Reborn as a great painter, with a system, you can be willful

The morning fog in Manhattan has not yet dissipated.

Jiang Zhe stood in front of the window of the hotel room, looking at the scenery outside.

The buildings have a hazy sheen in the morning light, resembling an impressionist oil painting.

Just now, Wang Zhen came over to ask him to have breakfast. I heard that he was planning to book the most expensive house among the ones he saw yesterday.

After making sure Jiang Zhe was not joking, she was very surprised: "Have you thought it through? 210 million US dollars!" She didn't care about eating, and found a copy of the Wall Street Journal. The front-page headline was the news that the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates continuously, "The interest rate on international student loans is going to reach 7%!"

Jiang Zhe was not worried because he had the system's reward to back him up. He explained that he would use the money from selling paintings to pay it back slowly.

Wang Zhen left the room and went to make a phone call. "Don't call the agent until I come back."

Soon, she returned to Jiang Zhe's room. "The down payment needs to be 50% - this is the minimum threshold for non-American buyers to avoid loan risks."

"You also need a lawyer to check for hidden debts and avoid risks. I just consulted a friend.

Last year, a client bought an old house, and the demolition cost alone consumed all his working capital.

Jiang Zhe called Miller and asked him to recommend a lawyer.

Wang Zhen saw that Jiang Zhe had already made up his mind and knew that he could not change it, so he could only persuade him to eat breakfast first and then help him consider more details.

After they had breakfast, Jiang Zhe first contacted a lawyer through Miller, and then called the real estate agent. "Mr. Jiang, have you made a decision? Or do you want to look at other options?" The voice of the real estate agent Lucy came through the phone, and the background sound was the unique roar of cars on the streets of Manhattan.

Jiang Zhe stated his choice and asked how to proceed.

"Mr. Jiang, are you sure you want to sign the contract? Three groups of clients have made appointments to view the duplex apartment this morning." Lucy's tone on the other end of the phone quickly returned to normal, and the rustling sound of flipping papers could be heard faintly.

She confirmed Jiang Zhe's choice and began to explain the process: "After the down payment is received, you need a lawyer to review the property documents, and the bank will also need to do a house appraisal before lending..."

Jiang Zhe wrote down the process and arranged a meeting time with the agent.

He and Wang Zhen first met the lawyer who helped him handle the matter.

Lawyer David is a bald old man with gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, which sparkles. He has been serving Miller for a long time. After hearing about Jiang Zhe's situation, he is also willing to add a high-quality client.

Jiang Zhe heard about the lawyer's fees, and although he felt bad, he had to adapt to the local customs. Without a good lawyer to help him, he couldn't get anything done. So, there was nothing he could do about the high fees.

The two parties met at the law firm.

The contract Lucy brought was thick. The edge of the parchment was branded with the law firm's gold-painted emblem. The paper contract Lucy brought was as thin as a cicada's wing.

The lawyer reviewed it line by line. "The seller is responsible for the property taxes within three months before the closing... Hmm, who added this handwritten line?"

"I." Lucy pulled out a signed confirmation letter from the owner from her briefcase. "We had the discussion at the Starbucks under the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday. He had just finished playing golf and didn't even have time to put his clubs back in the trunk." This was the on-the-spot negotiation she was most proud of—using the promise of early delivery in exchange for the other party giving up on collecting this quarter's property taxes.

The lawyer pointed to a paragraph of text: "The property fee includes 24-hour doorman service, but the note says that freight elevators are prohibited during the renovation period?" He turned his head and stared at Lucy, "There are some elevators in the Upper East Side. After the furniture is shipped, you have to pay at least $3,000 in overtime."

"We have a backup option." Lucy had already prepared it and even gave a red envelope to the building manager in advance.

"The listing price is 240 million. But the owner is eager to cash out his investment. And this is the introduction of Mr. Miller and Ms. Susanna. Hedge fund. So, the house price is fixed at 210 million."

Finally, after review by lawyers, an agreement was reached.

Both parties came to the bank to handle the loan business.

The loan manager was a typical white elite, with a platinum eagle emblem on his cufflinks shining coldly. "Your visa is only valid for three years." He tapped Jiang Zhe's I form, "unless you provide a five-year repayment guarantee."

The air froze for five seconds.

Lucy suddenly pulled out the prepared materials from her handbag.

"Mr. Jiang has a cooperative relationship with Christie's auction house." She pushed the recommendation letters from Miller and Christie's auction house across the table.

The information also includes the auction records and total transaction amounts of Jiang Zhe's works at Christie's, as well as account statements.

