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

Upper East Side, Manhattan.

Jiang Zhe dragged his luggage and brought Wang Zhen to his duplex apartment.

As soon as he entered the main gate, Wang Zhen felt himself surrounded by warm and not dry air, as if he had stepped from winter into spring.

The face and hands are the first to feel this comfort.

She glanced at the temperature display at the entrance and saw that the indoor temperature was 23 degrees.

"Do you always keep this temperature at home?" Wang Zhen held onto the side cabinet and took off his coat.

"Yes, but the cost is a bit high." Jiang Zhe helped her put her luggage away.

Wang Zhen walked into the living room and looked up at the high ceiling.

The last time I left and returned home, this place was empty.

Now, it has a brand new look.

A full set of modern style furniture, home appliances, books and photos on a solid wood display shelf on one wall, and Jiang Zhe's oil paintings on the other wall. Green plants, various ornaments and decorations make the room modern and full of life.

Jiang Zhe said, "There are cooked rock sugar pears and snacks in the kitchen. Do you want to wash up or eat first?"

"Wash up first." Wang Zhen said.

"Go and see the room I prepared for you."

Jiang Zhe led Wang Zhen to the guest room, told her where the clothes and various supplies were, and then closed the door and left.

Wang Zhen looked around the spacious and comfortable room. The window faced the park, and there were all new items, which made the room feel very warm.

She washed off the dust from running around, changed into loose home clothes, walked back to the living room, and saw Jiang Zhe busy at the small bar.

Smelling the aroma of the food, Wang Zhen couldn't help it anymore, so he sat down at the bar and started tasting the food.

"You did it?"

"Correct."

“Living independently is really a training exercise. Your skills get better and better.”

Wang Zhen ate some dessert and felt his stomach was not so empty anymore. He put down his bowl and chopsticks and started chatting about business with Jiang Zhe.

"In the contemporary oil painting special session of Polaroid's autumn auction, your work was sold for 115 million yuan. It is a steady increase. However, there have been some comments about you recently that are worth noting." Wang Zhen said as he took out a watch, which is a souvenir that Polaroid Auction House often gives to Jiang Zhe. The back of the dial is engraved with "Polarioid 2005 Emerging Artist of the Year".

"Thank you." Jiang Zhe knew that it must not be that simple for Wang Zhen to come to New York.

Wang Zhen said: "Your friends hope to see you open up the international market, and some people want to copy your success. But some people always want to badmouth you, saying that your paintings are pure hype and will soon fail in the foreign market. However, Poly and Christie's do not want this to happen."

Jiang Zhe knew the situation he was facing through the system's prompts and made preparations.

"I've heard this before. They think Chinese painters can't handle Western art? I want to do it."

Wang Zhen said, "We have confidence in you. But we have to be on guard against some tricks. Christie's estimates the value of your work is $12 to $15, and invite all potential buyers as much as possible. Before I came, I talked to them on the phone and learned that there are people here who don't want to see you succeed. So, we have to make more preparations. We still have one day tomorrow to do something."

Two days later.

10am, Christie's auction room, New York.

Jiang Zhe drove and brought Wang Zhen to the auction.

After getting off the bus, he put on his hat and pulled up his cashmere scarf.

Wang Zhen, wearing a thick coat, came around from the other side.

The two walked towards the entrance side by side.

The glass curtain wall of the lobby reflects the street scene.

Buyers coming to the auction are entering the exhibition hall one after another.

People called their friends or walked aside to chat in a low voice with someone they knew.

"I'm going to see the preview of the Chinese Art Auction." Jiang Zhe said to Wang Zhen.

After entering the hall, he met several people he knew. After some consideration, he decided not to go to the auction hall to watch the process.

If someone found out that I was waiting for the results at the scene and the news got out, I don’t know what the impact would be.

Wang Zhen also agreed with Jiang Zhe's approach. "I will go meet a few friends at the auction company first. After the auction starts, I will go to the scene to wait for the results. I will text you when there is news."

The two of them split up.

Jiang Zhe walked into the preview exhibition hall.

There were not many visitors here today, so he could enjoy the view without being disturbed.

After walking a few steps, I stopped in front of a blue and white porcelain brush washer with lotus pattern. The introduction said that this was a Qing Dynasty imitation of Xuande.

He thought the porcelain was beautiful, but a bit expensive, so he just looked at it.

Jiang Zhe walked past several booths and noticed a pen holder.

Walk closer and lean over to observe.

Qing Qianlong red sandalwood pen holder with cloud dragon carving. Beautifully carved with a honey-colored luster. Still a bit expensive.

He came to view the artworks being auctioned, not only to appreciate them and kill time, but also with the intention of buying them if he came across the right item.

