Chaebol

'What?'

Did they say it definitely wasn't authentic?

For a moment, I froze on the spot.

"Professor, we have a problem."

(What?)

"I'll call you back later."

After hanging up, I rushed to the appraisal team.

While the Dürer side seemed to be proceeding smoothly, the Oxford team had stopped their appraisal.

Some were covering their equipment with black cloths, as if preparing to leave.

"What's going on?"

A doctoral student translated my question.

Although not as fluent as Jo Soo-deok, he conveyed the meaning effectively.

"Who is in charge of the appraisal?"

"I am."

The man introduced himself as a professor of art history at Oxford.

He was a sharply dressed middle-aged man.

"Why did you stop the appraisal? Is there a problem?"

"We reached a conclusion with over 95% certainty. We were discussing whether it was worth continuing the appraisal."

"...!"

"The portrait seems to be from the Renaissance period. The pigments used are similar to those of that time, and the canvas as well. So it passed the first stage. Now, the second stage, determining if it's a da Vinci."

The professor shook his head slightly, looking regretful.

"It's undoubtedly a remarkable piece. It has an aura. Even without da Vinci's name, it's a painting that stands on its own. But if you ask if it's a da Vinci… I have to say no."

"What's the reason?"

"Though it resembles da Vinci's works, there are subtle stylistic differences. The color tones, and several techniques not seen in da Vinci's works."

The professor emphasized his final opinion strongly.

"Differences in style…"

"There are unique aspects that are difficult to explain."

"...?"

"It's exactly as I said. There are special areas that only experts in art history can detect."

His explanation was long-winded and lacking substance.

He seemed annoyed even to be explaining.

"Didn't you say it takes about two weeks to appraise?"

"I mentioned the minimum time needed to confirm authenticity. Once we're certain it's a forgery, there's no need to continue."

The professor shrugged as if he had nothing more to say.

Just as he was about to give the order to leave.

"Is there no other opinion?"

"What other opinion? I've already explained…"

"I heard your opinion. I want to know if anyone else has a different perspective."

"I lead this team. What other opinions are necessary?"

Because you're so adamant.

I'm naturally curious if there were opinions that got dismissed.

Hiding my thoughts, I smiled and asked.

"Is there no one who disagrees with the professor?"

At that moment.

A twitch.

A man in a checkered shirt among the graduate students raised his hand slightly.

But a colleague, sensing it, pulled his sleeve to stop him.

Hmm.

Like most(?) graduate schools, the Oxford appraisal team seemed stifled.

Perhaps due to the authoritative professor, communication didn't seem smooth.

I looked at the quiet students and said.

"As the professor said, there seems to be no dissent."

"Of course. I'm the top authority in this field…"

"Alright. Thank you for your efforts."

"Even if it's a forgery, there will still be some costs."

I nodded.

As soon as I responded, the professor gave the order to leave.

While the assistants packed up, the professor picked up his coat and left the lab.

His assistant quickly followed, carrying his bag.

Hmm.

Even Chairman Park carries his own bag.

This professor has his assistant as a porter.

'Good grief.'

The students were in a similar situation.

Among the graduate students, there seemed to be a hierarchy.

Despite the number of people, only two were doing all the work.

One of them was the man in the checkered shirt who tried to raise his hand earlier.

Seeing him working like a servant, he must be the youngest.

Maybe that's why he didn't have the right to speak.

I watched the man in the checkered shirt quietly.

Nearly 190 centimeters tall.

Messy brown hair.

Hunched shoulders and a slouched back.

Red checkered shirt and faded jeans.

Without glasses, he had the stereotypical nerd look.

He kept trying to talk to his colleague while working.

But his colleague didn't seem interested in the conversation.

From their short exchanges, I gathered:

"You're a physics major."

"What do you know about art?"

Every time the nerd spoke, he was met with dismissive responses.

After a few more attempts, he finally fell silent.

Hmm.

Majored in physics as an undergrad, then switched to art history for grad school?

Specializing in art appraisal, especially da Vinci's scarce works?

'That's quite unusual.'

Well.

Da Vinci himself mastered both science and art…

Maybe he's following the most appropriate path.

Curious, I approached the nerd.

"Hey."

"...?"

Despite being a child, I was the client.

So he looked cautious.

"I have a question."

"Yeah?"

"What do you think?"

"About what?"

"This painting. Do you think it's not a da Vinci?"

"Why ask me…"

"You're part of the appraisal team."

"I'm just the youngest here. Major decisions are made by the professor…"

"I'm not asking for a decision."

"...?"

"I just want to hear your opinion."

"Why… why?"

"I'm convinced this is a da Vinci, which is why I called the appraisal team. With billions at stake, I can't just give up because of a few words from the professor."

"But my opinion doesn't matter. I have no authority."

