Chapter 98 - 98: Painting Appraisal

Chapter 98: Painting Appraisal

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Early the next day, Zhou Chao was awakened by an urgent knocking at the door.

Who is it?

Hearing the somewhat impatient tone from inside, Lin Wu swallowed and said, Boss, Mr. Yu Qian and his friends have arrived!

The door opened with a creak, revealing Zhou Chao standing there with disheveled hair and a hint of irritation on his face.

When did they arrive? Its still early. Why did they come so soon?

I dont know either. I just got back from my morning run and saw them standing at the door!

Go make them some tea first. Ill take a shower and come down. With that, Zhou Chao turned around and closed the door.

Lin Wu couldnt help but touch his nonexistent sweat on his forehead, heaved a sigh of relief, and turned to go downstairs.

Qian, will the young man be upset that were here so early? the person sitting next to Yu Qian said.

Lao Ma, who was the one who called me before dawn, insisting I wake up? Now youre saying these things again. You want me to take the blame, youre quite optimistic!

Qian, can you blame me for this? Who was the one who sent me a set of photos last night, keeping me awake all night? The person sitting next to Yu Qian was none other than Ma Wei, who had been victimized by Yu Qian last night.

Talking about it, its still that mischievous fellow causing trouble. If he hadnt sent me those pictures, I wouldnt have rushed over! Yu Qian was truly a skilled comic speaker, spinning his tales.

Master Yu, its not right to speak ill of someone behind their back. The one speaking was Zhou Chao, who had just finished showering and come downstairs.

Lao Ma, look, this is the troublemaker himself. Hes the one who sent those pictures, so go talk to him.

Hahaha, Master Yu, Im not taking that blame. Zhou Chao had already recognized that the person standing next to Yu Qian was Old Master Ma himself.

Old Master Ma, Ive been looking forward to this for a long time! Zhou Chao walked over quickly and warmly shook hands with him.

Why dont you two chat, then Ill leave! Watching the enthusiastic exchange between the two, Yu Qian couldnt help but make a joke.

For a while, everyone burst into laughter.

Young man, was that thing you sent last night for real? Yu Qian was still thinking about alcohol matters.

Definitely, without a doubt. If it wasnt, would I go find fakes to deceive you? Ill arrange it for you around noon, that should work, right?

Me too, I was looking forward to it all night. Old Master Ma also had a strong craving for alcohol. As the saying goes, Not part of the family, not invited inside. Otherwise, Yu Qian and Ma Wei wouldnt have become such close friends.

Dont worry, both of you. Ill make sure you get to taste it! Zhou Chao looked at the two alcohol enthusiasts and felt somewhat helpless.

Young man, Ive delivered what you asked me to do. Ive brought the person to you. If you have any questions, ask him. Yu Qian immediately got to the point.

Two esteemed old masters, 1 wont hide the truth. I bought a painting in Panjiayuan earlier, spent tens of thousands on it. It looks like a fake on the surface, but my gut feeling tells me this painting is extraordinary. Zhou Chao paused for a moment.

Interestingly, my girlfriends grandfather is about to celebrate his birthday. Thats why I thought about inviting Old Master Ma to assess the painting. If its not genuine, Ill request Master Mas assistance in finding an appropriate replacement as a gift.

This is a minor issue. Should we settle the important matter first? Ma Wei said, showing immediate interest.

Lin Wu, go to my bedroom and bring down the painting on the table.

Sure thing, Boss. Lin Wu, at the side, headed upstairs. After a while, he came back down with the painting.

Boss, heres your painting. Zhou Chao took the painting from Lin Wus hands.

Old Master Ma, Master Yu, lets go to the backyard. Its brighter there. Saying this, Zhou Chao stood up and walked towards the backyard, with Yu Qian and Ma Wei following closely.

Old Master Ma, please take a look! Zhou Chao handed the painting to Ma Wei.

Ma Wei directly unfolded the painting, and next to him, Yu Qians brows furrowed instantly.