There are quite a few study treasures at this preview, which are the types that Jiang Zhe likes.

"This is an official leather suitcase made of huanghuali wood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the late Ming Dynasty." A salesperson came over when Jiang Zhe was observing an item.

Jiang Zhe knew this person.

Business manager Irene was wearing a suit and high heels, and the name tag on her clothes reflected the dim light.

"I can introduce you."

Jiang Zhe said: "You don't have to go to the auction site?"

Irene said, "Introducing you is the important thing."

Seeing that Irene was not being polite, Jiang Zhe nodded in agreement. This was a good idea. If he came across an item he liked and wanted to take a look at it, he could find Irene.

Irene's fingertips hovered over the label of the exhibit, "Supervised by the Ministry of Works in the 23rd year of the Wanli reign, the dating characteristics of the eight-treasure inlaid mother-of-pearl"

Her introduction to Chinese art was very professional, which made Jiang Zhe feel comfortable listening to it.

Soon, Jiang Zhe received a text message from Wang Zhen.

The special auction has begun.

Jiang Zhe glanced at his phone and was studying the decorative patterns on the Qianlong gilt bronze incense burner. This 20.5 cm high incense burner is very exquisite, but unfortunately, it has signs of repair after being damaged.

As the atmosphere at the auction became more and more heated, Jiang Zhe noticed two sets of ancient ink that were said to be made by Emperor Qianlong.

The outer lacquer box of the ancient ink is basically intact, and you can still see the patterns of the gold lacquer.

There were supposed to be four ink sticks in the box, but now there are only three.

The other group is pigment ink.

"Mr. Jiang, these two sets of ink were bought by a collector in the Qing Dynasty. Every transaction record is well preserved."

Jiang Zhe said, "Can I take out the ink and have a look?"

"of course can."

Irene took out the ink stick according to the procedure.

Jiang Zhe put on gloves, picked up the ink sticks one by one and examined them carefully.

The first ingot of ink is intact with a slight frost on it. The four characters "东流耀洁" are engraved on the side and filled with gold. The turning point of the blade exudes the unique atmosphere of the Qianlong period.

He then looked at a piece of pine soot ink. The ink had cracks and the glue was seriously debonded. However, the pine soot material of this ink was excellent. He observed it from multiple angles and could see the cold-toned ink after a century of aging, which was a characteristic of high-grade pine soot.

The third ingot of ink has the most beautiful shape.

The ink stick is shaped like a crouching tiger, black in color, and has a washed lacquer finish. On the side is the inscription "Made by Cheng Junfang".

"The most special thing is this lacquer smoke ink," Irene introduced. "It is said to be a special tribute, made from ancient pine trees from Huangshan and raw lacquer smoke, with South China Sea lacquer glue mixed into the glue. Of course, this may be a replica of Cheng Junfang's ink."

Seeing that the price was not expensive, Jiang Zhe had already thought of how to use the three ingots of ink. The second set of pigment inks also had good shapes and colors.

"These pigments and inks are very well preserved." Irene lifted the velvet cover.

There are orpiment, cinnabar, malachite, azurite, and gold mud. The surface is densely covered with ice cracked plum blossom patterns.

When Jiang Zhe saw the ink, he thought about the possibility of using it for creation and also thought about its role in restoring paintings.

In his eyes, these ink sticks were being decomposed into data - pine soot particle size, colloid activity, and mineral element ratio.

Wang Zhen sent a few text messages to Jiang Zhe, who was still standing in front of the display case.

"If you are interested, we can arrange a private transaction." Irene could see that Jiang Zhe liked it very much.

Because Jiang Zhe had bought some stationery here, he knew this method to avoid missing out on good things.

"Many collectors are more concerned with calligraphy and painting, and there are not many competitors for these ancient inks," Ellie continued.

At this time, Jiang Zhe looked at his mobile phone and learned that his work had already been auctioned.

Wang Zhen’s text message came with an exclamation mark: “18! Those two buyers are competing!”

At the same time, the auction venue was being ignited by "Autumn Pastoral".

Jiang Zhe's oil paintings were placed on the exhibition stand.

"This Chinese artist's original shading technique..." The auctioneer adjusted the atmosphere with words while paying attention to the bid.

A new buyer raised his bid for the first time: “20!”

The auctioneer immediately repeated his offer, and then several more buyers raised their placards.

On the other hand, Jiang Zhe has decided to buy two sets of ancient ink. These ink sticks are considered as stationery toys by others, but for him, they are tools and helpers for creation. With the funds, he never skimps on tools and consumables.

Irene contacted the seller immediately.

While Jiang Zhe was waiting for news.

