72 A Dinner Appointment
Everyone discussed fervently, but the truth was probably only known by the person who did it hundreds of years ago. But Vivian knew all kinds of speculations would be passed down with the existence of this painting. This was also one of the historical charms of cultural relics.
People would die, but the stories of those objects would not.
Her name, Vivian, would also spread in the circle along with the rumors of this painting in the painting. She should also be considered to have become famous in one battle and successfully achieved the goal of being a familiar figure.
George took the initiative to walk up and said in admiration, “Ms. Vivian, it seems that your research on calligraphy and painting is much better than I thought.”
Vivian smiled humbly. “I’m just lucky. It’s just a coincidence.”
Grace heard Vivian’s words and chuckled. “I didn’t expect you to have a little self-awareness.”
Vivian turned to look at grace. “I know my limits, but it’s a pity some people don’t have tolerance.”
Grace’s inner thoughts had been exposed, and she was a little angry from embarrassment. “Do you know that if I say one word, you can forget about staying in this industry!”
George suppressed his displeasure and glanced at Grace. Although he acknowledged Grace’s ability to study calligraphy and painting, she was petty, jealous, and liked to oppress talented newcomers. He really couldn’t agree with her behavior.
“Ms. Grace, if this young lass has offended you, I hope you can be magnanimous for my sake.”
George’s words seemed to put his status lower than Grace’s, but in fact, George was more famous than her in the world of cultural relics, and his background was slightly stronger than hers.
The contrast in his attitude had already expressed George’s dissatisfaction with Grace, and at the same time, it also showed her that he had put himself and Vivian on the same side.
Grace naturally understood what George was trying to imply. She could also tell that George was trying to knock her down. Although she was dissatisfied, she didn’t dare to say anything more.
If she had been lucky at the stone gambling, George did not believe that it was the same reason for the painting this time. So he had the intention to make friends with Vivian.
Taking ten thousand steps back, if there was really someone who had picked up the leftovers twice in a row by luck, it could only be said that this was their unique ability.
Luck was sometimes a form of strength. George said to Vivian again, “Ms. Vivian, you’re too humble. I wonder if you’re free to have dinner together tonight?”
George was willing to extend an olive branch to those who were capable. Vivian smiled and said, “Of course I’m free. It’s an honor for us juniors to chat with a big shot in the industry like you.”
After the two of them set a time for dinner, they parted ways. Seeing this, Fred walked over to Vivian’s side and asked curiously, “I didn’t expect you to be so close to Mr. George.”
Naturally, Vivian would not expose the fact that she had only met him three times. She just smiled and said, “Maybe it’s just that Mr. George likes me. Thank you for your help.”
Fred and George did not have a deep personal relationship, but they were in the same circle, after all. The other party was also a famous figure and a guest of the stone gambling den. When he heard Vivian’s words, he agreed, “Mr. George has always been willing to guide new people. Your performance this time has also made everyone’s eyes light up.”
As soon as Fred finished, a middle-aged couple came up to Vivian and talked about Xu Hu’s painting.
Xu Hu had always been the most popular among the calligraphy and painting cultural relics. Now, the ‘Waterfall View by the River’ was Vivian’s best topic of conversation, and many calligraphy and painting lovers took the initiative to come to her.
Vivian suppressed the ecstasy in her heart. These people were precious connections and resources!
Fred was considered a collector in this circle, and he knew some people who had been in this circle for many years. With this middleman and his character of being a busybody, Vivian was like a fish in water.
After an hour, there was finally peace around them. After the incident earlier and Vivian’s frank and confident performance, although Fred no longer had any doubts about Vivian’s abilities, he still did not give up on the water bottle that Vivian had rejected. After all, Vivian herself could not tell what the problem was with the bottle.
However, Fred was too embarrassed to say in front of Vivian that he wanted to get someone to go back and take a look. That would make it seem like he was questioning her ability. Wouldn’t that be a slap in the face?
So, he found an excuse to separate from Vivian, and went to find an old friend who was quite knowledgeable about porcelain to help him look at the goods.