The Rise of the Ranch King

Chapter 15 15. Treasure appraisal

The first time I heard about the city of Seattle was from the classic romance movie "Sleepless in Seattle". The story is so romantic that it is far away from reality.

Lin Feng likes to watch this kind of love story, as well as the equally classic "The Love of Ghosts", especially at night when he completely relaxes alone, forgets about fatigue, and devotes himself to the love world of the male and female protagonists.

Seattle is much more prosperous than Helena, the capital of Montana, and is one of the first-tier cities in the United States.

After staying in the pastoral area for a long time, it feels like entering the city, and there are many Asian faces here. It is said that Chinese account for 3% of the city's population.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Paul Schneider took Lin Feng into the appraisal office of Zhenbao Auction House located in an ancient building complex.

The surrounding houses looked a bit old, like walking on the streets of medieval Europe, which reminded him of Jack the Ripper or Zorro with a mask.

On the road from Tacoma Airport to Sherwood Avenue, manager Paul drove a BMW X7, which he said was a company car.

And told him that this was a treatment that only top customers would enjoy. Ms. Laura asked for special attention before giving him the green light.

Lin Feng likes the luxury of this large SUV very much, or it can be said that there is nothing bad about a million-dollar car.

Entering the laboratory, it looks like an art museum.

There are several abstract paintings hanging on the corridor, so abstract that ordinary people have no idea what the author wants to express. One of them looks like a paint bucket was accidentally knocked over and spilled on the painting paper.

The people walking back and forth were wearing suits and ties that looked like international elites. Lin Feng was just wearing a simple shirt and jeans, which seemed a bit out of place.

"How does it feel?" Paul, who was walking in front, turned around and asked softly.

"I look like a coward, or a primitive person who accidentally wandered into the civilized world."

Lin Feng pointed to the pure white shirt he bought at "River Valley Town Clothing City" for fifteen dollars.

Paul responded with a smile, "No, the way others look at you depends on your social status and the amount of money in your pocket. No one will laugh at the cheap shirts Bill Gates wears, but will only praise his simplicity and frugality."

"So never look down on yourself at any time. When you are good enough, you will be the maker of industry rules."

Lin Feng found it very useful.

Walk along the corridor to the end, then turn right and take the elevator to the top floor. After twists and turns, Paul finally led him to the door of a room.

Lin Feng saw clearly the words on the door plate: Ernest White.

Only his name tag is golden, which shows his status in the laboratory.

Paul rang the doorbell and said: "Ernest is very knowledgeable about art. He is an industry expert hired by the general manager from Sotheby's with a high salary, so... you know some things."

He swallowed his words halfway, and before Lin Feng could ask further questions, the door had already opened.

The person who appeared in front of them was a middle-aged man, who looked in his fifties, energetic and well-dressed.

"Paul Schneider, long time no see my old friend, you have tanned a lot during this time."

After saying hello to Paul, Ernest turned sideways and looked at Lin Feng, "If I guessed correctly, this is the young rancher."

Lin Feng took the initiative to reach out his hand, "My name is Lin Feng."

Paul had other things to leave beforehand, and Lin Feng was invited into the room.

After sitting on the sofa, Ernest asked his assistant to bring him two cups of coffee.

"Kid, you know I'm very busy, so why don't you just get to the point?"

"What do you have, a golden apple?"

He smiled when he spoke, and his tone made Lin Feng feel like he was asking a kindergarten child how many candies he had in his hand.

Very caring, very kind, very annoying.

But Lin Feng still kept smiling and responded, "That's right, Mr. Ernest, I'm not sure if it's made of gold, so I want to ask you to help with an appraisal."

After saying that, he handed over the box containing the golden apples. Ernest took it without opening it, but put it aside as if it was really a bag of apples.

The guy raised his head and spread his hands and said, "I've seen the photo of your golden apple. In fact, you can go to a jewelry store. Most of them can recycle gold crafts. You don't need to waste time going to the appraisal office. The appraisal fee is not cheap.”

