A few days ago, Jeffrey Fu made his routine visit to the antique street at Huang Family Display, but after making a round, he found nothing of interest.
Feeling a bit disappointed, he was about to drive when he noticed someone across the street selling paintings and artifacts.
Curious, he walked over to check it out.
It turned out to be an art shop that was clearing its inventory due to poor business.
The shop owner had set up four large tables at the entrance, displaying all the store's goods for sale.
There was quite a collection—vases, paintings, ornaments—enough to attract a crowd of people browsing and picking through the items.
"Come and take a look, everything is on sale at rock-bottom prices!" The owner shouted in a loud voice, trying to draw in customers. "What I am selling here isn't just merchandise; it is culture, it is art. You won't find a deal like this again!"
Jeffrey Fu scanned the items and shook his head. They were genuine crafts but not extraordinary.
"Hey, these things aren't cheap," he remarked. "You can find similar stuff at any flea market."
The owner, who had been shouting for a while and was now sweating, put down a
bronze horse figurine and, slightly out of breath, replied, "You folks don't recognize quality. These are antiques, artifacts with historical value, not the cheap stuff you find at flea markets.
If it weren't for the tough competition on this antique street and my greedy landlord raising rent, I wouldn't be letting these go for so little."
Someone in the crowd joked, "Come on, there are things everyone has at home. Got anything special hidden away?"
"Of course I do!" The owner replied with a booming voice. He went back into the shop and brought out a cardboard box, plunking it down on the table with a thud.
The box was filled with rolled-up paintings, jade pieces, daggers, and calligraphy tools.
He dumped the contents onto the table and began unrolling the paintings one by one, showing them to the crowd.
"These are famous works I have collected over the years. If you like any, I will give you a good deal."
The paintings depicted landscapes, figures, and gardens and palaces, all skillfully done.
Jeffrey glanced at them; they were beautiful but not exactly historical artifacts.
Finally, the owner unfurled the last painting with a mysterious look on his face.
"This one is an authentic piece. Be careful with it."
The crowd laughed. "If you really had a Guo original, you'd be rich by now, not selling it in the street!"
The owner laughed along, unfazed by the skepticism. "It's true, it's true! Take a closer look!"
The scroll was unfurled.
In this exquisite painting, a joyful child is captured with delicate brush strokes that bring her to life, her long hair flowing like silk in varying shades of ink,complemented by garments that enhance her youthful innocence.
Surrounding her is a softly rendered background of gentle hills and blossoming cherry trees, which together create a serene
and picturesque scene that further elevates the beauty of the child depicted in the artwork.
Jeffrey's heart skipped a beat as the painting flashed before his eyes.
Its value was five million dollars, a true masterpiece collectible.
Jeffrey was thrilled inside but kept a straight face.
The crowd gathered around to look at 'Childhood Wonder',
and someone with some knowledge of art pointed at the painting, laughing, "His imitation isn't bad. Would you sell it for ten bucks?"
The shop owner shook his head vigorously."This is a real painting, not some junk. Not for sale."
"Come on, boss," the person laughed, pointing at the paintings. "These are all replicas. Let's not even talk about the others, but this one, Childhood Wonder' by Guo—as far as I know, the original is already in the collection overseas."
"Are you saying they bought a fake and yours is real? Their appraiser was just eating for free?"
"I have never heard of Guo's authentic works being sold at a stall."
The crowds laughed, and the store owner blushed.
"Hey, if you are not buying, just say so. I paid good money for this!"
The crowd dispersed in laughter.
Jeffrey casually picked up the painting and glanced at it, feeling a familiar warmth spread through his body.
Seeing Jeffrey looking at the painting, the shop owner quickly said,
"Young man, this painting is nice. I will sell it to you for $1,000."
Jeffrey acted startled, quickly putting the painting down and pretending to leave. "I can't afford that."
The shop owner hurriedly stopped him, smiling. "Don't go; we can negotiate. How about $500?"
"Still too expensive," Jeffrey shook his head.
"I just think it's pretty and would look good in my study. At that price, I might as well buy one online."
"The ones online cannot be compared to mine," the shop owner insisted, holding onto Jeffrey.
"I haven't made a sale today. I will give you a special deal, $50."
Jeffrey hesitated. "Too much. That guy offered ten bucks. How about you sell it to me for ten?"
The shop owner looked distressed and complained, "You are really driving a hard bargain. The paper and the framing cost more than ten bucks. Can you add a bit more?"
Jeffrey appeared conflicted, thought for a moment, and said, "Fifteen bucks max, that's my final offer. If you don't sell, I'm leaving."
The shop owner, with a pained expression, reluctantly agreed, "Alright, fifteen bucks it is. Let's say it's my first sale of the day."
Jeffrey paid, and the shop owner quickly wrapped the painting in a newspaper and handed it to him.
Back in his car, Jeffrey carefully placed the painting in the back seat and immediately called Riley.
The phone rang for a bit before it was answered.
Riley seemed busy, and Jeffrey could hear some noise in the background.
"Jeffrey, you're calling me out of the blue. Is it good news?"
Jeffrey chuckled, "Mr. Yu, you're sharp as always. I just stumbled upon a great find. Are you interested?"
"What kind of find?" Riley asked curiously.
Jeffrey lowered his voice, "It's a painting. As for the details, I'll keep it a mystery for now."
Riley laughed on the other end, "Jeffrey, you are getting cheekier by the day. Whatever it is, I have never doubted your taste."
"I'm handling some things in the neighboring city, so I can't make it back today."
"Let's meet at my place next week."