“Aurous Hill isn’t exactly known as a hub for calligraphy and painting, so isn’t it a bit forced to make such a big move?”


    Jacob replied, “It doesn’t matter if Aurous Hillcks a reputation for calligraphy and painting. What’s important is that we can showcase impressive works of art here. We are currently gathering renowned pieces from collectors all across Aurous Hill. The first step involves our internal funding. Our president, along with the other vice presidents, possesses a wealth of ancient calligraphy and paintings. As the executive vice president, I feel a bit left out. Even though I’m second inmand, I have nothing notable to contribute. Could you see if you can help me gather a few pieces? If that’s not possible, perhaps you could lend me some, and I’ll make sure Dad returns them after the exhibition!”


    Charlie, intrigued, asked, “Dad, did you talk to anyone about this when you visited Antique Street today? Did you ask Zhang Ermao (Cade)? Isn’t he quite skilled?”


    “Zhang Ermao (Cade)?” Jacob scoffed. “You don’t know, do you? That kid’s mother is a total profiteer. A few years ago, he learned from someone and started passing off fake calligraphy and paintings as genuine. He even sold them! The Japanese and Koreans who came to collect antiques ended up causing a scene at the embassy. I wouldn’t want to ask him for help—what if he tries to pull one over on me? I’d lose face for the whole country.”


    Charlie, surprised, inquired, “Really? Is Zhang Ermao (Cade) still up to those tricks? What happened afterward? How did you handle it?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “Well,” Jacob continued, “a few foreigners bought a batch of his counterfeit bronze artifacts, thinking they struck gold. He threatened them with it, saying it was a big deal if they didn’t cooperate. They all ended up in prison together, but those Japanese and Koreans would never dare face incarceration in China. In the end, nothing came of it.” Jacob shook his head, adding, “Honestly, there’s something to be said about that Ermao.”


    Charlie chuckled, “Dad, you haven’t seen Zhang Ermao (Cade) trying to sell the ‘Mona Lisa.’ It must have been quite a sight.”


    Jacob raised an eyebrow, “Wait, he sells the ‘Mona Lisa’?”


    “Yes! He imed to have sold it to a Frenchman for a hefty sum.”


    “Is that even possible?” Jacob eximed, “That foreigner must have lost his mind! Isn’t the ‘Mona Lisa’ hanging in the Louvre?”


    Charlie waved his hand dismissively, “The one in the Louvre? That’s just a copy by Leonardo da Vinci. The original was created by our own Yuan Dynasty painter, Zhao Mengfu.”


    “What…?” Jacob stammered, “Good son-inw, where are you going with this? How could Zhao Mengfu have any connection to the ‘Mona Lisa’? Besides, he lived two hundred years before Da Vinci. There must be some…”


    ire, who had been listening, couldn’t help butugh. “Honey, stop teasing Dad…”


    Charlie grinned, “Dad, I’m not joking! Let’s eat, shall we?”


    Jacob snapped back to reality, looking slightly annoyed. “Good son-inw, you can joke around with me, but don’t forget what I said earlier. Do you need calligraphy and paintings?”


    Jacob pondered for a moment before responding, “Our president mentioned he would contribute five sets of calligraphy and paintings. I’m the second inmand, so let’s aim for four sets!”


    Charlie nodded, “Alright, I’ll take care of it.”<fn911a> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on f?ndnovel</fn911a>


    Meanwhile, at Aurous Hill University…