasizes the woman¡¯s body are religiously problematic.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ really?¡± ¡°Yes. So, even if he buys this painting, he would give it to someone else as a gift.¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t thought of that. To think of such a beautiful painting in such a way¡­ however, to think about it, it wasn¡¯t all bad. ¡°Then, what about giving it as a gift?¡± ¡°The price is already over what the prince had in mind. He says he cannot spend more.¡± Anthony chimed in. ¡°If it is hard, then suggesting more would not be polite. I can find its owner somewhere else.¡± He was doing that because he wouldn¡¯t get more even if the price went up, but Haejin couldn¡¯t let that happen. No matter what Anthony said, Haejin had the right to sell those three paintings, so he didn¡¯t care and announced it to the prince. ¡°One dor. How about one dor?¡± Chapter 71: Deal with an Arabian Prince (4)

Chapter 71: Deal with an Arabian Prince (4)

¡°What are you talking about! One dor?¡± Anthony yelled, but Haejin looked into his eyes and calmly spoke. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I try to earn more than fifty million with the three paintings?¡± That wasn¡¯t wrong, so Anthony couldn¡¯t answer for a moment. And, at that moment, Prince Sahmadi nodded. ¡°He will buy it at one dor.¡± ¡°It was the right decision.¡± The prince and his appraiser must have known things were going in a weird way, but they proceeded with the deal without asking. The paintings clearly belonged to Anthony, but the Asian appraiser was offering a crazy price. They might as well have asked if that made sense, but they just let Haejin do what he did. Anthony¡¯s face was now red. Haejin turned to him and asked, ¡°Will you proceed?¡± ¡°I gave you my words, so I have no choice.¡± Anthony gave up. He plopped on the sofa and drank some wine. At this, the white appraiser smiled. Then, he went to Anthony¡¯s appraiser, talked about the money, and transferred the money right away. After that, thewyer, who had been waiting, came in to finish the deal. ¡°You are a great appraiser. I am impressed. Please forgive me for overreacting earlier. In fact, I¡¯m still a little mad.¡± The white appraiser offered his hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know I crossed the line.¡± ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s been a good deal.¡± Haejin took his hand to shake it, but then he felt something in his hand. He casually put the hand in his pocket after the handshake. Actually, he had nned to find the prince with Eric Holton¡¯s help in secret but, if the appraiser had just given him his phone number, he wouldn¡¯t have to. Prince Sahmadi and his appraiser left the room. Anthony then red at Haejin. ¡°Did you have to do that? If you had asked for a million or two million dors as a bonus, I would have given it to you without thinking twice. But one dor? Were you trying to screw me over? If it wasn¡¯t to humiliate me, you wouldn¡¯t have done that and got one dor.¡± Actually, Haejin really wanted to screw Anthony. When he saw the past through magic, the process of Anthony acquiring that Gogh¡¯s painting outraged him. Haejin still remembered the tears from the real owners of the paintings when it was taken away from them. He just didn¡¯t know how Anthony had taken it from them. He couldn¡¯t see the details. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t openly offend Anthony. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world, and Haejin was only an appraiser. Even a kid would know that getting on bad terms with him wouldn¡¯t be good. So, Haejin politely bowed to Anthony. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know you have every reason to use me. However, I didn¡¯t sell that painting at a dor to offend you.¡± ¡°Then, why did you do it?¡± ¡°You were thinking fifty million dors for the price of the three paintings. So, of course, I thought you would ept my rights. Like a bonus.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why if you had asked for ten million for the Degas¡¯ painting, I would have said nothing. It would have been you using your rights. However, asking for one dor is just mocking me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just chose something more valuable than the ten million dors.¡± The anger in Anthony¡¯s eyes started to fade. ¡°Something more valuable than ten million dors? What is that?¡± ¡°I have an art museum in Korea. So, I want to see many artifacts exhibited in my museum. I was going to befriend Prince Sahmadi by doing him a favor and sign an exhibition contract with him. I think that would be much more valuable than ten million dors.¡± ¡°Ha¡­¡± Anthony¡¯s jaw dropped. What Haejin said was something he didn¡¯t even imagine. ¡°I am sorry for making you lose your cool in front of the prince.¡± ¡°That was embarrassing.¡± ¡°However, you earned fifty million dors instead.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ I should have rejoiced at that moment, but I humiliated myself in front of you.¡± He seemed to be very ashamed of what he had done. And it was only because if he had epted Haejin¡¯s terms in the first ce, he wouldn¡¯t have been forced to ask Haejin in the middle of the negotiation, and he would have not gotten mad in front of the prince. Of course, he might still have gotten mad even after epting the terms and seeing Haejin give over the painting at a dor, but no one knows what would have happened as something else could have happened. ¡°Things like that happens. You don¡¯t have to be so ashamed.¡± ¡°When you meet Ericter, please don¡¯t tell him what just happened. I cannot bear to see his face now, he will surely be disappointed.¡± He was implying that he was more powerful than Eric. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll just tell him that you sold three paintings to Prince Sahmadi. What kind of paintings they were, at how much they were sold, I¡¯ll wipe that from my mind.¡± ¡°Then, are you now going to go to Prince Sahmadi?¡± Haejin had wanted to keep it as a secret but, as he had already mentioned it to make excuses, he decided to talk openly. ¡°Yes, I wish I could meet him and talk.¡± ¡°Do you want my help?¡± Anthony¡¯s eyes were full of curiosity. It showed that he didn¡¯t fully trust Haejin. He was suspecting that Haejin was trying to pull a scheme after selling a Degas at a dor. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll get Eric¡¯s help. Oh, and I won¡¯t tell him about Degas¡¯ painting, so don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°I know. I believe you wouldn¡¯t do that. Anyway, it¡¯s a shame. I am slightly curious about what kind of deal you want to discuss with the prince.¡± ¡°If I need your help, I¡¯ll contact you any time. Actually, I haven¡¯t nned this trip to Dubai, so I¡¯m enjoying it very much. And the prince of this country¡­ this is like a dream.¡± ¡°Haha! Call me anytime. Judging from your skills, I will have to ask for your help again.¡± ¡°Then, I¡¯ll give you my business card.¡± Haejin had made his business card when he opened his museum. He cried a little when he saw it for the first time. It read Director Park Haejin. It reminded him of his father. ¡°Park Haejin Art Museum¡­ huh? I think I¡¯ve heard of it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s quite an issue these days because of the new Picasso painting.¡± Anthony was surprised at hearing this. He apuded. ¡°Yes! I remember now! How could I not recognize the owner of the Picasso¡¯s painting when he was right in front of my eyes? I¡¯m a fool, I¡¯ve be a fool.¡± It wasn¡¯t because he was a fool, but because he only cared about himself. He had talked about himself for 10 hours on their way to Dubai and didn¡¯t wonder about Haejin, so how he could know? ¡°That can happen. You know it now and that¡¯s what matters. If youe to Koreater, I¡¯ll open my museum just for you so that you will able to enjoy the paintings alone.¡± ¡°Hahaha! You know how to read my mind! Good, good. I like that.¡± Anthony burst intoughter. Then, he gave Haejin an envelope. ¡°Your appraisal fee for today. Five hundred thousand and an additional hundred thousand.¡± He spoke as if he was giving a tip to a waiter, but a hundred thousand dors is a hundred million in Korean won. The amount of money was just too big for it to be given away even when you were in a good mood. ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡­¡± Haejin tried to refuse, but Anthony stopped him. ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to. That hundred thousand is for the mistake I made. Although I have asked you to keep this as a secret, words aren¡¯t enough. Just forget what happened today with a ss of wine.¡± That old man was thorough. That hundred thousand to make Haejin feel guilty about breaking the promise to keep the secret. Haejin was going to tell Eric everything anyway, so what Anthony did was in vain, but he was certainly cunning. ¡°Okay. Then, I¡¯ll use this money well.¡± Refusing would have made Anthony more suspicious, so Haejin had no choice but to ept it. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll see you again in Korea, although I don¡¯t know when it will be.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been my pleasure. Then¡­¡± Haejin left Anthony¡¯s room and headed to the lobby. It was because Eric was waiting for him, but suddenly he recalled what he had put in his pocket earlier. He nced back to check if there was anyone following him. Then, he took it out. It was a small piece of paper folded many times. Haejin unfolded it. There were only numbers. It was clearly someone¡¯s phone number. Probably the white appraiser¡¯s. Haejin wondered if he should meet Eric first or call, but his curiosity won. He called. ¡°Hello.¡± It was clearly the voice of the white appraiser. ¡°You gave me your number, so I called.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you must be the Asian appraiser. I¡¯ve been waiting for your call. I hope you are alone?¡± ¡°Of course, I am. But why did you give me your number?¡± ¡°Then, why did you sell Degas¡¯ painting at a dor? Didn¡¯t you do that because you wanted something from us?¡± That was so urate that Haejin was momentarily dumbfounded. ¡°Khmm¡­ actually, I own an art museum in Korea. So, I wanted to sign an exhibition contract with the prince.¡± ¡°Haha, I see. Let¡¯s talk about real matters in person. I¡¯ll send you the address.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± He immediately mentioned the exhibition contract just as an excuse. What was strange was that he didn¡¯t refuse but made an appointment first. What was it for? Was he curious about Haejin because of the skills Haejin had shown earlier? Anyway, Haejin hung up and went down to the lobby. Eric was waiting with ring eyes. ¡°What took you so long?¡± ¡°Many things happened. I guess you were very curious? Your eyes are about to shootser beams.¡± ¡°Of course, I am curious! What happened?¡± Haejin waved his hands and whispered. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you now. There has to be someone watching us.¡± ¡°Oh, right. I just wanted to know. Anyway, well done. However, I guess you have found out something?¡± ¡°Well, let¡¯s get up first. We¡¯re in a hurry.¡± Haejin stood up with a mischievous smile. Eric hurriedly stood up as well. ¡°What? We¡¯re in a hurry?¡± ¡°We must go to meet Prince Sahmadi.¡± Eric¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Why do you have to meet Prince Sahmadi? No, is the prince going to meet you?¡± Eric couldn¡¯t believe it. The princes of the Arab Emirates are high officials. In short, they manage the government and national enterprises, so an antiquity appraiser from the east cannot meet them just because he wants to. ¡°Thankfully, he will meet me. He sent me an address.¡± Haejin showed the address on his phone to Eric. ¡°It¡¯s real¡­ but why do you want to meet him?¡± ¡°I must ask him for something.¡± ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± Haejin had no reason to lie to Eric. He would find out anyway. As soon as they got on the car Eric had rented, Haejin answered with a smile. ¡°Degas¡¯ painting.¡± Chapter 72: Louvre Abu Dhabi (1)

Chapter 72: Louvre Abu Dhabi (1)

¡°How are you going to make him give you a Degas¡¯ painting? And wait, there¡¯s a Degas¡¯ painting in the Arab Emirates?¡± ¡°There is one now.¡± Of course, Eric understood what that meant. ¡°Anthony. He sold Degas¡¯ painting to Prince Sahmadi. Then, what were the other two?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t n to hide anything from Eric, so he continued speaking. ¡°Two paintings from Gogh. One of them belongs to Gogh¡¯s Sunflowers series, and the other was a painting of the riverbank with the sunset. The riverbank painting was Gogh¡¯s veryst painting, so it has great value.¡± ¡°Gogh¡¯s veryst painting?¡± ¡°Yes. It is especially valuable because it has Gogh¡¯sst words to his brother, Theo. So, he sold two Gogh¡¯s paintings at fifty million dors to Prince Sahmadi.¡± Eric shook his head. ¡°How much does that old man have to earn with the paintings to be content¡­ anyway, thanks. You told me what kinds of paintings there were, so I¡¯ll find out the rest.¡± Would that be enough? Haejin couldn¡¯t help but think about the wail of the family which he had seen through magic. ¡°I heard Anthony murmuring to himself¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t pretend to be ignorant and spoke. Eric immediately replied. ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°I think he said the paintings were too good for ignorant Irish hicks¡­ but I¡¯m not sure.¡± Eric crossed his arms and thought about it. He seemed to not have heard about the part about Haejin not being sure. ¡°Irish hicks¡­ were the paintings¡¯ previous owners from Irnd? Oh, can you exin me in detail about the paintings?¡± ¡°I cannot exin, but if you can stop in front of a stationary store, I will draw some sketches of them.¡± ¡°That would be great.¡± They looked for a stationary store on their way, but they couldn¡¯t find one until they arrived. Haejin had to tell Eric that he would draw for himter. The ce they arrived at was a huge building called Abu Dhabi Export Public Corporation. Prince Sahmadi probably worked here. They went to the lobby where a young man was waiting for them. He led them to the top floor. In there, the white appraiser was waiting for Haejin. ¡°We meet again. But this is?¡± He hadn¡¯t seen Eric at Burj Khalifa Hotel, so he politely stopped him and asked. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Eric Holton, director of Face Note. I wasn¡¯t present at the deal because it was Anthony¡¯s deal. However, I am very close to the appraiser Park Haejin here, so I came with him. Of course, if the prince doesn¡¯t want me to be here, I¡¯ll wait downstairs.¡± The white appraiser looked at Eric for a while and turned. ¡°Please,e in.¡± They went in. Prince Sahmadi was watching the three paintings he had just bought and smiled at seeing Haejin. ¡°Please, sit.¡± The low, charming voice came from the prince. As he spoke in English, Haejin was surprised as he sat down. Prince Sahmadi also sat and spoke. ¡°I know some simple English, but I don¡¯t bother to show it in that kind of meeting. Anthony Goldberg probably knew I know a little English. He just pretended to not know.¡± He said simple English, but he was speaking long sentences with perfect grammar. ¡°Well¡­ I am embarrassed by what happened earlier. Let me introduce myself properly. I am Park Haejin from Korea. I appraise artifacts and run an art museum.¡± ¡°You appraise and run an art museum, that¡¯s interesting. Anyway, nice to meet you. You also don¡¯t have to be embarrassed. Even if I hadn¡¯t understood it all, Mat Vellin here would have told me everything.¡± The white appraiser¡¯s name was Mat Vellin. His name matched his looks. ¡°Didn¡¯t you me me earlier? You had to spend tens of millions because of me.¡± Prince Sahmadi waved his hand and spoke warmly. ¡°Not at all. If you hadn¡¯t told me the true value of the paintings, it would have remained as one of Gogh¡¯s many paintings. As you know, I am rich. Although the price was high, I can afford to not degrade Gogh¡¯s painting. I think I bought the painting at a reasonable price. I am also satisfied. So, you don¡¯t have to think like that.¡± He had spent more than ten million dors than he had thought, but he was saying it was okay. Was his confidence made through the wealth of the royal family? Haejin had met a few wealthy people, but this kind of force was new. ¡°That¡¯s good as I was worried. And, this is Eric Holton.¡± Eric politely bowed at the prince. ¡°I am Face Note¡¯s director, but I am more interested in paintings than running thepany, so I collect paintings for my collection. I happened to meet Mr. Haejin here, and I introduced him to Anthony Goldberg. So, I got to follow them here from Hong Kong.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then Mr. Haejin is not Anthony¡¯s personal appraiser. You introduced him to Anthony.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Eric shrugged as if saying, ¡®I did well, right?¡¯. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t know much about Korea. However, I think I just got a very good memory about Korea today. I gave you that number because you greatly impressed me. I was shocked as if Gogh himself hade back from the dead to tell me the painting¡¯s secret. So, I wanted to talk to you. But¡­ Mat told me you want something?¡± He didn¡¯t believe about the exhibition contract, either. ¡°I told Mr. Vellin about the exchange exhibition between my museum and the artifacts owned by your country.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware of that. However, would that be enough? With your skills, I think you could have tried to sell Degas¡¯ painting at ten million dors¡­ is the exchange exhibition worth ten million dors?¡± The prince¡¯s eyes had curiosity in them. ¡°Actually, it was not only about that. I do want something else, but I don¡¯t know if you can¡­¡± ¡°Tell me first. If it¡¯s something I can do, I¡¯ll do my best to help you.¡± Usually, when provoked like this, people would get mad or redden their faces, but the prince remained calm. It was impressive. ¡°I know that a huge museum just opened here in Abu Dhabi.¡± ¡°You mean the Louvre Abu Dhabi?¡± Arab Emirate¡¯s Louvre Abu Dhabi was the first international branch of France¡¯s Louvre Museum. It was an awesome building. Its exterior alone was enough to make your jaw drop. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think you want to look around the museum. Do you want something from there?¡± ¡°I know that there is an artifact of Shinra, an old Korean country, exhibited there. I wish to get it back, would it be possible?¡± Prince Sahmadi was shocked, his mouth was wide open. Mat Vellin answered instead. ¡°We do not own that artifact. It is not about power. It is just impossible.¡± The Arab Emirates paid 525 million just to be associated with the Louvre name, and an additional 947 million to loan artifacts from the Louvre for 30 years. So, although the museum was in Abu Dhabi, the exhibited artifacts belonged to the Louvre. They couldn¡¯t just give them away. Of course, they couldn¡¯t understand why Haejin was making such a request. ¡°Haa¡­ it is impossible, just as I thought. I just wanted to bring my ancestors¡¯ artifact back. You must know the humiliation and exploits suffered by weak countries.¡± Prince Sahmadi nodded. ¡°I understand. I am also enraged about European countries exhibiting artifacts of the Middle East which they have stolen. If the valuable artifacts from Korea had been stolen, of course, you should try to get it back. However, I cannot help as it does not belong to us. I¡¯m sorry.¡± The prince was wealthy. Even Anthony couldn¡¯t mess with him. However, he was apologizing politely to a stranger. It showed what kind of man he was. ¡°Hu¡­ I understand.¡± Haejin shook his head to show his disappointment and thought about how to get Degas¡¯ painting which he had sold at a dor, but then the prince spoke. ¡°Then, how about this? Although I cannot give you your country¡¯s artifact, I will give you the Degas¡¯ painting that I bought at a dor.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Haejin was wondering how he could get it without offending the prince, but he was offering to give it before Haejin even said anything about it. Haejin was delighted but also confused. ¡°Degas¡¯ paintings are indecent. They won¡¯t be weed here, especially for religious reasons.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I guess that can happen.¡± Unfortunately, Edgar Degas forever hated women because of his childhood trauma. This is what happened. When he was young, his mother was having an affair with his uncle, his father¡¯s brother, and it got busted. Edgar Degas¡¯ father forgave her to protect the family. However, Edgar Degas couldn¡¯t forgive his mother. And soon, she fell ill and died. That was hard enough, but his father couldn¡¯t forget his wife and turned into a ruined man. Edgar had to watch all that. His anger toward his mother grew and eventually, he started to hate all women. Because of that, his self-portraits were always full of emotionless expression and a sarcastic attitude with suppressed anger. He couldn¡¯t love any woman till he died. But strangely, his paintings were mostly about criticizing bourgeois snobs who thought of women only as sexual objects. As he himself hated women, he probably thought he was different from those snobs. ¡°Met Vellin told me that the man watching the ballerina from behind is waiting to sleep with her after the show¡­ with such a meaning, I cannot keep it and watch it.¡± At Degas¡¯ time, ballerinas were mostly daughters of the poor workers. So, after shows, they were forced to sell themselves to bourgeois. It is thought that Degas didn¡¯t look at those ballerinas as his hateful mother but as victims like himself. ¡°I see. Then, I¡¯ll take it with gratitude.¡± Haejin wanted to cheer, but he tried to keep a straight face. Then, the prince spoke again. ¡°If you are not busy, why don¡¯t you stay here for a few days?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ actually, I went to Hong Kong spontaneously and didn¡¯t n toe to Dubai, so¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say yes, not because spending two days in Dubai was a problem but because he was worried about the prince asking him a tricky favor. However, the prince continued speaking with bitterness. ¡°There is a museum we are preparing to open. It is as important as the Louvre Abu Dhabi. However, there is a problem. I think Ah might have sent you to me because of that.¡± Chapter 73: Louvre Abu Dhabi (2)

Chapter 73: Louvre Abu Dhabi (2)

¡°What do you mean?¡± The words ¡®Ah¡¯s will¡¯ somewhat scared Haejin. ¡°You must know that the Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the three museums that are built in the Saadiyat Ind¡¯s Cultural District. The other two are not open yet.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°One of them, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, has been built and is ready to be opened. However¡­ while the artifacts were brought here from the U.S., an international artifact criminal organization tried to switch some of them with fakes and was busted by our agents.¡± Did it make sense? Unlike in the movies, in real life, switching artifacts with fakes is not easy. ¡°Why would anyone try to do such a thing? The artifacts must be guarded by numerous security guards and security programs¡­¡± ¡°I see you think this is nonsense, but it¡¯s not the case. This international gang is bigger and more thorough than you think. There are so many people entangled in this matter that some of them don¡¯t even know they work for a criminal organization. Anyway, this is more than just an artifact heist. This can be turned into a political matter, so we must approach it very carefully.¡± ¡°I guess so. But you said they tried to switch. Then there isn¡¯t a problem yet, right?¡± ¡°No, this is not the problem.¡± Prince Sahmadi was serious. He continued. ¡°The real problem is that one of the organization¡¯s members confessed that they already had switched artifacts when we loaned them from France¡¯s Louvre to Abu Dhabi¡¯s Louvre.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± The crisis was so serious that Haejin couldn¡¯t think of what to say. ¡°Because of that, the opening of Guggenhein Abu Dhabi has been postponed indefinitely. We have to solve Louvre Abu Dhabi¡¯s problem first. So, we must check which artifacts in the Louvre Abu Dhabi is fake, but we do not have enough professionals here.¡± Now, Haejin could clearly see why the prince was asking for his help. This was why he had given him that Degas¡¯ painting so easily, even though he had bought it at a dor. There had to be at least thousands of artifacts from France¡¯s Louvre, and checking them all perfectly would not be easy, even with all their wealth. ¡°Hmm¡­ I cannot appraise all the artifacts¡­¡± Prince Sahmadi raised his hands tofort Haejin. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to worry. We¡¯ll show you the most valuable things that our appraisers couldn¡¯t discern easily.¡± ¡°I might make mistakes. I hope you don¡¯t think of my judgment as perfect.¡± ¡°Of course not. However, I¡¯ve never seen Mat Vellin here get so humiliated when ites to appraisal, like today. He graduated from the best university with the best grades, and he is already the best appraiser by far in Europe. So, I didn¡¯t even imagine he would get a blow from this young appraiser from the east.¡± It was apliment, but Haejin felt very ufortable at hearing it. ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s embarrassing.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. Anyway, we are like kids with an extremely difficult homework now. We cannot tell anyone and even if we did, no one would be able to solve this for us.¡± ¡°However, there¡¯s no guarantee that I would be able to solve it for us. I only have appraised one painting from Gogh.¡± Prince Sahmadi looked dispirited as he spoke. ¡°We¡¯ve already finished with the scientific tests. We¡¯ve done everything we could. If a problem urs after that, the reputation of the royal family will be damaged. I can tell you all this only because you are from a ce where this crime has nothing to do, and you are the first appraiser to surprise me and Mat Vellin.¡± The prince could have been ashamed, but he was being honest. Haejin could trust him. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do my best to help.¡± Prince Sahmadi rxed a little at hearing this. A smile appeared on his face. ¡°When this is over, we will give you the right reward for your help.¡± Haejin looked forward to it. It encouraged him. He couldn¡¯t help but grin widely. ¡°Haha. I¡¯m not helping you for the reward¡­ hahaha!¡± ¡°If you haven¡¯t booked a hotel yet, we will get a ce for you. You will like it. Oh, and do you want something else from me?¡± Prince Sahmadi looked at Eric. He straightened his back and spoke. ¡°I can see that you love artifacts very much.¡± ¡°I am embarrassed. It is Ah¡¯s will to cherish the artifacts from our ancestors. I am following that will.¡± ¡°Actually, I am going after some crimes about artifacts that are happening all over the world.¡± ¡°Crimes about artifacts?¡± Prince Sahmadi narrowed his eyes. He was interested. He had been suffering because of the series of cases happening in Dubai so, of course, what Eric said caught his attention. ¡°Yes. There¡¯s this private auction that happens once a year in the U.S., it is called Anton Baret Auction. Have you heard of it?¡± That auction¡¯s name was Anton Baret. However, it sounded like a man¡¯s name. ¡°Of course. That auction is quite famous.¡± The prince said it as if it was only right for him to know it. Haejin thought it was slightly strange. No one would be able to win if the Arabian royals started to spend money, so how could Hwajin or Yuseong buy anything? ¡°You cannot participate, but you know about it.¡± ¡°They don¡¯t send invitations to us. It is also not easy for a royal to travel to the U.S.; although I cannot participate, I¡¯ve heard about it. However, is there a problem with that auction?¡± He didn¡¯t participate after all. Eric nodded and answered. ¡°That private auction has been selling great works of art that didn¡¯t appear on even huge auctions like Sotheby¡¯s or Christie¡¯s. At first, I just thought they were good. However, all of those artifacts were legally perfect. I found it strange.¡± ¡°People normally go to that auction because their artifacts are legally clean.¡± ¡°Yes, but I thought it made it even stranger. Why would the previous owners sell those great works of art, even for a huge sum of money? Even if they had sold them at a reasonable price, they must have received less than the winning bids.¡± ¡°You are right.¡± ¡°Still, the auction took ce every year and they somehow acquired great paintings every year. I found that strange. Then, I happened to find the previous owner of a painting I bought quite coincidentally. However, he had met a very tragical end. That is when I started to keep an eye on Anton Baret Auction. I thought there had to be an international artifact criminal organization involved.¡± Prince Sahmadi stroked his beard and nodded slightly. ¡°It sounds like there is something indeed. How was the painting taken from its previous owner?¡± ¡°Great debt. The painting was taken because of that and the family was destroyed. In the end, the head of the family killed himself.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s too bad. However, a huge debt¡­ it is the most effective and traditional method.¡± ¡°And the cleanest. There¡¯s no method that is legally neater than that.¡± ¡°I think Ah has given me a lot today. Gogh¡¯s paintings and the savior to save us from this crisis that hase to my country. Unfortunately, I cannot stay here longer, so let us meet againter. Mr. Park, can you start working tomorrow?¡± The prince looked at Haejin again. ¡°Do you mean going to the Louvre Abu Dhabi?¡± ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t want to stress such an important guest, but the situation is a little bad now. A problem can ur at any time. We banned the visitors from taking pictures a week ago. People are protesting, and the reputation and fame of the museum are dropping. We must end this as soon as possible.¡± ¡°Okay. I will do my best.¡± The prince left. Mat Vellin then led them to a floating home with a calm emerald ocean. The view of the huge house and the beautiful ocean was so fantastic. ¡°This is awesome! People call it the miracle of the desert for good reason. They can make such a great artificial ind! It would be even better with a beautifuldy but, as we are guests of the royal family, I should restrain myself.¡± ¡°Please do that. However, what kind of maniac is after the property of the Arab Emirates¡¯ royal family?¡± Ericid down under a parasol. ¡°Do you know how much money an artifact criminal organization make?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know, of course. ¡°A lot?¡± ¡°Yes, a lot. Think about it. You told me you sold the paintings at fifty million dors. What if those two paintings were fake? Then, the forgers would have earned much morepared to the time and money spent on making those fakes. That¡¯s why the victim doesn¡¯t matter when ites to artifact crimes of an astronomical price. They would go after anyone, even the Arabian royals.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a problem.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why artifacts appraisers like you are important. Even with all those new technologies, scientific tests are not 100% urate. They just help. You are like the police or securitypanies as you will lose your job if everyone lives by thew.¡± ¡°Should I be ttered?¡± ¡°Just saying. Anyway, I¡¯m very curious. There are many artifacts that used to be in France and are now in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. And there were fakes among them¡­ what did they take? And how could they switch them?¡± ¡°You are even more excited than me, although I am the one earning money with this.¡± ¡°I told you before. I used to be a huge fan of Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. Things like this make my blood boil.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you be a detective or work for the CIA? Oh, would the FBI fit you better?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t make much money with those jobs. Plus, I would be busted. I just want to enjoy myself without worrying about money. I cannot enjoy it if it bes my job. Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow. Which artifacts will greet us?¡± Haejin felt the same way. So, his feet were light the next morning. The Louvre Abu Dhabi was magnificent. However, the moment Haejin followed Mat Vellin into the exhibition room, he stopped at seeing the hundreds of artifacts filling the room. ¡°I have to choose among them?¡± Chapter 74: Louvre Abu Dhabi (3)

Chapter 74: Louvre Abu Dhabi (3)

¡°The prince has high hopes for you.¡± Of course, he did. And Mat Vellin probably did too, as much as his prince. ¡°You are working with me, right?¡± ¡°Of course. Without you, I might have fainted from all the overworking.¡± Mat seemed to be very happy about getting an unexpected coworker. They were also not alone. In the room, there were dozens of people with iPads in their hands to check something. ¡°Are they checking the basics?¡± ¡°Yes, they are. They are checking the most basic factors like the paint and the age of the canvas.¡± ¡°I thought you had already done that.¡± ¡°To be honest, the paintings in this room have been through at least twice basic checks. Nevertheless, we keep checking because we cannot damage those historical paintings. Appraisal has its limits as well. We cannot take samples of all the paints. We¡¯ve done all the non-damaging tests like the ultraviolet ray test. The only method left is the human eyes.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin started to regret his decision. After all those tests, the most urate appraisal method would be his magic, but he could use it only twice a day, even with his increased mana. Even if he used magic on the paintings of the best quality, it would take at least two weeks. ¡°At first, I didn¡¯t really care about my reward, but with all this, you really have to pay me well. I don¡¯t know if you know this, but I take 1% of the appraised price as my fee. I just got six hundred thousand dors just for appraising Anthony¡¯s paintings.¡± Actually, Haejin wanted to mention this. He was worrying that the prince would not be paying him after this huge workload. Mat could feel Haejin¡¯s anxiety. Heughed. ¡°This is about the reputation of the royal family, so he will reward you well. Of course, 1% of all these paintings would be too much, but you won¡¯t be disappointed.¡± Haejin was not nning to ask for 1% of the total price of all the paintings in that room. That was absurd. ¡°Good. I hope you are right. Then, I can start working without worries, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± They finished their conversation and started to appraise. As Eric went far away alone to watch the paintings, Haejin went through the paintings alone. ¡°Oho¡­ this is here?¡± Haejin was so surprised that he talked to himself. It was Edouard M¡¯s The Fifer. The characteristic of this painting is that it is t with a clear outline, so it didn¡¯t get much attention when M brought it to the salon. It was said to not be three dimensional and it had no background. If you think about it, time is necessary for all the artifacts to be truly appreciated. Haejin watched it for a long time and moved again to resume his appraising. One hour, two hours¡­ at first, Haejin was delighted to get the chance to closely see precious paintings with a historical value but, as he had to discern fakes from real, he got tired. He received a great lunch and dinner, he then kept appraising. He used magic on two of the paintings, but it was in vain. He spent day after day fighting with the artifacts in the museums. After four days of appraising and using magic twice a day, he could finally stand in front of a historical painting. ¡°Did a member of the royal family buy this painting?¡± The painting in front of it depicted Jesus. Its title was Salvator Mundi, Savior of the World. ¡°No, not our royal family. Prince bin Parhan al Saud, the aide of the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, bought this painting at 450 million dors.¡± 450 million dors¡­ that would be more than enough to buy apany. However, this painting was really worth 450 million dors. It was from Leonardo da Vinci. Salvator Mundi was sold at the highest price, it was even more expensive than Picasso¡¯s Les Femmes d¡¯Alger which was sold at 180 million dors in New York¡¯s Christie¡¯s auction. Haejin didn¡¯t expect it to be in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The painting was drawn on a walnut wood te. At first, it was not recognized as da Vinci¡¯s painting. It had suffered great damage and the paint over it was crude. Getting rid of them and turning it back to itself again required arge amount of time and effort. At the time, other Dutch artists also often painted about Salvator Mundi. Louis XII of France then asked da Vinci to paint it. However, as da Vinci¡¯s apprentices and other artists imitated his style, many imitations of this painting were made. Then, the record about the real painting disappeared. Later, it appeared again in the list of Charles I of Ennd¡¯s collection. It went from person to person and disappeared again for more than a century. When Frederick Cook, a collector in Ennd, bought this painting in 1912, he didn¡¯t think it was da Vinci¡¯s painting. Unfortunately, it was sold at 45 pounds on an auction after he died. It waster recognized as da Vinci¡¯s painting only in 2011. Frederick Cook must be crying in his afterlife because of regret. ¡°That¡¯s a huge sum of money.¡± ¡°However, it is worth it. What do you think? Isn¡¯t it magnificent?¡± Mat was in a daze now, absorbed in the painting¡¯s beauty. As he said, it was magnificent. However, it was also somehow awkward. It was not overwhelming enough to be worth 450 million dors. It was great, but¡­ there was something that puzzled Haejin. ¡°Have you checked the production year of this wood te?¡± ¡°Of course. It was made in the early 16 th century. Although we couldn¡¯t check all the paints, we took a small sample of ck from the background to check that the paint was also from that period.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± ¡°What is it? Is there something wrong?¡± Mat Vellin¡¯s face hardened in an instant. He was getting nervous because of Haejin¡¯s strange reaction. He was nervous because if there was something wrong with this Salvator Mundi, the price of the painting wasn¡¯t the problem. A dispute could ur between the royal families of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Emirates. ¡°I need a magnifying ss¡­¡± ¡°Oh, please wait for a moment.¡± Haejin asked for magnifying ss that he didn¡¯t even need to make Mat go away. Once he was gone, Haejin looked around and used magic with his saliva. ¡°Huh¡­¡± The birth of the painting he saw through magic made him moan. That painting was less than three years old¡­ ¡°Here¡­¡± Mat came back and gave Haejin the magnifying ss he brought. Haejin took it, pretended to examine it, and returned it. ¡°How is it?¡± Mat had a bad feeling because of Haejin¡¯s grave expression. His face was also serious, and his fists were clenched. ¡°I don¡¯t think this is real.¡± ¡°For what reasons?¡± Mat¡¯s voice shook very slightly. He was doing his best to stay calm, but it wasn¡¯t easy. ¡°As you must know, da Vinci was great at describing transparent spheres. However, this painting¡¯s crystal sphere is¡­ what should I say? It is a little crude. Although da Vinci¡¯s unique method of describing blue clothes with an extremely soft texture was used in this painting, if you look closer, there¡¯s this little stain here.¡± Haejin pointed at it with his finger. Mat stared at that point and tried to argue. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ because it was made in the early 16 th century¡­¡± ¡°I think this stain was made on purpose with olive oil.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± A hollow smile. Mat couldn¡¯t even guess how to solve this case. ¡°I do not believe what you said 100%, but I get there might be a problem. I will report it to the prince right away.¡± ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. If this is really fake, it won¡¯t end with just me getting fired. Clearly, we will have to pay 450 million dors to the royal family of Saudi Arabia.¡± No matter how much the royal family of Arab Emirates spent, it wasn¡¯t Haejin¡¯s business, but the switching process he had seen through magic was not right. He couldn¡¯t just let it go. ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange? Making imitation with such a perfect texture and touch of the brush is almost impossible, even with photos.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t even imagine this might be fake.¡± If Haejin hadn¡¯t used magic, he wouldn¡¯t have found out, either. ¡°I¡¯m saying the artist saw the real painting.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mat couldn¡¯t understand that for a moment. Haejin asserted again. ¡°The artist had the real painting when he made this. Without that, this kind of quality cannot be produced. You know what I mean.¡± Mat Vellin understood now. His jaw dropped in shock. Of course, he understood. It¡¯s just he couldn¡¯t think straight as the matter was too important. ¡°You¡¯re saying the royal family of Saudi Arabia might be involved in this?¡± ¡°That, I do not know. However, what you must know is that this painting was concluded as Leonardo da Vinci¡¯s only in 2011. So, before that, no one had a reason to make a fake of this quality.¡± ¡°Then, this fake was made 7 years ago at most.¡± ¡°Whether the royal family of Saudi Arabia had this fake made, I don¡¯t know. However, what is clear is that this quality cannot be made with just photos. Salvator Mundi has never been exhibited in a museum. It only appeared in auctions. If the royal family of Saudi Arabia isn¡¯t behind, then it is possible that this fake was drawn when the real painting¡¯s previous owner still had it.¡± Haejin was just saying that. When he saw the past through magic, the forger was painting inside a magnificent pce. With the real painting next to him. ¡°Hmm¡­ there hasn¡¯t been much dispute between Saudi Arabia and the Arab Emirates. We have been fine till now and we believe that will continue. Why would they do such a thing?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about politics. I just gave you my most reasonable theory as an appraiser.¡± ¡°Although I also agree on that reasonable theory, I find it hard to ept.¡± ¡°Then, why don¡¯t we solve this matter without offending Saudi Arabia?¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°By finding the real piece.¡± Chapter 75: Louvre Abu Dhabi (4)

Chapter 75: Louvre Abu Dhabi (4)

¡°You mean there is a way to find the real painting?¡± Mat Vellin was startled. Then, he looked around and came closer. ¡°If the forger painted with the real painting, then the real painting is at the ce where this fake was made. Look, I think the blue in Jesus¡¯s cloth is using lead white and ivory ck mixed with pure ultramarine. I¡¯ll have to do some tests to find out the exact proportion¡­ but anyway, the forger would not have used the ultramarine sold in the markets now.¡± Mat pped. He realized what Haejin was talking about. ¡°Yes. If he used old-fashioned pure ultramarine instead of the artificial ultramarine, there must be traces of that.¡± ¡°He couldn¡¯t have produced this quality in a couple of tries. He must have practiced at least ten times, only then he drew on this walnut wood te, so he must have spent quite a lot of paint.¡± The word ultramarine means ¡®over the ocean¡¯. It¡¯s because ultramarine is made of crushedpiszuli, and this jewel is mainly mined in the Indian Ocean, the Caspian Sea and the ck Sea. Because of that, pure ultramarine used to be and still is the most expensive paint of all. The best pure ultramarine is worth more than ten thousand dors per kg. In conclusion, Haejin was thinking if someone had bought arge amount of pure ultramarine, they must have left traces. ¡°Then, shouldn¡¯t we also look for the source of this 16 th century walnut wood te?¡± ¡°You can do that, but wouldn¡¯t it be hard? Wood tes do not have a designated production area like paint factories.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ of course.¡± Mat Vellin was usually not this stupid, but when you are too shocked, you can lose your senses. ¡°Oh, and¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t finish that sentence and looked away. Mat frowned. ¡°And? It¡¯s okay. Please tell me, even if you think it is nothing.¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ what if this fake had been sent instead of the real painting in the first ce?¡± Actually, this is what he really wanted to say. What he had said about the pure ultramarine paint was true, but he said that because he had to give proof as an expert. What he really wanted to talk about was the things he had seen through magic. The painting that came here had never been real. ¡°That, that¡¯s¡­¡± Mat started to sweat. He thought about it and then ran to somewhere. It was probably to tell Prince Sahmadi about Haejin¡¯s theory. Haejin watched him as he ran out and then stood up. He had verified the fake Salvator Mundi, so he thought he had done enough. He left Louvre Abu Dhabi and went back to his lodging. Eric was swimming with a very beautiful white woman. Judging from her looks, she was a model. Haejin recalled Eric moaning about not being able to y with thedies at the lodging provided by the royal family a few days ago, so he was shocked. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Prince Sahmadi will be disappointed if he finds out about this?¡± Haejin yelled. Eric spotted him and smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you join us?¡± ¡°No, thank you. How are you going to handle this if they get to know this?¡± ¡°What? I can¡¯t swim with my cousin?¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t believe it. Why would Eric¡¯s cousin suddenly appear in Dubai? However, the blondedy came out of the pool and offered Haejin a hand as she put on her robe. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Ram Holton. I am an attorney of Jack&Rowlingw firm, in New York.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ nice to meet you.¡± ¡°Your English is very good. Eric told me so much about you. He said you are a great appraiser.¡± ¡°Well, I cannot say I am great¡­¡± ¡°Eric doesn¡¯t reallypliment others often. I guess you feel obliged to refusepliments because you¡¯re an Asian. It is called modesty in Asia, right?¡± She was even stronger than Yaerin. ¡°Well, I¡­ khmm¡­ anyway, thank you for thinking so.¡± ¡°I said Eric thinks so, not me¡­¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Haejin¡¯s face turned red in embarrassment. Ericughed in the pool at seeing this. Haejin turned to him. ¡°You should stopughing ande out. I¡¯m finished, so we will have to leave this ce soon.¡± ¡°You¡¯re finished? Already?¡± Surprised, Eric hurried toe out of the pool. Then, he came to Haejin. ¡°Yes. They will probably tell us something today or tomorrow.¡± ¡°Which was it? Which painting has been switched?¡± Eric was eager to know the answer, but Haejin couldn¡¯t tell him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I cannot tell you this. This is about the royal family.¡± At this, Eric immediately looked at Rem. She was looking at Haejin with her arms crossed. She was very interested. ¡°You can¡¯t say it because of her, right?¡± ¡°No. Even without her, I cannot tell you this. This one is way too important.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about me.¡± Ram was relieved. She shrugged at Eric. Haejin made it clear that he had to keep the secret, but it aroused Eric¡¯s curiosity even more. Eric tried to make Ram leave for a while, but eventually, he gave up. He sat next to Haejin. ¡°The matter is too big, I guess it means there¡¯s a problem with a painting that is worth at least tens of million dors, right?¡± ¡°I cannot say anything.¡± Actually, Haejin did wonder if he should tell Eric but, for some reason, he felt like he shouldn¡¯t. It was about a political rtionship, so leaking the secret could be a problem. However, Eric stroked his chin and muttered as if he had heard nothing. ¡°Of course. They had no reason to make a fuss about a few-million-dor painting. Well, you don¡¯t have to tell me exactly what it is. However, let me ask you one thing; is it connected to Anton Baret Auction?¡± ¡°Probably not. Though I don¡¯t know for sure¡­¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ in fact, Ram is not here just to go sightseeing. She¡¯s been helping me to track Anton Baret Auction, and when I told her I was in Dubai, she came here and told me something. She didn¡¯t have toe here, but she insisted to¡­¡± Ram interrupted. ¡°Enough of these useless talks, and I¡¯ll exin from now. I followed the hosts of Anton Baret Auction, and I found a very small illegal act. So, I used it as a clue to dig deeper, and then I found something strange.¡± ¡°What? What was it?¡± ¡°I coincidentally found out a not-so-big local bank in California which loaned a lot of money with antiques as coterals. It was like the bank was specialized in that kind of loan. However, what was even stranger was that it seemed to be working on all kinds of artifacts, not just western paintings but eastern paintings as well.¡± ¡°Is that strange?¡± Haejin was confused as eastern paintings were also worth a lot of money, but he was shocked at her next answer as if someone hit his head from behind. ¡°Yes, it is strange enough. The Anton Baret Auction never sells eastern artifacts through auction. It just sucks them in like a ck hole.¡± ¡°Why would they do that?¡± ¡°That is what I want to know. There¡¯s nothing we know clearly yet. Thankfully, Anthony Goldberg left us a hint this time, so I¡¯m going to dig deeper when I return. However, there¡¯s no problem with examining western artifacts as there are many experts, but things are difficult for eastern artifacts. For example, I practically can trust only Asians when ites to Chinese porcins¡­¡± Haejin could see where this was going. ¡°You mean you want my help?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not asking you toe to the U.S. You know Eric anyway, so I want you to help me from time to time when I ask you questions via mail or SNS.¡± ¡°Oh, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem. I do wonder the identity of those people Eric is after, too.¡± ¡°Thank you. My trip to Dubai was worth it.¡± She was very professional when it came to business. ¡°Then, we are supposed to wait until Prince Sahmadi calls us?¡± ¡°Yes. He will contact us soon.¡± However, contrary to Haejin¡¯s assumption, they didn¡¯t get any calls after one, two-three days. Ram left after a few days of sightseeing with Eric. Just when Eric and Haejin were about to wonder if they had been forgotten, the doorbell rang. Ding dong! It was Mat Vellin. ¡°We thought you would call us very soon, but it took you a long time.¡± Haejin opened the door for him. He quickly came in. ¡°Yes. It took a little long. The prince wants to see you.¡± ¡°Okay. We¡¯ve been waiting. Let¡¯s go.¡± On their way, Haejin looked at Mat. Judging from his tightly closed lips, things were not good. ¡°What did the prince say?¡± ¡°After you told me about Salvator Mundi, I had some of the workers shoot ultraviolet light on it.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t think about it¡­ it was a very wise method. ¡°You were trying to see the underdrawings.¡± ¡°Correct. If the forger imitated the real painting right next to it, he would have painted right away without underdrawing. The prince said we should wait for the test result and the next day, we found out that there was no underdrawing.¡± ¡°However, didn¡¯t you tell me you had done all the basic scientific tests?¡± ¡°We never thought of ultraviolet light. You know how it is. There are dozens of scientific tests, how could we run all that in such a short time?¡± He was right. ¡°Hmm¡­ if you had found out about the painting earlier with the ultraviolet light, it would have been better.¡± ¡°Actually, discovering it a little faster wouldn¡¯t have made much of a difference, if Saudi Arabia had sent a fake in the first ce like you said.¡± ¡°What did the prince say after that?¡± ¡°First, we notified the royal family of Saudi Arabia immediately. They must be in chaos as well by now.¡± ¡°I heard Saudi Arabia is ruled by the House of Saud. Are the House of Saud and the House of Abu Dhabi on bad terms?¡± ¡°I would say the rtionship between the two families is neither bad nor good. There have been territorial disputes, but I do not know why they would do such a thing.¡± Judging from his expression, he wasn¡¯t lying. However, the car was not going in the direction of Prince Sahmadi¡¯s workce. ¡°But this is not the road we took before.¡± ¡°We are going to the pce today.¡± Mat Vellin¡¯s car passed through the main gate of the pce. They went through the great hall with the white marble floor. Prince Sahmadi was waiting for them alone in a room that was big enough for hundreds. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± The prince was in a better mood than Haejin had thought. ¡°Did everything go well?¡± ¡°As you must have heard, the situation got a littleplicated. What is good is that when we mentioned the probability of the painting being fake in the first ce instead of being switched, the Saud Family was clearly surprised. And fortunately, the ce where a massive amount of pure ultramarine had gone turned out to be the Saud Family. So, we asked them about it, and they told us there¡¯s been a mistake and they would get back to us checking again. I think they will sacrifice someone to bury it.¡± ¡°That would be good. Actually, I¡¯ve been very worried. Salvator Mundi is a great legacy of mankind, apart from being worth a lot.¡± ¡°Yes. Anyway, we got over a huge crisis with your help. I think it was Ah¡¯s will for you toe to Abu Dhabi. I wish I could make you stay to talk more, but I know it can¡¯t happen. I¡¯ve told people in charge of museums about the artifact trade you wanted. Trade exhibition between museums will take ce without problems.¡± ¡°Thank you. But why would the House of Saud do such a thing?¡± ¡°I think I know the reason. However, I cannot tell you as it is about my wife. I am sorry.¡± ¡°Oh, then you don¡¯t have to tell me.¡± Haejin¡¯s spontaneous trip to Hong Kong brought him much more than he had expected. ¡°I was going to pay you well for your help, but I decided it would be better to help you in my own way for us to be on even closer terms in the future.¡± ¡°Excuse me? I don¡¯t¡­¡± The prince smiled and pped twice. p p! Chapter 76: Back in Korea Again… (1)

Chapter 76: Back in Korea Again¡­ (1)

Two women in ck hijabs came in. Surprisingly, one of them had a small gilt bronze buddha in her hand. Their entire bodies were covered except for the blue eyes but, as the royals of the Arab Emirates didn¡¯t reveal the faces of the adult females, Haejin understood. ¡°These are my wife and daughter.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Park Haejin from Korea. I run a small art museum and work as an appraiser.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, too. We¡¯ve already heard about you.¡± The answer came from thedy who sat next to Prince Sahmadi. Judging from her voice, she was the wife. The daughter didn¡¯t even say a word, but Haejin didn¡¯t want to be used, so he didn¡¯t even look at her. The prince spoke warmly. ¡°You wanted the artifact from the Louvre at first, and I felt bad at not being able to help you with that. And I would be disgracing the royal family if I just sent you away after all your help. So, I did my best to find an artifact that is the most simr to the one in the Louvre Abu Dhabi.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡­¡± It was touching. The prince¡¯s wife put the statue on the table. It was a gilt bronze statue of a standing Bodhisattva. The folds of the cloth started from the top and naturally reached the legs, and the cloth, that covered both shoulders, went down to the ankles. The soft lines of the wrinkles harmonized with the body¡¯s posture and the hands. It was a magnificent beauty. ¡°I heard you run an art museum, but it wouldn¡¯t be easy to live with just the revenues from the tickets. My wife and daughter like paintings, so I will sometimes send them to Korea for sightseeing.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± Haejin was really grateful. He had been secretly worried as he had been threatened by powerful people, so Prince Sahmadi¡¯s help made him relieved. It was much better than some money. Of course, the buddha alone had great value. ¡°And if youe to this country again, you won¡¯t have to worry about a ce to stay. We will provide you with somewhere simr to where you are standing now.¡± ¡°Thank you for your kindness. I don¡¯t know if I can ept so much.¡± ¡°No. You have saved the royal family¡¯s honor. It isn¡¯t too much at all. If I had had enough time, I would have given you something better but, as you know, I am busy now.¡± ¡°What you gave me is more than enough.¡± ¡°Please visit us again. It is the rule of the desert to treat guests warmly. I will wee you properly then. As for Degas¡¯ painting and this buddha, we will send it to Korea through the customs immediately.¡± It would be impolite to note again, after all that hospitality. ¡°Okay, I wille to visit again.¡± Haejin left the royal pce and went back. Eric was waiting with his things already packed. ¡°Thank you. I have received much in Hong Kong and here in Abu Dhabi thanks to you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all because you are good at your job. The only thing I did was getting you a ne ticket.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lot. Without it, how could I havee here to see so many paintings and sculptures up close?¡± ¡°Thanks for saying that. Shall we go now?¡± Eric and Haejin arrived at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Mat Vellin was waiting with a first-ss ticket to Korea. Haejin had told him he would go to Korea immediately on their way back. ¡°The prince and the royals of Abu Dhabi Family will remember you. And so will I¡­¡± ¡°I will look forward to meeting you again.¡± Mat left, and Eric said goodbye. ¡°Take care. I will call you again someday. I am worried about you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Take care of yourself.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not kidding. If Anthony Goldberg finds out that the Degas¡¯ painting he sold to Prince Sahmadi at a dor is at your museum, he would get suspicious. He can try to reach you in any way, so don¡¯t let your guard down.¡± ¡°You be careful, too. Don¡¯t lose the Gogh painting I drew for you.¡± Haejin had tried to imitate the painting of the sunset and riverbank while he waited for the prince¡¯s call. Eric made fun of that for days, saying Haejin was really bad at drawing, even for an appraiser. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken a photo of that crude painting. My ne is leaving earlier, so I should go now.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your call.¡± Eric left, and Haejin arrived at Incheon Airport after more than ten hours of flying. He wanted to tell Byeonguk and Sujeong about the series of events that had happened in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, but the moment he entered his home, he fell asleep. Still, he was stronger than ordinary people. When he opened his eyes, it was only about an hourter. He took a shower and went to Insadong right away. Byeongguk and Sujeong were surprised to see him. ¡°Who is this? Have you gone on a vacation alone? Be honest! Why is your face so tanned?¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t on a vacation. I somehow ended up in Dubai. Let¡¯s go in and talk. I arrived at Incheon Airport just a few hours ago. Standing like this is hard.¡± ¡°Oh, okay. Come in.¡± Haejin sat down, thinking about which event he should talk about first, but Sujeong looked troubled. ¡°Did something happen? Sujeong doesn¡¯t look well.¡± Sujeong just drank water without saying anything. Byeongguk nced at her and spoke. ¡°She¡¯s gotten lots of work these days. Was it Executive Director Do Eunchae? She introduced Sujeong to her friends. Thanks to her, Sujeong has enough work for the next six months already.¡± ¡°Then that¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Yes. It is good, but¡­¡± Sujeong interrupted. ¡°I¡¯ll tell him. One of the people whomissioned me to do a restoration is the wife of a man who is in a high position of¡­ what was it? The Federation of the Korean Industries.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you are already sessful. You¡¯re getting great clients.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t joke about it. I¡¯m serious. Anyway, she asked me to restore a painting by Oskar Kokoschka¡­ soon, I just thought something was strange.¡± Oskar Kokoschka was an artist who worked in Vienna, Austria, just like Freud, Klimt, Schiele, Mahler and Wittgenstein. He was a great artist of the expressionism and was gifted at drawing esthetic portraits. He interacted with other expressionists and focused on studying coloring methods. ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a restoration expert, not an appraiser. So, I cannot tell whether a painting is real at a quick nce like you.¡± Haejin realized what Sujeong was talking about. ¡°That painting is fake?¡± ¡°I think so. I looked closer to restore it, but there are traces of paint over here and there. Some parts are colored so crudely that I cannot believe it was painted by Oskar Kokoschka¡­¡± Sujeong was sure. It was probably a fake. Even though she majored in research and technology about restoration, the university she had attended was the best in the world in that field. As a discerning eye is necessary to restore properly, of course, Sujeong had been educated about that as well. ¡°Is it being fake a problem? Can¡¯t you just tell her?¡± ¡°Can I? It¡¯s not like I didn¡¯t take the job in the first ce. I found out while working on it¡­ what if she tries to me meter?¡± ¡°Did you take photos when you got that painting?¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± ¡°Then why are you worried? There¡¯s nothing to be worried about¡­¡± Haejin thought nothing would go wrong as Sujeong had evidence, but she didn¡¯t think so. ¡°She is scary, even when we first met. She pressed me so much, telling me to restore it properly¡­ wouldn¡¯t she try to tear this ce apart if I tell her the painting is fake?¡± ¡°You are worrying in advance. She might be gentle about it. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± ¡°You think so? Then, should I tell her first?¡± Sujeong brightened up a little. This is why getting into the selling business teaches you about the fear for rude clients. ¡°Yes, it should be fine. If things go wrong, call me. Oh, and when I was in Hong Kong, I got a chance to go to the Arab Emirates, and¡­¡± That day, they chatted tillte night. ¡°Good morning. It¡¯s been how long?¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t it good to not have me around?¡± Haejin went to his museum in the morning. His employees greeted him. He asked if things had been fine while he was gone, and they said the paintings by Francesco Guardi and Jacques-Laurent Agasse had been sold. Before Haejin left, he had instructed them to not sell them under two billion won, and the two paintings had been sold at over five billion in total. That was good. So, Haejin went back to his regr life. He restored porcins from Taean and prepared a special exhibition for the gilt bronze buddha which Hwajin had been after, his new Lee Sangbeom, Degas¡¯ paintings, and the buddha Prince Sahmadi had given him. After a few days, he suddenly recalled the incense burner he had brought from Hong Kong. He had forgotten all about it after all that fuss in Abu Dhabi. He had earned a lot. He had spent a thousand million won and yet he forgot all about it. He went home in a hurry, but the moment he found that ashtray-size gilt bronze stand, he got a call. It was Sujeong. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hey¡­ Haejin. Pleasee to the workshop, quick.¡± Her voice was shaking. She didn¡¯t say why, but her shaking voice reminded Haejin of the painting from the Federation of the Korean Industries officer¡¯s wife. Haejin went to Insadong, wondering if it was indeed her. In front of the shop, he then saw a Benz S ss parked at the entrance. He thought it was stupid to drag a car into Insadong¡¯s alley. When he went in, there was a woman over 50 years old and a man in a suit fighting(?) with Byeongguk. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°Oh, Haejin, you¡¯re here. This wo¡­ no, thisdy here cannot believe that her painting is fake.¡± As soon as Byeongguk finished speaking, a sharp voice rang through the shop. ¡°Why is it fake? Huh? I paid eighty million won to buy it! What do you know about paintings? Huh?¡± If you think only refined people go to museums and galleries, you are wrong. As they are wealthy and powerful, they are even more stubborn. And, as antiques are not luxurious goods for department stores that you can get a refund or exchange just because you don¡¯t like it, when they change their mind, they often start by throwing a tantrum. However, this particr client had found the wrong people to mess up with. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at the painting first. Oh, I am Park Haejin. I own an art museum in Bukcheon. For your information, I was in charge for the excavation and restoration of the porcins excavated in Taean recently.¡± She was about to yell, ¡®Who the hell are you?¡¯, but she closed her mouth at hearing what came next. Haejin went to Sujeong who had the painting. She put it on the table. She looked like she had something to say, but she soon gave up. She didn¡¯t want to handle that rude woman again. Oskar Kokoschka¡¯s painting showed the Thames River of London. It was known that he rented a room on the 8 th floor of the Savoy Hotel to see the long view of the Thames River and drew a series of paintings of that view. This painting was from that series. However, the right corner was smudged as if something had been poured on it. ¡°I guess you poured something on it?¡± ¡°Yes, my child poured hot water on it¡­¡± How could anyone pour hot water on a painting? It must be hung on a wall. Haejin took a closer look. As Sujeong had said, the coloring wasn¡¯t that of a professional. No, it would be more urate to say it wasn¡¯t that of an expert forger. It was Kokoschka¡¯s painting with Renoir¡¯s coloring method. Although the artist tried to imitate it, he or she didn¡¯t fully understand Kokoschka¡¯s coloring, so the painting ended up being vague. ¡°It is fake.¡± ¡°What, what?¡± She said it as if she couldn¡¯t believe it, but Haejin didn¡¯t care and continued. ¡°To start with, the craquelure is too artificial. An inexperienced beginner baked this in an oven at a high temperature, but normal paintings don¡¯t get such an even craquelure. Where on earth did you buy this?¡± Haejin snorted and asked. The woman answered. ¡°From, from Saeyeon Gallery.¡± Chapter 77: Back in Korea Again… (2)

Chapter 77: Back in Korea Again¡­ (2)

What was she talking about? Why would Saeyeon Gallery sell such a crude forgery¡­ ¡°Did you really buy it from Saeyeon Gallery?¡± ¡°Yes! Why would I lie? And cra, cra, what?¡± ¡°Craquelure. When you paint with oil, in time, the painting shrinks as humidity changes, and small cracks naturally appear on the surface, like here¡­ of course, cracks appear if you paint over before the paint dries or if the underpainting is absorbed too well, or if the varnish (transparent paint applied on surfaces of wood and other materials) and the paint are not mixed well, and the speed of the drying is not even. Anyway, a painting that has gone old naturally doesn¡¯t get this kind of craquelure. This was baked. In an oven¡­¡± ¡°Oh, oh¡­ no way. This is really fake?¡± Haejin had to restrain his anger. She was so rude. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, take it to the Korea Appraisal Committee. Stop ramping around in a shop.¡± ¡°I, I didn¡¯t¡­ oh, so dirty. I cannot even breath here¡­ I should go out. What are you doing? Go and start the car! Now!¡± She nagged at her innocent chauffer and left without looking back. When the car was out of sight, Haejin went back into the shop and tried tofort Sujeong. She was very mad. ¡°Don¡¯t pay attention to it. She doesn¡¯t know a thing.¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t know much. However, she should at least listen to others! She just yells without listening! So stupid¡­¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t even know she is stupid. I guess her kids are also like that. The only thing they¡¯ll ever learn from her is yelling. Just think of it having a bad day.¡± ¡°It was the worst day I¡¯ve ever had.¡± Sujeong¡¯s eyes turned red as if she was about to cry. Byeongguk hugged her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. She was humiliated, too, so she must be very ashamed by now. So just forget about it. Okay?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Sujeong now felt better with her father¡¯sfort. However, Haejin never got to ask when the woman bought that painting. He regretted not using magic. And eventually, he left the shop and headed to Saeyeon Gallery. ¡°Huh? Mr. Haejin! It¡¯s been a while. I heard you were in Hong Kong.¡± When he arrived, Eunhae was very busy. She was preparing for the uing Baroque special exhibition. ¡°I thought the Baroque special exhibition is Hyoyeon¡¯s.¡± To counter the Haevici Gallery¡¯s Salvador Dali exhibition, Hyoyeon, Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun¡¯s daughter, was nning a Baroque exhibition. Eunhae smiled bitterly and looked at the pamphlet in her hand. ¡°Yes, but how can I let her handle everything when she doesn¡¯t know a thing about exhibitions? Shall we go in?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± They went into Eunhae¡¯s office and sat down. Someone brought them tea. ¡°Why did you go to Hong Kong?¡± ¡°I just did some sightseeing and shopping with a friend.¡± Haejin had done too many things, so he just replied like that. ¡°Wow¡­ I envy you. I wish I had the time to go on a trip.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s strange. Didn¡¯t you want this exhibition to be ruined?¡± Eunhae nodded. ¡°Yes. And I still hope it doesn¡¯t go well so that I would be able to keep my position.¡± ¡°Then, you are being busy just as a cover?¡± ¡°Yes. However, this is hard. Although I want Hyoyeon to fail, when I see the paintings she is nning to exhibit, I keep giving her advice. It¡¯s stupid, right?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know you have such enthusiasm.¡± ¡°Haha, enthusiasm, I like it. But when I turn my back, I feel like cursing at that enthusiasm. It would not matter if the paintings will make the exhibition fail, but Hyoyeon keeps choosing things that are neither good nor bad¡­ now, I am trying hard to not think about it, reminding myself, ¡®If you keep helping, you are crazy.''¡± ¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s great enthusiasm.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more like madness. However, why are you here? I think you didn¡¯te here just to pay a visit.¡± Haejin thought about how to talk about it, but he decided to be straightforward. That was his style. ¡°You know my friend Sujeong, right? The restoration expert.¡± ¡°Yes, of course, I do. But why?¡± ¡°She was asked to restore a painting by Oskar Kokoschka from the wife of the Federation of the Korean Industries¡¯ high official. She said that some hot water had been poured on it, but it had smudges in a corner.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ and?¡± Eunhae¡¯s face didn¡¯t show anything yet. ¡°However, it turned out that it was a fake. The quality is not good¡­ probably between A ss and B ss from Dafen Oil Painting Vige?¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°But the problem is that she imed she had bought it from here, from Saeyeon Gallery.¡± ¡°What?¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes widened. She was confused. Haejin could see that she was not acting. ¡°That¡¯s why I came. Now that she knows her painting is fake, she mighte here because of it.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ wait. Mina, could youe in for a second?¡± Eunhae was clearly surprised. She called someone with an interphone. ¡°Did you want to see me?¡± The person who came in was Curator Jeong Mina, who Haejin had met a few times before. ¡°Yes, have you sold Oskar Kokoschka¡¯s painting before in this gallery?¡± Mina was always calm and reserved, but she got nervous at Eunhae¡¯s question. ¡°What? I don¡¯t really¡­¡± ¡°No, think about it. The wife of a FKI¡¯s high official tried to have that painting restored, but it turned out to be a fake. I must know who she is toe up with a n. So, think about it carefully. You started working here before I did.¡± ¡°Well, I¡­¡± Mina bit her nail. Her eyes were shaking, so she must know something. ¡°If you know something and don¡¯t talk, there can be legal problems. The painting is worth eighty million won, if the buyer asks for that money andpensation for mental damages, you know Sayeon Gallery would have to make the employee, who¡¯s responsible for that, pay, right? So, it would be better to confess everything you know before that happens.¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin at hearing this. She couldn¡¯t see why Haejin would say that, but Mina was about to cry now. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s¡­ Mr. Vice Chairman¡¯s wife¡­¡± ¡°What did my aunt do? Tell me.¡± ¡°After you came¡­ she opened an exhibition for VVIPs at Hilton Hotel without telling you¡­¡± Haejin interrupted. ¡°She did an exhibition at a hotel? What do you mean? Is that normal?¡± He looked at Eunhae. She, however, shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing, either. So? You¡¯re saying Oskar Kokoschka¡¯s painting was sold during that exhibition?¡± ¡°We sold five paintings in total¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t Haejin¡¯s business; however, he couldn¡¯t help but groan. Eunhae was so shocked. She didn¡¯t know what to do and what to say. She just kept sitting down and getting up. After a while, she talked. ¡°First, give me the list of the people who bought the paintings at the time. I¡¯ll contact them and take care of everything. Do not let my aunt and uncle find out about this. Understand?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± ¡°And write me a report about it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After Mina left, the air turned chill. Eunhae nkly stared at the wall and talked. ¡°Before I came, my aunt managed this ce. She objected so strongly when my grandfather gave this gallery to me¡­ she openly criticized me in front of my grandfather¡­ but strangely, she was quiet on the day she stepped down. At the time, I was grateful for that. I was being a fool¡­¡± ¡°However, I do not understand. This can be revealed at any time. Then, her reputation will be damaged along with the gallery¡¯s reputation.¡± ¡°No, her reputation will remain intact. She is Hwajin vice chairman¡¯s wife. Who would dare to use her? They will put the me on me.¡± ¡°How does that make sense? It¡¯s not like those buyers do not know how things are going.¡± ¡°They know, and that is even worse. My aunt wants me to fall, and those buyers all know that. So, although they will get angry, they would me me instead of ming my aunt.¡± ¡°Then, what about the gallery¡¯s reputation?¡± ¡°Companies can always make mistakes. Think about it. Has Hwajin always done good things? When it poured oil into the sea and paid an extremely lowpensation¡­ when it sued families of the workers who died of leukemia after working at its factory rather than givingpensation¡­ people were enraged, but eventually, they bought Hwajin¡¯s products. And this is not about the public but is about mistakes that only concerns VVIPs, so she would not care about it at all.¡± Eunhae replied sadly. She looked weak as if her soul had left her. ¡°So, what are you going to do?¡± ¡°I must visit them one by one andpensate them. At least, I found out about it early thanks to you. If I had known itte, I would have been humiliated without doing a thing. Thank you. You saved me again.¡± ¡°Well, it was a coincidence¡­ but what if you get kicked out of here?¡± Eunhae looked dispirited, but she shook her head. ¡°If I get kicked out, the artifacts here will be sold to the world. I must keep my ce to not let that happen.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ anyway, I hope things go well for you. Oh, and I¡¯lle to this Baroque special exhibition and do my best to make a fuss.¡± ¡°Haha, I¡¯ll look forward to that.¡± Haejin felt bad about leaving Eunhae, but there was nothing he could do for her. He went home, took a shower, and held the incense burner stand again. As he had put a lot of effort into getting it, he hoped to meet its matching incense burner while casting the spell¡­ ¡°Umm¡­¡± Was it because he looked at the past for too long? He frowned at the sharp headache, but his lips smiled. ¡°Iksan¡­¡± Fortunately, the incense burner was probably still buried underground. In joy, Haejin didn¡¯t take a break and used the Inte to find the exact location of the ce he¡¯d seen through magic. And the next day, he went to Iksan instead of going to his museum. The problem about Oskar Kokoshka¡¯s fake Sujeong had tried to restore wouldn¡¯t be solved so easily. So, Haejin needed to finish his business in Iksan as soon as possible and go back to Seoul. ¡°Wow¡­ it¡¯s driving me crazy. It has to be here¡­¡± Sadly, the stand had been excavated during the Joseon period. So, the incense burner, which was buried together, had to still be underground. However, Haejin couldn¡¯t determine the exact spot. As the assumed location was in the middle of a residential area, Haejin could notpare it with the Joseon period he had seen to find out the location. He just thanked for it not being in the middle of an apartmentplex. ¡°Yes, I cannot go to work till next month.¡± He even told his employees, at the museum, that he couldn¡¯t go there for a while and checked into a nearby motel. He spent a week going around the area to find simr geographical features which he had seen through magic. Then, he got tired and went into a convenience store to get some ice cream, but then he spotted a huge tree next to the yground. He went closer to take a look. The te in front of the tree said it was more than 600 years old. ¡°I¡¯m a fool¡­ I¡¯ve seen this before¡­¡± He scolded himself. He had seen this tree a few times during thest few days. However, he had just passed by without thinking about it, but now he recalled seeing this tree through magic. He searched for the spot ording to his memory and eventually stopped in front of a small two-story vi, but there was a sign hanging over the door. ¡°Yeanhwadan?¡± Judging from the strange symbol drawn under the sign, the ce clearly belonged to a forteller. Chapter 78: Silver Cup with a Bronze Stand (1)

Chapter 78: Silver Cup with a Bronze Stand (1)

Haejin had checked the spot, so he turned around and went to the local real estate agency. ¡°Wee.¡± A man in his early 40s bowed and led Haejin to a table. He smiled pleasantly and dragged customers with ease, so he must have had been in this business for a long time. ¡°I just want to ask something.¡± The man¡¯s eyes showed disappointment. Usually, when people say they came to ask, they really just ask and leave, saying they¡¯ll think about it. ¡°What do you want to know?¡± ¡°Do you know about the Yeonhwadang up the street? It looks like a fortune teller¡¯s ce¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I know Yeonhwadang. It is indeed a fortune teller¡¯s ce. However, the fortune teller is not that famous. Why did you ask?¡± ¡°I want to know if that vi is for sale.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay. Would you like to sit down? I will try to find out. It won¡¯t take long, so please, sit.¡± Haejin was fine standing, but the man kept asking him to sit. He was trying to make Haejin stay as he might turn out to be a client. ¡°However, you don¡¯t look like you¡¯re from around here. Are you from Seoul?¡± The man asked as he used hisputer to search. ¡°Oh, yes. I¡¯m from Seoul.¡± ¡°Why did youe to Iksan from Seoul? It¡¯s not like this area is about to be renovated. The price of thend will probably not soar up as it did in Saejong City here.¡± He was asking if Haejin was trying to buy a house ornd. He was supposed to react differently ording to what the client wanted. ¡°I am interested about the building I mentioned.¡± ¡°Oh, you mean Yeonhwadang?¡± ¡°Yes. Does the shaman own that vi? Or is she a tenant?¡± The agent smiled faintly. ¡°Shamans cannot rent a ce to work, as disputes can ur withndlords. if they also shake bells or shriek, they can get kicked out. Hahaha.¡± ¡°Then, what about Yeonhwadang?¡± ¡°Yeonhwadang¡¯s owner owns that vi. So, even though she makes some noise, there¡¯s nothing anyone can do about it. Sometimes, policemen go there, but it only works temporarily.¡± ¡°Oh, really.¡± ¡°Yes. Oh! I found it. It is for sale.¡± The agent printed the document and brought it to Haejin. ¡°Really? How much is it?¡± ¡°It is built on and of 270 square meters, and the price is 210 million won. I don¡¯t know if negotiation is possible, but as it has been on sale for six months, I think I can lower the price to about 190 million.¡± People who don¡¯t know about real estate business think agents try to raise the price but, in fact, agents do their best to lower the price. Raising the price is only good for sellers, and it¡¯s not like the agents would get a much bigger fee with that. As lowering the price makes the deal easier to be struck, they try hard to lower the price. Of course, sellers wouldn¡¯t like that, but it is a method to make the deal happen. ¡°Two hundred million¡­¡± It was a great coincidence. The building standing on the ground in which the incense burner is built is not that high, and it was for sale. ¡°However, why do you want to buy Yeonhwadang? People are usually reluctant to buy a house that used to belong to a shaman¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m looking for a ce to build new vis to rent.¡± Haejin had seen a few new vis during his search, so he could give a proper answer. ¡°You mean reconstruction. Well, there are people who live well with a monthly rent by building new vis nearby.¡± Although he agreed, he looked doubtful. It was because doing reconstruction and renting a vi wouldn¡¯t be profitable in that area. It would be better to spend more and do that in other areas, so the agent couldn¡¯t fully believe Haejin. ¡°Then, should I call?¡± ¡°Yes, but I need to see the ce first.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t trying to find something inside. It was just that saying he would buy it without having a look would be suspicious, so he was trying to act normal. ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll call.¡± The agent was a little excited as he called. It was because he thought he might be able to achieve a deal as the client was enthusiastic. ¡°We can go immediately. Let¡¯s go.¡± The agent hung up, and Haejin followed him back to Yeonhwadang. They went in through an old iron gate. A woman in her early 30s greeted them with a smile. ¡°Did you make a reservation?¡± The agent waved his hand and smiled sheepishly. ¡°No, I just called. I¡¯m from Buja Real Estate Agency. We want to see the house.¡± The woman was disappointed at finding out they were not customers. ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°I heard we could take a look now¡­¡± ¡°This way, please.¡± Disappointed, she went to the first floor and started to talk about the ce getting sunlight, good water pressure, and low rent. ¡°Look, there¡¯s a misunderstanding. We¡¯re not looking for a room. We came to buy this building.¡± ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡± She was surprised and ran down. The agent was also puzzled. Then, he looked at Haejin and smiled. ¡°She was confused because she isn¡¯t the owner. The owner must be downstairs, so let¡¯s go meet her.¡± They went down. A woman in her early 40s wasing out through the door that read Yeonhwadang. She was wearing a shaman¡¯s costume. She looked very tired as if she had lived long enough. The younger woman bowed to her. ¡°You came out. However, these men here came because they thought this ce is for sale¡­¡± ¡°It is. I put this house on sale.¡± The younger woman didn¡¯t know what to do at the owner¡¯s cold attitude. But she couldn¡¯t object, so she backed up. ¡°This gentleman here wanted to take a look. The price has not changed, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She gave a short answer. As she always talked like that, instead of thinking she was rude, Haejin just thought that was how she was. ¡°Maybe you can lower the price¡­¡± For the first time, she raised her eyebrows. ¡°Do you know how much I paid to buy this ce?¡± Was it because Haejin thought she wasn¡¯t ordinary? Rather than being offended, he found it funny. The agent got nervous. He scratched his head. ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s¡­ actually, the price is a little too highpared to the other houses in this town¡­ and it would be better to sell when there¡¯s a buyer who wants it.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± She was about to get mad. Haejin grabbed the agent¡¯s arm and dragged him back. ¡°I¡¯ll look around first. I didn¡¯t get to take a look of the ground floor. It would be too early to talk about the price without looking around first¡­¡± ¡°Fine.¡± The shaman backed off again calmly. It made Haejin smile. He passed by her and went into the gate she hade out. What he saw first was a scary painting of the Four Sky Kings. Haejin took his shoes off and looked around carefully. ¡°It is big.¡± The agent answered him immediately. ¡°It is about 440 square meters wide. In fact, you don¡¯t have to build a new vi. Just fix this building and it will be as good as new.¡± However, the owner chimed in. ¡°You¡¯re nning a reconstruction? You won¡¯t get what you invest.¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to argue and tried to change the subject, but she snorted. ¡°Huh! You¡¯re here because you¡¯re looking for something.¡± Haejin¡¯s heart sank. What was it? Was she using magic, too? ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡­¡± ¡°My general god said so. That you¡¯re after something else, not the building¡­¡± They say being possessed changes a person. She was clearly possessed since she had different aura now. This is why people believed in shamans and fortune tellers. However, why was she about to lose her house when she was so good at her job? ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Anyway, I guess you don¡¯t get many customers.¡± Haejin changed the subject and looked at the altar. Then, he spotted something. Incense burner¡­ it wasn¡¯t that big. The gilt bronze had worn off. The top part was gone and only the bottom part was there. It had been filled with rice to put the incense sticks on it. Haejin wondered where the more important top part was. Animals like tiger and deer were carved on it. Haejin could see that it was from Baekjae. ¡°Huh! You cannot deceive me. You¡¯re not here to buy this building, right?¡± ¡°I am here to buy this building.¡± ¡°No, my general says you¡¯re lying. You¡¯re looking for something with ring eyes like those of a wolf. However, he doesn¡¯t know what you¡¯re looking for. What is it?¡± Haejin could feel goosebumpsing up. With that kind of power, politicians should oftene. ¡°Hmm¡­ why don¡¯t we sit down?¡± Haejin realized talking more wouldn¡¯t do him any good, so he just sat down. Then, the shaman smiled as if she had known Haejin would do that and sat down opposite to him. She looked like she would ask what his worry was any time, but she didn¡¯t say anything and kept smiling mischievously. ¡°I do want to buy this house. If you don¡¯t want to negotiate, I¡¯ll buy it at 210 million.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you¡¯ll really buy this house? That¡¯s strange. My general says it is not possible.¡± ¡°I am here to buy this house¡­ but now I have another thing to buy.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°That incense burner. Sell it to me.¡± ¡°What? That¡¯s for the general. No way!¡± She yelled. She wasn¡¯t going to give it away easily. ¡°I¡¯ll buy it and this house at 220 million.¡± At that moment, everyone looked at Haejin with suspicion. However, the shaman started tough. ¡°I see. That¡¯s what you want. But not that. That belongs to the general. If you touch it, you will get huge misfortune.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll find you a better one.¡± ¡°I said no! No way!¡± It¡¯s a shame. It wasn¡¯t the matching incense burner of the stand he had brought from Hong Kong, but it was a good artifact. ¡°Okay then, just sell the house. At 210 million.¡± Haejin backed off too easily. The shaman narrowed her eyes and looked at him. Then, she got up, took something out of an old closet and put it on the table. ¡°220 million, but I¡¯ll give you this instead.¡± Chapter 79: Silver Cup with a Bronze Stand (2)

Chapter 79: Silver Cup with a Bronze Stand (2)

What the shaman put on the table was a strange-looking silver cup. ¡°You¡¯ll give me this instead?¡± ¡°Yes, but no discount.¡± Did she know what it was? The cup¡¯s stand was in a bronze container with the heel and cupholder on the bottom and top. It had sawtooth patterns around its well-trimmed surface. Inside that circle, there were birds with human faces holding a flower, dragons, deer, birds, unknown animals, lotus flowers, and trees. The diameter of the stand was about 15cm. It was not too small and not too big. The silver cup itself was almost a hemisphere. It was also a casting. On the bottom, a separately made cylinder-shaped heel had been attached. It was clean and in good condition, not corroded at all. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Let¡¯s sign the contract.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s do it now.¡± She stood up as if she had nothing more to say. Her attitude clearly showed she was not refusing to sell the incense burner to get money. The incense burner probably had some kind of shamanistic meaning. It was a shame, but Haejin couldn¡¯t do anything more. The agent smiled widely to see the deal proceeding so quickly and led them to his office. Haejin and the shaman followed him. ¡°You are very lucky, madam. Making the deal at this price without negotiation is impossible. You¡¯re getting a lot morepared to the market price.¡± The agent smiled as he printed the contract and brought it. She red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not a madam.¡± Inside Yeonhwadang, she had a different aura, but outside, she was just a woman with pride. ¡°Oh, okay. Then, how should I call you.¡± ¡°See my identification card over there. Ju Haejeong. Call me Ms. Haejeong.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± The agent was embarrassed, and his face turned red. He sat down and asked, ¡°Then, when you can leave the ce?¡± ¡°I will move out as soon as I get the money. I¡¯ve been nning to pray for a few years.¡± She was probably going to go into a mountain to pray. Things were proceeding so quickly. ¡°Then, when do you want to pay the down payment and the bnce?¡± ¡°I will pay at once today.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Then, Ms. Haejeong, could you move out tomorrow?¡± She didn¡¯t know it would be so soon. She hesitated and spoke. ¡°Tomorrow is too early. We have to make preparations, so we¡¯ll move out the day after tomorrow.¡± Haejin could understand that. What mattered now was to sign the contract fast, so they proceeded without saying much. After signing all the documents and transferring the money, Haejin was relieved. Now, all that was left was to demolish the house after Haejeong leaves and to start excavating carefully. Of course, he was also excited about the cup with the stand he had gotten. After the deal, Haejeong left the agency and went back. Haejin followed her. ¡°Why are you following me?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ I think it would be wrong of me to just go. Let¡¯s write another contract.¡± ¡°What? What contract?¡± ¡°About this.¡± Haejin lifted the cup in his hand. She smiled. ¡°You think I will change my mindter? Oh¡­ I serve a god. I cannot lie!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not worried about you lying. As I have bought this, I want to pay you the right price. So, let¡¯s go in first.¡± Actually, Haejin felt a little nervous about going back to Yeonhwadang as Haejeong would have a strange change, but he decided to think that it would be fine. And as for being strange, Haejin was even stranger than Haejeong who served a god. He had magic. She would be more surprised than him. Haejin went back to Yeonhwadang and wrote on a nk paper that he would buy the cup with the stand at a hundred thousand. ¡°A hundred thousand? You¡¯ll buy this at a hundred thousand?¡± Haejeong was shocked. Her eyes said that she couldn¡¯t believe it. Judging from her attitude, she wasn¡¯t possessed. ¡°Yes. This thing is worth it.¡± She stared at the contract which read a hundred thousand won. ¡°You could have just taken it. Why are you giving me such a huge sum of money?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that ripping someone who serves a god off would make me feel ufortable.¡± Haejeong liked the answer. Content, she smiled and nodded. ¡°Haha, of course. If my general gets mad, you will have to live in fear for the rest of your life. You thought well. However, I didn¡¯t know this was that valuable. I hope this is not much more expensive than a hundred thousand? Answer carefully. My general knows everything.¡± Haejin was doing that because of his conscience. It wasn¡¯t like Haejeong was a foreigner. Buying an artifact at a dirt-cheap price from someone who didn¡¯t know about its true value wouldn¡¯t be much different from what a Gaidasis did a long time ago. ¡°Of course, I think it is worth more than a hundred thousand. That is why I¡¯m offering you that amount. However, whether it is worth billions, I do not know.¡± That was a lie and the truth at the same time. Although Haejin thought the cup would worth much more than a hundred thousand, as the Silver Cup with the Bronze Stand had never been sold on auction, he couldn¡¯t assume the price. The shaman narrowed her eyes to re at Haejin, but soon he smiled. ¡°Okay. As the general does not say anything, I believe you. I¡¯ll be able to give the poor Yeonok his retirement pay.¡± She signed the contract. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll start the construction three dayster. You should leave before that.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Haejin sent a hundred thousand right in front of her. After finishing everything, he was delighted. ¡°Then, I hope you get much more divine power at a holy ce. That incense burner is also an important artifact. Please keep it safely.¡± She looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes at this and spoke. ¡°Beware of alcohol.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± Haejin was puzzled. She continued seriously. ¡°You might face great danger this year. You have avoided one with luck¡­ but beware of alcohol, or you¡¯ll surely meet death.¡± She was possessed by god again. As first, Haejin had thought it was a little scary, but now he found it rather funny. ¡°Then, should I quit drinking?¡± ¡°That¡¯s up to you.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be careful.¡± Haejin bowed deeply and left Yeonhwadang with the cup in his hands, wondering why Haejeong wasn¡¯t getting many customers when she had such power¡­ Haejin couldn¡¯t just wait three days in Iksan, so he headed to Seoul. However, when he was driving on the highway, he got a call. It was Byeongguk. He put on his earphones and answered. Byeongguk sounded urgent. He asked a question without even saying a hello. ¡°Haejin, where are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to Seoul now. I just passed Jukjeon Service Area.¡± ¡°Really? Then, you¡¯ll be here in an hour, right?¡± ¡°I will if the traffic isn¡¯t bad, but why? Is there something wrong?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ do you remember who asked Sujeong to restore her painting, right? That rude and arrogant woman.¡± ¡°I do. And?¡± ¡°Her husband is the CEO of Korea Airlines. She almost tore Saeyeon Gallery apart!¡± ¡°Oh, really? There¡¯s nothing that can be done. Although Ms. Eunhae didn¡¯t sell it, Saeyeon Gallery did.¡± ¡°Huh? Why are you so calm? And Eunhae didn¡¯t sell it?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not surprised because I know how things are going. And Ms. Eunhae didn¡¯t sell the painting. Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun¡¯s wife, who used to own the gallery before her, did that.¡± ¡°Really? I had no idea?¡± ¡°But how did you know what is going on in Saeyeon Gallery?¡± ¡°That woman called Sujeong. She¡¯s at the gallery now. She needed a witness as Sujeong is the one who found out it¡¯s a forgery.¡± Haejin nned to not care about it as Eunhae was supposed to handle it on her own, but Sujeong was involved in this. That troubled Haejin. He was worried that Sujeong might get into trouble. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go as fast as I can. I¡¯ll go straight to Saeyeon Gallery, so call me if Sujeonges back.¡± ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡± ¡°Bye.¡± Even though Haejin went through the highway fast, there was always a traffic jam at Seoul, so when he arrived at Saeyeong Gallery, more than an hour had passed. As the sun had set, a bright light came out from the gallery. Haejin couldn¡¯t leave the valuable artifact inside his car, so he carried it with him and went in. He could feel the heavy atmosphere immediately. ¡°Oh, hello.¡± A staff who knew Haejin came closer. ¡°I heard someone came because of a painting. My friend Sujeong has been brought here because of that.¡± Her face darkened quickly. ¡°They¡¯re inside the office.¡± ¡°Really? Okay. I¡¯ll go in.¡± Normally, the staff would try to stop when someone tries to go in without an appointment, but this one backed off. She was hoping for Haejin to go in. Knock knock! Haejin knocked and went into Eunhae¡¯s office. There were about a dozen people inside. Of course, as he was the newest arrival, everyone looked at him. Haejin didn¡¯t care. He went to Sujeong who was standing in a corner. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She didn¡¯t know he woulde. However, Haejin didn¡¯t answer. He looked at Eunhae who was equally surprised. ¡°If Sujeong is done here, she can leave, right?¡± ¡°What? Oh, okay.¡± Eunhae nodded and gestured them to go. However, the woman Haejin had met at the workshop talked. ¡°The appraiser. You are being too rude when you are such a young person. You came in without permission¡­¡± Haejin knew why they were here so he didn¡¯t pay attention to his manners, but he realized that he had been rude. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been distracted. I am Park Haejin. I appraise artifacts. Hmm¡­ and, is Sujeong needed here? Didn¡¯t Ms. Eunhae say she willpensate for all the problematic paintings?¡± Haejin looked at Eunhae. She slightly nodded. She had talked aboutpensation. ¡°Do you think we¡¯re here for money? That¡¯s nonsense¡­ I¡¯ve been so humiliated. Will she give me tens of millions topensate me? Do you think I¡¯m a beggar or something?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t even get mad as if it wasn¡¯t his business. ¡°Oh, really? That¡¯s too bad. Anyway, it¡¯s been proved that Sujeong here found out your painting was fake while restoring it, so she is not needed here, right?¡± The woman snorted and shook her hand. It meant they should leave quickly. ¡°Well, whatever¡­ anyway, we just cannot get over with this. This is one of the country¡¯s greatest galleries. How could you take care of things in such a way?¡± She yelled at Eunhae but anotherdy, who had been sitting quietly, opened her mouth. ¡°Excuse me, may I take a look at that?¡± She was looking at the silver cup in Haejin¡¯s hand. Chapter 80: Silver Cup with a Bronze Stand (3)

Chapter 80: Silver Cup with a Bronze Stand (3)

She appeared to be in her mid-40s. She was much more graceful than the airlines CEO¡¯s wife right next to her. ¡°Excuse me?¡± Haejin knew why she was asking, but Haejin said so because he wanted to know if she recognized the cup or was just curious. ¡°That cup¡­ is that for sale?¡± ¡°What? Haha!¡± Haejin burst intoughter at hearing such an abrupt question. The woman thought she had made a mistake and apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just like that cup too much¡­ could you sit here for a moment? Oh, sorry. I haven¡¯t introduced myself. I¡¯m So Hyeonjeong. It¡¯s a little funny to say this, but my husband is the Financial Supervisory Service¡¯s Chairman.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± She was the wife of a powerful man. Haejin got it. However, hearing that openly didn¡¯t feel good. It was also funny, just as she said¡­ She waved her hands as if she knew what Haejin was thinking. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that to boast. I¡¯m a housewife, so I don¡¯t have much to introduce myself with.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Anyway, I am not nning to sell this.¡± However, the airline CEO¡¯s wife interrupted. She didn¡¯t like that people were getting distracted by the cup. ¡°Can¡¯t you talk about thatter? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re at an antique shop in Insadong.¡± Haejin thought he really didn¡¯t like her but, to his surprise, FSS Chairman¡¯s wife answered calmly. ¡°We¡¯ve already been told that we will getpensation. Is there more to talk about? I just want my money back, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ Mrs. Hyeonjeong!¡± ¡°I am not going to disturb what you are doing. I¡¯m just too curious about this cup.¡± It seemed like the FSS Chairman¡¯s wife didn¡¯t like what the rude woman was doing, either. However, she couldn¡¯t stop her, so she just sat there, and then, she got interested in Haejin¡¯s cup. This was enough to see how powerful Hwajin was. It had united the wives of powerful politicians and businessmen to use Eunhae. ¡°It¡¯s not like¡­¡± The rude woman tried to criticize the cup but, after looking at it, she couldn¡¯t say anything. The cup still had its silver mour, it was also beautiful and delicate. It was enough to impress anyone, including ignorant people. Haejin nced at Eunhae. She was sighing in relief. She had been tortured by these women. ¡°Which country is it from? China? Or Japan?¡± Hyeonjeong nced at the airlines CEO¡¯s wife as she asked. Even though she had openly objected to her, she had to be careful. ¡°It¡¯s from Baekjae. As you can see, it has a bronze stand. However, as it is bronze, it has gotten rusty.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t know Baekjae made such beautiful artifacts. I only thought about the king¡¯s golden crown when ites to Baekjae¡­¡± Hyeonjeong eximed and slightly touched the top of the cup. When there was no concept of artifact preservation, anyone could meddle with artifacts, but nowadays, getting toy a hand on an artifact was a great thing. If it had been porcin or a painting, Haejin would have never let her touch it, but as it was a silver cup, he didn¡¯t stop her. It wouldn¡¯t be easily damaged unless she smashed it on the floor on purpose. ¡°That¡¯s what most people think. You don¡¯t have to be ashamed.¡± ¡°Then, could you please exin more about this?¡± She looked sorry as she asked. She was sorry because she knew Haejin was not going to sell it. However, Haejin rather liked that. It wasn¡¯t like she was ordering him to exin. She was showing her interest in the artifact. Nevertheless, the situation was not right for that. Haejin wanted to leave the ufortable ce as soon as possible. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but if you want to know more about this, pleasee to my art museum.¡± ¡°You work at an art museum? Which one?¡± ¡°Park Haejin Art Museum which is five minutes away from here. It has Picasso¡¯s painting¡­¡± People who cared about art all knew about that museum. Hyeonjeong¡¯s eyes widened. She got up. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re Director Park Haejin. Nice to meet you. I went to your museum a few days ago. I had to leave empty-handed as there was no painting for sale¡­ it is so nice to meet you in person.¡± Haejin wondered if he should naturally finish that meeting or just leave. Judging from the situation, thesedies had gotten an order from Sungjun¡¯s wife to press Eunhae. If it wasn¡¯t for that, they wouldn¡¯t be protesting so rudely even after Eunhae told her that she wouldpensate them. If Haejin exined about the cup to naturally make them forget about what they¡¯d been doing, Hwajin¡¯s n to hurt Eunhae would fail. Would assisting her that way help her in protecting the artifacts in Saeyeon Gallery? At first, Haejin had thought helping Eunhae would enable her to protect the artifacts, but now, he thought it wouldn¡¯t work that way. Even if Haejin kept helping Eunhae, Hwajin would keep pressing her and, sooner orter, she would lose her ce. From now on, a rumor would get around among rich people that you shouldn¡¯t buy paintings from Saeyeon. Eunhae wouldn¡¯t be able to stand that. ¡°Oh, okay¡­ then I should go now.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re leaving?¡± Hyeonjeong was sorry to see him go, but Haejin bowed and left with Sujeong. On his way out, he gestured Eunhae to meet her outside. Eunhae ran out, looking at the people. ¡°I can¡¯t help you much. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Eunhae¡¯s face quickly darkened at Haejin¡¯s apology. She realized that he was about to back off. ¡°No, you have helped me enough, and I¡¯m really grateful for that.¡± ¡°You know, right? That although you¡¯re trying to hold, rationally speaking, it won¡¯t be easy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to fail, and if you really want to protect the artifacts of this gallery, why don¡¯t you change your mind?¡± ¡°What? How?¡± ¡°You will get fired soon anyway. So, why don¡¯t you step down after making sure those artifacts won¡¯t be sold.¡± Both Eunhae and Sujeong couldn¡¯t understand that. They looked at each other as if asking, ¡®do you know what he¡¯s saying?¡¯. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. How can I stop them from getting sold¡­¡± ¡°You should lease them before you step down. For a long time, about 30 years¡­¡± Eunhae was shocked. Her jaw dropped. ¡°So, so I should lease them to other museums for years! And if I send them abroad¡­¡± ¡°Yes. If you sign a lease contract, even if they want to sell the artifacts, they wouldn¡¯t be able to do that.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ that is clever. And if I write each leased artifact on the contract, they won¡¯t be able to siphon anything.¡± Eunhae smiled widely. Haejin pitied her. ¡°After that, you will surely get fired.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ although I tried not to think so, I knew it. I will get fired eventually. It was just a matter of time.¡± She tried to look okay. ¡°Aren¡¯t you sad? Your grandfather left you this ce¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s what troubles me, but I will be satisfied with doing the best I can. Oh, and about the lease, I¡¯ll contact youter.¡± ¡°Okay and send them away quickly. You¡¯re about to leave, anyway.¡± Haejin pointed at the office with his chin. Eunhae smiled. ¡°Haha, okay. I¡¯ll just pay them.¡± Haejin left the gallery after that. Sujeong poked his side. ¡°Oh¡­ that was cool. I was a little touched. I was actually really scared.¡± ¡°I¡¯m always cool.¡± ¡°Then, the artifacts from Sayeon Gallery will now go to your museum?¡± ¡°No, she cannot lease all those artifacts to one museum. She can¡¯t do that, even if she¡¯s about to quit. She will probably have to lease them to multiple museums and galleries. Then, Hwajin would never be able to mess with Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s current artifacts.¡± ¡°Then, the new artifacts thate in the future won¡¯t be protected.¡± ¡°Yes, even Ms. Eunhae cannot do anything about it.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then she is about to be unemployed?¡± ¡°Probably. However, you don¡¯t have to worry about her. She¡¯s rich.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Haejin dropped Sujeong at the workshop, went home to get some sleep, then went to his museum. The cup he had gotten from Yeonhwadang was in his hand, of course, but one of the visitors looked familiar. ¡°Good morning. Do you remember me?¡± It was So Hyeonjeong who Haejin had met at Saeyeon Gallery yesterday. FSS Chairman¡¯s wife¡­ ¡°Oh, hello. Didn¡¯t you tell me you came here once before?¡± ¡°Yes. Actually, I came to meet you.¡± She looked at the cup as she spoke. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Her social influence was too big to just ignore her. In short, befriending her would do Haejin good. Plus, Haejin was an appraiser. He was obliged to help people who inquire to him about appraisals. Haejin asked one of his staff to bring them tea. Then, he and Hyeonjeong had a short, meaningless conversation. After setting the mood, she started to get to the point. ¡°There was a reason why I was interested in that cup yesterday. My parents used to have something simr to that. So, I was naturally dragged to it.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see. Then, do you want to have it appraised?¡± ¡°No. I don¡¯t need to have it appraised by you. Actually, when I bought that painting, I did think it was a little strange. Selling paintings at a hotel was especially weird¡­ and it turned out they had sold fakes openly!¡± Judging from what she said, she wasn¡¯t here because of the cup. ¡°You might think that way.¡± Haejin tried to be neutral as he couldn¡¯t believe her yet. ¡°I¡¯m so angry. Even if Hwajin is powerful, they shouldn¡¯t have treated me that way¡­¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say anything except to agree. ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s all in the past. I came here because I have a question for you.¡± ¡°A question?¡± ¡°Yes. First, take a look at this¡­¡± She put her phone on the table. It showed the photo of a painting. ¡°This is?¡± Surprisingly, the painting was M¡¯s Haystacks series, which was supposed to be at Haejin¡¯s museum. Chapter 81: Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou (1)

Chapter 81: Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou (1)

¡°Please let me¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t believe that another fake would just pop up. He examined the photo. As the background with the sunset was slightly darker, and the shadow stretched back to the end of the painting, it was another one of the series. ¡°Where did you get this?¡± ¡°A while ago, I got an offer through someone I know. He said he would help me buy a M¡¯s painting at three billion.¡± ¡°Will help you to buy?¡± What was that? It wasn¡¯t like someone was openly selling a fake, but offering help to buy it? ¡°I couldn¡¯t understand that well, but I did hope he was telling the truth. I wanted to have a M very much.¡± She wanted a three-billion-won painting, this meant she had at least tens of billions. FSS Chairman is a government official, so Haejin wondered how she was that rich. ¡°I guess you¡¯ve been interested in art for a long time if someone came to you to make an offer.¡± She smiled awkwardly, she didn¡¯t want to talk about herself again. ¡°My parents are quite rich.¡± She wasn¡¯t rich because of her husband, she was born with a silver spoon. ¡°Oh¡­ anyway, do you want to find out if this painting belongs to M¡¯s Haystacks series?¡± ¡°I was going to ask another appraiser but, after meeting you, an appraiser who owns a M¡¯s painting, I thought it wouldn¡¯t be necessary to ask someone else.¡± She had a good reason to think so. ¡°How do you normally buy western paintings?¡± ¡°I mostly buy them through huge galleries like Saeyeon, Haevici and, sometimes, I buy them from smaller galleries. I also buy from individuals, but only once in a few years.¡± ¡°And you still think this kind of offer might be real?¡± If she had suddenly struck it rich, Haejin could understand that. A chance to buy M¡¯s painting would be tempting enough. However, ording to what she said, the wealthydy in front of him was someone who had seen and bought many paintings. Yet, she was still thinking that she could buy a M personally, instead of going to an auction¡­ Of course, it wasn¡¯t absolutely impossible as there were cases like Jason Chang, but only a few western paintings before the 20 th century had been brought to Korea. So, M¡¯s painting going around under the surface was suspicious enough. ¡°I know I look like a fool. However, someone has already bought a painting through this man. Someone you know¡­¡± ¡°Who is it? Who¡¯s that stupid person?¡± Haejin asked with a smirk as he thought it made no sense. Hyeonjeong replied awkwardly, ¡°Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ really?¡± In Korea, most people think those with wealth buy antiques for bad purposes. As antiques can be quickly traded for money, and only those who are concerned know who the seller is and who the buyer is, it can be used as secret funds. There¡¯s no argument about that. However, that¡¯s not the only reason why they prefer antiques. They grow up seeing antiques and end up caring about them. The most important reason is that antiques are a great investment method. During thest ten years, the profit rate from antique investment was more than 4 times higher than the real estate profit rate. So, the people with money had to pay attention to antiques. Therefore, the media and dramas describe rich people as very interested in antiques. ¡°If the Vice Chairman himself bought that painting, there must be something about it. I wouldn¡¯t have considered it if it had been someone else, but it is the Vice Chairman¡­¡± However, only a few rich people have profound knowledge about art. Some of them have personal appraisers like Oh Jaepil or a personal curator. ¡°Hmm¡­ I am curious.¡± If it had been someone else, Haejin would have scolded that person, but he thought people like Sungjun or Haecheol of Yuseong wouldn¡¯t be fooled by clumsy frauds. Of course, Sungjun had bought Max Beckmann¡¯s fake from the Haevici Gallery; however, as it was a fake of great quality that even experts couldn¡¯t figure out, Haejin could understand that. ¡°Then, will you help me?¡± ¡°I will if you officially ask, but my fee is a little higherpared to other appraisers¡¯.¡± ¡°How much?¡± ¡°I take 1% of the artifact I appraise as my fee. If it turns out to be fake, I will still get 1% of the real artifact¡¯s price. So, if the artifact is fake, my fee can be even more expensive than the artifact itself.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Hyeonjeong was so surprised that she covered her mouth. However, that was a normal reaction. It¡¯s just that Haejin¡¯s former clients had epted that coolly because they were all one of the wealthiest people in the world. ¡°If that¡¯s too much, it is okay to refuse¡­¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Hyeonjeong was determined. 1% of three billion was thirty million. As she would have to spend that money regardless of the painting¡¯s authenticity, she must have given a lot of thoughts in that short time. ¡°Do you really mean it? You have to write a contract and pay 10% in advance. You¡¯ll get no refund even if you change your mind.¡± Haejin had made a new appraisal contract after opening the museum and hiring the staff. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°Thirty million won is a big sum of money, are you sure?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard about you on my way here. Although I didn¡¯t get to find out about your fee, people say that you are a great appraiser. So, I trust your help will be worth it.¡± ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll look forward to meeting this new M¡¯s painting.¡± They wrote the contract and Haejin got the down payment. After Hyeonjeong left, Haejin started to n a new exhibition with the silver cup and the buddha, which he had gotten at Abu Dhabi. Lee Sangbeom¡¯s painting should be shown in the Joseon Paintings exhibition with Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting¡­ and as for the buddha, that had the smaller gold buddha which Hwajin wanted, Haejin nned a Three Kingdoms special exhibitionbined with the artifacts of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Shinra. Of course, these artifacts weren¡¯t enough. Haejin was going to rent artifacts from other art museums and exhibit them together. Three dayster, Hyeonjeong called him. She was going to meet the seller today. Haejin immediately got on his car and went to the address she sent him. Then, Eunhae called him. ¡°Can you talk now?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. I¡¯m driving, but I¡¯m using my earphones, so it¡¯s fine. What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°I did what you told me. I signed a trade exhibition contract with the American Metropolitan museum¡¯s East Asia section. As it is none other than Metropolitan, they wouldn¡¯t dare to change the deal.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good news. And the other museums?¡± ¡°I sent offers to Egyptian and German art museums, and they both said okay. We will write contracts tomorrow.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fast. Is it okay for you to not go in person?¡± ¡°As for the Metropolitan, one of its people happened to be in Korea, so I solved that matter fast, and I didn¡¯t have to go to myself to sign contracts with the other museums. Normally, we visit each other to check on the artifacts but, this time, I am offering to lease unconditionally, so they didn¡¯t object. They even offered to rent us some artifacts we don¡¯t have!¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Yes. From now on, even more visitors wille to Saeyeon Gallery. Well, the revenue is much more important than the number of visitors¡­¡± She sounded bitter. ¡°Did the board members say anything?¡± ¡°Haha! If they knew, they wouldn¡¯t just sit by. They would be in my office by now, demanding me to leave. No one knows yet. Even the staff don¡¯t know, except for a few associates. I¡¯m acting like a secret agent at work these days.¡± ¡°Hahaha! You must be having a hard time.¡± ¡°That hard time is about to end. Everything will be revealed by the weekend.¡± ¡°What are you going to do after that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to step down after that happens. I don¡¯t want to be shown being dragged out like a dog in front of the visitors and employees. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Eunhae still had Hwajin¡¯s blood, and she was about to be treated like that¡­ Haejin couldn¡¯t understand that. ¡°Anyway, thank you. For helping me to finish without a catastrophe.¡± ¡°Then, buy me dinnerter.¡± ¡°Of course. Although I¡¯m about to lose my job, I¡¯m still rich. I¡¯ll treat you to a full-course dinner in a great French restaurant.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Then I¡¯ll look forward to it.¡± Eunhae was probably not feeling good, but Haejin ended the call brightly. In a way, she was still a rich girl who was about to quit her job because she couldn¡¯t stand it. He didn¡¯t have to feel blue about her. The address Hyeonjeong had given him was her house. She was living at a townhouse in Pangyeo. That area was full of luxurious townhouses. Haejin thought he should live at a ce like that from now. He rang the doorbell and went in. Hyeonjeong and two men in their 40s were standing in the living room. ¡°You¡¯re here. You came earlier than I thought.¡± ¡°The traffic was good. These gentlemen are?¡± ¡°Yes, they¡¯re here to sell the painting.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ nice to meet you. I¡¯m Park Haejin.¡± Haejin used his bright social smile and bowed. They also smiled awkwardly. ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. I¡¯m Cha Haeseok.¡± ¡°I¡¯m art dealer Gong Sangdu.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I heard you offered a M to Mrs. Hyeonjeong and came with an excited heart.¡± Haejin said that to see their reaction. Gong Sangdu, who had a red face as if he had been drinking, scratched his back head. ¡°Really? Oh¡­ but s¡­ M¡¯s painting has been sold.¡± ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand, he then looked at Hyeonjeong. She looked slightly angry as she nodded. ¡°Yes. I just found out.¡± ¡°So, there will be no deal?¡± ¡°Oh, of course not. I have gotten another painting.¡± He promoted using M¡¯s painting and brought a different painting¡­ this was a ssic method of real estate agents and car sellers: luring in clients with fake products. It could be seen as elementary, Haejin could only smile. Cha Haeseok took something out of his bag. Haejin wanted to see what he had and kept watching. Haeseok took out a painting container that was as big as a grown man¡¯s upper body. Then, he took a painting out of it. However, the paper wasn¡¯t western. ¡°Well¡­ you shouldn¡¯t be disappointed.¡± He carefully fixed the ends of the painting with paperclips and slowly rolled it down. ¡°Huh?¡± Haejin had been watching with a sneer, but he couldn¡¯t help eximing. Sangdu looked at him and spoke in a low voice. ¡°Although the price of a painting by Wang Sasin is cheaper than M¡¯s painting, you cannot say that its depth is also cheaper.¡± Chapter 82: Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou (2)

Chapter 82: Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou (2)

Wang Sasin was a schr and an artist of the Qing period. He was one of the Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou, the eight artists who worked in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, during the Qianlong Emperor¡¯s time (1735~96). Strangely, they were not from Yangzhou. They moved into Yangzhou for the free atmosphere and financial support. They were called weird not because they acted in a weird manner but because they left the main style of the time and found their own paths. ¡°Wang Sasin?¡± Hyeonjeong looked at Haejin with a question. She didn¡¯t know who that was. As she mainly bought western paintings and didn¡¯t care much about eastern paintings, it was only natural for her to not know Wang Sasin. Most Koreans only know about Kim Hongdo, Jang Seungeuop, Shin Yoonbok and not know about other Korean artists, so for them to know a foreign artist would be even stranger. ¡°He was a schr and artist of Qing. Although he lost his sightter, he created a unique style of the ume flower and was called ¡®Wang Ume Flower¡¯. This appears to be his painting.¡± The painting showed the ume flowers drawn only in ck. Seeing the ume flower blooming on one branch would be able to make anyone feel calm. However, it hadn¡¯t been preserved well. Its corner was smudged, and the other side had a small piece missing. Actually, Haejin was confused as he watched the painting. He thought they would bring out a forgery, but this painting seemed real. Bringing a damaged fake was unlikely and, if this was a fake, the two sellers had probably been fooled as well. Anyway, apart from those factors, judging from the rough touch of the brush in the branch and Wang Sasin¡¯s unique style, it was clearly real. ¡°What do you think? They say Wang Sasin is a master of ume flower like Kim Sisup. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s right?¡± Sangdu confidently praised the painting. ¡°Yes. This has to be Wang Sasin¡¯s ume flower.¡± Haejin agreed and nodded. The Eight Weird Artists each liked different things. Wang Sasin liked ume flowers, Lee Sun liked pine trees, Kim Nong liked buddha statues, Hwang Shin liked people, Go Sang likedndscape paintings, Jeong Pangyo liked bamboo trees, Lee Bangeung liked orchids, and Na Bing was great at depicting ghosts. But strangely, simrities can be found in their styles. Their paintings were mostly simple sketches, and mostly depict a less magnificent nature, and have a unique of independence at the same time. ¡°Right? You have a discerning eye, just as I heard.¡± Just as I heard? That didn¡¯t feel good. ¡°Huh? You know me?¡± Sangdu flinched and soon talked. ¡°Haha! Of course. How could I say that I make my living through art if I don¡¯t know Park Haejin Art Museum? I should retire then.¡± That meant he knew Haejin would be here today. Haejin couldn¡¯t understand how that was possible. He looked at Hyeonjeong who smiled awkwardly. ¡°Actually, I told them.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± Haejin swallowed back the sigh and turned back to Sangdu. ¡°I think Mrs. Hyeonjeong and I need to discuss this first.¡± ¡°Okay then, we will go now. You can call us at any time after you made your decision.¡± Ridiculously, they quickly rolled back the painting, put it back in its container and left the house. It was like they had been waiting for Haejin to say that they needed to discuss. After they left, Haejin scolded Hyeonjeong. ¡°Why did you tell them I woulde in advance?¡± Hyeonjeong didn¡¯t seem to know what kind of mistake she made. She asked back innocently. ¡°Oh, have I made a mistake? I told them to imply that since I will be with such an appraiser, they better not do anything suspicious¡­¡± ¡°Huuu¡­ they brought Wang Sasin¡¯s painting instead of M¡¯s because they knew I wasing.¡± ¡°I thought that painting was also good.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying the painting is bad. Judging from the market price, Wang Sasin¡¯s paintings are worth less than M¡¯s. One of them has been sold below 100 thousand on auction.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is that after finding out I¡¯ll be here, they gave up on M¡¯s painting and brought a real piece, although it is much less valuable.¡± ¡°Then I made a mistake. Oh¡­ I was stupid.¡± Hyeonjeong med herself only then. ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can do about the past. They showed us Wang Sasin¡¯s painting in order to not be used as frauds by you. However, they won¡¯t give up. If the Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun bought a painting from them, they can try to sell to someone else.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ what should I do¡­ I tried to not be fooled and made the situation worse.¡± ¡°No, it would be best to think it is better this way. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re the police. Making this harder wouldn¡¯t do us any good. Anyway, I do wonder which painting Mr. Vice Chairman bought from them. And, how they managed to approach Hwajin¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, thank you for today. Then, about the appraisal fee¡­¡± ¡°I will think the painting¡¯s appraised price is 100 thousand. As the down payment is bigger than the fee, you don¡¯t have to pay me more.¡± Haejin had told her in advance that the 10% down payment won¡¯t be returned even if the artifact to appraise changes, so she nodded. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll call you if they try to sell me something again.¡± Haejin thought that wouldn¡¯t be necessary as he wasn¡¯t the police, but he couldn¡¯t say no, so he just awkwardly smiled. After a few days, Haejin got the answers to his questions faster than he had thought. Sungjun invited him. As Eunhae had told him that she had stepped down and they should have dinner together, Haejin was worried as he headed to Pyeonchangdong. When he arrived at the living room, there was someone he had never met before. It was a woman in her mid-40s and, judging from her expression that looked down on people, she had to be Sungjun¡¯s wife. ¡°Wee.¡± Sungjun greeted Haejin on his sofa. Hyoyeon only nodded while Sungjun¡¯s wife didn¡¯t even do that. She stood up and spoke bluntly, ¡°Are you going to have lunch?¡± ¡°Have you had lunch?¡± Sungjun then asked. ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°Then, eat with us. Oh, this is my wife.¡± At the sudden introduction, Haejin bowed deeply for now. ¡°Hello, I am antiquity appraiser Park Haejin.¡± She just said her name and went to the dining room, ¡°Lee Misuk.¡± Haejin was slightly puzzled to see everyone going to the dining room without saying anything, but he didn¡¯t show it and sat down. Misuk red at him, but she didn¡¯t say anything while setting the table with the housemaid. It was a short time, but it felt very wrong. It was because of that strange hostility. ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯te.¡± ¡°Because of the buddha?¡± Haejin asked. Sungjun raised his eyebrows, he didn¡¯t like that. However, he soon straightened his face. ¡°You know how to make people nervous. Yes, I thought you would refuse my invitation because of the buddha.¡± ¡°However, that was because we wanted different things, and things went well eventually. Of course, you would feel a little bad about it, but as I did what I had to do, I shoulde to gain your favor from now on.¡± Haejin meant it. He wanted to be on good terms with Sungjun. He was too busy for him to go there just because he was curious about the painting. Of course, he wasn¡¯t going to wag the tail like a dog to impress Sungjun. He was just hoping to slightly improve that rtionship. ¡°You are too¡­ careless for someone who is trying to win my favor.¡± Sungjun was talking about Haejin¡¯s way of speaking. ¡°I¡¯m always like this. However, everyone likes me as I don¡¯t hold grudges. Anyway, I love galbijjim (Korean style braised short ribs)! Haha! Thank you.¡± Haejinughed as if he were at a friend¡¯s house, but Sungjun could do nothing. He just smiled and raised his hand. ¡°Good. Enjoy. Our housemaid is a great cook.¡± In fact, it was impossible to have an appetite in that mood, but Haejin ate with a smile. Misuk didn¡¯t like that. She then put down her chopsticks. ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been meeting Eunhae often recently.¡± At that moment, Haejin realized why Misuk was here and why she was ring at him. She must have found out what Eunhae was up to. ¡°Yes. How can a man refuse a beautiful woman like Ms. Eunhae? Hahaha!¡± Haejin tried to escape with a joke, but Misuk¡¯s reply was beyond expectations. ¡°If Eunhae likes you, too, why don¡¯t you two get married?¡± Haejin almost spewed out the food in his mouth. He was dumbfounded. Hyeoyeon then added, ¡°That¡¯s a good match. Eunhae is a poor judge of character. He should do.¡± They were saying that on purpose. They wanted Eunhae to marry a nobody. ¡°Haha, thank you for caring about us, but we¡¯ll take care of that on our own. But I have a question¡­¡± Haejin quickly changed the topic and looked at Sungjun. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I heard there are some guys who sell M¡¯s painting these days.¡± Misuk¡¯s eyes shook at this. ¡°M? M, like at your museum? They¡¯re selling it?¡± ¡°Yes. Their names are Gong Sangdu and Cha Haeseok¡­¡± ¡°Oh! I know them. I just bought a painting from them a while ago. And, did you already know of this? That I bought paintings from them?¡± ¡°Yes. A few days ago, Mrs. So Hyeonjeong, the wife of the current FFS Chairman, asked me to appraise a painting. So, I went, and she talked about you. If it had been someone else, she would have ignored them, but as they had sold a painting to you, she couldn¡¯t stop thinking that the M¡¯s painting might be real.¡± Before Sungjun could answer, Misuk interrupted with anger. ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was such a person. Who does she think she is to babble about our painting? That¡¯s rude¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Mrs. Hyeonjeong didn¡¯t babble. She just told me that because she really liked that M¡¯s painting. I didn¡¯t know that it would make you ufortable.¡± Finishing here wouldn¡¯t be better than not bringing up the subject at all, so before Misuk could say anything, Haejin quickly looked at Sungjun and continued. ¡°However, I am curious. Which painting is that?¡± ¡°Why do you want to know that?¡± ¡°If the painting you bought is real, then their M¡¯s painting might be also real.¡± ¡°If it were real, they would have brought it to me already. If they are some frauds, they must have tried to sell a fake using my name. However, I didn¡¯t buy a fake. This isn¡¯t like Max Beckmann¡¯s case.¡± He was sure that he had bought a real painting. But strangely, Misuk¡¯s eyes were shaking hard. Haejin thought there was something going on. Then, Sungjun talked. ¡°If you are so curious, I¡¯ll show you. You know the Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou, right?¡± Chapter 83: Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou (3)

Chapter 83: Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou (3)

Of course, Haejin knew. However, as it was another painting from the Eight Weird Artists of Yangzhou, it probably was real, therefore Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why Misuk was so nervous. ¡°Of course. The painting they tried to sell to Mrs. Hyeonjeong was Wang Sasin¡¯s ck Ume Flower.¡± ¡°Wang Sasin¡¯s ck Ume Flower? They had such a thing? Then, they should have brought it to me first¡­¡± Sungjun frowned, he was offended. That was even stranger. Normally, merchants try to sell as much as possible at once. No merchant prefers to sell one by one. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll take a look after the meal.¡± ¡°Good. Hey! Go and bring me Jeong Pangyo¡¯s painting I bought a while ago.¡± Sungjun ordered an employee who had been watching from afar. He said yes and disappeared. They returned to the living room after a very ufortable dinner. The employee appeared with a painting carefully set in a frame. ¡°This is what I bought from them.¡± Most of Jeong Pangyeo¡¯s paintings were of bamboo trees. What is awesome is that all those bamboos in the painting gave a different feeling. Some were drooped low, some were standing upright. Some were dancing to the wind, and some only had dried branches as if they were about to die. The painting was clearly old and showed Jeong Pangyeo¡¯s unique lively bamboo trees. Anyone would have thought it was real. ¡°It is good.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a good painting.¡± Haejin pretended to lightly stroke the painting and used magic. ¡°Bamboo trees and rock are standing in harmony, so it might as well be for your long life.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ really?¡± Sungjun didn¡¯t think of that. He smiled. ¡°Bamboo tree is juk(Öñ) in Chinese letters, and it is pronounced simr to chuk(×£), to wish. And, rock is one of the Ten Immortal Beings. It represents long life. So, this painting has the meaning of wishing for a long life. Although it looks like Bamboo and Rock Painting, it is also Wishing for Long Life Painting. Although you are too healthy to need this yet.¡± ¡°No, no¡­ I¡¯m losing my energy, I can feel it. It has gotten worse after you hid that buddha.¡± He was so narrow-minded. At least he wasn¡¯t ming Haejin, he just sounded a little upset. So, Haejin replied with a joke. ¡°If your energy is leaving you because of such a small problem, then you do have a problem.¡± ¡°I was going to recover my energy by eating something good, and the painting I happened to buy is for wishing me a long life. It can¡¯t be better than this.¡± Sungjunughed. Haejin wondered whether he should tell him the truth. ording to what he had seen through magic, the painting was fake. It was a delicate forgery, Haejin had been almost fooled by it. No, it was an imitation rather than a forgery. An artist bought Jeong Pangyeo¡¯s painting when he was working at Yangzhou and imitated it. As the painting was drawn by a skillful artist right next to the real painting, it was good enough to be sold to anyone, but the problem was that those who had sold it probably knew it was fake. If it hadn¡¯t been for Misuk¡¯s shaking eyes, Haejin would have thought it was real, but he used magic because of it and found out the truth¡­ so at least Misuk knew it was fake. Haejin nced at Misuk. She blinked repeatedly, begging. Very secretly so that her husband wouldn¡¯t find out. ¡°Khmm¡­ anyway, congrattions on getting a good painting.¡± ¡°Oh, right. You said that FFS man¡¯s wife bought Wang Sasin¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°No, she didn¡¯t. She just said she would think about it. As it is worth a hundred million, of course, she needs to think about it.¡± ¡°She can¡¯t be concerned about money. That woman¡¯s father is Handong Newspaper¡¯s owner. As she grew up in a rich family, she is famous for spending money. She wouldn¡¯t mind spending a hundred million¡­ is there another reason?¡± This man knew about all kinds of people. ¡°Haha, actually, as she only enjoyed western paintings, she was quite reluctant to buy an eastern painting.¡± ¡°Huh! That woman doesn¡¯t know a thing about paintings¡­ she thinks paintings should be red, yellow, and be drawn with oil. She isn¡¯t good enough to enjoy this quiet and still atmosphere.¡± It wasn¡¯t like Sungjun only liked eastern paintings and hated western paintings. Most of the paintings at his mansion¡¯s hallway were western paintings. He just didn¡¯t like the attitude of insisting on western paintings. ¡°Eastern paintings are quiet and not messy.¡± Sungjun nodded and sat down. Haejin also sat down. Misuk and Hyoyeon, who looked a lot better now, sat with them. From now on, the real reason why Haejin had been called here would be revealed. ¡°Today, Eunhae submitted her resignation. Did you know?¡± ¡°Really? I had no idea.¡± Haejin denied it for now. Sungjun lightly tapped on his armrest. ¡°Hmm¡­ before she stepped down, she did something very troublesome. I thought that was your idea.¡± ¡°What is that?¡± Sungjun stopped talking and looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. However, he wouldn¡¯t be able to find out anything. Haejin had casted an illusion magic on his eyes to hide his nervousness. Sungjun couldn¡¯t read anything on Haejin¡¯s eyes. He continued. ¡°She has leased all the artifacts in the gallery to museums abroad.¡± ¡°That¡¯s serious. Then, what about the museum¡¯s exhibition?¡± Haejin tried to not overreact. ¡°That¡¯s not a big problem. She leased little by little for a long period.¡± ¡°Then, there¡¯s no big problem, right? And, why do you think I gave her that idea?¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± Sungjun asked calmly. Haejin¡¯s heart dropped. The leader of the biggest corporation of Korea was remarkable indeed, his gaze alone was enough to make Haejin feel like being scanned from the bottom to the top. He told himself that he should believe in his magic and be bold. He asked back. ¡°Being so sure that I would know is even stranger. Is there something I do not know?¡± Sungjun thought about it and shook his head. ¡°No. Hmm¡­ if you really haven¡¯t given that advice to Eunhae, could you do me a favor?¡± ¡°A favor?¡± ¡°My wife will exin the details. It¡¯s been a good conversation. I hope to see you sometimes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make an arrangement.¡± Usually, people would try to immediately arrange an appointment or a meeting, but Haejin said that just to be polite. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll wait.¡± He didn¡¯t have to¡­ anyway, Sungjun left after that. His wife, his daughter and Haejin were left in the living room. Misuk made the employees go away and opened her mouth. ¡°As my husband said¡­¡± Haejin interrupted her. ¡°Before that¡­ don¡¯t you have something to tell me?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I think you do have something to tell me.¡± Misuk frowned and spoke in a low voice. ¡°Mr. Park Haejin, do you know where you are now?¡± Haejin had thought she would act like that. However, she shouldn¡¯t have pleaded like that earlier. ¡°Then, would it be okay if I tell Mr. Vice Chairman that the painting is fake?¡± Misuk was shocked. She couldn¡¯t say anything. Hyoyeon then raised her voice. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? You¡¯re saying the painting my dad bought is a fake?¡± ¡°Lower your voice!¡± Misuk stopped her before Haejin could say anything. Then, she red at Haejin. ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s fake?¡± ¡°It is fake¡­ weren¡¯t you pleading me to not tell him? I took it that way.¡± Strictly speaking, Misuk didn¡¯t plead or beg. She rather hoped for Haejin to not realize the truth. On the other hand, Haejin had taken it as pleading. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that.¡± ¡°Then, I can tell your husband, right?¡± Misuk bit her lips, she couldn¡¯t answer. Hyoyeon spoke for her mother. ¡°Would my dad be d to hear that? If he finds out that you have lied to him earlier, he will hate you even more.¡± ¡°You misunderstood. I never said it was really Jang Pangyeo¡¯s painting. I just said it was good.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean the same thing?¡± Hyoyeon stood up in anger, but she couldn¡¯t raise her voice because of her shocked mother. ¡°No. Although it is not Jang Pangyeo¡¯s, it is a good painting. It¡¯s an imitation that was drawn right next to the real one, so it has Jang Pangyeo¡¯s line.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ then there¡¯s no proof that it¡¯s fake?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no signature. If it was Jang Pangyeo¡¯s, why does it have no signature?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ painting without signatures can also be real¡­¡± She started to babble. ¡°Yes, but in Jang Pangyeo¡¯s Qing period, all artists left their signature.¡± ¡°Then, then does it make sense to make a fake and not forge the signature?¡± She even spoke for the frauds. ¡°That happens when the painting wasn¡¯t painted to be sold as paintings. Practicing by imitating is one of the oldest methods of learning painting.¡± Hyoyeon couldn¡¯t say anything more. Misuk dragged her arm to make her sit down, and she admitted it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please do not tell my husband.¡± Just as Haejin had thought. She already knew that it was fake, but she still bought it. There was only one possible reason: she was nning to get some secret funds. ¡°Then, what can I get?¡± ¡°What do you want?¡± Receiving ck money wouldn¡¯t do him any good. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it and tell youter. I can¡¯t think of anything now.¡± ¡°If you want money, I¡¯ll pay you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want money. It¡¯s not like I cannot support myself¡­ where were we earlier? Did you say you want to ask me a favor?¡± Misuk frowned and sighed. ¡°Hu¡­ yes. My daughter is going to manage Saeyeon Gallery from now on, and the first thing she¡¯ll do is a Baroque special exhibition. My husband wants you to help her with it.¡± ¡°Mr. Vice Chairman is very generous. He must have been very offended about the buddha, but he called me again¡­¡± ¡°He likes talented people.¡± Of course not, Sungjun had to be up to something. However, Haejin couldn¡¯t refuse now, so he thought it would be alright to go along with that. ¡°Fine. How can I help?¡± ¡°It¡¯s simple, I want you to help her select artifacts. It used to be Eunhae¡¯s job.¡± ¡°Then, will Ms. Hyoyeon ept everything I say?¡± ¡°She¡¯ll ept what she should, and not what she shouldn¡¯t¡­¡± In short, she wanted Haejin to act like Hyoyeon¡¯s servant. Of course, he waved his hand before she finished talking. ¡°That can¡¯t be. It¡¯s not like I am Ms. Hyoyeon¡¯s employee¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s how all the other consultants work.¡± ¡°Then, hire those consultants instead. It means even if I tell her everything I know, she can still ignore me if she doesn¡¯t like it. I don¡¯t want that.¡± ¡°My daughter should be the leader in this.¡± Misuk said determinedly, she couldn¡¯t back off. That was irritating. Haejin thought about leaving, but he couldn¡¯t just refuse without a reason because of Sungjun, so he changed his mind. ¡°Hmm¡­ fine. What about the contract?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll give you a hundred million won. By officially signing a contract with Saeyeon Gallery.¡± It means they were going to spend the gallery¡¯s money instead of their own. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to make a contract like that. I¡¯ll appraise by receiving a fee for every painting. Will you ept it?¡± Misuk looked astonished. ¡°You do know that there are more than a hundred artifacts to appraise, right?¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t do that, I can appraise the ones that have to be appraised.¡± Would Eunhae be able to select the artifacts that have to be appraised? Chapter 84: Baroque Special Exhibition (1)

Chapter 84: Baroque Special Exhibition (1)

¡°Do you have to be so strict?¡± ¡°I have my job. A hundred million won might look like a big sum of money, but just as you said, I will have to examine more than a hundred artifacts. So, that isn¡¯t worth it, and if I do the all the hard work and my opinion doesn¡¯t even get selected, then I would find no meaning in my work.¡± ¡°The meaning of you working would be the money¡­¡± ¡°I must keep saying that the money isn¡¯t that big. Anyway, I¡¯ve proposed my terms so, if you will ept them, pleasee to my museum. However, as for the paintings you ask me to appraise, I will do my best to appraise them. I promise it upon my honor.¡± Misuk sighed. ¡°Hu¡­ you are stubborn. Okay, we¡¯ll think about it and contact you. And¡­ I hope you won¡¯t speak about what happened today.¡± She was talking about trying to make a secret fund without her husband knowledge and getting busted by Haejin. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not going to. As long as you give me what I wantter.¡± ¡°You dare to¡­ ckmail me? Aren¡¯t you scared? Or you just can¡¯t think?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not ckmailing you, I¡¯m letting you see the reality. I also don¡¯t know what kind of rtionship you have with those art dealers, but you should stop contacting them. They¡¯ve sold fakes to many madams before¡­ if this gets bigger, you will be in trouble.¡± Haejin said that not because he cared about Misuk but to stop any more innocent people getting fooled. ¡°Stop saying presumptuous things and leave.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been my pleasure.¡± Haejin bowed and left the mansion. It felt like he could breathe well again. That mansion was not cozy at all, it rather felt like a prison. He left Pyeongchangdong and went home instead of going to his museum. He had used magic twice. He didn¡¯t want to do anything but to lie down and sleep. He didn¡¯t want to drive. He wanted to call a chauffeur service, but it would have been awkward to do so when he looked so sharp, so he drove himself. As he was driving, his eyelids wanted to cover his eyes. He had to pinch his thigh to resist it. The moment he reached home, he fell asleep without taking a shower. When he woke up, the sun was setting. ¡°Oh, what the¡­¡± He checked his phone. He had gotten more than a dozen calls. Most of them were from Curator Lee Jisu, who managed the museum instead of Haejin. ording to the text she sent after calling, she had called to ask about the next exhibition. The rest of the calls were from Eunhae. She must have called to have dinner with him as she had just quitted her job. She must have been very disappointed, so Haejin called her immediately. She answered just after a couple of beeps. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I wasn¡¯t feeling well. I fell asleep during the day and woke up just now.¡± ¡°Oh, shouldn¡¯t you go to a hospital?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m fine now. Actually, I went to Pyeongchangdong. That drained my energy and I copsed as soon as I got home. Oh¡­¡± ¡°I see, I was getting worried. However, why did my uncle call you?¡± Haejin only said Pyeongchangdong, but Eunhae immediately understood it had been Sungjun. ¡°He had found out about your scheme. He called me and asked if it had been me who had given you that idea.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ how did he find out so fast? She must have told on me as soon as I left! I thought she was better than that¡­¡± She was thinking Curator Jeong Mina was the reason. However, it didn¡¯t matter now. ¡°She probably did that because she had to leave. So, let¡¯s forget about it. That wasn¡¯t even the important part, the real reason he called me was to have me help with the Baroque special exhibition.¡± ¡°He wants you to help Hyoyeon.¡± ¡°Yes. They offered me a hundred million to assist her from the side, so I told them I¡¯ll just appraise per artifacts. They said they had more than a hundred paintings to be appraised, so I said they should give me only those that have to be examined by me.¡± At this, Eunhaeughed out loud. ¡°Hahaha! However, she cannot select those! Even if it were me, it would be hard for me to decide which paintings should be examined by you. Jeong Mina wouldn¡¯t be much of help either. She¡¯s in big trouble. The funny thing is that she probably does not know what kind of trouble she¡¯s in now!¡± ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s even funnier.¡± ¡°Anyway, if you just woke up, you must not have had dinner yet.¡± ¡°Yes, my stomach is growling now.¡± ¡°Haha! Then, take a shower quickly ande. I haven¡¯t canceled the reservation for dinner. It was the right decision to not cancel it. Come quickly, I¡¯m hungry as well.¡± The dinner was normal. They ate steak at a restaurant of Seorae Vige, had tea at a nearby coffee shop and chatted, they then said goodbye after that. In fact, any man would have been excited to have dinner with such a beautiful woman; however, from time to time, the museum and artifacts filled Haejin¡¯s mind instead of Eunhae. So, even during the meal, he just kept thinking about how he should proceed with the construction tomorrow at Iksan. The next day, instead of going to his museum, Haejin went to Iksan. He had been told that the shaman of Yeonhwadang had left without making trouble, he was relieved about not being dyed. He drove with ease. When he arrived at the spot, a barrier had been set, and workers had demolished the walls with big hammers. ¡°Good morning!¡± Haejin got out of his car and greeted them politely. The workers looked at him, their eyes were wide. One of them took a safety helmet and came closer. ¡°Oh, are you the owner? You came faster than we thought. We thought you wouldn¡¯t be here before lunch¡­¡± ¡°The traffic was good. The construction is going fast.¡± ¡°Demolishing a house shouldn¡¯t take long, it will be done soon. The new building will be built ording to the blueprint you sent me, so you don¡¯t have to worry. I¡¯ve built 8 five-story vis in this area.¡± As destroying the building and start digging as if it were a historical site, when nothing hade from there, would be considered strange, Haejin had officially signed a contract with a constructionpany and was building a vi. He was going through all that trouble to get rid of the slightest doubt. He had to look like he didn¡¯t know an artifact woulde out and suddenly won a fortune. ¡°Then please, do your best.¡± Demolishing the two-story house wasn¡¯t that hard. The workers first got rid of the things in the house, went in to smash the inner walls, and hit the house with a huge proim. Then, the house immediately fell. The next step was to get rid of the debris. Demolishing the house and cleaning the debris only took two days. Haejin stayed at Iksan for those two days. When Haejin¡¯s opinion was necessary for the museum¡¯s exhibition, he worked with emails and photos. Hyoyeon also called him in the meantime. She was willing to ept Haejin¡¯s terms. Haejin told her to wait and decided to go back to Seoul after finishing his business at Iksan. It was simple. An artifact had toe out during the groundwork. After that, he would be able to stop the construction and start digging. So, when the groundwork was being started, Haejin was there looking around. He believed it woulde out¡­ ¡°Oh, please. Stop going around here and go get some rest. We¡¯ll do the work. Can¡¯t you trust us?¡± Of course, the workers didn¡¯t like a civilian going around in the construction scene. Haejin couldn¡¯t tell them the truth, so he made excuses and stayed. ¡°Khmm¡­ the ground is important for the building. Just think of it as me not being here.¡± ¡°How can we think you¡¯re not here when you can get hit by an iron beam and die?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m wearing this safety helmet. So please, don¡¯t care about me and do your job.¡± They kept talking like that while Haejin scanned the ground. Then, he spotted something. ¡°Wait! What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Stop the work now!¡± Haejin ran past the worker who asked back bluntly and jumped down into the hole that had been dug deeper than a meter. Then, he stroked something that was sticking out of the ground to clean the dirt. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Wait. Is there something there?¡± The workers came in with curiosity. Haejin dug with his bare hands. Then, he yelled. He couldn¡¯t hide his excitement. ¡°Stop working and go back! No more working today!¡± The workers frowned and talked among themselves. ¡°What? Why is he doing that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s probably about that ck thing.¡± ¡°Then, this construction is over? Huh¡­¡± They would be losing one work if the construction gets stopped, so of course, they didn¡¯t like it. That¡¯s too bad, but this building wasn¡¯t supposed to be demolished in the first ce. Haejin had had it destroyed on purpose, so he had made and given work that wasn¡¯t supposed to exist. Haejin paid the workers well and sent them back. Then, he set the CCTVs at the scene and blocked it with a fence. He knew the odds were in his favor. He carefully wrapped what he had excavated with vinyl and went to Seoul. As it had been buried underground for such a long time, it had to go through the restoration process to recover its true self, but the smile on Haejin¡¯s lips couldn¡¯t disappear. It was clearly the incense burner he had seen through magic. If the restoration finishes without a problem, Korea will get another national treasure. He arrived at his museum in delight. Hyoyeon was already waiting for him at his office. She said there was no time and they had to start immediately. At this, Haejin finished what he had to take care of in a sh and gave the incense burner to Jisu, instructing her to prepare personnel and equipment needed for the restoration. Haejin followed Hyoyeon and went to Saeyeon Gallery. They went into Eunhae¡¯s former office. It was upied by a different person now. It felt slightly weird to go in there and sit on the sofa that was still there. Hyoyeon put down the dozens of photos in front of him and quickly picked up some of them. ¡°These are the paintings we are considering, and these are what you should appraise.¡± Appraisal for a special exhibition had to be done with photos instead of actual paintings. Bringing paintings cost a lot. Because of that, they agreed on a fee of 0.5% per painting instead of 1%. ¡°I should examine only these paintings?¡± Hyoyeon offered him only three photos. Was that self-pride? Or recklessness? Her parents got her an appraiser for her first exhibition, and she was saying he needed to examine only three paintings¡­ Haejin couldn¡¯t see why. He was confused. Then, the door opened and a woman in her mid-30s came in. She was about 170cm tall and thin. She was wearing a two-piece suit. She lightly bowed her head to Hyoyoen and sat opposite to Haejin. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Elissa Kim, personal curator of Director Lim Hyoyeon and Art Expert.¡± She was speaking Korean, but her ent was awkward. She was probably from abroad. However, the term art expert was interesting. That meant she was an expert who could determine both an artifact¡¯s authenticity and its price. She looked young, so Haejin doubted that she was really that good. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Park Haejin. I guess you¡¯re the one who selected these three paintings?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She smiled and nodded. However, Haejin had to resist hisughter. One of the photos, which she didn¡¯t pick, caught his eyes. Chapter 85: Baroque Special Exhibition (2)

Chapter 85: Baroque Special Exhibition (2)

¡°Then, all I have to do is to appraise these three paintings. Will I then get my fee immediately?¡± Hyoyeon nodded and looked at Elissa Kim. ¡°Of course, Elissa will take care of everything else. Oh, you must not know much about her. She is a great appraiser, good enough to be a member of the Chicago Appraisers Association.¡± Chicago Appraisers Association was famous for appraising by using high-definition digital images and math forms. Haejin frankly didn¡¯t know what kind of logic and method it was, but he thought it was so famous because it made sense and was effective. However, the woman in front of him hadn¡¯t mastered all the appraisal methods of the association. Haejin kept looking at another painting, aside from the ones she had selected. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s impressive. Then, we¡¯ll see each other often in the future.¡± Elissa Kim brightly smiled and answered, ¡°I¡¯ve already heard that you run an art museum with Picasso¡¯s painting. You run a museum and appraise at the same time¡­ that¡¯s amazing.¡± However, her tone was slightly strange. She stared into Haejin¡¯s eyes as if she wanted a match. ¡°I just got lucky.¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to your conclusion very much.¡± She crossed her arms. She looked like a teacher waiting for a student to answer her question. Haejin could understand herpetitive spirit. She must have received an elite appraisal education, probably at Rhode Ind School of Design or NYU, and she was also a member of the Chicago Appraisers Association, so she must have great pride. However, the first job she got in Korea was to select before someone else made the final selection, so that pride had been hurt. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to look forward to. Two out of the three paintings are fake. As for Ruben¡¯s, it even had a craquelure, so there¡¯s no need to examine them more¡­ and I¡¯ve seen this Rembrandt¡¯s painting just a while ago.¡± One of the three photos Elissa showed her was the one that had been revealed as fake at a private auction in the States. The one Tom Keating hid the bomb¡­ This photo had been taken before the painting waspletely ruined. However, how did she find out that the painting was fake? At the time, even Haejin was confused and had to use magic to be sure. It had great quality¡­ Or did she know the painting had been ruined and was showing an old photo of it on purpose? ¡°You¡¯ve seen this? No, how did you know this was fake?¡± Elissa Kim was even more surprised than Haejin. Her eyes widened. She left the sofa and leaned forward. ¡°Why don¡¯t you talk first? About the reason why you showed me this as one of three paintings?¡± Elissa hesitated and sat back on the sofa. ¡°One of our members informed me. That it is fake.¡± It turned out she didn¡¯t know why it was fake. Haejin smiled. She asked again, ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn to answer. How did you know this is fake?¡± Haejin stood up and replied. ¡°That¡¯s a secret. However, I¡¯ll tell you that it has been revealed as fake at Anton Baret Auction. Originally, I should receive my fee for all three paintings, but as Ms. Elissa must have appraised while she selected, I¡¯ll get the payment for only one fake. I¡¯ll send you my ount number.¡± Hyoyeon slightly frowned. ¡°You¡¯re going to leave like this?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to receive the fee for Rembrandt¡¯s painting because Hyoyeon and Elissa also knew it was fake. It meant, unlike her parents, Hyoyeon was not going to trust and rely on Haejin. She tried to test him, spending money when it wasn¡¯t needed. She wanted Haejin to make a mistake. Probably, she didn¡¯t like what happened with the gilt bronze buddha and how Haejin had behaved in front of her mother. ¡°There¡¯s nothing for me to do here. Anyway, I hope the special exhibition goes well.¡± Haejin left the gallery while Elissa Kim ran after him. ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± Haejin looked back. She offered her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s have a fair fight, just us young people.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t going to fight¡­ but he couldn¡¯t say ¡®not interested¡¯ and leave, so he took her hand. ¡°Oh, okay. But what kind of fight are you talking about?¡± She covered her mouth andughed. ¡°Ha! You¡¯re pretending to be ignorant? You have ambitions. Fine, I¡¯ll go along with it. Honestly, this field is full of old men, and I¡¯m saying us young people should have a fair fight. Oh, and for your information, I never lose when I pick something as mine.¡± She winked and turned back. Her long hair touched Haejin¡¯s nose. He could smell her shampoo, but it didn¡¯t make his heart flutter. He rather thought it was ridiculous. ¡°That¡¯s a strange personality. Although she is not good enough.¡± Actually, she was a good appraiser for her age. Haejin had received education about art from his early days and had knowledge far greater than that of his superiors, but Elissa must have gone through all the formal education before going to university to learn appraisal. So, it hadn¡¯t been more than 15 years since she started learning, but she could select among more than a hundred of paintings only with photos. Although she wasn¡¯t 100% urate, it was impressive. The problem was that she was thinking of Haejin as her rival. Haejin called Eunhae as he walked. He nned to do what Sungjun and his wife wanted, but Hyoyeon refused him. So, there was no problem. He was going to give Eunhae a gift, who was praying for the Baroque exhibition to be ruined. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me, Haejin. I just finished helping Ms. Hyoyeon with her Baroque exhibition.¡± ¡°How did it go? I¡¯m sure she couldn¡¯t choose the right ones.¡± Judging from her excited voice, she had been praying earnestly. ¡°Ms. Hyoyoeon didn¡¯t work with the employees. She brought someone new from outside, Elissa Kim. I think she is a Korean American. She was helping.¡± ¡°Elissa Kim¡­ I¡¯ve never heard of her.¡± ¡°She said she is a member of the Chicago Appraisers Association.¡± ¡°Then she must be pretty good.¡± ¡°Yes. Anyway, I think one of Johannes Vermeer¡¯s paintings is going to be a problem.¡± ¡°Vermeer¡¯s paintings?¡± Vermeer didn¡¯t leave many paintings. So, all the known genuine paintings from him were known quite well. It meant making a fake of Vermeer¡¯s painting wasn¡¯t easy. ¡°Yes. Because of the appraiser¡¯s conscience, I¡¯ll stop there. The rest is up to you¡­ you know what I mean?¡± ¡°Ah! But please give me one more hint. I need to know what the appraiser I¡¯ll bring should look at.¡± If Haejin shows up at the exhibition and pointed a w, he would be officially dering war with Hwajin. So, Eunhae would have to take care of it on her own. She really wanted to ruin that exhibition and didn¡¯t want to miss that chance. ¡°Concentrate on the background. There must be something strange.¡± As soon as she heard that, she realized something and raised her voice. ¡°Is it Tom Keating again?¡± ¡°Probably.¡± ¡°Then, will there be a bomb hidden in the painting?¡± Her voice had some hope¡­ she was imagining the scene of the paint melting down at the exhibition. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know. Even if there is, you¡¯re not going to pour water on that painting, right?¡± Haejin doubted that, but that could happen. Being kicked out of where you thought you would work for the rest of your life was hard enough, and Eunhae had lost her inheritance at the same time. ¡°Maybe.¡± She didn¡¯t say no. Although she pretended to be fine, she was enraged. ¡°Well, I know you¡¯ll do well, but don¡¯t cross the line. Then I should go, I¡¯m too busy¡­¡± ¡°Okay, thank you. Next time, I¡¯ll buy you a meal and a drink.¡± Haejin hung up and returned to his museum. However, there was someone waiting for him at his office. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Section Chief Seo Byeongsu, Seoul City¡¯s Artifact Management Team.¡± He was in his early 40s. Haejin thought he looked like a public official. ck horn-rimmed sses, tired face, and somewhat bored eyes. Looking at his face, Haejin felt the necessity to let him finish his business as soon as possible. ¡°Oh, yes. How can I help you?¡± ¡°The mayor had heard about the exhibition you are preparing now.¡± Promotion pamphlets had been sent to the city hall and vige offices. So strictly speaking, the mayor had seen and heard about it. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes. He was also particrly impressed by the Goguryeo gilt bronze buddha statue. He has asked me to find out if it can be a national treasure.¡± An artifact can be a national treasure in two ways. First, the mayor or governor can ask for it to the Ministry of Culture¡¯s minister (Artifact Committee must agree on itter.) Second, when a new artifact is found, the minister can have it researched to make it a national treasure. In short, the artifact¡¯s owner or owners cannot make it happen on their own. ¡°Haha! Of course. Please, sit here.¡± In conclusion, to Haejin, the owner of the museum, he was the most weed guest. If he talks to the mayor well, the buddha statue can be a national treasure in no time. ¡°As the mayor is very interested, we should quickly make it a treasure. It can be a national treasure only after that.¡± As the mayor had an electioning up next year, he weed the existence of such museums that brought more tourists. It¡¯s not like he would have to spend tax money on it, so he was clearly trying to back up like this and draw attention. Regardless of his intentions, it was good for Haejin. ¡°Thank you. If you need anything, please contact me at any time. I¡¯ll do my best to help you.¡± ¡°Then, I¡¯ll take some photos. I¡¯ll visit againter with the Artifact Committee¡¯s members. Would that be fine?¡± ¡°Of course. As long as you make an appointment, you are always wee.¡± Now, Haejin had one more thing to promote the exhibition with. Exhibiting an artifact that was about to be a national treasure was better than talking about artifacts leaving an impression on people¡¯s mind. After a few days, the members of the Artifact Committee came to talk about the buddha again. ording to what Byeongsu told him, it would easily be a national treasure. Pleasant news kepting for about two weeks. One day before the start of Park Haejin Art Museum¡¯s first special exhibition, Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s Baroque special exhibition started. Haevici Gallery¡¯s Salvador Dali special exhibition also opened on the same day. Haejin checked news articles about Saeyeon Gallery and wondered how Eunhae was doing. Then, someone came to see him. ¡°Sir, you have visitors.¡± ¡°Let them in.¡± The person who came in was Elissa Kim. She walked in with elegant legs and dropped something on Haejin¡¯s desk. It was an invitation to the Baroque special exhibition. ¡°Why are you giving me this?¡± ¡°Ms. Hyoyeon sent it. She wants you to see how Saeyeon Gallery changes with your own eyes.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin was going to hear what happenedter, but it looked like he was going to watch the whole drama unfold at the scene. Chapter 86: Baroque Special Exhibition (3)

Chapter 86: Baroque Special Exhibition (3)

¡°Why? You don¡¯t look that happy about it.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. But I¡¯m busy now¡­ if you told me in advance, I would have made some time.¡± Honestly, Haejin didn¡¯t want to go. Meeting someone from Hwajin would be ufortable, and he didn¡¯t want to see Eunhae and Hyoyeon fight. However, Hwajin wasn¡¯t going to let Haejin miss the event of its vice chairman¡¯s precious daughter. ¡°Ms. Hyoyeon¡¯s parents wish you to be there.¡± ¡°Me? Why? I don¡¯t know if you know this, but Mr. Vice Chairman and I are not exactly on good terms¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it.¡± Haejin could guess who had told her. ¡°You know it, and they ordered you to bring me?¡± ¡°You are the hottest person in this country right now. Oh, in the art world, of course.¡± ¡°I know. You don¡¯t have to emphasize that¡­¡± Picasso¡¯s painting turned Haejin into a celebrity of the art world. He had done dozens of interviews with magazines after opening his museum, and people in broadcast stations hade more than five times. It was also from different stations: news, documentary andedy shows (paintings only). So, although there were people who didn¡¯t know Haejin¡¯s face, everyone knew his museum. ¡°Haha! Anyway, they think your presence will be enough to make the exhibition meaningful.¡± ¡°Then, why didn¡¯t you call me earlier?¡± Elissa frowned. ¡°Hmm¡­ do you know how little sleep I have had since I came to Korea? I never got to sleep more than three hours a day. Honestly, I had to resist the urge to go home and get some sleep. I walked all the way here instead. Are you going to make me go on and on? I¡¯m wearing heels. My legs hurt.¡± She got angry as she spoke. Her voice rose and ended in a shriek. ¡°Okay. Leave the invitation here.¡± ¡°When are you going toe?¡± ¡°About the day after tomorrow?¡± Haejin wanted to visit quietly after the trace of the war was gone, but Elissa didn¡¯t let him. ¡°No, I asked when are you going toe today. It only means something if youe today when all the VIPs are there. Why would we call such a busy person whenmonerse with their toddlers?¡± That made sense. Haejin couldn¡¯t argue. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. Then let¡¯s go now.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re fast to act.¡± Haejin thought Eunhae wouldn¡¯te on the first day¡¯s morning. If he went as fast as possible, show his face, ande back, he might be able to not meet Eunhae. But sadly, when he arrived at Saeyeon Gallery with Elissa Kim, he saw Eunhae smiling brightly like a white lily. She was talking with a foreigner with bright blond hair at the entrance. She spotted Haejin, smiled, and turned back. She thought acknowledging him could be a problemter. There were not many people inside, but they all looked rich. The clothes they were wearing and their attitude of watching the paintings were quite serious. It was probably because only VIPs had been invited. Elissa took Haejin to Misuk and Hyoyeon who were greeting guests in the deepest part of the gallery. ¡°Wee.¡± Misuk smiled to see Haejin. She was trying for a generous smile but, for some reason, it made Haejin feel bad. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would invite me but thank you anyway. I¡¯ll enjoy looking around.¡± ¡°Do it. Oh, and there will be an interview a whileter.¡± ¡°An interview?¡± She had arranged an interview without Haejin knowing, and she spoke as if it was nothing. ¡°Hanseung Newspaper will interview you about the future of the art world. We¡¯ve prepared makeup, so you don¡¯t have to worry. You just have to take a few photos, so it won¡¯t be that hard. Please take care of my child. Oh, he¡¯s here.¡± It wasn¡¯t a magazine interview. It was a newspaperpany that even had its own TV channel. At least it wasn¡¯t a TV interview. Misuk looked behind Haejin and waved her hand. Haejin quickly looked back. A man in his mid-30s came fast, bowing deeply. ¡°Hello.¡± The reporter spoke politely as if he was addressing a queen. ¡°Reporter Oh, you came early.¡± ¡°How can I bete to Director Lim Hyoyeon¡¯s first special exhibition? I went in through the entrance, and I was shocked by Caravaggio¡¯s painting. How did you bring Boy with a Basket of Fruit that should be in the Galleria Borghese of Rome¡­ I even thought it could be a fake for a second!¡± He tilted back and exaggerated. However, it wasn¡¯t awkward, so he was probably always like that. ¡°That would be a huge problem.¡± ¡°Right? But how did you bring such paintings?¡± ¡°My child has many friends. Director Roberto of Galleria Borghese is very fond of her.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it. Director Lim Hyoyeon made many Italian friends when she studied in Switzend as a child¡­ was it those connections?¡± ¡°Haha, yes. You have such a good memory. This is why I like smart people. When talking to stupid people, I have to repeat things I¡¯ve already said. I hate that.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Thank you. Anyway, you informed me even before the interview¡­ I don¡¯t know how to thank you.¡± They had called a reporter to brag about themselves, and the reporter was thanking them. It was so ridiculous that Haejin almostughed out loud. Misuk introduced Haejin to Reporter Oh muchter. ¡°This is Director Park Haejin of Park Haejin Art Museum. You know him, right?¡± Oh overacted again as he asked for a handshake. ¡°You are so handsome. I¡¯ve heard all about you. It¡¯s an honor to meet you. I¡¯m Reporter Oh Seongtae of Hanseung Newspaper. I¡¯ve heard from Hwajin and picked a few questions. I hope you like them.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Park Haejin. I just heard about the interview.¡± Seongtae realized what Haejin was implying. He nced at Misuk, but Misuk didn¡¯t even blink an eye as if it was nothing. Seongtae saw that and smiled again. ¡°Haha, an interview must be done instantly like this to have the tension and get a fresh story. People like that more these days.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to hear more nonsense. ¡°So, when are we going to start?¡± Seongtae smiled awkwardly and nced at Misuk again. ¡°How about now?¡± Misuk answered instead, ¡°Director Park just arrived and isn¡¯t ready yet. I¡¯ve prepared a makeup artist, so how about doing it together with Hyoyeon after preparing?¡± ¡°It would be good.¡± They proceeded on their own before Haejin said anything. ¡°You know we will choose the photos, right?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Of course, then shall we go?¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t have to be dragged along, but he followed. It was because of Eunhae who was shining her eyes in front of Vermeer¡¯s paintings. She moved on as if she had found nothing on the painting, but a foreigner woman in her 40s stood there and stared at the painting. The moment Haejin, Hyoyeon, and Seongtae passed by her, she called the curator. Of course, Hyoyeon stopped at this. Haejin and Seongtae also stopped. Haejin looked around. Eunhae was looking at another painting as if she had heard nothing. She was quite good at pulling a scheme. ¡°What is it?¡± Elissa Kim came to her instead. The woman pointed at the Vermeer¡¯s painting. ¡°This painting is strange. The que says it is owned by an individual. Is this real?¡± She spoke in English, but there was not a single person in that room who didn¡¯t speak English. Hyoyeon understood that and looked at Elissa. She was asking what she was talking about. Seongtae casually took out his notebook and started to write something. ¡°This painting has been appraised by me, a member of the Chicago Appraisers Association. There¡¯s nothing wrong with it.¡± Elissa exined calmly, but the woman smiled and pointed at the painting. ¡°Can you see this part?¡± The Vermeer¡¯s painting showed a woman wearing a white turban on her head while doing some needlework. The white woman was pointing at the painting depicted behind the woman in the painting. It was a painting inside a painting. It was the painting of Jesus nailed on a cross. It clearly had a religious meaning. Baroque paintings have a lot of religious meaning since, at the beginning of the 16 th century, the Roman Catholic Church chose art as a mean to deepen the faith in the church and its dogma to oppose the Reformation. Because of that, Baroque paintings were basically sensational and spiritual at the same time. They made religious images easily understandable with a naturalistic style and arouse the faith with dramatic effects that stressed emotions. Vermeer¡¯s paintings were like that, too. Most of them were about religion and faith. This painting also described that. ¡°What is there?¡± Elissa frowned and went closer to the painting. The woman smiled and spoke. ¡°Look at the foot of the nailed Jesus. Isn¡¯t it strange? It¡¯s tilted in an angle that is impossible in that posture.¡± ¡°Huh? It¡¯s, it¡¯s¡­¡± Elissa thought something was wrong only then. She stammered. Hyoyeon dragged her arm and spoke instead. ¡°Who are you? Why are you causing trouble here? Have you been invited?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I am Hailey Robert. I belong to the International Revenue Service/IRS Art Advisory Panel. My boss got the invitation, but he told me toe instead. Here it is.¡± Hailey took out the invitation from her bag. Hyoyeon turned pale. The International Revenue Service/IRS Art Advisory Panel consisted of 25 experts and, although they were volunteers who didn¡¯t get paid, they have great skills and influence. Hyoyeon looked around. She snatched Seongtae¡¯s notebook and threatened him. ¡°Today¡¯s interview is over. Don¡¯t even think about writing anything and leave quietly. Nothing happened here today. Okay?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± Seongtae turned back and left without thinking of getting his notebook back, but there was someone there who Hyoyeon hadn¡¯t thought of. ¡°Oh, what¡¯s going on? There¡¯s a fake in this exhibition?¡± Everyone looked in direction of the voice. There was a politician of the opposition party who Haejin had seen on TV a few times, smiling with his arms behind him. It was Jo Haejun, representative of the Gukmin Party. He was the nemesis of Hwajin which was the pro-ruling party corporation. At his arrival, Hyoyeon¡¯s face turned dead white. Chapter 87: Baroque Special Exhibition (4)

Chapter 87: Baroque Special Exhibition (4)

¡°Oh, sir! I didn¡¯t know you were here¡­¡± Misuk realized what was going on and showed up. She blocked Jo Haejun¡¯s way, but he just smiled and moved aside. He was in histe 50s. He had been elected five times in Gangbuk. Even Haejin, who didn¡¯t know much about politics, knew him. ¡°I should just watch paintings when I am in a gallery. There¡¯s no reason to go around and say hello. Anyway, thank you very much for sending me an invitation.¡± He slyly smiled and Misuk¡¯s eyes shook slightly. Most people wouldn¡¯t dare to act like this, but even Sungjun couldn¡¯t treat the representative of the opposite party rudely. ¡°You didn¡¯test year¡­ if you had told us in advance, we would have made preparations so that you could watch morefortably.¡± ¡°Oh, for some reason, I wanted toe today. There has been a lot of hard work recently, so I came to cool my head. I didn¡¯t know I would get to witness such a thing.¡± Then, the determined Elissa interrupted. ¡°There must be a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°A misunderstanding?¡± Misuk and Hyoyeon couldn¡¯t hide that they were nervous. They all looked at Elissa. She looked around and opened her mouth, her lips were dry. Haejin couldn¡¯t even imagine how nervous she was in that moment. ¡°Even if the painting in this painting is a little awkward, it cannot be the proof that this painting is fake.¡± That was the right argument. The problem was that her opponent was also good. Hailey nodded as if she agreed to Elissa. ¡°I admit that. Normally, it would not be enough to call this painting a fake. However, we must consider that this is Vermeer¡¯s painting. Look here. He described Jesus as delicately as this nobledy. Thin arms, muscles, and sick-looking face. All are depicted with extreme care. He, however, tilted Jesus¡¯ ankle? I doubt that. Vermeer was a very pious man. If it were another artist, I would think it is simply a mistake, but as it is Vermeer¡¯s, I think it is different.¡± Hailey spoke with logic. Everyone looked at Elissa again. To beat Hailey, she couldn¡¯t get along with her talking about Vermeer. Hailey¡¯s logic was circumstantial, after all. However, Elissa Kim couldn¡¯t ovee the pressure of the situation. ¡°No matter how pious he was, I cannot believe that he would never make mistakes. He was also not educated in art for a long time. Of course, he can make this kind of mistake.¡± Oh¡­ Elissa was so nervous that she made a fatal mistake. Hailey smiled. ¡°Are you saying that Johannes Vermeer was an amateur? Vermeer, the pride of the Nethends? I¡¯m very surprised to hear a member of the Chicago Appraisers Association speak of Vermeer like that. Is that the Association¡¯s official opinion?¡± Even the boldest person would get anxious when pressed like this. ¡°No, no. I¡¯m just saying that normally¡­¡± Hailey cut her short and gave herst punch. ¡°Enough with useless excuses. You do know that hiding traps in paintings like this is a method from Tom Keating, the famous forger?¡± ¡°You¡¯re thinking that he did something with this painting. However, you must know that Tom Keating didn¡¯t hide bombs in all the paintings.¡± ¡°Are you suggesting a test? We will get our answer if we pour water on it.¡± ¡°If it isn¡¯t, can you handle the consequences?¡± Elissa courageously spoke, but she didn¡¯t know how things were going exactly. The reason came from behind her. ¡°What are you talking about? Are you going to pour water on it now?¡± Hyoyeon yelled. Elissa realized her mistakes only then. She quickly waved her hands and made excuses, but it was toote. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡± Misuk spoke instead. ¡°No, stop. I¡¯m sorry. It appears that there has been a mistake. So please stop today. We¡¯ll find out what has happened and if there¡¯s a problem, we¡¯ll take care of it ording to the protocol.¡± That was the standard answer. It meant Hailey should not talk about it anymore. In a way, Misuk was surrendering. Elissa looked at her. She thought they couldn¡¯t lose like that, but Misuk ignored her. She didn¡¯t have a choice. If Tom Keating¡¯s fake performance happened there, Hwajin¡¯s reputation would drop to the ground and the whole world would find out about it. ¡°It¡¯s a shame, but it does happen sometimes. I hope you take care of this wisely. It¡¯s a good thing that I came instead of my boss.¡± Hailey bowed her head politely at Misuk and left. She had done what she came for, so she had no reason to linger behind. As Haejin saw her leave, he suddenly wondered how Eunhae had made the International Revenue Service/IRS Art Advisory Panel speak for her. She had to at least know that Hyoyeon would send them an invitation¡­ Haejin also wondered how Tom Keating¡¯s painting had gotten here. He quietly went there and casted magic. As everyone was shocked and was studying Hyoyeon and Misuk, no one found Haejin¡¯s action strange. However, the moment Haejin used magic, he couldn¡¯t help but look at Misuk. The moment their eyes met, Haejun broke the silence with a yful voice. ¡°Oh, Jeongcheol, take a photo of this.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± His secretary took photos of Haejun and the painting with his phone. ¡°Senator Jo, you cannot do this.¡± That happened too quickly, so Misuk tried to stop him. However, Haejun had taken enough photos. He stepped away with his sly smile. ¡°Thank you for letting me enjoy good paintings today. But you will have some exnations to do about how you have brought this painting. There are rumors about expensive paintings being secretly traded among wealthy people to be used as secret funds.¡± ¡°That didn¡¯t happen.¡± ¡°We shall see after the investigation. It says it is owned by this individual¡­ I wonder how much you paid to bring it here. And, how much of that money went to the painting¡¯s owner.¡± He turned back and left before Misuk could say anything. Misuk red at him and turned to Elissa. She pped her cheek with all her might. p! Even Haejin was surprised and took a step back. ¡°How dare you make my daughter aughingstock?¡± Elissa stumbled, covering her cheek. She was too surprised and shocked to say anything. Her red face and shaking eyes showed it. ¡°What are you looking at? Aren¡¯t you here to watch paintings?¡± Misuk looked around and yelled. Then the people, who had gathered around, dispersed. But, of course, they did their best to listen. Haejin, who had gotten away from Misuk, was also listening. Misuk turned back to Elissa and cursed at her. ¡°This is why I shouldn¡¯t trust people who studied abroad. You don¡¯t know a thing about paintings and what? Chicago Appraisers Association? How did you get in there? Did you sleep with someone?¡± Even though people were away, most of them could still hear it. Nevertheless, she insulted Elissa in public like that. She had a problematic personality. As Haejin had found out how the painting had gotten here, he just couldn¡¯t stand Misuk¡¯s wretched behavior anymore. Misuk, Hyoyeon, and Elissa had all known that the painting was fake. However, she was ming Elissa for everything. So shameless¡­ ¡°No, no.¡± ¡°Huh! Of course¡­¡± Misuk red at Elissa and turned around to leave. Then, Hyoyeon yelled at Mina, who was standing next to her in fear. ¡°Hey, what are you doing? Put that down!¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± ¡°There are only fools here¡­ ugh!¡± After Misuk and Hyoyeon left, the gallery was cold. It was because of the staff who cleaned up the mess. They all looked sad as if they had lost their country. Eunhae showed up from somewhere, patted their shoulders, and left. Haejin saw her eyes as she went past him. Unlike before, they were full of anger. And seeing that, Haejin thought of a good way to make those mother and daughter pay. Leaving after Eunhae would arouse suspicion. Haejin slowly looked at the paintings and left about an hourter. There was someone waiting for him. ¡°Are you done here, sir?¡± The man worked at Haevici Gallery. Haejin wasn¡¯t that close to Haevici Gallery, but Yaerin had asked him toe. Going to Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s exhibition only and missing Haevici Gallery¡¯s exhibition could be a problem, so he couldn¡¯t refuse to go. ¡°Yes. You didn¡¯t have to wait¡­¡± ¡°No. Ms. Yaerin told me to wait for you and bring you there.¡± Haejin wanted to ask Eunhae how she had brought Hailey Robert, but it looked like he had to postpone it. When he arrived at Haevici Gallery, there was a special opening event for the VIPs going on, just like Saeyeon Gallery. There were some people Haejin had seen at Saeyeon Gallery earlier. Yaerin, who was wearing a neat ck two-piece suit, saw Haejin and came to him. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. But I was only 10 minuteste.¡± ¡°Only my family makes me wait 10 minutes.¡± If it had been someone else, Haejin would have thought it was crazy but, as it was Yaerin, it didn¡¯t feel weird. ¡°Really? That can happen in life.¡± She pouted, and then covered her mouth tough. ¡°I heard Saeyeon Gallery has been humiliated. Oh, I should have been there¡­¡± ¡°You still care about it, even though Ms. Eunhae is no longer its director?¡± ¡°Oh, it doesn¡¯t have a thing to do with that. It¡¯s a matter between Hwajin and Yuseong. My aunt was so delighted when she just told me about it¡­ she¡¯s even happier than me. And, you do know how things are between me and Eunhae.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, wee. Come, I have someone for you to meet.¡± Yaerin dragged Haejin into the deeper part of the room. ¡°Here. Say hello. This is Oh Hyaeju of Osung Foods, my friend.¡± There was a woman in her mid-20s waiting for them. She looked shy as her face was red. Haejin wondered if this was some kind of blind date, but he thought Yaerin would not have dragged him there for that. ¡°Yes, hello. I¡¯m Park Haejin.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Oh Hyaeju. I¡¯ve seen you before, actually.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°Yes. Your museum is so famous that I had to go. I just saw you from afar then, but we¡¯re meeting properly today.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t have anything to say, so he answered shortly. Hyaeju hesitated and continued. ¡°Actually, I asked Yaerin here to help me meet you.¡± Chapter 88: Meaning of the Dokkaebi Sculpture (1)

Chapter 88: Meaning of the Dokkaebi Sculpture (1)

