C15 Tang Bohu's Authentic Works(1)

A sudden noise made everyone whip their heads around to see what was happening.

The arrival was a man in his mid-twenties with long hair, striking features, and piercing eyes that shone with intelligence. His casual attire lent him an air of eccentricity.

It was almost inconceivable that a guy could look like this.

"Zeng Ziyuv?" Su Hao did a double-take, his face registering shock.

Zeng Ziyuv was a Quanzhou native, hailing from a wealthy family. His mother was a heiress from a prominent clan, and his father owned a jade shop, with three branches under his belt. Their wealth was substantial.

A bona fide rich second-generation, Zeng Ziyuv shared his father's penchant for the high life. He was known for his playboy ways, a love for clubbing and racing, and an appreciation for antiques.

Su Hao faintly recalled that upon his arrival in Quanzhou in his past life, Zeng Ziyuv was the first friend he made and the one he grew closest to.

Regrettably, Zeng Ziyuv fell for a troublesome girlfriend, got into trouble with a heavyweight at a KTV, and met his end at the edge of a blade, dying tragically young.

Seeing Zeng Ziyuv again in this life brought a wave of nostalgia and reflection to Su Hao.

Who would have guessed that a ladies' man like Zeng Ziyuv would ultimately fall to a violent death over a woman?

"Su Hao, what's that you've got there?" Zeng Ziyuv approached with curiosity.

"I've taken a liking to this paper and ink painting and am about to purchase it."

"Paper and ink painting? Show me!" Zeng Ziyuv narrowed his eyes and took the painting from Su Hao.

Their friendship might not have been long, but it was strong. Zeng Ziyuv was keen to ensure Su Hao wasn't getting duped.

He scrutinized the painting and immediately scowled. "Su Hao, this painting is a mess of lines, an outright forgery. Why waste money on this junk?"

The shopkeeper and other customers nodded in agreement; Zeng Ziyuv knew his stuff.

"That's rubbish; it's a replica," the curly-haired man retorted, his face turning sour at the accusation.

Zeng Ziyuv nearly burst into laughter at the man's defense.

"Come on, sir, if you're going to try to deceive someone, at least have some skill in it, right? This counterfeit painting? I wouldn't take it even if it were free, let alone a copy. What a joke!"

With that, he turned his attention back to Su Hao: "Su Hao, this guy's like someone with a dead mouse in his pocket trying to pass himself off as a hunter. Don't waste your time on him. If you're into paper and ink drawings, my friend has a treasure trove of them, far superior to this. I'll send you a whole box later."

Su Hao was torn between laughter and tears. Without his Appraisal Eye, he might have agreed with Zeng Ziyuv and dismissed the painting as a fake.

"I find this painting somewhat appealing. It wouldn't be bad to buy it for decoration."

Zeng Ziyuv gave Su Hao a look of utter astonishment: "You're not running a fever, are you?"

He had assumed that after his own assessment, Su Hao would abandon the idea of purchasing the painting. To his surprise, Su Hao was adamant about buying it.

What good is a fake for decoration?

"No fever here, I just genuinely like the painting." Su Hao said with a slight smile, swiftly entering his password on the payment page and wiring 50,000 to the man with the curly hair.

The curly-haired man was over the moon.

He had thought that conning someone out of a thousand yuan was a win, but to his delight, he managed to swindle 50,000 yuan. Sometimes, it's just luck meeting a fool.

Zeng Ziyuv, who was standing nearby, had already picked up on the curly-haired man's smug expression and let out a quiet sigh.

It was clear as day that the curly-haired man was scamming Su Hao, but with Su Hao set on the purchase, there was little he could do.

As the curly-haired man made his exit, the shopkeeper's eyes darted around before he approached Su Hao with a few paintings in hand: "Young man, I've got some pieces here too. Care to take a look?"

The other customers caught on quickly.

Apparently, the shopkeeper thought Su Hao was an easy mark and wanted to offload some fakes on him to make a quick buck.

Su Hao gave the paintings a brief look and shook his head: "These are all forgeries. They're of no interest to me."

The shop owner was taken aback.

The customers around him mirrored his surprise.

But it wasn't long before someone snickered.

"If you're aware these paintings are fakes, why would you purchase one?"

"Exactly, you've bought nothing more than garbage among forgeries."

"I can't help but laugh; this guy must have a screw loose."

...

Su Hao, unfazed by the murmurs, merely quirked a smile.

"Who says it's a fake? This is an original Tang Bohu!"

The crowd paused, exchanged glances, and then erupted into laughter.

An original?

He must be delusional!

Zeng Ziyuv's eye twitched as he offered a strained smile. "Su Hao, this piece is a counterfeit. If you're in doubt, feel free to have it appraised."

"There's no need. This painting is genuine," Su Hao asserted with a dismissive wave.

The crowd lost interest in arguing; there was no point in debating with someone out of touch with reality.

Zeng Ziyuv started to speak but ultimately held his tongue.

He found it odd. Su Hao, though usually frivolous and pleasure-seeking, had always been sharp-minded.

What had happened today to make him seem so out of touch?

Just then, a man in a mask from within the crowd spoke up: "The 'Autumn Wind Silk Fan Picture' is a quintessential ink painting by Tang Bohu, characterized by its fluid and vigorous white brush technique. The lines undulate with strength and grace. However, the painting you hold is done with meticulous, heavy colors, and the lines lack any distinction. It bears no resemblance to the original."

His words were met with nods of agreement.

Throughout history, every master of the arts had their distinct style.

As the old saying goes, each artist has their unique brushwork, and while one might mimic the form, capturing the spirit is far more challenging.

And Su Hao's painting didn't even manage to replicate the form.

Su Hao looked at the man in the mask and spoke deliberately, "You're quite right, yet there's something unique about this painting."

Laughter rippled through the crowd once more.

A special feature in a forgery? That was laughable!

Zeng Ziyuv averted his gaze, feeling that Su Hao was merely trying to maintain his dignity.

The man in the mask paused, taken aback. He stepped closer and scrutinized the painting in Su Hao's hands, yet he couldn't pinpoint anything out of the ordinary.

Observing Su Hao once more, he noted the unwavering confidence in his gaze; there was no hint of deceit.

Could there be more to this painting than meets the eye?

After a brief hesitation, he inquired, "Could you enlighten me on the unique aspect of this piece?"

"The surface of this 'Autumn Wind Silk Fan Picture' is covered with a specially crafted sheer gauze, which disrupts the order of the composition. The original lines are all jumbled, leading to the misconception that it's a counterfeit," Su Hao explained, gesturing towards the painting's surface.