With a somber expression, Jacob turned to Charlie and said, “Good son-inw, my current situation is quite precarious. There’s a lot of chatter within the association, and many are iming that Ick real talent, suggesting I only hold the position of executive vice president because of my connection to Chairman Pei. Now, even Chairman Pei seems to be in a tough spot…”


    Lowering his voice, Jacob continued, “Yesterday, Chairman Pei invited me for a meal and hinted at something cryptic. He mentioned that too many people have been seeking his counseltely, all wanting to push for my impeachment. If I can’t present something substantial soon, it’ll be truly challenging to sway their opinions…”


    Charlie smiled and replied, “Dad, I think I have a solution. There are numerous paintings avable, and since your Painting and Calligraphy Association is organizing an exhibition, I could ask if my client would lend you some pieces.”


    Excited by the suggestion, Jacob asked, “Good son-inw, what did your client say? Are they willing to lend us anything?”<fn2673> This content belongs to find?novel</fn2673>


    Charlie exined, “My client holds a unique position, and many of their collections aren’t suitable for public disy. However, they are quite interested in your exhibition. They’ve agreed to donate a painting specifically for this event.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    With that, Charlie handed Jacob the painting tube he had been carrying.


    Jacob was taken aback. “You mean to say someone is donating a painting to the exhibition? Which painting is it?”


    Charlie casually replied, “I’m not sure. The painting seems quite enigmatic. There’s no signature or seal, just a brief description. Why don’t you open it and see for yourself?”


    Overjoyed, Jacob eagerly took the microphone and pulled out the portrait of Meng Changsheng.


    Without even stepping into another room to examine it, Jacob unrolled the painting scroll and eximed, “Wow! This painting is truly remarkable!”


    Curious, Charlie raised an eyebrow and asked, “Dad, what’s your impression? What makes this painting so special?”


    Jacob pondered for a moment before saying, “Honestly, I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but the craftsmanship is exceptional—so lifelike! It showcases a level of realism that’s rarely seen in Chinese painting. Look at this elderly man depicted; he appears so incredibly real! And the way he’s standing on thatrge rock—whoever painted this truly excelled!”


    Charlie was momentarily speechless, surprised by Jacob’s straightforward assessment. He thought to himself that if Meng Changsheng ever heard suchments, regardless of how strong-willed he was, he might take offense.


    At that moment, Jacob focused on the inscription on the painting, reading aloud, “Meng Sheng, styled Changming, hailing from Chang’an, born in the first year of Linde during the Tang Dynasty…” Suddenly, his eyes widened in realization, and he eximed, “Wait a minute! The man in this painting is from the Tang Dynasty? Does that mean the artist could also be from that era?”


    Charlie smiled, responding, “Possibly. But since the artist didn’t provide their name or the date of creation, you can just consider it to be a painting from the Tang Dynasty.”


    Jacob beamed with excitement and dered, “Paintings from the Tang Dynasty have been around for over a thousand years, and they still hold such beauty! Imagine showcasing this at the exhibition!”


    Charlie shrugged and replied, “The main issue is theck of a signature on the painting. Even if it is by a Tang Dynasty artist, we wouldn’t be able to identify the actual creator. Such paintings often struggle to fetch a good price in the art market, so we shouldn’t expect too much trouble with it.”


    Jacob dismissed the concern, saying, “Regardless of that, the painting is exquisite and has ties to the Tang Dynasty. That’s what truly matters!”


    He then quickly turned to Charlie and asked, “Good son-inw, can I take this painting?”