¡°Me? Do you have an artifact that needs to be appraised?¡± ¡°No. I asked because¡­ there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you.¡± ¡°You want to have a discussion instead of appraisal?¡± ¡°Actually, I¡¯m about to get married and want to give a gift to my inws. I¡¯ve prepared everything necessary for marriage¡­ but I want to give a special gift.¡± ¡°You should ask that to someone else¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why she was asking him for such a favor. Yaerin then exined, ¡°Actually, her future inws are in the legal profession. However, her fianc¨¦¡¯s parents aren¡¯t that fond of her. That family is so aloof¡­ you would think that it has produced ministers for centuries.¡± Yaerin criticized them as if she didn¡¯t like it, but Hyaeju stopped her. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ well, anyway, we found out that her inws like antiques very much. I¡¯ve suggested a few things, but I thought you might be able to give us a better opinion.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t done anything like that before. So, he wondered if his advice would be helpful. Yaerin then continued, ¡°If you help, Osung Foods will pay you well for your help.¡± Haejin had no reason to refuse when they promised to pay well. ¡°Then, let¡¯s hear about your inws first.¡± They went into a small staff lounge inside the museum. As the staff was working hard at the moment, no one woulde in there. ¡°But, you have a friend?¡± They sat around a small table while Haejin asked the question. Yaerin then raised her eyebrows. ¡°You thought I¡¯m a loner without friends?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve only seen you alone so¡­ wild¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s because of the history between me and Eunhae. I¡¯m not a mad dog. I don¡¯t bite everyone around me.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ anyway, shall we hear our story?¡± Hyaeju bit her lips and hesitated. It took her a while to talk. ¡°My fianc¨¦ and I met while traveling. Because of that, my parents didn¡¯t really like him. You know, they were worried that he might have approached me for the money¡­¡± ¡°Yes. As parents, they can be worried.¡± ¡°But, as he graduated from aw school and has a good reputation in legal circles, they gave us their permission eventually. I thought we could get married without any problems after that, but I found outter¡­ that my fianc¨¦¡¯s family doesn¡¯t really like me¡­ they never expressed it, so I didn¡¯t know, but I found out when I met my future mother-inw. She has prejudices about children who grew up in very affordable families.¡± She spoke of her family as very affordable when it was one of the richest families in the country. It made Haejin smile. Her reserved tone of talking and her expression showed that she had received a good education, but she had an arrogance that resembled Yaerin¡¯s. She was kind of a mix between Eunhae and Yaerin. ¡°So, you want to change their mind with a gift?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hyaeju nodded with a slightly gloomy face. Yaerin talked again bluntly, ¡°You are so blind¡­ you bought the car, bought everything to fill your new home, gifts for your inws, and you even paid half the price of the house. Why are you still groveling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not groveling, I just want my inws to like me. It is all for my fianc¨¦.¡± ¡°What a devoted wife.¡± Yaerin shook her head and clucked her tongue, but she didn¡¯t say anything more. ¡°Umm¡­ what I want to know is not how you got engaged but the mood and situation of your inws.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t interested in other¡¯s love stories. Especially when he was alone¡­ ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. My father-inw used to be a judge, but he retired. The corporations are trying to scout him as awyer, but he is refusing.¡± ¡°He is a great man.¡± Yaerin flinched at this. She wanted to talk about it from the perspective of the corporations, but she restrained herself to not make things awkward. (In Korea, former judges and prosecutors are often hired bypanies since they are the seniors of the current judges and prosecutors, they have a strong influence over their juniors and can make them make decisions in favor of thepanies.) ¡°Yes, he is.¡± Whether she was just saying that or really thought so, there was no way to know. ¡°And, my mother-inw is the typical housewife. My father-inw is even more interested in antiques, so I think we should concentrate on him.¡± ¡°Brothers and sisters?¡± ¡°There¡¯s one younger brother who¡¯s trying to get a job. He¡¯s been trying to find a job for about a year, so I offered him to join ourpany, but his father strongly objected.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ what does your father-inw like? There are many types, like porcins, sculptures, western paintings, and eastern paintings, so it would be better to pick one.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure, but there are a few eastern paintings in his house and a few white porcins. Oh, I also saw an inkstone. If he likes liquor, I¡¯ll get a bottle of good liquor and present it, but he has stopped drinking¡­¡± ¡°I think I know his tastes. Then, shall we have a tour of Insadong?¡± Although cheap fakes for tourists filled the main streets of Insadong, in smaller alleys, you can see various artifacts worth tens of millions to hundreds of millions and buy them. The downside is that the buyer has to discern whether the artifact is real as even experts sometimes make mistakes, carefully examining doesn¡¯t always give the answer. ¡°Before that, take a look at ours, first. My aunt would scold me if she finds out that I let a guest just leave.¡± ¡°Okay, there are many good things here and they can be trusted, so all the better for me.¡± Artifacts in the Haevici Gallery had to be expensive, but Hyaeju smiled and agreed. ¡°You¡¯re not talking about the paintings on sale out there, right?¡± Haejin asked out of curiosity. Yaerin smiled and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to buy a Salvador Dali. The cheapest painting on sale today is 700 million.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then we¡¯re going to the artifact storage?¡± ¡°Originally, I shouldn¡¯t let others in there, but I¡¯m letting you in because you¡¯ve been hired as Hyaeju¡¯s consultant for a day.¡± ¡°You two must be close.¡± ¡°She¡¯s also close to Eunhae. Although there¡¯s bad blood between Eunhae and me¡­ this naughty girl pretended to never meet Eunhae, but in reality, they often met!¡± Yaerin spoke loudly as if she wanted Hyaeju to hear it, but Hyaeju just looked back, spoke one sentence, and turned back. ¡°Stop fighting now, you¡¯re not kids.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you speak for Eunhae in front of me.¡± Hyaeju didn¡¯t bother to answer that, she just shook her head and kept walking. Yaerin ran to her, took her arm, whispered something, andughed. Haejin envied that. As he didn¡¯t go to school like the others, he had no one to call a friend. Even though he got close to a few peers while he worked, that rtionship ended when he moved to anotherpany. That was why he was nice to Sujeong. Yaerin took them to the second basement floor¡¯s exhibition room. Although it was called an exhibition room, the door was locked, and it was dark. Therefore, even if someone got there by mistake, they would turn around. ¡°Here? It looks like you hid things here to avoid the tax investigation.¡± Yaerin pouted as she entered the password to open the door. ¡°We¡¯re not Hwajin. We don¡¯t have that kind of power yet. It¡¯s a shame¡­¡± Judging from her expression, she was really sorry about it. ¡°Oh¡­¡± They went inside. The room was called the exhibition room for a good reason. Each artifact was protected in special ss boxes. Names and exnations were written under them. There were even thermometer and hygrometer at the entrance in order to store the artifacts in good condition. There were more than a thousand artifacts in there. ¡°Look around this ce first and go to Saeyeon Gallery if you can¡¯t find anything good. Oh, you do know there are many things I cannot sell, right? Even my aunt can¡¯t sell about half of these on her own.¡± Hyaeju epted that coolly. ¡°I know. I wouldn¡¯t ask for a national treasure or a treasure. That would be too much. There¡¯s also no need to go to Saeyeon Gallery. Don¡¯t you know that?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know what? Has something else happened aside from Eunhae quitting?¡± Yaerin¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Saeyeon Gallery might as well shut down now. Before Eunhae stepped down, she leased all the artifacts to foreign museums. They¡¯re in chaos now because of that.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ great!¡± Yaerin was shocked at first, but she soon started to smile. While they chatted, Haejin started to move first. In fact, an antique is not a weed gift unless it is very expensive and famous. For instance, white porcin or cdons that were sold over a hundred million on auction or a painting by a famous artist of Jeseon would be happily epted, but receivers are not that delighted by receiving things where only experts can judge their value. Because of that, the owner must pick an artifact on one¡¯s own to value them. ¡°Do you remember what kind of porcins your inws had?¡± Hyaeju ran to Haejin at this. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure, but there were many white porcins.¡± Her future father-inw could be owning white porcins because he liked them, or he happened to get them while trying to get porcins. ¡°And their shape? Was there something big and wide like Moon Porcin? Or was there something of a middle size like a vase? Or something like a small dish¡­¡± ¡°They were quite big.¡± People who collect old porcins usually prefer big Moon White Porcins at first and move on to vases and to small dishes in time. If someone likes small dishes among the Joseon white porcins, that are simple without splendid patterns, it would be okay to think that the person has loved white porcins for a long time. Then, what is the best porcin to give as a gift? It depends on the receiver¡¯s knowledge and experience about antiques, but the safest choice is the small Blue Flower White Porcin that is luxurious and preferred a lot. And, as Hyaeju¡¯s future father-inw had big porcins, the Blue Flower White Porcin¡¯s splendor wouldn¡¯t be too much. Haejin made the decision and started to look around quickly, but then he heard Hyaeju¡¯s surprised voice from behind. ¡°Oh, my¡­¡± Haejin looked back. Hyaeju was standing in front of a jade artifact. ¡°Why were you surprised?¡± ¡°Oh, this looked like a red bug for a second¡­¡± Yaerin pped her shoulder and chided her. ¡°Please understand. She is easily scared.¡± Haejin looked at that jade sculpture. Then, he asked without looking up. ¡°Is this for sale?¡± Chapter 89: Meaning of the Dokkaebi Sculpture (2)

Chapter 89: Meaning of the Dokkaebi Sculpture (2)

Yaerin came and stood in front of the sculpture. ¡°This one? Yes, probably. Although it would be a little expensive¡­ but why? It looks like a dokkaebi.¡± As Yaerin said, this red coral sculpture was less than 10cm tall. It had a horn on its head and thick eyebrows, bulged eyes, and a distorted face. It looked quite fierce. A sash went around its body and it held strange things in both hands. It was standing on a turtle. ¡°How much is it?¡± When choosing an antique without a price tag, you should ask the price first. As antiques have no cost of manufacture, their price is up to the seller¡¯s mind. It is also human nature to name a higher price when the buyer is interested. ¡°Ho¡­ you¡¯re interested? Personally? Or for Hyaeju?¡± ¡°Why do you ask? Just tell me the price.¡± Yaerin looked at Haejin and turned around. ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll find out.¡± Even she didn¡¯t know the price of every artifact in that storage. She had to ask her aunt or someone who managed that ce. When she left, Hyaeju nced at Heajin and asked, ¡°Do you want to buy it?¡± She was confused as Haejin had asked about porcins and suddenly focused on an ugly-looking sculpture. ¡°Well, let¡¯s hear what Ms. Yaerin would say first.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t talk about it for now and used magic in secret. He knew what the sculpture meant, but he wanted to find out who made it and why. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Hyaeju was a little disappointed when Haejin didn¡¯t tell her anything, but she didn¡¯t say anything more. She just waited. About 10 minutester, the sound of a woman¡¯s heels was heard from the entrance. Yaerin came coldly and crossed her arms. ¡°280 million won.¡± ¡°So, it is for sale. 280 million¡­¡± Haejin stroked his chin. Yaerin crouched to see the sculpture and asked, ¡°This can¡¯t be Hyaeju¡¯s gift for her inws¡­ why are you interested in this?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know what this is?¡± Yaerin flinched, but soon she smiled and looked at Haejin. ¡°What is it? Speak honestly. I won¡¯t raise the price, even if this is worth more than ten billion.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Haejin was half joking, but because his eyes were serious, Yaerin flinched again. ¡°Re, really. Really!¡± ¡°Haha! Don¡¯t worry. It isn¡¯t that valuable.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yaerin was nervous. Haejin smiled at her. ¡°Technically, this isn¡¯t a dokkaebi.¡± ¡°But it looks like dokkaebi.¡± ¡°This is a god called Guaiseong(¿ýÐÇ) from the Chinese mythology. He used to be a human and became the god of study. He was mainly worshipped by people who wanted to pass the exams.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Hyaeju was so surprised that she covered her mouth with her hands. Yaerin could see why Haejin had stopped in front of that sculpture. She put her hand on Hyaeju¡¯s shoulder and nodded. ¡°Although Guaiseong was a great schr, he was very ugly and small. He passed the royal examination, but the emperor saw his ugly face and canceled that. In despair, he jumped down from a high ce to kill himself.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Both Yaerin and Hyaeju nodded at this. ¡°However, a sea turtle rescued him. That is why this Guaiseong¡¯s has one foot on a sea turtle.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why that sea turtle is there.¡± Yaerin went even closer to the sculpture, absorbed in Haejin¡¯s story. ¡°Usually, Guaiseong is carved with a brush in one hand. It is to choose the great schrs among the names in the Sky Emperor¡¯s list. And, in his left hand, he sometimes has a Gongin that is used to measure the abilities of candidates, or he has the Seven Head Stars of the North (the Big Dipper) in his hand like this.¡± ¡°The Seven Head Stars of the North?¡± ¡°Yes. Guaiseong is the first star of the Seven Stars of the North. Which is why he has the Seven Stars in his hand like this.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s why its name is Guaiseong. I thought that was a strange name. However, what is this in his other hand? This isn¡¯t a brush.¡± As Yaerin said, there was a strangely tilted stick instead of a brush in Guaiseong¡¯s hand. ¡°That¡¯s an ume flower branch.¡± ¡°Why does he have an ume flower branch?¡± ¡°As ume flower is the first flower that blooms, it has the meaning of getting ahead of others. And, look at how Guaiseong is raising one leg from behind. It symbolizes the Head of the Seven Head Stars of the North, so it means being the head of the group.¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± ¡°In conclusion, Guaiseong is the first star of the Seven Head Stars of North and the god of exams, so it has the meaning of wishing you to pass the exams. As this sculpture has special objects and posture, the artisan has made this with care, wishing for someone to pass an exam with the highest score. In addition, as it is made of coral, I guess it was ordered by a very wealthy family.¡± Yaerin was surprised, but she just stared at the sculpture as if she had gotten a blow on the head. ¡°My mother-inw would really like it. I could feel that they were all worried about my fianc¨¦¡¯s brother. When I went to visit a few times, he wasn¡¯t even there except on the first day. The mood was so bad because of it.¡± Hyaeju put her hands together. She was clearly touched by that sculpture. ¡°Then, they will surely like this. No parent doesn¡¯t like someone worrying about their child. Although it is a little expensive.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can afford that.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t stop envying those girls with the silver spoon. That artifact was worth 280 million, and she said she would buy it immediately. ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled. Ms. Yaerin? Ms. Hyaeju wants to buy this.¡± ¡°Oh, okay. I cannot do it myself, so you should go up and tell my aunt. Then someone wille down to get this.¡± As the artifact was expensive, the gallery¡¯s owner had to sell it herself. ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll go up. What about you and Mr. Haejin?¡± ¡°Huh? I have something to talk about with him¡­¡± At that moment, Hyaeju looked at Yaerin and then Haejin. Then, she quickly left with a smile. Yaerin snorted at seeing Hyaeju leave and turned to Haejin. ¡°Huh! Don¡¯t care about that. And, I have a question.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°ording to my aunt, she got it from an art dealer from Gunsan in the early days of this gallery. She got it at a low price, luckily.¡± ¡°Really? Then, she bought it at a low price and is selling at a high price.¡± Actually, although the price was almost 300 million, it wasn¡¯t that expensive for the value of the sculpture. ¡°However, she told me that she had bought something else with it.¡± That was why she wanted to stay behind to talk. ¡°You mean you want me to appraise it?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ why? Is it something your appraisers cannot handle?¡± Yaerin crossed her arms and frowned. ¡°You mean those appraisers who said that sculpture is a dokkaebi sculpture made in Joseon?¡± ¡°Haha, did they? Hmm¡­ it shouldn¡¯t be that hard.¡± It was a slightly difficult artifact. It wasn¡¯t studied by many people like buddha statues and porcins, and as it was only popr during the Qing times, it had a limited period. Nevertheless, experts are called experts for a reason, so to appraise it as a dokkaebi like a non- expert like Yaerin¡­ ¡°This gallery only has experts of eastern paintings, western paintings, and porcins.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then how do you have buddhas appraised?¡± Each appraiser has an area of expertise. For instance, to appraise eastern paintings properly, you should spend decades to get experience and knowledge, so you cannot be perfect about sculptures at the same time. In that perspective, Haejin, who had mastered all kinds of antiques including paintings, porcins, and sculptures, was rather inhumane. ¡°Sometimes my personal appraiseres to help, or we bring appraisers from outside.¡± Then, the staff went down and took the coral Guaiseong. The deal was going on fast. ¡°So, you haven¡¯t brought an appraiser outside for this one.¡± ¡°Yes. So, stop talking vaguely and decide if you are going to do it or not.¡± Yaerin pushed Haejin. He, however, moved and went past her. ¡°I¡¯m done for today. I¡¯m tired.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Are you doing this because you think I won¡¯t pay you?¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± In fact, Haejin was thinking about the past he had seen through magic. That coral Guaiseong sculpture was an imitation. An artist saw another Guaiseong sculpture that was made during the Qing period and imitated it. The important thing was that he made something else after making that imitation. Haejin was getting a headache while trying to figure out where it was. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t have refused that kind of offer, but now, he just didn¡¯t feel like it. ¡°Huh! You¡¯ll regret it if you just leave¡­¡± ¡°Me? Why?¡± ¡°Because it would be something you have never seen before.¡± Haejin had traveled all around the world with his father. So, something he had not seen yet was tempting. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Leave if it isn¡¯t. I¡¯m not asking you to go on a date with me. Why are you so merciless?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ that¡¯s not about being merciless.¡± Haejin and Yaerin went up, arguing like that but, to their surprise, there was a strange situation. Yaerin¡¯s aunt looked nervous, and Hyaeju was standing in front of her. She looked angry. There was also another woman¡­ ¡°Hyaeju, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Yaerin ran to Hyaeju and asked. She spoke in a cold voice. ¡°Your aunt says she won¡¯t sell it to me. I thought you would sell it to me. Were you lying?¡± Yaerin looked at her aunt. However, her aunt, who seemed to be in her 40s or 50s, dragged her away from the scene. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ there¡¯s someone else who really wants to buy it¡­ she said she will give us double the price I told you. I don¡¯t have a choice.¡± ¡°However, you should give it to the person who asked first.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there¡¯s nothing I can do. How can I say no to the wife of the president of Hanseong Bank? Your father would do the same.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t do this. She is my face. She came here because she trusted me. How can you humiliate me like that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Tell her I¡¯ll give her something better at a low priceter.¡± Yaerin¡¯s aunt returned to the scene(?) and smiled to the wife of the president of Hanseong Bank. ¡°Haha, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll send it to you without a problem.¡± Hyaeju was enraged at this. She turned red and started to even shed tears. Haejin couldn¡¯t just stand by. He turned to Yaerin¡¯s aunt. ¡°Even an art dealer should have morals. How can you do this?¡± ¡°An art dealer?¡± Yaerin¡¯s aunt fiercely frowned. Chapter 90: Meaning of the Dokkaebi Sculpture (3)

Chapter 90: Meaning of the Dokkaebi Sculpture (3)

Of course, she was angry. Haejin had degraded the director of the gallery as a mere art dealer. The funny thing was, in Korea, antique merchants and art dealers have either been considered frauds or people who were likely to be frauds. Of course, things changed after professional curators worked on western antiques in the 90s, but people still look down on art dealers. However, there was someone who was even more enraged than Yaerin¡¯s aunt: the wife of Hanseong Bank¡¯s president, the woman who had intercepted the sculpture that was supposed to be Yaerin¡¯s. Like any other woman guest who came here, she was elegant. She had been watching quietly, but she couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. She took a step forward and started talking. Additionally, next to her stood a man in his 30s who appeared to be her attendant. He was carrying arge painting. She had probably bought it at the Salvador Dali exhibition. ¡°Hey, good-looking young man, I think you have no manners. Do I look like a viin who just took a child¡¯s toy?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Ha¡­ listen. The director here promised me that I can take one thing that I want. So technically, I have the right to choose first. You thinkining like this would solve the matter?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t like the termining. ¡°It ismon sense to not choose something that someone else has picked already, even at Insadong¡¯s antique shops. Unless you are trying to tell the world that this ce is not even as good as Insadong¡¯s antique shops, you can¡¯t argue so confidently like that.¡± ¡°What, what? What the¡­¡± The woman was really mad now. She was about to yell, but Yaerin¡¯s aunt spoke first. ¡°You, that¡¯s enough. Madam, please calm down. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know Ms. Yaerin had such rude friends¡­¡± That was so ridiculous that Haejin could only interrupt her. ¡°Do you even know what this is for you to be that eager to have it? Do you know what kind of meaning it has?¡± Haejin thought she wouldn¡¯t know as even Yaerin¡¯s aunt didn¡¯t know. ¡°Huh! Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know this is a sculpture that wishes for the passing of the exams and good scores?¡± Haejin looked at Hyaeju. She nodded slightly. It turned out that she had told Yaerin¡¯s aunt everything Haejin had to scold her. ¡°Oh¡­ you¡¯ll blow up everything if you win the lottery.¡± That pierced her heart, she couldn¡¯t even look at Haejin. Her life had been easy. She had never experienced such a difficult situation. She med herself and cried. Haejin continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of deal you made with Yaerin¡¯s aunt, but I think as a senior you should let the bride-to-be have it.¡± However, the woman didn¡¯t even blink an eye. ¡°My son will be 30 next year. I can do more than this for my son who¡¯s trying to pass the Civil Service Examination.¡± Oh¡­ Haejin could see why she was acting so shamelessly. However, the son of the bank¡¯s president could just get a job at his father¡¯s bank. Why was he trying to pass that test? Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t make ament on someone else¡¯s business, so he sighed and turned to Hyaeju. She had given up, she was going to Yaerin. She was probably not going to ask Yaerin for help. She was probably trying to find something else. Yaerin¡¯s aunt and her client were relieved to see that. They quickly signed the contract. Looking at Yaerin¡¯s aunt proudly returning, Haejin spoke to her. ¡°You¡¯re a good businesswoman.¡± Yaerin¡¯s aunt raised her eyebrows. ¡°I am not going to stand by you forever. Even if you are doing well these days, people who are not humble cannot triumph for long.¡± She had heard about Haejin from Yaerin, that was why she was enduring his scolding. She knew he had great influence in the art world now. ¡°I think there are time and ces where you should be humble and when you shouldn¡¯t be.¡± ¡°Huh! You think I gave it to her just because of the money? Her husband is in her hands. If he wants to, he can wring Yuseong at any time. Yaerin knows that, too. That¡¯s why she isn¡¯t bothering me anymore¡­¡± ¡°Just as I thought¡­ that is the thinking of a merchant, not someone who deals with art and the artists¡¯ souls. That¡¯s why I told you that you are a great businesswoman. I was giving you apliment.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°Enough. It is already done, arguing would give us nothing.¡± Haejin criticized her like that because he was disappointed in both Hwajin, that owned Saeyeon Gallery, and the director of Haevici Gallery, who cared more about other things than artifacts. Then, Yaerin and Hyaeju came. They had talked about it, and Hyaeju wasn¡¯t crying anymore. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was too angry, and I acted rashly¡­¡± Hyaeju¡¯s apology meant that she wanted to finish it there. ¡°Okay then, shall we leave first?¡± ¡°I thought you haven¡¯t finished looking around,¡± Haejin replied bluntly to Hyaeju¡¯s question. ¡°But, what if someone takes what we choose again?¡± Yaerin was hurt. ¡°We had our reason this time. I know it is our fault, but we don¡¯t deserve to be scolded like that.¡± ¡°I understand you. It¡¯s not about you. It just that being here makes me ufortable.¡± Haejin thought Yaerin could only think that it was unfair. She wanted to help her friend, but she couldn¡¯t say anything because of Yuseong, and she couldn¡¯t ignore her friend, either. It had been hard. Hyaeju wasn¡¯t Haejin¡¯s friend, so he could choose another artifact from the Haevici Gallery, but he didn¡¯t want to buy anything from Yaerin¡¯s greedy aunt. ¡°Ha¡­ okay then, let¡¯s go out.¡± Yaerin took Hyaeju¡¯s arm and started to walk. Haejin followed her. However, the moment they left the gallery, surprisingly, they ran into Eunhae. ¡°Oh, what are you doing here?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been enjoying my life after I quit my job. Why? Have Ie somewhere I shouldn¡¯t? You even sent me an invitation.¡± Eunhae shook the invitation in her hand. Yaerin pouted and looked away. ¡°I¡­ I thought you wouldn¡¯te anyway. It must be good to be free. Nothing to care about.¡± ¡°Yes, it is good. I even regret not quitting sooner.¡± ¡°Sure, it must be good.¡± Yaerin seemed to think that Eunhae was lying, but she didn¡¯t say anything more. Eunhae turned to Hyaeju and said hello. Then, she heard what happened inside the gallery while looking for a gift for her inws. She looked at Yaerin¡¯s coldly. ¡°You never change, do you?¡± ¡°Why? You think you wouldn¡¯t have done the same? Oh, maybe you wouldn¡¯t have. That¡¯s why you are unemployed now.¡± Hyaeju thought that was crossing the line and chimed in. ¡°Stop, both of you. I¡¯m fine. Mr. Haejin said he¡¯ll find something else for me.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go together. As someone said, I¡¯m unemployed. I have nothing to do.¡± Yaerin tried to say something, but she restrained herself. Eventually, Haejin led the three girls to Insadong. As the three beautiful girls stepped into Insadong, many people looked at them, but their nerves were on edge, and they didn¡¯t realize it. ¡°However, what was the object that you said you wanted me to appraise?¡± Haejin asked because he thought the thing he had seen through magic might be the one Yaerin had tried to get appraised. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to appraise it anymore. The wife of Hanseong Bank¡¯s president, the woman who bought Hyaeju¡¯s sculpture, bought it too.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ she must be rich. So, what was it?¡± ¡°Salvador Dali¡¯s painting.¡± Haejin was relieved and curious at the same time. ¡°You mean the painting the man next to that woman was carrying all the time?¡± ¡°Yes, that.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see why you tried to get it appraised.¡± Yaerin looked at Haejin. ¡°What? Was there a problem with the painting?¡± ¡°I just caught a glimpse of it. I didn¡¯t get to examine it, so I cannot tell you anything.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, really.¡± But then, Eunhaeughed. ¡°Why are youughing? I don¡¯t like it.¡± Eunhae straightened her face at Yaerin¡¯s sharp remark. ¡°Oh, sorry. But as far as I know, there hasn¡¯t been a single normal painting among those which Mr. Haejin felt weird¡­ isn¡¯t it?¡± Haejin was nervous to get all the attention. He tried to make some excuses. ¡°I must have been lucky when I was with you. I¡¯ve never thought like that¡­¡± ¡°Well, you might not have realized it yet.¡± Yaerin was about to frown even harder. They quickly went into a shop before that. Inside, an old man wearing a modernized Hanbok had been resting. He stood up to greet them. ¡°Wee. What are you looking for?¡± ¡°We want a painting. An eastern painting. One with a crane or crab and a bamboo tree.¡± ¡°Crane? Crab and a bamboo tree¡­ and the price?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t mind the high price.¡± ¡°But, how much?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t want an imitation. It would be better if it is the painting of a well-known artist.¡± The owner of the shop was so old that he probably needed sses. He went into the shop¡¯s storage and came back a whileter. He was holding a long scroll in his hands. As he was carrying it with great care, it was very valuable. He carefully put it down on the table. ¡°I really don¡¯t show this painting easily¡­ but I am showing it to you because those girls behind you appear to bedies. So, don¡¯t even think about lowering the price¡­ okay?¡± ¡°Oh, okay. Please show it to me. Stop making me wait.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ why are you so impatient when you are so young? How are you going to find yourself a girl?¡± He nced at the girls behind Haejin and made a silly joke. Then, he slowly unfolded the scroll. ¡°Do you know Heo Ryeon?¡± Of course. Heo Ryeon inherited Yoon Duseo¡¯s style. He was an artist of thete Joseon period. ¡°Of course, I do. And the price?¡± ¡°A hundred million.¡± The scroll was unfolded, and the painting was revealed. It showed crabs biting a flower attached at the end of the reed. To most people, it made no sense, so the girls were confused. ¡°It¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Good? Really?¡± The old man looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes as if asking if he really knew the true meaning of the painting. Haejin smiled and turned to Hyaeju. ¡°Buy it. This is at least as valuable as that sculpture.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Of course. Trust me. And¡­ that greedy woman is going to regret it a lot.¡± Chapter 91: Salvador Dali and the Second Dali (1)

Chapter 91: Salvador Dali and the Second Dali (1)

Hyaeju couldn¡¯t fully believe Haejin. The price of the sculpture had been almost 300 million, but this painting was only 100 million. Additionally, the painting of the two crabs looked of a slightly lower quality than the sculpture which, instead, looked splendid. However, Haejin was sure, so Hyaeju went to the owner. ¡°Tell me your ount number.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ that was fast. I see that you greatly trust this young man.¡± ¡°He can be trusted.¡± The old man nodded and wrote his ount number on a piece of paper. Hyaeju immediately sent him the 100 million. The old man carefully rolled the scroll again and put it in a box. Then, Haejin and the girls left the shop. ¡°Will this painting be as good as that sculpture?¡± ¡°If we were to judge just the value of the artifacts, that sculpture is much more valuable. However, as you have a purpose for your gift, the receiver will not be any less moved.¡± Eunhae chimed in. ¡°What is the meaning behind the painting with the two crabs and flower? I¡¯ve never heard of crabs eating flowers, why did the artist draw such a painting?¡± ¡°First of all, the flower in the painting is the reed flower. Reed is ro(ÌJ) in Chinese letter, and in Chinese, it sounds the same with ryo(ÅF). However, this ryo is the same with jeonryo(‚÷ÅF), the king calling those who have passed the royal examination to let theme in. In short, it means passing the royal exam and getting the meat that the king bestows.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ and the crabs?¡± Hyaeju¡¯s face started to turn brighter. Haejin smiled to see that and continued. ¡°As crabs have hard shells, they can be seen as gab(¼×). In the eastern world, gab is the first one thates in grades, like A+. So, it means winning the first-ce examination and, in the painting, there are two crabs. What would that mean?¡± ¡°Winning the first ce twice?¡± ¡°Yes. As there are two crabs, it means to pass both the first and the second exams, and with the best score. Moreover, as one of the crabs is biting the reed flower, it means to not let go of the first ce.¡± Eunhae eximed at hearing this. ¡°Wow¡­ there can¡¯t be a better gift than this for someone who¡¯s about to take a test!¡± ¡°There was something simr like this earlier.¡± Yaerin scolded her, but Eunhae pretended not to hear. She patted Hyaeju¡¯s shoulder and congratted her. Hyaeju then smiled again. Haejin was relieved to see her happy. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind ofpany your brother-inw is trying to join, but this painting does not apply only to civil service exams. At the time, everyone was after civil service exams, but if you tell them that it means to pass the employment exam, they will probably like it.¡± ¡°Thank you. I will pay you well for helping me today.¡± ¡°Okay. Your friends probably have told you this, but I¡¯m a little expensive. May I look forward to my reward?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Hyaeju faced Haejin¡¯s excited gaze with confidence. They were all too rich to feel bad about spending money. ¡°Then I should go now. I¡¯ve done my part, and I¡¯m tired. I must go home.¡± Haejin was really tired. He had used magic, and only sleep could take care of its aftereffects. ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t leave just like this! Tell me about that painting¡­¡± Yaerin urgently grabbed Haejin¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me that I didn¡¯t have to appraise it as the woman has bought it already? And, with what rights am I supposed to appraise a painting that has been sold? Unless she asks me to¡­¡± ¡°Please wait for a moment. Even if we¡¯ve already sold it, we have to be sure. Or the gallery¡¯s reputation will be ruined.¡± Well, Haevici Gallery had been already named as a gallery that once sold a fake after selling the fake Max Beckmann¡¯s painting to Hwajin. Of course, as Saeyeon Gallery had sold fakes, too, you might say they are all the same but, of course, Yaerin wanted to get rid of that shame. ¡°Hmm¡­ but I cannot go back to the Haevici Gallery. Call me. I¡¯ll be having a cup of tea nearby.¡± ¡°Okay. What are you going to do?¡± Hyaeju looked at the painting in her hand and shook her head. ¡°I should probably go. This is expensive. What if I lose it? I should go home to keep it safe.¡± ¡°Okay then, goodbye. I should go first. See youter.¡± Yaerin turned around and quickly went back to Haevici Gallery. After Hyaeju left, Haejin and Eunhae went to a nearby traditional teashop. Haejin had thought only old people would be there, but there were young couples here and there. He then sat down and ordered tea. Next, he spoke to Eunhae who looked a little excited. ¡°I¡¯m d that things went well earlier, but it looked a little dangerous. Honestly, I¡¯m still a little worried. I regret telling you about it¡­¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think it would fail as it was none other than you who told me that. The person I brought is also an expert. She is famous about western paintings before the 18 th century in America.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t even imagine that you would know one of the IRS Art Advisory Panel¡­ if she is that good, why didn¡¯t you ask for her help when you participated in the Anton Baret Auction?¡± ¡°I told you. She specializes in western paintings before the 18 th century. If other artifacts had been there, I would have been in trouble. Besides¡­ you have great skills that even those experts cannot understand. I made the right choice.¡± Eunhae¡¯spliment didn¡¯t make Haejin feel better. Although she had gotten her revenge, Haejin wasn¡¯t that delighted about it as it wasn¡¯t his business. He just felt bad about her losing her job. ¡°Then, will she leave Korea and return immediately?¡± ¡°Haha, of course. I¡¯ve asked her to keep it secret. Everybody knows that I and Hailey Robert are close. However, they would not be able to link how she picked that painting as a fake and how I found that out.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s a relief, but¡­¡± ¡°I got to know Hailey when I was studying in the States. She told me Haevici Gallery had sent an invitation to the IRS Art Advisory Panel and she was able toe instead of her boss. Now, I can get rid of the anger in my heart. Thank you. I can stop resenting that family and start over again.¡± ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± ¡°Well, I might go traveling or learn something new.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know why but, when he heard that Eunhae might leave, he didn¡¯t want to let her go. ¡°Why don¡¯t you work with me?¡± ¡°With you?¡± ¡°Yes. I am running an art museum now. However, as there are things I don¡¯t know and there¡¯s lots of work to do, Curator Lee Jisu is doing most of the work instead of me. Although she isn¡¯t that younger than you, being a good curator and being a good manager is different. So, I would be very relieved if you were to join us.¡± Eunhae looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes for a long time. Haejin didn¡¯t know how to decipher the emotion in her eyes, but at least it didn¡¯t look negative. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°Yes, I am asking seriously¡­¡± Eunhae nodded and enjoyed her tea. Right when she was about to open her mouth, Haejin got a call. It was Yaerin. ¡°Take it.¡± Haejin hesitated, but he took the call. He heard Yaerin¡¯s urgent voice. ¡°Could youe here?¡± ¡°Do I have to appraise it today? I¡¯m too tired¡­ how about tomorrow?¡± Yaerin felt the irritation in Haejin¡¯s voice and changed her attitude. ¡°Then we¡¯lle. What about that workshop in Insadong?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then do that.¡± Haejin hung up. Eunhae then asked, ¡°I don¡¯t think Yaerin will give up¡­ is sheing here?¡± ¡°Yes. As you have heard earlier, she greatly cared about the wife of Hanseong Bank¡¯s president. Yaerin, and her aunt, too¡­¡± ¡°They have no choice. Yuseong has been expanding its business quickly, so many doubt the liquidity of the money inside the corporation. Yuseon must be on good terms with the banks now, so they must be sensitive about it. So, they wouldn¡¯t dare to offend the president of Hanseong Bank. Poor Hyaeju.¡± ¡°However, we have found her a good painting, so she must be feeling a lot better now.¡± ¡°Yes. You might not know this but, even if Osung Foods is not one of the top 30 corporations, it is a very goodpany. It owns a lot of real estates¡­ and Hyaeju is nice and has many friends. She is thanking you, so she will help you a lot in the future.¡± ¡°Is she that important?¡± ¡°Lots of good men courted her. Sons of ministers andpany owners. Among them, there is even Yaerin¡¯s elder brother.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯ve never met him¡­¡± ¡°Probably. He is a little stupid, so Yaerin¡¯s grandfather is sad about Yaerin not being a man. He is like a troublemaker of Yuseong, but he is still the eldest son, so they¡¯re supporting him.¡± ¡°You all live suchplicated lives.¡± ¡°Yes. So, when I left, I was a little¡­ no, very sad, but now that I think about it, it was the right choice. I left that warzone and can live the life I want¡­ why didn¡¯t I do this sooner?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why life isn¡¯t easy. Shall we go now? Judging from Ms. Yaerin¡¯s personality, she must be running with that painting now.¡± Haejin was just saying that. Why would she walk when she had a luxurious car? Haejin went to the workshop with Eunhae where Byeongguk greeted them, saying it had been a while. Of course, he didn¡¯t like Eunhae being there that much¡­ ¡°So, what brings you here?¡± ¡°I need to borrow this ce. Someone asked me to appraise, but I couldn¡¯t go there, so I told her to bring the painting here.¡± ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you supposed to pay the rent then?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll buy you Makgeoli tomorrow.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ you will pay me with some inexpensive Makgeoli?¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll give you 10% of my fee.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ no, buy me some ribeyeter. I need to eat some meat.¡± ¡°You are rich¡­¡± ¡°Eating expensive food using other¡¯s money tastes even better.¡± While they chatted like that, Yaerin arrived. The woman who had bought the painting and her attendant came with her. ¡°We meet again.¡± She awkwardly said hello and looked away. Yaerin took the painting from the attendant and put it down on the table. ¡°Please examine it properly, so that we will be able to give a refund and give another painting if there¡¯s a problem.¡± Haejin slowly studied Salvador Dali¡¯s painting on the table. Then, he spoke. ¡°Do you know Antoni Pitxot? He¡¯s Salvador Dali¡¯s friend.¡± Chapter 92: Salvador Dali and the Second Dali (2)

Chapter 92: Salvador Dali and the Second Dali (2)

The painting on the table had Dali¡¯s unique surrealistic content. It showed a huge marble statue that looked like it had jumped out of Greek mythology, but it was about to copse. It gave a strong impression based on Dali¡¯s imagination. Yaerin heavily nodded at Haejin¡¯s question. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard of him.¡± You cannot avoid talking about Antoni Pitxot when talking about Salvador Dali. Pitxot was born in Figueres, Catalonia of Spain, just like Dali. Their families were close, and Dali sponsored Pitxot when he was young. Pitxot was also the co-designer of the Dali Museum that was built in 1968, and he became its director when Dali passed away. The problem was that at some point, Pitxot started to live in Dali¡¯s house. Amongst those who were close to Dali or lived close to him, rumors spread that Pitxot was painting instead of Dali who was losing inspiration, and Dali was approving them. Although Salvador Dali was famous for his obsession with money, at the time, he had enough money. Revenue from the copyright kepting in, and he earned a tremendous amount of money from countlessmercial designs which he handled. So, if he had someone else make fakes for him, it would be because of his pride to eliminate the people¡¯s doubt about him losing his inspiration, not because of money. ¡°Dali had many fakes. Dali¡¯s fakes are the secondrgest in number, right next to Picasso¡¯s.¡± ¡°I know that. That¡¯s why we had this appraised by the best experts before bringing it to Korea.¡± Haejin shook his head at this. ¡°However, I cannot appraise this painting with 100% uracy, either. As you know, surrealist artists don¡¯t have a fixed style and have various concepts. Plus, the difference between the best days and other times is huge.¡± ¡°But I believe you will be different. There hasn¡¯t been a single painting that you couldn¡¯t figure out so far.¡± ¡°What will you do about the fee?¡± Yaerin flinched. Haevici Gallery didn¡¯t own that painting anymore. The wife of Hanseong Bank¡¯s president did. Then, the person who should pay the fee would be her, who was ufortably sitting on the wooden chair, but asking her to pay couldplicate matters. It was Salvador Dali¡¯s painting, so it was worth billions. So, the fee would be tens of millions. Would she pay the fee? Haejin could bet his wrist on ¡®no¡¯. Yaerin knew that. She flinched, but she made up her mind and bit her lips. ¡°We¡¯ll pay. 1%.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t receive money for the fee.¡± Everyone was surprised to hear that answer. Yaerin thought he would ask something harder than the money. She then grimly asked, ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking for Mr. Gang Hyosang, an art dealer who used to work in the 70s. Find out if he is alive, where he is, and what he is doing now. Those are my terms.¡± Yaerin was puzzled. ¡°What? Do you think I am a detective for hire? Aren¡¯t you taking it too far?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that¡¯s what I want.¡± Haejin was doing that for a reason. When he saw the past by casting the magic on the sculpture earlier, he had seen that the dealer who sold it to Haevici Gallery had another artifact from the artisan. As he had sold it to Haevici Gallery, Haejin thought asking Yaerin would be the fastest way to find him. ¡°Haa¡­¡± Yaerin¡¯s face was now red. She fanned with her hand and thought about it. Haejin had already hinted about Antoni Pitxot, so not getting that painting appraised would make both the seller and the buyer feel ufortable. Yaerin thought about it for a long time, and she gestured to her client who was about to get on her feet to stay. Next, she said, ¡°Mr. Haejin, although we are not that close, I thought we were close enough to respect each other.¡± Haejin felt sorry as he had no hard feelings for her. ¡°Just as you said, I also think we have be quite close. It¡¯s just that this is a deal between us, and I want to receive something else instead of money. If you say no, I¡¯ll just take the money. You are right. You are not a detective for hire, so I cannot force you to help me.¡± It looked like Haejin was being fickle, but Yaerin could see that he was disappointed. ¡°Are you saying that you will not appraise for me again if I give you the money?¡± ¡°Well, I cannot be sure of that.¡± Yaerin thought about it again, but then she called someone. She instructed to find Gang Hyosang and hung up. ¡°It¡¯s a long shot. We might fail to find him.¡± ¡°I understand that.¡± ¡°Will you appraise after we find out something?¡± ¡°No. I trust you, so I¡¯ll appraise now.¡± Actually, when Yaerin put the painting on the table, Haejin was slightly nervous. He had felt there was something strange when he had gone past it at the gallery. But now that he examined the painting, he couldn¡¯t determine exactly which part had a mistake or the awkward point. The colors and methods depicting were simr to those used by Dali. The problem was why Haejin felt they were simr. That was why he had mentioned Antoni Pitxot¡¯s name as soon as he saw the painting. He was the most probable answer among the forgers who could produce such quality. Of course, Pitxot wasn¡¯t a forger. The rtionship between him and Dali¡¯s was much more than that of a genius artist and an unknown artist trying to borrow his name, and Pitxot understood Dali¡¯s paintings better than anyone. Plus, Antoni Pitxot was a great artist on his own. He even received the Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts from the King of Spain. In a way, the painting was real with the wrong signature. Antoni Pitxot¡¯s real¡­ So, Haejin¡¯s conclusion was that he needed to use magic to appraise it properly. He brought water as if he was thirsty and used it to see the painting¡¯s past. After a short dizziness, he sighed in relief. It was Pitxot¡¯s painting, just as he had thought. ¡°Hu¡­¡± ¡°Why? Is there a problem?¡± The owner of the painting nced at Haejin. ¡°Umm¡­ it¡¯s a littleplicated. It is Dali¡¯s, but it is also Pitxot¡¯s.¡± ¡°What do you mean? You¡¯re saying they worked on it together?¡± Yaerin was a little relieved to hear that the truth was slightly different from what she had expected, but she was still frowning. ¡°As you know, Dali¡¯sst days were not that happy. After he split up with his wife and muse, G, both his body and mind were spoiled quickly. Since then, Dali couldn¡¯t work like he used to.¡± ¡°I know that. That is when Pitxot moved into Dali¡¯s house.¡± ¡°Yes. However, Dali couldn¡¯t stop making works of art. He strongly believed that he was a genius artist that the world would never have again, and thought he would mean nothing if he couldn¡¯t make works of art.¡± ¡°And you think this can be Pitxot¡¯s because¡­¡± ¡°You can imitate the color and methods of depicting if the original artist guides you from the side. However, there is one thing in which your originality cannot hide; the touch of the brush. Dali¡¯s lines are very urate and delicate. Some paintings are so urate that they looked like they were produced by aputer. But in this painting, the lines of this statue are blunt and there are traces of overpainting.¡± Yaerin brought her face close to the painting. She couldn¡¯t touch it, but she traced her finger along the lines and raised her head. ¡°I get it.¡± It didn¡¯t mean she was admitting it. She bit her lips and continued. ¡°But you must know that this is not enough for you to think that Pitxot worked on this. This painting has Dali¡¯s signature, and that signature has been proved to be real by scientific tests.¡± ¡°The signature must be real. Dali never hesitated to leave a signature. He also wouldn¡¯t have refused to sign a painting that was made in his house. He knew how much money his signature was worth better than anyone.¡± ¡°But why is it still not Dali¡¯s?¡± Haejin pointed at the bottom left corner of the painting. ¡°An X-ray would show that there¡¯s Pitxot¡¯s signature here.¡± That was the final blow. Even Yaerin couldn¡¯t say anything for a moment. Then, she stammered, ¡°Why, why do you think, no, believe that Pitxot¡¯s signature is there?¡± ¡°I cannot exin that well. Art doesn¡¯t have fixed answers like math¡­ sometimes, it is an instinctive feeling that gives you answers, not evidence.¡± Haejin had no other thing to say. Saying something else would be making excuses. He just thanked Pitxot for leaving his signature. If he hadn¡¯t done that, Haejin would have had no choice but to say it was Dali¡¯s. Yaerin quickly turned to her client. She was asking what she was going to do. ¡°I cannot believe it. I will have it appraised somewhere else.¡± It wasn¡¯t strange for her to say that. It was like being examined at another hospital when you cannot fully believe what your doctor says. ¡°Please do that.¡± However, she wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡°If¡­ you are wrong, I won¡¯t let you get away with this.¡± She left a fierce threat, but Haejin just smiled. ¡°Do as you wish. It is the owner¡¯s right to have one¡¯s artifact appraised by another appraiser, but I don¡¯t like being treated as a fraud or an ipetent. Well, it¡¯s not like I won¡¯t let you get away with it like you¡­ I¡¯ll just put your name on my museum¡¯s cklist.¡± Haejin smiled as he talked. The woman then turned to Yaerin, she hadn¡¯t heard about Haejin¡¯s museum. ¡°Mr. Park Haejin is an appraiser, but he is also the director of Park Haejin Art Museum that recently opened. The one with Picasso¡¯s painting¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± She was ashamed only then, but Haejin smiled and waved his hand at them. It meant they should leave now. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll do my best to find out about what you asked.¡± Yaerin looked much better now, as she thought finding someone was much better than paying money. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your call.¡± Haejin watched them leave. When the door of the shop closed, he turned to Eunhae. ¡°Do you know anything about Mr. Gang Hyosang?¡± Eunhae had already been thinking about him. She answered immediately. ¡°I know him. No, I should say I remember him. I think I can find him faster than Yaerin.¡± She smiled. Haejin thought hiring her had been the right decision. Chapter 93: Artifacts the Father Left (1)

Chapter 93: Artifacts the Father Left (1)

The next day, Haejin went to his museum at the same time with Eunhae. He introduced her as the person who would manage the museum to his staff. They were very much puzzled about a young girl, pretty enough to be an actress, being their new boss, but when Haejin told them that she had been the owner of Saeyeon Gallery till recently, they quickly epted her. Of course, Curator Lee Jisu, who knew Eunhae, was grateful about having her workload greatly decreased. ¡°It¡¯s smallpared to your former office, right?¡± They finished talking to the staff and went into the office. It used to belong to Haejin, but as he had agreed to give it to Eunhae, it was now hers. ¡°It¡¯s cozy, I like it even more. Anyway, if you¡¯re giving me your office, are you going to stoping here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s more like I¡¯ll only being here sometimes. Haha!¡± Haejin had never had a job with regr office hours and didn¡¯t like staying at one ce for long, so he liked the idea of having Eunhae there instead of him. However, when she pointed that out, he smiled sheepishly and look away. ¡°Wow¡­ do you know how much money I can make if I sell the artifacts here?¡± ¡°I think that I trust you that much.¡± ¡°Well¡­ even if¡­¡± Eunhae turned a little shy because of Haejin¡¯spliment. ¡°What should I tell you¡­ Ms. Jisu would tell you this, but we have an artifact that the city is trying to designate as a national treasure, so we must corporate with its Cultural Management Team.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ a national treasure added to Picasso¡¯s painting would raise this museum¡¯s reputation even higher.¡± ¡°Right? And as the museum¡¯s homepage is still crude, please take extra care of it.¡± As Haejin had opened his museum in a hurry, while the museum itself was somehow working fine, it didn¡¯t even have a proper homepage. Haejin hadmissioned it to an outsidepany, but as Haejin didn¡¯t have the time to check it thoroughly, there were many parts he didn¡¯t like, and as there were not enough staff, he wasn¡¯t able to add the exnation about each exhibited artifact. So, the homepage only had information about the museum¡¯s schedule, location, and exnation about a few of the most important artifact. It wasn¡¯t enough at all. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m good at.¡± ¡°There¡¯s also a very important artifact being restored in the restoration room. I¡¯ve hired experts for it. It should be ready next week, so please keep it in mind. It is also good enough to be a national treasure.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes sparkled. Haejin showed her a photo on his phone. ¡°I¡¯ve found an incense burner as good as the Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje. Its pattern and its shape aren¡¯t fully revealed yet, in this photo, as it was taken just after it was excavated. What do you think?¡± Eunhae took Haejin¡¯s phone. Because their hands touched slightly, he could feel the butterflies in his stomach. ¡°Wow¡­ this is very simr to the photo that was taken when the Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje was excavated. After it is restored, we should call the reporters to make it an issue.¡± ¡°That would be great.¡± Haejin had only brought artifacts, but after recruiting Eunhae as a manager, he could now promote them properly. Eunhae gave Haejin his phone back. ¡°And I¡¯ve found out who Gang Hyosang is.¡± ¡°Already?¡± ¡°Even though I have quit, I hired and taught the staff in Saeyeon Gallery. It¡¯s not like I asked for a huge secret. It was just finding an art dealer who dealt with us decades ago, so it wasn¡¯t that hard.¡± Eunhae opened her bag and put a piece of paper on the table. ¡°Sadly, Mr. Gang Hyosang passed away in 2005, so you will have to ask his son about him.¡± ¡°What does his son do for a living?¡± ¡°He¡¯s living a hard life. He runs a junk shop in Bucheon. The shop is also small, so it looks like he is quite poor. Of course, we are not the police or the government officials and cannot find out about his financial conditions, so he can turn out to be a billionaire.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to find out such details.¡± Haejin was disappointed. When people be poor, they sell everything that is worth some money. So, there was no way Hyosang¡¯s son still had that coral sculpture that looked luxurious. ¡°Then, are you going to go to him now?¡± ¡°You are taking care of this ce for me, so I should go when I can afford to.¡± Still, Haejin had to check. ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Then please, do well.¡± ¡°You¡¯re leaving already?¡± Haejin stood up. Eunhae got up, too. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner together if I get to return early.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait.¡± That made Haejin¡¯s heart flutter, but he did his best to avoid her gaze. When he arrived at the address Eunhae had given him, there was a junk shop surrounded by high iron tes. He didn¡¯t have the phone number, so he parked his car nearby and banged on the door. Bam Bam Bam! ¡°Is anyone there?¡± Soon, a rusty voice answered. ¡°Door¡¯s open!¡± Haejin pushed the other door. It gave way. Haejin regretted banging on the door and went in. Huge piles of junks overwhelmed him. ¡°Who is it?¡± A man with gray hair came with an old electric fan. He was in his 40s but, judging from his big muscles, he was quite strong. ¡°Hello, I am Park Haejin. I work as an antique appraiser.¡± ¡°Antique? You¡¯re looking for something good at a junk shop?¡± The man immediately frowned. ¡°Are you the son of Mr. Gang Hyosang?¡± ¡°You¡¯re here because of my father? Please,e in first.¡± He rxed and led Haejin inside his container office. Haejin sat on a very old sofa. The man brought him a cup of instant coffee. Then, he sat down opposite to Haejin and offered his rough hand. ¡°I¡¯m Gang Seungho.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Nice to meet you.¡± Haejin thought he was asking for a handshake and tried to take his hand, but he shook his hand. ¡°No, you must have a business card.¡± ¡°Oh, right. Here¡­¡± Haejin gave him his business card. The man looked at it and frowned. ¡°This says you¡¯re the director of a museum.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve let a management specialist take care of it. My original job is appraising.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I guess you are rich?¡± ¡°No.¡± Haejin smiled awkwardly and shook his hand. Seungho snorted. ¡°Of course you are¡­ so, if you¡¯re looking for my father, you must have a reason. Is there something you want?¡± Seungho got straight to the point. It made it easier for Haejin to talk. ¡°Your father sold a sculpture to Haevici Gallery years ago. It looks like a Dokkaebi, but it¡¯s standing on a turtle.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that¡­ so?¡± ¡°The one your father sold to Haevici Gallery isn¡¯t that good, but your father had something much better. It is simr, but it is decorated with all kinds of precious materials like gold, silver, and jade.¡± ¡°Huh huh¡­ my father really had huge money¡­ how did he blow it all away?¡± Seungho was shocked to hear that his father had such a great treasure. He looked at the air. That let Haejin know that he didn¡¯t have that sculpture. Still, he asked. ¡°Then, you don¡¯t have that sculpture?¡± ¡°If I had something like that, I wouldn¡¯t be living like this. I would already have boughtnd at Bundang or Dongtan and let my kids study abroad!¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s a shame.¡± ¡°But, why did youe only now? Why didn¡¯t youe before my father passed away?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know it then.¡± ¡°Well, even if you had known, my father wouldn¡¯t have just given you that. Oh¡­ where did those expensive artifacts go¡­ all that is left are someme things that can¡¯t even be called junk¡­¡± That woke Haejin up. ¡°Has your father left you some antiques?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ yes, but¡­ you want to take a look?¡± ¡°Yes. If there¡¯s something good, I¡¯ll buy it at a good price.¡± ¡°All the better for me, but don¡¯t even think about ripping me off. I¡¯ll do what I have to do.¡± ¡°Oh, yes, of course.¡± Seungho took Haejin to a temporary building on one corner of the huge yard full of junk. It had a blue stic te as the roof. He took out a wooden box that was 1m tall. ¡°Wow¡­ you are strong.¡± It would be better if he used wheels, but he just dragged it out. Haejin thought it was impressive. ¡°I used to be stronger in my youth. Why aren¡¯t you helping me.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Haejin hurried to help him drag out the box. Then, he watched Seungho open it. ¡°I¡¯ve sold almost everything, and this is what¡¯s left¡­ I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s something good here.¡± ¡°Let me take a look.¡± The things inside the box were those that can be easily found in Insadong. Things like buddha that looked old but weren¡¯t special at all and had been made in the early 20 th century at most, a candlestick, not-so-valuable elephant and lion sculptures were the mostmon. ¡°I told you there¡¯s nothing useful here.¡± Seungho said it at seeing Haejin¡¯s hand get faster while rummaging through the box. ¡°Hmm¡­ there¡¯s really nothing good here¡­¡± Haejin had thought there had to be at least one decent thing inside the box, but he was getting disappointed as nothing good came out till he got to the bottom of the box. Then, he spotted a box. It was about 40cm wide and was decorated with the mother of pearls. It definitely looked old. ¡°Why? You like that box? How much would it be? Huh?¡± Seungho would easily get fooled by frauds. He was impatient and openly showed his feelings¡­ ¡°Although I didn¡¯t get the sculpture I wanted, I did find something good that I didn¡¯t expect?¡± ¡°Really? What is it?¡± ¡°Lacquerware iid with the mother of pearls made in Goryeo period. Although I¡¯ll have to check to know more.¡± Seungho didn¡¯t expect it, he looked surprised. He had thought that the box was a little too old, but it was actually from Goryeo. He gulped hard and asked. ¡°So, how much would it be?¡± ¡°About 100 million, I think.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Suengho¡¯s legs wobbled. He sat down on the spot and looked up at Haejin¡¯s face. ¡°Then, you¡¯ll buy it? At 100 million?¡± ¡°If you sell it.¡± Haejin was being honest because of the same reason he had had when he had bought the Silver Cup with the Bronze Stand. He didn¡¯t want to rip people off like Gaidasis. Seungho was shocked. He nkly stared at the air and muttered. ¡°I thought I would never get help from my father¡­¡± One mistake can make an art dealer perish. So, there are very few art dealers who are sessful till the end. It was even worse in the old times when there were no scientific methods. Haejin could guess that Gang Hyeosang had lost everything at once. ¡°Life is unpredictable.¡± Haejin tried tofort Seungho. Then, he stood up. ¡°Wait a moment. I have something to show you.¡± Chapter 94: Artifacts the Father Left (2)

Chapter 94: Artifacts the Father Left (2)

¡°Something to show me?¡± ¡°Just wait.¡± Seungho ran into his container and didn¡¯te out for a while. Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why he was leaving the box that was worth 100 million, but he just waited. Seungho looked a little excited as he came out. ¡°Why did you leave this box here?¡± ¡°Why not? This ce has CCTVs. Your car has been recorded. Why should I worry.¡± ¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡± ¡°Plus, I wasn¡¯t going to give you this if you run away.¡± Surprisingly, there was a gold bracelet in Seungho¡¯s hand. ¡°This is¡­¡± ¡°Although I sold the other things, I didn¡¯t sell this. Do you know why?¡± How could Haejin know? He shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Unlike my father, I don¡¯t know much about these antiques. Sh*t¡­ what¡¯s the difference between an art dealer and a junk shop owner? We both get old stuff and sell them. The only difference is that I earn much less. However, this looked like something valuable even to me.¡± The bracelet looked beautiful. It had been made very delicately. ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°I knew this is precious, so it was even more important for me to not sell. As for the other things, when someone told me, ¡®this is worth this much¡¯, I could just think, ¡®I guess so¡¯ and sell it, but as this is made of gold, I couldn¡¯t buy anyone¡¯s word about this. They all looked like frauds, so I couldn¡¯t sell it even if I wanted to.¡± ¡°Actually, that¡¯s how others feel too. You can sell antique so easily only in two cases: you clearly know its value or know very little about it.¡± Seungho stared at the bracelet in his hand. ¡°If I had wanted a few tens of millions, I would have sold it long ago. But look, you think ten million won can change my life?¡± Although ten million is big, it is not at all enough to open a shop or buy a home. Even tens of millions are not enough. ¡°That¡¯s not how things work in this country.¡± ¡°Yeah, you talk well. Things do not work like that in this country. But as you are willing to buy this box at 100 million, I think this is the time for me to sell it.¡± ¡°However, there might be someone who will give you more.¡± Seungho sat down and stroked the box. ¡°It¡¯s been more than 10 years. I wanted to get rid of all these, but I couldn¡¯t because I couldn¡¯t sell that bracelet¡­ but I think I can move on.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I must tell you again, I¡¯m not the one who will pay you the most.¡± ¡°Whatever. If I had known who that was, I would have gone to him and begged him to buy it when my father died. Anyway, what is this bracelet?¡± Haejin raised the bracelet and started to exin. ¡°Its decorative bumps are the style used in the 6 th century.¡± ¡°6 th century? When is that?¡± ¡°The Three Kingdoms period. I think this is from Shinra.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ this is from Shinra?¡± Seungho¡¯s jaw dropped. He examined the bracelet again. ¡°Its shape is a dragon biting its own tail to form a circle. It is very delicately made, so I¡¯m sure it is very rare. It is good enough to be a treasure.¡± ¡°Then¡­ how much can I get?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll give you 700 million.¡± At that moment, Seungho started to cough. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Cough! I¡¯m okay. Cough! It¡¯s just¡­ cough!¡± He coughed for some more time and finally managed to calm down. ¡°That¡¯s worth 700 million? Really?¡± ¡°As I told you, there¡¯s no guarantee that there isn¡¯t someone who¡¯ll pay you more. But I must tell you that this is the most I can give you.¡± ¡°Okay, it¡¯s your best price¡­ then okay. What should we do now? Am I supposed to just give these and get the money?¡± ¡°We should write a contract. Then, I¡¯ll send you the money immediately.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. 800 million at once? Huh¡­ I suddenly won the lottery after breaking up with my wife and sending my child away.¡± However, although he was saying he had won the lottery, he didn¡¯t look happy. He wasn¡¯t trying to hide his feelings. He really wasn¡¯t happy. They went back into the container and wrote the contract on white paper. Haejin wanted to take Seungho to his museum and use the form he had made, but as Seungho could change his mind at any time, he just finished it quickly. Seungho shed tears when he got the money in his bank ount. Then, he carefully wrapped the box so that Haejin could take it away. He took out the wrapper and even tied a ribbon. He put such care into it that Haejin couldn¡¯t stop him. Haejin took the two artifacts and arrived at his museum. Eunhae then ran out. ¡°What is going on? Why did you need 800 million transferred?¡± Haejin had brought someone to manage his museum instead of him. He couldn¡¯t just spend 800 million on his own. Of course, he had called Eunhae and asked her to send the money. Although she didn¡¯t even know what kind of artifacts Haejin was buying, she sent the money. So, she had been thinking about what kind of artifacts Haejin had bought until he arrived. ¡°Let¡¯s go in first.¡± They went into the office and Haejin carefully put it down on the table. Eunhae frowned. ¡°This is it?¡± Of course, she thought it was strange. The thing wrapped with that childish gift wrapper was worth 800 million? ¡°Pretty, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Eunhae frowned even harder. Haejinughed. ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t get disappointed. Don¡¯t you know that things with a great appearance have something poor inside?¡± ¡°At least I know that in this field, things with a splendid appearance are expensive.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll make a huge mistake one day if you think like this. Appraisal is about seeing the true meaning.¡± ¡°Okay. Stop bragging and unwrap it. I am just watching because I don¡¯t want to touch it and get scolded.¡± Eunhae was pouting. It looked beautiful, but Haejin cleared his throat and started to unwrap it. ¡°Khmm, okay.¡± As the wrapper was revealed, a dark brown box appeared. ¡°Oh¡­ this is Jagae!¡± Jagae means cutting out thin slices of the inner side of the shells like abalone or conch and cutting them is shapes to decorate. ¡°Yes. It has a peony vine pattern very delicately attached with gold. As you can see, there are hundreds of peonies cut and iid.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ this is great craftsmanship, and so borate.¡± ¡°As it is quite big, I think this was for storing scriptures rather than for jewelry or essories.¡± ¡°This is impressive. And I guess this is from Goryeo?¡± Eunhae had her own knowledge. She presumed when the box had been made based on its pattern and technique used to make it. It was only possible because she had studied a lot. ¡°Yes. I think it was used to store Buddhist scriptures in the Goryeo period.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve found a precious artifact. There are only a fewcquerwares iid with mother of pearls left¡­ now we have even more artifacts to promote.¡± In Goryeo, the aristocratic ss made political decisions. As a result, a luxurious culture for their taste was created, and crafting reached its peak. Jagae represents the art of Goryeo along with cdons and Buddhistic paintings, its artistic value is still appreciated greatly. However, there are only about 20 Jagae artifacts from Goryeo left. Others have been stolen and destroyed in the countless wars. ¡°I have another thing.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Eunhae already knew that there was something more. Although the box was precious, it wasn¡¯t worth 800 million. Haejin opened the box and took out the bracelet. ¡°Oh¡­¡± The smile disappeared from Eunhae¡¯s face. She eximed and carefully took the bracelet. ¡°700 out of 800 million was spent on them.¡± ¡°Please exin. I can see this is magnificent, but I want to know more.¡± She sounded urgent, her eyes were full of curiosity. ¡°That is from Shinra. There are only a few Shinra bracelets with the shape of such a delicate dragon, so it would be even rarer and more valuable. And this part is¡­¡± Haejin added the detailed exnation he had told Seungho. Eunhae smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Good. For these artifacts, you were right to spend 800 million won.¡± ¡°Right?¡± Haejin looked at Eunhae proudly. She then spoke softly, ¡°But you know the museum is running out of money, right?¡± Haejin had been using the money he had earned before, but he had spent a lot on the opening of the museum, buying artifacts, paying taxes, and paying the staff and only a small portion of that money was now left. Eunhae was pointing that out. ¡°Oh¡­ I know, of course.¡± ¡°If you run out of fund once, then hell awaits from there. I won¡¯t be able to sleep, worrying about not having money to pay our staff¡­ what if I start to lose my hair because of the stress?¡± Haejin felt Eunhae wasining rather than warning him. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. Then, shall we sell something? But we don¡¯t have anything to sell¡­¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t we do a special exhibition with the incense burner you found and the other artifacts of the Three Kingdoms and do a contemporary art exhibition after that?¡± ¡°Contemporary art?¡± ¡°Yes. We should invite paintings of promising artists, exhibit them, and sell them. If the paintings are good, we can earn a lot, a lot more than you think.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s a good idea. Let¡¯s go that.¡± Although Haejin wasn¡¯t that fond of contemporary art, he knew that he couldn¡¯t keep his museum if he kept ignoring the financial factors. Eunhae realized Haejin didn¡¯t look that happy about it. She tilted her head and looked at him. ¡°Why? You don¡¯t like contemporary art?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ honestly, I really can¡¯t understand contemporary art based on Dadaism.¡± ¡°That can happen. It¡¯s difficult, and it can be seen as strange.¡± ¡°Just being difficult wouldn¡¯t be a problem to me, but there are so many pieces that even experts cannot discern if they are works of masters or works of 4-year-old children. They say they put in very profound meaning in their paintings, but it looks to me that they paint first and only then try to add meanings¡­ anyway, please take care of it. It¡¯s not like you need an appraiser, so you won¡¯t need my help, right?¡± ¡°Of course. Let me handle it, and I¡¯ll fill the ount with money. Haha!¡± They spent time chatting like that, but then someone knocked on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± The door was opened, and an employee came in. ¡°You have a visitor. Her name is Song Yaerin, and she is with, umm¡­ a woman who appears to be a VIP.¡± Haejin could guess who that VIP was. He was about to tell her to let them in, but Eunhae raised her hand. ¡°Tell them that he is busy, and they should wait ore backter.¡± ¡°Huh? Why?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand that. Eunhae winked and spoke. ¡°You¡¯re the best appraiser in this country. You shouldn¡¯t let people meet you so easily. Okay?¡± Chapter 95: Medici of the 21 st Century (1)

Chapter 95: Medici of the 21 st Century (1)

Eunhae¡¯s reply was quite unexpected. The employee came back and, judging from her slightly red face, she had faced a protest. ¡°They want to see you now, sir¡­¡± Haejin thought he had made a mistake as his employee had been humiliated, but Eunhae saw it from a different perspective. ¡°How dare theymand someone else¡¯s employee? Do they think yelling loudly will solve their matters? That¡¯s funny! I¡¯ll take care of them. Go back to your work.¡± Eunhae made the employee leave and then stood up. She smoothed the wrinkles of her blouse and skirt with her hand. Then, she firmly spoke to Haejin. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this. Don¡¯te out.¡± ¡°O, okay,¡± Haejin nkly answered. Eunhae walked out and saw two women and a man waiting in the hallway. They were Yaerin, her client and her attendant. They were surprised to see Eunhae walk toward them with confidence. ¡°Huh? Why are you here?¡± Eunhae answered as if it was nothing, ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you? I started to work here today.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Congrattions. You got a job immediately. Anyway, can we meet the director?¡± ¡°She¡¯s here. I¡¯m the director, so if there¡¯s anything you want to say, tell me.¡± Yaerin was clearly shocked. ¡°You¡¯re the director? What are you talking about? Mr. Haejin is the director. Where is he?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I am the director of this museum now. Mr. Haejin will handle the appraisal and purchase of the artifacts. Do you understand?¡± Yaerin was dumbfounded. Her client talked instead. ¡°We came here because things are urgent. So, bring him here first.¡± ¡°Have you made an appointment?¡± ¡°No, but¡­¡± ¡°Mr. Haejin is working on the restoration of our new artifact. So please, wait quietly, or make an appointment ande backter.¡± Eunhae was firm. The woman was enraged and raised her voice. ¡°Hey! Are you kidding me? I¡¯m just trying to meet an appraiser, and you treat me like this?¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t even blink an eye at the rude protest. She snapped her finger at the guards. They had been watching and, when their director called them, they came quickly. ¡°Please escort them out.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Wait, wait!¡± Things were going too bad. Yaerin raised her hands to stop the guards, she then pleaded to her client. ¡°Madam, please calm down. I can¡¯t take care of this if you act like this.¡± ¡°How am I supposed to be not mad at this?¡± ¡°Please calm down, let me handle this.¡± She turned to Eunhae and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you get rid of these guards first?¡± Eunhae nodded and instructed the guards to return to their positions. Then, she gave a warning. ¡°And if you¡¯re here for business, treat me as the director in front of others, Ms. Song Yaerin.¡± ¡°Huh! What the¡­ okay, Ms. Yu Eunhae.¡± Now, Eunhae was in control of the situation. ¡°Then, are you willing to wait now?¡± ¡°Hu¡­ how long do we have to wait?¡± ¡°About half to one hour, I think.¡± Eunhae spoke vaguely on purpose. The time was either too short or too long to leave, and she wanted to discourage her opponents even more. ¡°Okay then, please tell Mr. Haejin that a problem has urred because of the Salvador Dali¡¯s painting he appraised, and we must get an answer. We need his answer.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ we¡¯ve done our appraising, and at the time, our appraiser said examining the painting with X- ray would give you the answer¡­ I can¡¯t see what other answers you need. Are you saying Antoni Pitxot¡¯s signature wasn¡¯t there?¡± Yaerin slightly frowned at hearing ¡®our appraiser¡¯, but she pretended she didn¡¯t hear that and said what she wanted. ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­ just tell him it is about the authenticity of the painting.¡± Eunhae could guess how things were going. She nodded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll let him know. Then¡­¡± Eunhae turned around and went back to her office where Haejin was waiting for her. She then told him what had just happened. ¡°What is it? If there was a problem with my appraisal, they would have said so, therefore that¡¯s not what this is about¡­¡± Haejin was curious, he stroked his chin and spoke to himself. Eunhae sat down next to him and said her opinion. ¡°It can be it, or maybe not. Dali¡¯s paintings are hard to get. Apart from the money, Haevici must have offered to buy it for its client with slightly stricter terms. What is important is that the contract must include a use about the refund or a conclusion of the appraisal, and I think their problem is about this.¡± ¡°You mean that use would not be in favor of Haevici?¡± ¡°Yes. However, even though Salvador Dali made many paintings, bringing his painting into Korea is not easy at all. And the buying agency would be in trouble if the owner of the painting demands unfavorable terms.¡± ¡°Then, it is likely that the problem is about the refund process.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t heard the details, but I think that is most likely, too. If there¡¯s nothing wrong with the refund process, Yaerin wouldn¡¯t havee here¡­ as you know, Yaerin does not work at Haevici Gallery. Technically, she is the manager of Yuseong Media¡¯s advertising team. But now, I can see that she is trying her best to take care of this problem.¡± ¡°She works at Yuseong Media? Then why is she so passionate about Haevici¡¯s business?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ this is a little sad, but¡­ Yaerin already has a fixed fate. She will inherit Yuseong¡¯s hotel and the gallery when her brother inherits Yuseong. As she thinks Haevici will be hers one day, she has to take care of it.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ she is getting a hotel and a gallery, and that¡¯s sad? If it were me, I would be delighted.¡± ¡°It is sad for Yaerin. There are many people in Yuseong keeping an eye on the chairman¡¯s children, so she cannot afford to make even one mistake. That¡¯s why she is in such a hurry now.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ so, what are you going to do?¡± ¡°Me? No, we should meet them, hear what they have to say, and you will make the decision. We¡¯re not directly involved in this, so you can do as you want. If things getplicated, I¡¯ll take care of everything.¡± ¡°Haha! That¡¯s a relief.¡± Having a good manager was awesome. They chatted like that for about half an hour and went out to the hallway. Their faces were full of anger. ¡°You must have been very, very busy.¡± Yaerin spoke with her teeth clenched. ¡°Oh, a little. I heard you¡¯re here because of the painting? Is there a problem with my appraisal?¡± ¡°The painting¡¯s owner refused to give a refund. She can¡¯t believe what you said.¡± Of course. A young man in Asia, that the owner had never met before, was saying it was fake. It would have been stranger if that had been epted immediately. ¡°That can happen. Then I¡¯ll take full responsibility if the X-ray doesn¡¯t show anything. Would that be enough?¡± ¡°Please, don¡¯t speak so vaguely¡­ isn¡¯t there anything you can do?¡± Yaerin was begging. Haejin wanted to help her, but there was nothing he could do. The painting was perfect. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside and talk.¡± Haejin had Eunhae handle Yaerin¡¯s client and took Yaerin far away. They want far enough and Haejin asked, ncing at Eunhae. ¡°At how much did you sell the painting?¡± ¡°Ha¡­ one billion and 960 million.¡± That wasn¡¯t expensive for a Dali. However, that money isn¡¯t small at all, both to the buyer and the buying agency. ¡°What does the buyer want?¡± ¡°She wants to get a refund, of course.¡± ¡°And you?¡± ¡°I cannot give her a refund. The painting owner has to, but she is firmly refusing. The problem is that ording to the contract, a refund is possible in only one situation: if the painting is fake.¡± That was troublesome since it was hard to determine a painting as a fake legally. Even if the painting had Pitxot¡¯s signature, no one could be sure that Salvador Dali neverid a hand on it. ¡°You do know that I can do nothing to help you, right? I cannot change my opinion about the painting¡­¡± ¡°No, there¡¯s something you can do to help me.¡± ¡°What? What is it?¡± ¡°Actually, the painting¡¯s original owner is a woman named Alexandra Belkins.¡± ¡°Who is she?¡± ¡°She is presumed to be Charles Saatchi¡¯s lover.¡± Charles Saatchi is a businessman in Ennd. He is famous for his obsessed collection of contemporary art and sponsoring art. His influence is huge. If an artist manages to impress him, then that artist will be a widely-known master. Every artist he picked has seeded. He is called the Medici of the 21 st century. ¡°So, you want me to fight Charles Saatchi?¡± ¡°No, no. That¡¯s not it.¡± Yaerin quickly took out her phone and showed Haejin a photo. It was the photo of a painting. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°She asked you to appraise this painting if you are such great appraiser.¡± Yaerin said as she asked, but she was clearly trying to test Haejin. ¡°Will she ept the fact that her painting is fake if I appraise this correctly?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Of course, she hadn¡¯t gotten a promise. ¡°Okay. They¡¯re waiting, so let¡¯s go.¡± Yaerin said she still had more to say, but Haejin ignored her and started walking. She followed him. ¡°So, what¡¯s your answer?¡± Haejin really didn¡¯t want to take that test when he saw that arrogant woman. ¡°I¡¯ve heard briefly. You came here because you want me to take the test?¡± ¡°Yes, but I am shocked. What is all this? This painting is worth two billion, and we¡¯re talking about its authenticity¡­ let¡¯s finish it here, okay? I¡¯m so angry.¡± ¡°I see, but I cannot just do it.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? You started it, so take care of it!¡± Yaerin tried to calm her down again. ¡°Madam, please. Let¡¯s hear him first. Mr. Haejin? What are you saying?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never appraised for free till now. I asked you to find a person for me when I appraised Dali¡¯s painting for you, but you never got me the answer.¡± ¡°That¡¯s, that¡¯s because we¡¯re still looking for him.¡± She didn¡¯t care about it after she got what she wanted. Maybe she had forgotten all about it. ¡°Appraising this painting is not a problem, but I will get my fee this time. Go and tell that Charles Saatchi or his girlfriend that an appraisal through a photo is more expensive¡­ tell them that I¡¯ll get 3% of the price as my fee, and I¡¯ll send them my conclusion when the money is in my ount.¡± Chapter 96: The Medici of the 21 st Century (2)

Chapter 96: The Medici of the 21 st Century (2)

If the controversial Dali¡¯s painting was worth two billion, 3% of it would be sixty million won. No one would be willing to pay that much as the appraisal fee. Both its new owner and the Haevici Gallery couldn¡¯t ept that easily, even Yaerin, who was considered the next director, couldn¡¯t ept it. ¡°This is a test, you can¡¯t ask for a fee¡­¡± ¡°He might think this is a test, but to me, this is regr appraisal work. And, with what rights is he testing me?¡± Yaerin couldn¡¯t say anything at this. She looked at her rude client and turned to Eunhae. ¡°Fine then, write a document that you request that fee and send it. You can do that, right?¡± ¡°Well, okay¡­¡± Eunhae nodded. Yaerin then looked at Haejin again. ¡°You will get your fee, either from Charles Saatchi or me. So, you don¡¯t mind doing as they want, right?¡± Haejin had no reason to refuse when he would get paid. Apart from how he felt about it, getting sixty million won as the fee would be good for the museum. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do that. Then, are you going to wait until they contact you again?¡± ¡°Yes, we¡¯lle back tomorrow. Will that be okay, madam?¡± Yaerin asked her client but, as things were going that way, she had no choice but to nod. ¡°Hu¡­ what else we can do? Do it.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Oh, we¡¯lle in the morning. I hope we get to meet you without waiting then.¡± Yaerin seemed to be in a hurry, she then left with her client. Eunhae watched them leave and talked. ¡°She must be suffering from a severe headache now.¡± ¡°Will she pay the fee?¡± ¡°Yes. They can¡¯t be expecting you to demand sixty thousand dors after tossing you a photo to test you. Of course, they would refuse, and Yaerin knows it.¡± ¡°Then why did she ask you to send that document to Charles Saatchi?¡± ¡°She¡¯ll ask me to send it to herter. She¡¯s about to spend sixty million won as the fee, if that money leaves the gallery¡¯s bank ount without any evidence, she won¡¯t be able to get away with it.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Plus, she isn¡¯t in charge of the museum yet. Her aunt is. So, she must show something to her aunt¡­ unlike the money spent to buy artifacts, the appraisal fee is spent without any solid result. If she handles this poorly, she will get used of making a secret fund.¡± ¡°Then, is that why you paid such a small fee to me when you were in Saeyeon Gallery?¡± Eunhae looked away. ¡°Why are you bringing up what¡¯s in the past?¡± ¡°Haha, why? You¡¯re sorry?¡± Haejinughed and tried to look into her eyes. She then wrinkled her nose. ¡°That¡¯s what Lee Jongmyeong said at the time. However, that wasn¡¯t wrong. I had to do my best not to sh with the board members, but you were asking for a fee that was too big, so if I had given it to you, the board wouldn¡¯t have overlooked it. They would have used me of trying to wash that money to take it and gone through every bank ount in my name.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know it was that serious.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry as well. I regretted paying you so little for a long time. I had to quit in the end, why was I so worried at the time¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t have a choice then.¡± Haejin had asked that to tease Eunhae, but the mood was now heavy. He felt sorry. Next, Eunhae suddenly looked at him. ¡°Oh, but what was that painting? It just looked like a still-life painting to me.¡± The painting in the photo had a flower in a vase against the dark navy background. The background, the vase, and the flower were all dark overall, so it waspletely different from the Gogh¡¯s Sunflower series. ¡°Oh¡­ it looked like Gauguin¡¯s.¡± ¡°Gauguin¡¯s?¡± ¡°Yes. They didn¡¯t include the bottom part in the photo on purpose so that I won¡¯t be able to see the signature.¡± ¡°Then, how did you find it out so quickly? And in such a short time?¡± ¡°That painting is exhibited in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid. Of course, I¡¯ve seen it when I was in Spain.¡± ¡°You went around even more than I did. I have traveled a lot myself, but sometimes you sound like you scarcely were in Korea.¡± ¡°Few people have traveled around abroad more than I have.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t go to school?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± She was surprised. She looked at Haejin, waiting for him to tell her the truth, but Haejin ignored that. ¡°Let¡¯s go to eat something. I¡¯m famished.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to say that his father had been a grave robber who robbed graves all over Asia. Even if it hadn¡¯t been him but his father. Eunhae wanted to ask more, but when Haejin didn¡¯t talk, she gave up. The next day, Yaerin came early in the morning, just as she had said. There was no need to talk in the hallway, so Eunhae let here into her office. ¡°As it¡¯s just you and me, let¡¯s talkfortably. I sent the document about the appraisal contract as you said, and they didn¡¯t reply¡­ what will you do about the fee?¡± Eunhae asked leisurely. Haejin had let her handle this on purpose. ¡°We¡¯ll pay the fee.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ your aunt didn¡¯t object?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no reason to. If we can finish this with sixty million won, that¡¯s not bad.¡± Yaerin was taking this case quite seriously. ¡°Okay then, let¡¯s start.¡± Haejin had no reason to hesitate when Yaerin was going to pay him. He started to look at the photo. Fortunately, it was a clear picture, so he could examine in detail. Nevertheless, it is impossible to feel the texture of the oil painting with a photo, and there are things you know only when you see the actual painting, so it wasn¡¯t perfect. Haejin looked at the painting for a long time and opened his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s fake.¡± Yaerin had thought that could happen, she nodded and asked her question. She was recording with her phone. It was to write down what Haejin would say and send it to Charles Saatchi. ¡°Why do you think this is fake?¡± ¡°First of all, I¡¯ve seen the real painting. In Madrid¡­ the artist tried to imitate its mood as much as possible, but the colors and feeling of the flower are different. This painting is luxurious and abundant. The flowers in the real painting have withered petals that look somewhat pitiful. Although this is simr, the image the artist is trying to create ispletely different. This isn¡¯t even a fake of great quality.¡± Yaerin asked again. ¡°But the colors might look a little different as this is a photo. Plus, Gauguin might have wanted to depict the same motif differently after making the painting in Madrid.¡± Haejin shook his head. ¡°If he wanted to create something like Gogh¡¯s Sunflower series, he might have used differentposition and methods. However, this is about the feeling the artist got from the flower in this painting. Getting a totally different feeling from one flower is strange unless Gauguin had a split personality.¡± That answer was enough so Yaerin stood up. ¡°Thank you, you¡¯ll get your fee before lunchtime. Our staff wille to write the contract about it.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°I was just trying to help a friend choose a gift. I didn¡¯t know this would happen.¡± ¡°I hope things go well for you.¡± ¡°Thank you for your help. I didn¡¯t feel bad about paying you the fee as I failed to find the person you asked me to find. Let¡¯s have lunch togetherter someday.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yaerin left after that while Eunhae pouted. ¡°When are you going to have that lunch? If you¡¯re going to have lunch with Yaerin, take me, too.¡± ¡°Haha! Of course, I should take you with me. How can I have lunch with Yaerin without my boss?¡± Eunhae slowly smiled. ¡°Ha! Then I will look forward to it. Yaerin is cool and never buys at cheap restaurants. That¡¯s the only thing I like about her.¡± ¡°How about Seolleongtang (Korean ox broth) for lunch today? With boiled pork¡­¡± ¡°Good! I¡¯m hungry already.¡± Eunhae was so cute that it made Haejin smile. It was now lunchtime. They ate Seolleongtang and enjoyed the date that wasn¡¯t a date, but then Haejin got a call from the museum. ¡°What? Who¡¯s trying to reach me?¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± That was a strange reaction. Eunhae stopped eating and asked with her eyes as big as a rabbit¡¯s. ¡°Charles Saatchi is asking my phone number.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯ve be really famous.¡± Haejin instructed them to give his number and hung up. He got an international call in less than five minutes. He hesitated, but he took it. He spoke in English, of course. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hello. I am Damon of Charles Saatchi Foundation. I just received an appraisal of a photo from Korea, and they told me that it was from you. We are thanking you very much and are very impressed at the same time. You appraised it perfectly with only a photo.¡± ¡°Oh, really? You say you had it appraised, but you never paid the fee.¡± Haejin could feel Damon getting surprised. ¡°Oh¡­ I am very sorry about it. The owner of the painting said that she didn¡¯t mean to ignore you.¡± ¡°Even if she didn¡¯t mean that, she did have that photo appraised for free.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ I heard that was a test. Wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Haha! Hey! Who do you think you are? You think you have the rights to test me?¡± Eunhae looked worried, thinking that Haejin was taking it too far, but Haejin didn¡¯t mind. He had said everything he wanted to say in front of Prince Sahmadi of the Arab Emirates, so an employee of Charles Saatchi Foundation was nothing¡­ ¡°Oh¡­ I am really sorry. We will look into this again and pay you the right fee.¡± ¡°No. I¡¯ve already received my fee from the gallery that worked as the middleman in this matter. Then, are you going to stop arguing that painting is not fake?¡± ¡°We know that we have beente to take care of this. It¡¯s been decided that the painting will be refunded without a problem.¡± ¡°Really? That¡¯s good.¡± Even though it wasn¡¯t Haejin¡¯s business, he thought it was good. It wasn¡¯t like Yaerin was his nemesis. He didn¡¯t like that she did not keep her promise on finding the person for him, but it had been a slightly strange request and, as he had received sixty million for the fee, he had gained even more. ¡°Mr. Saatchi has officially invited you to our foundation. He wants you toe to Saatchi Gallery¡¯s special exhibition.¡± Saatchi Gallery is an art museum of contemporary arts in London. It has a great influence on contemporary art. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not that interested in contemporary art.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Mr. Saatchi said he wants to meet you very much.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ is it because Mr. Saatchi has something that has to be appraised?¡± Or Damon wouldn¡¯t be asking repeatedly like that. Just as Haejin thought, Damon revealed the real purpose of the invitation. ¡°Actually, Mr. Saatchi has invited famed appraisers. It is to have a painting appraised, and he wants you toe to appraise it, too.¡± Chapter 97: The Medici of the 21 st Century (3)

Chapter 97: The Medici of the 21 st Century (3)

¡°A painting?¡± ¡°I cannot tell you what it is, but you will find out when youe. We will provide you with the ne ticket and a hotel for your inconvenience.¡± ¡°And how¡¯s the schedule?¡± ¡°Please take a ne that leaves at 10 a.m. in Korea next Monday. Check into the hotel we¡¯ll provide ande to the gallery the next day. If needed, we will provide an additional ne ticket for onepanion.¡± ¡°Onepanion? Hmm¡­ okay. I¡¯ll check my schedule and contact you again. Please send the detailed n to my museum¡¯s email ount.¡± ¡°Okay. I hope to meet you here. Then¡­¡± After he hung up, he couldn¡¯t start eating again because of Eunhae¡¯s hot gaze. ¡°Oh, they¡¯re inviting me to Saatchi Gallery. They¡¯re inviting multiple appraisers during the gallery¡¯s special exhibition and, apparently, I¡¯m one of them. I impressed them when I appraised that photo. Well, anyway¡­¡± However, that wasn¡¯t what Eunhae wanted to hear. ¡°What¡¯s that about thepanion?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ the foundation will provide the ne ticket and the hotel for me, and they can provide one more ne ticket for apanion.¡± ¡°Wow! They¡¯ll provide an additional first-ss ticket to London?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t hear anything about first-ss. ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s right. I didn¡¯t hear¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s none other than Saatchi Foundation. You can¡¯t be thinking it will be economy ss, right? The flight will take more than ten hours!¡± She was even more excited than Haejin. She had lost a little, but she was still the granddaughter of Hwajin¡¯s founder. And she was excited about a first-ss flight¡­ ¡°I think you are right.¡± ¡°I am right. Oh¡­ then should I rearrange my schedule?¡± For a moment, Haejin doubted what he just heard. ¡°What?¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± Eunhae asked back with wide eyes. Haejin couldn¡¯t tell her that thepanion he had had in mind wasn¡¯t her. ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­ can youe?¡± ¡°Of course. I didn¡¯t know I would get to go on a business trip so quickly, but I will prepare as fast as I can. Let¡¯s eat and go. I have lots of things to take care of. As the trip is tomorrow, I might have to work this weekend, too.¡± She called it a business trip, but she looked like a university student waiting for a trip abroad. ¡°O, okay.¡± Eunhae seemed not to notice that Haejin hadn¡¯t even eaten half of his Seolleongtang. She stood up, paid with thepany card, and waited for Haejin outside. ¡°You do know you look really busy, right?¡± ¡°I was not busy ten minutes ago, but I am now. Oh, but how long are you going to stay in London?¡± ¡°London is far. I think we should stay for at least three days.¡± ¡°Oh, only three days?¡± ¡°Then, how about¡­ five days?¡± ¡°Five days would be fine.¡± Eunhae nodded seriously, and Haejin couldn¡¯t help but smile. When they arrived at the museum, an email about the schedule and the hotel had arrived already. The tickets were first-ss, just as Eunhae had predicted. The problem was that the foundation was providing only one room, but Haejin hadn¡¯t told that to Eunhae. Telling her that she couldn¡¯te along because there was only one room would disappoint her, and Haejin didn¡¯t want to see her get disappointed. Of course, he couldn¡¯t keep it to himself so, in the end, he called Damon again. ¡°This is Park Haejin.¡± ¡°Mr. Park, I didn¡¯t know you would call back so soon. I hope you didn¡¯t call to refuse our offer?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ I¡¯m sorry, but I wanted to know if you could book one more room. I¡¯ll pay for it. I thought about making the reservation myself, but I thought it would be easier for you to book two rooms.¡± Damon didn¡¯t say anything. Haejin med himself for demanding too much, but then Damonughed. ¡°Hahaha! I¡¯m sorry. I couldn¡¯t help butugh. We will book two rooms, just as you said. We will also take care of the expenses, so pleasee to London with delight.¡± That was even better. ¡°That would be great. Then, I will see you at the Saatchi Gallery next week.¡± Haejin hung up and started to get excited. The trip to the States had been only about business, so he had just thought that being with Eunhae was good as he wouldn¡¯t get bored, but this trip felt like a trip with the girl he liked. Time ran fast. The weekend passed in a sh and it was time to leave. Eunhae had worked all weekend to take care of the things in advance. When Haejin met her at the airport, although she had covered the dark circles with makeup, she looked very tired. ¡°You really can go in that condition?¡± ¡°You might not know this yet, but no matter how tired I am, I always get my strength back when I go past the duty-free shops of an airport. This is not a problem¡­¡± Haejin had traveled abroad all the time, but he never did any shopping at the duty-free shops. His father spent his money only on grave robbing or as traveling expenses. So, he never felt excited by duty-free shops. ¡°You must have spent so much money, and you are still excited to see duty-free shops?¡± ¡°Oh, are you going to not eat meat today because you ate it yesterday? And besides, I never got to spend money like my cousins. It was unfair¡­ anyway, let¡¯s go. We still have time, so I¡¯ll be able to see a few shops.¡± ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Nevertheless, if there¡¯s something they shared once they arrived at the airport, it was the excitement about traveling into the unknown. Eunhae passed the immigration gate and went flying around the duty-free shops even if she had slept for only half a day. Then, she fell asleep on the ne. However, she only bought a wallet to give as a gift. ¡°Umm¡­ how far have wee?¡± After about six hours, she woke up. She very casually wiped off the drool on the corner of her lips, but she nced at Haejin, hoping he didn¡¯t see that. ¡°About six hours and you missed the meal. I ate, but I couldn¡¯t wake you up. Do you want me to ask for it now?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not hungry. We¡¯ll get another meal soon, anyway. I¡¯ll have that.¡± But then, they heard a man¡¯s voice from the side. ¡°Oh, aren¡¯t you Ms. Eunhae of Saeyeon Gallery?¡± Haejin looked in the direction of the voice. A man in his mid-30s wearing a neat suit was poking his head out to Eunhae¡¯s direction. He wasn¡¯t very handsome like Eunhae¡¯s ex-fianc¨¦, Lee Jongmyeong, but he looked macho with the manly sharp chin and thick eyebrows. ¡°Oh, Director Oh, I didn¡¯t expect to meet you here.¡± If he was already a director at such a young age, Haejin could guess who he was. He had to be the son of anotherpany-owning family. ¡°Why are you going to London? Oh¡­ it has to be about art, right? I went to Saeyeon Gallery a while ago, but you weren¡¯t there. I enjoyed the paintings, but it didn¡¯t feel the same¡­ I was very disappointed. Hahaha!¡± A gallery is where you go to see paintings. Why was he looking for Eunhae? Haejin frowned to hear that. ¡°I don¡¯t work at Saeyeon Gallery anymore. You won¡¯t find me there.¡± ¡°What? You don¡¯t work there? Why did you¡­¡± ¡°I just did.¡± Eunhae smiled without exining more. That was weird. He then asked again, ¡°Have you sold the share of the gallery you had?¡± ¡°I still have my share. It¡¯s just¡­ I moved to anotherpany.¡± ¡°Then, where is your newpany? It can¡¯t be Haevici Gallery¡­¡± ¡°Have you heard of Park Haejin Art Museum? With Picasso¡¯s painting¡­¡± ¡°What? Haha, I¡¯ve heard of it. It has a strange name, but it is quite famous now.¡± Haejin agreed about his museum¡¯s name being strange. He had been proud when he picked that name, but now, he was sometimes embarrassed. However, hearing that from someone else¡¯s mouth didn¡¯t feel pleasant. Eunhae could see that, she then nced at Haejin and smiled. ¡°Ahaha, it¡¯s¡­ this is the Park Haejin Art Museum¡¯s owner. Mr. Haejin, this is Director Oh Jeongmin of Daeyang Entertainment.¡± ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Park Haejin.¡± Jeongmin was surprised. ¡°Oh, hello. I spoke without knowing who you are. I¡¯m Oh Jeongmin.¡± ¡°Daeyang Entertainment, that¡¯s a hugepany. If you¡¯re its director, you must be very capable.¡± Other than art, Haejin didn¡¯t care about other things. However, even he knew Daeyang Entertainment. It was a bigpany that did various business including cable TV, movie filming and investment. ¡°No. I got lucky. Then you are Ms. Eunhae¡¯s boss. Please take good care of her.¡± ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t have to say that. Haha¡­¡± Eunhaeughed awkwardly and nced at Haejin who also thought it was ridiculous. However, he didn¡¯t want to film aedy show on a ne, so he justughed. However, Jeongmin wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡°Could you make some time when we arrive in London? I¡¯d like to have dinner together¡­ I know a good restaurant. It is on the Michelin Guide, so you won¡¯t regret it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I am going to work, not to go sightseeing, so my schedule is a little unpredictable. Let¡¯s have dinner togetherter.¡± Haejin was moved at this polite refusal. But then, Jeongmin turned to Haejin and asked, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t the boss help me a little?¡± Haeji started to get annoyed. ¡°I am not Ms. Eunhae¡¯s boss. She is the director. It is my museum, but I¡¯m only its appraiser.¡± ¡°Khmmm¡­ but you are still the actual owner¡­¡± ¡°She just refused to go on a date with you. Am I the only one who can see that?¡± That was very straightforward, and Jeongmin¡¯s face hardened immediately. He couldn¡¯t say anything, he then turned to Eunhae. He wanted her to say something, but she just looked at him with pity. His face turned red. ¡°Khmm¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Park Haejin Art Museum¡­ I¡¯ll go to see Picasso¡¯s painting one day.¡± That sounded like he woulde for revenge. The rest of the flight was in an awkward silence. Haejin closed his eyes because he felt like he had wounded Jeongmin¡¯s heart, and Eunhae watched a movie and blocked her ears because of the awkward atmosphere. The actual problem came after that. When they finally arrived at the airport, Haejin and Eunhae met a man who had been waiting for them, but they were not the only people he had been waiting for. ¡°Well¡­ I guess we will have to go together.¡± Jeongmin took his luggage and moved first. Haejin then asked why Damon had been waiting for Jeongmin. He smiled and answered, ¡°Mr. Saatchi¡¯s M&C Saatchi is a great advertisingpany. Mr. Oh is here because of the advertising contract. Of course, there are other reasons, too¡­¡± Chapter 98: The Medici of the 21 st Century (4)

Chapter 98: The Medici of the 21 st Century (4)

It meant that although they were there for different reasons, they had the same destination. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡± Haejin smiled and walked as if it was nothing, but he thought it could be a problem. Eunhae had the same thoughts and was slightly frowning. ¡°Are you two close?¡± Haejin thought acting like that wasn¡¯t easy unless Jeongmin and Eunhae had already known each other. No man would try to win a girl, who he has never met before, like that. Especially when they were not in a club. However, what Eunhae said was surprising. ¡°I don¡¯t know him well. We¡¯ve met many times during formal events but, in private, I¡¯ve only seen him a couple of times.¡± ¡°And he tried to win you over like that?¡± ¡°I think that wasn¡¯t strange for him. He always approaches girls with such confidence, but he¡¯s been scarcely rejected. So, he did that to me earlier, and he was shocked when you gave him that blow¡­¡± ¡°I thought we were about to film aedy show.¡± ¡°That wouldn¡¯t have been bad. I was just worried that it might have been an action or a thriller movie.¡± ¡°Haha! It couldn¡¯t have been an action movie. Anyway, I¡¯m relieved to hear that you are not that close. I was worried if I had been too rude earlier¡­¡± ¡°Of course not, you were right to say that. He would have asked my home address if you didn¡¯t. If he wants to take me on a date, he should approach me politely. He acted like he was talking to a friend to go to get some beer¡­¡± Eunhae shook her head while Haejin was relieved. Anyway, the Saatchi Foundation had prepared two SUVs. One was filled with Jeongmin¡¯s attendants, therefore Jeongmin got on Haejin and Eunhae¡¯s car, saying that there wasn¡¯t room for him. Jeongmin sat in the passenger seat while Eunhae and Haejin sat on the back. They thought an awkward silence would fill the car but, to their surprise, Jeongmin smiled and spoke to them first. As if he had forgotten everything that happened on the ne¡­ ¡°You must be heading to the Saatchi Gallery. I thought your museum had no works of contemporary art. Are you nning a new exhibition?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t just ignore him. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. Saatchi Foundation invited us because of an appraisal. I don¡¯t think we will buy any works of art from the Saatchi Gallery or the foundation.¡± ¡°It is about appraising, and the director came herself?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t think of anything to say. He didn¡¯t think about why Eunhae wanted toe to London. Eunhae just said that she woulde, and she did that but, logically, he couldn¡¯t exin why she had toe. But then, Eunhae answered instead. ¡°We are going to rent Saatchi Gallery¡¯s works of art instead of buying and exhibit them. We¡¯re still discussing, so we cannot tell you anything more. And, even though we don¡¯t sell works of contemporary art yet, we n to do so after this exhibition. As you know, contemporary art is profitable.¡± ¡°It is.¡± ¡°Our museum cannot get huge if we only care about antiques, so that is an inevitable decision. We want the Saatchi Foundation to be our partner but, if that¡¯s not possible, we¡¯ll have to look for another gallery.¡± That was a good answer. It was like Eunhae had prepared for questions like those. ¡°Hoo¡­ you¡¯re already dreaming of a huge museum? Well then, Korea might get a privaterge museum like Europe or America.¡± ¡°You should look forward to it,¡± Eunhae shrugged and replied. Haejin was impressed, Eunhae then felt his gaze and winked at him. After that hard question, Jeongmin continued to talk. Like what was in this part of Ennd, and this ce has a great view, and that town has a restaurant that would let you experience a wonderful taste. In conclusion, he was bragging about himself. However, he talked well, and it didn¡¯t sound annoying. Haejin thought it was his gift. ¡°Please rest for today. I wille tomorrow at 10 a.m.¡± Damon dropped them at the hotel and left. Haejin immediately went to the lobby: he was too tired after the long flight. He wanted to take a shower and go to bed. However, Jeongmin¡¯s expression was a little strange as he followed them. Eunhae followed them as if there was nothing wrong, but Jeongmin kept looking back and forth between Haejin and Eunhae. Haejin wondered why, but he could instantly realize the reason. Jeongmin was worried about Haejin and Eunhae sharing a room. Haejin hadn¡¯t told Eunhae that he had booked another room, but she looked fine. She was probably thinking that he had, of course, booked two rooms. Haejin didn¡¯t want Jeongmin to misunderstand, so he raised his voice as he talked to the receptionist. ¡°There must be two rooms booked under my name.¡± ¡°Let me check. Passport, please.¡± Haejin could see Jeongmin¡¯s expression return to normal. What had he been thinking? ¡°How about a drink at the bar after a shower?¡± Jeongmin asked casually after getting the keys. Was he thinking that he still had a chance? ¡°Oh, I¡¯m way too tired¡­ how about tomorrow?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m too tired, too.¡± Eunhae refused politely. Jeongmin then smiled. ¡°Tomorrow it is. Don¡¯t back off then.¡± It looked like he was acting more casually to make up for his mistake on the ne. ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± Haejin arrived at his room. He then spoke to Eunhae while she was opening the door of the adjacent room. ¡°Take some rest. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± If it hadn¡¯t been for Jeongmin, they would have gotten some cocktail or something. Haejin felt a little sorry about it. He slept well and went to have breakfast. His hair was a bird¡¯s nest, but Eunhae was already wearing her makeup. Haejin was a little ashamed about his condition, but Jeongmin appeared in a neat suit and sat with them without being offered. ¡°May I sit here?¡± He was already sitting there, Haejin couldn¡¯t tell him to leave. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°They say that you be a patriot abroad. I think that¡¯s right. And, how much morefortable it is to have fellow Koreans among foreigners who I can¡¯t understand¡­ hahaha!¡± Of course, he understood English. Haejin took that as a joke. They started to eat, but then Jeongmin smiled at Haejin. ¡°I didn¡¯t know much about you yesterday, but I have done some research. You are magnificent.¡± ¡°Not really¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t see what he was trying to say. ¡°Actually, I came to London to make art a little closer to the public.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± ¡°Right now, Korea is so ignorant about art. People are enthusiastic about pop music, but they think of paintings as the exclusive property of those with wealth. I think it¡¯s wrong.¡± ¡°People of other countries really don¡¯t care about art, either¡­.¡± ¡°Yes, of course. However, I am approaching this matter as a business. Art has been owned by rich people so, what if I bring it to the general public, what would happen? A new market will be created. And it will have great effects.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin could now see what he was saying. ¡°Especially contemporary artists who are not being appreciated yet. If I can introduce them to the public, mypany will grow once more.¡± Haejin knew what he was trying to do. Still, there was something he couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°But why are you telling me all that?¡± ¡°Before I came here, I thought I could make it happen by working with Charles Saatchi. However, after I found out about youst night, I realized that if we work together, we might be able to achieve something great. You, the best appraiser in Korea and the owner of the only museum with Picasso¡¯s painting, jumping into this business. It will be sensational.¡± Jeongmin was excited, but Haejin didn¡¯t like it. For starters, he didn¡¯t want his face to be well known. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± ¡°I won¡¯t ask you to make up your mind now. You can take your time. Of course, to help you decide, I will send you some documents. Would it be okay?¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± ¡°Haha! Thank you.¡± Jeongmin stood up and walked out with light steps. It probably meant he had done what he had to do during breakfast. ¡°Wow¡­ I guess I will see you on TV!¡± Eunhae smiled, but Haejin shook his hands. ¡°I won¡¯t do it, I don¡¯t like things like that. And, can¡¯t you see that he¡¯s just trying to sell more paintings?¡± ¡°But in the long-term, it will give more opportunity to the young artists.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know. That can happen, or they will take the money and ditch those artists. They will make one or two starts, but¡­ anyway, I¡¯m not interested.¡± They finished eating and went down to the parking lot at 10 a.m. sharp. Damon was already waiting there. ¡°Have you rested well?¡± ¡°All thanks to you.¡± Saatchi Gallery is in the middle of London¡¯s rich area. So, the houses Haejin saw on the way looked very luxurious. When they arrived, even though it was still morning, many people were going in and out of the gallery. Haejin and Eunhae didn¡¯t go in but went into the building right next to the gallery. That was where Charles Saatchi was staying. Haejin thought he would have to wait for some time, but he could actually meet him right away. ¡°Wee.¡± Charles Saatchi greeted them with a British ent. ¡°The trip has beenfortable thanks to the first-ss ticket and the good hotel room you provided.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. Shall we sit first?¡± Saatchi led them to a table made out of one huge tree. Haejin thought that it didn¡¯t match the master of contemporary art. He felt that Charles would prefer a modern ck-and-white style. Haejin sat down to hear what he had to say, but Charles Saatchi just stared at Haejin and didn¡¯t say anything. Haejin didn¡¯t know if he was trying to overwhelm him or was just looking out of curiosity, so he talked first. ¡°Honestly, I still don¡¯t understand why you invited me here.¡± Charles Saatchi smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve done a little research about you, Mr. Park.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve done quite impressing things in the Arab Emirates.¡± How did he find out about it? Haejin didn¡¯t think it had been the Prince Sahmadi. ¡°Did one of the Louvre Abu Dhabi¡¯s staff said so?¡± ¡°Mat Vellin is one of my closest friends.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Mat Vellin worked for the Prince Sahmadi and took care of Louvre Abu Dhabi. If Mat and Charles Saatchi were friends, he could have heard about Haejin. ¡°Actually, I got a little lucky, too. I was telling Mat that there¡¯s an Asian who can perfectly discern fake paintings with only a photo, I then found out that he also knows you.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Then, what do you want me to appraise?¡± Charles Saatchi leaned against his chair and smiled. He snapped his fingers. Next, two men brought a huge canvas. ¡°Jackson Pollock. This may be worth forty million euros¡­ but this isn¡¯t easy. I want you to give me the answer.¡± Chapter 99: The Medici of the 21 st Century (5)

Chapter 99: The Medici of the 21 st Century (5)

¡°What did the other appraisers say?¡± ¡°They can¡¯t agree. Some say it¡¯s real¡­ some say it is not¡­¡± ¡°However, which opinion is the dominant one?¡± Saatchi looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. He was trying to find out why Haejin asked that. ¡°Usually, people do not ask that kind of question because they fear being used of their purpose, but you don¡¯t look like you¡¯re worried about it.¡± ¡°I asked because I was curious.¡± ¡°Well, that can happen. There is a dominant opinion. They think it is real¡­¡± ¡°Really?¡± Haejin slowly examined the painting that was lying on the floor because it was too big. It was more than 4m wide and 2m tall. It had been drawn with Jackson Pollock¡¯s unique drip painting: ck lines and various colors filled between them. Actually, making a fake drip painting good enough to fool experts was too easy. Jackson Pollock was also an artist of the 20 th century, getting the paints and canvas he used was easy to acquire. Because of that, Jackson Pollok¡¯s paintings confused many appraisers. ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange that such a big painting from Jackson Pollock wasn¡¯t discovered until now?¡± ¡°I think so, too. The reason it is believed to be Jackson Pollock¡¯s painting is that it was mentioned in his old letter.¡± The basic of appraising a painting was checking its source. Appraisers rely on the source even more than the painting¡¯s quality. Discerning the authenticity based only on the painting itself is like the final resort. So, paintings without a clear source sometimes make the appraiser not sure of its authenticity. In that perspective, the fact that the painting had been mentioned in Jackson Pollock¡¯s letter was enough to make the appraisers believe that it was real. ¡°If you have found out its source, you are right to believe that it is real. Then, why did you spend so much money to bring me here?¡± ¡°Mr. Park, I must remind you that this painting is worth forty million euros. It means checking again and again won¡¯t be enough, no matter how many times I do it. Besides, I would be in trouble if rumors get out of a painting going through my hands and it is a fake.¡± Forty million euros. It was expensive, but Jackson Pollock¡¯s paintings were all expensive. ¡°So, it is a matter of trust?¡± Saatchi¡¯s smile disappeared and crossed his arms. ¡°As you know, I¡¯ve been betrayed once. So, I don¡¯t trust anyone.¡± He had founded an advertising agency called Saatchi&Saatchi in the 1970s. It was even listed on the New York Stock Exchange and was a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. However, he and his brother were forced out of their ownpany. So, Haejin could see why he couldn¡¯t trust others. ¡°That can happen.¡± ¡°Interesting. It can happen¡­ the way Asian view things is sometimes unique. Anyway, I am still who I am because people believe that I can be trusted. Charles Saatchi cannot be admired anymore if he can¡¯t be trusted.¡± ¡°My appraisal cannot be urate. Plus, I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve heard this, but I charge a high fee.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve heard about it. You take 1% of the appraised price of the artifact. In fact, that doesn¡¯t make sense. Who would think that receiving 400 thousand euros after appraising a painting that is worth forty million makes sense?¡± Haejin was considering the ne tickets and rooms of the five-star hotel he¡¯d been provided with, so he wasn¡¯t nning to receive the whole 1%. ¡°I¡¯ll take 0.5%. That¡¯s the international standard.¡± Actually, 0.5% wasn¡¯t part of any international standard. Haejin just said the fee of one the appraising agencies that paid the most. ¡°I cannot give you that much even if it¡¯s fake. I¡¯ll give you 0.5% of the fake¡¯s price, ording to the international standard.¡± Saatchi epted the international standard which Haejin insisted on. However, receiving the fee based on the price of the real artifact, even if it was fake, was a rule Haejin had set when he started. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I think I¡¯ll have to go sightseeing.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t ept that? Hmm¡­ aren¡¯t you being too greedy?¡± ¡°I know it might look that way. However, I don¡¯t have any reason to lower my fee to do this work. When people hear that I¡¯ve lowered my fee once, everyone who asks me to appraise will demand me to do it again.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Charles Saatchi didn¡¯t argue and nodded. He could have said that he wouldn¡¯t tell anyone that Haejin lowered his fee for him, but he didn¡¯t do that. ¡°Then, I hope you enjoy your time in London.¡± Haejin stood up and Saatchi smiled while waving his hands. ¡°I was joking. Please, sit down. I will pay you the fee. You are more impatient than you look.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ I guess I took things too far.¡± Haejin was embarrassed. He then sat down while Saatchi pointed at the painting on the floor. ¡°I¡¯ve spent more than 500 thousand euros on having this painting appraised. I want to stop now.¡± It meant Haejin should stop talking and start appraising. Eunhae stood up to sign the appraisal contract with the staff of the gallery. Saatchi waited quietly until they were done. After that, Haejin secretly applied saliva on his finger, went to the painting, crouched down, and used magic. He had given up appraising with his eyes the moment he found out that it was Jackson Pollock¡¯s. Appraising his painting with eyes is like gambling. And more importantly, Haejin wasn¡¯t interested in abstract expressionism, he didn¡¯t think he could appraise it properly. The feeling of exhaustion passed, and the painting¡¯s true identity was revealed. Haejin pondered on the vision he had seen through magic while pretending to examine the painting. About ten minutester, he stood up and turned to Charles Saatchi. ¡°What kind of feelings did you get when you bought this painting?¡± ¡°Feelings I got when I bought this painting? Why are you asking that? I don¡¯t think it would help you to appraise it.¡± ¡°Yes, it won¡¯t help me. I¡¯m just curious.¡± Charles Saatchi¡¯s face hardened for the first time. He raised his voice. ¡°I brought you here to have that painting appraised, not because I needed a counselor.¡± Haejin sat down on the sofa and answered coldly. ¡°I have the answer you wanted. I just wonder what kind of feelings made you buy this painting.¡± Saatchi¡¯s eyes shook. ¡°You have the answer? Hmm¡­ okay, I¡¯ll answer your question. At the time, I felt Pollock¡¯s strong energy. Although his paintings look nasty at first, they areposed quite delicately. I felt that with this painting, too.¡± He knew why Haejin was asking that and replied properly. ¡°I see. Hmm¡­¡± Haejin looked at the painting again and stroked his chin. Saatchi leaned forward and asked, ¡°You may say that I was wrong. I think a forgery that can fool my eyes are great on its own. So, if you are afraid of me, there¡¯s no need to do that.¡± Haejin had asked that out of pure curiosity. Charles Saatchi was a big investor of contemporary art now. He would find talented artists and works of art that could be valuable. He couldn¡¯t have had magic, so Haejin couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of feeling he had gotten from the fake painting. That¡¯s why he asked even though he knew it was rude. ¡°This is fake.¡± Charle¡¯s eyes turned darker at Haejin¡¯s simple answer. Haejin didn¡¯t know how much he had paid for it, but he must have paid a fortune, but he didn¡¯t stir much. It was impressive. ¡°And the reason?¡± It isn¡¯t easy to prove why Jackson Pollock¡¯s painting is fake. ¡°Have you analyzed the paints?¡± ¡°The paints?¡± ¡°Yes. I think the paints used for this painting are different from the paints Jackson Pollock usually used.¡± ¡°And you can see it with your bare eyes?¡± Of course not. ¡°¡­¡± Charles Saatchi asked in surprise, but Haejin kept his mouth shut and looked away. Saatchi took it as a yes. He nodded and eximed. ¡°Impressive. As you said, we haven¡¯t analyzed the paints. But I have a question, everyone knows that Jackson Pollock painted with enamel or aluminum paint, and those who were close to him must have known which brand he used. However, how could the forger not know that?¡± He didn¡¯t analyze the paint because he had considered that. Using the paint that the original artist used was the basic when ites to making a forgery. However, John Myatt was different. He was an artist who was persuaded by John Drewe. He didn¡¯t consider scientific analyzing methods when making fakes. Nevertheless, his fakes were sold at a high price because John Drewe fabricated their source. He knew that an appraiser cannot argue a painting is fake if there was a clear record of its existence, even if the painting itself was slightly less good. And artifacts with clear sources are preferred by auction agencies as they can assure the buyer that it is real and was not stolen. In addition, the price of the artifacts varies greatly depending on what kind of story and history they have. People prefer paintings that have a little bit of the artist¡¯s life more than a painting without any record and story. John Drewe fabricated the source by adding fake documents to archives in museums and the artist¡¯s letters. ¡°One might make a mistake sometimes.¡± ¡°Umm¡­¡± Saatchi couldn¡¯t believe it easily. Haejin then added, ¡°You said this painting had a clear source? That it was mentioned in Pollock¡¯s letter?¡± ¡°Yes, I did.¡± ¡°You should check that letter again, whether it was really written by Pollock or not.¡± Saatchi was shocked. He called someone and instructed them to examine the letter again. It would go through countless tests including handwriting analysis and, in the end, it would be proved as false. Until then, this painting was only suspected to be fake. ¡°Mat Vellinplimented you so much. You are different, indeed. No appraiser has approached this matter like you before. Nothing has been decided yet, but I will pay your fee ording to the contract. Please go back and rest, we will contact you when the resultes out.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin had dered that the painting Saatchi had paid a fortune to buy as a fake. He couldn¡¯t even say something tofort him and was about to just leave, but Saatchi called him again. ¡°Oh, and how about having dinner together this evening? I think we have a lot to talk about, apart from the result.¡± Chapter 100: The Medici of the 21 st Century (6)

Chapter 100: The Medici of the 21 st Century (6)

That was quite unexpected, but Charles Saatchi had great influence, both in the art world and in the advertising business. It would be strange to refuse his offer to have a meal together. ¡°It would be my honor.¡± ¡°Then my staff will call you again.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin and Eunhae left Saatchi¡¯s office. Next, Eunhae smiled and gave Haejin a thumbs-up. ¡°That was great. You were so cool against Charles Saatchi¡­ did you hear him say that no appraiser has approached it like that before? He has invited the right person. He had spent so much, but you solved the matter at once!¡± Haejin was a little embarrassed, but he also felt good. ¡°Khmm¡­ I am just good at my job.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­ what are we going to do till dinner? It isn¡¯t even lunchtime yet.¡± Eunhae looked like she was expecting something. Haejin thought it was naturally bing a date and tried to keep a straight face. ¡°How about the British Museum?¡± However, Eunhae pouted and looked away. ¡°Oh¡­ it would be my third visit to the British Museum¡­¡± Haejin almost said that it would be his tenth, but he restrained himself. Only a loser would say that kind of thing in that mood. ¡°I guess both of us have been to the British Museum enough times. Shall we go to the flea market?¡± Eunhae brightened up again and nodded. ¡°Great! I¡¯ve heard of London¡¯s flea market, but I¡¯ve never got the chance to go there. Good, good.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s go right away.¡± It might sound strange that there was a flea market in London wherend was expensive, but there¡¯s quite a huge flea market in Camden Town. It was one of the ces Haejin had been many times with his father. At the time, they didn¡¯t have enough money, so they couldn¡¯t go to expensive restaurants and hotels or buy clothes somewhere else. They took a cab and went to Camden Town. It was very crowded After that, it continued like any other date. Theyughed while choosing not-so-good souvenirs and tasted the street food. They went around like that for some time and left when it was lunchtime. Then, they headed to one of the restaurants Haejin had found the night before. He had found a few good restaurants that Koreans liked through blogs, and they went to the closest one. However, that blog was quite famous. In fact, when they stepped in the restaurant, more than half of the customers were Koreans. ¡°Haha! I can see how you found this restaurant.¡± ¡°But it can still be good.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t expect much about food in Ennd. There are delicious dishes in expensive restaurants, but they are simr to the dishes you can taste in any luxurious restaurants around the world¡­ I prefer to enjoy the country¡¯s unique taste, but not in here.¡± ¡°Well, me neither¡­¡± Haejin had only eaten cheap food in London when he was with his father, so he totally agreed. They sat down, ordered some food, and waited. However, they could hear people on the next table talking. Normally, Haejin would have ignored it as it was someone else¡¯s business, but he couldn¡¯t do it this time. The topic of the conversation made him curious. ¡°Do we have to do this here?¡± The man¡¯s voice sounded angry. ¡°Am I just whining?¡± While the woman seemed hurt by his attitude. It is probably human nature to listen when there¡¯s a fight between a couple. Eunhae was listening too, although she was pretending not to. Haejin smiled as it was funny to suddenly stop talking and listen to other people talking, but the conversation got more and more serious. He started concentrating. ¡°I am trying to get a job now, but I¡¯vee here spending money and time because of you. Let¡¯s not fight now, okay?¡± ¡°You only think about money and not think about why I¡¯m doing this? No, you don¡¯t want to think about it at all, do you?¡± ¡°Hu¡­ stop. Let¡¯s eat and talk outside. Doing this here is too humiliating.¡± The man tried to finish it and eat quietly, but the woman couldn¡¯t do that. ¡°I won¡¯t eat. No, I can¡¯t eat. I cannot swallow this.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± At that moment, Haejin looked back. It was just an instinctive reaction, like when looking at a beautiful woman passing by you. However, the face he saw when he looked back was quite familiar. The man was young, in his mid- 20s. Although his face had some e scars, he was quite good-looking. After a second, he realized who he was. ¡°Huh? Jaewon!¡± The man was surprised and looked toward the direction of the voice. ¡°Excuse me?¡± He didn¡¯t recognize Haejin. Then, Haejin lightly hit his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s me, Haejin. Have you forgotten me already?¡± ¡°Huh? Haejin?¡± Of course, he couldn¡¯t recognize him at first. Haejin had got to know him when his father worked as a grave robber. ¡°You remember me?¡± ¡°Of course, I do. Your father used to pay my tuition¡­ I wanted to thank him, but he didn¡¯t leave me his phone number, so I couldn¡¯t.¡± Jaewon bowed at Haejin. However, his face was still a little red because of the fight with his girlfriend. Jaewon¡¯s father used to work with Haejin¡¯s father Yunseok. He was popr not because he had good skills but because he was strong and sharp-sighted, but he was caught by the police while robbing a grave in India. Unfortunately, he was hurt severely in that process and died without receiving proper treatment. Yunseok pitied his son and gave a few antiques to Jaewon¡¯s mother so that he would be able to attend university without worrying about money. He said that they would be enough to pay for his tuition and start his own business, but that had been more than 10 years ago. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me¡­ it wasn¡¯t me, but my father.¡± ¡°Still¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, you came here with your girlfriend?¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Both Jaewon and his girlfriend looked very embarrassed: Haejin must have heard everything. ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much. You¡¯re a real man now.¡± Jaewon had lost his father when he was in middle school, right when he needed him the most. Haejin could imagine how hard it had been. So, he patted Jaewon¡¯s shoulder. Jaewon looked at Eunhae, who looked away in a smile, and asked, ¡°Are you here on vacation, too? With your girlfriend?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m here to work.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯re on a business trip?¡± ¡°Yes, and this is Lim Eunhae, she works with me.¡± ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. I¡¯m Go Jaewon. I greatly owe Haejin¡­¡± ¡°Stop talking about it. It was years ago¡­¡± Eunhae smiled and said, ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Lim Eunhae.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you are really beautiful.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you¡­ haha¡­¡± Jaewon couldn¡¯t see that he wasn¡¯t supposed to say that. He was so dense. Eunhae knew that, so she just awkwardly smiled. However, Jaewon¡¯s girlfriend finally snapped at that. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I should go first.¡± She stood up and left even though the food hadn¡¯t evene out. Jaewon was surprised and didn¡¯t know what to do. Haejin gave him his business card. ¡°Follow her, quickly, and call meter, okay?¡± ¡°Okay. Seonyeong is usually not like that¡­ I¡¯ll talk to her and call you.¡± ¡°Do it well. She seemed very angry. I¡¯ll pay for your food, so go¡­¡± Jaewon left, while Haejin and Eunhae had a normal meal. Their date continued. Eunhae seemed to want to ask about Jaewon and Haejin¡¯s father, but she didn¡¯t want to make a mistake. She kept flinching and moving on to a different subject. Around 3 p.m., Haejin got a call from an unfamiliar number. He guessed it was Jaewon. ¡°Haejin, it¡¯s Jaewon.¡± It was Jaewon indeed. However, he sounded sad like things hadn¡¯t gone well with his girlfriend. ¡°Is your lodging far from the restaurant?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s close.¡± ¡°Then, why don¡¯t youe out? I¡¯m still near the restaurant¡­ I¡¯ll tell you the location.¡± Haejin wanted Jaewon to do well, probably because his father had previously helped him. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Haejin and Eunhae waited at a coffee shop. After about 20 minutes, Jaewon showed up. He looked gloomy. After simple greetings and talk about how each other had been, Haejin asked about the girlfriend who wasn¡¯t there. ¡°What happened earlier? Why were you fighting while on a vacation?¡± ¡°Ha¡­ it¡¯s kind of embarrassing to tell you this, but we have been fighting a lot recently.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°We¡¯re both worried about me getting a job. Her family is rich. Very rich. She is about to graduate from university, but she is already getting offers to meet prospective marriage partners. What nonsense¡­ but I can¡¯t get a job, so I am getting stressed and she is getting stressed on her own.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it must be hard.¡± ¡°It is. And her parents won¡¯t acknowledge me unless I get a really good job. Hu¡­¡± Jaewon sighed and dropped his head. ¡°So, where is she now?¡± ¡°I followed her, but she said she wanted to be alone and went into our room. I couldn¡¯t go in there, so I just walked around and called you.¡± ¡°Where are you trying to get a job at?¡± ¡°In the National Museum. I want to be hired as a buried artifacts researcher, but as you know, many want that job.¡± Haejin was a little confused at hearing this. Jaewon must have found out that Haejin worked at a museum when he gave his business card, so was he saying that on purpose or did he really want that job. ¡°Have you majored in archeology?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I saw and learned during my childhood. And you?¡± ¡°Same with you. But then¡­¡± Haejin started to talk about the job, but Jaewon asked seriously. He couldn¡¯t hear Haejin. ¡°Hey, Haejin¡­¡± ¡°Huh? What is it?¡± ¡°There¡¯s one thing I haven¡¯t sold yet among¡­ the artifacts your father gave me.¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t sold yet? Why?¡± ¡°My mother stopped me, saying that we couldn¡¯t sell them all¡­ as my father¡¯s memories might as well have left us then¡­¡± Haejin could understand that. ¡°Hmm¡­ so?¡± ¡°I was young back then, but I still remember my father believing you and your father. And, I heard that¡­¡± He nced at Eunhae and continued. ¡°You sometimes appraised the artifacts my father brought. So¡­ could you take a look at it? Find out how much would it give me if I sell it?¡± ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but can you really sell it? Won¡¯t your mother be upset?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. She has suffered so much, raising me all by herself¡­ it¡¯s time for her to live a good life.¡± ¡°And, you get to live a good life, too?¡± Haejin had a point and Jaewon¡¯s eyes shook. ¡°Well¡­ yeah.¡± ¡°Honesty, that¡¯s good. It¡¯s in Korea, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Is it a buddha?¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± Jaewon was surprised while Haejin smiled and stood up. ¡°You have my business card. Come when you get it back to Seoul. I will appraise and sell it for you. Oh, and bring your girlfriend.¡± Chapter 101: Hard to Know the other Person’s Heart (1)

Chapter 101: Hard to Know the other Person¡¯s Heart (1)

After Jaewon left, Eunhae stared at Haejin. Because of her unique aura, her gaze was hard to ignore. Haejin eventually asked first, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Just curious. You seemed to have known each other since he was very young, but you were already appraising back then¡­ you have such strange appraisal skills, so I am thinking, ¡®it could be¡¯, but it is a little¡­ strange.¡± Haejin¡¯s heart dropped. ¡°What is strange? It can happen.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t. Do you know how many appraisers I¡¯ve met so far? Every appraiser known in Insadong has spoken with me for more than 10 minutes while I tried to hire you as soon as I met you. I had never done that before¡­¡± ¡°Why did you do that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t understand it but, for some reasons, I could trust you. It¡¯s like you caught my attention.¡± Eunhae rested her head on her hand and looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. She was certainly charming. ¡°You caught my attention, too.¡± That was an unexpected answer, and Eunhae turned red. She looked away and bluntly said, ¡°Stop joking and tell me. Were you interested in antique as a child? How did you get interested in it?¡± Haejin thought about lying, but he decided to tell the truth. They shared the same fate already and, from what he had seen, he thought she could be trusted. He had to acknowledge the fact that she had given up the gallery, which was everything to her, to protect its artifacts. ¡°My father was a grave robber.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I thought it was possible, because of your uncle. So?¡± Her eyes had curiosity rather than usation. It made it easier for Haejin to talk. ¡°When others attended preschool and elementary school, I followed my father when he traveled around the world, to Japan, China, India, and other countries. He would excavate artifacts out of the tombs, and I would examine them. At first, he brought me with him because he couldn¡¯t leave me alone as I was so young, butter, I followed him because I wanted to.¡± ¡°My God¡­.¡± ¡°My father felt guilty for being a grave robber. Nevertheless, he had learned nothing else and didn¡¯t know anything else. He couldn¡¯t find another upation. I know that what he did was wrong. Even though he never robbed graves in Korea and never sent Korean artifacts abroad, that doesn¡¯t mean he can be forgiven for the robbery he did in the other countries.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t deserve to use you and your father. My family has done far worse.¡± She nodded bitterly. ¡°Now that I think about it, I think I might have been the reason why he couldn¡¯t give up grave robbing.¡± ¡°You?¡± ¡°Yes. Since I was old enough to go to middle school, I was fascinated with seeing and learning from the artifacts he robbed. I examined all of them: potteries, paintings, and sculptures. And I visited museums and galleries, in the areas where we went to rob graves, to study while other children studied math and English.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ that¡¯s funny. You really lived a different life.¡± ¡°Yes. At the time, I thought it was cool. While my peers were studying in front of desks, I studied what they didn¡¯t and talked about it with adults. I even taught them sometimes. It was truly thrilling. In short, I was so full of myself, but my father thought it was my path.¡± ¡°Parents cannot stop their child when they found out his or her gift.¡± ¡°Yes. So, he kept robbing graves and sold the artifacts to take me to museums and galleries around the world. I used to think he was wrong, but now, I think he had his reasons.¡± ¡°That was one hell of a life.¡± ¡°Now, can you understand? Why I am a decent appraiser at such a young age?¡± ¡°Hahaha! You are too good to be called decent. Oh, we¡¯ll bete for dinner. Let¡¯s go.¡± The appointed time hade closer. Damon had sent them the address, but they couldn¡¯t get there on foot. They had to get a cab, so they left right away. ¡°It¡¯ster than I thought.¡± ¡°Western people don¡¯t like beingte very much. He must be sad as you told him his painting is fake, so we should go early tofort him.¡± Eunhae looked even happier after hearing about Haejin¡¯s past. ¡°Why does it feel like I¡¯ve lost something?¡± ¡°Haha! You want to hear about my past?¡± Haejin had thought he knew well about Eunhae, but looking at her sparkling eyes, he thought maybe he didn¡¯t know her well yet. ¡°You¡¯ve heard about mine, so you should tell me about yours to be fair.¡± ¡°Umm¡­ then call me Eunhae in private, you¡¯re much older than me. Only then I¡¯ll tell you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Haejin stared nkly at the sudden condition, but she was embarrassed. So, she started leaving first. ¡°Wait for me!¡± Haejin thought about it in the cab, but he couldn¡¯t do it. The ce they arrived at was a luxurious restaurant that befitted Charles Saatchi. They went inside, guided by a waiter. Charles Saatchi was already there, but there was one more person who Haejin didn¡¯t expect. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. But¡­¡± Haejin looked at the unexpected guest. The guest stood up and said, ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand. Mr. Saatchi here invited me.¡± Jaeogmin waved his hand, but Haejin couldn¡¯t help getting suspicious. He especially didn¡¯t like those lips that curled up as Jeongmin nced at Eunhae. ¡°I see. Anyway, thank you for inviting us. Let¡¯s sit.¡± ¡°Shall we?¡± Charles Saatchi sat first. The three Koreans dragged their chairs and sat down. Then, Charles Saatchi ordered food and talked to the others who were studying the mood without saying anything. ¡°I hope getting here wasn¡¯t a problem?¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± ¡°I like meeting new people. Especially people like you who have a great passion for art. You excite me every time.¡± Jeongmin agreed with Charles Saatchi. ¡°So am I. Meeting someone who works diligently like you makes me look back on myself. I am so honored to be invited in such a meeting.¡± Jeongmin was ttering Charles Saatchi, and Haejin started to lose his appetite already. ¡°Hahaha! Mr. Oh, you are a great talker. Korea has many talented people, I envy that. Including Mr. Park here¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and started speaking. ¡°Mr. Saatchi, have you assembled the three of us because you want to tell us something?¡± He had thought there had to be a reason before he got here. Honestly, even though Saatchi was grateful to him, Haejin had still determined that his painting was a fake. He couldn¡¯t be feeling good about it. However, he still asked to have dinner together, so Haejin guessed there had to be something he had to say. However, Haejin didn¡¯t imagine that Jeongmin would be part of it. ¡°Why don¡¯t we dy talking about business before eating? I don¡¯t like to be interrupted during my pleasant eating time.¡± Charles Saatchi avoided answering. No, considering his position, he dyed it. He didn¡¯t have to care about anyone¡¯s feelings. ¡°Shall we?¡± Haejin had no choice but to taste the wonderful dishes of a Michelin two-star restaurant. Only then he could hear about Charles Saatchi¡¯s intention. ¡°I am very interested in Daeyang Entertainment¡¯s offer. Actually, the art market is in a state of transition. Even though there are limited works of art and their value is still soaring up because of the rarity, the world is still full of unknown artists waiting to be discovered¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t hide his disappointment to find out that Saatchi had brought him here to talk about that. ¡°So?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve decided to develop a market in Asia with Mr. Oh here, and I want you to join us. Korea, China, Japan, and South East Asia¡­ it will be a huge market. And, we will take most of that market.¡± ¡°Umm¡­ no, thank you. I am content with what I have.¡± Art is hard for ordinary people to approach. Especially in contemporary art. Antiques are beautiful even to ignorant eyes, but contemporary art requires psychoanalytical thinking. In short, the exnation of an expert is needed for non-experts to understand contemporary art, and this means that the expert can fool non-experts if he or she wants it. Saatchi was expecting the market would get bigger quickly if the young and handsome Haejin introduced contemporary art on TV. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. It will be a great opportunity for all of us. Visitors will flood into your museum and the paintings you sell will be sold in a sh. I guarantee that Korea would have another billionaire in three years.¡± Everyone in that room knew who that new billionaire would be. ¡°Money is good. I don¡¯t hate money, either. However, I¡¯m afraid that is not the path I should take.¡± Haejin stood up. Eunhae, surprised, also stood up. ¡°I¡¯m disappointed. I thought you were a wise man¡­¡± Charles Saatchi frowned. When Haejin first saw him, he had thought he looked like a real gentleman with his white hair and wrinkled face, but now, he looked like an old man full of greed. ¡°I am disappointed, too. I thought you loved contemporary art itself, but you love it because it is good for making money. I will use the fee you promised me well. I¡¯ll also leave tomorrow.¡± ¡°My, my¡­ Eastern people sometimes show an iprehensible repulsion toward money, and you are no different. Very well, I cannot force you. I can make another star appraiser¡­ then I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in London.¡± ¡°It has been my pleasure. Then¡­¡± Haejin lightly bowed to Saatchi as he lifted his wine ss and smiled. Then, he left. He then asked Eunhae, who came after him, ¡°Do you think I should have epted that offer?¡± Eunhae shook her head hard. ¡°No! They were trying to use you as their face and make money! That¡¯s too wicked¡­¡± Calling it wicked wasn¡¯t 100% justified, but Haejin felt a lot better after Eunhae agreed with him. Haejin had refused as it was against his code, but he was also a little worried. They spent the night at the hotel and took the ne to Korea in the morning. The trip had met a strange end, but as Haejin had gotten a huge sum of money as the appraisal fee, he decided to consider it a good trip. Besides, there had been another unexpected gain. ¡°But how did you know I would bring a buddha?¡± Soon after Haejin arrived in Korea, Jaewon called him, asking him to appraise and sell his artifact¡­ Jaewon carefully brought an old gilt bronze buddha that was 20cm tall and asked the question. ¡°I just did.¡± Haejin tried to answer naturally, but he was very puzzled: this wasn¡¯t the buddha he had expected. Haejin clearly remembered the buddha his father had given to Jaewon¡¯s mother. His memory had to be right. And the one Jaewon brought was also in his memory, his father had left it in China. Was this really an unexpected gain? Haejin couldn¡¯t be sure now. Chapter 102: Hard to Know the other Person’s Heart (2)

Chapter 102: Hard to Know the other Person¡¯s Heart (2)

That buddha was excavated in China. Haejin¡¯s father had then exchanged it with another buddha of Goryeo which waster brought in Korea. He never sent artifacts out of their own country, so he always cashed them in. At the time, the buddha was so valuable that he couldn¡¯t sell it for money. So, he exchanged it with a Goryeo buddha instead. Haejin knew both buddhas, of course. That¡¯s why he was expecting a Goryeo buddha¡­ However, this was the Chinese buddha his father had excavated. Why was it not in China but here? Haejin was puzzled. ¡°Really? Just as I thought¡­ oh, this is from the period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, right?¡± ¡°Yes, it is. You have studied well.¡± Jaewon had majored in archeology and he was good at it. Well, not knowing that much would mean he was not good enough to be a buried artifact researcher. ¡°Haha, I should know that much to get a job. Then, how much would it be?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s take a look first, shall we?¡± There was a room for appraisal in the basement. So, they took the buddha and went down while Eunhae followed them. ¡°Oh, nice to meet you.¡± She looked even more elegant than usual with the white blouse and the long skirt that came down to her ankles. ¡°Oh, hello.¡± Jaewon turned red as she was so beautiful. ¡°This must be the buddha you brought.¡± Eunhae examined the buddha on the table. However, Haejin was still thinking. His father used to sell artifacts he excavated at a cheap price on the ck markets because he had his code to keep, but even without it, bringing artifacts to Korea required aplicated and dangerous process. Bribing the Chinese customs workers was only the start. He had to bribe the Korean customs workers as well, and not get busted by the maritime police. Smuggling in one small gold bar wasplicated enough, so smuggling in an artifact this big is impossible without guts and preparation. Eventually, the only way to check urately was by using his magic, but Haejin was hesitating. Using magic on a stranger¡¯s artifact to see its past wasn¡¯t a problem, but he had a feeling that if he looked into the past of this artifact, he would never be able to see Jaewon again. ¡°What do you think? Is this worth some money?¡± ¡°Huh? Yes, yes.¡± If Jaewon had studied properly, he must have known this buddha had a considerable value. So, of course, he was excited. Haejin knew that it was natural, but¡­ Eunhae realized Haejin¡¯s expression was strange and asked, ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°No, nothing¡¯s wrong, I just have a question. Jaewon, did my father give you this?¡± Jaewon replied innocently, ¡°Yes, of course. You told me you knew that I would bring a buddha.¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­ no. Could you step back?¡± Haejin drank water from the paper the cup and used magic. Eunhae saw his eyshes shake and his face turn red. She took a step closer and asked with concern, ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡± ¡°No, no, I¡¯m fine.¡± Haejin told Eunhae not to worry and turned to Jaewon. ¡°I think you can get more than three billion won with this. You haven¡¯t sold it yet, that¡¯s impressive.¡± Jaewon looked like he couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Three billion? Not three hundred thousand?¡± ¡°Yes, I think it is worth that much.¡± The buddha Jaewon had brought was an artifact of The South. It looked slightly different from the other remaining buddhas. Two buddhas were guarding the biggest buddha in the middle, and two very small buddhas with the small halo were attached to the bigger halo at the back. It was a Five Standing Buddhas statue. Its shape was unique, and it was in good condition. Therefore, Haejin thought he could sell it at three billion at least. Haejin remembered it clearly as his father had found it with luck. It was buried underground, and it had no contact with the air. However, the problemy somewhere else. Surprisingly, the ck-market merchant, who had taken this buddha, had been working with Jaewon¡¯s father. He didn¡¯t like the fact that Haejin¡¯s father was selling artifacts on the ck markets at cheap prices, so he hired someone to act as the merchant and had him buy a Korean artifact to trade. It was kind of gambling. He set a trap, anticipating Haejin¡¯s father would sell the artifacts at an extremely low price and go back to Korea. Funnily, that n worked. Jaewon¡¯s father managed toe back with this buddha and a few other artifacts after many ordeals, but afterward, he excavated in India without Haejin¡¯s father and got hurt badly. He died soon after. ¡°Wow¡­ how could this happen¡­¡± Jaewon¡¯s voice broke with tears as he stroked the buddha. However, Haejin wasn¡¯t touched. Jaewon knew it after all. That this buddha wasn¡¯t the one Haejin¡¯s father gave him. He just didn¡¯t know that Haejin also knew about this buddha. Actually, he would have realized it if he had thought a little deeper, but he couldn¡¯t do that. ¡°What are you going to do? Do you want to put it on auction? Or you want me to sell it for you?¡± Jaewon thought for some time, stroking the buddha, and clenched his fist as if he had made up his mind. ¡°Then please sell it for me. The auction would be good, too, but you¡¯ve appraised this for free, so I should let you do it. So that you would get some money, too¡­¡± ¡°All the better for me.¡± In fact, Haejin wasn¡¯t that grateful. He knew Jaewon wasn¡¯t just trying to help him out of kindness. ¡°Then, what should I do? Should I write the contract of consignment?¡± ¡°Yes, there¡¯s an office upstairs. I¡¯ll tell someone, so go there and write the contract. My employees will take photos, so check them after writing the contract before you leave.¡± ¡°Okay, thank you. Then, I¡¯ll go.¡± Jaewon left. Next, Eunhae asked Haejin, ¡°There is another reason, right? I¡¯ve never seen you with that expression.¡± A woman¡¯s gut feeling can be very urate. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve seen this buddha before.¡± ¡°When?¡± ¡°My father excavated this buddha in Chongqing, China.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ and?¡± ¡°My father always sold the artifacts he excavated in the local ck market beforeing to Korea, and that¡¯s what he did with this. And this suddenly showed up in Korea, so imagine how much I was surprised.¡± Eunhae thought about it and suggested a theory. ¡°Maybe he stole it.¡± ¡°Haha! Unlikely. Smuggling in artifacts is not easy. Jaewon is still a kid, there¡¯s no way he stole or bought this in China and brought it to Korea.¡± ¡°Then, how is this here?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I want to know.¡± Haejin knew exactly what happened, but he couldn¡¯t talk about it. Anyway, Haejin signed the contract with Jaewon and sent him back. Eunhae came to Haejin again when he was concentrating on the final part of the incense burner¡¯s restoration. ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± ¡°Almost finished.¡± ¡°This is so magnificent, no matter how many times I see it.¡± The dirt and the other pollutants had been removed. Haejin was repairing the parts that were about to be broken off because of the pressure it had suffered underground. ¡°Right? Being able to restore such an artifact is a huge honor.¡± ¡°When can we show it to the public?¡± ¡°Next month, probably. We will have to start preparing immediately. Bring a photographer to take its photos and send them to the city¡¯s Cultural Management team. They will want to register this as a national treasure as well.¡± ¡°There are so many treasures and national treasures in our museum. I am thinking of using a TV program to promote another gilt-bronze incense burner of Baekje instead of the pamphlet and the homepage.¡± ¡°TV program?¡± ¡°Mr. Oh¡¯s offer made me realize that I have been too narrow-minded. His offer was dirty with greed, but without it, I think there are various ways to promote artifacts through dramas and TV shows.¡± That made sense. Haejin could fully understand that it was better to show the art world as it was, rather than fabricating it to fascinate ordinary people. ¡°That¡¯s a good opinion. However, will TV programs ept our offer? Shouldn¡¯t it be quite a luxurious drama? And I thought to make use of embedded marketing costs a lot these days.¡± ¡°Of course, we will have to spend some money as the promotion fee, but if this museum gets promoted on a TV program, it will bring more visitors on its own. Also, I heard that dramas andedy shows prefer making use of embedded marketing when ites to art museums. Yaerin knows a lot about that kind of stuff. Well, we will have to start discussing to find out the details¡­ But it isn¡¯t bad, right?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Then, what are you going to do about the buddha? Shall I have it exhibited starting from tomorrow? With the price tag?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t we exhibit it without the price? Instead, tell the staff to answer well if anyone asks. Actually, you should handle this. I¡¯m not an expert in this kind of thing. You are.¡± Eunhae smiled proudly, she took it as apliment. ¡°Haha, okay. Then I will handle it. You didn¡¯t get the appraisal fee earlier. Are you really going to charge only 5% as the brokerage?¡± ¡°5% of three billion is 150 million. That¡¯s enough, 10% is too much.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. However, why didn¡¯t he put it on auction? Because he might get less than he is thinking?¡± ¡°Probably for his future.¡± ¡°For his future? What do you mean?¡± ¡°You heard him in London saying that he wants to get a job at a museum or artifact excavating agency¡­ I think entrusting the buddha to us to sell it means that he wants a job here.¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes got bigger and crossed her arms. ¡°Oh, that might be the case¡­¡± ¡°And his girlfriend is being requested to meet other guys. So maybe, he thought getting a decent job would please her parents, even though getting money from the buddha is important.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ he might be thinking so. Then, what are you going to do if he says he wants a job here?¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know.¡± Actually, there was another reason Haejin was not telling her. Jaewon couldn¡¯t have been thinking to sell the buddha on auction in the first ce. He must have thought that the moment he entrusted it to an auction agency, he would have to exin its source. Korean artifacts can be different, but if you cannot give a clear source of a foreign artifact, you will not be able to sell it and moreover, a foreigner might see it and sue you. Jaewon probably sold the other artifacts Haejin¡¯s father had given him through Insadong. And, what Haejin said about it being worth more than three billion must have shaken his heart. Selling it through Insadong would give him less than half of that price. However, Jaewon didn¡¯t know much about this buddha. ¡°Why do you not know?¡± ¡°Because this buddha is not going to be sold.¡± ¡°What?¡± Chapter 103: Hard to Know the other Person’s Heart (3)

Chapter 103: Hard to Know the other Person¡¯s Heart (3)

¡°This buddha is from the period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. However, look under its halo. The name of the temple it belongs to is written there.¡± Eunhae quickly lifted the buddha to check. ¡°Oh. It¡¯s here! Geumbul Temple(½ð·ðËÂ)? You said your father excavated it in Chongqing, right? Then this temple must be in Chongqing!¡± ¡°Yes. That buddha belongs to Geumbul Temple, but the problem is that when it was excavated, the record about why it had been buried in Geumbul Temple was found with it. When, who and why it was donated¡­¡± Only Haejin and his father had known this. Jaewon¡¯s father didn¡¯t know because he only cared about selling excavated artifacts and didn¡¯t care about their historical value and the stories behind them. Maybe it would be more urate to say he wasn¡¯t interested. He didn¡¯t like to study, so learning Chinese was the most he could do. ¡°Oh¡­ then the moment thises out¡­¡± ¡°Yes, the temple will protest immediately. It was stolen less than 10 years ago, and since the temple knows that it was stolen, it has be an international stolen good.¡± Eunhae asked back as if she couldn¡¯t understand, ¡°Then, why on earth did you ept his request to sell it for him? You knew but you still didn¡¯t refuse. Is there a reason?¡± Haejin sat down, sighed deeply, and answered, ¡°Hu¡­ first of all, he is trying to get a job. I didn¡¯t want him to get into trouble. If this gets bigger, it will be a hugewsuit.¡± ¡°What does epting his request have to do with him not getting sued? If we start selling it, of course¡­¡± Eunhae said that she couldn¡¯t understand, but soon she realized something and stopped. Haejin continued. ¡°As you are already thinking, if I didn¡¯t ept to sell it for him, he would have had two options. One, to entrust it to an auction agency. Two, to sell it secretly in Insadong. But as you can guess, he would be sued immediately if he goes to an auction agency.¡± Jaewon must have known this. ¡°Then, if he sells it through Insadong?¡± ¡°If he is lucky, he will get some money and get away with it. If he is lucky¡­¡± Eunhae grimly sat down opposite to Haejin. ¡°If he is unlucky, he might end up in prison for fraud.¡± ¡°Yes, Insadong wouldn¡¯t care about its source. If the buyer, however, gets fooled and protestster, he would have to suffer more than just getting sued at an auction. If he gets busted in an auction house, it would be before the buddha is sold, so he might be able to me his father and escape, but if he gets busted after selling it through Insadong, he wouldn¡¯t be able to escape so easily.¡± ¡°Then, what are you going to do?¡± Instead of answering, Haejin looked and Eunahe and asked, ¡°Do you happen to know an appraiser in Insadong? It would be better if he is also a middle merchant who can get good things.¡± ¡°Of course, I know someone.¡± ¡°Then please, ask him to think of saving a person¡¯s life and do a small performance¡­¡± Eunhaeughed. ¡°Haha, oh¡­ okay. I¡¯ll ask. He will do it, I think. But do we really have to do this? Can¡¯t you just tell him not to sell it?¡± ¡°He won¡¯t listen, he will rather beg me to keep the secret. Then, I will have to keep my mouth shut, and I would soon have to see him with cuffs on his wrist. If he fails to learn a lesson after this, then there¡¯s nothing more I can do.¡± ¡°Then I don¡¯t have to think about hiring him?¡± Haejin hesitated for a moment and answered, ¡°Yes. He is too greedy. A greedy buried artifact excavation researcher can cause a huge problemter.¡± Eunhae totally agreed with it. She nodded hard. ¡°I totally agree. Then, shall we go up?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Eunhae walked next to Haejin and suddenly asked, ¡°But when are you going to call me Eunhae?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what to say at the abrupt question, but she smiled and walked away. ¡°Oh¡­ this will take long.¡± She walked while talking to herself. Haejin couldn¡¯t help but smile at seeing that. Two dayster, they started to exhibit Jaewon¡¯s buddha. They just showed it to the visitors without promoting it and putting it on the pamphlet, but still, it drew a lot of attention. Then, they took it in so that that the attention wouldn¡¯t grow even bigger. Haejin then called Jaewon. ¡°Jaewon, there¡¯s a problem.¡± Jaewon, who must have been thrilled about getting billions of won, was surprised. ¡°A problem? What problem?¡± ¡°An appraiser, who specializes in Chinese artifacts, saw it and imed that it was a stolen good. This is serious. He is quite close to the Chinese ambassador. This can be a huge problem.¡± ¡°Wait, wait. I¡¯ll be right there!¡± Haejin was a good actor. Jaewon arrived in less than 30 minutes. ¡°Mr. Park, there¡¯s someone looking for you.¡± ¡°Bring him to the director¡¯s office.¡± In there, Haejin, Eunhae and an appraiser in his 50s, who had been told what to say in advance, were waiting. They soon heard the knocks on the door. Knock knock. ¡°You have a visitor.¡± ¡°Bring him in.¡± Jaewon came in. He had been on a date with his girlfriend, he was wearing nice clothes and his girlfriend, who Haejin briefly met in London, was with him. ¡°Hello.¡± She awkwardly said hello. Haejin greeted her and gestured to Jaewon to sit down. ¡°Sit down. We should talk.¡± The buddha was already on the table and there was a man who seemed to be an expert at first sight. Jaewon nced at him and sat down. ¡°What kind of problem is it?¡± Haejin looked at the old appraiser. The appraiser then started to talk with a serious tone. ¡°This¡­ is a very nasty thing. Oh, my¡­ if it hadn¡¯t been for Director Lim Eunhae here, I wouldn¡¯t have stayed still.¡± Jaewon was surprised. He stammered, ¡°What? What, what do you mean? What¡¯s nasty?¡± ¡°I heard that you know Mr. Park and Ms. Lim here¡­ let me ask, where did you get this stolen good?¡± He was a good actor. Even Haejin would have flinched if he had known nothing. So, imagine how surprised Jaewon was. He jumped to his feet and shouted while his face was turning red. ¡°Stolen good? What are you talking about? Do you have any proof?¡± He was so nervous that his hands were shaking. ¡°You really don¡¯t know? Look, look here, can¡¯t you see it?¡± He pointed at the bottom of the halo and Jaewon examined it. He saw the name Geumbul Temple and shouted again. ¡°What about it? There are multiple Geumbul Temple? You think this can be evidence?¡± He yelled with courage, but everyone knew that he was cornered. The appraiser snorted and raised his voice. ¡°You¡¯re about to get yourself into huge trouble. Geumbul Temple of Chongqing, China, has reported the theft of a dozen artifacts including this buddha to the police. If you sell this, China would officially protest about you smuggling in artifacts. Can you handle it?¡± Jaewon realized what was going on only then. He sat down with shaky hands and turned to Haejin. He was quietly asking what he should do now. ¡°I think you should inform the Chinese government and let them retrieve it.¡± That buddha was worth three billion won. On auction, with luck, it would have been sold at more than five billion. Even after the fee was taken, that artifact could change one¡¯s life. Of course, Jaewon couldn¡¯t take Haejin¡¯s advice. ¡°No! This is mine. I didn¡¯t know you would do this. You knew this when you appraised it, right? That¡¯s why you didn¡¯t take the appraisal fee!¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t received the fee because he didn¡¯t think Jaewon would be able to make money with it. ¡°No. Please don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± ¡°Of course, you knew¡­ are you jealous of me getting the money? Or did you want this that much? I¡¯m really disappointed. I really trusted you and let you handle this¡­ no, I will take this.¡± Jaewon grabbed the buddha and stood up. He hugged it tightly, as if he was worried someone would try to take it away, and red at Haejin. ¡°This is a vition of trust, I will cancel the contract.¡± Actually, this couldn¡¯t be called a vition of trust. As the entrusted artifact had a w, Haejin rather had the right to cancel the contract. However, he didn¡¯t bother to mention it. It didn¡¯t mean anything now¡­ ¡°Okay, take it.¡± Jaewon walked to the door without saying goodbye while his girlfriend followed him. She looked grim. The moment Jaewon opened the door, Haejin warned him out of pity. ¡°Be careful when you sell it. If you just sell it to someone you don¡¯t know well but says he¡¯ll pay you well, your life might end there. Okay?¡± Haejin had wanted him to change his mind, but he couldn¡¯t get rid of his greed. Haejin was just sad now. However, he had given enough warnings, so he decided not to care about what would happenter. As he had shown Jaewon that trying to fool others crudely might get him into big trouble, the rest was up to him. Plus, Haejin had nothing to feel sorry about as Jaewon must have already sold the buddha Haejin¡¯s father had given him. Jaewon left without saying anything. Then, the appraisermented, ¡°He¡¯s a wretched young man. Busy people bothered to tell him to stop him from going to prison, but he can¡¯t understand!¡± ¡°That¡¯s how people are. The loss of one or two million won is enough to drive one crazy. Giving up three billion wouldn¡¯t be easy.¡± Haejin replied, but the appraiser shook his head. ¡°Huh¡­ his eyes are full of greed. Men like that always learn one or two things about antiquity and try to rip off innocent people. He must be careful¡­ someone must teach him a lesson.¡± Sadly, Jaewon¡¯s father, who was supposed to guide him, had died a long time ago. Maybe, his presence wouldn¡¯t have made much difference. He wasn¡¯t that different from his son. ¡°I don¡¯t think guidance can change him.¡± ¡°Well¡­ anyway, it¡¯s Mr. Park Haejin, right? I thought you were not ordinary seeing the artifacts you have here, but I was really impressed when I heard you gave up the director position to Ms. Eunhae here.¡± ¡°I¡¯m ttered.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not ttering¡­ and I couldn¡¯t even figure out why this was a problem when I first saw Geumbul Temple written on this buddha. Then, I heard your story and asked some friends in China. They told me that Geumbul Temple in Chongqing has reported its theft. I call myself a China-expert, but my pride was greatly hurt.¡± Even a China-expert couldn¡¯t have known the theft in a local temple. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t have known. The problem was that sometimes in life, not knowing can be a sin¡­ ¡°Anyone can make mistakes.¡± ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to cheer me up¡­ I¡¯ve helped you, so why don¡¯t you help me this time? It would only be fair.¡± ¡°Okay. How can I help you?¡± ¡°I want you to meet the ambassador to China.¡± Chapter 104: Charity Auction in Shanghai (1)

Chapter 104: Charity Auction in Shanghai (1)

¡°You want me to go to Beijing?¡± The ambassador to China couldn¡¯t be anywhere else but in China, so he was probably asking Haejin to go to China. Haejin asked back just to be sure. ¡°Yes. I know this is too much to ask, but please, I have my reasons to ask this. Of course, we will pay for your trip.¡± ¡°We?¡± The appraiser said ¡®we¡¯ instead of ¡®I¡¯. It meant Haejin was needed not by an appraiser but an organization. ¡°Actually, when Ms. Eunhae called me to ask this funny favor, I was delighted. I had been trying to think of a way to ask this, but she gave me an opportunity.¡± Eunhae was sitting next to Haejin. She seems to be worried as she might have asked for someone who she shouldn¡¯t have. ¡°What is it about?¡± The old appraiser crossed his arms and spoke with a serious tone. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about politics, but I do know that China and Korea are not on good terms now. So, the ambassador wants to improve that rtionship, but he didn¡¯t have a good way. Then, he found out that Chinese people love antiques and asked for my help.¡± Haejin had told Jaewon he was close to the ambassador because Eunhae had mentioned it and he wanted to make it sound real, but it turned out that they were indeed close. ¡°Then, why don¡¯t you go?¡± He smiled at Haejin. ¡°If he were trying to find someone like me, he would have done that already. Do you know that your name is popr even in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now?¡± What was that about? ¡°My name?¡± ¡°A while ago, a Korean ambassador went to the Arab Emirates and was treated as a very important guest. He said the prince told him about you, and that story made us appraisers feel great pleasure and thrill.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin could see how it was going. ¡°The ambassador told it to me for an obvious reason: he wants me to introduce you to him.¡± Eunhae chimed in. ¡°Is that an official request of the embassy?¡± The appraiser smiled and shook his head. ¡°No, no. Even though this young man here is quite an issue among ambassadors, the embassy cannot officially invite you for such a thing. And the ambassador has asked me to find a way to do it personally. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would pay for the travel expenses.¡± Whether it was an invitation from the embassy or a personal invitation from the ambassador, Haejin found it burdening. Appraising or rmending artifacts to an individual was easy, but as he would have to help about matters between nations, one mistake could lead to a huge catastrophe. ¡°What am I supposed to do there? If it¡¯s a simple appraisal¡­¡± Before he could even finish, the old appraiser smiled and replied. ¡°That would be the best, but I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not that simple. You will hear a more detailed exnation once you are in Beijing. I¡¯m sorry that I can¡¯t tell you more, but once you hear about it, you¡¯ll find out it¡¯s not thatplicated.¡± That made Haejin feel even more nervous. He said that it wasn¡¯tplicated, but he didn¡¯t say that it was not hard. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give me a hint?¡± ¡°You know how appraisers work. We appraise and examine the value, that¡¯s all. You¡¯ve discovered the fake Salvator Mundi. The ambassador has high hopes for you.¡± He stood up, it meant he had nothing more to say. Haejin, therefore, gave up asking further questions. ¡°Then, should I wait?¡± ¡°They will contact you soon. If you have any appointment for today or tomorrow, you will have to cancel them. But do not be disappointed, he has great influence. You must know that you helping him means that you have be one of the greatest appraisers.¡± As an appraiser going to where he was needed didn¡¯t make him feel bad. It¡¯s not like he would have to work for free¡­ The pressure was the problem but, on the other hand, it also meant that when finishing the job well, Haejin would get double the sense of aplishment. ¡°Oh¡­ you must not know him well enough. He is already one of the top appraisers. Do you think the prince of the Arab Emirates would hire just any appraiser?¡± Eunhae was listening to everything, she then started pouting and pretending to sulk while talking. Of course, she was joking. Apparently, she and the appraiser were very close. ¡°Of course, I know, but those snobs up there don¡¯t. They don¡¯t want to know¡­ I also know that Vice Chairman Lim has acknowledged him, but the ambassador has an influence on the political world. There¡¯s a big difference between someone who can help you with money and someone who can help you with political power.¡± He patted Haejin¡¯s shoulder and left. ¡°Please do well.¡± After that, Eunhae sat opposite to Haejin and asked, ¡°Anyway, what are you going to do about Mr. Jaewon? Judging from how he reacted, I¡¯m sure he would go around to sell that buddha¡­¡± ¡°What can I do? He¡¯s a grown-up. I cannot stop him forever. I¡¯ve done enough, but he couldn¡¯t understand¡­¡± Haejin smiled bitterly. He still remembered little Jaewon following him around. ¡°What if it appears in Insadong?¡± ¡°Why? You want me to take it? It will be worth three billion at least.¡± ¡°I was thinking maybe you would do it. It is nonsense, considering the museum¡¯s finance, but honestly, you somehow easily get hundreds of millions out of nowhere, so I was worried you might do it again.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, that would never happen. And three billion won is too huge to just get it from somewhere. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be able to buy it with three billion¡­ and even if it was three hundred thousand instead of three billion, it is a bomb that can go off anytime, we cannot keep it.¡± ¡°Then, you want me to ignore it?¡± ¡°Yes. If the buddha appears in Insadong while I¡¯m in Beijing, just watch quietly. At how much and to whom it gets sold¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to help?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not to help. However, if someone buys it knowing that it is a stolen good, he or she must have bought other stolen goods, too. Plus, as it is an expensive stolen good worth more than three billion, there must be a financer involved, so they will work as a team. Find out about them, and we will be able to react if something happenster.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see. Okay, I will contact some middle merchants and shop owners in advance.¡± The conversation ended like that. And a few hourster, Haejin got a call from the embassy. They said they had gotten a ne ticket for tomorrow and he should hurry. This time, Haejin went alone without Eunhae. For what reasons had he been summoned? It made him both nervous and excited. When he arrived at the embassy, an employee went out to greet him. ¡°The ambassador is waiting for you. He is at the official residence now, so I will take you there.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin followed him and arrived at the residence. A man in his early 50s in a suit, who Haejin had never seen on the news, weed him. He wasn¡¯t that tall, but he seemed nice, probably because of his grey hair and the fat face. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Yang Dojin.¡± ¡°I¡¯m antique appraiser Park Haejin.¡± ¡°Please, sit first. I¡¯ve prepared lunch¡­ is Chinese food okay?¡± ¡°I had Korean food earlier, so Chinese food would be nice.¡± ¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s good.¡± Haejin heard that the ambassador¡¯s family also lived there, but he saw no one except for the cook. They ate while having a meaningless conversation and moved to the living room. Dojin finally talked about why he had invited Haejin. ¡°I was impressed by what you did in the Arab Emirates. That¡¯s why I invited you here.¡± ¡°I just got lucky.¡± ¡°Right now, I need that luck very badly. I do various things here, and the thing that allows me to do them well is human rtionship¡­ but it isn¡¯t easy.¡± ¡°Could you tell me more?¡± Dojin took a sip of his tea and slowly continued. ¡°There¡¯s a man named Wang Huiyang in Politburo of the Communist Party. He is very troublesome. What should I say? He tackles everything about Korea.¡± ¡°He just hates Korea.¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s not about politics and belief of the nation. He never wants to take a step back in all matters rted to Korea, so he makes things very hard for me. Funny thing is, he never shows that he hates Korea when ites to important issues between the countries.¡± ¡°Then how¡­¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t let Koreans do business in China, but I cannot officially protest about it¡­ I tried to find out why he hated Korea so much, and there was a good reason. So, I think the best thing to do would be to make him change his mind, but I couldn¡¯t find a way.¡± If he still didn¡¯t have a way, Haejin could do nothing. He was an appraiser, not a consultant. ¡°What is that good reason?¡± ¡°He used to like Korea. He even sent his son to Korea to study, but he was bullied because he was Chinese. He started to hate Korea after that.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Anyway, so?¡± ¡°I heard about you a while ago and thought about it. I can¡¯t just bribe him, and I can¡¯t change his mind with a few words at dinner, so I was worried, but I thought I could solve this by using antiques.¡± How will that solve the problem? ¡°Do you have a n in mind?¡± ¡°In three days, a charity auction for disabled children will take ce in Shanghai. Wang Huiyang will donate a considerable amount of antiques.¡± ¡°Why would he donate his antiques to a charity auction?¡± ¡°It¡¯s kind of a political action. His family is known to be very rich, so there are people who don¡¯t like that. That¡¯s why he¡¯s appealing to the public and to the party members by doing it.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ and?¡± ¡°We will participate in that auction, too. Out of courtesy, we are going to buy one or two with a small sum of money, and I am hoping you would help.¡± ¡°Me? How?¡± It wasn¡¯t like Dojin needed to buy something at a low price or get something really valuable, so Haejin couldn¡¯t even guess what he was supposed to do. ¡°Many politicians and businessmen will participate in this auction. And, each one of them wants his or her piece of art to be sold at the highest price. They think it will raise their reputation.¡± ¡°Then, I should make Wang Huiyang¡¯s artifacts get sold at the highest price?¡± ¡°Yes. What do you say? If it¡¯s impossible, you don¡¯t have to do it. I don¡¯t want to ask too much.¡± Dojin wasn¡¯t just saying that. He was really saying that Haejin could refuse. ¡°Hmm¡­ actually, I cannot tell you anything as I don¡¯t know what kind of artifacts will be on the auction.¡± ¡°Of course. Being able to make your decision in this situation would have been even harder to believe. I¡¯ve prepared the auction¡¯s catalog.¡± Dojin looked at Haejin and handed him the catalog. Chapter 105: Charity Auction in Shanghai (2)

Chapter 105: Charity Auction in Shanghai (2)

