After three sprays, the surface of the calligraphy piece was completely soaked in alcohol. Under the gaze of dozens of eyes, wrinkles began to form on the surface of the calligraphy piece.
Leo had the shop owner fetch a pair of tweezers, then gently flicked a spot on the lower left corner of the calligraphy piece. A thin layer of paper was lifted, and Leo used the tweezers to hold onto this delicate layer and slowly lifted it up.
As Leo’s actions unfolded, it was like turning the pages of a book, revealing text beneath the thin paper!
The text on the lower layer was exactly the same as the upper layer, but the elegance of the characters on the lower layer surpassed that of the upper layer.
When Leo fully uncovered the upper layer, the breathless onlookers burst into a chorus of gasps. Even those who weren’t familiar with calligraphy could see that the characters on the lower layer were undoubtedly crafted by a master calligrapher.
Most of the spectators were experienced antique enthusiasts, but this was the first time they had witnessed such a miraculous occurrence of hidden calligraphy within another piece.
“This is… the genuine piece! How is this possible? Wasn’t the authentic one in the National Palace Museum in Taiwan? Could it be…” Mr. Tyler stared in astonishment, combined with disbelief.
He hurriedly leaned over the table, took out a magnifying glass he had with him, and examined the calligraphy piece closely. The hand holding the magnifying glass was trembling uncontrollably.
To witness in person the genuine work he had dreamt about, the excitement in his heart was beyond words.
“Wow, characters within characters, a true miracle in the world of antiques!”
“The text on the lower layer, is it really the genuine one?”
“Obviously! If Mr. Tyler said so, it must be true!”
Upon hearing the information coming from inside, the surrounding people jostled to catch a glimpse. They wanted to witness the true masterpiece with their own eyes.
Leo strategically positioned himself behind Mr. Tyler, preventing the excited crowd from squeezing him and potentially damaging the genuine work.
Mr. Tyler became fully engrossed in his study, meticulously analyzing the calligraphy. The paper of the lower layer was noticeably more yellowed, and its texture was not as refined as the upper layer’s. However, it was a kind of hemp paper commonly used by ancient calligraphers.
Under the magnifying glass, Mr. Tyler could see even clearer. The fibers of the hemp paper had aged, causing the paper to take on a grayish-milky hue with some cracks on the surface.
The shape and spirit of the characters were as resplendent as rdragons. The calligraphic style of the genuine one was identical to the ones Mr. Tyler had seen by Zhao Mengfu before.
Martin’s mouth felt as if it had been stuffed with a large egg. He leaned against the table, fixated on the calligraphy piece, murmuring, “A genuine calligraphy… I must be dreaming!”
Sophia, too, was captivated by the characters on the genuine piece, studying them intently.
“In my remaining years, to have an opportunity to see this genuine work, I have no regrets!” Mr. Tyler, having meticulously examined the prescription for cultivation pills, finally straightened up, letting out a sigh of amazement.
Among the present crowd were many who were passionate about calligraphy. Seeing genuine works by legendary calligraphers like Zhao Mengfu was enough to create an unforgettable memory.
What happened today would undoubtedly create shockwaves in Langstel’s antique circles.
At this point, the bystanders began to understand why Leo, the young man, refused to sell it. Indeed, if this calligraphy piece was truly the genuine one, it couldn’t be measured in terms of money.
The only person who was probably unhappy was the shop owner. He now wore a look not of having missed out on a fortune, but of having missed out on multiple fortunes.
What an utter regret, to have carelessly placed such a priceless treasure on a stall. Regret was now setting in.
The shop owner glared at Leo with eyes full of resentment. If it weren’t for this brat, it would be his, though he probably wouldn’t have discovered its significance. But now it was too late. With so many people watching, if he reneged, he would be drowned in their collective disdain, and his future in the world of antiques would be jeopardized.
“The outcome is clear. Give us back the sixty thousand,” Leo said with a smile, addressing the shop owner.
The shop owner’s expression darkened immediately. This brat had no intention of going easy; he took the priceless treasure, and yet he still remembered the sixty thousand.
Martin was overjoyed. With the genuine prescription in hand, the sixty thousand was now insignificant. He said to Leo, “Never mind, I don’t want the sixty thousand anymore. Consider it taking care of the shop owner’s business.”
Leo wasn’t satisfied and insisted the shop owner uphold the bet.
With a heart full of resentment, the shop owner reluctantly returned the sixty thousand he had just pocketed.
Martin carefully took the prescription for cultivation pills, then meticulously rolled it up and stored it away. Under the envious gaze of the crowd, he signaled for Leo and Sophia to leave.
With so many envious onlookers, it was best to make a hasty exit.
Mr. Tyler hurriedly called out to Martin, “Martin, please wait, I have an earnest request.”
Martin turned around and instinctively held the calligraphy piece close to his chest. “Mr. Tyler, please go ahead.”
Mr. Tyler’s face revealed a slightly embarrassed expression. “The piece in your hands is an extremely rare treasure. To be able to witness it today is a great honor. I wonder if Martin would do me the favor of letting me extend an invitation to some of my good friends in the antique circle to appreciate this unparalleled treasure at your place?”
After Mr. Tyler finished, he looked at Martin earnestly.
Mr. Tyler was the president of the Antique Collectors Association. Normally, Martin might not even have the chance to meet him, let alone having Mr. Tyler take the initiative to request visiting his home. Naturally, Martin was more than happy to oblige.
“Mr. Tyler, you’re too kind. Having you visit my humble abode would be an honor,” Martin smiled as he provided Mr. Tyler with his address and phone number.
Mr. Tyler was sincerely grateful. He arranged a time and made plans to bring his fellow colleagues from the antique world to appreciate the genuine calligraphy.
As they left the scene, the gaze of the onlookers remained fixed on the piece in Martin’s hand, their greed unhidden.
Some people even asked Martin for his contact information, eager to schedule a visit. Martin’s smile became even more radiant.
Having mingled in the world of antiques for so many years, he felt that today was the most wonderful day. His vanity had been immensely satisfied.
The shop owner’s cold gaze remained fixed on the backs of the trio until they disappeared from sight. He then took out his phone and dialed a number. “Glenn, there’s a big deal to be made. If we succeed, we’ll enjoy endless wealth for our life!”