Of course, the more critical thing is the guarantor. With the introduction of Miller and Christie's Auction Company, some of the original restrictions are no longer a problem. Even if Jiang Zhe feels that the down payment is too much, it can be negotiated.

Therefore, the United States places more emphasis on personal relationships.

The bank's fax machine spits out the loan approval letter. The credit manager enthusiastically tells Jiang Zhe what to do next.

The following process went very smoothly. In an instant, more than half of Jiang Zhe's money in his US account was gone.

The wax seal was finally pressed on the title document.

Lucy prepared Dom Perignon champagne and celebrated with Jiang Zhe and others.

Wang Zhen knew that he would need to spend money in the future and was a little worried about Jiang Zhe's current funds, so he hinted that he could lend him some money first.

Jiang Zhe was full of confidence and politely declined Wang Zhen's kindness.

The agent helped Jiang Zhe contact the cleaning company with the best reputation. The foreman was a sturdy man with a steam mite removal machine operator's license pinned on his overalls.

"Basic cleaning...full care...overhaul...and modification costs..." He listed the detailed data and quotation.

Wang Zhen couldn't help but tease when he heard the price quote. "These treatments are almost as good as art protection."

What she didn't know was that many of the daily necessities and tools that Jiang Zhe left in this mansion were sold at high prices at an auction long time later.

On that day, Jiang Zhe and Wang Zhen hosted a banquet for Lucy and the lawyer.

At night, Jiang Zhe returned to the hotel room and couldn't wait to turn on the system.

There are new tips for system rewards.

The purchase of real estate and related expenses will be withdrawn in several channels.

Seeing that the costs of maintenance and modification were also included, Jiang Zhe was completely relieved.

He thought that with a new home, he would need some daily necessities. He also needed to buy painting supplies and study materials, and wondered if the money could be counted as part of the reward.

Unfortunately, the system did not give an explanation.

The money rewarded by the system needs to be deposited into your account over a period of time. Therefore, you need to control the pace of spending money.

As the heat wave swept through Manhattan, Jiang Zhe came to the newly purchased duplex mansion. Of course, it was still a bit empty and needed to be cleaned and renovated.

However, having my own house gives me a place to stay and makes me feel more at ease.

Wang Zhen leaned against the door, fanning himself with a newspaper, and teased Jiang Zhe: "Your empty room doesn't even have a refrigerator or a bed. You're not going to sleep here tonight, are you?"

Jiang Zhe said: "After the cleaning and modification are completed, I will buy daily necessities and then move in."

Today, he has received his first reward according to the system. Although it is only $2, it is enough to cope with the current expenses.

"I don't have time to accompany you with the decoration. You settle down, I'm going back." Wang Zhen said.

Jiang Zhe said: "Thank you for coming to help me. I have nothing to do these two days, so I will go shopping with you."

Next, the two of them walked through the specialty stores and some duty-free shops on Fifth Avenue. At the perfume counter of the Duty Free store, Jiang Zhe picked up a Jo Malone gift box. "One for my mom with the scent of orange blossom," he paid without even looking at the price, "and another for you. It's the scent you like."

Wang Zhen was at the tobacco counter, picking out a box of Davidoff cigars for him: "Bring them with you next time you see Miller, I think he likes them. Also, you can observe other people's habits and prepare a few more at home. It's worth the three-hour auction preview."

Jiang Zhe chose an enamel dragonfly brooch for his mother, a belt for his father, and scarves or other gifts for several female friends.

While shopping, he stumbled upon a carved sandalwood box in an antique shop. Inside the box was a 1930s silver cigar cutter with a faint engraving on the handle.

Based on his own skills and experience, as well as the help of the system, Jiang Zhe knew that this item was undervalued, so he bought it decisively.

Before Wang Zhen returned to China, Jiang Zhe treated her to steak.

Wang Zhen was a little worried about Jiang Zhe and reminded him of many things to pay attention to in life.

It’s 3 p.m. and the air in Terminal at JFK Airport smells like a mixture of jet fuel and Starbucks lattes.

Wang Zhen was pushing the suitcase, and before going through security check, he was still telling Jiang Zhe:

“I’m not in New York, and you learn to maintain relationships with your clients.

If Susanna invites you to afternoon tea, remember to choose the Central Park Boathouse Restaurant. "She lowered her voice," she said, "She is the heiress of an industrial group and is a client that many galleries are actively trying to get to know. "

Jiang Zhe admires Wang Zhen's communication skills.

When I came to New York and met Susanna, I found out a lot of things and even considered how to maintain the relationship in the future.

Wang Zhen was worried that Jiang Zhe had neglected communication with clients because of his studies and creation, so he gave him a notebook yesterday. It detailed the details of his network and communication:

Among them, there are the preferences of several important figures in Christie's, the habits of Miller and his assistants, the hobbies of Susanna and her assistants, and what brand of gifts should be given on what holidays...