¡°Then I¡¯ll look at this catalog and prepare.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry for asking you such a hard favor. These are my phone number and one of our staff¡¯s, so call us anytime if you need anything.¡± He gave Haejin two business cards: his and the one that belonged to the employee who had brought Haejin here. Haejin then left the residence, and the employee drove him to a hotel. It wasn¡¯t a five-star hotel like the one he had stayed in London but a four-star business hotel. It was clean, and Haejin liked it. Dojin must have been thinking that the catalog would help Haejin, but his real ability was more about seeing what would normally not be seen, so the catalog wasn¡¯t of much help. Plus, the valuable things on the catalog were all at least a millennium old, so the price would differ greatly depending on what kind of story each artifact had. So, what Haejin did during the two days at the hotel was eating, sleeping, and sometimes taking a stroll. He couldn¡¯t openly go sightseeing while he was on a business trip, and he thought the ambassador would be offended. On the third day, Haejin went to Shanghai with Dojin and participated in the charity auction that took ce in therge hall. As he was with the ambassador, he could sit at a round table that was in front. People on that table knew Dojin and greeted him. Surprisingly, there was someone familiar at the next table. She had big jewel rings on six out of the ten fingers. She looked confused at seeing Haejin, and she also recognized Haejin. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± She was Director Wang Mingwan of China Gwangmyeong Electricity Industry. She had made Haejinpete with her appraiser when they were in Hong Kong to buy paintings. Haejin hadn¡¯t known that they would meet here. ¡°You are the handsome appraiser I met in Hong Kong. I guess your rude girlfriend is not with you this time.¡± ¡°Haha, she talks rashly, right? But she is not my girlfriend, I was just asked to appraise that day.¡± Wang Mingwan gave a strange smile. ¡°Have you been hired today as well?¡± ¡°I came with Ambassador Yang here to see. I heard there will be many artifacts on this auction, so how could I note? But I didn¡¯t know I would meet you here.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know I would meet you here, either¡­¡± She was staring at Haejin, but she then snapped her fingers. ¡°If you¡¯re here as the ambassador¡¯s friend, you can be my appraiser, right? I don¡¯t have many people to trust like I used to, it makes me feel bad. Lee Shian left, too¡­ anyway, can you be my personal appraiser for today?¡± She looked sad when she mentioned Lee Shian, so Haejin could see something had happened to him. He was curious, but he couldn¡¯t ask. ¡°Well, I will help if there¡¯s something I can help you with.¡± ¡°That¡¯s vague, but¡­ okay, I¡¯ll look forward to it.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t see what she would look forward to, but she left in satisfaction. Dojin saw this and whispered to Haejin. ¡°Are you close to Wang Mingwan?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve talked to her once when buying a painting. I¡¯m not close to her.¡± Dojin smiled as if he couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°But you both looked to be in a good mood during the conversation. I never imagined this, but I got lucky today. Did you know?¡± ¡°Know what?¡± ¡°Wang Mingwan. She and Wang Huiyang are cousins.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Life is odd. Haejin had thought of her as a strange person and cursed at her quietly, but now, she was very important to him. ¡°You really didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Yes, I am rather surprised.¡± ¡°You said you got lucky at Abu Dhabi, but this time, I¡¯m the one with luck. No fortune is better than getting a good rtionship.¡± Dojin started to chat with his friends again as if he trusted Haejin to take care of the rest. Haejin got even more nervous now. He could feel the pressure to aplish something by using Wang Mingwan. After about five minutes, Dojin grabbed Haejin¡¯s elbow and pointed at one side of the hall. ¡°He is Wang Huiyang. The man who¡¯sing in now.¡± As the entire floor of the convention center had been turned into an auction room, there were multiple entrances. Someone came in through one of them, getting much attention. He was tall and had neat hair, he looked sharp. He seemed to be in his early 40s, but Haejin knew he was actually in his early 50s. He didn¡¯te to the front but sat at a table in the middle. ¡°Why is he sitting in the middle?¡± Haejin asked Dojin. ¡°Even though this event is about the people who donated artifacts and disabled children, the most important people are those who are here to buy those artifacts. He is willingly giving up the spotlight for them.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± ¡°He is rich, but more importantly, he is wise. That¡¯s how he climbed up to that position without any big danger. In short, he doesn¡¯t make enemies. That¡¯s why what I must do is even trickier.¡± Dojin looked very worried, and Haejin felt like he had to do something today. After about ten minutes, the hall was full of people. They were not all going to participate in the auction. Those who had a paddle in their hands were at the front, and the rest were there to watch the works of art on auction. Soon, an auctioneer in his early 40s went up the dais. Next to him was a huge screen that showed the things on auction to the crowd. He nced at it and greeted the people. ¡°Thank you for participating in this event for the children going through hardship. And I also thank the party for letting me manage this meaningful charity auction.¡± After that, he introduced the celebrities who donated things to the auction one by one. They rose up and waved their hands when they were called, and Wang Huiyang¡¯s name was called as the third. ¡°So, there are two more people on a higher rank than Wang Huiyang.¡± Ambassador Yang nodded and looked at the few people who were sitting in front of Wang Huiyang. ¡°That¡¯s what you should do today. Wang Huiyang has donated many artifacts, and he wants his to be sold at the highest price.¡± ¡°Is it okay for his artifacts to be sold at a higher price than those donated by people of a higher rank?¡± ¡°This is a well-intentionedpetition. That won¡¯t be a problem, it¡¯s a charity auction.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then, I should only focus on raising Wang Huiyang¡¯s reputation and pride.¡± ¡°Yes. Actually, I¡¯vee up with this n after thinking for a long time, but I don¡¯t know if this will work. But maybe, I will get good results if I keep trying.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± After the celebrities were called, the auction started. An earthenware appeared on the screen, and the crowd eximed. ¡°This earthenware was excavated in Hotan, Xinjiang. Judging from its shape and the pattern, it is thought to have been found in the ruins of Yotkan in Hotan. Normally, bottles like this have a repeated pattern at the body or the handle, and it would be decorated with the face of a human or an animal. Bead pattern decorations, on the surface, were made separately and attachedter.¡± Dojin leaned on Haejin¡¯s shoulder again. ¡°How is it? It looks really old.¡± It wasn¡¯t Wang Huiyang¡¯s. So, Dojin was worried it might be sold at a very high price. ¡°It is. It looks very valuable. However, the auction just started, don¡¯t worry too much. I saw a few that will be sold at an extremely high price among the artifacts Wang Huiyang donated.¡± ¡°Haha, they can¡¯t just be sold at a high price. You must get a chance to help Wang Huiyang.¡± Haejin was worried, too. If Wang Huiyang¡¯s artifact were sold at the highest price without Haejin saying a word, his trip to Shanghai would be meaningless. ¡°Lot No.1 starts at 100 yuan and rises by fifty thousand. The auction begins!¡± The auctioneer raised the excitement of the mood even more. ¡°1.6 million, 1.65 million, 1.70 million yuan there at the corner!¡± You might think people only raise their paddles in silence at auction, but that¡¯s not what happens. People look at their phone and mutter to themselves, talk on the phone, or talk to someone close. Cheers and boos sometimes fill the room. The auction room is in excitement, like the stands of a stadium during a sports game. The highly ted atmosphere, exmations, and the Chinese¡¯s unique loud voices raised the temperature. The first artifact was sold at a high price. ¡°9.6 million, 9.8 million, client No. 286 offered 10 million! The price rises by 0.5 million now!¡± Dojin¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°10 million yuan, that¡¯s more than 1.6 billion in Korean won, but the price is still going up.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know at how much the works of art are sold in China. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if that gets sold at over five billion.¡± ¡°Then, why did he start at a million yuan? This is the first artifact¡­¡± Dojin didn¡¯t finish that sentence, but Haejin could see what he wanted to say. The auction would not end if it went this way. ¡°It is because this is the first artifact. He started at a price that is much lower than the assumed sessful bid price to liven up the mood. The next artifact will have a much higher starting price.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s kind of a business skill.¡± ¡°Yes. In fact, the revenue of an auction depends on what kind of artifacts are on it, but it also differs ording to how the auctioneer creates the right mood. People are wielded by emotion, after all.¡± In that perspective, the auctioneer was very skilled and courageous. He directly looked at someone thinking about raising the paddle and touched his pride and controlled the mood with the right gesture. He was raising the price. ¡°44.5 million yuan! Is there more? If there isn¡¯t, it ends here! Bang bang! The no.104 gentleman bought it at 44.5 million yuan! Congrattions!¡± The sessful bid of 44.5 million yuan already appeared with the first artifact. The friendly mood was gone, and a cold tension filled the eyes of the participants. The second object appeared on the screen. It was the painting of two men with red handkerchiefs. Their arms were around each other¡¯s shoulders. However, they were both wearing strange masks. ¡°A painting from Zeng Fanzhi, the best contemporary artist in China!¡± The auctioneer yelled. With that, Dojin looked back at Wang Huiyang. Chapter 106: Charity Auction in Shanghai (3)

Chapter 106: Charity Auction in Shanghai (3)

The Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi is famous for depicting the internal thoughts of the Chinese people who are living entangled in capitalism andmunism. No, he is more than famous. His paintings are extremely expensive. So, of course, Wang Huiyang was worried as he looked at the screen in front. It wasn¡¯t his, but it had been donated by someone else¡­ ¡°This painting has been donated by Vice Premier Lee Yang. It has surprised the world, and I also wonder at how much it will be sold,¡± Dojin covered his mouth with his hand and asked quietly, ¡°What price do you think it will be sold at?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. However, judging from the tendency of Chinese people, it should go over ten billion.¡± One of Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s painting was sold at 2.7 million dors in Hong Kong¡¯s Christie¡¯s Auction in - So, objectively thinking about the Chinese art market that was getting bigger and bigger, Haejin was sure the price would go over ten billion today. ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s impressive. I¡¯ve heard that Zeng Fanzhi is a great artist, but I never thought his painting would be sold at ten billion. ¡°That painting looks strange to me. Why is it so expensive? There are many other beautiful paintings.¡± Dojin wasn¡¯t an expert of contemporary art so, of course, he had that question. ¡°The most important feature of contemporary art is painting the mental and philosophical belief. Each line and touch of the brush has a meaning. So, without knowing that meaning, it¡¯s just a weird painting with no pleasure and beauty. For example, I can draw a blue line on a dark background and say, ¡®I depicted the energy of the dusk blooming in the darkness¡¯. You don¡¯t know that meaning, so of course, you would think it is strange. That¡¯s only right.¡± ¡°Then, what do Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s painting have that everyone is so enthusiastic about them?¡± Haejin pointed at the screen and started to exin. ¡°Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s paintings have a bright background that gives a cheerful feeling. And the characters are mostly wearing smiling masks. However, it looks weird because of the unnaturally huge hands and the red shadows that look like blood. Doesn¡¯t that give anxiety to you?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I think so.¡± ¡°It shows how Chinese people are being forced to smile without showing their own thoughts. And the handkerchiefs mean that they are members of themunist party, but those smiling masks say there is another true feeling under them. In a way, Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s paintings are not that hospitable toward the Chinese government¡­ but I don¡¯t know why they are letting him do that.¡± Dojin faintly smiled. ¡°I think I can tell you that. Even if that painting has this kind of message, the Chinese government does not have full control over the art market. As you know, that matter is directly linked to secret funds of billionaires and taxes. If they start messing up with the paintings of famous artists, they would be diminishing the value of their own paintings, so it wouldn¡¯t be easy. Especially when that artist is also internationally famous.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all about money.¡± ¡°Of course. If they try to capture one artist and kills Chinese contemporary art, they would be losing billions and trillions. And, because of the anti-corruption policies of the Communist Party that were created a few years ago, money is noting in through luxurious goods. Things are the same in the art market. So, they have to be even more careful.¡± ¡°Hearing that makes me think that this event itself might have been nned. A sudden charity auction¡­¡± ¡°Of course, it was nned. Politicians and businessmen donated works of art to this auction, but that¡¯s not all they have. So, if they donate some of what they have and liven the market itself, the value of the other artifacts they own would soar up.¡± ¡°They are trying to affect the art market with a charity auction? This is¡­ this is practically investing through politics.¡± ¡°That happens in every country. It¡¯s like making a road within thend.¡± ¡°Well, it makes sense.¡± Dojin smiled at seeing Haejin agree. ¡°Anyway, that simple painting has that kind of meaning. It is amazing, it certainly is different from the eastern painting before the 19 th century.¡± ¡°Right?¡± Eastern paintings also have hidden meanings, but Haejin didn¡¯t bother to exin. He wasn¡¯t there to lecture about eastern paintings but was there to work, so he thought there was no need to exin all that. ¡°10 million yuan again!¡± Just as Haejin had predicted, the price soared up and up and was settled at 71.2 million yuan. ¡°Ten billion won for that painting¡­ I¡¯ve read reports about it in advance, but seeing it get sold at such a price doesn¡¯t feel real.¡± Dojin shook his head as if he couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°An auction is always like that.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t this bad for us? Do you think one of Wang Huiyang¡¯s artifacts can be sold at over 70 million yuan?¡± ¡°Well, we should wait and see.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve seen the catalog I gave you, so you must know.¡± ¡°There are a few promising artifacts, but I need to see them with my own eyes.¡± Dojin couldn¡¯t understand that. People who participate in auction select the things they will bid for and determine the highest bid they can afford in advance. Even Dojin, who didn¡¯t know much about auctions, had read reports about it, so he knew this. ¡°You mean something will change if you see it with your own eyes?¡± He asked, half-joking, but that was the point. ¡°I would rather say I would be able to see more urately.¡± ¡°See more urately¡­¡± After Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s painting, people calmed down a little. The artifacts that came after were all sold at under five million yuan. About 30 minutester, people moved around to meet each other. This auction wouldst at least three hours, so they were using it as a chance to befriend each other. But Wang Huiyang, who was sitting in the middle of the hall, stood up and started toe toward the front. Dojin was about to stand up, but Wang Mingwan, who was sitting opposite to Haejin, waved her hand. ¡°Why are you here when you are so busy?¡± Wang Huiyang was on his way to meet his cousin. Dojin thought for a moment, but he exhaled deeply and sat down again. He thought it wasn¡¯t a good time to chime in. ¡°Are you tired today? Your paddle isn¡¯t going up.¡± Mingwan smiled. ¡°That¡¯s because Lee Shian isn¡¯t with me now. Someone has promised to help instead, but he isn¡¯t talking.¡± Haejin instinctively looked away. It was because Mingwan was looking at him, and he couldn¡¯t decide if he should pretend to be close to her or not. ¡°Who is he¡­¡± However, hearing Wang Mingwan¡¯s answer, Wang Huiyang looked at Haejin. Dojin stood up and introduced Haejin in Chinese. ¡°Hello, sir. I couldn¡¯t go to meet you earlier as you were busy.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ ambassador Yang Dojin. I heard that you would be here.¡± Wang Huiyang greeted Dojin, but Haejin could see that he wasn¡¯t that happy to see Dojin. He looked rather bothered. ¡°This is Mr. Park Haejin, who owns an art museum in Korea and also works as an antiquity appraiser.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you own an art museum?¡± Both Wang Huiyang and Wang Mingwan were surprised. ¡°You have an art museum? You didn¡¯t tell me that when we met in Hong Kong¡­ what kind of art museum is it?¡± Haejin had no choice but to answer. ¡°I¡¯ve opened a small art museum in Seoul. It doesn¡¯t have many artifacts, but there are a few good ones including Picasso¡¯s painting. I will send you an invitation.¡± Haejin mentioned Picasso¡¯s painting on purpose. He thought it wasn¡¯t the time to be humble. ¡°Picasso? Yes, I remember. I read it on the inte about an art museum with Picasso¡¯s painting opening in Korea, and it is yours? I thought you were a poor appraiser, to think that you were quite important! I¡¯m sorry, I used to think you were an appraiser who worked for that rude little girl.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, I know it looked that way.¡± Wang Huiyang waited for his cousin to finish and asked Haejin, ¡°What do you think about today¡¯s artifacts?¡± That was a tricky question. Was he asking because he wanted to know if his artifacts were great, or was he just trying to boast about Chinese artifacts? ¡°They are all impressive. Especially Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s painting.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t be sure, so he provoked him on purpose. Then, heughed out loud. ¡°Hahaha! You have a discerning eye. Zeng Fanzhi is the pride of China, the master of contemporary art.¡± However, Haejin didn¡¯t miss the anger that silently appeared in his eyes. ¡°Yes. I must acknowledge him. But¡­¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to believe the most important work of art came out so early. I have a feeling that there would be something even better among those I haven¡¯t seen yet.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Wang Huiyang¡¯s gaze was strange. He looked like he was curious about Haejin, but he also looked like he was scolding him. ¡°I believe so. The star always appearster.¡± Then, another artifact appeared on the screen. ¡°A Blue Flower White Porcin stole the heart of everyone, not just us Chinese. I am personally honored to introduce this beautiful artifact today.¡± Regardless of the auctioneer¡¯s grand exnation, the people didn¡¯t get excited. Everyone knew about the beauty and greatness of the Blue Flower White Porcin, but they were so used to it at the same time. Only Wang Huiyang looked at the dais with excitement: it was one of the artifacts he had donated. On the other hand, Haejin had decided that if he got one chance to use magic today, it would be now. Haejin stood up, went to the huge porcin at the front and used magic. Then, he came back and sat down again as if nothing was wrong. ¡°Why did you go there?¡± Dojin asked in Chinese for everyone who was surprised. ¡°I wanted to know if that¡¯s what I am thinking it is.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Haejin nced at Wang Mingwan and replied. ¡°Do you know the Zhan Guo Ce (Strategies of the Warring States)?¡± ¡°Zhan Guo Ce? Are you talking about the book that contains the anecdotes of political maniption and warfare during the Warring States period?¡± ¡°Yes, that book.¡± At that moment, Wang Mingwan raised her paddle as if she was possessed by something. Chapter 107: Charity Auction in Shanghai (4)

Chapter 107: Charity Auction in Shanghai (4)

The thing that filled huge screen was a beautiful white porcin. Haejin had used magic on this because he wanted to know what kind of story the painting drawn on its surface had. It was painting of a general leaning on a tree with one hand and holding torchlight with the other. He was looking up to the sky. When Haejin had seen it on catalogue, he couldn¡¯t know what it was about. It looked like the general was just strolling in darkness, but he was depicted with such detail that made Haejin doubt it. It the general had been riding on horse, Haejin would have thought it represented his bravery, but why was he standing next to a tree when he was wearing armor and had a sword at his side? And why was he holding a torchlight in mountaion? Haejin could find no clue on catalogue, but he thought seeing the actual porcin would not help much. If there had been any clue in the painting, other appraisers would have found it. It could be just meaningless decoration, but if that painting had some kind of story or meaning, the artifact¡¯s value could jump up tens and hundreds of times. Rarity is the reason why painting of dead artist is high, but the value of painting rises up if the death was dramatic. It¡¯s because it had a story. So Haejin used magic, and he was shocked. It had more than the artisan¡¯s story. The painting showed a scene of Zhan Guo Ce. That was very important. Among countless porcins made in China, there are only 11 remaining porcins with scene of a story. One of them is Blue Flower Sh*te Porcin that shows the war between Yan and Qi states, and it was sold at 30 bilion won. Wang Mingwan was raising her paddle after hearing Haejin say Zhan Guo Ce, and it meant she knew a lot about antiquities. ¡°Are you saying the painting on that porcins shows a scene of Zhan Guo Ce? Then could you tell me which scene it exactly is?¡± Wang Huiyang smiled slightly to see paddles rise faster and faster. He raised his voice as he asked. His intention was clear. It was to drag attention and raise the price even more. It was simple trick, but it worked well. At this question, Haejin could feel people looking at him. ¡°Actually, I wasn¡¯t sure when I first saw it on catalogue. The original owner must have had it appraised more than once, but it wouldn¡¯t have been easy to decipher the painting¡¯s meaning.¡± Wang Huiyang nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°A man leaning on a tree and looking up the sky is not that strange, but a general with torchlight must have specific meaning. But the moment I got near to it, a scene came to my mind. The Battle of Maling.¡± ¡°The Battle of Maling?¡± ¡°Yes. Pang Juan of Wei was pricked by Sun Bin. He read ¡®Pang Juan dies under this tree¡¯ written on tree and was shot by archers soon after. In 14th century, when Blue Flower White Porcin was the most popr, people are enthusiastic about stories of Warring States Period, so it¡¯s not at all strange this story was depicted.¡± It was amazing story, but some showed their doubt. They couldn¡¯t believe Haejin. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but is there any proof?¡± A man in his early 40s openly showed his doubt. He was wearing ck suit. He had a ss of wine at one hand and his paddle at the other. He kept ncing at Wang Mingwan who raised her paddle as he asked, so he was nning to bid as soon as he got sure. ¡°I thought it was convincing answer¡­. Do you think my answer is not enough?¡± ¡°I think it makes sense, but isn¡¯t it hard to determine that porcin shows that scene? What if that painting is just of a man wandering in mountains at night?¡± The man couldn¡¯t be sure. ¡°Hmm¡­. You might think that way.¡± That was reasonable suspicion. It wasn¡¯t like the porcin was worth one or two million won, so checking again and again wasn¡¯t enough. If Haejin had gotten his conclusion based only on assumption, he would have be nervous. Haejin stood up, went to the man, and pointed at the screen. ¡°Do you see the pine tree and zelkova tree on background?¡± ¡°Yes, I see.¡± ¡°Search the inte and find a Blue Flower White Porcin that was sold in London in 2005. The way of describing the background, the character¡¯s posture, and style are exactly the same with that porcins. It means they were made by same artisan. So¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t finish, but there was no fool who couldn¡¯t understand what he was trying to say. At this, everyone started to search with their smartphones. And soon, paddles started to go up everywhere. ¡°40 million yuan! There¡¯s 40 million yuan! 40.5 million yuan on phone!¡± The story of the porcin spread quickly and people got excited. They even bid huge money on phone, so they were more than sure of what Haejin said. They were nning to bid and think about itter. As the mood was set that way, the price soared up and up and easily went over Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s 71.2 million yuan. ¡°100 million yuan! 100 million yuan! Price rises by 5 million yuan! 105 million yuan!¡± Even after 100 million yuan, people didn¡¯t hesitate to raise their paddles. Another Blue Flower White Porcin had been sold at 200 million yuan in 2005, so they were thinking they could pay at least that much. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t have to help.¡± Wang Mingwan put down her paddle after 150 million yuan andughed. Judging from that, she hade here to help her cousin Wang Huiyang, but thanks to Haejin, there was no need for that now. ¡°I told you, you didn¡¯t have toe¡­.¡± Wang Huiyang boasted and sat down to his cousin. Then he looked up at the auctioneer who had to keep yelling. The price soared up and up and was settled at 211 million yuan. ¡°Highest sessful of this year! Everyone, please apud No. 105 gentleman!¡± p, p! It was the man who questioned the authenticity next to Haejin. He bowed to the crowd and stretched his hand to Haejin. ¡°Thank you. I am sorry for doubting what you said. I will have it appraised again, but your story was convincing enough.¡± He was going to have it appraised again. It meant he wasn¡¯t believing Haejin 100%. However, he had spent 211 million yuan. That was bold. ¡°We,, I don¡¯t know who will get to appraise it again, but do you think it can make you sure of what I said? You might be able to determine when it was made through scientific tests, but what if the appraiser sees it and say it is not a scene of the Battle of Maling?¡± What Haejin had seen though magic was an artisan doing his best to imitate a painting on the surface of the porcin. He talked to someone much younger as he painted, but that was very old Chinese that even Haejin, who was fluent in Chinese, couldn¡¯t understand fully. However, judging from what he could understand, the artisan was impressed by Sun Bin¡¯s wisdom and was criticizing jealous Pang Juan¡¯s foolishness. Thanks to that, Haejin could know that the scene was Sun Bin killing Pang Juan in the Battle of Maling. But if someone else sees that porcin without that kind of proof, one would keep thinking ¡®what if..¡¯? ¡°Your theory is reasonable enough, so to counter it, another theory as reasonable as that would be needed.¡± That was short answer, but Haejin agreed to it. But then, Wang Huiyang, who had been watching, interrupted. ¡°If you can¡¯t believe it, you shouldn¡¯t have bided for it. You look like you are tying to make this appraiser take the responsibility.¡± Wang Huiyang frowned. The man quickly bowed. ¡°I am sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to. It¡¯s just it is opinion of someone I¡¯ve never seen before¡­. So I mentioned it just to be sure.¡± ¡°You are being cautious, I get it, but you have taken it too far. You thought it was a good artifact, bid for it, and was apuded. Why are you using the appraiser?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was rude.¡± He suddenly bowed to Haejin and apologized. Haejin bowed, too. ¡°No, I understand.¡± Wnag Huiyangughed and patted Haejin¡¯s shoulder, as if he had known him for long time. ¡°Hahaha! You are a generous man. Well, I must go now, but why don¡¯t we have dinner togetherter?¡± That was what Haejin had been waiting for. That was the purpose of Haejining here. ¡°Yes, of course.¡± ¡°Haha, then call meter.¡± Wang Huiyang was looking at Ambassador Yang, so he was asking him to call him. Of course, Dojin smiled and said politely. ¡°I will invite you with Mr. Park here.¡± Wang Huiyang smiled, whispered goodbye to his cousin, and left. It looked like the man who had bought the porcin was the star, but the moment Wang Huiyang stood up and left, everyone stood up and congratted him. Among them was the man who had donated Zeng Fanzhi¡¯s painting, but he was frowning as he felt about not getting the highest price. That moment let everyone knew who the real star of today was. Haejin and Dojin had no reason to be there anymore. They left and Dojin had his employee set appointment with Wang Huiyang. ¡°Can I go back now?¡± ¡°You know you can¡¯t. You¡¯re the one Wang Huiyang is appreciating, so if you leave now, that meeting will never take ce.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t leave. Dojin held on to him, so he had to stay in China for four more days to have that dinner together. It was at Dojin¡¯s residence. He had promised to offer real Korean food. He called the best cook and prepared great dinner, but¡­when Wang Huiyang showed up with Wang Mingwan, he looked grim. He sat down and looked at Haejin. ¡°I am sorry, Ambassador Yang, but Mr. Park, can youe with me?¡± Chapter 108: Soldier from Tomb (1)

Chapter 108: Soldier from Tomb (1)

¡°What? I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Dojin also couldn¡¯t understand what Wang Huiyang was saying. Before Wang Huiyang could answer, Dojin asked again. ¡°But there are many great appraisers in China, too. And China has various artifacts because of its deep history and broadnd, so wouldn¡¯t it be better to find an expert here?¡± The first sentence was what Haejin wanted to ask, but what followed that waspliment of China, so Haejin was impressed. Dojin was trying to make his guests feel good even with not-that-important question. Wnag Mingwan answered instead, but she looked at Haejin as she spoke. ¡°You¡¯ve seen him, right? The man who did appraisal match in Hong Kong.¡± Of course he did. ¡°Yes, I remember him.¡± ¡°He wasn¡¯t just an employee of an appraisal agency. He was member of National Culture Bureau¡¯s Appraisal Committee. In short, he is the greatest expert of antiquity of this country, but he disappeared a while ago.¡± Wang Mingwan frowned hard. ¡°Oh¡­ I hope nothing bad happened to him.¡± ¡°Anyway, we don¡¯t have many trustworthy appraisers who can rece him.¡± Dojin had seeded on inviting Wang Huiyang, but he couldn¡¯t say a word about what he had to say. He looked at Haejin. ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe there are not many, but even if I believe that, it means there are some appraisers.¡± Wang Mingwan could see irritation on Haejin¡¯s face. She smiled yfully. ¡°Haha! There are. Don¡¯t get so full of yourself. We are not asking for your help because we think Chinese appraisers are not as good as you.¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°Most appraisers of National Culture Bureau¡¯s Appraisal Committee have been put in another mission. So we can only rely on local appraising organization¡¯s appraisers of each district, but we cannot fully trust them.¡± She was saying Haejin was the only option. But most appraisers of National Culture Bureau¡¯s Appraisal Committee had been put in one mission? That made Haejin curious. What was that mission? ¡°Hmm¡­ What kind of artifact you need to be appraised that you are going through all this trouble?¡± Wang Huiyang answered this time. ¡°This might be a little sensitive matter, but the artifact we want you to appraise is our history.¡± ¡°What?¡± All artifacts are history. Haejin thought that was exaggeration, but Wang Mingwan took out a photo from her bag. ¡°This is what you have to appraise.¡± Surprisingly, what was on that photo was not a porcin was a painting. It was a man made of earth. It was wearing armor and its lips were closed tight. It was Terracota Soldier that was supposed to be in Qin Shi Huang. The solder was stored in huge ss tube. It clearly had been made with great care. ¡°This is¡­¡± This wasn¡¯t a matter that could easily be touched. Dojin was shocked to see it. He was just staring at Wang Huiyang. ¡°I know you will keep the secret, but you never saw or heard what happened today.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± After getting Dojin¡¯s promise, Wang Huiyang turned to Haejin again. ¡°I do not think Chinese are less good than you Koreans. However, this time, we need help of someone from outside.¡± ¡°Is this about political matter?¡± Wang Huiyang thought about it, but he soon nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Please, tell me the details.¡± Haejin sat opposite to him and looked at him. Wang Huiyang started to exin. ¡°In 2007, 10 Terracotta Soldiers that were 2200 years old and about 100 modern replicas were exhibited together in the Museum of Ethnology, Hamburg. Do you know it?¡± Haejin had read article about it. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then it would be easier to exin. The title of the exhibition was Power within Death. But the exhibition was closed in less than a month. As you know, it was because someone said the real Terracotta Soldiers were fake.¡± ¡°I heard that other museums were used, too, not just Museum of Ethnology in Hamburg.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Leipzig, Stuttgart¡­. In the end, all 10 Terracotta Soldiers that were imed to be 2200 years old turned out to be fake. Of course, those museums of Germany received great loss and protested to China.¡± ¡°How did it go?¡± ¡°It turned out that the Cultural Artifact Bureau of Shanxi Province, which was thought to had leased those soldiers, didn¡¯t even know the exhibition took ce in Hamburg. They even found out about what happened in Hamburg after seeing it on the news. Of course they never send real Terracotta Soldiers to Germany. It was concluded as sort of scheme.¡± ¡°Then isn¡¯t it over?¡± There was no way China would have listened to those protests, but it sounded like it was all over, why was he bringing out something that had happened ten years ago now? ¡°There¡¯s hidden story in that process.¡± Haejin started to get interested only now. ¡°Hidden story¡­¡± ¡°Actually, the Cultural Artifact Bureau sent real Terracotta Soldiers to Germany.¡± ¡°Huh? They were real?¡± Haejin had expected some kind of twist, but not like that. It isn¡¯t easy to make fake Terracotta Soldiers. The tomb of Qin Shi Huang is still being controlled by Chinese government, so even high officials cannot easily get ess to it. What Wang Huiyang said revealed big w of management of the Terracotta Army and even implied crimes that were yet to be recealed. ¡°The head of Cultural Artifact Bureau of Shanxi Province verified it. Of course, I¡¯m not the one who asked him. The government admitted that it had been a victim of that scheme ten years ago. Nothing was announced as it was quite embarrassing¡­¡± ¡°Then this is¡­¡± Haejin pointed at the photo. Wang Huiyang took a sip of tea and continued. ¡°A while ago, one Terracotta Soldier appeared in ck market. One good thing is that no one thinks it is real¡­.but I don¡¯t agree with others.¡± ¡°Then you think this is one of the Terracotta Soldiers that went missing ten years ago?¡± Instead of answering, Wang Huiyang took out another photo. It showed the same Terracotta Soldier that was on Wang Mingwan¡¯s photo, but the background was different. Plus, this photo was not very clear. ¡°What do you think, Mr. Park?¡± ¡°They look to be the same.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I am thinking. This is part of a photo a staff took in secret at Cultural Artifact Bureau before they sent the soldiers to Germany¡­. Strangely, official photos that the bureau took were all gone. We managed to find this one hard, investigating the whole staff.¡± The matter was more serious than Haejin had thought. ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been this photo taken in secret, you would have had nothing topare with.¡± Wang Huiyang smiled. ¡°It is funny, but it was thanks to that staff. He said he took it as souvenir photo, but we got evidence topare with.¡± There are 8,000 terracotta soldiers and generals. None of them are the same. They might look simr, but if you look closely, you can see they all have different expression that were carefully made. Without photo or video, there would have been no way to verify which one is the real stolen soldier. ¡°Have you gotten it from that ck market?¡± This is what that mattered. But both Wang Huiyang and Wang Mingwan grimly shook their heads. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean ck market in China. I¡¯m talking about one in Tokyo, Japan.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Things were getting more and moreplicated. ¡°The government cannot officially take care of it. If words get out that real Terracotta Solider is on sale in Japan¡¯s ck market, it could cause a huge problem.¡± Dojin sat down next to Haejin. ¡°I promise Korea will give you every help possible.¡± He also knew that if it hadn¡¯t been for Haejin, there was no way he would have had been able to hear that kid of secret. Sharing a secret meant the rtionship was strong, so although he looked grave, he must have been delighted. Wang Huiyang smiled bitterly. ¡°Thank you, but we only need the help of Mr. Park here. We will take care of the rest. I let you hear this because I know you and Mr. Park are close, but to ask help of you or your country.¡± It meant Dojin was allowed to be there because Wang Huiyang thought Haejin would tell himter anyway. That was firm refusal, but Dojin smiled and countered it. ¡°This kind of artifact theft and fraud cannot be done by an individual. There must be a huge organization behind all this, so if the two countries work together, we will find those Terracotta Soldiers. Of course, this will be done in secret and Korean media would never know about this, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡± Wang Huiyang didn¡¯t say anything at this and turned to Haejin. He thought it was meaningless to argue with Dojin. ¡°Please go to Japan instead of us, approach the ck market, and check if it¡¯s real.¡± ¡°Is there a reason it has to be me?¡± ¡°Among those who speak fluent Korean and they wouldn¡¯t suspect, you are the only one who can recognize real Terracotta Solider.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ What if it¡¯s real?¡± ¡°You should buy it. Of course, it would be better if you could find out how the real Terracotta Solider ended up there, but as you are an appraiser, we won¡¯t ask that much. If it is real, we can track it.¡± Wang Mingwan added. ¡°I will pay, so don¡¯t worry about money. Just buy it.¡± Haejin nodded then asked, looking at the photo Wang Huiyang gave him. ¡°As you know, I am Korean appraiser, not Korean official. What do I get if I find you this Terracotta Soldier?¡± Dojin looked momentarily surprised at this, but he didn¡¯t try to stop Haejin or show his uneasiness. He thought it was toote to argue with Haejin. Wang Huiyang was also surprised. He was about to talk, a little mad, but Wang Mingwan grabbed his arm and talked instead. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Even if Haejin made money easily, running an art museum wasn¡¯t easy. Money kept going out, including the rent and the staff¡¯s sry, so he needed to keep putting money into the museum¡¯s ount in order not to get nervous. So of course money was the thing he wanted the most, but as he was there to help improve rtionship between countries, he couldn¡¯t openly ask for money. He didn¡¯t finish his sentence because he didn¡¯t know how to say it. Then Wang Mingwan smiled and offered. ¡°If you bring back the real Terracotta Soldier, I will give you 5 million yuan. My personal money, of course¡­ How¡¯s that?¡± She didn¡¯t hesitate to spend huge money for Wang Huiyang. ¡°Hmm¡­ Then how about this? If I find out where the other real soldiers are¡­¡± Wang Mingwan hit the table. ¡°5 million yuan more for each of them.¡± Chapter 109: Soldier from the Tomb (2)

Chapter 109: Soldier from the Tomb (2)

Even though Haejin earned well through appraisal, he had to appraise at least dozens of artifacts to earn 800 million won. And those artifacts had to all be valuable enough to be worth at least 1 billion, so if he could receive 800 million by bringing one Terracotta Soldier, he had no reason to refuse. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do it.¡± Dojin was feeling urgent, he coughed and chimed in. ¡°Khmm¡­ and Korea will also help.¡± Wang Huiyang then said to Dojin, who was trying to get into this, ¡°I haven¡¯t thanked you enough. If it hadn¡¯t been for you, I wouldn¡¯t have met Mr. Park. So, from now on, I will help in improving the rtionship between our countries.¡± That answer made it all worth it for Dojin to run around trying so hard. However, what followed, slightly disappointed Dojin. ¡°But you have helped enough, we should take care of the rest. So please, stop here. It would be better for our countries.¡± Dojin was content with that, he politely bowed and smiled. ¡°I understand. I hope China and Korea get even closer though this. We will stop by helping with the administrative matters in order to let Mr. Park work easier.¡± ¡°I will not forget your help.¡± Wang Huiyang said everything he had to say, he then stood up and so did Wang Mingwan. ¡°I¡¯ll call you. See you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± She was going to give Haejin the ne ticked and tell him where the Terracotta Soldier was. After they left, Dojin plopped down on his chair and asked Haejin to sit. ¡°You¡¯ve done well. Let¡¯s eat first. They didn¡¯t eat, so we will have to eat a lot.¡± Dojin started by gulping down the wine as if it was grape juice and started to mix bibimbap. The cook had said that it was the most popr Korean dish which everyone liked. He thought the guests would like it, so he would be disappointed if he were to find out they didn¡¯t eat at all. ¡°I am famished.¡± Haejin had been too hungry to talk in front of the food without eating, so he also mixed bibimbap and drank the wine. ¡°Anyway, thank you. Befriending Wang Huiyang was much easier than I thought, all thanks to you.¡± ¡°I just got lucky. I didn¡¯t know Wang Mingwan would be at the auction.¡± Haejin took a huge spoonful of bibimbap. It was more delicious than he expected, so he started to eat faster. ¡°Don¡¯t you think everyone would have trusted you even if you were not that close to Wang Mingwan?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ no, actually. They all seemed to care about Wang Huiyang, but at the auction room, Wang Mingwan had a strong influence. She heard what I said and started to raise her paddle. Then, the others followed.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Dojin tried to remember what had happened. ¡°You were too busy to notice this, but at auctions, wealthy people who buy often, especially those with discerning eyes, have great influence. I don¡¯t think Wang Mingwan has a discerning eye, but maybe it was because she is Wang Huiyang¡¯s cousin. Anyway, people started to act differently once she raised her paddle.¡± ¡°I see. Anyway, I was puzzled to see Wang Huiyange with an unexpected problem, but we have turned it into an opportunity. That¡¯s great. But I have a question¡­¡± Dojin didn¡¯t say what it was, but Haejin could see what he was curious about. ¡°Do you want to know how I am going to recognize the real Terracotta Soldier?¡± ¡°Haha! Yes, I do. I think I know how to appraise porcins and paintings, but I don¡¯t know how you are going to appraise a Terracotta Soldier. Are you going to use the carbon dating method?¡± ¡°That kind of scientific test requires enough time and equipment.¡± ¡°Then, how are you going to appraise it?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Haejin smiled, but actually, there was no way to do it. All 8000 soldiers look different, and it is thought that only their legs were manufactured by identical molds, so finding out if it¡¯s real solely based on its appearance would be hard. The story of the fake Terracotta Soldiers being revealed in Germany was also funny. What happened was not a great appraiser seeing them and then raising a question. The person who reported them being fake was an art dealer. He was a member of the Chinese Culture Center and had the exclusive rights about the exhibition of the Terracotta Soldiers. However, some Terracotta Soldiers were being exhibited in Germany without him having any knowledge about it so, of course, he could guess they were fake and the whole exhibition was wed. Wang Huyaing and his cousin just thought Haejin must have had his own unique appraisal method, but he didn¡¯t. Maybe someone who had led the excavation at Qin Shi Huang¡¯s tomb for decades might be able to try to find out using some kind of special analysis or characteristic that was yet to be announced. Haejin¡¯s guess was that Wang Huiyang couldn¡¯t ask them or the Appraisal Committee¡¯s members to help because of political issues, so he had no choice but to choose Haejin. ¡°Then I will put my faith in you and back you up. About the ne ticket to Japan¡­¡± ¡°Director Wang Mingwan will prepare it for me.¡± ¡°Then, what can I do for you?¡± ¡°She will also take care of the amodation, so I must ask you something else.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ you know, in movies and dramas, government agents use fake IDs.¡± Dojin¡¯s expression turned strange as if he was seeing a lunatic¡­ ¡°So?¡± Haejin was embarrassed, of course, but he continued to exin. ¡°Khmm¡­ I was hoping you could get me one. Only for Japan.¡± Actually, fake IDs wouldn¡¯t fool anyone who knew Haejin¡¯s face, nevertheless, he thought going around using his own name could be dangerous. ¡°Could you tell me why you need it?¡± ¡°Actually, there¡¯s bad blood between me and someone in Japan, and he is an infamous art dealer in Tokyo. Although Wang Mingwan didn¡¯t mention him, he is probably the owner of that Terracotta Soldier, or he is very close to the owner.¡± ¡°Who is he?¡± ¡°Ando Hadake, the Devil of Tokyo. He is either deeply rted to the Yakuza or is one himself.¡± Dojin stroked his chin and thought about it. ¡°Why don¡¯t we eat fist?¡± ¡°Oh, shall we?¡± They ate in the blink of an eye and resumed the conversation. ¡°Would that be hard? Without it, I cannot go to Japan. He has a grudge against me.¡± Dojin thought about it again and called someone. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s me, Yang Dojin. How have you been? Haha! Yes, of course, I¡¯m fine. Yes, yes. I have good news. I had dinner with Wang Huiyang today and had a very meaningful conversation about the rtionship between the countries. No, we didn¡¯t talk about the actual details, but I found out what he had in mind.¡± Dojin began with the good news and got to his point. ¡°Yes, yes. But¡­ he offered us a little tricky deal. Of course, being offered a deal is a good opportunity for us. So, could you get me an ID that works in Japan? It is about¡­ it went that way, anyway. Yes, yes, he is an antique appraiser, and he knows the yakuza in Japan. However, he cannot work in Japan without a fake ID.¡± Dojin nced at Haejin. He was probably trying to check what Haejin was thinking, probably doing this kind of thing had risks for both of them. ¡°Hmm¡­ I understand. His name is Park Haejin, and his address and Social Security number is¡­ could you write it down?¡± Haejin quickly wrote his address and Social Security number on a piece of nk paper, hoping that Dojin wasn¡¯t a fraud. ¡°Photo¡­ oh, it¡¯s not needed, okay. Thank you.¡± Dojin hung up and smiled at Haejin. ¡°Fortunately, it is possible as it is for the country. But you will be working for the National Intelligence Service temporarily, is that okay?¡± ¡°The NIS?¡± Dojin replied, as if he couldn¡¯t understand why Haejin was so surprised, ¡°Yes. They cannot make a fake ID for anyone. Even in dramas and movies¡­¡± ¡°Oh, of course.¡± If you think about it, it was a necessary procedure. ¡°Anyway, they are verifying your ID, so if there¡¯s no problem, you will get that fake ID. An agent in Japan will help you when you are there. He will be guarding you just in case, so don¡¯t care about it much.¡± Haejin was d to hear that he would get a guard, but not about the ID beingte. ¡°I am supposed to meet Wang Mingwan tomorrow¡­¡± ¡°You must drag for time. They can¡¯t just make a fake ID in minutes. Oh, and once you¡¯re a temporary agent of the NIS, there will be both something good and bad.¡± ¡°What kind of¡­¡± ¡°As you will get to know and befriend the NIS agents, you might be able to get the information you need quickly. Although I don¡¯t know how much that would help¡­¡± ¡°Then the bad part is¡­¡± ¡°Nothing much. As there are few appraisers as good as you, they might ask for your advice. It might be bothering, but I think you can handle it.¡± Haejin regretted getting into this bothering business because of the 800+ million. ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± However, it had been done already, and as he might be able to help in retrieving Korean artifacts that were abroad, he decided to think it was a good thing. Dojin went back to his hotel, got some sleep, and met Wang Mingwan the next day around lunchtime. She gave Haejin his ne ticket and paper that had the information about the hotel where he would stay at. ¡°Tokyo has a very active artifact ck market. There are even more fakes than there are in China.¡± You might think that it is impossible to have more fakes than China, but she wasn¡¯t wrong. Although the Chinese fake market was massive, the word fake didn¡¯t exist in China. In there, old works of art have been valuable all the time, and the descendants practice by imitating the valuable artifacts. Additionally, those imitations were considered just imitations, not fakes. The legal artifact trade in China was deeply rted to the imitation of old artifacts. However, Japan was different. They also know well that old works of art are valuable, but around the Second World War, they were very passionate about looting and selling the artifacts of the east. Of course, that culture is still there, and one of the reasons why China hates Japan so much is that countless artifacts from China were stolen by the Japanese back then. ¡°I know that ck market.¡± She smiled and raised her eyebrows. ¡°I am d to hear you know Tokyo¡¯s ck market well. Then, I will have faith in you. And¡­ if you do this well, I will give you a gift, apart from the money I promised.¡± ¡°A gift?¡± ¡°Yes. You might like it¡­ or not like it.¡± Her ominous smile remained in Haejin¡¯s mind. Chapter 110: Soldier from the Tomb (3)

Chapter 110: Soldier from the Tomb (3)

Apart from that gift, Haejin started to frown at seeing the ne tickets she gave him. The ne would leave today afternoon. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll get my own ticket, so could you dy my stay at the hotel?¡± ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡± Wang Mingwan frowned. ¡°I have something urgent to take care of.¡± Wang Mingwan crossed her arms and looked at Haejin. Was she trying to find some hidden meaning in that, or thinking that he was lying? Haejin didn¡¯t know. She took a deep breath and coldly asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that the things in the ck market can disappear at any time? Why are you dying the trip? You must know the rtionship between our countries will get even worse if you don¡¯t take this seriously.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t just tell her to shut up and wait. She was close to Wang Huiyang, and if he fails to take care of this matter, Ambassador Yang Dojin would be in trouble again. Plus, apart from Dojin¡¯s personal issues, if Haejin couldn¡¯t gain Wang Huiyang¡¯s trust, it wouldn¡¯t be good for Haejin¡¯s ns of retrieving the Korean artifacts. ¡°Actually, I know the guy who has the biggest influence in the antiquity ck market in Japan.¡± ¡°You mean you are not his friend?¡± ¡°Yes. If he sees me, he might use the yakuza to bury me alive in concrete. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem if I stay in Korea but meeting them in Japan, without any preparation, would be very risky for me.¡± Haejin spoke honestly because he thought Wang Mingwan would find outter. Additionally, he had no reason to bother and hide it. ¡°Hmm¡­ then I can send some bodyguards with you.¡± ¡°Chinese bodyguards?¡± Haejin asked back. ¡°However, if I think about it, it won¡¯t be easy. Sending bodyguards abroad¡­ if it wasn¡¯t Japan, we could use the local bodyguardpany, but in Japan, the yakuza owns the bodyguardpanies, so it wouldn¡¯t help.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I need time.¡± ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°The National Intelligence Service from Korea has promised to help. I will go to Japan with a fake ID. Time is needed to make that fake ID that would let me pass the customs and immigration.¡± Wang Mingwan nodded and rxed. ¡°Korea really cares about this.¡± As the NIS was helping, she was d to know that Korea was taking this matter seriously. ¡°Yes. So, although I understand you are worried, please give us some time. We are trying as best as we can.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ good. You said you will get your ne ticket. I guess you will depart from Korea?¡± ¡°Yes. I am going to Seoul this afternoon, and I will go to Japan as soon as I¡¯m ready.¡± ¡°Good. As for the hotel, call me and I will immediately make a reservation for you.¡± She stood up and was about to leave, but she turned again as if she recalled something. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s one more thing I should tell you¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I heard Lee Shian talking about you¡­ did something happen between you two?¡± Haejin was surprised, he didn¡¯t know what to do. At the time, Lee Shian was after him, and he could assume that the weird man who came after him, some timeter, was working with him. ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t know him¡­ maybe he thought he had been humiliated there. So, he wanted to recover his honor¡­¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say to whom and what he said, but you are so nervous.¡± Haejin¡¯s heart dropped. ¡°Oh, I, I just¡­¡± ¡°Well, we are looking for traces of the missing Lee Shian. I¡¯ve done some research, after buying the painting in Hong Kong, you parted ways with that rude young girl and took a ship to Incheon at Zhangzhou Port, Xiamen¡­¡± This was getting weird. ¡°Are you suspecting me?¡± Wang Mingwan smiled at seeing Haejin getting nervous. That kind of smile on the face of such a huge woman was even more threatening. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We checked on the CCTV that he went straight to Beijing after that. I just wonder a little how you and Lee Shian knew each other. And, why you bothered to use Zhangzhou Port instead of the Hong Kong International Airport.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ I had my personal reasons¡­¡± ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t ask further. Just take care of this matter well.¡± Wang Mingwan left after a bunch of threats. Haejin flopped into a chair at seeing her go away. It¡¯s been a while since he felt his legs lose strength after he started to use magic. ¡°Wow¡­ she is scary,¡± he muttered to himself and shook his head. When did she find out about his tracks¡­ at least she didn¡¯t openly threaten him but simply implied it. Therefore, she didn¡¯t want to be on his bad side. Anyway, he had convinced Wang Mingwan, so he went to Seoul without worries. He went straight to his museum where a man in his mid-30s was waiting for him. The moment Eunhae saw Haejin, she brightly smiled and came closer. She pointed at the man behind her. ¡°He has been waiting for you for about half an hour. I asked who he was, but he didn¡¯t answer¡­ do you know him?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°But what did you do it China? You didn¡¯t say much¡­ and you didn¡¯t reply often.¡± Actually, when Haejin was in China, she showed curiosity about what he was doing there through texts, but he didn¡¯t tell her the details. ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter. Have you checked if Jaewon put that buddha on sale in Insadon?¡± Eunhae was disappointed and pouted. ¡°How could you say that? I¡¯ve been so worried.¡± ¡°Haha, I¡¯m sorry. I was too busy. I must go to Japan urgently, but I¡¯ll buy you a mealter.¡± ¡°Something expensive, then!¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Eunhae smiled and took out her phone to show Haejin a photo. ¡°I doubted that he would move immediately, but he did. There¡¯s a rumor about an antique shop in Insadong called Hansang trying to sell a buddha. I am not close to that shop¡¯s owner, so I had someone to take a photo of it in secret, and that was it.¡± In the photo, there was the buddha that Haejin had appraised. ¡°How far has that rumor spread?¡± ¡°As I heard of it, so did all the middle merchants with money in Insadong. This photo was taken yesterday, so at least¡­¡± ¡°Tomorrow?¡± ¡°Yes, after tomorrow, the probability of the buddha staying there would drop below 50%.¡± Eunhae was being generous when she said 50%. Such a well-preserved buddha with a historical value would lure in buyers in no time. In addition, considering the possibility of an organization thinking of taking it and selling it at an even higher price, it could have left Korea already. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin was thinking about this when Eunhae managed to speak to him. ¡°Are you¡­ going to let him do that?¡± ¡°I have no choice. I¡¯ve warned him already¡­ he is moving so loudly, so don¡¯t even bother to find out where it will get sold to.¡± Eunhae was relieved to hear that. She nodded. ¡°Okay. If he gets lucky, he might be able to get away with this, so¡­¡± Haejin, who had been impressed by Wang Mingwan¡¯s ability to get information, thought it was unlikely. And, if the Korean-China rtions were to be improved, this kind of artifact problems would be dealt with great care. Haejin had a simple conversation with Eunhae and went to the man who had been waiting for him. ¡°I am Park Haejin. May I ask who you are?¡± Haejin already had his guesses, but he asked to be sure. The man got up and offered his hand with a smile. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Jeong Sanghun, head of the NIS¡¯s International Team 2.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay. Let¡¯s go in first.¡± Haejin took him to Eunhae¡¯s office. He looked at Eunhae to ask her to leave, and she left immediately. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that the director of this museum?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ the actual owner has great power, after all.¡± He wasn¡¯t teasing him, he spoke as if Haejin looked special. Haejin didn¡¯t want to make excuses, so he changed the subject. ¡°I heard from Ambassador Yang Dojin, that you would get me a fake ID¡­¡± Sanghun asked with a vague expression that was somewhere between a smile and seriousness. ¡°I did some research. You have an extraordinary background. How was your rtionship with your father?¡± Haejin was sure that the man already knew, so he told him the truth. ¡°Good. I learned a lot from him.¡± ¡°Like appraisal and excavation?¡± He stressed the word ¡®excavation¡¯. ¡°You are wrong, I never took part in grave robbing. I watched and learned from the artifacts my father excavated, but he never allowed me to excavate myself.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t feel good about making excuses, but it was the truth, so he spoke openly as if saying, ¡®so what?¡¯, but Sanghun¡¯s reaction was not what he had expected. ¡°You don¡¯t know how to do rob graves?¡± He was puzzled, but Haejin could see that he wasn¡¯t joking. ¡°Yes. Do I have to know?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± He pondered on it as if he had encountered an unexpected problem. Then, he said, ¡°First, we heard about this matter from Ambassador Yang and looked through it. As it was to improve the rtions between Korea and China, we decided to hire you temporarily and give you your new ID. But¡­¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°There is something we need the help of an expert, and that is¡­¡± He was hesitating, Haejin then spoke for him. ¡°That is me. Am I supposed to do rob some graves?¡± Sanghun couldn¡¯t answer and didn¡¯t say anything. Then, he moved on as if nothing had happened. ¡°First, this is the ID you will use in Japan. You are a businessman going back and forth between Japan and Korea, and you import agricultural products from Japan.¡± The ID he gave Haejin had the name Kim Seongjun, a new address, and a new social security number. What was surprising is that the photo on Haejin¡¯s former ID card had been changed to look like someone else. ¡°Impressive.¡± ¡°We are the NIS for reason. When you go to Japan, you will have to¡­ slightly change your looks to look like this photo. It won¡¯t be hard, we can change you very quickly. When you arrive, our agent there will help you.¡± Haejin wondered if he had to do all that but thinking about how he might run into Ando Hadake¡¯s men, he decided it was better that way. ¡°Thank you, it will help me a lot.¡± ¡°But how are you going to approach it? Can you just get near it?¡± Of course not. Even though the antiquity ck market deals with a huge sum of money and make only a few deals so that it never stops bringing in clients, even that has standards. They would never show the Terracotta Soldier if Haejin just went there and demanded to see it. He would have to be grateful if they said, ¡®there¡¯s no such thing¡¯ and let him leave in peace. ¡°I am nning to use an artifact of this museum as a bait. As the NIS is helping, I am going to get the permission to take it abroad. You can help me with that, right?¡± Haejin thought, of course, Sanghun would say yes, but he smiled bitterly and said something Haejin didn¡¯t expect. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t heard something from one of our agents this morning, I would have agreed with you.¡± ¡°What did you hear about?¡± ¡°An interesting artifact showed up in Insadong yesterday.¡± Chapter 111: Lost Sword of the Great General (1)

Chapter 111: Lost Sword of the Great General (1)

Haejin knew what he was talking about, the NIS knew about Jaewon¡¯s buddha. They had found out how to approach the Japanese ck-market merchant in such a short time¡­ ¡°It must be quite expensive.¡± Sanghun¡¯s lips curled up. ¡°Low officials like me don¡¯t spend much money.¡± Haejin could almost see Jaewon wailing. ¡°Hmm¡­ I can use it well once it is in my hands, but how will you get it from Insadon? I don¡¯t know this.¡± ¡°I understand, you two know each other. You will not be revealed.¡± Haejin wondered about what else he didn¡¯t know. ¡°Is there a reason it has to be that buddha? There are some artifacts Japan might be interested in at this museum¡­¡± Sanghun smiled bitterly. ¡°You see¡­ I never wanted it. Honestly, I¡¯m not an antiquity expert. There¡¯s no reason for me to want that specific artifact.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°China wants it. I don¡¯t know the details, but I think the Chinese embassy found out about it¡­ but we do not know how. Anyway, we must give that buddha to China, so it would be better if we could use it to approach that ck-market merchant. We might be able to catch two birds with one stone.¡± This was really surprising. It wasn¡¯t like Jaewon advertised it on TV, the rumor spread through the people from Insadong, so how did China find out about it? ¡°Did he¡­ did he expose it to the Chinese? That would be madness¡­¡± ¡°If that¡¯s what happened, of course, the Chinese embassy would find out about it. But did he? Unless he is really mad like you said¡­¡± Jaewon could have done that if he were really blind for money, but he didn¡¯t look that urgent at the time. Anyway, Haejin decided to stop thinking about Jaewon. He didn¡¯t matter now. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay then, how long do I have to wait?¡± ¡°The ticket is for tomorrow morning.¡± Sanghun gave Haejin the ticket as he answered, but Haejin was shocked. ¡°Are you saying that you can get it before this evening?¡± Even though they could lower the price, they couldn¡¯t just get it through force, so Haejin had thought it would take a few days. It was way too fast. ¡°Of course. It isn¡¯t apany¡¯s secret that is worth hundreds of billions but an object on sale. If we can¡¯t get it, we should all go out and kill ourselves. This evening is more than enough. However, it will go on a ship that leaves in Busan. You can go with it from Busan or take the ne and receive the buddha from the agent who will bring it there. Do what you want.¡± ¡°That will dy the whole n¡­ can¡¯t you send it on the ne?¡± Sanghun shook his head for the first time. ¡°Korean customs are easy to handle but going through the Japanese customs wouldn¡¯t be so easy. In fact, it is impossible. Japanese never give up artifacts once they are in their hands.¡± ¡°Then the ship¡­¡± ¡°The customs of an airport are tricky but going in on a ship isn¡¯t that hard. If necessary, we can transport it to a fishing boat before it reaches the harbor.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Then that¡¯s all settled¡­ and I have to ask you a favor.¡± Haejin was frightened to hear that. ¡°Favor? What favor?¡± Haejin had been asked many favors, but he epted them dly as they always got him something in return, but this time, he was an official, an agent of the NIS¡­ ¡°Let me ask you again before I exin. You really don¡¯t know how to rob graves? Not at all?¡± Haejin wondered how he should take it, but he thought Sanghun couldn¡¯t be asking that for no reason, so he replied honestly. ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯ve never done it before. I¡¯ve never done it, but¡­¡± Sanghun brightened up. ¡°You mean you¡¯ve never done it, but you can do it?¡± ¡°Hu¡­ yes, I know how to.¡± Haejin had watched his father do it for more than a decade. It¡¯s just that he never dug and stole himself, but in theory, he was better than anyone. Sanghun nodded with satisfaction. He stroked his chin and started to exin what the favor was. ¡°As you know, Japan stole countless artifacts from our ancestors during the Japanese colonial era. But now, we have no legal way to bring them back. We are trying diplomatically, but it¡¯s not easy.¡± Few people knew that better than Haejin. He wondered something else, so he interrupted him. ¡°But does the NIS care about that kind of stuff?¡± ¡°Oh, of course not. We mostly handle industrial spies, so we started to work on this matter only a while ago.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°First, let me exin why I mentioned that. A Korean student studying in Japan found a very important book in the library of Waseda University about a month ago. It said a Korean artifact is buried in the tomb of a Japanese.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°That student was clever. Instead of spreading the news through SNS or something, he took a photo of it and sent it to us directly. So, Japan doesn¡¯t know we¡¯ve found out about it yet. After an internal discussion, we proposed to the superior authority to bring it back.¡± ¡°Superior authority¡­¡± ¡°The head of the NIS, and the VIP.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ so what happened?¡± The story was interesting, so Haejin started to get absorbed into it. ¡°Actually, I thought they would say no, there was no way they would let us dig up a tomb no matter how valuable an artifact it was. But they epted, it was really unexpected.¡± ¡°What kind of artifact is it?¡± Of course, the government couldn¡¯t permit it easily. If an agent of the NIS is caught while robbing a grave in another country, it would bring unimaginable diplomatic consequences. ¡°The Double Dragon Sword used by General Lee Sunsin.¡± For a moment, Haejin doubted his ears. ¡°What? What is the sword in the tomb?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve checked that General Lee Sunsin¡¯s ¡®Double Dragon Sword¡¯ is buried in that tomb.¡± Haejin¡¯s heart started to pound. General Lee Sunsin¡¯s Double Dragon Sword, that had been missing for more than a century, had been found¡­ There are six remaining swords from Lee Sunsin in total. Two in Hyeonchung Temple in Asan, Chungnam (Treasure No. 326), and four in Chullyeol Temple in Tongyeong. However, these six swords were all formanding and for ceremonial purposes and were never used in actual battles. The sword General Lee Sunsin actually used was the Double Dragon Sword. It was stored in the museum of the Department of the Royal Household of Joseon till 1910, and its photo was in the Joseon Art Exhibition. This sword was treasured by the military, but after Japan wrongly took the sovereignty of Korea, they took this sword from the military and stored it at the museum of the Department of Royal Household. And after that, although there is no specific record, the Double Dragon Sword of Lee Sunsin disappeared. There is no record left of it, so people have almost given up on it, so if Haejin could manage to find it, it would be a historical return. Haejin calmed down his heart. ¡°There was a reason why they permitted it.¡± As it clearly is an artifact from Korea, they were determined to bring it back, even with the risks. Additionally, this Double Dragon Sword wasn¡¯t just a sword. It was the sword that saved the country and saved its people from very. It had the soul of the general and the sorrow of the people. For that sword, Haejin was ready to dig up any tomb. ¡°Whose tomb was it buried in?¡± ¡°Ogura Takenoske, the owner of the Ogura Collection.¡± (During the Japanese colonial era, Ogura Takenoske took more than a thousand artifacts from Korea. It is called Ogura Collection.) Just as Haejin thought¡­ it was him. ¡°Why did that bastard have that sword buried with him? Usually, people are buried with money and precious artifacts¡­ being buried with a sword is rather rare¡­¡± ¡°This is what the book said, ¡®I will take care of the sword that has the soul of the man who stopped Japan¡¯s future. I will be a ghost and protect this country, so do not announce that the sword is here.''¡± ¡°Ha¡­ fxxk¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help but swear. These two countries, that had the sea between them, had the worst history possible. ¡°Now, you know why I asked if you know how to rob graves. We would have done it even without you. But coincidentally, you showed up right in time. I don¡¯t believe in God, but I think God might have helped us this time.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t believe in any God, either, but he thought he had to do this. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Do you know the location of the tomb?¡± Sanghun gravely shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s the tricky part. Even that book didn¡¯t have the exact location, it just had clues in riddles.¡± ¡°So, there are some hints.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Fine, then. It is better than nothing.¡± Professional grave robbers don¡¯t only rob already discovered graves. As known graves were likely to have been robbed already, grave robbers who wish to hit the jackpot search for unknown tombs. Of course, Yunseok, Haejin¡¯s father, also found and excavated in unknown graves. Unlike other grave robbers, Yunseok was interested in art history and loved history, so he went after families that had a strong influence in history and dug up the hidden tombs. Searching the house of famous families and going after their trails was always included in the trips he had with Haejin. Haejin had seen that for more than a decade next to him, so he thought finding a hidden tomb was part of grave robbing, not something impossible. The location of the Double Dragon Sword was important, but now that he knew in whose tomb it was in, he was sure that he could find it, even though he had never done this before. Haejin was confident, and it made Sanghun smile. ¡°Good. As for the equipment and the personnel needed to work, our agents will help you with them once you are in Japan. Then, I will have faith in you. We¡¯ll meet again when youe back to Korea.¡± ¡°Thank you for everything. And¡­ as for the buddha China wants, we will have to get it back from that ck market once this is over. Would that be possible?¡± Sanghunughed. ¡°Hahaha! We will take care of it. Don¡¯t worry.¡± It would be even easier for Haejin. He only had to take care of the Terracotta Soldier and move on to finding Ogura¡¯s tomb. The next day, Haejin went to Japan through Incheon Airport. Eunhae was with him, too. The reason was simple: being a pair aroused less suspicion. However, when they arrived at Narita Airport, surprisingly, there was someone waiting for them. ¡°Hello. It¡¯s been a long time.¡± An awkward Korean ent. ¡°Oh¡­ hi.¡± It was ady in her mid-20s. It was Kitagawa Momoko, who used to work for Yang Sojin of Hanbit Gallery, the one who confessed the truth after being enchanted by Haejin and ran away. Haejin had never heard of her after that¡­ She spoke to Haejin, somewhat afraid. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± Chapter 112: Lost Sword of the Great General (2)

Chapter 112: Lost Sword of the Great General (2)

¡°Let¡¯s go first.¡± Haejin wanted to ask her many things, but there could be someone watching them, so he decided to leave the ce first. They put their luggage in the trunk of the car Momoko had prepared and sat in the back. Momoko looked back at them from the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°May I take you to the hotel?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After the car started to move, Haejin thought he had to say something, but he couldn¡¯t easily open his mouth. Haejin had made her lose her job, and she almost lost her life as well, so he didn¡¯t know how to start the conversation. Eunhae saw Haejin was grave and thought it would be better for her not to talk. She just looked out of the window. She would listen once someone started to talk, but she wasn¡¯t going to talk first until then. After about ten minutes of awkward silence, Haejin cleared his thoughts and said, ¡°I was really surprised when you suddenly disappeared like that.¡± He asked in Japanese, of course, but she replied in Korean. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I had my reasons.¡± It was the typical Korean ent of a Japanese, but she answered easily, so she was very fluent in Korean. ¡°Was it because of what was going on?¡± This time, Haejin asked in Korean. He wanted to know how fluent her Korean was. ¡°Yes. The moment Director Yang Sojin found out the truth, I couldn¡¯t stay in Korea.¡± It wasn¡¯t a perfect sentence, but Haejin could understand more or less. ¡°Then, you came to Japan right after that?¡± ¡°No, I had lots to worry about. If I hade to Japan, I wouldn¡¯t have survived. So¡­¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°To survive, I made a deal with the knowledge I had.¡± ¡°With whom?¡± ¡°The officials in Korea, the NIS.¡± That was great courage and judgment. She had thought of meeting the intelligence agents of another country and making a deal. Most people would try to exin everything to Yang Sojin and beg for her forgiveness or just run away and stay low. ¡°They¡­ how did the NIS find out about you?¡± ¡°I gave some information to the Cultural Administration of Korea and asked them to help me meet the NIS agents.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ that¡¯s impressive,¡± Haejin eximed. He really meant that. ¡°It¡¯s not impressive. I only did what I had to do to survive.¡± ¡°At the time¡­ no.¡± Haejin was going to apologize, but he stopped himself. Apologizing would mean he had done something to her at the time. Then, Eunhae, who had been quiet, said, ¡°Are you the one who is going to help us in Japan?¡± Haejin had told her everything about what had happened in China, and what he had to do in Japan. She took it calmly and prepared for what she would have to do. She changed money, rented a car, and even prepared another ce to stay apart from the hotel Wang Mingwan provided. She understood well that this could get dangerous. So, she also knew that she had to know what kind of person Momoko was. ¡°Yes, I will help you while you stay here.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand that and asked, ¡°Then, you are an agent of the NIS now?¡± ¡°Yes, but no. There is someone else who supervises me. However, you will not get to meet him while you stay here.¡± The first sentence was probably ¡®yes and no¡¯. Haejin now understood what was going on. She was working for Haejin instead of being an agent hiding in Japan. It was to stop the agent¡¯s identity from being revealed. Haejin thought it made sense. ¡°Then, how did youe to Japan? I think your old boss wouldn¡¯t have been happy about it.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been given a new ID here. No one knows I¡¯m in Japan.¡± She was confident, and it was reassuring. ¡°That¡¯s good. Then, what¡¯s the schedule?¡± ¡°Rest at the hotel today and go to Tokyo tomorrow. I will tell you the details in the evening.¡± ¡°And the buddha?¡± She checked her right wrist that was near the wheel. There was an expensive wristwatch on it. ¡°It should have arrived by now. Our people will retrieve it and bring it here tomorrow.¡± ¡°Do you know how they acquired it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. That information hasn¡¯t been permitted to me.¡± That was a dry answer like that of a machine, but she only knew a limited number of expressions, so she had no other option. Haejin and Eunhae arrived at the hotel, unpacked, and spent time sightseeing leisurely. They ate dinner at the hotel¡¯s restaurant and was about to drink tea when Momoko came. She was holding a big box that was about 50cm tall. Haejin could guess the buddha was inside. ¡°Let¡¯s go up.¡± Haejin took the box from Momoko and went up to his room with her. Momoko breathed a little heavily as if she was tired. Her face was a little red. She then took out a credit card from her bag. ¡°You may spend as much as you want.¡± ¡°What? What is¡­¡± ¡°The government will pay?¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t sure if he could take it, but Eunhae quickly took the card instead and winked to Haejin. ¡°Please tell them we thank them.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Momoko thought Eunhae taking the card was the same with Haejin taking it. She sat down on the sofa in the living room and took out a pile of documents from her bag. As Wang Mingwan had booked a 5-star hotel¡¯s suite room, there was a separate living room for the meetings. ¡°This is what Director Wang Mingwan of China sent you.¡± Haejin sat down and read. It was about other photos of the Terracotta Soldier and the detailed information about the ck market.¡± ¡°Just as I thought¡­¡± The ck-market merchant who had the Terracotta Soldier was Hanoda Sake, who worked for Ando Hadake. Haejin knew Hanoda Sake well, but he probably didn¡¯t remember Haejin since he was very young when they met. ¡°He has great power in the antiquity market of Tokyo, and he is the right-hand man of Ando Hadake, who practically controls the market. He can move the yakuza, so you must be very careful.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t really get used to Momoko¡¯s awkward Korean, but he knew what he was worried about. She didn¡¯t know what kind of history was between Haejin and Ando Hadake, so of course, he worried. ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t talk about the past and make her understand, so he tried to move on. Then, she took out some things from her bag. They were makeup tools. ¡°I wille in advance before you leave tomorrow. It is to make your face look different without changing it much.¡± ¡°Oh, you mean disguising, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± What mattered was the information Wang Mingwan had sent, so there was nothing Haejin wanted from Momoko. He made her leave. After Eunhae saw her leave, she sat opposite to Haejin and talked grimly. ¡°I know Hanoda Sake.¡± ¡°You know him? How?¡± ¡°Sometimes, artifacts from Saeyeon Gallery were leased to Japan for exhibitions. The museum that leased the most is the Nez Art Museum, and Hanoda Sake is its director.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t known that. His father might have known, but Haejin thought he was just Ando Hadake¡¯s right-hand man who brought in artifacts from abroad. ¡°It is risky to approach Ando Hadake himself with the buddha.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°He always has three appraisers appraise the artifact he wants to buy. But the problem is that they don¡¯t do it together, they take turns.¡± As the buddha was real, a moreplex process wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°Is that a problem?¡± ¡°Not usually, but now, yes. I heard that it takes at least a week for all three appraisers to appraise.¡± Haejin had nothing urgent to take care of and was thinking he would go sightseeing if it would take time, so he thought it wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°And?¡± ¡°The problem is that we will have to stay at his hotel for more than a week. And we would not be able to know what happens in the meantime.¡± Haejin recalled something only then. There was a hotel where his father always stayed whenever he came to Tokyo, and Haejin used to stay there when he was in Tokyo as well. ¡°Is that hotel¡¯s name Marianne?¡± ¡°Yes. How do you know? It¡¯s Marianne Hotel.¡± Haejin had forgotten about that hotel, but now he remembered. At the time, his father looked agitated whenever he was in Japan. Haejin found out it had been because of Ando Hadake onlyter, and to think about it now, Marianne Hotel was where it had happened. Where Ando Hadake got him and hostage and threatened his father to take his artifacts¡­ ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± This was bad. Even if Hanoda Sake didn¡¯t know Haejin¡¯s face, Haejin couldn¡¯t guess what would happen, and he couldn¡¯t take Eunhae to such a ce. However, Eunhae¡¯s eyes sparkled as she continued. ¡°But Hanoda Sake has a young lover.¡± ¡°What? A lover?¡± He was over 60, what the¡­ ¡°I don¡¯t know much about her, either. Hanoda Sake once mentioned her briefly when I came to Japan to meet him, and he said she was enthusiastic about collecting antiques. What is important is that we get close to Hanoda Sake, hear about the Terracotta Soldier from him, and check it. Then, we shouldn¡¯t start at the bottom but use his lover to get directly to him.¡± Haejin apuded. ¡°Great. Great idea! But would she like this buddha?¡± ¡°I told you, she is mad about antiques. Maybe that¡¯s why Hanoda Sake likes her. He said so himself. That he had never met a young person who looks for antiques with such passion like her¡­ I was also surprised to hear that, so I¡¯m still remembering it. That young lover is an actress.¡± That was surprising. A young actress loving antiques instead of luxurious goods¡­ ¡°Then let¡¯s do it.¡± Haejin thought that was a great idea. And, he also thought he had been right to bring Eunhae. If it hadn¡¯t been for her, he would have met an unexpected problem. Eunhae immediately went out, saying she will try to find Hanoda Sake¡¯s lover through her Japanese friends, and the next day, at breakfast, she was delighted to say she had taken the bait. ¡°They wille to see it around lunchtime.¡± ¡°I thought she was an actress. Isn¡¯t she supposed to be busy?¡± ¡°She is an actress, but her best days have passed, so she isn¡¯t as busy as she used to be. All the better for us.¡± After breakfast, Momoko came and helped with Haejin¡¯s disguise with her unique dry ent. ¡°You be someone else.¡± Haejin became someonepletely different with the mustache, makeup that highlighted his cheekbones, and the M-shaped hairline. Eunhae burst intoughter to see that. They spent time discussing the n again and, around lunchtime, Eunhae got a call. ¡°They wille up now.¡± Eunhae told them the room number with a fluent Japanese. Then, Haejin suddenly wondered something. ¡°Which university did you graduate from? And what was your major?¡± Momoko blinked and answered. ¡°I majored in art history at Waseda University. Why curious?¡± Chapter 113: Lost Sword of the Great General (3)

Chapter 113: Lost Sword of the Great General (3)

¡°Oh¡­ I just wanted to know because you know so much about antiques.¡± Haejin had that feeling. A student finding that important text at a library was too unrealistic. Let¡¯s say it really happened. Then, that student would brag about it on SNS or notify people from return of cultural property organizations. How could she or he have known that the NIS would not ignore it? Honestly, not many Koreans had 100% faith in the NIS. Nevertheless, Haejin had believed what Sanghun told him because he thought that kind of information couldn¡¯t be known without that kind of chance. However, seeing Momoko helping at the side, Haejin thought maybe that could be the case. And, he was right. She told the NIS where General Lee Sunsin¡¯s lost sword was. That was probably why they had epted her. She wouldn¡¯t have been so trusted without that kind of information. But from who had she heard about it? Had she really found out about it at the library? ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Eunhae¡¯s question woke him up. Haejin was about to say something, but then they heard a knock at the door. Knock knock¡­. ¡°Yes, please wait.¡± Eunhae opened the door. A beautiful woman in her early 30s and a man in his 60s came in, looking around. And after them, another man in his 50s came in with his hands politely folded together. The old man was bald, without a single strap of hair. Although he was very thin, his gaze was strong. Haejin immediately realized he was Hanoda Sake. ¡°Where have I seen you before?¡± The moment he saw Eunhae, he red at her. Haejin saw the doubt and desire in that gaze and stood up. ¡°Then, who do you think you are to act without manner? You think this is your home?¡± This was clearly bad. If Eunhae had known Hanoda sake himself would be there, she would have left. She had met him before, so she couldn¡¯t meet her. However, they met, and the moment Hanoda Sake saw him, he recalled that he had seen her before. It was a bad start. Haejin felt him and warned him to let him know he didn¡¯t have the control of the situation. At his fierce words, Hanoda Sake turned to him. ¡°You are a Korean with courage. But will that couragest till the end? Nakayama!¡± He yelled, and a man in his 20s quickly came in. He looked at least 190cm tall and was huge. He probably could handle the average man with one hand. And he wasn¡¯t alone. Two more buffy guys came after him to arouse fear. Eunhae felt it wasn¡¯t going well. She took a step back toward Haejin. She must have thought this could be dangerous, but she hadn¡¯t thought it would be this serious, so Haejin felt sorry for her. However, Momoko was behaving strangely. She was sitting on the sofa and looking at Hanoda Sake without blinking an eye. Hanoda Sake proudly red at Haejin, but he crossed his arms and snorted. ¡°What, you want to steal the buddha? Please, be my guest.¡± Hanoda Sake didn¡¯t say anything. He sat down opposite to Haejin. And the beautiful woman, who was supposed to be the main guest, sat next to him. She looked at Eunhae and then Haejin. She pointed at the box on the table. ¡°Is the buddha inside?¡± ¡°Yes. But I don¡¯t recall hearing anything about so many peopleing with you.¡± Eunhae had guts, too. She held back her fear and said what she had to say. But before the woman could answer, Hanoda Sake frowned and snapped as if he found them annoying. ¡°This is no ce for girls to talk. You, speak. You¡¯re the owner, right? You can¡¯t fool my eyes.¡± He hadn¡¯t changed at all, that made Haejin even more enraged. ¡°If you want to threaten me, take out the swords. Or just shut up and let your appraiser do his job.¡± That was extremely violent. He could feel Eunhae flinch. However, she didn¡¯t turn back and show her surprise. Haejin admired her for that. ¡°Huh! You¡¯re showing off your guts? Fine?¡± Hanoda Sake waved his hand. The men behind him disappeared. Next, he was about to say something, but then he suddenly turned to Eunhae. ¡°Oh¡­ my¡­ Director Lim Eunhae of Saeyeon Gallery?¡± ¡°It is me.¡± Eunhae sat down next to Haejin and crossed her legs. She looked a little pale, but she was a little relieved to see Hanoda Sake remembered her. ¡°Oh¡­ I failed to recognize the princess. Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m getting old¡­¡± He looked surprised, he then bowed to apologize. Eunhae was a member of the family that owned Hwajin, so he couldn¡¯t ignore the power she had. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t lose if they had a power struggle in Japan, but Hanoda Sake was a businessman. He didn¡¯t do anything that could bring him negative consequences. ¡°You used to stand up to greet me¡­ you have changed.¡± Eunhae showed how she was feeling, and Hanoda Sake slyly smiled. ¡°My knees are getting weak as I get older. Haha¡­ but why have youe here? What about your gallery? I thought you were a nakama (middle merchant) who came to enchant me with your beauty.¡± Actually, Eunhae couldn¡¯t really answer that question. If she said she had quitted the gallery that practically belonged to Hwajin and became a director of a small private art museum, this skeptical old man would immediately change his attitude. She couldn¡¯t say she hade all the way to Japan to help the buddha¡¯s owner, and saying she was there for sightseeing would be even worse. Haejin was about to speak for her, but then, Momoko opened the box and took out the buddha. Then, she started speaking as she carefully put it on the table. She spoke in Japanese, of course. ¡°If you have finished greeting each other, let¡¯s start the deal now. Five Standing Buddha statue of the Northern Wei period. 500 thousand yen.¡± Haejin almost turned back to Momoko, but he restrained himself. He couldn¡¯t show his surprise. Eunhae controlled herself quite well as well while Hanoda Sake yelled at her with a red face. ¡°Nonsense! Are you saying I should ept that crazy price?¡± Momoko continued calmly. ¡°The posture of the small bodhisattvas on each side are rarely seen in other Northern Wei buddha statues. And, although the hard folds in the clothes that are stretched to the side is the style of Northern Wei, judging from the round faces with a smile and halo of the main buddha, it was probably made in the Eastern Wei period. As it is in perfect condition and elegant, it must have been ordered by an aristocrat and was donated to a temple. 500 thousand yen is not at all too much.¡± Perfect. She must have received professional curator education, but what mattered was that she had imed the control of this conversation. She wasn¡¯t trying to get 500 thousand yen, but she distracted Hanoda Sake and made him watch her instead of Eunhae. Hanoda Sake¡¯s appraiser came, and after 10 minutes of examination, he nodded. It meant it was real. ¡°Huh! This is absurd. I can see your strategy is to demand a high price and sell it at the price you want, you think I would agree to that kind of deal?¡± At least he was restraining himself because of Eunhae. He would have called his guards again if it hadn¡¯t been for her. Now, Haejin wondered about Momoko¡¯s negotiation skills. How was she going to make Hanoda Sake mention the Terracotta Soldier? But Momoko chose the most unexpected strategy. ¡°Then the negotiation is over.¡± She stood up, then Eunhae and Haejin followed, surprised but looking grim. They didn¡¯t know why Momoko was doing it, but they both thought they had to get along for now. ¡°Hahaha! Well, you think there is someone out there who would buy that at 500 thousand?¡± In a way, that strategy was easy to see. Haejin thought so, too¡­ that¡¯s why Hanoda Sake snorted as he saw them stand up. However, Momoko coldly stared at him and said, ¡°There is. In Nagoya¡­¡± Hanoda Sake¡¯s face immediately hardened. ¡°Nagoya¡­¡± ¡°Should we sit or leave?¡± Haejin tried to think who was in Nagoya. However, no matter how hard he thought, he couldn¡¯t recall an antique collector who was even more powerful than Hanoda Sake. It meant it was someone Hanoda and Momoko knew but Haejin didn¡¯t. Haejin wondered who he was. At first, Haejin had found Momoko¡¯s presence burdening, but now, to think that he could have gotten into real trouble if it hadn¡¯t been for her, he thanked the NIS for sending her. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll buy it.¡± Eventually, Hanoda Sake surrendered to Momoko. However, she didn¡¯t sit down and looked at Eunhae instead. She knew that Eunhae was the one who Hanoda Sake had to be careful with and showed that she was the leader. ¡°Please, sit.¡± Eunhae sat and Haejin and Momoko sat after her. Things were going strange, but this wasn¡¯t bad. ¡°500 thousand yen is nonsense. This kind of buddha is worth 300 or 400 thousand at most.¡± Hanoda Sake spoke as if he couldn¡¯t pay more, but Momoko was as firm as a stone buddha. ¡°I think the one in Nagoya would be happy to buy this at 500 thousand yen.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Hanoda Sake seemed to agree to that. He thought about it for some time, then spoke to Eunhae. ¡°How about a trade, with an artifact as good as this buddha? I¡¯m sure you would like it.¡± Finally, he spoke what they had been waiting for. Of course, Eunhae asked back as if she didn¡¯t like that proposal. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Whether I¡¯ll like it or not, no one knows that.¡± ¡°There is nothing better than this for a secret exhibition for the VIPs. Let me show it to you immediately.¡± Haejin thought it couldn¡¯t be. It wasn¡¯t Hanoda Sake¡¯s hotel, how could he bring that huge soldier figure to a decent five-star hotel? Of course, he couldn¡¯t. Instead, he yed a video on his tablet PC. It was about the Terracotta Soldier. Although they had known what it would be, they reacted as if they were shocked. He talked to Eunhae with confidence. ¡°This Terracotta Soldier is real. This used to belong to Cultural Artifact Bureau of Shanxi Province. There are only a few soldiers in such good shape.¡± ¡°How much do you think it is?¡± Haejin thought even though Hanoda Sake had no conscience, he couldn¡¯t be trying to sell it at 500 thousand. It wasn¡¯t like he could sell itter. It had no value as property. ¡°I think it is worth 300 million.¡± Eunhae shook her head as if it was impossible. ¡°200 thousand. 300 thousand more in cash. Those are my terms.¡± Eunhae bravely offered her terms, probably influenced by Momoko, and after some discussion, they agreed on the Terracotta Soldier and an additional 270 thousand yuan in cash. Of course, they were supposed to make the trade at the same time after the soldier was appraised to be real, so they immediately went to Hanoda Sake¡¯s Nezu Museum. And, in the basement, they finally met the soldier protected in a ss box. Chapter 114: Lost Sword of the Great General (4)

Chapter 114: Lost Sword of the Great General (4)

People who¡¯ve seen the Terracotta Army only on TV think that most of the soldiers have been preserved well, but the number of soldiers that still had a face, hands, and feet are a lot smaller than those of the damaged ones. Additionally, the soldiers who have been preserved in perfect condition are each put in a ss box, and what Haejin was in front of was a perfectly preserved soldier. It was about 170cm tall and was wearing light armor. It was probably standing in front of itsmander, so his hands were politely put together. Every stitch that connected each iron te of the armor with others had been depicted with great care. Even those who don¡¯t know much about the Terracotta Army would exim at seeing this. ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Eunhae asked, but Hanoda Sake smiled slyly. ¡°Haha¡­ sometimes, such question tires us both. That doesn¡¯t matter in this situation. As you said earlier, you are not going to exhibit this. I think one man would love this even if others don¡¯t, Chairman Lim.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see,¡± Eunhae nodded and agreed. Haejin couldn¡¯t understand and gave a questioning look. Eunhae then exined in Korean, ¡°As you know, rich people buy expensive works of art because of taxes and also to invest, but those are not the only reasons. It is also because of some kind of desire for collecting or for one¡¯s own satisfaction. They want to have what others can¡¯t have. What only you can have, even if you cannot show it to the others¡­ my uncle isn¡¯t the only one with that kind of need. Other trillionaires also have that.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± ¡°It is to maximize one¡¯s self-pride, so if I bring it to Korea and show it to my uncle¡­¡± ¡°He will be delighted.¡± ¡°Enough to let me be Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s director again, probably.¡± Haejin thought she was exaggerating, but she was serious. Then, how did Hanoda Sake know that Eunhae¡¯s uncle was that kind of man? ¡°He is very informed about your uncle.¡± ¡°Of course. My uncle was the person who introduced him to me, saying he would find me ces for rent exhibitions in Japan. They have probably worked together for a long time. To think about it, they must have done lots of illegal things, too. Like smuggling¡­¡± Eunhae spoke as if that didn¡¯t matter to her anymore. However, seeing Eunhae and Haejin talk, Hanoda Sake, asked with suspicion, ¡°But maybe¡­¡± Haejin¡¯s heart dropped. What was he about to ask? But again, Momoko put down the box and took out the buddha. It dragged everyone¡¯s attention again with its mysterious aura. While Hanoda Sake was distracted by it, Momoko asked, ¡°How should we transport this?¡± Hanoda Sake looked puzzled, he didn¡¯t know why she was asking that to him. ¡°Well, you should take care of it¡­¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t know we would leave Japan with such a huge artifact. I hope you are not saying we should find a ship and take care of the customs?¡± Hanoda was about to yell, but he nced at Eunhae again and coughed. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. I¡¯ll take care of the ship and the Japanese customs. But you should get the container to carry it to the port yourself.¡± ¡°We will prepare it on our own.¡± Hanoda disappeared to somewhere and soon came back. Then, he gave a business card to Momoko. ¡°At Niigata, there¡¯s a fishing vessel that leaves at 11 p.m. Although it is a fishing vessel, it is big enough so you would be able to leave with this without a problem.¡± Hanoda agreed to the deal and cooperated thanks to Eunhae and Momoko. ¡°Our deal will be over after you send the rest of the money.¡± Momoko immediately got a container and spoke to Hanoda Sake. He then called all the appraisers he had. Apart from the appraiser who had been present at the hotel, two more appraisers came, but as it was a real artifact, they didn¡¯t say much. They tried to find a w, but as Momoko made it clear that they should break the deal if they didn¡¯t like it, they couldn¡¯t lower the price. Haejin thought Hanoda was less suspicious because of that. In fact, the money he would gain wasn¡¯t his, so if he were to lead the deal, he wouldn¡¯t have been so strict. And that kind of attitude could have made Hanoda think something was wrong, but as Momoko acted as if they would leave immediately if he tried to lower the price, he got nervous as well. While the appraisers examined the buddha, Haejin quietly went to the Terracotta Soldier and used magic. It was to check if it was real and to find out where the other artifacts were. The soldier turned out to be real. Haejin rxed only after seeing the soldier was carefully put inside a non-vibration special container. ¡°Let¡¯s not see each other ever again.¡± Hanoda Sake couldn¡¯t understand the hostility Haejin showed as he left. He looked at Haejin as if he had never met such a crazy man after a good deal, but Haejin ignored that and left the museum. ¡°Hu¡­ you¡¯ve done well. Both of you.¡± In the car that followed the container truck with the Terracotta Soldier, Haejinplimented Eunhae and Momoko. Eunhae¡¯s face was slightly red. She sighed and fanned herself with her hand. ¡°Oh¡­ I almost got a heart attack. When those sumo athletes came in, I was¡­ I thought I was about to get killed!¡± ¡°Haha, that would have never happened.¡± If something dangerous had happened, Haejin would have used his magic. He didn¡¯t have a powerful attack magic that appeared in novels and movies, but he had prepared magic that could defeat all of them at once. Like a spell that made everyone fall asleep instantly, and the spell that made peopleugh hard¡­ he had had many spells in his mind. That¡¯s why he wasn¡¯t afraid at all even when fighters threatened him. ¡°What, you were preparing something great without me knowing?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Really? What is it?¡± ¡°If I tell you, your reaction might reveal it to the others, so I¡¯ll just keep it as secret. But don¡¯t worry. I would never expose you to danger.¡± Eunhae was both disappointed and touched by this, she blushed and looked away. The mood turned awkward in a second. Haejin thought he had to say something and talked to Momoko who was driving. ¡°You were impressive. Have you done some kind of practice with the NIS?¡± ¡°Yes. I prepared.¡± Unlike her Japanese, her Korean was still quite awkward. ¡°Then, why didn¡¯t you tell us in advance? I was so surprised.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know he would actually show up.¡± However, Haejin felt she was lying. Was it because she checked Haejin¡¯s gaze through the rearview mirror? ¡°Anyway, congrattions. I think the NIS got back the money they have spent on me. 270 thousand yen would be enough¡­¡± Haejin said that because he felt somewhat bad about it, but Momoko¡¯s answer surprised him. ¡°That money isn¡¯t ours, it is yours.¡± ¡°What? Why? Aren¡¯t you supposed to retrieve that money?¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t told anything about retrieving it. It is yours.¡± Wow¡­ Haejin had nned to ask Wang Mingwan for the money he had spent on the Terracotta Soldierter, but now, he could take all 500 thousand. He was so happy. He then looked at Eunhae and saw her eyes were wide open while she grinned widely. ¡°Great!¡± ¡°Wow! We just won a fortune!¡± They pped and rejoiced. Next, Haejin asked Momoko again, ¡°Then, what happens now? Will you give it to China at Niigata Port? Or at Busan?¡± ¡°It will be immediately moved to a Chinese ship as soon as it arrives in Busan. We just have to check if it is loaded at Niigata Port, and our part would be over.¡± ¡°Oh, but I am a little worried as it is a ship that Hanoda prepared¡­ what if it changes direction in the middle and runs away?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve got another ship. It will leave at Niigata Port, but it¡¯s a different ship.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± She was thorough. ¡°Are you going to move to another hotel?¡± Haejin had stayed at the hotel Wang Mingwan had booked for him, but that part was done now. As he would get the money he had spent to buy the soldier and Wang Mingwan would give him an additional 800 million wonter, he would earn more than 6 billion won with this deal with China. ¡°I should. Ms. Eunhae here has prepared another amodation and a car.¡± ¡°Okay then, when are you going to start?¡± Haejin had told Eunhae only about the Terracotta Soldier. He hadn¡¯t said anything about robbing a grave to find the missing sword of General Lee Sunsin. ¡°I¡¯ll start tomorrow. But first, tell me something. Do you know anything about General Lee Sunsin¡¯s sword?¡± Eunhae immediately looked at Haejin, she hadn¡¯t heard anything about it. Momoko, who had remained calm ever since they met at the airport, showed her emotion for the first time. Her eyes shook, and she bit her lips. That probably looked strange to Eunhae. ¡°I¡­¡± She hesitated, so she knew something. Haejin pressed her once more. ¡°If you know something, tell me. You know how the situation is now.¡± Haejin was saying she had to know how serious things were, but Momoko didn¡¯t take it that way. She recalled what had happened at Hanbit Gallery. She turned pale and her hands shook. She was clearly afraid of Haejin. ¡°Ms. Momoko?¡± Haejin was worried this might end in a car ident, but then, she took a deep breath and opened her mouth. ¡°Hu¡­ yes, I did tell them about it.¡± Haejin¡¯s heart started to beat fast. The person with the most important clue was right in front of him. ¡°Then, is that true that you found it at Waseda University?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± Of course¡­ Haejin had found it hard to believe that such an important document was in the library of a university. ¡°Then¡­¡± ¡°Mizno Toru¡­ I saw it in his study.¡± ¡°Do you know the location of the tomb? If you don¡¯t know, is there any clue?¡± ¡°As I told the NIS, no one knows the location of the tomb. Not even Mizno Toru. There was just one line about it.¡± ¡°What was it?¡± ¡°Just a riddle. ¡®I will rest where I can protect the house.¡¯ There was nothing more¡­¡± She spoke as if it was impossible. And in fact, as she said, there was almost no clue. However, this wasn¡¯t the first time Haejin encountered such a riddle. There was even a tomb with a clue saying, ¡®Red ume flowers cover the sky. Ravens and magpies fly ande. The Milky way floods down from the far, far sky.¡¯ His father found the tomb with that clue after searching for more than two weeks. It all depended on Haejin¡¯s patience and persistence now. ¡°Very well. All the better for me, it means not anyone can do it.¡± Chapter 115: Lost Sword of the Great General (5)

Chapter 115: Lost Sword of the Great General (5)

Bringing the lost sword of General Lee Sunsin was like¡­ retrieving the lost soul of the country. And Haejin was honored to be given that opportunity. The car kept going, and when it arrived at Niigata Port, it was around 10 p.m. Momoko went to the ship, checked it, and gestured it was okay. Haejin unloaded the artifact only then and put it on the ship. Then, he exined to Eunhae what he had to do now as she must have been dying to know. Actually, he could work on his own from now, but telling her to go back alone would make her suspicious. Just as he thought, she offered to help until he finished excavating. After half an hour, everything was done. The ship left quietly. ¡°Where are you going to go now?¡± Momoko sat in the driver¡¯s seat again. ¡°First, let¡¯s go to Narita, Chiba.¡± ¡°But his family lives in Tokyo. Why are we going to Narita?¡± ¡°That¡¯s his hometown. I¡¯ll start from there.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± You should undo the entangled thread at first. When there are few clues, you should not approach without care. From now on, Haejin had to follow Ogura¡¯s life and get information about the ce where he could protect his family. The car didn¡¯t stop on the way. Eunhae was tired and fell asleep, she leaned on Haejin¡¯s shoulder and Haejin also closed his eyes. After he got his magic from his father he didn¡¯t feel much tired even if he didn¡¯t sleep as long as he didn¡¯t use magic, but as he had a lot to do as soon as he arrived, he tried to preserve his strength. They arrived in the morning and immediately checked in at a nearby hotel. As Momoko had driven for a long time, Haejin told her to get some sleep; however, even if she had huge bags under her eyes, she still followed Haejin. ¡°If you need things, you should tell me now. Things that are hard to get might require some time.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t need much. Personal excavation tools including a pickaxe, small LEDntern, a long pole at least 3m long, a pickup truck, and a subminiature camera would also be good¡­ but it isn¡¯t necessary.¡± Momoko wrote down everything Haejin said and asked, ¡°No more?¡± ¡°Oh, a bamboo knife would also be good, just in case. And mineral water. You must get me the pole in three days max. I can¡¯t work without it.¡± ¡°That is a lot.¡± She spoke as if she was thinking she had been right at asking. ¡°Khmm¡­ now that I think about it, yes. I¡¯ve never done grave robbing before¡­ I might need more equipmentter.¡± ¡°But what material that pole should be? Should it be wood?¡± ¡°It would be hard to find a wooden pole more than 3m long. Aluminum or iron would be fine. But it has to be at least 3m long.¡± Haejin said that again and again. So, Eunhae chimed in, ¡°Does that count as excavating equipment? What are you going to do with it?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ it¡¯s a little funny, but I will poke it into the ground to see if there are artifacts buried under. It¡¯s a very simple method, but it works the best¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t use X-ray out in an open field, and he couldn¡¯t be sure if that would be a tomb or not. You would think tombs are like small hills, but tombs that are supposed to be hidden are in a t area or in unexpected spots. The way to check them is to stab a long pole in the ground. It must be a pole at least 3m long, and the grave robber can feel whether it hits a rock or an artifact. Haejin¡¯s father could even feel whether that artifact was a gilt bronze buddha or an earthenware with the sensation he felt as the pole hit it. ¡°Wow¡­ impressive. I see why there are experts in grave robbing.¡± Eunhae was truly impressed, but Haejin was somewhat embarrassed. It was like confessing how to pickpocket well and getplimented. ¡°Anyway¡­ you know, right? I¡¯ve never done this before.¡± ¡°I know. You¡¯ve told me that multiple times, so stop telling me. You keep stressing that makes me think ¡®maybe he did it¡¯.¡± That was a joke, of course, but Haejin flinched. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. Anyway, Ms. Momoko, you don¡¯t have toe with me for a while. I must look around the area at least for a few days. We shouldn¡¯t draw attention.¡± ¡°Okay. I will get your equipment by the weekend.¡± Momoko left, and Haejin immediately left the hotel with Eunhae. He had told her to sleep, but she said she had slept in the car and wanted to follow him. Haejin thought it was good as going around alone would be boring. Finding Ogura Takenoske¡¯s house wasn¡¯t easy. Momoko had even given to him its location. It would have taken a while alone, but as the NIS was helping, Haejin thought he might be able to solve it sooner than he had thought. However, when they arrived there, they found streets full of shops. ¡°Is that it? Oh¡­ it has changed too much.¡± Eunhae smiled hollowly and looked back at Haejin. She was asking what he was going to do now. ¡°A lot of things change in time. There¡¯s no need to focus on the present.¡± Haejin had anticipated lots of changes, so he wasn¡¯t surprised by those franchise restaurants and bars. He had gone through this before. ¡°Then, how are we going to find it?¡± ¡°We use our imagination. This area is a shopping district now, but what it looked like 80 years ago? And 50 years ago? We should imagine it and take time to find it.¡± Now things are different, but old people are attached to their hometown. The older you get, the more you miss the time when you used to y with other children without worries and loved by your parents. Because of that, it is amon factor for all human beings to rest in their hometown when they are about to die. Especially those who have a strong love and pride for their families. They want to be buried near their family¡¯s house. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin, thinking ¡®I didn¡¯t know he was so awesome!¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m not saying we can surely find it. But starting this way is the best thing we can do.¡± Haejin parked the car at a public parking lot and started to move. He looked around the ce where Ogura Takenoske¡¯s house used to stand and went to a small river that wasn¡¯t far from there. Then, they had lunch and moved around to know more about the area. It was both boring and tiring. It wasn¡¯t that hard to Haejin as he had done that with his father, but he thanked Eunhae who followed quietly without showing how tired she was. They spent the whole day studying geographical features, and the next day, they started to ask people who had lived in that region for long. They searched like that in a circle as Ogura¡¯s house as the center. On the third day, Haejin chose a spot. ¡°I should look around here.¡± It was a small mountain north of Narita. It was barely 200m tall. ¡°Here? Hmm¡­ but the clue said he is protecting his family, then, wouldn¡¯t he be somewhere with mountains that surround his tomb? This mountain is no different than other ordinary mountains and a little far from the house¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. But you should understand well about protecting the family. It means he would be a ghost and protect his family, but actually, Korean ghosts and Japanese ghosts have different ways of acting.¡± ¡°What? What are you talking about? Different ways of acting in ghosts?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ this also has to do with the living conditions. First, Korean ghosts wander in this world with wishes that must be fulfilled. So, when those wishes are fulfilled, they move on. They have no reason to stay more. In fact, dokkaebis are not described to harm people seriously. Even Gumihos (nine- tailed foxes) are described to be rtively kind. They wish to be humans.¡± ¡°Then what about Japan?¡± ¡°Japanese ghosts are strange. Maybe it¡¯s because this country consists of inds and there¡¯s no ce to run to. When a person meets an unfair death, he or she bes a ghost and hurts everyone, no matter who that is. Japanese ghosts torment or kill everyone that intrudes into one¡¯s territory, but they don¡¯t even tell why. There¡¯s no reason. So, Japanese don¡¯t really make tombs near houses or in the so-called spots with good energy from nature like Koreans do. They think a passerby might get hurt.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°And Ogura wouldn¡¯t want to harm his family after death, so being buried near his family¡¯s house would be the opposite of what he said. He chose this mountain because it is between Korea and the house, so his tomb acts like a shield that stops Korea¡¯s energy from reaching the family. As he said he would be a ghost to protect, I think it is more likely he was buried here, a little away from his family.¡± ¡°I think it makes sense. Busan, this mountain, and Ogura¡¯s house are all in a straight line.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do it on my own from now. You have done enough, so you should take some rest.¡± ¡°But you must be tired, too¡­¡± ¡°I am strong. Not tired.¡± ¡°Umm¡­ okay.¡± Eunhae wanted to tag along, but she knew she wouldn¡¯t be of any help. She was disappointed and gave up. Haejin thought it was good that she gave up without protesting. Hiking is different from walking in a tnd. Additionally, as it wasn¡¯t a paved mountain road but wandering around a mountain without any road, an ident could happen, even though the mountain was barely 200m high. Haejin took the pole Momoko had gotten him and left the hotel. He didn¡¯t needrger tools like a pickaxe or shovel. He could use a truck to bring them and start digging once he found the spot. He had explored the cave in China with only simple tools, but at the time, all he had to do was to dig the entrance. Excavating a grave requires a considerable amount of time, effort, and patience. Haejin thought he could find it in three days. The mountain was neither big nor steep. However, when he couldn¡¯t find it in three days. He started to get agitated. He felt ashamed as he knew his father would have found it already, and he started to think maybe it wasn¡¯t in this mountain. He wandered around like that for some time. Then, he got thirsty and went to the water spring at a small temple. Although Japanese temples are in a little different style, the mood was the same. It was quiet and reserved. Haejin drank cold water with a wooden bucket. Then, he started to look around the temple. However, there was a stone statue of someone wearing clothes, simr to the ones worn by monks, standing in the middle of the temple. It wasn¡¯t a buddha and it wasn¡¯t a bodhisattva. Haejin wondered who he was and took a closer look. As the face and clothes were depicted so realistically, he could guess it had been made to look like a real man. Haejin tried to think why such a statue was there, but then he heard an unfamiliar voice from behind. ¡°Are you here to donate?¡± Haejin looked around. It was a monk, he was smiling, and his hands were put together. ¡°Oh, I came to hike and got thirsty, so I drank some water. Then, I got curious about this statue. But who is this? I think he must be a very famous monk.¡± The monk smiled and said, ¡°This is Ogura Takenoske, the man who founded this temple.¡± At that moment, Haejin felt like lightning struck his head. Chapter 116: Lost Sword of the Great General (6)

Chapter 116: Lost Sword of the Great General (6)

How could Haejin not think of that earlier? Of course, Ogura was worried about bing a ghost that wandered around and hurt people instead of a ghost that protects his country. Being slightly away from the house wasn¡¯t enough. So, he built a temple right next to his tomb to weaken the evil qi. ¡°Oh¡­ I see. He must be very famous.¡± Haejin pretended not to know him. As his ent was different from the local¡¯s, the monk thought it was natural. He smiled widely and started to talk. ¡°He was a great man. In his youth, he went to Daegu, Korea, and started a business from nothing. He built an electricitypany and founded a bank.¡± Technically, Ogura didn¡¯t start empty-handed. After he got a job at a railroadpany in Daegu, he boughtnd in Daegu. Soon the price of thatnd soared up, and he struck it rich in no time. Later, he worked with other businessmen to build the Daegu Electricity Corporation and founded Seonnam Bank. He practically controlled Daegu¡¯s economy in the Japanese colonial era. ¡°Oh¡­ he is impressive.¡± Haejin agreed with the monk, but he wanted to vomit. Ogura Takenoske had sent more than a thousand Korean artifacts abroad with the money he made. ¡°Oh, but are you from Korea¡­¡± The monk came to his senses and asked as if he had made a mistake, but Haejin used his fluent Chinese. ¡°No, I¡¯m from Taiwan. ¡®Ni hao.¡¯ See?¡± Haejin said, ¡®hello¡¯ in Chinese, and the monk grinned again. ¡°Oh, I see. If you want, I can tell you more about him¡­¡± Haejin thought that he couldn¡¯t tolerate it anymore, so he interrupted him. ¡°Haha, no, thank you. I just want to look around this temple.¡± The monk was disappointed to hear that. He then said goodbye. ¡°It¡¯s a shame you don¡¯t have enough time. Then, I hope you have a good time here.¡± After the monk left, Haejin looked around the temple. It was to find out where the tomb could be. The worst thing possible was the temple had been built on the tomb. In that case, no one would be able to guess where that tomb was, so Haejin couldn¡¯t dare to get to it. If only he could determine where it was, he could dig in from far away, but as he couldn¡¯t, he couldn¡¯t even try. Was the tomb really under the temple? If the temple had been built on the tomb for real, where was the tomb? If it had been a different artifact, Haejin would have given up when he was sure that the temple was on the tomb, but he couldn¡¯t give up the Double Dragon Sword. So, with nervousness and agitation, he looked around again and again. With the statue as the center, the main hall was in the north and the entrance was in the south, but the pagodas in the east and west felt somewhat strange. Haejin wondered why and unconsciously approached the pagoda in the west, then he realized its shape looked familiar. This rectangr five-story pagoda looked simple and rough, but it clearly had a Korean soul. Haejin couldn¡¯t think that it was from Japan. And as the pagoda was in a temple, there had to be a ce for the buddha, but there wasn¡¯t. There wasn¡¯t a single thing about Buddhism in it. Haejin could only recall another pagoda simr to it that was in Japan. Leecheon Hyanggyo Five- Story Pagoda. (hyanggyo means government-run provincial school of Joseon) This pagoda used to be in Leecheon, but in 1915, it was moved to the colonial government¡¯s museum as a decoration for the festival to celebrate the fifth year of the Japanese colonial era. But then, Okura Kahichiro, a Japanese businessman, submitted a form to bring the Hexagonal Seven Story Pagoda, which was in Pyeongyang, to Japan. Then, the Joseon History Committee told him to take the Leecheon Hyanggyo Five-Story Pagoda instead. They let him take it instead of the Hexagonal Seven Story Pagoda because it had less historical value. It was outrageous. Anyway, if this pagoda was in the east of the temple, the tomb was under the temple or at least nearby. Haejin pretended to admire the pagoda and looked around. As the temple was in a deste ce, no one was there. He carefully unfolded the cane in his hand and started to stab it in the ground. Momoko had prepared it. It was made with special alloy. Although it was thin, it was very strong. Plus, it looked like an ordinary hiking cane, so it didn¡¯t draw attention. But after Haejin unfolded it, it extended to 5m. Momoko had told him he had to seed, saying she had brought it from Korea. She immigrated to Korea with one crisis, and she was a real Korean now. From now on, it was a fight of patience. Haejin had to poke around the area, starting from the pagoda. He didn¡¯t feel guilty about robbing a tomb. Ogura Takenoske stole the Korean cultural property, and even tried to cut the energy of the people with General Lee Sunsin¡¯s sword. This wasn¡¯t disturbing the eternal sleep of an innocent man. It was about retrieving the soul of the Koreans. Haejin¡¯s conscience wasn¡¯t hurt. The problem was that he had to keep doing that without being seen. He couldn¡¯t do that forever. He hid from monks that passed by sometimes and worked for five hours¡­ the sun was setting behind the mountain and darkness started to fall. Haejin ate kimbap and water that he had prepared in advance to get strength. When he stabbed between the root of the huge tree that was behind the main hall, his hand felt something. Haejin pulled back the pole with thrill. He couldn¡¯t be sure which artifact it was like his father, but he thought at least he could tell whether it was rock or something that was buried in the empty space of the tomb. Of course, he couldn¡¯t be sure. But now, he had to move. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me. I¡¯ll send you a location, so please tell Momoko to whom thisnd belongs to and if we can bury a body here.¡± Haejin called Eunhae. Then, he moved away from the tree and started to think. He was thinking how he should dig in. Before, he only had to uncover the entrance of the cave, it took only a few hours, but now, one or two days wouldn¡¯t be enough. It would depend on where he started to dig, but he had to work at least a week to a full month. There are two ways of robbing graves. One, digging the tomb itself. Thises with great risk as it is inly shown. However, you can finish much faster. The second method is to start to dig from far away and make a tunnel to the tomb. There is less risk of being caught, but it takes a long time, naturally. If Ogura Takenoske¡¯s tomb had been in a slightly more deste ce, Haejin would have built a small cabin on it. Then, the people would have not been able to see even if he dug the tomb so it would have been safe and fast, but as it was too close to the temple, he couldn¡¯t do it. He thought hard, but there was no way he could dig the tomb itself. Then, he had to dig from far away, but he couldn¡¯t just do that, either. He needed to prepare himself. Haejin went down the mountain and got back to the hotel. He worked on a n with Eunhae and Momoko. ¡°Have you found out?¡± Momoko took out some documents. ¡°Just as we thought, the temple itself belongs to the Ogura family. But thend right next to it, right this spot, belongs to an old couple. So, I asked if it was possible to make a tomb in thatnd, and they said no.¡± Of course. Who would let a stranger be buried in one¡¯snd? The only good part was that the point where Haejin wanted to start to dig belonged to the old couple. ¡°Never?¡± Momoko smiled. ¡°I think 30 million yen can make them change their mind.¡± ¡°Good, then give them 30 million yen and get a promise. The tomb would be a little big and they shouldn¡¯te for about 15 days.¡± ¡°Okay then, what about the workers?¡± Haejin shook his head. ¡°I can trust you, but not the other Japanese. I will do it alone.¡± ¡°Alone? It will be hard. How can you¡­¡± Eunhae tried to stop Haejin, but he couldn¡¯t let anyone else handle it. ¡°I can do it alone. That¡¯s why I asked for 15 days. Oh, and the funeral should be simple but properly set¡­ you know what I mean, right?¡± It was impossible for a young man to dig a tunnel that led to the tomb from the spot Haejin had chosen. Nevertheless, he was sure he could do it in 15 days. He had magic that gave him the strength of 3, 4 people. So, he spoke with confidence. ¡°So, no one would be suspicious? Okay. But is that your n? From a tomb to another tomb?¡± Momoko was puzzled. She couldn¡¯t understand Haejin¡¯s n. Then, Haejin pointed at the map. ¡°Yes. From here to here, I¡¯ll dig in 15 days. I will tell you which tools I need, so please prepare them.¡± ¡°What kind of tools do you need?¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t know well. He had learned about grave robbing by watching from the side, but he had never done that. Byeongguk was the only one who could help Haejin now. Haejin hadn¡¯t asked him to work together because this could go wrong and as he had retired already, he didn¡¯t want to drag him in again. Haejin called Byeongguk immediately. Thankfully, he soon picked up. ¡°Wow, isn¡¯t this Park Haejin who hasn¡¯t called in days? I thought you were dead!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was busy.¡± ¡°Of course, you were sooooo busy¡­ what is this about? I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t call me to go to drink.¡± Haejin took a deep breath and said, ¡°Hu¡­ uncle, I have to dig for about 30m. Which tools do I need?¡± At first, Byeonguk didn¡¯t say anything. After 10 seconds of awkward silence, Byeongguk spoke grimly. ¡°Do you have to do this?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Tell me whose tomb it is. If I just tell you this, I cannot see your father¡¯s face again after I die. What are you going to get?¡± Haejin thought about lying, but it wasn¡¯t going to work. ¡°It¡¯s Ogura Takenoske¡¯s tomb. I¡¯m going to get the Double Dragon Sword.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to take what? Double Dragon Sword?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ well, you leave me no choice. Yes, I will have something to say to your father if it¡¯s such an artifact.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Byeongguk spoke with delight as if he was offering a gift. ¡°When you get to Ogura¡¯s tomb, there is one more thing you should take.¡± Chapter 117: Lost Sword of the Great General (7)

Chapter 117: Lost Sword of the Great General (7)

¡°How do you know what¡¯s inside Ogura¡¯s tomb?¡± ¡°Hey, who do you think I am? Ogura Takenoske¡¯s tomb is like a hidden treasure vault to us grave robbers. It¡¯s just that we couldn¡¯t find it because there was no treasure map. Of course, words would get around among us about what¡¯s inside.¡± ¡°Well¡­ that makes sense.¡± ¡°Some argue that there must be lots of golden artifacts like a golden crown from Shinra and gold earrings, but I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It might surprise you, Ogura became a poor man in hisst days. Well, I¡¯m not saying he had to beg for food, but hisst days were not easy. Have you heard of it?¡± ¡°Yes, I have, but I thought it was a lie made up by the Japanese.¡± ¡°Why would they make up such a lie? Anyway, what could have been the reason? He tried to collect Korean artifacts no matter the cost, so he went bankrupt. Such a man being buried with gold? That¡¯s unlikely.¡± ¡°Then, what do you think would be in there?¡± ¡°Do you know what artifact Ogura Takenoske dedicated his life on finding?¡± ¡°That¡­ Buddha?¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ that¡¯s how you know it, right? Yes. Ogura was very interested in Buddhism and collected many buddhas. But it wasn¡¯t his most favorite artifact.¡± ¡°What was it, then?¡± ¡°Goryeo cdon. That¡¯s the artifact he strived to find the most. He couldn¡¯t hide his joy when he finally did.¡± ¡°Really?¡± This was new to Haejin. Byeongguk seemed to know all kinds of things. ¡°You know that not all of the Ogura Collection was donated to the national museum in Tokyo, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard that some were sold.¡± ¡°Do you think Ogura would have sold the artifacts which he had worked so hard to collect?¡± If you think about it, it was a little strange. He spent all of his money on buying artifacts, and his artifacts were sold afterward? It made no sense. Then, at least one of the two had to be a lie. He wasn¡¯t poor in hisst days, or the artifacts were never sold. ¡°Then, you are thinking most of those artifacts that are thought to have been sold were buried with Ogura.¡± ¡°Yes. And most of those artifacts are Goryeo cdons. I also think that they are in the tomb of that wretched man.¡± ¡°I wish that is the case so that I could take them all out¡­¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ just thinking about it makes me feel good. But how are you going to bring it here? Have you prepared a way?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t even dug yet, and you¡¯re already thinking about moving them?¡± ¡°If there¡¯s no escape n, getting a huge lump of gold would be no good. Are you going to cling on to those artifacts and die in Japan?¡± ¡°There¡¯s someone who helps me. Someone I can trust.¡± Byeongguk didn¡¯t feel bad about Haejin not exining as if he knew Haejin had his reasons. ¡°That trustworthy person can bring those artifacts to Korea, right? But he or she knows nothing about grave robbing.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it.¡± ¡°What kind of ce is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a mountain. The good thing is that there are not many rocks.¡± ¡°If it were a rock mountain, they wouldn¡¯t have made a tomb there. Hmm¡­ you¡¯re going to use a cover, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I am nning to do a fake funeral and dig.¡± ¡°You are going to make a fake tomb and dig 30m? On your own?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ the efforts wouldn¡¯t be enough. Digging isn¡¯t the only thing, you must take care of the soil you¡¯ll dig up and check if the tunnel will copse or not in the middle.¡± Without magic, Haejin would never have dared to do it alone. ¡°I can trust no one.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ just prepare the entrance. Tools won¡¯t be enough. You have selected the spot, so if you get the direction, I will go and dig. How¡¯s that?¡± Haejin had nned to do it alone, but as unexpected things could happen, he decided to listen to Byeongguk. ¡°Okay. Come to Narita and call me. There will be someone at the airport waiting for you.¡± ¡°Okay then, we will need a 50cm long log to use as the buttress. At least 50 of them. Also, stic bags for the soil we¡¯ll dig, a portable generator, and a small drill.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it make too much noise?¡± ¡°We should prepare just in case. Sometimes, there can be a rock that you can¡¯t take care of with a shovel. Of course, if there¡¯s enough time, we can get rid of it, but if there isn¡¯t, we will have to break that rock. As I said, just in case.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll get those.¡± ¡°I hope your partners are good in their job.¡± ¡°They don¡¯t know much about grave robbing, but they are supporting me well.¡± ¡°See you tomorrow, then.¡± Haejin hung up. He told Momoko that one more person woulde and asked for logs, stic bags, a portable generator, and a small drill. Momoko nodded. She disappeared and showed up again after about 15 minutes. In her hand was a piece of paper with information about Yang Byeongguk. ¡°You¡¯ve done the research already?¡± ¡°The country sent the information.¡± The country probably meant the NIS in Korea. ¡°What does it say?¡± ¡°He has done illegal excavating and trading of artifacts for decades, but he mostly worked abroad, so details aren¡¯t known. And¡­ thete Mr. Park Yunseok is mentioned here, too.¡± Probably as a partner or aplice. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Can you trust him?¡± Momoko asked. It felt strange to hear that from someone who had been a Japanese only a few months ago. ¡°Of course. Even more than you¡­¡± Haejin thought that could hurt, but she nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good. Then I will go to meet him.¡± ¡°Please bring what I asked to the spot I told you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin let Momoko handle it, but he was secretly worried. However, Momoko took care of everything perfectly. She called about a dozen people and disyed a show of digging up a grave and putting a coffin in it. It certainly drew attention. As more than 90% of the dead are criminated in Japan, putting a coffin in a grave was something that rarely happened. Monks from the temple and even tourists came to see it. When the sky turned dark, a few people ran to the grave when the onlookers had left. It was Haejin¡¯s people, and Byeongguk was among them. He had been picked up immediately after he arrived at Narita Airport. He was enjoying what was going on and kept smiling. Byeongguk touched the grave and slightly nodded. ¡°Good location. If we dig in the back and cover this side, no one would be able to know there¡¯s something wrong with this tomb.¡± ¡°I thought about it all night and exined how the tomb must be to Momoko here.¡± ¡°You have learned a lot from your father. Anyway, where is the tomb?¡± Haejin pointed at the massive tree near the temple. ¡°I think the tomb is under that tree.¡± It was dark already, but Byeongguk frowned and looked in the direction Haejin pointed at. ¡°That¡¯s certainly strange. A tree that huge must have roots that spread all around it, but it is too close to the temple.¡± ¡°Can you see it?¡± Haejin had his magic, but Byeongguk didn¡¯t. Haejin asked as he couldn¡¯t understand, but Byeongguk smiled. ¡°Hey, grave robbers don¡¯t hike with lights. So, we should be able to see at night like owls. We run around the mountains at night. You father could see well, too.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t fully understand, but he thought it was kind of a grave robber¡¯s skill and decided to move on. ¡°Anyway, I think the tree was moved before the temple was built.¡± ¡°I think so, too.¡± ¡°If the tomb is big, it should be about¡­ 28m¡­ anyway, let¡¯s start.¡± Byeongguk roughly measured the distance and started to dig the back of the grave with the shovel Momoko gave him. Haejin started to dig, but Haejin¡¯s skill wasn¡¯t as good as his strength. They dug with a simr speed. About half an hourter, they reached the fake coffin. Byeongguk opened the nailed lid with a lever. ¡°Oho¡­ you have prepared well.¡± Inside were all kinds of tools. Digging a grave could be done with a shovel, but digging an underground tunnel needed more, so they had filled the coffin with tools in advance. ¡°Then, shall we start?¡± They ate food which Eunhae had prepared for them and started to dig. As people rarely went to that area, no one came close although the area was being monitored with the CCTV. Meals for a day were brought at once at dusk, and when they had to relieve themselves, they dug a hole nearby. It was to not leave any trace. After about a week, Byeongguk quickly got tired. When he used to work before, he always started when he was ready, but as he had started suddenly this time, he quickly lost his strength. From then on, Haejin dug and Bgyeongguk put the soil in stic bags and brought them to the entrance. These bags were sent away by Momoko and others at dawn. Haejin didn¡¯t know who those people were, but he just hoped Momoko had brought trustworthy people. After one more week, Haejin¡¯s shovel met an empty space. Byeongguk, who had been watching from behind, yelled with excitement. ¡°Hold your breath and get back.¡± Haejin widened the hole a little and quickly backed off. Virus or toxic gas that had been inside the closed space could hurt him. Haejin tried to calm down and let Eunhae and Momoko know that he had reached the tomb. After two hours of waiting outside, they crawled back into the tomb. They set two LEBmps on both sides, and the tomb was lit. ¡°Oho¡­ this is great!¡± Haejin had never been inside a tomb. He only watched artifacts after they were brought out. So honestly, he was a little afraid when he came in. But Byeongguk looked around and smiled brightly. It melted his fear. And after he saw a pair of swords right next to the coffin, joy and thrill overwhelmed him. ¡°This is the Double Dragon Sword.¡± Haejin slowly drew the sword. It didn¡¯t rust at all. Just like when it was stored in the Department of Royal Household¡¯s Museum, it glowed coldly as if it could bring bloodshed with just one swing. ¡°Yes, it is the Double Dragon Sword.¡± Haejin sheathed it again and carefully wrapped it with a cloth he had prepared in advance. It was an invaluable artifact that couldn¡¯t be lost again, so he couldn¡¯t even lose a single strap of the thread that decorated the sword. His hands were shaking. ¡°It is here.¡± Byeongguk looked at three cdons for a long time and carefully put them in boxes. There was no reason to leave them there. There were a few Japanese paintings and some Japanese artifacts, too, but they decided to leave them. There was no reason to take other¡¯s artifacts and they weren¡¯t interested, either. It was time to leave. The moment Haejin put himself in the hole to leave, he spotted an earring on the ground. It must have fallen when he made the hole with his shovel. ¡°What are you doing? Quick,e out!¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ming!¡± Haejin quickly picked it up and went outside. Chapter 118: The Enemy Inside (1)

Chapter 118: The Enemy Inside (1)

Momoko and Eunhae were already waiting outside. It was early morning, but no one looked tired. Eunhae was tense like a soldier waiting for the final battle. Haejin and Byeongguk took out the three cdons and two swords. Eunhae quickly took one cdon and asked, ¡°Is it over?¡± Actually, Haejin wanted to pour water or oil in the tomb. However, what good would it make? Ogura was already dead¡­ Haejin retrieved the Double Dragon Sword he had stolen to end Korea, so Haejin decided to be content with that. And this wasn¡¯t the end. There were countless more artifacts he would have to retrieve in the future, so he couldn¡¯t leave any traces. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go now.¡± The retrieved artifacts and the tools they had used were all loaded on a pickup truck. As forst, they mended the tomb again with some of the soil they had dug up. They even nted some grass. It was a perfect cover. No one would think a grave had been robbed in this ce. The tools were buried in a deste mountain tens or kilometers away. They moved again and ditched the truck in an abandoned cabin. There was a small SUV waiting there. Momoko made everyone get on to the new car and headed to Niigata Port. Taking a ship to Busan was the route the NIS had set for them. ¡°The NIS is certainly thorough. Even us professional grave robbers don¡¯t take such care.¡± Byeongguk nced at Momoko as he spoke. He had been shocked when he met her at Narita Airport, but after hearing she worked for the NIS now, he couldn¡¯t look at her straight. He was probably afraid as she worked for the government. ¡°This isn¡¯t enough. We can¡¯t rx until we arrive in Busan.¡± ¡°I know that. Except for that woman, no Japanese knows that Ogura¡¯s tomb had been dug up.¡± ¡°It would be really bad.¡± Even though they had left no traces, once it was discovered, escaping would be hard. All the customs and maritime police would be warned. The car never stopped until it arrived at Niigata Port. It was afternoon. They couldn¡¯t leave the artifacts in the car, so they bought some food from a nearby convenience store and waited. The ship would leave at night. They waited at the parking lot and got out of the car at 11 p.m. sharp. ¡°This way.¡± Momoko walked faster and faster. The group followed her, but they looked around in worry. They reached the end of the port. In there, they could see a ship where even the light didn¡¯t reach. Tap, tap! A strange sound came from the ship. Momoko took out her phone, turned on the light, and drew a strange signal with it. Then, the dark silhouette of a man appeared on the ship. He waved his hand. ¡°Get aboard.¡± Momoko spoke, and Haejin got abroad first. It was to take care of(?) enemies in case it was a trap. They went inside where three men were waiting with their arms crossed. The man in front was in his early 20s orte 30s. He stretched out his hand. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Hwang Yeongchan.¡± Haejin took his hand and asked, ¡°I¡¯m Park Haejin. Is that your real name?¡± Yeongchan smiled. ¡°Maybe. Wee. We will escort you from here. These friends here don¡¯t like to talk, so if you have any question, please ask me.¡± He said it politely, but it meant they couldn¡¯t talk to the other agents. Was it to protect them or for other reasons? Haejin didn¡¯t know, but he didn¡¯t care as long as they could get Haejin¡¯s group safely to Busan. ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡± Eunhae, Byeongguk, Momoko came in as well. Yaongchan made the ship depart. ¡°This ship is small, so there is no space for you to rest. You must be tired, so sit there and lean on each other.¡± They sat in a row and leaned on the next person¡¯s shoulder to sleep, but Haejin didn¡¯t close his eyes. He thought he couldn¡¯t lower his guard until he was in Busan. Yeongchan found that strange. He sat down and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Usually, when people say that, their faces show that¡¯s not true, but you really don¡¯t look tired.¡± After Haejin learned magic¡­ no, after his magic was upgraded thanks to Lee Shian¡¯s ring in China, he barely felt tired by using strength. He slept every day, but it was out of habit, and he could go on without sleep. He hadn¡¯t slept at all for two days now, but he wasn¡¯t that tired. ¡°Probably because I¡¯m nervous. I might not look that way, but I¡¯m a wimp.¡± ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯re saying you are afraid?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But you don¡¯t look like that. From what I heard, you dug for two weeks to get those artifacts¡­ you look like one of our agents who is used to ordeals.¡± Yeongchan studied Haejin with ring eyes. Haejin thought he was a member of the special force or at least had been trained by special force. He emitted a dangerous aura that was overwhelming. That was probably why he thought Haejin was strange. Few people were so calm in front of him. ¡°I just can¡¯t sleep because of nervousness.¡± ¡°That nervousness tends to go away when you meet us. Look at them¡­¡± He pointed to Haejin¡¯s sleeping friends. Then, he smiled and stood up. ¡°You will have to be on guard even after we arrive in Korea.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°We got lucky this time.¡± He went to captain¡¯s cabin after saying that. Haejin wanted to ask more, but he couldn¡¯t stand up because Byeongguk¡¯s head was on his shoulder, so he decided to let it go. He thought if it was something he had to know, Yeongchan would have told him. After hours of sitting like that, Eunhae and Momoko got seasick and woke up. The sun then came up. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± To Eunhae and Momoko, that was salvation. They started to move with energy. About 10 minutester, they finally stood onnd. Everyone left, relieved to think that it was all over, but again, Yeongchan whispered to Haejin. ¡°If you hide it, it will be taken. It would be better to disclose it.¡± Haejin wanted to ask what that meant, but Yeongchan left with his men and Momoko. ¡°Well, we didn¡¯t get to say goodbye to that Japanesedy.¡± Byeongguk frowned. ¡°We will meet her again.¡± Eunhae wanted to go home and take a shower now. They then took the train to Seoul. ¡°What is it? Is there something wrong?¡± Byeongguk was still tired and fell asleep again. Eunhae saw Haejin was troubled and asked. ¡°No, no. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t forget what Yeongchan told him. He clearly knew something¡­ but he didn¡¯t exin. There had to be a reason. ¡°What are you going to do with the artifacts you retrieved?¡± ¡°Of course¡­¡± Haejin had nned to hide them and discuss with the Cultural Heritage Administration, of course. However, what Yeongchan said troubled him. ¡°Of course?¡± Eunhae stared at Haejin. ¡°Not, of course, but¡­ I am going to call the reporters and release the news.¡± ¡°Really? Where are you going to say you got it?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say he had taken it from Japan. Even if most of Ogura¡¯s artifacts had been illegally excavated, robbing graves a century ago and doing it now was apletely different matter. ¡°I¡¯m going to say I bought them from an American collector.¡± ¡°To whom are you going to ask that kind of favor¡­ oh! Eric Holton!¡± Eunhae pped with her hand as she recalled him. ¡°Yes. I can ask him to help, so I should say that for now.¡± There wouldn¡¯t be trouble if they just hid it, but after showing them to the public, problems could ur at any time. Eunhae knew that. She was worried about Haejin¡¯s decision, but she didn¡¯t object. She thought Haejin must have had a reason. When they arrived in Seoul, Byeongguk let Haejin take the cdons and head to Insadong. Haejin and Eunhae loaded the artifacts on the car of an employee who had been waiting for them and went to the museum. ¡°There is a visitor.¡± The employee spoke as soon as he climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°A visitor? Who is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. He wants to meet both of you.¡± Haejin had a bad feeling about this. He immediately turned to Eunhae and said, ¡°Make the staff prepare now. They should prepare a press release about the Double Dragon Sword.¡± ¡°Already?¡± ¡°Yes. Make them prepare so that it can be done immediately when I give the order. And make sure no one except for our staff knows this.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Eunhae called Curator Lee Jisu and gave her the instructions. A whileter, they arrived at the museum. A man they had never met before was waiting at the entrance. He saw Haejin and came closer. ¡°Haha¡­ hello, I¡¯m Lee Dongcheol.¡± He had white hair. He was a famous politician of the ruling party Haejin had seen on TV a few times. He was smiling warmly, but he seemed to be very greedy. He grabbed Haejin¡¯s hand. ¡°Oh, nice to meet you. But may I ask why you havee¡­¡± A man came next to Dongcheol and said, ¡°There are too many people here. Let¡¯s go somewhere quiet.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say no. ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin took them to the director¡¯s office, and Dongcheol¡¯s aide came in as well. Haejin didn¡¯t know what to say, so he sat down. Dongcheol sat down on the opposite side and got rid of the kind attitude he had shown at the entrance. ¡°You have brought something from Japan, right?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± Haejin pretended to be ignorant, and Dongcheol frowned. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Yes, I really don¡¯t know.¡± Maybe Yeongchan had known this would happen all along. Haejin secretly sent a text to Eunhae and told her to start what he had told her earlier immediately. ¡°Khmm¡­ you are really hopeless¡­ you have stolen something from Japan, right?¡± He was using Haejin, and Haejin¡¯s head started to hurt. The only good thing was that Eunhae hade in with the artifacts through the back entrance. Meeting Dongcheol at the main gate with the artifacts would have been bad. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t? I know everything!¡± ¡°Is there proof? Proof that says I¡¯ve stolen something from Japan?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Dongcheol turned red. He couldn¡¯t say anything. Of course. Even if there was proof, he couldn¡¯t openly admit that he knew about it. ¡°And why are you looking for it? Ah, of course, I haven¡¯t stolen it¡­ but I think it is what you are looking for. What do you want with it?¡± Haejin wondered why on earth Dongcheol was looking for the sword. He hesitated for a second and said, ¡°It¡¯s not good for the rtions between the two countries. We should give it back.¡± Haejin was shocked. A pro-Japanese coborator of the 21 st century was right in front of him¡­ Chapter 119: The Enemy Inside (2)

Chapter 119: The Enemy Inside (2)

¡°What did you say? I should send it back?¡± ¡°Yes. You have stolen what belongs to others, so of course, you should send it back!¡± He yelled with anger as if Haejin was stopping him from doing what was right. ¡°Do you even know what it is?¡± ¡°Of course, I do. You think I came here without knowing what it is?¡± Haejin was so shocked that he startedughing. ¡°Ha¡­ but how did you find out about the Double Dragon Sword?¡± ¡°That is none of your business.¡± Actually, Haejin thought about using magic. If the aide hadn¡¯t been there, Haejin would have made him confess the truth. The young aide spoke this time. ¡°You said you haven¡¯t stolen the Double Dragon Sword, but you mentioned it first. If that isn¡¯t proof, what is?¡± He must have thought it was a sharp question, but Haejin had made his mind about it when they started to use him of stealing. ¡°It is the only artifact I¡¯ve brought into Korea. I have bought it legally. I can let you talk to the seller if you want.¡± Dongcheol frowned hard. ¡°Nonsense! I already know you¡¯ve stolen it. You think lying would work on me? I am Lee Dongcheol, the representative of the People¡¯s Happiness Party!¡± ¡°Apart from who you are, I¡¯ve never done robbed a grave, and I am not going to sell it back. The Double Dragon Soul has the soul of the Koreans. It is ours, it was Ogura Tekenoske who stole it!¡± ¡°That was a century ago, and Ogura Takenoske was a good man. If he hadn¡¯t stopped Korean artifacts from being sent abroad, our artifacts would be wandering around the world now! You dug up such a man¡¯s grave and you don¡¯t even feel guilty!¡± Haejin had never thought he would ever get to see a Korean defending Ogura Takenoske. He thought only Japanese could speak for him. Satou Akiho, the former director of Tokyo Museum, once said Ogura Takenoske collected Korean artifacts because he loved history and Korean traditions. He even said Ogura collected Korean artifacts to protect them from being sent abroad, so Dongcheol¡¯s logic was the same as Satou¡¯s. ¡°I never dug Ogura¡¯s grave, but even if I had, I don¡¯t think I would feel guilty at all. That fxxking bastard stole more than a thousand Korean artifacts. Do you know that? And you are speaking for him? Is that the opinion of your party?¡± Haejin got enraged and raised his voice. Dongcheol then yelled, ¡°What? What do you know, huh? We are now living decently all because Japan put railroads and built power nts! You, young people, don¡¯t know that¡­ anyway, give it to me! Now!¡± He was so confident as if he was asking for something that belonged to him. ¡°Huh! It¡¯s already toote. We¡¯ve informed the reporters.¡± Eunhae had sent him to say the press conference had been sent and the information about the sword had been released. ¡°What? Are you crazy?¡± ¡°Stop it if you have the power to do that. You must have gotten info from the NIS, so you must have the power to stop that press release.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t bragging. He thought Dongcheol really had that much power. He was provoking him because even though Dongcheol could stop this press release, he could not make the next move. Once the public found out that the Double Dragon Sword was back in Korea, people would never allow it to be sent to Japan again. Politicians knew that as well. That¡¯s why Haejin was sure Dongcheol couldn¡¯t stop the press conference. Information about the sword had been released already, if Dongcheol stopped the press conference, he would have to solely handle the consequences. Then, Dongcheol¡¯s aide saw something on his phone and was surprised. He showed it to Dongcheol. ¡°Sir, you should see this.¡± Dongcheol put on his sses and looked. He was shocked. Haejin also got curious, so he took out his phone and used the inte. This was what he saw first. [General Lee Sunsin¡¯s Double Dragon Sword has been found. The press conference will be done soon. (Breaking News)] Eunhae had taken care of it fast. Things were over now. Would Dongcheol admit it and move on? ¡°You, I won¡¯t let you get away with this!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind. If you are finished, you should go now.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Dongcheol fumed for some time and then banged the door as he left. Haejin thought about staying there, but he left to see Eunhae who was preparing for the press conference. However, Dongcheol was hesitating at the main gate. Haejin wondered what it was about and went there. A reporter saw Dongcheol and ran to him. ¡°Oh, Senator Lee! Have you led the retrieval of General Lee Sunsin¡¯s Double Dragon Sword?¡± The reporter excitedly asked. Dongcheol was surprised, he couldn¡¯t say anything. He hadn¡¯t thought he would run into reporters. Haejin talked to that reporter on purpose. ¡°Are you a reporter? You are about to hear some amazing news. A great man has done a miracle.¡± As Haejin talked about a great man in front of the representative of the ruling party, of course, the reporter thought he meant Dongcheol. He naturally nged onto Dongcheol. ¡°Really? Wow¡­ sir, please say something!¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡­ I¡­¡± Dongcheol hesitated. Then, he saw carsing in one by one. He couldn¡¯t see well as it was dark, but they were small vans, and something was written on them. They were clearly the vans of mediapanies. Dongcheol¡¯s aide was worried about his senator making a mistake. He saw the other media vansing and quickly said, ¡°Sir, we should go now.¡± He sounded urgent. Dongcheol nodded and apologized to the reporter in front of him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have to go. I hope you write a good article¡­ okay? I¡¯ll see youter¡­¡± Dongcheol tried to leave, but he couldn¡¯t. ¡°Hup!¡± ¡°Sir? Why?¡± Haejin had cast a magic on him that made one get diarrhea. His stomach boiled, and he was about to relieve himself, so he couldn¡¯t run away. If he failed to restrain himself, and the reporters found out about it, getting humiliated would not even be the main problem. His political life would be over. Think about it. Who would vote for a politician who defecated in his pants? He would be aughingstock, and the people would say he was losing his mind. Dongcheol tried to hang on, but the media vans arrived, and the reporters poured out from them. They spotted Dongcheol and lunged at him like hyenas who spotted a prey. After seeing the reporter who was putting a mike under Dongcheol¡¯s nose right in front of him, others thought they couldn¡¯t let him get the exclusive report. They tried their best to make Dongcheol speak. ¡°Sir! Is it true that you contributed greatly in bringing the Double Dragon Sword?¡± ¡°Senator Lee, please tell us how you found the sword!¡± ¡°Senator Lee! Please tell us what you think about this great achievement!¡± The press conference of the museum didn¡¯t even start yet, but reporters just guessed and were excited. However, Dongcheol didn¡¯t even care about it. The problem was their attitude. When reporters throw questions to get an exclusive report or information about an important social issue, they push hard, put mikes in front of the interviewee, and even drag that person. In short, the interviewee gets swung from side to side like aver floating on waves, but now, Dongcheol had to be really careful. He couldn¡¯t say a word. His face was pale, he just leaned on his aide¡¯s shoulder and moaned. ¡°Uh¡­ uh¡­¡± ¡°Senator, please say something.¡± ¡°Sir!¡± The reporters didn¡¯t know Dongcheol¡¯s pain. They mercilessly put a mike in front of his mouth and bumped into him. The aide was worried to see his senator suddenly stop and turn pale. He just kept saying, ¡®sir, are you okay?¡¯ and lost precious time. The next moment¡­ ¡°Uhh¡­ ah¡­¡± With a weird moan, Dongcheol¡¯s face started to return to its usual color. And¡­ ¡°Sniff, sniff¡­ what smell is this?¡± ¡°Huh? I smell poop. Did a septic tank leak nearby?¡± ¡°There are no septic tanks these days. But, where is thising from?¡± The reporters surrounded Dongcheol and tried to find the source of the smell. Haejin couldn¡¯t let Dongcheol escape, so he finished it. ¡°Huh? There¡¯s a stain on the senator¡¯s pants¡­¡± He didn¡¯t speak loudly. He whispered so that only the reporter right next to him could hear it, but the reporter didn¡¯t worry how Haejin had seen it in the darkness. Instead, he wiggled into the crowd and checked Dongcheol¡¯s pants. ¡°Oh, sir¡­¡± The reporter looked at Dongcheol with surprise. The other reporters felt something was wrong and instinctively realized the smell wasing from Dongcheol. If this had been all, it could have been fine. Dongcheol could find a way to make them keep the secret. ¡°Oh, Senator Lee!¡± ¡°Sir, are you giving today¡¯s press conference?¡± More reporters kepting in, and like a virus that spread in a sh, they found out what Dongcheol had done and started to awkwardly nce at each other. There was a good reason for that. Writing articles about this situation would win them great attention, but they couldn¡¯t afford it. Nevertheless, they couldn¡¯t give up the ¡®Exclusive¡¯ mark, so they had no choice but to keep ncing at each other, but then, Haejin looked into the museum and yelled. ¡°Hey, sir! The press conference hasn¡¯t even started yet. Where are you going?¡± Actually, no reporter went into the museum. However, after that yell, the reporters all scattered in a second. ¡°Hey! Reporter Lim! Reporter Choi! Where are you going?¡± Dongcheol panicked and tried to call the reporters, but no one answered. ¡°Sir¡­ what¡­¡± The aide also realized what was going on. He was almost about to cry, but there was nothing he could do about it. ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Sir!¡± Dongcheol¡¯s legs lost strength in shock. His aide quickly supported him. However, funnily enough, he couldn¡¯t hold him properly. He was pushing him from the back, he didn¡¯t want to touch Dongcheol¡¯s pants. ¡°Quick¡­ the reporters¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s tooter. Articles must have been released by now.¡± Decades ago, he would have pressed newspaperpanies and broadcast stations, but now, it was the era of the inte. Reporters of high position could instantly upload articles with the ¡®exclusive¡¯ mark without permission from their boss. Haejin tried not tough and took out his phone to use the inte. There was an article that caught his eyes. [Senator Lee Dongcheol relieved himself in his pants before a press conference.] ¡°Oh¡­¡± Dongcheol saw it as well. He moaned and ran away with his aide. Chapter 120: Portrait of Titus (1)

Chapter 120: Portrait of Titus (1)

Haejin was surprised by unexpected situation, but he got to punish a politician who worked as servant of Japanese, so he decided to be content with it. Dongcheol left in grief, so Haejin would not be able to see him on TV for some time. ¡°This Double Dragon Sword is¡­¡± Eunhae gave the press conference. She exined what retrieving the Double Dragon Sword meant, and reporters kept shooting photos of her and the sword. She officially announced the existence of the sword and said it would be disyed at the museum with approval of Cultural Heritage Administration. Of course, they had no reason to say no. Haejin worried about another lunatic like Dongcheol appearing, but the official who was supposed to take care of the matter took a selfie with the sword and promised he would give every support needed, so there was no reason to worry about it. What was funny was Japan¡¯s attitude. Haejin had thought Ogura family or Cultural Heritage Administration of Japan would protest, but they didn¡¯t do anything. If they had stolen it from a family or something, they would have said there was no proof that that had stolen it and demand to get it back immediately, but it had been exhibited at museum of royal household. There was record. Demanding to get the sword back would mean admitting they had stolen it from the museum a century ago. Japanese must have known Ogura¡¯s grave had been dug up thanks to pro-Japanese senators like Dongcheol, but for that reason, they could do nothing. Sanghun, who came in secret after closing time a few dayster, proved it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You have done well, but information leaked out from us.¡± ¡°You could have told me sooner.¡± Haejin really didn¡¯t feel good about it. Sanghun must have known information could leak out from NIS, so saying sorry no was no good. ¡°I tried to keep the secret as long as I could.¡± That was till Haejin finished robbing. Sanghun couldn¡¯t keep the secret after he arrived at Busan after that. Haejin was irritated, but technically, it wasn¡¯t Sanghun¡¯s fault. It was fault of pro-Japanese traitors who still had power in Korea, so he decided to let it go. ¡°Hu¡­ But you must know things have gone strange.¡± ¡°But you have taken care of it so well. You officially announced that you bought it from a foreigner, so the Japanese government is doing nothing apart from unofficial protest.¡± ¡°They must know the tomb have been robbed, then.¡± ¡°Yes. But they are not officially protesting about that, either.¡± ¡°Of course. What came out of there were Goryeo cdons and the Double Dragon Sword.¡± However, Sanghun gravely shook his head. ¡°No, that¡¯s not the reason.¡± ¡°What? Then what is it?¡± ¡°Stealing artifacts and robbing a grave are different matters. They canin about it if they want, but there¡¯s no proof that says it was us, and most of all, Ogura Foundation wanted to bury it.¡± ¡°Bury this matter? Why?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the problem. I tried to find out the reason. That¡¯s why I camete.¡± Sanghun handed Haejin a document. ¡°This is report about the future of Japan¡¯s antique market Ms. Momoko wrote. Part about Ogura Foundation and antiquity merchants who works with yakuza is very impressive.¡± Haejin took it and read it. It said antiquity smugglers who had been hiding would work in the open from now on. ¡°What does this mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s simple. Organizations that controls antiquity market of Japan would get even bigger, so they wouldmit even more crimes. And their target would be Asian countries like China and Japan.¡± ¡°Comining about losing what they stole first would be no good, so they are going to steal again or fraud?¡± ¡°They have different way of thinking.¡± ¡°They¡¯re mad¡­. Anyway, I¡¯ll get it. I will care even more about security. But those who are really in danger are ordinary people who buys and sells antiques at Insadong.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the problem. Antiques are not manufactured objects. There are only few experts who can discern them properly, so all we can do is to tell the merchants to be careful.¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing more you can do.¡± The government can¡¯t take care of everything¡­ ¡°Anyway, thank you for taking care of this matter way.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. I got paid well, and Double Dragon Sword would be exhibited in this museum.¡± As the sword had been at the museum of the department of royal household, Haejin had worried about the National Museum or National Pce of Museum demanding it to take it, but Cultural Heritage Administration acknowledged Haejin¡¯s efforts and let him exhibit it at his museum. ¡°Of course. We couldn¡¯t even guess where Ogura¡¯s tomb was. We never imagined you would finish it in two weeks ande back. And call me anytime if you need my help. I will do my best to help as long as I can.¡± Sanghun left a business card. With that, everything about the sword was finished. No except for that Wang Mingwan woulde to Korea to thank Haejin. After Sanghun left, Haejin took out the earring. He had taken it from Ogura¡¯s tomb by chance. At the time, it was buried in mud so he couldn¡¯t check what it was. After that, he had to go through a series of crazy events like escaping Japan, returning to Korea, and nning press conference, so he forgot all about it. He got a chance to take a proper look only a day after the press conference. He carefully wiped off the dust and removed pollutants with special chemicals. The he could see what it was. It was gilt bronze earring probably from Gaya confederacy, but Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why it was the only one. Gaya and Shinra left countless golden artifacts, and it is estimated that Ogura robbed many unknown tombs. But why would he put only one earring among those artifacts in his tomb? That was what Haejin wanted to know. The only way to find out was his magic. This moment was his chance, when no one was around. Memory of more than a millennia brought sever headache, but joy and glee which made that pain go away followed. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin grabbed his head and jumped to his feet. He walked around the room as he bit his fingernail. To his surprise, Ogura had found a tomb of Geumgwan Gaya in mountains of Komhae. But before he could rob it, Korea was liberated, so Ogura had to return to Japan. He already knew there was considerable amount of treasures in that tomb, so during the rest of his life, he regretted not getting to rob that tomb in Kimhae. Eventually, when he died, he decided to be buried with it. It was to not leave any proof of the tomb. If Japan couldn¡¯t take those artifacts, no one could. That man was so evil and persistent. ¡°What should I do now?¡± Now Haejin had to legally excavate the tomb. However, he was worried about another artifact excavation organization stealing the artifacts. That wouldn¡¯t happen of course, but Haejin wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep if institution that was in Vice Chairman Sungjun of Hwajin or a traitor like Dongcehol¡¯s hands got to excavate it. The tomb had to be excavated by Haejin¡¯s museum or another trustworthy organization. Anyway, he couldn¡¯t do this quickly. He thought he had to take time and be careful. Then Eunhae opened the door and came in. ¡°What are you doing? Are you worried about something?¡± ¡°Oh, no, I¡¯m not worried.¡± Eunhae smiled and sat on sofa. Then she put a cup of tea she had brought in front of Haejin. ¡°If it¡¯s nothing important, you shouldn¡¯t be stressed about it. You should go home to rest. I¡¯m doing all the work now.¡± ¡°Well¡­. You are on news now¡­¡± Eunhae had be a star after the press conference. People were happy to see such young and beautiful director. Articles and Eunhae and magazine interviews came after one another. She was invited to news yesterday to give an interview, and eventually, she got an offer to film a cosmetic advertisement this morning. Of course, Eunhae said she wasn¡¯t interested, but she kept smiling because of it. Working all night probably couldn¡¯t get rid of that smile. ¡°Hahaha! I¡¯m quite popr these days, right?¡± ¡°You are. Maybe I should get your autograph.¡± ¡°Haha, there¡¯s no need for that. Oh, and Eric Holton just called.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ What did he say?¡± Haejin had called Eric to apologize about mentioning him in the press conference. He hung up quickly, saying he had urgent business. Haejin still felt bad about it. ¡°He said there was no reason to apologize and we can use his name as much as we want.¡± ¡°Haha, that¡¯s good. I think he is a good man.¡± ¡°Yes. At first, I thought he was a yboy who tried to win me with his money¡­ Haha! Don¡¯t tell him I said that!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± Eunhae smiled at Haejin¡¯s joke and continued. ¡°But sadly, he asked for your help.¡± ¡°Why is that sad?¡± ¡°You will have to leave again to help him!¡± It meant Eunhae didn¡¯t like Haejin leaving again aftering back only a few days ago. ¡°At least we went to Japan together.¡± ¡°Yes, but you were so busy digging so I didn¡¯t even get to see you often. Plus, no I have tons of things to do after that trip¡­¡± This was getting awkward again. Haejin coughed and changed the topic. ¡°Khmm¡­ Anyway, why does he need my help.¡± ¡°As you know, Mr. Holton is going after antiquity crime organization. He said they are trying to get a painting.¡± That was probably what he had meant by busy. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a Rembrandt, he said he will exin the details. He said you have to call him as soon as possible.¡± ¡°Really? Okay.¡± Haejin called Eric immediately. Then he put it on speaker so that Eunhae could hear toe conversation, too. ¡°Haejin? Sorry, I was busy earlier.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I owe you one.¡± ¡°No need for that between us¡­ Well, it would be good for me if you think so. You should pay that debt quickly.¡± ¡°How can I help you.¡± ¡°Umm¡­ Do you have some money?¡± ¡°Money?¡± Eric Holton was richer than most billionaires. He had more than enough money¡­ ¡°Yes, do you happen to be interested in buying a painting? It won¡¯t be cheap, but I can give you priority. But I cannot buy this myself. I¡¯ll tell you why when you get here.¡± ¡°How much is it?¡± ¡°4.7 million dors.¡± What the¡­ It hadn¡¯t been a month since Haejin rejoiced about getting 6 billion won, but now he had to spend 5.2 billion won. Life is unpredictable. ¡°What kind of painting is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Rembrandt¡¯s. Have you heard of portrait of Titus?¡± Chapter 121: Portrait of Titus (2)

Chapter 121: Portrait of Titus (2)

Of course Haejin had heard of it. Titus was the son of Rembrandt. His portrait had been sold at 2.5 billion won on Christie¡¯s Auction in1965. So now, it would be sold at over 20 billion. So buying it at 5.2 billion was great fortune. ¡°Of course I¡¯ve heard of it. Who on earth is willing to sell it at 4.7 million?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ It¡¯s tooplicated to exin on phone. Plus, you will have to see it with your eyes. In fact, I am not even sure it it¡¯s real. The organization I¡¯m going after wants that painting, so it¡¯s probably not fake, but I can¡¯t be sure that it¡¯s real¡­ Anyway, it¡¯splicated. You muste here.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°This time,e to my hotel in New York.¡± My hotel? For a second, Haejin doubted his ears. ¡°You have a hotel?¡± ¡°Technically, it¡¯s my family¡¯s. Anyway, meet me there. I¡¯ll make a reservation in your name.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what kind of hotel it is. Then I¡¯ll see you there.¡± Haejin hung up. Eunhae was watching him with wide eyes. Haejin was sorry. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I will have to go alone this time. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing I can do about it. And as a director, I should keep sending you abroad as you alwayse back with huge money. I¡¯ll just think I¡¯m sending a star to do concert.¡± ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯re right. Oh, and¡­Is it possible for our researchers to excavate in Kimhae?¡± ¡°Kimhae? Are you talking about Kimhae, Gyeongsangnamdo?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°If anything is found there, local excavation organizations would lunge at it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I asked. Is there any way?¡± Eunhae crossed her arms and thought about it. Then she snapped her fingers. ¡°We should im priority to that area. You have something from Eunhae, right? I¡¯ll ask Cultural Heritage Administration with it.¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. She wanted to see the proof. Showing her the earring wasn¡¯t a problem, but telling her the exact spot was. Haejin had to give her a story that she could believe and speak to Cultural Heritage Administration about. Haejin took out the earring he had found at Ogura¡¯s tomb. ¡°I took this from the tomb. There¡¯s a record that says this was stolen from a tomb of Geumgwan Gaya in Kimhae. Ogura never got to rob the tomb, so there is no evidence, but I know where that tomb is.¡± Eunhae was shocked by Haejin¡¯s lies. She jumped to her feet. ¡°Really?¡± That im had no proof, but at the same time, no one could prove it was not the truth. Plus, it had great impact. ¡°Treasures of Geumgwan Gaya are sleeping there. Just when Ogura Takenoske was about to steal them, Korea was liberated and he was forced to return to Japan. This earring is the only artifact he managed to get from that tomb. Ogura chose to be buried with this because if the world finds out about this, the tomb would be found, too.¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± Eunhae stared at the earring for long time. Then she confidently nodded. ¡°Okay. Our researchers will excavate that tomb. I¡¯ll make it happen.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be us, but it has to be an institution that can be trusted. Frankly, there are too many untrustworthy people¡­¡± Eunhae knew what he meant. She smiled bitterly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It will be fine.¡± The next morning, Haejin was took a ne to New York. As Eunhae was taking care of everything for him, he could leave without worries. When he arrived at JFK Airport, a man Eric sent was waiting for him. He took Haejin to a hotel in New York. It was five-star luxury hotel. ¡°Mr. Holton is waiting at restaurant. I will take your luggage to your room.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± After Haejin checked in, the man disappeared with Haejin¡¯s luggage. Haejin headed to the restaurant. A waiter took him to a corner of the restaurant. Eric was staring at his iPad. ¡°I knew you were rich, but I didn¡¯t know you had this kind of hotel in New York.¡± ¡°You still don¡¯t understand much about money. I was board member of Face Note. I had great share. This hotel is only part of my family¡¯s wealth.¡± ¡°I envy you.¡± ¡°But you don¡¯t have to. You bing rich is only a matter of time. Of course, it will take some time¡­ But my father and his father also took time to get wealth. That¡¯s why I can live like this now. Your children will thank you too.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not helpful much.¡± Eric grinned and called someone. ¡°This fellow must be hungry, so bring some food. If it¡¯s not good, I would be humiliated, so tell the chef to take some care. Okay?¡± The beautiful woman with blond hair smiled at Haejin. ¡°I¡¯ll take Mr. Yoris. Sir, please wait a little.¡± She turned around and left. Eric winked at Haejin. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m dating her.¡± ¡°Her?¡± ¡°Yes. She looks so innocent and weak, but she has wild side.¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± ¡°Why? Are you jealous? You have the most beautiful woman at your side. You shouldn¡¯t be jealous of me.¡± Eric spoke as if he was offended. Then he put his iPad in front of Haejin. ¡°This is the painting.¡± Haejin took the iPad. It showed a painting of a child with pretty hat. The child was so cute that he could have been a girl. It looked that way more so because his face was white because of Rembrandt¡¯s unique style of maximizing light. ¡°It is what I thought it would be¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it weird? That you can buy this famous painting with only 4.7 billion dors.¡± ¡°It was sold at 2.2 million in 1965. Of course I can¡¯t understand.¡± Eric took a sip of wine and started to exin. ¡°At the time, the man who bought this painting was a businessman called Norton Simon.¡± ¡°He built Norton Simon Museum in LA, right?¡± The museum has considerable amount of paintings after the Renaissance. There are very famous and magnificent paintings like Rembrandt¡¯s, M¡¯s, Renoir¡¯s, and Gogh¡¯s. ¡°Yes. No one would find it hard to believe that this precious painting is still there. I couldn¡¯t believe it, either. But while going after that troublesome organization, I found out they are working on a family here in New York. It is middle-ss family, but not rich. Still, they had that family get huge loan with investment in real estates as bait.¡± Eric¡¯s definition of being rich was very different from Haejin, so Haejin couldn¡¯t fully believe him about that, but what mattered was that organization would not have made them to that for no reason. ¡°So?¡± ¡°Luckily, a man who supplies seafood to this hotel is a member of that family. So I had an employee here to ask him secretly. But he was a much better actor than I thought. I was surprised. My, to think he has been wasting such talent¡­ He should have be an actor instead of a hotelier¡­¡± Eric was being distracted. Haejin interrupted. ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ He said the man bragged about having Rembrandt¡¯s painting. My smart employee said he couldn¡¯t believe him, so he finally got invited to his house and was even offered dinner. He took this photo.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ Then this wasn¡¯t taken at Norton Simon Museum¡­¡± ¡°Yes. This is the painting that was in that man¡¯s living room.¡± Finding out whether a painting is real only with a photo is not impossible, but it¡¯s not easy, either. And as this painting was of great quality, appraising it without seeing it was risky. ¡°Hmm¡­ With only this photo¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°You can¡¯t tell?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been to Norton Simon Museum before.¡± ¡°A painting appraiser must visit that ce.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°I remember seeing this painting¡­ But to think about it now, I can¡¯t see any difference between the painting I saw then and this painting.¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t see any difference, they must be the same painting.¡± ¡°ording to this photo, yes. But it might change when I get to see it with my own eyes.¡± Eric smiled as if it was interesting. Then he asked. ¡°But how did they find out that man had this painting? Well, let¡¯s they somehow did. Maybe the man talked about it or someone saw it in his house. Then how did they be sure of it being real? They must have been sure as they designed such trap to lure him in. And what I want to know the most¡­ IF this painting is real, why is that painting in that man¡¯s house? It was Norton Simon¡¯s most favorite painting.¡± Haejin was also dying to know that. To find that out, he had to get to that painting. With magic, he would be able to find out how it had escaped from the museum. ¡°I wonder that, too. Oh, but you asked me to buy this painting at 4.7 million dors. How am I supposed to buy this? And Why is the price 4.7 million?¡± Eric smiled like a child with good toy. He tapped the iPad. ¡°The owner of this painting owes 3 million dors. Soon, thend he has bought out turn out to be useless, and he would have to repay that money if he doesn¡¯t want to lose his home. Even interest for a month is too much for him.¡± ¡°They really are dirty.¡± ¡°Yes, they are. And the painting¡¯s owner was unfortunate. He used hispany as security, so he cannot get away unless he gives up the painting.¡± ¡°Then 4.7 million is¡­?¡± ¡°More than what he needs to clear his debt. The owner will hand over the painting to you, not to them if you give him that money.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t like it. If the painting was real, then he would be doing the same thing with those who exploited paintings by using other¡¯s suffering did. ¡°Why? Does you conscience disagree?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to go down to that.¡± Haejin grimly shook his head. But Eric¡¯s smile didn¡¯t disappear. ¡°Okay, then¡­ Oh, you know Mat Vellin, right?¡± ¡°Of course. He is appraiser of Prince Sahmadi.¡± ¡°He called me. Someone very important ising to New York. We should have a meal together.¡± They had been talking about Rembrandt¡¯s painting, but suddenly Eric talked about something else. Haejin couldn¡¯t know how to react. ¡°Well¡­ Eating a meal together is not aproblem.¡± ¡°You will go to Korea with herter.¡± ¡°She is going to Korea with me?¡± ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve met her before. I heard you invited her to Korea.¡± Chapter 122: Visitor from the Desert (1)

Chapter 122: Visitor from the Desert (1)

¡°What? I invited someone to visit Korea?¡± At first, Haejin couldn¡¯t see what was going on, but then he recalled something. When he met Prince Sahmadi for thest time, he introduced his wife and daughter to him. The prince said they will visit Korea one day. Haejin¡¯s expression said that he remembered now, and Eric pped his hand. ¡°I was so surprised! Being handsome is always good.¡± ¡°What does that have to do with this?¡± ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯ll get to find out in time. Oh, and when you go to meet her, someone else will go with you instead of me. She is an idiot from the US Central Intelligence Agency who doesn¡¯t know a thing about antiques, so just ignore her. I should leave now. Escort the princess well, I will keep in touch.¡± Eric stood up to leave, but Haejin grabbed him. ¡°You can¡¯t leave like this. You should tell me what you are going to do about that painting. What happens if I don¡¯t buy it?¡± ¡°Someone else will buy it. You know how it works, if everyone gets to know that the painting is real, would it be good for its owner?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say anything. Then, Eric added something and left. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve prepared a suit in your room. It should fit you, so get changed. If it doesn¡¯t, it will be mine.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Soon, Eric¡¯s girlfriend brought some food. Haejin then started eating and was lost in thoughts. The owner couldn¡¯t reveal the painting to the world as long as it was real. If that had been possible, he would have sold it for millions of dors. As for how the painting that was supposed to be in Norton Simon Museum was in his home wasn¡¯t clear, there had to be some crime involved in it. That was probably why that organization was trying to lure him into a trap. Eventually, he would have to hand that painting over to them or sell it to a third person. Haejin didn¡¯t want to be that third person. There was no reason for him to buy a painting that he couldn¡¯t even exhibit at 5 billion won. However, Haejin had one more question. Eric knew Haejin, so he must have known that he would say no. Nevertheless, he asked him to buy the painting. Why? The next morning, at around 9 a.m., Haejin got a call from a strange number. As the call was not from Korea, he could guess who it was. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Mr. Park? I¡¯m Jessica Olson. You must have heard about this in advance¡­e to the lobby.¡± The slightly thick voice of a woman sounded urgent. ¡°Now?¡± ¡°Yes. Haven¡¯t you heard that you shoulde at 9 o¡¯clock?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ just prepare quickly ande. The people from the middle east don¡¯t like to wait.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin took a quick shower and wore the ck suit Eric gave him and went to the lobby. A woman with red hair was waiting. She was wearing a neat suit like an office worker. She looked at Haejin up and down, then nodded as if she liked how he looked. ¡°Not bad. I heard about you from Eric Holton. You speak good English, right?¡± ¡°Yes, but who are we going to meet?¡± Jessica looked at Haejin with surprise. ¡°You don¡¯t know that?¡± ¡°Yes. Eric didn¡¯t tell me everything.¡± ¡°Oh, my¡­¡± She grabbed her forehead. Then, she picked up her phone to call someone. ¡°Hey, that crazy idiot didn¡¯t tell this Korean appraiser who the guest is. Does it even make sense? Is this Korean really an appraiser?¡± Haejin wanted to tell her that he was, but he didn¡¯t want to be the target of her anger, so he didn¡¯t say anything. She huffed and puffed like that for some time. Then, she made Haejin climb into her car and headed to JFK Airport. She exined on the way. ¡°You know Abd al Sahmadi Abu Dhabi, right? Our guest who arrives at JFK today is Hassena Abu Dhabi. She is 24 years old. She likes Taekwondo and practices at dojang in UAE. Like her father, she also likes antiques and has collected quite a lot.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± ¡°She ising to participate in Sotheby¡¯s auction in New York, and you should escort her until she leaves. Usually, she brings her own appraiser, but this time, she suddenly told us you will be her appraiser, so we are a little confused.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± Haejin reacted as if it was natural, and Jessica looked at him with shock. ¡°How on earth did you get to befriend the royal family of Abu Dhabi? I¡¯ve heard about a Korean helping them by appraising some artifacts, but it¡¯s hard to believe that they trust you enough to call you outside of their own country. What exactly happened?¡± If it had been nothing, Haejin could have told her, but the matter about Salvator Mundi was not something he could easily talk about. It could do serious harm to the reputation of Abu Dhabi family. ¡°There¡¯s also something you should know. Although the adult females of the Arab Emirates hide their faces, they don¡¯t do that in official events. However, that doesn¡¯t mean they talk to any man. You know what I¡¯m trying to say, right?¡± Of course, Haejin was no idiot. ¡°Yes. I should not talk to her, right?¡± ¡°Yes. Hering alone means her family members are noting with her. It doesn¡¯t mean her attendants won¡¯te, either. It can be a diplomatic problem, so be careful.¡± ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t at least someone from the Korean Diplomatic Service help me?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be doing that part, too. The princess doesn¡¯t want many people going around with her.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯ve exined the situation to your Diplomatic Service. As long as everything goes well, they will not call you or something. You are simply working as an appraiser, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Okay. But why does the US Intelligence Agency care so much about her? It looks like she¡¯s just here to do some shopping¡­¡± ¡°You don''t understand. We do not care about her, we are treating her with respect. It is to get rid of the possibility of her getting into trouble with American citizens or other kinds of problems. Of course, we just care a little bit more as she is a member of the UAE¡¯s Abu Dhabi family.¡± Haejin received a lecture like this from Jessica and arrived at the airport. The ne with the princess had just arrived. Jessica went to the Arrivals Hall with a sign written in Arabic which she had prepared in advance. About half an hourter, they saw a woman wearing ck clothes and a ck hijab. She was a beautifuldy with blue eyes. Like the actress of a movie. Around her were buffy people who were clearly bodyguards. She looked around. She didn¡¯t even give a look at Jessica with the sign and walked straight to Haejin. ¡°We meet again.¡± Haejin had imagined her voice would be charismatic as she was a member of a powerful family in Arab, but to his surprise, her voice was beautiful. ¡°Oh¡­ yes. I only got to see your eyesst time, but you are very beautiful.¡± She smiled and turned to Jessica who was holding the sign awkwardly. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Hassena. I guess you are escorting me this time?¡± ¡°Yes, Selina is on vacation. If you told us in advance, she would have changed her schedule¡­¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t need much of your help this time. Shall we go?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Hassena had prepared the cars, not Jessica. Two heavy Ford Explorers and a Benz slid into a stop in front of them. Hassena got on the Benz in front. Haejin was about to get on one of the Explorers, but a huge guy, who was at least 190cm tall, tapped his shoulder. ¡°Hey, you get into the princess¡¯s car.¡± ¡°What? That¡¯s¡­¡± Even though Haejin was her appraiser, this was too much. He didn¡¯t know what to do, but Hassena poked her head out of the car and looked at him. She looked as if asking why Haejin was not getting in, so Haejin had no choice but to climb in the passenger¡¯s seat. He didn¡¯t have to look back to feel Jessica¡¯s surprise. Next to Hassena was a woman in her mid-30s without a hijab. She was wearing a neat two-piece suit. She slightly frowned as Haejin got into the car. No one talked even after the car started to move. Haejin couldn¡¯t stand the mood and started talking first. ¡°Khmm¡­ anyway, nice to meet you. I was able to have an unforgettable experience in Abu Dhabi, but I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± However, the woman next to Hassena replied again. ¡°The rules of the desert are strict.¡± It meant Haejin couldn¡¯t talk to the princess. He wondered why he had been told to get into that car, but Hassena spoke dryly. ¡°That¡¯s why I am pressed so much. Women born in the desert are unhappy.¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± Her attendant scolded her, but she continued. ¡°I once went to Korea when I was 16. It was for a Taekwondopetition. I didn¡¯t get to win any awards, but it was so pleasant. Korea is free, and sometimes exciting, but it also has a deep history.¡± Haejin thought he had read something like that in a book. ¡°I am d you liked it.¡± ¡°I am going to Korea after Sotheby¡¯s auction three dayster. Could you escort me?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say no, or the head of Diplomatic Service would curse him. ¡°Yes, of course.¡± ¡°It would draw attention if I wear a hijab in Seoul, right?¡± ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a problem if you just wear it on your head like that and show your face. There are some Im women in Seoul these days.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. You wouldn¡¯t be troubled much.¡± She was saying she wasn¡¯t going to not use her hijab but show her face like now. Nowadays, there are some women who show their hair, but Haejin couldn¡¯t expect much. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Oh, and Mr. Holton told me about Rembrandt¡¯ painting.¡± What was that about? Was she saying she was there to buy the Portrait of Titus? ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes. You are in trouble, so of course, I should help you.¡± Haejin almost asked, ¡®what kind of trouble am I in?¡¯ What did Eric tell her? ¡°Haha¡­ that wouldn¡¯t be necessary¡­¡± ¡°No. My father would have told me to help if he knew about this. Our family owes you. And, as you are going to help me with this Sotheby¡¯s auction, this is nothing.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ thank you.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what he was thanking her for, but he thanked first and sent a message to Eric to demand to tell him what was going on. However, before he got a reply, Hassena said something very unexpected. Chapter 123: Visitor from the Desert (2)

Chapter 123: Visitor from the Desert (2)