Several people gathered around the table, looking at the painting of a fierce tiger descending a mountain. Ma Wei took out a pair of gloves from his pocket and put them on before examining the painting.

After a while, Ma Wei looked up, shaking his head gently.

Young Zhou, this painting seems to be from the late Qing dynasty, specifically imitating Tang Bohus style. This painting has reached a level akin to Tang Bohus seventh layer of skill, making it quite a masterpiece. As for the artist, its hard to say for now.

Old Master Ma, I also know this painting isnt authentic, but it gives me an odd feeling.

Logically speaking, someone with such proficient imitation skills shouldnt be an unknown figure! Moreover, the painting isnt signed, and during the late Qing dynasty, only a few individuals excelled at painting tigers.

It somewhat resembles the style of Hu Chis work, though Im not certain. Ma Wei pondered for a moment before saying.

Hey, young man, youve been saying somethings not right with this painting. What exactly are you referring to?

Im not entirely sure if Im right, but I feel the texture of this painting is a bit off. Zhou Chao said with some uncertainty. FOlloow ewest stories at n(v)el/bi/n(.)com

Texture? An idea flashed in Ma Weis mind.

Young Zhou, your painting contains more than meets the eye! Ma Wei exclaimed.

Old Master Ma, what do you mean? Zhou Chao and Yu Qian both looked curious.

Just give me a moment. Ma Wei went back inside directly. After a while, he returned with a cup of tea in his hand.

He dipped his fingers in the tea and flicked a few drops onto the blank space of the painting. Then, he wiped it dry with a tissue. Soon, faintly appearing characters emerged in the dampened area.

A hidden painting within the painting! Yu Qian exclaimed.

Master Yu, are you saying theres another painting beneath this painting? Zhou Chao looked at Yu Qian with uncertainty.

Mhm, most likely. Yu Qian also couldnt guarantee, as these things were merely hearsay.

Young Zhou, do you want to uncover this painting and take a look? Ma Wei became intrigued as well, curious about the content beneath.

Well then, Ill have to trouble you. Ma Wei waved his hand upon hearing this.

No problem, I need a few things!

Lin Wu, go with Old Master Ma and make sure to arrange whatever he needs.

In less than half an hour, Ma Wei and Lin Wu emerged. Lin Wu was holding a tray with something on it.

This is a special solution I prepared for removing paintings. Its for the purpose of uncovering the painting, iVLa Wei explained upon seeing Zhou Chaos confusion.

Ma Wei began the procedure, dipping a brush into a specially prepared solution and moistening the edges little by little. In no time, the outline of the painting on the surface began to emerge.

Carefully, Ma Wei used tweezers to peel off the painting of the fierce tiger descending the mountain. One wrong move could easily damage the painting underneath.

After about an hour and a half, the complete painting of the fierce tiger descending the mountain was revealed, and the hidden text below also became visible.

This this is Tang Yins authentic Peach Blossom Spring! Yu Qian looked shocked as he gazed at the painting on the table.

Hasnt this calligraphy and painting disappeared into history? How could it have been preserved! Ma Wei also displayed a face of astonishment.

Young Zhou, your luck is really something. After all, Ma Wei and Yu Qian had experienced many storms, so they quickly regained their composure.

All, the people before us must have gone through great lengths to protect this painting. Zhou Chao sighed with emotion as he looked at the Peach Blossom Spring painting on the table.

Hey, young man, put it away quickly, or Ill turn green with envy. Yu Qian issued a warning of envy from the side.

Haha, Ill put it away right away. Saying this, Zhou Chao stored the painting and had Lin Wu take it to the study.

Young Zhou, this painting of the fierce tiger descending the mountain is also a rare gem. You can have it mounted and use it as decoration.

Old Master Ma, Ill still need your help when the time comes.

Hahaha, as long as theres wine to drink at noon. Zhou Chao laughed upon hearing this.

As long as theres enough wine!

Chapter end