Chapter 630 - The Collection Exchange (1/2)

Fred said, “How about this? Show me this painting. After all, we have the most cooperation with the Li family’s auction house. Since it is sent by the Li family, we have to show some respect for them.”

Cisse agreed and handed the painting to Fred.

Fred took the painting scroll, tore open the wrapping and then unfolded it on the table. When he opened it halfway, Jacqueline’s naked upper body was exposed.

As Sir Owen’s chief steward, he was also a knowledgeable and talented person, especially when it came to antiques. Although he had only unraveled half of the painting, he already recognized that this was Picasso’s wife, Jacqueline.

Suddenly, his body seemed to be struck by lightning. His whole body began to tremble slightly and he carefully peeled away the rest of the packaging of the scroll.

He opened the whole painting and saw the complete picture of Jacqueline. He was sure that this was Picasso’s painting. He shouted excitedly, “Perfect, it’s really perfect!”

Sir Owen poured himself a glass of red wine and slowly sipped it. After hearing what Fred said, he said with dissatisfaction, “My dear, it’s just a painting. How can you lose your composure like this? We have all kinds of ancient paintings in our treasure room.”

“No, we really don’t have any paintings like this!” Fred cried excitedly. “Sir, this is Picasso’s painting. Look, this is Jacqueline!”

After hearing what Fred said, Sir Owen immediately put down the wine glass in his hand and said with a look of disbelief, “Fred, you’re joking with me. This is not what a gentleman should do.”

“Sir Owen, How could I joke with you? Look, this is Jacqueline.”

After making sure that Fred was not joking with him, Sir Owen walked over quickly. When he saw the painting in front of him, he became extremely excited.

“Oh my god, could it be that my sincerity touched God so much that he sent me a painting of Picasso?”

Sir Owen took a white glove from a servant and put it on. Then, he began to scrutinize the painting carefully.

A few minutes later, he shouted excitedly, “My dear Fred, I’m sure this is an authentic painting of Picasso’s. It’s so perfect.”

Although he was not a professional appraiser, he had collected countless antiques and treasures over the years and had some experience in the appraisal of ancient paintings.

Fred said, “Sir, just in case, let’s find the appraiser Garrard.”

“You’re right. This is Picasso’s painting. We can’t be too careless.” Sir Owen took a deep breath, calmed himself down and said to a servant next to him, “Please ask Mr. Garrard to come over as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The servant responded and walked out of the living room quickly. A few minutes later, he came in with a Caucasian man with blond hair and blue eyes. He was Sir Owen’s private treasure appraiser, Garrard.

Although Garrard was a personal appraiser of Sir Owen, he had a very high reputation in the field of international antiques appraisals. So far, there had never been any mistakes in the works he had identified.

After entering the living room, Garrard saw how excited Sir Owen and Fred were and asked in confusion, “Dear Sir, did you find any treasure?”

Sir Owen said excitedly, “Garrard, come and have a look. It’s Picasso’s painting, it’s Picasso’s painting!”

Hearing that there was a painting of Picasso, Garrard was also caught up in the excitement. He quickly walked to the table, took out a pair of white gloves and magnifying glass from his pocket and began to check the painting carefully.

After five minutes had passed, Sir Owen could not hold back any longer. He asked, “My dear Garrard, hurry and tell me if this is an authentic piece of artwork.”

Garrard stood up and said with an excited expression, “Sir, I can swear to God that this is definitely Picasso’s work.”

Sir Owen shouted excitedly, “That’s great, that’s great. I’ve finally obtained a Picasso’s painting.”

Fred was quite calm and said, “Sir, have you forgotten that this painting does not belong to you now, but to Mr. Qin, who is waiting outside the door?”

Sir Owen patted his forehead and yelled, “My God, forgive me. I’m letting the distinguished guests wait outside the door. My dear Fred, let’s go out together and invite our most distinguished guests in.”

Outside the manor, Uncle Cheng said to Qin Haodong, “Mr. Qin, Mr. Owen is very distinguished. Are you sure that he will meet us after he sees the painting?”

“Uncle Cheng, don’t worry. I believe that Sir Owen will come out to welcome us soon.”

According to the information Qin Haodong obtained from Tian Ye, this Mr. Owen was very eager to get his hands on a painting by Picasso. He believed that he would come out to welcome Qin Haodong after seeing the painting.

While they were talking, the door suddenly opened. Sir Owen came out in a hurry with Fred and Garrard, followed by four or five servants.

Sir Owen came to Qin Haodong, put one hand on his chest, bent his head slightly and made a standard gentleman’s salute.

“Mr. Qin, please forgive me for being impolite to you.”

Qin Haodong said, “Sir Owen, nice to meet you.”