¡°Anyway, it will be finished without a problem if I buy Herold Mortgage.¡± She was suddenly talking about buying a bank¡­ Haejin recalled hearing that the bank the organization controlled was called Herold Mortgage. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can ask you to do that.¡± Haejin did feel sorry for the painting¡¯s owner, but it was none of his business, and technically, that man could havemitted crimes as well. However, Princess Hassena was about to buy a bank because of it? Haejin couldn¡¯t ept that, even though that was a small local bank. ¡°Hmm¡­ that¡¯s not what Mr. Holton said. He said you would like it.¡± ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to spend so much money because of me, and actually, we don¡¯t even know if that painting is real. I haven¡¯t got a chance to appraise it properly. And even if that¡¯s real, the owner would have to exin how he got to possess a painting that was supposed to be in Norton Simon Museum. If that reason is not good, there¡¯s no need to help him.¡± Haejin panicked and tried to exin, but Hassena smiled and shrugged. ¡°Well, of course, and I think you misunderstand. I am trying to help you, but that¡¯s not why I am going to buy Herold Mortgage. I was looking for a goodpany to invest in, and I thought Herold Mortgage would be good. If I can help you too, that¡¯s a nice option.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin was embarrassed. Well, of course. Why would Hassena want to buy a bank to help him? He wasn¡¯t that important. ¡°Haha! Anyway, I don¡¯t have to buy Herold Mortgage. Thanks for letting me know.¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡± Haejin smiled awkwardly and silence filled the car again. He tried to think about something else in order to not speak because of the awkward mood, then he suddenly wondered when and how he was supposed to appraise the Portrait of Titus. He had a feeling that he would be troubled forever if he didn¡¯t solve that matter, so he spent some time thinking about it. Then, they arrived at the hotel where the princess would stay. ¡°Huh? You are staying here?¡± ¡°Yes, thanks to Mr. Holton.¡± Surprisingly, the princess was going to stay at Eric Holton¡¯s hotel where Haejin was also staying. Now, he couldn¡¯t even rest in peace. The princess could summon him anytime. ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°I heard you are staying here, too. So, I decided to stay here, although it will be a little cramped.¡± There was no way Eric had prepared a small room with one queen-size bed. He probably had given her the biggest room of the hotel that cost thousands of dors per night, and she still thought it would be cramped¡­ Haejin felt again how rich she was. ¡°However, when a room is too big, it is kind of scary. From my experience, this hotel is not bad.¡± Haejin thought he had to say something, so he did. ¡°Really? Well¡­ I will have to get used to it from now.¡± She left after that, but herst words somehow lingered in the air. Next, her secretary coldly spoke to Haejin. ¡°The rules of the desert are strict. Do not try to cross the line. Even if the prince is very fond of you, if you break the rules, Princess Hassena will have to pay the price.¡± At first, Haejin was offended, but he was shocked that Hassena might get hurt. He had seen the news about Arabian women getting killed by their families because of honor. Haejin sincerely apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just that I am not used to your rules, so please understand.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize to me. I would never do anything that would harm my princess. But you must be careful about invisible eyes.¡± ¡°Okay, I understand.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± She turned around and went after Hassena. Someone then tapped Haejin¡¯s shoulder, it was Jessica. ¡°I see you are very close to Princess Hassena?¡± ¡°I told you. We met once before.¡± ¡°And she let a man she had seen once before in her car? Don¡¯t you know what can happen if her father finds out about it?¡± ¡°It was a mistake. That¡¯s why I told her secretary I was sorry.¡± Jessica looked at Haejin as if he was helpless. ¡°You still don¡¯t know what is going on. Now, you are¡­¡± She was about to say something, but then she stopped. Haejin wondered why, and then he realized Eric Holton wasing. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± Eric offered his hand. Jessica took it and forced herself to smile. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am still grateful about you helping us to investigate the fake Gogh.¡± She said she was grateful, but that couldn¡¯t have been a good memory as her face said otherwise. ¡°I only did what I had to do. But what happened? This fellow usually doesn¡¯t cause trouble.¡± ¡°Is he really an appraiser?¡± Haejin¡¯s face hardened. Jessica knew he spoke English, but still, she asked it like that. He was offended. Eric could see that and coldly said, ¡°I assure you that he is greater than any appraiser you know. You don¡¯t even know about antiques, and you doubt him¡­ that is simply rude.¡± Jessica realized her mistake and apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I had to ask that.¡± ¡°Why? What has he done?¡± ¡°This great appraiser came here in the princess¡¯s car.¡± ¡°What?¡± This time, Eric was shocked. He looked at Haejin who just nkly blinked as if he couldn¡¯t see how that was a problem. Eric then sighed. ¡°Hu¡­ that¡¯s¡­ troublesome.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Hassena is a member of the royal family. Even if she is one of many princesses, Prince Sahmadi loves her a lot. She is the only child who owns an investmentpany. And she made you get into her car¡­ that¡¯s kind of an announcement.¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­¡± ¡°Yes, she announced to her father that she has picked her spouse.¡± Haejin was shocked, of course, but more than that, he couldn¡¯t understand it. ¡°Why? Why? For what? I have nothing. Why would she pick me?¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t rich. He wasn¡¯t from a good family, and he didn''t graduate from a good university. He had nothing to show off. The only decent thing was his face. However, that should only work on ordinary people. It was not supposed to be enough for a princess of the UAE. Then, all that was left were his skills as an appraiser and the small museum he had¡­ ¡°I don¡¯t know, either. If I knew about a woman¡¯s heart so well, all the Hollywood actresses would be at my side by now.¡± That was ridiculous but somehow made sense. ¡°Anyway, I will notify the Diplomatic Service of Korea. You said you are a good appraiser, so take care of Sotheby¡¯s auction on your own. Well, I think your true abilities lie somewhere else, but¡­¡± Jessica had nned to give Haejin some information before the auction, but he didn¡¯t need that. However, why was she going to tell the Diplomatic Service? ¡°Why are you going to do that?¡± ¡°Because they should know, of course. That you and Princess Hassena might get married. I still think that is impossible, but if that happens, it would be good for Korea. But it really makes no sense¡­¡± Haejin was a little hurt, but Jessica was right. Prince Sahmadi would never let his daughter marry a man who wasn¡¯t a Muslim. Now, Haejin just couldn¡¯t understand what Hassena was thinking. It wasn¡¯t like she was in puberty. She must have been educated by the Imic rules, so Haejin didn¡¯t think she was doing that for no reason. There had to be a purpose. After Jessica left, Haejin wanted to talk to Eric about this, but he looked at his wristwatch and urgently said, ¡°I am sorry, but I have to go immediately. Things got a littleplicated after you said you won¡¯t buy the Portrait of Titus. I must make the princess buy that bank, which is the creditor, and force the man to not sell the painting in the meantime, so I have to go. I really envy your charms, but I wille back to hear about your love life.¡± Eric teased Haejin and left. Haejin just stood in the lobby for some time. Then, he gathered his senses and went back to his room. He took a shower andy down. Soon, however, he got a call. ¡°The princess wants to meet you.¡± The voice was cold and firm, it was Hassena¡¯s secretary. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°It¡¯s room 801.¡± Haejin had thought the princess would be in the restaurant or lobby, but surprisingly, he was told toe to her room. That was why the secretary was so cold. The top floor of the hotel had only two rooms, and Hassena was staying at one of them. The bodyguards at the door simple did a body search and let him in. ¡°Wee.¡± Hassena was still wearing the same clothes and her hijab. ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± ¡°Yes. Please, sit.¡± She asked Haejin to sit next to her. He sat down, but the secretary was sitting opposite to him. It was ufortable. Her eyes were full of hostility, and it looked like one wrong word would be enough to make her take out a knife and lunge at Haejin. Haejin firmly closed his mouth, determined not to speak unless spoken to first, but Hassena calmly spoke to her secretary. ¡°Seliyah, you should leave now.¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± Seliyah was surprised, and so was Haejin. Why did the princess want to be alone with Haejin? ¡°Seliyah, I am sorry, but you can¡¯t hear what I am about to say.¡± ¡°There is no secret between you and me.¡± Seliyah protested as if she couldn¡¯t ept it, but Hassena calmly shook her head. ¡°No, and you will get to find out in time. So please, give us a moment.¡± ¡°Your father will be enraged if he finds out about this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware of it, I will handle it. So please, leave.¡± Hassena was firm. Eventually, Seliyah left angrily. Haejin didn¡¯t know what it was about, so he couldn¡¯t just leave, but Hassena calmly looked at him. That gaze made Haejin want to escape. ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Instead of answering, Hassena took off her hijab. Her hair was bright maroon. Then, Haejin spotted the ne around her neck. The chain was gold and it had a ck cube pendant. Other than beauty, it had other purposes. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± The moment Haejin saw the small pattern engraved on the pendant, his heart sank. Chapter 124: Visitor from the Desert (3)

Chapter 124: Visitor from the Desert (3)

Haejin was confused. He didn¡¯t know what to think. Was he supposed to deny and say he didn¡¯t know it? Or was he supposed to admit it? Princess Hassena calmly waited. ¡°You, you¡¯ve been waiting for what?¡± He asked without admitting or denying. However, the answer that came back was straightforward. ¡°You.¡± ¡°Me? Why?¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± She asked as if she really wanted to know. Her eyes said she wasn¡¯t joking at all. ¡°I have no idea, I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± Haejin denied it, but Hassena remained calm. ¡°I understand. You must hide who you are, but you don¡¯t have to worry. I¡¯m on your side.¡± ¡°What? I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± She grasped her ne and continued. ¡°I got this ne when I was a kid. It was from a site near Abu Dhabi, but no one could find out what this exactly was. After I started to wear this, I had a strange dream.¡± Cold sweat started to run down Haejin¡¯s back. ¡°A weird woman spoke in anguage which I had never heard before, but somehow, I understood what she was saying.¡± ¡°What did she say?¡± ¡°She said I had to wait for the prophet.¡± ¡°Did she tell you why?¡± Actually, Haejin had been wondering about that for a long time. Why did the woman in the dream grant him the power of magic to him? Additionally, how did Lee Shian¡¯s organization survive until now? And, what did they want from him? And forst, what was their final goal? ¡°Because the lostnd must be regained.¡± ¡°What? The lostnd?¡± What was she talking about? ¡°The ancient civilization that was forgotten long ago, we must find its remnants. I don¡¯t know more. I thought I would get to find out when I meet you.¡± Now, Haejin couldn¡¯t deny it anymore. ¡°How did you know it was me?¡± Hassena touched her ne again and smiled. ¡°I got a shock when I first saw you. I only understood after you left that you are the prophet¡­ I can just feel it.¡± ¡°Then, why did youe to the US? If you wanted to meet me, you could havee to Korea.¡± Hassena put a catalog on the table. It was a catalog of Sotheby¡¯s auction that would take ce in a few days. She went through it and showed Haejin a page. ¡°This is¡­¡± It was a golden brooch, about 14cm long. It showed a brave soldier fighting a beast. Even his helm and shield were engraved down to every detail. The catalog said it was assumed to have been made in 300~200 B.C. ¡°It looks like an ordinary brooch but look at the symbol under the shield.¡± ¡°Yes, it is the symbol of the forgotten civilization.¡± Hassenaughed. ¡°Symbol of the forgotten civilization¡­ that¡¯s kind of funny.¡± ¡°Then, how do you call it?¡± ¡°Vestigium. It means trace in Latin. We must search for the traces of the ancient civilizations. Artifacts with this vestigium have an unknown power. Do you know that?¡± Haejin had found that out thanks to Lee Shian and nodded. ¡°I see. After I got this ne, I tried to find other vestigiums. That¡¯s how I got interested in antiques. Word spread, and many art dealers came to Abu Dhabi. And fortunately, I was able to get a few vestigiums.¡± ¡°What kind of powers did you get from them?¡± Hassena looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes and slowly spoke. ¡°I gained a lot, but I also gained nothing.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It would be urate to say I only got a glimpse of that power. I¡¯m not the prophet. That power is not for me.¡± For a second, Haejin felt greedy. If only he could get the power of all those artifacts¡­ Hassena could also see that, but she grimly shook her head. ¡°Not all of them. Even you cannot take it all, you will suffer. Most of the vestigiums that have been touched by humans have been spoiled. You must be careful.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find out in time. Anyway, this artifact was found in Pompeii, Italy, so it was scarcely touched by humans. And judging from its symbol, it is not a lead about the lostnd. It must be an artifact that can give another power to the prophet. You should have it. And¡­¡± Hassena slowly undid her ne and gave it to Haejin. ¡°But, it is yours.¡± ¡°No, it belongs to you. I¡¯ve already taken the power allowed to me. You should get the rest.¡± The vestigium was too tempting to decline. Haejin carefully took it, and that moment, the world went ck. Haejin¡¯s legs lost strength, and he copsed. Hassena quickly supported him in surprise. She opened her mouth to call someone, but then she dismissed that idea. She slowly put Haejin on the sofa. In the meantime, Haejin was having the same meeting which he had in his first dream. Her legs and arms were not covered. They had strange tattoos, and her hair was in a mess. It was ominous. The first time, she had grabbed Haejin¡¯s head and chanted the spells to torment him, but this time, it was different. The witch carefully gathered twigs and lighted a fire as if one mistake would snuff the fire out and it could be never rekindled¡­ The fire soon got bigger. And¡­ Haejin started to see strange things in the me. ¡°Uh!¡± Haejin bolted up. He quickly looked around. There was no one there except for Princess Hassena who was looking at him. She was worried. Haejin then touched his neck. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Haejin wiped off the sweat on his neck, and Hassena offered him her handkerchief. It looked expensive. Haejin took it and wiped his forehead and neck. ¡°I¡¯m okay. But¡­ did you see it, too?¡± Hassena shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. What did you see?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s¡­¡± Haejin tried to answer, but he soon found out that he didn¡¯t remember anything. He was surprised. It had been just a moment ago, and he couldn¡¯t remember¡­ ¡°I can¡¯t remember. Really¡­ it¡¯s gone as if I¡¯m suffering from amnesia.¡± Haejin thought it made no sense while he was speaking, but Hassena nodded and epted the excuse. ¡°I see. That¡¯s too bad.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°No, it might be something I cannot know. I think you will recall what you saw when you need it. Now is not the time, so the memory will be in your subconscious.¡± ¡°Then, what are you going to do now?¡± ¡°We should go to that auction, buy this brooch, and go to Korea. Oh, and before we leave, we should help Eric Holton.¡± ¡°And when we are in Korea?¡± ¡°Haha! Well, I don¡¯t know.¡± She smiled and spoke vaguely. Haejin realized he had been missing the most important thing. ¡°Wait, I heard that me getting in your car had a significant meaning. What was that about?¡± Hassena shrugged as if it was clear. ¡°I am a woman from the desert. ording to the Imic rules, there is only one way for an adult woman to be next to an adult man.¡± ¡°Who do you think you are to make that decision? Is marriage that easy to you?¡± Haejin felt dizzy at the unexpected bomb. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for me, either. However, I cannot live without you now. You are the prophet, and I am your follower.¡± That was even worse. She said she was Haejin¡¯s follower, it meant she was about to convert. ¡°Do, do you know what you just said means? If you say that out loud again¡­¡± ¡°I know, I will surely meet death¡­ I am no fool. I will pretend to be a devoted Muslim, so don¡¯t worry. That¡¯s also why you cannot avoid marrying me.¡± That was unexpected. Hassena was beautiful, but Eunhae was waiting for Haejin back in Korea. He thought this was wrong. He and Eunhae were not in a rtionship or anything, but he didn¡¯t want to get married against his own will. ¡°However, this isn¡¯t right.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have any other choice. If you have a lover, you can marry her. The Imicws allow having two wives.¡± It might be okay in the Imic world, but people would throw stones at Haejin in Korea. ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about that. I need time to think, so let¡¯s meetter. I should call your secretary, right?¡± Hassena wrote her phone number on a piece of paper. ¡°Call this number. It¡¯s my personal phone number.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you not be giving this to me?¡± ¡°We have been alone in this room already. That is enough to get us married. Or I will have to die or rot in my father¡¯s pce forever. Are you going to condemn me to that fate?¡± Hassena smiled. She was rxed as if she thought Haejin would never let her down. ¡°Haa¡­ anyway, I¡¯ll call you.¡± Haejin left Hassena''s room and went to his room. Hey down on the bed. He could just go his own way without caring about what would happen to her, but Hassena was the daughter of Prince Sahmadi who was most likely to ascend the threr. Marrying her meant getting immense wealth and power. The Korean Diplomatic Service would be the first to stop him from refusing that. However, to ept it, Haejin would feel too sorry for Eunhae who trusted him enough to leave Saeyeon Gallery. Even if there was nothing between them yet, he knew Eunhae liked him. So, getting married so suddenly would make him look blind for money and power. So, the best scenario was to not get married to Hassena but make her stay alive and stay as his friend¡­ but Haejin couldn¡¯t figure out how. However, he was feeling too tired as if he had been working out all day. He didn¡¯t feel that tired ever since he learned magic¡­ He soon fell asleep. Buzzzzz¡­ Haejin¡¯s phone buzzed, and it woke him up. He was surprised to know that he had fallen into such a deep sleep. He answered the call. ¡°Eric?¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± ¡°In my room, of course.¡± ¡°Come to the restaurant. Let¡¯s eat together.¡± His voice was grim. He wasn¡¯t calling just to have a meal with Haejin. Haejin took a quick shower and went down to the restaurant. Eric¡¯s girlfriend smiled brightly at him and led him to a quiet room. However, there were bodyguards in front of it, and Hassena was there as well. ¡°You took a nap? You¡¯re enjoying your life.¡± Eric and Hassena were sitting around a huge table while Saliyah was standing behind her princess. She looked grave. ¡°I am, but it looks like you have something to say?¡± Eric took a sip of wine and looked at Hassena. Then, he turned to Haejin again. ¡°Actually, we¡¯ve been talking about something and called you. Her Highness here insisted you had to be here, too.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Haejin looked at Hassena. She then spoke calmly. ¡°I think we must get the painting Mr. Holton is after.¡± Chapter 125: Visitor from the Desert (4)

Chapter 125: Visitor from the Desert (4)

¡°Rembrandt¡¯s Portrait of Titus?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She sounded determined. ¡°You said we must get it. Are you going to buy it?¡± Hassena, however, shook her head. ¡°No, I cannot buy that painting. I cannoty a hand on Herold Mortgage, either.¡± ¡°Do you know what you are saying is contrary to what you said before?¡± ¡°At the time, I didn¡¯t know about the organization Mr. Holton was going after.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ and it turned out that you knew this organization?¡± ¡°You should know it, too. Maybe you already do¡­¡± Haejin recalled Lee Shian. ¡°You mean¡­¡± Hassena calmly raised her hand, it meant Haejin shouldn¡¯t say more. Then, she spoke to Eric. ¡°As I said, I can¡¯t get involved in this. It is because of a personal reason, so I cannot tell you. Please, do not ask about it to Mr. Park here.¡± Ericughed. ¡°What have you two talked about without me? You are so close now! Are you going to really get married?¡± Eric was joking, but Saliyah¡¯s reaction was sharp. ¡°Please be careful with what you say. What you just said is extremely dangerous. I hope you were not trying to diminish the honor of the Abu Dhabi family?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to.¡± Eric hastily apologized. It showed how powerful the Abu Dhabi family was. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Saliyah. He was only joking.¡± However, Hassena scolded Saliyah. ¡°Your Highness, but¡­¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t break the mood. Anyway, I think you have understood what I meant.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I¡¯m dying to know, but I won¡¯t ask.¡± Eric nced at Haejin as he replied. Hassena turned back to Haejin and continued. ¡°I¡¯ve been exposed to them already. Unlike my sisters, I often worked outside to collect ¡®them¡¯, and eventually, I was exposed. Of course, I don¡¯t think they can harm me. But the moment I try to get in their way, a war would start. There would be no turning back.¡± She clearly knew well Lee Shian¡¯s organization. It was the artifact crime syndicate Eric was going after, and the moment Hassena tried to buy that bank, she would be in danger. Haejin had more than a few questions, but he decided to start with the most urgent one. ¡°Then, how are you going to get it?¡± ¡°I heard from Mr. Holton that you didn¡¯t want to buy it. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s fake. Of course, it would be even better if it¡¯s real¡­ but I want you to buy it.¡± After that, she mouthed, ¡®don¡¯t worry about the money¡¯. The painting¡¯s price was 4.7 million dors, but she spoke as if she was paying for lunch. It was shocking. ¡°Is there a reason why I should buy it even if it¡¯s fake?¡± ¡°First, Mr. Holton wants to see what that organization would do if its n goes wrong. Would they give up or try to get it back? I want to know that, too. In addition, I also wonder what kind of story this painting has.¡± Did she know? About the existence of magic that allowed one to look into the past? It would be shocking, but Haejin thought it could be. She knew all kinds of things, so she must have known about the different types of magic. ¡°Ha¡­ okay. I will buy it. And if it was stolen from the museum, I will sell it back to it at a reasonable price. Would that be a problem?¡± Eric shook his hands as if Haejin could do whatever he wanted, and Hassena also slightly shook her head. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then, when do I get to appraise Rembrandt¡¯s painting?¡± Eric grinned and pped. ¡°Now.¡± The door opened, and two men carefully carrying a painting came in. Behind them, a bald man in his 50s followed. He wasn¡¯t that tall, but his back was bent, so he looked timid and like someone who could be scared easily. However, his gaze was strong while he looked around. Haejin got the feeling that the man wasn¡¯t going to be easily controlled just because he had no power. ¡°This is Mr. Alfred Bacon, who supplies seafood to this hotel. He is also the owner of this painting that is assumed to be Rembrandt¡¯s.¡± Hassena and Haejin nodded. Alfred slightly bowed and wiped off the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief. ¡°I¡¯m Alfred Bacon. I came because I wondered if you could recognize the painting¡¯s true value.¡± That was clever. He was asking if they had the ability to recognize the painting¡¯s value, and also implying that he was ready to leave if they didn¡¯t. Princess Hassena would seem extraordinary at first sight. There were bodyguards outside, and her clothes, essories, and the secretary standing behind her said that, but Alfred was openly testing her. Haejin¡¯s father had told Haejin that it was wrong to handle men with schemes with words. People who talk a lot in front of antiques are mostly frauds, and the more you talk, the more easily they get to fool you. Haejin quietly stood up and went to the painting. Alfred looked at him as if asking, ¡®who the hell are you?¡¯, but Haejin didn¡¯t say anything. He touched the frame and examined the painting. The texture of the oil painting and colors were right, and Rembrandt¡¯s unique way of controlling light was used as well. There was no trace of crude overpaint and the touch of the brush, which are frequently seen in forgeries, and the canvas itself appeared to be extremely long. Haejin nodded and concluded it as real, but on the right top corner of the frame, there was a small damage. ¡°Why? Is there a problem?¡± Eric got curious as Haejin kept staring at a corner. ¡°It is real.¡± Haejin was sure, even without using magic. Nevertheless, he used magic to look into the past. It wasn¡¯t to find out if it was real but to check how it was stolen. ¡°Really? But is there a problem?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ let¡¯s discuss the restter.¡± Haejin returned to his seat and sat down. Alfred drew a chair and sat down as well. ¡°Then, which of you is going to buy it?¡± ¡°I will,¡± Haejin said. Alfred looked at him in surprise, he probably thought Haejin was only the appraiser. ¡°Hoo¡­ well, it¡¯s not important who¡¯s the buyer. What matters is how much you can pay.¡± ¡°Three million dors.¡± Haejin offered a much lower price than what he had in mind to see how he would react. However, Alfred smiled and shrugged. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to break this deal, you will have to give me the price you have in mind. I am not someone patient.¡± He neither got mad nor jumped to his feet. He was good at this. It made Haejin wonder how the organization made this man get involved in the real estate scheme. ¡°Fine. Four million dors.¡± ¡°I guess you are not the one who will buy it.¡± Alfred even excluded Haejin from the potential buyers. But now, Eric frowned. He thought 4.7 million dors would be enough to clear all of Alfred¡¯s debt and even leave him with some money, but he acted like it wasn¡¯t enough at all. ¡°Hey, you, you should¡­¡± Eric stopped there. Haejin raised his hand and showed he was going to take care of it. He looked at Alfred¡¯s eyes that were full of greed. Then, he pointed at the painting and asked, ¡°That was stolen, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Alfred didn¡¯t know Haejin would point that out so openly. He flinched, but then he raised his voice. ¡°Huh! You think you can rip me off like that? Is there proof that I stole it? I bought this at a flea market three years ago!¡± He was going to insist he had no receipt as he had bought it at a flea market. This is why catching the thief is hard if more than a decade has passed since a work of art was stolen. However, Haejin was using Alfred so openly because he was already in an inescapable trap. ¡°What if I ask the security guard of Norton Simon Museum? Will you still give me the same answer?¡± At that moment, Alfred¡¯s eyes shook. He had to find out whether Haejin was bragging or not. Tens and hundreds of conflicts happened in that short second. His eyes showed that. Eric shifted as if he wanted to ask how Haejin had found that out, but he managed to restrain himself. He just drank his wine. After ten seconds, that could be both long and short, Alfred said, ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about it.¡± ¡°And I will not try to find out. How about 4 million dors?¡± Silence. Then, Alfred spoked again, ¡°5 million dors.¡± ¡°4 million. Take it or leave it.¡± Haejin had nned to pay 4.7 million or even more before he saw the past. There was a possibility of Alfred being an innocent good man who got the painting by chance and was being threatened. However, after looking into the past, his mindpletely changed. Surprisingly, the thief who had stolen the painting was a security guard of the museum and Alfred¡¯s brother-inw. He had given it to Alfred for safekeeping. That man framed another security guard to steal the painting. It was a perfect crime. However, Alfred was trying to sell it without his brother-inw knowing, so it could end in a gunfight if he got to find out about it. Alfred clenched his fists, but he finally nodded. ¡°Fine.¡± His debt was 3 million dors so he would be left with a million dors. Haejin didn¡¯t care about his brother-inw as Alfred was supposed to handle him himself. Maybe he was nning to leave the country as soon as he got his million dors. ¡°Please write a contract and leave the painting here. You will get the money as soon as the deal is over.¡± If it had been a normal painting, a number of signatures would have been required, but as everyone knew it was a stolen good, Alfred signed only once, checked that he had the money and hurried to leave. ¡°Security guard? A security guard stole it?¡± Eric asked the moment Alfred was out of the room. ¡°I just thought so. It is hard to steal a painting from a museum unless you have a security guard on your side. I just said to test him, and he took the bait.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ you are a sly fox! I didn¡¯t know you were capable of such a thing.¡± ¡°I got lucky.¡± Haejin shrugged, but Eric smiled and asked, ¡°Then, are you going to sell this to Norton Simon Museum?¡± ¡°No, we can¡¯t move immediately. It would look like we are openly trying to mess up with them. Why don¡¯t you keep it and secretly talk to the museum in time? If the painting is switched to the real one without anyone knowing, even that organization wouldn¡¯t be able to know.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay, I will get you more than 4 million dors. Of course, it looks like you just got yourself a great sponsor, but more money is always good. It is scary to keep a 20-million-dor painting.¡± He was just saying that. He had many paintings that were worth much more than 20 million. ¡°Then, are we done here?¡± ¡°I am, but there¡¯s someone who heard rumors about you and wants to meet you.¡± ¡°Who is he?¡± ¡°Howard Johns, governor of New York. But he won¡¯t tell me what he needs to have appraised.¡± Chapter 126: Rookie of Boston Red Sox (1)

Chapter 126: Rookie of Boston Red Sox (1)

The governor of New York could have had members of the famed appraisalmittee to appraise whatever he had. However, he personally asked about Haejin through Eric. That was surprising. ¡°You told him about me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the funny part. I¡¯ve been too busy with this Portrait of Titus that I haven¡¯t had the time to meet politicians. So, of course, I never told him about you. But he called me personally, I don¡¯t even know how he found out you were here.¡± ¡°Did he say he knew a lot about me?¡± ¡°Normally, I would say of course he doesn¡¯t know much about you. In this country, you are not that famous as an appraiser. There were a few articles about you being the only Picasso¡¯s painting owner in Korea, but that¡¯s not impressive for an appraiser. The auction where you met me was a private auction, and words about what you did there didn¡¯t travel far¡­ but if he didn¡¯t know about you, he wouldn¡¯t have called me and asked to meet you.¡± ¡°Right?¡± ¡°And when I asked what he wanted to have appraised, that sly man didn¡¯t say anything. Funny, huh?¡± It was more interesting than funny. ¡°It is.¡± ¡°That man is also a scrooge. I have told him you charge more than other appraisers, but he might change his mind after you appraised whatever he has. Personally, I think you shouldn¡¯t meet him.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you saying that because he didn¡¯t tell you what it is?¡± Haejin asked, half-jokingly, but Eric looked away. ¡°Do you think I am that stingy? Khmm¡­ anyway, do what you want. You¡¯vee all the way to New York, so it wouldn¡¯t hurt to meet the governor. Who knows? Maybe he¡¯ll help you when you are in need.¡± ¡°But you just said I shouldn¡¯t meet him.¡± ¡°Howard Johns is not someone you want to get to know, but the governor of New York is.¡± That was a very cold, but reasonable answer. ¡°Okay, I will make time before the auction. I can¡¯t meet him after that, I will go back to Korea immediately.¡± Haejin nced at Hassena as he was speaking. She lightly smiled as if she liked that answer. ¡°Well, someone¡¯s about to move to Ko¡­¡± Eric was about to make a joke, but he quickly shut his mouth at seeing Saliyah frown. ¡°Khmm¡­ anyway, I will tell him so. Then I should go¡­ as you are already here, eat dinner.¡± Eric then left. Hassena, Saliyah and Haejin remained there. ¡°Then let¡¯s eat together. Will you join us?¡± Saliyah coldly shook her head at Haejin¡¯s offer. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will eat alone.¡± ¡°Oh, okay. Then¡­¡± Haejin called the waiter, and Hassena made Saliyah leave. She left without protesting as it wasn¡¯t the first time. ¡°You should eat hl food, right?¡± Hassena hesitated and answered. ¡°Umm¡­ I should as there are eyes watching.¡± She was really determined to convert herself. ¡°Are you really going to be okay with it?¡± A Muslim must risk one¡¯s life to convert. Once it is known, he or she cannot escape death. ¡°I¡¯ve experienced a miracle I couldn¡¯t feel as a Muslim. Now I question all religions, not just Im. How can I sincerely believe in Ah?¡± ¡°But¡­ your life might be in danger.¡± ¡°I know, but I have made my decision. I have to help you¡­ but I am not nning to openly announce my belief, so don¡¯t worry. I am being truthful only to you.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ okay.¡± Thankfully, the restaurant had prepared a hl meal for Hassena. She kept smiling even before the food arrived. She seemed d to have a meal with Haejin. Of course, it wasn¡¯t bad for Haejin, either. When they were almost finished, Hassena whispered, ¡°I will not call you till the auction. There are people watching me, so I should be careful.¡± That was what Haejin also wanted. ¡°Okay then, as for the auction¡­¡± ¡°Saliyah will call you. Go and find me there.¡± ¡°How are you going to bring it to your country after getting it?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t. You should take its power before we go to Korea. Then, we can ask Mr. Holton to sell it again or exhibit it in your museum.¡± ¡°It must be very expensive¡­¡± It had to be billions of won at least, so Haejin couldn¡¯t see how Hassena could just hand it to him. However, she smiled and spoke as if it was nothing. ¡°No one would me me for giving you such a gift. My investmentpany is also quite big. You are about to get the richest woman of the world as your wife, so you should be happy.¡± She was rich. So, Haejin was d at the thought of her funding his museum. After the meal, Haejin returned to his room, and Eric called him. They were about to meet Howard Johns. It was tomorrow¡¯s lunch¡­ it showed Howard Johns needed Haejin¡¯s help very urgently. The next day, Eric Holton was waiting in his car. ¡°Do you know only a few people have me waiting?¡± Haejin smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I skipped breakfast, so I¡¯m famished. I hope he won¡¯t make me appraise before offering us lunch?¡± ¡°He is such a scrooge, so he might do that. You should have eaten breakfast.¡± ¡°I slept through it.¡± Haejin had slept for long. Probably because of the ne, but his body was neither tired nor full of energy. He could use magic without problem¡­ he thought it must have been to recover the consumed energy, but he was slightly worried as he couldn¡¯t be sure. ¡°Huh¡­ you are about to meet the governor of New York, and you overslept? Well, you are the man who took part in Princess Hassena¡¯s scandal, so meeting with a governor would be nothing.¡± ¡°Be careful. There¡¯s no scandal.¡± Haejin made it clear Eric was wrong, but he didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°That¡¯s not what her eyes said. She looked like a girl from a movie who has been waiting for her lover. I could see that at first sight.¡± ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t know about women¡¯s heart.¡± ¡°But I should know at least that much. Anyway, you have my support.¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing to support!¡± ¡°But I am supporting you. Can¡¯t I even support you?¡± They quarreled like that on the way. When they arrived at Howard¡¯s mansion, it was early lunchtime. They were brought in, and a tall gentleman took a cigar out of his mouth and offered his hand. ¡°Wee. I am Howard Johns.¡± He was more than 190cm tall and was big. Most man would look small next to him. His voice was deep, and he had wrinkles around his eyes, but his gaze was sharp. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Park Haejin from Korea. I heard you were looking for me?¡± ¡°Yes, a friend of mine told me about you. Do you know Anthony Goldberg?¡± Haejin remembered him. Apparently, Eric¡¯s least favorite trillionaire was close to Howard. ¡°Yes, I know him. However, I never told him I was in New York. And he told you about me? That¡¯s weird.¡± Howardughed and sat down. ¡°Haha, it wasn¡¯t about you. Think about it. Who would be the most interested in Princess Hassena of the Arab Emiratesing here?¡± ¡°Well, I¡­¡± ¡°It would be Anthony Goldberg, the chairman of Barneys New York. He kept an eye on the princess as she left JFK and went to the hotel. And then he spotted you.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ but what is Barneys New York?¡± ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t know Barneys New York?¡± Howard frowned in surprise while Eric exined. ¡°Barneys New York is the biggest and the most famous department store in New York. The Princesses of Arab go there when theye to New York. I forgot about it, but Anthony must be even more thrilled than me about the princess.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Haejin nodded. Then, food started to arrive at the table. ¡°Now that you understand, you don¡¯t need to find it strange. I hope you like this meal.¡± ¡°I am not a picky eater, but what kind of antique do you want me to appraise?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s eat first and then talk.¡± Haejin weed that. The meal was good, although it was a little salty like all American food. Haejin drank water to get rid of the salty taste. Two men then carefully brought a painting covered with cloth. ¡°Do you want to know if it¡¯s real? Or do you want to find out how much it is? Or is it about the artist who drew it?¡± Howard waved his hand to make the men leave. Then, he spoke to Eric. ¡°I will trust you to not tell anyone about what you are about to see.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Eric promised seriously, which was unlike his usual attitude. Howard answered Haejin¡¯s question only then. ¡°Actually, I got this painting as a political contribution. I don¡¯t know much about art, so after I got it, I couldn¡¯t hide my joy for a long time. I¡¯m a big fan of baseball.¡± ¡°What? Baseball?¡± Haejin asked back in surprise, but Howardughed and continued. ¡°Once you see it, you will know why I mentioned that. Anyway, I just kept it to myself for some time, and then I showed it to Anthony. He was surprised and told me that this painting was worth more than 20 million dors, and it had been on auction just a few years ago. But someone just gave me that painting, so of course, I want to know if it¡¯s real.¡± ¡°However, there are many other appraisers. Why did you choose me?¡± ¡°Just think about it. If this is real, then I have received more than 20 million dors of political contribution. The public would want to know who gave me so much money. And if it¡¯s the opposite? I will be a fool who got a fake painting as contribution. How can I believe American appraisers to keep my secret when they are so close to mediapanies?¡± Haejin could see why he had called him. Bringing someone from outside was the best way when there¡¯s no one you can fully trust. ¡°But what if I go back to Korea and announce the truth? Shouldn¡¯t you be even more worried about me as I¡¯m a foreigner?¡± ¡°You are clever. Yes, you would be out of my reach when you go back. But I don¡¯t think you would tell this to the public.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already kept your secret. So, you must keep a secret of my own, right?¡± What was he talking¡­ Haejin wondered, but the next second, he realized Howard had watched Hassena¡¯s every move. Then, he had to know about what was between her and Haejin. Whether he knew they were about to get married or not, Hassena would be put in danger if he spread a rumor about them being in the same car and the same room. ¡°You are very careful.¡± ¡°All politicians are. Then, let me show you this.¡± He uncovered the painting. ¡°Boston Red Sox pals.¡± Chapter 127: Rookie of Boston Red Sox (2)

Chapter 127: Rookie of Boston Red Sox (2)

Haejin already knew what painting it was before it was uncovered. There was only one Boston Sox painting that was worth more than 20 million dors. It was 1m tall and 1m wide. It was clear, and every detail was depicted just like a photo. It showed the locker room of the Red Sox. There were veteran yers who were somewhat overwhelming, and the rookie who had just arrived in a suit. ¡°You really got this as a gift? I can see why you are worried.¡± Haejin stood up and went to the painting. ¡°The person who gave me this must have known I am from Boston and a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox. If it were another 20-million-dor painting, I would hope it to be real. Then, I would sell it immediately. But I wish this is a fake, I know it sounds like a lie, but I mean it.¡± ¡°Really? Frankly, that¡¯s hard to believe.¡± Haejin thought there was no way Howard really wanted such an expensive painting to be fake, but Howard shook his head. ¡°20 million dors is too much. Way too much. It will bite back on me at any time. But if it¡¯s fake, then I can enjoy this painting as much as I want. That¡¯s why I truly want this to be fake.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t see what he really was thinking, but at least he looked sincere. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you heard this, but my fee is 1% of the appraised price. Even if it¡¯s fake, I will charge 1% of the real painting¡¯s price. If you don¡¯t want to pay me that much, I will erase what happened here from my mind and leave.¡± ¡°As the painting is worth 20 million dors, the fee is 200 thousand dors.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I will pay. Just appraise it.¡± Eric had said he was a scrooge, but he was willing to pay that much. ¡°Okay then, I will do my best.¡± Haejin went closer to the painting. Howard then asked, ¡°Do you know this painting?¡± ¡°I guess you are not asking when and at how much it was sold at auction?¡± ¡°As I said, I don¡¯t care about that stuff.¡± ¡°Actually, I am not that interested in baseball. If this hadn¡¯t been sold at 22 million dors in 2014, I would have never got to know about this painting.¡± Haejin had been working as a construction worker in 2014, so he had stopped studying archeology and art history. However, he still paid attention to auctions. ¡°That¡¯s honest.¡± ¡°This was a funny and unique painting, so I did some research on why it turned out to be so expensive.¡± Usually, Haejin didn¡¯t say that about other paintings, but he had done his research on this one. This painting has originally been part of a magazine¡¯s cover. ¡°Then you don¡¯t need me to exin?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Howard looked a little disappointed. He was a baseball fan and was dying to give a lesson. Haejin regretted saying that he had studied it, but Howard couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. He stood up. ¡°When I was young, my father was a Red Sox fan, of course. So, he had many article pieces about Red Sox and souvenirs. The most interesting thing was a cover of the Saturday Evening Post that came out in 1957.¡± It was this very painting. What was in front of them was the original, and at the time, it had been printed as the magazine¡¯s cover and delivered to each home. ¡°That¡¯s why you were impressed the moment you saw it.¡± ¡°Close. I hadn¡¯t seen it for decades since I was a kid, so when I saw this for the first time, I thought it was familiar, but I couldn¡¯t remember where I had seen it. I managed to recall about 10 minutester. I was then so shocked to hear this had been sold at 22 million on auction!¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°My father liked Ted Williams (thest MLB yer to bat over .400 and one of the best yers of Boston Red Sox in a season), the guy ring at the rookie.¡± Howard proudly showed who the men in the painting were. He was really a Boston Red Sox fan. ¡°I heard he was one of the best yers of Boston Red Sox?¡± ¡°Yes, he was the best. But do you know who the rookie is?¡± ¡°Norman Rockwell, the artist, created him. All the other yers are real.¡± ¡°It is so realistic. It makes me feel like I am in that locker room. I used to think all the oil paintings were about beautiful and a little unreal stuff. This painting has given me a greater thrill than any other painting gave me. I cannot give this up.¡± ¡°Is that why you want it to be fake?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s real, I would have to return it quietly. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re going to keep the secret. If the media gets to know about it, they will talk about it even if I return it.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Regardless of what Howard wanted, Haejin had to find out its authenticity. He focused on the painting. Actually, he hadn¡¯t seen Norman Lockwell¡¯s other paintings. He was just studying craquelures and looking for traces of overpainting and an awkward touch of the brush. However, no matter how hard he looked, there was nothing strange. The texture of the athlete¡¯s uniforms and tendons of the arms and hands were depicted down to every detail. Additionally, judging from the great way of it being described with the reflection of the light, the painting must have been made with great effort. Haejin had no choice but to use magic. Now, he only got a small headache. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin stroked his chin and didn¡¯t say anything. Howard stood up again. ¡°Why? How is it?¡± ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s my first time disappointing the owner with the real painting.¡± Howard sat down, but he looked genuinely disappointed. ¡°My, my¡­ what a shame.¡± ¡°It is hard to make a fake of such a detailed painting. And as the painting is this big, one small mistake would be inly seen if there were any.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I thought it was real,¡± he sounded disappointed. ¡°As the person who gave this to you knew its value, I think he wants to ask you to overlook a very profitable business or something bad to the citizens of New York.¡± That was probably rude, but Haejin said that because it really was the giver¡¯s intention. He had given Howard the painting in secret for a project worth billions of dors. ¡°Haha, I will keep that in mind. Thank you.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. I¡¯m just an appraiser who works for money, so I did my best.¡± He was saying Howard should pay him as promised. Even though he didn¡¯t worry about money anymore now that he had Hassena as his sponsor, 200 thousand dors was huge. He couldn¡¯t give that up so easily. ¡°I hope I won¡¯t have to doubt your conclusion?¡± Howard checked for thest time. Eric, who had been quiet till now, spoke for Haejin. ¡°I and Mr. Goldberg chose him. Doubting his words is like doubting me and Mr. Goldberg.¡± ¡°Well¡­ and the Abu Dhabi family of the Arab Emirates would be included in that list, too. Okay, but¡­ I will pay you with something else other than money.¡± Haejin had had a feeling it would happen. This is why politicians couldn¡¯t be trusted. Eric frowned and sighed. ¡°You know what? I told Mr. Park here to be careful abouting here as he might not get his fee. And you didn¡¯t deny my expectation.¡± Howard didn¡¯t even blink an eye at this. ¡°It will be worth 200 thousand dors, although it is not cash. I never said I will pay him 200 thousand dors in cash.¡± That was absurd, but he was the one with power. Haejin could say nothing. Plus, he wasn¡¯t that shocked, probably because he had heard Howard was a scrooge. He was even more interested in that other thing. ¡°Then, what are you going to give me instead of 200 thousand dors?¡± The governor smiled widely. ¡°I know that you own a museum. So, from now on, I will help Korean cultural properties return to Korea.¡± Haejinughed, and Eric was even angrier than him. ¡°So, you were nning to get your painting appraised for free. You are great, Governor Howard Johns.¡± Howard shrugged as if it was perfectly fine. ¡°Artifacts of Joseon are very valuable. Isn¡¯t my help even better than 200 thousand dors? I think I¡¯ve given something even better than that money, but I guess you don¡¯t agree with me. I¡¯m disappointed, you can see the tree but not the forest.¡± Howard clucked his tongue while Eric snorted. ¡°The typical logic of politicians. Think of the future instead of the past. It may sound like something, but it is just an empty promise without any proof. Well, even schools teach you to consider the candidate¡¯s pledges instead of what kind of policies he or she has supported or what kind of life that person has lived so that it can be easier to fool everybody!¡± That was harsh, but Howard kept his smile. ¡°Yes, but you also know that we made that education. Not I, but we. Your father also had power and wealth no smaller than mine. Those things have made your family be what it is now. Well, enough with this meaningless talk. You, trust me and leave for now.¡± Howard just threw an empty promise and stood up and turned around as if he had nothing more to say. Haejin had thought he wouldn¡¯t get all 200 thousand dors, so he had nned to just leave as long as Howard paid him a few tens of thousand dors. However, Howard was so shameless that he couldn¡¯t just leave. ¡°Eric, could you go out first? I would like to talk to the governor for a minute.¡± Both Eric and Howard were surprised to hear this. Then, Eric nodded and went out while Howard smiled. ¡°This is scary. Well, what do you want to say?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to sell this, are you?¡± At that moment, Howard¡¯s face hardened for the first time. ¡°What are you saying?¡± ¡°You never nned to sell this. You wanted it and asked for it in the first ce?¡± Howard looked at Haejin with shaking eyes. Then, Haejin spoke again. ¡°How I have found out about it, don¡¯t try to find out. What matters is that you have gotten yourself into trouble after trying to save those 200 thousand dors.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t even imagine you were linked to thatpany. No, was that why Anthony told me about you?¡± Howard was making things up all by himself, but Haejin didn¡¯t care. ¡°I don¡¯t care about what you think. That 200 thousand dors¡­ I won¡¯t take it.¡± ¡°Then why¡­¡± ¡°You have promised me to return the cultural properties of Joseon. If you were joking or bluffing, you¡¯d better start taking it more seriously. If there¡¯s no progress within this year, I will tell the media of this country what I know. If you want to talk about me and Princess Hassena, do it. There is nothing going on between us, so we will not suffer. However, you will have to pay the price.¡± Howard¡¯s face was red, he was sweating. Haejin scolded him and added, ¡°I guess you will have lots to talk about with the director of the Metropolitan Museum. I thank you in advance, on behalf of all Koreans. We will meetter.¡± Haejin left the room, but Howard couldn¡¯t say anything. Chapter 128: Buddhist Scripture Written with Gold (1)

Chapter 128: Buddhist Scripture Written with Gold (1)

Eric was waiting outside. Haejin then came out, looking somewhat happy. ¡°What happened? What did you talk about?¡± ¡°It went well. He promised to return some artifacts within this year. It is so much better than 200 thousand dors. I should thank him.¡± Each Korean artifact in the Metropolitan was valuable. Haejin had to bring it back if possible, even if it cost 20 million dors instead of 200 thousand, so he kept smiling. ¡°What, did he write down that promise or something? But he would never do such a thing!¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t, but he will keep his promise. He has to.¡± Eric stared at Haejin with shock, then he nodded and smiled. The painting wasn¡¯t the only thing Howard wanted. If ¡®that¡¯ also got out, his political life would end, and he would have to stand in court. ¡°That makes no sense, but I guess there¡¯s a good reason? And you¡¯re not going to tell me, right?¡± ¡°It can be a little¡­ sensitive.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯m just d to hear it all went well, but you must be always careful with politicians. They can threaten you with a bomb anytime. You have Princess Hassena of Abu Dhabi behind you, so he won¡¯t be able to mess up with you easily but be careful.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± ¡°Haha! Then let¡¯s go to have a drink.¡± They returned to Eric¡¯s hotel. Haejin then looked at the catalog of Sotheby¡¯s auction which Hassena had given him to make the time pass faster. Eric had left, saying he had another urgent business, and Hassena was to stay in her room until the auction, so Haejin had nothing else to do. ¡°Hmm¡­ was it called vestigium?¡± The symbol on the brooch that Hassena had argued they had to get was really strange. She knew that the symbol of the organization and the symbol that gave magical powers were different. Haejin could guess she had studied a lot on her own. He wanted to talk to Hassena more about it, but there were eyes watching them. It was a shame. The other objects that would be on the auction were magnificent, all worth at least billions of dors. There were even a few that were about to be sold at tens of billions, and among them, Haejin spotted the one that would be sold at the highest price. It was a painting of Gustav Klimt. It had been sold at over 90 billion won, so Haejin wondered if it would be sold at over a hundred million dors or not. Even Haejin was interested, so the participants must have been putting great effort into the preparation to get that painting. By preparation, it meant people were trying to find out in advance what kind of people would bid for it and how much would they bid. Although it usually takes more for an expensive artifact to be sold, the time given to bidders to bid and the time needed for the auctioneer to settle the winning bid are the same with those of the artifacts that were worth only a few thousand dors. In short, bidders are not given more time to think. They have 5~7 seconds to bid more or stop. They bet billions in that short moment. So, preparations are necessary. Of course, most of the time, that preparation is no good. And as Hassena was about to take ce in this auction, other rich people would get headaches. If Hassena had been right next to Haejin, he would have immediately asked if she was going to bid for Klimt¡¯s painting. He was that curious, but he had to keep that question until the auction. However, a Buddhist scripture written with golden ink in the middle of the catalog drew his attention. It was assumed to have been made in the Ming period of China. It was about K?itigarbha speaking to Buddha. The handwriting was beautiful and yet lively. Haejin wondered whose handwriting it was. However, it strangely looked familiar. Haejin had remembered all good handwritings he had seen until now, but this time, he couldn¡¯t recall no matter how hard he tried. ¡°Well, whatever!¡± Eventually, he gave up andy on the bed. He fell asleep quickly. Two dayster, in the morning, Haejin arrived at Sotheby¡¯s in Manhattan, New York. He hurried to go up to the seventh floor, where the auction was about to take ce. Then, he looked for Princess Hassena. The crowd was even bigger than usual as there were many valuable artifacts. Haejin went through them and went to the front. Hassena was sitting in the front row. ¡°I am a littlete.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. The auction hasn¡¯t started yet.¡± ¡°But Saliyah is¡­¡± Saliyah was always with Hassena, but now, she was nowhere to be seen. Haejin looked around and asked about her. Hassena then pointed at the back. ¡°She left, saying she had to make a call. She will be here soon.¡± ¡°And your bodyguards?¡± The buffy bodyguards were not there, either. Hassena smiled. ¡°A few of these people are my guards.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Actually, although Saliyah assists me, she is only one of my many attendants. Those who are guarding me in the shadows have also watched over me for more than a decade. You sitting right next to me and talking is in fact quite dangerous.¡± ¡°Are you saying Prince Sahmadi will hear about this?¡± ¡°They won¡¯t tell him. They are my people that my father gave me. But if something happens, they will have to share my fate.¡± Haejin gulped hard. He only thought about avoiding this danger, but it was more serious than he had thought. ¡°If you don¡¯t marry me¡­¡± ¡°They will get executed or punished severely for not protecting me well.¡± Haejin wanted to curse, but he didn¡¯t. What could he do? The rules of the royal family were firm¡­ ¡°Then I won¡¯t be able to live well if I don¡¯t marry you. Many will me me¡­¡± ¡°Apart from that, we have a mission to do. Things to protect. You and I have been chosen, it is inevitable.¡± Hassena looked toward the front after that. Haejin was agitated. The auction started soon and Saliyah sat next to her princess. She looked at Haejin, but he pretended to not feel that gaze. He then suddenly recalled the painting he had seen on the catalog yesterday. He asked, ¡°Are you nning to bid for Gustav Klimt¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± ¡°Because I am curious. Will its price go over a hundred million dors¡­ and would thedy next to me bet that much money¡­¡± Hassena smiled and took out an ID card from her bag. ¡°Louvre Abu Dhabi has given me the rights to buy artifacts for it.¡± Next, she said something to Saliyah in Arabic. She then turned to Haejin again. ¡°Louvre Abu Dhabi is showing interest in Klimt¡¯s painting. We have enough money.¡± You would think billionaires would spend the most on auctions, but that¡¯s not it. Museums and galleries with huge funds spend even more. Museum owned by the country used art funds and surplus funds to demonstrate power in auctions. Additionally, when buying artifacts with great historical value, they don¡¯t hesitate to pay much more than the market price. Museums in the US and the Middle East have the biggest money. In conclusion, Hassena was a rich collector of the museum, she was about to spend the most in this auction. A few objects passed, and the golden brooch finally came out. Haejin thought Hassena would get it without a problem, but the tension was rising as an unexpected opponent appeared. ¡°2.2 million! 2.25 million! It¡¯s on the phone! The princess from the desert bid 2.3 million!¡± Hassena¡¯s bright smile was long gone, she was calmly raising her paddle. It wasn¡¯t supposed to go over 1.5 million, but someone was as persistent as Hassena. It was strange. Eventually, Haejin pretended to go to the bathroom and tried to find who it was. ¡°2.4 million! How far will this brooch go?¡± There he was, a white man in a ck suit. He was probably in his 30s or 40s. His red beard was very impressive. He kept looking at the auctioneer and then on the iPad on hisp again, but something about him caught Haejin¡¯s eyes. Haejin kept looking at him and then saw a small tattoo on his palm as he raised the paddle. ¡®Vestigium!¡¯ Hassena wasn¡¯t the only one who knew about the brooch. That strange organization had sent someone to buy it. Haejin was worried. He wasn¡¯t worried about Hassena spending more money, but the artifact¡¯s price had soared up so high that it could draw the attention of the others. He didn¡¯t know if the organization would care about it, but there was no reason to draw the world¡¯s attention to New York. Especially when Hassena was involved¡­ ¡°4 million dors! Is there 4.1 million?¡± Collectors in the room started to look with doubt already. They were wondering if there was something they didn¡¯t know. It got even hotter. It couldn¡¯t go on any more, but how was Haejin supposed to stop that man? He couldn¡¯t use magic. If things went wrong and the existence of his magic was to be discovered, it would be the worst. He just kept thinking of a way, but the man with the red beard suddenly put his paddle on hisp and didn¡¯t move as if he didn¡¯t have more money. Haejin couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. However, the man looked back and talked to someone. Then, he stood up and left. Haejin couldn¡¯t see who he talked to, but the brooch was Hassena¡¯s now. That was enough. Haejin returned to his seat. Hassena mentioned that he was about to get more power, but he kept thinking about the red-bearded guy and the mysterious man. After that, Hassena bought Klimt¡¯s painting at 110 million dors. And¡­ ¡°A Buddhist scripture from China. Written with golden ink. It has a great historical value. The auction starts now.¡± Chapter 129: Buddhist Scripture Written with Gold (2)

Chapter 129: Buddhist Scripture Written with Gold (2)

Most westerners don¡¯t really care about Buddhist scriptures. First, they are not that interested in Buddhism, and as the scriptures are in Chinese letters, only a few experts can read them. In short, it is hard for them to realize their value, so their prices are lower than those of the other artifacts. ¡°It starts at 500 thousand dors.¡± Of course, people who showed interest in that scripture were mostly Asians. And among them, Chinese and Taiwanese people raised their paddle. However, Haejin thought it was a Korean artifact. Sadly, the participant¡¯s seats were quite far from the real artifact at the front, so he couldn¡¯t just walk there. Plus, even the guy with the red beard and his friend had left, if they came back and saw Haejin use magic, it would be bad. So, using magic was off the table. Then, Haejin had to find out what it was with only his skills¡­ ¡°Why? You want to bid for it?¡± Hassena, who hadn¡¯t shown any interest in this artifact, asked. ¡°How did you know? Hassena smiled and pointed at Haejin. ¡°Look at you. You are about to jump ahead!¡± ¡°Oh¡­ right.¡± Haejin had been concentrating so hard that he was sitting in an awkward posture. ¡°Is it good?¡± ¡°Well, I am not sure yet¡­¡± Hassena smiled and advised as if it wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°Then buy it first and find outter.¡± What would it feel like to live so easily? ¡°What?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t look that expensive.¡± While she was speaking as if it was nothing, the price was going over a million. ¡°You just heard that, right? A million. A million dors is not that expensive?¡± ¡°Haha, then I will buy it for you.¡± She raised her paddle before Haejin could say anything. ¡°You really don¡¯t have to¡­¡± ¡°Think of it as a gift from me, to celebrate us finally meeting.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay, then thank you.¡± Haejin was about to refuse, but then he thought there was no reason to. He decided to take it. And honestly, her raising the paddle with such confidence was actually¡­ charming. Money can make anyone look charming, regardless of gender. ¡°4.8 million dors! Is there more? If there isn¡¯t, it is sold!¡± Bam bam! The scripture, which had been estimated to be sold at a little over a million, because of a persistent pursuit from a Chinese person was sold to Hassena at 4.8 million. That Chinese steamed in anger. He flinched at seeing Hassena and went away. He probably hade to protest about a foreigner buying a Chinese artifact, but as it was Hassena, he gave up that idea. After the auction, Hassena coolly paid for the artifacts and got them. Among them, Klimt¡¯s painting was immediately sent to Abu Dhabi on a ne, and the golden brooch and the scripture were given to Haejin. ¡°They are both yours.¡± The auction agency had made a case for the brooch. It looked like a ss case, but its surface was gold. Anyone could see a treasure was inside. The scripture was also in a specially made case, so when Haejin took it carefully, he looked like a kid who had won at a swimming contest or something. ¡°Thank you. I guess you won¡¯t ept it if I say I will pay back this debt?¡± ¡°It is my obligation to help you. Oh, and did you find out who mypetitor was?¡± ¡°You knew?¡± ¡°Of course. How could I not know when you stood up like that? But I couldn¡¯t look back¡­ who was it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know who he was. He was just a white guy with a red beard.¡± Hassena nodded and spoke to Saliyah in Arabic. Then, she turned to Haejin again. ¡°She asked my people. It is him.¡± ¡°What, you knew?¡± ¡°I told you. There were bodyguards in the auction room. They have been trained to check all of my mainpetitors. They don¡¯t track them after an auction, but they check their basic information.¡± ¡°Then there was no need for me to sit up and check.¡± Hassena smiled. ¡°Actually, yes. But you had already stood up, so I couldn¡¯t make you sit down again. I just watched, and I thought you might be able to see something we couldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°And there was nothing much. Oh, right. That red-bearded guy talked to someone sitting next to him. It looked like he wasn¡¯t joking with a stranger¡­¡± Hassena talked to Saliyah again. ¡°Thank you. She will look into it. And¡­¡± She pointed at the brooch and was about to speak, but then a man interrupted them. ¡°Hello. I am Jin Shyaomin of Shanghai Museum.¡± Before Haejin could say anything, Saliyah blocked his way. ¡°She doesn¡¯t talk to men. What is this about?¡± Jin Shyaomin was surprised. He looked at Haejin and Hassena and then pointed at Haejin. ¡°But he just talked to her.¡± ¡°The royal family has given him special permission to talk to the princess.¡± Jin Shyaomin knew about the strict rules of Im. He sighed and took a step back. ¡°Okay. But you can speak to her for me, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Then please tell her this, what you have bought is a property of China. Why are you trying to keep it? Even if the person who offers the most gets to buy the artifact on auction, you can¡¯t just suck in other¡¯s artifacts with money like this. This could be an international problem. It is bad for your country¡¯s reputation.¡± Saliyah interpreted this into Arabic, but Hassena couldn¡¯t say anything. She had just bought it because Haejin cared about it, so what could she say? Haejin used magic on the scripture first. If it was a Chinese artifact, he was nning to give it back after getting the money Hassena had spent on it. But¡­ ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hassena apologized, but Jin Shyaomin raised his voice. ¡°An apology isn¡¯t enough. You just took a record of our history and soul!¡± Then, Haejin chimed in. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but this scripture isn¡¯t from China.¡± Jin Shyaomin¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He asked back as if it was nonsense, ¡°What kind of nonsense is that? Haven¡¯t you seen the catalog? Haven¡¯t you heard what the auctioneer said?¡± Unfortunately, they were wrong. Haejin had gotten it, thinking that it could be, but he was right. It was a Korean artifact. A very important Korean artifact. ¡°I have seen and heard, but they are wrong. Indeed, this is the scripture of K?itigarbha, but at the time, Koreans also used Chinese letters. If this was made in China, can you tell me who wrote this?¡± Jin Shyaomin was shocked. He yelled, ¡°What, what are you talking about? How on earth am I supposed to know that? You think there are one or two Buddhist scriptures of which the writer isn¡¯t known?¡± In fact, almost all Buddhist scriptures were written by unknown writers. Buddhist scriptures are not created. They were passed down by copying preexisting scriptures, so transcribers rarely wrote their own names on it. ¡°But then, why do you think it is Chinese? If it is, there must be proof.¡± Jin Shyaomin started to panic and sweat. There was no proof of his im. However, calling him a fool would be wrong since when an auction agency says that an artifact is assumed to have been made in this country and this period, few appraisers counter that so openly. Additionally, with an artifact without the maker¡¯s name like this one, almost no appraisers would take that risk. Jin Shyaomin stretched out his hand. ¡°Fine. Then let me see it. I will appraise it, and if it isn¡¯t from China, I will give it up.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t have to show it to him. However, he loved his country¡¯s artifacts, and Haejin liked that. Therefore, he gave him the scripture. He didn¡¯t think Shyaomin would run away with it. There were Hassena¡¯s bodyguards, and Sotheby¡¯s security guards were watching as well. Jin Shyaomin carefully opened the case and knelt down. Then, he took out a pair of tweezers and started to examine. It was an interesting scene, so people started toe and look one by one. Haejin didn¡¯t like it and asked a Sotheby¡¯s staff to ban photo shooting. 5 minutes passed and then 10 minutes. Jin Shyaomin remained silent. After 20 minutes, Hassena eventually asked. ¡°Hey, is there any proof that says it¡¯s Chinese?¡± Jin Shyaomin lifted his head to answer that question, but Saliyah red at him and stood between him and the princess. So, he spoke to her instead. ¡°Not yet¡­ but¡­¡± ¡°Then you can be sure of nothing.¡± Saliyah spoke coldly. Jin Shyaomin was disappointed, but soon he turned to Haejin and raised his voice. ¡°But there¡¯s no proof that says it¡¯s Korean, either. Have you found any evidence that says so?¡± He yelled with confidence, but Haejin replied calmly. ¡°There is.¡± That was unexpected, and Jin Shyaomin asked with a trembling voice, ¡°Where, where is it? I never¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t find it. Of course, there was no proof in that scripture. Haejin carefully lifted it and said, ¡°The proof is this scripture itself. Its letters are the proof.¡± Jin Shyaomin immediately understood what he meant. ¡°Letters? You know this scripture¡¯s handwriting?¡± If the letters were the proof, it meant Haejin had recognized the handwriting, and it meant Haejin knew who had written it. Haejin hadn¡¯t been able to remember whose handwriting it was, but with magic, he could find out. He had thought it looked familiar, but he hadn¡¯t been able to remember. It was because he had seen that handwriting only once as a kid. He was called the best calligrapher of the early Joseon period. His handwriting was clearly impressive, but Haejin had seen it only once. That¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t recognize it. ¡°Yes. This scripture was written by Prince Anpyeong, brother of Sejo.¡± Chapter 130: Buddhist Scripture Written with Gold (3)

Chapter 130: Buddhist Scripture Written with Gold (3)

¡°Prince Anpyeong?¡± Jin Shyaomin looked confused as if he had never heard of that name. To him, Anpyeong was the brother of the king of a foreign country, so of course, he didn¡¯t know. ¡°Yes. As I said, he was the brother of a king called Sejo. He was also a famed master calligrapher. Of course, you canpare his handwriting if you want.¡± ¡°Where can I see his calligraphy?¡± This time, Haejin was a little ashamed to answer. ¡°In the main library of Tenri University in Japan. There is a painting called Peach Flower Paradise of Dream. That painting has Prince Anpyeong¡¯s writing, so you can check it there.¡± It felt ridiculous to tell him to check the handwriting of a royal of Joseon in Japan, but that was the reality. What could Haejin do? Jin Shyaomin nodded and immediately took a photo of the scripture. It was topare the handwriting, so Haejin didn¡¯t try to stop him. After that, he spoke gravely. ¡°First, we will check with the documents we have. And if it really is a Joseon¡¯s artifact, I will formally apologize.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t going to care about his apology. Actually, the fault lied onto the auction agency that had been wrong about the artifact rather than on Jin Shyaomin¡¯s rudeness, so he didn¡¯t want to me him. Many of the Korean artifacts that had been sold or bought abroad were thought to be Chinese. Even Sotheby¡¯s and the Christie¡¯s, the top two auction agencies of the world, can make mistakes, and they often conclude all Asian artifacts as Chinese. Goryeo cdons are especially misunderstood as Chinese. This is why international appraisers who know well Korean artifacts are in demand. After Jin Shyaomin went away, the watchers all left in time. Haejin took the scripture and the brooch, then he went down to the parking lot. He didn¡¯t continue to speak to Hassena lest someone else would see them. Hassena had given him a meaningful look after he revealed the artifact¡¯s true identity, but she didn¡¯t say anything more. After Haejin arrived at the hotel, he first took out the golden brooch. There was no other reason, he just wondered what kind of powers it held. The brooch itself was magnificent, but the vestigium was also mysterious as it felt like it was absorbing all the energy around it. He kept staring at it, and a momentter, he fell on the bed as if he had been hit by a tranquilizer gun. Buzzzzz¡­ Haejin reached for his buzzing phone, and it took some time to do it. It was Saliyah, Hassena¡¯s secretary. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Haejin.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer sooner? The princess is looking for you. Where on earth are you?¡± ¡°In my room¡­¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you say anything when I knocked on the door. If you hadn¡¯t picked up this time, I would have asked the people to open the door for me.¡± Haejin looked at the time, it was after 10 p.m. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Come to the restaurant, the princess has been waiting for you all this time. She hasn¡¯t had dinner yet.¡± ¡°Okay, I will go now.¡± Haejin hung up and looked at his phone¡¯s record. 15 unanswered calls. It was good that Saliyah didn¡¯t open the door with the master key. There was one more call among them that wasn¡¯t from Saliyah, but Haejin didn¡¯t care about it. He thought whoever it was, he or she would call again. He hurriedly went to the restaurant, and Hassena was there with her usual calmness. She smiled as if he was just in time. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re hungry, right?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t have the time to think about it, but now he realized that he was famished. ¡°What? Yes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve ordered some food. Would that be alright?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin sat down. Hassena then looked around and, in a low voice, asked, ¡°Have you gotten the power?¡± After the brooch¡¯s power knocked him out, Haejin had had a dream about the same witch as before. But this time, she didn¡¯t torment him. She taught him magic like a teacher instead. The spells he learned this time were pretty scary. Spell that made a person burn, spell that summoned snakes and bugs, and there was even a spell that could make someone lose their short-term memory. What Haejin wanted to know was what the witch wanted from him as she taught magic. What learning magic had to do with finding the lostnd? ¡°Yes. They are a little¡­ strange, but I did get some new powers.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. Actually, I was worried. Although I was sure that brooch hadn¡¯t been contaminated, things can always go wrong.¡± ¡°What happens if I have been infected by that corrupted brooch?¡± Hassena thought about it and shook her head. ¡°Then I will have to find a way to make you be who you are again, but that wouldn¡¯t have happened. You¡¯re the chosen one, so you wouldn¡¯t be so easily tempted.¡± ¡°Okay, let me ask. What is that organization? No, what is that thing we both saw? Tell me everything you know.¡± It took some time for Hassena to talk. ¡°There was an ancient civilization, one much older than the first civilization in the history books. For some reason, that civilization disappeared, but it left some traces. I think it left a mission to the finder of the traces, to find itself again.¡± ¡°Then, I¡¯m supposed to find the traces of that civilization?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then what about that dangerous organization you¡¯re after?¡± ¡°That ancient civilization left a lot of things. Like the powers you have¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin could see what¡¯s going on now. ¡°You must find the traces before they do. So¡­¡± ¡°So?¡± Hassena sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet, I just know that I must help you.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then you don¡¯t know much, either.¡± ¡°They always hide in the shadows. That¡¯s why you must be careful, they might endanger you at any time. But you got new powers this time, so that relieves me.¡± ¡°It was all thanks to you¡­¡± After that, they ate dinner and had a pleasant chat. They mostly talked about Imic culture because Haejin was curious, and he had to solve their marriage problem. But then, someone knocked on the door. Knock knock! ¡°Yes?¡± A waiter came in and carefully said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to interrupt, but you have a visitor. What should I do?¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°He said the governor sent him.¡± Hassena looked at Haejin with a questioning look. She didn¡¯t know about what had happened between Haejin and Howard. ¡°Please let him in.¡± Howard was already thinking Haejin and Hassena were very close, so Haejin thought it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. After the waiter left, Saliyah came in. A man in a neat suit followed him. Saliyah probably came in as another man was about to be in the room now. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Paul Jackson. Governor Howard sent me. May I sit down?¡± ¡°Please, sit.¡± Paul sat down, bowed to Hassena, and turned to Haejin again. He didn¡¯t talk to Hassena, he must have thought this might happen in advance. ¡°The governor said what you asked is hard to do.¡± Actually, it wasn¡¯t easy. Even the governor couldn¡¯t force a museum to send its artifacts to where they hade from. ¡°Really? That¡¯s funny.¡± Haejin reacted as if he had seen iting. Paul then continued, ¡°He is very sorry about it. So, if there¡¯s anything you want, he will help as much as he can.¡± Howard was scared, indeed. He thought about it for a few days and had finally decided to solve this matter in a reasonable way. ¡°Do you want me to ask for money?¡± ¡°Governor Howard is not rich. Of course, if you want, he can get you 500 thousand dors, but not more.¡± Howard was trying, but Haejin wasn¡¯t thinking about money. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not that interested in money. I only want the return of Korean artifacts.¡± Paul Jackson looked troubled. ¡°Mr. Park, he really tried his best. But unfortunately, the director of the Metropolitan has no political rtionship. He only manages the museum. There¡¯s nothing we can do.¡± At least Howard had done some research. ¡°Hmm¡­ the governor is from Boston, right? Which university did he graduate from?¡± Paul answered, but he looked confused. ¡°Harvard. He majored in Economy.¡± That was good. Haejin was going to have some business with Harvard. He had realized it again after getting that Buddhist scripture. ¡°Good. Then what about Harvard University? Does he have any influence on it?¡± ¡°On Harvard? There are Korean artifacts in Harvard University?¡± He asked back as if he had had no idea. Of course, few American would be interested in it. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of the Henderson Collection?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of it.¡± ¡°Harvard University has a number of valuable Korean artifact under the name of Henderson Collection. Of course, I¡¯m not demanding to get them all back for free. I just want a chance to buy them at a reasonable price. Wouldn¡¯t that be a good deal?¡± Actually, that was a more difficult deal. However, Haejin said deal instead of favor to press Paul. Henderson Collection was created by Gregory Henderson. It consisted of artifacts he collected while he was in Korea. It was when the US and the Soviet Union separated Korea and ruled it right after Korea was liberated. But sadly, he didn¡¯t collect artifacts by robbing and stealing like Ogura Takenoske did. Koreans gave them to him willingly. Some rich people and schrs gave precious artifacts to bribe him and emigrate to Korea or get his help. That is truly shameful history, and what is even sadder is that those people, who willingly gave away their legacy, are still prospering now. Buddhist Scripture written by Prince Anpyeong had been included in the Henderson Collection, but thankfully, it was then put on auction, and Haejin got to buy it. It was a great fortune, good enough to say the ancestors helped him. ¡°If there are dozens of artifacts, even the governor cannot make it happen easily. Even if you are willing to buy them with money.¡± ¡°But I want a chance to buy at least a few of them. They have been almost never revealed to the public. Is there a reason why they are so hidden? If there isn¡¯t, they should be able to sell at least a few. It would be also good for Harvard to make some money.¡± Paul thought about it and then nodded. ¡°I cannot give you any promises, but I think it makes sense. We¡¯ll see what we can do. If Harvard says it will sell just a few, what do you want to buy?¡± Chapter 131 - Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (1)

Chapter 131 - Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (1)

131 Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (1) Trantor: | Editor: Paul was there on behalf of Howard. Haejin though he must have had some authority. So, he wasn¡¯t just saying when he said they were going to see what they could do. ¡°I have to take at least three of them. The horn cup and its Shinra base, the cdon bottle of Goryeo, and the earthenware of Gaya. I would be grateful if you could give me any additional opportunity to buy white porcins, cdons, or paintings.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ it can be much more expensive than you think.¡± Paul didn¡¯t say Haejin could take them for free. Money isn¡¯t all that you needed to buy artifacts, so an opportunity to buy them was much bigger than 200 thousand dors. Gregory Henderson¡¯s collection isn¡¯t just a mere collection of Korean artifacts. In 1991, when it was exhibited for the first and thest time in Harvard, the exhibition¡¯s title was First Under the Heaven-Henderson Collection¡¯s Korean Porcins. Among them, there were the Goryeo cdon bottle made with a clear green jade, the horn cup with its Shinra base, and the earthenware with snake-shaped decoration of Gaya. They were all good enough to be national treasures and were artifacts which Haejin had to buy no matter what. Even if they were worth hundreds of millions of dors. Haejin didn¡¯t have that much money now, but that didn¡¯t matter. As long as he had the opportunity, he could get a donation, or get funded by the government or otherpanies. Of course, it would be even better if he could get them without getting any help. ¡°Just set us a meeting so that I can persuade them. That¡¯s all I need, and the three artifacts I mentioned must be included in the purchase list. It is imperative.¡± Haejin was firm and was demanding a solid promise. Paul sighed and nodded. ¡°Hu¡­ okay. We will do our best to get you what you asked for. But you must remember, it is for as long as what you know isn¡¯t known to the public.¡± ¡°Of course. I won¡¯t make any mistake.¡± Haejin said mistake to imply that if Howard took care of this in the wrong way, what he didn¡¯t want could really happen. Paul could sense that. He grimly nodded and stood up. ¡°Then I hope you enjoy your time in New York.¡± He slightly bowed to Hassena and left. Then Hassena, who had been quiet until now, looked at Saliyah. She went out. Then Hassena, with twinkling eyes, asked, ¡°I don¡¯t know much about you. But at least I know that you are not rich. If you ever need money, please don¡¯t hesitate to tell me.¡± ¡°Having you as my sponsor is¡­ reassuring.¡± However, it was somewhat burdening at the same time. ¡°I was taught that money is power, and borrowing money is like borrowing power. But it also means you will be indebted to that person, so don¡¯t do that to anyone else except for me.¡± It was nice of her to say that, but¡­ ¡°Thank you.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t just say no, so he had nothing else to say. An awkward silence fell, but at that moment, Haejin¡¯s phone buzzed. Buzzz¡­ It was Eunhae. For some reason, Haejin felt guilty. He cleared his throat and answered. ¡°Khmm¡­ hello?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me. Were you sleeping?¡± ¡°No. I took a nap and I was having dinner.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a veryte dinner.¡± ¡°Yes, but why did you call me?¡± Eunhae sounded a little sulky, ¡°How could you never call me since you left? Have you been that busy?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been through so many things¡­¡± Eunhaeughed. ¡°Haha, it¡¯s okay. I was joking. Anyway, there are people urgently looking for you.¡± She said people instead of someone. It meant it was a group, not an individual¡­ ¡°Who are they? Government officials?¡± Eunhae¡¯s answer was very much unexpected. ¡°No. It¡¯s Hwajin.¡± ¡°Hwajin? Why would they look for me? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re on a good rtionship with them¡­¡± Technically, it was more about Eunhae. There was bad blood between her and Hwajin. Additionally, for that reason, Haejin really didn¡¯t want to be associated with Hwajin. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve already left Saeyeon Gallery, so I don¡¯t want to think about the past. Thinking about it makes me realize that it is hard to move on, so I even want to get close to them.¡± ¡°Even with that rude Hyoyeon?¡± ¡°She is¡­ well, except for her¡­ it¡¯s fine.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know whether she was cool or just generous, but she really sounded okay with it. ¡°Anyway, what do they want from me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a little tricky. I think they lost a painting.¡± ¡°What? It was stolen?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Have they called the police?¡± ¡°No. I think they are secretly using the police on which they have an influence on, but they will never officially announce it.¡± If they were not announcing it but using the police unofficially, Haejin could guess what was going on. The stolen painting was extremely expensive, and the public didn¡¯t know Hwajin had it. It meant they had bought it to evade taxes. It was probably a contemporary art painting worth at least billions of won or an artifact that the country of its origin would officially protest about it. Either way, Hwajin was in trouble now. Still, Haejin had a question. ¡°But why do they want me? I¡¯m an appraiser.¡± ¡°They probably found something. They looked for you in a hurry, and when I told them you were not in Korea, they really panicked. Eventually, someone from the secretaries¡¯ office came here to ask for your help.¡± ¡°That means they want me to go back to Korea, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Haejin was already done in the US, so all that was left was to go back, but now, he decided to raise his price. ¡°What did they offer?¡± ¡°A first-ss ne ticket, to start with¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s not enough at all¡­¡± Haejin had a billionaire eager to be his wife, so of course, a first-ss ticket wasn¡¯t good to satisfy him. ¡°And 3% as the appraised price¡­¡± ¡°Ask for 10%.¡± ¡°What? But that¡¯s a little¡­¡± Eunhae was thinking it was too much. In normal circumstances, no one would give 3% of the price as an appraisal fee, but Haejin was asking for 10%. ¡°Tell them to take it or leave it. I¡¯m in no hurry.¡± If he hadn¡¯t met Hassena, he would have stopped at 3%. Considering his museum, Haejin had to make money. Additionally, his museum would earn brokerage profit in the future, so offending Hwajin would have been a bad choice. However, Haejin wasn¡¯t bound by money anymore. He had no reason to bow to rude chaebols, so he could be bold now. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Then I will tell them so.¡± ¡°But they will not say no to 10%, probably,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Do you really think so? If the painting is worth billions, the fee would be more than 100 million won, and they will have to pay you in cash without writing it in their ount book¡­ would they really do that?¡± ¡°The more expensive it is, the more they will look for me. They can¡¯t even officially announce it, but they are using the police. It means if this bomb goes off in the wrong ce, they wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the consequences. Then, they won¡¯t be stingy about a few billion won. They would rather want to solve this matter fast.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it might go that way. Okay, I will tell them so and see how they react.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin hung up, and Hassena asked, ¡°What was that about? I couldn¡¯t understand at all as you talked in Korean¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­ an owner-family of a huge corporation group in Korea has asked for my help.¡± ¡°A huge corporation group in Korea, is that chaebol?¡± The word chaebol only existed in Korea, but it was so famous that even Hassena knew it. ¡°Yes. Do you know Hwajin?¡± Hassena smiled and shook her phone. ¡°Of course. I use Hwajin¡¯s phone, but they asked for your help? Then it must be a very important piece of art.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is yet. One of Hwajin¡¯s painting was stolen, and they found something that is assumed to be it. But they are not sure if it¡¯s real, so they want me to appraise it¡­ I just asked for 10% of the appraised price as my fee.¡± ¡°Oh, is it okay to ask that much?¡± ¡°They couldn¡¯t even call the police officially. So, they must have bought it in secret, probably illegally. To evade taxes¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Honestly, I wish them not to find that painting. But the painting itself has done nothing wrong, so I asked 10%. It¡¯s like take it or leave it.¡± ¡°Then, do you think they will give up?¡± ¡°I want them to give up so that it would mean it is not that serious. If they are willing to pay that much¡­ then it is something serious. Oh, of course, if they manage to find a better appraiser than me, they would have that person appraise it instead¡­ but if they can¡¯t do that, they will pay 10% and try to find the real painting.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t just talking about the price when he said it was serious. He was talking about the meaning the painting had. ¡°I see. This trip to Korea would be even more interesting.¡± She looked at Haejin with excitement. He found that gaze quite ufortable, but her trip had been nned days ago. He couldn¡¯t object to it, so he decided to just ept it. He was nning to go to Abu Dhabi, meet Prince Sahmadi and solve this matter right after her trip to Korea. They had dessert and talked. Eunhae then called him soon, they had reached a conclusion sooner than Haejin had expected. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°They epted your terms. I really didn¡¯t see thating, but I guess you were right. They didn¡¯t tell me what it was, but ording to what they said, it is worth billions. They cannot let the public find out about it.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I see. Then when should I leave?¡± ¡°They¡¯re in a hurry. They said they will send you a ticket ne that will leave at 9 a.m. in New York.¡± To get on a ne that would leave at 9 a.m., Haejin would have to get up before 6 a.m. ¡°Oh, my¡­ they want to meet me at midnight?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The flight from New York to Incheon Airport takes about 14 hours. Hwajin didn¡¯t want this to go over the day after that. ¡°Okay then, it is settled. I will meet them at midnight tomorrow.¡± Haejin hung up and Hassena asked again, ¡°How did it go?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I think I will have to take a ne to Korea tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Then I should get ready, too.¡± ¡°But it might not end well if we go together. So why don¡¯t we go to Korea separately?¡± She epted that easily. ¡°Okay, I will goter. You will have to leave early in the morning, so you should get some sleep.¡± Haejin returned to his room and fell asleep right away. The next day, Haejin woke up early and got ready. He went to the airport after a short goodbye from Hassena. Then, he got on the ne to Incheon with the ticket Hwajin sent him, then he got a text. Haejin thought it was from Eunhae and took out his phone. But to his surprise, it was from Hyoyeon, Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun¡¯s daughter. [Incheon Port, container No. 5429, Roy Lichtenstein] ¡®Lichtenstein?¡¯ Haejin had had his guesses, but the painting was pretty much a blockbuster. It was worth at least 5 billion won¡­ and apart from its value, Haejin realized the situation was extremely bad. Sungjun could get arrested because of this. Chapter 132 Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (2)

Chapter 132 Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (2)

Trantor: | Editor: However, it was none other than Roy Lichtenstein. It made Haejin somewhat worried. Lichtenstein¡¯s paintings were lively with his unique cartoon-like style, but they were not too exaggerated. Unlike abstract impressionism of the other pop artists who ruled the American art world, he clearly wasn¡¯t romantic. He was realistic. However, the problem was not the painting itself, it was about the political situation around it. Haejin didn¡¯t know much about politics, but even he knew that Hwajin had gone through a series of troubles because of Lichtenstein¡¯s painting. Additionally, if the painting Haejin was about to appraise was the one that had been controversial before, it was even worse. Hwajin would have to solve this matter, even if it cost not 10% of the painting¡¯s price but 50%. As nothing had been revealed so far, he asked Eunhae to find out if there were any paintings of Lichtenstein that belonged to an unknown owner. Then, he went to sleep. He still had 14 hours left, so there was no need to hurry. Ding! Ding! With the announcement of the nending soon, seatbelt signs started blinking. Haejin woke up. He tried to get to his senses, but his mind was still blurry as if he had returned to his former weak self before he learned magic. After he learned new spells with the brooch Hassena had bought, he had slept a lot, but he still felt tired. His body was probably trying to keep sleeping to recover the mental power that had been consumed through magic. After the nended, he disabled his phone¡¯s ne mode and turned it off and back again. Then, he got a number of messages. Most of them were from the cell phone service, but there was one from Eunhae. [There are three Lichtenstein paintings owned by unknown owners. But the one which is most likely to be in Korea is Happy Tears. Check news articles of November 2007.] Eunhae thought Happy Tears was the most probable one as well. Haejin didn¡¯t have to read the articles to know what they said. After he passed the entry procedures, he got the car he had parked at the parking lot and went to Incheon Port immediately. As it was almost midnight, there were few cars on the road. He arrived in no time. He then went to the port to find the container. A few men in ck suits recognized his car and came closer. He opened the car window just a little bit. One of them then asked, ¡°Are you Appraiser Park Haejin?¡± ¡°Yes, where should I go?¡± ¡°Follow me, please.¡± The man just started to run. So, Haejin drove after him. He ran for about 300m and then stopped. He pointed at a direction. ¡°There.¡± Haejin walked toward that direction. After walking 10m between containers without any light, a man suddenly appeared and opened a container for him. Creaaak¡­ Sounds of rusty iron doors opening, that never felt pleasant, hit Haejin¡¯s ears. Then, he was blinded by the bright light. It was as bright as a department store. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± Inside, there was Hyoyeon, wearing luxurious clothes, and a man with a painting. Hyoyeon was enjoying some wine while having her legs crossed. It looked somewhat natural, probably because she was so beautiful. ¡°Yes. I thought you would nevere to me no matter how bad it was¡­ I guess you were in a hurry?¡± That was sharp. Hyoyeon drank the rest of the wine in one gulp. Then, the man next to her filled her ss. He looked sharp. He was probably a bodyguard who was a former member of the special force. He was also working as Hyoyeon¡¯s attendant. ¡°Actually, it was a little humiliating. To ask for your help again after what you did to Saeyeon Gallery¡­¡± ¡°What I did to Saeyeon Gallery?¡± Haejin innocently asked back, but Hyoyeong smiled and changed the subject. ¡°Anyway, you came just in time. As the situation is quite urgent, let¡¯s talkter and get to the point now.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to talk to her anyway, so he thought it was better that way. ¡°All the better for me. But¡­¡± The painting in front of Hyoyeon was Happy Tears by Roy Lichtenstein, just as Haejin had thought. ¡°But what?¡± ¡°Hwajin owns this? I think I saw news articles that said you didn¡¯t.¡± Hyoyeon turned back as if she had heard something bad and said, ¡°You were brought here to appraise, not to investigate.¡± There was a reason for her to react so sharply. In 2007, Kim Sangcheol, awyer of the then head of Hwajin¡¯s legal team, suddenly had a press conference and exposed Hwajin¡¯s secret funds. Among what he revealed was a list about thirty works of art that Hwajin owned. At the time, Saeyeon Gallery, that used to handle Hwajin¡¯s artifact purchase, bought 30 artifacts at Christie¡¯s of New York. The most expensive one was Roy Lichtenstein¡¯s Happy Tears that was worth 7.15 million dors. It caused quite a stir, and eventually, an independent counsel looked into it. However, it concluded that Hwajin didn¡¯t own that painting and it just ended like that. So, if this painting got revealed, it would be more than just an 8-billion-won painting getting stolen. It would make Hwajin¡¯s case of the secret funds resurface again. It would be like an atomic bomb. ¡°I am here to appraise, but¡­ I don¡¯t want to be involved in a crime.¡± If tax evasion had been everything, Haejin would have appraised it, but now, he thought he might end up helping Hwajin with its crime. He would have to turn a blind eye to the painting¡¯s existence. He might even get summoned by the prosecutors, and Hwajin could try to control him by saying, ¡®you helped us, so we¡¯re in this together.¡¯ ¡°Hey, Park Haejin! Are you kidding me?¡± Hyoyeon jumped to her feet. She was enraged, but Haejin crossed his arms and shook his head. He was firm. ¡°You want me to just appraise this and quietly leave? A painting that is the prime evidence of a case that even went to the independent counsel? Getting 800 million won as the fee wouldn¡¯t do me much good,pared to the harms it can bring me.¡± Then, the man next to Hyoyeon started to walk toward Haejin. He was going to threaten him with force as words had proven useless. He came without saying anything and tried to grab Haejin¡¯s neck, but that moment, Haejin grasped that hand and twisted it. ¡°Aah!¡± The man realized he had screamed and shut his mouth immediately, but he was still embarrassed. He red at Haejin with a red face. This was unexpected. Hyoyeon quickly backed off while her eyes were shaking. And, with a bam, a man ran in and was about to lunge at Haejin, but the man with the twisted wrist stopped him, so he just stood there and started to watch. Haejin had known this would happen since the moment he saw that guy with Hyoyeon. So, he casted a spell that improved his muscles and reflexes, and it turned out that he had been right. ¡°This is how Hwajin handles matters? I¡¯m disappointed.¡± ¡°Wha, what?¡± Hyoyeon stammered in panic. It wasn¡¯t like Haejin used to belong to the special forces or something. He was just an appraiser, and he suddenly changed like that. It was enough to surprise anyone. ¡°Does your father know about this? Well, of course, he does. He has to know considering his temper¡­ that must be why he sent you with these friends.¡± Haejin let the man go. He thought he might attack again, but he didn¡¯t care. The man was going to break one of his bones this time, but he had realized Haejin wasn¡¯t a normal guy. He just grabbed his soaring wrist and nced at Haejin. Maybe he knew that starting a real fight wasn¡¯t going to end well. Hyoyeon changed her method as she could see force wasn¡¯t going to work. ¡°Hey! If you want more money, I will pay you more.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need your money. I already have enough money, and this might bite me backter. And frankly, it doesn¡¯t have to be me. You can bring another appraiser. So, stop clinging on me.¡± ¡°Then, then promise you will not tell anyone what happened here today.¡± Haejin could do that much. Giving a press conference to be a hero like Kim Sangcheol did wasn¡¯t going to do anyone any good. In the end, prosecutors had to take care of it, but most of them had received schrships of Hwajin and were under its influence. ¡°Okay then, bye.¡± Haejin smiled and turned back. He could feel the guy with the hurt wrist flinch behind him, but he just passed another guy watching with disbelief. Then, he got in his car and went back to his museum. Eunhae was waiting for him there even though it was veryte. She was beautiful as usual, but today, Haejin couldn¡¯t look at her eyes. He felt sorry about Hassena. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°You must be tired, staying here till now.¡± ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t just go home. First, which painting was it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it was Happy Tears, just as we thought.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± Eunhae looked shocked, then Haejin asked her what he had been curious about. ¡°You really didn¡¯t know? Saeyeon Gallery must have bought it.¡± ¡°It was long before I started working there, so no, I didn¡¯t know. And I never looked into the records. If I had known, I would have found out¡­ I really didn¡¯t know. And at the time, the independent counsel said there was nothing wrong, so I never believed Hwajin really had Happy Tears. Although I don¡¯t trust them now¡­¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin crossed his arms while Eunhae worriedly asked, ¡°Have you appraised it?¡± ¡°I got to look at it.¡± Actually, Haejin had kept looking at the painting since the moment he went in that container. So, although he stayed there for a short time, he had been able to examine it. ¡°And how was it?¡± Haejin shook his head, and Eunhae spoke with surprise. ¡°No way. Then there was a reason why Hwajin called you.¡± ¡°Yes. They must have gotten a different appraiser to get it appraised before they asked me. And that person probably said it was fake¡­¡± Eunhae took it from there. ¡°They couldn¡¯t believe it, so they decided to ask you for thest time as you can be fully trusted. No way¡­¡± Eunhae was right at being shocked. The painting was stolen, and although Hwajin tracked it and found a painting, it turned out to be fake. It meant it was a nned crime with thorough preparation, and multiple people were behind it. ¡°Let me ask you something. How on earth did they lose that painting?¡± Eunhae had been waiting for that question. Her lips curled up, and she started to exin. Chapter 133 Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (3)

Chapter 133 Chaebol, Painting, and Happy Tears (3)

Trantor: | Editor: ¡°When I heard the painting was from Lichtenstein, I recalled something. So, I immediately asked my source at Saeyeon Gallery if she knew anything¡­¡± Haejin could guess who that source was. It had to be Jeong Mina, who used to be close to Eunhae. ¡°So?¡± ¡°I asked because it didn¡¯t cost anything, and I didn¡¯t think she really knew something. It had been more than a decade ago, and way too important, but¡­¡± Eunhae leaned forward and lowered her voice. ¡°Two days ago, more than fifty paintings went to Saeyeon Gallery.¡± ¡°Did she get to see what they were?¡± ¡°No. People she had never seen before came after midnight and put them in the basement storage, but Hyoyeon and her mother were there.¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ the painting was lost on the way.¡± Haejin made a guess, but Eunhae shook her head. ¡°No. Judging from what Mina said, it has been a while since Hwajin started to use the police. I think my uncle ordered to empty his storage, where he kept his artifacts, after Happy Tears was stolen.¡± ¡°Then, from now on, the artifacts he owns in secret would be at Saeyeon Gallery for some time.¡± ¡°Yes. The gallery has many security guards and a good system. But it is weird that my uncle is taking this much caution.¡± ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t he being careful as something might be stolen again?¡± Eunhae shook her index and smiled. ¡°No. You shouldn¡¯t think that he moved the artifacts there as no one would steal from that ce. Although Saeyeon Gallery is perfectly protected by a securitypany and CCTVs, the storage he used to keep his paintings must have had enough guards and equipment. Nevertheless, he moved his things because¡­¡± Haejin could see what she was trying to say. ¡°He cannot trust anyone. No, he cannot even trust his own family?¡± ¡°He does trust his family. It¡¯s just that he can no longer trust the people he used to be close like family¡­ I think he is suspicious of his secretaries and members of the strategic nning team. They were his right-hand men. I said the paintings were moved. Isn¡¯t that strange? Why would Hyoyeon and her mother do that themselves? Usually, employees do such a thing¡­¡± Haejin had not found that strange, but now that he thought about it, it was definitely strange. They were at the gallery themselves after midnight. ¡°This is getting more and more interesting.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why the paintings were moved to Saeyeon Gallery, that ce is practically exposed. If something is stolen from there, it would be easier to catch the thief, and they would be able to evade being used of illegally owning those paintings¡­¡± Haejin leaned on the sofa and sighed. ¡°Hu¡­ anyway, I am not in this anymore, so all we have to do is to just sit back and watch.¡± ¡°But did Hyoyeon just let you go after you said you wouldn¡¯t appraise it? She is usually not that kind.¡± Eunhae looked confused, but Haejin wasn¡¯t going to tell her the truth. The truth was a story very hard to believe, anyway. ¡°What could she get from me? Plus, she knew you were waiting for me and that you knew where I was, so she couldn¡¯t easily mess up with me.¡± ¡°Well¡­ and although this is serious, I don¡¯t think they are extremely nervous. They must be prepared on their own.¡± Haejin was sure they were very nervous about it, but Eunhae said they weren¡¯t. It made him curious. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the secret funds of that family be investigated again if the painting is revealed to the public? And people would want to know if the independent counsel has looked into it properly at the time¡­¡± Eunhae shook her head. ¡°That kind of mood might be set, but it wasn¡¯t investigated properly even back then. Why would it be different now? They must have gotten rid of all pieces of evidence, so you would have to find hidden proof and press them. Who would want to hang a bell around a cat¡¯s neck?¡± Haejin looked at Eunhae with surprise. ¡°You were usually so optimistic, but now, you are very negative.¡± ¡°Because I have seen enough things. There isn¡¯t a single prosecutor or a judge who isn¡¯t under Hwajin¡¯s influence. Then, which prosecutor would be willing to put a knife at Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun¡¯s throat? And even if there is that kind of prosecutor, no judge would be able to give him the proper sentence?¡± ¡°I think prosecutors would not be willing to¡­ but even judges?¡± ¡°Judges are no different. They pretend to be just, but what matters to them is logic, not justice. Logic is more important than the truth. As long as there arewyers who can provide that logic, they can always stand on the wrong side. There were many former prosecutors and judges among the external directors and members of the legal team of Hwajin, and there¡¯s even a former minister of justice.¡± ¡°The former minister of justice is Hwajin¡¯s external director? Wow¡­ but there are so many prosecutors and judges. There must be some of them who live by their code!¡± ¡°Of course, there are, but Hwajin doesn¡¯t leave them alone. ording to what Kim Sangcheol said when he revealed Hwajin¡¯s secret funds, Hwajin gave wine or hotel discount coupons as gifts to persuade politicians and prosecutors who wouldn¡¯t ept money¡­ plus, it is hard to refuse when your senior or a friend asks you a favor. And that happens again, and again, and before you know it¡­¡± ¡°Wow¡­ what the¡­¡± Haejin had seen news about this from time to time, but he had dedicated his life to studying antiques, so he didn¡¯t know much about that kind of stuff. It turned out they had really massive power. ¡°Honestly, at the time, I didn¡¯t think everything Kim Sangcheol said was a lie. I couldn¡¯t ask my grandfather if that painting really belonged to us, so I just thought what the prosecutors said had to be right¡­ but I was way too na?ve¡­ hu¡­ if this had happened when I was still at Saeyeon Gallery, I could have found out as much as I could before leaving¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel bad about it. It¡¯s not like you could have done something if they said Happy Tears was Hwajin¡¯s.¡± ¡°Still, I am curious. When and where they bought it, and did the independent counsel really fail to find it or just concealed it¡­ don¡¯t you want to know?¡± ¡°I do, but¡­ after hearing what you just said, I am even less interested. We can¡¯t announce it even if we get to know about it. It will just make us angrier¡­¡± Haejin stood up. ¡°It¡¯s toote now. Thank you for waiting for me, and let¡¯s have lunch together sometimeter.¡± ¡°Okay, you should get some rest. You just got back from the business trip.¡± Haejin went home and fell on his bed without taking a shower. He had been feeling very tiredtely, but after using magic twice that night, he didn¡¯t have enough energy to take a shower. At least he wasn¡¯t exhausted like he used to be: his legs didn¡¯t wobble, and he didn¡¯t feel like throwing up. That was good. Hassena had sent a text that read, ¡®Have you arrived?¡¯, but Haejin was too tired to reply and fell asleep. Buzzz¡­ Haejin wanted to sleep more, but he got a call early in the morning. He couldn¡¯t help but answer with an irritated voice. ¡°Hello? Is this Mr. Park Haejin?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. It¡¯s me. But why? Who are you and why did you call me so early?¡± ¡°This is the embassy in America. Princess Hassena was found deadst night.¡± ¡°What?¡± Haejin wondered if he had heard something wrong, but he knew he didn¡¯t. His heart sank, and he jumped to his feet. Hassena had said they would meet again only yesterday¡­ ¡°Her attendants called 911 at the hotel, and she was treated at the hospital, but eventually she died.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t believe it and quickly turned on hisputer. ¡°Is she really dead? What happened?¡± ¡°She had a heart attack, we do not know anything more. We want to find out, but as Princess Hassena was a VIP of the Arab Emirates, there is no way for us to approach the matter now. It¡¯s not like you got married¡­¡± The diplomatic service also knew Haejin and Hassena had promised to get married. That was why Haejin was informed so quickly about the matter¡­ ¡°Ha¡­ how is the Arab Emirates reacting?¡± ¡°They haven¡¯t said anything officially, but they sent experts to New York to find out what happened.¡± ¡°Did anyone break into the hotel or anything?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know, either. Mr. Eric Holton, the owner of the hotel, is under investigation right now because of that matter.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say anything. Even if he had nned to evade marrying her, she was the first woman he had talked about marriage seriously. Haejin had thought they couldn¡¯t be together as they were born in different countries with different cultures, but she was serious about marrying him. And now she was gone, just like that. ¡°We will call you again if we find out more.¡± ¡°No, I will go to New York immediately.¡± Haejin was eager to find out what happened, so he wanted to find out himself. ¡°You cane if you want, but there¡¯s nothing you can do here. The scene is under control already, and you are a Korean civilian without any authority. You can do nothing.¡± As he said, there was probably nothing Haejin could do. If he could get anything that belonged to Hassena, he could look into the past and see what had happened, but he couldn¡¯t obtain anything. ¡°Hu¡­ okay. I¡¯ll just watch for now.¡± ¡°Okay. Additionally, because of the embargo, news will not get out until 3 p.m. in Korea.¡± ¡°Then, I will not have to be worried about it. Thank you.¡± ¡°I will call you again.¡± The man was very kind. They had probably been quite excited about Haejin and Hassena¡¯s marriage. As Eric was being investigated, Haejin sent him a text. He would replyter. After that, he was¡­ sad. The feeling was indescribable. How could a person die so suddenly? Moreover, Hassena was a billionaire with huge money and the bodyguards were always with her, so Haejin didn¡¯t imagine that she would be endangered. He just nkly stared at the sky on his bed for hours. Then, he managed to get to his senses, get up, take a shower, and leave his home. ¡°Good morning, but is something wrong?¡± Eunhae weed Haejin, but then, she sensed something was different. ¡°No, no. I¡¯m fine.¡± Eunhae could see he wasn¡¯t, but she didn¡¯t ask. She talked about something else instead. ¡°Oh, and Ms. Sujeong will start working as a restoration researcher here next month.¡± ¡°Oh, really? I thought she wanted to set a shop and be a shop owner. Couldn¡¯t she get enough jobs?¡± ¡°No, but she cannot handle the clients¡¯ints on her own. It is impossible to restore artifact to its former self 100%. So, she was really stressed.¡± ¡°Then she should have called me¡­¡± ¡°But you¡¯ve been so busy after you opened this museum¡­ Ms. Sujeong and her father nned toe to visit a few times when you were not around, but then they changed their mind. I think Ms. Sujeong¡¯s father wants you to call him, so you should.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± ¡°And¡­ there¡¯s someone looking for you inside.¡± Eunhae gestured at her office. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°He is a prosecutor. I checked his ID card to be sure, and he is a real prosecutor.¡± Haejin could guess why he hade¡­ Chapter 134 Enemies are Everywhere (1)

Chapter 134 Enemies are Everywhere (1)

Trantor: | Editor: Haejin went in with Eunhae. Officially, she was the director, so she had to hear everything that concerned the museum. ¡°Hello. I am Prosecutor Park Dongryul from the district prosecutors¡¯ office of Seoul¡¯s South.¡± The man stood up and showed his ID. He was small, only about 170cm tall, but he was fit, and his gaze was sharp. ¡°Nice to meet you. Please, sit.¡± Haejin sat down, Eunhae then brought some juice and sat next to him. Dongryul found this interesting. ¡°I¡¯ve already met Ms. Eunhae here earlier. I thought she was the director, but I guess you are the actual owner of this museum.¡± ¡°It was named after me, after all.¡± ¡°Then I guess Ms. Eunhae manages the museum and you only do the appraisal.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You two look so good together that I wondered if you were about to get married.¡± Haejin wondered why he said that suddenment, but Eunhae just smiled awkwardly and didn¡¯t deny it. She even turned red, so she wasn¡¯t offended. ¡°Khmm¡­ why have youe here? Don¡¯t you usually send men under you when you want to know something?¡± Haejin changed the topic in embarrassment. Dongryul suddenly turned grave and said, ¡°But the matter is too serious to make someone else ask you for me.¡± ¡°What do you want to know?¡± ¡°I know that you are just back from America. Please exin what you did there.¡± Haejin was puzzled. He thought Dongryul would ask about Hwajin¡¯s stolen painting, but he asked about what happened in the States¡­ ¡°Why do you want to know that?¡± ¡°Oh, you see, a while ago, a painting was stolen from a famous corporation. Do you know anything about it?¡± This was going in a strange way. ¡°How am I supposed to know anything when your question is so vague? So?¡± Dongryul straightened his ck horn sses and sharply pressed, ¡°I looked for some people with criminal records who have done a few deals with that corporation, and you came out. And the painting was stolen only four hours before you left this country. What do you think?¡± Dongryul looked at Haejin with confidence as if his deduction had just revealed everything. ¡°What the¡­¡± Eunhae, who had been listening quietly, was about to start arguing, but Haejin stopped her. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± ¡°Yes, you have things to say, right?¡± ¡°First, I stayed at a hotel that belongs to a businessman, Eric Holton, to appraise a painting for him. Then, I participated in Sotheby¡¯s auction and appraised there. I came back immediately after the auction. I arrivedst night.¡± ¡°Was that part of the pre-arranged schedule?¡± ¡°No, I was invited by Eric Holton.¡± ¡°Who is this Eric Holton? Instead of exining, Haejin searched the inte with Eric Holton¡¯s name and showed the results to Dongryul. ¡°Let¡¯s see. Hmm¡­ Face Note¡¯s Director, and¡­ huh? Member of the Holton Family? You really met him?¡± ¡°Yes, you can call his office. They will let you know that I was invited by him.¡± ¡°Really? Hmm¡­¡± Dongryul hadn¡¯t expected that kind of answer, he stroked his chin and started thinking. It told Haejin that he hade without any real or circumstantial evidence. There could be only one reason: someone must have told him that a painting had been stolen and Haejin was the prime suspect. ¡°Why? Do you think I haven¡¯t stolen that painting because the man who invited me is a billionaire?¡± Dongryul¡¯s gaze became even sharper. ¡°Do you realize who you are talking to?¡± ¡°Of course, I do. You are prosecutor Park Dongryul, right? Who sent you here? Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun? Or that stupid girl?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I thought a prosecutor with conscience hade to find the painting and bring justice. I was a fool, I shouldn¡¯t trust you people¡­ if you think I¡¯m the thief, find proof ande back with a warrant, okay?¡± Haejin stood up, but then, Dongryul, with shaking fist, yelled, ¡°You dare to mock a prosecutor? Do you think I don¡¯t know your father was a grave robber? I know you are trying to sell every artifact you have illegally. I will make you pay for it, so wait and see!¡± He was outraged, but Haejin smiled and added, ¡°Well¡­ you do that. But you must know one thing, you should be smart and find out about the situation first when you try to be loyal. If you bite just anyone to be as loyal as a dog, you might end up biting your own master¡¯s leg. If you mess up with the illegal trade of artifacts, your master will get rid of you first.¡± Haejin scolded and went down while Dongryul was still shaking in rage. Eunhae got him a cup of cold water and asked, ¡°Sir, do you know that the stolen painting is Happy Tears?¡± Dongryul¡¯s eyes shook. Eunhae smiled and patted his shoulder, then she continued, ¡°If you handle that in the wrong way, your career might end there. And¡­ you should always be careful about what Hyoyeon says. She is still like a teenager in puberty¡­ she doesn¡¯t know a thing. You shouldn¡¯t have yourself ordered around by her.¡± ¡°I, I¡­¡± ¡°Letting yourself fall into her hands is a bad idea¡­¡± Eunhae left her office and went to the restoration room. She thought Haejin would be there, and he really was. He was staring at the incense burner in the middle of the room. ¡°We will show it to the public on the first day of next month.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ thank you.¡± ¡°You should thank our restorers.¡± ¡°Is he gone?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What a fool¡­ but it¡¯s strange. There¡¯s no way your uncle is that stupid¡­ they never said anything about the theft officially. Why would they suddenly send a prosecutor?¡± ¡°I think Hyoyeon did that on her own.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ the heiress of Hwajin is that powerful? Enough to control a prosecutor?¡± ¡°Hyoyeon is not exactly bright, but there is one thing she is good at: seducing men. Her charmbined with her wealth is more than enough to move a prosecutor.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ anyway, I think he will continue to bother us.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t there anyone who can help us? Someone more powerful than a prosecutor?¡± Eunhae asked. However, there were only a few people in Korea who had more power than prosecutors. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t¡­¡± But at that moment, Haejin recalled a man. He immediately took out his phone and called him. ¡°Oh, Mr. Park!¡± ¡°Hello. How have you been?¡± ¡°As usual¡­ anyway, why did you call me? Oh, I never told you what happened afterward, right? The Terracotta Soldier safely arrived in China. It was appraised again, and it was real. You haven¡¯t received your payment from Director Wang Mingwan, right?¡± It was Jeong Sanghun of the National Intelligence Service. ¡°She called me to say thank you, and she also sent me the money.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. Thank you for helping us.¡± ¡°I should thank you more for letting me disy the Double Dragon Sword at my museum.¡± In fact, Haejin was really grateful for them in not insisting to take it to the National Museum. Haejin had received more than enough money for his hard work in Japan, so if they had insisted, he would have given it without much protest. ¡°It would have been impossible if it hadn¡¯t been for you, no matter how much we spent on it.¡± That was enough with the greetings, it was time to get to the point. ¡°And¡­ do you have some time?¡± ¡°Time? Yes, I have a feeling I should make time if you want to see me,¡± Sanghun replied. ¡°Hahaha, thank you. All the better for me.¡± Sanghun seemed hurried, as if he had been waiting for Haejin to call, and said, ¡°Then, I will go to your museum. No, should I wait at the parking lot?¡± Sanghun had a feeling about what kind of matter it was. ¡°No, I will give you an address. Let¡¯s meet there.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin told him to meet at the parking lot of a shopping center in Jamsil. Then, he talked to Eunhae. ¡°I think I might be able to get someone to help us.¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°I will tell you after I talk to him.¡± Haejin left the museum and went to the shopping center. He parked at the parking lot and waited. Sanghun soon called him. ¡°I am in Line H8. White Lacetti, 6785.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there.¡± Haejin felt strange with meeting like that, it was as if they were filming a movie. He walked for a little with a 500ml water bottle. He soon spotted Sanghun¡¯s car and climbed into the passenger¡¯s seat. Sanghun then smiled. ¡°Funny, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It is, I guess that¡¯s why you let me do this?¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ there are people who like this kind of things sometimes. Anyway, as it is you doing this, I guess it is about an important matter? I¡¯ve been so curious on my way here.¡± Haejin¡¯s smile faded and started to talk. ¡°Actually, there¡¯s this troublesome matter. But¡­ I must ask you something first.¡± Haejin drank water and casted the magic that made one confess the truth. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°If you can bring down Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin, will you do it? If it¡¯s for justice.¡± ¡°What? Then I will¡­ do it, of course.¡± He answered as if there was only one answer. If he had tried to lie, he would have been surprised by his own answer, but he remained calm. Haejin was d to see it. He was about to talk, but Sanghun spoke first. ¡°Actually, I was going to call you.¡± ¡°What? Me?¡± ¡°Yes. We¡¯ve been keeping an eye on you since the Diplomatic Service started to watch you.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Of course, Haejin was known for being about to marry the Arabian princess. For the intelligence agents to not know about it would have been strange. ¡°As for the case that happened in America, we cannot find out anything about it. It is such a sensitive matter that they don¡¯t tell us anything. I want to help you, but I can¡¯t. Sorry.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. And there¡¯s actually a reason I wanted to meet you.¡± ¡°Okay, please tell me.¡± ¡°A painting was stolen from Hwajin a while ago. It¡¯s¡­¡± Haejin was about to continue, but Sanghun interrupted him. ¡°Oh, you mean M¡¯s painting?¡± What, now? ¡°What? M¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°The painting that was stolen from Hwajin¡­ weren¡¯t you talking about M¡¯s painting?¡± Why did that family keep losing paintings? This was getting even weirder. Chapter 135: Enemies are Everywhere (2)

Chapter 135: Enemies are Everywhere (2)

¡°I didn¡¯t mean M¡¯s painting¡­ let me hear about that first.¡± Sanghun took out a notebook and looked for the page where he had written about it. ¡°It was two weeks ago. They reported to the police that one of the paintings they had kept in their mansion in Pyeonchangdong had been stolen. The police went there, of course, but when they arrived, they were told to leave.¡± Haejin, while thinking that it was unusual for an agent of the NIS to use a notebook like a detective from the 90s, asked back, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°When the police arrived, they said the painting wasn¡¯t missing. One of them had leased it to a friend and didn¡¯t tell the rest of the family, so it was just a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± ¡°That painting was M¡¯s Terrasse a Sainte-¡­ Ad¡­ resse. Do you know it?¡± Sanghun couldn¡¯t pronounce the painting¡¯s title well. ¡°I do. But I didn¡¯t know Hwajin had it¡­ well, I guess Hwajin has quite a number of great paintings.¡± Sanghun nodded. ¡°I guess it is to pay fewer taxes. Anyway, it ended like that, and a reporter who found out about this tried to write about it, but that idea was rejected by his superiors. That¡¯s all I know. It¡¯s your turn now.¡± Sanghun opened an empty page of his notebook and stared at Haejin with a pen in his hand. That was somewhat stressing, but that was how he worked, so Haejin decided not to care too much about it. ¡°You know I went to America and stayed there for a few days, right?¡± ¡°Of course, I know your whereabouts better than anyone.¡± ¡°After I was done in America, just after Sotheby¡¯s auction was over, I got a call from Korea. Hwajin wanted me to appraise a painting. But they told me about the painting only when my ne was about to leave the airport.¡± ¡°They really cared about security.¡± ¡°We should say that, right? Anyway, they didn¡¯t tell me which painting it was. They gave me only the name of the artist.¡± ¡°So, it was like¡­. ¡®Gogh¡¯s painting¡¯ instead of ¡®Gogh¡¯s self-portrait¡¯?¡± ¡°Yes. It was Roy Lichtenstein. But the moment I saw that name, I knew which painting it was.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ Roy Lichtenstein¡­ I don¡¯t know much about this stuff. Is he famous?¡± Anyone who didn¡¯t know about art would have had trouble recognizing him. ¡°He was an American pop artist. You don¡¯t know him, do you? But do you remember Kim Sangcheol exposing Hwajin¡¯s secret funds in 2007?¡± Sanghun nodded. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°At the time, Sangcheol also revealed the list of paintings Hwajin had secretly bought through Saeyeon Gallery¡­¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Sanghun could guess which Lichtenstein¡¯s painting it was. ¡°Do you remember now?¡± ¡°It¡­ it was¡­ was it Happy Woman?¡± ¡°Happy Tears.¡± Sanghun pped. ¡°Yes, yes. Happy Tears. That man is selling books now after revealing all that, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ this is serious. So, that painting Hwajin lost is that Lih¡­ man¡¯s Happy Tears?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Sanghun looked at Haejin with a sharp gaze, what Haejin just said could bring massive effects. ¡°Yes. In fact, I asked to meet you not just to tell you about this.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°Prosecutor Park Dongryul visited me before lunch today. He was thinking I was the man who had stolen that painting from Hwajin.¡± Sanghun wrote that name in bold and tapped it with his pen. ¡°Hmm¡­ that is suspicious enough, right?¡± ¡°Ms. Eunhae¡­ oh, she runs my museum instead of me now.¡± ¡°Oh, yes, I know her.¡± ¡°She thinks Lim Hyoyeon, the daughter of Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun, is behind that prosecutor. And even if she isn¡¯t, Hwajin must have made hime after me.¡± Sanghun nodded and agreed. ¡°Of course. There is no reason for you steal that painting, and moreover, you didn¡¯t have the time to do that while working with us.¡± Sanghun knew better than anyone how much Haejin had suffered in Japan, so he thought Haejin couldn¡¯t be that thief. ¡°Please look into him. And if I ever hear about that painting¡¯s whereabouts, I will tell you immediately.¡± Haejin just asked to look into Dongryul, but Sanghun realized what he really meant and smiled. ¡°I will threaten him just enough. Then, he will stop acting so rashly.¡± Sanghun was just saying that. He couldn¡¯t mean that he was really going to threaten a prosecutor. Unless he was mad¡­ ¡°Thank you.¡± The moment Haejin went out of the car, Sanghun shook his phone and smiled. ¡°I should thank you. Please call me anytime if you need me.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin went back to his museum. Byeongguk and Sujeong, the newest addition to Haejin¡¯s team, were waiting for him. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Haejin didn¡¯t even ask where they were going. There was no need to, it had to be the makgeolli ce where they usually went. However, when they arrived, it wasn¡¯t where he had expected. ¡°It¡¯s okay, right?¡± ¡°Of, of course.¡± ¡°Hey, you have earned so much¡­ let us eat some meat.¡± Byeongguk had taken him to a beef barbeque ce that wasn¡¯t even a hundred meters away from the museum. ¡°Okay. Please, eat a lot.¡± If Byeongguk hadn¡¯t helped Haejin in Japan, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to get the Double Dragon Sword so easily. Of course, Haejin could buy them lunch. ¡°Are you dating someone, Sujeong? You¡¯ve be even prettier?¡± Sujeong, who used to wear only jeans, was wearing a simple dress. She looked good in it. ¡°Hhmm¡­¡± Her face turned red, and she didn¡¯t say anything. There was something going on. ¡°What? You really have a boyfriend?¡± Byeonguk spoke instead, but he sounded sulky and said, ¡°She has gotten a boy from somewhere.¡± ¡°Dad! Be careful with what you say.¡± Sujeong red at her father, and Byeongguk flinched then looked away. ¡°Okay. Anyway, she is seeing someone these days.¡± Of course, Haejin was curious about it. ¡°Who is he?¡± Sujeong smiled and replied, ¡°Oh, he is just an office worker. We¡¯re of the same age.¡± ¡°Oho¡­ how did you meet him?¡± ¡°One of my clients introduced him to me. She told me I should meet her son and even gave his phone number. At first, I didn¡¯t want to, but she kept asking so I decided to meet him just once. And then I found him okay. So, I met him a few more times, and¡­ anyway, it happened.¡± Sujeong grinned widely, she looked happy. ¡°Congrattions, but when are you going to start working at the museum?¡± ¡°Me? I¡¯ll start next week. There are a few tools in dad¡¯s shop in Insadong that are better than the ones at the museum, so I¡¯m nning to take them with me.¡± Haejin wondered how the equipment of a personal restorer is better than those in a museum, but he guessed Byeongguk had supported her well. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll tell Ms. Eunhae to treat you well.¡± ¡°She already has promised to do that. I¡¯ll be the most well-treated restorer in this country. Oh, and we have decided to have some sses about restoration in the museum.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°Yes. Korean universities have restoration sses about eastern artifacts, but there are only a few sses about western artifacts. So, we agreed to make sses about the restorations of artifacts in the museum. They are just simple lectures for now, of course, but Ms. Eunhae has promised to help me get a degree at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ that¡¯s impressive!¡± ¡°Haha! I¡¯m always impressive, but when can I see that Double Dragon Sword?¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t shown it to the public yet. Only the officials of the Cultural Heritage Administration and reporters had seen it. ¡°I am going to show it next month. I can¡¯t just reveal it, so I¡¯m going to throw an event.¡± ¡°An event?¡± ¡°Yes, next month in August. I am nning an event about the retrieval of our legacy that was wrongly taken from us to celebrate Independence Day, 15th of August.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­ that¡¯s a great idea. If you just show it, people will just think, ¡®Oh, I see.¡¯ But if you show it with that kind of meaningful event, people will be even more moved.¡± ¡°Yeah, right? Ms. Eunhae is nning that, so she will soon tell us about the details.¡± Sujeong was excited about it, but Byeongguk, who had been quietly eating, asked, ¡°Are you not going to Japan again?¡± ¡°To Japan? Why?¡± ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s just¡­¡± Byeongguk looked down, but Haejin could see what it was about. ¡°You had fun in Japan this time, right?¡± ¡°Oh, well¡­ I just¡­¡± ¡°But we were retrieving the Double Dragon Sword. Don¡¯t even think about just going back unless there¡¯s something that much valuable.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Byeongguk had enjoyed excavating in Japan. He wanted to start working again, but he was embarrassed about it at the same time, so he couldn¡¯t look into Haejin¡¯s eyes¡­ But then, Haejin recalled the site in Gimhae. ¡°Hey, uncle, why don¡¯t you¡­ excavate a tomb in Korea?¡± ¡°Tomb in Korea?¡± Byeongguk hadn¡¯t imagined he would get to excavate in Korea, and he thought legal excavation wasn¡¯t for him. ¡°Yes. I think there¡¯s a tomb in Gimhae¡­ but our researchers haven¡¯t found it yet.¡± Haejin had thought they would have found it by the time he got back from America, but they had found nothing yet. Finally, someone protested to the provincial government, and Eunhae said it was bad since a cable car facility was about to be built at the site. So, Haejin had nned to let another excavation institution handle it, but now when thinking about it, excavation and grave robbing were not that different. They were both about finding hidden things. The only difference was how rough the process would be. ¡°Why is that tomb so special?¡± ¡°I think it is a tomb of Gaya. Ogura once went there, but he had to leave after Korea was liberated, and he felt so bad about it that he wrote about it in his tomb.¡± Byeongguk¡¯s eyes got bigger. ¡°Really? Where is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure¡­ but I think I can pinpoint the spot in a 500m radius.¡± Haejin could give a 10m radius, but that would be way too suspicious, so he said 500m. Although he did pity Byeongguk as he would have to roam around the mountains¡­ ¡°500m, that should be easy!¡± Byeongguk rolled his fists in excitement. That was a relief. ¡°Okay then, I will give you the location, so please go there with our researchers. Or you can go alone and call them if you find anything.¡± ¡°I shouldn¡¯t let them suffer in this hot summer, I will look on my own. But what will you give me if I find it?¡± Byeongguk was expecting something good. So, Haejin offered something he couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°I will officially hire you as my museum¡¯s excavation researcher.¡± Chapter 136: More Paintings (1)

Chapter 136: More Paintings (1)

In short, Haejin was going to let Byeongguk excavate legally. Of course, Byeongguk grinned widely and poured more makgeolli in Haejin¡¯s cup. ¡°Well, sir director, no¡­ sir appraiser, please, drink.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ please don¡¯t do that. Anyway, please do well. I think some very valuable artifacts are in that tomb.¡± ¡°Of course! You can trust me. Oh, and¡­ there¡¯s a bad rumor going around in Japan. Have you heard of it?¡± Byeongguk sounded grim as he changed the topic. ¡°What kind of rumor? Is it about the yakuza invading Korea because of Ogura¡¯s tomb?¡± Byeongguk gravely shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it is nothing to joke about.¡± ¡°Why? What is it about?¡± ¡°Words about Ogura¡¯s tomb being robbed are spreading among archeologists, historians, and artifact collectors in Japan.¡± ¡°Words are spreading? Was there news about it? But I¡¯ve never read a single article about it!¡± ¡°Of course, the Japanese media is not talking about it. Ogura Takenoske is admired as a great man in Japan. For that kind of man choosing to be buried with the valuable artifact of another country? That can¡¯t be good. So, of course, the media is quiet about it.¡± ¡°Then, how is that story spreading so quickly if the media hasn¡¯t said anything about it?¡± ¡°The rumor started with professors. It is going around so fast, therefore someone with power must want it to spread so quickly. Think. They didn¡¯t even know where that tomb was, but now they are sure it has been robbed. That should be impossible unless someone is behind it.¡± That made sense. ¡°I think you are right.¡± ¡°The rumor is going around professors who teach archeology and history, so imagine how trustworthy people are finding it. So, even collectors believe it.¡± ¡°But there is not a single line about it on the newspapers? That¡¯s strange.¡± ¡°You know Japanese society is more closed than any other country. They block any news that would be bad for themselves¡­ anyway, words have gone out, and the hatred for Koreans is being aroused among collectors including the yakuza.¡± Almost all collectors with money in Japan were connected to the yakuza. The yakuza and the people paid by them are the ones who have been supplying Japan with foreign artifacts since the end of World War 2. What Byeongguk was saying was that from now on, the yakuza and the wealthy Japanese collectors could show their hatred very openly at any time. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I will not go to Japan for a while.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s not all, Japanese money will flood into Insadong. You know what that means, right?¡± It meant Japan was going to suck in Korean artifacts. Additionally, it meant smugglers in Korea were about to act. They could release a huge amount of forgeries or do Horidasi things (ripping off people and practically stealing artifacts from them) to meet that great need. ¡°But there¡¯s nothing I can do about it, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m the Insadong police¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying you should be the police. But they might try to fraud you, so you should be careful.¡± Haejin smiled. He could see the past of an artifact, so he didn¡¯t think he would ever be fooled by the Japanese. ¡°Haha, they will never get to fool me, so don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Yeah, right?¡± Byeongguk smiled and drank makgeolli again. They hadn¡¯t drunk like that for some time. After that, Haejin went home and fell asleep. The next day, Haejin went to his museum and got a call from the Diplomacy Service in the morning. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Haejin. Do you have a moment?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± The man started to exin with a grim voice. ¡°First, we tried contacting the Arab Emirates instead of America directly. We reached Prince Sahmadi. However, he told us what happened was much easier than we thought. It made us think you were being very trusted by him.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Hmm¡­ then what happened?¡± ¡°It turned out that the woman who used to be Princess Hassena¡¯s closest friend and secretary poisoned her drink.¡± ¡°What? What the¡­¡± Haejin was dumbfounded. Hassena had said that Saliyah was like family, she could trust her the most¡­ so she couldn¡¯t have imagined that she would try to harm her. ¡°Did you see her when you were with Princess Hassena?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t answer that question for a moment, but soon he came to his senses. ¡°Yes, of course. I never imagined she was capable of such a thing. She was so loyal to her princess when I was with them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what the royal family of Abu Dhabi said. She was like the princess¡¯ avatar, and they hadn¡¯t thought she would betray her like that. They were shocked, too. They are recing all the attendants of the princes and princesses.¡± ¡°Haa¡­ okay.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve done everything we can, and we cannot give you more information.¡± It meant they were not going to help Haejin anymore. They had helped him to be on good term with the Arab Emirates, but they had other matters to take care of. ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± ¡°My condolences to you.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin hung up and felt sad again. Even though he had known Hassena only for a few days, and she had insisted on their marriage without hearing Haejin¡¯s opinion, she had been the first woman Haejin had ever considered marrying. He was about to go to drink makgeolli to a nearby restaurant, but then he got a call from a strange number. It was from Seoul, so Haejin found it strange, but he took it. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me, Park Dongryul.¡± It was Prosecutor Park Dongryul who hade to Haejin to threaten him. However, he sounded angry, so he was quite pissed off. ¡°And? Do you have something to say?¡± ¡°You have some very special friends, right? I didn¡¯t know you were going to get the help of the NIS, and you really hit me off guard!¡± Sanghun had gotten him properly. The prosecutor was really mad. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± Haejin pretended to be ignorant, and Dongryul raised his voice. ¡°Hey, Park Haejin, you¡¯re making a mistake. You dare to mess up with a prosecutor? You¡¯d better brace yourself.¡± ¡°Well, okay.¡± Haejin hung up and immediately called Sanghun. ¡°Mr. Jeong, Prosecutor Park Dongryul just called me, and he yelled like a mad boar! What on earth have you told him? Have you threatened him to make him lose his job or something?¡± Haejin sounded urgent, but Sanghun burst intoughter. ¡°Hahahahaha! He was like that? Hahaha!¡± ¡°But this is nothing tough about! What if hees at my museum with a confiscation warrant?¡± ¡°He won¡¯t. He just barked for thest time because backing off like that would be so humiliating.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sure about it?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Haejin found that hard to believe. ¡°Then, what did you tell him?¡± Sanghun spoke, very amused. ¡°I dug up his private life, and it turned out he was a very funny guy.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°He is a womanizer.¡± ¡°A womanizer?¡± ¡°Yes. He has a girlfriend he is about to marry, and her father is Senator Hong Haeseong of the ruling party. But Lim Hyoyeon is not the only woman Dongryul is seeing behind her back. He is sponsoring a woman, a hostess. He receives bribes from a constructionpany and gives that money to that woman.¡± Haejin was shocked. ¡°That man is unrecyble trash!¡± ¡°Hahaha! Yes. I didn¡¯t have to even threaten him properly with that. I just mentioned it. Then, he lost his temper like a mad dog¡­ but what could he do? He soon rolled his tail¡­ he will stop bothering you, soon. He cannot do that more unless he is really willing to lose his job.¡± Now, Haejin was relieved. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t do anything suspicious for a while. Pay taxes well and don¡¯t do anything that has to do with your father. Oh, and then there¡¯s what you did with us, but he won¡¯t be able to go after you with that. He would have to face our director first.¡± ¡°That is really reassuring.¡± ¡°Haha, I don¡¯t know if I can beplimented for selling off my boss. Oh! And we need your help. I think we have found that Lichtenstein¡¯s painting which Hwajin lost.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°At a farm in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam. There are that and a few other expensive-looking paintings. Our agents went there with an appraiser, but I think we can be even more sure if you could appraise them.¡± ¡°What? Is it in Changnyeong?¡± ¡°Because of some very tricky smugglers. Quite a number of artifacts went through their hands, but the police haven¡¯t been able to find any proof. They would have missed those thieves if they had handled this.¡± ¡°Then, how did you capture them?¡± ¡°Technically, I didn¡¯t. I just went in and stole a painting.¡± ¡°You stole it? Haha¡­¡± Haejinughed in shock. ¡°Getting a search warrant and all that is hard. That¡¯s why the police have failed so many times. They do not fall into traps, and they are so smart and good at their job that they barely leave any trace. So, I just took that Happy Tears painting and ran. They must be panicking by now.¡± Sanghun couldn¡¯t help butugh for a long time. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to your museum.¡± ¡°No, I will go to Changnyeong. Let¡¯s meet there.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s far away¡­ anyway, okay. I will send you the address. See you there.¡± Haejin immediately left the museum. Eunhae looked like she wanted to tag along, but she had tons of things to do, so she had to stay. He arrived at an abandoned container box at the mountainside of Changnyeong after three hours of driving. He got off from his car and knocked, and a familiar man opened the door for him. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here.¡± It was Sanghun. ¡°I thought we departed at the same time, but you are already here.¡± ¡°Because I am fast. Please,e in.¡± There were three more men inside, but they ignored Haejin and did their work. Inside, there was a painting wrapped with newspaper on a shabby table. ¡°This is it?¡± ¡°Yes. One of our agents wrapped it. As it is expensive, we might be usedter if we don¡¯t do this.¡± ¡°Let me take a look first.¡± Haejin slowly unwrapped the painting. It was Roy Lichtenstein¡¯s Happy Tears, indeed. ¡°This is like a scene of a cartoon. Anyway, is this real?¡± Sanghun shook his head as if he couldn¡¯t see why that painting was so expensive. Haejin pretended to drink water and looked into the past. It was to check if it was real, but it was also to see how it had been stolen. ¡°Huh?¡± Haejin suddenly eximed, and Sanghun quickly asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Chapter 137: More Paintings (2)

Chapter 137: More Paintings (2)

The process of the painting being stolen was as interesting as a movie. To take it out from Hwajin¡¯s secret vault, they tempered with the temperature and humidity controlling system. Then, they sent fake mechanics and prepared to disable the security system. That was only the first step. Next, they broke in early in the morning when the guard was the weakest and seeded on stealing about a dozen paintings without anyone noticing. Additionally, an important member of the staff in Hwajin was bribed by that criminal organization and helped them. That n was a perfect piece of art. However, that wasn¡¯t the only reason Haejin was shocked. He was so shocked because Titian¡¯s painting was included in those paintings. He couldn¡¯t be sure if it was real. But if it was, it would be amazing. Tiziano Vecelli (known as Titian in English) led the prime days of the Italian Renaissance. He was an artist as great as Michngelo and Raphael. He was called the painter of rulers as he painted portraits of many rulers like Pope Paul III, Charles V, and Francis I. Moreover, Hwajin had his painting¡­ that painting had a great historical value, of course, but it was also worth at least 350 billion won. How long did Hwajin have that? As far as Haejin knew, thest time Titian¡¯s paintings were sold on auction was 1971 Whether Hwajin had won it on auction or had gotten it as a bonus of trading value, it could bring about tremendous consequences. ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s nothing¡­ anyway, this is the only painting you stole, right?¡± ¡°Yes, right. I took out only this one. I couldn¡¯t bring more¡­ anyway, is this real?¡± ¡°Yes, it is real. This is that 8-billion-won painting.¡± p p! Sanghun apuded in joy. Of course, the other agents didn¡¯t even look at him and just did what they were doing, so he didn¡¯t get many reactions, but he didn¡¯t seem to care. ¡°Thank you. We will take it from here.¡± ¡°What are you going to do? You know the NIS might suffer for this, right?¡± The NIS couldn¡¯t expose the paintings: it would mean they had been keeping an eye on civilians. ¡°Of course, we won¡¯t do it ourselves. Our director is not going to retire so soon.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°Even if the water is dirty, there will be at least one lotus that blooms. I am going to pick a strong man who will never let go, no matter who the target is.¡± ¡°There is such a prosecutor?¡± Sanghun¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Just one. I know a guy, I am going to toss this to him.¡± ¡°He can be trusted, right?¡± To Haejin¡¯s surprise, Sanghun shook his head. ¡°There is no such thing as a trustworthy man in this world. You should also never trust someone with huge power. Life is always about gambling. All you can do is to objectively judge which side has a higher probability. I betted on you being a good man and I¡¯m also going to bet that the prosecutor is also a good man. There is nothing I can be sure of.¡± He was right. If he hadn¡¯t been right, Hassena wouldn¡¯t have been killed like that by her best friend, Saliyah. ¡°That¡¯s the right answer, I shouldn¡¯t have asked that.¡± ¡°It is human nature to want to be sure. You were right to ask. Of course, I am not going to sit down and pray for the prosecutor to do well, but even if I make preparations on my own, there is a huge gap of power between me and the prosecutors.¡± ¡°I guess you are right.¡± Sanghun smiled. ¡°But let¡¯s have faith. His sense of justice is strong¡­¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then please tell him this.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is, but I am the best expert at carrying messages.¡± Sanghun took out his notebook and got ready to write it down. Haejin couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Haha¡­ those paintings are very expensive.¡± ¡°That, I know.¡± ¡°I think one of them is worth more than 30 billion.¡± ¡°What? 30 billion?¡± This mess had urred because of a painting that was worth 8 billion, but now Haejin was talking about a painting that was worth more than 30 billion. Sanghun¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You said about a dozen paintings had been stolen, so all of them put together is more than 100 billion won.¡± Sanghun shook his head. ¡°Then, they didn¡¯t pay at least 50 billion won of inheritance tax.¡± ¡°If that prosecutor uses that as a reason to go through Hwajin¡¯s vault¡­¡± Sanghun¡¯s eyes red as he looked at Haejin. ¡°He might be able to expose secret funds worth trillions.¡± ¡°Would he really do this, even if he is bold? And even if tries to, what if his superiors just send him away to the regional prosecutor¡¯s office?¡± Sanghun shrugged. ¡°He cannot finish this alone once he starts to go after Hwajin with this painting. You know this has gone to the independent counsel once¡­ so if the public gets to find out about this, another independent counsel will be formed. All I want for the prosecutor is to drag this until that counsel is created.¡± Haejin could see what Sanghun was thinking. However, it also meant there was almost no prosecutor who could take a case to strangle Hwajin¡¯s neck. It made him sigh. ¡°Well, okay. Then I should go now, right?¡± ¡°But I cannot let you just go, you just came all the way here. Why don¡¯t we have lunch together? There¡¯s good baeksuk (Korean chicken stew) ce nearby¡­¡± ¡°No, I shouldn¡¯t bother you more. I will just go.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t want to be so close to Sanghun as he was an agent of the NIS. So, he tried to leave, but Sanghun scratched his head and said, ¡°Actually, while you wereing here, I got an order to tell you something. So please, let¡¯s eat together.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t refuse more and nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± Sanghun left his men and went with Haejin. He drove with ease as if he knew the way. ¡°This restaurant¡¯s baeksuk is really great. It was on TV programs multiple times. After you eat it, you will think you shoulde again with your girlfriend.¡± ¡°I hope so.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t care about that kind of useless talk. He just wondered what the higher officials of the NIS wanted him to know. However, when he tasted that baeksuk after 30 minutes of waiting, he could see why Sanghun hadplimented it so much. ¡°Well, it¡¯s good, right? ¡°Oh, yes. Well¡­¡± Actually, it was way too good. ¡°Haha¡­ then please, eat.¡± They ate without talking for a while, and when they were about to eat the rice stuffing, Sanghun started to talk. ¡°I am very curious about you, Mr. Haejin.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t worked on the smuggling of the artifacts for long, but I think I know more than enough by now. And, as far as I know, you started to rise as a star only a while ago.¡± ¡°Well¡­ in time, it hasn¡¯t been that long.¡± ¡°And you became the greatest appraiser in this country. That¡¯s very special, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Haha, well¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t agree as it was apliment about himself, but Sanghun continued, a little grimly. ¡°But what is even more magnificent is that you are bing famous worldwide so quickly. I think that is amazing.¡± It was probably because of Eric Holton and Prince Sahmadi. ¡°But what are you trying to tell me?¡± Then, Sanghun said something he really hadn¡¯t expected. ¡°Italy has contacted the Korean Diplomatic Service.¡± ¡°Italy?¡± Haejin thought about his past, wondering if he had caused any trouble, but he hadn¡¯t been to Italy or met any Italian ever since he jumped into the antique market. ¡°Yes, but they didn¡¯t send an official document about it.¡± ¡°Does that mean they cannot let others find out about it? What on earth is this about¡­¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know much, either. The Diplomatic Service passed it to us after hearing their story¡­ the Italian Cultural Heritage Administration has asked for you specifically. In secret, of course. This is all I know.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ they didn¡¯t say anything about what was it about? Like it was about a painting or a sculpture¡­¡± Sanghun put a huge spoonful of rice stuffing into his mouth and shook his head. ¡°Uh, no. That is all I know.¡± ¡°Then, how am I supposed to help? Am I supposed to help in Korea? Or should I go to Italy?¡± ¡°Please, give me a minute.¡± Sanghun called someone. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me. Mr. Haejin asked for more information. I know, I know, but¡­ hey, think about it. He has to know what it is about and what he has to do to help with it or not. Is he supposed to look at some document and help here? Or does he have to go to Italy? We must give him the minimum info. Yeah, okay. Call me immediately.¡± When Sanghun hung up, Haejin asked, ¡°Who was it?¡± ¡°Oh, a friend of mine in the Diplomatic Service. He will soon call back.¡± As he said, he got a call in less than 10 minutes. Sanghun had a simple conversation with him and looked at the text he got. ¡°A member of the staff from the Italian Cultural Heritage Administration will arrive in three days. He will exin it to you, but that¡¯s all they said. What are they? That¡¯s no attitude to ask for help!¡± Sanghun found that ridiculous. ¡°They are taking great care, so it must be a very important artifact.¡± Helping wasn¡¯t going to be hard. However, Italy had picked Haejin. How did they find out about him? That¡¯s all he wondered. Three dayster, the man from the Italian Cultural Administration Italy came to Korea. Of course, himing was a great secret that only agents of the NIS knew. He checked into a hotel in the middle of Seoul and immediately came to Haejin¡¯s museum. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Giorgio Sayor.¡± He was in his mid-50s. He wasn¡¯t that tall, but he was fat: he had an enormous belly. He also seemed nice. He put a huge 007 case on the table and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about you.¡± He spoke in fluent English, somunicating with him wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°About me? From who?¡± ¡°Mat Vellin, he mostly works in the middle east. He and I are very close.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°He told me about a Korean when he heard about the kind of trouble I was in. It turned out to be you.¡± ¡°And what is that trouble?¡± He opened the case and showed him a small piece. ¡°Could you take a look at this?¡± Chapter 138: To Florence, Italy… (1)

Chapter 138: To Florence, Italy¡­ (1)

The thing Giorgio carefully picked up with tweezers was a brown piece of pottery, about 5cm long, and it had regr patterns often seen on very old potteries. ¡°It¡¯s a piece of pottery.¡± ¡°Yes. Can you see what exactly it is?¡± He slowly put it down on the table. Haejin examined it close and said, ¡°It is a krater (vessel used to for watering down wine in ancient Greece).¡± Giorgio smiled content and said, ¡°Yes. This is the reason why I came looking for you.¡± Ancient Greeks always drank wine mixed with water. For that reason, kraters of ancient Greece were still acknowledged as very important and precious artifacts. There are various types of krater: some have handles and some don¡¯t, but basically, a krater¡¯s bottom is narrow, and its top is wide. Warriors, kings, and mythical figures were often painted on them. It might remind you of the Egyptian wall painting, but Greek paintings were slightly more active. ¡°What am I supposed to¡­¡± Haejin started to ask. ¡°Actually, we think this krater was kept somewhere that has a great historical value. If you see this part¡­¡± Haejin looked where the man was pointing at, and there was a severed head of an animal. It was probably the head of a lion. ¡°Lion¡­ does that mean king?¡± ¡°Excellent. Yes, this krater was used by a king. However, the problem lies in where it was found. It was found at the airport¡¯s customs.¡± ¡°It was being smuggled into Italy?¡± ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t know if you know this, but Italy has an extremely strict customs process when ites to artifacts. Going in or going out¡­ either way, it is hard to bribe the customs workers.¡± It is never impossible to bribe the government officials. It is not only a matter of how hard it is, but it also depends on how much you pay them. Haejin didn¡¯t think Giorgio Sayor didn¡¯t know that. He was just that much proud of how Italian officials handle artifacts. ¡°I envy that,¡± Haejin admired his confidence, but he didn¡¯t believe what he said. Italy was quite famous for corruption. ¡°It¡¯s because it has suffered a lot.¡± Before and after the two World Wars, the artifacts of many countries were either stolen or robbed. Most of the victims were the weak countries, but technically speaking, Italy was more of a perpetrator than a victim. ¡°Hmm¡­ really?¡± Haejin asked while smiling bitterly. However, Giorgio protested, ¡°There were many criminal organizations in Italy. We want to get rid of them very much, but it¡¯s not easy at all.¡± It meant the country itself was innocent, it was just because of evil criminal organizations. ¡°It¡¯s a shame. Anyway, you grabbed one of those criminals while he was trying to smuggle this in through the airport. I get it.¡± Giorgio remained silent for a while before saying, ¡°This krater used to be in Musei Vaticani, and then it was leased to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, but it was lost in 1991.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°However, the problem is that this krater isn¡¯t the only artifact that was lost at the time,¡± Giorgio continued. Haejin nodded but then he raised his hand: he had a question. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have a question. I did help Mat Vellin once, but I am an appraiser. I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯t tell you I was capable of tracking down lost artifacts.¡± Giorgio smiled and said, ¡°Do you think I came here to ask you to find those artifacts? No, no¡­ that¡¯s not it at all. The members of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities are the best experts in Europe. Since it was founded, it has stored knowledge through decades of research and experience, and it has chased many criminals.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± ¡°I heard that Koreans are impatient, I see you are no exception. Could you hear the rest of my exnation?¡± Haejin smiled with embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please, continue.¡± Giorgio cleared his throat and started again, ¡°At the time, this krater wasn¡¯t the only thing that was lost. Raphael¡¯s painting and Caravaggio¡¯s painting were also lost.¡± ¡°What? But I never heard about that!¡± If such a thing had happened, Haejin would have seen news about it, but this waspletely new to him. ¡°That¡¯s because those paintings were not well known. In fact, they were not sent to Greece to be exhibited for the public. At the time, we were not sure if they were real. Actually, there was only one reason we sent this krater with them. We wanted to know who had drawn the pattern on it,¡± Giorgio said. ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± ¡°There were great appraisers in Italy but, at the time, there was a Greek appraiser who was the best. We wanted the two paintings appraised by him, too. But¡­ unexpectedly, the transportation process went wrong, and all the artifacts disappeared somewhere in north-east Greece before they were appraised.¡± ¡°But this showed up again now,¡± Haejin made a conclusion. ¡°Yes. We found this at the airport two years ago. After a long chase that took more than a year, we were able to retrieve one of Raphael¡¯s paintings.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help but apud. p p! ¡°Congrattions!¡± ¡°Haha, thank you. Anyway, that painting is important. You might as well call it our only hope. That¡¯s why I came all the way here.¡± ¡°Then, have you brought the painting with you?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°No. I am hoping for you toe to Italy with me.¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you persuade me with a phone call or document?¡± Giorgio looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°Works of art created by a master artist are more than just a painting. I don¡¯t think just anyone can appraise that kind of painting. I believe the appraiser has to be another artist. It is also my job to find that kind of people, I cannot do that with a phone call or papers.¡± ¡°Then, you came all the way here just to meet me yourself and judge me?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t see why that was necessary, but Giorgio just smiled and nodded as if it was only right. ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin then asked, ¡°I guess I passed your test?¡± ¡°You did. I am hoping for you toe to Firenze as soon as possible.¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t thought he would have to go to Italy, he couldn¡¯t just say yes right away. ¡°Hmm¡­ do you know how much I charge for my service?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it from Mat Vellin, my old friend. You charge more than any other appraisers, right? I understand that. I believe I should pay that much for the best appraiser. You will get your fee without any problem.¡± ¡°Then I shall go to Firenze and appraise Raphael¡¯s painting. Is that all?¡± Giorgio smiled warmly and shook his head. ¡°What we have retrieved so far are one painting and the pieces of the krater in front of you. Those pieces are not perfect, so we can¡¯t try to put them back together yet. However, we want to find out what it is.¡± It meant he wanted to know who had made that krater. ¡°Okay, I will do it.¡± ¡°Excellent choice. You just took a huge burden off our shoulders,¡± Giorgio said. That was somewhat too much, but it seemed that the man always spoke like that. ¡°There must have been someone to do that for you even if it weren¡¯t for me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not so sure of that. Anyway, I should go back now. Have you examined this enough?¡± At this, Haejin checked the krater piece once again. Then, he used magic to look into the past right away. He realized he might not get the chance to do that in Italy. However, he was a little surprised after that. He could see the man who had made it, but there was no clue to find out who he was. If it was about finding the people who had stolen and broken it, he had found out who they were. However, he couldn¡¯t tell that to Giorgio. Additionally, the maker of this krater couldn¡¯t be identified by using Haejin¡¯s knowledge. ¡°Can I take some photos of this?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°As long as you are going to keep them well.¡± It meant he couldn¡¯t show the photos to others. ¡°Of course.¡± Haejin took about a dozen photos, photographing every detail. ¡°Thank you and when can you leave?¡± Giorgio asked. ¡°I must check my schedule first. Please rest at the hotel and I will call you.¡± ¡°I will look around this museum. I haven¡¯t taken a proper look yet, but I know that you have quite a number of impressive artifacts.¡± ¡°Your trip to Korea will be meaningful if you enjoy the artifacts here. Spend a day here and visit the National Museum, too. You will get to know even more about eastern artifacts.¡± ¡°Thank you for your advice. Then¡­¡± He went out with his huge 007 case. After about an hour, Eunhae came in, her brown wavy hair fluttering. ¡°Oh, who was it? I had a meeting with the officials from Seoul City so I couldn¡¯t join you.¡± She looked disappointed, but Haejin smiled and asked, ¡°Oh, you changed your hairstyle. It looks pretty.¡± ¡°You are not just saying that, right? You alwayspliment people.¡± ¡°But you really are pretty. Go out and ask any passerby, he will say you are pretty, too.¡± ¡°Really?¡± She smiled brightly. Then, she looked at Haejin again and asked, ¡°Oh, and what did the Italian man say? I asked Hyojeong, and she said he looked very nice.¡± Haejin showed her the photo of the krater piece he had taken. ¡°Italy lost a few paintings and one krater a long time ago.¡± ¡°Krater¡­ that¡¯s ancient pottery, more than a millennium old!¡± ¡°Yes. And this is part of that krater¡­ they probably have retrieved a number of pieces of that krater. So, they want to restore it, and they want to know who made this.¡± Eunhae took a closer look at the photo. ¡°Hmm¡­ I cannot tell with just this. I can¡¯t even guess the shape of the krater, much less the maker.¡± ¡°Same here. I will have to see the other pieces and guess,¡± Haejin replied even though he had seen the past with his magic. Therefore, he knew the krater¡¯s shape, but he pretended to not know. ¡°However, why do they want to know who made this?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Because they think this krater was used by a king. They believe not just any craftsman could have made a king¡¯s krater. So, it is right for them to try to find out who he is.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°And I also have to appraise a painting for them. It is Raphael¡¯s, and it has never been shown to the public.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ really?¡± ¡°Yes. Will youe with me to Italy?¡± She didn¡¯t have to think about it. She immediately nodded, ¡°Of course!¡± Then, a member of the staff came in and spoke urgently. ¡°Ms. Eunhae, you should see the TV, now.¡± Chapter 139: To Florence, Italy… (2)

Chapter 139: To Florence, Italy¡­ (2)

They thought something urgent had happened and turned on the TV right away. Some important news kepting up. [Happy Tears, Hwajin¡¯s hidden painting, has been found] [The Independent Counsel didn¡¯t investigate properly. It should be reinvestigated¡­] Lichtenstein¡¯s painting had been exposed, finally. All the channels were talking about Hwajin¡¯s secret funds. ¡°Wow¡­ I think they can¡¯t easily get away with this. My uncle is about to be summoned by the prosecutors.¡± Eunhae seemed more amused rather than sad. ¡°He won¡¯t get summoned so easily. It will take months, at least. It has gone to the independent counsel once before¡­ well, we should focus on our business. When should we leave?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Just give me one day. Oh¡­ It¡¯s been way too long since I¡¯ve been to Italy!¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t have enough time. Therefore, she ran out to prepare. After that, Haejin spent his time at the restoration room and called Byeongguk from time to time to hear how he was doing in Gimhae. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m too tired. Pant, pant¡­ I¡¯ve searched every part in the west side of Jangcheok Valley. There¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°I told you that the east of Jangcheok Valley was more promising¡­¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Yeah, I know, but¡­ this part is also within the perimeter you told me, so I started from here. Anyway, I should look around Jangcheok Mountain and Dongsinyeo Mountain.¡± ¡°How long do you think it will take?¡± ¡°About¡­ a week? A day or two sooner if I get lucky¡­ anyway, I think I will find something in a week.¡± Byeongguk approached the spot Haejin knew with great skills and lessened the search area to its half in just three days. He finished the western part of Jangcheok Vallery in just three days¡­ he was indeed a good grave robber. Byeongguk then added, ¡°Of course, it¡¯s as long as the point you told me is right. You know that, right?¡± ¡°Oh, uncle, you can¡¯t trust me?¡± ¡°I trust you¡­ but you can be wrong. This area has also been thoroughly searched by grave robbers during the Japanese colonial area. I once heard about this ce from an old man called Yangpyeon. He said there is nothing left here now, not even a bone for a dog.¡± Byeongguk was doing his best, but he was way too tired and was thinking that maybe¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ if you find that tomb, I will put your name in the front. ¡®Choi Byeongguk, Park Haejin Art Museum¡¯s senior excavation researcher.¡¯ How¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ okay¡­ I was just saying. I should go now, I must find a ce to eat lunch and search more before the sun goes down.¡± If Byeongguk could really find that hidden tomb in Gimhae in a week, that would leave a huge footprint on the history of Korean archeology. Additionally, it was a grave robber who was about to achieve that, not an archeologist. It was ironic. Haejin spent the whole day in the restoration room to repair the porcins, that had been recovered from the West Sea, with the other restorers and Sujeong. The next morning, he then took a ne to Italy. However, Giorgio Sayor wasn¡¯t with him. He said he was going to stay in Korea for a few more days and then go to America. He said it was for another business, but Haejin thought he was probably trying to get another appraiser in case Haejin wasn¡¯t good enough. During the flight, Eunhae kept talking. It¡¯s been a while since they went on a business trip together, and they were going to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance art, so she was very excited. She kept talking to Haejin, checking all kinds of exhibitions, and although she looked so cute, Haejin felt somewhat hallow. He recalled Princess Hassena, who used to say she would marry him, even though they didn¡¯t know each other well. ¡°Yaaay! Florence, Florence!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve never been to Florence?¡± ¡°Of course not. A pickpocket once stole my wallet here¡­¡± ¡°Huh? Really? What were your bodyguards doing?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t take them everywhere, especially outside Korea. I boasted that I could take care of myself. I was taking photos in front of the Duomo with one bodyguard, and the next moment, my wallet was gone.¡± ¡°It must have been a very skillful pickpocket.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I really love Renaissance art, but the pickpockets here are¡­ the worst.¡± ¡°You know that¡¯s how Europe is. Asians have dreams about countries like Italy and France, but once youe here, homeless people, pickpockets, and the smell of the subway destroy those dreams.¡± ¡°Oh, you went through that, too?¡± ¡°I suffered even more. My dad and I couldn¡¯t eat at a good restaurant or stay in a good ce. So, few tried to steal from us, but we were often racially discriminated. We were even insulted at museums. They said Asians don¡¯t know anything about art¡­¡± ¡°Well¡­ racial discrimination is everywhere. Anyway, when we go to the Uffizi, we will be able to enjoy works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michngelo.¡± Eunhae was so excited, and Haejin couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Well, I wonder if we will get the time to do that¡­¡± ¡°Why? Won¡¯t you be free after appraising?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­ strangely, when I leave Korea, appraising something isn¡¯t the end. I really hope it would end after I appraise, but whether that really happens, I don¡¯t know.¡± Both Raphael¡¯s painting and the krater he was about to appraise had been taken by criminals and retrieved again, so Haejin had this feeling that appraising wouldn¡¯t be the end. They arrived at the Uffizi and called the number Giorgio had given Haejin, and a woman answered. She told Haejin to wait at the entrance, and soon, a woman came to Haejin and Eunhae while smiling brightly. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am udia. Wee to Firenze, Italy.¡± Her English was blunter than Giorgio¡¯s. In fact, while Giorgio spoke in American English, udia had a British ent. ¡°I am Park Haejin, and this is Ms. Lim Eunhae.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, Giorgio told me about you. Shall we go in first?¡± She took them to a building next to the Uffizi, not the gallery itself. The ground floor was a gift shop of the Uffizi and the first floor looked like a home, but when Haejin went up there, he could see it was quite a huge office. There were five workers there, each working at his or her desk. udia went through them and took Eunhae and Haejin to a small conference room. ¡°I think this isn¡¯t your first time in Firenze as you both know art. Am I right?¡± That showed how much she was proud of Florence. Additionally, she was right to be proud since while Rome was the center of politics in Italy, Mn was the center of the economy (and the center of ser, of course), Florence was the center of art. You can¡¯t exin the Renaissance art without mentioning Florence. Haejin found that kind of pride a little funny, but he envied it at the same time. ¡°I¡¯ve been here a few times.¡± ¡°The Uffizi is also the best gallery in Firenze. It wouldn¡¯t exist if it hadn¡¯t been for the efforts of the Medici family. So actually, I strongly objected bringing you here.¡± She insulted him with a smile, even though Haejin was right in front of her. ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°Honestly, I think Asians can never fully understand the Renaissance art. However, as my superiors think differently, I¡¯ve decided to take a step back.¡± Eunhae was enraged by her rude words. She raised her eyebrows, but she couldn¡¯t say anything because Haejin remained calm. She just bit her lips. ¡°I see, but what is your position?¡± ¡°Excuse me? Oh, I guess I haven¡¯t told you that yet. I manage the restoration and preservation of artifacts in the Uffizi.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Giorgio Sayor was a member of the Italian Cultural Administration, whereas udia worked at the Uffizi. They had different perspectives. She was forced to follow what Giorgio said as he was a government official, but she didn¡¯t like it. She was also not trying to hide that. ¡°Anyway, a contract is a contract, so¡­ could you wait here for a moment?¡± udia left to get the painting while Eunhae pouted and said, ¡°Ha! That woman is funny. Who does she think she is to talk about you like that? If she is that smart, she should appraise it herself¡­ she isn¡¯t good enough to do that but looks down on you! This world is really full of weird people.¡± Haejin smiled and calmed her down. ¡°But Koreans also look down on south-east Asians. It¡¯s not that different. Anyway, work is work¡­ so let¡¯s not care about those meaningless things. We should finish this quickly and go sightseeing.¡± Eunhae¡¯s expression softened at this right away. ¡°Hehe¡­ shall we? I am so d toe to the Uffizi. It¡¯s been so long since I came here. So, let¡¯s take a tour after this.¡± ¡°Okay. I am hungry, so let¡¯s have lunch first and then look around. Do you happen to know a good restaurant¡­¡± Then, udia came in. Additionally, two workers followed after her while carefully carrying a painting covered with a cloth. ¡°You have heard of it already, right?¡± ¡°Heard what?¡± udia made the workers leave and lowered her voice. ¡°This is the only painting we have retrieved. The other paintings are all invaluable, all with great historical and artistic value. So, if you are going to appraise this crudely, please just say nothing. We won¡¯t ask forpensation or anything.¡± Eunhae couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and jumped to her feet. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t you even know you are being rude? If you are so confident, appraise it yourself! You have zero ability and full confidence¡­¡± udia was clearly surprised to hear this. She stammered, ¡°What, what are you saying? I, I didn¡¯t mean¡­ I just meant we should¡­¡± Haejin was also surprised. He hadn¡¯t known she would criticize her so directly, but then, he recalled how fierce she had been while fighting with Yaerin. He then decided that she was capable of saying even more. ¡°Whatever! If you don¡¯t want that painting to be appraised, let¡¯s cancel everything. I will tell the man from the Cultural Administration that the deal has been canceled and the cancetion fee should be paid before tomorrow.¡± Eunhae bombarded the woman like that in anger, and udia stood up while trying to stop her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it like that. Please, forget what I said and appraise it first.¡± Before Eunhae could say anything, she uncovered the painting. She didn¡¯t even want to apologize politely, she just changed the topic quickly. Eunhae wanted to protest as she wasn¡¯t na?ve enough to be fooled by that, but Haejin grabbed her arm. ¡°It¡¯s okay. She doesn¡¯t know what she is saying¡­ if you keep doing this, you won¡¯t be any better than her.¡± He spoke in English on purpose. udia¡¯s gaze then turned sharp at hearing that, but the Asians she had been looking down on were not easy preys. She forced her anger down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. So please, appraise the painting first.¡± ording to the deal, the gallery had to pay three times the fee if it canceled the deal on its own. That was a huge sum of money worth billions, so udia realized who held the higher ground. Haejin smiled to see her change. Then, he went to Raphael¡¯s painting and examined it carefully, and¡­ ¡°Huh?¡± udia saw Haejin¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t right. She stood up and came to him as she was worried. Chapter 140: To Florence, Italy… (3)

Chapter 140: To Florence, Italy¡­ (3)

Most people have a not-so-good image about artists. You might think of a madman with mental diseases like Gogh, or a man with crooked hatred for women like Degas. At least you would think an artist is someone with a shaggy beard, free soul, and stubbornness. However, Raphael was a little different. He worked during the prime days of the Renaissance, and unlike other artists, he was good looking and had good manners. His father was a court painter. Because of him, Raphael often went to the court with him. So, he could learn a noblemen¡¯s elegant and refined manner. His Self-portrait, aged 23, clearly shows his handsome appearance. He was a very good-looking boy. Additionally, he was great at depicting characters with beauty and elegance. This painting was no different. It was the drawing of a feminine face. Raphael had drawn it to practice an important or tricky part of a painting he wanted to make. He put the original drawing on a new piece of paper and made small holes on the outline and pressed chalk on it. He changed the shape as he wanted and filled the rest of the line. It was probably a drawing he made to paint on a wall by following the pope¡¯s directions, and at seeing it, Haejin recalled a painting. ¡°Hmm¡­ I guess you think this is part of the wall painting in Mount Parnassus?¡± udia was a little surprised and said, ¡°Yes. We assume this was drawn as practice before Raphael painted in the Stanza de Segnature. It must be part of the series of four paintings he made at the time.¡± Haejin nodded. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± It was an excellent sketch. However, the problem was that the lines felt somewhat uneven. That was why he tilted his head. He could see that it was different from the w of lines he had felt from another Raphael¡¯s drawing. The other appraisers must have felt that as well. That was probably why they couldn¡¯t be sure if it was real, but they couldn¡¯t conclude it as fake without any evidence, either. That¡¯s why the discussion of many people is needed to decide if a work of art is real, and a clear proof is required to conclude it as fake. Without any proof, it remains as unknown. Haejin examined the painting for a long time, but he couldn¡¯t find out which part felt so awkward. In the end, he decided to use magic. He immediately used saliva to cast magic and look into the past, and¡­ Haejin grinned. udia then took a step toward him and asked, ¡°Have you found out something?¡± Haejin now knew why experts had been so confused by this painting. That¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t help but smile when he saw the past. Instead of answering, he went behind the painting. Then, he carefully examined the wood board. ¡°What are you doing?¡± udia asked, but Haejin raised his hand. ¡°Do you have a t-head screwdriver? If you don¡¯t, a hard pen will do¡­¡± ¡°What on earth are you doing?¡± The woman asked again. ¡°I¡¯m trying to appraise.¡± udia was really mad now. She put her hands at her waist and snapped, ¡°If this is real, how much do you think it would be? 10 million dors? 20 million? The price will be beyond your imagination!¡± Haejin snorted. ¡°I¡¯m an appraiser. I don¡¯t know if Giorgio Sayor is your boss or an official in charge of you, but he acknowledged me, and Prince Sahmadi of the Arab Emirates didn¡¯t question my abilities. Who do you think you are to protest about my appraising methods?¡± ¡°Huh! I¡¯ve seen many appraisers so far. Among those who boasted in front of me, most turned out to be frauds. One left a handprint on a painting that was worth more than 10 million after trying to appraise it, and one almost dropped Michngelo¡¯s sculpture. Each of them argued that he or she was the best appraiser in the world, but¡­ well, to me, they all looked the same.¡± She exined that she had her reasons to doubt Haejin, but to him, it just sounded like nonsense. ¡°Then find someone else. I haven¡¯t finished appraising yet. Don¡¯t forget I can always get the cancetion fee and go back to Korea.¡± udia clenched her fists and red at Haejin. ¡°If you damage that painting even a little bit¡­ I will throw you in jail in the local police station immediately.¡± Haejin looked at her and straightened his back. ¡°Okay. I like bets, so let¡¯s do this. I will not receive my fee if there¡¯s a logical w to my conclusion, even if I don¡¯t harm the painting. Of course, if I do harm the painting, I will neither resist nor ask the help of the Korean embassy as you drag me to the police station. But¡­¡± udia lifted her chin as she waited for Haejin¡¯s terms. ¡°If my conclusion is logically perfect, I want to take a slightly bigger fee.¡± udia scolded him, ¡°Ha! So, it was all about money, after all. How much do you want?¡± ¡°A million dors, that should be enough.¡± Actually, Haejin wanted to ask for something else other than money. For instance, the other artifacts that the criminals, who had stolen Raphael¡¯s painting, had¡­ However, he asked for money because udia had no authorization to keep that promise. They were Italian artifacts, and a researcher of the gallery couldn¡¯t promise to give it to anyone. On the other hand, money was different. It would be part of the operating funds of the Park Haejin Art Museum that was growing every day, and more money was always good. He would be able to buy more actively. That was why getting more money was always good, but if Princess Hassena had been alive, Haejin would have walked away instead of negotiating about the fee. ¡°A million dors? Are you mad?¡± Unlike Haejin¡¯s thought¡¯s, udia red at him clearly thinking that he was really mad, but Haejin didn¡¯t care. He went back to Eunhae and prepared to leave. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to ept that, let¡¯s quit everything.¡± The cancetion fee was about a million dors. Either way, udia was about to lose that money, so she had every reason to get shocked, but Haejin wasn¡¯t going to go easy on her. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go and take a tour.¡± Eunhae agreed in English and enraged udia even more. She eventually epted. ¡°Fine. If you are so confident, let¡¯s make that bet. Note that I cannot pay you if there¡¯s the smallest w with your answer.¡± ¡°Whatever¡­ then let¡¯s fix the contract.¡± They changed the contract right away, and Haejin started to appraise again. udia focused on Haejin who had a screwdriver in his hand. udia was ready to stop him if he tried to harm the painting. He carefully put it on a side of the wood board and broadened the gap. At that moment¡­ ¡°Hey, hey!¡± udia came in surprise, and Eunhae stopped her from disturbing Haejin. Then, another wood board was revealed little by little¡­ ¡°Huh? Huh?¡± Eunhae let go of udia and came in surprise. ¡°This second wood board was attached after the drawing was made, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± udia calmed herself down quickly and coolly asked, ¡°So what about it? It¡¯s just a thin wood board added to the main board.¡± A corner of Haejin¡¯s lips curled up as he scolded her. ¡°It looks that way, of course. You might think that if you don¡¯t know much about paintings.¡± ¡°What, what? You¡¯re saying I don¡¯t know much about paintings?¡± Haejin slowly separated the drawing from the wood board and carefully showed her its back. ¡°If you are, you can¡¯t say this is only a thin wood board.¡± udia examined it carefully. Then, she frowned at finding a signature. She was trying to find out what it was, but her frown didn¡¯t fade. ¡°Umm¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t figure out who it belonged to. ¡°Why? You don¡¯t know whose signature it is?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like Raphael¡¯s¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t Raphael¡¯s, of course. However, she couldn¡¯t be sure if the drawing was fake. She didn¡¯t know who had written it and with what meaning. ¡°Just as I thought¡­ you are not good enough.¡± Haejin chided her while the woman¡¯s face turned red. She looked up and spoke to Haejin. ¡°Stop that and tell me what kind of meaning this signature has and who wrote it. I hope you didn¡¯t ask me without knowing it yourself?¡± Of course not. However, Haejin was sure she was hoping for Haejin to not know it. ¡°There was a very famed workshop in Napoli in the 17th century. Do you know it?¡± udia answered. ¡°A workshop? Are you trying to talk about its owner, Jusepe de Ribera?¡± She had studied well, even though she wasn¡¯t that good at appraising. ¡°Oho¡­ so you know him.¡± ¡°Are you kidding me? So? What are you trying to say?¡± ¡°Ribera was making a painting influenced by Caravaggio when he ran a huge workshop in Napoli.¡± At this, Eunhae spoke a word that was the answer. ¡°Caravaggisti!¡± Haejin gave her the thumbs-up and continued. ¡°Yes. There was no one else as good as Ribera among the Caravaggistis, followers of Caravaggio. And that Ribera had an apprentice, do you know him?¡± udia was puzzled now, she couldn¡¯t answer that question. That was because she had focused on the restoration and preservation of artifacts instead of learning art history deeply, but still, she was humiliated. ¡°So, so what is the conclusion?¡± She yelled. Haejin pointed at the signature at the back of the painting. ¡°This isn¡¯t Raphael¡¯s signature. This belongs to Luca Giordano, Riber¡¯s favorite apprentice.¡± ¡°Then, then¡­¡± udia turned pale. Haejin gave her the final sentence. ¡°Unfortunately, this painting isn¡¯t Raphael¡¯s. This is a forgery made by Luca Giordano. It¡¯s a shame for the people of the Cultural Administration and you, but I think those criminals let you retrieve this on purpose, to screw you over.¡± Chapter 141: People who are after the Masterpiece (1)

Chapter 141: People who are after the Masterpiece (1)