"Now it's about... let me think about it... 64 US dollars per gram. About 64 US dollars. Your golden apple is about 500 grams, right? It's quite heavy. I estimate it can be sold for... US dollars. If sold to a private collector, it's still It can be doubled again, provided that someone is willing to pay a high price for a gold handicraft."

"Frankly, if it weren't for the many calls from Paul Schneider, I wouldn't have met you at all. No malice, just too busy, this is a business, that's all."

"Sir, I think you can take a look at it first before drawing any conclusions." Lin Feng said calmly.

Ernest waved his hand and said, "I know what you are thinking. Let me sign your golden apple identification certificate so that you can sell it for twice as much money. Many people have approached me like this. Thank you for your recognition of me." , but I don’t want to do this kind of thing.”

Ernest looked at his watch, "I have an appointment with an important client in twenty minutes. He is going to sell a painting by Renoir and needs my help in running it. That is my job." "So..."

Ernest spread his hands again, this time without finishing his words, wanting Lin Feng to choose to leave on his own.

"Wait, at least you have to take a look first." Now that he is here, Lin Feng doesn't want to be driven away just like that.

The atmosphere was a little tense.

"No, no, no, I've seen too many people like you." Ernest stood up, "I don't know how you met Paul Schneider. Since he asked you to come to me, I'll send you there. A gift.”

Ernest took out a Parker pen from the drawer and handed it to Lin Feng.

At this time, the assistant came over, obviously preparing to drive people away.

Lin Feng was helpless, "Okay, then I'll give you a gift too."

As he spoke, Lin Feng opened the iron password box. There was also a hand-sewn cowhide storage box inside, which was very delicate.

Open it with the key, and the storage box is filled with sponge to prevent scratches.

The golden apple was wrapped in a silk scarf. Lin Feng carefully placed it on the table, and then handed the cowhide storage box to Ernest.

"This box is made of cowhide, a specialty of Riverdale Town. I hope you like it."

After saying that, Lin Feng deliberately pulled off the silk scarf, turned around and walked out with only the golden apple.

……

Three seconds later.

"and many more!"

"Lin...yes, I should call you Mr. Lin."

Ernest stopped him suddenly, and Lin Feng showed an inadvertent smile.

Because the moment the silk scarf fell from the golden apple, the smooth gold surface reflected the light from the top of the room, and most of the room was bathed in golden luster, like a luminous body.

It's very dreamy and seems to be brighter than hanging on a tree.

Lin Feng turned around and asked, pretending to be confused: "Is there anything else?"

Ernest and his assistant looked at each other, looking embarrassed.

"Maybe I'm not so busy and have time to look at your...golden apples."

Lin Feng thought to himself, you were so awesome just now!

According to other people's tempers, he should turn around and leave now, but this is not the result Lin Feng wants.

Auction it as soon as possible and then go back to develop the ranch with a sum of cash. This is the most important thing, not trying to be cool in front of a fifty-year-old man.

"I said you should take a look at it, sir." Lin Feng stepped forward and said calmly.

He liked the way the world-famous appraiser felt like a kid who had done something wrong.

Ernest put on his gloves again, squatted beside the table with a flashlight and a magnifying glass, and carefully observed the golden apples.

This process lasted for nearly five minutes before Ernest slowly stood up.

"God, I made a mistake. Can you give me back that pen, that's what I use for other people. Fake, two hundred in a pile."

Lin Feng took out the pen from his pocket.

Ernest continued: "I'm sorry for being rude just now. This golden apple is indeed different. We can't draw a conclusion yet. It needs to be taken to the testing room for further analysis."

Lin Feng was very satisfied with his attitude, "No problem, but you have to tell me its approximate value first."

Ernest thought for a few seconds and shook his head slightly. "It is very special. I have never seen such a smooth gold surface without any scratches. I can only tell you now that the person who created it is a top-notch gold surface." Master, the value of a work of art will be doubled due to the identity of the maker."

The simple truth is that the eggs painted by Leonardo da Vinci are priceless treasures. An ordinary egg drawn by ordinary people can only be crushed and thrown into the trash can.

Lin Feng's heart was filled with excitement, but he still pretended to be calm on the outside.

Although Ernest was very tight-lipped, something that could make him so restless must be extraordinary.

(End of this chapter)