“Alberto Lee was knowledgeable and ambitious, but had no outlet for his talents, so he devoted himself to painting and calligraphy. He passed away at forty-nine.”
“Alberto Lee specialized in landscape painting, studying under Jed Horton and Kent Cole, eventually developing his own style. He enjoyed painting vast, open countryside scenes.”
“His painting technique was simple and sparse, favoring light ink, earning him the nickname ‘Precious Ink.’ He painted mountains and rocks like rolling clouds, a style later known as ‘Clouded Peaks’ or ‘Claw Technique.'”
“Alberto Lee had a significant impact on the development of 11th-century landscape painting, earning the title ‘First of All Time’ in that century. His surviving works include ‘The Stone Reader,’ ‘Winter’s Grasp,’ ‘Sunlit Temple,’ and ‘Distant Peaks.'”
Leo’s words left Jeb stunned, his mouth slowly opening in surprise.
“Honestly, even though this fake is well done, I don’t need to analyze the style or technique. In just a few seconds, I can prove it’s a fake!”
Leo stood up from his chair.
“Ridiculous! You’re so arrogant and full of nonsense!” Jeb’s face turned fierce. “Let me tell you, stop trying to show off. If you can’t prove it, you’ll kneel down and apologize to me!”
“Yes, this is the Bloomer family. You must take responsibility for your words!” Clara said angrily. “Prove it in seconds? Do you think this is child’s play?”
Although she didn’t know much about calligraphy and painting, she knew that authenticating a piece required extensive knowledge and couldn’t be explained in a few words.
“Fine, I’ll prove it to you!” Leo laughed nonchalantly and quickly walked over to the painting.
He gently touched the painting, then used his fingers to pick and pull out a thin thread, which he threw onto the painting.
In a mocking tone, Leo said, “Look closely. This canvas has polyester in it. Was the chemical industry in the 11th century that advanced?”
Clara and Jeb’s faces changed dramatically. They hurriedly picked up the thread from the canvas and examined it closely.
“Let me see!” Jason’s wife grabbed the thread from Clara.
She found a lighter nearby and burned the thread, then sniffed it. “It’s really polyester. Smell it if you don’t believe me!”
“Is it really a fake?” Everyone in the room was stunned, looking at Leo in amazement.
Clearly, they hadn’t expected Leo to have such a sharp eye.
Jeb and Clara’s faces turned red. Clara kicked Jeb angrily and scolded, “Didn’t you tell me this was real? How dare you deceive the Bloomer family!”
“I didn’t know it was fake! I really spent four million dollars on it. Dad, I really paid for it!” Jeb cried out in a sweat.
Knowing that the authenticity of the painting was a minor issue but deceiving his father-in-law was a major offense!
“Alright, let’s sit down and eat. Afterward, return the painting,” Nicholas said with a smile, seemingly not wanting to delve into whether his son-in-law had intentionally deceived him.
Jeb’s face turned pale, sweating profusely. He quickly rolled up the painting and said, “I’ll go smash the shop that sold me this fake!”
He hurried out, either genuinely angry or feeling guilty.
Nicholas didn’t stop him and invited everyone to continue eating.
“Dr. Leo, do you know about calligraphy and painting?” Nicholas asked curiously after sitting down.
Leo nodded modestly. “I’ve dabbled in antique calligraphy and painting before. I have some minor expertise.”
“This isn’t just minor expertise! It’s top-level mastery!” Nicholas praised generously.
He had studied calligraphy and painting for decades and could usually identify fakes with some effort. But he hadn’t noticed anything wrong with the painting earlier.
Leo had only glanced at it and confidently determined its authenticity, which impressed Nicholas greatly. He realized Leo’s expertise in calligraphy and painting was exceptional.
“Old Mr. Bloomer, you’re too kind!” Leo smiled humbly.
Jenna felt gratified seeing her father-in-law praise Leo so highly. She looked at Leo with affection.
Her father-in-law had high standards and rarely praised others, especially younger people.
In all these years, he had never complimented Master Obrien or Xavier!
Meanwhile, Jason’s wife and Jacob’s wife glared at Leo with displeasure.
They were also frustrated that their children didn’t have any outstanding qualities to earn Old Bloomer’s recognition.
Master Obrien looked embarrassed, while Xavier seemed indifferent but smiled at Leo excitedly.
“Dr. Leo, I have a favor to ask. Could you help me with something?” Nicholas asked with a smile.
Leo nodded. “Old Mr. Bloomer, please go ahead.”
“Tomorrow afternoon, there’s a high-end auction at Springhill Gardens in the capital. I want to find some valuable items but worry about my judgment. Could you accompany me and lend your expertise?” Nicholas invited directly.
“Dad!” Jason’s face changed immediately. “Didn’t I tell you I’ve already hired an internationally renowned antique expert? There’s no need to trouble Dr. Leo.”
“Mr. Jason is right. My skills are modest; I’m not qualified to assist you,” Leo said humbly with a smile.
“Dr. Leo, are you refusing to give this old man some face?” Nicholas ignored Jason and looked Leo in the eye.
“Dr. Leo, please agree!” Jenna urged.
“Well… alright then,” Leo agreed reluctantly since he was a guest in their home.
After dinner, Nicholas invited his eldest son, third son, and Leo to the study for tea. As for Leo’s accommodation, it had been arranged-the best guest room in the Bloomer family estate.
The next morning, after washing up, a servant knocked on the door to take Leo to breakfast.
On his way to the dining room, Leo ran into Jacob.