Arge crowd gathered, eager to mock Jacob one after another.


    Jacob replied coolly, “You really underestimate Taishan. How could I, Jacob, not have top-notch pieces? It’s just that some paintings are toorge for me to bring out!” At that moment, Jacob was envisioning himself as the client that Charlie had been discussing.


    The onlookers reacted to his bragging with disdain, curling their lips in contempt, hardly taking his ims seriously.


    Not one to dwell on their skepticism, Jacob ced a painting tube on the expansive disy and appraisal desk of the Painting and Calligraphy Association, dering, “Alright, today I’ll give you the chance to see a Tang Dynasty painting that I nearly overlooked!”


    “Yeah, right…” The crowd’s expressions were filled with disbelief. Calligraphy and paintings are notoriously difficult to preserve. While traditional Chinese paintings can be made on various types of paper, none are as durable as Western canvas; thus, they are prone to damage over time. Most Tang Dynasty artworks that have survived to the present day have been carefully maintained through generations. Nobody at the scene was inclined to believe that a recently discovered work from the Tang Dynasty existed.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Noticing their indifference, Jacob couldn’t suppress his frustration any longer. “What? You don’t believe me? Fine, I’ll show you!” With that, he opened the tube and carefully pulled out a portrait of Meng Changsheng.


    As he revealed the painting, the crowd quickly flocked to him, but their curiosity was less about appreciating Tang Dynasty art and more about waiting for Jacob to embarrass himself once again.


    After all, Jacob had a reputation for making a fool of himself more than once or twice.<fn8fe8> Checktest chapters at ?ovelFind</fn8fe8>


    However, as Jacob gradually unfurled the scroll, the spectators’ expressions shifted from anticipation of a joke to sheer astonishment.


    To their surprise, the painting was incredibly lifelike.


    Yet, due to their preconceived notions about Jacob, many began to voice their skepticism. “Isn’t this painting style characteristic of the Tang Dynasty? Perhaps it was created by some modern realistic artist. Those who study Western techniques excel in this realistic style,” one said. “I don’t think it resembles Tang Dynasty art at all. The quality is too refined!” another chimed in.


    “Exactly! If such a talented painter existed in the Tang Dynasty, they would have surely been well-known!” a third person added.


    In the midst of the questioning, the elderly man who had previously mocked Jacob gasped in disbelief, “Oh my goodness, this… this artist’s skills are extraordinary! Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it! The brushwork is impable, and the details are so rich that it’s astounding. Even those who have spent a lifetime painting might struggle to achieve such finesse!”


    “It’s fake,” came another voice.


    For most people, mastering such intricate brushwork is an incredible challenge. After all, the ancestor of the Jiang family lived to be one hundred and thirteen years old—a remarkable feat in ancient times—and devoted most of his life to perfecting his painting skills. Few artists could ever hope to reach such levels of proficiency.