¡°No way! Giorgio told me¡­¡± He must have said they had retrieved this painting after an arduous and long chase. However, the criminals who had stolen Raphael¡¯s painting gave up this fake to avoid being tracked by the Cultural Administration and made it look like it was taken from them. And thanks to this, the officials of the Cultural Administration did slow down their pursuit, and they got some extra time to take a breath. It almost worked perfectly. If it had been concluded as real and disyed at the Uffizi, the leaders of those criminals would have made fun of the appraisers¡¯ foolishness. However, their n failed after Haejin chimed in. The pursuit was about to resume once more, therefore there would be a long and boring fight. Unless Haejin got involved in that as well¡­ ¡°First, send me my fee and tell Giorgio what just happened. If you can¡¯t ept my answer, discuss the matter with the local appraisal agency, find a logical w, and send the refusal email to awyer. Is there any problem?¡± udia stared at the painting for some time. Then, she quickly came to her senses and stood up. She looked at Haejin and calmly said, ¡°The deal was about appraising two artifacts. Shouldn¡¯t you take a look at the other one?¡± She was asking Haejin to appraise the krater, but actually, he had already appraised it with magic when Giorgio came looking for him. He had seen who had made it through magic, but he couldn¡¯t find out who it was, and he didn¡¯t think taking another look now would make any difference. And thankfully, the deal he had made with Giorgio said that appraising the painting was the priority while Haejin could decide to not appraise the krater if he wanted. It was the sort of one plus one deal. ¡°If you are saying that because you want me to appraise the krater, I¡¯m afraid I have to refuse.¡± ¡°Why? You think you¡¯re not good enough?¡± udia calmly provoked Haejin, but he could see what she was thinking. ¡°Haha! You can think so if that¡¯s what you want to believe. But¡­ I don¡¯t want to talk with you anymore.¡± That was shocking. udia bit her lips, but she couldn¡¯t say anything. Haejin left her and went out while Eunhae followed him and grabbed his arm. ¡°That was so cool!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go have lunch. I just earned a lot¡­¡± ¡°Of course, let¡¯s go!¡± Haejin had earned more than a billion won as the appraisal fee, so this business trip was very sessful. He was nning to go sightseeing before going back to Korea as he was in Florence, so he decided to forget about work. Eunhae was so happy to have lunch at the fanciest restaurant in Florence. She took a sip of wine and looked at Haejin. ¡°When are you going to call me Eunhae?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ well¡­ how about now?¡± Haejin thought it would not be manly for him to back off when he knew how she felt about him. Besides, he liked her as well. At first, he just didn¡¯t want to get distracted when he had so many things to do. But now, he knew that kind of behavior can hurt others, and people can leave anytime at the most unexpected moments, so he thought hiding his feelings wasn¡¯t the answer. Eunhae was surprised to see Haejin change so suddenly. She nkly stared at him for some time and then looked down. She smiled. ¡°Haha¡­ oh¡­ then, can I call you oppa?¡± (oppa is how a female informally calls a male older than herself. Both older brother and boyfriend can be called oppa.) ¡°Okay, you should call me that in private.¡± ¡°Heh heh¡­ but oppa, do you know that you sucked a little bit?¡± ¡°Me? Why?¡± ¡°You acted like a monk in front of a beautifuldy like me. You could have shown your feelings once in a while¡­¡± ¡°Haha! Aren¡¯t you being too much of a princess?¡± Eunhae was shy, but she said what she had to say, ¡°I was really famous, you know. When I was in school, boys came to meet me all the time that I had to hide. There were even boys from other schools!¡± ¡°Okay, okay. I get it.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Anyway, you should consider yourself lucky. Oh, then where are we going now?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Uffizi and then go to Duomo.¡± ¡°Great!¡± Eunhae was now full of charms. It wasn¡¯t bad, so Haejin dly looked at her when he suddenly received a call. It wasn¡¯t a Korean phone number, so he answered in English. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Mr. Park, it¡¯s me, Giorgio Sayor. I just heard about what happened.¡± ¡°Oh, yes, I see. I¡¯m afraid my conclusion won¡¯t be wrong. Well, you can prove it with scientific tests if you want.¡± Giorgio sounded urgent, he exined and apologized, ¡°I heard what happened while you appraised the sketch. Of course, she must have kept some parts to herself, but I do know what kind of misunderstandings urred.¡± It had been a clear case of racial discrimination. How could he call it a misunderstanding? Haejin thought he said that because he couldn¡¯t admit the researcher of a worldly famous gallery racially discriminated someone. ¡°Misunderstanding? Well, I don¡¯t think it was a misunderstanding¡­¡± ¡°No, she isn¡¯t such person. She is diligent, careful, and respects others. It¡¯s just that she loves artifacts too much and is a little too passionate that she¡­ sometimes argues with people. I admit that.¡± ¡°You sound like you are very close to her.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more like we have spoken a lot about work. Anyway, we fully ept your conclusion about the sketch.¡± He had no choice¡­ it had Luca Giordano¡¯s signature, so discussing its authenticity further would be admitting his ownck of ability. ¡°Really? Then I guess I will get my fee without any problem.¡± ¡°Of course. And¡­ I thought you came here to appraise the krater.¡± Actually, Haejin could appraise it. However, he would have to put great efforts into finding the craftsman he had seen through magic, and it was a little risky. Because if he spent that much time and energy on it and failed, his reputation would call. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t want to stay here anymore. I didn¡¯t expect to be treated like that. As I am here, I will just look around and go back to Korea. The most important thing was the sketch, right? You should be satisfied with it.¡± Haejin knew that it sounded cold, but he said that because he feared Giorgio wouldn¡¯t let him go if he spoke nicely. And basically, even if he could get near to finding out the krater¡¯s truth, the rest of its pieces were unlikely to be retrieved, so he didn¡¯t want to waste his time and energy. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. That is the deal we made¡­ but you are not leaving today, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I am nning to look around Florence and Venice for a few days.¡± Florence and Venice were both Italian cities, but they show a slightly different artistic style. Florence¡¯s art started to flourish when Lorenzo de Medici (Lorenzo the Magnificent) started sponsoring major artists in the city, but Venice¡¯s art was way behind Florence¡¯s innovative art until Giovanni Bellini. Vian art is also different from Florence¡¯s art in many ways. As Venice is a city that was built on water, the technique of using the color of water and using the reflection of the light was often used. As it was also the center of trade, because of various goods and ornaments that came from other parts of the world, various and changeable colors were used. The weather also had a great effect on Vian art. Unlike Florence, where the weather is hot and dry, Venice is humid, so they couldn¡¯t make frescos. Instead, there were many ces that made sails for ships in Venice, so canvases were easy to get. The artists of Venice worked with canvas and oil paints, they developed a style that stressed the color instead of the lines. ¡°That¡¯s good, then I will call you tomorrow. There¡¯s something I must tell you in person.¡± ¡°Is it about an appraisal?¡± ¡°Yes. As you are in Italy, I will go to you so that your n for sightseeing won¡¯t be disturbed.¡± If he had had something he wanted to be appraised by Haejin, he would have mentioned it when they were in Korea¡­ Haejin wondered what he had to say now and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask me in Korea? Why meet again now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s¡­ I unexpectedly got something that must be appraised by you.¡± He was stammering and was clearly nervous. He didn¡¯t fully trust Haejin when he met him in Korea. Otherwise, he would have had no reason to ask again now. It was absurd, but it meant Giorgio was appreciating Haejin¡¯s skills, so there was no reason to say no. It wasn¡¯t like it would require much time and effort like the krater¡­ ¡°Okay then, call me tomorrow.¡± ¡°Thank you. I will call you tomorrow ande to you.¡± Haejin hung up. Eunhae lightly grabbed his arm and asked, ¡°Why? Is someone asking your help again?¡± Now, she felt even closer to him as he was calling her using her name. ¡°Giorgio Sayor, he wants to meet me again. He needs another painting appraised.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ he couldn¡¯t trust you before? But you¡¯re the man Prince Sahmadi of the Arab Emirates fully trusted!¡± ¡°White people are egocentric. He didn¡¯t fully believe that an Asian could properly appraise a great artifact that belonged to white people.¡± ¡°Huh!¡± She had every reason to feel bad about it. ¡°But he is asking for my help, so let¡¯s just focus on the fact that I will earn more,¡± Haejin said. ¡°But you refused to appraise the krater.¡± That was unexpected. Haejin wondered what he had to say, but then he decided to be honest. ¡°Actually, the krater is an unfamiliar genre to me. I haven¡¯t seen and studied it enough. I know some things about it, of course, but I¡¯m not good enough to appraise an artifact that is worth billions. That¡¯s why I left there.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you did well, then.¡± ¡°Yeah, right? But paintings are different. I just earned a billion with just a few words, so who knows? Maybe I will get to earn that much again. Judging from how things are going now, they are really anxious.¡± ¡°Because of the stolen paintings?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Yes. They lost more than one or two paintings. They want to retrieve them and check if they are real, but there are only a few appraisers they can fully trust.¡± ¡°Why? There are only a few trustworthy appraisers in Florence?¡± That was the right question, but Eunhae was curious about that as she was only considering the art world. Haejin then asked, ¡°Who do you think the local artifact criminals of Florence are?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°They are not like Korean gangsters who work in their areas.¡± Eunhae now realized what he was talking about and pped her hand. ¡°Oh! The Italian mafia!¡± Eunhae eximed. ¡°Yes, the mafia is involved in this.¡± Haejin was sure of that as he had seen the past through magic. He could figure out how the scheme, that happened all around Europe, was unfolding now. ¡°Then, you think all the local appraisers are working with the mafia?¡± ¡°Not all of them, but most of them are not free from their influence, probably. That¡¯s why Giorgio went all the way to Korea to ask me. He thought an appraiser from Korea couldn¡¯t be working with the Italian mafia. Then, I verified that fake Raphael¡¯s sketch, so¡­¡± ¡°They would beg you to stay and help them.¡± ¡°Probably.¡± Chapter 142: People who are after the Masterpiece (2)

Chapter 142: People who are after the Masterpiece (2)

The sightseeing in Florence was just as Haejin had expected. He had seen everything before, but the artifacts were still touching and moved his soul. He and Eunhae spent the night at the hotel, had breakfast and were waiting for the car at the lobby to go to Venice when Giorgio called. There was one missed call from him, so he had called when Haejin was having breakfast. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Oh, you took the call.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know you called, I was having breakfast,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Haha, I see. I was worried that you might have given up on appraising. Are you still in Firenze now?¡± ¡°Yes, I was just about to go to Venice.¡± Although Venice doesn¡¯t have a gallery as good as Florence¡¯s Uffizi, the Gallerie dell¡¯ademia, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are always worth your time. ¡°Then, could you meet me in front of the Gallerie dell¡¯ademia? I think I can be there in three hours.¡± ¡°Okay. We will probably get there first, so please call me when you arrive.¡± ¡°And before that¡­ if a stranger talks to you or something, you¡¯d better say no, no matter how good his or her terms are.¡± Haejin could see what he was worried about. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. Then¡­¡± He hung up, and Eunhae asked, ¡°He doesn¡¯t have to worry about what?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ we are going to meet at the Gallerie dell¡¯ademia, and he thinks I might be contacted by others on our way there.¡± ¡°Get contacted?¡± ¡°Yes, I think the local mafia might try to¡­¡± Haejin stopped talking. There was a beautiful woman standing in front of him who was in her early 20s. Her face was very pretty, and the tight ck mini dress she was wearing was enough to catch any man¡¯s attention. She was extremely beautiful, probably one of the top three beautiful women in Italy, and she spoke to Haejin. ¡°Mr. Park Haejin from Korea?¡± The woman asked, but her English was not that good. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Est, from the artifacts appraisal agency called Cantieri.¡± She offered her hand, but Haejin just stared at it. ¡°Cantieri? I¡¯ve never heard of it before.¡± Est smiled, slightly impressed. ¡°I see you know a lot about Italy, for an appraiser from Korea. Cantieri was founded two years ago and it is now the best appraisal agency in Italy. Its CEO is the president of the Italian appraisalmittee. Is that enough for you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anyway, why have youe here? No, how did you find I was here? Exin that first.¡± Haejin was being cautious, and Est could see that. She smiled and pointed at the sofa that was in the lobby. ¡°I will exin. Why don¡¯t we sit down first? As you can see, I¡¯m wearing heels, so I cannot stand for long.¡± She was trying to show off the beauty of her leg lines. Of course, Eunhae noticed that and asked, ¡°You must be a lot weaker than you look. How are you going to convince your clients?¡± Est¡¯s eyes quickly scanned Eunhae. Then, she realized Eunhae was more than just Haejin¡¯s secretary. She switched to a different strategy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Then, let¡¯s sit and talk.¡± She realized her beauty wasn¡¯t going to work on Haejin and started to talk formally. She sat on the sofa first. Haejin couldn¡¯t ignore her and leave now, so he sat down with Eunhae. Est took out an iPad out of her huge briefcase and showed it to Haejin. ¡°This painting, do you know who drew this?¡± The iPad showed a painting. There was a man in armor with a ck beard and a naked woman with her arms around his shoulders. It was very sensual, but there were two baby angels with wings. Paintings with religious tinges like this one often appeared after the Renaissance, so concluding a specific artist had made it based on only its content was hard. ¡°Hmm¡­ why do you want to have this appraised?¡± Haejin asked back instead of answering Est¡¯s question. She straightened her back and said, ¡°This painting was revealed in 1957, and it soon disappeared again. Then, a rich person in Sicily showed it to us in secret. He cannot put it on auction for some reasons, so he wants to sell this quietly, and then, my superiors heard you wereing here a while ago.¡± ¡°About me? How?¡± She just smiled, but Haejin didn¡¯t know what that smile meant. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just know that they are very interested in you. Anyway, they trust your capability and want you to ept our offer.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin crossed his arms and looked at the iPad. She continued to speak. ¡°We know your fee is very expensive. You¡¯ve announced that it is 1% of the appraised price, right? I don¡¯t know what others say about it, but my superiors are rather impressed by your confidence. They think 1% of the appraised price is not at all a high fee for an appraiser who can see the truth.¡± She was talkative. Haejin hadn¡¯t answered her question, but she keptplimenting him as if he had already given her the answer¡­ She had no reason to tter an appraiser if her purpose was to have an artifact appraised by him. She looked more like she wanted to make him sign a deal with her. ¡°Even if I appraise for you, I cannot do it now. I am about to leave.¡± ¡°Leave? Where are you going?¡± Est¡¯s eyes shook as if they were a pond where someone had just thrown a rock at it. She clearly didn¡¯t know Haejin was about to go to Venice. ¡°I¡¯m done here, so I should go back to Korea.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ really?¡± She was suspicious, not disappointed. Haejin could find out what she was really after with that. ¡°Of course. Why would I lie to you? I¡¯ve never met you before.¡± ¡°Maybe that can be the reason why you would lie to me,¡± The woman replied. ¡°Then just think so¡­¡± Haejin stood up, and Eunhae stood up with him. Est quickly followed them and asked, ¡°Then you must be going to the airport now.¡± ¡°I am nning to visit another gallery before that as I am in Italy. We are done, right?¡± Haejin was about to walk away, but then he looked at Est again. ¡°Oh, and¡­ that painting, it¡¯s Veronese¡¯s. The subtle foreshortening that makes the characters look like they are floating over the seer¡¯s head, brilliant colors, and the overall brightness that uses the colors to depict both the light and shade¡­ I cannot think of anyone else.¡± Veronese¡¯s real name was Paolo Caliari, but he was called Veronese after his hometown Verona. He mainly worked in Venice. The painter thought the application and use of color were very important; in fact, almost all of his paintings have sunlight. He valued the pictorial beauty and decorative color more than anything. He was considered as the best decorative painting (painting made to decorate buildings, furniture, bowls, etc). He drew huge biblical paintings full of energy, paintings with optical illusions, and he is also famous for paintings of altars, portraits, and mythical paintings. ¡°Ha¡­¡± Est stared at Haejin. She was impressed. Then, she smiled and offered her hand again. ¡°Excellent. Although we won¡¯t be working together¡­ if youe here againter, call me. We are always waiting for capable people like you.¡± ¡°Okay. Then¡­¡± Haejin and Eunhae went out and took a cab. Eunhae had waited for long to ask a question, ¡°Were they really trying to have that painting appraised? I¡¯ve never heard of such a painting from Veronese¡­¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of it, either. I didn¡¯t show it, but I was surprised to see it. I thought it was Veronese¡¯s, but I had never seen that painting before, so I wanted to see the real thing instead of a photo. She probably wanted me to think like that. When an appraiser gets to see such a painting, they can¡¯t help themselves but feel like seeing the real painting.¡± ¡°Then, she was trying to meet you in private?¡± ¡°She was thinking of that too, I guess. If I hadn¡¯t been sure she was working for the mafia, I would have followed her immediately and see the painting.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then the painting itself tempted you more than Est.¡± That was weird. Haejin looked at Eunhae, and her eyes said that she was joking. ¡°I never felt anything from Est. Really. And¡­ what should I say¡­ she is way too sexy. That¡¯s not my style.¡± ¡°Oh, but I am, you know, that kind of style.¡± She smiled, but to Haejin, she really didn¡¯t look¡­ ¡°Really? Khmm¡­¡± ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying the rest of the sentence?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Huh? It¡¯s nothing. To think about it, you are great, too.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you speak as if you¡¯ve checked me out.¡± Haejin felt like he was being pushed to a corner, so he hastily changed the topic. ¡°But I don¡¯t have to check you out to have this feeling. Khmm¡­ anyway, it was a little dangerous. Although she openly doubted me, it showed what she wanted.¡± They spoke like that on the way, and a few hours passed in a sh. They checked into a hotel in Venice and went to the Gallerie dell¡¯ademia. Haejin then called Giorgio. He had been waiting for Haejin¡¯s call and answered immediately. Giorgio replied that he would be right there. There was a caf¨¦ on the opposite side of the gallery. It was beautiful enough to be in photos and paintings. Sitting in there with Eunhae made Haejin feel like a man in a movie. Eunhae was also feeling good. She kept smiling while sipping her coffee. Soon, the small and fat Giorgio appeared with his big 007 suitcase. ¡°Venezia is a beautiful ce, as long as you can get used to the unique smell of its water. Have you enjoyed a tour of Firenze?¡± He casually sat next to Haejin who poured some water in his cup. ¡°Oh, hello. An appraisal agency called Cantieri contacted me before we came here,¡± Haejin said. Giorgio¡¯s face turned dark at hearing this and said, ¡°Cantieri? That¡¯s bad¡­ anyway, you came here right away. I guess you didn¡¯t make a deal with them?¡± ¡°I¡¯m with ady much more beautiful than the one they sent me.¡± Haejin was talking about Eunhae who shyly looked away. ¡°Haha, I see. They couldn¡¯t have expected that such a beautiful woman was with you. Anyway, I thank you in the name of the Italian Cultural Administration.¡± He stood up, bowed, and stretched out his hand as if guiding them. ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°The artifact is in the Gallerie dell¡¯ademia?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Actually, it was being moved to the Uffizi, but then we moved it to Venezia. Where it will go depends on what you say after you appraise it.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I wonder what it is¡­ is it one of the paintings that the criminal organization stole?¡± Haejin thought it had to be, but Giorgio seemed troubled. He stroked his chin and said, ¡°Well, let¡¯s talk on the way.¡± Haejin and Eunhae followed him to a corner of the second floor of the museum. Surprisingly, Haejin recognized the painting when he saw it. ¡°Do you know who made it?¡± Giorgio asked the same question which Est asked. ¡°It¡¯s Veronese¡¯s.¡± Giorgio was shocked and stammered, ¡°How, how did you know at first sight?¡± Even though Haejin was a great appraiser, even he couldn¡¯t find out the artist the moment he looked at the painting. It had been only possible because he had seen and thought about it for a long time already. Chapter 143: People who are after the Masterpiece (3)

Chapter 143: People who are after the Masterpiece (3)

Haejin was also shocked. He had seen that painting on the iPad only a few hours ago, and he didn¡¯t expect to see it again. Haejin started to get a headache now and wondered if Giorgio Sayor hade to him with good intentions. ¡°Where did you get this painting?¡± ¡°Is there a problem?¡± ¡°Ironically, this is the painting I saw on the iPad before I came here. I am very curious about what is going on.¡± ¡°Is, is that true?¡± ¡°Of course. Do you think I am lying?¡± Giorgio hesitated for some time, but then he started talking, ¡°Actually, the customs workers found this when a shippingpany went bankrupt. At first, we knew it was extremely precious, but we didn¡¯t know by who and when it had been made precisely. Then, we asked an appraiser, and he told us it was highly likely to be Veronese¡¯s.¡± ¡°You must have been delighted.¡± ¡°Of course. We were even happier as it happened soon after Raphael¡¯s drawing. However, the problem urred about a week ago. We were told the appraisal might be wrong.¡± ¡°It might be wrong? How did you find that out?¡± Giorgio stroked his chin and sat down on the bench in front of the painting. It cracked under his heavy body, but it didn¡¯t break. ¡°It means you are not a European. If you were not a Korean, I wouldn¡¯t be telling you this.¡± Haejin wondered what he was about to say for him to stress this point so much. Eunhae was also curious, she was sitting down at the edges of the bench. ¡°Please, tell me,¡± Haejin said. ¡°When we appraised Raphael¡¯s drawing, we were all delighted. All the appraisers said that it really was Raphael¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°They also had their reasons to say that. Luca Giordano was a genius in making forgeries, and more than five hundred years have passed since it was drawn. There is no way to find out who made it with 100% uracy,¡± Haejin continued. In 1653, Giordano was put on trial for selling a painting called Jesus Healing the Impotent Man that was in Albrecht D¨¹rer¡¯s style. The funny thing was that the man who bought the painting went to an expert to have it appraised, and that expert turned out to be Luca Giordano. At the time, he pointed at his signature which he had hidden at the back of the painting and said he was the one who made it. The collector didn¡¯t let that go. He had Giordano put on trial, but the judges thought he was a painter as good as Albrecht D¨¹rer and decided to let him go. Whether he had sold it as D¨¹rer¡¯s painting to fool people or the collector mistook it as D¨¹rer¡¯s and Giordano corrected his mistake, it is not known, but that episode let us know how great of an artist he was. ¡°That is why we are willing to hire experts like you, even if it costs a lot. Anyway, we were happy to see the precious treasure return to Firenze, but a week ago, Mat Vellin, my good friend, dropped by at Firenze.¡± ¡°And he raised doubts,¡± Haejin guessed. Giorgio gravely nodded. ¡°Yes. He studied Raphael¡¯s drawing for three hours and told me that its lines were too weak to be Raphael¡¯s.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help but apud. The awkward feeling, which he felt when he saw Raphael¡¯s drawing for the first time, was what Mat Vellin had talked about. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly how it feels,¡± Haejin confirmed. ¡°When I heard that first, I¡­ what should I say? To be honest, I felt a little insulted. I was narrow-minded. I didn¡¯t ept the appraisal and thought optimistically. None other than me, whose duty was to preserve the artifacts of this country.¡± ¡°I can understand that, I would have reacted in the same way.¡± If someone had said Kim Hongdo¡¯s painting, in Haejin¡¯s museum, might be fake, he wouldn¡¯t have felt good about it. ¡°No, I work at the Cultural Administration. I shouldn¡¯t have done that, never¡­ anyway, I argued that it was real for a long time, but then, I realized arguing with Mat Vellin wasn¡¯t important. So, I calmed down and could face the painting with objectivity again.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Giorgio smiled bitterly and resumed his story, ¡°Once I started to think that the painting could be fake, I started to see everything with a new perspective. Additionally, the appraisers had all given us the same conclusion as if they had nned it in advance. That worried me. Although Mat Vellin was a famous appraiser, I thought he was the best appraiser, at least in the Renaissance art.¡± ¡°And you came to me because¡­¡± ¡°I asked Mat Vellin if there was a non-European appraiser who was as good as¡­ no, better than himself. I thought he would say no, and I was going to ask for his help then.¡± ¡°Hahaha! You were being smart.¡± Giorgio scratched his head in embarrassment and said, ¡°Yes. I was being smart, but as soon as I asked, he gave me your name without thinking twice. That¡¯s why I went to Korea for the first time in my life. And as I was there, I was nning to go to Japan and find another appraiser.¡± Haejin¡¯s guess was right. However, Giorgio was being way too honest, so Haejin was surprised. ¡°And have you found another appraiser?¡± Haejin asked. Giorgio shook his head. ¡°Mat Vellin said you would be enough, but a colleague of mine told me about this Japanese appraiser, so I went¡­ but then there was no need for that. I heard about how you appraised Raphael¡¯s painting. I came back here as soon as possible. And¡­ I am showing you this.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Giorgio then continued, ¡°So, to return to where I started, there is no appraiser I can trust here. That¡¯s why I brought you here¡­ but now I have another problem. How could they have shown you this painting? If this one right in front of me is fake¡­¡± He imagined the worst scenario in fear. If this were fake as he said and the painting Est had shown Haejin earlier was real, Giorgio would have to doubt all the customs workers and officials of the Cultural Administration. ¡°Let¡¯s find out if it¡¯s real, first.¡± Haejin went close to the painting. Then, he started to examine it, tracing the touch of the brush with his hand¡­ but he stood up and looked at Giorgio in less than five minutes. ¡°What¡­ is it? Is there any problem?¡± It wasn¡¯t good, Haejin touched his lips and managed to talk, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s fake.¡± It was clearly fake, and he even didn¡¯t need magic to know that. ¡°What? Is that true? Is it really fake?¡± ¡°It certainly is. The forger must have gotten a canvas made in the 15th century and made it¡­ that forger had great skills, but he or she was not a good artist.¡± ¡°What do you mean by that? The forger has good skills but wasn¡¯t a good artist?¡± ¡°He made good craquelure and used paints that were used in the 15th century. That is excellent. An appraiser who doesn¡¯t know much about Veronese might be sure this was made in his time, but this isn¡¯t Veronese¡¯s color. I said the forger wasn¡¯t a good artist because he couldn¡¯t imitate the real painting perfectly even when he had it right next to him.¡± ¡°That is possible?¡± ¡°It happens sometimes. When a forger gets too old, he or she gets an apprentice and teaches all the skills, but there is one thing that can¡¯t be passed down perfectly.¡± Giorgio realized what he was talking about, ¡°Painting skills!¡± ¡°Yes. A perfect forgery is more than about making it look old. What matters the most is how much you understand the artist. The forger who made this didn¡¯t fully understand Veronese, and he needs practice with coloring as well. As you can see, he overpainted here and there. This part is also thicker and awkwardpared to the other parts.¡± Giorgio stroked the part Haejin pointed at with his hand. Then, he nodded, ¡°I can see what you mean.¡± Luca Giordano, who made the forgery of Raphael¡¯s sketch, had been a great painter, so finding awkward parts of it had taken Haejin a long time. However, the maker of this painting wasn¡¯t that good, so he could find out in no time. It meant there would have been plenty of appraisers to identify it as fake even if it hadn¡¯t been Haejin. ¡°Huh¡­¡± Giorgio grabbed his head and fell on the floor. Haejin could guess why he was tormented so much. He didn¡¯t say anything and waited for Giorgio to calm down. After about five minutes, Giorgio started speaking again, ¡°Thank you. If it hadn¡¯t been for you, I would be nning to exhibit this painting with the director of this gallery.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t say anything for him. He just patted his shoulder, but then, he got a call from an unfamiliar number. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know that number?¡± Eunhae asked, and Haejin nodded while taking the call. ¡°It¡¯s Park Haejin.¡± He heard a woman¡¯s voice that was somewhat familiar, ¡°I see you haven¡¯t left Italy.¡± Eunhae was curious. Haejin covered his phone with his hand and exined, ¡°It¡¯s Est. She knows we¡¯re still in Italy.¡± ¡°What? How?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Haejin shrugged his shoulders and put the call on the speaker again. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Let me be honest. We want to hire you as Cantieri¡¯s appraiser. You will be given enough work so that you would be able to appraise all over Europe, and you will get to keep all the fee. We will also give you half a million dors as the base pay.¡± She was offering to give Haejin half million dors as sry plus the additional appraisal fee. That was an unprecedented offer. ¡°Am I really worth that much?¡± ¡°We know many things, including information about you. Don¡¯t refuse. It will be good for you, too. We work with Christie¡¯s and Sotheby¡¯s as well, so if you be our appraiser, you will get to appraise at least ten times a month. You will take at least a billion won as appraisal fee every month.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ that¡¯s awesome.¡± That offer was good enough to tempt anyone. It couldn¡¯t sound any better to Haejin who was always under pressure because he needed money for his museum. ¡°So, work with us. You¡¯re in Venice now, right? I will go there right away with a contract.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ please, give me a moment. I will call you back.¡± Haejin hung up and smiled at Giorgio. ¡°What should I do now?¡± Giorgio seemed worried and said, ¡°They are the mafia. They are offering you good terms to drag you in, but you should keep in mind that they can discard you anytime as soon as they find you useless!¡± He was right, but at the same time, his warning didn¡¯t mean anything in this situation. ¡°Okay then, what should I do?¡± Haejin asked the same question again. Giorgio realized what he had in mind and rxed a little. ¡°Just a second, just a second¡­¡± Giorgio started to walk around in a circle, lost in thoughts. After a few minutes of that, Haejin¡¯s phone started to buzz again. Haejin showed it to Giorgio. Then, Giorgio finally made up his mind and started speaking. Chapter 144: The Medici and the Aristocrats (1)

Chapter 144: The Medici and the Aristocrats (1)

¡°You have an art museum, right? We will lease the artifacts from the Uffizi to your museum for a limited period of time.¡± It was the best thing Giorgio could offer. How could he make such a decision when he wasn¡¯t even the director of the Uffizi, Haejin didn¡¯t know, but his offer was too appealing. Actually, he was saying that he was protecting the Italian artifacts, but the krater he was trying to retrieve was more likely to belong to a different country, and the mafia had stolen more than just the paintings of the Italian Renaissance. The artifacts had to be retrieved, of course, but Haejin was a foreigner. He wasn¡¯t going to help without getting anything in return. In that perspective, the mafia¡¯s offer was appealing enough, but the most important thing to Haejin was getting back Korean artifacts, that were currently in other countries, therefore his museum mattered the most to him. An exhibition of the artifacts from the Uffizi would be enough to put his museum on the highest rank in no time. ¡°I ept the offer.¡± Haejin showed Giorgio his phone and refused the call. Giorgio rxed only then and calmly asked, ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± ¡°I should go back,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I¡¯m done here now, and I must prepare for the lease with my staff.¡± He was pressing Giorgio, telling him not to forget the deal. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The official papers will arrive at your museum in a few days¡­¡± Then, Haejin asked, ¡°I have a question¡­ how can you persuade the Uffizi¡¯s director?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no way I can convince the director.¡± ¡°What? Then¡­¡± ¡°You know the Uffizi used to belong to the House of Medici, right?¡± Haejin realized this was going to be long and sat down. ¡°Of course. Anna Maria Luisa de¡¯Medici, the heiress of the house, donated the artifacts.¡± ¡°Yes, but no one knows more about the artifacts in the Uffizi than the Medici family. That fact hasn¡¯t changed. So, the Medici has continued to have an influence on the gallery¡¯s management.¡± ¡°Then, the offer you gave me is¡­¡± Giorgio nodded, ¡°Yes, I talked to a member of the Medici family before I came here. I¡¯m not the one who is worried the most about you joining the mafia. He is.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ but that¡¯s a little different from what I¡¯ve heard. I didn¡¯t know the Medici were so passionate about protecting the artifacts in the country.¡± The desire of the Medici family to collect artifacts didn¡¯t decrease. They were not very interested in contemporary art, so they do not often participate in Sotheby¡¯s and Christie¡¯s auction, but in private deals and ck markets, they have great power. Additionally, they smuggle in artifacts and work as the middle merchants. They trade a huge number of artifacts, and every country in Europe keeps an eye on that. The Metropolitan used to buy artifacts from the Medici knowing that they had been smuggled until the 90s, and most of the artifacts in the major museums were taken through grave robbing and smuggling. So, the Medici worrying about the Italian artifacts being smuggled out of the country didn¡¯t sound good to Haejin. Giorgio sensed that, he waved his hands and protested, ¡°I know there are rumors about the Medici family, but not all of them are true. Most of those stories have been exaggerated. People think hugepanies always make dark deals with politicians and that rich families have secrets of their own.¡± ¡°So, you are saying the rumors about the Medici are no different?¡± Giorgio nodded, he was sure. ¡°Of course. Unlike what you think, the Medici isn¡¯t a family thatmits evil.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± There was no Medici doing anything suspicious in the past which Haejin had seen through magic, so he decided to move on. The Medici was going to let him borrow the artifacts in the Uffizi, anyway. He thought everything was finished and stood up, but Giorgio took out an envelope and gave it to Haejin. ¡°What is this?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°An invitation.¡± ¡°An invitation?¡± ¡°Yes. Cavani di Piero Medici has formally invited you and thedy here to the uing charity event.¡± Now, Haejin had an unexpected schedule. ¡°What is this charity event?¡± ¡°The family hosts this event every year. They sell works of art and donate money to those in need. All the participants are rich, and famous celebrities will also be there,¡± Giorgio exined. This was getting bigger than Haejin had expected. However, he got more interested because of that reason. Getting to know that kind of people wouldn¡¯t hurt. ¡°That sounds like a big event. Why is he inviting us?¡± ¡°You are one of the best appraisers in the world. To a family that possesses many precious artifacts like the Medici family, you are one of the most important guests. Even the best artifacts cannot be sold at a high price without someone promoting it well,¡± Giorgio replied. Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why they needed a good appraiser to sell the artifacts at a good price. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the head of the Medici family offer good artifacts? The participants would think so, too.¡± Giorgio smiled faintly and shook his head and said, ¡°Only those who don¡¯t have much would brag about themselves. I am this great, and this thing that I have is this good¡­ how could Mr. Medici say such a thing? Wouldn¡¯t it be humiliating? So, a good appraiser must help him in exining the artifacts so that they are sold at a high price.¡± It meant he needed some sort of a wingman. ¡°Haha¡­ well, I can see that.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t like that as he had been bragging about himself all the time to get paid more, but as those people had been born as aristocrats, he decided to ept that there could be differences between people. ¡°The event will take ce three dayster at the Medici¡¯s mansion. I have prepared a ce where you can stay until then.¡± ¡°But I¡¯ve already booked a hotel,¡± Haejin said. ¡°I heard that you are staying at a small hotel.¡± Giorgio already knew which hotel Haejin was staying at. Haejin didn¡¯t like to be spied on, but Giorgio shook his hand and said, ¡°Oh, I understand you might not like it, but we followed you because we were worried you might be harmed by the local mafia. The police in this country cannot be fully trusted.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ if you say so¡­¡± Giorgio continued, ¡°And they must know where you are staying at as well. That¡¯s why they know you haven¡¯t left Italy. Please, check out and stay at the lodging we offer you. It will be safer and morefortable. Mr. Cavani is especially providing you that ce.¡± Giorgio stressed the word ¡®special¡¯. There was no reason for Haejin to refuse. Plus, it was free. ¡°Okay, I will go there,¡± Haejin epted. ¡°There¡¯s a car waiting outside. The driver will take you to the hotel to pick up your luggage and then to Mr. Cavani¡¯s hotel. He will also pick you up three dayster in the afternoon.¡± ¡°Okay then, can I go sightseeing in the meantime?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I rmend staying at the hotel. They can show up anywhere and at any time. They are above thew here in Italy.¡± It was a shame, but Haejin decided to do so. He just had to endure three days, and he would get to see the famed Medici mansion and its artifacts. The mansion he had visited when he had gone to Florence with his father had been that of a noble family¡¯s mansion, but it couldn¡¯t bepared to the Medici family that used to rule Florence. ¡°Okay, I will do that.¡± ¡°Then as you are here, please enjoy the artifacts. Normally, you would have to wait for a long time as there are many tourists, but I will let you get a tour right away.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± After that, Haejin and Eunhae looked around the Gallerie dell¡¯ademia and went back to the hotel to get their things on the car that had been waiting for them. The ce where the driver took them wasn¡¯t a hotel, it was a mansion outside Venice. It was a huge mansion. Haejin had seen ces like that only in movies and dramas. There was a butler that greeted them politely, and there were even maids and chefs. ¡°Dinner is from 6 to 8. Refreshments are prepared in the ground floor¡¯s living room, so you cane down at any time to enjoy them. However, the other guests might not enjoy talking, so please, keep that in mind. I hope you have a good time here.¡± The butler took them to a huge room with two bedrooms and left. ¡°Wow!¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes widened as she eximed. The bedrooms had luxurious beds, and the living room had all kinds of expensive decorations. Even Eunhae, who was a chaebol, was impressed. ¡°I guess the other guests have been invited by the Medici family, too.¡± Eunhae nodded. She sat on the sofa that was clearly an antique and looked at the Royal Copenhagen teacups, one of the world¡¯s top three porcins. ¡°I think so, too. I wonder who¡¯s here. When he told us to stay at the hotel for three days, I was a little disappointed, but now I think it is all the better for us,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°Haven¡¯t youe to ces like this from time to time?¡± ¡°Oh, no¡­ I often stayed at expensive hotels. However, only the European aristocrats and their friends can visit ces like this. As Asians aren¡¯t close to the old noble families in Europe, getting to stay at ces like this is hard.¡± ¡°Aha¡­ it will be dinnertime when we finish unpacking, so let¡¯s go down and have dinner. I wonder what kind of dishes we will get to eat.¡± ¡°Me, too!¡± They hurried to unpack and went down to the first floor where the dining hall was. ¡°Wee.¡± There were sixrge tables, and three of them were upied. The people there were all whites. They kept ncing at Haejin and Eunhae, so they were probably surprised to see a couple of Asians here. ¡°Please wait and we will bring your dinner. Is there any food you cannot eat due to allergies?¡± The maid asked. They replied by saying that they had no such thing and smiled back. However, someone then sat next to Haejin without asking. Haejin sensed that everyone was now watching with interest. Chapter 145: The Medici and the Aristocrats (2)

Chapter 145: The Medici and the Aristocrats (2)

¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Albert Harrington. What¡¯s your name?¡± He was in his 40s. His hair had been neatlybed with wax. He offered his hand that had an expensive watch on the wrist. ¡°I¡¯m Park Haejin from Korea.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t see what he was up to, but for now, he shook hands with him. Albert stared at Haejin¡¯s eyes and asked, ¡°Park Haejin? Korean names areplicated. Well, why are you here?¡± Haejin was there as a guest of the Medici family, so he didn¡¯t want to cause any trouble. So, he just smiled and replied, ¡°I¡¯m an appraiser. I¡¯ve been asked to appraise for the Medici.¡± In fact, the Medici hadn¡¯t asked him to appraise anything, but he thought they wouldn¡¯t have invited him if it hadn¡¯t been for that reason, so he just said so. There was no way they were letting him spend three days here, in such a ce, just to thank him. However, Albert¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Appraise? You?¡± ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Haejin found it strange and asked, but he got his answer from someone else. ¡°Albert has been appraising for the Medici for the past ten years. This is getting funny.¡± Haejin looked toward the direction of the voice. There was a woman wearing a red party dress walking toward them with a wine ss in her hand. ¡°Oh, really?¡± Haejin was now turned into an unwee guest who hade to ruin Albert¡¯s career. However, he couldn¡¯t take back what he said and say, ¡®Now that I think about it, I think that I was invited because I helped the Medici family before.¡¯ Then, they would ask what had happened, but he couldn¡¯t tell them the truth because of the Medici¡¯s reputation, and if he were to keep his mouth shut, they would imagine things on their own. ¡°Before Albert, his father was the Medici family¡¯s appraiser. It¡¯s the first time someone who isn¡¯t an aristocrat appraising for the Medici.¡± Haejin had thought Albert wasn¡¯t a nobleman as he was an appraiser, but he was wrong. Then Eunhae, who had been listening, asked, ¡°I don¡¯t know much about the Harrington family, but it doesn¡¯t sound like an Italian family. And you appraise for the Medici?¡± Haejin thought she was touching some sensitive issues. Albert and thedy in the red dress were clearly offended. ¡°The Medici is much more than a family. It ruled Florence for centuries, and more than that, it is admired by the world. That kind of childishparison is¡­ haha! I think you don¡¯t know much about it.¡± Albert¡¯s ego had been hurt, and he sneered at Eunhae. Everyone knew he was implying that Eunhae was too lowly to know this kind of thing. Eunhae¡¯s face hardened, of course. Even though she belonged to the coteral line, she was also a member of Hwajin family, and she hadn¡¯t been overwhelmed by money or power. Additionally, she hadn¡¯t met anyone so rude since her nemesis Yaerin. Haejin could feel her attitude changing. Then, thedy in the red dress sat down next to her and exined, ¡°The Harrington Family is a historical family in Ennd. Its wealth is no smaller than that of the Medici. However, the Medici Family has more than just wealth. So, appraising their artifacts has a great meaning.¡± Haejin could understand part of that. Appraising for the Medici meant the family acknowledged that Albert had a discerning eye, so he was right to be proud of it. However, he didn¡¯t look that great to Eunhae. Being a nobleman wasn¡¯t his achievement, and he was acting as if he was so special. Eunhae crossed her arms and looked at Albert up and down. ¡°Yes, I do not know much about your family and the Medici, but I think you don¡¯t know much about manners. We never said you could sit here¡­ aren¡¯t the nobles from Ennd taught manner and etiquette? Or are you just stupid?¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t seen Eunhae so hostile like this since they first met in the preview event in the Korea Auction. She was about to criticize every mistake of her opponent. Haejin though about stopping her, but he decided not to. Maybe backing off in such a situation to avoid a fight is what made him look like a weak person to those white aristocrats. Albert hadn¡¯t expected such hostility. He stammered in shock, ¡°What, what nonsense¡­ do you, do you think you can imagine what kind of education I received?¡± Eunhae replied, ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to bother to imagine. My nephew is also full of himself, just like you. Oh, is he 15 now?¡± Haejin remembered Yaerin saying something like that. Eunhae was using it now, so it must have hurt a lot at that time. Of course, the white man, Albert, lost his temper at this. ¡°What, what?¡± He jumped to his feet, but thedy in the red dress burst intoughter. ¡°Hahahahaha! Oh, so funny! Hahaha! Albert, she really got you!¡± ¡°Stop it!¡± Albert warned her, but she didn¡¯t stop and keptughing for a long time. Because of that, the other nobles who had been watching couldn¡¯t resist theirughter. They covered their mouths and startedughing as well. Albert couldn¡¯t handle it anymore. He steamed and then went out. He knew arguing more would just diminish his reputation, so it was better to just leave. Although Albert sucked, Haejin admired his judgment. If he had kept arguing with Eunhae, who was a girl, things would have gotten worse, and if he had used violence, he would have been expelled from the aristocrat society. ¡°Huh! What a loser¡­¡± Eunhae snorted as Albert left. Then, she looked back at Haejin and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re actually good at this,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve been fighting with Yaerin for years now. Facing such an idiot is¡­¡± She stopped there and looked at thedy in the red dress. The woman kept looking at Eunhae as she talked in Korean. ¡°Is there¡­ anything you want to say?¡± Eunhae asked. She took a sip of wine and said, ¡°Florence Harrington. That¡¯s my name. I¡¯m Albert¡¯s sister.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Eunhae was about to say something, but Florence spoke first. ¡°He deserved it. He needed that toe to his senses. He was humiliated by such a beautifuldy, so he won¡¯t be able to forget that for the rest of his life. He is too proud¡­¡± ¡°Should I be sorry?¡± Florence shook her hand and said, ¡°No¡­ I told you, he needed it. Or he would keep behaving so rudely like that and suffer even more, but what is your name?¡± ¡°Lim Eunhae. My English name is Charlotte.¡± Haejin had learned about that when they went to America together. Eunhae didn¡¯t like it, so she didn¡¯t often mention that name. ¡°Charlotte Lim? That sounds strange. I¡¯ll just call you Charlotte.¡± ¡°Call me as you want,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°But what do you do? Your friend here is an appraiser, and you are¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m the director of an art museum. Mr. Park here is an appraiser, but he is also the owner of that museum.¡± Florence was a little surprised and asked, ¡°You are an appraiser with your own museum? That¡¯s impressive. What is the name of the museum?¡± ¡°It was named after him. Park Haejin Art Museum. It was on the news a while ago because of Picasso¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°Oh! I know it. The name was too difficult, so I couldn¡¯t memorize it easily, but I remember now. Of course¡­ Mr. Cavani would not invite just anyone.¡± However, the other tables also started to get noisy as people found out that Haejin¡¯s museum had Picasso¡¯s painting. They had thought him to just be a good Asian appraiser, but he was more than just that. They were surprised. Picasso¡¯s paintings were very famous. ¡°For whatever reason Mr. Cavani invited us, I don¡¯t think we are obliged to tell that to our fellow guests.¡± Eunhae was still on guard, but Florence didn¡¯t lose her smile and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be like that. There¡¯s no idiot like Albert here now. But¡­¡± Florence then turned to Haejin, she was clearly interested in him. ¡°I am a little curious. The Medici family has never invited a new appraiser. They have Albert. Oh, and Albert is the best of the best appraisers. I¡¯m not saying this because he is my brother. From the ancient, middle ages, and contemporary art, if he doesn¡¯t know about them, no one knows.¡± That was a greatpliment. Haejin had never heard of any appraiser getting that kind ofpliment and had never thought any appraiser would get that kind ofpliment. ¡°That¡¯s amazing. I didn¡¯t know such an appraiser existed¡­¡± Haejin really meant that, but Florence thought he didn¡¯t believe her and added, ¡°He even helps at Christie¡¯s auction in London. They ask for Albert¡¯s help when their own appraisers cannot give them answers.¡± Then, he really was good at his job. Of course, he was an appraiser of the Medici, so he had to be good¡­ ¡°He is impressive.¡± Again, Haejin really meant that, but Florence thought he was doubting her again. She crossed her arms and leaned back on her chair. She continued, ¡°Albert has been appraising for the Medici for ten years, but there is only one painting he gave up on. Did Mr. Cavani invite you because he thought you could appraise it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I am getting interested,¡± Haejin replied. Florenceughed. ¡°This is going to be fun, very¡­¡± Then, a boy who had been watching at another table came to them. The boy was young, he was probably still in high school or middle school. ¡°Excuse me¡­ are you an appraiser?¡± ¡°Yes. And?¡± The boy hesitated and managed to talk only after a while. ¡°Could you appraise something for me?¡± ¡°I could if it were another time, but I¡¯ve been invited to appraise, so I cannot do that before I meet the host, so¡­¡± Haejin was about to refuse, but the boy spoke again with tearful eyes, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there is a painting I must have appraised.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ I¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what to do, but Florence coldly spoke to the boy. ¡°You are so¡­ well, the Butler family is famous for being stubborn¡­ do as you wish, but it won¡¯t change the truth.¡± Chapter 146: The Medici and the Aristocrats (3)

Chapter 146: The Medici and the Aristocrats (3)

Haejin wondered what the artifact Albert couldn¡¯t figure out was, but right now, he also wanted to know what the Butler boy wanted him to appraise. ¡°What kind of artifact is it? A painting? Or a sculpture?¡± He bit his lips and hesitated. Then, he said, ¡°It¡¯s a painting. From Jan van Eyck¡­¡± ¡°Jan van Eyck?¡± In the 15th century, a new painting style, that was different from the one used in Italy, became popr in the south of the Nethends (nders, now Belgium). It was a naturalistic style, that was abination of realistic details and religious symbolism. Additionally, it was far from the decorative luxury of the international Gothic style. The founders of that style are the Master of Flemalle (probably Robert Campin) and Jan van Eyck. While the Master of Flemalle¡¯s paintings show persuasive elements, Jan van Eyck mastered oil painting and created very clear colors that are simr to the high definition images of today. Possessing one of his painting was something great, but the boy seemed troubled while Florence was scolding him. Haejin wondered what was going on. ¡°Yes,¡± the boy confirmed while being somewhat ashamed. Haejin wondered why, but then he heard Florence mocking him again. ¡°Huh! That¡¯s funny. I pity your foolishness in believing that it is Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting after Albert told you everything.¡± Someone then yelled from far away, ¡°That¡¯s enough, Florence. Edmond can¡¯t just give up on it. Can¡¯t you understand that?¡± The voice, full of anger and irritation, belonged to ady at Edmond¡¯s table. She was also wearing a dress as if she was at a party, but unlike Florence¡¯s luxurious and passionate dress, her blue dress was cold. They seemed to be of the same age, but they werepletely different. The moment Haejin looked at her, Florence snorted and stood up. ¡°Okay, I will leave now. Who can stop him if he wants his painting appraised? But I am worried, he is about to be aughingstock¡­¡± She openly mocked Edmond and left the dining hall with her wine ss. Then, the colddy slowly came to Haejin. ¡°I am sorry. This is Edmond Butler. He is only 13, but he is the eldest son in our family. I am his sister, Rachel.¡± Haejin had thought he was 15 at least, so he was shocked to see that he was only 13. It seemed that western children mature faster than Korean children. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am¡­¡± Haejin was a little tired of all the people that kepting up, but Rachel waved her hand and stopped him from continuing. Then, she sat down on the chair where Florence had sat on previously. ¡°I heard your names. But¡­ if you are an appraiser, you should know how it is. Jan van Eyck didn¡¯t leave many paintings. Nevertheless, Edmond is sure that the painting isn¡¯t fake.¡± Edmond was just awkwardly standing there, so Haejin gave him a chair and gestured him to sit. ¡°I guess you showed it to Albert and he said it was fake?¡± Haejin made a guess. ¡°Yes,¡± Edmond replied. He had been timid when Florence was around, but after she was gone, he acted more like a man. ¡°Hmm¡­ appraising wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but you should know that if Albert said it was fake, my conclusion probably won¡¯t be different.¡± Albert was the appraiser of the Medici family, him being wrong about a painting was highly unlikely. Moreover, as it was Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting, it was worth at least ten billion won. Haejin didn¡¯t want to take more than 100 million by appraising a painting that was almost 100% fake, even though Edmond was a nobleman. So, he didn¡¯t want to just ept it. ¡°My mama gave me that painting. It can¡¯t be fake.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t think the boy would back off easily, but Edmond was even more determined than he had expected. ¡°Hmm¡­ my fee is very high. No appraiser charges more than me. Would that be fine? I charge the fee based on the real artifact¡¯s price, so you might have to give me at least 100 thousand dors as the fee.¡± Haejin thought Edmond would have to think about it, but he just tilted his head and said, ¡°100 thousand dors? Do you want to get it now?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ just a moment, please.¡± Haejin thought the boy was someone who was being bullied. However, this boy and his sister were rich aristocrats, far richer than most chaebols in Korea. He looked at Eunhae who shrugged her shoulders, showing that he should do it. Haejin then made up his mind and talked to Edmond, ¡°Okay. My fee is 1% of the artifact¡¯s assumed price. As I said, I will still charge 1% even if it¡¯s fake.¡± Edmond smiled brightly for the first time. ¡°Okay, I will make sure the painting gets here tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°That¡¯s quick,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Of course. I can bring it here using my ne. So, five hours should be enough, including one hour needed to wrap it up¡­¡± That was the power of money. ¡°Haha¡­ okay. I will then appraise it tomorrow morning.¡± They all agreed with it. Next, Rachel stood up and gave her hand to her brother while saying, ¡°Let us go now. We should let them have dinner.¡± ¡°Okay then, I hope you have a great time.¡± Edmond went back to his table. He kept smiling while eating, d that Haejin had promised to appraise his painting. Haejin and Eunhae had a bad feeling about it, but as Haejin had given his word, they decided to forget everything and focus on the dinner. They had already assumed the chef must be very good, but Eunhae still kept eximing while eating and saying that the chef must have worked at a Michelin restaurant. The rain started to fall. After eating, they chatted on the lobby on the ground floor. Next, they each took a shower and parted with an awkward goodnight. The next day, Haejin woke up early. He went down to the dining hall with Eunhae to have breakfast. However, the moment they went to the first floor, they saw a crowd gathered there. ¡°He really has brought it here.¡± ¡°The boy might do that, but why is his sister helping him? The Butlers are so stubborn¡­¡± The people were scolding Rachel and Edmond, but they didn¡¯t care as if they didn¡¯t hear them. The siblings were watching their attendant who was carefully taking the painting to a room. ¡°It¡¯s good that I¡¯m wearing makeup,¡± Eunhae whispered. She did mention that she just wanted toe; however, Eunhae prepared herself just in case, and it turns out that all the people were neatly dressed. Haejin thought it was good that he was also well dressed. Then, he went to the Butlers. ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡± They quickly looked at him and greeted him with bright smiles. ¡°Yes, we have. You can eat ande back,¡± Rachel replied. ¡°Please be quick!¡± Judging by Edmond¡¯s determined gaze, he was ready to use them if they were slow. The people were still scolding them with their arms crossed, anticipating what would happen. The Butler siblings had a strong character. Albert and Florence were also ring at them, probably thinking that they were ignoring the siblings. Oh, the pride of aristocrats and chaebols¡­ The breakfast was greater than that of any hotel. Haejin and Eunhae quickly ate with a troubled heart and went to the room where the Butlers were waiting. The aristocrats who were staying at the mansion were there as well. There couldn¡¯t have been so many chairs in that room, but the staff must have brought them from the other rooms. No one was standing, they were allfortably waiting for Haejin. ¡°Wow¡­ you must be so nervous,¡± Eunhae said, surprised. ¡°I am more worried. They will get mocked even more if I say that it is fake¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t feel any pressure at all, even with those aristocrats watching him as he was sure he could appraise any artifacts urately. He was just worried about the Butlers. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Park,¡± Florence was one of those sitting closest to the painting, right next to the Butlers. She greeted Haejin while getting closer. Unlike yesterday, she was wearing an elegant long dress. She was lifting her chin high, but she wasn¡¯t putting any effort in doing that. Rather, it was her habit. ¡°Good morning, but I didn¡¯t know so many people woulde to see this,¡± Haejin said. Florence raised her arms and looked around. ¡°This ce is boring. This kind of event rarely happens, so of course, everyone is interested. But¡­ seeing how good of an appraiser you are before the Medici¡¯s charity event would be another entertainment.¡± ¡°How good of an appraiser I am¡­ did your brother not tell you why it is fake? Do you think there can be more reasons? Or are you wondering if I will be able to say exactly what he said?¡± Haejin asked. That was sharp, and she couldn¡¯t answer that. She was thinking that Haejin would, of course, not be as good as her brother. Then, Albert said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you will take this, but I am hoping for you toe up with a different opinion from mine. I mean it.¡± He probably really meant it. Then, he would be able to give Haejin a blow in the face. ¡°I see. I am getting more and more excited.¡± Haejin meant that as well. He really wanted to make that rude nobleman pay. The moment he went to the painting, Edmond came to him while looking nervous. ¡°Please¡­ do your best.¡± ¡°I always do my best, no matter if the artifact is worth 10 dors or a million dors¡­ that is my code, and that is why I take 1% as the fee.¡± Edmond rxed at hearing this and went back. There was no one in front of the painting now. Haejin slowly approached it. He started to examine it carefully while the aristocrats started to watch his every move. It was the painting of ady reading a book to a child. Even though it was trying to represent Jan van Eyck¡¯s clear colors, the touch of the brush was crude. It looked like an unskilled artist trying to imitate the painting of a master. No one would be able to easily say that this is real. ¡°How is it?¡± Edmond asked since Haejin studied it for some time. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin almost said that it looked too crude to be Jan van Eyck¡¯s, but he didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t because he pitied Edmond, instead, that crude touch of the brush kept bothering him. Then, Albert scolded Haejin, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Is it hard for you to say it is fake? Or are you thinking that it is really Jan van Eyck¡¯s?¡± Haejin was about to say something, but then, he spotted a blue cat in the painting. It was ying on the floor. He knelt down and touched its fur. And¡­ ¡°This is¡­¡± Chapter 147: The Medici and the Aristocrats (4)

Chapter 147: The Medici and the Aristocrats (4)

Jan van Eyck was famous for realistically describing each fur of the cats and dogs. However, even though the fur of the cat in this painting was very realistic, its color was dullpared to the other parts of the painting. Additionally, as he touched the surface of the painting, he could feel an iprehensible trace of overpainting. It was a very thin and extremely delicate trace of overpainting. Usually, overpainting is used when fixing mistakes, but in this case, it didn¡¯t match the surrounding colors, so it seems awkward. It can be easily seen. However, someone overpainted on this painting so delicately that it looked like it had been painted that way. The original painting was actually covered. It now looked like the artist was not someone skilled¡­ However, why would someone do such a thing? ¡°What is it?¡± Rachel asked while standing up when she realized that Haejin had found something. ¡°Just a moment, please.¡± Instead of exining, Haejin used magic to look into the past. But¡­ ¡°Asian appraisers put a great show when appraising. Do you always make a fuss like that? Or does that let you earn more?¡± Albert sneered at Haejin. Eunhae tried to protest, but Haejin raised his hand to stop her. Then, he slowly stood up and started speaking while still looking at the painting. ¡°I am sorry if this looked like a show. I have disturbed your eyes and ears. However, Mr. Harrington, you said this was fake. Why was that?¡± ¡°Why? You can¡¯t see it yourself?¡± Haejin calmly shook his head and said, ¡°No, I can see it way too well, but I want to know if that is why you concluded this painting as fake.¡± Now, Albert was getting nervous. He thought Haejin might have seen something he had missed. ¡°The colors are too crude to be Jan van Eyck¡¯s. He creates a bright and clear mood withyers of transparent coating, but there is no such thing in this painting. There is no evidence that says Jan van Eyck made this.¡± That was an extremely rational opinion. If it had been another appraiser, he or she couldn¡¯t have found any reason to argue with that¡­ but unfortunately for him, his opponent was Haejin. ¡°It makes sense,¡± Haejin agreed. ¡°It makes sense? It makes sense? Hahaha! This man is really funny!¡± Albert burst intoughter, and the people who had been watchingughed with him as well. Normally, Albert is the one who had been teaching others, therefore what Haejin said was even harder to ept. It was the nonsense of a fool who was too full of himself. The other aristocrats knew that, so they wereughing together. Seeing this, the Butlers started to get even more worried. However, Haejin didn¡¯t care. He just continued to say what he had to say. ¡°I said it made sense because even non-experts can clearly see that this painting doesn¡¯t have Jan van Eyck¡¯s clear colors. However, I want to ask the Butlers something. Ms. Butler? Why do you believe this painting is Jan van Eyck¡¯s?¡± Rachel looked around and grimly said, ¡°Myte mother said that her grandfather had left it, and it was Jan van Eyck¡¯s. My great-grandfather was from nders, and it has been in our family from generations.¡± Haejin had already found that out with his magic, so he asked, ¡°Did you mother say anything about this painting? Even the smallest thing would be fine.¡± However, Albert spoke before Rachel could say anything. ¡°You are wasting our time. Do you think you are Sherlock Holmes? If it was real, give us the reason why it is real, and if it is fake, give us the reason why it¡¯s fake. Why are you doing this nonsense?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I just want to know the reason,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°What reason?¡± ¡°The reason why the painting was damaged.¡± Hearing this, Albert jumped to his feet and asked, ¡°It is damaged?¡± ¡°Very carefully, I almost didn¡¯t notice it.¡± Haejin had noticed that there was nothing wrong, but he couldn¡¯t be sure as he had no scientific tools. If he hadn¡¯t seen the past with his magic, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to say anything about the painting. He was so confident only because he had seen the past and that was why he was asking. ¡°What do you¡­¡± ¡°Ms. Butler? Let me ask you again. Did your mother say anything about this painting?¡± Rachel thought hard, trying to recall, but she couldn¡¯t say anything. But then, Edmond, who was sitting next to her, said in doubt, ¡°Can it be¡­¡± Rachel turned to her brother, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Mama told us that when her grandfather gave her this painting¡­¡± Edmond started speaking, ¡°He said not to me him, yes.¡± Even if Haejin could look into the past, he couldn¡¯t see everything about the painting. How could he know about the countless things that happened after it was made? ¡°Don¡¯t me him¡­ I think I know what it means. Hmm¡­ first of all, this is Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting. It is his. It¡¯s just that someone ruined this after he drew it.¡± Haejin might as well have dropped a bomb, and murmurs were heard from everywhere. Now, either Haejin or Albert was about to get humiliated. Of course, the aristocrats thought it would be Haejin, but things were clearly escting. ¡°No way! Who would ruin a masterpiece like this?¡± ¡°Hubert van Eyck,¡± Haejin answered. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Hubert van Eyck. You can¡¯t not know that name¡­¡± Of course, Albert knew it. However, he was puzzled as he didn¡¯t expect that name toe out now. Hubert van Eyck was Jan van Eyck¡¯s brother. He was even less known than his brother. ¡°Of course, I know Hubert van Eyck. But what does he have to do with this painting? And why would he ruin it?¡± The Eyck brothers were among the pioneers of northern Europe Renaissance because they invented oil paints. Before that, painters found colors in rocks and nts, then processed them to make their own paints. Next, they would mix the paint with egg. However, egg-mixed paints were not useful to depict details. Additionally, preserving paintings drawn with that type of paint was hard. The Eyck brothers changed that. The oil paint they invented brought about the freedom of expression. As oil was used, the colors turned clear and heavy. Moreover, as you can paint over, once the painting is dry, you can give depth to the painting, which is the characteristic of oil paintings. Oil paintings can also be preserved for a long time as they don¡¯t easily change, but they cannot be melted again once they dry, so you have to finish drawing before that. Hubert van Eyck was a bit famous, but unlike Jan van Eyck, he couldn¡¯t leave any masterpiece. So, although he is called the pioneer of northern Europe Renaissance with his brother, he is thought to be a lesser painter. ¡°As you can see, the painting is too strange. I mean the colors, not the contents. Overall, it is an oil painting, but in some of the parts the bnce isn¡¯t right.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not an oil painting?¡± Albert eventually stood up and came next to Haejin. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that, I said the bnce wasn¡¯t right. Don¡¯t you think it is strange? You must have thought it is an oil painting, even if this wasn¡¯t from Jan van Eycks. But look, some of the parts have been overpainted with different paints that have different varnish content. It¡¯s right here, and here, and here¡­¡± Albert put his face close to the parts where Haejin pointed at. He then started to tremble. ¡°This painting wasn¡¯t like this at first, but someone changed it after it was made. So delicately and carefully¡­ as this painting has a strong feeling of oil painting, such overpainting with the same paint with different varnish content is hard to notice.¡± It meant Haejin had seeded in doing something very hard. However, he decided to be bold to give a punch to the proud Albert. ¡°You found out the varnish content is different with just your eyes?¡± Florence couldn¡¯t believe it and muttered while staring at Haejin. ¡°I got lucky. The texture and touch of the brush of this blue cat are different from the other parts of the painting. That¡¯s how I noticed it.¡± ¡°No way¡­¡± Haejin had noticed the different textures, but he was sure because he had looked into the past. It wasn¡¯t like his eyes had infrared ray sensors. How could he have noticed a slight difference in the varnish content? However, he had seen Hubert van Eyck ruining the painting. Because of that, he could confidently talk about it. ¡°No, no. This isn¡¯t¡­¡± he was yelling and jumping to his feet, Albert couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Should we take a sample of the part I talked about and have it analyzed?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Albert couldn¡¯t say anything. Having a sample analyzed wasn¡¯t hard, but there was no turning back for him. He needed to avoid that at all cost. He could have finished there, but when the Butlers sent the sample to ab, he wouldn¡¯t be able to cover what had happened. Then, Florence tried to save his brother by saying, ¡°But that doesn¡¯t prove Jan van Eyck made this painting. And it doesn¡¯t prove Hubert van Eyck ruined it, either¡­ it¡¯s all guesses, isn¡¯t it?¡± Florence looked around to gather everyone¡¯s confirmations. They nodded and agreed with her. ¡°Yes, it doesn¡¯t prove that Jan van Eyck made this painting. However, the evidence lies somewhere else. It¡¯s on the small ball the blue cat is ying with,¡± Haejin replied. As soon as he said that, Albert hastily turned around and looked at the painting again. Haejin smiled to see this and continued. ¡°I could see why the other parts had been overpainted. They all showed how great of a painter Jan van Eyck was. The texture of the wool, the refraction of the light, the excellent depiction of the light and shade¡­ but there is one part that is too normal, yet it was overpainted.¡± Albert added in a daze, ¡°The ball¡¯s shadow¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. That part is too normal, so I wondered why it was overpainted. However, what Ms. Butler told me allowed me to realize the truth. ¡®Don¡¯t me him¡¯. Her ancestor knew that it had been ruined, but he didn¡¯t have it restored. He thought he shouldn¡¯t as he knew that was what the Eyck brothers wanted.¡± Albert couldn¡¯t believe it and asked, ¡°Jan van Eyck knew?¡± ¡°Yes, even before the painting was finished¡­ that is why he put his signature at such a ce, where even the overpainting wouldn¡¯t cover it perfectly¡­¡± Chapter 148: The Medici and the Aristocrats (5)

Chapter 148: The Medici and the Aristocrats (5)

The ce actually was the shadow of the ball which the blue cat was ying with. ¡°What¡¯s in there?¡± Rachel couldn¡¯t understand, she was confused as she couldn¡¯t see anything strange with the ball. Haejin then lightly pushed Albert aside and pointed at the bottom of the ball. ¡°Look at the shade of the ball. Can you see the long line that is stretched out between this smudge of water, with the sunlight reflected on it, and the shade?¡± ¡°Wait¡­ huh?¡± Rachel stared at it for some time and then looked at Haejin with surprise. ¡°Anyone who knows Jan van Eyck¡¯s unique signature wouldn¡¯t think that the thin and beautiful line is just part of the floor. Right?¡± Haejin was asking Albert, but someone else answered instead. ¡°Does that make any sense?¡± Florence couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Or maybe she thought that speaking for her brother wasn¡¯t enough. Either way, she elegantly walked to the front. Actually, there was nothing she could do about it, but she couldn¡¯t just sit there and do nothing. ¡°Whether it makes sense or not, that is not up to me. Jan van Eyck drew this painting and Hubert van Eyck envied him. I am just appraising their actions,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Envied¡­ that is a very dangerous choice of word,¡± Florencemented. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have ruined this painting if it hadn¡¯t been for that, and Jan van Eyck knew that. He anticipated this painting wouldn¡¯t be appreciated. That is why he didn¡¯t let his brother hide his signature entirely.¡± Jan van Eyck used the sunlight that came through the window to touch the shadow of the ball. It was so delicate. When the other parts were overpainted, they wouldn¡¯t have been easily seen; however, the reflection of the sunlight on the water was clear and bright. Therefore, if that had been overpainted, anyone would have seen it. So, Hubert van Eyck covered the signature by overpainting the shadow of the ball with paint that had less varnish in it, but because of that, one line of the signature remained in the painting. ¡°You might as well be writing fiction. Can you prove it? What are you going to do if you can¡¯t?¡± She was provoking Haejin, but he didn¡¯t fall into her scheme. ¡°I cannot prove Hubert ruined this painting because of jealousy. That is only my guess based on Ms. Butler¡¯s answer. It¡¯s not like I was there at the time. How can I prove it? However, I can prove one thing. Have a sample of the paint analyzed, and if it were really overpainted, have it restored and remove the overpaint. Then, Jan van Eyck¡¯s signature will be revealed.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Florence couldn¡¯t say anything. Haejin then gave the final blow, ¡°This is Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting. That is the only thing I can prove here. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡± Her eyes were shaking now, but then they heard a cheer. ¡°No! That is enough! Thank you! Thank you¡­¡± Edmond was crying in joy and ran into Haejin¡¯s arms. ¡°Oh, okay¡­ I just did my job¡­¡± Haejin said while patting him on the back. When the boy finally left, his sister hugged Haejin with teary eyes. ¡°Thank you so much. You let us know that the only thing our mother left us isn¡¯t fake. Edmond will never forget this.¡± ¡°Oh, okay¡­ khmm¡­¡± Eunhae was ring at Haejin, so he looked away and let her go. By then, people were already surrounding him. ¡°That was impressive. I am Leonardo Vancelot. I really admire your skills. May I invite you to my mansion?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been through many amazing asions, but I¡¯ve never seen such a dramatic and thrilling thing in my life. I¡¯m Ed Harper. If you evere to Liverpool, let me know. I have many questions to ask you.¡± Haejin was now so famous among those aristocrats that before he knew it, he was shaking hands with all of them. After that, Eunhae, Haejin and the Butlers were the only ones left in the room. ¡°When did the Harrington siblings leave?¡± Eunhae smiled while asking. Rachel then said, ¡°They must have been really ashamed. I¡¯ve never seen him slouching like that before¡­ his sister couldn¡¯t even say anything to him. She just followed him. I didn¡¯t know they would leave like that.¡± Haejin then said, ¡°I thought he was going to shake hands with me and say he made a mistake but will do better next time like a man¡­ was he that shocked?¡± Rachel gave him the answer, ¡°Mr. Harrington has been rarely frustrated till now. I heard that he couldn¡¯t appraise one of the Medici¡¯s artifacts but that wouldn¡¯t be shocking as it was the Medici he was appraising for. But this time¡­¡± Rachel didn¡¯t finish the sentence, but both Haejin and Eunhae knew what she was trying to say. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to admit that he has been defeated by amoner from Asia. Well, I don¡¯t want to criticize him for that. He must have been living thinking that he is different and better educated than others. However, I do not pity him. What should I say¡­ good riddance? Hahaha!¡± Haejin continued for her. Rachal smiled and nodded, ¡°Haha! Yes, Edmond and I are delighted, too. We have been looked down on because of this painting.¡± ¡°But let me ask, why on earth would they ignore you just because of a painting? Aren¡¯t you all aristocrats? Is there some kind of ranking among you?¡± Rachel, however, shook her head and puffed up her cheeks. She looked cute. ¡°Hmm¡­ it wasn¡¯t like this at first. After our mother died, Edmond showed the painting at the funeral to remember her, but Albert announced it as fake right there at the funeral!¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin could now see why Rachel and Edmond were so obsessed with it. ¡°Almost all the European aristocrats were there, and because of that, we turned into fools who didn¡¯t know anything about art. Of course, the elders in our family scolded Edmond for his recklessness. He is the heir of the family, so they couldn¡¯t openly criticize him, but they kept protesting about how we managed the family business.¡± ¡°But he is just a child¡­¡± Eunhae murmured in pity, but Rachel looked at her and shook her head. ¡°No, we cannot make mistakes, especially Edmond¡­ that is our burden. Anyway, he couldn¡¯t believe what Albert said and has had the painting appraised again and again. But¡­ as you can guess, no one said Albert was wrong.¡± ¡°They had their reasons¡­¡± Rachel stroked the painting¡¯s frame and smiled, then she said, ¡°It was that difficult, right? Ha¡­ I get it now. At first, I thought they were lying because they didn¡¯t want to oppose Albert. But a while ago, I started to think it was fake, too. Everyone said so, therefore I couldn¡¯t insist on it. I just¡­ I just thought maybe we just wished for it to be real so that ourte mother wouldn¡¯t be a liar, but thanks to you, we could keep our honor. Thank you.¡± ¡°As I said, I just did what I was paid for, I didn¡¯t appraise to help you. If I hadn¡¯t found any clue, I would have said it was fake, too,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°But you did find the truth. That¡¯s what matters. Anyway, you made your splendid debut even before the Medici¡¯s charity event. Congrattions.¡± ¡°There were only about a dozen people. Calling it a splendid debut would be a little exaggerating,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°However, if we were to put together the wealth of the people who were just in this room, it can rival the wealth of an entire country. They have great power. Oh, and this is my business card.¡± Surprisingly, the card read Director Rachel Butler of Butler Cook Airlines. ¡°You are a board member of an airlinepany?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°It is one of thepanies of our family. If youe to Ennd in the future, don¡¯t buy ne tickets. We will provide you, and this beautifuldy here, with first ss tickets as long as thepany stands.¡± Haejin thought they would give him something in gratitude, and they really did. ¡°Wow¡­¡± ¡°You will also, naturally, get your fee. Do you like it?¡± ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Edmond then poked Haejin¡¯s side. ¡°Hehe¡­ our airlinepanies are really good. The food is¡­ a little bad, but the first-ss service is good. It is the best service between all the airlines in Ennd. Really.¡± ¡°Then, I will enjoy that great service. Oh, and¡­ are you going to restore the painting? A masterpiece will be born again if you remove the overpaints.¡± Rachel looked at her brother and smiled. Edmond knew what she was thinking, he smiled and nodded. ¡°I think they would want us to keep it as it is. So, we are not going to restore it.¡± ¡°I see, you made the right choice,¡± Haejinmented. The past, which Haejin had seen through magic, was not that beautiful. There was an older brother who was tormented by the talent of his genius younger brother, and the younger brother had no choice but to pretend to be ignorant of it. It was almost tragical. Hubert¡¯s jealousy and despair eventually ruined Jan¡¯s painting, but he didn¡¯t me or hate his brother. However¡­ Jan had known Hubert was going to ruin his painting, so he made another one. And unfortunately, the Butler siblings didn¡¯t have it, so Haejin didn¡¯t talk about it. After that, the time at the mansion was surprisinglyfortable and new. It wasfortable because everything was of the best quality, and it was new because so many people asked to meet Haejin as if he were a celebrity. At first, he thought that being stuck there for three days would be boring, but he enjoyed his time more than he expected. Time flew fast. It was the day for the charity event, so in the afternoon, Haejin and Eunhae went to the outskirts of Florence. Then, they saw a giant mansion and some facilities. The mansion was five minutes away by car from the huge entrance. The building charmed the people with the unique elegant style of the city. Many people were already going in and out, and Haejin couldn¡¯t even guess how big the event was. Their driver took them inside so they could go in without losing their way. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Park. I¡¯ve been expecting you.¡± And atst¡­ they could meet the famous head of the Medici family. Chapter 149: Drawings in the Charity Auction (1)

Chapter 149: Drawings in the Charity Auction (1)

Cavani di Piero Medici was younger than Haejin had expected. He didn¡¯t have a single strand of white hair, and his ck hair was neatlybed. He was a handsome gentleman with a mustache and a beard. Additionally, his eyes were very charming. ¡°I am honored to meet you, I¡¯m Park Haejin from Korea.¡± ¡°And I am Lim Eunhae, I am Park Haejin Art Museum¡¯s director.¡± Cavani¡¯s eyes twinkled as he looked at Haejin, then he said, ¡°You are remarkably beautiful. I¡¯ve seen many women, but you are the most beautiful Asian that I have ever seen. I am not just saying this, I truly envy you, Mr. Park.¡± Cavani looked at Haejin who shrugged his shoulders while saying, ¡°That is good. At least, I something that you are jealous of.¡± ¡°However, other than Ms. Lim here, you have many other things that I envy. Anyway, I hope you have a good time today,¡± Cavani said while smiling. He then left to greet the other guests. ¡°He looks like a womanizer,¡± Eunhae pouted after he left. Haejin then said, ¡°He looks like a womanizer? He just looks handsome to me.¡± ¡°He looks so greasy as if he is full of butter inside¡­ but I think many Italian men are like that. They are butter men, but they know how to gain the heart of a woman,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°Oho¡­ maybe I should learn from them.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to. You might not be that greasy, but your face is good-looking enough,¡± Eunhae gestured at Haejin¡¯s face while speaking. ¡°I really thank my parents for that. But¡­ wow, there are so many celebrities! Isn¡¯t he a famous pop singer?¡± Haejin asked while pointing at someone. ¡°Oh, I think he is, and there are a few models as well. But we are the only Asians.¡± Haejin had thought that, as it was Italy, everyone would be foreign to him, but as he looked around again, he realized there wasn¡¯t any Asian. ¡°There are no ck people, either. All whites.¡± Eunhae was a little surprised as well. So, she put more strength in grabbing Haejin¡¯s arm. ¡°Yes, I am a little scared now.¡± ¡°I thought these aristocrats would be rich, but this is a really closed society.¡± None of them red at Haejin or Eunhe nor criticized them, but no one greeted them or smiled to them as well. They were getting more and more ufortable for being treated as ghosts, but then, a man came to them. ¡°Oh! Mr. Park! I¡¯ve been looking for you.¡± The man, with light brown hair and blue eyes, was Ed Harper. They had met at the mansion of the Medici family. Previously, impressed by how he appraised Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting, he had asked Haejin toe to visit Liverpool. However, if he had been looking for him, he clearly had something to say. ¡°We meet again,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Of course. Everyone who stayed at the hotel came to Italy for this event. Oh, there are no refreshments here, so let¡¯s go. There is good wine upstairs.¡± He took Haejin and Eunhae through the crowd, and they reached the first floor. ¡°These are Mr. Park from Korea and his friend,¡± Ed said. The first floor had tables with a view of the ground floor, but not everyone could sit there. A few men checked the ID of each person. They let them pass, and Ed Harper looked back in surprise as he moved forward. ¡°Mr. Medici must have told them about you in advance. I was going to say you were my friend if they didn¡¯t let you pass, but there was no need. Just as I thought¡­ he cares about you. Well, he must have his reasons to invite you here. Please, this way¡­¡± Haejin was embarrassed by beingplimented too much. And before he could say anything, Ed was already moving toward a table that was slightly away from the center and sat there. A woman, that appeared to be his wife, was already there. She smiled at seeing Haejin and stood up to greet him. ¡°Oh, wee. I was very impressed to see you appraise Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting at the mansion. You are so handsome and smart¡­ I wish my daughter was here to meet you!¡± She was a little too excited. So, Ed calmed her down and asked Haejin and Eunhae to sit. ¡°That is enough. Please, sit.¡± ¡°Thank you. Is that table in the center for Mr. Medici?¡± Haejin then asked. ¡°You are observant. Yes, it is for Mr. Medici, the host of this event. Albert was supposed to sit with him, but¡­¡± Ed couldn¡¯t finish the sentence and nced at Haejin. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if he will be able to show up after getting humiliated like that¡­¡± ¡°However, any appraiser can make that kind of mistake. No one is perfect.¡± ¡°Of course, we all make mistakes, but it is about the people he wronged. He has insulted the Butlers.¡± Haejin was a little puzzled since all the other aristocrats were in it. So, he started speaking, ¡°But until now¡­¡± However, Ed interrupted him and said, ¡°Ha! I know what you are asking. The Butlers have been enduring that until now because they were not sure themselves. If the painting had been really been fake, they would have just damaged their honor by arguing, but now, things are a little different. We feel a little sorry for them, of course, but we trusted Albert as an appraiser. The Butlers know that, too. That is why they won¡¯t oppose other families.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯splicated,¡± Haejinmented. Ed then continued, ¡°It¡¯s simpler than you think. Now, the Harringtons have no basis. The Butler siblings are young, but their retainers are not. Maybe the young siblings would be able to use this as a chance to get more power. On the other hand, the Harringtons are in trouble. They will have to pay for what they did.¡± ¡°Are you saying he is about to quit working as the Medici¡¯s appraiser?¡± Ed smiled and shook his head, ¡°Haha¡­ no, but he will at least have to give an entirepany to the Butlers. He cannot just get away with it. The Butlers have been greatly offended. He dishonored their dead mother, so he must take the responsibility.¡± Haejin was shocked to hear that Albert had to gift apany just because he made one mistake while appraising. He thought it was ridiculous. Haejin thenmented, ¡°That is¡­ huge.¡± ¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s how we live. Every word and every action should be wless. In that perspective, you, Mr. Park, impressed us. Your confidence and observation are so¡­ great. Oh, have a ss of wine. This is Henri Jayer¡¯s Richebourg Grand Cru. It¡¯s a masterpiece, worth more than 20 thousand dors.¡± He picked up the bottle and poured wine for Haejin and Eunhae himself. Then, he raised his winess to his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about the wealth of the Medici¡­ but I didn¡¯t expect to taste such expensive wine,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Not everyone here can taste this. It is a privilege given to only a few families who cane up to this floor.¡± Haejin took a sip of the wine. ¡°Wow¡­ it¡¯s delicious.¡± Wine lovers would have talked about the sourness and lingering aftertaste and so on, but Haejin didn¡¯t know about that kind of thing. He just thought it was delicious. Ed smiled and took a sip as well. Then, he put down his ss and said, ¡°I started to look forward to this event when I heard a new appraiser from Asia had been invited. Oh, I am not racist. It¡¯s just that¡­ an Asianing to an event hosted by the Medici is surprising enough, but I was even more shocked to find out that the man was an appraiser.¡± ¡°Why? Is it because of Albert?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes and no. Although he is the best appraiser, he isn¡¯t Mr. Medici¡¯s only appraiser. What I wondered is, why now?¡± ¡°Why now?¡± Ed then exined, ¡°There is a painting that has made him very worried, and you showed up just in time. I think it is too good to be a coincidence.¡± ¡°Which painting is it?¡± Haejin asked. Ed leaned forward and lowered his voice, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t know what it is, either. I just heard that Albert looked at it, and he failed to appraise it. However, it hasn¡¯t been shown to us yet. And then¡­ you were invited toe here today, and the goods that will be on auction today haven¡¯t been announced. You also humiliated Albert and let the Butlers regain their honor just a few days ago. Because of all that, I think something very exciting will happen today.¡± Ed clearly thought it was entertaining. He took another sip of wine and took out a small pair of binocrs. ¡°I don¡¯t really feel good about being the toy of you aristocrats,¡± Haejin then said. ¡°Oh¡­ please, don¡¯t think so. We do admire and respect those who understand art. My heart is already pounding. What kind of painting will I get to see with these binocrs? Aren¡¯t you excited?¡± ¡°I am not excited, but I am interested,¡± Haejin calmly answered. ¡°I think you can be the star of this evening. Well¡­ what will we get to see?¡± He was way too excited. That was going to let him down. When there is too much expectation, it diminishes the feeling you get from the paintings. Haejin slightly smiled and just drank the wine. He even wanted to ask for more¡­ After three sses of the expensive wine, Mr. Medici finally finished greeting every guest and stood at the center of the first floor. When the visitors saw him standing there, the murmurs disappeared like bubbles. ¡°Thank you foring here today. Thanks to you, the Italian poor children will not lose their dreams and find the strength to venture into the world.¡± p p! Mr. Medici then continued, ¡°I admire you and am also proud of you. Because of you, who work for our country in various ways, Italy will prosper even more.¡± p p! ¡°I guess if I keep talking, I will just bore you. Well then, today¡¯s auction starts now. Rachione!¡± He raised his hand and pointed at the ground floor. There was a beautiful woman in a silvery dress on the dais with a microphone. The woman said, ¡°Thank you for participating in this charity auction from the Medici, the family that will be eternal like the never-setting sun in Italy. Then, the auction starts now. It will be in Euro, and there are only two paintings.¡± That showed great confidence. To have an auction with only two paintings. She then continued, ¡°And for this special event, two appraisers will exin the paintings. Mr. Albert Harrington and Mr. Park Haejin from Korea. Chapter 150: Drawings in the Charity Auction (2)

Chapter 150: Drawings in the Charity Auction (2)

What was that about? It wasn¡¯t like Haejin had been shown those paintings in advance¡­ ¡°Remarkable, truly remarkable. I knew you would get this honor,¡± Ed Harper and his wife didn¡¯t care that Haejin was confused. They just apuded for him. ¡°What the f¡­¡± Before Haejin could finish cursing, he saw Albert Harrington slowly walking out in the front from Cavani¡¯s left side. He had a rxed smile on his face. He even shook hands with the people on his way. ¡°Wow¡­ he isn¡¯t even nervous.¡± Eunhae was surprised to see that. However, Haejin forced himself to stand up and said, ¡°No, he is just pretending. He is so nervous that he can¡¯t even look at me in the eyes.¡± Albert was showing off in every possible way, but he didn¡¯t look at Haejin who was right in front. It was possible that he didn¡¯t want to look at Haejin because he had been proved to be a lesser appraiser, but Haejin thought he was nervous. Haejin could feel Albert ncing at him, although it was just for a short second. Aristocrats on the first floor and celebrities on the ground floor apuded as Haejin slowly walked up to Cavani di Medici. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have been so shocked if you had told me in advance,¡± Haejin whispered, clearly not happy about it. However, Cavani just smiled warmly, ¡°It is not like you will use scientific methods, so knowing in advance wouldn¡¯t have mattered. A person¡¯s intuition is always the strongest and the most urate when you see the object for the first time. If I had shown you these in advance and given you time to think, you would have made mistakes. Even the most skillful people make mistakes when the crowd is watching.¡± It sounded as if he wanted Haejin to make a mistake. Haejin sighed, but as there was no way to escape this now, he decided to enjoy it. ¡°Well, okay, but let¡¯s talk about money first. My fee is 1% of the price, but there has to be more for this kind of show.¡± ¡°So how much do you want?¡± Cavani asked. ¡°10%.¡± Haejin could see Cavani¡¯s facial muscles, that had been smiling all the time, trembling slightly. ¡°10%? Do you know how much that painting is?¡± ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know?¡± Haejin asked back. Cavani then said, ¡°Haha, okay. I will lose some money, but it would be entertaining enough.¡± The paintings had to be worth at least tens of billions of won, but Cavani coolly said yes right away. Haejin nodded, told Eunhae to get the contract, and went down to the ground floor. Albert and a painting covered with a red cloth were waiting on the dais. As Haejin went up, Albert whispered to him, ¡°Today will be different.¡± Normally, Haejin would have said good luck, but he was so fed up with the arrogance of those aristocrats that he couldn¡¯t say anything nice, ¡°It won¡¯t be easy¡­ well, I guess you can try if you want, but don¡¯t go home crying if you lose again. It would be embarrassing.¡± Albert¡¯s face turned red at this. He tried to say something, but then he stopped. He couldn¡¯t be seen arguing in front of so many important people. After Haejin went up the dais, the auctioneer talked on the microphone. ¡°I know you must be wondering about Mr. Park Haejin from Korea. So, I will introduce him first.¡± She stopped, looked around with a smile, and then continued. ¡°As you can see, this handsome man is famous for being a genius appraiser in Korea. He is known to be the appraisal counselor of the Arab Emirate¡¯s Abu Dhabi family. He is also working as a counselor of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.¡± She was talking as if she was announcing the name and weight ss of a wrestler before a match. What was funny was that Haejin had never heard before that he was the appraisal counselor of the Arab Emirate¡¯s Abu Dhabi family and the counselor of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. He really wanted to go to her and say that what she just had said was untrue, but he endured and waited for her to finish. ¡°And most of all, he has his own art museum. The museum even has Picasso¡¯s painting that wasn¡¯t known before. You must be recalling what you saw on the news about it.¡± The celebrities eximed. ¡°Oh¡­¡± However, Haejin didn¡¯t care. He just stared at the painting with his arms crossed, without any expression. He wasn¡¯t trying to look through the red cloth and see the painting. He was just waiting for thedy to finish what she was doing. However, she spent another five minutes to introduce Albert. He was a great appraiser, much better than Haejin had thought. He had been given the Royal Brooch from the appraisalmittee in Ennd, which is given only to the best appraisers, and he was also a member of the high appraisalmittee of the French artifact appraisal institution. He had appraised hundreds of artifacts, and hundreds of artifacts worth millions of dors had been sold on auction thanks to him. Haejin could see why he was so confident about his skills. Additionally, because of the beautiful auctioneer¡¯spliments, Albert got back his ego. Now, he was able to look at Haejin and smile. ¡°Can we look at the painting now?¡± Haejin found it so boring that he whispered to the auctioneer. She looked back in surprise and then smiled, ¡°I think this gentleman¡¯s legs are in pain. Let¡¯s try to understand. He can find this situation overwhelming.¡± She walked forward, grabbed the red cloth that covered the painting, and looked around again. Then she slowly pulled it, smiling mischievously. ¡°Oooh¡­¡± ¡°Amazing¡­¡± ¡°Raphael? Is it Raphael¡¯s?¡± Haejin was shocked, but not because of the painting itself. There was another painting behind it. He had never heard of two paintings being sold on auction at the same time. He looked at the auctioneer, who then winked at him. ¡°These two paintings are not the two paintings that will be on auction. Only one of them will be sold today,¡± the woman said. Haejin couldn¡¯t see why she was doing that. Others couldn¡¯t understand it, either. Someone on the ground floor raised her hand and asked, ¡°Then which painting will be on auction?¡± ¡°It is up to you and the other guests,¡± the auctioneer answered. ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Mr. Harrington and Mr. Park will each appraise one painting. You should listen to them and bid for the painting you want. And one of them will be sold to the person who offers the most.¡± So, she was saying only one of the two paintings were about to be sold¡­ ¡°Then, is one of them fake?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe, maybe not. Maybe they are both fakes. You have 10 minutes.¡± It was more of an event than a charity auction. However, she said it would start in ten minutes, not immediately. Haejin thought it was strange, but the moment that was said, the guests started to bet. They were betting on which painting was fake, and it was so ridiculous and shocking to Haejin that he stared at them for some time. The Medici were putting on a show with the appraisers for this event, but whether they were wagering or not, the profit of this event was going to be used for the poor children, so Haejin decided to understand and get along with it. The two paintings were both drawings. Albert¡¯s drawing showed a naked man giving a huge goblet to a woman with a baby angel in his arms. On the other hand, Haejin¡¯s drawing depicted a half-naked woman with a long wind instrument. She was looking away. They seemed to have a simr line, but Albert¡¯s drawing had been drawn with red chalk while Haejin¡¯s had been drawn using a pen and brown ink. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about those paintings! They are both Raphael¡¯s!¡± ¡°No, the one on the right is Fra Bartolomeo¡¯s. I¡¯ve seen his drawings before.¡± People started to debate about which painting was more valuable, using all the knowledge about art they had. The beautiful auctioneer just stood there and watched them talking. Five minutester, she started speaking again. ¡°The appraising begins now. First¡­ Mr. Harrington?¡± Albert slowly walked to the front, stood in front of the painting, and started to exin. ¡°Look at this perfect proportion of the body. I cannot help eximing. Before I appraise it, I must say that I feel humble when I meet a great work of art like this. I am so small in front of such a masterpiece.¡± He looked down and then continued. ¡°You must have noticed what this drawing means. Psyche, who just married her love Cupid, is being given eternal life by Mercury. She is receiving the goblet of eternity and bing a goddess. Look at the liveliness and beauty in each muscle. They are so impressive, and the perfectness of the lines reminds me of Raphael. Many artists used red chalk at the time, and so did Raphael. Let¡¯s look at this thin neck, first.¡± He analyzed the drawing and exined why it was Raphael¡¯s for a long time. After he was finished, the woman with the mike said, ¡°Well, how was it? Do you think it will help you to decide?¡± Everyone nodded satisfied. Then, the woman turned to Haejin. ¡°The guests here were looking forward to seeing you appraise, and I am also excited. So please, show us your skills.¡± Haejin sighed and went to the painting. ¡°Hah¡­ this painting is¡­¡± Haejin then stopped and looked up. His eyes then met Cavani¡¯s eyes. He was looking down on the first floor. Actually, Haejin hadn¡¯t paid attention when Albert appraised his drawing. He wasn¡¯t going to appraise it himself, so he didn¡¯t care about what Albert said. He had been examining the drawing he was supposed to appraise, so finding out more about it wasn¡¯t easy. However, the problem was that he still didn¡¯t know what this event was for. Was he really supposed to announce what it was? He didn¡¯t know. He couldn¡¯t finish his sentence, but the auctioneer gave him the answer instead of Cavani, ¡°To appraise a work of art, you should focus on it. Shouldn¡¯t you stop thinking about other things?¡± She was right. Haejin nodded and said, ¡°This drawing isn¡¯t Raphael¡¯s, and it isn¡¯t Fra Bartolomeo¡¯s, either.¡± ¡°Then, whose drawing is it?¡± Someone asked. Haejin gave them the answer. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ a forgery that was recently made.¡± Chapter 151: Drawings in the Charity Auction (3)

Chapter 151: Drawings in the Charity Auction (3)

The eyes of the people sparkled as they started to concentrate even more. They were already expecting for one of the two drawings to be fake, so what Haejin said wasn¡¯t that shocking. They just wanted to know why Haejin thought it was fake and how it had been made. ¡°It is fake¡­ I wonder why you think so,¡± The woman with the mike asked with a smile. However, Haejin was somewhat bored. He gestured at the drawing and exined, ¡°The drawing has faded too much, even for such an old painting. What should I say¡­ it has aged too unnaturally? The ink has also faded considering the supposed age of the drawing.¡± However, the woman continued to ask again, ¡°Feeling that it has aged unnaturally¡­ and feeling that the ink has also faded¡­ you are only talking about how you feel it.¡± She was saying Haejin had to give objective evidence, and she was right. Haejin couldn¡¯t say the drawing was fake just because his guts said so. Therefore, he exined, ¡°Normally, iron-gall ink gets even darker with time, not lighter. Although this drawing was drawn with that ink, it has actually faded in time. That is not right. It is the side effect of forcing the drawing to age quickly.¡± The woman nodded. It meant Haejin hade up with a logical proof, but Haejin didn¡¯t like her doing that. Did she even know what she was nodding at? ¡°Is that all? You must have more evidence, I actually like that drawing very much,¡± a woman, under the dais, asked while lightly raising her wine ss. Haejin was about to answer, but then he changed his mind and asked her something different. If this was a show, then he had to entertain them. Also, he knew that getting attention now would be of great help while working in Europe in the future. ¡°Of course. Do you draw?¡± The woman wasn¡¯t surprised by the question. She was rather d and smiled while putting her hand on her chest. She took a deep breath to calm herself. ¡°I did ballet and drawing when I was a child. I stopped ballet after I got married, but I still draw from time to time.¡± ¡°Then, it would be easy for you to understand. How do you draw when you make a drawing?¡± She thought about it for a moment and then said, ¡°Hmm¡­ I guess you are asking me about my drawing skills?¡± She was quick-witted. ¡°You are very wise,¡± Haejinplimented her. ¡°Haha! Thank you. I don¡¯t know if my opinion will help, but I will do my best to exin. Umm¡­ I try to depict the object naturally. Lightly and fluttering¡­¡± Haejin smiled, satisfied by her answer, ¡°Excellent. As this beautifuldy just said, an artist will draw using smooth lines to depict the object as naturally and detailed as possible. So, they produce light and less concentrated lines. On the other hand, forgers are different. They draw as slowly as possible while focusing on imitating the style of the real drawing. In conclusion, such heavy lines are an indication of forgery.¡± The crowd eximed, ¡°Ohh¡­¡± ¡°Amazing. It really looks different.¡± It was time to end it now, so Haejin continued, ¡°You won¡¯t be able to find any record about this drawing. It never existed.¡± The most preferred method for finding if a particr painting is fake or not is to go through old records as scientific tests often fail to give the final answer. So, the most urate way is to go through some old records that mention the painting. When no record of the painting is found, it is likely to be fake, and even if it cannot be concluded as fake, appraisers wouldn¡¯t say it is real. You might then ask yourself the question the other way around, ¡®Are all unrecorded artifacts fake?¡¯ No. Even if it is not recorded, it might be recognized as a real artifact if there is a piece of objective and clear evidence that everyone can ept, and sometimes such artifacts appear. However, that is also the reason why there are still so many frauds out there. p p! The abrupt apud was heard from the center of the first floor, where Cavani di Medici was. The apud of the mansion¡¯s owner soon spread. Haejin knew this charity event was a show, but he had never been apuded by such a huge crowd. He was a little embarrassed, but he also felt good. At first, he had been angry about Cavani suddenly putting him on the dais and making him appraise, but regardless of that, Haejin was the greatest appraiser in the world now. Things were going well for him. After the apuds faded, Cavani put one hand on the parapet and raised his wine ss. ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about you, but honestly, I didn¡¯t believe all of it. However, seeing you appraise with my own eyes let me know that what I heard wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. I am truly impressed, but I do have one question. Who made that realistic forgery?¡± The others all nodded at this, they also wanted to know that. Haejin thought about that and then said, ¡°A person with such a drawing technique and such forging technique¡­ wouldn¡¯t it be Eric Hepburn? Haven¡¯t you guessed that already?¡± Cavani stroked his beard. ¡°I thought so, too. But¡­ anyway, thank you. Well, it is time for the auction to continue.¡± The woman with the mike took it from there, ¡°Raphael Sanzio¡¯s painting of Psyche and Mercury. The price starts at one million euro and rises by fifty thousand.¡± The mood suddenly changed. The smile faded from the people¡¯s faces, they were all determined. Was it Haejin¡¯s illusion, or did their eyes really show hostility as if they were predators after one prey? ¡°Two million euros! 2.05 euros!¡± The price went up easily and then soared up. ¡°Ten million euros! The price rises by 100 thousand now! Oh! That gentleman on the first floor just bid 11 million euros!¡± The other auctions are usually noisy with participants talking to each other and yelling on the phones, but for some reason, this one proceeded in silence. The auctioneer was the only one who made a sound within that heavy silence. It looked really odd, but Haejin got used to it in time. ¡°31.5 million euros. Is there more? If there isn¡¯t, the auction ends now,¡± The woman quietly counted to three and whacked her gavel. ¡°Congrattions, you bought it at 31.5 million euros!¡± p p! The smiles returned and, although some of them were still disappointed, they looked like they were on a truce after the battle. In the meantime, Albert came close to Haejin and asked, ¡°Have you ever seen Eric Hepburn¡¯s fakes before?¡± Albert wasn¡¯t trying to provoke Haejin, so he answered with what he could recall, ¡°I¡¯ve seen one before. It had simr patterns to this one. I thought he understood well the original artist¡¯s style and knew a lot about forging, but I didn¡¯t know that I would get to see his work again today. The one I saw before was much better than this one.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay,¡± Albert nodded and went back to where he was. He looked like he wanted to talk more but couldn¡¯t. Cavani had done that before the auction, so Haejin went to Albert to ask why he had asked that, but the auctioneer lightly grabbed his arm to stop him and winked. ¡°The auction will resume after a 20-minute break.¡± At this, people went back to their party mood and started to talk over wine and refreshments. The woman turned to Haejin and whispered, ¡°Follow me. Mr. Medici is waiting.¡± Haejin looked up at the first floor at this. Cavani wasn¡¯t there, and Eunhae wasn¡¯t in her seat, either. Haejin was worried. He looked at the auctioneer who smiled while saying, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She is with Mr. Medici. Please, follow me.¡± She started to walk, and Haejin had no choice but to follow her. Albert was also following them. They went down to the basement where Cavani and Eunahe were sitting on a very expensive sofa in an old-looking room. Eunhae was clearly puzzled. So, Haejin sat down next to her and asked, ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± Cavani then pped twice. Next, the other door opened, and two servants came in, carefully carrying a painting covered with a red cloth. Once it was put in front of Cavani, he crossed his legs and gravely said, ¡°I got this painting about 13 years ago. At the time, I wasn¡¯t very interested in this. I thought it was fake, of course.¡± That was enough to give Haejin some questions, ¡°You were not interested in it, but you got it? You didn¡¯t buy it with money?¡± Cavani shook his head, ¡°No. I paid more than three million euros to buy this.¡± ¡°You knew this was fake, but you still paid three million?¡± ¡°Yes. I thought it was worth it, although it was fake,¡± Cavani exined. Haejin could sense that it was a masterpiece. If Cavani had thought the fake painting was worth three million euros, then how valuable would the real one be? ¡°But¡­ then you changed your mind?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I did change my mind, but anyone would have done the same thing after what happened.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Cavani crossed his arms, caught his breath, and then continued, ¡°Years ago, Albert told me that this was fake. But then one day, I heard that this might not be fake. So, I let Albert know this and had him appraise it again.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°And this time, Albert said he wasn¡¯t sure. It changed from a fake painting into something that might be fake,¡± Cavani said. That story made no sense, but it was interesting. So, Haejin wanted to see which painting it was even before hearing the rest of it. ¡°May I see the painting first?¡± Cavani nodded. Haejin then stood up and carefully removed the red cloth. ¡°Huh?¡± However, the painting that was revealed was something that he hadn¡¯t expected at all. ¡°So, you do get surprised sometimes,¡± Cavanimented. ¡°Of course. I didn¡¯t know I would get to see the missing part of the Ghent Altarpiece.¡± Chapter 152: Drawings in the Charity Auction (4)

Chapter 152: Drawings in the Charity Auction (4)

The Ghent Altarpiece, one of Jan van Eyck¡¯s greatest works, has greatly influenced art history. It received countlesspliments, and numerous artists and people came to see it. After it was made, for the following five centuries, oil painting became the most attractive style for painters. Oil painting showed unprecedented realism that perfectly depicted clothing, jewels, sunlight on the horse¡¯s eye, and even nts that could be categorized by schrs. And inevitably, the Ghent Altarpiece became the target of many criminals. Within 600 years, there were 13 attempts to steal it, and eventually, one of the 12 panels, the Righteous Judges, was stolen in 1934. The bishop of Ghent pleaded to the thieves to return it many times, but they didn¡¯t. So, the case ended up being unsolved before the Second World War and the people thought the panel was gone for good. However, things started to get strange when a Belgian copyist named Jef Van der Veken offered to make an imitation. He used to work at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium. He was the best restoration expert of the time. He restored Jan van Eyck¡¯s Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele and Rogier van der Weyden¡¯s Madonna with Child. He used a two centuries old closet shelf, cut it in the right size, and used it as the panel. He drew three particr different scenes in his imitation so that people would be able to tell the difference from the original. The copy was finished in 1950 and was disyed with the other original panels. So, his panel had to be still with them. However, the panel should have been at St Bavo¡¯s Cathedral. So, of course, Haejin was surprised. ¡°I can see why you thought it was fake. I would have thought so, too.¡± Haejin thought that it was not even as good as Van der Veken¡¯s copy. ¡°Thank you for saying that.¡± ¡°But how did you get this?¡± Haejin asked. Cavani remained silent for a while. However, Haejin could guess from that. He had gotten it through illegal means. Still, he had to ask. After a long silence, Cavani finally said, ¡°Do you know how things are going in Italy?¡± ¡°I guess you are not asking about the politics and economy¡­ you are talking about the art world, right?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Cavani confirmed. Haejin then said, ¡°I know that the mafia is in control of the art market, but I also know that the Medici family has a part in it.¡± That was rude, but Cavani just smiled, ¡°You are very straightforward. You are right. I will not deny that the money of my family has gone to ck markets and smugglers. However, we had our own reasons to do that.¡± ¡°What reasons?¡± Haejin asked as if his excuses wouldn¡¯t make any sense, but Cavani didn¡¯t look offended. ¡°I know you think it is nonsense, but if you look deeper, you will see that we had no choice.¡± Haejin sat down. Hearing what Cavani had to say was more important than appraising the painting. ¡°You had no choice?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Everyone knows that Italian politicians are corrupted. Actually, it is not bad for us. For the rich, the more corrupted politicians are, the better. If the mafia, who is friends with those politicians, hadn¡¯t jumped into the art market, I wouldn¡¯t have done anything.¡± ¡°Are you saying you started to get involved in the smuggling business because of the mafia?¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe, but it is the truth. Umm¡­ it started in the 70s, more than 40 years ago. The mafia realized that antiques were worth money and started to get them. At first, they went after famous and valuable artifacts, but then, they wanted more. After the 80s, they started illegal excavations to find buried artifacts.¡± Haejin had heard that story. That was also how Japan had stolen the artifacts from Korea. ¡°They are evil,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Haha, people usually use that expression for murder, but you are quite unique, anyway, they are bad. So, my father tried to stop them. He made the police raid them and force the politicians to strengthen the Smuggling Prevention Act. However, unfortunately, none of it worked.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Because the mafia always used stronger methods. When we bribed policemen, they bribed the police chief, and when we moved to politicians, they moved to parties. Even though my family is rich, we couldn¡¯t risk spending bigger money than they did just to defeat them. In conclusion, we had limits.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ so?¡± ¡°So instead, we decided to spend less money but be a step ahead of them to stop them.¡± Haejin could see what he was saying. ¡°Youmitted crimes before they could?¡± Cavani grimly nodded, ¡°We can¡¯t even get close to them in their major businesses, like drugs, gambling, and human trafficking. However, excavating buried artifacts and smuggling them are different. We have much older and stronger ties than they have. No matter what they try to do, they cannot get out of our sight.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Cavani then exined, ¡°We find out which site they are about to dig in advance and rob it first and switch the artifacts they smuggle. That¡¯s how we¡¯ve been fighting in the darkness for decades.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ wow. But what if you get shot?¡± ¡°They know who they are dealing with. They cannot harm us unless they are willing to have their syndicate razed,¡± Cavani answered. That was great confidence. Money was more powerful than violence. ¡°Then, where are those artifacts?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°We are keeping them.¡± ¡°Keeping them? There is no way the mafia robbed only the graves in this country. You are keeping someone else¡¯s artifacts without telling them?¡± ¡°They don¡¯t even know that their artifacts have been stolen,¡± Cavani said. ¡°Ha¡­¡± that was so ridiculous that Haejin startedughing. Cavani then asked, ¡°Do you think we are selfish?¡± ¡°Are you saying that you are not?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you may think so. However, if we give back those artifacts, they will protest to us about robbing their artifacts, and we will have to take legal responsibilities, for protecting their artifacts. Do you think that would be right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Haejin wanted to argue, but Cavani was right. He couldn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Plus, they excavate without any care. Also, think about how they smuggle the artifacts. You saw that shattered krater before you came here, right? When do you think it was destroyed? A millennium ago? Or underground?¡± ¡°It was destroyed recently,¡± Haejin confirmed. Cavani nodded, impressed, ¡°Brilliant. You are right. After putting in a considerable amount of time and effort, we found out that it was shattered less than a decade ago. I guess you can see why?¡± ¡°To make it easier for them to smuggle it in.¡± ¡°Yes. They shattered a good krater with great care so that it could be restored. They would then smuggle it using dozens of people with each bringing a piece. That¡¯s who they are. They don¡¯t care about artifacts, they would do anything for money.¡± Shattering pottery and putting it back together again might sound crazy, but it is not impossible. Great skills were needed to break it and restore it on purpose. Restoring it is important but shattering it without making any crumbs also requires skills. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t really be enraged about someone else¡¯s artifacts, and as Cavani¡¯s statement was quite logical, he couldn¡¯t criticize the Medici. ¡°Anyway, we are doing our best. And then¡­ I got this, from a ck-market merchant who was under the mafia¡¯s influence. He said this was fake, but he said it was a fake from Van der Veken,¡± Cavani said. ¡°This is Van der Veken¡¯s?¡± Haejin stood up again in surprise and examined the painting. However, just as he had thought, Van der Veken¡¯s three differences weren¡¯t there. ¡°But he¡­¡± Haejin continued, ¡°I know. That is why Albert didn¡¯t think this was his at first. The fact that he put in three differences in his painting is famous, but this one is exactly the same as the original. If that merchant had said it was real, we would have taken a closer look, to find out if it was fake. However¡­¡± ¡°You bought it as a fake, so you didn¡¯t even consider the possibility of this being real. You didn¡¯t examine it properly.¡± ¡°Embarrassingly, yes. But then, Mat Vellin visited me a while ago,¡± Cavani said. That name again. Mat had so many friends. ¡°I guess he has many friends,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Haha, he is one of the best appraisers in Europe. I would say he is Albert¡¯s rival.¡± Cavani turned to Albert who cleared his throat, ashamed. He had been defeated by Haejin, and someone else had found what he hadn¡¯t been able to find. Cavani could see that, but he looked at Haejin again and continued, ¡°When I met him, he looked somewhat different. Mat used to be so confident, but now, he was humble and reserved. That is why he examined it even more carefully when I told him this was fake.¡± ¡°Mat examined it even more carefully after hearing it was fake?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I askedter, and Mat told me he wanted to find out the evidence, that said it was fake, by himself. Mat has changed. He was like a teenager on fire, but he has be a man. Eventually, he gave up, saying he couldn¡¯t find anything.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know if he was the reason for his change, but he couldn¡¯t deny the fact that Mat¡¯s change was good for his career. ¡°Both me and Albert were surprised to hear this. So, Albert took another look at this again. And as you know, he gave up, too. That is why I thought of you. Before Mat left Italy, he told me that if Albert couldn¡¯t solve this puzzle, there was only one person who could: Park Haejin from Korea. Of course, Haejin was nervous by now, but he was even more pleased. Only a few could get the chance to appraise a panel of the Ghent Altarpiece. That was enough to make him not regret bing an appraiser. ¡°Okay, I will appraise it. What happens with the auction if this is real?¡± ¡°Another painting will be on the second auction, regardless of this painting. I put you on the first auction to see if you were good enough to appraise this.¡± Chapter 153: Drawings in the Charity Auction (5)

Chapter 153: Drawings in the Charity Auction (5)

Haejin could understand that. Given the importance of the painting, taking enough precaution was necessary. ¡°Hmm¡­ well then, I will appraise it.¡± Haejin stood up and went to the painting. As he got closer, the scenes of the painting got even clearer. They pierced into his eyes. Cavani and Albert stared at him while both looking quite worried. Van der Veken, the Belgian restorer, drew three different things in his painting so that it wouldn¡¯t be the same with the original Righteous Judges. One of the differences was that he added Leopold III¡¯s face to one of the judges¡¯ face, and the second was that he didn¡¯t draw the ring of another judge, and thest thing was that he moved the head of yet another judge so that his face wouldn¡¯t be covered by his fur hat. These three differences were easy to find, so even normal people could easily guess how the original looked like. Of course, Haejin had seen photos of the original painting and he still remembered every detail of it. Because of that, the thrill he felt as he slowly traced the painting was enough to let him know that it was real. Maybe it had started when he learned magic, but he could get that kind of feeling the moment he saw any work of art. When it was fake, it felt awkward while he didn¡¯t get that feeling when it was real. Cavani was surprised to see Haejin¡¯s hand tremble. Then, Haejin used magic to see the past, he wanted to know the truth behind the painting. When Haejin straightened his back, Cavani stood up as if he couldn¡¯t wait anymore. Then he asked, ¡°How is it?¡± Instead of answering, Haejin asked, ¡°Are you going to return this to St. Bavo¡¯s Cathedral if it is real?¡± Cavani thought about it and answered, ¡°I am willing to return it, as long as they will pay me the right price.¡± ¡°The right price¡­¡± ¡°You sound like you don¡¯t like it,¡± Cavanimented. Haejin then said, ¡°This belongs to you, but you sound like you are about to get paid for it, a lot.¡± ¡°With ¡®the right price¡¯ I mean the money I spent to buy it and the fees I have paid to the many appraisers for it. Is that a problem?¡± That was reasonable, and Haejin had no choice but to admit it. ¡°Well, then¡­ this is the original Righteous Judges that was lost in 1934,¡± Haejin spoke calmly. Cavani was confused a moment, and then he widened his eyes as if he couldn¡¯t believe it. Then he asked, ¡°This is the real Righteous Judges?¡± ¡°Yes. Honestly, I find that hard to believe it, too, but it is real. The panel is old, and the craquelure of the oil painting is so natural that I cannot think it is less than a century old,¡± Haejin said. Cavani then asked, ¡°But can¡¯t this kind of craquelure be made after about 90 years?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know how forgers are. It is possible to create centuries-old craquelure in just ten years. But think about it. What kind of forger would spend a decade on forging a painting? Waiting for just two years is hard for them.¡± ¡°The greed of forgers¡­ I never considered that. I hope you are right, but is there really no forger with such patience?¡± Cavani asked. Haejin exined, ¡°I assure you, one does not have to forge if he or she has that patience. Anyone who is good enough to imitate this painting so perfectly would have be a sessful artist in less than a decade.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ it makes sense,¡± Cavanimented. ¡°Plus, if this were fake, it wouldn¡¯t be so natural even if it was more than a century old. Forgers try to make fakes as realistic as possible in a short time, but they do not spend much time to make them perfect.¡± Cavani nodded and then asked again, ¡°Is there any other evidence?¡± Haejin hesitated for a moment, but he continued speaking, ¡°The panels of the Ghent Altarpiece were all made with the same wood. The current panel of the fake Righteous Judges in St. Bavo¡¯s Cathedral may not look different from the other panels, but if you have it analyzed, you will be able to find out that they were made out of different woods.¡± Albert jumped to his feet and said, ¡°Ha¡­ how did you find out that this panel is that same wood? Are you a wood appraiser or something? And how do you know that the panels of the Ghent Altarpiece were all made of the same wood? That¡¯s¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t bear to say that it was something he didn¡¯t know. And he was right. Haejin hadn¡¯t known just a minute ago. By using magic, he saw the Eyck brothers making the paintings. At the time, they cut down a huge tree and made 12 panels with it. He cheered quietly because exining why the painting in front of him was real, only with its context, wasn¡¯t easy. He wanted to talk about Jan van Eyck¡¯s coloring and lines, but as a genius restorer, Van der Veken, had already made an imitation that was almost perfect, so talking about them didn¡¯t mean anything. The painting was real, but he had to give pieces of evidence, so he was in trouble, but then the Eyck brothers showed him the inarguable proof. ¡°Please do not ask how I know that, I just appraise with the things I know. And what is important is not how I know this, but to check if the panels of the Ghent Altarpiece were all made from the same wood. If they were, this painting is real.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what wood it was. He wished he knew. ¡°Yes, that is not what matters,¡± although Haejin¡¯s exnation wasn¡¯t perfect, Cavani nodded. He easily epted Haejin¡¯s opinion because he believed he had no ties to the mafia. ¡°Do you need more?¡± Haejin asked, but Cavani sat down and shook his head. ¡°There was a reason why Mat rmended you so much. He examined this for more than an hour but couldn¡¯t find out anything, but you figured out all that in just 10 minutes. If I hadn¡¯t seen that with my eyes, I wouldn¡¯t believe it,¡± Cavani said. ¡°Thank you.¡± Cavani raised his finger. Then a man ran to him. ¡°Pay him his fee. Oh, Mr. Park! Let me ask you something. How much do you think this painting is worth?¡± That was a really hard question. It was one of the 12 panels of the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the greatest artistic work, so Haejin couldn¡¯t say it was worth a certain amount of money. Its value depended solely on what kind of owner it would meet. However, the problem was that its value had to be high for him to get more fees. He had been promised 10% of the price as the fee, so if he said 10 billion, he was going to get a billion, but he could get 10 billion if he said 100 billion. Although he didn¡¯t know if Cavani would ept if he said 100 billion¡­ ¡°Are you going to ept the price I propose?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You are the best appraiser I know. If I don¡¯t listen to you, then who should I turn to set its price?¡± ¡°As you know, I might think about my own interests.¡± Cavani smiled and said, ¡°Do you think an appraiser who appraises for one¡¯s own interests can work for long?¡± In a way, he was wise, but in another way, he was foolish. However, that foolishment defeated Haejin¡¯s greed. ¡°I see, I think the appropriate price would be 40 million euros.¡± That was a huge sum of money, but Cavani thought it would be at least that much. He nodded and talked to his servant, ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Take care of it.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The servant went away. Haejin then asked in shock, ¡°I hope you haven¡¯t forgotten you must have the other 11 panels and this panel analyzed?¡± Cavani leisurely crossed his arms, clearly satisfied. ¡°As you said, I will have to have them analyzed, but I don¡¯t think you are wrong. Maybe I, myself, want this to be real.¡± ¡°You said you were going to return it to the cathedral, but you still want this to be real?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you think of me, but I love art. Thinking that such a masterpiece would be in the hands of criminals who lust for money, even if it isn¡¯t mine¡­ it doesn¡¯t exactly make me feel good. And as I am going to charge the cathedral for the money I spent on getting and appraising this painting, I won¡¯t lose even if I pay you a lot. There is no need to y a tug-of-war.¡± ¡°Yes, but what if this is fake?¡± ¡°Your fee will be paid following legal procedures. And the contract says if there¡¯s anything wrong with what you said about this painting, I can get it back. Is there any problem?¡± Of course not. He was offering to give Haejin 4 million euros, so it was time to stop arguing. ¡°No, thank you,¡± Haejin answered. Cavani then said, ¡°I think you will be able to do much more here in Europe. No, I think you should do much more.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± ¡°Although Italy is the home of artifact smugglers, the center of that smuggling has always been somewhere else. Ennd. What happens here is just the tip of the iceberg. And I want you, who isn¡¯t corrupted, to do more,¡± Cavani exined. ¡°I am not just saying this, but isn¡¯t Mr. Harrington good enough?¡± ¡°Of course. He is my dear friend and one of the best appraisers, but you are, what should I say¡­ you seem to be from a different world. No one in history has appraised so quickly and so perfectly like you. Maybe¡­ no, enough with these useless talks. It has been my pleasure,¡± Cavani was about to ask something, but then he stopped. Haejin wanted to know what it was, but he couldn¡¯t ask. So, he replied, ¡°It has been mine, too.¡± Cavani said he would reach out to Haejin and they would meet again. Then, he went up, but Albert was still there. ¡°Is there something you want to say?¡± Haejin asked. Albert sat down where Cavani had sat and started saying, ¡°Actually, I have more than a few questions. I want to grab your neck and make you confess everything, but I can¡¯t, and I know it would make me even more miserable, so I probably shouldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would appraise that painting so quickly. I thought it would take at least one day,¡± Albert said. ¡°So, what are you trying to say?¡± Haejin was about to raise his voice as Albert kept changing the subject, but then he heard something very unexpected from Albert. ¡°I need your help.¡± Chapter 154: Now, to London… (1)

Chapter 154: Now, to London¡­ (1)

Haejin hadn¡¯t known Albert for long, but he could guess what kind of person he was. He knew particrly well about his pride, so he didn¡¯t expect for Albert to openly ask for his help. ¡°You want me to help you?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes. I know we don¡¯t really get along, but please.¡± Albert was serious. Haejin was now in trouble. He hadn¡¯t nned to stay in Italy for so long, therefore he was thinking of quickly going back to Korea. Someone could break into his museum and steal the Double Dragon Sword while he was not there, and Byeongguk might have already found the tomb in Kimhae. He couldn¡¯t stay any longer. ¡°Hmm¡­ hey, I cannot say that I am fond of you, but I don¡¯t want to refuse to help you just like that. However, I didn¡¯t think I would stay here for so long when I decided toe here. I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s time for me to go back.¡± Haejin had thought Albert would now back off, but to his surprise, he was stubborn. Maybe it was something urgent. ¡°It won¡¯t take long. One day¡­ no, two, just two days. It will take you less than an hour to appraise a painting, right?¡± Albert asked. ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Albert then continued, ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to help me for free. I will give you a million¡­ no, two million euros. Please, help me just once. I will never forget it. You might not know about it, but my family has a great influence in Ennd and in the entire Europe. You will be treated like a VIP no matter where you go in this continent.¡± Haejin looked at Eunhae who smiled and shrugged her shoulders. It meant he had to decide, but judging from her smiling face, she was thinking that it was okay to help. ¡°Have you called the museum?¡± Haejin asked her. Eunhae then gave him an ount of the situation, ¡°The special exhibition is going on without any problem, and the government has sent the documents for raising the rank of the museum. We will get an answer in less than a week. The Uffizi also sent us the papers to lease the artifacts. I didn¡¯t know they would take care of it so fast, but the staff is in an uproar because of it.¡± ¡°Yes, they are taking care of it really fast,¡± Haejinmented. Eunhae then said, ¡°They are either really grateful, or they really can¡¯t let you work with the mafia.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ either way, all the better for us. Anything else?¡± ¡°Our new chief excavation counselor reported that he has found a strange site, although he isn¡¯t sure yet.¡± The new chief excavation counselor was Byeongguk, and he probably had found something. ¡°Really? But he is not sure yet?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything else, but he is about to start digging and has asked for backup. Mina is busy choosing a researcher to send.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin nodded, then Eunhae nodded as well while poking him at the side. ¡°So, stop tormenting him and help. It¡¯s not like two million euros is a small sum of money,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°I should, right?¡± If his museum wasn¡¯t in trouble, traveling to Europe wasn¡¯t a bad idea at all, especially when Eunhae was with him. Haejin then turned to Albert again. Haejin and Eunhae were speaking in Korean, but they seemed to be in a good mood. So, Albert was expecting him to say yes and now looked less worried. ¡°Okay, I will help,¡± Haejin agreed. ¡°Thank you. You won¡¯t regret this. I believe in your skills, so I trust you will seed in this.¡± It sounded as if he would be really disappointed if Haejin failed, but he was a proud man. Haejin wasn¡¯t offended. ¡°That¡¯s good. I hate people who worry about failing. They ruin the things that were about to work. You know, people with a dark aura,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Khmm¡­ yes,¡± Albert then looked away in embarrassment. ¡°Then, where should I go? I suppose you won¡¯t let me work just here,¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Let¡¯s go to London. My home is there.¡± ¡°Is the painting, I should appraise, also there?¡± Albert smiled, ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Okay then, when are we leaving?¡± Albert then replied, ¡°I will have my ne ready. Pack up your things at the mansion and go to the airport, then we will leave immediately. Oh, and this is the phone number of one of my employees. Ask him if you need anything, and he will help you. When you arrive, I will let you borrow my cars, so don¡¯t rent any car. I¡¯m sure I have all the cars you ever dreamt of. Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini¡­¡± ¡°I suppose you are not the CEO of a car-rentingpany¡­ why do you have all those cars?¡± Haejin asked. Albertughed and patted Haejin¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Hahaha! That was a good joke. My hobby is to collect expensive things, especially cars. I drive the car I want each day. It feels better than you think.¡± Of course. If you drive a different supercar each day and feel bad, you are insane. ¡°I envy you,¡± Haejin really didn¡¯t want to say that aloud, but he did really envy that. Albert came to him and whispered, ¡°If you help me well, I will give you any car you want as a gift.¡± ¡°Will you really do that?¡± Albert then answered, ¡°I buy at least one car every month, so giving you one wouldn¡¯t be a problem. However, you will have to have it painted again when you take it to Korea. My cars are all red.¡± Be it red or yellow, it wouldn¡¯t matter if it was a Ferrari or Lamborghini. ¡°You won¡¯t be disappointed by my appraisal, of course.¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t been that happy when Albert offered to pay him two million euros as the appraisal fee, but after being promised a sportscar, he started to get excited. Maybe, the sports car he could actually drive was much more appealing than the money he would gain to spend on his museum. After that, Haejin went back to the ground floor, as the auction was still ongoing. He had nothing more to do there, so he went up to the first floor, said goodbye to Cavani di Medici, and left the mansion. Cavani said they would meet again, and his family could call him anytime, but Haejin had a feeling that it would happen quite soon. He and Eunhae packed up and went to Florence Airport where an employee of the Harrington family was already waiting for them. He took them to the VIP lounge where they could get some rest. He told them a few things, including about the Harrington family¡¯s business. That family was a historic family from the suburb of London. They had a huge farm and got to own enormous real estates. Then, they started to trade in London¡¯s finance market. Now, they owned one of the three biggest financialpany in Ennd and even had an oilpany. To think that a member of that family was acting so humble in front of the head of the Medici family. Haejin could tell that the Medici still had great influence in the art world. ¡°You must have waited for long. Well, let¡¯s go.¡± Albert showed up just in time, but the woman with him wasn¡¯t his sister Florence. ¡°We meet again. I thought you just left, so I was disappointed.¡± It was Rachel Butler. At first, she seemed to be Albert¡¯s nemesis, so Haejin didn¡¯t imagine that she would show up with him. ¡°I thought you were not that close,¡± Haejinmented. Rachel smiled, ¡°We are most certainly not that close, but we are not kids. We should work together sometimes. Whether we are friends or not, that doesn¡¯t matter when ites to business.¡± She had just graduated from high school, but she sounded like an adult. ¡°Haha, you are right. Then let¡¯s go.¡± They got up on the ne. Then, Haejin saw the luxurious interior, it felt like he was in a movie. The walls were red, and the sofas were made of real leather. There was even a flight attendant. ¡°Let¡¯s sit, we have lots to discuss.¡± Albert invited everyone to sit. Then, he brought a bottle of wine and poured it on every ss. ¡°We just learned about your family,¡± Haejin said. Albert then said, ¡°From my employee? Well, yes, my family is rich. You are supposed to be humble in this situation, right? However, I really don¡¯t like that. That¡¯s too childish. I don¡¯t like people who say different things from what they really think, and that was why I didn¡¯t like Asians. Oh, of course, I have changed my mind now.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not interested in the fight between the Medici and the mafia. I am just passionate about money and works of art, not that kind of war for justice. Of course, I do admire the Medici for real, but I don¡¯t want to get involved in its fight.¡± ¡°And are you sure you can tell me that?¡± Haejin looked at Eunhae and asked. However, Albert casually leaned back and picked up his winess, ¡°Is it such a huge secret? I don¡¯t care if you tell Mr. Medici about it. He would probably tell you he doesn¡¯t care. It¡¯s because you¡¯ve experienced only person-to-person rtionships. Family-to-family rtionships work a little differently.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Well then, let¡¯s get to the point. Why did you ask for my help, and why is Ms. Butler with us?¡± Albert straightened his back and put his hands together, then he said, ¡°As I said, I don¡¯t want to get involved in the fight between the Medici and the mafia, but the problem is that I have fallen into a trap that the mafia set. If I hadn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t be backing up the Medici.¡± ¡°You fell into their trap?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Ms. Butler is here because they had been manipting the art market for decades. The Butler family lost the most to them. They have lost more than tens of millions of euros.¡± That was a massive amount of money. Haejin turned to Rachel, and she sighed while nodding. Albert was right. ¡°So?¡± Haejin was waiting for further exnations. ¡°At first, they used to sell fakes as reals. However, since a few years ago, their schemes have greatly evolved. They even tried to sell the Mona Lisa to us, although it is at the Louvre.¡± That was so shocking that Haejin¡¯s jaw dropped. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, although the Mona Lisa has been stolen before, and there are still many questions around it, no one would believe them and buy from them so easily. However, they have been trying to do such a thing more than a few times. And then, I messed up.¡± ¡°What kind of painting was it for you to mess up? If none other than you believed that it was real¡­¡± If there was another painting that Albert had failed to appraise properly, of course, Haejin was interested. Albert continued, ¡°No, it¡¯s the other way around. I believed that a real painting was fake. That is why I am in trouble. If I had bought it, I would just take the loss. However, because of my appraisal, two people are about to start awsuit.¡± Chapter 155: Now, to London… (2)

Chapter 155: Now, to London¡­ (2)

It was even moreplicated than Haejin had thought. ¡°What happened? And what was the painting?¡± Haejin asked. Albert exined, ¡°It was Rubens¡¯. It was so simr to Warrior with Two Pages, in the Metropolitan, that I thought it was fake. You must know that for Rubens, that painting was an exception.¡± Peter Paul Rubens was one of the two masters of the Baroque art with Rembrandt van Rijn. He was born in nders. He drew various paintings includingndscape paintings, portraits, and paintings based on myth and history. Additionally, there was one painting that was not from his style: Warrior with Two Pages. By the critics, his paintings were considered ¡®intense and in contrast to the reserved and calm ssical tradition¡¯; however, the painting of the warrior was calm and determined. Because of that, not many believed it was Rubens¡¯ until 1947. Before that, it was thought to be a painting of someone who admired Rubens or Frans Pourbus¡¯. ¡°It is unlike Rubens¡¯,¡± Haejin said. He didn¡¯t mean to say that it was too crude to be Rubens¡¯, but it was a slightly different painting from his usual unique mood. ¡°Yes, yes. That¡¯s why I made that mistake. However, they must have known that I would make a mistake. It was a trap.¡± If Albert was right and the mafia had lured him into a trap, they were cunning. Few appraisers would think Rubens would draw that kind of painting, especially that of a scene he had drawn before, so being fooled by it was a very¡­ unlucky event. ¡°Why do you think it was a trap?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± Albert asked back in shock. ¡°What? Is the answer too obvious?¡± ¡°Of course. Hey, do I have to exin how much my words are important to all auctions in Europe, including Sotheby¡¯s and Christie¡¯s? I don¡¯t want to brag, but I have a huge influence on them!¡± Albert replied while opening his arms in pride. Rachel, however, shook her head to see that, but she also nodded, ¡°He is not wrong. He is the most influential appraiser in Europe. If people were to find out that he has made such a huge mistake¡­¡± ¡°It would be a huge problem?¡± Haejin guessed. ¡°More than that. People will not believe in Albert anymore, and the appraisers that have ties to the mafia will get to control the market,¡± Rachel continued. It sounded serious, it was not just about Albert getting humiliated. Haejin then asked in doubt, ¡°Wait, wait. But isn¡¯t this already over? You said you appraised the real painting as fake and there is awsuit going on.¡± No matter how serious it was, he could do nothing if thewsuit was already proceeding. Albert then exined, ¡°If that is the end, I would have no reason to take you to London. Of course, from the outside, it looks like it is over¡­ but there is one thing that keeps troubling me. I still cannot believe it really is Rubens¡¯. Do you know what I am saying?¡± Haejin realized what Albert wanted from him, he asked, ¡°So¡­ you want me to tell you why it is fake?¡± ¡°Yes. I couldn¡¯t find any evidence myself. There has to be a w, but I cannot find it.¡± ¡°Then, what is thewsuit about exactly?¡± Haejin asked. Albert took a sip of wine and started to exin, ¡°About a month ago, an art dealer in London showed up with Rubens¡¯ painting. He was so sure that I had to examine it again and again, although I couldn¡¯t believe it was real. I usually don¡¯t drag others into that kind of matter, but my child¡¯s birthday party was going on. A huge crowd was there, and a friend who has a yachtpany offered to buy it. That idiot, I told him it was fake so many times¡­¡± Albert was about to raise his voice, but Rachel calmed him down and took it from there. ¡°I will tell you the rest of it. I was there, too. That friend of Mr. Harrington is Mr. Levi Macdonnell. He is usually called Lev. Most aristocrats think of him as a good friend or a decent partner.¡± ¡°Good friend? Good partner?¡± Haejin asked back. Rachel frowned as she exined, ¡°Yachts aren¡¯t the only thing he sells. He is a broker who provides both yachts and women. There are people who don¡¯t like that, but most are fond of him. Anyway, it is in his nature to get or achieve anything he wants. So, he said he really liked that painting and he had to buy it, but Mr. Harrington tried to stop him, saying it was fake.¡± ¡°And?¡± Rachel continued, ¡°After hours of persuasion by Mr. Harrington, Lev finally believed him and gave up on the painting. However, thewyer of that art dealer sued Mr. Harrington for saying that a real painting was fake. If that had been everything, he would have been able to take care of it, but then, a man from Germany sued that art dealer again for fraud.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ it¡¯s giving me a headache,¡± Haejinined. ¡°So, they are about to fight at court. If you fail to find any evidence of it being fake, Mr. Harrington won¡¯t be able to handle the consequences.¡± ¡°Is there any way to stop that German man from suing?¡± Rachel sighed and shook her head, ¡°Hu¡­ that¡¯s not easy. He has lost a huge sum of money because of the painting he bought from that art dealer before. It is about his honor as a nobleman, so we cannot solve this matter with just a few words. Now¡­ either Mr. Harrington or that art dealer will get huge damage.¡± Albert gulped down his wine and angrily said, ¡°I will lose a lot, but what can that merchant lose? He can just change the name of his shop and let someone else face his customers, and he would be able to get back on business as if nothing happened¡­ there are more than a few art dealers in Europe. I get visited by them multiple times every day¡­¡± Rachel didn¡¯t say anything to that. She kept looking at Haejin and said, ¡°Actually, before you helped me and my brother at the mansion, I wasn¡¯t thinking to help Mr. Harrington with this matter. However, you helped me, and Mr. Medici also asked me to personally help. Actually, considering all the humiliation he made us suffer through, I wouldn¡¯t help him even if it was for Mr. Medici, but you are a different story.¡± ¡°I was paid to appraise for you, so you don¡¯t have to feel indebted to me,¡± Haejin said. ¡°But who would have appraised for free? Money isn¡¯t a big problem for us. It is always about honor and reputation.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I get it. Then what should I do?¡± Albert exined this time, ¡°My n was to take you to my home. I was going to make that art dealer bring the painting. However, I don¡¯t think he will juste. So, I asked Ms. Butler here to set a meeting with him.¡± ¡°Oh, then¡­¡± ¡°This ne is going to the Butler mansion in Liverpool.¡± After the ne arrived at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, they got on two limousines and went to the Butler¡¯s Mansion. Haejin and Eunhae enjoyed the luxurious limousine. Before they knew it, time flew, and they were at the destination. ¡°Please unpack and rest. The art dealer wille in the evening.¡± ¡°Where is Edmond?¡± Haejin asked as he thought Edmond would be there, but he was nowhere to be seen. Rachel smiled, ¡°He is going to stay there for a month.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ is it okay to let him stay alone?¡± ¡°Alone? He is not alone. Bodyguards, friends¡­ he must be having fun by now, making money fly.¡± Haejin was shocked to hear a kid was spending money like that, but that was who they were. After he unpacked, he fell on his bed. He was way too tired. However, for some reason, Rachel didn¡¯t give them two rooms. They were given one room with two single beds, but neither Eunhae nor Haejin protested. A few hourster, Haejin was awakened by someone knocking on the door. It was a maid. ¡°Ms. Butler wants to meet you.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± The moment he closed the door and turned, his eyes met Eunhae¡¯s as she was also waking up. It was so awkward that he didn¡¯t know what to say, but she casually asked, ¡°She wants us to go down?¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, yes.¡± Eunhae stretched herself and got down from her bed and said, ¡°Hua¡­ I slept so well. This bed is reallyfortable. Is it from Italy? Or Belgium? I will take a shower first.¡± ¡°Huh? Okay, you do that. I was going to let you do that, anyway,¡± Haejin babbled. Eunhae then went to the bathroom. Haejin was embarrassed for getting nervous like that, but the maid knocked on the door again. ¡°I am sorry. Ms. Butler wants you to follow me instead of going down to the ground floor. I will wait here, so pleasee out when you are ready.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what that was about, but there had to be a reason. About half an hour had passed when he took a shower and was ready to go. It must have been hard for the maid to wait for so long, but she politely bowed to Haejin and Eunhae then started to walk in front of them. She led them to a small door at the end of the corridor instead of the main stairs from where they hade up. Then, she kept going round and round until she opened a small door for them. ¡°Huh?¡± Eunhae was surprised. She didn¡¯t go in and hesitated as there was nothing in the room but a huge mirror and two chairs. ¡°What is¡­¡± ¡°You can look through the mirror. Ms. Butler wants you to observe and find a way to solve the matter,¡± the maid exined. So that huge mirror was one-way ss. However, why did the Butlers have such a thing in their home? ¡°Hmm¡­ okay.¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t like it, but they still went in. They could clearly see what was happening on the other side. Rachel was sitting on a luxurious chair with her arms and legs crossed while Albert was ring at a man who was standing in front of the troublesome painting. He was the only one who seemed to be in a good mood. ¡°You are a very busy man, Mr. Harrington. I didn¡¯t expect to meet you here.¡± The art dealer had ck hair, but he was good-looking like the handsome Italian men. His mustache made him look even more appealing. He looked really good in his grey suit. The man then put a hand in his pocket and continued, ¡°Ms. Butler, you may not know it yet, but this is a great opportunity for you. I don¡¯t think you would make a foolish choice.¡± As Haejin listened to him, he carefully examined his painting. Chapter 156: Now, to London… (3)

Chapter 156: Now, to London¡­ (3)

Rachel pretended to watch the painting to give Haejin time to examine it. Actually, to appraise it with the maximum uracy, he had to get close to it and use magic. However, as he was far from it, he had to appraise it only with his usual skills. It wasn¡¯t easy. ¡°It is really simr¡­¡± As Albert had said, the painting was almost exactly the same as Rubens¡¯ Warrior with Two Pages. The only difference was that the warrior wasn¡¯t getting the help of his attendants to put on his armor. In this painting, he was looking ahead in his armor. Same face, same armor, and the same posture of the body in a diagonal direction with the face looking forward. It was rational to think that it was from Rubens. However, that was why Haejin was doubting it as a fake even more. ¡°Are you still thinking?¡± The art dealer pushed, but Rachel smiled while saying, ¡°You are too impatient. Is that how you have sold paintings? Or do you think what you are trying to sell is a cheap essory from the market?¡± She was charismatic, and Haejin had never seen her like that. She had been an innocent girl when she was being humiliated by Albert, but now, she was acting properly like an English aristocrat. The handsome art dealer took a step back at hearing this and said, ¡°I am sorry. I said that because people usually decide faster after seeing the painting. I didn¡¯t mean to disturb you.¡± ¡°Then wait in silence. If your legs are sore, sit down,¡± Rachel replied. ¡°Thankfully, I have very strong legs. Please take your time to examine the painting and ask me if you have any questions.¡± He then went behind the painting and shut his mouth. Rachel¡¯s frown faded, she started to look at the painting when her phone, suddenly, buzzed. [Ask him where he got that painting, in details¡­] It was a text from Haejin. Rachel then put her phone down and asked, ¡°What was your name again?¡± ¡°I am Alexander Young. You can call me Alex.¡± ¡°Okay Alex, how did you get this painting?¡± Alex stroked down his smooth beard and said, ¡°It used to be in a very old mansion in Russia. I bought it from the owner of the mansion myself. You wouldn¡¯t know him.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know? Or you don¡¯t want to tell me who he is?¡± Rachel asked. Alex looked slightly offended for the first time and said, ¡°Of course not, but it is a slightly sensitive matter. Questioning my credibility¡­ is something I find hard to ept.¡± However, Rachel didn¡¯t ept the answer. She snorted and pressed him even harder, ¡°That¡¯s funny. Aren¡¯t you admitting that there might be trouble with this painting if you can¡¯t tell me from whom you got it? Or are you trying to sell me a stolen painting?¡± ¡°That, that is a heavy usation,¡± the man replied. Rachel then said, ¡°If that is not what you are doing, you don¡¯t have to react like that. You are supposed to exin everything I want to know, and that kind of attitude is what diminishes your credibility. I find that attitude very unpleasant.¡± Alex apologized only then, ¡°I am sorry. I am sensitive about this matter as I heard negative things about the authenticity of this painting just a while ago. I also think that my attitude on answering your questions was wrong. I apologize.¡± Rachel¡¯s expression returned to normal at this, ¡°I ept your apology. Now, let¡¯s go back. I want additional exnations so that I will believe this was used in an old mansion in Russia.¡± Alex hesitated, but then he started talking, ¡°This painting used to belong to the Ivanov family of St. Petersburg. Would it be enough to let you know that its source is clear?¡± Rachel nodded and said, ¡°The Ivanov family, although it has copsed now, it had great power and wealth until World War 1, so they could have had this painting. And I would be able to check if they really sold this painting if I call them¡­¡± Alex looked confused while saying, ¡°Of¡­ course. You are right.¡± He was puzzled because everyone in the room knew that piece of information, so Rachel had no reason to exin that. However, Rachel had mentioned that for Haejin. Although Rachel epted the reason given by Alex, Haejin didn¡¯t. Haejin didn¡¯t know what kind of scheme they were ying, but the only thing he could learn from them mentioning the Ivanov family was that the painting wasn¡¯t in any record. He sent another text. [Ask for the reason why he is sure that it is real.] Rachel saw it and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard from Mr. Albert that this might be fake. So, I must ask you something, no matter how sensitive the matter is to you.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ and?¡± ¡°Tell me why you think this is Rubens¡¯ painting.¡± Alex stroked his beard and went closer to the painting. He looked at it for some time and then started to exin, ¡°I must start by talking about the structure. As you can see in Rubens¡¯ painting of the Warrior with Two Pages, the posture of him getting the help of his attendants is exactly the same with this one.¡± ¡°Good. Anything else?¡± Alex continued, ¡°The coloring. To depict the gleaming armor, the artist painted the reflection of the light on it with silver white. That is exactly the same as the technique you can see in the other painting.¡± ¡°That¡¯s also good. Is there more?¡± ¡°Umm¡­¡± Finding the reason why a painting was fake is easy but proving that it is real was not easy. So, asking for more exnation was funny on its own, but Alex thought about it and continued. ¡°When I bought this painting, the head of the Ivanov family said its panel had been changed. The wood was rotting, so he changed it. That piece of rotten wood had Rubens¡¯ signature. Thankfully, that panel with his signature has been well kept by the family.¡± ¡°That is very good. I hope you bought the panel, too, of course?¡± Rachel asked. Alex answered, ¡°I did. I have kept it in a separate ce.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Even Rachel was a little confused at Alex¡¯s wless answer. She even looked at her phone, hoping for some guidance. So, Haejin raised his phone to send another text, but then, he put it down again. He thought they had already gotten all the information they could get using words. Haejin sent a text to Rachel to tell her that he was going in himself. Then, he spoke to the maid who had taken him to the secret room and told her to bring him to the opposite room. She hesitated, but soon she nodded and started to walk. She probably thought Haejin had gotten Rachel¡¯s permission, as he was so confident. ¡°Miss, you are too¡­¡± They turned and turned around the mansion. By the time Haejin went into the room, Alex was giving his final speech to make Rachel buy his painting. ¡°I am sorry for beingte,¡± Haejin said while bowing, but Alex looked puzzled. Then, Rachel introduced Haejin, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I haven¡¯t made my decision yet. This is Mr. Park, my personal appraiser. Although he is an Asian, he is a great appraiser, so he helps me a lot.¡± However, Rachel was also surprised to see him show up, so Haejin thought that maybe it was a mistake, but there was no going back now. Alex wasn¡¯t very happy to see him as he hade to ruin his business at the final moment. ¡°Nice to meet you¡­ but I¡¯ve never heard of your name. Well, I¡¯ve never heard of any Asian appraisers before¡­ I see you have quite an unusual friend, Ms. Butler.¡± That was clearly rude but fighting with words didn¡¯t matter now. So, Rachel casually replied, ¡°He might be unusual, but he is good. What do you think about this painting? Could you take a look at it?¡± ¡°Shall I?¡± Haejin tried to approach the painting, but Alex stood in his way. Then Alex protested to Rachel, ¡°You should have told me in advance that an Asian appraiser I¡¯ve never heard of before will examine the painting. Honestly, this is a little confusing.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t understand. Why are you confused? Isn¡¯t it right for me to have an appraiser examine a painting I am about to buy?¡± Rachel asked. ¡°I hope you do know this won¡¯t be good for you and Mr. Harrington, right?¡± Alex asked. Haejin only then realized why Rachel had had him appraise in that secret room: calling another appraiser itself would diminish Albert¡¯s honor. Additionally, British society was still a ss society. Hiring an Asian, who practically belonged to the working ss, wasn¡¯t that good for the Butler family. However, Rachel calmly replied, ¡°I don¡¯t think about other things in front of works of art. Skills matter more than anything.¡± She was clearly pushing back as she couldn¡¯t ask Haejin to leave now. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay.¡± Alex stepped aside, and Haejin went to the painting while asking, ¡°May I look at the painting?¡± ¡°Yes. Although it won¡¯t make any difference¡­¡± Actually, Haejin had left the secret chamber because of thest thing Alex had mentioned. If it hadn¡¯t been for that, Haejin would have waited for them to finish and told Rachel he had to check again, but thatst thing made Haejine out. ¡°Wasn¡¯t there any signature from Rubens?¡± Alex flinched and then said, ¡°It was at the back of the frame. Then it started to rot, and the owner had the panel reced. I have that panel, so I will show it to youter. But it is funny, I mentioned this just a few minutes before you came in.¡± ¡°Oh, really? That¡¯s a funny coincidence.¡± The frame had been reced because it started to rot, but Haejin found that strange. Artists would put their signature in the painting or outside the painting. So, signing the frame wasn¡¯t that weird. However, Haejin had never heard of Rubens signing at the back of the frame. He also sensed something when Alex talked about it. It was like when he saw a perfect forgery, when he couldn¡¯t see what was wrong with it but could feel it wasn¡¯t right. Lies¡­ Haejin wasn¡¯t sure. Was Alex lying, or he was telling the truth but believed that the whole story about that signature was a lie? Either way, Haejin had to find out the truth. So, he looked into the past with his magic. Then¡­ ¡°Um¡­ this is a little weird,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Weird?¡± Haejin pointed at the yellow torchlight right next to the warrior in the armor. ¡°The paint is wrong. It is using permanent yellow, not chrome yellow,¡± Haejin exined. Albert immediately jumped to his feet and said, ¡°Permanent yellow?¡± ¡°Yes, it is certainly permanent yellow.¡± At this, Albert red at Alex as if saying ¡®it was time for you to pay¡¯. However, Haejin didn¡¯t exim in surprise because the forger had used permanent yellow. It was because he knew the man who was with the forger while he made the painting. A middle-aged man with a fat belly. It was Giorgio Sayor of the Italian Cultural Administration Bureau. Chapter 157: Now, to London… (4)

Chapter 157: Now, to London¡­ (4)

What was wrong with this country? Even the man who pretended to be the only one with some conscience was corrupted. Haejin was so shocked that he couldn¡¯t even say anything. However, apart from his surprise, there was also Alex, the art dealer, who couldn¡¯t ept what he said about the painting. ¡°That is ridiculous. Are you saying you can discern permanent yellow from chrome yellow with your bare eyes? Do you think I am a fool? Miss, you can¡¯t be believing him, right?¡± Alex¡¯s face was red as he argued. As Albert and Rachel couldn¡¯t totally believe what Haejin had said, they were ncing at him with doubt. Albert¡¯s eyes were shaking between the painting and Haejin¡¯s eyes. However, he got the confidence from Haejin who remained calm. He then pressed Alex, ¡°What if this is permanent yellow? You must know there is awsuit going on about this painting, right? You won¡¯t be able to get away with this. I am going to use everything I have to regain my honor.¡± ¡°That makes no sense. Do you really think human eyes can tell permanent yellow from chrome yellow?¡± Then, Rachel interrupted him, ¡°Mr. Park once sensed a slight difference in the varnish content in the paint with his eyes. I had my reasons to hire him. I trust his eyes more than a microscope. His eyes have never been wrong, whether you can ept it or not. But¡­ Mr. Park, what is the difference between permanent yellow and chrome yellow?¡± Haejin exined, ¡°Chrome yellow was used by artists a long time ago, but it was very bad for the body. Then synthetic paint, that wasn¡¯t toxic, was invented. That is permanent yellow. In short, permanent yellow didn¡¯t exist in Rubens¡¯ time. So, this painting is fake.¡± Although Haejin had proved it as fake, he was admiring the forger¡¯s skills. He was a genius as great as Tom Keating and Eric Hepburn. He especially understood Rubens¡¯ unique philosophy and coloring. Haejin had to acknowledge that. ¡°He sensed the difference of varnish content with his eyes? You really believe that? Hahaha! This would be quite the news. You can¡¯t be believing him, right?¡± Alex scolded, but Rachel didn¡¯t even raise her eyebrows. She then said, ¡°Is it funny to you? Well, it¡¯s not like you can cry. I can see your concerns, but I asked the British Appraisal Committee to analyze that painting with scientific methods, and the results came out two days ago. The varnish content was really different.¡± ¡°¡­¡± This time, Alex couldn¡¯tugh, he just looked at Haejin with shock. Haejin looked back at him and coldly said, ¡°You didn¡¯t know that, right? Well, it is not your fault. The forger got full of himself after so many sesses. Of course, ultimately, it is the fault of your organization. They couldn¡¯t get him chrome yellow.¡± ¡°What, what are you talking about? Organization?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Stop pretending¡­ you said you bought this from the Ivanov family? And with the signature? Have your workers take a photo of it and show it to me now. Let me see if it is really Rubens¡¯.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Alex couldn¡¯t say anything. He must have been confident when he told that lie for the first time. He thought the forger could put in Rubens¡¯ signature in an old frame with just some time. However, a strange appraiser, who could sense theponents of paints with his bare eyes, was demanding photos. So, how could he provide them? Appraisers often appraise with high-definition photos. Even if it is less urate, an appraiser like Haejin could easily prove a hastily forged signature as a fake. ¡°You can¡¯t, right?¡± ¡°It is in my storage, so no one can take its photo except for me. Who can I trust with such a valuable object? I have to take care of everything myself.¡± It was toote. Making that kind of excuse now made him look even more suspicious. Albert was getting dder and dder. It showed how much things were getting bad for Alex. ¡°Huh! That is nonsense. You sell such expensive artifacts but take care of everything on your own? Do you appraise on your own? What about the money? You buy and sell all those paintings? Without any investors?¡± Albert asked. ¡°I use appraisal agencies¡­ and I sometimes get the help of investors¡­¡± ¡°Rubbish! Do you think you are the first art dealer I¡¯ve ever met? Well, listen! Thiswsuit will proceed! I swear upon my honor, I will put you behind bars!¡± Albert was yelling now. Alex staggered and then left in a hurry with his painting. The way he packed his painting also showed that he was a fraud. He thought his scheme had been revealed, so he didn¡¯t hesitate to touch and move the painting with his bare hands. Alex would have never done that if it had been real. In the end, he himself showed that everything he said was a lie. After he fled, Albert breathed heavily and smiled in joy while saying, ¡°Thank you so much. It was so shocking when I was the one being used, but it felt so good to see him go through that. But how did you know? You really realized it was permanent yellow just by looking at it with your bare eyes?¡± Of course not. Haejin exined, ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t. However, I thought something was wrong when I heard him say the signature was at the back of the wooden panel. Rubens had never left his signature at the back of the frame. So, I thought he woulde backter with even more preparations if I let him go today.¡± ¡°You thought he would bring the fake signature.¡± ¡°Yes. Then it would get even moreplicated, so I came here. I know you didn¡¯t want that, but I had no choice,¡± Haejin said. However, Rachel shook her hands at this, ¡°It¡¯s okay. You came to do your job, and it was selfish of me to make you appraise behind the mirror because I feared what others would say about it. I am ashamed of it. You helped me and Edmond, and I¡­ I am sorry.¡± ¡°If you are sorry, pay me well,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t worry. You just helped us greatly by revealing that man¡¯s scheme. Honestly, I was tempted, even if I didn¡¯t call him to buy that painting. If you hadn¡¯te in, I would have argued with him for some time to lower the price,¡± Rachel then said. ¡°He is a great talker. Most people would believe him.¡± Actually, the forger was even more dangerous than Alex¡¯s talking. ¡°So, you just said that as a bait? Then, it might not be permanent yellow.¡± ¡°I did say that as a bait, but the paint is probably permanent yellow.¡± That made no sense. So, Albert ruffled his hair and asked, ¡°Oh¡­ what, now? What do you mean?¡± ¡°As I just said, seeing with my bare eyes wasn¡¯t enough to be sure of it. However, the craquelure was too messy to be chrome yellow. That paint tends to crack neatly in two directions.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ you even saw that. My¡­¡± Albert sank to his chair in shock. If Haejin had found that out with his incredible eyesight, he would have thought Haejin was a different species, but he could have seen that craquelure. He wouldn¡¯t have missed it if he had been just a little more careful and a little calmer. That thought made his despair. ¡°I don¡¯t think that Alex fully believed in the forger, although he didn¡¯t imagine that the painting had a w. However, as I asked in detail and used him, he got suspicious as well. Then, he lost his calm and revealed himself,¡± Haejin exined. Albert¡¯s hair was in a mess now. He stroked it and med himself, ¡°Hu¡­ I see. If I had examined it well in the first ce, it wouldn¡¯t have gotten this far. Sh*t¡­¡± ¡°I just got lucky.¡± If he hadn¡¯t had magic, Haejin would never have been able to figure that out so quickly. Even though he knew how the craquelure of chrome yellow would look like, sensing that small difference at first nce is almost impossible. He could say that only because he had known it was permanent yellow. If it hadn¡¯t been for that, he wouldn¡¯t have been exining in suchfort. Rachel stood up and said, ¡°Thank you. Mr. Harrington will pay your fee¡­ but I want to give you a gift myself.¡± ¡°A gift? But my fee would be enough.¡± ¡°No, I have made a mistake, and I want to befriend you. Consider it as my apology. If you don¡¯t ept it, I won¡¯t be able to look at you. You will ept it, right?¡± She was smiling so Haejin couldn¡¯t say no. ¡°Well, if you insist¡­¡± Then, Eunhae opened the door and came in while saying, ¡°That was brilliant! You are amazing!¡± She gave the thumbs-up and smiled brightly. It made Haejin rx while he also smiled. ¡°You saw it?¡± ¡°Of course. Mentioning permanent yellow was so brilliant.¡± ¡°Ms. Butler is giving me a present,¡± Haejin then mentioned. ¡°Wow, really?¡± ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s go get it.¡± Rachel smiled and went out. The rest followed her. Albert was still wobbling a little, but at least he looked relieved now. ¡°Here,¡± Rachel took them to a small room on the second floor where paintings filled all four walls. Each of them was magnificent, and Haejin gulped hard. Rachel stopped in front of them and smiled at Haejin while saying, ¡°The elders of my family has collected each of them. They are all precious to me, but I was taught that I can never maintain this family if I hesitate to invest in people.¡± ¡°Your elders are cool.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t just saying that to get a better painting. Really. ¡°Haha! Really?¡± Rachel took off a painting and gave it to Haejin. ¡°My Grandfather cherished this painting. He liked Shakespeare¡¯s Hamlet, and used to stare at Ophelia from time to time.¡± ¡°Ophelia¡­¡± The gift was even greater than Haejin had imagined. Sir John Everett Miis¡¯ Ophelia¡­ ¡°My grandfather used to say my grandmother and the Ophelia in this painting were much alike.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you keep this then?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯ve seen my grandmother¡¯s photo of her younger days. They werepletely different. He was talking about the woman he was having an affair with. Anyway¡­ will you take it?¡± ¡°Of course. I would do anything to get this painting.¡± Chapter 158: Seeing the Light Again (1)

Chapter 158: Seeing the Light Again (1)

Sir John Everett Miis was an influential artist in Ennd. Queen Victoria made him a bar in 1885, and he was elected as the President of the Royal Academy in 1896. So, him getting inspired by a work of Shakespeare, the great writer and pride of Ennd, is not that strange. However, even though his Ophelia is about a story that everybody knows, it still gives a mysterious and enchanting feeling. When you look at it, you get to focus on the surroundings rather than Ophelia herself. The flowing water, the flowers, and the nts are all so realistic. ¡°Do you like Shakespeare?¡± Rachel asked after she gave Haejin the painting. Actually, he didn¡¯t, but he couldn¡¯t tell a British that he found Shakespeare boring. ¡°Of course, I really like Hamlet.¡± However, the truth was that he had read Hamlet only because of the painting Ophelia, not because he liked to read. To him, Hamlet wasn¡¯t that impressive, but he knew that John Everette Miis was inspired by it. The beauty of Ophelia¡¯s tragic life must have been enough to rouse his artistic soul. ¡°I enjoyed it, too. I used to imagine how Ophelia would look, and this painting shows the exact woman I used to picture,¡± Eunhae said as she was very d. She was about to be absorbed into the painting. ¡°You like it even more than me,¡± Haejinmented. She smiled cutely while saying, ¡°I used to dream of the tragic love like Ophelia¡¯s when I was a child.¡± This is how the story of Hamlet goes. Hamlet, who is consumed by vengeance for his uncle who murdered his father, treats his lover, Ophelia, coldly and then killed her father. Ophelia is driven insane by the series of tragic events. She mutters to herself and wanders around the castle with flowers in her arms. She finally meets a tragic death after falling into a river. This painting was about her sad end. ¡°Really? Why?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I just did.¡± ¡°What? That¡¯s¡­¡± Then, Rachel chimed in with augh, ¡°My grandmother did, too. But it¡¯s funny. If you admire tragic love, that is what you really get. She was never loved by her husband.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ is that why¡­¡± ¡°Is that why I hate this painting? Well, I cannot say no. I was really upset when my grandfather kept staring at this painting in this room. So, I me him when I see this. However, I don¡¯t want to do that anymore. Half of the reason why I¡¯m giving this to you is that I don¡¯t want to hate him anymore,¡± Rachel exined. ¡°That¡¯s a very deep story. I don¡¯t think I can take it,¡± Haejin replied. Rachel, however, insisted, ¡°Haha! Please don¡¯t think so. There isn¡¯t such thing as a painting without a story. When you appraised Jan van Eyck¡¯s painting as real a while ago, it also had another story. I and my brother will be reminded of you every time we see it, and when it is time for it to be sold, its value would be even higher.¡± ¡°So, you are going to sell it?¡± Haejin asked. Rachel exined, ¡°We don¡¯t keep paintings forever. Paintings are just decorations. It is boring to have a painting for centuries, no matter how good it is. Then, we sell it and buy a new one. Did you think we are some kind of huge ck hole that sucks in antiques?¡± ¡°Honestly, I did¡­¡± Haejin sheepishly replied. Rachel smiled and said, ¡°You are honest. Actually, I cannot say that it is not true because of some families, but at least my family isn¡¯t like that.¡± Albert, who had been just standing there, added, ¡°Neither is my family. We sell at least two or three paintings every day. And we donate most of the money we get from it¡­¡± Rachel looked sharply at him, ¡°You only do that because of the taxes.¡± ¡°But donation is always good anyway,¡± Albert replied. The conversation was getting useless, and Haejin thought it was time for him to leave. ¡°Thank you for the painting. It will be well kept and exhibited in my museum. As a treasure from Ennd will be in Korea, Koreans will be fonder toward this country.¡± Haejin was only saying that to tter her. Rachel knew it, so she smiled and said, ¡°Okay. Come visit us again sometime. No, we might go to Korea before that. We¡¯ve never been there, actually.¡± ¡°I will prepare a list of the best restaurants if youe. You will just have to prepare the money.¡± Rachel then said, ¡°Haha! I¡¯ll look forward to it. We will take care of the customs matters for this painting. A man from Butler Cook Airlines will be waiting for you at the airport. He will take care of everything for you, from tickets to your luggage. And you know that Butler Cook Airlines will always provide you with first-ss tickets, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure I can ept this much.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. We were about to get bullied in the aristocrat society because of a certain man, but you rescued us. We even got a decentpany after all that, so this painting and first-ss tickets are nothing,¡± Rachel replied. Albert was embarrassed and looked away while clearing his throat. Haejin then asked, ¡°Okay. Oh, and¡­ will you get involved in the Medici¡¯s matter in the future?¡± ¡°It is inevitable unless we quit enjoying art. But why do you ask?¡± Albert asked. ¡°Hmm¡­ then do you know Giorgio Sayor of the Cultural Administration Bureau?¡± Albert then answered, ¡°I do, he is one of the few government officials Mr. Medici trusts. Why?¡± ¡°He cannot be trusted.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°That¡¯s all I can tell you. The rest is up to him. I should go now,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Well¡­ that worries me.¡± The way to the airport was in greatfort. The Butler family lent them a huge limousine with a chauffeur so they could move without lifting a finger, even though they had a lot of luggage. It was the same when they arrived at the airport. By the time they finished theirst meal in Ennd, everything had been taken care of. They looked around the duty-free shops and then waited for the ne. Eunhae then said, somewhat worried, ¡°It is good that we got that painting for free¡­ but I have a bad feeling about it.¡± Haejin then asked, ¡°Why? You think you might end up like Ophelia because you used to dream of a tragic love?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what happened to Ms. Butler¡¯s grandmother.¡± ¡°Yes, and the model in the painting of Ophelia, Elizabeth Siddall, also had a bad end,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Elizabeth Siddall? That¡¯s a funny name.¡± ¡°Yes, right? Anyway, she often worked as a model of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Sheter married Rossetti but had a hard time because Rossetti kept cheating on her. Then, she had a stillbirth. Eventually, she killed herself at the age of 32,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Oh, her life is so simr to Ophelia¡¯s.¡± ¡°You might think that way, but you said you just dreamt of a tragic love. It¡¯s not like you are the model of this painting¡­¡± Eunhae crossed her arms and seriously said, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t get close to that painting.¡± ¡°Do you talk to paintings when you get close to them?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Of course. I talk to them and confess my worries to them. I see you don¡¯t know anything about this.¡± She looked away, but then she suddenly looked back at Haejin. ¡°What?¡± Eunhae then asked, ¡°When are you going to hold my hand?¡± His heart dropped. What was he supposed to say? ¡°Khmm¡­ can¡¯t you hold my hand?¡± Haejin asked back. Eunhae immediately grabbed his hand at this. Her hand was slightly cold but so soft. He couldn¡¯t help smiling. After they arrived in Seoul, Haejin spent the night at home and then, in the morning, he went to his museum. ¡°You look so good. Have you had a great time? I wasboring so hard in the meantime¡­¡± Byeongguk, now a senior researcher of the museum, greeted him with a smile. Haejin then said, ¡°Laboring? I gave you your favorite work. I guess you found something as you are back here.¡± ¡°Come in first. Get ready to be shocked¡­¡± Byeongguk was more than confident. He even looked determined, so Haejin got excited and asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Haejin started to follow him, but then he saw Eunhae running out of her office. She looked so good in her ck dress. She came and said hello to Byeongguk first, ¡°Good morning.¡± ¡°Oh, Director Lim, you will fall if you run like that.¡± ¡°Haha, it¡¯s fine. You just arrived?¡± Eunhae then asked to Haejin. ¡°Yeah. Why? Is there something wrong?¡± Eunhae looked rmed, ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. You are going to hear Mr. Choi¡¯s report, right? Let¡¯s go together. I only read about it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin wanted to ask what that was about, but it could wait. Byeongguk took them to the second basement floor where the excavation researchers had gathered. ¡°Have you been here before?¡± ¡°Of course. I made this museum,¡± Haejin replied. Byeongguk then said, ¡°I asked around, and they told me that they can¡¯t see you even once a month.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ really?¡± ¡°Yes. One of them has seen you only once from afar.¡± ¡°Okay. Now you are speaking for them as a senior researcher?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°So, do well,¡± Byeongguk encouraged him. ¡°I always do well. They actually miss Eunhae more than me.¡± They went in, and all the researchers stood up at seeing them. Haejin greeted each one of them and went into the conference room where he saw a bracelet on the table. He took a closer look. It had a sawtooth shape decoration, and all pollutants had been removed. ¡°Huh! This is a golden bracelet! Where did you find it? Did you excavate it? How did you find only this? It¡¯s in excellent condition!¡± Haejin eximed. Byeongguk raised his hand and replied, ¡°Slow down¡­ let me ask you everything. As you can see, I didn¡¯t excavate this.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°Let me ask you something before that. Did you really find out about this grave at Ogura Takenoske¡¯s tomb?¡± ¡°Yes, Ogura himself left a record about it,¡± Haejin replied. Maybe he was supposed to feel bad for lying about a dead man, but he didn¡¯t feel bad at all as it was Ogura. ¡°Really? Hmm¡­ I found it two days after I called you and made the researchers join me. However, someone had blocked the entrance with a huge rock where I thought the right spot was situated,¡± Byeongguk said. ¡°And?¡± ¡°It took three days to remove that rock with trucks and bulldozers. I didn¡¯t know bulldozer drivers in this country were so good.¡± ¡°Skip to the point. So?¡± Haejin impatiently asked. ¡°So, we removed the rock after three days and tried to go in, but those bastards had done more than just blocking the entrance. They had filled the entire tomb with pebbles and rocks.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ what the¡­¡± Byeongguk continued, ¡°And then I found this at the entrance. We can¡¯t take care of this on our own from now. We need more heavy equipment, and we must report to the government. Do you realize what this bracelet is?¡± Chapter 159: Seeing the Light Again (2)

Chapter 159: Seeing the Light Again (2)

