"Urgh…"Helen had calmed down but snorted as Frank was flashing her a cheeky smile. "Yeah, yeah. You did good, getting us another company. But you're the one who just threw it at us without needing to do anything, while any problems would fall back on me! Do you think I can deal with two major companies at the same time?""Well, you know what they say—those who can are always busy. That's my girl for you—she's always amazing." Frank shrugged, confirming that he would be goofing off.Helen rolled her eyes at him, exasperated.-Vicky Turnbull called in the afternoon, teasing, "Did you know that you're on the news? Sliding down a falling building… That's so cool. Still, something's lacking—you should've been holding a babe like Helen in your arms while you did so." "Ahem…" Frank rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Stop teasing me. Why did you call me?""Oh, it's nothing important." Vicky smiled. "I heard you're acquainted with Gene Pearce?""I guess. What, is something up?" Frank raised
The old man then held out a vase covered in oil paper. "If you're interested, I have a jade vase here for just 500 grand—how about it?""A jade vase?" Frank took the jade vase and shook his head after a brief glance, returning it. "It's clearly a modern object. 500 grand? I'd refuse even if it's just five bucks." He snorted and turned to leave.Two porty goons suddenly showed up, cutting off his path."Heh, kid. But you touched the vase, so you have to buy it now. If you don't…" The old man laughed coolly behind Frank, clearly threatening him.It was clearly a con, and Frank knew that they thought he would be an easy mark since he was alone and new to this place."Do I look like I'd be easily bullied?" Frank remained calm, even sneering at the old man. "Get your boys out of my face if you're smart, or I won't play nice anymore.""Oh, feisty!"The old man showed no intention of backing down, however. "But I've seen many kids who talk tough. The question is, are your bones jus
Hugh sneered. "I heard that Vicky's husband is an indomitable spirit who'd even toppled Sif Lionheart's eldest brother. Your reputation is not undeserved, now that I've seen you.""And who are you?" Frank asked impassively."Hugh Turnbull, heir of the Norsedam Turnbulls.""Watch how you speak with Mr. Turnbull!" Hugh's bodyguard snapped at Frank threateningly right after Hugh finished."Norsedam…" Frank murmured, remembering just then.Norsedam and Riverton were just a bridge apart, but Norsedam was far more prosperous than Riverton.And the first time he met Sif Lionheart was at an auction in Norsedam, though he was unaware that a branch family of the Turnbulls was based in Norsedam too.Nodding, Frank asked quietly, "Then to what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Turnbull?""Nothing," Hugh said icily. "I just happened to run into you, but I should remind you that as a son-in-law of the Turnbull family, you should maintain an ounce of dignity instead of getting caught by some street
The store clerk's words reminded Frank of the geezer earlier with the yellowed teeth, and he nodded in agreement.This place was a lawless mess, and he had seen at least three victims getting conned or robbed in broad daylight.If anyone really pulled out a real treasure, they would be eaten alive.Seeing Frank's realization, the store clerk smiled. "It seems that you understand, sir. The waters of Blooming Junction run deep—the real treasures are always stored within the century-old shops instead of being put on display.""Really? And why are you telling me that?" Frank glanced at the store clerk sideways curiously.The man spread his hands and admitted, "I'll be frank, sir. I work at Jade Dragon—it's that shop over there. My job is to keep an eye out for customers with potential wandering around Blooming Junction and bring them over."I can see that you have high standards and carry yourself differently from the rest. That's why I'm recommending our establishment, while I earn
Seeing that Frank was not greeting him anyway, the old man ignored him and forced a smile. "I'm sure everyone here is aware that I, Travis Dali, have recently made a poor judgment, buying a fake jade fox sculpture that cost me over a billion dollars."Pausing, he sighed. "That means I have yet to clear my 600 million dollar debt. And to make up for that, I am now bringing out the treasures in my collection. I hope everyone here would be willing to buy them at generous prices—you have my gratitude already."Hugh was the first to get to his feet, spreading his hands and smiling. "Haha… you're exaggerating, Mr. Dali—everyone knows that you're the dealer with the best eyes in Blooming Junction, and your treasures are most extraordinary. We'll definitely buy what you have at the right price.""Exactly.""Your debt will be cleared with no problem!"The other guests agreed."Alright." Travis' hunched back seemed to straighten as he smiled. "Since everyone is so appreciative, let's cut t
The only guest who never said a word is Frank.However, as everyone else turned toward Frank, Hugh spoke before he could. "Hah! What would some ignorant manwhore know about art? Even if he knows a thing or two, he still wouldn't be able to afford it."Hugh's scoffing drew several chuckles in the room, since 'manwhore' made the insult all too obvious.However, Frank remained calm as he looked at the other guests and asked quietly, "Are you done laughing? If you are, I will share my opinion.""Of course, young sir. You may speak freely." Travis was surprised that Frank did not make a bid, and instead spoke up to share his opinion. Was he going to accuse him of selling a fake?As if on cue, Frank turned toward the painting beside Travis as everyone looked on, nodding as he said, "That painting isn't genuine… Or it's half-genuine, to be precise.""Hahaha!!!" Hugh was laughing first and very loudly.The other guests were chuckling too, while Travis appeared shocked for a moment b
"Hmph!" Travis snorted coldly.If he allowed Frank to leave after what he said, that would just prove what Frank said—that he was selling his reputation, not treasures.And having been appraised antiques all his life, he certainly could not take that insult!Growling hostilely, he demanded, "Your words will ruin the reputation of my establishment sir, and you expect to leave peacefully?""Really? And your reputation can't be ruined?"Frank sneered in contempt. "Worshiping counterfeits like it's the real deal, using your reputation for commodities and getting hostile if anyone says otherwise… Shame—your reputation just isn't worth anything to me, nor am I afraid of your aggression."Travis did a double take—even after all that, Frank was still accusing him of selling counterfeits?!Feeling a little petty just then, he slowly walked up to Frank and growled solemnly, "I sell real treasures, young man, not my reputation. So you don't have to worry about pointing out how my painting
Frank turned, then walked up to the painting and immediately spotted several flaws with a single glance."Heh. So, have you thought about your tricks this time, Frank?" Hugh sneered in contempt, hostile as he had been from the start for some reason.Frank completely ignored him and nodded confidently as he pointed at the signature at the corner. "Take a look at the signature," he said. "Even if made to look like it's old, it clearly does not match the age of the canvas. In fact, the painting was signed much later—which begs the question, what painting would be signed hundreds of years after its completion and long after the artist is dead? ""What?!"Everyone was immediately restless, especially Travis.He whipped out a magnifying glass and dropped to his knees as he scrutinized the painting.Then, as he was looking closely, Frank pointed at the brush strokes and added quietly, "I've seen my shares of oil paintings to identify each style. People of Rivaldi's era—let alone Rival