Leo walked up to the imitation “Courtyard in Venice,” surveyed the crowd, and declared loudly, “William Merritt Chase, American painter and art educator. Renowned for portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. His early works, like ‘Turkish Page,’ featured dark tones contrasting with strong lighting. Late works, such as ‘Open-Air Breakfast’ and ‘Seaside,’ showcased vibrant colors with Impressionist characteristics.”
Leo started with an introduction to William Merritt Chase and his painting style.
The crowd, initially taken aback by his knowledgeable remarks, quickly reverted to their usual merciless criticism.
“Wow, is this freeloader flaunting his knowledge in front of us? This guy is really acting like he’s on another level!”
“Don’t even say, if I didn’t know he married into the Henley family, I might have been fooled by him.”
“I say, freeloading guy, you better go home and freeload. Don’t waste your time trying to critique artwork. You’re not cut out for it. Maybe in your next life!”
“A freeloader seriously critiquing William Merritt Chase’s ‘Courtyard in Venice’? This is the most hilarious and absurd thing I’ve seen today.”
Unlike the crowd’s reactions, Xavier, hearing Leo’s words and seeing his indifferent expression, became increasingly uneasy.
A sense of foreboding crept into his heart. He felt that Leo might completely expose his carefully constructed scheme and lies.
If exposed, the consequences would be dire. If Grandpa found out that, in front of so many people, Xavier had given him an imitation as a birthday gift, he might be furious enough to skin him alive!
The “Courtyard in Venice” hanging on the wall was a well-crafted imitation that Xavier had bought for thirty thousand dollars. The seller had confidently promised that not even an art expert could easily discern its authenticity.
As Grandpa Elroy had a deep admiration for William Merritt Chase’s artwork, Xavier purchased it as a birthday gift to make a good impression and lay the groundwork for inheriting the family business.
In essence, Xavier was a playboy who squandered money recklessly. It was precisely because of this that Rosemary harbored strong aversion towards him.
Xavier decided not to tolerate the possibility of someone labeled as a “freeloading son-in-law” ruining everything he had carefully planned. Even if there was a chance of exposure, he would squash it in its infancy.
Xavier shouted, “Security! Throw this pretentious freeloader out!”
Two security guards immediately stepped forward, giving Leo a fierce glare, ready to tackle him to the ground.
“Stop!” Grandpa Elroy’s cold shout echoed, “You shall not act rudely towards guests. Leave!”
The two security guards immediately halted. After giving Xavier a glance, they slinked away.
After all, in this household, Grandpa Elroy’s word was law.
Grandpa Elroy sensed Leo’s extraordinary knowledge and demeanor, so he walked up to him and inquired with utmost seriousness, “Dr. Bloomer, do you have expertise in art identification?”
“Grandpa, you can’t let him deceive you. He’s just a freeloader living off her wife’s family. How could he understand art appraisal?” Xavier panicked.
Elroy Fanny waved his hand, “It’s not like this. In martial worlds, there’s no second, and in art pursuits, there’s no first. In matters like art appraisal, everyone has their own insights.”
“Grandpa, but is it not a waste of everyone’s time to listen to the opinion of a son-in-law?” Xavier really didn’t want Leo to continue, “Mr. Milne has just authenticated it personally; why go through the trouble again? Even if he can speak eloquently, he can’t compare to Mr. Milne.”
Guests once again criticized Leo and supported Xavier.
“Mr. Fanny, I think Xavier is right. We don’t need to waste time listening to the opinion of a son-in-law. He couldn’t possibly understand painting.”
“I agree. Xavier has certificates, and he even invited Mr. Milne. There’s no need to doubt the authenticity of ‘Courtyard in Venice!'”
“A filial young man like Xavier is rare in this society. This freeloading son-in-law questioning Xavier’s filial piety at your birthday party is really deserving of a beating!”
The affected outrage and insincere flattery from the crowd made Leo feel disgusted.
Elroy Fanny had seen videos of Leo and Dr. Rudolph competing in Chinese medicine, so he knew Leo had genuine skills in traditional medicine. While traditional medicine and antique calligraphy might be worlds apart, Leo’s exceptional expertise in Chinese medicine, at such a young age and comparable to Dr. Rudolph, intrigued Elroy Fanny. Thus, he wanted to hear Leo’s opinion.
Ignoring the clamor of the crowd, Elroy Fanny turned to Leo and said, “Dr. Bloomer, please continue.”
Leo continued in a loud voice, “At the end of his student years in Munich, Germany, William Merritt Chase traveled to Venice twice before returning to New York in 1878. The picturesque Italian city was a source of inspiration for expatriate American Impressionists throughout the period, offering a seemingly infinite range of subjects that resonated with the colorful artistic tradition of the Venetian Renaissance.”
Leo’s words made Elroy Fanny nod slightly, realizing that Leo was far from ignorant about “Courtyard in Venice.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t have such a deep understanding of it.