Anyone could inform the government anytime, but the local excavation agencies would not let Haejin and his people excavate in its area. Local researchers would also want to excavate, of course, so if a museum in Seoul were said to excavate out of nowhere, they would protest. Because of this, to im the exclusive rights, Haejin had to know what the bracelet was first. Of course, the more important an artifact was, the more likely Haejin¡¯s museum would get to excavate that tomb. ¡°Let me take a look first,¡± Haejin said. The golden bracelet seemed extraordinary, even to the ignorant eyes. Unlike other golden bracelets, it was as thick as a watch strap. It also had various jewels that made it appear even more luxurious. Haejin could see why Byeongguk had been so confident. ¡°It used to belong to a royal of Shinra, right? I don¡¯t know much about history, but I said ¡®Eureka!¡¯ when I found it! There¡¯s no way this is the only bracelet in that tomb,¡± Byeongguk said. ¡°You are right. This must have belonged to a high aristocrat or member of the Shinra royal family.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Joy appeared in Byeongguk¡¯s eyes. He had found a great historical site that could be on school books, in the future, as soon as he became a senior researcher, so it was a huge honor for him. Haejin exined, ¡°Yes. Members of the Shinra ruling ss are found with gold and silver bracelets. However, for this being to be found at the entrance of the tomb is a little unexpected. The Japanese must have made a mistake while they tried to retrieve it in a hurry, or something else must have happened. This shouldn¡¯t be lying at the entrance¡­¡± ¡°Royal? Then this is really important,¡± Byeongguk said. If the tomb belonged to a king of Shinra, instead of an ordinary aristocrat, it had incredible historical value. Byeongguk and Eunhae both came closer in surprise. Haejin then said, ¡°To whom exactly it used to belong to, we will have to excavate the tomb to find out, but what is certain is that the tomb belongs to a high aristocrat, at least Jingol. That is probably why Ogrua Takenoske wanted to rob that tomb so much. You have found a great treasure, uncle.¡± (Shinra society had 8 sses. The top two consisted of royals. The highest was Seonggol (Holy Bone) and the second highest was Jingol (Real Bone).) Then Eunhae pointed at the bracelet and asked, ¡°Why do you think this was from the royal¡¯s or high aristocrat¡¯s?¡± Haejin exined, ¡°Look closer. This bracelet was made with two gold tes. Can you see?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. I can.¡± Haejin continued, ¡°The craftsman attached decorations of various shapes with gold threads, gold beads and jewels, then bent the gold tes. It is too luxurious for ordinary aristocrats. Only the royals and the highest aristocrats can do this kind of essory. And as bracelets were important in funeral rituals of the ruling ss along with earrings and belts, it was made with even greater care¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­ so, if someone who isn¡¯t a high aristocrat wears such a bracelet, he or she can get into trouble?¡± ¡°Yes. Anyway, uncle, you¡¯ve done so well.¡± Byeongguk shrugged his shoulders and put on his unique I-am-so-proud-of-myself expression. It used to appear on his face when he came out of a grave with Haejin¡¯s father with artifacts. Byeongguk then said, ¡°Hhhh¡­ no one else would have been able to find it. It was in such a tricky ce. There were so many rocks around it, and it was on a steep slope. No one would have thought there was a tomb there.¡± Haejin replied, ¡°Of course, that is why I let you handle it. If it had been someone else, I wouldn¡¯t have hired him as the researcher of this museum.¡± ¡°Yeah, right. Then what are you going to do now? Shouldn¡¯t you tell the government?¡± Byeongguk asked. Hearing this, Haejin turned to Eunhae and asked, ¡°Are you going to tell the provincial government of Gyeongsangnamdo?¡± Eunhae shook her head, ¡°It might be bad for us if we tell just them. I am going to also report it to the city hall of Seoul and get the permission to excavate from it.¡± ¡°However, the provincial government won¡¯t like it.¡± Eunhae continued, ¡°For now, we should let the officials fight among themselves. Excavation institutions close with Gyeongsangnamdo¡¯s provincial government will try to take it. We must make it clear that we are involved in this first.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± ¡°We know a lot about the tomb and already found a treasure, so even if things go wrong and we have to work together with a few other institutions, we would be able to lead,¡± Eunhae exined. ¡°We should.¡± Who was going to excavate, that didn¡¯t really matter. What mattered was to restore the tomb and the artifacts damaged by the Japanese. Haejin just wanted to get a chance to exhibit the artifacts in his museum. That was his small wish. On the other hand, the director of the museum, Eunhae, thought they had to lead the excavation as they had started and found a meaningful artifact. Haejin could understand that. ¡°Then, we should restore it more perfectly and ask for permission to excavate as fast as possible.¡± ¡°Okay. I will let the restoration team take this now. And¡­ we need to talk,¡± Eunhae said to Haejin. He then replied, ¡°Huh? Okay. Uncle, let¡¯s go have a drinkter.¡± They hadn¡¯t met for some time, so they had to have makgeolli together, or Byeongguk would feel bad. ¡°I¡¯ve been working so hard that just makgeolli won¡¯t be enough. I heard you came back with lots of money. Buy me some meat,¡± Byeongguk requested. ¡°How did you know that? Okay, I will buy good beef, so wait. Oh, and call Sujeong, too.¡± Byeongguk replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. She¡¯s going on a date with her boyfriend after work¡­¡± Sujeong must have been neglecting Byeongguk after she started to date her boyfriend. ¡°Why are you pouting because of it? It¡¯s only natural. Anyway, see youter.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Haejin then followed Eunhae to her office. The moment she went in, she picked up a file on her desk and gave it to Haejin. Haejin asked, ¡°Why are you in such a hurry? Is there something wrong?¡± Eunhae frowned, ¡°No, it¡¯s not that urgent, but¡­ I cannot take care of it on my own.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°See for yourself.¡± Eunhae then pointed at the file. Haejin sat down on the soft sofa of the office and opened the file. ¡°SH Global? Pyramid marketing fraud?¡± Haejin asked. The document was about the fraud of a pyramid marketingpany that invested in Chinese antiques. This is what had happened. They promoted and lured people in by saying they could earn a huge sum of money by investing in stocks rted to Chinese antiques. However, they took 15 billion won and ran away. They even invited the investors to China and showed them the Chinese antiques they had bought. Eunhae exined, ¡°Yes. They made people invest about 3.9 million won each, telling them they would give back 14.7 million in five months¡­¡± ¡°Ha¡­ this is ridiculous. Antique is not something apany can sell at a high price after making a group purchase¡­¡± Haejin said. Eunhae continued, ¡°However, people don¡¯t know much. Although the actual price of antiques is rising in China, only a few know how much the price has soared and how many fakes are in the market.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ anyway, why are you showing me this? You can¡¯t be asking me to look into this fraud. Has someone asked for my help?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae brought a business card from her desk and gave it to Haejin. It belonged to Prosecutor Ha Yeonjin of Seoul¡¯s East Prosecutor¡¯s Office. ¡°Prosecutor Ha Yeonjin? Do you know her?¡± Eunhae replied, ¡°She came here when we were in Europe. She left the file and her business card as she didn¡¯t know when we woulde back¡­¡± ¡°So, she wants me to help with the investigation? But isn¡¯t this too much? She can¡¯t be asking me to go to China and find out about the antiques those people have invested in, right?¡± Eunhae just shrugged her shoulders and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know, either. All we have is that file she left. Should I call her and ask?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ no. I will call her and ask.¡± Eunhae then asked, ¡°But what if you end up being forced to help? It¡¯s not like it will get us money.¡± ¡°I am worried about that, too, but you said those people lost 15 billion won. Think about how they must be feeling. If I can help them with little effort, I should,¡± Haejin replied. Eunhae¡¯s eyes widened as if she hadn¡¯t seen thising while saying, ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t know you were so kindhearted.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying I will just help them out of pity¡­ I¡¯m no volunteer. However, I can help a little with the knowledge I have. Let¡¯s call her first. We don¡¯t know what she has to say.¡± Haejin called the number in the business card, and a female voice was soon heard. ¡°Yes, this is Ha Yeonjin.¡± ¡°Hello, I am Park Haejin. I heard you came to my museum a while ago?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve been waiting for your call, Mr. Park.¡± Yeonjin¡¯s voice immediately brightened at hearing Haejin¡¯s name. ¡°Yes¡­ I just read the file you left¡­ may I ask why you gave this to me?¡± ¡°Actually, I need your help,¡± the woman replied. ¡°But I don¡¯t have much time¡­¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t require much time and effort. Hmm¡­ I cannot tell you about it on the phone. Can we meet and talk? I promise you, it won¡¯t take long. It¡¯s something you can do very easily.¡± ¡°Well, okay then,¡± Haejin epted. ¡°My office is close to your museum, so I will get there before lunchtime. Why don¡¯t we have lunch together and talk?¡± ¡°Okay, that would be good,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Then I will meet you soon.¡± Judging only from her voice, she appeared to be nice. Maybe because she didn¡¯t have that unique attitude of prosecutors looking down on people. Yeonjin arrived exactly 10 minutes before lunchtime. She was armed with a ck two-piece suit and loafers. Haejin could see that she was determined to solve this matter. After a short greeting, they went to a samgyaetang restaurant in front of the museum. Yeonjin didn¡¯t waste time and took out the documents from her bag. ¡°The file I left at your museum is just a simple outline of the case. This is what we actually want your help with.¡± Haejin took a look at it, and it was about porcin. ¡°What is this? Is this the porcin that the fraudpany bought?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But what about it?¡± Yeonjin exined, ¡°Thepany bought fake porcin in China and showed it to investors to make them invest. Those investors thought things were going well after seeing them and worked hard to recruit more people in Korea.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Yeonjin continued, ¡°We have arrested most of the people from SH Global, including the CEO. Thewsuit is about to start. They have hidden most of the money they got, but we are looking for it now.¡± ¡°Then isn¡¯t it almost over?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Catching the people is almost over. Why would Ie to you because of such a matter?¡± Yeonjin asked. ¡°Then?¡± Haejin thought it was getting too boring, but then Yeonjin said something unexpected. ¡°SH Global bought fake antique in China, showed it to Korean investors, got their money, and fled. We thought that was all.¡± ¡°What?¡± Yeonjin stroked her hair in agitation, then said, ¡°We thought all the porcins SH Global bought were fake, but we were wrong. What is ridiculous is that even those frauds think the porcin they bought is fake.¡± Chapter 160: Seeing the Light Again (3)

Chapter 160: Seeing the Light Again (3)

¡°What? What are you talking about?¡± Haejin asked. It often happens that you end up buying fake porcin while thinking that it is a genuine artifact, however, buying real porcin while thinking that it is fake never happens. It doesn¡¯t happen since why would the seller sell a real artifact for the price of a fake artifact? Plus, appraising a real artifact as a fake is a mistake that rarely happens. There was no way this kind of mistake could have urred when there was a deal that involved such a huge sum of money. ¡°SH Global bought more than a hundred antiques. But only one of them is problematic, right this one,¡± Yeonjin leafed through the file and stopped at a certain page. ¡°Hmm¡­ it¡¯s a pillow?¡± Haejin asked. It was a white porcin pillow with strange animals carved on the lower part, but the photo had been taken from the distance so Haejin couldn¡¯t be sure. ¡°Yes. One of the investors took this photo, so it¡¯s a little blurry. Can you appraise this?¡± the woman asked. It was more than just a little blurry. Haejin couldn¡¯t give them a confident answer even with the photo taken right in front of the artifact but asking him to appraise with that photo was just too much. Haejin then asked, ¡°You want me to appraise with just this? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a mutant¡­ wait, but why do you even want to have it appraised? You said it was real.¡± Yeonjin gulped down some cold water, clearly agitated. ¡°Ha¡­ you see, we were told it was real, but we are not sure yet,¡± she replied. Haejin was now getting angry and raised his voice, ¡°Oh, my¡­ are you going to keep avoiding the point? Stop toying with me!¡± Yeonjin answered, ¡°I am sorry. We didn¡¯t expect such a situation, and there are many matters involved in this case.¡± ¡°Tell me everything if you want my help and stop asking me for such a dumb favor. No one can appraise with this photo.¡± But then, the food came out and the conversation stopped there. They finished eating and then went to nearby caf¨¦. Yeonjin started speaking again only after getting some cold air from the air conditioner. ¡°This fraud case was about to be finished. We had all the evidence to prove them guilty and all that was left was to find the money. Of course, that is very hard, but sending them to prison isn¡¯t. However, China then asked for our help. That¡¯s where it started.¡± ¡°The Chinese told you that one of the porcins SH Global bought was real?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes. They searched SH Global¡¯s Chinese office and the homes of its employees, but they couldn¡¯t find the pillow. Then, they asked for our help,¡± Yeonjin exined. ¡°Hmm¡­ then why should I help them?¡± At first, Haejin had decided to help, even if he wasn¡¯t interested, since there were people who had lost such a huge sum of money. So, there was no reason to put time and effort into finding someone¡¯s artifact¡­ ¡°China promised you a huge reward,¡± Yeonjin then said. It seemed that there was a good reason. Haejin then replied, ¡°Well then¡­ I should do it. Khmm¡­ so? Please, keep talking.¡± Yeonjin was relieved to hear Haejin was going to help because of the reward. She slightly smiled and resumed talking. ¡°This is what they told me, ¡®Although most of the porcins SH Global bought are fake, one of them is real, and we have found out it had been sent to Korea, so help us retrieve it.''¡± ¡°What did they say about a real artifact being treated as a fake?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°The merchant who sold it didn¡¯t know much about antiques. He was just briefly taking care of the shop for a rtive when he sold it. That rtiveter found out about it and reported it to the police. But by the time that happened, the porcin was already in Korea.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ does that make any sense?¡± Haejin asked. Even though that man had been a rtive, antiques don¡¯t have price tags like manufactured goods. How could he just sell it without the permission of the shop owner? Yeonjin answered, ¡°It was one of the few real objects the shop had. I don¡¯t know much about it, but I heard that there are so many fakes in China that even shop owners sometimes get confused. Is that not true?¡± It wasn¡¯t. At least, merchants who traded antiques cherished real antiques as much as their lives, so they didn¡¯t make mistakes easily. Although they were saying it had been a mistake, there had to be an untold story about it. ¡°Okay. Anyway, you said it was in Korea. Do you know where exactly it is?¡± Yeonjin replied, ¡°We were told that a white porcin pillow showed up in Insadong. But as you can see from this photo, that is the only information we have. So, we¡¯re not even sure if that is the right artifact. If we go after it and it turns out to be a different pillow, the owner of the pillow we want will probably hide his artifact. It¡¯s a tricky situation.¡± ¡°So, you are saying that we must send that pillow back to China, but you don¡¯t even know if the pillow, in Insadong, is the right pillow. You also don¡¯t know if it is real as they say. Am I getting it right?¡± Haejin asked. Yeonjin sighed and nodded, ¡°Yes, that is what¡¯s going on now.¡± Haejin then asked, ¡°But what if it¡¯s fake?¡± Yeonjin¡¯s eyes sparkled, ¡°Then we must find out why. Why they told us such a lie¡­ and the reason they want that pillow back so much for them to be willing to lie about it¡­¡± ¡°I wonder that, too. If it¡¯s fake¡­¡± Haejin hadn¡¯t seen the pillow yet, so he couldn¡¯t be sure of anything. However, things were getting interesting. ¡°China also offered a million yuan as the reward for retrieving that artifact,¡± Yeonjin said. A million yuan. The reward could be for either the real or the fake artifact. Plus, it was the lowest amount of money they could pay to Haejin. In fact, if it had been smaller than that, Haejin would have refused to work for them. ¡°A million yuan¡­¡± ¡°Why? Is it too small?¡± Yeonjin asked. ¡°It isn¡¯t much for such a job. Well, I cannot say it is small, either¡­ this is so confusing.¡± Haejin used to earn less than 100 thousand won as a construction worker, so he was getting greedy. However, he couldn¡¯t helpining as his employer was now a country, not an individual. ¡°We are going to try our best to find it. But you must know a lot more about Insadong, so if that pillow shows up, could you¡­ go and check?¡± Yeonjin felt bad for asking such a favor, so she smiled awkwardly. ¡°Okay, but why did you pick me?¡± Haejin asked. Yeonjin then exined, ¡°Umm¡­ actually, the Chinese did. I never cared about art until I got this case, so I didn¡¯t know anything about good appraisers. Therefore, it was all the better for me when they picked you. They then told me to go to Mr. Park Haejin who had a museum in Bukcheon.¡± Haejin could now see the Chinese person behind that. ¡°Wang Mingwan¡­¡± Haejin said to himself. ¡°What? Who?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Yeonjin bitterly smiled and stood up, ¡°Then please, do you best. You don¡¯t have to worry, but I think my superiors are getting afraid. Although I don¡¯t know who they are afraid of¡­ anyway, let¡¯s get a drink if this ends well.¡± ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do that.¡± After they parted ways, Eunhae poked him from the side while saying, ¡°Wang Mingwan, isn¡¯t that the rich Chinesedy you helped before?¡± ¡°Yes. If they specifically asked for me, she must be involved in this. That¡¯s why I¡¯m even more curious. What is going on?¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I will check what kind of rumor is going around in Insadong. If Chinese porcin came to Korea, it must havee through the customs of Incheon, so I will check there as well,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°You think they bribed the customs? If they did, they must have paid a lot.¡± Eunhae bit her lips and said, ¡°If the customs really have epted dirty money, there must be more than one or two artifacts that came in. And it is probably¡­¡± Haejin could think of only one organization that had the power and wealth to regrly bring in Chinese artifacts. ¡°Hwajin?¡± Haejin then made a guess. ¡°Although we know nothing now, I have a bad feeling. As you said, selling a real antique while thinking it is fake is way too ridiculous¡­ anyway, I will ask my friend in Saeyeon Gallery, too. They might be involved in this as well.¡± ¡°Okay. There¡¯s more to this than meets the eye, so don¡¯t rush. Let us focus on excavating the tomb in Gimhae. Don¡¯t focus on this,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Although this case came with a huge reward, what mattered to Haejin was excavating the tomb. He had no reason to be so enthusiastic about matters rted to the Chinese. A week passed. Although rumors about that porcin pillow in Insadong were heard from time to time, the object itself didn¡¯t show up. Yeonjin also didn¡¯t press Haejin to hurry. There was a piece of good news in the meantime. Haejin¡¯s museum got the permission to excavate the tomb. To his surprise, the provincial government of Gyeongsangnamdo granted the museum¡¯s request to excavate right away. It was because one of its high officials knew Eunhae. So now, Haejin was at the site with Byeongguk. Although the excavation had started two days ago, researchers including Haejin couldn¡¯t do a thing. only the bulldozer drivers were working hard. However, this was going to be thest day of using heavy equipment. Starting from tomorrow, the researchers were supposed to work hard. ¡°Can we really do this? I am so worried,¡± Byeongguk muttered as he looked at the hydraulic shovel slowly approach the entrance of the tomb. As it was thest day of removing huge rocks and soil with the heavy equipment, one small mistake could damage the tomb or the artifacts in it. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can trust them. You have never experienced this kind of excavation, but in this country, hydraulic shovel drivers are always the first to start excavating,¡± Haejin replied. Byeongguk had been excavating as a grave robber his whole life, so he knew nothing about proper excavation. Haejjin knew this since he had worked as a part-time worker at excavation sites while he was attending university, but the man who was controlling the hydraulic shovel knew the most about what he was doing. ¡°Are you sure? He might harm the artifacts!¡± Haejin then exined, ¡°I used to be worried like you, but those drivers are good. They can dig with an uracy right down to the centimeters with that huge machine. Foreigner researchers are shocked to see us excavating with such machinery, and they are shocked once more to see it digging even better than human hands.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ wow.¡± Haejin watched with Byeongguk like that. When the sky was about to turn red, the machine finally stopped. ¡°Huh? Hey! There is something!¡± The driver came out and waved his hands at Haejin. ¡°What? What is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t think I can touch it. Go and take a look.¡± Haejin went there, and his researchers all followed him. ¡°Okay, be careful¡­ hey, watch your steps¡­¡± Haejin took each step carefully and arrived at the spot. He knelt down and saw something blue. ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that ss?¡± The driver, who was now here as well, asked. ¡°ss¡­¡± Thrill appeared in all of the researcher¡¯s eyes. Chapter 161: Seeing the Light Again (4)

Chapter 161: Seeing the Light Again (4)

¡°ss? Is it really ss?¡± It was the excited voice of an old man. Haejin then looked toward the direction of the voice, and it turned out to be Professor Jeong Cheonman, from Korea University¡¯s archaeology department, who was taking part in this excavation. When the Cultural Heritage Administration saw the gold bracelet Byeongguk had found, it excited the professors and researchers of the best university in Korea as it could be the tomb of a king. Of course, the help of young university students was also needed to excavate such a tomb. As the leader of the excavation, Haejin needed more people, and the students were going to learn a lot by participating in such a project. ¡°I think it is ss,¡± Haejin replied as he carefully removed the dirt with a brush. Although it was dim after being buried for so long, the transparent jade-color object was clearly a water vase made of ss. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Cheonman¡¯s voice was shaking with thrill. ¡°ss? Why is everybody so excited about ss?¡± Byeongguk asked about what was going on. Although he had lived as a grave robber his entire life, he only knew how to steal. Appreciating the true value of artifacts was something he couldn¡¯t do. That was why he used to ask Haejin or his father to appraise for him. ¡°ss was very rare during the Three Kingdoms period. ss vase is mostly found in the tombs of kings,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°What? Then¡­¡± ¡°Yes. If this is here, this tomb probably belongs to a king.¡± Shinra ss objects were normally found in huge tombs belonging to a king. It was something that only particr people could own, like a golden belt and a golden crown. It means the political and social status of the dead was very high. ¡°Wow¡­ first the gold bracelet, and now this ss bottle. We might be able to excavate a huge tomb that will be recorded in history books.¡± ¡°Probably,¡± As Haejin replied while digging with a small shovel, someone came next to him and helped. It was Cheonman. He had been at the back a minute ago, but now he was right next to Haejin. ¡°Your pants will get dirty. Why don¡¯t you wait there?¡± Haejin said. However, Cheonman didn¡¯t mind getting dirty. He leaned down and started to dig after saying, ¡°I can¡¯t stay still¡­ I am too excited, haha¡­¡± He looked even more excited than his students. Anyway, after an hour of digging, they were able to lift the bottle from the ground. ¡°Oh¡­ it is remarkable,¡± Cheonman eximed. The bottle in Haejin¡¯s hands was still in perfect shape. It had a mysterious hue that absorbed the light around it. ¡°This is simr to a Greek Oinochoe.¡± Oinochoe was a type of jug that was made in Greece. Basically, it is a kettle for the wine. Its body is usually in a spherical or cylindrical shape, and it has one curved handle. Its body would sometime look like the human body. It was usually used to pour the wine. There were also various types of them, some had red figures, ck figures and geographical patterns until the end of Greek pottery. In theter days, its shape and decoration had even more variety. For example, its body shapes became extremely long. Ancient Greek vases were called differently ording to the shape, like oinochoe, krater, amphora, and hydria. Cheonman, surprised, said, ¡°Oho¡­ you know that? I heard you are the director of an art museum¡­ but you seem to know a lot.¡± It looked like Cheonman hadn¡¯t heard about Haejin yet. ¡°I am not the director of Park Haejin Art Museum. I work as a restorer,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Haha¡­ you let a businessman manage your museum and you do the restoring? That is very unusual. Anyway, nice to meet you. Now that I think about it, I haven¡¯t introduced myself. I am Jeong Cheonman of Korea University¡¯s archaeology department.¡± ¡°I am Park Haejin. I work as an appraiser and restorer. And this is senior researcher Choi Byeongguk of my museum, he is the one who found this tomb.¡± ¡°I am Choi Byeongguk,¡± Byeongguk enjoyed being introduced with that title. He then put a serious expression on his face, which Haejin had never seen before, and offered to shake Cheonman¡¯s hand. ¡°Nice to meet you. Did you find this tomb? You have done something extremely meaningful,¡± Cheonmanplimented Byeongguk. ¡°Well, it was nothing¡­¡± While the two talked among themselves, Haejin examined the vase in his hands. Seeing that, Cheonman asked, ¡°What do you think?¡± Haejin answered, ¡°At the time, ss was made mostly in the east of the Mediterranean like Syria, so it must havee to Shinra through the Silk road or by sea. And¡­ it has a trumpet-shaped mouth.¡± ¡°When that style was introduced to China, the Chinese called it the Head of Fenghuang Bottle as the shape resembled the head of Fenghuang. You do both appraising and restoring? That is really unusual.¡± (Fenghuang is a mythical bird of eastern Asia that is somewhat like a Phoenix.) Cheonman studied Haejin¡¯s face and asked another question, ¡°How long have you been working as an appraiser?¡± ¡°About two years.¡± It hadn¡¯t been a year since Haejin started working as an appraiser, but it looked too short, so he just said two years instead. However, it was also way too short. ¡°Two years? Well, are you in your 30s now?¡± ¡°No, I am 28,¡± Haejin replied. Cheonman thenmented, ¡°28¡­ then two years of career is not that short. You are at an age to learn, but you already own a museum¡­ are your parents rich?¡± Usually, people didn¡¯t ask that kind of questions so directly as it could sound rude, but this professor was very straightforward. ¡°No, I just got lucky,¡± Haejin answered. ¡°Is luck enough to exin how you got to own a museum? Well, you don¡¯t have to tell me if you don¡¯t want to¡­. but I¡¯m just a little curious.¡± His curiosity was understandable. Getting rich so fast, the way Haejin had done, was normally impossible. ¡°I guess iprehensible things do happen sometimes,¡± Haejin replied with a vague answer. If they had been alone, Haejin could have told him everything that had happened, but as there were many people around them, he didn¡¯t bother to exin. ¡°Hmm¡­ you are right. I just hope you were born with a silver spoon. It would be a little disappointing if you were not¡­¡± Cheonman nodded, but judging from his expression, he was still doubtful. He said he hoped Haejin was born with a silver spoon. He was probably thinking that Haejin had done something bad to establish his museum. Haejin didn¡¯t care about what he thought. He just wanted to drop the matter with a smile, but Byeongguk didn¡¯t like it. ¡°You may not know it well, but he is the best appraiser in this country. People of the world all beg for his help. Americans, Europeans, and even the royals of Arabia,¡± Byeongguk defended Haejin. ¡°What? Oh¡­ really?¡± Cheonman couldn¡¯t fully believe him. Actually, what Byeongguk said did sound a bit like nonsense. The royals of Arabia begging for help¡­ how could that be real? Only those who had watched everything would believe it, but as Cheonman had never seen Haejin before, he was probably thinking, ¡®where did these fraudse from?¡¯ ¡°That¡¯s enough, uncle. I will send this to the restorations team, so please take photos and clear the site. Uncle, please check the inside.¡± They had only taken a few steps into the entrance. As the Japanese had practically destroyed the tomb, from now on, no one could guess which object would show up and where. Additionally, as the structure of the tomb itself had probably been shaken, an expert had to handle it. Byeongguk was also the best expert they had, so he said, ¡°Let me handle this. You should go and restore that vase¡­¡± As it was in perfect condition, all that had to be done was to remove the dirt on the inside. The restoration wasn¡¯t going to take more than a week. But then, Cheonman hurried to follow him and yelled, ¡°Wait! Why are you taking it?¡± ¡°Why am I taking it? My institution is leading this excavation, so I should take this and restore it,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°This is an artifact with extremely important historical value. It is the treasure of this country!¡± Cheonman yelled again. Haejin had endured it until now as Cheonman¡¯s questions had some sense in them, but now, he started to get irritated and replied, ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? Do you think I am on my way to sell this?¡± Cheonman threw a bomb solemnly by saying, ¡°Who knows?¡± Now, Haejin couldn¡¯t just let it go as Cheonman was clearly not going to back off easily. Even though the government had given Haejin permission to excavate, convincing him with words was not going to work. ¡°You just crossed the line. Do you think you can handle the consequences of what you just said?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I am just having a reasonable doubt. Few know better than me how many corrupted archaeologists there are,¡± Cheonman replied. As archaeology in Korea practically had a history of theft and grave robbers, Haejin didn¡¯t think Cheonman waspletely mad. Saeyeon Gallery had siphoned a considerable number of Korean artifacts, and there were more galleries and museums like that. Additionally, as Haejin had appeared so suddenly like aet that fell from the sky, he admitted that he could be doubted, nevertheless, Cheonman couldn¡¯t use him like that in front of so many people, unless he had good evidence. If he had asked Haejin to let a few of his students help with the restoration of the vase, Haejin wouldn¡¯t have said no¡­ but Cheonman overreacted when seeing a treasure walk away in front of him. ¡°You are making it hard for us to work together. I will officially ask the government to exclude Korea University from this excavation.¡± Cheonman yelled in shock, ¡°Ridiculous! You think the Cultural Heritage Administration would grant that request? Do you think everyone here is a fool?¡± Haejin replied, ¡°I don¡¯t, but I don¡¯t think they will refuse my request. Well, I guess you are thinking it will never happen as you know every official from the Cultural Heritage Administration¡­ but I bet they will give me what I want. Sujeong! Go back to Seoul with this. I wille to the museum straight away. Make sure to exclude the students from Korea University from the excavation, okay?¡± Haejin handed the vase to Sujeong, who hade with him. She started to load it carefully with her fellow researchers. Cheonman made a fuss to stop it, but the guards of the museum stopped him. Byeongguk looked bitter. He waved his hand at Haejin, put on his gears, and walked into the tomb. Haejin went to his car after checking Byeongguk enter the tomb, but Cheonman struggled with the guards and eventually came to him. ¡°I will tell the minister and reporters about all this! Every Korean will find out how you stole the treasure of the country!¡± Cheonman yelled. Haejin wanted to say, ¡®be my guest¡¯, but he knew he would pay a lot if he let him do whatever he wanted. Plus, public opinion is tricky. He could be the traitor of the nation in a second. Haejin then went to Cheonman and said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Why are you doing this? The Cultural Heritage Administration gave us the official permission to excavate here. Where is that delusion of yours about me stealing the artifacts excavateding from?¡± ¡°That¡¯s, that¡¯s¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand at all. Cheonman had his reason to have doubts, but this was too much. This was too weird. Eventually, he snatched Cheonman¡¯s sses. ¡°What, what are you doing?¡± Instead of answering that question, Haejin used magic to look into the past. Chapter 162: Uninvited Guest (1)

Chapter 162: Uninvited Guest (1)

Cheonman¡¯s office at Korea University. In there, Cheonman was having a serious conversation with someone. The man sitting opposite to him was in his 50s and, judging from how they talked, he appeared to be Cheonman¡¯s superior. ¡°I must go to that site in Gimhae?¡± Cheonman asked. The man then said, ¡°As you must know, things are going bad in Japan. Political issues keep happening, and then a grave was robbed. Do you know that?¡± ¡°A grave was robbed?¡± The man then exined, ¡°My, my¡­ you really know nothing. Ogura Takenoske¡¯s tomb has been robbed. The archaeologists and historians in Japan were all shocked. And as you know, history is linked to a nation¡¯s soul.¡± The man tapped his head with his finger while Cheonman bowed after saying, ¡°Of course. You are right, Senator Gang.¡± ¡°That tomb belongs to none other than Ogura, and it was robbed. This is a serious problem. There are rumors going around in Japan saying that the thief is Park Haejin, the owner of the museum that is leading the excavation tomb in Gimhae,¡± Senator Gang replied. Cheonman then said, ¡°Park Haejin¡­ I think I¡¯ve heard of him¡­ oh! His museum got Picasso¡¯s painting some time ago!¡± ¡°Ah, you are too slow. Yes, that museum!¡± ¡°But why would he go all the way to Japan to rob a grave? Bringing in Japanese artifacts would be suspicious,¡± Cheonman asked. Senator Gang drank some cold water in front of him and gravely said, ¡°The Double Dragon Sword.¡± Shocked, Cheonman asked, ¡°What? Do you mean the Double Dragon Sword which Park Haejin Art Museum just showed to the public?¡± ¡°Yes, that sword was in Ogura¡¯s tomb,¡± Senator Gang exined. ¡°Oh¡­ my¡­¡± Cheonman buries his head in his hands. However, Senator Gang didn¡¯t like this and openly expressed his anger, ¡°He dared to steal General Lee Sunsin¡¯s sword which was sleeping in Ogura¡¯s tomb! How could he do that? You know what kind of man Ogura Takenoske was. He spent his entire wealth protecting Korean artifacts from being sent abroad! And he dug his grave and stole General Lee Sunsin¡¯s sword. That is insane, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± ¡°What ¡®but¡¯? Huh?¡± Senator Gang red at Cheonman who dropped his head. ¡°No, he insulted a great man. Yes,¡± Cheonman then replied. ¡°Hey, Professor Jeong, listen up. You do know that 80% of the research funds you get every yeare from us, right?¡± ¡°Of course. I¡¯m well aware of it.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I be shocked if you change your mind after getting our money for so long? And then there¡¯s money we gave to your son and daughter so that they could study abroad¡­ then you should do the right thing. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± Cheonman bowed once again and said, ¡°I am sorry, I made a mistake. That man must be punished for digging Ogura¡¯s tomb.¡± Senator Gang smiled only then. Next, he spoke in a soothing voice as if he was someone else now. ¡°You know I like you a lot, right? Let¡¯s not do this. I don¡¯t like arguing, either. We have drunk and had fun with girls so many times! Don¡¯t we know each other so well?¡± ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Cheonman smiled awkwardly. Senator Gang then took his hand and asked, ¡°Your son ising back soon, right? Did he get a job?¡± ¡°He¡­ as you know, getting a job is hard these days.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. He majored in business administration, right?¡± Cheonman suddenly brightened up at this, ¡°Yes. He studied business administration at Goguryeo University. His grades are good, and now he speaks fluent Japanese.¡± Although Cheonman¡¯s son had graduated from a decent university, it wasn¡¯t good enough to get a job during the economic depression. It must have been why his father had sent him to Japan to study more. ¡°You should¡­ where was it¡­ Korea Asset Management Corporation. Try applying there,¡± Senator Gang said. ¡°Korea Asset Management Corporation? That¡¯s, that¡¯s where the best elites go¡­¡± Korea Asset Management Corporation was famous for being good even among public enterprises. If his son could get a job there, his life would be easy from there. ¡°Don¡¯t be so modest¡­ you¡¯re the smartest person I¡¯ve ever met. As the old saying goes, a tiger father will not beget a dog son. He is your son, so he must also be smart. I will tell them in advance, so make him apply there.¡± Cheonman stood up and bowed deeply again and again, ¡°Oh, thank you so much. I will never forget this.¡± ¡°Please, there¡¯s no need for that between us. Sit, sit¡­¡± Senator Gang made Cheonman sit again and continued, ¡°Anyway, to talk about what we were discussing again, you should go to Gimhae.¡± Cheonman, who had looked troubled, now asked back with enthusiasm, ¡°What should I do there?¡± Senator Gangughed and patted his shoulder, ¡°Haha! This is the Professor Jeong I know. It isn¡¯t that difficult. Just break the project.¡± ¡°Break the project?¡± Senator Gang then exined, ¡°You see¡­ that Park Haejin guy has many friends. People that are fond of him are everywhere, including at the Cultural Heritage Administration, so we couldn¡¯t stop them from getting permission to excavate. If we use force to get what we want, we won¡¯t be able to get away with this¡­ but Japan made it clear what we must do with this excavation.¡± ¡°Do you mean¡­¡± ¡°Yes, the excavation team funded by us must lead this excavation, and without any help from the other teams¡­ now, your team is the only team that can take part in it without people getting suspicious. Go and break the project.¡± ¡°Then we will be able to start the new project,¡± Cheonmanmented. Senator Gang smiled with satisfaction, ¡°Yes, we are nning to make a new team enter the tomb.¡± ¡°And after that¡­¡± Senator Gang snapped Cheonman¡¯s curiosity, ¡°You don¡¯t need to know more.¡± ¡°Then, which will be in the new excavation team?¡± Cheonman asked. ¡°You don¡¯t have to know that, either. You only have to do your part well. Understood?¡± Cheonman looked a little disappointed, but he soon smiled and bowed, ¡°Yes.¡± Senator Gang grabbed his knees and slowly stood up, ¡°Oh¡­ you must work out as well. I am younger than you, but my body is already getting heavy.¡± ¡°You should take care of your body,¡± Cheonman said. ¡°Yes, yes. Let us get a drinkter. That girl you liked¡­ who was she? Yaerim, right? Her name is pretty, too. Right?¡± Senator Gang then asked. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Cheonman smiled, embarrassed. Senator Gang patted his shoulder and then turned around, ¡°Let¡¯s drink with her. Then goodbye.¡± ¡°Thank you for everything, senator.¡± When Cheonman straightened his back again, the senator had already left. ¡°Huu¡­¡± Cheonman plopped down on his chair while letting out a sigh, he then thought about something for some time and picked up his phone. ¡°Hey, Jeongtae, it looks like we will have to excavate in Gimhae. Pick about five students to work. How long? Umm¡­ not that long. No, this excavation will end very soon. Don¡¯t ask more.¡± Haejin stared at the old professor¡¯s face. The professor was enraged as Haejin had taken his sses, and he was being restrained by the guards. Haejin did think that there was a chance of something being wrong. In fact, Cheonman was insisting too much on nonsense that Haejin thought there must be something behind it, and there really was a dirty deal behind all that. What was he supposed to do? If he just ignored him and went back, that old professor, who was willing to sacrifice the artifacts for his son¡¯s future, would get what he wanted. However, arguing there wasn¡¯t going to help, either, especially as Cheonman¡¯s assistant was recording everything with his camera from afar. Acting without care could cost the government¡¯s permission to excavate. Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t really have to excavate. He hade all this way because he wanted to exhibit the artifacts from the tomb at his museum, but he thought if that didn¡¯t happen, he wouldn¡¯t care much. However, letting the artifacts fall into their hands was a different matter. They valued their well-being and wealth more than the nation¡¯s legacy. ¡°Okay, you can have it,¡± Haejin stopped the guards and gave the vase to Cheonman. ¡°You, you should have given it to me sooner¡­¡± ¡°However, my researchers will lead the restoration process. Is that fine?¡± Haejin asked. Cheonman then replied, ¡°This is an important legacy of this country! Anyone who isn¡¯t good enough cannoty a hand on it!¡± ¡°Yes, of course. The best expert will lead the process.¡± Haejin was thinking of hiring the best restorer in Korea if needed. ¡°Khmm¡­ if you say so¡­¡± Cheonman nodded and was about to back off. He was probably thinking what had happened was enough to win the public. With Senator Gang¡¯s power, making a few reporters write about it wouldn¡¯t be hard¡­ Haejin then said, ¡°But can I ask you something instead?¡± ¡°Ask me what?¡± ¡°Who was it? Who gave you orders to disturb this project?¡± ¡°What, what the¡­ Senator Gang Yongjin.¡± In the next second, Cheonman covered his mouth quickly. However, he had already confessed. Haejin nodded and went away from him. As he had used the magic to make people confess the truth, he could have made Cheonman confess everything if he wanted, but he thought it would not be good. Strange things urring to so many people would drag too much attention, and it was not good. That was enough. Now, it looked like Cheonman had made a mistake¡­ and everyone makes mistakes. Now, people were going to think that the old professor said something he shouldn¡¯t have as he was getting older and less sharp. ¡°Oh¡­ I see¡­ Senator Gang Yongjin, okay.¡± ¡°Wa, wait. Wait!¡± Cheonman called him, but Haejin ignored that and got on his car. As the restoration researchers, including Sujeong, were watching, the artifacts that had been hidden in the dark for a long time were about to see the light again. Additionally, that video Cheonman¡¯s assistant had filmed was never going to be shown. What the professor had said was already leaving the site with shock¡­ ¡°Senator Gang Yongjin¡­¡± A senator who takes Japan¡¯s money and steals the artifacts from their own country for Japan could exist. However, it wasn¡¯t like Haejin was a hero. He didn¡¯t want to bother going to him and bring about social justice. Even with his magic, he wasn¡¯t invincible. Additionally, he could be tracked by that secret organization that was after vestigiums. Nevertheless, he had to know who he was. Since he was openly standing in his way, one day, they were going to meet, although he didn¡¯t know when. Buzz¡­ When Haejin was on the highway, his phone buzzed. It was Eunhae. When he took the call, he could sense that she sounded a little tense. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± ¡°Yes, I know. What is it?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae then exined, ¡°Prosecutor Ha Yeonjin called in the morning. The white porcin pillow from China showed up in Insadong. So, I looked into it, and a friend of mine told me that she just got an invitation. 8 p.m. today, Baekje Hotel.¡± Haejin could see how it was going on. But¡­ those criminals were so bold. ¡°Then, I guess I will get to see some wealthy people at the hotel. It¡¯s been a while since I did that.¡± Eunhae then let out a heavy sigh, ¡°Hu¡­ okay. I¡¯ll find you a way to get in, although we have no invitation.¡± Chapter 163: Uninvited Guest (2)

Chapter 163: Uninvited Guest (2)

This was why having friends was important. Eunhae could find a way to participate in that strange meeting without even having an invitation. Haejin arrived at his museum after three hours of driving. However, there was someone unexpected waiting for him there. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°Yes. Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°It takes a few hours of flight to get here from China. Why would I bother to do that?¡± The woman who was waiting in front of Eunhae¡¯s office was Director Wang Mingwan of China Gwangmyeong Electricity Industry. She was sitting on a small chair with only one attendant. Unlike before, she was wearing something modest, so no one would think she was a trillionaire. ¡°Anyway, we cannot talk here¡­ would you like a cup of coffee?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, this isn¡¯t the right ce to talk. Why don¡¯t we go to the hotel I¡¯m staying at? We cannot be seen.¡± Haejin was a bit puzzled by this, but Wang Mingwan looked serious. Therefore, he nodded, ¡°You could have called me then.¡± ¡°But I wanted toe here, I was curious about your museum. Now that my curiosity has been satisfied, I should leave.¡± ¡°Okay, I will take my car.¡± ¡°Come to Baekje Hotel and call me,¡± she then left with her attendant. Next, Eunhae came to Haejin and said, ¡°She has been waiting for some time.¡± ¡°You should have called me.¡± Eunhae then exined, ¡°I heard about it only a minute ago. So, I came out, but she was already talking with you. I guess our staff didn¡¯t think she was so important. They found out only when her attendant spoke. Of course, they still don¡¯t know who Wang Mingwan is¡­¡± ¡°She told me to go to Baekje Hotel. There is something going on in that hotel. Have you asked that friend of yours? About what is about to happen there?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae crossed her arms and gravely shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know the details. It is a private auction, but its host is Hyoyeon.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ your crazy cousin?¡± Eunhae confirmed, ¡°Yes. She has enough power to drag people in with just invitations and hints. Well, all the chaebols in this country will be there. They wouldn¡¯t miss the chance to inherit the biggest corporation group in Korea.¡± ¡°The chance to inherit Hwajin?¡± ¡°Hyoyeon is her father¡¯s only child. Even though she has dated many men until now, she is just over 20, so most of them were just some light flirting. This is a great opportunity to win her over,¡± Eunhae exined. ¡°Oh¡­ I see. Then all the chaebols will be determined to get her,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°I will use that and find us a way to get in that meeting.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± When Haejin arrived at Baekje Hotel, Wang Mingwan called him to the second most expensive room. Eunhae had told him that it cost 7 million won per night. Haejin did wonder how that expensive room would look like. However, when he went in, he couldn¡¯t focus on the room itself. There were about half a dozen people going around in a hurry. ¡°Wee.¡± Only Wang Mingwan and a man were sitting on the sofa. They greeted Haejin calmly. ¡°What is going on?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°It¡¯s a little bustling, right? But why didn¡¯t you call me? I thought you would as I didn¡¯t send you the rest of your fee.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like you will not pay me¡­ I just thought I would get it eventually,¡± Haejin replied. Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t know about that. However, even if he had known that, he wouldn¡¯t have called Wang Mingwan and demanded to be paid. She was Wang Huiyang¡¯s cousin, after all. For the rtionship between the two countries, Haejin couldn¡¯t protest to her because of a payment. Most of all, it wasn¡¯t like his museum was in need of money. ¡°Really? Thank you, then. I¡¯m not making excuses, but as we are returning the thing to where it should be, we couldn¡¯t just give you the money right away. It had to be washed first. You will get the rest of your fee in three days,¡± Wang Mingwan said. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°And this is Liang Tien. He works for my cousin Wang Huiyang.¡± The man was very thin. He adjusted his sses and smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about you. It¡¯s my honor to finally meet you.¡± ¡°Um, thank you. But what is this about?¡± Haejin asked. Wang Mingwan had her attendant bring Haejin a cup of tea then said, ¡°You already know why I am here.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s because of the white porcin pillow, but I didn¡¯t think it was important enough for you toe here yourself,¡± Haejinmented. Wang Mingwan put a cigarette in her mouth, lit it with a fashionable gesture, and started to exin. ¡°Hu¡­ you are the only Korean who knows what I am going to tell, you know. You heard that Korea¡¯s SH Global bought fake antiques from China and tricked people with illegal multilevel marketing, right?¡± ¡°Why? Is that not the truth?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°We thought it was until recently. That¡¯s what the Korean prosecutors think, too. That is why we didn¡¯t care about it much. Hu¡­ you should exin from now.¡± Wang Mingwan then nodded to Lian Tien. He took it from there, ¡°A while ago, when the real Terracotta Soldier came back to China through Cheongdo Port, we used the officials who handled the management of the artifacts. It wasn¡¯t like someone tipped us off about them, but we thought such a huge artifact like the Terracotta Soldier couldn¡¯t have been sent abroad without the help of the customs workers.¡± ¡°And?¡± Lian Tien then continued, ¡°We thought we would find a few more things, of course. We didn¡¯t want to find out everything, either. Customs workers couldn¡¯t have done that on their own. Their superiors must have turned a blind eye on them, and my boss is a member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. He couldn¡¯t use them so openly.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°So, they were about to let them go, but then we found out that more than a hundred fake antiques had been smuggled out. They were antiques bought by SH Global, but it was so unusual as they were all fake. Usually, fakes in such arge number are not smuggled out. They are sent in the open instead. The customs don¡¯t stop it as they know they are fakes. So, we thought something was wrong. We asked the appraisers of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and foreign appraisers. It turned out that most of those artifacts were real,¡± Lian Tien said. ¡°Ha¡­ how is that even possible?¡± ¡°We were also shocked. We examined every one of them, and there were more than a dozen artifacts worth more than 10 million yuan. A few of them are worth more than 100 million yuan.¡± So, SH Global had bought multiple artifacts worth a lot of money, but if the merchants had sold them as fakes, they must have lost huge sums of money. ¡°That is so strange. How could the sellers do such thing, unless they were mad?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°We don¡¯t know what to think of it, either. Anyway, the antique market in China was shocked, and everyone in the Cultural Bureau¡¯s Artifact Management Team was put into this. After a week, we reached a conclusion.¡± Lian Tien took a sip of the tea and then continued, ¡°The innocent investors in Korea were not the only ones fooled by SH Global. They also recruited other investors in Korea and tricked them, and in China, they lured in antique merchants from Beijing and Xian by openly saying they wanted to buy fakes. Then, they made them sell real artifacts, although we don¡¯t know how.¡± ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Haejin thought of a possibility. If someone had used magic, like he had, to enchant those antique merchants¡­ ¡°What? Do you know anything about it?¡± Liang Tien asked. Haejin, however, quickly shook his head, ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. Then the pillow can¡¯t be the only reason why you are here, as you brought so many¡­¡± The people were still going around in the room and working on something. They appeared to be policemen sent to retrieve those lost artifacts. ¡°Yes,¡± Liang Tien nodded gravely. Wang Mingwan then added, ¡°No Korean knows how serious this matter is yet, except for you¡­ we cannot trust anyone. That is why we didn¡¯t tell the Korean government everything. They must have found out that it is serious by now, but they don¡¯t know everything. Hu¡­ we need your help.¡± ¡°Why do you trust me when you can¡¯t trust the Korean investigative authority?¡± Haejin asked. Wang Mingwan smiled, ¡°We have worked together before, and you don¡¯t have much connection with Korean chaebols. Your director was kicked out of Hwajin¡­ and more than that, we cannot find an expert better than you, so we should trust you. What other choice do we have?¡± ¡°Okay then, let¡¯s say we find those artifacts. How are you going to get them back?¡± Wang Mingwan shrugged her shoulders, ¡°We should buy them.¡± ¡°What? Buy them?¡± Haejin was shocked. However, she had just said there was more than one artifact worth 100 million yuan¡­ ¡°Yes, they must have done all that to sell them. We cannot get them back through the legal process. It is too risky. The Communist Party might look ipetent. Yes, it will cost us some money, but we have to buy them. What matters is whether we get a chance to buy them,¡± Wang Mingwan exined. ¡°But you don¡¯t really need me then,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°No, we do. We need you more than anyone. Who else can buy them while being sure they are real? Money doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is whether the artifacts, which will cross the ocean with us, are real or not.¡± Wang Mingwan hit the marble table with her fist. She was really determined. Haejin then asked, ¡°Hmm¡­ have you heard that the pillow will show up here tomorrow?¡± ¡°Yes. That is why I¡¯m staying here,¡± she had her way of getting information fast. ¡°Then you will participate in the meeting tomorrow.¡± However, she shook her head, ¡°No, I can¡¯t because I¡¯m a Chinese. You should. We were going to find you a way, but it looks like your girlfriend already has found one.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ okay.¡± Wang Mingwan gave Haejin a pair of sses while saying, ¡°This has a small camera. I don¡¯t have to exin what it is for, right? Then please, do well tomorrow. Oh, and if you help us to buy them without any problem, we will pay you 5% of the total purchase amount as your fee. How is that?¡± Chinese didn¡¯t hesitate to spend money. The fee alone could be worth tens of billions of won¡­ Haejin was satisfied and said, ¡°Good. Where is the contract?¡± ¡°Bring us the contract!¡± The contract had already been waiting for them. It was then brought immediately when Wang Mingwan snapped her finger. Haejin excitedly signed it, but then Wang Mingwan asked, ¡°But is the director really your girlfriend? Are you going to marry her? If not¡­¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± ¡°Okay, okay¡­ you have a temper, right?¡± The president suite room, the most expensive room of Baekje Hotel. Its price was 9 million per night. Presidents and sports stars had stayed there. Now, there were about two dozen people with champagne sses in their hands in the room. They were talking among themselves. The mood was like that of a party, so Haejin was confused, ¡°Is this normal? This is how they buy antiques?¡± He whispered to Eunhae who was wearing a white dress. ¡°I¡¯ve never experienced anything like this. Oh¡­ it is too cramped. She could have selected arger space if she was going to invite so many people,¡± Eunhaeined as she had to pay attention to the end of her dress lest it might get stepped on. Then she continued, ¡°I told you all the men from Chaebol families were going to be here¡­ see, every one of the families with a bachelor man younger than 40 is here.¡± ¡°Yes, I can see that,¡± Haejin agreed and was about to look around, but then the bedroom door opened and Hyoyeon walked out, smiling brightly. She was wearing a red dress that resembled a rose. Haejin didn¡¯t care about how she looked. He just looked at the porcin her attendant was carrying. He wasn¡¯t the only one who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off it. He could hear Wang Mingwan¡¯s nervous voice from the earbud in his ear. Chapter 164: Uninvited Guest (3)

Chapter 164: Uninvited Guest (3)

¡°We think that porcin was used in the pce in the days of Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty. Please check.¡± As soon as Wang Mingwan finished talking, Hyoyeon put on her unique arrogant smile. Then, she put on a hand on the splendid piano that was in the middle of the room while saying, ¡°So many of you are here. I am very d to see you all, I was so worried that many of you might note. Hahaha!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± It wasn¡¯t that funny, but everyone in the room burst intoughter. It was so weird¡­ It was as if everyone was forcing themselves tough. ¡°As you all know, I just inherited a gallery. So, I have lots of thoughts on how to change it,¡± as she said that, she looked at Eunhae and Haejin. She was surprised to see that they had actually shown up. Haejin then asked quietly to Eunhae, ¡°How did you get the invitation?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything special. I know her, so¡­ I just asked for it,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°And she gave it to you?¡± Eunhae pouted, clearly angry, ¡°Ha¡­ she acted like a real princess. I promised we will buy a lot, and she gave it only then as if she was bestowing us with huge honor. However, you know that this isn¡¯t just a simple private auction, right? Regardless of the actual value of the artifacts, people around us will spend a huge sum of money just to impress Hyoyeon. Don¡¯t even think about buying at a low price.¡± Haejin had exined how things were going to Eunhae, and even Wang Mingwan understood that. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ even if these people are all children of chaebol families, can they bet tens and hundreds of billions? It¡¯s not like they can get receipts,¡± Haejinmented. Getting the receipt meant the difference between using their own money and the money of theirpanies. If they could bet using someone else¡¯s money, betting tens of billions wasn¡¯t impossible. ¡°No, they can get receipts. Each chaebol family here owns a museum or a gallery,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°All of them?¡± ¡°Oh, you are underestimating chaebols. Why would they build and manage galleries? Just to fund art and culture? Or to entertain chaebols and their wives as they might get bored of staying at home?¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s all about taxes?¡± Haejin guessed. Eunhae exined, ¡°More urately, it is to make a legal secret fund. It a trick that can be inly seen. It isn¡¯t much different from the reason why all chaebol corporations have their own constructionpanies.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± She continued, ¡°Today, each of them will bet using the funds of their gallery. Of course, that money is all from the corporation. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem as it would look like the corporation is funding art for the public. They must be thinking it is all the better as they have more money than they can spend.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ well, we don¡¯t have any choice. It¡¯s not like I will be spending my own money.¡± Wang Mingwan didn¡¯t say anything even though she was hearing everything through the small microphone on Haejin¡¯s tiepin. While they talked like this, Hyoyeon kept giving that useless speech. However, it was about to end now. ¡°¡­ is China. You know that, right? That is why I have worked so hard for this event. Hahaha. Anyway, I am about to start a small auction only for you, so please, bid with enthusiasm! Let¡¯s start now!¡± Hyoyeon stepped back, and a woman in a neat ck suit took her ce. She looked familiar. Haejin looked at her for some time and realized that she was the auctioneer of Korea Auction. She pointed at the dish and started to exin, ¡°This dish was used by Yongle Emperor of Ming, China. It was for washing brushes, and the dragon in the middle is clear and lively. Its five toes mean that it was used by the emperor himself.¡± The dish was in the shape of a flower with petals. The shape was in harmony with the dragon pattern in the middle. Dragon patterns sometimes appear on Blue Flower White Porcins, and the number of its toes indicates who its owner was. ording to the records, in the Han dynasty, only the emperor, the first and the second prince could use dragons with five toes. The third and fourth prince could only use dragons with four toes. But inter times, only the emperor of China could use dragons with five toes. The king of Korea could use dragons with four toes, and the king of Japan was only allowed three toes. Dragons with five toes rarely appear in theter Joseon period. The dragon of Gyeongbokgung Pce¡¯s Geunjeongjeon Hall, instead, has seven toes. It is because Heungseon Daewongun, father of the Emperor Gojong, wanted to strengthen his son¡¯s power and make him equal to the Qing emperor. Anyway, as Haejin listened to the auctioneer, he got behind the dish and saw the other side¡­ he didn¡¯t even have to use magic. It was clearly real. ¡°The price starts at 500 million, and there is no limit to the price. The auction starts now.¡± As it was a private auction and only a few were there, the rules were simple. However, the tension was the same as those huge auctions. ¡°One billion,¡± a man, in his early 30s, said while raising his hand instead of a paddle and winking at Hyoyeon. Haejin was dumbfounded at this, ¡°Really, a wink at a billion? It¡¯s not like it¡¯s your money¡­¡± Haejin muttered, then he yelled while raising his hand, ¡°Two billion.¡± This time, Hyoyeon looked at him in surprise and started moving towards Haejin. ¡°Why is sheing?¡± Eunhae didn¡¯t like it, but it wasn¡¯t like she could stop her cousin. So, she just watched. ¡°What, you are really going to buy?¡± While Hyoyeon asked, the buttery man called 2.5 billion. He red at Haejin with jealousy as if saying, ¡®I won¡¯t let you take her from me!¡¯ Haejin didn¡¯t like that look, but he was there only to retrieve all the real artifacts, he couldn¡¯t say, ¡®you can have it all¡¯. It was a shame. ¡°Three billion!¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you really have money?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t open his mouth because he didn¡¯t want to talk to Hyoyeon, but Eunhae spoke instead, ¡°I told you, we got some extra funds recently. We are nning to purchase if there are good objects.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ you are really good at your job. Or is this oppa good as his job?¡± Hyoyeon asked. ¡°He isn¡¯t your oppa!¡± Eunhae said. However, Hyoyeon smiled and stroked down Haejin¡¯s arm. That gesture had a meaning behind. It was a silent sign that made the other men march to the front in jealousy. The buttery man then yelled four billion. ¡°Every man who is rich and spends a lot is my oppa. Unfortunately, I¡¯ve met only a few of such men,¡± Hyoyeon then said. Well, there weren¡¯t many men who could spend even more than her. ¡°Five billion!¡± Haejin calmly called the price, and the people around him started to look at him with awe and doubt. On the other hand, Haejin remained calm. He had no reason to get excited or worried as the money he was betting wasn¡¯t his. ¡°Six billion!¡± ¡°Seven billion!¡± ¡°Wow¡­ I wonder how high it will go!¡± Hyoyeon spoke that out loud to hype the mood. ¡°Eight billion!¡± The buttery man¡¯s voice started to shake. Eight billion was too huge to be spent so easily, even though it belonged to thepany. Additionally, the man next to him, who appeared to be his personal appraiser, was exining something urgently. He was probably saying his employer shouldn¡¯t bid again. Haejin pretended to think and got away from Hyoyeon. He looked down and asked, ¡°Objectively, the right price is about eight billion. Should I bid again?¡± Even though he had been told to buy every real artifact, he wanted to be sure again. He was asking if they could spend so much on the first artifact, but¡­ ¡°Retrieve all of them. That is our n.¡± Wang Mingwan sounded determined. Haejin didn¡¯t have to ask again. He slightly nodded, raised his hand, and yelled, ¡°Nine billion!¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Who on earth is he? Does anyone know him?¡± People started to talk among themselves. Although Hyoyeon was surprised, she touched Haejin¡¯s chest and smiled, ¡°Wow, oppa, what happened? You were not capable of this only a while ago. Have you won a superball in America?¡± ¡°Can you remove this hand and talk? You would be losing if I get nervous and fail to raise my hand again,¡± Haejin was showing that he didn¡¯t like it with a joke. However, Hyoyeon reply was different from what he expected, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be too bad. You know I am younger and prettier than Eunhae. You might be a good match for me, oppa.¡± ¡°You are changing the topic too fast. I just bought a 9 billion dish for washing brushes,¡± Haejin said. In the meantime, the buttery man finally gave up. Haejin could feel he was looking at him with anger, but he couldn¡¯t meet his eyes. The man wanted to take Hwajin, and Haejin respected his dream. However, he had to stand in his way. It was his job, and he felt sorry for him. ¡°The gentleman in the grey suit bought this dish at nine billion. Congrattions.¡± p p! As the people apuded, their eyes had pure surprise and admiration. ¡°But oppa¡­ you have the money, right? I am a little worried.¡± ¡°It will be sent to your ount immediately,¡± Haejin replied. Hyoyeon liked that answer. She poked Haejin¡¯s chest with her finger. Then, she turned back and went into the bedroom again. ¡°Wow¡­ that sly fox¡­ oh, how much I hate her.¡± Eunhae couldn¡¯t let herself ruin everything, so she just watched, but she didn¡¯t like it. She stumped on the carpet with the pointy heel of her shoes. ¡°Just ignore it. I hate her as well. You know that, right?¡± ¡°Ha¡­ but you didn¡¯t look like that,¡± Eunhaemented. ¡°No, I could barely handle it.¡± ¡°If so, you should have be an actor instead of an appraiser. What you just did was enough to win an Oscar¡­¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ anyway, you did well. And now¡­¡± Haejin stopped when he saw the bedroom door open and Hyoyeon walk out. More urately, it was because of a man in his 20s who followed her from behind. He had thick eyebrows and was short. He had piercings on both ears and had a long tattoo that started behind his ears and ran down his neck. He seemed to belong to a club or bar. However, he had a white porcin pillow as big as a child¡¯s head in his hands. He looked around and smiled. He resembled a predator looking at preys with joy¡­ he then carefully put down the pillow on the table and looked around again. Next, his lips curled up while taking a step back. It meant he was going to watch how things would go, but Hyoyeon didn¡¯t scold him. She started to brag about herself again, ¡°I found this when I was in Xian a while ago, and I was so surprised. How could they make a porcin pillow? Isn¡¯t it hrious? Anyone¡¯s head would be t after sleeping with it. Hahaha! But, I put my head on it, and it was strangelyfortable. I couldn¡¯t touch it again because I didn¡¯t want to break it, but it is so strange. Isn¡¯t it a great technique? I don¡¯t know who will get to buy this, but I hope the winner will use this and tell me how it feels.¡± After the long gibberish, the auctioneer began to talk again, but then Haejin felt that weird feeling again. It was as if his body was floating. Chapter 165: Uninvited Guest (4)

Chapter 165: Uninvited Guest (4)

It was magic. The man was using magic on everyone in the room. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes widened and eximed as if she was seeing something extraordinary. However, Haejin could clearly see that the white porcin pillow was fake. Additionally, it wasn¡¯t even made with great craftsmanship. It wasn¡¯t crude, but it wasn¡¯t that good. Compared to the dish that belonged to the Yongle Emperor, it had no value at all. Was he the only one who had the skills to recognize that? No. Each chaebol in the room was with his or her personal appraiser, but they were just admiring the pillow like Eunhae. Haejin was feeling as if he was floating because of the mana that was filling the room. He had never seen someone else use magic before, and he had never been the target of magic. However, why was he not enchanted? He also didn¡¯t know of any magic that had such an effect on so many people. Haejin was also not sure why the young man¡¯s magic didn¡¯t work on him. That was good, but how was he supposed to take care of it? Then, he heard Wang Mingwan¡¯s voice through his earbud, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s what we have verified as fake.¡± Haejin looked down and whispered so that people around him wouldn¡¯t be able to listen, ¡°Do you think it is fake?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it? Do you think it is real? Then bid. I trust your eyes.¡± ¡°No, I think it is fake, too. Then I will not bid on this,¡± Haejin replied. After hearing Wang Mingwan, Haejin knew more. The magic only worked on the people who were there. ¡°The auction starts now. The starting price is 500 million, and there is no limit to the price. Please bid freely.¡± ¡°One billion!¡± The buttery man, who had failed to buy Yongle Emperor¡¯s dish, ventured again. He red at Haejin, showing he was determined to win this time. ¡°Why are you not bidding?¡± Eunhae grabbed Haejin¡¯s arm and asked. It was probably because of the magic, but Haejin could see the greed in her eyes. The magic did more than just make people believe in the castor, it also filled their heart with greed. ¡°Not this time. That is fake.¡± The moment Haejin whispered to her ear, her eyes shook, and she stumbled back. Haejin quickly got hold of her and turned around so that the castor wouldn¡¯t be able to see them. Eunhae¡¯s legs were weak. She leaned on Haejin and asked, ¡°What¡­ what happened? My body¡­ I can¡¯t move.¡± She was clearly confused. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯ve been working hard these days. You are just tired,¡± Haejin had spoken with mana to break the spell, but he didn¡¯t know that she would get so shocked. He stroked down her back, putting some mana into her body. Next, her breath returned to steady. ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m fine now. But why¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just stay still.¡± Haejin held her hand just in case. Then, he turned back again and looked toward the front. In the meantime, the price had gone over five billion, and Hyoyeon was watching this with joy from behind. Did she know about the castor¡¯s power? Or was she one of his victims? Haejin had so many questions. What he wanted to know the most was whether the caster knew who he was. Their eyes hadn¡¯t met yet, but Haejin couldn¡¯t be sure. He could be avoiding meeting Haejin¡¯s gaze to make him lower his guard. Haejin still didn¡¯t know why he wasn¡¯t affected by his magic. However, he recalled what Princess Hassena had told him. She had said he was the chosen one¡­ was it because of that? ¡°Nine billion! Is there more? If there isn¡¯t, the auction ends here.¡± This time, a handsome man, who was standing close to Hyoyeon, won the pillow. He was extremely good-looking. He was tall and athletic, so he looked like he had just jumped out of a fashion magazine. He smiled victoriously to the buttery man who had lost to Haejin. Then, he lightly touched Hyoyeon¡¯s shoulder and kept talking to her. It was as if he was announcing that he was the winner of the evening. ¡°Idiot¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help saying that as the man was rejoicing for buying a fake porcin at nine billion. Eunhae then asked, ¡°Who is the idiot?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. How are you feeling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡± Her face turned red as she looked down. Haejin wondered why she was suddenly so shy, but then, he realized that he was still holding her hand. Haejin had taken her hand because he was worried about her, but now, he didn¡¯t want to let her soft hand go. Eunhae couldn¡¯t look up at him, but she didn¡¯t pull out her hand. Then, she asked in a small voice, ¡°Oh, but then, these people do not know that it is fake?¡± ¡°It looks like that,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you tell them? That man just spent nine billion on it.¡± ¡°Why should I? Hyoyeon will be responsible if things go wrong. There¡¯s no reason for me to help her.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Haejin continued, ¡°If I do tell them, they won¡¯t thank me, and it would be better for them to buy it while thinking it is real. If they were ordinary people, I would think I should save them, but why should I help chaebols?¡± ¡°I guess you are right. Even if we tell them, they won¡¯t dare to use Hyoyeon,¡± Eunhaemented. Actually, right now, nothing could convince them. To make them change their mind, Haejin had to spend mana to break the spell as he had done on Eunhae. However, he would have to spend so much mana that he couldn¡¯t afford to do it now. After the man received his congrattions, Hyoyeon and the man with magic went into the bedroom again. However, this time only Hyoyeon came out while carrying a cdon dish. ¡°What about that one?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I need to take a close look.¡± Haejin went forward with Eunhae, but Hyoyeon started to exin with a champagne ss in one hand, ¡°Do you know that there was a kiln that operated for only 20 years in the Song period? I was so surprised to learn about it. Although it operated for only 20 years because of the war, it is one of the five greatest kilns in Chinese history. Additionally, as it was shut down so quickly, very few porcins from it are now left¡­¡± As Hyoyeon spoke, she looked around. She was asking if anyone knew, and of course, the appraisers knew what she was talking about. One of them raised her hand, ¡°Is it Ruyo?¡± ¡°Correct answer!¡± Hyoyeon pointed at the appraiser and smiled. Haejin really wanted to sigh, but he managed not to. Regardless of how Haejin was feeling, Hyoyeon carried on with excitement, ¡°This dish was made in that Ruyo. Dishes of Ruyo are great. One of them was sold at over 40 billion won at Sotheby¡¯s of Hong Kong. Getting this was so hard¡­ you do know that this will get me at least 30 billion if I let Korea Auction handle this? I really want to keep this to myself, but this is the first event I¡¯m hosting after I got my gallery, so I made up my mind to be generous. So, you should spend some money on this one, okay?¡± She winked and stepped back. ¡°Oh¡­ do you think that makes you look pretty?¡± Eunhae criticized her and asked then Haejin, ¡°Is that real?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ probably not¡­¡± It couldn¡¯t be from Ruyo. Its ze was uneven, and the cracks of the ze weren¡¯t evenly spread. It wasn¡¯t an artifact hard to appraise, just like the previous object. Any appraiser, who knew about porcins, would have doubted that. However, the spell hadn¡¯t worn off yet. People¡¯s eyes were still full of greed. Haejin grabbed Eunhae¡¯s wrist and stepped back. He was showing he wasn¡¯t going to bid. Eunhae whispered, very much confused, ¡°Although Hyoyeon is stupid, she isn¡¯t 100% idiot. She isn¡¯t foolish enough to fraud these people so openly, even if she has a superior position than them. And look at her expression, she really believes it is real. She can¡¯t put on such an act, she is too stupid to do that.¡± Haejin agreed on that. Hyoyeon really looked triumphant, like she was really selling a good piece of porcin. Then, Wang Mingwan said, ¡°That dish¡­ we think it is from the Qing period, not Song. Although it isn¡¯t worth that much, it is not fake¡­¡± Haejin had assumed that. In short, although that dish was centuries old, it wasn¡¯t made by a good craftsman. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to buy it even if I bid. You are not nning to spend tens of billions on it, are you?¡± ¡°No. Hu¡­ okay. We will give up on it.¡± ¡°You made the right decision,¡± Haejinmented. But in fact, Wang Mingwan and her matters weren¡¯t important to Haejin anymore. All he had to do about it was to raise his hand to bid. The problem was that he hadn¡¯t made up his mind on what to do with that caster. Princess Hassena, the only person he could share his secret with, was now gone¡­ was he supposed to talk to him? Or was he supposed to punish him? It was a hard decision to make. The young man showed up only when the spell was about to wear off. Then, he cast the spell again and went in. By the time he did that for the second time, he looked pale as if he was about to die and his legs were wobbling. Haejin could see that the man¡¯s mana was smallerpared to his own. Haejin couldn¡¯t decide what to do. He just picked and bought all the real artifacts until the auction ended. It cost more than 40 billion. Haejin had spent less than he had expected as he had to give up the less valuable real artifacts. Wang Mingwan understood that was the only way. ¡°But¡­ it is so strange. Are all Korean appraisers that stupid? Why were they so eager to get what our appraisers and you thought to be fakes or less valuable? Is there something we don¡¯t know?¡± Wang Mingwan asked. ¡°Well, we cannot find out why they did that,¡± Haejin said. ¡°We didn¡¯t make any mistake, right?¡± ¡°Yes, we didn¡¯t make any mistake. We just missed a few of the less valuable ones because they were so crazy about it.¡± ¡°Okay, you¡¯ve done well. Let¡¯s have a meal together when this is all over.¡± Wang Mingwan didn¡¯t say more. Haejin took Eunhae¡¯s hand and was about to leave; however, Hyoyeon suddenly showed up from somewhere. ¡°Where on earth did you get that money? I knew you had some good skills, but how could you spend more than 40 billion? Who is your sponsor?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ let me ask you a question before I answer yours. How did you get those things?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°What are you talking about? I brought them from China.¡± Haejin went closer and whispered to her ear, ¡°Stop lying, be honest. Did that man with the piercings approach you? You know he is working with SH Global, right?¡± Hyoyeon¡¯s eyes shook slightly, and Haejin didn¡¯t miss that. ¡°It was him,¡± Haejin said. ¡°No, no! I brought them myself¡­ and I don¡¯t know anything about any SH Global¡­¡± ¡°Enough. I told you everything you need to know. And as for who is behind me, you will get to find out in time.¡± As he was leaving with Eunhae, she asked, ¡°Did Hyoyeon know? That she has been fooled by SH Global?¡± ¡°No, she had no idea,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Oh, she is about to go through a hard time, handling the consequences. Is it all over now?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Then, Haejin¡¯s phone buzzed. It was Mat Vellin. The moment he took the call, he heard Vellin¡¯s voice. ¡°The Princess has sent you a message.¡± Chapter 166: Dark Shadow (1)

Chapter 166: Dark Shadow (1)

Haejin quickly removed the earbud and the microphone. He couldn¡¯t let Wang Mingwan hear the conversation. ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Haejin asked in a shaky voice. He couldn¡¯t help it. ¡°What? Who is it?¡± Eunhae was surprised to see Haejin¡¯s tone change like that. She looked at him worriedly. ¡°She said they will soon show themselves. If you reveal yourself, you should be careful. Cover your tracks. Kill them or erase their memories,¡± Mat replied. ¡°What the¡­ anyway, what is going on? I don¡¯t understand how you could deliver her message,¡± Haejin doubted him. ¡°She couldn¡¯t believe anyone. Of course, she believed her own people including Saliyah¡­ but it was a mistake.¡± ¡°And she trusted you? Why?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Because I taught her. I taught her everything. About the organization, and about vestigiums.¡± ¡°And you couldn¡¯t stop her death?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Mat was speechless. ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°You cannot die. Remember her words. And¡­ she said she wille to you at the right time,¡± Mat said. Haejin¡¯s heart sank. She was alive? ¡°She, she¡­¡± he wanted to ask if she was alive, but Mat hung up. Haejin called back, but the number Mat had called with was dead. ¡°What was that about? And who is ¡®she¡¯?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s¡­¡± what was he supposed to say? That she was a princess from the Middle East? What would Eunahe think if he said Hassena wanted to marry him? Haejin had thought Hassena was dead, but if she was alive¡­ it would be too confusing. ¡°Oppa!¡± Eunhae grabbed Haejin¡¯s sleeve and shouted. Haejin came back to himself then grabbed her wrist and started to walk fast. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here first. I¡¯ll exin everything. Although you may not believe it¡­¡± Haejin thought he had to get out of there first. He couldn¡¯t encounter the other man with magic as he himself didn¡¯t know what to do with the young man. Even if Hassena was alive, she must havee close to death because of the organization. If the sorcerer was one of them, Haejin couldn¡¯t let him go. However, he wasn¡¯t ready for it yet. Right now, he just wanted to leave. Haejin quickly went to the lobby with Eunhae. He didn¡¯t wait for the valet. He went straight to the parking lot and got his car. But then, he received another call. Buzz¡­. It was from Wang Mingwan. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you take that?¡± Haejin just stared at the buzzing phone dazed. Then, he finally woke up when he heard Eunhae¡¯s question. ¡°Yes, I should.¡± Haejin took the call and switched it to the speaker. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°What happened? Why did you remove your earbud and microphone?¡± Wang Mingwan asked. ¡°I thought today¡¯s job was finished,¡± Haejin replied. Wang Mingwan then said, ¡°Yes, but¡­ they might get suspicious because you left in a hurry.¡± Eunhae exined instead, ¡°By now, Hyoyeon would be busy scheduling date appointments. No one cares about us. And her employees must not know that we left. They are busy taking care of the money.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­. okay. Well, we got all the porcins.¡± It couldn¡¯t have gone wrong as Haejin had sent the money and passed the porcins to Wang Mingwan, who was waiting downstairs, as quickly as he could. Wang Mingwan had just called because she was surprised to see Haejin run away like that without saying goodbye. ¡°That¡¯s good. But what are you going to do the artifacts we couldn¡¯t retrieve?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°There¡¯s no way to get them back. Buying with money is the cleanest and easiest way, but as we couldn¡¯t buy them, there¡¯s nothing we can do. I was going to have dinner with you, but why did you leave in such a hurry? Is your home on fire? Do you need my help? Do you need money? I can loan you a few billion won, as it is none other than you.¡± Haejin was d to hear that, but right now, he didn¡¯t need money at all. ¡°Thank you, but it isn¡¯t about money. I am content with the fee I will get, as it is big enough,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Actually, our experts were confused because of those artifacts mixed within reals and fakes. If you hadn¡¯t helped us, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy. Anyway, thank you for today, and make some time after we send the porcins back to China.¡± But wasn¡¯t it all over now? ¡°Oh, we never got to have that dinner,¡± Haejin guessed. Wang Mingwan then exined, ¡°Yes, and¡­ this isn¡¯t over yet. We have retrieved the porcins, but there¡¯s still that matter about SH Global.¡± ¡°Really? I thought you let Korean prosecutors handle it.¡± She then continued, ¡°We cannot interfere in the investigation, but I have some doubts¡­ I have to find out how they made those merchants sell real artifacts while making them believe that they were fakes. If we don¡¯t know that, we will be fooled by the same trick again. We have lost huge money, but they can take tens and hundreds of times that money at any time. I must know how.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t tell her that there had been a sorcerer who enchanted people, but he wished he could. Therefore, he said, ¡°Yes, you are right. You must know more about them to be on guard.¡± ¡°Then meet me the day after tomorrow. Let¡¯s have dinner together.¡± ¡°Okay, I will see you then.¡± Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t know what would happen from now on, but he couldn¡¯t carry on the conversation that couldn¡¯t end with a conclusion on the phone, so he just said yes and hung up. Eunhae was still worried. She looked at Haejin and asked, ¡°Can¡¯t you tell me now? We¡¯re in a car now. No one can hear us.¡± ¡°Not yet¡­ let¡¯s get in first.¡± Haejin still didn¡¯t know how he should exin. He drove while thinking, then he recalled the riverside of the Hangang River. He decided to change his destination. ¡°My dress isn¡¯t for a park¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­ right.¡± Haejin went to the riverside, but Eunhae was still wearing her party dress. So, he decided to talk in the car and started to exin. ¡°Actually, when I was in America¡­¡± It took some time to tell her everything. Eunhae was so shocked to hear that the princess was alive. She couldn¡¯t believe it. She looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes and asked, ¡°What is that organization? And why are you the chosen one? Is it¡­ is it some kind of strange religion?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a religion. It¡¯s magic.¡± ¡°Magic¡­ ha¡­¡± Eunhae¡¯s expression showed how shocked she was. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe, but¡­¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s hard to believe! Unless you can show¡­¡± Eunhae couldn¡¯t finish the sentence. There was a small orb of light floating above Haejin¡¯s hand. Haejin dismissed it quickly. It was one of the spells he had learned from the vestigium brooch, and he didn¡¯t want someone to see the light through the car¡¯s window. ¡°I know me using magic is enough to surprise you, but right now it doesn¡¯t matter. Do you remember the man with the ear piercing? He was with Hyoyeon at the auction.¡± ¡°What? Who?¡± It was still hard for her to ept all of that. ¡°The young man with the ear piercing and the tattoo on his neck. He was carrying one of the porcins. Don¡¯t you remember?¡± ¡°Oh, yes, I do.¡± Haejin then exined, ¡°He was using magic. He made everyone believe fake artifacts as real. That is why all the other appraisers were fooled. But you were okay because I broke the spell on you.¡± ¡°Oh, then is that why I suddenly felt so dizzy?¡± ¡°Yes, I forcefully broke the spell. Can you understand why those appraisers couldn¡¯t discern fakes from reals?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I thought it was strange, but¡­ but can you do that, too?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know that specific spell, but I have other spells. Anyway, what matters is that they cane to Korea to find me.¡± ¡°And that princess is still alive?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure yet. Is she going toe to me in person, or did she leave more messages for me¡­¡± although Haejin said that, he knew the former guess was probably right. He just couldn¡¯t believe that Hassena was alive. ¡°Hu¡­ then I should hire bodyguards for you.¡± ¡°No, it will be worse. It might draw more attention, and I won¡¯t be able to move around freely or use magic¡­ we should, instead, get you more bodyguards. They might go after you if they think getting me is not easy,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Well, you are right. Okay.¡± Haejin had thought she might insist that she didn¡¯t need any bodyguards, but thankfully, she agreed. ¡°Tomorrow, you go back to work as if nothing happened. Okay? Like nothing happened.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ I don¡¯t know if I will be able to do that, but I¡¯ll try. Is there anything I can do to help? I can¡¯t just sit by,¡± Eunhae then said. ¡°Oh, find out more about that sorcerer in secret. No one can know that you are looking into him¡­ you know what I mean, right?¡± ¡°Okay. I will hire someone who will hire someone else to look into him. Even I won¡¯t be able to know who is looking into him, and that person will not know whom he is ultimately working for. Ha¡­ this is what my uncle¡¯s closest employees do. I never thought I will get to do this.¡± ¡°From whom you learn it form, it doesn¡¯t matter as you can use it for good. But you can¡¯t hire someone who has ties with Hwajin.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know.¡± Eunhae was smart, she was going to take care of it well. ¡°Okay, I trust you.¡± ¡°But¡­ why is she insisting on marrying you? Can¡¯t she help without getting married?¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, it¡¯s¡­ khmm¡­ let¡¯s go now.¡± When Haejin went to his museum the next day, he heard a piece of good news before going down to the restoration room. Governor Howard Jones of New York had already convinced some people. In addition, it had already been decided that a few of the Korean artifacts in Harvard¡¯s Henderson Collection would be returned. An official of the Cultural Heritage Administration personally came to thank Haejin, and the prime minister was going to invite Haejin soon. As Henderson Collection consisted of artifacts which the original owners had willingly given to Henderson, the artifacts were supposed to be sent to the National Museum. However, all this happened only thanks to Haejin. Therefore, the prime minister was going to let his museum exhibit them. Haejin¡¯s museum had already been exhibiting porcins from the West Sea and other artifacts, which he had brought from abroad, in special exhibitions with an interval of two weeks, so its reputation kept soaring with time. Additionally, after Haejin retrieved and revealed the Double Dragon Sword, the museum had been picked as one of the museums you had to visit when you are in Seoul. After getting the artifacts from the Henderson Collection, it would be a first-rank museum. 9:50, before the museum¡¯s opening time, someone ran in and interrupted the celebration. ¡°Park Haejin! Where are you?¡± Haejin wondered who that lunatic was, and it turned out to be Hyoyeon. Her face was pale, and she was shaking terribly with some paper in her hands. ¡°What, what is wrong?¡± Eunhae came to her in surprise but was ignored. Hyoyeon went to Haejin, grasped his sleeve, and shakily asked, ¡°Were, were there fakes among the things I sold yesterday?¡± Chapter 167: Dark Shadow (2)

Chapter 167: Dark Shadow (2)

Although yesterday everything had gone smoothly because of the spell, Haejin was expecting it to soon be a problem. This was about tens of billions of money. If the artifacts turned out to be fake, those who had bought them had to deal with the consequences. However, Haejin was a little surprised to see Hyoyeon so soon. The sons and grandsons, who had participated in yesterday¡¯s auction, had to be asleep now, and Hyoyeon was not even wearing her makeup. It showed that she hade as soon as she woke up. Additionally, she couldn¡¯t have found that out on her own without any help, someone must have woken her up and told her what she had donest night. But who was it? ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. Are you saying you sold fakes yesterday?¡± Haejin thought Hyoyeon would, of course, deny it. ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. I never thought they were fake. Park Haejin, you must know? Did I sell fakes or real? You must know!¡± Hyoyeon replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go in. We shouldn¡¯t talk about it in here.¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go up. Let¡¯s go up and talk.¡± Hyoyeon was still too shocked. So, Eunhae took her arm and led her to her office. She put Hyoyeon on the sofa and brought her some cold water. Hyoyeon gulped the water down and turned to Haejin, ¡°I think I am feeling better now. So, tell me. The porcins I sold yesterday¡­ what were they?¡± ¡°Let me ask you something first. What did you hear that you ran here so early in the morning? Did the people from Hwajin tell you?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°How could those idiots know anything about it?¡± Hyoyeon replied. ¡°Then how did you learn about this?¡± Hyoyeon gave him some paper that was now crumpled. Her hands were still shaking while saying, ¡°This¡­ was sent to my secretary.¡± Haejin looked at it. Surprisingly, it was the appraisal opinion on the porcins Hyoyeon had sold. Haejin immediately realized who had sent it. It was from Wang Mingwan. Although she had no choice but to let Hyoyeon go, she was angry and had to do something. It wasn¡¯t even that hard to recognize as most of the sentences in the document hade out of his very own mouth. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Although he wasn¡¯t that close to Hyoyeon, she hade here for help. He couldn¡¯t just make her leave. Being the enemy of the most powerful chaebol in the country couldn¡¯t be good, after all. ¡°What do you think? Is it all true? It isn¡¯t, right?¡± Hyoyeon asked. Haejin then said, ¡°Part of it¡­ no, most of it is right, I think.¡± Hyoyeon covered her face with her hands trembling. She had suddenly turned into someone who pulled off a fraud involving tens of billions of won on chaebols and their children. She couldn¡¯t remain sane. ¡°And you didn¡¯t know?¡± Hyoyeon asked. ¡°Honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure. How could I discern the fake artifact from the genuine ones right in that room?¡± Well, Haejin was actually able to do that. Additionally, if it wasn¡¯t for that spell, most of the appraisers, who were present, would have realized that the porcins were not of high quality. However, even though they were not good enough to fool appraisers, they were enough to fool ordinary people. ¡°Really? But what should I do now?¡± ¡°Just give back the money you got by selling those fakes. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem then. You probably didn¡¯t already spend that money¡­¡± Hyoyeon then clenched her fists while raising her voice, ¡°But this is about my reputation! It was the first event I hosted as the director of Saeyeon Gallery. If I admit that I sold fakes, I will be aughingstock!¡± ¡°You, however, cannot turn fakes into real artifacts,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Yes, but¡­ oh¡­¡± Hyoyeon burst into tears. She looked so pitiful that Eunhae, who normally hated her, hugged her andforted her. After five minutes, she calmed down a little bit. Haejin put down the document and asked, ¡°How is this linked to SH Global?¡± ¡°You mentioned thatpany yesterday¡­ you can¡¯t be thinking that I tricked people with that multilevel marketingpany,¡± Hyoyeon replied. Haejin then exined, ¡°I know you have no reason to do that, but unfortunately, the porcins you sold yesterday were what SH Global had bought in China a while ago. Not one or two of them, but all of them¡­ do you know what I mean? If this goes wrong, it won¡¯t end with just you getting humiliated.¡± ¡°Are you saying Hwajin will be associated with a pyramid marketingpany?¡± Hyoyeon asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Hyoyeon¡¯s hands shook, and she started to bite her fingernail. Although she was Hwajin¡¯s only daughter, she was just 20 years old. Her arrogant attitude vanished in front of such a catastrophe. ¡°Then, then what should I do? No, I should call Hwajin¡¯swyers. I must have them protect me.¡± ¡°Well, you can do that,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Are you going to pretend like it¡¯s none of your business? You were there, too!¡± Hyoyeon was now acting as if they were friends that had to share their issues¡­ Haejin then asked, ¡°So, what do you want?¡± ¡°I need your help. Why do you think I came here? I, I¡­ didn¡¯t even know that I had bought porcins from SH Global,¡± Hyoyeon replied. ¡°That is why I asked how you got to know them¡­ did you contact them first?¡± Hyoyeon answered, ¡°Actually¡­ I was trying to get some Chinese porcins, and I was told some people had smuggled in quite a number of them through Incheon Port.¡± She could get information even faster than the NIS. ¡°And you are the only one who knows about it?¡± ¡°A few of the secretaries in Hwajin know,¡± Hyoyeon gave a simple answer, but it meant Hwajin had personnel working in the antique smuggling trade. ¡°So, they found out about it for you and contacted them?¡± Haejin made a guess. ¡°No, I contacted them on my own. However, they were not part of an organization. They were just some¡­ individuals.¡± ¡°Individuals?¡± Haejin asked. Hyoyeon then replied, ¡°Yes, one of them must have been older than 40, and the other was¡­¡± ¡°The young man with piercing on his ears?¡± ¡°Yes. How do you know that? Oh, right. You must have seen him yesterday. He said his name was Kim Yongjun.¡± ¡°Where is he? He is the one who sold you fakes.¡± Hyoyeon shook her head while saying, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I kept calling him after I got that document, but he didn¡¯t answer. If he really is a fraud¡­ I am in big trouble. I gave him ten billion won after the auction yesterday. And it isn¡¯t a Korean bank ount, so freezing it will take some time, and he will take the money before we do that.¡± If they were using a foreign bank ount, they wanted more than just getting some money with magic. ¡°Do you have any porcin left? You couldn¡¯t have sold all of them.¡± ¡°I sold all of them! Why would I have kept them?¡± Hyoyeon spoke as if Haejin was asking an obvious question. Haejin started thinking, but then Hyoyeon snapped her finger and said, ¡°Oh! I still have the one that was gifted to me. It looks like a rice bowl, and he said it was quite good. I was going to put it on auction, but then, I didn¡¯t because selling what I got as a gift wouldn¡¯t look good. But why do you want that?¡± Haejin had no other reason, he just needed to find out everything about this fraud. Now that he thought about it, Haejin had been stupid. If he had used magic to look into the past after he bought the real porcins yesterday, by now, he would have known how they came to Korea and approached Hwajin. However, he panicked and just wanted to get out of there. ¡°Good. Bring it here. As soon as possible,¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t interested in helping Hyoyeon, but he had to find out who the criminals were. ¡°Is it necessary?¡± Hyoyeon asked with doubt. Haejin then replied with some irritation, ¡°You think I¡¯m trying to keep it?¡± ¡°Okay, okay. I was just asking.¡± Hyoyeon then called her secretary and told her to bring the porcin to Park Haejin Art Museum. ¡°First, call the people who bought fakes yesterday and tell them you will give back their money. It will be harder to take care of it if they get to find out about thister. You know that, right?¡± Haejin said. ¡°Hu¡­ I¡¯ll talk to thewyers about it,¡± Hyoyeon replied. ¡°Okay then. Now, go back and get some rest.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t think thewyers could give her another way. However, it would be easier to solve the matter if Hwajin stepped in, so he thought it was all the better. Hyoyeon then asked, ¡°You don¡¯t need me here?¡± ¡°I cannot investigate this case for you. That¡¯s the job of the police and the prosecutors. What I can do is to look at the porcin and find out where is it from and how they made fakes look as reals. As for the rest of it, go and ask for the help of any prosecutor you know,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Ha¡­ thewyers must be so busy by now because of the secret fund and the independent counsel¡­¡± Hyoyeonined, but it looked like Haejin couldn¡¯t help her more. So, she left. After that, Eunhae worriedly asked, ¡°What are you going to do now? Are you going to find them with your¡­ ESP? What are you going to do with them?¡± ¡°I need to think first¡­ finding out how they came to Korea and whom they are working with is better than not knowing anything. It would help me. Don¡¯t just think that everything is going in the wrong direction.¡± ¡°Still, I¡¯m worried, and I will handle Hyoyeon from now on. You are too busy and have too many things to take care of,¡± Eunhae said. ¡°Okay. Hyoyeon looks like someone who is going to ask me some crazy favors once she thinks we are a little closer,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°As she just said, Hwajin is in a crisis because of the secret fund paintings, so if people get to find out about this, the funds of the corporation won¡¯t be enough. She will even have to spend her own money¡­¡± ¡°No, we don¡¯t need to care about all that. Just have Hyoyeon¡¯s porcin sent to the restorations room and make your bodyguards start working from today.¡± ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry about it. You know I get scared so easily. I have a meeting with a bodyguard agency at lunchtime,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Good¡­¡± Haejin then stood up and went down to the restoration room. He started pacing around the room. He had to take care of those pro-Japanese people who were trying to sabotage his excavation project, and now he had to face the mysterious criminals as well. His head was about to explode. Hyoyeon¡¯s porcin arrived after an hour. It was a Blue Flower White Porcin. Unlike Joseon¡¯s porcins, it was very fancy. He focused and used magic. But then, ¡°Hup! Oh¡­¡± He suddenly felt a severe headache as if someone hit his head from behind. He was about to vomit. Haejin ran to the restroom, grabbed the toilet, and threw up. ¡°Pant¡­ pant¡­¡± He managed to stand up and finally looked into the mirror. His face was pale. ¡°That bastard.¡± The young man who had been present at Hyoyeon¡¯s auction was a member of SH Global. After he joined SH Global, he became a board member with his great appraisal andmunicational skills, and he had been the one who led the fraud on the Chinese merchants. After that, when thepany fell, he brought the real artifacts to Korea, fooled Hyoyeon, and got a huge sum of money. One good thing was that he wasn¡¯t interested in finding Haejin. He just wanted money. However, the problem was that he had put a listening spell on the porcin to make even more money using Hyoyeon, and Haejin had just broken that spell without meaning to. The man must have had been even more shocked than Haejin when the spell was broken. Haejin had to find him when he was still in a daze. Haejin ran out and started his car. He knew where the man was, so there was no reason to hesitate. Vroom! Chapter 168: Dark Shadow (3)

Chapter 168: Dark Shadow (3)

Fortunately, Haejin didn¡¯t have to go far. The man was staying at the Presidential Hotel in front of the city hall, and if Haejin was lucky, he was probably still going to be there. Haejin parked near the hotel, bought a hat from a street vendor, put it on, and went into the hotel. As he was wearing jeans and a jacket, the hat looked like an odd addition to his look, but at least he wasn¡¯t wearing a suit. When he got close to room 1001, where the man was staying at, he saw a woman cleaning the floor. He wondered what he should do, but then he decided to go straight. ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Yes? Can I help¡­¡± But then, her eyes turned dull. ¡°Could you go to room 1001 and say that you¡¯ve left the cleaning equipment inside?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Okay¡­¡± Possessed by magic, she went to room 1001 and pressed the bell. ¡°Who is it?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help smiling at hearing the voice. He had thought the man would have actually already left, and Haejin was going to follow his tracks¡­ Was he thinking that his fraud hadn¡¯t been revealed yet? Or was he thinking that he could get away with it even if someone came after him as he had magic? ¡°I left some cleaning equipment inside. May Ie in?¡± If the man had been just a little calmer and sensitive, he would have thought that the cleaning woman¡¯s voice was too stiff to be normal, but thankfully, he wasn¡¯t that thorough. ¡°Oh¡­ how bothering¡­¡± When the door was opening, Haejin kicked the door himself. He had already used the strength enhancing magic on himself. Bam! The cleaningdy immediately fainted and copsed. Haejin then saw the man rolling on the floor. He closed the door and went to him. ¡°What, what the¡­¡± the man¡¯s naked body could be seen beneath his hotel gown. ¡°Oh, my eyes¡­ and¡­ what, now?¡± The man wasn¡¯t alone. There were two women covering their bodies with the nket on the bed. They were also shocked and didn¡¯t know what to do. Haejin immediately made them sleep and turned to the man, ¡°Hey!¡± The young man waved his hand, and the smallmp next to the bed flew to Haejin. However, Haejin didn¡¯t panic, maybe because he had already fought with the man with the long hair before. He grabbed themp and smashed the man¡¯s head with it. ¡°Aaaak!¡± Unlike before, he seemed ill. His face was pale, and his legs were shaking. He must have received a great shock when Haejin broke his spell. ¡°I am not going to ask you twice. Actually, I don¡¯t have to ask, but I¡¯m just checking, so be honest. How did you get magic?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Fu, fxxk you!¡± It didn¡¯t seem like he was going to confess. So, Haejin punched his face with his enchanted fist. His cheekbone was broken with that one blow, and he passed out. Haejin put his hand on the man¡¯s earring and used magic to look into the past. Thankfully, the earring had no magic. If it actually had magic, the man would have died because of the mana explosion. Haejin then ripped off his ne. The ne¡­ it had a huge jade embedded on it. It was the item that had enabled him to use magic. Haejin could feel a great amount of mana as soon as he grabbed it. The man hadn¡¯t been able to use even half of its power. It was good. Haejin put his hand on the man¡¯s chest and injected some mana. ¡°Khuk!¡± His chest went up as if he was being electrocuted, but then he fainted again. The man was never going to be able to use magic again. Haejin had destroyed the mana in his heart, so he would probably have to spend a few years in a wheelchair. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Haejin stood up, but then the world spun. Even though his mana had increased, he had used too much magic in such a short time. He was momentarily feeling dizzy. As soon as he recovered, he called someone. ¡°Huh? What is it? Why did you call me?¡± It was Hyoyeon. ¡°I have great news for you. Send your people to room 1001 of the Presidential Hotel. I have the man you are looking for.¡± ¡°What? Really? And the money? What did he do with the money?¡± ¡°You should ask him that yourself. Don¡¯t ask me,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°But how did you know he was there?¡± Hyoyeon then asked. ¡°Don¡¯t ask¡­ you¡¯d better send your people quickly. I¡¯m about to leave, and I beat him up. Take care of it.¡± Hyoyeon said, ¡°Wow, you are tough. Anyway, okay. I will send people immediately. Can¡¯t you stay there until they get there?¡± ¡°No. How can I trust you?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°What, you think I will stab you from behind?¡± ¡°Who knows? Anyway, I¡¯m leaving. Oh, and there are two sleepingdies here, so find a way to use them. They will still be sleeping if your people arrive in 10 minutes,¡± Haejin replied and hung up. He then immediately left the hotel. He got in his car and took out the ne to take a look. Its splendid glow was beautiful. ¡°You haven¡¯t lost your light,¡± Haejinmented. Hassena had told him to only get artifacts that hadn¡¯t been corrupted, but the mana he felt with his hand didn¡¯t feel wrong at all. The ne would have been corrupted if he had been just a littlete. Its stupid previous owner had left all kinds of traces ever since he got it, and the organization after the vestigiums had almost taken it. Someone had helped SH Global smuggle in artifacts. The bank ount where Hyoyeon had sent the money to also belonged to them. The man was young, and if it hadn¡¯t been for Haejin, he would have been in trouble. No, it wasn¡¯t over yet. The other members of SH Global would be here once they found out that one of them had been injured. Haejin went home and then took out the ne. It was really beautiful. He caught his breath for some time and then put some mana into it, just like he had done before. Then, he fell down as if he were dead. ¡°Oh¡­ he isn¡¯t answering! I will make him pay for this¡­¡± Oh Dongchun hung up and went into the hotel, sweeping up the few strands of hair he was left with. He must have had a wild party with some girls, so Dongchun was worried about how to convince him to leave. He wanted to beat him up, but the young man was the chosen one. He would kill Dongchun before his superiors could even punish him for that. ¡°Idiot¡­ you don¡¯t know whom you have messed up with¡­¡± He had tricked the only daughter of the most powerful person in Korea, and now, he was ying with some girls in a hotel! He was supposed to leave the country immediately, but he trusted his magic too much. Dongchun got off on the tenth floor. But then, he realized something was not right. He stopped, took a deep breath, and looked into the hallway. The door of room 1001 was open, and a buffy man in a suit was standing guard in front of it. Dongchun took out a long stick and put on some earphones. Then, he carefully put down the stick on the floor, with its end pointing at the room. He then heard the conversation that was happening. ¡°You cleaned it all?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And the ambnce?¡± ¡°It will be here in a minute.¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t dead, right?¡± ¡°Yes. He has lost some blood, but not at all enough to die. But¡­ he isn¡¯t opening his eyes. He should have woken up by now.¡± ¡°Is he really okay? It doesn¡¯t matter if he is dead, but we should call another team then. Tell me.¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t dead.¡± After hearing the conversation, Dongchun retrieved the stick and left the hotel through the emergency stairs. ¡°Hu¡­ that idiot¡­ I knew this would happen,¡± Dongchun kept cursing and then called someone. ¡°The VIP is down.¡± Dongchun had spoken Korean using the Chinese¡¯s unique ent, but now he was speaking English with a British ent. ¡°No, the target was bad. He tricked the most powerful chaebol in Korea. I couldn¡¯t do anything. I¡¯m sorry. I know, I¡¯m sorry. He isn¡¯t dead yet. Although we will have to go to the hospital to know the details, he is certainly not dead. Yes, yes. Then I will see you then.¡± Dongchun hung up. He didn¡¯t know what to do for some time, but then he yelled, ¡°Ahhhh!¡± People looked at him, wondering if he was mad, but he didn¡¯t care. ¡°That bastard! You should have died alone if you had a death wish. Why are you dragging me, too! Oh¡­ if you die, I will really kill you.¡± He steamed, but then he saw the ambnce arrive at the hotel. He got a cab and waited. When the ambnce left, he made the driver follow it. When Haejin woke up, he caught his breath and checked his condition. After he absorbed the power of the ne, he could feel a lot more mana swirling in his body. He felt thrilled because of it. However, there was something else that surprised him even more. The ne had had more than just mana and new magic. It also had information about the forgotten continent, too. ¡°Antarctica¡­¡± To his surprise, thend where the ancient race used to live was Antarctica, the frozennd where no one could live now. Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t care about finding traces of the old mankind and getting their power. His dream was to live a long and happy life and retrieve the Korean artifacts that were abroad whenever he could afford to, so having more power was of no use to him. However, there was one thing that bothered him. One of the legacies, the ancient race had left behind, was about the awesome power of finding all the treasures in the world. Haejin could understand why that organization was trying so hard to find the legacy of the ancient race. If they could find it, it would be as if they found a gold mine with an unlimited supply of gold. He wondered whether he was supposed to go to Antarctica to find it first or just live his life in peace, but then someone knocked on the door. He stood up to open it, but then he realized that he was not expecting anyone. The staff in his museum and Eunhae would nevere without calling him first, even if they knew where he lived. Byeongguk would have called if it was him, and Sujeong had a boyfriend now. She couldn¡¯te in the middle of the night like that. There was no parcel he was waiting for, and the caretaker of the building had nevere up like that. He carefully checked who it was with the interphone, but then he almost fainted in shock. Princess Hassena was standing there with a veil on her head. ¡°No way¡­¡± Even though her hair was covered, those blue eyes were clearly Hassena¡¯s. Haejin quickly opened the door. Hassena was there with her eyes were full of tears. She looked at Haejin and then ran into his arms. ¡°What¡­ what happened?¡± Instead of answering, she buried her face in his shoulder. ¡°I missed you.¡± Chapter 169: Change and Progress (1)

Chapter 169: Change and Progress (1)

Haejin had dated girls before, so it wasn¡¯t his first time hugging a girl. Still, his heart was beating fast, maybe because he was shocked to see her alive. However, Haejin then came to his senses. He checked the hallway and dragged the princess inside. ¡°What happened? I was surprised to hear that you were dead. I did what I could to find out more about it, but I couldn¡¯t figure out much.¡± Hassena nodded and smiledfortably. Then, she took off her veil while saying, ¡°Of course. Because of the strict Imic rules, checking the dead body and conducting an autopsy is not easy. It couldn¡¯t have been easy to find out about my death, especially as you were a foreigner.¡± ¡°First, the¡­ Saliyah! Why did she try to kill you?¡± Haejin then asked. Hassena looked down, ¡°Saliyah had been working for the organization. I don¡¯t know if it was because of magic or money¡­ maybe they threatened her. Anyway, she thought it was a good chance to kill me as I left my father¡¯s pce. So, she poisoned the juice I drink every morning.¡± ¡°Then how did you avoid it?¡± Hassena shook her head. She then started to exin, but she still seemed to be afraid as if she was going through it all over again. ¡°I couldn¡¯t avoid the danger. I drank that juice. I asked her why, struggling in pain, but she didn¡¯t say anything. I¡­ I have never seen her look at me so coldly. She looked at me as if I was her greatest enemy¡­¡± Haejin was enraged while thinking about the pain she had suffered, ¡°Your father will punish her.¡± Hassena replied, ¡°Yes, she will have to live in pain until the day she is dead. She will be tortured every day. My father is not weak. And he had to watch his daughter die in front of him¡­¡± Haejin thought her exnation was quite strange, ¡°Are you saying your father saw your death with his eyes¡­¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe¡­ no, you should be able to believe me. You are the only one who can perform real miracles. I died, but I also didn¡¯t die.¡± Was this the resurrection which religions talked about? ¡°What do you mean?¡± Haejin then asked. ¡°I was lucky. The poison started affecting me just when Vellin arrived there. He realized I only looked dead, and this ne was protecting me,¡± she said while showing the ne with the red ruby that hung around her neck. Haejin could feel that radiant gem had magic in it, he thenmented, ¡°That isn¡¯t an ordinary ne.¡± ¡°Yes. When I got this, I thought it could one day save my life, and I was right. The ne stopped the poison from spreading to my heart and brain, instead, it was detoxifying it. However, from the outside, my body had a dark shade and looked dead.¡± How strange¡­ Hassena continued, ¡°Vellin knew I was poisoned, but as he was the only one who knew about the ne, he was sure I wasn¡¯t dead. However, he thought I would still be in danger if he announced that I was alive, so he didn¡¯t tell anyone. He quickly got a coffin and hid me inside.¡± ¡°Then, no one checked your condition?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Only few can touch my body. As my body had a dark shade, and I wasn¡¯t breathing, everyone thought I was dead. After Vellin then put me in that coffin, no doctor in America could examine me and announce my death,¡± Hassena replied. ¡°He has done a great job. However, that couldn¡¯t have been enough to fool your father,¡± Haejinmented. Hassena replied, ¡°No. When I arrived in Abu Dhabi, I had already recovered a lot and could even talk to him.¡± ¡°But you just said he watched you die.¡± Drops of tears started running down her cheeks. Hassena then exined, ¡°I told him I couldn¡¯t live as the daughter of the Abu Dhabi family anymore. He didn¡¯t want to ept it, but I said I wanted to live my own life. It wasn¡¯t because I couldn¡¯t stop my death. With his authority, I could have lived safely in his pce, but I wouldn¡¯t have been able to lead a proper life. I rather thought I had found a way to get away from the rules. Although he didn¡¯t want this¡­ I was then officially proimed as dead.¡± Haejin could now see why she was crying. She wouldn¡¯t be able to go home or meet her family again. Heforted her for some time and then made her a cup of warm tea. She sipped it and smiled brightly as usual again. Once she was feeling better, Haejin asked, ¡°Then how did you get here? You probably needed a passport and visa¡­¡± Next, she took out her passport from her handbag while saying, ¡°Here¡­ my father gave me a new ID as thest gift.¡± Funnily enough, the handbag looked luxurious. She must have taken anything she could grab under the circumstances, but still, she had an expensive bag. ¡°Let me see,¡± Haejin then looked at the passport. It belonged to an American named Eran Silvia. ¡°America? How did you get an American passport?¡± Haejin asked. Hassena exined, ¡°My father asked this to the American Office of the Director of National Intelligence for it. They don¡¯t know who is using it. Although they made the ID, this passport was made in Abu Dhabi. Anyway, I am an American businesswoman who now owns a small bank.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ your father really cares about you. He even got you a bank, even if it¡¯s small¡­¡± ¡°No, I took care of it. In secret, I prepared things like this. It was the fund that I could use in case I were to live as a runaway,¡± Hassena replied. ¡°Hu¡­ that¡¯s good. Should I call you Eran Silvia now?¡± Haejin asked. She then smiled. The Imicws said that a woman cannot show her face to a man except for her husband, and Haejin knew the reason now. Her smile was so beautiful. ¡°Yes. I am Silvia now,¡± she confirmed. ¡°Then why did you wear your veil?¡± ¡°Out of habit, and because I was worried that people would recognize me. The organization must know my face very well.¡± Haejin then asked, ¡°You¡¯re now staying at a hotel?¡± ¡°No, I came here straight from Incheon Airport. It wasn¡¯t hard as Vellin had given me your address. I just gave it to the taxi driver, and he brought me here.¡± As Haejin had signed a lease contract with Louvre Abu Dhabi, finding out his address could not have been difficult. ¡°Then what are you going to do now?¡± At hearing the question, Hassena straightened her back and met Haejin¡¯s gaze. Then, she smiled and asked, ¡°Which part of my face do you think I should change to be prettier?¡± What, now? ¡°What? Change what? You are already beautiful enough,¡± Haejin answered. She, however, shook her head, ¡°Cosmetic surgery is necessary. You know it. Changing my ID is not enough. So, tell me. What should I change?¡± She was right, but¡­ Haejin didn¡¯t like the idea of someone modifying that pretty face. ¡°But you are pretty enough now, what if the surgery gets rid of your beauty?¡± Hassena then replied, ¡°I have no choice. So please tell me, what should I fix?¡± Haejin then started speaking, ¡°If you really have to¡­¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Hassena¡¯s face was beautiful, but if Haejin had to find a w, then her chin was slightly big. Haejin finished, ¡°It would be better if your chin was a little smaller¡­¡± She nodded and agreed, ¡°Yes. My chin is a little bigpared to Asian women. Changing the shape of my face would make the biggest difference. I thought so, too. I should leave for now. We don¡¯t have much time.¡± She was right, there wasn¡¯t much time. The members of the organization were about toe from all over the world. Haejin then said, ¡°I will take you to Gangnam.¡± ¡°No, I can take the taxi. I will stay at a hotel until I recover from the surgery. And¡­¡± She took Haejin¡¯s phone, typed her phone number, and pressed the call button. Then, she showed her ringing phone. ¡°Save the number under Silvia,¡± Hassena said. After that, she left for Gangnam. Hassena had said that she had to go through that surgery to be safe, but was it Haejin¡¯s imagination, or did she really look excited about it? Haejin packed his things and put his home on sale. From now on, staying in one ce was very dangerous. He had to move from ce to ce every day. Next, he heard from Hyoyeon that she had found that young man and given him to the police. Although she was in trouble because she didn¡¯t get her money back, thankfully, the chaebols who had bought the fakes said that they could wait. Even if she said she was going to retrieve the money as fast as possible, it was not going to be easy since the bank ount belonged to the organization. On the other hand, even though SH Global had gained ten billion won, they probably were not feeling that happy. After all, Haejin ruined the young man¡¯s magic ability. In the meantime, Eunhae got herself more bodyguards and had frequent meetings with the merchants of Insadong. Information was both money and life. Haejin had also cast a listening spell on a flower vase and put it in the man¡¯s hospital room without showing himself. As now he could hear everything that happened in that room, he could find out instantly if anyone went there. Even though no one had gotten close to him until now, someone was going toe to him eventually. Haejin had changed his face with an illusion spell when he attacked him, and they were going toe for revenge, so he thought he could get hold of them first. Hiding wasn¡¯t going to protect him forever. He decided that if he had to go through with it, he would get them first. The young man woke up four days after he fainted. Additionally, because of the cops around him, he couldn¡¯t move easily. And then, someone came to Haejin¡¯s museum looking for him. ¡°I must meet Mr. Park Haejin,¡± The woman, who seemed to be over 50 years old, said to a member of the staff with a warm tone. The staff then asked, ¡°May I ask who and from where you are?¡± Normally, she would tell visitors that meeting Haejin wasn¡¯t easy, but the woman¡¯s charisma told her she wasn¡¯t just an ordinary person. ¡°I am An Haewon from Bundang. Please, I must meet him,¡± the woman in her 50s replied. ¡°Could you wait for a minute?¡± The member of the staff then went to Eunhae and told her about the woman, and she realized the visitor was an important person. The name of the prime minister¡¯s wife was An Haewon, and they lived in Bundang. She immediately went down, talked to Haewon, and used her phone to call Haejin. ¡°Where are you?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Me? I¡¯m just walking around.¡± Eunhae knew it meant he was looking for them and replied, ¡°There¡¯s a visitor looking for you.¡± ¡°Me? Is it a VIP?¡± Haejin knew that Eunhae wouldn¡¯t have called if it hadn¡¯t been for a VIP. ¡°Yes. She is the prime minister¡¯s wife.¡± ¡°Ha¡­ a politician again?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Actually, I would have politely refused if it had been just a politician asking a favor, but it¡¯s a little weird.¡± ¡°Weird how?¡± ¡°It was the same method. I then immediately recalled SH Global¡­¡± Chapter 170: Change, and Progress (2)

Chapter 170: Change, and Progress (2)

Haejin returned to the museum. Instead of going to his new appraising room, he went to Eunhae¡¯s office first. ¡°She is waiting at the appraising room,¡± Eunhae then exined. Haejin asked, ¡°And she is prime minister¡¯s wife?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Please exin. Why is she here?¡± Haejin wanted to hear Eunhae¡¯s exnation first because they couldn¡¯t exchange opinions in front of An Haewon, and he needed to decide whether or not to appraise for her. Eunhae sat down, took a sip of her tea, and started to talk, ¡°Impressively, she is very much interested in art.¡± ¡°Why is that impressive?¡± ¡°Because I¡¯ve never seen her before,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Eunhae knew many politicians and businessmen. If someone she hadn¡¯t met before was interested in art, it was surprising. ¡°I asked for the reason, and it turned out that she hasn¡¯t been able to buy even a cheap painting from the gallery because she couldn¡¯t have her husband used of corruption. She just goes to museums and galleries from time to time to look at paintings,¡± Eunhae exined. Although she said cheap painting, she didn¡¯t mean paintings worth a few ten thousand won. She was talking about paintings that were rtively cheaper than paintings in other galleries. ¡°And?¡± Eunhae then continued, ¡°And a painting that even she couldn¡¯t refuse came to her.¡± Before Haejin heard the story, he thought that appraising for her was a bit bothersome, but now he was interested. ¡°A masterpiece showed up in front of someone who couldn¡¯t even buy cheap paintings?¡± Haejin asked to be sure. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°How? No, through what route?¡± Eunhae then said, ¡°It¡¯s funny. She went to the alumni meeting that her friend suggested. In there, there was a very realistic fake that she should take a look. If it had been real, she would have never bought it. Otherwise, her husband would be used.¡± ¡°I see. That is why she hasn¡¯t bought even a cheap painting. But what is that painting she bought?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae exhaled and said, ¡°Renoir.¡± Haejin doubted his ears, ¡°Renoir? Pierre-Auguste Renoir?¡± ¡°Yes, him¡± Haejin¡¯s jaw dropped. There had been a reason why Eunhae called him even if the situation was urgent. ¡°So¡­ one of Renoir¡¯s painting might be in this building?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes. She came because she thinks it might be real,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°And she wants it to be a fake?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She had no choice but to hope for the painting to be fake. That was ironic. Anyway, Haejin wanted to meet that painting first. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s take a look at it and then decide.¡± Haejin stood up while Eunhae followed him. The new appraisal room had scientific equipment needed for appraising. Anyone would be impressed andment, ¡®Wow, this ce truly is perfect for appraising.¡¯ Of course, they were not cutting-edge equipment. As Haejin almost never needed them, they were there just to be shown to the clients. In that perspective, they had a great effect. An Haewon, in fact, was feeling calm as she sat alone in the room, unlike when she had been wandering around in Insadong¡¯s alleys. Clean white interior, sample dishes on the side, X-ray equipment and infrared light devices made her not regreting here. When Haejin went in and saw that her eyes were full of trust, he knew she was ready to ept anything he said. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Park Haejin.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about you. I am An Haewon. Honestly, I¡¯ve met a few appraisers to have this painting appraised, but they all had slightly different opinions. So, I couldn¡¯t trust them¡­ but then I heard you were the best appraiser in this country. Is that right?¡± Haejin calmly nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± He didn¡¯t want to bother by being humble. His fee was the most expensive in the world, after all. Haewon smiled softly, ¡°Then please, take a look.¡± Her painting was already on the table, so Haejin went closer to examine it. It turned out to be the painting of a ballerina. ¡°You bought it while thinking it was fake?¡± Haejin asked as he looked at the painting. Haewon then answered with a shaky voice, ¡°Yes. I was told it was fake and I didn¡¯t pay much for it. But then¡­¡± ¡°But then?¡± Haewon continued, ¡°A few days ago, a friend came to my home. She knows a lot about art, and she said it was extraordinary. It had a deep vibe. It couldn¡¯t be fake. I thought so, too. I had never felt such liveliness from a forgery. So, I went to appraisal agencies in Insadong.¡± ¡°How many agencies did you visit?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Three. But they all told me different things, so I didn¡¯t know which opinion to trust. Then my close friend told me about you, that you were the best.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be really Renoir¡¯s, can it?¡± Haewon asked in a worried tone. ¡°I must examine it first.¡± Actually, Haejin had a strong feeling that said the painting was real. The ballerina with the bright maroon hair and snow-white ballet dress was doing a turn. Unlike Degas¡¯ paintings that had a dramatic beauty and strong image, this painting was just bright and warm. The transparentces of the ballet dress had Renoir¡¯s unique coloring technique. It was like Renoir himself was saying it was his. ¡°You know it is an unusual painting for Renoir, right?¡± Haewon carefully replied, ¡°I like most of the Impressionists, but I like Renoir the most. I know which of his painting is at which gallery. Of course, I know that this painting is very rare.¡± When ites to ballerina¡¯s painting, most people think of Degas, not Renoir. He scarcely depicted ballerinas. So, this Renoir¡¯s painting of a ballerina was very rare. Making a forgery of such a painting was quite dangerous for a forger. ¡°Hmm. What happens if this is real?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°What? Then I should return it, of course. I bought this at 800 thousand won.¡± She bought this at 800 thousand won¡­ Haejin couldn¡¯t help smiling. They were truly ingenious. They had sold a real painting as a fake to drag the prime minister down. Haejin didn¡¯t even have to use magic. This painting was certainly real. However, as there couldn¡¯t be many with such gut and skills, he used magic to look into the past, thinking he might see familiar faces. And he was right. ¡°Unfortunately, this is Renoir¡¯s painting. You will have to give it back,¡± Haejin gave his appraisal. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haewon couldn¡¯t believe it, and she took a step back without realizing it. Haejin then said, ¡°And if you are so worried, you¡¯d better report it to the police. That friend of yours can be preparing to use this against you right now.¡± ¡°No way¡­ we have been friends for almost 40 years. We didn¡¯t see each other for about a decade, but¡­ but she is so kind and always following thew. She couldn¡¯t have tried to do this to me. I can¡¯t believe it.¡± ¡°She could have known about this, of course, but she might also not have known. What we can be sure of now is that this painting is Renoir¡¯s,¡± Haejin replied. In the past Haejin had seen through magic, Haewon¡¯s friend had been fooled and really believed it was real. But shockingly, she hadn¡¯t been enchanted like SH Global¡¯s investors. She just didn¡¯t know much about art. Funnily, they had bought it from Anton Baret Auction in America where Haejin had gone with Eunhae before. So, they had used that painting to make the prime minister suffer, but unfortunately, Haejin hadn¡¯t seen anything that let him know the reason behind. ¡°Oh¡­ what should I do¡­¡± Haewon panicked and didn¡¯t know what to do, but Haejin and Eunhae couldn¡¯t do anything for her. They just gave her the official document in Haejin¡¯s name that proved the painting was real so that she would be able to show it to the police. After she left, Eunhae asked Haejin, ¡°What happened? You can read the memories of the items. Do you know who¡¯s behind this?¡± Haejin then exined, ¡°As you said, she bought a real painting while thinking it was fake, so I thought it had to be connected to SH Global. But I couldn¡¯t see anything rted to them. It looks like she just has grudges against the prime minister¡­¡± ¡°Then they just wanted to screw him over?¡± Eunhae asked. Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes, but what is she doing right now that she is trying so hard? Anyway, I don¡¯t think the organization is behind this.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ that¡¯s good. But how much is that painting worth?¡± ¡°They bought it at about 5 billion won. Spending that much money to screw someone over? They must have a huge n,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Five million isn¡¯t a big price to get rid of the prime minister. Okay. Are you going to leave again now?¡± ¡°Probably,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°But I was going to have dinner with you,¡± Eunhaeined. Haejin felt somewhat guilty to see her disappointed. However, he then heard the voice of a woman who was probably talking to a doctor in one of Gangnam¡¯s cosmetic surgery hospitals. He then realized someone had opened the door and gone into the young man¡¯s hospital room. [How could the chosen one be ruined like this¡­] It was a blunt British ent. Haejin said goodbye to Eunhae and quickly left the museum. [Completely ruined. You can¡¯t use your powers anymore¡­] [Who, who?] That was the young man¡¯s voice. [Tell me. Who did this to you?] This time, it was in Korean with an awkward foreign ent. Haejin started his car and stepped on the elerator. He couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. [He was over 30¡­ with a wide forehead and a low nose¡­ oh! He had a mole on his lip!] [Who is he?] [I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t know! Get me out of here first. You¡¯re here to help me, right? Then take me out of there!] [First, exin how he took your power.] [He, he¡­] Strangely, the young man calmly exined what had happened. It had to be through either drug or magic. About five minutester, his exnation finished. The mysterious man was done with him now. He ignored the young man¡¯s begging and left. [Save me! Please!] [Huh? Sir! This patient is acting strange!] Haejin could feel him wriggling and screaming, so he stopped listening. Thankfully, the hospital wasn¡¯t far from his museum, so when he arrived, only five minutes had passed. ¡°He must be a foreigner¡­¡± Haejin didn¡¯t think it was toote because he thought he could recognize him. Their unique gloomy aura had to be easy to feel. Haejin went in and walked through the crowd. Then, he saw a priest with a Bible in his hands. The priest was tall and handsome, he could have been a model instead. But now, it didn¡¯t matter. Haejin could feel that he was the man who had been with the young man. He walked casually toward his direction. The moment he got close to him, he was surprised to feel an intense heat like that of the desert. Haejin then looked at him. Chapter 171: Change, and Progress (3)

Chapter 171: Change, and Progress (3)

¡°Do you know me?¡± The priest asked politely in a crude Korean when Haejin looked at him in surprise. ¡°No, no. I¡¯m sorry. I looked at you because I¡¯ve never seen a foreigner priest, but you are extremely good-looking. You are the most handsome priest I know. Which cathedral do you work at? I¡¯m a Catholic, too,¡± Haejin replied on purpose. ¡°Haha, I don¡¯t live in Korea. I just came for a visit.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. But may I ask your name?¡± Haejin asked again. ¡°James Rodler. It¡¯s Father James.¡± ¡°Okay, Father James. But where are you from?¡± The handsome priest started to get irritated, but he kindly answered, ¡°I am from London.¡± Haejin then said, ¡°London! I¡¯ve always wanted to go there. Could you tell me the name of the cathedral you work at?¡± James¡¯ face hardened for a second, but then he smiled again, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I cannot tell you. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Haejin wanted to dig deeper, but he didn¡¯t want James to be suspicious. He decided to stop there after saying, ¡°Oh¡­ I was going to visit you in London.¡± ¡°Would it be necessary toe to London to see me?¡± The priest asked. ¡°But I was going to go to London one day, for sightseeing,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°London is a great city. I hope you go there someday.¡± ¡°Thank you. Then goodbye.¡± Haejin bowed and casted a hearing magic on the ck band around James¡¯s waist. Then, Haejin looked into his eyes. He thought James would react if he felt him use magic, but he just smiled, ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin thought about asking for a blessing, but he dismissed the idea as James might feel something if he touched his body. Haejin looked at the priest for some time and walked toward where he hade from when he was gone. The strong smell of blood and intense heat from James made it clear. He was from the organization. One good thing, which Haejin was curious about, was that he hadn¡¯t been able to feel the spell Haejin had cast on him. ording to the conversation he had had earlier, the priest had realized that the young man had lost his magic, but why he himself couldn¡¯t feel anything? ¡°Yeouido,¡± James got on a taxi and yelled. ¡°Please follow that car.¡± Haejin also took a taxi and followed him. He then arrived in front of an office in Yeouido. Previously, the priest was walking with ease, but now, he would always look back. The ce had to be important. Haejin was even more curious as he hadn¡¯t said anything in the taxi. ¡°Thank you. I will get off now.¡± A moment after Father James went into the building, Haejin got off from his taxi and slowly walked to the coffee shop on the ground floor of the building. He didn¡¯t even know where James was going yet, so he thought going up after him was a bad idea. He ordered a cup of coffee and sat down. His hearing spell finally started to tell him something. [He ispletely ruined. He cannot recover.] [Oh¡­ then we must lose the chosen one like this¡­ where is the manager of the East Asia region? Haven¡¯t you found him yet?] [I am sorry. He is still missing.] [Anyway, he couldn¡¯t have ruined his own magic. What about the other one?] [He left some traces, but it won¡¯t be easy. And yet¡­] [And yet?] [I don¡¯t know if this is connected to the matter, but there is a cub gon in an art museum of Bukcheon, Seoul.] Haejin¡¯s heart sank. He knew that cub gon had to be the ck cat which had been protecting his museum. [Are you saying a cub gon is not leaving that museum?] [It¡¯s more than that. I watched for some time, and it looked like it was living there. The workers of the museum were feeding it.] [No way¡­ they never wander around without a master¡­] [I think the other chosen one works there.] Haejin had changed his looks with illusion magic not to reveal himself, and it was all in vain¡­ [Go to that museum immediately and find him. He won¡¯t be able to use his powers if you have this. You must capture it.] This? It looked like there was some kind of item that could control magic. Haejin would have never found that out if he hadn¡¯t casted the hearing magic on James, so he had avoided great danger. [Don¡¯t worry. I will capture the beast.] The conversation ended there. Haejin immediately left the coffee shop, got a taxi, and waited. Father James came out after about five minutes. Haejin couldn¡¯t see any item, therefore James had to be hiding it under his cloak. He got a taxi and moved. He was heading to Bukchon. The priest soon arrived at Haejin¡¯s museum, but he didn¡¯t move right away. Instead, he went into the nearby coffee shop and waited. Haejin didn¡¯t know why he was waiting like that, but he also waited, watching him from afar. Finally, around 6 p.m. when the sun started to set, James started to move. Snap! Snap! James snapped his fingers on a strange rhythm. It looked strange and cool at the same time. But¡­ Snap! Snap snap! That rhythm disturbed Haejin. It made him feel nauseous¡­ ¡°Up!¡± Haejin covered his mouth with his hand and quickly hid. He wanted to throw up. That strange rhythm was changing the flow of his mana. He immediately stopped the hearing magic and calmed himself down. His mana went back to normal after about five minutes. He then ran to the museum. He was worried that something might have happened to Eunhae or the others, but something strange was going on at the entrance. The cat was about to attack, with its tail erected high, and the priest in ck was ring at it coldly like a statue. They were staring at each other as if they were looking at their worst enemy. Just as Haejin was about to lunge in, James took out a long silver ne. Then, he snapped his fingers and swung the ne with that strange rhythm. ¡°Kaoo!¡± The ck cat, which had been so nimble, started moving slowly as if it were about to die. The silver ne maimed it. The moment it turned red with blood, Haejin¡¯s feet struck James¡¯s side. Bam! James flew back as if he had been hit by a car. The priest then smashed into an old wall to the point where a crater was formed because of the impact. Before he could gather his senses, Haejin put a hand on his head and recited a spell. James spat blood, he then opened his mouth to say, ¡°Gera de idiyahara¡­¡± It was to thwart Haejin¡¯s mental possessing magic, but he had little mana. So, he couldn¡¯t stop Haejin. ¡°What is your name?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Dier Mistrie,¡± the priest replied. ¡°Who do you work for?¡± ¡°Trinitatis.¡± Trinitatis¡­ it meant trinity in Latin. ¡°Which are the three things of the trinity?¡± Haejin then asked. The priest then said, ¡°Great One, word, and power.¡± ¡°Why are you after me?¡± James wriggled for a moment at this, but then, continued to talk, ¡°Chosen one. We need him to find the lostnd.¡± ¡°And what happens if you find thatnd?¡± Haejin thought he was going to say the treasure would make them rich, but his answer was way beyond that. ¡°The Chosen One¡¯s power does not belong only to him. We need that power to rule the world,¡± the priest replied. That line would belong to an anime for children. However, it was frightening because Haejin knew it was not impossible. ¡°How many of you are in Korea now?¡± Haejin then asked. ¡°Three.¡± ¡°And the other¡¯s names?¡± ¡°Novice Andro Boiase and High Priest Paulo¡­ Paulo¡­ Lo¡­¡± Dier was stammering as if he were video being streamed with a bad inte connection. ¡°Hey! Dier Mistrie!¡± The moment Haejin thought something was wrong, Dier¡¯s body started to heat up, ¡°Sh*t!¡± The moment Haejin quickly backed off, a fire appeared on his chest and quickly spread to the entire body. It was a fire that couldn¡¯t be put off with water. He was writhing in pain. Haejin quickly looked around. Luckily, he had broken all the CCTVs around the area and had casted an illusion magic at the entrance so that no one could see what was happening there. A few pedestrians just saw the vacant entrance of the museum because of the illusion magic. After ten minutes of time, which could be both long and short, only grey ash remained were Dier Mistrie had been. The fire had been so strong that it didn¡¯t leave a single piece of bone. It had to be magic. Haejin wondered how they had casted such magic on him. He dismissed the illusion from the magic and went to the cat. To his surprise, it was still breathing. He quickly picked it up and ran to his car. As there was a huge vet¡¯s office nearby, the cat could survive if it was lucky. But just when he was about to drive out of the alley, he saw something shining on the floor. He was about to ignore it, but then he recalled Dier¡¯s silver ne and stopped the car. He ran there, and it really was the ne. It had flown out of Dier¡¯s hand when Haejins kicked him. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just ne, after all.¡± He could feel pressure on his chest when he held it. It was as if someone or something was pressing his body. He couldn¡¯t leave it there, so he threw it in his car and drove. He had to save the cat first. ¡°What happened?¡± Eunhae asked in surprise at seeing Haejin with the cat in his arms the next day. She was surprised because the cat was literally wrapped in bandages. ¡°Some maniac attacked him. Please take care of him. Don¡¯t let anyone else do it,¡± Haejin replied. As it was not an ordinary cat, he thought he couldn¡¯t leave it at the vet¡¯s office. ¡°Okay, but are you busy today?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Why? Is there somethinging up?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Actually, yes. Do you remember Mrs. An Haewon?¡± ¡°Oh, the prime minister¡¯s wife?¡± Eunhae confirmed, ¡°Yes. The person who sold that painting to her arrived, saying she can¡¯t ept what you said about her.¡± ¡°Just send her back. It¡¯s too bothersome.¡± Haejin would have faced that woman normally, but now he was too tired. He didn¡¯t realize that yesterday as he had been too tense, but after a day, he felt so tired. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not that easy. She brought the appraisers of the Korea Appraisal Committee with her.¡± Chapter 172: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (1)

Chapter 172: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (1)

¡°Korea Appraisal Committee? Did they issue a certificate? But she didn¡¯t say anything about it! Did she talk to you about it when I wasn¡¯t around?¡± Haejin asked a series of questions. Eunhae shook her head while also looking surprised, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t know about it either, of course. I also just called Mrs. Haewon, she said she didn¡¯t know, and if she had received a certificate, she would have told us¡­¡± Haejin stroked his chin. He had to think. ¡°Why? It can¡¯t be that you made a mistake while appraising, right?¡± Eunhae asked as she found it strange for Haejin to look worried. However, Haejin shook his head, ¡°That¡¯s not it. I don¡¯t know which appraiser is here right now, but most of the appraisers of themittee are highly conservative. Actually, in appraising, the perfect answer often doesn¡¯t exist, so they are usually not this passionate when ites to the authenticity of a painting. Especially when it¡¯s not their own business¡­¡± ¡°Well, that is how all the appraisers I¡¯ve met until now are. Of course, except for you¡­¡± Eunhaemented. That was probably why Haejin had left an impression on Eunhae when they first met. There were few appraisers who gave absolute answers right on the spot like Haejin. Haejin then said, ¡°And this case is even stranger. It¡¯s not like this is about a cdon or porcin. Frankly speaking, Korean appraisers do not know much about western paintings. They have less experience with them and haven¡¯t grown up while enjoying them.¡± ¡°Umm¡­ I think you are right,¡± Eunhae replied. Haejin then continued, ¡°Yet, they are so eager to prove that a western painting, a Renoir, is fake? They couldn¡¯t have had enough time to do scientific tests.¡± Scientific tests take a lot longer than most people think. X-ray test and infrared light test are simple, but tests that require samples of the paint might take longer than a year. It had been about 24 hours since Haejin gave Haewon the certificate that said the painting was real, so the time must have been too short for them to get any scientific evidence. ¡°They can¡¯t be doing this without a n¡­ but I can¡¯t see what they are after. What are you going to do? Should I tell them they should leave?¡± Eunhae asked. Haejin then replied, ¡°It will only make things worse. They havee all the way here, so they won¡¯t leave in peace if you tell them to just leave. Where are they?¡± ¡°They¡¯re at the caf¨¦ on the ground floor,¡± Eunhae answered. ¡°Tell them toe to my appraisal room. I¡¯ll be waiting for them. And¡­¡± Haejin handed the cat to Eunhae while saying, ¡°Please tell our staff to take care of him for today.¡± ¡°Okay, I will also go home with him from now on. My cousin has raised a cat for long, so I can get cat food, and everything he needs,¡± Eunhae replied while carefully taking the cat. Next, the cat looked at Haejin. If it had been human, Haejin would have asked if it had anything to say, but he couldn¡¯t. So, he just smiled and waved his hand at him. He then went to his appraisal room and sat down where soon a group of people came in. They were four men and a woman, all over 50. The woman put her hands on her waist and lifted her chin high after saying, ¡°Are you Park Haejin or something?¡± ¡°Yes, I am¡­¡± The woman didn¡¯t let him finish, ¡°Just because you learned a few things about appraising, you shouldn¡¯t have said that you can take the responsibility for the prime minister¡¯s wife!¡± ¡°What I told her was not something I couldn¡¯t take the responsibility for. I have issued a certificate in my name, so if I was wrong, I will have to pay for it ording to thews,¡± Haejin calmly replied without blinking an eye. The woman, instead, thought she was winning and raised her voice even higher, ¡°You think that is taking responsibility? You have lied to the prime minister¡¯s wife and what? Legal responsibility? The prime minister is the second on the hierarchy ranking? You know that, right? He is the second highest man in this country when ites to authority!¡± Haejin then said, ¡°The second on the hierarchy ranking is the chairman of the national assembly. The prime minister is the fifth. And, why are you saying that I lied? I just told her what I saw. Tell me honestly, weren¡¯t you the one who lied about the painting?¡± ¡°What, what?¡± ¡°Never mind. If you are the person who sold the painting, the men behind you must be the appraisers,¡± Haejin then looked behind her. Behind her, the oldest man had a face with numerous wrinkles. His gaze also looked dark, maybe because he was tired. That old man then said, ¡°I am Kim Chaemu. I am from Haenul Appraisal Agency which is nearby. You might have heard of it. I am also the chief appraiser of Korea Appraisal Committee.¡± ¡°Oh, I think I¡¯ve passed by your agency a few times,¡± Haejin spoke as if he wasn¡¯t impressed at all. Chaemu was a little offended and raised his eyebrows, ¡°Really? Then it is good. Anyway, I¡¯ve just heard about what happened.¡± Haejin then replied, ¡°You just heard about what happened and came in a group, so sure that I was wrong? Korean¡¯s meddlesomeness is famous worldwide, but I didn¡¯t know it was this strong.¡± Next, a man behind Chaemu, in a modernized hanbok, spoke in a hoarse voice, ¡°Hey¡­ I cannot hear this nonsense anymore. This man here has been working as an antique appraiser for 40 years. He started living with antiques before you were even born. How rude¡­¡± He was even pointing his fingers at Haejin while yelling. However, Haejin just crossed his arms and smiled coldly while saying, ¡°So, the longer you appraise antiques, the better you are. I¡¯ve never heard of that before.¡± ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡± Then, Eunhae came in. She felt the cold atmosphere in the room and her face hardened in a second, ¡°What is going on here? Sir? Where do you think you are to act so rude like that?¡± Eunhae scolded. The appraisers who had been using Haejin looked toward the voice, ¡°Huh? Oh, it¡¯s¡­¡± Eunhae had worked as an art director for years now, so it was only natural that they knew each other. ¡°Mr. Kim? Don¡¯t you know me? I¡¯m Lim Eunhae. Are you making a fuss in my museum?¡± Unlike the other appraisers, Chaemu continued to speak boldly, ¡°You don¡¯t know what this is about. This is serious. This man here has issued the wrong certificate, and it is about to cause a huge problem.¡± ¡°What huge problem? How huge is it for you to act like this in my workce?¡± Eunhae must have had some power over Insadong. Even though she had stopped being the director of Hwajin¡¯s Saeyeon Gallery, she used to have great power back then. ¡°The man who sold the painting to thisdy is from the Japanese consul. Why would he sell a genuine painting while iming it to be a forgery? Unless he is a fool¡­ can¡¯t you see? This is really bad. This might elerate to the diplomatic problem!¡± Chaemu said. Haejin had seen how the painting had really gone to Haewon by using his magic, so he knew that Chaemu was lying. The person who had given the painting to that woman had been a Korean, not Japanese, and he had bought it from an American before that. And now Chaemu was suddenly talking about the Japanese consul¡­ he was clearly up to something. ¡°The Japanese consul gave the painting to her? Okay, let¡¯s say that¡¯s true,¡± Haejin said. ¡°It is the truth!¡± Chaemu replied. Haejin continued, ¡°Whatever. So, you have proof that says the painting is fake, right? Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t be doing this.¡± ¡°That¡¯s, that¡¯s¡­¡± Chaemu suddenly started to stammer. That gave Haejin a clue. Although they believed the painting was fake, they were not sure of it. Did they even look at the painting? They might even be using Haejin without having looked at the painting. Haejin found it so ridiculous that he smiled, ¡°Fine. Well, as you are insisting so hard that I was wrong, I ept that. Should I appraise the painting again, right in front of everyone? Would that be enough?¡± ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± One of the old appraisers yelled as if he had been waiting for Haejin to say that. Haejin wondered from who and what they had heard for them to be so sure¡­. ¡°Then let¡¯s have the painting brought here. Eunhae, could you call Mrs. An and ask her to send the painting here?¡± Eunhae nodded, ¡°I will call her right away.¡± Eunhae got her phone and left. Then the woman, who had sold the painting to Haewon, yelled from the back, ¡°I¡¯ve already told her! She¡¯sing with it!¡± Next, she turned to Haejin and warned him while shaking her thick cheeks, ¡°You¡¯re in big trouble now. You should get yourself an expensivewyer. I am going to sue you and demandpensation!¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t see what she could have possibly lost because of him, but after the mention of the Japanese consul, her threat was nothing to him. If someone had spent five billion won to bring down the prime minister, it had to be for political purposes, and now a Japanese consul showed up¡­ Haejin then replied, ¡°Whatever. We must appraise it again to find out which of us is right, so why don¡¯t you wait outside? I¡¯m quite busy¡­¡± Even being in the same room with her was tiring, so Haejin tried to make her leave. Then, Eunhae came back, ¡°She is on her way¡­¡± ¡°I told you so. This will end soon,¡± the woman was confident. However, Haejin ignored her and talked to Eunhae, ¡°We have our ownwyer, right? Call him.¡± The woman spoke first before Eunhae could say anything, ¡°Why? You need awyer¡¯s help to find a way out of this?¡± ¡°No, I am going to make sure that I was and am right about the painting. So, if there¡¯s anyone who should brace oneself, it¡¯s you. I will sue you for fraud,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Ha! What nonsense¡­¡± she turned around and left the room while her appraisers followed her one by one. However, the youngest of them lingered behind and said to Eunhae, ¡°I think it is fake¡­ are you going to be okay?¡± Eunhae shook her hands, ¡°Oh, you can¡¯t trust me? Appraiser Park Haejin here is the best in this country. China, America and even the Medici of Italy have acknowledged his skills. You don¡¯t know who you are using, right?¡± Well, it wasn¡¯t like what Haejin had done had been in the newspaper. Only those who knew about it spread the words, so even the people who were working in the same field wouldn¡¯t fully know about Haejin¡¯s skills. Although the man looked down, he said what he had to say, ¡°Of course I know you are smart and wise. Everyone does, but it is not good this time.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not good?¡± Eunhae asked. He nced at the door and spoke carefully, ¡°They have nned everything.¡± ¡°nned everything?¡± Eunhae was confused. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure, but it sounded like that¡­ anyway, we should talk after the painting arrives,¡± the man said before leaving. ¡°Uh¡­¡± things were going differently than Eunhae had expected. She looked at Haejin, but of course, he didn¡¯t have any other way, either. ¡°They have nned everything? But what difference can more nning make? This is about finding out if the painting is real,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Yes, it makes no sense.¡± Both Eunhae and Haejin were curious. Soon, they got their answer as Haewon showed up with the painting. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I am slightlyte,¡± Haewon then had an employee put the painting on the table. ¡°Haha¡­ this is surprising,¡± Haejinughed. ¡°What? Why?¡± Haewon¡¯s eyes shook while asking her questions. Haejin really wanted to ask her something. Did she really think he wouldn¡¯t be able to realize that it was a different painting? Chapter 173: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (2)

Chapter 173: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (2)

Haewon probably didn¡¯t mean to do this from the beginning. If she had nned to do so, Haejin would have already found out what they were up to with magic. However, she came with a different painting, so she must have changed her mind while talking to her friend and her appraisers. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. Is there any reason why you decided to have this reappraised?¡± Haejin asked. Haewon was so nervous that she couldn¡¯t look at Haejin straight in the eyes, ¡°I¡­ couldn¡¯t be sure about¡­ making a decision after only one appraisal¡­¡± Haejin then said, ¡°Really? But I am going to appraise this loudly, would that be okay?¡± ¡°What? Loudly? What do you mean?¡± Haewon asked. Haejin answered, ¡°I am going to call awyer and a reporter. To promote this museum and myself as this has happened¡­ how is that? Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡± Haewon panicked, and so did her greedy friend. ¡°Hey, why are you going to call the reporters? Do you think it is right to promote yourself with someone else¡¯s private property?¡± The woman objected. However, Haejin replied as if it was nothing, ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you need? This painting must be concluded as fake for Mrs. An, so that her husband wouldn¡¯t be used¡­ isn¡¯t that right?¡± Then Haewon spoke, ¡°Yes, but I think calling the reporters is too much.¡± ¡°Too much¡­ then you don¡¯t think it is too much to bring a group of appraisers just because you couldn¡¯t believe what I told you about the painting?¡± Haejin scolded her. Haewon, however, raised her voice as well, ¡°I am sorry, but isn¡¯t raising a reasonable doubt to your appraisal part of a legal procedure?¡± Haejin had asked that because he wanted to find out if Haewon was doing this because she wanted to, or she was just being controlled by others. However, her attitude made it clear. Haejin had no more reason to be nice to her. ¡°It is legal and just. That is why I am tolerating all this fuss,¡± Haejin replied firmly. Haewon hesitated and took a step back. Then, her friend spoke for her, ¡°You are so eager to get humiliated. Fine, call them! You think we will be scared?¡± Haejin had Eunhae called the reporters and thewyer. Then, he replied, ¡°I am not calling them for you to be scared, but I guess you are doing something bad.¡± ¡°Of, of course not!¡± The woman replied. ¡°Whatever. They will be here in half an hour. Let¡¯s start when they arrive.¡± Haejin then sat down on a chair with his arms crossed. The others also decided to sit down. Eunhae then came closer and whispered to him, ¡°Are you going to be okay?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. However, she brought a different painting,¡± Haejin whispered back. ¡°What? She switched the painting?¡± Eunhae¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, but as she had her back toward the others, only Haejin could see that. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m shocked as well, but¡­ why are they doing this? Can there be any reason for them to do this? I don¡¯t understand,¡± Haejin calmly shook his head. Eunhae then quickly asked, ¡°That¡¯s not what matters now. They have switched the painting! Thewyer and reporters are on their way now. What if that painting is considered fake? Then you will have to take the me!¡± Eunhae was getting mad, but she managed to lower her voice so that the others wouldn¡¯t be able to listen. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll take care of it. But more than that¡­ you should go out and try to find out what the prime minister is doing for them to be so eager to bring him down,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°What? Is that necessary when his wife is so clearly working with them?¡± Eunhae asked. Haejin then exined, ¡°I¡¯m sure she hasn¡¯t discussed it with her husband yet. If he had known about this, he would have never allowed her to do this. Anyway, I think she is the only one who doesn¡¯t know she is bringing her husband¡¯s doom. They even said a Japanese consul is involved in this. I think something bad is going on here, like that professor who openly used me at Gimhae¡­ so please, try to find out more.¡± Eunhae nodded although she didn¡¯t seem very happy about it, ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t like it because I¡¯m not interested in helping her, but I¡¯ll try to find out.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about helping her. I must know what is going on to decide what to do about it,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Hu¡­ first, I¡¯ll find out what Japan has to do with this,¡± Eunhae said before leaving the room. After that, a strange silence filled the room. The tension was surrounding the painting on the table in the middle, and the appraisers were looking at it, murmuring among themselves. ¡°The touch of the brush is too nasty. It can¡¯t be Renoir¡¯s.¡± ¡°Look here, the transparent dress hasn¡¯t been depicted well. The artist failed to get the right depth of the color. He couldn¡¯t have been a real artist.¡± ¡°More than that, the structure isn¡¯t right, and the ballerina¡¯s expression is too stiff. You are right, it can¡¯t be Renoir¡¯s.¡± They all spoke as if they werepeting amongst themselves. It looked like they were trying to prove their skills. Therefore, they did their best to find all the ws. Of course, that only looked ridiculous to Haejin. ¡®What? Nasty touch of the brush? Wrong depth of the color? Strange structure? Oh, please.¡¯ Surprisingly, the fake painting Haewon brought was a forgery of high quality. It was as good as the forgery he had seen at the Medici¡¯s mansion before. He wouldn¡¯t have been so sure of it being fake that quickly if he hadn¡¯t seen the real painting before. This fake must have been brought from abroad. What was strange was that if they had the forger make a fake while looking at the real painting and then brought the two paintings at the same time, it meant that they had been designing a plot to bring down the prime minister from the very beginning. Anyway, Haejin was sure that it was fake for only one reason. Its size. It was slightly smaller than the real painting he had seen yesterday. He didn¡¯t know if it was because the frame had been changed many times or there was another reason, but it was smaller. However, the ballerina in the painting was of the same size, so its edges had been cut. If it had been someone else, he or she wouldn¡¯t have been able to notice it. It was only possible because they had targeted Haejin. Atst, the appraiser who used to be close with Eunhae just watched the painting from behind. He seemed to know that boasting like the other appraisers would only make him look funny. Anyway, soon Eunhae came in with two men. Haejin had seen thewyer of thew firm his museum was on a contract with, so he recognized him. The other man, who he had never seen before, had to be the reporter. ¡°You sure this will be okay?¡± Eunhae whispered to Haejin. ¡°Of course¡­ as they are our guests, we should get them something to drink and start,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Okay, I believe in you,¡± Eunhae then had an employee bring juice and stood behind Haejin. Haejin greeted thewyer and the reporter and started to talk about the matter, ¡°First, Mrs. An here has officially raised a doubt about my appraisal. You think it is fake, right?¡± Haewon nodded, but she looked nervous, ¡°Yes, I do. I bought this knowing that it was fake, and I don¡¯t want to be falsely used because of you.¡± If not being used was what she really wanted, she should have asked her friend for a refund. Plus, she had bought it as fake, so returning it without getting the money back wouldn¡¯t have cost her much, so Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why she was taking it this far. ¡°Okay then, I will reappraise it. Your appraisers should also appraise it with me,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Khmm¡­ well, as we are here to help, we can¡¯t just sit by,¡± Kim Chaemu cleared his throat and came out as if he was reluctant to help. ¡°Thank you,¡± Haejin, however, wasn¡¯t grateful at all, he just needed some extras to make Haewon and her friend pay. Haejin went to the painting and asked Chaemu, ¡°You said this was fake, right?¡± Chaemu nodded confidently as if Haejin was asking something obvious, ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Then could you tell me what ws it has?¡± Haejin made him talk first. Chaemu then said what he had discussed with the other appraisers earlier, ¡°To start with, the slightly tilted structure isn¡¯t right, and so is the bnce of the face. And the background is too dark to be Renoir¡¯s. He preferred brilliant colors.¡± ¡°Oh, and?¡± Haejin encouraged him. Chaemu looked at Haejin, probably wondering if he was mad, and continued, ¡°The most important thing is that the depth of the color isn¡¯t right. This was made by a crude forger. Pathetic¡­¡± He tutted and shook his head. ¡°Wow¡­ that was impressive,¡± Haejin then said. ¡°I have no choice but to doubt your skills. You said this is real. How could you even issue a certificate when you know so little? It is ridiculous. Oh, and have you registered to Korea Appraisal Committee? If you want to issue certificates, you should officially register to themittee first. Of course, it will take some time before we grant that. Only skillful appraisers can be our members.¡± Next, Chaemu looked at thewyer and the reporter then said, ¡°Thisdy here has done nothing wrong. It¡¯s all on this man who appraised wrongly.¡± He even concluded the matter. Haejin¡¯swyer worriedly asked Haejin, ¡°Are you sure this is the right appraisal of the painting?¡± Haejin smiled and nodded, ¡°Although the reason is slightly different, this painting is fake.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± Thewyer was about to ask what he was doing, but Haewon¡¯s friend spoke before he could, ¡°You pretended to be so innocent when you called thewyer. What, you are too scared to lie in front of awyer and a reporter? You shouldn¡¯t have lied. I will not let you get away with this.¡± However, Haein didn¡¯t lose his smile. Instead, he spoke to Haewon, ¡°Ma¡¯am, you¡¯ve made a mistake.¡± ¡°What? I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± ¡°Did you really think I would not be able to recognize this is a different painting?¡± Haejin asked. Haewon took a step back. She was shaking, ¡°I, I¡­¡± Haejin pointed at the ceiling above the painting, ¡°You see, there¡¯s a camera up there. It has recorded the painting I appraised yesterday. This isn¡¯t that painting. The video will prove it.¡± Haewon, her friend, and Chaemu all froze. They couldn¡¯t say anything now. Haejin smiled and used magic to see the story behind the fake painting. It was because he wanted to know what Haewon actually thought about the switching of the paintings, but¡­ He quickly turned and red at the appraiser who was standing behind Chaemu. ¡®You were after me, not the prime minister?¡¯ Chapter 174: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (3)

Chapter 174: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (3)

The man who was just looking around as if he had no thoughts was actually behind all this. He seemed to be younger than Chaemu, but in the past Haejin has just seen through magic, he controlled Chaemu, so he had to have strong connections with the Japanese. ¡°And what do you think? Have you ever seen the real painting?¡± Haejin asked the question to that man. The man was surprised when Haejin pointed at him, so he pointed at himself while saying, ¡°Did you just ask me?¡± Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes, you. What is your name?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m Do Daeyoon from Urinae Appraisal Agency. I¡¯ve never heard of another painting. I cannot believe what you just said.¡± Of course, Haejin was just waiting for him to say that then continued, ¡°Why would I tell such a lie that can be revealed so easily? Please, look here.¡± Haejin turned on theputer that was next to the X-ray device. Then he opened yesterday¡¯s file, ¡°This is the painting that was recorded by the camera on the ceiling yesterday. You must all know that photos and videos are necessary for every step in the restoration process, right? I think the same should be applied to appraising. Taking samples is sometimes required to appraise. That is why I installed a high-resolution camera on the ceiling.¡± Haejin could see Daeyoon, and his associates frown. He smiled on the inside and continued, ¡°Let me tell you why yesterday¡¯s painting and today¡¯s painting are two different paintings. Actually, as you can see, the colors, the touch of the brush, the structure and the shape were almost entirely simr. You cannot find any difference, even if youpare them side to side.¡± Thewyer and the reporter came closer and checked everything Haejin said. Chaemu and the other appraisers also came topare the paintings. ¡°Well? Aren¡¯t they the same?¡± Chaemu, whose face was now red, yelled, ¡°Same painting. So, get rid of that nonsense! Are you ying with us now? What you just said only proves yesterday¡¯s painting and today¡¯s painting are the same! It is just this one painting!¡± Haejin sneered and pointed at the table, ¡°How pathetic. Where have you discarded the basic of appraising? Look at the table. Do you think it is just an ordinary table?¡± The appraisers went back to the table. Then, the appraiser who had warned Eunhae eximed, ¡°Oh! There are tick marks.¡± Haejin then exined, ¡°Yes. They are there to help me know the size of the painting. They are inly seen from the top, although not so well seen from the side¡­ anyway, yesterday¡¯s painting was 142cm wide and 93cm tall. But how big is this painting?¡± Eunhae went to the table at hearing this, ¡°138cm wide, 87cm tall. The size is different.¡± The person who was satisfied the most at this answer was not Haejin but thewyer of his museum, who smiled confidently and nodded to show this was a fight they couldn¡¯t lose. Haejin met his gaze for a second and smiled again, ¡°Has the painting been cut in a day? Of course not. Why would anyone cut this precious painting, unless they are crazy? It was just that this was not the real painting.¡± Haejin stopped there and looked at his opponents whose face were now all red. Haejin then continued to scold them, ¡°This forgery is of great quality, it might as well be another genuine painting, so finding ws with the color of the structure is all nonsense. I am getting a headache just by thinking of you continuing to appraise it like that. I am so shocked that I have nothing more to say.¡± Chaemu couldn¡¯t bear to be humiliated by a man much younger than himself and yelled again, ¡°You can¡¯t say it is not the same painting just because its size is different. The owner could have cut out the edges to fit it in the frame.¡± That made no sense, but sadly, Haewon agreed with him, ¡°Yes, I had its edges cut yesterday because it was bigger than the frame. I didn¡¯t hesitate as I thought it was fake.¡± However, her hands were clearly shaking. Haejin then scolded her as much as he wanted, ¡°You came here to have it appraised yesterday morning, and you left with it after I told you it was real. You were told it was real, but then you thought it was fake and had it cut? Ma¡¯am, are you sick or something?¡± Haewon knew her im had some logical ws, but she thought she couldn¡¯t stop now. She insisted, ¡°I didn¡¯t believe in your appraisal. So, I told my friend here about it and became sure that you had made a mistake. So, I sent it to a frame shop to hang it in my home and just got it from there.¡± Now, Haejin¡¯swyer spoke for him, ¡°Where is that frame shop? You can tell us, right?¡± Haewon took a deep breath, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I must talk to mywyer first. I will say nothing more.¡± Of course, the reporter got curious about that kind of attitude, ¡°Sorry for interrupting. I am Reporter Paek Chungi of Daehan Newspaper. Mrs. An, objectively speaking, things do not look good for you. Refusing to tell us the name of the shop also looks very suspicious. Are you sure you are going to be okay?¡± Even Haewon feared reporters. She started stammering while her eyes were shaking, ¡°I, I think¡­ it might be bad for my husband¡­ he is a politician, and¡­ anyway, I will only talk through mywyer.¡± She was thinking it was the best thing she could do, but the reporter was persistent, ¡°You just said this might be bad for the prime minister, so you are assuming that the painting you bought is really Renoir¡¯s, and wouldn¡¯t others think he got it as a bribe? What do you think about it?¡± Haewon¡¯s face turned white at this. She didn¡¯t know what to do. She looked at her friend, pleading for help, but the friend suddenly changed her attitude and said, ¡°I, I¡­ I told you to be careful about it, right? I think it is fake¡­ but I¡¯m no expert, right? I know nothing about art, I used to ask you about it when we were in high school¡­ but this is fake? How can it be fake?¡± The friend couldn¡¯t run away, so she just kept mumbling nonsense. She was even ignoring Haewon¡¯s gaze. Thewyer then asked Haewon, ¡°Where did you get this painting? And where is the real painting?¡± Haewon closed her eyes. Eunhae and Haejin could feel her despair. The people she had trusted, her friend and her appraisers, couldn¡¯t even look at her. They were clearly trying to find a way to get out of there. Honestly, Haejin didn¡¯t feel sorry for her. She had agreed on making a fool out of Haejin, and she had done the most important part: bringing the fake painting. Haejin would have gotten into trouble if it hadn¡¯t been for the camera in the ceiling. Nevertheless, he decided to help her because she wasn¡¯t the one who wanted to harm Haejin. It was Daeyoon. ¡°He gave it to you, didn¡¯t he? Mr. Do Daeyoon?¡± Haejin said. Daeyoon was surprised to see Haejin point at him so suddenly. He blinked his big eyes and took a step back while saying, ¡°Me? No, no. What are you talking about? It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know when I came here. Haha¡­¡± Haejin continued, ¡°However, you didn¡¯t give her the painting today. You did it yesterday. Mrs. An, you must be careful. If you make the wrong choice here, your husband will have to suffer more than just stepping down. He might end up in prison. Did that man give you the painting yesterday or not?¡± Haewon seemed to be surprised at seeing Haejin know everything, but she soon gave up and confessed, ¡°I¡­ I received the fake painting yesterday. I¡¯m sorry.¡± She bowed to Haejin to apologize and looked at Chungi, ¡°Sir, I did all this on my own. My husband knows nothing about this, so please reconsider writing about this. I didn¡¯t know anything. Sukhui made me do it, saying that my husband would get used and forced to step down¡­¡± Haewon started to tell the truth. Her friend then yelled and tried to stop her, ¡°What are you talking about? I, I never said anything like that! Stop it!¡± She jumped up and down in fury, but Haewon didn¡¯t even look at her. Haewon, however, kept pleading to Chungi, ¡°Please, I beg you. I knew nothing. She tricked me. She told me nothing would happen to my husband if I switch the paintings¡­¡± ¡°Hey! You, how could you say that, huh! Do you think I will let you keep on lying like that? This is fraud!¡± Sukhui said. Thewyer stopped Sukhui andforted Haewon. He then took her out of the room. After that, Eunhae crossed her arms and coldly said, ¡°That was a very great painting appraisal fraud, and this museum will sue every one of you. You, was your name Sukhui? You said nothing would happen if Mrs. An switched the paintings? She has testified already. And Mr. Do Daeyoon? We¡¯ve reported this to the police, so you will be arrested in a few days.¡± Daeyoon¡¯s face turned pale. He looked at Chaemu and Sukhui, ¡°Why, why? Why would I get arrested? I know nothing. I didn¡¯t give her the painting!¡± He pushed Eunhae and ran out of the room, but the security guards soon stopped him. He couldn¡¯t get out of the building. Policemen came in less than 10 minutes. After hearing Chungi¡¯s exnation, they took the appraisers and Sukhui. Eunhae had called the police when she was sure things were going well for her and Haejin. Before they left, a policeman told Haejin he could be called in as a witness, and he replied he would go anytime to testify. However, what bothered him a little was the question Chungi asked right before he left, ¡°How did you find out it had been Do Daeyoon who gave that fake painting?¡± Haejin had no choice but to smile awkwardly while saying, ¡°I will talk about it at the police stationter. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Anyway, I got huge news thanks to you,¡± Chungi thanked Haejin and left. Now, the only one remaining was the museum¡¯swyer¡­ he hesitated for a moment and said, ¡°That was so impressive. I didn¡¯t know the world of artifacts was this exciting. I¡¯m sure we will get to hear the most unexpected story about what they were trying to do with that painting once the investigation starts.¡± Actually, there was a very unexpected story hidden behind all that. Haejin hadn¡¯t imagined anyone would spend more than five billion won to bring him down¡­ ¡°Haven¡¯t you been through countlesswsuits?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes, but they were all about authenticity issues. I¡¯ve never seen anything so spectacr like this,¡± thewyer replied. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Thewyer then asked, ¡°In that case, may I also ask for your help?¡± Chapter 175: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (4)

Chapter 175: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (4)

¡°How can I help you?¡± Haejin asked. Thewyer replied, ¡°Actually, there is thiswsuit ourw firm is handling, and we have met some troubles. We have hired the best appraiser in Korea, but he didn¡¯t find anything. It now turns out that you are even better than him. I was a fool for not knowing about your skills, and I am yourwyer¡­¡± Eunhae smiled, ¡°However, this museum was established only a few months ago. Plus, we¡¯ve never had a reason to ask for your help until now. You came here to meet me for the first time, only like, about a month ago. It is only right that you didn¡¯t know much about us, but what is thatwsuit about?¡± Thewyer, Yang Usik, smiled bitterly. Then, he sat down and began to exin, ¡°It is a little tricky. Three years ago, a man named Gang Taeju came to ourw firm. He said he had a small gas station.¡± ¡°Then he must have quite a lot of money,¡± Haejinmented. Gas station owners always earned a lot. They were probably earning less than previously, but they still earned more than most people¡­ ¡°It turned out that he has three gas stations. He is quite famous for being rich in Seocheon, Chungnam,¡± Usik said. ¡°And?¡± Usik then continued, ¡°And he bought a painting. Oh, I suddenly can¡¯t recall the name. It was drawn by Lee Gyeongyeong. No, was it Lee Gyeongyu?¡± ¡°You mean artist Lee Gyeongyoon?¡± Usik¡¯s face brightened up, ¡°Yes, Lee Gyeongyoon. Mr. Gang happened to get a chance to buy his painting.¡± Lee Gyeongyoon was the grandson of the 11th son of King Seongjong. He was neither far nor close to the royal family, so he could neither be a government official nor have influence as a royal. So maybe, it was natural that he turned to art. ¡°Happened to?¡± Haejin asked. More than nine out of ten cases when ites to antique purchases that involve ¡®happened to¡¯ would end badly. As there were more fake antiques than genuine antiques, getting something good by mere chance is almost impossible. If someone has something really good, he or she would try to get more money for it or try to sell it to someone who can appreciate its true value. If the buyers don¡¯t know much about antiques, the seller must exin and teach them about why it is good. So, it is bothersomepared to selling it to a person who is knowledgeable about antiques as the seller would get less money. ¡°Yes, he got an offer at an expensive imported car club,¡± Usik exined. It sounded a little funny, ¡°Oh¡­ and?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know much about art, and although Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s paintings are not extremely expensive, they can¡¯t be bought at a few million won, right?¡± Usik asked. Haejin confirmed, ¡°Of course. His best paintings are worth more than tens of millions.¡± ¡°That is what Mr. Gang Taeju thought, too. At the time, he paid 55 million won for the painting and even wrote a contract immediately,¡± Usik continued. ¡°He was rushing. He should have had it appraised before paying for it,¡± Haejinmented. Usik sighed, ¡°Hu¡­ but the painting already had a certificate. Mr. Gang could buy it only because there was a certificate. However, that same certificate turned out to be the problem.¡± ¡°Was there something wrong with it?¡± Haejin asked. Usik started to exin from the beginning, ¡°Let me go back to the start. After Mr. Gang Taeju bought the painting, he boasted about it for some time. He never bought a painting or porcin before, so he felt that having the painting truly made him a wealthy man.¡± ¡°Some people do think like that,¡± Haejin admitted. Usik continued, ¡°Yes, my father-inw is also a local rich man with a few buildings, but he never learned much, and his children didn¡¯t like to study, so he wanted a doctor or a prosecutor as his son-inw. Well, he got awyer son-inw instead¡­ anyway, Mr. Gang was very content about it, but then he took a photo of that painting and sent it to an appraisal expert in Seoul.¡± ¡°Why did he so suddenly have it appraised?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°He wanted to know if he had paid too much or little for it. So, he wanted to find the exact price of the painting. However, when the appraiser saw the painting, he gave up on it,¡± Usik answered. ¡°Oho¡­ he gave up appraising?¡± Haejin¡¯s curiosity was aroused, and he sat down next to thewyer. Usik exined, ¡°More urately, when he saw the photo, he said the painting was fake, but when Mr. Gang asked him again, he gave up while saying he couldn¡¯t appraise it well with a photo¡­¡± He must have been nervous about appraising with only a photo. ¡°I can understand that. Appraising an artifact only with photos is never easy,¡± Haejinmented. Usik agreed, ¡°Yes, I learned that only a while ago. Anyway, Mr. Gang was shocked. The painting for which he paid 55 million won could be fake. But then, he made a very foolish decision. He sold it to a foreigner and sent it abroad. He offered Mr. Gang 30 million, so he could at least get that amount of money back. Then, he sued the person who sold him the painting for selling a fake.¡± Haejin then said, ¡°Oh¡­ he was a fool.¡± Usik smiled bitterly, ¡°Yes, he was a fool. He thought he wasn¡¯t losing as he had gotten at least 30 million for the painting, and he had the photo as evidence¡­¡± ¡°However, thewsuit couldn¡¯t go well as the painting itself is abroad,¡± Haejin guessed. Usik confirmed, ¡°Yes, he had lost the chance to verify its authenticity. Mr. Gang was disappointed, but he was going to just stop there, but he received a blow back. The seller took a photo of the painting¡¯s old certificate and sued Mr. Gang for falsely using him. Now, neither of them can back off.¡± ¡°That¡¯s interesting. So how are things going now?¡± Haejin asked. Usik then answered, ¡°Unfortunately, Mr. Gang, our client, is about to lose. The painting is abroad and all we have is a photo. Additionally, as they have the photo of the certificate, they are using it as evidence.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ it isplicated,¡± Haejinmented. Usik continued, ¡°Veryplicated. In fact, thew firm has almost given up on it. My bosses have made me handle it, but almost no one is helping me. I was also told to reach an agreement before the final sentence. However, I just saw you appraise, and you seemed different from the other appraisers, so I thought maybe you could save us¡­¡± ¡°I see,¡± Haejin stroked his chin, apparently thinking. Eunhae then led Usik out of the room, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Mr. Park is thinking now, so why don¡¯t we give him some time?¡± How could any man say no to such a beautiful smile? ¡°Oh, of course. Then I¡¯ll wait here,¡± thewyer replied. ¡°Thank you. I will go in and ask what he will do,¡± Eunhae said before leaving Usik outside and going back in. Haejin then raised his head to look at her, ¡°Why did you take him outside?¡± ¡°Just in case. You might not be able to help him because of other matters, so I was going to make excuses after hearing what you have in mind,¡± Eunhae replied. She was wise as she even thought about things which Haejin didn¡¯t think of. Haejin then exined himself, ¡°No, I was just wondering how I am supposed to appraise that painting, but there¡¯s no way.¡± ¡°I thought so, too. Even though you have those¡­ great abilities, we need objective proof. I think the only way is to bring that painting back,¡± Eunhae said. Haejinmented, ¡°However, they would have done that if it had been possible.¡± ¡°At least, we should ask,¡± Eunhae then brought Usik back again. Haejin asked, ¡°Do you know where that painting is right now?¡± Usik, however, grimly shook his head, ¡°No, the buyer sold it to someone else. We don¡¯t know where it is now.¡± ¡°Then, what about the certificate? Who issued it?¡± Haejin asked again. ¡°The Korea Appraisal Committee. It is practically the most reliable certificate of an artifact in this country,¡± thewyer answered. Haejin knew well about the Korea Appraisal Committee and its members, so he was shocked to hear that. However, the court didn¡¯t know much about antiques. They had no choice but to trust themittee¡¯s opinion. ¡°Then let¡¯s forget about it and let me take a look at that photo. I must see it if we want to know whether I can help you or not.¡± Usik was d to hear that. He was about to take out his phone, but then he looked at Haejin again, ¡°Even though ourw firm is on a contract with your museum, I cannot ask you to help for free. We should write a contract first.¡± Haejin could have helped for free if it had been ordinary people without much money, but he had no reason to help aw firm without charging money. ¡°Okay, but you should know that it will cost you a lot if I help you. I¡¯m not bragging about this, but I am the most expensive appraiser in the world. However, you won¡¯t have to pay me as much as this is about a not-so-expensive painting,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°You can charge us a lot. In fact, thiswsuit has been on the news already, so paying you is nothing if we can turn the tide. We can also make our client pay your fee, anyway. Please wait for a second,¡± Usik then left the room and called someone. Thewyer came back after about five minutes and apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I wanted to bring the photo myself, but it is not possible¡­ would it be alright if I send you a digital image?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Since it is a photo anyway, it doesn¡¯t matter. As long as it is in high definition, of course,¡± Haejin replied. Usik then confirmed, ¡°It is a high-definition photo.¡± ¡°Then send it to me through email. I must examine it closely, so using my phone wouldn¡¯t be good,¡± Haejin said before giving Usik his business card that had his email address. Next, Usik took a photo of it and sent it to someone, and Haejin received an email in less than a minute. ¡°Let me do it,¡± Eunhae quickly used the projector to show the photo. The painting showed a rxedndscape of a deste mountain with two cows. Haejin stared at it for some time and grinned. He then looked at Usik while saying, ¡°I can see why the appraiser couldn¡¯t give you an answer.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± Usik smiled brightly as if he had met his savior. ¡°If you had shown this to another appraiser, he or she would realize that there is something wrong, even though one can¡¯t be 100% sure,¡± Haejin said. Usik asked, ¡°It is that obvious? But why¡­¡± Haejin then continued, ¡°Why no appraiser of the Korea Appraisal Committee helped? Of course, they couldn¡¯t help. Every member of themittee knows each other. They have studied together, so it wouldn¡¯t be easy to openly point out a mistake from one of their own. Sometimes, they don¡¯t even realize there¡¯s a problem, but they often acquiesce about it.¡± Thewyer then started saying, ¡°And this time¡­¡± ¡°I can help you. Should I testify in court?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Have you really found objective evidence in this painting?¡± Usik then asked. ¡°Yes. The person who made this painting was a good artist but didn¡¯t know much about the mid-Joseon period schr noblemen. Of course, it is great news for us.¡± Chapter 176: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (5)

Chapter 176: Appraiser Talks through Appraising (5)