"22! And still rising." Wang Zhen's latest text message brought good news.

Jiang Zhe breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the text message.

Soon, he faintly heard a noisy sound coming from the direction of the auction hall.

Deal made?
Wang Zhen looked at the price quote for "Autumn Pastoral" jumping on the big screen, and at this moment the only sound he could hear was his own heartbeat.

Another buyer raised his placard.

Still rising,

Auctioneer: "23..."

Now it has far exceeded the estimated price, Wang Zhen clenched his fist happily. It seems that the previous efforts have paid off.

At the scene, people watching the fun were talking about it.

People who are concerned about the price of Jiang Zhe's works have different reactions.

"Congratulations. The deal is done. $23.6." Jiang Zhe received this text message from Wang Zhen at noon.

At the same time, the sound of Irene's high heels hitting the floor was heard.

"Congratulations, Mr. Jiang."

……

The $23.6 transaction amount of Autumn Pastoral was still flowing on the electronic screen. The news had spread quickly through different channels.

Some are happy, some are worried.

Jiang Zhe decided on two sets of ancient ink.

Irene told him that the auction company and a few friends were planning to celebrate for him.

"Now?" Jiang Zhe asked.

"Yes, we often create miracles, so we will celebrate immediately." Irene said: "We will handle these procedures, you can celebrate without worry."

Jiang Zhe stepped into the scene of the impromptu celebration. People who had been waiting for him came over to congratulate him, and some people walked into the reception room one after another...

“Jiang! This work has broken the auction record for your work,” the vice president handed over the champagne glass.

"Thank you." Jiang Zhe raised his glass, clinked glasses with his friends and partners, and drank the champagne in one gulp.

The business manager put down the data he had just collected and said, "There were many bids for Autumn Pastoral. Among the telephone bidders, 37% were from newly registered accounts. This was an unexpected surprise."

The auction house did not anticipate the active participation of these new buyers and speculated on the possible publicity effect.

Jiang Zhe understood that this was the function of the system.

I spent the rewards myself. I also chose to withdraw part of the funds through the auction channel. Therefore, success is foreseeable.

“Guess how many times the money the buyers who invested in you early on made?” A collector squeezed into the crowd, shaking his wine glass, the tip of his leather shoes still stained with gold foil spilled from the auction hall.

Wang Zhen gently grabbed the cuff of Jiang Zhe's cashmere suit.

She told Jiang Zhe, the business manager of Baoli Auction House, to call him to congratulate him...

At this moment, several buyers who participated in the auction were complaining.

“Didn’t you say you contacted Carter from Art Review?” The bald man glared at the art critic. “Why didn’t that article work?”

The art critic said: "It has worked. Many buyers did not participate in the auction because of hesitation. I found that some new buyers joined the competition. Maybe..."

No, it may have become reverse publicity. "A dealer sneered and showed his phone: "Many people who didn't pay attention to Jiang Zhe before have also started to ask about him."

Several people complained to each other and were unwilling to continue here.

Jiang Zhe was surrounded by data at the center of the party. After everyone celebrated, they began to analyze the reasons, and someone suggested that Jiang Zhe prepare a personal exhibition.

Wang Zhen saw Jiang Zhe surrounded by people and realized that he had truly established himself here. "It seems that some people want to rediscover the oriental artists."

At this time, the vice president of the auction company pulled Jiang Zhe aside, covered his ears, and pointed out the window.

Jiang Zhe followed the instructions and saw several people leaving in a hurry.

Christie's auction house can find out who is trying to suppress the price of Jiang Zhe's works.

Of course, when these people come to the auction, the auction company cannot ask them to leave.

No matter what everyone does in private, they are still smiling when they meet.

However, the auction company would not miss the opportunity to show its goodwill to Jiang Zhe and demonstrate its strength.

Jiang Zhe looked at those people. He had only met one of them once. He didn't know the others.

Do these people want to suppress themselves?

Then be prepared to be counterattacked.

Suddenly, one of them lost his balance and slipped, nearly falling. He was supported by the person next to him, but his hat fell off, revealing his bald head.

Very embarrassing.

Jiang Zhe smiled happily.

"Next, it's time to prepare new work." Jiang Zhe put the champagne glass on the table.

This time, he used his brush to depict the life of Americans and defeated many contemporary American painters at an auction in New York.

Irene came to the celebration venue and told Jiang Zhe that the procedures for purchasing ancient ink were ready.

Jiang Zhe paid the money readily and received two sets of ancient ink.

After agreeing on the time for the official celebration, he and Wang Zhen said goodbye to everyone at the auction company.

On the way to the parking lot, he continued to meet people who congratulated him.

(End of this chapter)