Although Jiang Zhe didn't like excessive socializing, he could only remember Wang Zhen's instructions and reminders silently and express his gratitude.

When the boarding announcement sounded, Jiang Zhe gave Wang Zhen a hug.

Wang Zhen was originally worried that Jiang Zhe would become distant from him during his studies. This worry had always weighed on her mind. However, when she saw how attentive Jiang Zhe was to his family and friends, she told herself that Jiang Zhe was not that kind of person.

At this moment, looking into Jiang Zhe's eyes, all the previous worries disappeared.

As the Boeing 747 taxied toward the runway, Jiang Zhe stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and watched his friend leave.

At this time, he really felt lonely.

The sunset dyed the Hudson River a champagne color, and the torch held by the Statue of Liberty in the distance looked like an unlit cigar.

On his way back to the hotel, his cell phone vibrated. It was a text message from Wang Zhen.

Jiang Zhe looked at the text message and a smile reappeared on his face.

In the next few days, in order to adapt to life in New York as quickly as possible, Jiang Zhe participated in several art circle activities and Miller's parties. He spent the rest of his time running between school and his new home.

The cleaning and alterations to the house went very smoothly.

After receiving the second bonus, he started buying things for his new house.

Jiang Zhe's fingers stroked a quilt of cotton products. The "600 weft" on the label shone with pearlescent light under the chandelier.

"Limited edition from Williams Sonoma," the salesperson wearing white gloves said.

Jiang Zhe glanced at the price tag—$800.

It's expensive. But it feels good, so I bought it.

Sign the delivery note and continue shopping.

Three hours later, four workers moved the walnut four-poster bed, glass chandelier and many daily necessities into the mansion.

Because the system also included these expenses in the reward, he did not hesitate to buy a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a constant temperature wine cabinet, as well as some red wine and champagne recommended by Miller.

After checking the cupboard, Jiang Zhe opened the checkbook.

In New York in 2005, cash transactions still accounted for half of high-end consumption.

Because he spent a large amount of money, the manager gave him a box of Godiva chocolates as a gift.

After the moving company's truck left.

Jiang Zhe sat alone on the newly unpacked sofa, looking out the window.

The shadows of the trees in Central Park sway in the twilight.

The sunlight shines through the glass, dyeing the interior golden.

It's beautiful, but a little too quiet.

When he calmed down, he thought about his parents and the pets left at home.

In order to avoid falling into a negative mood, he plans to find something to do as soon as possible and add more life to his new home.

Jiang Zhe came to an art supply store in Chelsea.

The store recommended to him by Christie's business manager was founded in 1933. It is very large and has a complete range of products.

The scent of linseed oil and turpentine floated between the wooden shelves.

He took a quick glance and walked towards the painting supplies area first.

His eyes swept over the rows of paint tubes, bottles of paint powder, and various media. He quickly found several commonly used paint brands, selected a batch of paint, and put it in the shopping cart.

Because Jiang Zhe had a lot of painting supplies to choose from, the store manager served him personally.

"Linen canvases are produced in Europe and locally," the bearded shop owner brought out several types of goods and patiently let Jiang Zhe choose.

"French and Belgian hog-bristle brushes, English watercolor brushes, and the No. 12 fan brush you asked for, as well as the round-point brush."

Jiang Zhe's shopping cart was quickly filled:
-
Lefranc turpentine oil - Old Holland brand titanium white pigment - Italian color powder, palette knife, palette, adjustable easel...

When he paid, the girl at the cashier looked at him twice.

This money is enough for her living expenses for several months.

Because Jiang Zhe bought a lot of items, the store owner agreed to deliver the goods.

After he got Jiang Zhe's business card, his attitude became even more enthusiastic.

Because he comes into contact with artists every day, he pays close attention to news in the art circle.

The boss contacted his friend by phone, confirmed Jiang Zhe's identity, and delivered the goods personally.

He told Jiang Zhe that if he needed any painting supplies in the future, he only had to call him and he would guarantee that he could get them.

The new house is finally ready.

Jiang Zhe moved from the hotel to his new home and made himself a meal.

In order to reassure his parents, he made a video call with them during dinner.

When Jiang Yi and his wife saw their son’s new home, they were happier than if they had bought their own house.

After the call ended, Jiang Zhe poured himself a glass of champagne, dimmed the lights in the room, sat in front of the window, looked at the night view, and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere.

In the city, laser beams were everywhere, piercing the night sky, adding a bright color to the night. (End of this chapter)