A week passed in a sh. Thankfully, after Dier(Father James)¡¯s visit, none of his associates showed up. Haejin had installed CCTVs around his museum in secret, so no one could spy on him without him knowing. He guessed that the Trinitatis found out about Dier¡¯s death and had decided that going after Haejin was too dangerous. In the meantime, Haejin tried to find out more about the Trinitatis and the pro-Japanese people in Korea who had tried to screw him over. He couldn¡¯t find out much about the Trinitatis, but those who had tried to fool him with Renoir¡¯s painting were already paying for it even without Haejin doing anything. They had picked the wrong target. They tried to drag the prime minister¡¯s wife into their scheme, so of course, the police and prosecutors did their best to investigate the matter. The criminals couldn¡¯t get away with it as there was plenty of evidence that proved they had brought in the two paintings from abroad. Of course, the people who had given orders to them were not investigated, but those pro-Japanese people received their warnings. ¡°You sure you can go like this?¡± Eunhae asked worriedly. Haejin was about to testify in court as an antique appraisal expert, but he hadn¡¯t prepared any document. He was just going to go empty-handed in his suit, so of course, Eunhae was worried. ¡°Everything will be revealed once I¡¯m there. Mr. Yang Usik said he will prepare things to back up my testimony,¡± Haejin then replied. ¡°Okay, just be careful. And you haven¡¯t heard about how the excavation in Gimhae is going, right?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Oh, yes. How is it going?¡± Haejin then recalled the professor who had insisted on restoring the ss vase Haejin found. After that, what he had said had already been forgotten. Currently, Haejin¡¯s museum¡¯s excavation research agency was leading the project. Eunhae answered, ¡°It is going well. More than a few artifacts imed to be valuable enough to be national treasures have been found already, so the Cultural Heritage Administration is keeping an eye on it. We are nning to show the artifacts to the public one by one once the restoration team there finishes restoring them, but you should take a look at them first, right?¡± ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be necessary. They are in good hands already,¡± Haejin replied. Many researchers, who had studied Shinra artifacts for decades, were included in the project. So, Haejin thought he would be going through unnecessary trouble if he checked the conclusion of such experts. In the end, he had excluded the pro-Japanese schrs from the excavation, so he had already gotten half of the sess. ¡°Okay, and someone is going toe tomorrow because of the return of the Henderson Collection,¡± Eunhae informed him. ¡°From Harvard University?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae then answered, ¡°Yes. I think it is about deciding which artifacts are going to be returned.¡± ¡°Tomorrow when?¡± Haejin wanted to know the time. ¡°He will arrive at Incheon Airport at around lunchtime, so how about meeting at 4 p.m.?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Okay. We can have dinner together after the meeting, and uncle Byeongguk has yed an important role in this excavation, so we should give him a bonus.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Eunhae replied. Actually, the less often you go to ces like a police station, hospital, and court, the better it is. Because of that, Haejin got slightly nervous, even though he was just going to testify as an expert about awsuit that didn¡¯t have much to do with him. He arrived at the court and called Usik who came out to meet Haejin. ¡°I¡¯m notte, right?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes. We still have half an hour.¡± On their way, Usik reminded Haejin of what he had prepared. It was to check if there were any issues, and thankfully, there weren¡¯t. 30 minutes passed soon. And¡­ ¡°Mr. Park Haejin, pleasee in.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Haejin then nervously stepped into the court. The photo of Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s painting was already on a huge TV screen. Then, after Haejin swore the witness oath, Usik asked him, ¡°Although the painting is wandering abroad, and this photo is the only evidence, you said you could appraise with it to some extent. Is that right?¡± ¡°Yes. In fact, appraisers often appraise with photos. It is not easy to carry around artifacts to have them appraised as they might be damaged,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I see. Then let me ask you the most important question first. Do you think it is real? Or do you think it is fake?¡± Usik asked. Haejin then answered, ¡°I can¡¯t imagine for this painting to be Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s.¡± Usik readjusted his sses while his eyes sparkled, ¡°Please exin why it isn¡¯t Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s.¡± Haejin pointed at the screen and started to exin, ¡°First of all, Lee Gyeongyoon was a schr-artist of the mid-Joseon period. It means he inherited the Chinese style of painting.¡± ¡°So?¡± Haejin continued, ¡°It is a shame, but at the time, most paintings were drawn to boast about one¡¯s knowledge about Confucianism or to show the noble spirit of schr-officials, except for the paintings of a few masters. So, they were all about old Chinese stories. Because of that, thendscape and animals in the paintings are quite different from thendscape and animals in Korea.¡± Usik nodded and encouraged him, ¡°I see. Please, go on.¡± ¡°The ox in the painting is a Korean ox. You can still see oxen like those in urban areas. However, Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s other paintings show different oxen. His oxen have long horns that are curved to the outside. They are the oxen of southern China,¡± Haejin concluded. ¡°Oh¡­ then this painting cannot be Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s, right?¡± Usik asked. Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes, he never painted such oxen in his other paintings.¡± ¡°Thank you. As evidence, I submit this scrapbook of Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s other paintings,¡± Usik then backed off while looking confident. The man next to him seemed to be relieved. He had to be Gang Taeju. ¡°Prosecutor, please inquire the witness,¡± the judge said. At hearing this, the prosecutor, who looked very sharp, stood up and looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes. Haejin wondered if he wanted a staring match, but soon the man¡¯s lips curled up. The prosecutor then asked, ¡°I am prosecutor U Jeongmin. Mr. Park, from what I know, you are not registered to the Korea Appraisal Committee. Is that right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Haejin confirmed. ¡°Hmm¡­ first, you said the painting couldn¡¯t bee Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s because the ox is different, but what if that day he just wanted to depict a Korean ox and did so? How can you be so sure? It¡¯s not like you have watched his entire life,¡± the prosecutor inquired. Haejin then replied, ¡°Artists of Joseon were different from modern artists who just draw whatever they wanted to depict. To them, drawing was a tool for expressing one¡¯s philosophy and reflecting on oneself. We can¡¯t say he just drew a Korean ox just because he wanted to. Additionally, there¡¯s no record of him being such a free man.¡± ¡°It makes sense, but it is all just your presumption without evidence¡­ isn¡¯t it?¡± As the prosecutor said that, he nced at the judge who showed his agreement by slightly nodding. ¡°It is possible. Although it is unlikely, it is not impossible,¡± Haejin admitted it. The prosecutor¡¯s smile got even broader, but Usik¡¯s face hardened, then he concluded, ¡°I see. That is all.¡± The prosecutor was about to return to his seat, but Haejin wasn¡¯t done talking, ¡°However, the ox isn¡¯t the only evidence in the painting.¡± There was something that Haejin hadn¡¯t told Usik. As he hasn¡¯t been able to trust anyely, he thought keeping it to himself wouldn¡¯t be a problem when it was time to testify. ¡°What? There is another evidence of it being a fake?¡± Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes. Please look at the flowing stream at the bottom of the painting. Can you see the two mandarin fishes in it?¡± Of course, everyone could see them. The two fishes were as huge as the ox¡¯s head as if the artist had wanted to clearly show their shape. Haejin continued, ¡°Additionally, in Chinese letter, mandarin fish is guol(÷Z). In Korea and China, different meanings are hidden in Chinese letters, depending on how they are pronounced. So, when there is a mandarin fish in eastern painting, it means daeguol(êI-pce). If there was just one mandarin fish, I would say Lee Gyeongyoon showed his rxed life with the strolling ox, and it expressed his desire to be an official with the swimming fish.¡± The prosecutor was thinking ¡®so what?¡¯. He wasn¡¯t even trying to hide it while saying, ¡°I see. But what is wrong with that? Lee Gyeongyoon was a member of the royal family, he wasn¡¯t close to the king. He had no power and no title. So, this painting just shows his true feelings.¡± ¡°It shows Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s feelings too well, but unfortunately, the forger knew only half of the meaning,¡± Haejin said. ¡°What?¡± Haejin exined, ¡°As I just said, I would have interpreted it like that if there had been just one mandarin fish. However, there are two fishes in the painting. Two mandarin fishes mean two guols. It means rebellion.¡± At that moment, a chill filled the court. At the time, the rebellion was the biggest crime. The penalty for it was a massacre of three families: one¡¯s father¡¯s family, one¡¯s mother¡¯s family, and one¡¯s wife¡¯s family. Everyone in the room was surprised, including the judge. ¡°Aren¡¯t you exaggerating by saying that two fishes mean rebellion?¡± The prosecutor asked. Haejin then continued, ¡°You must understand the meaning behind an eastern painting in order to enjoy it well, not its shape. It is because unlike in the west, schrs made paintings in the east and they enjoyed expressing themselves through paintings. They thought it was vulgar to express or depict directly, so interpreting that meaning now is of course hard for us. Anyway, as you said, Lee Gyeongyoon was a member of the royal family, although he was a little far from the king. And such a man showed the desire to revolt in his painting? He couldn¡¯t have done that unless he wanted to die.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ but¡­¡± the prosecutor looked like he wanted to insist the artist had drawn two fishes just because he wanted to do so. Haejin, however, smiled and interrupted him, ¡°This is not like the breed of the ox. If this court concludes the painting is Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s, the descendants of the royal family will immediately sue you. Saying he had the desire to take the throne is dishonoring the dead man.¡± The tide had been turned now. Even though the real painting was gone, Haejin had proved it couldn¡¯t be Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s only with its content. However, the prosecutor couldn¡¯t be defeated like that. He pointed out at Haejin¡¯s career, ¡°Okay, but I do have a question. You haven¡¯t finished university and are not even 30 yet. How can your appraisal be trusted? He hasn¡¯t even registered to Korea Appraisal Committee. I wonder if he is really well-trained to be present in court.¡± He had done some research about Haejin. Haejin then answered, ¡°I never registered to themittee because I thought I was a much better appraiser than its members.¡± The prosecutor raised his voice, ¡°You are way too confident. I can¡¯t help but question what you just said!¡± ¡°Really? Then how about this? I¡¯ve been proven by others,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Proven by whom?¡± The prosecutor asked. Usik stood up and came to the front with documents, ¡°Mr. Park Haejin is working as the chief appraiser for the Arab Emirate¡¯s Abu Dhabi Royal Family, special appraiser of Italy¡¯s Medici Family, and outer appraisal member of the British Appraisal Committee. These are the certificates sent from them through fax. I submit them as evidence of Mr. Park¡¯s appraisal abilities.¡± The prosecutor¡¯s face was distorted with anger. Chapter 177: Inheritance Left by the Parents (1)

Chapter 177: Inheritance Left by the Parents (1)

Actually, the royal family from Abu Dhabi had asked Haejin to be their chief appraiser more than once, so getting proof from them wasn¡¯t hard at all. Haejin, however, thought that it was not enough, so he also asked the Medici and Albert Harrington of Ennd. They were d to officially appoint Haejin as their appraiser. They even said that it was wrong for them to ask for his help without giving him such a title. The Medici then officially invited him to Italy. Haejin had to promise to visit as soon as he could because of how eager they were on having him back. The judge read those documents and looked at Haejin, ¡°But you are quite young, are these certificates all true?¡± ¡°Yes. there is no reason for me to tell lies that can be revealed so easily. And it¡¯s not even my trial, I just came here to testify as an expert,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see,¡± the judge nodded and seemed to ept it. The prosecutor then argued again, ¡°However, the documents only prove the witness is well-acquainted in western art. As he said himself, eastern art and western art is different, and there is no proof of his abilities about eastern art. Therefore, he cannot be trusted with this matter.¡± The judge couldn¡¯t just ignore that, so he turned back to Haejin, ¡°I see that you are a very capable appraiser, but the court must consider objectivity. Has any institution acknowledged your skills about the appraisal of eastern art?¡± Haejin stiffened his head and replied, ¡°Not exactly¡­¡± The prosecutor took his chance, ¡°See? He cannot be trusted when ites to eastern art¡­¡± However, the old judge raised his hand to stop him, ¡°We will listen to the witness first.¡± Actually, Haejin wondered if he had to do that much for a trial that didn¡¯t concern him, but he had to prove wrong as wrong. Haejin then said, ¡°The police in China has asked me for help a few times. Of course, it wasn¡¯t officially¡­¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you just saying that? There is no record to prove it¡­¡± the prosecutor replied. Haejin, however, continued, ¡°Oh, but the prosecutors must have some records. Where was it? Yes, the prosecutors¡¯ office in eastern Seoul. Prosecutor Ha Yeonsu has asked for my help. I guess she must have kept some records.¡± The prosecutor was puzzled. He started hesitating, but then, he put his sharp face right in front of Haejin and asked, ¡°Why would the police in China ask for your help when there are so many other appraisers?¡± ¡°I told you. I am the best appraiser in this country, although you are clearly thinking that it¡¯s nonsense. If Vice Chairman Lim Sungjun of Hwajin gets an important antique to be appraised, he would call me, not the members of the Korea Appraisal Committee,¡± Haejin replied. At the mention of Lim Sungjun, the prosecutor couldn¡¯t argue anymore and started to hesitate even more. However, he couldn¡¯t go back now: he had humiliated himself too much. ¡°Prosecutor, please return to your seat if you have no more question,¡± at the judge¡¯s order, he returned to his seat while acting as if he didn¡¯t like it. Haejin left the court after he finished testifying. He was on his way back to the museum when Usik sent him a text to let him know that he had won the case. Usik then said that his client had offered to buy Haejin dinner to thank him, but Haejin refused. He had no time to dine like that. ¡°But you should have had dinner with them,¡± Eunhae smiled, but she didn¡¯t mean that Haejin had to go for the meal. She meant he should go to have a breath of fresh air. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± Haejin replied. Eunhae then tried to convince him again, ¡°But you keeping here these days even though there¡¯s nothing much to do. There¡¯s nothing to restore, and the entire restoration team is at Gimhae¡­¡± ¡°But what if something bad happens when I¡¯m not around? Oh, and what about the cat?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae smiled brightly at the mention of the cat, ¡°He is healing very fast. I think we would be able to let him stay here again from tomorrow. Oh, and I¡¯ve given him a name. Bambi. How is that name? Isn¡¯t it pretty?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s not bad,¡± Haejin answered. Eunhaemented, ¡°I guess you don¡¯t like cats as much.¡± Haejin admitted it, ¡°At least I¡¯ve grown fond of themtely. I¡¯ve never been an animal lover. Anyway, I¡¯m d to hear it¡¯s healing fast.¡± If that brave cat with the mysterious power protected the museum, Haejin wouldn¡¯t have to go to the museum every day. That same evening, two unexpected news surprised Insadong. First, a few appraisers of the Korea Appraisal Committee had been involved in fraud, and second, an appraiser who wasn¡¯t a member of themittee had been acknowledged as the best appraiser in Korea. The news of thewsuit about Lee Gyeongyoon¡¯s painting even appeared on TV. People were surprised to find out the appraiser who had solved the matter in minutes was in his 20s. Haejin was also surprised to see himself in the 9 p.m. news. Haejin, however, didn¡¯t think much of the it. But the next day, additional reports about him being the actual owner of the Park Haejin Art Museum, which had in the newstely, came out. Eventually, starting from the day after that, all kinds of people came to Haejin¡¯s museum to ask him to appraise their artifacts. Until now, only a few people who heard about him hade, but now, people came from all the regions in Korea. ¡°It¡¯s not like I can refuse them, but¡­¡± Haejin was enjoying a coffee break with Eunhae during lunchtime. After 1 p.m., he had to face dozens of artifacts waiting for him in his appraisal room again. ¡°But I¡¯ve spent a lot of money on your appraisal room because you wanted it. You should make use of it,¡± Eunhae encouraged him. ¡°Yes, but there are too many clients,¡± Haejinined. Eunhae then said, ¡°It¡¯s strange though. Almost all of them ept your fee, even if it is so high.¡± ¡°That¡¯s probably because you¡¯ve already told them about it,¡± Haejin guessed. The appraisal fee was expensive not just because it was 1% of the appraised price, but also because he charged that much considering the real artifact even if it was fake. When people started toe, Eunhae announced Haejin¡¯s fee on the news reports and articles. She also stressed that he was way too expensivepared to the other appraisers. If she hadn¡¯t done that, there would have been a long line of clients in front of the museum. ¡°Has there been any impressive artifact before lunch?¡± Eunhae asked. Haejin then replied, ¡°Not really¡­ but what did the men from Harvard say?¡± Yesterday, Eunhae had met the men from Harvard University¡¯s museum to discuss the return of the Henderson Collection, but Haejin hadn¡¯t gone there on purpose. He wanted to hear through Eunhae what they were nning to give first. Eunhae exined, ¡°First, they were affirmative about returning the Gaya porcin and cdon bottle.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Haejin was surprised. Those two artifacts had a high historical value. Haejin had to get them back no matter what, but at the same time, he hadn¡¯t thought Harvard would give them up so easily. Additionally, they were offering to give them, so Haejin got suspicious. ¡°Yes. I even asked them for photos just in case, and they really were the artifacts we want,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Hmm¡­ but why would they just give them?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae smiled bitterly, ¡°Of course, they wouldn¡¯t¡­ they said they would return the Henderson Collection gradually.¡± ¡°Gradually? What, so they will return a few artifacts every time we give them what they want? Is that what they suggested?¡± Haejin was confused. Eunhae continued, ¡°Yes. They first said they wanted to lease the artifacts to our museum. As the Henderson Collection has great historical value, they would be losing some important artifacts to show their students, so they want our help with it.¡± That wasn¡¯t a bad condition. Even though Haejin¡¯s museum had been established recently, it had hundreds of porcins recovered from the West Sea. There were also artifacts Haejin had brought from abroad, and the museum also had the rights to keep the artifacts from the site at Gimhae which Haejin¡¯s team was now excavating. There were at least hundreds of artifacts in that tomb, so Haejin had been thinking about moving his museum to a bigger building. Plus, the exhibition of the leased artifacts from the Louvre Abu Dhabi was about to start next month, so the museum was getting even more crowded. Therefore, Haejin even thanked Harvard for asking to lease the artifacts. ¡°That isn¡¯t bad. But there¡¯s more, right?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae confirmed, ¡°Yes, that is just the first condition. The second one is tricky. They want a long-term lease contract instead of just returning the Korean artifacts.¡± ¡°Long-term lease?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae then exined, ¡°They said we could agree on a 20-year lease deal and extend the deal again and again.¡± ¡°Absolutely not! That isn¡¯t returning. Who knows what would happen in the meantime? They will add all kinds of terms on the contract and try to think of ways to get them back. That¡¯s not possible,¡± Haejin replied. Eunhae then continued to exin, ¡°That¡¯s what I told them. We argued about that for some time, but when I made it clear we couldn¡¯t ept that, they offered different terms. They want you to find them some artifacts they can be proud of.¡± ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Harvard University¡¯s museum has thousands of records and artifacts which value isn¡¯t known yet. However, they are being neglected because they don¡¯t have any expert good enough to appraise them all. They said they would return the Gaya porcin and the cdon if you go there and find artifacts as good as those,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Huh¡­¡± That must have been what they were after in the first ce. Eunhae thenmented, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about that before, too, that there were a number of books and artifacts that are not exhibited in the Harvard museum¡­ but I never imagined they would let you handle it. What should I do?¡± Haejin replied, ¡°Tell them yes, of course. I should give money if they ask for it, but now I have a chance to pay them withbor, so I should take it. However, you should negotiate as best as you can, like about how many artifacts I should find and how valuable they must be. You know what I mean, right?¡± Because of this matter, it was giving Eunhae a headache. Now that it was solved, Eunhae could now smile in relief, ¡°Of course, don¡¯t worry about it. Oh, it¡¯s 1 o¡¯clock already. See youter.¡± The lunchtime was way too short. Haejin wondered if he should extend it to 1:30 tomorrow while he went into his appraisal room. A teenage girl was waiting there. ¡°Hello. I am Park Saebom, sophomore of Haegwang High School.¡± She had big eyes and her sses were even bigger. The girl was both calm and polite. Haejin could see that she had been educated well. ¡°Oh, okay. Do you have something to be appraised?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes¡­¡± Saebom replied. ¡°Then let¡¯s take a look at it first, shall we?¡± ¡°Okay, it¡¯s here,¡± Saebom then took out a rolled painting from a long painting container. Haejin took the painting and carefully unrolled it on the table in the middle. He fixed the upper part while slowly unrolling it, and then fixed the bottom. It was an eastern painting made with extraordinary skills. It was the painting of a master who had his own style he himself created instead of just following the Chinese style. ¡°Do you want me to appraise this? Where did you get this?¡± To Haejin, a high school student was still a child. And as antique deals almost always involved huge money, appraising without verifying the artifact¡¯s source could bring troubles that could be hard to handle. So, Haejin usually had any minor clientse with a guardian or parent. ¡°It¡¯s a family treasure, it has been in my family for generations¡­¡± Saebom replied. ¡°However, why do you want to have a family treasure appraised? Where are your parents?¡± Haejin asked. Saebom looked down while a tear dropped from her eyes, ¡°They passed away.¡± ¡°And this is¡­¡± Saebom continued, ¡°They left some debt¡­ and the creditors told me they will take a million won off the debt for this painting¡­¡± Chapter 178: Inheritance Left by the Parents (2)

Chapter 178: Inheritance Left by the Parents (2)

They thought this painting was only worth a million won? It was ridiculous, but actually, they probably didn¡¯t know the true value of this painting. It had no writing and no signature. Determining who the artist was only with the painting itself is the hardest type of appraisal, so probably only a few could recognize the painting¡¯s true value. ¡°How big is your debt?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°What?¡± Saebom looked at Haejin with her wide eyes. ¡°How big is that debt for them to try to take the family treasure?¡± Haejin asked again. ¡°¡­ my uncle told me it was over a billion won,¡± the girl replied. ¡°Hu¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help sighing. Saebom had a huge debt, and her parents, who were supposed to protect her, were gone. It couldn¡¯t have been easy. At least Haejin had had his father. Saebom was now an orphan and had a big debt. She could never get a decent life again. ¡°Please, wait,¡± Haejin then called Eunhae who was in her office. She was surprised to be called so suddenly. When she came, Haejin exined what Saebom had told him. ¡°Please get her awyer first. She has no one to rely on, and it can be really dangerous if bad people approach her,¡± Haejin told her. ¡°Of course,¡± Eunhae also felt sorry for Saebom. She took Saebom¡¯s hand while saying, ¡°I will introduce you to thewyer of this museum. He is good at his job, so he will help you to find out if the debt has been calcted properly and exactly how much of it you are supposed to pay.¡± Saebom¡¯s eyes filled up with tears at this, ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± Haejin then exined to her about the painting, ¡°And as for the painting, it was made by Sim Sajeong. He is one of the famous artists of the Joseon period, but unfortunately, his paintings are not sold at a high price in the Korean art market. There are not that many paintings from the Joseon period that are worth more than a billion.¡± Most people consider the Three Wons and the Three Jaes as the greatest artists of theter Joseon period. The Three Wons are Danwon Kim Hongdo, Hyaewon Shin Yoonbok, and Owon Jang Seungeuop. The Three Jaes are Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, Gwanajae Jo Yeongseok, and Hyeonjae Sim Sajeong. (Whates in front of the artists¡¯ names is their art names or ¡®ho¡¯, which are professional names used by East Asian artists.) The main three art styles that were popr in the 18th century are Jingyeongsansuhwa (realistic Joseonndscape painting), Pungsokhwa (genre painting), and Namjeonghwa (ink-and-wash paintings with light colors made by wise schrs. It was generally warm and simple but had deep philosophy.) Jeong Seon established Jingyeongsansuhwa. Pungsokhwa was made by Jo Yeongseok, and Namjeonghwa, which used to be the Chinese style of painting, was localized by Sim Sajeong. Now, Kim Hongdo and Shin Yoongok are thought to be the best artists of Joseon, but at the time, Sim Sajeong was as famed as Jeong Seon. Kim Josun, a schr of thete Joseon period, even said, ¡®Gyeomjyae(Jeong Seon)¡¯s paintings became even more mysterious in hister years, and his name was equal with that of Hyeonjae(Sim Sajeong)¡¯s. Although the world calls them Gyeomhyeon (The Two Hyeons), his artistry is not as good as Hyeonjae¡¯s.¡¯ ¡°But it is worth more than a million won, right?¡± Saebom asked. Haejin replied, ¡°Of course. If you want to sell this, there are two ways. You can either put it on auction or sell it to this museum.¡± Saebom then looked at Eunhae in surprise, she didn¡¯t know if Haejin could make that decision. ¡°He manages the purchase of artifacts, too. If he says we are buying it, we are,¡± Eunhae smiled. Saebom nodded to Haejin, ¡°Okay, please buy it.¡± ¡°Oh, but you must hear the rest of it. If you put it on auction, you will be able to get about 300~500 million won. That¡¯s the reasonable price for it I think. But instead, you must pay at least 7~10% of the money to the auction agency as a fee,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Wow¡­ then if I get to sell it at 500 million, I should give at least 35 million won as the fee?¡± Saebom asked. Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes, but if you sell it to us, we will give you 500 million won.¡± It was the highest reasonable price he could pay for the painting. Although he pitied Saebom, he thought he couldn¡¯t give her more than the value of the painting. It wasn¡¯t like he would buy it with his own money. He would be spending the museum¡¯s fund, so paying more just because Saebom was poor would be neglecting his duties. However, he wasn¡¯t sure about whether any auction agency would be capable of appraising the painting properly if Saebom put it on auction. Haejin was sure that it was Sim Sajeong¡¯s, but it had no writing and no signature. Would auctions agencies like Korea Auction acknowledge it as Sim Sajeong¡¯s? Haejin didn¡¯t know. ¡°Wow¡­ really?¡± Saebom asked. Haejin then replied, ¡°For now, you should take the painting and think about it. When you decide to sell the painting, bring it back again, okay?¡± Saebom hesitated, but soon she thanked Haejin, ¡°Thank you, thank you so much.¡± As she went out, her hand was tightly holding thewyer¡¯s business card which Eunhae had given her. After she left, Eunhae looked at Haejin full of questions. She asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t 500 million for that painting too expensive?¡± Haejin then exined, ¡°No, that¡¯s how much Sim Sajeong¡¯s paintings are worth now. Plus, it is slightly different from his other paintings, even though it has no writing and no signature. That¡¯s why I offered a higher price.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay, I guess you are right. Anyway, I feel so sorry for her. She is still young¡­ she might end up somewhere bad if things go wrong. She will face even more danger because she is pretty,¡± Eunhae then said. Haejin replied, ¡°But we¡¯ve found her awyer, so they will take care of it well. Plus, she said the debt was a billion, but that painting alone was worth half a billion. She must have more of them.¡± Usually, families that have antiques as their family treasure, they have more than just one. Having an antique family treasure means there was an ancestor who had discerning eyes, and it means in most cases, there are two or three good artifacts. So, Haejin was sure there were at least a few valuable antiques in Saebom¡¯s home, even though they might not be worth as much as the painting. However, after a few days, he found that things were going in an unexpected direction. Saebom came again, but she looked worried, and she was with a man in his 30s. He was wearing a neat suit and seemed smart. ¡°He is¡­¡± Saebom, exined, ¡°My uncle. He works at Hwajin Electronics. This is Mr. Park Haejin. He appraised our painting.¡± He was also the employee of a goodpany. Haejin could see that Saebom relied on him even more because of it. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Gang Manseok,¡± he extended his hand but, but at the same time, he looked somewhat irritated. Haejin shook hands with him and then brought them to seat at the corner of his appraisal room. ¡°Please, sit down.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I must leave immediately,¡± Manseok replied. ¡°What?¡± Haejin asked. Manseok then continued, ¡°I heard you told my niece to sell the painting?¡± ¡°Yes, I did¡­¡± Manseok shrugged as if he didn¡¯t like it, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we will sell it on our own. It would be better to make peoplepete through the auction than selling it right away.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Okay, then,¡± Haejin replied. However, Manseok was surprised. He didn¡¯t expect for Haejin to give up so easily. ¡°Would that be really okay? Haha, I was a little worried that you might insist on selling it to you,¡± Manseok said with his irritation now gone. Haejin exined himself, ¡°I would buy it if I can get it at a reasonable price, but it doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t want to sell it to me.¡± ¡°However, you must know how people are these days. There are so many people trying to fool and rip off innocent children,¡± Manseok replied. It sounded as if he thought Haejin was one of those frauds. Haejin didn¡¯t like it, but Saebom poked at her uncle¡¯s side. She then apologized to Haejin, and his offended feelings melted right away. ¡°You are right,¡± Haejin then agreed with Manseok. ¡°And as for the fee¡­ as you know, Saebom has huge debt¡­ could you be generous and lower the fee just this once?¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Haejin didn¡¯t like to be asked for a discount of the appraisal fee when he wasn¡¯t even selling the painting, but he decided to ept it just for the poor Saebom. ¡°Haha, thank you.¡± Haejin then warned him, ¡°But you must know that you might get less than the price I offered even if you put it on auction.¡± However, Manseok didn¡¯t take it seriously, ¡°Well, I guess so.¡± ¡°Additionally, if the auction agency¡¯s appraisal is different from mine, I might not be able to buy the painting for the price I offered before as there can be a legal dispute,¡± Haejin continued to exin. If Korea Auction appraised it as someone else¡¯s painting, although Haejin had appraised it as Sim Sajeong, its value will still drop greatly. Basically, it is the difference between a painting from Sim Sajeong and a painting that is assumed to be Sim Sajeong¡¯s. If the painting was in the middle of a controversy, Haejin wouldn¡¯t have any reason to buy it at 500 million, even if it was Sim Sajeong¡¯s. It might look cold, as the change was not about the painting but the people¡¯s perception about it, but that¡¯s how things work with antiques. Buying antiques well is very important but selling them is just as important. The best way to sell an antique is to sell it to someone who can truly appreciate its true value. On the other hand, putting it on auction is always the second best method. However, Manseok didn¡¯t take it that way. Haejin didn¡¯t know if the man just didn¡¯t like his advice or just thought he was trying to make him sell the painting, but still, Manseok frowned while saying, ¡°I think you are getting a little childish.¡± ¡°What? Childish?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°If you keep insisting like that, I have no choice but to doubt your good will,¡± Manseok was now using Haejin. Saebom quickly grabbed his sleeve and said, ¡°Uncle! Please don¡¯t say that.¡± ¡°You know nothing. I will take care of it, so be quiet!¡± Manseok shook off Saebom¡¯s arm and raised his voice, ¡°I know people like you very well. You try to take more profit than you should with the knowledge others don¡¯t have¡­ but you were wrong about me. Saebom might be na?ve to be tricked by you, but I¡¯m not.¡± Haejin was shocked, but he still pitied Saebom as she was about to cry now. So, he justughed while raising his hands to surrender, ¡°Oh, okay, fine. Take the painting and sell it at a high price.¡± Manseok¡¯s lips curled up. It was the smile of victory. Saebom kept apologizing instead, but Manseok dragged her out. Seeing them leave, Eunhae then exploded in anger, ¡°Ah! I would have made him regret being born if it hadn¡¯t been for his nice niece! Who did he think he was talking to? Oh!¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, there¡¯s no need to be angry,¡± Haejin replied. Eunhae then continued, ¡°But don¡¯t you feel offended? We wanted to be nice and help them, and all we got in return was usation! He really should pay for ignoring other¡¯s goodwill.¡± ¡°He will, even if you don¡¯t make it happen,¡± Haejin calmly spoke. Eunhae brightened up at this, ¡°Like the warning you gave him?¡± Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes. There isn¡¯t enough evidence for it to be considered Sim Sajeon¡¯s painting. I can be sure of it, but would the appraisers in Korea Auction be able to appraise it? They will probably say that it is from an unknown artist.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I feel good about it, but I also feel sorry for Saebom¡­ oh, that idiot!¡± Eunhaeined. Haejin agreed, ¡°That¡¯s how life is. A family is not always helpful.¡± Even though he felt bitter about it, he could do nothing. And a few dayster, it turned out that he hadn¡¯t been wrong. ¡°Oppa, that Gang Manseok came again.¡± Chapter 179: Inheritance Left by the Parents (3)

Chapter 179: Inheritance Left by the Parents (3)

Haejin was expecting that Manseok woulde back, but he came much sooner than he thought. ¡°He came with Saebom?¡± Haejin then asked. Eunhae replied, ¡°Yes, poor girl, she has lost weight in just a few days. I feel so sorry for her¡­¡± ¡°Tell them to wait. I must meet the people who came first.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Manseok and Saebom, who arrived in the morning, were finally received by Haejin long after lunchtime. Previously, Manseok seemed confident and looked down on Haejin, but today, he waspletely different. ¡°Good afternoon, sir,¡± Manseok bowed down deeply as if he was meeting an important client. ¡°You came again. Last time, you spoke as if you would nevere near here,¡± Haejin said bluntly. Manseok could only smile sheepishly, ¡°Haha, but I was going toe back soon. How have you been?¡± ¡°Well, yes¡­ and how have you been?¡± Haejin turned to Saebom. ¡°I¡¯ve been fine,¡± the teenage girl replied. Eunhae was right: Saebom had gone through a lot during thest few days. Her cheeks were sunken, and her shoulders were slumped. Haejin found her pitiful and asked, ¡°Is thewyer helping you a lot?¡± ¡°Yes, he is so nice to me. He has taken care of the debts I don¡¯t have to pay¡­ uncle told me he works at a very expensivew firm. Thank you so much,¡± Saebom replied. ¡°You¡¯re wee¡­ well, which auction agencies have you visited?¡± Haejin then asked. Saebom looked at her uncle which meant he should answer the question. ¡°Khmm¡­ three ces. Korea Auction, Nara Auction, and Asia Auction.¡± He had visited many agencies in just a few days. As it takes time to appraise an artifact, he must have immediately moved to the next agency as soon as one agency was done with it. Of course, he couldn¡¯t have had it analyzed with scientific methods, but there wasn¡¯t a single auction agency that would spend so much time and money on appraising a single painting. ¡°Those three are the biggest auction agencies in this country, so you¡¯ve been to everywhere you can turn to,¡± Haejinmented. There were a few other private auction houses, but Manseok would lose even more if he went to such ces. He was not someone knowledgeable about antiques and auction. In conclusion, the fact that he hade back after going to the three auction agencies meant none of them had concluded the painting as Sim Sajeong¡¯s. ¡°We haven¡¯t been to Christie¡¯s and Sotheby¡¯s, so we¡¯re thinking about going there, too,¡± Manseok then said. However, that was just nonsense. ¡°Haha, really? Then why don¡¯t you go to those agencies?¡± Haejin asked. Christie¡¯s and Sotheby¡¯s have no branches in Korea, so Manseok had to go abroad. However, that would mean breaking thew on the protection of artifacts. He was bluffing in front of a real expert¡­ it was so ridiculous that Haejin couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°But I thought it would be better to talk to someone we already know,¡± Manseok seemed to realize he had made a mistake and stopped mentioning Sotheby¡¯s or Christie¡¯s. ¡°Okay. Enough with the useless talks. Why have youe?¡± Haejin crossed his arms, showing he was willing to hear him out. Manseok cleared his throat, ¡°We are thinking of selling the painting at the price you offered us before.¡± ¡°Really? A moment, please,¡± Haejin said before calling a staff member of the museum. Soon, an employee knocked on the door and came in. Then, she asked, ¡°You wanted to see me, sir?¡± ¡°Yes, please find out how much is the appraised price of this painting. Korea Auction must have records of a recent appraisal. They will tell you if you call and ask,¡± Haejin told her while pointing at the painting on the table. The staff nodded, ¡°Yes, sir.¡± After she left, Manseok nervously asked, ¡°But¡­ what about buying at the price you offered before¡­¡± ¡°As I told you back then, the price has to be changed when we are buying a painting that has been appraised by another institution based on apletely different appraisal. I¡¯ve already warned you about it,¡± Haejin exined. Manseok bit his lips and protested, ¡°But I don¡¯t understand, it is still the same painting even if it gets a little controversial.¡± Haejin waved his hand while taking a serious stance, ¡°That is not what I am talking about. I am not buying it as an individual. This museum is buying it. It will be exhibited here soon if we buy it, and what should we tell people about the artist?¡± Then Manseok said, ¡°But you said it was Sim Sajeong¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Yes, and we will disy it as his painting. However, what would happen then? The other institutions that have appraised this painting would say it isn¡¯t Sim Sajeong¡¯s. I would then have to go through the legal procedure to prove that it is Sim Sajeong¡¯s. How much time, effort, and money would I have to spend on it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°¡­¡± Manseok couldn¡¯t say anything. Haejin then continued, ¡°Did you think the warning I gave you the other day was just a scheme to buy the painting at a low price? If it had been what I wanted, I wouldn¡¯t have told Saebom that the painting was from Sim Sajeong in the first ce. I could have just bought it, exhibited it as an unknown artist for a few years, and announce it as Sim Sajeong¡¯ster, saying I¡¯ve found evidence. Am I wrong?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Manseok¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment. Then, the staff came back and reported to Haejin, ¡°Korea Auction has appraised it to be worth 4.3 million won, and it is by an unknown artist.¡± ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± After she left again, the mood got even heavier. 500 million and 4.3 million. The difference was way too big. ¡°If the appraised price is 4.3 million, it won¡¯t be sold at over ten million on auction, even if you get extremely lucky, right?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Manseok probably didn¡¯t know if that was how auction worked or not. He worked at an electronicspany. He was good at his job, but what could he know about antiques and auctions? Haejin then said, ¡°No one in this country would pay more than ten million for this painting, so it is hard for us to give you 500 million for it. You must see it by now, right?¡± ¡°Hu¡­ yes,¡± Manseok realized things were not going as he had wanted. At least he gave up sooner than Haejin had thought. ¡°We will buy it at 300 million. Will you ept the price?¡± Haejin offered 300 million for Saebom. He thought it would be nice to buy a painting that was worth 500 million at 300 million, considering the expense for a legal dispute. Of course, he could have bought it at an even lower price, but he didn¡¯t want to do that for an artifact that belonged to a child who had just lost her parents. ¡°Hu¡­¡± Manseok turned to Saebom. He looked ashamed. His foolishness had cost them 200 million won, so of course, he felt sorry to her niece. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Saebom smiled but Haejin pitied her. He wondered if he had to do that and if he really couldn¡¯t buy it at 500 million. Manseok made him want to pay even less, but the poor Saebom had done nothing wrong. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay then. And as for the money, I will ask thewyer if it should be sent to Saebom¡¯s ount or given to the creditors and do as he says.¡± ¡°Okay, thank you,¡± Saebom must have been disappointed, but she never showed it, even though her uncle was pouting with anger. After they left, Haejin had a break. Then, Eunhae came in. In her hands were the documents she had received through the fax. She then said, ¡°I just talked to Saebom¡¯swyer. It turned out her debt wasn¡¯t that big. Her father used to do business and got an illegal loan. However, as the interest is too big, Saebom will only have to pay the principal. She got lucky. The creditors were not careful and left a lot of evidence probably because Saebom was young.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. Then how much does she have to pay back?¡± Haejin curiously asked. ¡°The total amount of debts is about 700 million won, and there are about 30 million won of the illegal loan,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Then it wouldn¡¯t be a big problem if she takes care of it with the money she will get for the painting,¡± Haejinmented. Eunhae then exined, ¡°That¡¯s not the case. Her home is the coteral, so it can be put under provisional attachment.¡± ¡°Then she¡¯s about to lose her home?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Eunhae confirmed. ¡°Oh¡­ what should I do? Just buy it at 500 million?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what to do. Eunhae replied, ¡°But you said you didn¡¯t want it¡­¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s the museum¡¯s fund,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Then let¡¯s watch how it goes for now. Thewyer might be able to find out more things.¡± They concluded the matter like that for now. Then, the next client came in. ¡°Hello. It¡¯s been some time, right?¡± The woman with a warm smile was Executive Director Do Eunchae of Ps Hotel. ¡°Yes. How have you been?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I¡¯m fine, as always. However, you¡¯ve be so famous that getting your appraisal is so hard now.¡± ¡°Haha, really? What do you want to have appraised today?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I happened to get a painting, and I want to have it appraised properly¡­ oh, what is this painting?¡± Eunchae¡¯s eyes sparkled as she pointed at the painting on the table. Although it didn¡¯t have any writing or signature, it had Sim Sajeong¡¯s skills. It was enough to catch people¡¯s eyes. ¡°This one? This is Hyeonjae Sim Sajeong¡¯s,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Sim Sajeong?¡± Eunchae slightly tilted her head. It meant she didn¡¯t know the name and wanted an exnation. ¡°He is one of the greatest artists of Joseon, the Three Wons and the Three Jaes,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Usually, people would pretend to know something even when they don¡¯t because they don¡¯t like admitting their ownck of knowledge, but Eunchae didn¡¯t mind it. Haejin liked her for that reason. It would be strange to know everything unless one majored in art history. ¡°Anyway, let me take a look at your painting,¡± Haejin then carefully removed the painting on the table and took Eunchae¡¯s painting from her. ¡°Then I should go for now¡­¡± Eunhae, seeing that there was nothing to do for her, smiled and left. Meanwhile, Haejin focused on the painting and after a while said, ¡°It¡¯s a Muninhwa. Of peonies¡­¡± It was a painting about peonies, and the signature said Sochi Heo Ryeon. Heo Ryeon was master of Muninhwa(schr¡¯s painting). Eunchae must have paid a lot for his painting. ¡°Please take a look at it. Now I cannot trust the appraisal from other people.¡± It made Haejin look back on when he had first started working as an appraiser. He felt slightly embarrassed, but also proud of himself. He examined the painting for some time and asked, clearly feeling sorry, ¡°How much have you paid for it?¡± Eunchae felt his tone was grave, and she worriedly asked, ¡°Why? Is there something wrong with it?¡± ¡°Um¡­ it¡¯s not Heo Ryeon¡¯s,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°What? No way¡­ I bought this from Maeokdang Yu Hanwol.¡± Haejin thought about that name for some time, then he realized there wasn¡¯t such an artist. He then asked, ¡°Who is he?¡± ¡°Maeokdang Yu Hanwol, he is very famous for his peonies paintings¡­ I even took his painting lessons briefly. But how can it be fake?¡± It turned out Yu Hanwol wasn¡¯t a man from an old period. Instead, he was an artist of the current times. Eunchae hadn¡¯te to find out if her painting was real. She hade to know how much it was worth. Therefore, she was surprised to hear that it was fake. ¡°But at how much have you bought it?¡± Haejin asked again. ¡°I paid 70 million won for it!¡± Eunchae hadn¡¯t even imagined that it could be fake, and tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°I understand that you are shocked, but I cannot imagine for this to be Heo Ryeon¡¯s. Why didn¡¯t you ask me before you bought it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°But I cannot consult you every time I buy a painting! What should I do now¡­¡± Haejin then said, ¡°You should get a refund first. Your husband will be mad again if he finds out about this.¡± ¡°Huh! But he doesn¡¯t know a thing about antiques¡­ anyway, please help me get a refund on this. Give me a certificate that says this is fake, okay?¡± ¡°Of course. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡± Eunchae paid the fee, got the certificate, and hurried to leave. Haejin thought she would get that refund without a problem since she held a high social status. But the next day, to his surprise, Saebom and Eunchae came looking for him together. Chapter 180: Inheritance Left by the Parents (4)

Chapter 180: Inheritance Left by the Parents (4)

When Haejin arrived at his museum, he was very much surprised to see the two clients waiting for him there. He asked, ¡°Why have youe? It¡¯s Saturday. I could have not been here.¡± Saebom looked down and fidgeted with her fingers while saying, ¡°I just thought you might be here¡­¡± Haejin then turned to Eunchae. She waved her hand and spoke as if it was nothing, ¡°I was going to call you if you were not here. I know your phone number.¡± Haejin recalled giving her his business card, ¡°I see. Please,e in.¡± The museum looked mostly the same as yesterday even if it was Saturday. It was because Haejin opened it on Saturdays for students, but not all the employees came to work, of course. Everyone enjoyed the weekends except for the researchers and staff members who had to be around. Both Haejin and Eunhae usually didn¡¯t work on weekends, but they came today because they were worried about the members of the Trinitatis showing up again. Haejin went into his appraisal room, thinking Saebom and Eunchae woulde in one by one. But to his surprise, they came in together. They must have had a conversation while they waited for Haejin as Eunchae¡¯s hand was now on Saebom¡¯s shoulder. It looked like Saebom had told Eunchae about her misfortunes. However, they hade forpletely different reasons. ¡°I, um, this is¡­¡± Saebom took out a painting from the painting container. This time, her uncle wasn¡¯t with her. There had to be a reason for that, but Haejin didn¡¯t ask. He just guessed she must have brought another painting, and he was right. Although the painting¡¯s height was short, its width was very long. Saebom couldn¡¯t fully unroll it on the table. She then looked at Haejin who said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Just leave it there.¡± Eunchae, whose face was turning red by the minute, then started to protest about what happened to her in anger, ¡°Oh, I went to Yu Hanwol and told him about your appraisal. I thought he would say he had made a mistake and give me a refund! But, oh my¡­ I thought he was a good man, but how could he be so shameless? He said he couldn¡¯t give me a refund because your appraisal was wrong.¡± She was now fuming with her usual calmness was gone. And in the end, the reason for all her anger could just refer to herst sentence. However, Haejin couldn¡¯t really understand that Yu Hanwol. It wasn¡¯t like he looked down on housewives, but Eunchae wasn¡¯t an ordinary housewife. She was the executive director of a five-star hotel. Offending such a person couldn¡¯t be good. Even supermarkets give a refund when customers insist on it. Haejin hadn¡¯t imagined he would refuse to give Eunchae¡¯s money back when she even had a certificate. ¡°Let¡¯s do it one by one. Who came first?¡± Haejin asked. Eunchae then lightly pushed Saebom, ¡°Please take a look at her painting first. I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°No, you should go first. You came first,¡± the girl, instead, replied. Haejin could see that the nice battle could take quite some time. So, he gestured to Eunchae, ¡°Mrs. Eunchae, you came first, so let me take care of your matter first. Um¡­¡± Then, Eunhae ran into the room while saying, ¡°Oppa! I¡­ oh, I¡¯m sorry. Mrs. Eunchae, I didn¡¯t know you were here.¡± Eunhae froze when she suddenly saw that they had clients. Eunchae, however, smiled yfully, ¡°Since when you two became so close?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s, it¡¯s¡­ we speak casually when we¡¯re alone,¡± Eunhae stammered with her red face. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re enjoying your youth!¡± Eunchae covered her mouth andughed. Then, she turned serious in a sh and exined, ¡°Oh, you see, I went to Maeokdang Yu Hanwol with the certificate Mr. Park gave me. But he refused to give a refund! I got so angry that I came here as soon as I woke up in the morning. I didn¡¯t even make my husband¡¯s breakfast.¡± ¡°But would that be okay?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°He¡¯ll eat if he gets hungry. I¡¯ve decided to not to be suppressed by him anymore,¡± Eunchae replied. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Eunchae then continued, ¡°You should do that, too. Now that I think about it, I can¡¯t even understand why I used to fear him so much. Oh! I¡¯m sorry. I was too talkative, wasn¡¯t I?¡± Maybe it was because they hadn¡¯t been close before. Now, after meeting a few times, Eunchae was openly expressing herself. It was hard to believe that she was the executive director of a luxury hotel. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. But why did he say he couldn¡¯t give a refund?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Hu, that man insisted this painting was Heo Ryeon¡¯s. However, I had this feeling the moment you told me that it was a fake painting: I can¡¯t be the only one who bought a painting from him,¡± Eunchae replied. Haejin then said, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know that Yu Hanwol and how his lessons are, so¡­¡± Eunchae exined, ¡°The lessons are nothing much. They are about eastern paintings. Yu Hanwol is famous for his peony paintings, and his lessons are where the rich wives of politicians and businessmen gather.¡± Haejin looked at Eunhae at this. He just felt like Eunhae would know everything about politicians and businessmen. However, she shrugged and shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know him, either. It¡¯s not like I attend every social meeting. Besides, Mrs. Eunchae and I are in different generations. We go to very different gatherings.¡± ¡°I see. So, you asked others if they had bought paintings from him?¡± Haejin asked. Eunchae nodded hard and showed them her phone which had photos of about a dozen eastern paintings, ¡°These paintings were all sold by Maeokdang.¡± ¡°All of them? So many?¡± Haejin was shocked. If they were all fake, that Maeokdang was very, very bold. Additionally, the forger who had made the paintings was great as well. Haejin couldn¡¯t appraise the paintings on a small phone screen, but he could be sure that they hadn¡¯t been drawn with a single style. The forger was capable of imitating the style of multiple artists. It meant he or she was a very skillful artist. Topare in western art, it was like being able to imitate both Rembrandt¡¯s and Vermeer¡¯s style. That is why Haejin couldn¡¯t think for all those paintings to be fake. ¡°Yes. I was so surprised to find that out, too¡­ and they all have paid a lot. One of them even paid more than a hundred million. So, I asked them to send me photos of their paintings,¡± Eunchae replied. ¡°Wow¡­ the total sum would be quite big,¡± Haejinmented. Eunchae then said, ¡°We¡¯ve lost almost 700 million in total.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then have you reported it to the police?¡± Haejin asked. Eunchae hesitated before replying, ¡°I thought about it, but it¡¯s not that easy. Yu Hanwol has many prosecutors and judge friends. Additionally, his brother is the Supreme Court Justice¡­ and although you have appraised mine as fake, we don¡¯t know whether the other paintings are fake, too¡­ so if you could appraise them¡­¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t understand why Yu Hanwol was selling fake paintings when he had a Supreme Court Justice brother. Anyway, he raised his hand to say refuse, ¡°No. It¡¯s not like the owners of the paintings have asked me to appraise. I cannot appraise unless they officially ask for it. I cannot appraise all the paintings with just photos as well.¡± ¡°But I read news articles about how you testified in court. You appraised with only a photo back then,¡± Eunchae replied. ¡°It was only possible because I was lucky. I could appraise the painting only with its content. However, there¡¯s no guarantee I can do it with all these paintings. Of course, I can appraise if the owners alle with them,¡± Haejin replied. Eunchae looked troubled, ¡°I¡¯ve already asked, and most of them were reluctant to use Maeokdang. They are all either friend with him or have friends who are friends with him¡­¡± Haejin exined, ¡°Then there isn¡¯t much I can do for you. Even if he is openly trying tomit fraud, it wouldn¡¯t be right for me to reveal it. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a prosecutor or bringer of justice.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just too angry. I don¡¯t mind paying much for good paintings, but this is fraud. I cannot just forget about it and move on,¡± Eunchae said. ¡°Then you should call the police or something as I can exin why it is fake if anyone asks. I will testify for you in court,¡± Haejin replied. Now, Haejin turned to Saebom, ¡°Did youe because you have another painting to be appraised?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the girl confirmed. ¡°Okay, then let me take a look at it first,¡± Haejin grabbed the sides of the table and pulled, and two boards, each 1m long, came out. Haejin had ordered that special table as artifacts came in all shapes and sizes. It could be extended to a maximum of 3m. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Saebom eximed in surprise. Haejin smiled, ¡°It¡¯s cool, isn¡¯t it?¡± He then fixed the top with tweezers and unrolled the painting. It was about 150cm long and about 35cm tall. It was andscape painting with rocks and erect pine trees. It was quite magnificent. ¡°Did you know about this painting?¡± Haejin asked. Saebom hesitated and then nodded, ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°Then why have you brought it only now?¡± Saebom, however, just fidgeted with her fingers and didn¡¯t say anything. There had to be a story behind it¡­ then, Eunhae lightly poked at Haejin, ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell your appraisal first?¡± It looked like she already knew something. ¡°Okay. First, this appears to be Owon Jang Seungeuop¡¯s painting. This is even more expensive than Sim Sajeong¡¯s painting,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Really?¡± Saebom had been tense, but she smiled for the first time at hearing the painting was more expensive than the one she had sold. ¡°Why would I lie? But why did you bring it only now? You could have brought it sooner. It would have taken care of most of your problems,¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I¡­¡± Saebom hesitated again, but she managed to talk, ¡°I couldn¡¯t let my uncle find out about it.¡± Haejin had a bad feeling about it, ¡°Why would you not let your uncle know about it?¡± Eunhae answered instead of Saebom, ¡°Thewyer said there was something strange with her uncle. The fund Saebom¡¯s father loaned illegally had gone into his ount, too.¡± Haejin turned to Saebom who lightly nodded, ¡°I didn¡¯t know, but thewyer told me so¡­ my uncle does not know about this painting, so I brought it in secret.¡± There was one good news, at least. ¡°Hu¡­ okay. I will buy this painting, too. I really want it as this is one of Jang Seungeuops¡¯ painting that has never appeared before. I will buy it at a good price.¡± But then, Eunchae chimed in, ¡°Um¡­ sorry to interrupt, but why don¡¯t you sell it to me? I can pay you well for it, too.¡± This time, Haejin spoke instead of Saebom, ¡°This is expensive.¡± Eunchae then said, ¡°Oh, but why are you trying to ruin a deal when the owner is not saying anything? As the old saying goes, bargaining is always good¡­¡± Haejin exined, ¡°But I am yourpetitor in that bargaining now. And at the same time, I¡¯m the expert who just appraised this painting.¡± ¡°So how much do you think it is worth?¡± Eunchae asked. ¡°Hmm¡­ about 700 million to 900 million?¡± Haejin gave an estimation of the price. Saebom was surprised to hear this, but before she could say anything, Eunchae raised her finger, ¡°Okay, 900 million! I¡¯ll buy it.¡± Haejin thought about paying more than that to get the painting, but he decided to give up. Compared to himself, who just wanted one more painting to exhibit in his museum, she looked more eager. ¡°Mrs. Eunchae, you are richer than I thought,¡± Haejin justmented. Eunchae smiled and put her arm around Saebom¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I need a good painting to hang at the hotel. Actually, that is why I bought that Heo Ryeon¡¯s painting¡­ as it is Jang Seungeuop¡¯s, no one would say I¡¯ve paid too much for it.¡± After that, she left the room with Saebom. Eunhae closed the door behind them. Then, she sighed deeply. ¡°It looks like that uncle is addicted to gambling.¡± Chapter 181: Star Appraiser (1)

Chapter 181: Star Appraiser (1)

¡°Gambling? But he works at Hwajin Electronics! How can he gamble? Does he even have the time to?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I checked, and he has been fired more than a year ago for going to the casino during work time. He ispletely crazy!¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Why on earth did he do that after getting hired by that goodpany?¡± Haejin was confused. Eunhae plopped down on the chair, clearly irritated, ¡°Oh, it makes me so mad. Mr. Usik told me Saebom had gotten 500 million won from her parent¡¯s insurance, and it turned out that uncle took all of it!¡± Haejinmented, ¡°Wow¡­ he is hopeless. He used it all on gambling?¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Usik is going to take steps to stop him from getting near Saebom,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Then she should be fine after selling that painting, right?¡± Eunhae confirmed, ¡°I guess so. Plus, there is some money her parents left that she didn¡¯t know about until now. Although it isn¡¯t much.¡± Haejin pitied Saebom, but he had done all he could to help. Now, he could only hope for her to take care of herself. Then, Eunhae snapped her fingers as if she just recalled something. ¡°Oh, and about the Henderson Collection¡­¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Now that I think about it, I haven¡¯t heard about theming back. Are those people from Harvard University still in Korea?¡± Eunhae answered, ¡°Yes. It looks like they are visiting every tourist spot in this country. It¡¯s like they came to go sightseeing, not to negotiate. They have visited all the museums, including the National Museum, private museums in Bukcheon and Insadong, and even the ones in the far provinces.¡± ¡°But they are doing that with their own money, we don¡¯t have to pay attention to that.¡± Eunhae then continued, ¡°But they asked me this morning when I thought you would be able to do it¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you mean the promise I gave about going to Harvard University¡¯s museums to find the artifacts?¡± Haejin guessed. ¡°Yes, what else can it be?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ how are you these days?¡± Haejin suddenly asked. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Have you seen anyone suspicious around here? Or has anyone followed you?¡± Eunhae smiled and waved her hand. ¡°Haha, no. I¡¯ve warned our staff more than once. I¡¯ve been asking them every day, and nothing¡¯s wrong. So, you can go.¡± Haejin replied, ¡°Then tell them I will leave next week, about¡­ Wednesday?¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll tell them so. What do you want for lunch today?¡± Eunhae asked. It meant she wanted to have dinner with Haejin as if it was a date, but Haejin scratched his head and looked away. ¡°Sorry¡­ I¡¯m meeting someone.¡± Eunhae was disappointed and asked, ¡°Who is that someone?¡± Actually, Haejin was going to meet Princess Hassena who had be Eran Silvia. She had been avoiding meeting him as her face was still recovering from the surgery, so if she wanted to meet him, there had to be something going on. ¡°She knows about that organization that¡¯s after me,¡± Haejin replied and although he wasn¡¯t lying, he felt like he did. ¡°Oh¡­ okay then.¡± Haejin worked until lunchtime and then went to Gangnam where Hassena was staying at. Next, he received a call from an unfamiliar number. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me, Eran Silvia.¡± ¡°But why is the number different? Have you changed your phone number again?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I¡¯ve got myself a phone that won¡¯t be tracked.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ that¡¯s remarkable. Even us locals can¡¯t get burner phones in this country even if we want to.¡± ¡°Haha! I still have traces of magic on me, although it is nothingpared to yours. I can do this much,¡± Hassena replied. ¡°Oh, okay. Where should I go?¡± ¡°Head to Gangnam Station. There¡¯s a building with a Burger King ce on the ground floor. I¡¯m in the basement floor of the building, at a very small coffee shop.¡± Haejin had to walk for a long time to arrive at a very, very small coffee shop that had only three tables. Its cute interior must have been catching women¡¯s attention, but the business couldn¡¯t be very profitable¡­ Haejin wondered how Hassena had found such a ce when he suddenly spotted her. At that moment, he even doubted his eyes. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­¡± ¡°It is. It¡¯s me, Eran Silvia.¡± Haejin was too shocked and slowly moved until he sat down across her. He could see that her face was still swollen from the surgery, but her face was almost entirely covered except for the eyes with a mask and bandages. It looked as if she had been beaten up. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m very good. I¡¯m looking forward to my new face very much, so please, don¡¯t pity me.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. What about lunch?¡± Hassena answered, ¡°I can¡¯t eat. If you¡¯re hungry, you should eat alone after I leave¡­¡± ¡°Oh, but I was going to have lunch with you, Eran¡­¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t call me Eran. Just call me Silvia. I like it better. And I¡¯m sorry, but I cannot eat anything right now. Let¡¯s eat together after I remove the bandages,¡± Silvia replied. Well, it looked like she couldn¡¯t even eat soup with her swollen face. ¡°Then you asked to meet me today because¡­¡± Silvia then took out a piece of paper from her bag. When Haejin received it, he saw an address that was somewhere near Seoul. Confused, he started to ask, ¡°This ce is¡­¡± ¡°That is where the rest of the members of the Trinitatis, you haven¡¯t found yet, are hiding,¡± Silvia replied. ¡°But how did you find this out?¡± Haejin curiously asked. ¡°To my surprise, there were many experts in finding people in this country¡­¡± ¡°Have you¡­¡± Did she visit the errands center that provided the people finding service? Silvia exined, ¡°They didn¡¯t ask much about me. Also, they were not that hostile when I spoke to them with the Korean which I¡¯ve been learning¡­¡± ¡°Since when have you been learning Korean?¡± ¡°After I found you were the chosen one,¡± she replied. ¡°But you never spoke in Korean when you were with me.¡± Silvia smiled, ¡°Because It would be embarrassing. I¡¯m not good at it yet. I¡¯ll give it a try when I get a little fluent in it. I¡¯m attending sses at thenguage center.¡± ¡°It turns out you are even busier than me.¡± Silvia continued, ¡°Haha, anyway, I wasn¡¯t exposed, and when I told them their names, nationality, date of the day they came here, and with an appearance of foreigner priests, they said it wouldn¡¯t be hard to find them. Then, they gave me that address exactly three dayster.¡± ¡°Are you sure you haven¡¯t been exposed?¡± Haejin felt more worried about them finding out that Silvia was alive rather than excited about knowing their location. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I told you. I have some magic, although not as great as yours. I gave them no information about myself, so they can tell it to no one.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ that¡¯s good.¡± Silvia smiled and stood up while saying, ¡°I wish I could talk with you more, but it isn¡¯t time yet. So, I must go now.¡± Haejin was sorry to hear that. ¡°But you can stay just a little longer¡­¡± ¡°Meeting you in this condition alone required much courage. Goodbye.¡± She lightly stroked down Haejin¡¯s hand and left. Haejin felt somewhat sad, but he then got a call from his museum. He had told Eunhae that he had an appointment, so he didn¡¯t expect to get a call unless there was something urgent. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hello, Mr. Park. It¡¯s me, Misun.¡± She a member of the staff who handled the administration of the museum. ¡°What is it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I just got a request from ABC. They want to interview you.¡± ¡°Me? Why?¡± ¡°They are preparing to report about Maeokdang Yu Hanwol, so they need your appraisal. Should I set an appointment?¡± ¡°What did the director say about it?¡± ¡°She said it was up to you.¡± ¡°Then I will do it.¡± Eunchae must have thought it would be better to tip off the media before Yu Hanwol could convince the prosecutors. ¡°They say they want to visit you today if it¡¯s possible.¡± ¡°Then tell them toe before dinnertime. I¡¯ming back right now, so I¡¯ll be there in less than an hour,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Okay, sir.¡± Haejin looked at the piece of paper in his hand as he stood up. He was nning to go there immediately, but it looked like he would have to gote in the evening. He thought it was all the better as he could be seen by people while confronting them even though he had the illusion spell. Next, he headed back to his museum. When he got there, he took another look at the artifacts that had been entrusted to him for his appraisal. Then, he received the visitors at slightly after 4 p.m. ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Yu Jaeil. I produce ABC¡¯s use the Guilty.¡± He seemed to be in his early 40s and very kind. ¡°I¡¯m Park Haejin. I was told you wanted to interview me. Is that right?¡± Jaeil confirmed, ¡°Yes. You must already know this, but Executive Director Do Eunchae of Ps Hotel has told us about it herself. She also gave us information about the paintings Maeokdang has sold so far. She trusts you more than any other appraisers. That is why we came here to interview you. Would it be okay?¡± ¡°Yes, appraising is my job, after all,¡± Haejin answered while looking at the cameras that came after Jaeil. The production crew found Haejin¡¯s appraisal room interesting, and they kept filming it. Some of them were even discussing which angle would be the best. ¡°Haha, my colleagues are amazed, too. We don¡¯t get to often film about antique appraisals.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. I see. Let¡¯s just sit here for the interview. I can use the projector while I appraise so you can film it to make it easier for the viewers to understand¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Then, a cameraman set a camera and the lights before leaving the room. ¡°But what am I supposed to do?¡± Haejin asked. Jaeil rummaged through a file he brought and showed Haejin a page. It was the photo of a painting, the fake peonies painting of Sochi Heo Ryeon which Eunchae had him appraise. Jaeil exined, ¡°First, this is the certificate Director Do gave us says, ¡®It isn¡¯t Heo Ryeon¡¯s skilled touch of the brush, and its content is very far from the schrs¡¯ paintings¡¯ philosophy and characteristics of the time. So, it cannot be Heo Ryeon¡¯s painting.¡¯ Is that right?¡± ¡°Yes, that is how I appraised,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°We don¡¯t know much about paintings, so we don¡¯t know what you meant by the content far from the characteristics and philosophy of the schrs¡¯ paintings. Could you exin?¡± Haejin immediately put on the peonies painting he had appraised before on the projector¡¯s screen. ¡°Can you see the writing here?¡± Haejin was pointing at a line of poetry written on the left side of the painting. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Bu¡­ haha, I don¡¯t know much about Chinese letters.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s Bu Gui Ok Dang (¸» ÙF Óñ ÌÃ). It means ¡®I hope wealth and preciousnesse to your house¡¯.¡± ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Haejin continued to exin, ¡°Moran(peony) is also called Buguihwa, the rich and precious flower, as it is the king of flowers. That is why you can write Bu Gui with peonies, but to add Ok Dang to it, you must draw other flowers.¡± ¡°Other flowers?¡± ¡°Yes, haedangwha (rugosa rose) and mokryeon (magnolia). As mokryeon is sometimes called okranhwa, it is Ok, and haedangwha has dang, so all three flowers together make Bu Gui Ok Dang. However, this painting has only peonies, so the artist didn¡¯t understand the saying well. Sochi Heo Ryeon would have never made such a mistake. So, this painting has to be fake.¡± Jaeil¡¯s eyes sparkled, and he started to quickly write down on his notebook. Chapter 182: Star Appraiser (2)

Chapter 182: Star Appraiser (2)

After the interview, Haejin had dinner with his museum¡¯s employees. Then, he left alone and took a taxi. It was to take care of the remaining members of the Trinitatis, and he hadn¡¯t drunk because he had to stay sharp. ording to the address Silvia had given him, they were hiding at a small cathedral in Hwagokdong, Gangseogu. Haejin wanted to ask how Silvia had found them, but he had to think of a way to get them first. He went through the winding andplicated alley of Hwagokdong and arrived at the cathedral. The lights were stilling out of the windows. There was a convenience store nearby and many were passing by, but it felt somewhat spooky. Haejin wondered if he should just go in through the main gate or climb over the wall after midnight, but then the gate was opened, and a man came out. He didn¡¯t appear to be a foreigner even from distance. The man was wearing a ck priest¡¯s outfit. He made a call and then went back into the cathedral. Haejin realized that he hade too early in his agitation. Therefore, he bought some food at the convenience store and started eating. After that, he spent some time walking around, then he went back to the cathedral after midnight. It was even spookier now, maybe because it waste. Haejin walked slowly to the back of the cathedral and casted an illusion spell on the area. Knock, knock¡­ He carefully knocked on the back door, but no one answered. He tried to open the door, and to his surprise, it was unlocked. What he saw right after opening the door were three adjacent doors. He was puzzled for a moment, wondering what kind of maze it was, but then he realized it was a ce for confessions. He passed the confessionals and was about to find them, but then he heard people talking near the altar. It was English with a British ent. ¡°We must go back. Father Dier has been missing for too long. It means he is already in heaven. You know without Dier, who has traces of the chosen power, we cannot persuade him.¡± Haejin carefully stuck his head out and looked. Two foreigners were talking in front of the altar. One seemed to be at least 50, and the other was young, probably about 20. ¡°No, we cannot go back now. We have sacrificed too much, and Zeou Shuin, who used to manage east Asia district, has disappeared. We¡¯ve even lost Lee Shian and Dier! If we back off now, Trinitatis will surely fall.¡± ¡°But how can we two alone convince him?¡± ¡°If we can¡¯t, then we have no choice but to convert him through force¡­¡± Haejin was so shocked to see them determinedly to take out guns. He thought they would be with great powers like Dier, but it turned out they were just ordinary people. He let out a sigh of relief and casted a sleeping spell right away. ¡°If we make a mistake, it can¡­¡± The young priest immediately fell on the floor, but for some reason, the magic didn¡¯t work on the old priest. ¡°Andro! Andro! What¡­¡± Haejin¡¯s heart sank. He then ran and punched the man¡¯s face. ¡°Uhh¡­ uhh¡­¡± While he was still in pain, Haejin threw his gun away, pressed him so he wouldn¡¯t be able to move, and searched him. He thought something like a bracelet or a ne had to be blocking his magic, and he was right. He found a brooch that glittered with a mysterious green light. It was full of swirling mana, so it had to have great powers. Haejin put in his pocket. Then, he used his psychic magic on him and started to ask, ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°Paolo Dmitris.¡± ¡°What is your upation?¡± ¡°High priest.¡± ¡°Why have youe to Korea?¡± ¡°To meet him¡­¡± ¡°Why are you trying to convince me?¡± ¡°Only the great sacrifice can save the world. Only the great sacrifice¡­¡± Paolo suddenly started to tremble. It then reminded Haejin of Dier¡¯s death. Haejin quickly backed off, and Paolo¡¯s body immediately caught fire. ¡°Ahhh! Save me! Please!¡± Dier hadn¡¯t suffered that much when he died. What was good was that the fire didn¡¯t burn anything else. It just incinerated Paolo¡¯s body and disappeared. Haejin took the unconscious young priest out of there, wiped his memory, and left him nearby a hospital. Now, he was going to turn into an idiot who lost his memories, but Haejin had no choice as he couldn¡¯t erase only the specific memories about the Trinitatis. He went back home and took out the green brooch. Its brilliant hue was gone, it was now grey. Haejin had a bad feeling about it, so he didn¡¯t take its mana. He just put in on the table and went to sleep. However, that night, he had a strange dream. Whitend, so cold that could freeze anything, strong gusts of wind that almost blew him away, and the blue stone that was sleeping way under there. And he was without his powers¡­ The next day, he went to work as if nothing happened, but Eunhae worriedly asked, ¡°Did something happen to youst night?¡± ¡°No, why?¡± ¡°Because you look so tired, it¡¯s like you haven¡¯t slept for days,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°But I¡¯ve slept well. I¡¯m fine.¡± Actually, he wasn¡¯t fine. He couldn¡¯t be fine because he had this feeling, that he had seen hisst in that dream. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Eunhae asked again. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Hu¡­ okay then. However, I think you should postpone that business trip for the Henderson Collection for about a week.¡± ¡°A week?¡± ¡°Yes. I thought the interview yesterday was all, but another program has called. You know, that program about appraising antiques.¡± ¡°Oh, you mean ¡®Find Treasure¡¯, right?¡± Haejin guessed. ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t let you be on that kind of program. Only a few people watch it¡­ it¡¯s aedy show. They are going to go to a celebrity¡¯s home, and he has collected a lot of antiques. So, they want you to appraise them,¡± Eunhae exined. ¡°But why should I do that? You can¡¯t be pushing me for a performance fee. What is it?¡± Eunhae continued, ¡°Even if you are a great appraiser, you have been refusing to register to Korea Appraisal Committee, and it has its downside. It has made you look bad when you testified at court¡­ so reputation is what you need now. This museum has be the most famous museum in Korea, except for the National Museum, so if we get you a little more personal reputation, you wouldn¡¯t have such a problem in the future.¡± It made sense, but honestly, Haejin didn¡¯t want to do it because of hisziness. ¡°But I¡¯ve done that interview yesterday. Wouldn¡¯t it be enough?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°But that program is about current affairs. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to appear on it often¡­ this program is different. It always gets a view rate of over 10% and young people watch it. Just appear on it for a short time, and it will help you a lot. Only a few people will then raise doubt about your appraisal,¡± Eunhae tried to convince him. Although Haejin had been asked to appraise many times, he had given different appraisals from what other appraisal agencies said, so people were already talking behind his back. Although no one had officially used him, he thought Eunhae had the right reasons to suggest him to appear on the program. ¡°When should I do it, then?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°This Thursday.¡± ¡°Then, is there more I should do after that? You just told me to postpone the trip to America for a week.¡± Eunhae exined, ¡°The police has asked for your help because of Mrs. Haewon¡¯s matter. They said they woulde in the weekend as you must be busy on weekdays, so I said okay. The more we take care of suchplicated matters, the better¡­ but do you want to do it after the trip?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I just have to tell them my appraisal, right?¡± Eunhae confirmed, ¡°Yes. Then you can go to America next week on any day you want.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll just go on Monday. I¡¯ll go early ande back early. The sooner I go, the faster the Henderson Collection wille. Oh, and tell the production crew of thatedy show about the Henderson Collection. It would make me look even better.¡± Eunhae pped and agreed, ¡°Oh! Yes, yes. Why I couldn¡¯t think of it myself? Okay then, wear something nice that day. You are as handsome as any star, but your clothes are too old-fashioned.¡± ¡°But I think my clothes look just fine¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like I can be your stylist¡­ anyway, wear that tailored suit you wore the other day.¡± Eunhae patted Haejin¡¯s shoulder, winked, and went to her office. ¡°Comedy show¡­¡± Haejin got a little nervous about appearing on aedy show. After a few days, Haejin went to a luxurious apartment in Cheongdamdong. The program¡¯s writer had told him they were visiting a famousedian¡¯s home, and even they didn¡¯t know what kind of antiques he had. They were filming in an underground parking lot in the apartment. When he arrived there, many lights and dozens of staff were surrounding a few people to film them. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Park Haejin. I was told¡­¡± He grabbed a member of the staff, who recognized Haejin, and started asking for guidance. ¡°Oh, hello. They¡¯re waiting for you now. This way, please.¡± She took him to producer Go Jinseok, who was famous even to ordinary people. ¡°I¡¯ve heard so much about you. You are very famous these days, right? I have a friend who works at a different broadcast station, and he told me you were the best.¡± That friend had to be producer Yu Jaeil. That is how Jinseok had found out about Haejin even though his interview hadn¡¯t been broadcasted yet. ¡°Haha, I¡¯m not sure whether I am the best¡­¡± Jinseok exined, ¡°We¡¯re filming now, so please wait. We will go up to Mr. Lee Jaesu¡¯s home and talk about his antiques. That is when you appear. For now, please just watch us film.¡± Lee Jaesu was a very famousedian. He was old and sometimes said the wrong things, but he was witty and nice to everyone, so the public loved him. ¡°Okay.¡± Haejin had thought it would be funny as it was aedy show, but as he watched while waiting, he realized it was hard. They keptughing, talking and going around without a break. It looked very hard. Three hours had passed after Haejin arrived when they finally started to film the part about antiques. The oldedian bluffed like a properedian and bragged about his antiques. ¡°My father started collecting them and left them to me. They are all magnificent. First, take a look at this porcin. Impressive, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Oh, but it looks like just any makgeolli cup!¡± A youngedian next to him made a joke. As it was aedy show, everyone justughed. ¡°But you don¡¯t know a thing about antiques, you idiot!¡± Lee Jaesu yelled. The host of the program calmed him down with augh and called Haejin, ¡°Well, that¡¯s why we¡¯ve brought the real expert. It¡¯s Mr. Park Haejin, the Prince Charming of Insadong!¡± When Haejin went to join them in front of the cameras, they made a fuss while weing him. Then, the youngedian asked, ¡°It¡¯s fake, isn¡¯t it? Aren¡¯t things like this on sale in the markets for 3 thousand won?¡± ¡°3 thousand won? Hey! I¡¯ve paid 30 thousand won for it at Dongmyo!¡± Jaesu smiled and went along with the joke. However, Haejin was a little shocked because he sounded like he really was not joking. Had he really bought it at Dongmyo for 30 thousand won? Chapter 183: Star Appraiser (3)

Chapter 183: Star Appraiser (3)

The host of the showughed and stopped them. Then, he dragged Haejin to his side. ¡°Well, that is enough¡­ we have an expert here with us! Before we listen to you, I must say you are so good-looking. You really are the Prince Charming of Insadong. You¡¯ve heard that a lot, right?¡± ¡°Oh, um, yes¡­¡± Then Park Donghun, the youngedian, chimed in with augh, ¡°Wow, he isn¡¯t denying it. He knows he is charming, too. You¡¯ve tried to win over some girls at clubs, right?¡± Haejin decided to go along as he was on aedy show. He smiled and answered, ¡°A few times, haha!¡± ¡°Ohh! You sound like a real Casanova!¡± ¡°But I never dated for long¡­¡± ¡°Ohh! It makes you sound you even cooler! I envy you!¡± Theyughed and chatted like that and managed to get to the point after some time. ¡°But we really want to know how valuable Mr. Jaesu¡¯s porcin is. Mr. Haejin, do you think it is worth a lot?¡± ¡°Let me take a look first,¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t be sure yet. He studied the porcin¡¯s surface and lifted it to look at its bottom. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin wondered if the situation was all real or there was some kind of script he hadn¡¯t been told about. The host could see that he was worried and asked, ¡°Oh, but are you wondering if you really can say what you have to say?¡± Haejin replied, ¡°Actually, I do wonder that. I¡¯ve never been on aedy show before¡­¡± ¡°We know that, too. Hahaha! But really, there¡¯s no script or something, so please take it easy. And this porcin¡­¡± the host, Kim Jeongmin, grabbed the vase¡¯s neck and lifted it while shaking it in the air. ¡°It¡¯s fine to say this is fake¡­¡± He waved it as if it were a sword, but Haejin grabbed his arm in surprise. ¡°You can¡¯t do this.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s really valuable¡­¡± Haejin said while taking the porcin from his hand and carefully putting it back on the table. Jeongmin was surprised to see this. He asked the producer, ¡°Jaeil, are you pulling a prank on us?¡± However, Jaeil looked equally surprised. He made a huge x with his hands. It made Haejin realize all of them were really thinking the porcin was worth 30 thousand won. Jeongmin carefully asked Haejin, clearly in doubt, ¡°Is this really expensive?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. I don¡¯t know if this really has been bought at Dongmyo Market, but judging from its shape, the engraved decoration, and its heel, it appears to be from the Chinese Song period,¡± Haejin exined. It was way too shocking, and silence filled the room. Then Park Donghun, who had been mocking the oldedian, spoke as if he couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡°Oh¡­ no way! It¡¯s a lie! It¡¯s a prank, right?¡± He looked at every member of the production crew and turned to Haejin forst. ¡°No, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s wondering if it¡¯s a prank. How could this be bought with 30 thousand¡­ isn¡¯t that a lie?!¡± Haejin replied. Donghun, who really couldn¡¯t believe it, shouted ¡°No way! It has to be a lie! I was with Jaesu when he went to Dongmyo and bought this at 30 thousand for this filming!¡± Jeongmin asked Jaesu, who was just smiling nkly in shock, ¡°Is that true? Have you really bought this at Dongmyo Market with Donghun?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­ is this really not a prank? This is really from the Song period? Haejin nodded, ¡°Yes, right. Although its color has faded, and it looks like a makgeolli cup, if you look closer, a lotus flower pattern is engraved on its surface. That pattern was often used on white porcins in the Song period. It can be called White Porcin Vase with Lotus Pattern Engraving.¡± Jaesu asked what mattered the most with a trembling voice, ¡°Then, then how much it would be¡­¡± ¡°Wow¡­ see? His voice is shaking!¡± Haejin smiled at Donghun¡¯s protest, ¡°Chinese porcins are generally expensive. And as it hasn¡¯t been damaged and the ze was applied with great skill, it is in very good condition. I think it is worth at least 50 million won.¡± Donghun pulled his own hair and moaned, ¡°It¡¯s crazy! It¡¯s crazy! I saw him buy it at 30 thousand, and now it¡¯s worth 50 thousand!¡± Jeongmin asked him, ¡°Oh, but you just asked him if he hadn¡¯t bought it at three thousand!¡± ¡°I was just making a joke. Even Jaeil knows I was with Jaesu when he went to Dongmyo Market! Tell them! I was with you!¡± Donghun was clearly in sorrow, on the other hand, Jaesu rubbed the vase against his cheek in joy. ¡°This is why you have to be kind all the time. That¡¯s how I got this fortune. Donghun, be nice to me.¡± Donghun, instead, just gulped down cold water. Although they were expressing themselves in an amusing way, Haejin could see they were genuinely surprised. Their shaking breath and eyes proved that they hadn¡¯t seen iting. ¡°Wow¡­ it¡¯s surprising, really¡­ how can this happen? It¡¯s like winning a lottery. And it was Jaesu who got this fortune¡­ what should I say¡­ I¡¯m learning that not all kind men get rewarded.¡± However, as Jeongmin said that, he kept ncing at Haejin and Jaeil as if he was waiting for one of them tough and say, ¡®It¡¯s a prank!¡±. Jaeil realized this and exined, ¡°We have videos of them going to Dongmyo Market on Monday and buying it.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Wow¡­ then it¡¯s really real? I¡¯m suddenly getting angry.¡± ¡°Jeongmin, just let it go. You should have been nice to others like me.¡± Only Jaesu mocked the others andughed, ¡°Hu¡­ then let¡¯s look at the next antique, shall we? It can¡¯t be real again, right? If it¡¯s expensive as well, I¡¯ll quit filming today.¡± Everybodyughed at this, but Jaesu looked at Haejin with excitement and hope while saying, ¡°Please examine them well. Don¡¯t mind these stupid men here. Concentrate on these things¡­ you know what I mean, right?¡± ¡°Oh, of course. Anyway, congrattions. People often buy antiques at markets, but less them one out of a thousand is something decent. There are so many fakes and most of them are only one or two decades old. Really, your ancestors have helped you,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Of course. Although I don¡¯t talk about it often, my family is a prestigious old family,¡± Jaesu bragged. ¡°But your family tree record was just bought,¡± Donghun said. ¡°Have you seen it? Have you seen my ancestors buying it?¡± ¡°Then we can have it appraised. You can appraise a family tree record, right?¡± Jaesu quickly stopped Donghun, ¡°I don¡¯t have it because my grandfather wasn¡¯t the eldest son. It¡¯s at my rtive¡¯s house, and it goes back on dozens of generations¡­¡± ¡°Stop lying!¡± Jeongmin stopped their silly joke, ¡°Now, now. We all know that Jaesu reallyes from a great family. Was your grandfather¡¯s name Nakamoto?¡± ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°Hahaha! Okay. Well, what kind of antique is this?¡± It was a silver dagger, as big as a hand. Jaesu started to tell its story with a sad face, ¡°This silver dagger has a sad story. My grandmother¡¯s grandmother¡¯s grandmother used this to protect herself from vicious Japanese¡­¡± ¡°Grandmother¡¯s grandmother¡¯s grandmother? But that can¡¯t be the right generation.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind the useless details!¡± Jaesu yelled. Jeongminughed and asked Haejin, ¡°Well, okay. Mr. Haejin, what do you think? Did it really belong to Mr. Jaesu¡¯s grandmother¡¯s grandmother¡¯s grandmother¡­ or is it also from Dongmyo Market? Please verify.¡± It appeared to be quite old. It had delicate engravings on it, and the tassel made of red yarn had gotten dirty. Haejin carefully unsheathed it. Although the de was rusty, he could see it had been made by a great craftsman. He examined it for some time. Then, he looked back and forth between Jaesu and Donghun. Haejin cautiously asked, ¡°Have you bought this at Dongmyo Market, too?¡± ¡°My grandmother¡¯s grandmother¡¯s grandmother¡­¡± Haejin had a feeling that it was nonsense and asked again, ¡°I¡¯m just asking because I¡¯m curious. If you have bought this at Dongmyo, you are very, very lucky¡­¡± The moment he said that, Donghun lunged at him and snatched the dagger while saying, ¡°I chose this. You know, right? It¡¯s all on camera!¡± They had bought it at Dongmyo, after all. Jaesu had gotten great luck that most people don¡¯t get to experience once in their lives twice. ¡°Hey, hey! But I paid for it!¡± ¡°But I chose it,¡± Donghun replied. ¡°Do you really have to do this? Fine, 8:2¡± Donghun then asked, ¡°Do I get 8?¡± None of them were serious. They were just epting the fortune with augh. Still, they were shocked and soon looked back at Haejin who exined the history behind it. ¡°It was made long ago. There were records about women carrying little daggers during the Japanese invasions in Korea (1592-1598) to attack the enemies or kill themselves to protect their chastity, and the year when the war started is written on this dagger. I don¡¯t know if this was really made on that very year, but it is at least a century old. Scientific tests would be needed to find out when exactly it was made.¡± Haejin could have used magic to find that out, but as he couldn¡¯t give objective proof of it, he didn¡¯t. Nevertheless, it was clearly very valuable. ¡°Then it¡¯s very precious, right?¡± Haejin continued, ¡°It greatly depends on which period it was made. Unfortunately, there¡¯s no record about it, and it doesn¡¯t have a special mark or symbol, so it is not as valuable as the vase, but it¡¯s not something you can normally buy at Dongmyo Market. You got very lucky, Mr. Jaesu.¡± Jaesu shouted in joy at this, ¡°Jaeil, make a reservation at the biggest barbeque restaurant nearby. I¡¯m buying everyone dinner today!¡± ¡°No way¡­ it can¡¯t be¡­ why would any god give this kind of fortune to that devil?¡± While he despaired, Jaesu took out yet another antique while saying, ¡°This is really my family¡¯s treasure. I didn¡¯t buy this at Dongmyo. My grandfather left this¡­¡± It was a medal. It was rusty and had an unrecognizable symbol on it. On its back, the Chinese letters ´ó ¶Y Ó› Äî Õ were written on it. ¡°Oh¡­ this one really looks valuable,¡± Donghun and Jeongmin looked at it with awe. However, the moment Haejin saw it, he nced at Jaeil and Jaesu again. Now, he was in trouble again. ¡°What is it?¡± Jeongmin saw him troubled and asked. Haejin went to Jaesu and whispered to him, ¡°Is this really yours?¡± Jaesu nodded as if Haejin was asking something obvious. Haejin, even more worried, whispered, ¡°This medal is for the pro-Japanese¡­¡± Chapter 184: Terms of Return of Artifacts (1)

Chapter 184: Terms of Return of Artifacts (1)

That medal had been given to people who came to the Japanese king¡¯s coronation. However, the coronation was not an event anyone could attend. Only Koreans who had betrayed their country and worked very hard for Imperial Japan could be there. So, having that medal meant one of Jaesu¡¯s ancestors had been someone who greatly betrayed Korea. Jaesu quickly realized what Haejin was saying and threw the medal into his bedroom while saying, ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s fake.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Jaesu continued, ¡°Oh, yes. He said he wouldn¡¯t buy it for a thousand won. However, you are well-mannered, to whisper it to me when it¡¯s fake¡­ you¡¯re a good young man.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s strange, isn¡¯t there something more?¡± ¡°Of course, there isn¡¯t! Aren¡¯t youing to dinner with us? Don¡¯t you want beef? Today, I¡¯m buying!¡± Jaesu could see that the others were feeling good since hisst antique was fake, but he just smiled and moved on. Luckily, as it wasn¡¯t a live broadcast, it ended there. Jaesu¡¯s face then turned red in humiliation, but everyone just thought it was because he was embarrassed about taking out a fake relic. If they had known that medal was for the pro-Japanese, the mood would have gone strange, but luckily, they didn¡¯t. Jaesu changed the subject and the filming continued. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Jaesu seemed to be more thankful to Haejin for not answering the questions rted to the medal than receiving the news of his porcin being worth 50 million won. If any one of them had heard it and told the media, Jaesu¡¯s career would have ended there. After the filming, Haejin took selfies with each of theedians. They were immediately uploaded on SNS and drew a lot of attention. Jaesu even wrote #Best_Appraser_in_Korea, which really became a topic of discussions. However, Haejin had to take a ne to America before he could even see the program on TV. He had to rediscover the artifacts slumbering at Harvard University¡¯s museum as he had to get the Henderson Collection back. Additionally, as he was going alone this time, he felt slightly bored. Silvia had briefly shown some willingness to apany him, but she gave up because her face was still swollen. Haejin was both worried and excited about how her face would look like after removing the bandages. Someone was already waiting for him at Boston Logan International Airport. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Harold Cheong.¡± He appeared to be Chinese-American. The man was tall and had a nice smile. He also had big hands and solid muscles to the point where he looked more like a pro wrestler than a schr. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Park Haejin. You look like an athlete.¡± ¡°Haha, sports are part of my life. Well, shall we go?¡± Haejin never thought that a Camry was small, butpared to Harold, it truly was tiny. Harold then got on the small driver¡¯s seat and gestured at Haejin to get in with a bright smile. ¡°Is it far from here?¡± ¡°It will take about 40 minutes to an hour. It will take an hour if there are many cars on the road, but if the traffic is good, we will arrive in half an hour. Anyway, we have been talking about you because of the matter about the Henderson Collection,¡± Harold exined. ¡°What was the conversation about?¡± Harold continued, ¡°We mainly discussed why the Henderson Collection had to be returned and would there be anything as valuable as those artifacts among the relics sleeping at the museum. Actually, my grandfather was Chinese. So, I argued for the Henderson Collection to be returned.¡± The Western people had exploited countless artifacts in China, just like they did in Korea. As Chinese porcins like Blue Flower White Porcins had been a symbol of wealth in Europe after the 18th century, the demand for them was huge. The Europeans paid and bought them, but they also stole them. The process of Europeans buying Chinese porcins was quite interesting. They bought porcins that had been already made, but they also ordered for the porcins they wanted. Sometimes, you would see porcins that have too many strange shapes and patterns for them to be Chinese. Most of them were actually ordered by Europeans. ¡°Thank you for your supportive opinion,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Actually, although I¡¯m an American, I¡¯ve been racially discriminated often since I was a kid. That is why I started working out. There are so many people who think they don¡¯t have to return the artifacts that were stolen and exploited. Because of that, I think you were very brave to ask for your country¡¯s artifacts back. Of course, the artifacts you are trying to retrieve weren¡¯t exactly stolen or exploited.¡± Harold spoke for long and although it sounded as if he wasplimenting Haejin, he was talking quite vaguely. In the end, thest sentence was what Harold really meant. He was implying that even if Harvard had reluctantly agreed on returning the Henderson Collection, most of his colleagues were strongly objecting it. Strictly saying, he was right. The Henderson Collection was a regrettable part of Korean history. If it hadn¡¯t been for that deal Haejin made with the mayor of New York, no Korean would have had any good reason to ask to get them back. Asking to get them back must have been a request hard to ept to people of the Harvard museum, but it was their problem. To Haejin, the artifacts were just treasure he had to retrieve. ¡°They might think that way,¡± Haejin replied with a simple answer and looked out of the window. It meant he didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore, and it surprised Harold. He looked confused for a moment. Then, he smiled and focused on driving. After about 40 minutes, they arrived at Harvard University¡¯s museum and went into the administration office, where a white woman in her early 30s stretched out her hand at Haejin with a stern face. ¡°I¡¯m Angelica. Nice to meet you. You must be tired after the long flight. Are you going to rest for today and start tomorrow?¡± She seemed to find Haejin bothersome. However, Haejin had already been told about what was going on by Harold, so he could guess what she was thinking and replied, ¡°No, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll start immediately.¡± ¡°This way, then¡­¡± She led Haejin, giving a short exnation about the buildings as they passed. Her attitude made it clear she wasn¡¯t happy about Haejin¡¯s visit, but she still did her job. It was impressive. She took Haejin to the basement of the Museum of Natural History, where he had to go through a few steps of identification. After that, they arrived at a room¡­ ¡°What do you think?¡± Angelica showed some emotion for the first time, she looked like a child showing her toys. ¡°Impressive,¡± Haejin looked at the numerous artifacts in front of him and let her see him get impressed. Angelica then exined, ¡°Harvard University is where the world¡¯s most talented peoplee. For them, the foundation has collected a number of artifacts over a long period of time, and Americans have willingly donated to this ce because they know the more Harvard¡¯s students learn, the stronger the country bes. This room is the result of that passion and dedication.¡± Haejin could see why she was so proud of that ce, anyone working there would have been proud of this. However, sadly, some of those artifacts were Korean. And they had been given willingly for the individuals¡¯ good. Haejin looked at Angelica and showed her three fingers, ¡°Three artifacts. You know that, right?¡± The artifacts of the Henderson Collection that had to be returned first were Gaya Porcin and the cdon vase of Goryeo, which were the most valuable artifacts. Harvard had asked Haejin to find at least three artifacts they hadn¡¯t recognized the value yet in return. They had promised to return all the Korean artifacts in the Henderson Collection if those three artifacts were more valuable than the two Korean artifacts. Actually, these were vague terms. If the mayor of New York hadn¡¯t pressed them, they would have never epted such terms. Haejin wondered what kind of weakness of the university¡¯s president the mayor knew about that he could make him agree to such terms. It also had to be the reason why the museum¡¯s workers were even less fond of Haejin. ¡°I know. I wonder if you would be able to find artifacts more valuable than those two artifacts in the Henderson Collection,¡± she crossed her arms and expressed her doubt. Then, she gave Haejin a pile of documents while saying, ¡°There is some brief information about the artifacts here. Of course, it¡¯s not enough to let you know about every artifact, but they have been ssified ording to period and region, so it will help you get the basic idea of this ce. You should also never lose the special temporal pass you just got. Go in and out with it when I¡¯m not around, and never, never take out any of these artifacts without permission.¡± She stressed the word ¡®never¡¯ very hard. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have no desire to go to an American prison,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I hope so, but human greed can blind people sometimes. I hope you don¡¯t do it,¡± she gave Haejin a strange gaze as if she was prophesying Haejin would do it. No, maybe she was hoping for him to do something disrespectful and break the deal itself. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°And go to the student¡¯s dining hall for meals. You will be able to eat there if you show your pass.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± She turned and left. Before she was out of sight, Haejin started to examine the huge ¡®warehouse¡¯. As there were CCTVs all over the ce, Haejin couldn¡¯t do something bad even if he wanted to. He put his hands behind him and walked slowly as if he were on a stroll. He touched some of the artifacts, while on others, he just nced at them and moved away. Then, he spotted something. It was a huge jar made of bronze. It looked like any jarmonly seen at any Buddhist temple, but its shape and pattern were not ordinary. ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯ve never seen this pattern before.¡± He looked at its pattern and then used his phone¡¯s sh to look inside. ¡°Ha¡­ wow¡­¡± heughed and started moving again. He had just found one almost right after starting, but he couldn¡¯t decide what to do about it. It was magnificent, but he was angry about them being so cold to him. Was he making an excuse when he told himself that they would get even greedier if he found them such an artifact on the first day? Smiling bitterly, he started to look for a treasure again. And¡­ Angelica was watching his every move on CCTVs. Chapter 185: Terms of Return of Artifacts (2)

Chapter 185: Terms of Return of Artifacts (2)

Angelica didn¡¯t move for two entire hours, with her legs crossed and her chin on her hand. On the other hand, the others in the room looked at her worriedly. Her expression was so stern and cold, like the severe wind in ska. She had been delighted when the screens were set to see the storage room, but they didn¡¯t expect her to sit like that and worry the others. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go to have dinner?¡± Harold asked. However, Angelica didn¡¯t even look at him and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat. Have you finished the report on the artifacts that Park Haejin has appraised in America?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve tried to find, but there wasn¡¯t much. He isn¡¯t a member of America¡¯s Appraisal Committee, and when I asked the Korea Appraisal Committee, they told me he wasn¡¯t one of them, either. So, there isn¡¯t any record¡­¡± Harold replied while shrugging his shoulders, but Angelica wasn¡¯t satisfied. ¡°Then you should have found Korean news articles that can be useful and have them tranted.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but as you know, none of us can speak Korean,¡± Harold then said. ¡°I can¡¯t understand you, Harold. I thought you were capable enough¡­ do you know how many Korean students are attending this university? If you had brought one of them, there would be a report of dozens of pages in front of me right now. Am I wrong?¡± Angelica asked. ¡°Angelica, please don¡¯t be so mad. It will change nothing. What matters is whether he would be able to find artifacts better than those from the Henderson Collection. Shouldn¡¯t we focus on that?¡± ¡°You are na?ve, Harold. Whates first in an appraisal is the appraiser¡¯s subjective judgment. However, the problem is that the appraiser is that Asian now, and we don¡¯t have anyone better than him! If we fail to find out his weak point, he might take those treasures we have collected. Please,e to your senses,¡± Angelica said. Harold thought, ¡®Those treasures don¡¯t belong to you¡¯, but he couldn¡¯t say it out loud. He just smiled bitterly while saying, ¡°But the return of the Henderson Collection has been decided already. It wouldn¡¯t be canceled now even if we do find his weak point.¡± Angelica red at Harold and said, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand you. We can¡¯t make progress if we think like that. We must do our best to make things right, even if our superiors have made the decision. Hu¡­ okay, let¡¯s check the artifacts he has shown interest in so far again.¡± Harold shook his head, thinking he wouldn¡¯t be getting dinner today. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°And hasn¡¯t that other appraiser we invited said she would be here by this evening?¡± Harold replied, ¡°I called her earlier, and she said she was almost here. She should be here by now. She said the traffic was bad.¡± ¡°Oh, nothing good is happening here!¡± Angelica shook her head and was about to go out, but then the door suddenly opened, and a woman came in. Her hair was in curls, but her clothes and her attitude were that of an elite¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯mte, right? I¡¯m Fina Williams.¡± She immediately realized who the boss was and stretched out her hand to Angelica. ¡°I¡¯m Angelica Baker. Actually, you¡¯re a little toote. That Asian has been here for more than three hours.¡¯ Angelica pointed at one of the monitors, and Fina smiled. ¡°The traffic in Boston has dyed me. I¡¯m sorry, but I will help you more than you think.¡± She looked at Haejin on the screen and was left confused. ¡°Is that man the appraiser from Asia? He¡¯s way too young!¡± Finamented. Harold Cheong then answered the question. ¡°Yes. His name is Park Haejin, and he is the founder and owner of Park Haejin Art Museum in Korea. As he is after the return of the Henderson Collection, we think he might have made some kind of deal with the mayor of New York.¡± ¡°You said something dangerous. I never heard about that,¡± Fina replied. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I wasn¡¯t trying to mention anything sensitive¡­¡± Fina then said, ¡°Please tell me which artifacts he has paid attention so far, I need to check first. I must find out how good he is.¡± Fina demanded the same thing Angelica had. ¡°Okay.¡± Harold got a bad feeling that he was not even going to get any sleep that day. The student¡¯s dining hall at Harvard University was also called the Harry Potter dining hall as it inspired Hogwarts¡¯ famous dining hall. The high ceiling, antique but simple chandeliers, and the ssical interior all together created a beautiful harmony. Haejin had to spend some time looking around. He had traveled all around the world with his father and had been used to various food from many countries, so he also liked the dining halls¡¯ food. But then, someone put down her food tray in front of him and spoke to him in Korean. ¡°Hello, are you¡­¡± Haejin looked up. She was a young girl, probably just 18. She was pretty so she must have been famous among the boys. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Are you Mr. Park Haejin?¡± She asked shyly, and it made Haejin smile. He wondered how she recognized him and asked, ¡°How do you know me?¡± ¡°Wow! It is indeed you. I¡¯m very interested in art¡­ but may I sit here?¡± ¡°Oh, yes, of course,¡± Haejin replied. She quickly drew a chair, sat on it, and started to talk. ¡°There have been rumors among Korean students here about youing here, but I never thought I would run into you like this¡­¡± she couldn¡¯t hide her excitement and continued, ¡°You¡¯re here because of the Henderson Collection, right? We were so disappointed because there was nothing we could do to help you even though we know how meaningful it is.¡± Haejin was very shocked and asked, ¡°How did you find out about it?¡± ¡°Huh? But you wrote about it on your museum¡¯s SNS ount!¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Eunhae must have written about it after Haejin left for New York. She should have told him if she had such a thing. ¡°How did the negotiation go?¡± She asked. Thankfully, Eunhae hadn¡¯t mentioned the terms. Of course, she was too smart to make that kind of mistake¡­ ¡°It¡¯s going well,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I hope the artifacts get returned to our country.¡± ¡°I hope so, too.¡± ¡°Please call me anytime if you need the help of a Korean student,¡± the student replied. ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Haejin was just saying that, but the girl then shyly offered her phone. ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin could see only then why she had been talking to him: she wanted his phone number. Honestly, Haejin didn¡¯t feel bad about it. No men hate pretty girls. However, he knew too well that it wasn¡¯t the time to exchange phone numbers with a girl, so he politely said no. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m dating someone.¡± Haejin said that to make the girl give up, but strictly speaking, he had almost married Silvia. Additionally, he and Eunhae were more than just colleagues, so he wasn¡¯t lying. Although he felt sorry for Eunhae because of Silvia¡­ ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Is it Director Lim Eunhae?¡± As Eunhae was so beautiful, it was natural for the girl to think so. Plus, her beauty was getting more and more famous as shemunicated with people on SNS. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t want to talk about it,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I was just curious. It¡¯s just¡­ you don¡¯t do SNS yourself, so you can¡¯t ask for our help even if you wanted to¡­¡± ¡°I thank you for that. I am very proud of the Korean students studying hard in this faraway country. If I ever need your help, I will ask on the museum¡¯s SNS page. Thank you.¡± The girl must have been embarrassed, but she didn¡¯t leave. She then ended up staying until she finished her dinner. The girl kept eating as if nothing was wrong, but it made Haejin feel rather embarrassed. However, she wasn¡¯t the only Korean who came to him. After that, every time he had a coffee break or went on a stroll, many Korean students came to meet him. At first, he couldn¡¯t understand why they were doing it, but as he talked to them, he got to find out how much they had been discriminated as Asians and how proud they were to be Koreans. Haejin had impressed them deeply by opposing the elite group of the American prestigious university to get the Henderson Collection back. ¡°So, you have found nothing yet?¡± When Haejin and Angelica met again after a few days, she provoked him again like before. As Haejin was on his way to the storage, he shrugged and asked, ¡°I¡¯ve found something. Would you like to see that now?¡± That was unexpected, and Angelica frowned slightly. Both her and Fina Williams had concluded Haejin had found nothing after watching him on CCTV. Since the first day until now, Haejin had walked around with his hands on his back, sometimes lifted up an artifact or two, and moved on, so of course, they were thinking he had found nothing. ¡°Could you wait for a while? I will bring the appraiser we have invited,¡± Angelica then said. ¡°Oh, so you don¡¯t know how to appraise it yourself?¡± Angelica didn¡¯t like that question and raised her eyebrows while saying, ¡°I manage the museum of natural history. I just happen to manage the artifacts here as well.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I see. Okay. I¡¯ll wait.¡± Angelica clearly thought she had been insulted and stomped her feet on her way out. Then, she soon appeared again with a woman in her 50s. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Fina Williams. You are much younger than I thought¡­ where have you studied? Italy? France? United Kingdom? There¡¯s no record about you here in America.¡± Fina asked so many questions the moment she saw Haejin. ¡°I studied in Korea. Although I¡¯ve never studied abroad, I traveled around the world and learned a lot.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± Fina smiled, clearly looking down on Haejin, but he didn¡¯t mind. He had experienced it so many times that in deals about antiques, the opponent didn¡¯t matter. The object itself did. Whether one knew a lot about antiques, it didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was what he or she had. At how much one would sell it, that problem came after that. So, when Haejin took the two women near the pot which had surprised him on the first day, he examined their expressions very carefully. ¡°Have you chosen this painting?¡± Out of mere coincidence, another masterpiece was right next to the pot. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s Georges de La Tour¡¯s painting,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°This is La Tour¡¯s?¡± Fina frowned hard and stared at the painting as if she couldn¡¯t believe it. Just as Haejin had thought, the two women weren¡¯t seeing it at all that he had shown this painting only to test Fina Williams. Chapter 186: Terms of Return of Artifacts (3)

Chapter 186: Terms of Return of Artifacts (3)

George de La Tour trained under the mannerism artist Jacques Benge. He was fascinated by Caravaggio, one of the greatest Italian artists, and Hendrick Terbrugghen, who sought a change in mannerism. He then carried out their style. When ites to art history, mannerism is what seeded the Renaissance art, but it also means developing your own unique style. It is slightly different from the mannerism that means being obsessed with what one already has and not being able to progress. Anyway, La Tour mainly painted folk paintings and religious paintings. He got even more famous in the 20th century after his death. However, the painting Fina was staring at was a little strange. It showed ady with long and ck hair. She was sitting silently in front of the candlelight as if she was meditating. However, what mattered was the scribble on the left bottom side of the painting. ¡®un escroc notoire¡¯ Even though Haejin was a genius, he didn¡¯t know French. So, he used his smartphone, and that line had very surprising meaning: a notorious crook. With that kind of scribble, anyone who knew French would have thought the painting had little value, apart from its content. Fina Williams looked at it for some time. Then, she stood up and spoke to Haejin, clearly impressed. ¡°Yes, I think it is his painting. I wondered why you were here because you were so young, but you have keen eyes.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± The test Haejin had set wasn¡¯t about La Tour¡¯s painting. It was about the huge pot right next to Haejin. However, although she had seen it, she didn¡¯t give it another look. ¡°Is that candlelight the reason you thought it was La Tour¡¯s?¡± La Tour was great at controlling candlelight and its shades. He was even called the artist of candlelight. It was why Haejin had thought of La Tour when he first saw the painting. ¡°Yes, and there was another reason,¡± Haejin replied. Fina raised her index and stopped him. She was going to find out the reason this time. ¡°Was it¡­ that scribble?¡± ¡°Yes, it made me sure of it.¡± Angelica couldn¡¯t understand and asked, ¡°That scribble is why you were convinced it was George de La Tour¡¯s? But that is why we thought the painting wasn¡¯t important¡­¡± Fina stroked her shoulder as if she could understand her. ¡°Oh, Angelica, I can see why you thought so. but La Tour¡¯s life was not like his paintings.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Fina looked at the painting again and exined, ¡°His paintings are always calm. They are quiet, reserved, but arouses a strange curiosity. And they make us focus on the harmony of the light and darkness, especially ones with religious meanings.¡± ¡°You are right. That¡¯s how I felt when I saw his paintings at the Louvre. I almost fell to meditation myself,¡± Angelica replied. Fina continued, ¡°La Tour¡¯s religious paintings make us reflect on ourselves and repent. He must have needed deep thoughts and understanding of humanity. However, he was a very bad man who exploited the poor tenant farmers. He even practiced usury, used violence, and made his servants steal from others. That is why he met a tragic death.¡± Angelica shook her head as if she couldn¡¯t believe it while saying, ¡°How could the man, who made this painting, be so evil¡­ is that true? No, is that why the scribble was written?¡± ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe, isn¡¯t it? I almost felt betrayed when I studied about La Tour. His entire family was massacred in 1652, during the French civil war. Of course, it didn¡¯t feel like something tragic to the people he had wronged¡­¡± ¡°That is surprising. Then one of those tenant farmers could have written this scribble?¡± Angelica asked. ¡°Maybe, or one of them asked a friend who knew how to write to write it for him,¡± Fina replied. ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, you just got La Tour¡¯s painting, one with such history¡­ it is a great fortune for Harvard. Congrattions.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not the one who should be congratted, the students are. But I do feel very happy about it¡­¡± Angelica then looked at the painting with great affection. She smiled so brightly that Haejin was surprised to find out that she did smile sometimes. Then, she turned to him and said, ¡°Well done.¡± Just one sentence. Even though they had made a deal and were fulfilling it, Haejin didn¡¯t feel good about it. So, he also reacted somewhat bluntly. He raised a hand at Angelica, then looked away again and crossed his arms. Angelica smiled and went pass Haejin to leave. Fina lightly bowed at Haejin and went after her. Angelica saw Fina was right behind her and made a remark, ¡°At least that Asian is good at his job.¡± ¡°He got lucky. As I said, the candlelight is like George de La Tour¡¯s symbol. Plus, anyone who can read resentment in the scribble would think of La Tour. Honestly, I would say that painting hasn¡¯t been discovered by now only because it wasn¡¯t lucky. It was sent to that storage without proper research done on it¡­ it has been a great loss for Harvard.¡± Angelica frowned hard as she was sad about it as well. ¡°But we have been managing this ce only with the personnel of the museum of natural history, so we had no choice. Good appraisers are way too expensive. Even the money to manage the museum for a whole year isn¡¯t enough to have all those artifacts appraised,¡± Angelica replied. ¡°However, this deal isn¡¯t that bad. Even though you are about to lose the Henderson Collection, you¡¯ve got a chance to take out the slumbering artifacts into the world.¡± ¡°It all depends on that Asian appraiser¡¯s skills. Hiring you wasn¡¯t cheap, either.¡± ¡°Haha! You must know that I¡¯m charging you much less than usual,¡± Fina replied. ¡°I¡¯m aware of it. If I had asked you to do what he is doing now, you would have demanded a huge sum of money.¡± Fina looked at Angelica andughed, ¡°Haha, I wouldn¡¯t have epted that kind of work. I cannot do such a thing all by myself, and I might be usedter if problems ur.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I never thought about that,¡± Angelica then said. ¡°Anyway, this treasure hunt is going smoothly. That young appraiser from Asia is quite good.¡± While Fina and Angelica wereughing like that, Haejin was struggling with his own problem. ¡®Should I tell them or not?¡¯ That Fina Williams wasn¡¯t different from the many appraisers he had seen when he traveled around the world with his father. She was one of the not-so-good appraisers who didn¡¯t know that white supremacy was blocking them from improving. Of course, there couldn¡¯t have been many appraisers as good as her. However, Haejin didn¡¯t think he had to think highly of her as she didn¡¯t respect him even after he found La Tour¡¯s painting. Of course, he thought it was a shame for such an artifact to be slumbering in a storage, but neither Fina nor Angelica were going to thank him even if he told them, so he had decided to tell them about a few decent other artifacts. He had really nned so, but¡­ Four dayster, he called Fina and Angelica. He couldn¡¯t stay there more as he thought it was time to leave and go back to Korea. Of course, he had decided on which artifacts to show them. Additionally, he was nning to make them an offer without anyone knowing about it. ¡°You worked faster than I expected, I thought it would take at least a fortnight,¡± Angelica was doubting Haejin¡¯s fast decision. She was worried about Haejin showing her some artifacts that were not as good as the Henderson Collection. ¡°I, instead, feel like I have been ratherte. I have made my decisions carefully, so you will probably like them.¡± It took Haejin longer than he expected. ording to his original n, he should have taken a ne to Korea two days ago. Of course, the women didn¡¯t seem to trust him, especially Fina¡­ ¡°You will probably have to change your mind about it. So, get rid of that idea of returning home soon and focus on your work here, Mr. Park. But as we are already here, we should take a look at what you have chosen, right?¡± Fina then walked past Haejin. Haejin smiled and followed her while saying, ¡°Do you, at least, know what I¡¯m about to show you?¡± Fina flinched and slowed down. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Please, lead the way.¡± Haejin smiled and moved past her. Fina bit her lips and then started following Haejin. Her clenched fists told how much she was offended. Actually, she already had anticipated which artifacts Haejin would show her. She had seen Haejin¡¯s every move on CCTV. She knew what he had done with each artifact and how much time he had spent on it, so she thought she already knew enough about the storage. She knew which artifact Haejin would show her, so she moved first in impatience¡­ then Haejin pointed out. Anyway, Fina and Angelica had already made ns on what to say about Haejin¡¯s artifacts. However, Haejin stopped where they hadn¡¯t anticipated at all. ¡°Here is one of the two remaining artifacts I found.¡± Haejin had already found La Tour¡¯s painting for them, so he only had to find two more to end the deal. ¡°Here?¡± Haejin stopped at area B4. Fina and Angelica looked at each other, clearly confused. Haejin had never spent much time in area B4. He had spent less than 3 minutes on each of the artifacts there, so Fina and Angelica hadn¡¯t paid attention to B4. However, Haejin didn¡¯t know this, so he couldn¡¯t see why they looked so confused. He was just relieved to know that Fina Williams wasn¡¯t that good as an appraiser. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s this painting.¡± Haejin then pointed at andscape painting. There was not even a single person. Instead, you could see a swamp in a quiet forest. The trees, grass, and the swamp had all been depicted quite realistically. ¡°Whose painting is this?¡± Since the painting had no signature, Fina asked. However, Haejin just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. It meant Fina had to find out by herself. She then stood in front of the painting while looking grim. Fina would greatly humiliate herself if she failed to find out the artist¡¯s name, so her heart was beating fast. However, Haejin really didn¡¯t care about it. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just asking this out of curiosity, but¡­ what if the artifact I show you is worth more than ten million dors¡­ of course, I¡¯m just hypothetically speaking¡­ what would you do?¡± Haejin abruptly asked as he looked at Fina doing her best to appraise.¡± Chapter 187: Terms of Return of Artifacts (4)

Chapter 187: Terms of Return of Artifacts (4)

Angelicaughed while asking, ¡°You do know how big ten million dors is, right?¡± ¡°Of course. Do you think I asked without knowing that?¡± Haejin asked back. Angelica looked into his eyes as if searching for an answer. ¡°Is there really such an artifact in here?¡± ¡°I was just asking. If there is¡­¡± ¡°Then it would be great, both for Harvard and this great country.¡± Angelica then smiled and looked away. Haejin also smiled and talked about it no more. He had cast the bait, so it was up to her to take it or not. Fina kept examining the painting, so Haejin brought a chair and waited on it. After about an hour¡­ Finally, Fina eximed, ¡°Wow¡­ this is Klimt¡¯s painting!¡± Fina looked at Klimt¡¯s signature on the lower part of the frame. Then, she looked at Haejin with excitement. Actually, Haejin didn¡¯t think it was from Klimt when he saw it for the first time. He just wondered whose painting it was, but there was no signature on the painting itself or at the back of the frame, so he used magic. But then, he saw Klimt¡¯s face which he had seen on a photo before. His face was easy to recognize. It had less hair, but it still looked strong and somewhat cute at the same time. He liked to leave his signature at the lower part of his work where people didn¡¯t usually look, so Haejin could use it as proof to im the painting was Klimt¡¯s. ¡°This is really Klimt¡¯s painting? But his paintings are¡­¡± Angelica couldn¡¯t finish that sentence, but both Haejin and Fina knew what she wanted to say. Fina carefully put the painting down and said, ¡°It might surprise you, but paintings in his early and middle times mostly use the style of art from that period. The paintings created during his boyhood would make you think, ¡®oh, the word genius is for this kind of men.''¡± When you think of Gustave Klimt, you would recall the strong and unique world that was very different from the style of the other artists. However, Klimt didn¡¯t paint like that at the beginning. He was a very talented artist. He was admitted to the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule, a school of applied arts and crafts now the University of Applied Arts Vienna, at the age of 14. After that, he had great sess as an elite artist. This painting proved Klimt had mastered the basic techniques. ¡°Interesting,¡± Angelicamented. ¡°Klimt¡¯s paintings became different ever since he parted ways with the art world of that period and made the Secession group. Of course, we should be grateful for his change¡­¡± ¡°Then is this painting worth ten million dors?¡± Angelica asked, and Fina looked at Haejin in surprise. ¡°Worth ten million dors? Do you think this painting is worth that much?¡± Fina asked before Haejin could say anything. Angelica then told her about what Haejin said previously. ¡°Mr. Park said it earlier on, what would I do if there was an artifact worth more than ten million dors. Were you not talking about this painting?¡± ¡°Haha, if you were, Mr. Park, you are not good at setting prices as much as you are good at appraising paintings. Expensive ones among Klimt¡¯s paintings are worth more than a hundred million dors, but this one is not that valuable. You are wrong if all Klimt¡¯s paintings are that expensive.¡± Fina wasn¡¯t happy to find out she had been tested. Therefore, she was angered and continued by saying, ¡°Please don¡¯t rush forward to a conclusion. This isn¡¯t the artifact worth more than ten million.¡± Angelica asked, ¡°Then what is it?¡± ¡°Well, let¡¯s see what I have next, shall we?¡± Haejin moved again and stopped in front of area D2. ¡°Here?¡± Fina bit her lips at finding that she had been wrong again. Haejin had spent a few hours at area B and never went back, so both Fina and Angelica didn¡¯t bother to find out which artifacts were there. However, Haejin had gone through area D only because all the artifacts there were from Asia. It might have seemed fast to Fina as he was looked around for a few hours, but Haejin only had to give a nce at most of the artifacts to know how valuable they were. He had appraised a few of the good ones in slightly more than ten minutes. Additionally, the porcin he was showing right now was one of them. In front of him was a snow-white teapot. ¡°This white porcin teapot was made in the Song period.¡± Making Fina work and find out on her own wasn¡¯t funny anymore, so Haejin didn¡¯t hesitate to tell them what it was. Fina was shocked and went closer to the kettle. ¡°They could produce such white porcin in the Song period?¡± Judging from the question and her expression, Fina didn¡¯t know much about porcins. Of course, she had to be much better than students who majored in archaeology but studying both western and eastern art wasn¡¯t easy. Moreover, as Fina clearly had a strong white supremacy, there was no way she had studied eastern art deeply. ¡°This was made in Jingdezhen, home of Chinese porcins. Porcins this white are called Yeong Cheong(Ó°œ[). As its ze is thin and glossy, its texture is simr to jade.¡± Fina stoked the teapot while saying, ¡°Yes, it is extremely smooth. And what is this head?¡± ¡°That head is from Fenghuang.¡± ¡°Oh! Fenghuang, I know it. It¡¯s a mythical bird in China, right?¡± Fina made a guess. Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes. The four animals, Qilin, Turtle, Fenghuang, and dragon are together the Four Benevolent Animals. They are symbols of very noble people and auspicious signs.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ it is very precious.¡± Fina was satisfied and stoked the teapot, but Angelica frowned even harder while asking, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± ¡°Yes. You can¡¯t be thinking that the three artifacts I have shown you are not good enough, right?¡± Although the artifacts in the Henderson Collection were extremely valuable, the artifacts Haejin had found were good enough as well. Even Fina admitted that, so she looked at Angelica confusedly. ¡°I agree with Mr. Park. The paintings from La Tour and Klimt are extremely valuable.¡± She still had that European-centered mind. Fina was probably thinking that the two paintings were much more valuable than a teapot from Asia. However, Angelica¡¯s frown didn¡¯t go away. ¡°But you mentioned that artifact worth more than ten million! This teapot is a precious artifact and will draw attention when we exhibit it at the museum, but it is not worth ten million. You were talking about something else, weren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What if I was?¡± Haejin asked back. ¡°What?¡± ¡°That is why I asked you what you would do if there is an artifact worth more than ten million dors sleeping here,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°I¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t say anything. So, Haejin just sat down on a pile of boxes nearby and said, ¡°I¡¯ve fulfilled my part of the deal. No one would be able to deny that even if you bring another appraiser.¡± ¡°So?¡± Haejin continued, ¡°So, if I find you an artifact worth more than ten million dors only out of good will, it would be¡­ unfair.¡± Angelica crossed her arms and nodded, ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°You and your colleagues must not have been happy with this deal as it was your president who decided on it. That is why I asked. What if there is such an artifact? What would you want to do with it?¡± Haejin asked again. ¡°That is a meaningless question. Just get to your point. What do you want?¡± Angelica was smart, and it made it easier for Haejin to continue. ¡°There is a painting of Joseon here. Give it to me, and I¡¯ll tell you which artifact is worth ten million dors.¡± ¡°I have no authority to decide on that matter,¡± Angelica replied. ¡°I know. You must get your boss¡¯ permission. However, I also know your president knows very little about antiques. He made it clear there would be no more deals¡­¡± The first thing he had done after seeing that painting was finding out if he could make another deal with Harvard¡¯s president. However, he said that there would be no more deals. Eunahe said he was returning the Henderson Collection not because he wanted to but because he was forced to, so making an additional deal would be insulting for him. That is why Haejin had to make a detour and had to use Angelica¡¯s greed. ¡°I cannot make it happen unless the president gives his permission.¡± Haejin then replied, ¡°Then I have no choice but to leave it among these countless other artifacts¡­ or you might be able to find it if a good appraiser examines every artifact in this storage.¡± If Haejin had made this offer earlier, Angelica wouldn¡¯t have thought twice to say no. However, he had shown her three artifacts, and now she knew how good Haejin was. The paintings from La Tour and Klimt were shocking enough, and there was an artifact worth more than ten million dors¡­ Managers of the museums tend to think that the artifacts in their museum belong to them. Maybe it is the right thing to do, but sometimes, it arouses their greed and forces them into making bad choices. That is the history of huge museums in America smuggling artifacts in the 1980s. Angelica couldn¡¯t let this opportunity go, either. She kept hesitating. It was impossible to bring in a new appraiser and have him or her examine every artifact. It would cost a lot, but she would have to take the sole responsibility if such an artifact didn¡¯t show up. ¡°Please give me some time,¡± eventually, Angelica said what Haejin had been waiting for. ¡°My ne leaves tomorrow morning. You must give me the answer before this evening,¡± Haejin then replied. ¡°But that¡¯s way too soon. Do you have any idea how busy this university¡¯s president is?¡± Angelica was losing her temper, but Haejin didn¡¯t even blink an eye. ¡°I know he is busy, but it¡¯s not like this matter would require a long conversation. It¡¯s simple enough. If you want to exhibit a ten-million-dor artifact, give me one painting from Korea.¡± ¡°What kind of painting is it?¡± Angelica then asked. Haejin stood up and took out a piece of paper rolled crudely that was only a few steps away. ¡°This one.¡± It hadn¡¯t been preserved properly. If Haejin hadn¡¯t found it, someone might have discarded it as trash. ¡°Let me see,¡± Fina said while taking it and carefully unrolling it. It was about 80cm wide and 50cm tall. It was the painting of a chrysanthemum. It was an ink-and-wash painting without any color, and there was a signature stamped on the empty part on the left. When stamping the signature, since Chinese letters must be written in a small square, they look slightly different from their original shape. Therefore, even people who know how to write their names in Chinese letter sometimes don¡¯t recognize it when it is stamped, so of course, no appraiser in Harvard could have been able to read it. ¡°What does this signature mean?¡± Fina asked while pointing at the red letters. ¡°It is Man Cheon Myeong Wol Ju In Ong (Èf ´¨ Ã÷ Ô Ö÷ ÈË ÎÌ). In short, it means, ¡®Everything of this world belongs to me,''¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Then¡­¡± ¡°The person who drew this painting was a king of Joseon.¡± Chapter 188: Terms of Return of Artifacts (5)

Chapter 188: Terms of Return of Artifacts (5)

More urately, Man Cheon Myeong Wol Ju In Wong means ¡®although there is only one moon and there are ten thousand flowing streams, when the moon is reflected on the water, it is both on the stream in front and the stream in the back. When there are ten thousand streams, there are ten thousand moons. However, there is only one moon up in the sky¡¯. The streams meant the people, and the only moon meant the writer. It might sound arrogant, but as the writer was king Jeongjo, Haejin could understand it. ¡°King of Joseon¡­ then it must be quite important to you.¡± Fina nodded, but she was just considering Haejin¡¯s situation, not admiring the painting itself. As she knew almost nothing about eastern paintings, Haejin didn¡¯t feel offended. She must have had reasons to study Asian porcins as they had great influence in Europe, butpared to porcins, eastern paintings are much lesser known. Even though Japanese paintings used to have an influence on European art, it alone didn¡¯t require appraisers to study Chinese and Korean paintings. Of course, there were some western appraisers who had studied eastern paintings, but at least Fina wasn¡¯t one of them. ¡°As I already know it¡¯s here, I cannot leave it here. I¡¯d like to get it back along with the Henderson Collection.¡± Fina looked at Angelica as she couldn¡¯t give any answer herself. ¡°Give us time until tomorrow evening,¡± Angelica replied. She was half bought now. Haejin then said, ¡°No, the ne leaves tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s no reason to rush like that.¡± Haejin continued, ¡°I am very busy, I don¡¯t even know if I would be able toe back to America. And even if Ie back, I might not be able toe to Boston. Time? Stop thinking your president¡¯s time is gold and my time is not. You may not know it yet, but my appraisal fee is the highest in the world. Additionally, I have examined all of these artifacts. It means you have traded the Henderson Collection with money that is way beyond your imagination.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Angelica and Fina couldn¡¯t believe it. Their jaw dropped, and they couldn¡¯t say anything. Haejin continued to press them, ¡°Don¡¯t even think that you can make the decision after I go back to Korea. So, the moment I tell you what the ten-million-dor artifact is, I will simply take the painting. Of course, your museum should take care of the legal procedures.¡± ¡°That¡¯s, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you stop arguing with me and run to your president? We won¡¯t see each other again after this evening,¡± Haejin said. Angelica hesitated, but she soon turned around and left. Fina looked at her as she walked away and nced around the storage. ¡°Impressive. You charge more than any other appraisers¡­ I had no idea.¡± ¡°You will get to find out in time,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Yes, unless you are lying. Although Albert Harrington will be shocked if he finds out about this.¡± Haejin knew that Albert Harrington. He had been given the royal brooch, which was given to only the best appraiser in the UK¡¯s appraisalmittee, and he was a High Appraisal Member of France¡¯s antique appraisal institution. They had a first bad encounter, but in the end, they had parted as friends. Haejin hadn¡¯t known he would get to hear Albert¡¯s name in the storage of Harvard University. ¡°Albert Harrington¡­ are you talking about Albert of Britain¡¯s Harrington family? High Appraisal Member of France¡¯s antique appraisal institution and private appraiser of the Medici family¡­¡± ¡°Oh, but how do you know him?¡± Fina asked while being genuinely shocked. Her face even started to get strangely distorted. ¡°I¡¯ve met him, at a charity auction event of the Medici. He was a little arrogant, probably because he was a nobleman, but he wasn¡¯t that bad,¡± Haejin answered. ¡°Oh, yes, right?¡± Judging from her reaction, she didn¡¯t even know Harrington personally. Haejin continued, ¡°I know he is quite famous in Europe. Well, I didn¡¯t know when I met him for the first time¡­ anyway, what I can tell you is that he never protests about my appraisal. And about my fee, of course.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Fina couldn¡¯t say anything. She pretended to look at the artifacts around her and left in a hurry after a short goodbye. ¡°Anyway, it has been nice to get to know you. I hope we get to meet again someday.¡± After that, Haejin ate lunch at the students¡¯ dining hall and returned to the storage. He was thinking that he would get a reply on that day, so he wanted to kill time at the storage, but there was someone waiting for him there. ¡°You must be Mr. Park. Please, call me Lionel.¡± The man stretched out his hand. As Angelica was standing behind him, he had to be the president of Harvard University. ¡°Nice to meet you. I guess you have heard from Ms. Angelica here about the offer I made?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ actually, I never really liked this deal. But after hearing her story, I started to think this forced deal may not be all that bad.¡± His own employee¡¯s advice was much more persuasive than the opposing party¡¯s offer. Eunhae had said the president was against any more deals, but now, he was quite open to it. ¡°Okay then, let us go to see it.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t waste time. He immediately took Lionel to the artifact. ¡°Is this that magnificent artifact?¡± Lionel seemed to be confused at seeing a huge pot that looked like any pots in Buddhist temples of China and southeast Asia. ¡°Yes,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Please, tell me what kind of artifact it is.¡± Lionel sat down on a patio chair nearby and looked at Haejin. Even though he knew almost nothing about antiques, he was the president of Harvard University. He had enough experience and knowledge to verify frauds. ¡°Shang Dynasty period is one of the times when bronze was produced in great quantities in China,¡± Haejin started exining. ¡°Shang Dynasty? Isn¡¯t that about B.C. 1500?¡± Haejin confirmed, ¡°Yes, this pot was made in thete days of the Shang Dynasty.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ this is more than three thousand years old¡­¡± Lionel stood up and examined the pot¡¯s patterns carefully. However, if examining carefully could give answers, experts wouldn¡¯t be needed. He looked up at Haejin asked, ¡°Is this pattern on the surface what makes you think so?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not about the pattern, but the letters engraved on the inside and at the bottom. These letters are called Myeong Mun (ã‘ ÎÄ). They are even older than the oracle bone script.¡± ¡°I have heard of it! I must look¡­¡± Lionel quickly turned on the sh in his phone and used it to look inside the pot. Soon¡­ ¡°Oh¡­ this is that Myeong Mun. I¡¯m seeing it with my own eyes¡­ remarkable.¡± Lionel was really admiring it. Actually, it wasn¡¯t the first time Haejin was seeing Shang Dynasty¡¯s Myeong Mun. He had seen it a few times before when his father still robbed graves. Funnily, he hadn¡¯t known what those letters meant back then. His father also didn¡¯t know much about letters of the Shang Dynasty, so he sold it without giving any thoughts to it. Later, Haejin was so surprised to learn about them at university. There had been a few artifacts he and his father could have sold at a much higher price if they had known they were from the Shang Dynasty. Because of it, Haejin had been able to recognize the letters inside that old pot. He couldn¡¯t make the same mistake again. ¡°It has been preserved well and the letters have not faded. As China is eager to get artifacts like this, if you put it in Sotheby¡¯s or Christie¡¯s auction, it will get you at least ten million dors.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ yes, I¡¯ve seen an artifact simr to this get sold at an extremely high price on Sotheby¡¯s auction. However, I am not going to sell this.¡± Lionel smiled and stood up. Haejin then said, ¡°Really? But it wouldn¡¯t be bad to put it on auction, for your student¡¯s schrships¡­¡± Ten million dors was a huge sum of money. Lionel could use that money for Harvard¡­ However, he just smiled and shook his head while saying, ¡°There¡¯s no need to do that. Thing like this happened before once, and someone from a museum in China came to us in secret.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, we will preserve it well. Oh, and you want to take a painting in exchange for this artifact, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Haejin confirmed. ¡°Good. You would have left without telling us about this if it hadn¡¯t been for it.¡± Actually, Haejin could have just told them because he did thank them for returning the Henderson Collection if they had been just a little nicer. Although it didn¡¯t matter at this point¡­ ¡°Then please, finish the legal procedures before the next morning,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We will tell the customs, right?¡± Lionel was asking Angelica. She quickly nodded, ¡°Yes. I will prepare the papers and the move in the morning.¡± ¡°Good, good. Then it¡¯s been my pleasure. I hope we meet again.¡± Lionel left without taking a look at the painting Haejin wanted. He was probably sure it wasn¡¯t more expensive than the pot. So, he was thinking there was no reason to bother to take a look at it, and in fact, he was right. On auctions, Joseon paintings were shamefully cheappared to Chinese antiques. But it didn¡¯t matter, it was a painting drawn by none other than king Jeongjo himself. After the photographer Angelica brought finished taking the photos, Haejin took the painting and signed the contract. ¡°Excuse me, you are Mr. Park Haejin, right? I¡¯m reporter Lim Haesol of Weekly Stars.¡± ¡°I¡¯m reporter Oh Saejun of ABC. When you appraised Maeokdang Yu Hanwol¡¯s painting, were you sure it was fake the moment you saw it?¡± When Haejin arrived in Korea with the painting that hade through the customs, he was very puzzled. It was because of the two reporters who started asking questions as soon as he came out of the gate. It had to be about the program that had been broadcasted while he was in Korea, but he couldn¡¯t understand why a reporter of Weekly Stars was here. He just stared at them nkly until Eunhae showed up from somewhere and took his arm. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he is a little busy now. Why don¡¯t you send a request to the museum if you need an interview? We¡¯ll look into it and set an appointment.¡± Haejin and Eunhae escaped from them quickly and got on a car to head to Seoul. ¡°Was the program that shocking?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help asking on the way. ¡°That Maeokdang Yu Hanwol is a powerful man. He has gotten himself awyer of hugew firm and is about to take legal actions,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Hmm¡­ and thatw firm took his case?¡± Haejin thought it would be a trial which Maeokdang couldn¡¯t win. Eunhae then said, ¡°I can¡¯t understand that, either. Maeokdang can never win the case, but thatw firm has agreed to work for him.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eunhae confirmed, ¡°Yes, they have contacted me this morning. They wanted to meet you.¡± ¡°Wow, that Maeokdang must have some really powerful friends. But I don¡¯t care, I¡¯ll just testify again if they call me¡­ you talk to thatw firm¡¯swyer,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I thought you would not want to get a headache because of it. So, I¡¯ve convinced them to talk to me instead.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all settled, then.¡± Eunhae then continued, ¡°But that¡¯s not important¡­ someone hase to the museum, asking us to buy his antique.¡± ¡°He wants to sell an antique? To us?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes¡­ he said it was from North Korea.¡± Chapter 189: Artifact from North Korea (1)

Chapter 189: Artifact from North Korea (1)

Normally, when someone decide to sell an antique, they usually think of two ways. The first is to entrust it to an auction agency, and the other is to find a middle merchant in Insadong to sell it directly to someone who knows how to appreciate antiques. These two ways each has its pros and cons. The advantage of the first way was that you can sell it at the highest price as multiple peoplepete for it. However, the auction agency takes most of that money as the fee. No matter how much it was sold at, the seller might find the fee expensive. Additionally, there is another disadvantage: the source of your money might be revealed. As money earned through auctions cannot be hidden, there can be family disputes and tax problems. So, not many people are fond of this option. Selling through Insadong might not have the disadvantages of an auction agency, but the price differs greatly depending on which buyer you get to meet. In short, you must exactly know what you are selling and at how much things like that are being sold, or you will get ripped off. But now, someone had chosen the third option which was hard for ordinary people to think of: selling it directly to a museum. Haejin wondered who and what it was. Even experts rarely came to museums to sell antiques. ¡°How did that person find out about us? It¡¯s not like you put an ad on a newspaper that says you will buy antiques at the highest price,¡± Haejin said. Eunhae replied, ¡°I¡¯m not a used car dealer. Of course, I never said anything like that. Do you remember the girl we helped a while ago?¡± ¡°Huh? Who? Oh, are you talking about Saebom?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes. She posted on SNS about us. Even reporters read it and came here. That reporter from Weekly Stars must have gone to the airport because of thatedy show you filmed and Saebom¡¯s SNS,¡± Eunhae answered. ¡°So¡­ that person, who hase to sell an antique, came to us because of Saebom¡¯s antique? Does he know we bought her painting?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure about anything for now. I just told him toe backter as you were on a business trip. But he has beening every day after that, three days in a row. It looks like he will keeping until he gets to meet you,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Really? Have you seen what his antique is?¡± Haejin curiously asked. ¡°No, he said he would show it to us after you arrive, and not before. I wasn¡¯t that curious about it, so I said okay.¡± ¡°Now I¡¯m really curious.¡± Haejin had nned to proudly brag about bringing king Jeongjo¡¯s painting¡­ but it looked like he had to wait until they arrived at the museum. ¡°Oh¡­ he¡¯s even better-looking in real life?¡± ¡°He¡¯s single, right?¡± ¡°Excuse me¡­ could you take a selfie with me?¡± However, when they arrived at the museum, Haejin was so shocked that he forgot all about the painting. How did thatedy show portray him? The visitors were acting as if they were seeing a real star¡­ Eunhae poked him, ¡°This won¡¯tst long, just get along with it.¡± ¡°Um, okay.¡± Haejin took photos with them, wearing an artificial smile. Then, he escaped the crowd and went up to Eunhae¡¯s office. ¡°What on earth did that program say about me?¡± Eunhae replied, ¡°Well, there has been Saebom¡¯s SNS, and theedy show portrayed you as a very handsome celebrity¡­ and that interview you gave about Maeokdang¡¯s scheme has made you look like a sharp and smart man. Don¡¯t worry about it too much. Even though they are so enthusiastic about you, they will soon find another interesting issue.¡± ¡°I really hope you¡¯re right¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like you are going to be on TV often, so it will be fine,¡± Eunhaeforted him. Then, a member of the staff knocked on the door and came in. ¡°Mr. Choi Usik is here. He knows Mr. Park is here, and he said he will keep waiting.¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin, so he replied, ¡°Please take him to my appraisal room, I¡¯lle down.¡± ¡°Okay then, I will tell him toe back with the artifact,¡± the staff replied. ¡°Okay.¡± After he left, Eunhae spotted a painting container next to Haejin and asked, ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Oh, this? I found a painting of Jeongjo when I was looking for good artifacts at Harvard¡¯s museum.¡± ¡°That is Jeongjo¡¯s painting? Was that why you asked me to ask the president to make another deal?¡± Eunhae asked. Haejin had told her he had found a painting from the Joseon period, but he hadn¡¯t told her what exactly it was. So, he wanted her to ask Lionel if he was interested in exchanging a ten-million-dor artifact with a painting. ¡°Yes. Anyway, it went well, so I brought it. It¡¯s not like it is a stolen good, so you can exhibit it,¡± Haejin replied. Eunhae pped like a child in delight. ¡°Yaay! Jeongjo is the second king I admire the most, right after King Saejong. I never thought I would get to see his painting so closely. I must call the photographer immediately and let the PR team know. You know our museum has been having a special exhibition every week, right?¡± Haejin then said, ¡°Of course, you¡¯re putting on a different banner at the entrance every week.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ you brought Jeongjo¡¯s painting, you are so great.¡± Eunhae gave Haejin a thumbs-up. He then smiled and went to his appraisal room, letting her take care of the painting. After about half an hour, the staff came with that strange client. ¡°Sir, this is Mr. Choi Usik.¡± The man was clearly nervous. He had grey hair, brown skin, and a wrinkled face. He was at least 50 years old. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Choi Usik. You are Mr. Park Haejin. You look much younger than on TV.¡± Haejin took his hand for a handshake. ¡°I arrived at Incheon this morning and the director told me about you. Nice to meet you.¡± Usik¡¯s hand was thick and rough as if he had been living a hard life. Haejin felt like he was holding his father¡¯s hand again. Usik didn¡¯t feel like a stranger to him. ¡°You were a little puzzled, weren¡¯t you? When you heard I wanted to sell an antique¡­¡± He smelled like dirt, just like Haejin¡¯s father and Byeongguk. Haejin then replied, ¡°Well, an individualing to a museum to sell something is¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and talk.¡± Usik brought a chair and sat on it, and Haejin, simrly, sat down on a chair near the table while listening to Usik. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m a grave robber.¡± Haejin¡¯s guts had never been wrong ever since he got his magic. There were only a few Korean grave robbers Haejin didn¡¯t know. As his father had been the best grave robber in the country, he had met so many others since he was a little boy. Now, he knew almost all the grave robbers in Korea. ¡°Grave robber¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­ you know what I mean. I steal antiques from graves and sell them,¡± Usik exined. ¡°Your ent is rough. You are not from this country, are you?¡± Haejin asked. Usik then confirmed, ¡°Yes. I was born in Hangyeongdo, North Korea, and I lived in South Korea and Qinghezhen, China for decades. I did a lot of bad things. At the time, I was just trying to make a living, but it can¡¯t be an excuse.¡± He reached to his pocket for a cigarette, but then he realized he couldn¡¯t smoke in a museum and put it back again. ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s not like making excuses will make my sins disappear. That¡¯s how I am. I have sinned a lot, but¡­ my granddaughter just came along. She is so perfect and beautiful. When I looked at her, I suddenly started to fear. What if karma punishes her instead for my sins?¡± Sometimes it happened. Some grave robbers worried too much about ghostsing after them for revenge and ended up going mad. As their work was to dig graves, they often got to see corrupted corpses. Having nightmares was almost part of their job. ¡°Is that why you havee to sell that antique from North Korea?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes, but I am not a criminal like Lee Wanyong* who sold over hundreds of North Korean artifacts. Most artifacts in North Korea are fakes, just like the artifacts here are mostly fakes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of it, that there are many fake porcins in North Korea, too.¡± Usik confirmed, ¡°Yes, there are many¡­ at first, I started with only fakes without a single real artifact. I bribed government officials and barely didn¡¯t starve to death. Then, I moved to Sinuiju and became a grave robber. I stole a number of artifacts from the tombs in Kaesong and Hamgyeong Province and crossed the Amrok River** and went to China, only trusting a dealer I knew in China. At the time, I had to show him a few of the artifacts I had brought, and they allowed me to raise my children and get this far.¡± Haejin then started to ask, ¡°Then what you brought today is¡­¡± ¡°Grave robbing is not easy these days, even in North Korea. The time I used to work was when it was the easiest. I¡¯ve brought the artifact I cherished more than my life when I crossed Amrok River,¡± Usik replied. ¡°You have made a big decision.¡± Haejin really meant that. If Usik had wanted to sell his artifact at a high price, he could have gone somewhere else. ¡°Oh, of course. Do you know why I came to you? Actually, most people who handle antiques are frauds, all in China, South Korea, and North Korea. But when I saw you on TV, I did some research on you.¡± ¡°On me?¡± Usik nodded hard, ¡°Even though this museum has been established recently, you are trying to bring back numerous Korean artifacts from abroad. You don¡¯t hesitate to help those in need and you are the best appraiser in this country. I thought I could trust you more than any merchant in Insadong.¡± ¡°Why did you¡­¡± Usik continued, ¡°Why did I bother to be that careful on selling one antique? I¡¯m almost as good as an expert on antiques as I have been trading them for decades in Sinuiju and Qinghezhen, but even people like me can get fooled. That¡¯s how our world is. If I reveal the porcin I have, all kinds of people would lunge in to get it. Of course, I would be able to sell it at the price I want. But what would happen next? Would this porcin be able to remain in this country? I do not want to sin anymore, so I want you to buy it at a reasonable price.¡± He was very straightforward. He must have known he wouldn¡¯t be able to sell the porcin at a high price after telling everything like that, but he told Haejin all of that because he truly meant it. ¡°Okay then, let me take a look at that porcin,¡± Haejin replied. Usik¡¯s porcin was in a heavy wooden box. He opened the lid, and inside, you could see the artifact covered in bubble wraps. Once the cover was removed, you could finally see the porcin. It was a Goryeo cdon. Usik then exined, ¡°Let me be honest. I didn¡¯t tell the government when I brought this into the country. So, if they get to find out I¡¯ve sold this to you, I will be in trouble. You know what I mean, right?¡± Of course, he couldn¡¯t have told the government. If he had it on his way to Korea from China, the cdon would have not been able toe to Korea even though it was a Korean artifact. He would have been captured by the Chinese police, get charged for things he had done and hadn¡¯t done, then spent the rest of his life in prison. ¡°I know, the police will never call you,¡± Haejin reassured him. ¡°Well, you are bold for a good-looking fellow.¡± Usik smiled for the first time. However, his smile vanished at Haejin¡¯s question. ¡°But¡­ do you still have friends in Sinuiju?¡± *Lee Wanyong was the greatest Korean traitor. He sold his own country to the Japanese for his own good. He gave over a number of artifacts and tried to convince his fellow countrymen that being ruled by the Japanese and not having freedom was good for them. So now, his name is used as a symbol for traitors. **Amrok River is the borderline between North Korea and China, just like Rio Grande. Emigrating without permission is a huge crime in North Korea, so there are armed guards at Amrok River. They Chapter 190: Artifact from North Korea (2)

Chapter 190: Artifact from North Korea (2)

¡°Yes, a few. But why do you ask? Are you thinking about smuggling in artifacts from North Korea?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t decided on anything. I¡¯m just curious.¡± That was a vague answer. Usik then nced at Haejin and pointed at his porcin while saying, ¡°First, pay for that. How much do you think it is?¡± The Goryeo cdon was about 50cm tall. Its shape was that of most porcin vases, with its top wider than its bottom. However, there was a small difference. There were two rings that looked like ears attached to its shoulder. Haejin didn¡¯t even have to use his magic. It clearly was a genuine Goryeo cdon. It was invaluable. ¡°How much do you want for it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Are you trying to bargain with me?¡± ¡°No, I just want to know how much you want to get for it,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°What are you going to do if I say I want ten billion won?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ honestly, this museum doesn¡¯t have such a huge sum of money yet.¡± Haejin¡¯s answer sounded somewhat like a joke. Usik was about to use him, but then he decided not to. He then red at Haejin for some time. ¡°Hmm¡­ you know how to touch people¡¯s conscience. Fine! Give me just a billion,¡± Usik said. Haejin smiled. He had asked Usik to name his price because he wanted how much of the story he had told was true. If he really wanted that artifact to be kept well in Korea, he wouldn¡¯t have said a higher price. That was why Usik said he knew how to touch the people¡¯s conscience. In the end, Usik asked for a billion. It was a huge amount of money, but as for the price of the cdon, it was way too small. ¡°Would a billion be enough for you?¡± Haejin asked. Usik then answered, ¡°Stop making me feel so troubled! Just promise me you will never sell this abroad, and I will give it to you at a billion.¡± ¡°Okay, I promise.¡± Haejin immediately called a member of the staff to write the contract. He transferred the money and told the staff to take the porcin to the preservation room. Then, he turned to Usik again. ¡°Why don¡¯t we start where we left it? Do you still have some friends in Sinuiju?¡± Haejin asked again. ¡°Of course. I used to work there for more than a decade. Every grave robber and artifact dealer in there knows me,¡± Usik replied. ¡°Are North Korean artifacts still being sold to China?¡± Usik frowned and sighed, ¡°Hu¡­ yes, a lot of them, but not in huge amounts. As I said before, most fake porcins going around in North Korea are brought in through Sinuiju, and most of them were made in South Korea. So, South Korean porcins in North Korea are rbeled as North Korean porcins. Then, they are sent to Sinuiju again and then to China.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ they must not have enough technique to make fakes themselves,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s not like traditional porcin manufacturing skills are still alive in North Korea, and even if they were, where can porcins be made? They must be brought in from South Korea and China¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, North Korean artifacts are still leaving the country through Sinuiju, right?¡± Haejin asked. Usik then confirmed, ¡°Yes. Do you happen to know any government official? Then, I could understand your thinking¡­¡± Haejin just smiled and stood up while saying, ¡°I cannot tell you anything as I haven¡¯t decided yet. I will call youter.¡± ¡°Well, okay. Then, here is my phone number.¡± Usik could guess what Haejin had in mind. So, he smiled and left. The business card he left had his phone number and the name of hispany, ¡®Taeil Trade¡¯. ¡°Hmm¡­ it¡¯s remarkable.¡± After a few days, Jeong Sanghun of the National Intelligence Service came to Haejin¡¯s appraisal room. He was looking at the cdon Usik had sold. He kept eximing, then looked up and said, ¡°But you are showing me this because¡­¡± Haejin exined, ¡°The man who sold this to me a few days ago used to rob graves in North Korea and China, then sell artifacts. He has decided to settle here recently.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ in short, you are openly admitting this is a stolen good. So?¡± Haejin continued, ¡°Of course. It is illegal, but let¡¯s think about the greater good here. A number of North Korean artifacts are still being smuggled out through Sinuiju. They are mostly fake, but some of them are real artifacts. I know the government cannot openly intervene in this. It can be a diplomatic problem, but are you going to let those artifacts be sold abroad?¡± ¡°Go on,¡± Sanghun was waiting for Haejin to finish. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to do anything about it. I¡¯m just¡­ asking you to open a hole at Incheon customs.¡± Sanghun¡¯s jaw dropped in shock and said, ¡°Are you asking a NIS agent to help with illegal artifact smuggling?¡± ¡°Or you can let those artifacts be sent to foreign countries,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Hmm¡­ you do know I cannot decide on this, right?¡± Sanghun asked. ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t doing this because he was sure it would work. He was just asking because he felt bad about North Korean artifacts being sold abroad. He thought it was worth a try, and if didn¡¯t work, he was going to give up. He thought the NIS would probably not ept it, so he didn¡¯t have much expectation. However, a few dayster, Sanghun came back and said something unexpected. ¡°Was the man who sold you the cdon Choi Usik of Taeil Trade?¡± ¡°Huh¡­ you investigated me?¡± ¡°Well, that sounds too serious. I just did some research,¡± Sanghun replied. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± ¡°Haha, don¡¯t take it too badly. We had to know something to decide whether or not to help you. Plus, we cannot open the customs in your name. Apany¡¯s name would be better¡­¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± ¡°I think we can do it if we use Taeil Trade¡¯s name,¡± Sanghun said. ¡°Wow, honestly, I wasn¡¯t expecting much, but you are really helping me.¡± Sanghun seemed to be rather surprised at this, ¡°Oh, but we even asked you to rob a tomb in Japan before! Why were you not expecting this much? You even looked like you were asking this because you thought we would say yes¡­ you are very good at acting.¡± Well, they had asked Haejin to rob graves in Japan. It was only possible because they were the NIS. ¡°Are you saying it is really possible?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You must know you cannot do this alone anyway, right?¡± ¡°Yes. I would need someone who knows about Chinese antique markets and Sinuiju,¡± Haejin replied. That was also why he had asked Usik if he still had friends in Sinuiju. ¡°If we are to work with Mr. Choi Usik, we must do more background checks on him first. It might take some time. It may take a month or six months,¡± Sanghun then exined. ¡°And if he proves to be fine?¡± ¡°Then the rest would be easy. You and thepany will do everything. Me and my colleagues will just have to open the customs for you and check the artifacts thate in, so it wouldn¡¯t be hard,¡± Sanghun answered. It was easier than Haejin had thought. In the end, he called Usik and told him about what had happened. He offered him to work with him to buy North Korean artifacts in China with the help of the NIS. Usik agreed, probably because he still felt bad about robbing graves in the past. He said that he would stay in Qinghazhen, China, to prepare until the NIS gives him permission to work with Haejin. So, Haejin got an unexpected business like this. Meanwhile, people kepting to him. Most of them had seen him on TV and wanted his appraisal. A few of them made a fuss and insisted on meeting Haejin immediately because they didn¡¯t want to wait in line. There were these kinds of people who had to be treated differently everywhere. They sometimes raised their voice at the museum, but the staff had been instructed to not give in to that kind of attitude. They just erased their names from the waiting list. Although Haejin¡¯s appraisal fee was high, people still kepting. His fee alone was now enough to run the museum. After a few days, Silvia finally called him. ¡°Do you remember the ce we met before?¡± Surprisingly, she spoke in Korean. ¡°Wow¡­ your pronunciation is really good!¡± Haejinmented. ¡°I¡¯ve been studying a little.¡± She was now speaking fluent Korean. Haejin finished working and arrived at that small coffee shop in Gangnam. A beautiful woman smiled when she saw him and waved her hand. Her blue eyes like ake were just like before, but her chin had gotten sharper and she was now even more beautiful than before. Haejin couldn¡¯t take his eyes off from her for some time. ¡°Have I be pretty?¡± Silvia asked. ¡°Yes, you used to be beautiful before, but now¡­¡± ¡°That is why they say this country is the heaven of beauty. Sit down, others are watching!¡± ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Haejin was embarrassed for being stunned like that and quickly sat down. Silvia then got coffee for them. ¡°Has anything strange happened?¡± Silvia smiled and shook her head, ¡°No, not at all. They haven¡¯t shown any movement since you took care of their members here. I think they are gathering power.¡± She couldn¡¯t exin well in Korean yet, so she spoke in English. ¡°They are gathering power? What do you mean?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You can¡¯t be thinking those few men you have taken care of are all of the Trinitatis, right?¡± ¡°Of course not,¡± Haejin replied. Silvia then exined, ¡°They must be summoning their members spread all around the world. I don¡¯t know what they are nning to do¡­ but you must get more power, just in case.¡± ¡°I am quite strong now.¡± Haejin was not bluffing. He really meant it. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know anymore. Have you gotten strong enough? Or do you need more power? You are living in a world I do not know, so I can only help you,¡± Silvia replied while looking into his eyes. He thought he wouldn¡¯t feel nervous because of a pretty woman as he had gotten used to Eunhae¡¯s beauty, but Silvia¡¯s face felt somewhat different. ¡°Let¡¯s go on a trip,¡± Silvia suddenly said. ¡°A trip?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°To where?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Sichuan, China.¡± It was where Liu Bei used to hold power. ¡°But why¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying we should go immediately. I must find out more¡­ but you must make time. If I¡¯m right, you have to go there,¡± Silvia was insisting, and there had to be a reason for it. ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t know when it will be, but when you decide, tell me,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Haha! Okay. Oh, and Mat Vellin ising here in a few days.¡± Mat Vellin was an appraiser of the Abu Dhabi family and managed the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Why was heing to Korea so suddenly? ¡°Mat Vellin? Why is heing?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Because of me, and you. For these two businesses.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t have to ask what the business about Silvia was, but as for the one about himself¡­ ¡°Does he have something to be appraised?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me the details. I didn¡¯t ask, as I wouldn¡¯t be of much help. He will arrive on the weekend,¡± Silvia replied. ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± ¡°Then we should leave now.¡± Silvia stood up without finishing her coffee, then Haejin also quickly stood up while asking ¡°Are you going somewhere again?¡± ¡°No, let¡¯s go to have lunch. We haven¡¯t had a proper date yet, do you know that?¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help being confused by the unexpectedment and started saying, ¡°Oh¡­ then where should we go? Is there¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to eat Ganjang Gejang*.¡± ¡°What?¡± Silvia had lived in Abu Dhabi for more than 20 years, and she wanted to eat Ganjang Gejang¡­ *Ganjang Gejang is a Korean food. It is raw crabs marinated in ganjang (soy sauce). Chapter 191: Artifact Match (1)

Chapter 191: Artifact Match (1)

The date with Silvia was awkward and great at the same time. She said she had liked listening to Kpop and watching Korean dramas, and she always wanted to eat ganjang gejang and jajangmyeon. She was now satisfied to finally try it. Of course, she left some of her ganjang gejang. As she had said, Mat Vellin called Haejin and then came to Korea a day after. Haejin thought about sending someone to the airport to greet him, but he didn¡¯t want to disturb him while he met Silvia, so he dismissed the idea. Next, Mat showed up at Haejin¡¯s museum two days after his arrival. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± ¡°Yes, and you look even better now,¡± Haejin replied. Mat Vellin now looked somewhat different. Before, he seemed a strong and tough man, but now, he was smiling warmly. It almost felt strange to Haejin. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been eating and sleeping well.¡± ¡°I hope your flight wasfortable.¡± ¡°Of course, it was,¡± Mat replied. ¡°Would it be okay to talk here?¡± Haejin asked because he didn¡¯t know why he was here yet, but Mat smiled. ¡°Yes, I am here as the vice director of Louvre Abu Dhabi.¡± At this, Eunhae looked at Haejin with questions. She was asking if there was something else, but Haejin just shrugged his shoulders and took Mat to the sofa. ¡°Okay then, please let us sit and talk.¡± Mat then sat down on the sofa, took out a file, and put it on the table. ¡°Actually, I came here because I needed to ask you a favor. Of course, there was another reason¡­ but I will not talk about that now.¡± ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Haejin replied while opening the file and read the document inside. Surprisingly, it was a n for investment in the UAE of Koreanpanies. ¡°What is this?¡± Haejin then asked. Mat exined, ¡°There has been an active discussion about investment between the two countries after the president of Korea visited the UAE a while ago. So,panies in Korea have been contacting us in all ways to get their business rights. One of those ways is through artifacts.¡± ¡°Artifacts? Do you mean bribe?¡± Haejin asked. Mat couldn¡¯t be asking Haejin to appraise the bribes the UAE had received. No, he couldn¡¯t be¡­ Mat, however, confirmed, ¡°Yes. urately speaking, it is bribery. However, if you want to do business in the UAE, you must show some respect. That is how things work.¡± ¡°Well, okay¡­¡± Mat then continued, ¡°Two Korean consortiums have bid for the construction of a new city in the UAE. Of course, their bidding prices are secret, and the oue of thepetition will not be announced.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°The authorities of the UAE do not really care about which consortium gets to win. They believe in the Korean technology that has built a number of cities already, so as long as the price is reasonable, it is fine. Plus, we have examined all the documents of both consortiums sent us, and we concluded they would both do fine. And as their bidding prices were simr, we were going to select Yuseong-SG Consortium as its bidding price was a little lower, but then¡­ it got a littleplicated.¡± He drank some water and continued. ¡°The person who is in charge of the development of the new city of Tariff is Prince Abd al Mohammed Abu Dhabi. He is also the actual owner of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Hwajin-Nomura Consortium presented him van Gogh¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ so¡­¡± Mat continued to exin, ¡°His Highness thought over it and is still thinking now. If they had tried to bribe him with money, he would have snorted and said no, but it is not easy for His Highness to refuse a painting that is one of a kind. That is why they gave him the painting.¡± ¡°So, there was a reason why you came all this way,¡± Haejinmented. Mat just smiled instead of saying anything. Eunhae, who had been sitting next to Haejin, asked, ¡°But His Highness hasn¡¯t seen the painting yet. Does it qualify as a bribe?¡± ¡°We only got photos of the painting. Once it gets to Abu Dhabi on the ship, it can never return,¡± Mat replied. Eunhae then said, ¡°Hmm¡­ then isn¡¯t it insulting to His Highness? They sent him some photos and said we would send the painting after you choose us. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re negotiating over a hostage¡­¡± That question was extremely reasonable. Mat nodded and answered. ¡°You are right, but there is a missing link in it. They said they were sending the photos first because His Highness might not want it. They would send it immediately if His Highness wants it, and it is only to show respect to him. It also has nothing to do with the bidding.¡± That strategy was truly wless. ¡°Wow, they are good talkers.¡± Eunhae had to admit it and shook her head. ¡°Yeah.¡± Mat continued, ¡°So, this is how the situation is. His Highness cannot give up on the painting, but if he does not choose Hwajin-Nomura consortium, after taking it, it would be diminishing his own honor. So, if he takes the painting, he must select Hwajin-Nomura consortium, but if the painting turns out to be fake, it would be an even bigger problem. It might be a diplomatic problem.¡± ¡°I can understand that. But they must know it, too. Would they try to send a painting with problems?¡± Mat grimly shook his head, ¡°But things are going strange these days. Forgeries good enough to fool most appraisers are going around. This is not just because we are doubting them, but because we must get rid of any seed of the problem. Prince Sahmadi said so, and Prince Mohammed has epted his advice.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Then I should go with you to appraise, right?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°It¡¯s 11 a.m. tomorrow, at Baekje Hotel. I will send you the room number through a text,¡± Mat replied. ¡°Oh, and as for the fee¡­¡± Mat was about to stand up, but then he smiled yfully and asked, ¡°Prince Sahmadi said you will appraise for him for free forever. Should I ask again?¡± ¡°Uh¡­ no. You are right. Of course, I should help with this. It¡¯s about a good rtionship between the two countries¡­¡± Prince Sahmadie wasn¡¯t trying to not pay Haejin because he was stingy. Haejin thought about how he must have been feeling about not being able to see his daughter¡¯s face ever again, and he wanted to punch his own mouth for mentioning the fee. ¡°Well, then¡­¡± After Mat left, Haejin was making excuses to Eunhae about why he wasn¡¯t receiving his fee when someone suddenly knocked on the door. Knock knock¡­ ¡°Sir, a woman named Song Yaerin hase. What should I do?¡± ¡°Yaerin?¡± Eunhae immediately frowned and she raised her voice. Now, Haejin knew well how things were between them, so he asked instead, ¡°Why is she here?¡± ¡°She wants to see you, sir.¡± Eunhae frowned even harder. Haejin thought about not meeting Yaerin because of it, but then, they heard Yaerin yelling from far away. ¡°Mr. Park Haejin! Are you going to keep having me standing here!¡± Her voice rang through the entire building. Eunhae was now mad as well. She stood up while saying, ¡°How dare she yell in someone else¡¯s museum? Doesn¡¯t she know it¡¯s rude?¡± Haejin realized he was about to see the two of them fight and quickly told the staff, ¡°Tell her toe in, quickly. If we are going to fight her, we should do it in private. We cannot fight out there!¡± ¡°But she should havee in quietly! She is yelling like that!¡± Eunhae pouted. Well, even though Eunhae was always not happy to see Yaerin, she had never made her leave. Once the door opened, Yaerin came in and sat down next to Haejin while saying, ¡°Oh, you are both here. Nice to meet you, it¡¯s been a long time.¡± Additionally, even though she was wearing a short skirt, she still crossed her legs. Haejin then looked away while Eunhae frowned even harder. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t frown like that. I thought we have made up.¡± ¡°We haven¡¯t¡­ you do know it doesn¡¯t cost you any money to let us know before youe, right?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°But you would have told me to note if I had! You should also thank me. I came here right away instead of calling Mr. Haejin to meet in private because I cared about you.¡± Yaerin snapped then turned to Haejin, ¡°I could have asked you to meet in private, but I came here because I needed to meet the appraiser of this museum.¡± ¡°So, you want to officially give me a case?¡± Eunhae asked. Yaerin confirmed, ¡°Yes. So, stop frowning, okay?¡± Eunhae felt a little sorry. She rxed and stood up. ¡°Would you like something to drink?¡± ¡°Iced green tea.¡± After they calmed down like that, Yaerin drank her iced green tea and started to talk. ¡°This matter is soplicated that I don¡¯t know where to start. I¡¯ll just start at the beginning, so please, hear till the end of it.¡± ¡°Actually¡­¡± Eunhae tried to say something, but Yaerin red at her and continued. ¡°Yuseong has been trying hard to win that new city development business in the Arab Emirates sincest year. ¡°But two days ago, Mat Vellin, the vice director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, came to Korea¡­¡± However, what she said was exactly what Mat had just told them. ¡°Huh?¡± Eunhae looked at Haejin. ¡°What is it?¡± Yaerin asked. Haejin then exined, ¡°We know how it¡¯s going. Is it Yuseong-SG consortium? You¡¯re talking about that, right?¡± Yaerin was surprised, ¡°Huh? How do you know?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ we know enough about it, so get to your point.¡± ¡°No, how you know about this also matters. Did Hwajin tell you?¡± Yaerin asked. ¡°Not Hwajin. Mat Vellin was just here.¡± Yaerin was so shocked that she jumped to her feet. ¡°What? Mat Vellin was here?¡± Some cold green tea fell on her legs, but she just brushed it off and asked again, ¡°How do you know him?¡± ¡°I cannot tell you that. So, what do you want from me?¡± Yaerin bit her lips. She didn¡¯t answer Haejin¡¯s question and thought hard for some time. After a few minutes, she finally made up her mind and started speaking. ¡°Hwajin-Nomura consortium has promised to bribe the prince, and Mat Vellin is here to appraise it. There isn¡¯t much we can do about it. We can only give them something much better than what Hwajin-Nomura consortium has prepared¡­¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be asking me to find that for you, right?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Of course not. I know you rummaged through Harvard University¡¯s storage. You worked hard to get the Henderson Collection back. I saw it on the news. So¡­¡± But then, Eunhae frowned and raised her voice, ¡°What, are you asking him to rummage through the Haevici Gallery¡¯s storage?¡± Yaerin looked at Haejin. That was a silent confirmation. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but no matter how much you pay me, I cannot choose an artifact from you,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Why? Hwajin-Nomura isn¡¯t even a consortium of Koreanpanies¡­¡± Haejin then exined, ¡°Apart from that, you are not thinking about why Mat came here. He has asked me to appraise their artifacts for him. So, if I choose an artifact for you, it wouldn¡¯t be a fair game.¡± Yaerin was surprised again. She thought about it and asked, ¡°Okay. Then answer me one question, and I¡¯ll leave. What artifact does Hwajin-Nomura have?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t going to tell her, but after finding out that the consortium wasn¡¯t a joint venture of Koreanpanies, he blurted out the artist¡¯s name. ¡°It¡¯s van Gogh¡¯s painting.¡± ¡°Haha, van Gogh¡¯s painting? Okay.¡± Yaerin gave a hollow smile and stood up. Haejin suddenly wondered something, ¡°It is van Gogh¡¯s painting¡­ do you think you can win?¡± ¡°I thought I would definitely win with your help¡­ but I have no choice. I must at least try.¡± Chapter 192: Artifact Match (2)

Chapter 192: Artifact Match (2)

¡°Wow¡­ so this is getting huge,¡± Haejinmented. Eunhae then said, ¡°Hwajin has never had its head office and the chairman¡¯s house searched and seized. They must have panicked. Of course, they must have taken care of most files and documents, but people cannot be always perfect. Plus, they wouldn¡¯t have imagined the court would issue that warrant. I think¡­ the prosecutors will find something.¡± ¡°You look very excited.¡± ¡°Haha, really? But they really deserve it. Those chaebols, who think of artifacts as a means to get money, should be punished,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°You are merciless on your rtives,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°So what? They are more like my enemies. If it hadn¡¯t been my grandfather, I would have stopped seeing them long ago. Uh¡­¡± She shook her head. ¡°Then, would it be a shock to them if they fail to get that city development business?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae exined, ¡°Oh¡­ but it would be just one of the corporation¡¯spany losing a business. They wouldn¡¯t lose much¡­ it¡¯s not like they have invested hundreds of billions on that desert. They will just have to give up a little bit of their future profit. Don¡¯t underestimate Hwajin.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re saying there¡¯s no need to go easy on them, right?¡± Haejin questioned. ¡°Haha, did it sound like that? Anyway, good luck. I must go to take care of the things you have started. Bye!¡± Haejin thought Eunhae had been in a good moodtely, and it turned out there was a good reason. ¡°Are you going to keep questioning my decision?¡± Hyoyeon yelled sharply. The three middle-aged men in front of her looked at each other worriedly. They were the board members of Hwajin who were in charge of Hwajin-Nomura consortium, and they didn¡¯t know what to do about the young girl in front of them. Then, the man in the middle managed to speak. ¡°I am sorry, but you just said we should change the gift, and it is not easy for us to ept it.¡± Hyoyeon sighed at executive director Oh Jeonggu of Hwajin Tradingpany, ¡°Oh¡­ how many times do I have to tell you? We cannot give them that van Gogh painting!¡± The man replied, ¡°Then you must tell us the reason why. But you are just insisting we cannot give it, are you saying we should give up on this project?¡± ¡°Of course not!¡± Hyoyeon replied then said, ¡°Oh, enough. Anyway, we can give them something else.¡± ¡°Miss¡­¡± The end of Hyoyeon¡¯s eyebrows soared at this. ¡°Do you think I am just arguing without any reason?¡± However, Oh Jeonggu didn¡¯t back off and continued, ¡°So, we have to know the reason. Do you know who we are dealing with? He is the Prince Abd al Mohammed. He is the UAE¡¯s minister of industry and one of the main members of the Abu Dhabi family. We have already sent him the photos. Don¡¯t you know how ridiculous it is to change the gift?¡± ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a fool? I know that, but¡­¡± ¡°I have to know. If you won¡¯t tell me, I will ask the vice chairman.¡± Hyoyeon red at him, but then she gave up. ¡°Hu¡­ actually, we are not sure about van Gogh¡¯s painting.¡± Jeonggu frowned, ¡°What do you mean? You are not sure?¡± ¡°I got it about half a year ago. I bought it at a private auction. At the time, I thought it was real, but now, a few experts are saying it isn¡¯t,¡± Hyoyeon replied. ¡°Are you saying it is fake?¡± Hyoyeon answered, ¡°We don¡¯t know. It would be easy if it is concluded as fake, but no one knows if it¡¯s real or not¡­ that is why we are recing it.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then what is the other artifact you have in mind?¡± Hyoyeon took out a photo from her bag. ¡°It¡¯s Amedeo Modigliani¡¯s. You all know him, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of him.¡± Hyoyeon didn¡¯t like Jeonggu¡¯s answer. She frowned while exining, ¡°He was an Italian, but he worked in France. He was a painter and a sculptor. He is also one of the artists who made the most expensive paintings. Although van Gogh is famous, Modigliani is just as famous as him.¡± Jeonggu was now confused, ¡°I do not know about art as much as you. What matters is the painting¡¯s value. Is this painting as valuable as van Gogh¡¯s painting¡­ no, is it valuable enough to appeal to the prince?¡± Hyoyeon lifted her chin arrogantly and slightly nodded, ¡°Yes, you can trust me with that.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Then we will take care of tomorrow¡¯s meeting.¡± ¡°No, as I am involved in this now, I should finish it. I will give a presentation at Baekje Hotel tomorrow.¡± Hyoyeon stood up, but then Jeonggu asked, ¡°Did you¡­ really not know when you bought the painting?¡± It seemed like he didn¡¯t believe what Hyoyeon had said. ¡°Are you doubting me? I cannot work with a person without trust, I hope that person is not you,¡± she snapped like that and left the room. ¡°Hu¡­ do you think she did that on purpose?¡± Director Lee Hyeonu asked. Jeonggu snorted, ¡°Huh! Who knows? Do you believe that lying troublemaker?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± Director Hyeonu couldn¡¯t openly agree with that and just cleared his throat. ¡°Anyway, have you found out why Mat Vellin came to Korea so quickly?¡± Jeonggu asked. Hyeonu looked troubled and couldn¡¯t look at Jeonggu. Then he answered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I did my best to find out, and although I checked that he came to Seoul after arriving at Incheon Airport, I can¡¯t find out where he has been after checking into the hotel.¡± ¡°How can that happen? Doesn¡¯t he get around in a taxi? If he has rented a car, there must be a record about it?¡± Hyeonu replied, ¡°There¡¯s nothing. I think Mat is not here only because of our business¡­¡± ¡°And what are Yuseong and SG doing? What if tomorrow¡¯s appraisal isn¡¯t the end?¡± Hyeonu was startled at this sharp question and answered, ¡°Well, I will try to find out, but I¡¯ve never heard anything like that until now¡­¡± Jeonggu then questioned, ¡°Are you going to continue to be so careless? We just ruined our own chance. You think Yuseong will let that opportunity go? If they know we have not won the prince over with the artifact, they would not stay still during Mat Vellin¡¯s visit!¡± ¡°I will do my best¡­¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s tomorrow anyway. Finding out will not make any difference. Hu¡­ it was my fault, too. I didn¡¯t think much about the matter, I just trusted that van Gogh painting,¡± Jeonggu replied. ¡°At least it is better than finding out that is faketer,¡± Hyeonumented. ¡°Of course¡­ let¡¯s go now.¡± Haejin arrived at Baekje Hotel at around 10:30 and waited at the lobby. Then, someone lightly hit his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re already here. You could have gone up first.¡± It was Mat Vellin. He probably had been to the hairdresser as his hair had been styled with pomade. ¡°I thought it would be embarrassing to go up alone. But are you going on a date or something after this?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Haha! Yes, I do have a date,¡± Mat replied. ¡°What?¡± Haejin was surprised. Mat then yfully exined, ¡°I have a date with the person you are thinking of. However, I am meeting her as her priest, not as a guy.¡± ¡°Oh, then I must ask Silviater. About what she talked with you,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°You might get jealous if you find out.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ you keep forcing me to be on guard,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Hahaha! Let¡¯s go up first,¡± Mat replied. After some foolish jokes, they went up. In front of a suite room, there were a few men in suits already waiting for them. ¡°Are you Mr. Mat Vellin? But this gentleman is¡­¡± Mat replied, ¡°This is appraiser Mr. Park Haejin. He is also the chief appraiser of the Abu Dhabi royal family. I have brought him for today¡¯s appraisal.¡± The man looked puzzled at this. He bowed and apologized, ¡°Could you wait here? As I haven¡¯t received any instruction about Mr. Park, I will check as fast I can.¡± ¡°Your bosses will not know, either, as I didn¡¯t tell them in advance. Please just tell them,¡± Mat then told him. ¡°Oh¡­ okay. Could you wait for a moment?¡± He talked to someone on the phone. Then, he opened the door. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please go in.¡± When Haejin went in with Mat, five people and one painting were waiting for them. However, he knew one of the people very well. ¡°Oh! Mr. Park Haejin?¡± Haejin then replied, ¡°It¡¯s been some time. I thought I might get to see you today¡­¡± ¡°Why? Did you miss me?¡± Hyoyeon¡¯s asked with her eyes sparkling. Haejin quickly waved his hand in denial and said, ¡°No. I heard it was Hwajin-Nomura consortium¡­ so I thought Saeyeon Gallery¡¯s director must be involved in this. However, I didn¡¯t know you would really be here. But¡­ is this the painting?¡± Haejin was confused at seeing it. And when he turned to Mat Vellin, he was also demanding an exnation with a puzzled gaze. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am executive director Oh Jeonggu of Hwajin Trading Company. I am in charge of Hwajin-Nomura consortium.¡± Jeonggu stretched out his hand, but Mat ignored it and asked, ¡°As far as I know, this isn¡¯t the painting me and my friend here should examine today, am I wrong?¡± Jeonggu bowed down deeply while looking genuinely sorry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we had to change the painting. We¡­¡± He made excuses for a long time, but Mat¡¯s face stayed grim. Even though they had found out the painting had problems, as it had been what convinced Prince Mohammed, there couldn¡¯t be any mistake. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we were also shocked. That is why¡­ we have brought another painting.¡± Hyoyeon took it from there, ¡°This is Modigliani¡¯s painting. Even though he is not as good as van Gogh, his painting Reclining Nude was sold at over 170 million dors. I¡¯m sure His Highness will like it.¡± Hyoyeon confidently showed the painting. So, Mat turned to Haejin¡­ but since Mat started talking he didn¡¯t pay attention to their conversation. Haejin had just been staring hard at the painting. Chapter 193: Artifact Match (3)