"Authority isn't necessary."

"...?"

"Authority, fame, position, degree… forget all that. I want to hear your honest opinion. If it's convincing, I might proceed based on your view."

The nerd looked bewildered.

"Martin! Why aren't you packing up?"

"S-sorry, senior."

At his senior's scolding, the nerd hurriedly moved.

So his name is Martin.

A moment later, I handed Martin a slip of paper with my hotel phone number.

"Sorry to bother you. Please call me when you have time. I'd really like to hear a physicist's take on art appraisal."

As I emphasized "physicist,"

"...."

Martin's eyes wavered slightly.

***

Meanwhile, in Germany.

Jo Soo-deok was meeting with a Schultz executive.

Typically, one would rush to headquarters for a meeting.

But!

Feeling he held the upper hand, Jo Soo-deok called the executive to him.

In a quiet hotel café, Jo Soo-deok asked with a serious expression.

"Why did you want to meet?"

"Because we didn't receive a definitive answer."

"An answer?"

"The amount we offered… is it not satisfactory?"

"Ah, it's not that."

"Then why proceed with the auction?"

"It's more about the method than the money. We aim for the most transparent transaction…"

"What if an unreasonable bidder wins?"

"...?"

"As soon as Dürer's final work is known to be up for auction, those who see art as a commodity will flock. They'll say, 'Win it no matter what, once it's in our hands, it's guaranteed money.'"

"...."

"Do you want to throw Dürer's final work into a money game? Is that respectful to the piece?"

What a splendid speech.

They sure sent a specialist in this field. His tongue is well-oiled.

"I understand your point, but I must give a principled answer…"

"What if we offer an amount that breaks your principle?"

"…What?"

"What if it's an amount that makes you reconsider your principle? What then?"

Jo Soo-deok was struggling to hide his excitement.

"We will provide an amount worthy of Dürer's final work. So, let's skip the tug-of-war with other groups and sign here."

"...."

"There won't be a higher offer. I guarantee this is the last negotiation. Once we leave this table, we will let it go."

Just as he was about to drink water to buy some time,

"45 million marks."

The executive firmly stated.

'Why complicate things with marks when there's the standard dollar!'

Thanks to that, Jo Soo-deok had to quickly calculate.

Ten billion, one hundred billion… Gosh!

A whopping 300 billion won?

He nearly spat water in his face.

No wonder. That's 100 billion more than the Ji-hoon had mentioned!

"Whether you accept or reject, we want an answer today."

"Of course. You've come a long way; that's only fair."

Jo Soo-deok exercised superhuman patience, swallowing his excitement.

Then he continued in a calm tone.

"Before that… may I make a call?"

"A call?"

"Canceling the planned auction might be necessary. A minimal discussion is required out of courtesy."

"Go ahead."

The executive probably guessed that Jo Soo-deok had backing.

'He must understand the need for approval.'

So he nodded without hesitation.

Maintaining his composure, Jo Soo-deok headed to the hotel front desk.

But as soon as he picked up the receiver, he quickly dialed.

An unexpected voice answered.

(This is Assistant Park.)

"Where is the boss?"

(Ah, he just entered the hotel.)

Huh?

At a time when the appraisal should be ongoing… why leave the lab for the hotel?

After ending the call, he dialed the hotel.

Soon, a young voice answered.

"This is Jo Soo-deok. Why are you at the hotel?"

(I had some business. What's up?)

"Ah, I'm in a meeting with Schultz. I need final approval, so I called."

(It sounds like a good deal.)

"Yes. They insist on a final answer today, threatening to walk away otherwise."

(They're playing their hand.)

"Yes. And the amount is substantial. Brace yourself. 45 million marks! That's 300 billion won."

I expected cheers.

But after a few seconds of silence,

(It shows sincerity.)

Park Ji-hoon slowly responded.

(I don't believe this is the last negotiation. With more pressure, they'll come up with other options. However…)

"...?"

(There's no point in making enemies.)

Ah.

How much did he have in mind that 300 billion doesn't even make him flinch!

(You've done well. Sign the contract and join us soon.)

"Is there something wrong? Why the hurry?"

A thick silence followed again.

After about five seconds,

Park Ji-hoon spoke heavily.

(I'm not satisfied with Oxford's appraisal.)

"…What?"

(Look into other appraisal institutions besides the British ones.)

"...!"

(If there are none, consider forming our own team.)

TL/n -

You can read

[

Chaebol up to Chapter 54+

An Investor Who Sees Future up to Chapter 52+ 

Hollywood Actor up to Chapter 52+

Perfect Hero up to Chapter 55+

Devil's Idol up to Chapter 16+

Soar to Stardom up to Chapter 25+

]

all by supporting me at [email protected]/inkbound (For only $5) 

(replace @ = a)