Gourmet Hunter - Chapter 446 (Patreon)

Chapter 446: One Price

The light red wooden box exuded a unique charm. Once opened, twelve oil paintbrushes of varying sizes lay on a red cushion, with a folded letter made of animal skin at the bottom.

There were over a hundred people present, and they instinctively moved closer, making the crowd slightly crowded.

Clover had already put on gloves. After Luo opened the box, Clover didn't give him a chance to explain and immediately picked up a brush to examine it.

The round-headed brush was the oldest type of oil paintbrush. The tip appeared blunt, and when used, it produced smooth and soft strokes. The brush handle was made of unidentified bone, which, according to Salin, was made from Ersaiko's leg bone.

Historically, Ersaiko was a famous painter in the early 13th century, known as the one-legged cripple.

Before verification, the claim that these brushes were made from Ersaiko's leg bone was dubious and likely a stretch.

Seeing Clover admiring the brushes alone, the guests, although initially eager to crowd around, calmed down and watched patiently.

Luo stood silently by the side.

The museum fell into a quiet atmosphere.

After a long while, Clover gently put down the brush, turned to Luo, with a glint in his eyes, and said, "Only three of Kosel's masterpieces are known to exist, and the whereabouts of his brushes remain a mystery."

"Although the age of these brushes matches Kosel's era, appreciation alone lacks credibility."

Salin pointed out that Kosel was a deserter, and his real name was Ersaiko reversed. However, Clover still referred to him as Kosel, which was understandable.

"The brush handle is indeed made of Ersaiko's leg bone, which can be confirmed with equipment and matched against the DNA database of famous people," Luo said.

Clover used the name Kosel, while Luo used Ersaiko. Which name was correct remained undetermined, and both stuck to their beliefs.

The guests, hearing Luo and Clover call out different names, were quite confused, as if they were on different channels.

Clover's gloved hand gently stroked the brush. To some extent, verifying whether the brush bone was indeed Kosel's leg bone wasn't difficult, and Luo's confidence, similar to Salin's, was convincing.

What an appraiser needed was thorough confidence, not blind belief, which was fundamental.

"I want to see the letter."

Clover retracted his hand and focused on the letter, which was crucial for an initial verification based on handwriting and age.

"Please go ahead," Luo said.

Clover nodded, picked up the letter, and carefully read it.

While Clover was reading the letter, the appraisers among the guests stepped forward, put on white gloves, and picked up the brushes to examine them.

This was what an appreciation event was like.

The appraisers invited by Clover were highly skilled. Their conclusions were the same: the brushes' age matched, but the truth required DNA testing.

The most valuable antiques were items linked to historical figures, and many collectors favored this and were willing to pay more for a famous piece.

Ironically, treasures excavated from ruins, such as jewelry and gold, were sometimes less valuable than a weapon used by a prince.

The museum became very quiet, and the guests were engrossed in examining the antiques Luo brought. Suddenly, Clover's voice broke the silence.

"Five billion Jennies, I want both of these."

He looked at the silent Luo and suddenly offered a high price.

Seeing Clover unexpectedly offer such a high price, Luo's mouth curved into a smile.

The value of the bone brushes and the letter was now clear.

The guests were surprised. Although most of them were wealthy, five billion Jennies wasn't a trivial amount.

However, attaching such a price to two unverified antiques, especially by the famous Clover, was different.

This wasn't a price reached through auction; it was Clover's one-price offer. What did it imply?

The guests' gazes shifted between the folded letter in Clover's hand and the smiling Luo.

Could these items really be Kosel's authentic works? What was written in the letter? Why did Clover immediately offer five billion Jennies after reading it?

As the guests speculated, Luo responded to Clover's offer.

"Deal."

He didn't leave room for auction or negotiation, immediately agreeing to Clover's price, which was quite unfair to the other guests according to the unwritten rules of appreciation events.

Clover put away the bone brushes and the letter, calling for a steward to store the items properly.

"What did the letter say?"

Someone finally couldn't help but ask.

This question was on many minds.

Clover was silent for a moment before replying, "I will arrange for the test as soon as possible. Once the results are out, I will satisfy your curiosity first thing."

Seeing Clover say this, the others couldn't press further and had to let it go, though they were still curious.

They really wanted to know the content of the letter, but Clover acted too quickly and didn't show any signs of inviting everyone to appreciate it together.

At the opening, Clover's grand introduction seemed to lead everyone to uncover hidden truths, but now he had put away the treasures, which was a bit disappointing.

"Luo Ling Museum..."

Unconsciously, Luo's status in the minds of these people kept rising. Many looked at the bearded man, thinking that the Luo Ling Museum might be quite powerful. After the appreciation event, it might be worth visiting.

By now, the promotional effect had kicked in. The guests, all collectors, would surely browse the Luo Ling Museum's website and likely take a fancy to many items.

As long as the possibility of counterfeits was ruled out, these people would definitely consume a lot of inventory. Their identities could also attract more potential buyers.

In the crowd, Salin also thought of this result and looked at Luo. The two exchanged smiles.

One could foresee the Luo Ling Museum raising a substantial amount of funds quickly through this event, combined with Clover's cooperation.

"We still need more exposure."

Using Clover's preferences and the bone brushes and letter to create a promotional effect, Luo was still not satisfied. He wanted to make a strong presence at this appreciation event, showcasing the Luo Ling Museum's strength to these potential buyers.

After Clover put away the bone brushes and letter, a guest brought out their collection and placed it on the red cloth table.

Next, another guest took out their collection for everyone to appreciate.

The second person to present was Angie.

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