Chapter 193: Artifact Match (3)

The painting showed a slightly tilted face of a woman against a deep green background. At a nce, the painting would look simple like a third-grader¡¯s painting, but somehow it drew your attention. The woman¡¯s neck tilted at a weird angle, the simple but intense construction and the colors, they were characteristics of Modigliani¡¯s paintings. Modigliani was born in a Jewish family. His father was a businessman, but his business failed around the time Modigliani was born, so he couldn¡¯t grow up in a good environment. He was born weak. After he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, he went to Rome and Florence for his health. Then, he learned about ssic art and decided to be an artist. Hyoyeon came close to Haejin while saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t know I would get to see you here.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t talk in private while I¡¯m working.¡± ¡°Hey, you do know that men hard to win over are not popr these days, right? They¡¯re boring.¡± ¡°That kind of stubborn misunderstanding is also boring, especially in front of a painting like this,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Would you like a ss of wine? You should have wine when appraising Modigliani¡¯s painting.¡± She offered wine to Haejin and Mat, but Haejin shook his head. ¡°Unlike Modigliani, I have discipline.¡± ¡°Oh, he would be so sad to hear that,¡± Hyoyeon replied. Modigliani spent his life drunk on absinthe and drugs. He then would start painting. That was why he was able to go to France to study art. At first, his mother was strongly against it, but when he started to do drugs and absinthe then paint in cafes and bars, she reluctantly gave her permission. Absinthe was made first in Switzend in 1750. It was quite popr in the 19th century around Europe. Many Romanticist artists like M, Picasso, and Gogh loved it, and it was because of its ingredient. Absinthe was mainly made of artemisia absinthium (wormwood), which contained thujone that caused severe disorder to the central nerves. Consumption of it brought nerve distraction and perceptual disturbance. As Hyoyeon said, if Modigliani were to hear what Haejin just said, he would have been very disappointed andmented on how Haejin didn¡¯t know art, but he was already a dead man. Haejin took his eyes off the painting and looked at Hyoyeon who was smiling as brightly as she could. ¡°Where have you bought this painting?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ why are you asking?¡± Haejin felt sorry for her, but he had to continue speaking. ¡°Because¡­ you might have to fire the person who bought it?¡± At that moment, every person in the room stopped and looked at him in shock. Hyoyeon froze as well. ¡°What, what do you mean?¡± Instead of answering her question, Haejin turned to Mat who asked, ¡°How is it?¡± Although Mat couldn¡¯t understand Korean, he could guess Haejin had said something shocking as everyone was dumbfounded. ¡°I think it is Elmyr¡¯s.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t even have to use magic to know the painting was fake. However, it wasn¡¯t because he had great skills, but because the person who had appraised it had either made a huge mistake or didn¡¯t know much. Maybe it would be asking too much to hope for Korean western painting appraisers to know as much as foreign appraisers. Even the authenticity of Cheon Gyeongja¡¯s Beautiful Woman had been controversial. Since even appraisal of Korean works of art was full of different opinions and corruption, it would be a lot harder to study how to appraise western paintings. ¡°Elmyr? Elmyr de Hory?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Mat slowly approached the painting and started to examine the canvas again. At this, Hyoyeon and the other people of Hwajin-Nomura consortium stood up and watched him while looked worried. After some time, Mat slowly stood up and nodded at Haejin. ¡°Yes, it appears to be Elmyr¡¯s.¡± ¡°Ex, excuse me, but what do you mean?¡± Hyoyeon interrupted. Mat exined, ¡°Elmyr de Hory. He was a Hungarian of the early 20th century. He started with making his own paintings, but when they didn¡¯t sell well, he started making fakes. He forged paintings of masters like Picasso and Modigliani, he made huge money with it. However, he wasn¡¯t a master forger like Eric Hepburn and Tom Keating, so you can find ws in his paintings if you look closer. This painting is Elmyr¡¯s.¡± ¡°How? What makes you so sure?¡± Hyoyeon started to yell. Mat pointed at the bottom of the painting. ¡°Elmyr de Hory painted in the style of the original artist but put in his own signature. I guess your appraiser bought it because he couldn¡¯t see that was the signature because of the dark background and wrinkles of the clothing. His paintings have once brought chaos in Europe, so many appraisers are now used to his patterns, but as Korean appraiser couldn¡¯t have had any experience like that, they can make this kind of mistake.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Hyoyeon turned pale, and her face distorted in anger. Jeonggu, who couldn¡¯t take it longer, came to Haejin. ¡°So, this painting is fake?¡± ¡°Sadly, yes. I don¡¯t think Prince Mohammed can take this painting, so you should just keep it.¡± Jeonggu bowed to Mat while saying, ¡°I am sorry. We didn¡¯t know art was so difficult and there were so many fakes. We just wanted to give a gift to His Highness to show our respect, but¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± ¡°No, I know the art market has been full of problems recently. His Highness knows it, too. That is why he sent me here. I don¡¯t think you were trying to send a fake. It¡¯s a shame,¡± Mat replied. At this, everyone including Jeonggu rxed. They were grateful. ¡°Thank you so much for your understanding. It is embarrassing to ask you this, but as you already havee here, could you give us one more chance?¡± Mat hesitated while looking troubled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Actually, my business here isn¡¯t done yet. I have another meeting to attend.¡± Jeonggu¡¯s face quickly hardened and asked, ¡°What? Is it Yuseong-SG consortium¡­¡± ¡°Well, you will find out soon anyway¡­ yes. I am about to meet people from Yuseong-SG consortium,¡± Mat confirmed. ¡°And is Mr. Park Haejin here going with you?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± If Haejin was going with Mat, it could be for only one reason. Of course, Jeonggu and his colleagues frowned as if they were trying to swallow something inedible. ¡°Okay. I hope you have a good time. But¡­ could you give us one more chance? Just one more.¡± Jeonggu didn¡¯t give up. Haejin was a little impressed and wondered if that kind of persistence was what had taken him to his current position. Even Mat was surprised. He hesitated, but soon he epted, ¡°Okay. I will think about it.¡± It was enough. Jeonggu bowed again while saying, ¡°Thank you. We will be waiting.¡± ¡°Then we should go now.¡± After Mat and Haejin left, a heavy mood filled the room. Hyoyeon plopped down on a chair and muttered something to herself. Jeonggu thought she was probably cursing the appraiser who had rmended the painting and those who had bought it. ¡°Are we going to despair like this? Yuseong and SG are about to win. Are we going to let them win?¡± Jeonggu yelled. Director Lee Hyeonu then quickly took a step forward and said, ¡°I will work with Ms. Hyoyeon and find if there is something better.¡± ¡°Bring the best appraiser in this country! And work with him to bring another work of art in two days! You understand? Two days?¡± ¡°But that man who just left is the best appraiser in this country¡­¡± Jeonggu then replied, ¡°Then try to win him over! Why not? It would be best if we could recruit him to be on our side! If he refuses, find the second-best appraiser! Go to Saeyeon Gallery, Insadong, or raid a smuggling scene in Incheon or Busan! I don¡¯t care! Just get us the best work of art!¡± ¡°Okay, sir. Miss, we should go now.¡± Hyoyeon didn¡¯t say anything. She just quietly stood up and left the room with Hyeonu. After they left, Jeonggu cursed at them while lighting a cigarette. ¡°Hu¡­ they say a tiger father cannot have a dog son, but that girl isn¡¯t even a cat¡­¡± After Mat and Haejin left the hotel, they headed to Haevici Gallery in Bukcheon right away. The entire staff hade out to greet them, and Haejin even recognized a few of them. ¡°Wee to Haevici Gallery.¡± The woman who greeted them in front was, of course, Yaerin. She was wearing a neat white two-piece suit. Her usual sharpness was gone, and she now greeted Mat with a brilliant smile. ¡°This gallery is very beautiful.¡± Mat really meant it. The Haevici Gallery was a contemporary building with neat and smooth curved lines. It had been selected as the most beautiful building in 2001 when it was first built. At the time, Yuseong had hired a famous architect from Europe. ¡°It is nothingpared to Louvre Abu Dhabi.¡± ¡°Haha, no. Although it is smaller, such building with Korea¡¯s unique beauty is quite impressive,¡± Mat replied. ¡°Haha, thank you. Shall we go in, first?¡± Yaerin lightly winked at Haejin as she showed Mat the way. She had really prepared a lot. She took them to the deepest part of the gallery through a route where there weren¡¯t any ordinary visitors. As she walked, she whispered to Haejin, ¡°Have you had a good time with Hyoyeon?¡± That good time didn¡¯t mean a date, of course. ¡°Well, umm¡­ I don¡¯t have much to tell you. It wouldn¡¯t be fair for me to tell you what happened.¡± Haejin wasn¡¯t going to tell her, but her eyes sparkled. ¡°Oh¡­ haha, I see. She failed, didn¡¯t she?¡± It seemed like women had this ability to discern truth in men¡¯s words. ¡°Um, I didn¡¯t tell you anything. You should just imagine what happened,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Fine, you told me nothing.¡± However, she was clearly in a better mood now. In the deepest part of the gallery, a wide space had been prepared. Additionally, in the middle of the space, surrounded by ck walls, a wooden statue was waiting for them. It was a statue of Guanyin (Avalokitesvara). One of its legs was on the ck stand. Its clothing, ne, and various decorations had been depicted with great care and details. It was about 175cm tall, almost as tall as a grown man. Its huge size made it even more valuable. Yaerin stood in front of it and started to exin. ¡°It is a wooden Guanyin statue. It shows the huge change that urred to the Chinese statues in the ancient market. It is assumed to be made in Northern China. At the time, wood wasmonly made for Buddhist statues, but as it is a material hart to preserve, there are only a few wooden statues left now. This one is one of them.¡± Mat examined it carefully and eximed, ¡°Remarkable. Such artifact¡­¡± Chapter 194: Artifact Match (4)

Chapter 194: Artifact Match (4)

Actually, considering the danger of it being fake, that kind of artifact was much safer than a western painting. There are many people who know a lot about eastern paintings and sculptures in Korea, and as there has been a number of fakesing outtely, there are a lot of good experts. Yaerin must have been confident about the statue as well. She must have hired all the appraisers the gallery could trust. It may not have been the most valuable artifact Yuseong could get, but it was valuable enough. She continued to exin, ¡°Guanyin is bodhisattva of Sukhavati¡¯s Western Pure Land. She appears in 33 different forms to save all people who are in despair because of various agonies. People have been praying to Guanyin statues for their prosperity and safety. This statue was made in China¡¯s Yuan dynasty period. It is extremely valuable, as much as the Guanyin statue in Oxford¡¯s Ashmolean Museum.¡± Mat nodded and turned to Haejin. He was asking him to appraise. He didn¡¯t need to fully rely on Haejin with Modigliani¡¯s painting, but this one was an eastern antique. He had to get Haejin¡¯s help. Bringing him along had been the right choice. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Haejin went to the statue and started to appraise while slowly stroking its clothing. Scientific analysis on the period in which it was made was basically necessary to appraise such wooden statute. So, he couldn¡¯t conclude on the period right away. ¡°There are traces of colors and gold, and some ster mixture for the smoothing process has remained. It is extremely old. Scientific tests would be needed to be sure, but I think it is at least a thousand years old.¡± Everyone including Mat smiled with satisfaction at this. Yaerin, who had prepared it, smiled even brighter. She looked back and exchanged nces with those standing behind. They had to be the prime members of Yuseong-SG consortium. But then, Mat said something that shattered the good mood. ¡°Thank you for showing me such a great artifact, but unfortunately, we cannot ept it.¡± Yaerin thought he was refusing as part of the manners since the artifact was so expensive, and she smiled. ¡°Please, we have prepared this as a gift, so¡­¡± ¡°We cannot ept it,¡± Mat firmly replied. ¡°Excuse me?¡± Yaerin realized that he really meant to refuse and frowned. Mat then exined, ¡°The prince is a servant of Ah. If His Highness epts it and people find out about it, it can be a problem. It is not about the value of the artifact but its religious meaning. We cannot ept it, so please understand.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± The mood, that was like a warm breeze, turned into a cold winter gust. ¡°It¡¯s a shame. Really, it¡¯s a precious artifact¡­¡± Haejin felt sorry for Yaerin and lightly patted her shoulder. She must have paid too much attention into finding a better and more expensive artifact and forgot how closed their religion was. If she had known Hwajin-Nomura would show a fake, she would have taken her time, but she was feeling impatient and tried to find the best artifact. In the end, she made a mistake. So, both sides had been denied, there had to be a rematch. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. We didn¡¯t consider it. Could you give us another chance?¡± Yaerin quickly took a step forward, apologized, and asked for another chance. Actually, her apologizing was a little funny. In a way, both consortiums were eager to bribe the prince. Mat thought about it and started speaking. ¡°Then, what about this? Hwajin-Nomura consortium has asked for another chance as well, so I will give both of you a chance. I think both would be able to ept the consequences if we meet at the same time and at the same ce. How is it?¡± Yaerin dropped her head. She didn¡¯t have a choice. ¡°Thank you for giving us another chance.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, I¡¯ve done nothing. Then I will see you at the hotel I¡¯m staying at, two dayster.¡± Mat turned around after that, and Haejin followed him. ¡°Goodbye.¡± Leaving the depressed people behind, they left the gallery and parted ways. Mat left after saying he had a dinner date with a yful smile. Haejin guessed he had to be working on some kind of n with Silvia. Haejin returned to his museums and told Eunhae, who was eager to listen, what happened. ¡°Wow! So, one is a fake and the other is real but can¡¯t be received? They both failed!¡± ¡°You look very excited,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°I would be lying if I say I¡¯m not, especially about Hyoyeon. She really deserves it.¡± Eunhae hummed in joy. Then, Haejin asked, ¡°Then would one of the artifacts hidden in Saeyeon Gallerye out?¡± ¡°Probably not. Hwajin¡¯s main office and Hyoyeon¡¯s home have been searched. If they take out an artifact now, the gallery might get searched too,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re right. Then, where will they get another artifact from?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Oh, there are many ways. Go to Insadong with 5 billion won in cash, and hundreds of artifacts will be brought to you in a few hours,¡± Eunhae exined. ¡°Wow¡­ have you ever done that?¡± Haejin had only followed his father when he robbed graves, so he didn¡¯t know much about how rich people bought in Insadong. Eunhae continued, ¡°Of course. When I had to spend the funds immediately, or when I had to prepare for a special exhibition but had few artifacts to disy. I went to the merchants I know and told them how much money I had, and they came rushing as if they had been waiting.¡± ¡°Ooh, it must be funny,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Haha, it is. I¡¯m the queen of the world that day. I just make my appraiser stand next to me and point with my finger. That¡¯s what Hyoyeon will have to do. No, if there are still some paintings the prosecutors have failed to find, she might bring out one of them.¡± ¡°Like Lichtenstein¡¯s painting?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes, there must be at least dozens of paintings, and it¡¯s unlikely all of them have been taken away¡­ decent one of them must be worth ten billion won, so she will probably take it out.¡± It made sense, and it made Haejin wonder even more about Hwajin¡¯s next move. Two dayster, when Haejin went to the hotel Mat was staying at, a number of people were already going around in his room. He wondered why there were so many people when it was just about showing a couple of artifacts, but there were some people from Abu Dhabi as well. Mat was the only one who was sitting and drinking wine. Haejin went to him and asked, ¡°You haven¡¯t finished analyzing the two consortiums?¡± He, however, just smiled and gestured at Haejin to sit down. ¡°Please, sit down. We have finished examining about the project. These people are busy on something else,¡± Mat exined. ¡°What is it about?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°They have been sent here for a group tour to Dubai. Yuseong-SG consortium is going to send their employees to Dubai on a tour,¡± Mat replied. ¡°Oh¡­ they¡¯re really doing a lot to win a project,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°It is because getting this business will make it easier for them to get other businessester,¡± Mat replied. ¡°Then are you going to give additional points to this group tour?¡± Mat calmly shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m only here to appraise the antiques. The royal family might give them some credit for them. But my guess is¡­¡± ¡°Your guess is?¡± Haejin curiously asked. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be in vain. It is also a gift to the Abu Dhabi family.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯splicated.¡± Mat confirmed, ¡°Yes, so this room is crowded. But it is not my concern, so why don¡¯t we just spend time like this?¡± ¡°Drinking wine might be bad for my appraisal.¡± Haejin waved his hand to refuse, and Mat seemed a little surprised at this. ¡°I heard Koreans like to drink, but I guess not all of you are like that.¡± ¡°I do like to drink, but I like to stay sharp while I work.¡± ¡°Well, I can understand that.¡± Then, people from Hwajin-Nomura consortium with Hyoyeon at the front and the people of Yuseong-SG consortium with Yaerin at the front came in. Anyone could see they were quite hostile toward each other, especially Hyoyeon and Yaerin. They were obviously ncing at each other¡¯s artifact. Hyoyeon was carrying a canvas covered with a ck cloth, so Haejin couldn¡¯t see which painting it was, but Yaerin was holding a small bowl, so he could see she had brought porcin. In a way, it looked like an ordinary ss bowlmonly seen at markets, but Haejin quietly eximed as soon as he saw it. If it wasn¡¯t an ordinary ss bowl, it must have been made at Jingdezhen during the reign of Qing dynasty¡¯s Qianlong Emperor. ¡°Wee. Thank you foring with precious treasures.¡± Mat and Haejin sat down. On their opposite, Hyoyeon, executive director Jeonggu, Yaerin, and another board member sat. As Jeonggu sat down, he saw the Arabians working busily behind Mat and asked, ¡°I thought you were alone, but I guess you have more businesses to attended to.¡± ¡°Haha, no. I came here alone, but then we got additional work. They are nning to send their employees on a regr group tour to Dubai, so we brought our personnel.¡± Mat pointed at Yaerin, and Jeonggu frowned. ¡°Oh¡­ I see,¡± he nodded and turned silent. The man sitting next to Yaerin, instead, quietly smiled. It probably meant they had given theirpetitor a proper blow, but Haejin really didn¡¯t care about their war. He just cared about the bowl Yaerin was carefully holding and the mysterious painting. Mat first spoke to Hyoyeon, ¡°Let¡¯s see the gift you prepared first, shall we?¡± However, Hyoyeon talked about the small bowl Yaerin was carrying instead of showing her canvas. ¡°Why don¡¯t you appraise the bowl first? It has been shown already¡­ wouldn¡¯t it be more fun to reveal mer?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ then let us start with mine.¡± Yaerin was going to protest, but soon she agreed and carefully put down her artifact on the table. Normally, they would have started to fight, but they both knew it wasn¡¯t the right ce to start arguing. ¡°This enamel bowl was made in the period of the Qing¡¯s Qianlong Emperor at Jingdezhen, the center of China¡¯s porcin industry. The secondyer of enamel of famille-rose color has been applied to it.¡± In the Qing period, enamel porcins with soft and lovely hue were made. ¡°Oh¡­ it was made in the Qianlong Emperor¡¯s time? Then it is about 3 centuries old! They could produce such porcin three hundred years ago¡­ I think this animal, drawn here, is a bird. What bird is it?¡± Mat asked. ¡°It¡¯s a swallow. As it is a bringer of spring and fortune, this bowl will bring spring and fortune to the royal family.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it is good. It is very good.¡± Mat was d enough, and it worried Hyoyeon. She then slowly uncovered her painting. Chapter 195: Artifact Match (5)

Chapter 195: Artifact Match (5)

All the people from Hwajin-Nomura consortium, including Hyoyeon, looked very nervous. Even though Haejin hadn¡¯t appraised yet, Mat was also an appraiser. Additionally, as he was speaking positively about the porcin, they couldn¡¯t help but get worried. Jeonggu stopped Hyoyeon from showing the painting, he was letting her know that Haejin hadn¡¯t appraised yet. ¡°What do you think of it?¡± Mat looked at the ss bowl for some time and then asked Haejin. It meant it was his time to appraise. Haejin slowly started to examine it. He studied its bottom, itsyer of ze, and the craftsmanship of enamel paint. Then, he started to exin, ¡°This kind of enameled porcin was first made in the time of Qing¡¯s Kangxi Emperor. It was made in Jingdezhen, brought to Beijing, and then given to a professional painter for decoration. Porcins like these were special because the colors of the western world¡¯s oil painting were used for them. It is a harmony between eastern art and western art.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ interesting.¡± Haejin continued, ¡°So, at first, western artists painted on the porcins instead of Chinese artists. Chinese artists took their ce in time. Enameled porcins like these were extremely precious, only the emperor could use them.¡± ¡°If only the emperor could use it, it must be very valuable.¡± ¡°Yes, it is invaluable. It is not easy to get, even with money. I wonder where you got it¡­ it is remarkable,¡± Haejin, genuinely impressed, replied while looking at Yaerin. It wasn¡¯t an artifact that could be gained using a huge amount of cash like Eunhae had said. It must have either been in Haevici Gallery or at Yaerin¡¯s home. Haejin didn¡¯t think she had found it in just a few days. She looked d and straightened her back while lifting her chin. Even though Yaerin hadn¡¯t seen Hyoyeon¡¯s painting yet, she seemed to be sure of her victory. Mat interestedly studied Hyoyeon and the expression of her people. They all looked troubled enough, but they were still clinging on to hope. Hyoyeon then uncovered the painting. ¡°Huh?¡± Haejin looked at her. She looked calm, but her eyes were full of confidence. Even Mat was surprised and asked, ¡°You brought another Modigliani¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°Yes, but this one is different,¡± Hyoyeon replied. However, even though she seemed confident, Jeonggu looked extremely worried. It allowed Haejin to guess that Hyoyeon had insisted on that painting. She had brought Modigliani¡¯s fake painting before, so trying his painting again seemed to make Jeonggu even more nervous. Hyoyeon then put the painting next to the table, where it could be seen well. It showed Modigliani¡¯s typical pattern. It was the portrait of a ck-haired woman with a dark background. Her neck was long and thin, her face was long, and her eyes were nk. Mat examined it first for some time, but he looked confused. He couldn¡¯t tell whether it was real or not only with the painting¡¯s content itself. Hyoyeon told him as he looked at the painting, ¡°I bought this at 8.9 million dors in Christie¡¯s auction at Hong Kong in 2006.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­¡± The painting had been analyzed by Christie¡¯s appraisers and considered authentic. The fact itself raised its credibility. However, thatment was a little risky. Hwajin was under investigation for tax evasion and saying it was a painting she had bought in 2006 meant prosecutors didn¡¯t know about its existence. Of course, the board members of Hwajin, including Jeonggu, nced at Haejin and their opponents. They pretended to be fine, but they were busy ncing around. Yaerin then asked, ¡°You openly brought a bomb? What makes you so confident?¡± ¡°Right now, we have been bitten by a dog that doesn¡¯t even recognize its own master, but we know a lot about each other, don¡¯t we? So, I thought you would turn a blind eye on this. We should help each other during hard times, right?¡± Hyoyeon boldly replied, but Jeonggu looked away as it was too humiliating to endure. Yaerin wasn¡¯t offended, instead, she looked at Hyoyeon slightly confused and replied, ¡°Oh, you must have heard a lot of rumors, but you should be careful. I won¡¯t say anything, but don¡¯t think everyone in this room will be so generous. And let me give you an advice: you should never show something that can be your weakness to others. That is probably what your father wants.¡± ¡°Thank you for your advice. I hope your corporation also acts as wisely as you.¡± When Yaerin and Eunhae were fighting it had always been fierce, but Hyoyeon never lost her smile. She was also impressive. Even Yaerin frowned at herst provocation. Apart from capability, her rude attitude was really remarkable. As Mat couldn¡¯t understand Korean, he just watched, thinking the two girls were having a nice conversation. Then, he looked at Haejin and asked, ¡°Honestly, I cannot find any evidence that says this painting is fake. It is your turn now.¡± Haejin moved closer to the painting and casually asked Hyoyeon. ¡°There are many fake Modigliani paintings, and you brought another one of his paintings?¡± There were really a lot of fake paintings from Modigliani, and there were two reasons for that. He didn¡¯t sign his paintings and didn¡¯t leave any record of his paintings, either. So, appraising his paintings urately is not easy. Additionally, as most of his paintings have simple colors andposition, they were easy to imitate. Hyoyeon answered firmly, ¡°We have made one mistake, but it doesn¡¯t mean all of our paintings are fake. Moreover, we bought this in Christie¡¯s auction in Hong Kong.¡± ¡°I guess you like Modigliani,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Not me, my father does. Because his paintings are expensive¡­¡± Modigliani¡¯s paintings started to be appreciated after his death. When he was alive, he could get only 10 francs for a portrait. So, he was living a poor life, and then he met his wife who was 14 years younger than him and got married. However, he died of tuberculosis when his wife was pregnant with their second child. The next day, his wife killed herself and the baby with her in grief. Most artists were not appreciated in their lifetimes. People only started to like their paintings a long time after their death, and their value soared up. The price went up even higher if the artist had some dramatic story. The painting of an artist who lived a sad life and met a tragic death is much more valuable than a painting of someone who lived well and died naturally. It was how it worked. In short, the story of the artist, which is not directly connected to the painting itself, can have a huge influence on its value. Some rich people prefer to buy paintings of living artists to make money. They are expecting the painting¡¯s price to soar up after the artist¡¯s death. It was a little mean. ¡°Actually, Modigliani isn¡¯t my style,¡± Hyoyeon then said. ¡°Then whose paintings do you like?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I like¡­ Dali. Salvador Dali,¡± Hyoyeon replied. It somewhat fitted her. ¡°You thought I would like an artist just as mad as myself, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Khmm¡­ no.¡± Haejin had known her to be foolish, but at least she was good at reading people¡¯s mind. Haejin thought talking more would be bad for his appraisal, so he pressed his finger on his lips, and Hyoyeon became silent. After that, he examined the painting for more than 20 minutes, but he couldn¡¯t find anything strange. Nevertheless, he was feeling that sense of ipatibility he only felt with fakes after he got his magic. He didn¡¯t know what the problem was exactly but looking at that painting made him somewhat ufortable. In the end, he used magic. Then, he sighed silently and turned to Mat. ¡°I¡¯m finished.¡± ¡°And how is it?¡± It wasn¡¯t easy. The painting was fake, as he had guessed, but he couldn¡¯t prove it. The forger had made colors that had been made in thete 19th century, and he had used canvas from that period, so scientific tests would prove nothing. It was a fake, but he couldn¡¯t say so¡­ It was a perfect fake. It was why the appraisers of Christie¡¯s had failed to find any evidence of it being fake. Sadly, Haejin couldn¡¯t just say, ¡®I dunno¡¯ and walk away. If he had been alone with Mat, it would have been different, but the leaders of both consortiums were watching his every move now. The moment he let out a vague answer, they would not be able to ept it. In the end, there was only one thing he could say. ¡°It does not appear to be fake.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± In a way, it was the best answer he could give. He couldn¡¯t bear to say it was real, so he just said it didn¡¯t look fake. However, everyone took it as a confirmation of the painting¡¯s authenticity. One side sighed in relief, and the other side sighed in disappointment. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Thank you. His Highness is the person who will receive the gift, I will announce His Highness¡¯ decision tomorrow morning. We will also quietly return the artifact His Highness will not ept. Please understand we cannot ept both of them as it is about His Highness¡¯ honor.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Mat was telling them to leave as it was all over now. However, they all came to shake hands with him and tter him until the end. After they all left, Mat smiled at Haejin and asked, ¡°What would you choose if you were His Highness?¡± Haejin knew the painting was fake. However, even though Mat knew about the existence of magic, it couldn¡¯t be good to talk about unexinable things. Plus, Mat couldn¡¯t tell the prince about magic. ¡°I don¡¯t know. They are both very valuable,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°What if we just consider the money?¡± ¡°That enameled porcin is expensive, but Modigliani¡¯s painting will also get you huge money if you put it on auction.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I guess you are right,¡± Matmented while sounding serious, but he looked rxed. It seemed as if he knew who the winner would be. ¡°Do you know which artifact the prince will choose?¡± Haejin asked. Mat¡¯s eyes widened in surprise and asked back, ¡°What makes you think so?¡± ¡°I just have this feeling. You look like you know what will happen¡­¡± Mat shrugged and crossed his legs. ¡°Prince Mohammed used to be a yful boy in his youth. He loved his litter sister, Silvia, and liked ying with her. But then one day, they were ying at the pce and broke a very precious porcin. It was an ancient Greek hydria.¡± ¡°His Highness broke a porcin at least two millennia old? He must have been scolded very hard.¡± Mat continued, ¡°Hahaha! Yes, he was. But since then, he started to be interested in works of art for a different reason from Silvia. Umm¡­ having an interest wouldn¡¯t be the right expression. Should I say obsessed?¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± ¡°Yes. He obsessively collects porcins.¡± Chapter 196: What Happened in Austria (1)

Chapter 196: What Happened in Austria (1)

Mat spent another day in Seoul and left. The next day, Haejin got a visitor. ¡°Tell me honestly. You knew, didn¡¯t you?¡± Haejin had anticipated Hwajin-Nomura consortium would lose, but he didn¡¯t know Hyoyeon would storm into his museum like that. ¡°I only appraised. The decision was up to Prince Mohammed. You must know that.¡± However, Hyoyeon didn¡¯t buy it and plopped down on a chair in Haejin¡¯s appraisal room. She must have known that her underpants could be seen as her skirt was short, but she didn¡¯t care and crossed her legs. ¡°Do you think I am a fool? I wasn¡¯t talking about that. You knew the prince was obsessed with porcins, but you pretended to be ignorant,¡± Hyoyeon replied. ¡°I had no idea about that.¡± Haejin was a little confused, but he was also thinking hard. Even though the woman in front of him was somewhat stupid and far from being capable, there had to be a reason for her to insist hard like that. He didn¡¯t know how she had found out about the prince¡¯s obsession with porcins, but it wasn¡¯t a good reason for Hyoyeon toe and act rudely. Then, she was doing it because she wanted something¡­ ¡°You really didn¡¯t know?¡± Hyoyeon asked. ¡°I swear.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. I thought you knew and told the opposite side. Isn¡¯t it strange? That they brought porcin?¡± It was a mere coincidence, but Haejin didn¡¯t bother to point that out and said, ¡°I guess Yuseong-SG consortium got lucky.¡± ¡°Ha! Fine, let¡¯s say that is the case. Oh, and as I am already here¡­¡± What she was about to say had to be the real reason she hade. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You are close to Prince Sahmadi, aren¡¯t you?¡± Hyoyeon asked. She had a purpose, after all. But what was up with Prince Sahmadi? ¡°And?¡± Hyoyeon continued, ¡°We are working on a deal about oil development, and Prince Sahmadi is in charge of energy development. So¡­¡± ¡°No,¡± Haejin refused even before Hyoyeon finished speaking. She looked puzzled and asked, ¡°What? But you haven¡¯t heard what I¡¯m about to offer¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no reason to hear it. Who says I am close to Prince Sahmadi? And even if I was, I know almost nothing about him. I wouldn¡¯t be able to help you even if I wanted to.¡± ¡°Are you going to keep being hard on me? You think I do not know you are close to him? I already know everything. Just listen to me, you will get to realize my offer isn¡¯t that bad,¡± Hyoyeon tried to tempt him. ¡°No, I do not want to get involved in anything that has to do with the prince. And I really know nothing. I don¡¯t know about his hobbies and I don¡¯t know about his interests.¡± ¡°Really nothing?¡± Hyoyeon looked at him with doubt, but Haejin really didn¡¯t know much about the prince. Of course, he could have asked Silvia and get to know her father better than anyone, but there was no reason to do that. Plus, Haejin was still feeling sorry for Prince Sahmadi because of Silvia. He didn¡¯t want to get involved in his matter at all. ¡°Yes, I swear. I know nothing about him. I¡¯ve never even had a meal with him, how am I supposed to know about his interests and hobbies?¡± ¡°Hu¡­ fine. If you recall anything, call me. This is about the life of many people.¡± Haejin mocked her on the inside, but he didn¡¯t show it and nodded, ¡°I will.¡± Since when she cared about her employees like that¡­ it was funny, but it looked like she really thought so. She even looked very serious as she left. However, right after she left, Eunhae came in smiling. ¡°I heard Hyoyeon was beaten hard.¡± ¡°You already know? How did you find out?¡± ¡°Yaerin called me.¡± ¡°So, you two now call each other?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°She called because the news was good for both of us. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re still kids. We can¡¯t keep fighting. Haha!¡± However, her awkward smiled made Haejin think their fight would resume anytime with the right cause. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like you came to tell me that¡­ what is it?¡± Haejin asked. Eunhae usually came down to talk about issues unrted to work during lunchtime or after working hours. She had nevere down herself in the middle of the office hour to talk about a private matter. ¡°Actually, you were just offered a case. I thought about saying no, but I had to hear your opinion first.¡± If she had thought about refusing the offer, it must have been a foreigner who proposed it. ¡°Why were you going to refuse it? Is it a foreigner¡¯s offer?¡± ¡°Yes, it is, but that isn¡¯t the only reason,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°Then?¡± ¡°It sounded like it would take a lot of time. At least¡­ two weeks.¡± ¡°What is it that it would take so long?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It is the Medici¡¯s offer, and they won¡¯t tell me what it is about. They just said they wanted you to appraise a number of artifacts, and you had to keep secret on the case,¡± Eunhae exined. ¡°I must keep the secret? It is tempting¡­¡± As it was the Medici that was requesting secrecy, Haejin couldn¡¯t help but get interested. ¡°So, I came down immediately to ask you,¡± Eunhae continued. ¡°Did you get a call? Or¡­¡± ¡°They called me and sent fax after that, but your destination is a little strange. It isn¡¯t Florence, Italy.¡± ¡°Where is it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Vienna, Austria.¡± Haejin felt his body getting goosebumps. Maybe¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll go. I will work till tomorrow, so please announce I won¡¯t appraise for about three weeks starting the day after tomorrow.¡± Haejin had this feeling that he would get to see amazing artifacts in Vienna. Haejin arrived at the international airport of Vienna with a beautiful woman. She was Silvia. As Haejin couldn¡¯t leave her alone in Korea for safety issues, and she had changed her identity and appearance, she had joined him. If Eunhae hade with Haejin, Silvia would have had no choice but to stay in Korea. However, as Eunhae had gone on a long business trip, she couldn¡¯t apany Haejin on this one. ¡°Haha! Isn¡¯t the weather so beautiful?¡± She took Haejin¡¯s arm and smiled brightly. ¡°But it looks like it¡¯s about to rain¡­¡± The weather was gloomy and humid, but Silvia liked even that type of weather. ¡°But I like it! It¡¯s not hot. And wouldn¡¯t it be so romantic if it rains? I would be so happy if I could listen to music and have coffee with you in a caf¨¦ of the raining Vienna,¡± Silvia replied. She spoke so sweetly that Haejin couldn¡¯t help butugh like a fool and reply, ¡°Haha, I would be so happy as well,¡± ¡°Really? Really?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know what to say. But then, someone talked to him. ¡°Are you Mr. Park?¡± When he looked, there was a tall and handsome man in a suit. ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Haejin confirmed. ¡°Wee to Vienna. I am Marchelo Padeli from the House of Medici. I have prepared a car. Would you like toe?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± He took Haejin¡¯s huge traveling bag and started to walk forward. When Haejin and Silvia arrived at their hotel, they had to get back on the car again right after unpacking their stuff. They were a little confused at all the rushing, of course. Marchelo then took them to a deste mansion in the outskirts of Vienna. The mansion had a wide vineyard. It was so peaceful and beautiful that Haejin wished he had enough money to buy it. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± Surprisingly, when he went inside, Cavani di Piero Medici, himself, greeted him. Haejin didn¡¯t expect he would be waiting for them, so he was surprised when he took his hand. ¡°Did you call me yourself?¡± Cavani confirmed, ¡°Yes, there are only a few people who know we are here. Even the members of my family don¡¯t know.¡± It meant he hade in secret, and it aroused Haejin¡¯s interest even more. ¡°But why did you bring me here¡­¡± Cavani replied, ¡°Haha, you are so impatient, like most of the other Koreans. Please sit first. This mansion¡¯s vineyard produces good grapes. So, I always drink wine made with them and enjoy the scenery when Ie here. Would you like to try it?¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Haejin drank some white wine and introduced Silvia to Cavani. After that, Cavani lowered his voice and said, ¡°What I am about to say is extremely sensitive.¡± It meant Silvia couldn¡¯t hear it. ¡°Silvia and I share deep secrets. She knows a lot about antiques and is very capable.¡± Cavani looked at her for some time and nodded, ¡°If you say so.¡± He made everyone else leave the room. Then, he slowly started to talk. ¡°Do you know that the Nazi stole a huge number of artifacts during the Second World War?¡± ¡°Of course, I know that well.¡± Cavani continued, ¡°At the time, the troops of the Allies had found artifacts hidden in salt mines and warehouses in Austria. They then kept them in Mauerbach monastery near Vienna. ¡°There were 8,500 artifacts in total. They tried to return them after the war, but it wasn¡¯t easy.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°As most of the record about the original owners had been destroyed, only a few artifacts could be returned,¡± Cavani exined. The Allies made a unit that specialized in retrieving artifacts stolen by the Nazi. Its story was very famous and was even made into a movie. At the time, the unit seeded in retrieving the artifacts, but a problem urred after that. The people who had some sort of records that showed their ownership of the artifacts, before they were stolen from the Nazi, could get back what belonged to them. However, most of the previous owners didn¡¯t have such records or had lost them during the war. At the time, the monastery showed the artifacts until 1972 and found the original owners, but only a few artifacts could be returned. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve heard of that. As far as I know, those artifacts were sold on auction,¡± Haejinmented. The government of Austria couldn¡¯t find the owners until 1995. In the end, it handed them over to the Jewishmunity in Austria. After that, the artifacts were sold on auction, and the revenue was used to help the victims of the Holocaust and their families. ¡°That is the story you know,¡± Cavani replied. ¡°And it isn¡¯t true?¡± Haejin had been listeningfortably, but now he was interested. ¡°At the time, some criminals were in the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts that held the auction. So, most of the artifacts were switched with fakes or smuggled away.¡± It was really shocking. ¡°That¡¯s remarkable. If someone else had said it, I would have never believed them,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe it either when I first heard about it,¡± Cavanimented. ¡°But you are telling me this today because¡­¡± ¡°Because I have found a few of the artifacts they had stolen, and you are the only appraiser I can fully trust.¡± Chapter 197: What Happened in Austria (2)

Chapter 197: What Happened in Austria (2)

Silvia was also shocked to hear this. She widened her eyes and looked at Haejin to let him know that even she hadn¡¯t seen thising. Haejin thought Silvia was even more capable than the Medici at getting information. However, she had never heard about this. ¡°But I think Albert Harrington can be useful¡­¡± Cavani took a sip of wine and said, ¡°This happened a long time ago, and I cannot find many details about it. It is so vague as if it was shrouded by a thick mist, so I cannot tell who is on my side and who isn¡¯t. I most certainly cannot trust Europeans, especially aristocrats who have money and men. I trust you for the reason I invited you earlier. You are from far away.¡± Haejin could understand that, but he still had a few questions. ¡°Hmm¡­ then I am supposed to appraise a few artifacts here and I¡¯m done?¡± Haejin had thought it would take at least two weeks, but judging from what Cavani just said, it looked like it would only take a few days. ¡°No. You should go to a few ces with me and join me in my detective game,¡± Cavani replied. ¡°Detective game?¡± Haejin asked. Cavani then exined, ¡°With this matter, I cannot afford the luxury of waiting until my men get me the answers. I must check with my own eyes. I want you to help me with that.¡± Haejin had no reason to refuse. Apart from everything, going after the artifacts the Nazi had stolen was exciting enough. ¡°Then, shall we go?¡± Cavani took his unfinished ss of wine in his hand and started to walk. Haejin followed him, but then he sensed Silvia¡¯s hand grabbing his. He looked at her, and Silvia mouthed a question, ¡®What kind of artifact are we about to see?¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t know¡­¡¯ Cavani took them to the mansion¡¯s basement storage. Usually, a storage is humid and smells bad, and it would also have various bugs. However, this storage looked like a neatly cleaned room. The room¡¯s temperature and humidity were being perfectly controlled. In the middle of it, there were two paintings covered with brown cloth. ¡°We didn¡¯t meet anyone on our way down here,¡± Haejinmented. Cavani sat down on a chair and replied, ¡°I have sent everyone outside this mansion except for the necessary personnel.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°Actually, I wondered if I should call you or not for some time. Oh, it wasn¡¯t because I doubted your skills. After ourst meeting, I got to admire your ability.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t say anything, but Silvia asked, ¡°But then, why did you hesitate to call him?¡± Cavani looked into her eyes and said, ¡°You are quite unusual. You are an Arabian with an American ent, and yet you are not bound by your ancestor¡¯s rules¡­ and your blue eyes seem to have strange powers. Was your name Silvia?¡± This surprised Silvia. She nodded, however, she couldn¡¯t help but flinch while saying, ¡°Yes, it is.¡± ¡°Mr. Park is very lucky to be with you.¡± Cavani smiled at Haejin and continued, ¡°I hesitated because I thought what was about to happen could be our weakness. Maybe¡­¡± Haejin realized instinctively what he was trying to say and asked, ¡°Are you thinking your own family might be involved in this?¡± ¡°Yes. World War Two devastated Europe, including Italy. However, I still cannot dismiss this doubt. There cannot be many who can n such a bold artifact heist¡­ merely stealing doesn¡¯t make sense. Hundreds of forgeries were made in the process, and it would require more than 5, 6 people to do such a thing.¡± Haejin¡¯s jaw dropped to hear that hundreds of fakes had been made. ¡°That many?¡± Cavani exined, ¡°Huge amount of fakes have been quickly released all around the world. I am thinking the forgeries that were made back then can still be seen now. Maybe most of the paintings, in museums and galleries, are fakes.¡± In fact, most of the paintings in museums and galleries were indeed controversial. However, they had to be left where they were because there was no clear proof of them being fake, and there were more than one or two such artifacts. ¡°Haha¡­¡± It was so ridiculous that Haejinughed. But then, Silvia asked, ¡°Does this matter have something to do with the amber room that William I presented to Feodor I?¡± Cavani was surprised for the first time at this. ¡°Why do you think so?¡± ¡°I thought about the most valuable ones among the artifacts lost during the WW2, and I recalled the room and its treasures first,¡± Silvia replied. The amber room was first made for the king, but then it was moved to Catherine Pce in 1716 as a gift to Russia. But during the WW2, after Germany took Saint Petersburg, they dismantled the room that weighed 6 tons and took it to Germany. However, although there is a record that says the ambers were put in 27 boxes and carried away, that huge amount of treasure vanished after that. It would be worth 500 thousand dors now, but it has never shown itself after that. However, the amber room has then been recreated with other ambers to celebrate the 300th year after the birth of Saint Petersburg city. ¡°Hmm¡­ actually, I have my doubts. I haven¡¯t found any lead yet¡­ but I think these criminals might know where the treasure is. Of course, I have no proof. It¡¯s just my guess,¡± Silvia replied. She said she was making a guess, but was it Haejin¡¯s imagination, or did she really sound like she was sure of it? Cavani amusedly smiled and said, ¡°You are smart and quick-witted. You would be a great help to Mr. Park.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Silvia shyly smiled, but strictly speaking, she was way more capable than Haejin. Even though she had been a princess, she had never given up studying. She spoke five differentnguages and had gotten a master¡¯s degree in economics at the United Arab Emirates University. Haejin was rather embarrassed at this. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. ¡°Khmm¡­ so anyway, these paintings are what you recovered from them?¡± ¡°Yes. This mansion is my family¡¯s, so Ie here from time to time to rest, but a strange rumor started to spread among antique shops here in Vienna, that the paintings the Nazi had stolen had resurfaced. At the time, I spent huge money to buy the two paintings. I¡¯ve also never shown it to anyone till now.¡± However, it was strange. ¡°But you must have thought the paintings might be fake. What made you think these two paintings were those paintings lost during the war?¡± Haejin asked. Cavani exined, ¡°When I became the head of the Medici family, I gained ess to the family record. It is like a journal that the former heads wrote. It allowed me to know about not just this family but also the history of Europe with Italy as its center.¡± ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t you be able to know if your family was involved in this matter?¡± Cavani shook his head and said, ¡°Strangely, there isn¡¯t much record about the time of World War 2 and afterward as if that part has been emitted. The charity auction of Mauerbach must have been an opportunity that cannot be missed by the family, but there is no record of any Medici participating in that auction. It is not right.¡± It was really strange. The Medici always tried to collect valuable artifacts, so they would never let go of such an opportunity. Haejin could now see why Cavani was doubting his own family. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Then I should start appraising now.¡± Haejin stood up. Then, Cavani finished his ss of wine and asked, ¡°Should I wish for them to be real? Or should I wish for them to be fake?¡± ¡°If they are real, we should be happy as we would get some traces of that criminal organization, and if they are fake¡­ I guess it would depend on whose fakes they are,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Then I should hope for them to be real,¡± Cavani said. ¡°It would make things easier.¡± Haejin slowly approached one of the paintings and uncovered it. The painting was so weird that it wasn¡¯t easy to tell what it depicted. It was an oil painting, but it had something else, pulp mixed with glue and lime. ¡°It¡¯s papier-mache,¡± Haejin said. ¡°Do you know who the artist is?¡± Haejin didn¡¯t answer and examined the painting for some time. There was no signature, and there was no record nor scribbles at the back of the canvas. Haejin examined it for about half an hour and said, ¡°It is a painting, but it¡¯s a painting of a sculpture. It reminds me of someone.¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± Cavani asked. ¡°Alexander Archipenko.¡± Archipenko was born in Russia, but he fled to America in 1923 and became an American. Cavani nodded, ¡°I have been thinking so, too¡­ it turns out I was right.¡± Haejin exined, ¡°Only a few paintings of Archipenko are left, although many of his sculptures have survived. And as his paintings are in a unique style, they are not easy to imitate. Judging from its condition, it is definitely at least a few decades old. It would require scientific analysis to be sure, but I think it is Archipenko¡¯s congrattions.¡± Haejin thought he must congratte first since if it were Archipenko¡¯s, it was worth at least 5 billion won. ¡°Thank you. I had my guesses, but it was really Archipenko¡¯s¡­¡± As one of the missing paintings had been found, they now had one piece of the puzzle. ¡°Are you going to retrace this painting¡¯s history?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I should, but first, I must speak to the man who sold this to me.¡± Cavani immediately sent his servant to bring the merchant to him then said, ¡°You should now look at the other one.¡± At this, Haejin carefully uncovered the other painting. It showed sunflowers burning under the hot sun. The background was damp grey-green, and the sunflowers were in gloomy colors. The moment Haejin saw it, he eximed in surprise, ¡°This is¡­¡± ¡°I was shocked as well when I saw this for the first time. I never imagined I would meet Egon Schiele¡¯s Sunflowers here.¡± This Sunflowers was one of the masterpieces that disappeared during the war. It was quite famous. ¡°However, the merchant who sold this must have known it,¡± Haejinmented. Of course, he knew. If he hadn¡¯t known about this painting, he would have been an antique merchant with crude knowledge about the history of art. ¡°He thought it was fake. That is why he sold it to me at five thousand euros.¡± Earlier, Cavani had said he had paid a lot because he had assumed that the paintings were fake. ¡°5000 euros¡­ you have paid a lot for a fake,¡± Haejin said. ¡°But isn¡¯t a fake this good worth at least that much money?¡± Cavani was right, the painting was great to the point that it would make you think it was a genuine artifact. Chapter 198: What Happened in Austria (3)

Chapter 198: What Happened in Austria (3)

Along with Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele was one of the master artists of Austria. But there were people who don¡¯t like his paintings as most of them are about eroticism. He painted nude, sexual organs, and even scenes of sex and homosexuality. However, this Sunflowers painting wasn¡¯t about that kind of eroticism, anyone could enjoy it. ¡°Even if this is fake, with this quality, it is definitely worth 5000 euros. Congrattions,¡± Haejin said. Cavani burst intoughter, ¡°Haha! It almost feels like I forced you to say that. It is such a pleasant experience to get celebrated for buying it at 5000 euros.¡± But then, Silvia, who had been watching quietly, asked, ¡°Have you done research on Karl Grunwald?¡± Karl Grunwald became friends with Egon Schiele during World War 1. He was very close to Schiele and even did a portrait model for him. Cavani was impressed. ¡°Ah! You are truly wise. I haven¡¯t thought of it. If this painting is real, I must look for Grunwald¡¯s descendants. Maybe they know something.¡± As Grunwald was a merchant who collected antiques, he owned a number of valuable works of art. However, after Austria merged with Germany, he decided to flee. He ran away from the Nazi with a few of Egon Schiele¡¯s paintings that he had in Vienna, but unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t take Sunflowers as it was in Strasbourg. Eventually, after the Nazi took Strasbourg, they stole the painting. Then, it resurfaced on an auction between the stolen artifacts in 1942. After that, Grunwald and his son tried many times to get it back. Although Cavani was impressed, Haejin wasn¡¯t that surprised. It was because of that feeling that he would get from a fake painting. However, he wasn¡¯t disappointed. He thought that since it was of great quality, the forger must have had the real painting next to him when he had made it. ¡°Then, I should start appraising.¡± He slowly examined it, and he couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. Egon Schiele was deeply influenced by Gustav Klimt who was like his artistic father. But afterward, he got away from Klimt¡¯s style and created his own unique and powerful outline. This painting had his own style and even his unique gloomy mood. It was hard to think of it as fake. If Haejin hadn¡¯t learned magic, he would have never thought it was fake. However, it was strange as the merchant who had sold it had been so sure that it was fake. ¡°I must congratte you once again for buying this at 5000 euros. It is remarkable, but¡­ why did that merchant think this was fake?¡± Haejin asked. Cavani collected his thoughts and then exined, ¡°He said he had bought it at an extremely old antique shop in Berlin. The seller even told him that it was a great fake that would fool most appraisers, and the forger was a master like Tom Keating, Eric Hepburn, and Mark Landis. So, I asked if he wasn¡¯t tempted at all. I would have given 5 million euros without thinking twice if he had said it was real, but then he smiled.¡± ¡°Why did he smile?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I wondered that as well and asked. He said credibility was everything to him, and he would be left with nothing without it. He then added he would be in jail in no time if he had made the wrong decision, and I couldn¡¯t argue anymore,¡± Cavani answered. Haejin thought it was odd. That merchant had sold a real painting and a fake painting of great quality as fakes¡­ If he had said they were both real, he would have gotten millions of euros in cash. ¡°That merchant is really impressive,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°That is why I have so many questions for him. At the time, I couldn¡¯t ask as I didn¡¯t know about the paintings¡¯ authenticity, but I can ask now.¡± Cavani remained calm. He never showed the changes in his emotion like a true leader of a prestigious family. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± Haejin sighed and shook his head. He couldn¡¯t find any evidence of the painting being fake. It had Egon Schiele¡¯s unique gloomy colors, his powerful outlines, and the feeling of life and death. Haejin had nned to use magic to find out about the forger and the seller, but he was a little disappointed to not find anything. Seeing a fake that he couldn¡¯t discern with his own skills felt as if he was being defeated by the forger. At first, he tried to find some proof without using magic because he was worried about not being able to tell others even if he knew that it was fake. In fact, there might not be any evidence just like before. So, he then used magic to look into the past, but he was startled and took a step back. Silvia saw this and came to take his hand. She asked, ¡°Are you okay? Is there something wrong?¡± She meant about using magic. When they were alone, she always warned him that the chosen¡¯s power enabled one to do anything, but it sometimes destroyed its master. ¡°No, it¡¯s not it¡­ I was just a little surprised. May I turn off the lights?¡± At this, Silvia went back to her sit. Cavani gulped hard and nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± He turned off the lights, and immediately the room became dark. They could not even see their own hands. Haejin took out a smallmp and looked at the painting with it. 10 minutes went by in the darkness. Then, Haejin stood up while saying, ¡°We can turn on the lights now.¡± The room became bright again. Cavani couldn¡¯t wait anymore, he stood up and asked, ¡°Why were you surprised? And why did you turn out the lights? I am very eager to know.¡± ¡°Oh, first of all, this painting is fake. However, the forger is a great artist. I almost gave up on it.¡± Haejin was telling the truth. If he hadn¡¯t looked into the past to find out that the forger hadn¡¯t made a rough sketch before painting it, he would have had to give up and go home. ¡°I also acknowledge the forger¡¯s skills. I would like to see him work myself. But why is this painting fake?¡± Cavani asked. Haejin exined, ¡°Egon Schiele used strong and lively outlines. So, he must have drawn rough sketches many times before painting on it. However, this painting has no sketches. It means¡­¡± ¡°It is an imitation. Remarkable. How did you find out that there was no rough sketch?¡± Actually, Haejin had prepared some scientific tools before he got there. He had set an appraisal room in his museum, and he also wanted to use science to make his work easier as much as he could. He had brought a few things when he came to Austria because he didn¡¯t want to be forced to not tell the truth just because there was no evidence, and one of them was this special UVmp. Silvia had gotten it for him, and it enabled Haejin to find out if there were rough sketches or not. It was very fortunate that he got to appraise a fake without a rough sketch right after he got it. ¡°This is a special UVmp. I can check if there is a rough sketch or not with this,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Haejin exined, ¡°This was certainly not made recently. Most museums do this kind of scientific analysis these days, and even auctions agencies like Christie¡¯s and Sotheby¡¯s do it, so there is no reason for such a skilled forger to leave out the rough sketch.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Haejin concluded, ¡°It was made in the 1960s or before that. There must have been no reason to bother to draw a sketch before scientific means of appraisal became popr. Of course, now he would draw the sketch and paint on it to fool science.¡± Cavani looked excited as he nodded. It was probably because he was sure he had found a lead to the organization that had stolen the Nazi¡¯s paintings. ¡°Then what are you going to do now?¡± Haejin asked. Cavani answered, ¡°Now I feel relieved to know it is fake. I have called the merchant, so why don¡¯t we have dinner while we wait?¡± ¡°It would be my honor,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Oh, and you will get your fee in time after three days.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± They had agreed on Haejin¡¯s fee before he arrived in Vienna. The Medici family epted his terms of 1% of the appraised price and even offered an additional bonus. After that, they had a pleasant dinner and went out to the wide garden to have dessert while looking at the starry night sky. ¡°My father liked Egon Schiele¡¯s paintings a lot. However, by the time he became interested in them, they had already gotten quite expensive, and my mother didn¡¯t like them as they were indecent. But it feels so strange to get one of his painting now.¡± ¡°It is a little hard to believe a Medici didn¡¯t like a painting because it was indecent,¡± Haejinmented. Cavani smiled bitterly at this and said, ¡°Actually, it is a little embarrassing to say this to an outsider, but my father had affairs with many women, like Egon Schiele¡¯s father.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ that exins why your mother didn¡¯t like Egon Schiele¡¯s paintings.¡± Egon Schiele¡¯s father had syphilis and even transferred it to his pregnant wife, making her miscarry the child. As Egon Schiele¡¯s sister also died of congenital syphilis, his interest and fear for sexuality eventually showed itself in his paintings. ¡°We made such great progress on your day of arrival, so I feel we will get good results afterward. If we get lucky, we might be able to find a lot of the lost Nazi artifacts,¡± Cavanimented. ¡°I hope so, too¡­¡± But then, a servant came to them and said, ¡°Mr. Matias is here.¡± The conversation stopped there, and the silhouette of an old man came very slowly. He was small and couldn¡¯t walk with ease, so he was clearly very old. ¡°Wee. I apologize for calling you so suddenly,¡± Cavani said. ¡°Haha¡­ how can I say no to your request when I make my living with paintings?¡± Cavani and the man appeared to be very close, but Haejin couldn¡¯t say anything as he was too shocked. Although the man was old, he could recognize his face. He was the forger he had seen through magic. Chapter 199: What Happened in Austria (4)

Chapter 199: What Happened in Austria (4)

In his youth, he had chosen one of the paintings, piled up at one side, to imitate it. He was wearing a one-eye magnifying ss to see the painting better, and his cotton shirt was covered in so many colors that it was hard to know what color it had been at first. The handsome and lively man, who had been painting with passion, now showed up here as an old man. ¡°This is your favorite 2011 Bordeaux grand cru.¡± Cavani had his servant bring some wine, and the old man brightened up while saying, ¡°Oh, my mouth is going to have a good time since forever. Well, why have you called this old man? And who is thisdy with blue eyes and that Asian?¡± Cavani smiled brightly and introduced Haejin and Silvia in English. ¡°This man here is Mr. Park, he is a special appraiser my family has invited. He has extraordinary talents and inspiration. If he had known how to paint, my family would have gotten an artist to sponsor.¡± The old forger looked at Haejin, clearly interested. ¡°A special appraiser of the Medici¡­ and an Asian, I am surprised.¡± His English was good, probably because he was an art dealer. Although he said so, his eyes showed contempt. Actually, discrimination on Asians happens frequently in Europe. In a way, it was unusual for Cavani di Piero Medici to be fond of Haejin regardless of his race. ¡°You won¡¯t think so once you see what he can do.¡± Cavani sensed the hidden meaning in the old forger¡¯s remark and smiled bitterly. Then he continued, ¡°And this beautifuldy here is Silvia, Mr. Park¡¯s partner.¡± ¡°Ohh, nice to meet you. Are you from America? Or Spain? Or Moro? Spanish women are passionate and splendid. Although I¡¯ve never met you before, I can feel that passion in your eyes.¡± It could be natural for him to be curious as Silvia¡¯s skin was a healthy brown unlike white people, but Haejin didn¡¯t like that attitude. He looked like he would copse and die at any moment, and he was trying to flirt¡­ ¡°Thank you, but I am here for work. That kind ofpliment is not appropriate, so please stop,¡± Silvia firmly replied. The old man then burst intoughter, ¡°Hahaha! I knew it! I knew you would be so charming. I¡¯m Matias Leno. Getting to talk with you alone is worthing all this way. Have you heard about me?¡± Haejin frowned, and Cavani hastily stopped Matias, ¡°That would be enough with the introductions. Matias, you were not so talkative when you were with me, but now you are chattering like a little girl. It feels like I am seeing someone else.¡± ¡°Haha, I shouldn¡¯t have humiliated myself in front of the head of the Medici family. I apologize.¡± Cavani continued, ¡°I called you here because I have a few questions. Of course, there will be matters you cannot easily talk about, but I hope you would answer wisely, considering the rtion between us.¡± In a way, it sounded like a threat. Matias realized how serious the situation was and said, ¡°That is scary enough. Okay.¡± ¡°One of the two paintings you sold me before is real,¡± Cavani then said. ¡°What? It is real?¡± Haejin carefully studied his reaction. Judging from his skills capable of making a fake Egon Schiele¡¯s Sunflowers, he thought he must have known Alexander Archipenko¡¯s painting had been real. However, Matia seemed to know nothing about that painting. Cavani grimly nodded, ¡°I am delighted to be so fortunate, but as you well know, this is a very sensitive matter. If that painting has resurfaced, a lot of the other paintings can be slumbering somewhere.¡± ¡°So, you want me to tell you from where I got it?¡± Matias asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Matias stroked his few streaks of beard and soon shook his head, ¡°As I told you before, credibility is everything to me. I cannot tell, even if it is you who are asking.¡± His refusal made Cavani frown. ¡°Hmm¡­ I must have expressed myself in the wrong way if it sounded like I was asking. I am sorry, but I am not asking. You must tell me the truth here.¡± ¡°Even you cannot push me like this. This is about my credibility.¡± Matias resisted harder than expected, so Cavani¡¯s expression turned cold. Then, Haejin asked him, ¡°Are you connected to the people who made the fake painting?¡± Cavani looked at him with surprise. It was as if he was asking Haejin what nonsense he was making up. However, Haejin didn¡¯t simply look at him, instead, he kept staring at Matias. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Matias asked back. Haejin wasn¡¯t just asking. As he had casted a confession spell, Matias couldn¡¯t lie. However, he couldn¡¯t ask directly if he was the forger. Even if he would answer truthfully¡­ In fact, both Cavani and Matias would suspect Haejin had added some kind of drug to the wine. Haejin, therefore, had to be careful not to be doubted, so he couldn¡¯t push the man further. ¡°Do you know how to paint?¡± Matias stammered at another unexpected question, but soon he started speaking. ¡°Yes, but why are you asking?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just curious. Did you learn it from school? I guess you wanted to be an artist,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°I attended the University of Applied Arts in Vienna¡­ but why are do you keep asking me these things?¡± Matias asked again. Although he was answering, he couldn¡¯t understand why he was replying to Haejin¡¯s questions. ¡°I am just curious because you said you were an art dealer.¡± Haejin really wished he could ask, ¡®it was you who imitated Egon Schiele¡¯s painting, wasn¡¯t it?¡¯, but Cavani seemed to think Haejin had to have a reason to keep asking those sort of questions so he took it from there and said, ¡°If I¡¯m not wrong, I¡¯ve never heard that you attended the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. As far as I knew, you studied economics in America¡­ were you lying to me before?¡± It turned out Matias had lied to him before about majoring in economics. ¡°I, I¡­¡± Matias couldn¡¯t say anything. He was capable of not answering as it was Cavani¡¯s question, not Haejin¡¯s. The spell itself wasn¡¯t enough to make him confess the truth. The question had to be asked with magic, so Cavani¡¯s question had no great power. However, because of that, both Cavani and Matias didn¡¯t get suspicious. ¡°You must know I can find out about your works and grades if I want to. You¡¯d better tell me yourself.¡± Matias had to talk as Cavani kept pressing him and said, ¡°Actually, I did study art at the university, but I wasn¡¯t trying to fool you. I was just ashamed as I never made a good painting.¡± Haejin interrupted him again, ¡°It is strange. The University of Applied Arts in Vienna is a prestigious university of art. If you had said you had graduated from there, your words would have had much more trustworthiness. I really can¡¯t understand why you said you learned economics that has nothing to do with art.¡± This made Matias frown even harder. Haejin was trying hard to reveal his weak points. Matias then raised his voice, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that most art dealers haven¡¯t majored in art?¡± ¡°Of course. However, although there aren¡¯t many art dealers who have graduated from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, there can be no reason to bother to hide that fact. Well, you must have had your own reasons, but I really cannot understand it,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Who do you think you are to keep lecturing me like that!¡± Matias now yelled in German. However, seeing this, Cavani grimly said, ¡°It is really strange. You have never lost your temper like this in front of me, but you are now yelling at Mr. Park. Is there really something? Have you really made a forgery of Egon Schiele¡¯s painting?¡± The second he finished speaking, Haejin immediately added, ¡°Did you do it?¡± He hadn¡¯t nned to ask directly like that, but thanks to Cavani, who suddenly asked a sharp question, he was able to add his own question. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Haejin was rather surprised to hear the answer. There was no way Matias was capable of countering his magic. Then, Matias wasn¡¯t the one who Haejin had seen the past. He didn¡¯t mean to ask further, but he couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Then, who is that forger?¡± Haejin immediately regretted making a stupid mistake, but Matias¡¯ answer was something he really didn¡¯t expect. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s my brother!¡± Matias wasn¡¯t shocked by his own answer and continued to exin, ¡°I lost my life because of him! I had to give up painting because of him. That idiot, he abandoned the pride of an artist and his family for money¡­¡± he then knelt to Cavani while looking down and muttered, ¡°I cannot lose my credibility because of him. I swear, I have nothing to do with him. I even gave up my dream because of him.¡± Matias gave up and tried to find a way to survive. ¡°Okay. If you are telling the truth, who is your brother?¡± Matias exined, ¡°He is Benedict Leno, and he attended the University of Applied Arts with me. He had great talent in art, so everyone around him had huge expectations about him. However, he then left home because he thought our family wasn¡¯t supporting him enough and became a forger. At first, I even worked with him as it was to help our poor family, but I stopped after we got enough to live by. After that, me and my mother tried to stop Benedict, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. His talents bloomed in his forgeries, and it became impossible to tell them apart from reals. But¡­¡± ¡°But?¡± Matias continued, ¡°Because one of his fakes, a Jewish family with considerable power went bankrupt, and he became a runaway. That was more than three decades ago. I¡¯ve never seen him after that and only heard rumors about him sometimes.¡± Haejin interrupted to be sure, ¡°Is that really true?¡± Matias looked down, heartbroken and said, ¡°Yes.¡± Haejin was asking with magic, so it had to be true. ¡°Then, do you know where he is?¡± Matias quickly shook his head at this, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard about him for more than a decade. Maybe he is dead. I started to think he was dead at some point and didn¡¯t even try to find him.¡± Haejin had been thinking he was about to catch the guy, but it was another dead end. He felt sorry for the man as he knew he was telling the truth, but then Matias said something unexpected. ¡°I cannot tell you from where I got the fake Egon Schiele¡¯s painting, but I can tell you how I got Archipenko¡¯s painting.¡± Cavani frowned and leaned forward while asking, ¡°How did you get it?¡± ¡°From the Vatican.¡± Chapter 200: Bait to Catch the Big Fish (1)

Chapter 200: Bait to Catch the Big Fish (1)

The person who reacted most passionately to the word Vatican wasn¡¯t Cavani or Haejin. It was Silvia. She grabbed Haejin¡¯s arm and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on the Vatican, too. A number of artifacts with great mana havee out from there. However, I couldn¡¯t get closer.¡± Haejin thought it was serious. Maybe the Trinitatis was the organization that had stolen the artifacts the Nazi had stolen. Then the Trinitatis was hiding in the Vatican¡­ ¡°Your story really surprises me. Hmm¡­¡± Cavani didn¡¯t say anything more. Messing up with the Vatican was something hard to imagine, even to the Medici family that had a huge influence on the art world. Additionally, the power it had in Italy wasn¡¯t something the Medici could dare topare with its own. However, it was different for Haejin. Now that he had a chance to go after them, he couldn¡¯t miss it. ¡°So, Archipenko¡¯s painting really came out from the Vatican?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes!¡± Matias looked irritated, but Haejin didn¡¯t even frown. He asked again, ¡°Then what about this?¡± ¡°What?¡± Haejin continued, ¡°You said your brother painted Egon Schiele¡¯s Sunflowers. Why don¡¯t you make a fake yourself and offer it to the Vatican?¡± Silence fell. Then Cavani looked at Haejn, clearly shocked, and asked, ¡°Mr. Matias here is an art dealer. Are you saying he should make a fake? One of great quality like the Sunflowers?¡± Haejin looked at Matias, who was still in a daze, and answered as if it was nothing. ¡°Once you start painting, that technique never goes away. It¡¯s like riding a bike, you never forget it. And¡­ if you were once a forger, I think you have been painting from time to time to keep your skills. Am I wrong?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯ve never stopped painting entirely, but I am not as good as my brother,¡± Matias confirmed. Cavani smiled at this, ¡°Ha¡­ well, I am getting surprised many times today. I thought you had never touched paint till a few minutes ago, and you are thinking of making a fake.¡± ¡°Let me tell you again. Benedict was a genius. I will never be as good as him,¡± Matias replied. Cavani turned to Haejin and asked, ¡°Are you nning to send his fake to the Vatican?¡± Haejin answered, ¡°Yes. If we make a fake of one of the paintings that went missing at the time and spread rumors about it in the Vatican, they will surely react. They must be the ones who stole the paintings the Nazi had stolen.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ do you think Mr. Matias can make such a fake of great quality?¡± Cavani asked. Haejin thought he could and said, ¡°We can give up if it¡¯s not good enough. We should see what he can do first.¡± Cavani nodded and spoke to Matias. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to lose your business and be homeless on the streets. Just help me with this, and my family will be the closest friend of yours.¡± ¡°I will try if you promise not to scold me afterward for not being good enough,¡± Matias replied. ¡°Good. Please rest here today and start tomorrow. If you need anything, tell my servants.¡± Matias was about to say something about being asked to stay there for the night, but then he gave up and left, following a servant. As Silvia looked him leaving, she asked, ¡°But you must have the real painting to make a fake of it. Which painting are you going to use? You are not thinking of Archipenko¡¯s painting, right?¡± Instead of answering that question, Haejin said to Cavani, ¡°I thought the Medici family would have at least one painting the Nazi had stolen. If there isn¡¯t, then we won¡¯t be able to make that fake for a long time.¡± Cavani smiled, called a servant, and gave him some orders. Then, he spoke with that aristocratic confidence, ¡°I have a painting of Titian.¡± ¡°Ohh¡­¡± Haejin was genuinely impressed. Titian was the greatest artist in the history of Via who led the Italian Renaissance. His painting would be enough to draw their attention. However, he had a question. ¡°Has Titian¡¯s painting been stolen by the Nazi?¡± Cavani confirmed, ¡°Yes. At the time, they took a lot of gold from the Jews and took it to Portugal. The documents of America¡¯s department of state also says that the amount of gold in Portugal soared up during World War 2.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± It was another interesting story which Haejin had never heard before. Cavani exined, ¡°The gold they took to Portugal would be worth a billion dors now, but what is interesting is that the artifacts Hermann G?ring collected were also moved to Portugal.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ then they¡­¡± Cavani continued, ¡°Yes, they could not openly sell it and said they had bought it from a Nazi spy. What is even more interesting is that Titian¡¯s painting was among the paintings that were put on Mauerbach charity auction but then vanished afterward. Shouldn¡¯t it be enough to make them interested?¡± Haejin brightened up. It couldn¡¯t be better than this, and he replied, ¡°Of course, of course. Even though the painting that was sold during the war and the paintings they smuggled away are different, it clearly had belonged to the Nazi. So, if we spread rumors about how it is one of the missing paintings, they will have to lunge in for it.¡± The next day, Haejin, Silvia, Cavani and Matias had lunch in a pleasant mood as if nothing had happened yesterday. Then they went up to a small room on the first floor of the mansion. There were paper, colors, and painting tools already waiting for Matias. He rather calmly got ready and sat down. ¡°Although I did ask for it, I didn¡¯t know you would get me everything in less than a day. The power of the Medici family is truly remarkable.¡± The paper in front of him looked very old, even to the ignorant eyes. Cavani smiled. ¡°My family has a number of old books. Of course, most of them have meaningful records and considerable value, but some are just old without any significant meaning. I just prepared the kind you wanted. Of course, my employees had to work all night to put the paper together.¡± The first step of making a forgery is getting the paper that was used at the time. As Titian worked from thete 15th century to the early 16th century, they had to get the paper of the time to at least start. Although Cavani said the paper wasn¡¯t that important, surviving for such a long time alone made it precious enough. ¡°Is that your faith in me?¡± Matias looked like he couldn¡¯t understand. If a less good forger worked with such precious paper, it would just be turned into some trash less valuable than toilet paper. It wouldn¡¯t have been easy to give it to Matias, without believing in his skills. ¡°Yes, and it is also faith on Mr. Park who trusts you.¡± Cavani¡¯s servant exined, ¡°I have prepared all the colors you asked for: ke white, pure ultramarine, madderke, burnt sienna, mchite, yellow ochre, red ochre, orpiment, and ivory ck.¡± Matias nodded with satisfaction, ¡°Good. More than everything, getting to see Titian¡¯s painting with my own eyes makes me think helping you isn¡¯t all that bad, Mr. Cavani.¡± As he said, what drew attention the most in that room was Titian¡¯s painting in the middle. Haejin also couldn¡¯t help eximing, ¡°So, that is the painting from Titian that you have.¡± In the painting, there was a man wearing a strange coat with a tall dog. As the man was wearing a luxurious coat that even most aristocrats couldn¡¯t afford, he had to be Carl V. ¡°The records say my family paid quite a lot for it. Of course, as it is Titian¡¯s, I would have paid at least that much myself,¡± Cavani replied. Haejin nervously asked Matias, who was sitting in front of the paper, ¡°Do you think you can do this?¡± ¡°You made me do this because you thought I could, didn¡¯t you? Then wait patiently.¡± His reply was cold, but it satisfied Haejin. He could feel that Matias was confident enough. Maybe he had felt jealous of his brother Benedict. If he had, this was the opportunity to show his skills. His gaze alone said he wasn¡¯t about to hold a brush again simply because he couldn¡¯t refuse. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Then please start.¡± Matias started to imitate the painting. To draw the Vatican¡¯s attention, he didn¡¯t make any rough sketch. The painting had to turn out to be fake easily so that they would believe it was one of their own fakes which had been leaked. Like his brother, he wore a one-eye magnifying ss and put a support bar in front of the paper to stop his hand from shaking and paint in details. As such a painting couldn¡¯t be done in a day or two, Cavani went back to Florence to take care of his family¡¯s business. Haejin and Silvia, instead, stayed with Matias and watched him work. They were not standing to guard him. Instead, watching his painting being created was a pleasant experience on its own. Cavani came back to Austria four days after. ¡°Remarkable, truly remarkable. I didn¡¯t know you were capable of this¡­¡± When he returned, he kept eximing when seeing the painting. ¡°Although I used to paint from time to time, it¡¯s been more than five years since I held a brush for thest time. I am surprised as well.¡± Even Matias couldn¡¯t believe it and dreamily stared at his own painting. It was perfect, even to Haejin. Of course, thest procedure still remained, but it was as good as Benedict¡¯s Sunflowers. Actually, Haejin hadn¡¯t expected Matias to be this good. He had thought a littleck of skills would not be a problem in dragging them to the Vatican, but to his surprise, he got a forgery of remarkable quality. ¡°Was it luck?¡± Silvia asked. However, Haejin shook his head, ¡°No, mere luck cannot do this. In art, technique has its limits. The difference between a master and a skilled painter is as thin as paper. That slight difference is made by philosophy and mind, and Mr. Matias got it as he got older. Sometimes, you improve by not doing anything.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Silvia was really impressed. Matias was proud of himself and was about to say something with a smile, but Cavani spoke first. ¡°When I was in Florence, I tried to find some records about the Vatican, and I found something very strange going on.¡± ¡°What is it? Cavani hesitated before speaking, ¡°Um¡­ when I followed the artifactsing out of the Vatican, I traced them to Marco Veriano¡¯s shippingpany.¡± ¡°What? Who is Marco Veriano?¡± Cavani didn¡¯t answer that question. Instead, the shocked Matias did. ¡°Mafia¡­ he is the most powerful mafia boss in Italy.¡± Chapter 201: Bait to Catch the Big Fish (2)

Chapter 201: Bait to Catch the Big Fish (2)

The rumor about secret deal between Vatican and Italian mafias had existed since very long ago. Of course, there is no way to find out if that rumor is real, but as Haejin really hadn¡¯t cared about both Vatican and Italian mafias, he was quite surprised at Matias¡¯s answer. ¡°Do you think Vatican and mafias really have that kind of rtionship? Haejin had assumed the Trinitatis was hiding in Vatican, but it had to be little part of Roman Curia. However, it was hard to think that few of them had made secret deal with mafias. ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± Cavani sat down and grimly exined. ¡°The ck connection that existed between archbishop Paul Marcinkus, former president of the Vatican Bank in early 80s, and the mafias is very famous. People used to march on streets because of it till a few years ago. So the deal between Vatican and mafias itself doesn¡¯t surprise me, but I haven¡¯t expected it to be about artifacts. I didn¡¯t know Vatican was in situation urgent enough to stretch out to such ck money.¡± In everywhere in the world, the easies way to form secret fund is to buy artifacts. As they are easy to trade for cash, their value goes up in time and the price is up to the seller, it is hard to collect tax on it. In fact, artifact is the best thing to make secret fund, but it wasn¡¯t like Vatican didn¡¯t have artifacts. It rather had the most precious artifacts, much more than any other city and organization, and once they decided to sell them, they could get almost unlimited amount of money. But the problem was that they could never mess up with precious artifacts, but what can rece them are forgeries. With good forgeries, you can get money as if you own your own money factory, so once you start making money with forgeries, it is not easy to stop. ¡°Do you remember the government official who came to see me in Korea?¡± ¡°Are you talking about Giorgio Sayor of Cultural Heritage Bureau?¡± ¡°Yes, that middle-aged fat man. At the time, I thought he was trying to be a guardian of Italian artifacts, but as I observed his word and actions, I got suspicious of him.¡± Cavani got serious more than ever. ¡°Please exin.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have any objective proof, it¡¯s just my feeling. I¡¯m not sure. But it felt like he was connected to those mafias who tried to hire me.¡± At the time, Haejin had found out Giorgio Sayor was working with mafias with his magic, but as he himself wasn¡¯t directly involved in that matter, so he had just moved on. However, as things proceeded in this way, he couldn¡¯t pretend to be ignorant anymore. He felt bad about doubting a person without any evidence, but that was the truth. ¡°It¡¯s only your feeling?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t told you about it. But now I cannot keep pretending to know nothing. As I have no proof, you can ignore what I just said.¡± ¡°No, thank you for telling me. As it is your feeling, I cannot ignore it. Artists¡¯ feeling is different from that of ordinary people.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t it better this way? It might be a chance to get rid of those mafias who are after artifacts.¡± Haejin sounded positive, but Cavani gave hollowughter at this. ¡°Haha, you are very optimistic. I wish you were right, but in this country, all cops and politicians are connected to the mafias. No matter how huge are the crimes theymit and no matter how solid are the proofs they leave, they cannot be eliminated. Messing up with them would be suicide.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ It is really serious.¡± ¡°Anyway, if Mr. Matias¡¯s painting draws their attention, we might be able to go after both Vatican and mafias.¡± ¡°But we should make it go to Vatican, not mafias¡­¡± Then, Matias snorted and interrupted. ¡°It is all up to the seller anyway. Even if some odd people try to disturb, they won¡¯t be able to do a thing if I refuse to sell.¡± ¡°I would be able to rx if you sell it yourself.¡± Matias worked in whole Europe, not just in Austria. If he sold himself, there would be nothing to worry about. ¡°I¡¯m the one who bought a painting from them, so selling one to them can¡¯t be hard. But more than that, do you have what I asked for?¡± Matias spoke it wouldn¡¯t be any problem. Cavani nodded and called his servant. He came with a small paint can as tall as thumb. Cavani saw him hand it over to Matias and asked. ¡°What is it for? You asked for specific brand, is that for special use?¡± ¡°As you know, although the painting itself it finished, I must do one more thing. I should leave the trace of time on it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re talking about craquelures.¡± ¡°This is varnish. There are two types of varnish; oil-based and vtile. This is vtile.¡± ¡°I know that. My servant told me so.¡± Matias looked at the painting can as if it were some kind of funny toy. ¡°This is a little different from ordinary varnish. You must know it, but this is vernis craquelur made by a Frenchpany called Lefranc et Bourgeois. When applied on painting, it will make the paints crack in about 20 minutes.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± ¡°And if I apply a little dirt after the varnish is dried, it will make quite decent craquelures.¡± Haejin was impressed, too. He had known a few methods of creating craquelure, but he hadn¡¯t known this one. Just as he had thought, Matias must have been jealous of his genius brother and had kept researching. Matias quickly finished the painting. After a day, he carefully framed it and left to Vatican, Italy. Haejin and Silvia were with him. Matias had changed into an ordinary man seen in any rural area from the greedy and spooky man he had been, probably because of the painting he had finished. It appeared he wasn¡¯t jealous of his brother anymore after making a good painting. They unpacked at a hotel in Rome, rented a special non-vibration vehicle, and went to Sintine Chapel. Vacian is a small city state near Rome and has its own administration system. As it is surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, you must go inside. They sat down at a small coffee shop near the chapel. A gentleman in his 40s came and spoke to Matias. ¡°I didn¡¯t know we would get to meet again so early. But these people are¡­.¡± The man was wearing ck suit and ck shirt, so Italian man¡¯s unique chess was even greater with him. ¡°These are my clients. This is Marcisio, he handles loan with artifact coteral at IOR Vatican Bank.¡± The man who handled loan with artifact coteral was here to buy a painting, and even a fake¡­ it was a little funny. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Mr. Park from Korea.¡± Marcisio nodded but didn¡¯t care about him more. He asked Matias. ¡°So why are they here?¡± ¡°I told you, they are my clients. If you don¡¯t buy the painting, they will.¡± Marcisio was offended. He frowned. ¡°So you want me topete with them? It¡¯s absurd.¡± Matias smiled and took a sip of espresso that was so bitter that Haejin was sure he would never be able to get used to. ¡°But everything in this world ispetition. Of course, I have no intend to force you. I just luckily got to know these clients from Asia, but I came all the way here instead of handing the painting over to them because I wanted to show it to you first. If it hadn¡¯t been because of you, I would have sold it to this beautiful couple I met in Venice.¡± Marcisio snorted. ¡°Huh! Do you think they would be able to bring it home, even if they but it? You must know the Cultural Heritage Bureau is being even strict on each customs.¡± ¡°Have you forget that I said the painting was fake?¡± ¡°But they won¡¯t let it out just because it is fake.¡± He was right, even fakes couldn¡¯t go through customs easily. It would be different for souvenir imitations, but with such delicately made forgery, they would ask questions, about who made it and at how much Haejin had bought it. And it would be lucky if they let it pass after asking. But as the customs would confiscate the painting until investigation is done, having the painting taken at the airport would just mean blowing off the money. Plus, when the customs workers conclude the forgery might be used for crimes, they look into the intention of the buyer and the seller. And as Italy work hard to protect its artifacts, at least officially, once the customs found out about the forgery¡¯s existence, Haejin might not be able toe back to Italy again. Matias spoke as if he couldn¡¯t understand why Marcisio was still angry. ¡°As I said before, I came all the way here to Vatican just to give you a chance. I cannot understand why you are so sharp.¡± ¡°You really brought them without any bad will?¡± ¡°Why would I lie to you? It¡¯s not like it is really Titian¡¯s painting. Do you think I will sell Titian¡¯s painting to these Asians?¡± ¡°People like you would sell your own parents for money, so what would stop you from selling to Asians?¡± ¡°Haha, you speak like you have no interest in money.¡± They argued for some time, but none of them left the spot first. Marcisio stared at Matias, nced at Haejin and Silvia, and nodded. Matias gestured at him to follow. He stood up and went to the non-vibration truck parked nearby. Because of the ten light bulbs lighting the inner side, it was even brighter than broad daylight. Because of it, the painting in the middle of it shined like a solo singer standing alone on the stage. ¡°Hmm¡­ Impressive.¡± Marcisio eximed when he saw it. It was not just because it was Titian¡¯s painting. He was impressed by the forger¡¯s skills of making a fake look like the real painting. ¡°Are you going to buy this?¡± Marcisio didn¡¯t even think twice to nod. ¡°How much is it?¡± ¡°This is extremely precious forgery. And¡­¡± ¡°Enough, just tell me the price.¡± ¡°A million euros.¡± ¡°Do you even know it is not real?¡± ¡°Of course. If it is too much for you, then there¡¯s nothing I can do about it.¡± Matias shrugged ant looked at Haejin and Silvia who were making a fuss in front of the painting. They excited chatted in English as if they had never seen the painting before and kept saying ¡®how much is it?¡¯ like they were ready to pay immediately. ¡°I cannot decide on this myself.¡± ¡°Then how long am I supposed to wait? As you can see, I have some very impatient clients waiting here.¡± ¡°Huh! Merchants¡­¡± He still didn¡¯t seem to believe Matias had met the Asians by chance. But as Matias had said, he didn¡¯t have a choice. He called someone and talked on the phone for long time. Then he hung up and spoke. ¡°He will be here soon.¡± ¡°Who will¡­? ¡°Cardinal Pierosa.¡± It was then. Silvia¡¯s eyes started to shake¡­ Chapter 202: What the Depressed Man Left (1)

Chapter 202: What the Depressed Man Left (1)

Marcisio went out of the car to bring someone. Silvia still seemed to be in a daze, so Haejin took her hand and asked, ¡°Do you know him?¡± Silvia was about to speak, but then she hesitated. She couldn¡¯t talk in front of Matias. She made Haejin get out of the car with her. Then, she took him to the coffee shop they had been at a while ago. She gathered her thoughts with the bitter espresso in front of her and started to exin. ¡°The rules of the desert are strict, so people cannot trust any god other than Ah. Of course, I do not have any connection with the Vatican, but there is one man whose name I know of.¡± ¡°Is that Cardinal Pierosa?¡± Haejin asked. She bit her lips and nodded, ¡°Yes. I got to know about him through Mat Vellin about three years ago. At the time, I was spending a lot of money on finding vestigiums spread all around the world, but the Vatican was the ce where I tried the most. I couldn¡¯t give up on the numerous records and artifacts of the Curia Romana.¡± It was kind of ironic that a Muslim got interested in the Vatican. ¡°So, you approached the cardinal?¡± Haejin asked. Silvia replied, ¡°Funnily, he approached me first. he gave me lots of information about artifacts through the financepany I used to manage at the time, and we gave him more than 2 million euros. Of course, we paid in cash, so he probably got all of that money.¡± It was enough to make Haejin think that cardinal was crazy but smart. However, Silvia¡¯s story didn¡¯t end there. ¡°After that, he kept contacting us, offering to find us a number of Catholic artifacts. We had no reason to refuse. Actually, I got most of the vestigiums I have from him, including the one I gave you¡­ but I met him a few days before that incident.¡± That incident¡­ ¡°Are you talking about what Saliyah did to you?¡± Haejin asked. Silvia answered, ¡°Yes, at the time, after I had dinner with you, I met him. Actually, almost no one knows about this. Few knew that Cardinal Pierosa was in America at the time.¡± ¡°Well, the meeting between a Catholic cardinal and a Muslim princess could have been quite an issue,¡± Haejinmented. Silvia exined, ¡°He showed up looking like someone else, so anyone who didn¡¯t know him well wouldn¡¯t have thought he was a cardinal. Anyway, he kept warning me that I was in great danger, and if I kept trying to cross the line, I would surely meet death.¡± ¡°Wait¡­ but that¡¯s not right. Didn¡¯t you just say he approached you first?¡± Haejin asked. Silvia continued, ¡°That was why I was so puzzled at the time. I couldn¡¯t understand why he was suddenly acting like that. However, as we talked, I got to find out that he was either a member of the Trinitatis or someone who knew well about it. At first, he hadn¡¯t known what I was up to but approached me for money, and it appeared he got to find out onlyter.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± The situation wasplicated enough, but Haejin thought this could also be an opportunity. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t things go wrong if I stay here?¡± Silvia looked nervous, but Haejin took her hand andforted her. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Your face has changed anyway, so he won¡¯t recognize you. He would never think you are princess Hassena, no matter how clever he is.¡± Then, he went back to the truck with her. He did that because there was no way the cardinal would recognize her, but also because he thought she would y an important role in this deal. After a while, Marcisio showed up with a priest who looked like the kindest man in the world. Silvia started to sweat again, so he had to be Cardinal Pierosa. He was wearing a ck priest¡¯s cloak. With his white hair and fat belly, he looked like a nice guy in your neighborhood. ¡°Ohh¡­ it¡¯s been a long time, Mr. Matias. You have be younger during thest few years.¡± He seemed to know Matias well. He then took his hand and greeted him. Then, the cardinal said hello to Haejin and Silvia for formalities sake, but he didn¡¯t seem to recognize her. Haejin had thought he would not be able to know as Silvia had gone through cosmetic surgery, but he had been slightly nervous. It was fortunate that he had been right. ¡°Seeing a young couple makes me feel young again and delights me. Wee to the Vatican.¡± Cardinal Pierosa spoke loudly in Italian then repeated it in English. Whenever he smiled, the end of his eyes bent in a crescent shape. Hisughter seemed to have the power to make people lower their guard. ¡°I didn¡¯t know we would get to meet, either. I came here without letting you know first, I¡¯m sorry for taking your time,¡± Matias then said. ¡°Oh¡­ please don¡¯t be. Talking to you is one of my few pleasures. I am rather excited about the unexpected gift¡­ my, is this the forgery of Titian¡¯s painting? Oh¡­¡± When he spotted the painting, he was startled and went closer to it. He couldn¡¯t manage to touch it, but he traced his hand on it as if he wanted to. His hand shaking a few inched above the painting showed how much he was eager to touch it. ¡°Remarkable, so remarkable. But¡­ do you know where it originally came from?¡± Coldness started to radiate from the old man¡¯s eyes. However, Matias wasn¡¯t bothered by it and kept on with the n. ¡°This painting? Hmm¡­ well, it would take some time to talk about this painting.¡± ¡°Please, go ahead. I have a lot of time today. Listening to your story is always pleasant, so it can¡¯t be better,¡± Cardinal Pierosa said while crossing his arms and stared at Matias with his deep gaze. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been keeping this at my home all along. I got it in Austria, 1997,¡± Matias exined. The charity auction of Mauerbach had taken ce in1996. So, saying he had gotten it in 1997 was like saying the painting had flown out when those who had stolen the Nazi¡¯s paintings made the fakes. Pierosa¡¯s eyebrows moved because of it, and Haejin didn¡¯t miss it. ¡°Interesting. How did you get it at the time?¡± Matias answered, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I cannot tell you that. You know how it is. This painting is only a fake and demanding me to confess how I got it is like stripping me of everything. You are asking too much.¡± ¡°Khmm¡­¡± The cardinal¡¯s wrinkles got even deeper. Time passed. Haejin and Silvia tried making another fuss about the painting, but he didn¡¯t even flinch. He spoke after a long, long time. ¡°Alright, I will buy it.¡± Matias apologized to Haejin and Silvia, of course in English, ¡°Well¡­ I am sorry. I must sell the painting to them. Cardinal Pierosa here wants to buy it, to show it to the young students for educational purposes.¡± Matias knew they could understand Italian, but they were on an act together. ¡°Oh¡­ but I really wanted to buy it!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The cardinal wants to buy it for the younger generation, and there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± Haejin tried to look disappointed, then he shrugged and sighed, ¡°Hu¡­ I guess I have to give up. It should be used for students¡­¡± The cardinal patted his shoulders while looking sorry and said, ¡°I am sorry. As you have made a good decision for the students, you will be blessed.¡± Actually, they hadn¡¯t known the deal would go on so easily. As the price was high, both Haejin and Matias had expected there would be a tug-of-war, but as the cardinal epted so quickly, they were both surprised, although they didn¡¯t show it. Well¡­ anyway, when Haejin shook hands with him, he secretly casted a tracking spell and a hearing spell on his cloak. Selling the painting was important on its own, but what Haejin wanted the most was to track the cardinal, who was probably a member of the Trinitatis, and to take care of him and his associates. The moment he took Silvia¡¯s hand and got off the truck, the cardinal started to talk about something else to Matias. ¡°Thank you for bringing such a good painting.¡± Matias replied, ¡°That is what I do for a living, so there¡¯s no need to thank me. Then how are you going to pay¡­¡± ¡°More than that, are you interested in buying another painting?¡± The cardinal asked. ¡°Another painting¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s van Gogh¡¯s. Do you want it?¡± Cardinal Pierosa asked again. ¡°Haha, it cannot be his real painting, right?¡± Matias asked back. The cardinal confirmed, ¡°But it is real, it is not a fake. It is really Vincent van Gogh¡¯s.¡± Now, Matias became the one who had to pay a huge sum of money. If Cardinal Pierosa really had van Gogh¡¯s painting, Matias had to buy it, no matter how much he asked for it. A real painting from van Gogh was worth it. ¡°¡­¡± Matias couldn¡¯t answer quickly. He had achieved what he hade for, so he just had to leave the Vatican now, but he was now being tempted by an irresistible chance. Eventually, he couldn¡¯t restrain his curiosity and asked, ¡°May I see the painting first?¡± ¡°Of course. You cannot buy it without seeing it. But¡­ could you tell me more on how you got this painting?¡± Pierosa didn¡¯t give up and asked again, but thankfully, Matias knew well why he was there. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If that is what I must pay to buy van Gogh¡¯s painting, I¡¯m afraid I must give up,¡± Matias replied. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. It¡¯s a shame, but I guess I should give up. Then, could you follow me?¡± Matias drove the truck and went near Saint Peter¡¯s Basilica. Then, he disappeared to somewhere with the cardinal. Haejin couldn¡¯t miss them, so he tried to follow them with Silvia, but he couldn¡¯t get into the basilica. So, they just roamed around in front of it for a long time. As he could hear Matias eximing at seeing the painting through the hearing spell, he wasn¡¯t that worried. Matias came out about an hour after. Then, they returned to the hotel. ¡°He asked for 50 million euros. But if what I saw is really van Gogh¡¯s painting, I cannot give up on it. So, I want you to appraise it.¡± However, Haejin frowned hard and said, ¡°Appraising it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. It¡¯s not like I have to work for free¡­ 1% fee would give me 500 thousand euros, so I have no reason to refuse. But you introduced me as a tourist earlier. Wouldn¡¯t it be a problem if you bring me back as an appraiser?¡± Matias nodded, ¡°That is the problem. I know Mr. Cavani well. He never makes mistakes and doesn¡¯t trust others easily. I cannot trust any appraiser except for you who has gained his trust. Is there really no way?¡± It wasn¡¯t like Haejin had a n. But then, Silvia carefully asked, ¡°What if something bad happens to the cardinal? Then, wouldn¡¯t he send someone else to make the deal?¡± ¡°How?¡± Chapter 203: What the Depressed Man Left (2)

Chapter 203: What the Depressed Man Left (2)

Silvia bit her lips and started to exin. ¡°Cardinal Pierosa was born in Greece, but he came to Italy when he was a boy. Because of that, he has always been interested in art, even after he became a cardinal.¡± Matias, while looking puzzled, interrupted her, ¡°You seem to know the cardinal very well.¡± ¡°I had my reasons to know. I hope that won¡¯t be a problem?¡± ¡°Of course not. Please, go on.¡± As Matias previously looked like an old man who wanted to win a young and pretty girl, he used to be rude with Silvia. But now, he was certainly a different man. However, Haejin didn¡¯t know if it was because he had gotten rid of his jealousy or had realized Silvia wasn¡¯t someone he wanted to mess up with. Anyway, Haejin liked that change of attitude. Silvia continued, ¡°He has used his discerning eye to get wealth and has been sponsoring young and talented artists with that money.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ impressive. I¡¯ve never heard about that.¡± Matias was truly shocked, and his jaw dropped. Silvia didn¡¯t care and kept looking at Haejin while exining, ¡°It might look like he is a good man, but unlike his warm smile, he is very evil. Most of the artists he sponsors have been sexually abused by him.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ is that true?¡± ¡°Of course, but I have no solid proof,¡± Silvia replied. Although she said she had no proof, her seriousness proved she hadn¡¯t said that lightly. ¡°Then how do you know about it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Although there is no evidence, there are many victims,¡± Silvia answered. ¡°Hmm¡­ so?¡± Silvia exined, ¡°If you agree, I am going to make one of them expose everything.¡± It was a good idea, but¡­ it bothered Haejin. ¡°Is it something like MeToo?¡± ¡°Catholic priests have wronged so many young people to call it MeToo. It is just one of those unspoken crimes,¡± Silvia replied. ¡°However, the victims will be forced to recall the bad times. Would it be really good for them?¡± Haejin worriedly asked. Silvia crossed her arms and sighed, ¡°Hu¡­ as I grew up learning the rules of Im, I am probably more conservative than both of you. However, this is not only about them. Cardinal Pierosa is still sponsoring a number of young artists, and one of them is going to be given a private lecture at his home this evening.¡± ¡°But how on earth do you know all this? Even the Medici family cannot know this much,¡± Matiasmented. Silvia just shrugged her shoulder while saying, ¡°I just got lucky. You do not reveal the source of the paintings you sell, right? It is the same for me, so please don¡¯t ask about my sources.¡± Silvia could gather information much better than the NIS did. The sources she had set when she used to be Princess Hassena were paid by the Abu Dhabi family, and as they only had a few missions to do, they could dig up even deeper info. Matias¡¯ face reddened at Silvia¡¯s firm refusal and said, ¡°Of, of course. We all have our own story and ways, so I understand. But you know that what you just said is too big, right? It might bring about huge consequences.¡± ¡°I know, I am also not the one who told the victims to expose everything. They told me more than once they wanted to expose it at the right moment. What do you want to do?¡± Silvia asked. Haejin had felt bad about forcing the victims to talk, but if they wanted to do it, he had no reason to feel guilty. ¡°What if they expose it?¡± Haejin next asked. ¡°Then Italy and the Vatican will be in shock, and the cardinal wouldn¡¯t be able to show up to meet us. He will send someone else instead. Someone he can trust,¡± Silvia answered. ¡°Then let¡¯s do it.¡± After a few hours, the scandal big enough to shake the entire Italy came out. They had made no preparation for it, but as the matter was too important, news reports about it came out in no time. Of course, the Roman Curia was on a state of emergency. When Haejin put on a suit and went into a shabby house near Saint Peter¡¯s Basilica with Matias, someone they had never met before was waiting for them. He was a young priest, probably not even 30 yet, and his face and smile were both very charming. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you. You must have seen news about it, but I¡¯m afraid the cardinal wouldn¡¯t be able toe here. So, I came on his behalf, I hope it isn¡¯t a problem?¡± Matias smiled and waved his hand. ¡°Of course not. I am always pleased to meet you, Father Grenoa.¡± Father Grenoa worked for Cardinal Pierosa. Silvia and Matias had told Haejin he would be there. Although he was young, he was ambitious and thorough, so the cardinal trusted him. ¡°This man is¡­¡± ¡°He is an appraiser. He is working for the Medici family, but I brought him for this special asion,¡± Matias replied. ¡°Appraiser of the Medici family? Then you must be very good at your job. Nice to meet you. You can call me Grenoa.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, too. Isn¡¯t it cheating for a priest to be so handsome? I envy you,¡± Haejin then said. Grenoa burst intoughter, ¡°Haha! You are a funny man. I¡¯ve never thought of myself as handsome. I wish we could talk more, but as the situation is urgent, let¡¯s proceed fast. Would you like to see the painting first?¡± The painting was leaning against a wall, so Grenoa took off the cloth on it. ¡°Ohh¡­¡± Even to the ignorant eyes, it was clearly in Gogh¡¯s style. Its unique swirling colors seemed to draw people in. Grenoa was clearly proud of it and said, ¡°This is the Portrait of Dr. Gachet. As you must know, he was a homeopathic doctor and artist who lived with Vincent van Gogh for two months before his death. It was categorized as decadent art by the Nazi and was excluded from their collection. Then, Hermann G?ring bought it for his own collection.¡± He was supposed to exin how it ended up there after that, but he finished there as if it was only natural. Matias nodded to Haejin. It meant he had to start appraising now. As van Gogh left about nine hundred paintings, even most of his fans do not know all of them. However, this one was quite famous as it is the portrait of Gogh¡¯s friend. Paintings with stories were always more expensive, so Father Grenoa had his reasons to be proud of the painting. Haejin examined it for half an hour and was sure there was nothing wrong with it. Nevertheless, he used magic to look into the past. He thought it could have been a fake made by Benedict, but more than that, he wanted to find out who had brought it there. ¡°Huh?¡± Haejin eximed in surprise. Matias then came close and asked, ¡°Why? Is there a problem?¡± ¡°Oh, no. There¡¯s nothing wrong with the painting. This is really van Gogh¡¯s painting. The painting itself is fine, at least,¡± Haejin replied. However, his eyes said there was something more. Matias wanted to ask, but he restrained himself and turned to Grenoa. ¡°I hope the price hasn¡¯t been changed?¡± Matias asked. It looked like he and Pierosa had discussed the price before. ¡°Of course. As you¡¯ve been told, you should pay half in cash and half in gold bars,¡± Grenoa replied. ¡°Okay,¡± Matias nodded and called someone. After about 10 minutes, he got a text and spoke to Grenoa. ¡°He said he transferred it. Would you like to check?¡± ¡°I just did. You have prepared well, I didn¡¯t know you would pay so quickly.¡± Matias replied, ¡°With something without an owner, the ¡®finders keepers¡¯ rule applies. I always prepare as best as I can to take the things that don¡¯t have an owner. Also, I think this deal has strengthened our friendship even more. Please call me first when you get another good artifact.¡± ¡°Of course, we would call you first. The cardinal sent his thanks. Then, I hope God blesses you¡­¡± The priest turned around and left. Matias quickly covered the painting and put it on the truck he had prepared. ¡°How much have you paid for it?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Why? You¡¯re curious?¡± ¡°Of course, I¡¯m curious.¡± Matias replied, ¡°Hhh¡­ it¡¯s a secret. Asking a merchant to tell the cost price of his goods is like telling him to starve to death¡­¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Haejin was disappointed. Matias then smiled, ¡°But I can tell you this much, it feels like I spent as much as Saito did. Of course, I¡¯m just saying. I spent less than him, so don¡¯t get too surprised.¡± He had to be talking about Ryoei Saito, chairman of Daishowa Paper Manufacturing. The most famous one among the paintings he bought was Renoir¡¯s Bal du moulin de Galette. At the time, he paid 78.1 million dors for it. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Haejin eximed, but thinking about it, it wasn¡¯t a high price at all. Matias said he had spent like Saito, so must have spent at least 60 million. If he put it on auction, he would be able to get that money back with an additional 40~50 million. Of course, he would get much less of that because of the fee and taxes, but still, it was big money that most people never got to have during their lifetimes. Matias knew it well, so he smiled with joy as he loaded the painting. ¡°Anyway, I got to make this important deal so quickly and easily thanks to you. Your fee was worth it. Give me your ount number, and I¡¯ll pay you immediately. Oh, I can pay you in cash or gold bars if you want.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. How am I supposed to take that kind of huge cash or gold bars into Korea? Just transfer the money to my ount,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Okay, then goodbye. Please give Mr. Cavani my best regards.¡± Now that Matias was done there, he left with the painting. ording to the n, Haejin was supposed to meet Cavani now, but he wasn¡¯t going to. Technically speaking, Matias buying the painting had nothing to do with the n, either. It had been kind of a side project. As he had casted the hearing spell and tracking spell on the cardinal, he now had to approach him in secret and make him talk about the Trinitatis. ¡°How did it go?¡± Silvia had been waiting for Haejin at their hotel¡¯s coffee shop. She smiled brightly when she saw him, but Haejin spoke gravely. ¡°I found out something important.¡± ¡°What? What is it?¡± Silvia asked. ¡°Do you know about a private auction in America? It sells expensive paintings that are not on Christie¡¯s or Sotheby¡¯s.¡± ¡°Of course, I know that auction.¡± She was a wealthy woman. Of course, she knew. ¡°I think the Trinitatis hiding inside the Roman Curia is hosting that auction.¡± Chapter 204: Where the Faith Leads Him To (1)

Chapter 204: Where the Faith Leads Him To (1)

Haejin had been surprised when he saw the past of van Gogh¡¯s painting because he recognized the man who was behind all of it. It was the man who had hosted the private auction he had participated in with Eunhae in America. It turned out the Vatican controlled the international art market itself. Now thinking about it, there were more than a few strange facts. Even though the Vatican had been trying hard to find artifacts unknown to the world, it was hard to believe they had gotten all of them through ordinary and legal ways. They had been able to do it only because the Trinitatis had siphoned off the artifacts the Nazi had stolen. Silvia then said, ¡°I see¡­ the royal family of Abu Dhabi hasn¡¯t been participating in that auction for long. As you know, going to America itself is not easy for us. So, most auctions for Arabian royals take ce on ships at empty seas. That is how I used to buy artifacts. However, what are you going to do now?¡± Haejin replied, ¡°First, I must let my friend know of this. You know him, too. Eric Holton¡­¡± ¡°Oh! You¡¯re talking about that American hotel billionaire, right?¡± Silvia made a guess. ¡°He is after the host of that auction. I¡¯m sure he will be eager to hear this information,¡± Haejin answered. Haejin then called Eric, although it was definitely toote to call. He was just trying as Eric was a yboy, and he indeed picked up after a few rings. ¡°Oh! Isn¡¯t it my lucky guy! You called me first? What a surprise!¡± ¡°Have I been neglecting you that much?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°At least more than the coldest women I know. But what is this about? There¡¯s no way you called me just because you wanted to hear my voice, there must be a reason,¡± Eric replied. His tongue was a little twisted, but it sounded like he wasn¡¯t that drunk. ¡°I¡¯m at the Vatican now.¡± ¡°Vatican? Were you a Catholic?¡± Eric asked. Haejin exined, ¡°I have no religion. I didn¡¯te here because of a religious event. I went to Florence because of the Medici family¡¯s business, then I ended up here.¡± ¡°Ooh! The Medici? Even I don¡¯t know them in private. Why don¡¯t you introduce me to them someday?¡± ¡°Why? You want to open a hotel in Florence?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Huh¡­ since when you became so quick-witted? Has Ms. Lim been teaching you?¡± Eric asked back. Haejin had asked the question as a joke, but it turned out he was right. ¡°Khmm¡­ okay. I will talk to Mr. Cavani someday.¡± ¡°Good, good. Then tell me what this is about. How can I help?¡± Eric asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t call for your help this time. I called because I found out something about those guys you are after,¡± Haejin exined. The next second, the only thing Haejin could hear was silence. Then, Eric lightly coughed and said, ¡°Just a second¡­¡± He wasn¡¯t alone, after all. Haejin was sure he was with a woman. A whileter, Eric asked, ¡°But how did you find out? Even I haven¡¯t found out anything about them yet¡­¡± Haejin replied, ¡°I told you I was in the Vatican now¡­¡± ¡°You¡­ found something in the Vatican?¡± Eric asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Tell me everything.¡± Haejin then started to exin, ¡°You must know that the artifacts the Nazi had stolen were put on auction in Vienna after World War 2. I think some priests of the Vatican siphoned away most of those artifacts. Then, they made high-quality fakes with them or sold them through that private auction.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ unbelievable. They also maintained their organization and made secret funds with that money?¡± Eric then asked. ¡°Obviously.¡± Haejin said it was obvious, but there was one more thing he couldn¡¯t tell Eric: the Trinitatis. ¡°Can I get the list of those priests?¡± Eric asked. ¡°I will send it to you in a few hours,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Thank you, I will never forget this.¡± Haejin hung up, but Silvia looked worried and asked, ¡°Haven¡¯t you told him too much?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Now that you cannot use the wealth of the Abu Dhabi family, we should get the help of such a billionaire. I know you still have a lot of money, but it cannot bepared to the Abu Dhabi family¡¯s wealth, right? Plus, you cannot use up all of your money on this,¡± Haejin exined. ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± ¡°We still have an important matter today, so let¡¯s take care of it first.¡± What he had done until now was only part of the preparation for what was about toe. Haejin enjoyed a date with Silvia and rested. After the Sun fell, he changed into ck clothes and left the hotel. He headed to a small shop near Saint Peter¡¯s Basilica. After the scandal that shook the Vatican came out, Pierosa had gone back and forth between the basilica and that shop many times. Haejin had already found out in how much trouble the cardinal was with the hearing spell. The pope had already demanded him to confess the truth, and his fellow cardinals were doubting him. He was waiting for things to calm down and was hiding in that house where he thought no one knew about. Haejin showed up there at around 1 a.m. and Pierosa was still wide awake because of his anxiety. Haejin went inside without being seen with the invisibility magic. Then, he smashed the door lock and stormed into the room. Bam! Pierosa got up on the bed in surprise. Haejin, who was wearing a mask and had changed his voice with magic, cast a spell on him. But¡­ ¡°Hup!¡± A bright light came out from the bracelet on the terrified cardinal and filled the room. Haejin instinctively realized that the bracelet was blocking his magic. He stopped the spell, approached the man fast, and punched his face. ¡°Khup!¡± That one blow broke his cheekbone. He was thrown away, hit the wardrobe, and immediately passed out. The bracelet still shone even though its owner was now unconscious. Haejin looked at it and carefully moved. He slowly approached it and took it off from Pierosa¡¯s wrist. The light faded. After he met Silvia, he had seen a few artifacts with magic with her help. Most of them were artifacts made by craftsmen with mana injected in them, but this one was a little different. It must have been made by a less good craftsman. It was crude and had the same symbol of the book Haejin had gotten from his father. He took the bracelet, put Pierosa on his bed again, and sshed water on him. ¡°Puuff! Uh¡­ mercy, mercy! Do you want money? Or do you want me to step down? I¡¯ll do everything. Please, don¡¯t kill me!¡± The moment he woke up, he fell to his knees and begged. ¡°Who is the leader of Trinitatis?¡± Pierosa froze. He looked at Haejin as if he was a ghost and then slowly stood up. ¡°You know who I am.¡± The cardinal grabbed his wrist and slowly sat down on the bed and said, ¡°Haha, I thought I would get to meet you one day, but I didn¡¯t know we would meet like this. Well, was it you who made me suffer?¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°The scandal. Was it your doing?¡± Haejin was going to deny it, but Pierosa¡¯s transparent gaze made him nod, ¡°Yes, it was me.¡± ¡°I see. It was too odd, after all. even though they wanted to push me away, it was as if they were trying to die together. Yes, yes¡­¡± he muttered to himself, then stared at Haejin and said, ¡°You possess the chosen¡¯s power. What are you going to do with it? You can¡¯t be nning to use it to make money, right?¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t you been stealing artifacts and making fakes for money till now? Why should I be different?¡± Haejin asked back. However, Pierosa burst intoughter, ¡°Hahaha! You misunderstood me. You are not fully wrong, but there was a reason for me to make money. I did it only for you. No, I did it to help the chosen one to regain the lost power.¡± ¡°Well, as you would do anything for power, I can understand that,¡± Haejin then said. Pierosa¡¯s face distorted. His scandal was his personal weakness that had nothing to do with the organization. ¡°Enough with these useless talks. Well, if you havee this far, you must have had help. Who was it?¡± ¡°I ask the questions, not you. I¡¯ll ask again. Who is the leader of the Trinitatis?¡± Pierosa¡¯s expression hardened at this, but he couldn¡¯t handle the continuing silence. He started speaking. ¡°I am.¡± Haejin had used the truth spell, so it had to be true. He was excited to finally meet the leader of the Trinitatis. ¡°What exactly do you guys want?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You don¡¯t know? I thought you already knew.¡± ¡°Regaining the lostnd?¡± Haejin guessed. The cardinal exined, ¡°That¡¯s not all. More urately, it is about finding a legacy of the past hidden there. We can help you. We can help you to find that legacy. With it, we can remake the world. We will raze this world corrupted with machines and electricity and restore order.¡± His eyes red with madness. It was hard to look at him as his cheekbone was broken and half of his face was covered with blood. With that andbined with his madness made Haejin almost shiver. ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± ¡°I¡¯m insane? You know about your powers. You can start World War 3 if you want. Just think about it. This world is yours. If you and I just work together¡­¡± Haejin was done hearing him out. As he was the leader himself and Haejin already had his bracelet, he was now useless. ¡°Sleep.¡± Pierosa immediately fell. Haejin looked around the house, found some gasoline, and poured it out through the house. Haejin stared at the house as it caught fire and turned around. Silvia, who had been waiting for him anxiously, was surprised to see him looking so grim. ¡°What happened? Did something bad happen?¡± ¡°No, the cardinal was the leader of the Trinitatis, just as I had expected,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Did you kill him?¡± Silvia asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Oh, my¡­¡± Silvia realized Haejin was feeling bad for killing a man, and she hugged him. After a while, he showed her the bracelet. ¡°He was wearing this. It has magic, and it blocked my magic. I¡¯m sure it has some secret,¡± Haejin exined. However, Silvia was shocked at seeing it and said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen it before.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°In the records. It is not a bracelet, it¡¯s apass. Thepass for guiding the chosen one.¡± ¡°This is apass?¡± Haejin lifted it up, stared at it for some time, and put in mana just because he thought maybe something would happen. Then, a blue light came out of it and formed a map. ¡°This is¡­¡± ¡°Antarctica. We must go there.¡± Haejin could feel his fate guiding him. Chapter 205: Add Painting to Painting (1)

Chapter 205: Add Painting to Painting (1)

After Haejin returned to Korea with Silvia, he bragged as much as he wanted about his achievements to Eunhae who was surprised to see he had earned a huge sum of money. Haejin then said, ¡°I think I must go on a long business trip. Are there any urgent matters? If there is, I should take care of it as soon as possible¡­¡± ¡°But it hasn¡¯t been 24 hours since you came back from Italy! A long business trip? What is it about?¡± Eunhae asked. Although the museum belonged to Haejin, he couldn¡¯t just do anything he wanted with it. Additionally, as he had hired Eunhae as its director, he had to respect her. ¡°It is about a personal matter. You know what I mean, right?¡± ¡°Then is it about¡­ that magic thing? And that requires a long trip?¡± Eunhae made a guess. ¡°It is a very important matter to me, and it might not be just about me,¡± Haejin replied. Eunhae thought about it and nodded, ¡°Okay. Are you going to leave immediately?¡± ¡°No, I need some time. About a week.¡± That week was preparation time to go to Antarctica. Even though he could preserve his body temperature with magic, he couldn¡¯t just go empty-handed. He had to make some preparations. Choosing the route was one of them. He had to ask for Eric¡¯s help with it. He had to ask for help as the forgotten relic was at the north pole. He had to choose between a boat or ne to get there. The boat was usually used for exploring or sightseeing around Antarctica. As Antarctica is as huge as Australia, it wasn¡¯t good for reaching the center of it. So, Haejin had to take a ne. Getting a ne itself wasn¡¯t hard, but he needed help with shelter. There was no hotel nor amodation in Antarctica. So, most people just sleep and eat on their boat, but there is only one ce near the north pole where you can stay at. It was Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, United States scientific research station. So, Haejin was going to ask through Eric if he could rest there if he couldn¡¯t find the relic immediately after his arrival at the north pole. Now that he had a week¡¯s time, he just had to ask Eric, but he didn¡¯t know how he would answer. ¡°Are you going to go alone?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Haejin replied. Actually, he was going with Silvia. He nned to go alone at first, but Silvia insisted that she couldn¡¯t let him go on his own. Of course, Haejin allowed her to tag along only because she had some powers as well, although not as much as himself. ¡°Hmm¡­ okay. Then, you should meet someone tomorrow before you leave,¡± Eunhae then said. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Do you remember how we helped the prime minister¡¯s wife?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Oh¡­ yes, and?¡± Eunhae exined, ¡°She told about us to one of her senator friends. She is trying to retrieve an artifact in Japan through someone she knows, and she wants your help with it.¡± ¡°She is trying to retrieve an artifact in Japan?¡± Haejin asked. Haejin was curious about that senator who was actually trying to do something good. Actually, although he was trying to retrieve Korean artifacts, doing it on his own was hard. It would be much easier with a senator at his side, so he was d to hear that. Eunhae continued, ¡°She said she would share the details when youe back, so I haven¡¯t received any information about the artifact. But judging from how they spoke of it, it probably is a painting.¡± ¡°A painting¡­ is it from the Joseon period?¡± Haejin asked. There were not many paintings left from before the Joseon period, even counting those which Japan had stolen. So, it was only natural for Haejin to think about the Joseon painting. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anyway, is it okay to meet her tomorrow at lunchtime?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Sure.¡± Haejin was exhausted. He then had a light meal with Eunhae and went home to sleep. The next day, Haejin went to work just before lunchtime. He had slept for about 16 hours, probably because he had been so tired, but when he woke up, his body was full of energy. It appeared that Pierosa¡¯s bracelet had somehow affected him. ¡°Here!¡± Eunhae came out of a restaurant room she had reserved for the meeting. ¡°I¡¯m notte, am I?¡± Haejin asked. No one else was inside yet. ¡°Yes, but they will be here soon. You look great, you looked so pale yesterday¡­ was the trip that exhausting?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°Yes, but I got okay after a long sleep. I guess I had been very tired, even if I slept and ate at good ces. But who are we about to meet?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Senator Go Eunjin of Daehan Party. She works at the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee,¡± Eunhae replied. Haejin remembered seeing news about themittee. ¡°Education, Culture, and Sports Committee? Do they care about the retrieval of artifacts, too?¡± ¡°Yes, it looks like it,¡± Eunhae answered although she didn¡¯t seem to know much, either. Anyway, they waited like that, but the senator didn¡¯t show up. Eunhae called a few times, but she just kept saying she was almost there. After about an hour, a group of people came in. ¡°Oh, you must have been waiting. But the traffic was so bad¡­¡± The senator was followed by her aides. For a second, Haejin wondered if they were here for a business meeting instead of having lunch. ¡°There must have been many cars.¡± Eunhae forced herself a smile and weed the senator, but Haejin was irritated at her attitude of not feeling bad about having them wait an hour. So, he didn¡¯t say hi and just stared at her with his arms crossed. Eunjin started to look embarrassed only then. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Senator Go Eunjin. You are Mr. Park Haejin, right?¡± ¡°Yes, but aren¡¯t you supposed to at least apologize for beingte for an hour? You don¡¯t seem to have manners¡­¡± The senator frowned, and one of her aides quickly spoke for her. ¡°Hey! Do you think we camete because we wanted to? We can bete as we work for the country, who do you think you are to speak like that?¡± ¡°What? Do you think I am here to be lectured like that? And who do you think you are to speak like that? Very funny. I¡¯m here only because you have a favor to ask me. Ha¡­ whatever, you should have your lunch without me,¡± Haejin replied. Haejin hade with good intentions as the senator was trying to retrieve an artifact, but he was immediately disappointed by their attitude. He stood up. Eunhae couldn¡¯t stop him, but she didn¡¯t know what to do. The senator straightened her face and grabbed Haejin¡¯s sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The traffic was bad and there was nothing we could do about it. My aide was rude, wasn¡¯t he? Although us senators get med a lot, we actually do a lot of things. So please, try to understand. I am really sorry.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t know if she really meant it, but at least she was apologizing and decided to sit down again. Then, Eunjin quickly introduced her aides. ¡°This is Mr. Yu Gwangil. He is smart and very capable. This is Mr. Jo Hyeoncheol. He has many friends and can do anything. And this is¡­¡± She smiled as if nothing had happened and started eating. When the dessert came out, she carefully started to talk. ¡°You must have heard some parts of this, but I am trying to bring back an artifact from Japan. But I must know if that is proper cultural heritage to decide whether to give up on it or try even harder. Then, I heard so much about you. You are very popr these days, right?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not that popr,¡± Haejin replied. Actually, Eunhae had told him that even more people came to the museum after he was on TV. If he hadn¡¯t gone to Europe, he would have been asked to be on a number of other programs. The museum¡¯s staff were a little disappointed to find out that Haejin was going on another trip after a week. They said Haejin was missing a chance to be on TV again and promote the museum even more. ¡°Anyway, I was hoping you could help us¡­¡± As she was asking for help with such a meaningful matter, Haejin had no reason to refuse. ¡°Okay, but what exactly is the artifact I should appraise?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°It is a painting of Gang Huieon. You know him, right?¡± If you didn¡¯t know about Gang Huieon, that meant you don¡¯t know the art of thete Joseon period. ¡°Yes, but his paintings are very precious. How did you find out about it?¡± Haejin asked. Compared to other Joseon artists, Gang Huieon left only a few paintings. There were only 13 paintings left, but as most of them are owned by individuals, you cannot see them in museums or galleries. Additionally, unlike western paintings that are made with oil, eastern paintings are painted with ink on paper, so they were not at all easy to preserve. Unlike western paintings where discoloration with time wasn¡¯t a problem, eastern paintings easily get discolored, so you can only enjoy them for some time. Eunjin exined, ¡°A friend in Japan told me. An old man, who has extremely valuable artifacts, is arranging his things to prepare for his death, and he is willing to sell the painting.¡± That sounded probable enough. ¡°That¡¯s good. If the painting is real, we should bring it back.¡± Eunjin smiled and pped, ¡°Haha, thank you so much for your help. Actually, I really don¡¯t know much about¡­ ahaha!¡± She was about to say she didn¡¯t know much about art, but she just smiled embarrassingly. It made Haejin recall that she worked at the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee. ¡°I heard you work at the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee. And you are interested in this kind of business, too?¡± Haejin asked. Yu Gwangil, one of the senator¡¯s aide, replied instead, ¡°Senator Go is interested in many things. She takes care of various opinions of her district¡¯s residents herself and cares about such stolen artifacts. As she is a member of the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee, she is supposed to pay attention to artifacts.¡± It made sense, but for some reason, Haejin had this bad feeling. He wondered if the senator was trying to get political advantage by retrieving the painting, but as he knew nothing yet, he decided to ept the case. Haejin then replied, ¡°I see, okay. But I have things to do, so I must finish this within the week¡­¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard about it from Ms. Eunhae here. Then could you go to Tokyo tomorrow?¡± The senator asked. As he had to go to Japan to appraise, going there wasn¡¯t a problem. Haejin was about to stand up after hearing about the schedule from one of the aides, but then he saw the senator sending a text to someone. In a way, there was nothing wrong about it, but Haejin found it bothering because of the odd feeling he had been having. In the end, he secretly casted a hearing spell on the senator, hoping that nothing was wrong¡­ Chapter 206: Add Painting to Painting (2)

Chapter 206: Add Painting to Painting (2)

Haejin was expecting to learn something with the hearing spell, but to his surprise, he couldn¡¯t find out anything. Of course, he got to know how the senator thought the citizens were idiots, but it didn¡¯t matter to him right now. He asked Silvia to prepare for their trip to Antarctica and, in the meantime, arrived at Narita International Airport. There was a small man waiting for him. ¡°Wee. I am Hatzne Mori.¡± He was so short that he didn¡¯t evene up to Haejin¡¯s neck and was so thin as if he had never had meat, but his gaze was quite intense. He spoke fluent Korean. He then took Haejin to a small car and drove while talking about things like the weather in Tokyo, political situation, and its economy. He was probably trying to be helpful, but as it was practically meaningless to Haejin he just nodded and agreed with him from time to time. After about an hour of driving, they arrived at a mansion that was very huge for a Japanese house. As houses were expensive in Tokyo, Haejin could tell that the seller was at least as wealthy as Korean chaebols. ¡°Please,e in.¡± Hatzne Mori led him inside. The splendid interior was overwhelming. Each stand and each chair were luxurious. Numerous painting hung on the walls and all of them seemed real. It was like a small museum, and Haejin couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised. Then, he saw a man waiting for him in the living room. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time. How have you been?¡± Haejin was so shocked that he froze for a moment. The man in the wheelchair was none other than Ando Hadake. ¡°You¡¯re hurt.¡± He looked at Hadake¡¯s wheelchair, and the man¡¯s gaze got even colder. ¡°I gave mercy to your father. He was able to raise you with wealth because of it. But you are so ungrateful,¡± Hadake then said. Now that Haejin knew it was Ando Hadake, he brought a chair and sat in front of him. Although he was in a trap, he wasn¡¯t scared at all. Now, he had the power to kill everyone in that mansion if he wanted. A man who appeared to be Hadake¡¯s bodyguard flinched at this, but he did nothing as Hadake raised his hand to stop him. ¡°This is funny. I know very well what you did to me and my father. Have we had a different experience? Or are you just so full of yourself?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You¡¯re still arrogant. Do you think you can walk out of here alive?¡± Hadake asked back. ¡°Why? You¡¯re going to use violence on me? Be my guest. Ando Hadake, the Devil Merchant of Tokyo, finally shows his yakuza nature when he¡¯s about to die. Well, that¡¯s how inferiors do, they use their fists when they have nothing better,¡± Haejinmented. That was sharp enough, but Hadake didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°You can¡¯t be afraid now. What, you are so angry for being defeated by me?¡± Haejin continued to taunt him. ¡°You messed up with what you shouldn¡¯t have messed up with. You shouldn¡¯t have touched Ogura Takenoske¡¯s tomb,¡± Hadake replied. Haejin disagreed, ¡°No, no¡­ before that, you shouldn¡¯t have invaded Joseon, and you shouldn¡¯t have stolen our artifacts. He even gave them the name of Ogura Collection to mock us, so him hoping for a peaceful rest is rather ridiculous.¡± Hadake clenched his teeth and snapped his finger. Then, one of his men disappeared to somewhere and came back with arge scroll. Hadake had his man unroll it on a huge table and spoke to Haejin. ¡°One of us will not get to see tomorrow. Your very existence will be an obstacle to Japan¡¯s future forever.¡± In his point of view, he was probably right. Haejin smiled coldly and said, ¡°Then you would have no reason to live.¡± Hadake nodded at this, ¡°I¡¯ve drawn my sword, so either I stab you with it or get stabbed myself.¡± He was really determined. ¡°Good. Then, is this what you have prepared?¡± Haejin stood up and looked at the painting on the huge table. It was a typical eastern ink-and-wash painting. However, it was drawn in perspective, which was unusual for an eastern painting. Gwanghwamun Gate was far away, and there were a broad road and trees in front of it. Next to it, ament was written. [How can those who wait for the gate of the pce to be opened at dawn and get frost on their shoes understand the subtlety of this painting?] ¡°Thement shows great pride about knowing how to appreciate paintings. It must be Pyoam¡¯s.¡± Thatment wasn¡¯t just about what Pyoam had felt from the painting. Pyoam was saying only Gang Huieon, the artist who made the painting, and he himself could understand such perspective. Pyoam Gang Saehwang was a great artist who left many paintings, but he also wrotements on other artists¡¯ paintings. ¡°We think so too. Well, what do you think? Do you think it is real?¡± Hadake asked. As the ink had faded and the paper was about to crumble, it was hard to think it was fake. Haejin didn¡¯t have to use magic to be sure of its authenticity. ¡°It appears to be. So? What have you prepared next?¡± Ando Hadake looked into Haejin¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen many good artifacts, and I did anything to get those artifacts. Things sometimes go wrong in the process, but why would it matter? That¡¯s how human nature is. It is violent and extremely selfish. And then I encountered one thing I couldn¡¯t control as I wanted: you and your father.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t my father behave as you wanted?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Huh! You think I¡¯m a fool?¡± Hadake moved in his wheelchair to take out one of the liquor bottles disyed on one side. He poured it out, took a sip, and turned to Haejin again. ¡°Your father didn¡¯t follow my orders. He went to Korea, hid, and ran away abroad when I was about to reach him.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. If he hadn¡¯t done that, he would have died at least a decade earlier,¡± Haejin replied. Hadake then said, ¡°It¡¯s funny. You me me for your father¡¯s untimely death? Grave robbers don¡¯t get to live long. They get cursed by the dead. It was you who dug up Ogura¡¯s tomb, wasn¡¯t it? You would not have let someone else do it. But as you have disturbed the dead¡¯s sleep, you shouldn¡¯t hope for a long life.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to live a thin and long life. I n to live a thick and short life. So, get rid of those useless talks and tell me the rules. You¡¯ve set the mood enough, so let¡¯s start the game,¡± Haejin replied. Hadake finished his ss of liquor and snapped his finger again. His attendant disappeared again and came back with a table with wheels. The table was covered with transparent ss, and the painting was inside it. ¡°Perfect humidity and temperature. Of course, it cannot stay here for long. It must be kept well, even under thatyer of ss. Well, what do you think of it?¡± The painting was huge, 1m wide and 1.7m long. It showed Xian with a little boy in the beautiful mountainside. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to find out whose painting it is?¡± Haejin asked. Hadake smiled slyly, ¡°Hhhh¡­ it would be too easy and boring. You must tell me whose painting it is. If it is real or fake, and the reason behind it.¡± ¡°And if I fail?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°You won¡¯t get out of here alive.¡± Hadake took out a gun. It had a silencer, so Haejin could see he had prepared to drag him into this trap. Haejin stared at it and asked casually, ¡°And what happens if I win?¡± ¡°You can leave with Gang Huieon¡¯s painting. I will also go to my grave quietly. You can trust me on this. My organization will not let me live on if I fail to kill you anyway,¡± Hadake exined. ¡°But you can just kill me now. Why are you doing this?¡± Haejin asked. Hadake hit his wheelchair and yelled, ¡°I¡¯m a samurai! I¡¯m not a samurai who wields a sword but a samurai who has the spirit of great Japan. I bet everything on this duel. One of us dies here.¡± ¡°You really mean it?¡± Haejin asked with the truth spell. Hadake nodded, ¡°It is a samurai¡¯s promise. If I lose, you will get to see my dead body leave this house in a few days.¡± ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll y along.¡± Haejin thought he couldn¡¯t lose. As he had magic, he could y that kind of game hundreds of times. However, Hadake wasn¡¯t done yet and said, ¡°But you cannot use your hands to appraise.¡± The moment he finished speaking, his attendant came and tied Haejin¡¯s hands behind. It happened before Haejin could say anything. The attendant tied hard, from Haejin¡¯s wrists to the fingers. Haejin protested, ¡°What are you doing? Do you think you will get an advantage by tying an appraiser¡¯s hands?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been watching you all along. We could find out that you use your fingers when you do difficult appraisals,¡± Hadake replied. Haejin was shocked. He had to apply blood or water on his finger and draw the pattern to use magic, and until now, he had fooled others by using saliva. But Hadake had noticed that¡­ ¡°I don¡¯t know what that action means, but we mean to beat you with everything we have. If this is really about your true skills, not being able to use your fingers wouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± Hadake said. ¡°It is just my habit, it doesn¡¯t mean anything. So, untie me,¡± Haejin continued to protest. ¡°You¡¯re giving up? Then fine, do as you wish.¡± Hadake seemed to believe Haejin, but then he showed a photo on his phone. Surprisingly, it was Eunhae¡¯s photo. ¡°The moment you give up on this game, this photo will be sent to a gang in Heilongjiang, China. With a billion yen, of course. Are you still giving up?¡± He meant he was going to put on a bounty of a billion yen on Eunhae¡¯s neck. Haejin had no choice and realized he couldn¡¯t give up. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll y by your rules. So, delete that photo, you bastard.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to get angry like that. I always keep my promises,¡± Hadake replied. Haejin turned to the painting under the LED lights. He looked at it for some time and then spoke to Hadake. ¡°Now, thinking about it, the terms are not fair. All I will get by winning is just one painting of Gang Huieon.¡± ¡°You think my life is that trivial?¡± Hadake asked. ¡°Funny. Don¡¯t think my life and your life are of the same value. I¡¯m not interested in an old criminal¡¯s life. Offer me something else, and I will fulfill this deal,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Well, I¡¯m all ears. What do you want?¡± ¡°Throw in An Gyeon¡¯s Mongyudowondo*.¡± Hadake¡¯s eyebrows flinched. Then, he moaned. ¡°You¡¯ve found out whose painting this is.¡± *Mongyudowondo means Paradise Seen in Dream. Chapter 207: Add Painting to Painting (3)

Chapter 207: Add Painting to Painting (3)

An Gyeon was a great artist. Even those who were not as knowledgeable about the old Korean art, they would be aware of his name. Unfortunately, only a few things about him were known. Even the years of his birth and death were not clear. ¡°Did you really expected me to not know who Ju Gyeong is?¡± Haejin asked. On the top side of the painting, there was An Gyeon¡¯s art name and the words ¡®Cheong San Ah Ah Baek Un Yu Yu¡¯. It just meant the mountains were high and the clouds were far away, but as the writer¡¯s art name was Ju Gyeong, anyone who knew about Korean art would have guessed it was An Gyeon¡¯s painting. ¡°So? What is this painting about?¡± Hadake asked back. ¡°It is An Gyeon¡¯s Cheongsanbaekundo*.¡± Records left by the people of Joseon says An Gyeon left around 50 paintings. People of his time picked Cheongsanbaekundo instead of Mongyudowondo as his greatest painting, probably to avoid mentioning his connection with Prince Anpyeong*. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Ando Hadake¡¯s gaze became deeper. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about whether I know the answer? Or are you just worried about me getting the right answer?¡± Haejin scolded him. Hadake then sighed and shook his head, ¡°Hu¡­ that¡¯s how gambling always is. Before you show your card, all kinds of schemes and plots happen, and your opponents are eager to devour you. If you show weakness, you get eaten even before showing your card. I¡¯m a samurai who¡¯s been testing my fate in gambling all my life. You are mistaken if you think you can make me worried with such bluffing.¡± ¡°You talk too much. So, you cannot bet with An Gyeon¡¯s painting?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°I cannot do anything about Mongyudowondo. The president of Tenri University has old connections with the Liberal Democratic Party, so if I try to make a move on such a man who is at the center of power, the entire gang will be shaken.¡± Hadake seemed to mean it. Haejin smiled and spoke as if it was nothing, ¡°Well, okay then.¡± He turned back to the painting and examined it carefully. Then, he slowly opened his mouth and said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen this painting before. Do you know Keijo Art Agency?¡± Hadake pretended to be calm, but his shaking eyes showed he was stirring on the inside. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of it.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve only heard of it? You¡¯ve never seen the catalogs of its auctions?¡± Haejin asked. Keijo Art Agency was the biggest artifact agency in Korea under the Japanese rule. It was founded for auctions and to enhance rtionships between antique dealers. It hosted auctions and made catalogs to lead artifact deals during the colonial era. It was founded by the Japanese. By 1942, it had be the sixthrgest auction agency after Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Kanazawa. As it had been such a huge auction agency owned by the Japanese, Ando Hadake had to know more about it. ¡°There are more than one or two catalogs for me to see. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a schr, why should I memorize catalogs of an agency that existed decades ago?¡± Hadake replied. ¡°Huh! How funny. Well, okay, I¡¯ll believe you. Anyway, I¡¯ve seen this painting on one of Keijo Art Agency¡¯s catalog,¡± Haejin continued. ¡°That is why this painting is fake? That¡¯s not an answer.¡± Haejin replied, ¡°You should hear it to the end. When I saw that catalog, this signature and words were not on the painting. It was just a drawing. And then, these words suddenly appeared? It is impossible to exin unless it is fake.¡± However, Hadake easily countered, ¡°That isn¡¯t enough. The evidence must be objective. Your im means nothing unless you can bring that catalog.¡± He wasn¡¯t wrong, but if Haejin had been at some other ce, his argument would have been epted. Other people, of course, would have looked into that catalog. Maybe Ando Hadake thought Haejin would easily find out that much. However, he had shown that painting because Haejin couldn¡¯te up with objective proof right on the spot even though he knew it was fake. As like with western paintings, it is not easy to discern a fake eastern painting, even if you are an expert. Additionally, it is extremely difficult toe up with objective evidence so quickly without any scientific tool. That was the reason why Ando Hadake betted his own life on the game. Haejin frowned. He needed an answer, but he couldn¡¯t spot anything. So, he started to examine the painting carefully again. If only he could use his magic¡­ ¡°How strange, with your hands tied, you cannot say anything just like Samson without his hair,¡± Hadakemented. ¡°Shut up and just wait.¡± ¡°Hhhh¡­ I should have had someone cut your fingers long ago. How funny,¡± Hadake continued to talk. Haejin got impatient. It was probably because of the gun in Hadake¡¯s hand. Actually, he could free his hands anytime since he had casted a strength spell on himself. However, he would lose the game the moment he moved his fingers to appraise. ¡°I¡¯ll give you ten minutes. It would mean nothing to wait for more,¡± Hadake then said. ¡°¡­¡± Haejin wanted to say he needed more time, but he didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t because it wouldn¡¯t help, but because he didn¡¯t want to spend precious time on quarreling as he knew Hadake wouldn¡¯t grant his request. One minute, two minutes¡­ after about five minutes, he realized the coloring wasn¡¯t right. There was a part painted with aleurone and deep-color pigment which was not often used at the time but frequently seen in Buddhist paintings of the Goryeo period. He could see there was a tiny gap between the paint and the paper. He forced his excited heart to calm down and stared at that part. ¡°One minute left. If you haven¡¯t found anything, tell me yourst words. Maybe I will deliver it to your lover.¡± Haejin shook his head and looked up. Then, he smiled while saying, ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re the one who should say thest words.¡± ¡°What?¡± Haejin continued, ¡°The coloring has been tampered with. It used great skill, but not good enough to fool every expert. It was hard to find only because the painting is so old that theck of skill was covered.¡± It was strange. Haejin thought if it had been before he got his magic, he couldn¡¯t have found that out. He could now judge if the artifact was real or not instinctively after he learned magic, and unlike before, his concentration and observation had improved greatly. He felt like he had be a genius. If it had been before, he would have failed to notice anything was wrong. Even though you have great knowledge, you cannot use it properly without enough experience. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the coloring?¡± Hadake asked. Haejin exined, ¡°The forger put in the writing to make it An Gyeon¡¯s painting, but he didn¡¯t have enough space to write words. Additionally, as the painting had been damaged a lot, he overpainted some parts to restore it, but he wasn¡¯t good enough.¡± ¡°Restoration can be done afterward. That isn¡¯t enough to conclude this painting as fake,¡± Hadake objected. ¡°No, no. You are not understanding. He made a mistake as he overpainted and wrote over it. That is why I noticed it,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°What on earth are you talking about?¡± Hadake asked. ¡°If you cannot believe me, I will show you.¡± Haejin walked to Hadake and smiled. ¡°Huh?¡± The moment Hadake looked at him with confusion, he ripped off the bind and snatched the gun. It happened so quickly that Hadake lost his gun without even resisting. ¡°Uuh¡­¡± Haejin smiled, grabbed the gun¡¯s body, and smashed the ss that contained the painting with it. Crash! The ss was shattered to pieces. Hadake and his men wanted to go to the painting, but they hesitated because of the gun in Haejin¡¯s hand. ¡°What have you done?¡± Hadake couldn¡¯t get up from his wheelchair. He waved his hands in anger, but then, Haejin got rid of the ss pieces and lifted the painting. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to show you objective proof, right? Please understand as it was to show that evidence. Oh, and I¡¯ll keep this for a while. Please understand that too,¡± Haejin scolded him while shaking the gun. Hadake crossed his arms and said, ¡°Fine, then exin.¡± Haejin smiled and brought some water. He took a sip and spewed the water on the painting. Hadake¡¯s men wanted to lunge at him again, but Hadake stopped him. ¡°Stop, it¡¯s fine. You must pay for the painting if this painting is real. You know that, right?¡± ¡°Of course. I will pay you 5 billion won if the painting is real.¡± Haejin easily betted 5 billion won and brought a small knife from the kitchen. Then, he started to carefully scratch the painting when it waspletely soaked with water. Now, Hadake came to watch what he was doing. It wasn¡¯t easy to scratch the painting¡¯s surface. The paper could get ripped at any time, so scratching only its surface was extremely difficult, but Haejin did it calmly without even the slightest tremor in his hands. It was only possible because he had perfect control over his body, and it was also the power of magic. Time passed. Hadake couldn¡¯t press Haejin anymore, probably because the gun was now next to Haejin. A drop of sweat appeared on his forehead when Haejin finally straightened his back. ¡°What do you think? Funny, isn¡¯t it?¡± Surprisingly, when Haejin scraped off the aleurone and deep-color pigment, part of the writing was damaged. It meant the writing had been added after the overpaint was done, and it meant An Gyeon hadn¡¯t written it himself. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Hadake wasn¡¯t sweating because it was hot. He wasn¡¯t doing any exercise, either. He realized that he had trapped himself in the game he made while he watched Haejin working. ¡°It was smart, though. I was actually a little nervous. Is it time to finish this?¡± Haejin picked up the gun again. Hadake closed his eyes. He was epting his death, so Haejin was quite surprised. Such a greedy person giving up life so easily was certainly surprising. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you shooting? Are you afraid of killing?¡± Hadake asked. Haejin had burnt men to end their life. Shooting with a gun didn¡¯t scare him. However, he thought for a moment and lowered the gun. ¡°Enough. I know what you¡¯re up to, so get rid of that disgusting expression. But I have one question.¡± Hadake was surprised at Haejin¡¯s decision. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Tell me a secret of Tenri University¡¯s president. Then I¡¯ll leave. I don¡¯t care if you kill yourself or not.¡± Hadake¡¯s face turned red. He clenched his fists as if he had just been insulted, but he still wanted to live. He then made his men leave. ¡°Is it to get An Gyeon¡¯s Mongyudowondo back?¡± *Cheongsanbaekundo means Painting of Green Mountains and White Clouds. *Prince Anpyeong, Prince Suyang, and King Munjong were all sons of King Sejong. After King Munjong passed away and his young son Danjong became the king, Prince Suyang forced him to give up the throne. Later, he killed both Danjong and Prince Anpyeong. Mongyudowondo depicts the scenery that Prince Anpyeong saw in his dream. He then summoned An Gyeon to have him draw the dream. Chapter 208: Finally, to there… (1)

Chapter 208: Finally, to there¡­ (1)

¡°That is a legacy that must be returned. It shouldn¡¯t be concealed in a room without a ray of light.¡± Hadake frowned hard and asked, ¡°I really cannot understand you Koreans. Why are you so obsessed with An Gyeon¡¯s Mongyudowondo? Tenri University has allowed Korea to exhibit it for three times. Isn¡¯t that enough? Do you really have to take it back? It is being cared well, just leave it where it is.¡± Haejin thought Hadake was so shameless for him to say such things as he led the artifact smuggling process. ¡°Huh! Aren¡¯t you ashamed of babbling such nonsense? You have stolen countless artifacts from Korea!¡± Haejin replied. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t have been taken cared of properly if they had stayed there. Wasn¡¯t it a better choice for their preservation to bring them to Japan?¡± Hadake asked back. ¡°Get rid of that bullsh*t. You think I don¡¯t know Japanese art historians are hiding Mongyudowondo so hard because they want to keep it more than anything?¡± When asked to choose just one painting of Korean art, most art historians would pick Mongyudowondo. Even Hadake couldn¡¯t deny it. He put his hands together and asked, ¡°If you know that, you must know it would be hard to take it back. Let¡¯s say you know the president¡¯s secret. How are you going to take it? Are you going to swim to Korea with it?¡± ¡°That is my problem. So, shut up and die, or give me that secret. Make a choice. There isn¡¯t much time,¡± Haejin replied. Hadake looked at Haejin¡¯s firm face and sighed, ¡°Hu¡­ it looks like I still fear death, even at this age. Okay, fine. Sasaki Takaeshi, Tenri University¡¯s president, has a girlfriend.¡± ¡°Girlfriend?¡± Haejin wondered how it could be Sasaki¡¯s weak point, but what Hadake said next made him immediately understand. ¡°Was she a sophomore of Tenri University? He is having an affair with one of his students. That is the only thing I know.¡± It was a weak point, indeed¡­ but it wasn¡¯t enough to make him give up the painting. ¡°Is that all?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Yes. I will give you Sasaki¡¯s address, so leave now. Take that painting and get out of here.¡± Hadake wrote the address for Haejin and turned his wheelchair to go into his room. Haejin had asked thest question with magic. So, he knew Hadake meant it. He realized he had no more questions and left, leaving the gun behind. He didn¡¯t worry about being pursued. He thought he would be able to win the fight anyway. No one followed him. Haejin couldn¡¯t give it up there, so he went to Tenri. He thought he might be able to think of a way once he met Sasaki Takaeshi. On the way, he kept questioning himself if this was necessary, but he couldn¡¯t stop. Maybe his instincts knew. He would not be able toe back from the trip to Antarctica. That was why he was doing this. It was easy to find Sasaki as Hadake had given his address. Actually, it wouldn¡¯t have been a problem even without the address as he had to be at Tenri University. The problem was how to make him give up the painting¡­ Haejin went to the university first. He wondered how he could meet Sasaki, but then he decided to just go and went to the president¡¯s office. ¡°I would like to donate money for a schrship. I wish to meet the president to discuss the procedure¡­¡± Surprisingly, it allowed him to go into the president¡¯s office in less than five minutes. Sasaki Takaeshi was a stubborn old schr. ¡°Such a young gentleman with great ideals. We are happy to¡­¡± Sasaki smiled, but Haejin cut his talking. ¡°I came to see An Gyeon¡¯s Mongyudowondo.¡± Sasaki¡¯s expression turned cold and said, ¡°You¡¯re a Korean. Never! You said you wanted to donate, and that¡¯s what you are really after. Never. I will never show you the painting.¡± It looked like ckmailing him for his personal faults wasn¡¯t going to work. No, he wasn¡¯t going to back off no matter how much he got humiliated. Then there was only one way left. ¡°Please return Mongyudowondo to Korea. It would be even better if you return the Korean artifacts you illegally got.¡± Sasaki was now in a daze. His mouth opened and nodded, ¡°Okay¡­ okay¡­¡± This was only possible as Haejin had met Sasaki in private by saying he wanted to donate, but he would have still made a chance to meet him in private. Sasaki was going to suffer some serious side effects because of the spell, but Haejin left him in his office and headed to Niigata Port. He couldn¡¯t go back on a ne. As he was carrying a painting, he had to leave Japan in secret on a ship, and it wasn¡¯t a problem as he knew a man in the National Intelligence Service. When he went back to Korea, he went to his museum and showed the painting to Eunhae. However, she was already shocked by something else. ¡°Have you seen the news? President of Tenri University has¡­¡± ¡°What? Has he announced to return Mongyudowondo?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Oh! How did you know? Was¡­¡± Eunhae looked around and lowered her voice, ¡°Was it your doing? He has promised to return most Korean artifacts owned by the university and shocked all of Japan!¡± Haejin smiled and nodded, ¡°Yes, it was me.¡± ¡°Wow¡­ how did you manage it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s secret. Don¡¯t ask further,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Huh¡­¡± Eunhae looked very disappointed, but Haejin thought it was better for her to not know. Although she already knew about magic, if she got to know how he had forced Sasaki¡¯s mind to decide to return the painting, she was probably going to fear him. ¡°Then, when are you going to leave?¡± Eunhae asked. ¡°I¡¯ve booked a flight to New Zend that leaves on Monday. I will take a ne to Antarctica from there.¡± Haejin had gotten permission from the governments of Korea, America, and New Zend to get that ne from New Zend to Antarctica. Of course, Eric Holton had made it possible. ¡°Hua¡­ so, you are really going. Isn¡¯t it dangerous there? How cold is the North Pole? What if you freeze to death?¡± Eunhae was worried, but she knew she couldn¡¯t make Haejin change his mind. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯lle back safe. Oh, and which museum is going to keep the artifacts that Tenri University will return?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°As they haven¡¯t said anything, I guess they will go to the National Museum,¡± Eunhae replied. Haejin wanted to keep them in his museum, of course, but he told himself it was right to give them up. ¡°I guess you are right.¡± ¡°Haha! Of course, when the returning process starts, I will try to get some of them. We have that much power,¡± Eunhae mentioned. Considering the friends Eunhae had and how Haejin had brought back many Korean artifacts from abroad, it sounded likely, but both of them knew it was impossible. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll look forward to it,¡± Haejin then said. ¡°Now go home and get some rest.¡± Haejin turned to leave, but Eunhae grabbed his arm. He looked back. ¡°Hey¡­ just be safe, okay?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Haejin spoke as if nothing was wrong, but he couldn¡¯t concentrate on work because of his fear and excitement. Eventually, he decided not to work until he went to Antarctica, saying he had to take some rest after the long trip. He didn¡¯t want to waste energy on appraising. When Haejin went home, he was surprised. He saw Silvia smiling at him. ¡°How did you get in?¡± ¡°I asked the janitor. I can do some simple charming magic,¡± Silvia replied. ¡°That¡¯s simple?¡± ¡°I should stay on bed for a few days after using it. Actually, I just got up.¡± Silvia was wearing Haejin¡¯s shirt and shorts. She used to meet Haejin only when she was looked perfect, so she looked very different now. In the end, it meant she had had a reason why she had to do it. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? There must have been a reason why you used magic suffering such a side effect,¡± Haejin sat down on his bed and asked. Silvia stroked down her face and said, ¡°It looks like what we took care of in Italy isn¡¯t over yet.¡± Haejin¡¯s heart dropped. He grabbed Silvia¡¯s shoulders and yelled, ¡°What? What happened while I was gone?¡± Silvia looked down and spoke with fear, ¡°They came looking for me. They were not priests, but I could tell. So, I escaped. If you hadn¡¯te today, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to wait here any longer.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t believe it. Cardinal Pierosa, who he had killed, was the leader of Trinitatis. He had figured that out with magic, so it had to be right¡­ ¡°Let¡¯s go, now.¡± Haejin told Silvia to get changed and put arctic clothes in a huge carrier. He hadn¡¯t booked a flight, but as he didn¡¯t know what kind of abilities his pursuers had, he thought it would be rather safer to wait at the airport. He finished packing and left his home in less than 30 minutes. He called Eric to ask him to change the flight¡¯s time and went into the parking lot. At that moment, he could feel his hair erecting high. Bam! If he hadn¡¯t instinctively rolled to the side with Silvia, they would have lost their heads. Bam! Bam! He moved between cars to dodge the bullets. Then, he threw Silvia in his car and climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Hold tight!¡± There were three masked men, and they all had shotguns. Haejin had been bracing himself for such a thing. However, now that there were three men firing a gun at him, he didn¡¯t dare to make them sleep with magic. At least they didn¡¯t have a body strengthening spell. If they had it, they would have grabbed Haejin and Silvia before they could even get into the car. ¡°What, what? Isn¡¯t this the sound of guns? Are you filming a movie or something?¡± Eric was still on the line. Haejin could hear his voice from the car¡¯s speaker that was linked with his phone on Bluetooth. ¡°I¡¯m leaving earlier than nned. You must advance the flight from New Zend to the North Pole!¡± Chapter 209: Finally, In There… (2)

Chapter 209: Finally, In There¡­ (2)

Haejin was in such a hurry that he kept stepping on the elerator. He must have gotten himself at least 10 speeding tickets on his way to Incheon Airport. He booked the fastest flight to New Zend and waited. He didn¡¯t let his guard down and got ready for another ambush. The men had fired loud shotguns in the middle of the day, even though it had been a deste parking lot. Haejin thought they could do anything at the airport as well. Only after getting on the ne, he and Silvia could get some sleep. They had waited for more than 16 hours without resting, so they fell asleep immediately. Thend was covered in snow. It was so bright that it pierced the eyes, but he didn¡¯t stop and moved forward. He didn¡¯t know how much he had walked. He kept moving and a momentter, he saw a small altar about a meter long. When he got close to it, a strange light appeared and engulfed him. The next moment, he saw a scene that he couldn¡¯t believe. And then¡­ Bam! ¡°Wake up now. Haejin? Haejin!¡± Silvia was shaking him. He was startled and opened his eyes. ¡°Haa¡­. Haa¡­ How long¡­ did I sleep?¡± He was breathing heavily. Silvia then looked at him worriedly while saying, ¡°You fell asleep when we got on the ne and slept till itnded. I even checked if you were still breathing. Are you sick? You are sweating too much.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t believe it. He hadn¡¯t slept for that long after receiving magic, except for when he used a huge amount of mana. After he woke up, he could feel his body was full of energy. It let him know that there was nothing wrong with him, but he must have slept like that for a reason. The moment he wiped off the sweat on his forehead, he recalled the vision he had seen in his dream. ¡°In the end¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Silvia asked. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± He couldn¡¯t believe it. However, the pressure in his heart and the strange headache made him think about what he had seen in the future. He didn¡¯t say anything more, he just took Silvia and hurried. When they arrived at Christchurch, they met Eric Holton who had been waiting for him. He gave Haejin a huge hug the moment he saw him. ¡°I was so relieved to see your name on the passenger¡¯s list. What happened? Guns are restricted in your country, but some people were shooting at you¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine now, thanks.¡± Haejin didn¡¯t tell him more as he was feeling disappointed. Eric pouted, which didn¡¯t look good on him, and said, ¡°You know it isn¡¯t easy to use an American military ne, right?¡± ¡°Of course. I¡¯m always grateful to you,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ve told them you¡¯re going for some scientific purposes, but why are you going to the middle of Antarctica? Is that a secret too?¡± Eric asked. ¡°I cannot tell you everything, but I need you to find something.¡± ¡°Have you found a treasure map or something? But you are going only with her? Without any equipment?¡± Eric asked again. He meant equipment for excavating. He had prepared for the journey to the cold Antarctica, including artic clothes. ¡°Fortunately, it¡¯s not important enough to make all that fuss,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Really? It¡¯s good, then.¡± Haejin took Eric to where there was no one and asked him a favor. ¡°I need something. I know this is too much to ask, but¡­¡± Thankfully, although Eric was surprised by the favor, he promised to help. Haejin and Silvia waited for more than 10 hours and boarded Hercules, which was an American military ne. It thennded near the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station after 7 hours. Eric was going to wait at the station with the people he had brought. Haejin, instead, loaded some food and clothes on a huge sleigh and left with Silvia. ¡°You know where you¡¯re going, right?¡± Eric shouted in worry, but Haejin just waved his hand and hurried to move. Actually, he had not been sane since the moment he arrived at Antarctica. He was in a daze, and the only thing he knew was that he had to keep moving. Silvia had no idea where they were going. She just quietly followed Haejin. One hour¡­ two hours¡­ they had been walking for more than five hours, but the scenery of the snowynd was just the same. The only difference was that Haejin was walking faster and faster. ¡°Haejin? Haejin?¡± Silvia called him, but Haejin just kept moving as if he couldn¡¯t hear anything. Silvia followed him for a few more hours, but then she couldn¡¯t take another step. She grabbed Haejin¡¯s arm. He stopped for the first time. He was breathing hard while Silvia eximed, ¡°Oh¡­¡± They saw a small altar that came up to the waist. Surprisingly, there was no snow on it and it didn¡¯t look old. It was almost as if it had been built only a few days ago¡­ There was a strange magic circle on it. Judging from it, only the power of magic could take out the artifact hidden inside it. ¡°I¡­ no, how many hours have passed?¡± Haejin spoke for the first time. ¡°You can¡¯t remember? Seven hours? More urately, it¡¯s been seven hours and twenty minutes.¡± Haejin calmly nodded and took another step to the altar. Then, he flinched and didn¡¯t move more. ¡°I slept for a long time on the ne. It was hard to understand¡­ but I realized after I woke up. The dream was about wandering in the whitend of snow anding here eventually. It¡¯s strange. It¡¯s like I¡¯m about to get hypnotized,¡± Haejinmented. ¡°Then let¡¯s find the artifact and head back to the station.¡± Silvia shivered because of the tiredness and extreme cold. Haejin lightly squeezed her hand and used magic on her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If I had been in the right mind, I would have casted a temperature controlling spell on you, but I couldn¡¯t.¡± Silvia was fine now, and her voice was lively again. ¡°Haa¡­ thank you. Now, let¡¯s get that artifact¡­¡± Haejin stared down at the altar and took out a huge pickaxe from the sleigh. ¡°I don¡¯t need it. I¡¯m going to destroy this altar.¡± Silvia grabbed his arm in surprise and asked, ¡°What are you talking about? It is so important! Let¡¯s just take it out first and¡­¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ve made up my mind. This artifact will only bring chaos to the world, so it shouldn¡¯t see the light ever again. I¡¯m going to destroy it so that no one will be able to get it again,¡± Haejin replied. Haejin was about to take a step, but¡­ Click! Then, he felt a cold metal behind his head. ¡°Ha¡­ I really didn¡¯t want to do this. I¡¯m sorry. Take out the artifact, now!¡± Her voice was icy cold. Haejin bit his lips and asked, ¡°Why¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even think about resisting. Your magic doesn¡¯t work on me. There is more than one artifact that can block magic. So, put it down slowly and take the artifact down.¡± Haejin put down the pickaxe. Then, he was enraged at seeing the pistol aimed at his head. ¡°Everything was part of your n?¡± A corner of her lips curled up to scold him. She had been so kind, but now she looked like a witch. ¡°I realized it the moment I first saw you at the pce. Men are all the same. You didn¡¯t even know me, but you were so nice to me, just because I said I had to marry you!¡± Now thinking back to it, it wasn¡¯t right. If she only meant to help him, she didn¡¯t have any need to get married. Maybe, Haejin hadn¡¯t given much thought to it because she was an Arabian princess. ¡°So, you gave me your artifact just to have me find this ce?¡± Haejin asked. ¡°Of course. I wasn¡¯t chosen by God. Only the chosen one can find this ce. Even if hundreds and thousands of people hade here, they would have passed by this altar without seeing it,¡± Silvia replied. Haejin had not even imagined she was behind everything. Had he been that naive? Or had he just been stupid? However, there was one thing he couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°Then, why did you make all that fuss in Seoul? We wereing here anyway.¡± ¡°You wasted time in Japan¡­ enough of this, get out the artifact or I will pull the trigger,¡± Silvia threatened. ¡°And then? You think you can go back on your own? You don¡¯t even know where we are,¡± Haejin replied. ¡°Huh! Do you think I¡¯m a fool? I¡¯ve left marks on our way here. And what makes you think I will go back alone? I promise, get me the artifact and I will grant you everything you desire. Money? Honor? Women? Anything. So, take it out.¡± Haejin couldn¡¯t help butugh. He thought he was progressing with his n without anyone knowing about it, but it turned out she had been toying with him all along. ¡°Hahaha!¡± ¡°Stopughing, take out the artifact!¡± Silvia shouted. If he had used magic to take out the artifact as soon as he arrived at the altar, he would have met immediate death. Just like he had seen in his dream. He could still see Silvia smiling coldly and pulling the trigger without hesitation in his dream. So, he knew too well that her promise of giving him everything was a lie. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll give it to you,¡± Haejin nodded and put his hand on the altar. He realized what to do the moment he saw it. A light came out of his hands that spread to the altar. And¡­ Click! Haejin turned to the surprised Silvia. ¡°You have underestimated the chosen one. I knew you would betray me.¡± Now, there was a sculpture with a strange shape on the altar. ¡°How, how¡­¡± ¡°I knew you had a gun. It wasn¡¯t hard to find it once I knew. I then had someone look into your bag on Hercules and remove the firing pin,¡± Haejin replied. Silvia probably didn¡¯t even know what a firing pin was, but at least, she knew there was something wrong with her gun. She turned pale. ¡°I, I¡­¡± ¡°Watch.¡± Haejin picked up the pickaxe again. ¡°Stop! No!¡± ¡°Your greed will disappear after seeing this,¡± Haejin said. ¡°That is the source of this world¡¯s magic. If you smash it, your power will be destroyed with it!¡± She wailed, but Haejin didn¡¯t care. Magic had never belonged to him, anyway. She clung onto his arm, but he threw her away and smashed the artifact. Bam! The next moment, he was thrown backward as if a bomb had exploded. ¡°No! No!¡± Silvia cried and wailed. The artifact slowly lost its red light like a dying fire. Haejin could feel the mana leaving his body like air leaking out of a balloon. He started to lose strength, and his eyes were slowly closing. ¡°Mr. Park! Mr. Park!¡± He could see a group of people running toward him. However, his eyesight was now blurry, so he didn¡¯t know if it was real or just his hallucination. He blinked and tried to stay conscious, but that was all he could do. Then, the world turned ck. Chapter 210 (END) - Epilogue

Chapter 210: Epilogue

Three yearster. In Samcheongdong, where young couples oftene because of its good restaurants and good atmosphere, a two-story hanok* had been built. The building was quite huge. It had the elegant beauty of Korean tradition and naturally drew attention. At its entrance was a signboard that said ¡®Park Haejin Art Museum¡¯. After the entrance, in the garden with old trees and grass, there were various flower gands. People kepting in. Haejin was standing with a beautiful woman. He used to look like a young man in his mid-20s, but now he looked like someone in his mid-30s. His hair was grey like that of a middle-aged man. ¡°I told you, you should have dyed your hair...¡± Eunhar stroked his hair, but Haejin took her hand and shook his head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it? I like looking old. Being young doesn¡¯t help me in looking like an expert. I should look a little old like this to make the clients trust me.¡± After the incident in Antarctica, he had lost a portion of his remaining life when losing his magic. However, he didn¡¯t regret his decision. He was just grateful to still be alive. Then, a group of genuine old men came in. The man in front was Byeongguk, who had almost literally be Haejin¡¯s uncle. ¡°Hahaha! This is the famous Park Haejin. He might as well be my nephew. Congrattions! Hahaha!¡± ¡°Oh, it hurts. You are strong, and it really hurts!¡± Byeongguk patted Haejin¡¯s shoulder hard. When Haejin protested about it, he turned to Eunhae and congratted her. ¡°I was going to make him date my daughter, so I was so jealous when you took him! But now that he has built such a grand museum... it makes me even more jealous. Hahaha!¡± ¡°But Sujeong is about to get married soon...¡± Byeongguk shrugged and started to brag about his future son-inw. ¡°Actually, you are right. Gwangcheol is diligent and capable. Not everyone can pass the Higher Civil Service Examination. It is one of the three hardest examinations! I wouldn¡¯t have given my daughter to a lesser man, of course...¡± ¡°Haha, anyway, congrattions.¡± ¡°The opening of this museum should be congratted more than my daughter¡¯s wedding, so I brought some friends. Will that be fine?¡± ¡°Haha, of course. I will get some extra souvenirs for your friends, so tell meter,¡± Eunhae replied. ¡°That is why I like you! Haha!¡± Eunhae watched Byeongguk go into the building with his friends and smiled. ¡°He seems to get younger every day. He worked the hardest when we moved the museum,¡± Eunhaemented. ¡°Uh, I told him to take some rest... but it looks like he enjoys working more than resting. Although he never spoke about it, he must have felt very guilty for being a grave robber. But now that he is working for a good purpose, he likes it.¡± ¡°Your father would have loved this, too...¡± Haejin stroked her head and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sure he is looking down with pride. He would say that his son is doing a lot of good things instead of him...¡± ¡°Oh, and one of our researchers has found a site in Haenam this morning...¡± It was a clear autumn afternoon. Haejin smiled happily while enjoying the cool breeze and picturesque museum. He took Eunhae¡¯s hand and announced the opening of the museum with people congratting him. Park Haejin Art Museum became known as the Asian Uffizi and one of the greatest museums in Korea. *hanok: traditional Korean style building The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!