Chapter 4 Counterfeit Products

Seven days ago, Flynn was bored and decided to paint. He painted seven or eight pieces but couldn't find the right inspiration, so he threw them all in the trash bin, including this painting of a cold pine tree in a secluded valley.

It must have been picked up by one of the prison guards cleaning his room who thought it was too good to throw away and decided to sell it outside.

Thinking about this made Flynn chuckle.

"Hey! Flynn is here! You look more and more like your mother!" Matteo patted Flynn on the shoulder with a grin.

On the side, there came a cold snort from a young girl with an expression of disgust and disdain on her face. She wore an exquisitely tailored casual outfit that revealed her beautiful collarbone through its round neckline. The gray mini skirt paired with silk stockings perfectly accentuated her long legs.

Underneath her hair tied high up was a tender face. The young girl was Matteo's daughter Madeline who looked at Flynn's mediocre face, ordinary temperament, and sloppy appearance with disbelief.

She couldn't imagine marrying someone like him. What kind of miserable life would she have for the rest of her years? But what could she do? Her father was head of their family. His word had always been final - no one could change that fact.

Matteo's wife, Paulina Johnston, also looked displeased but only dared to curse silently in her heart, "What use is he? He's just a poor guy! He's already 28 and has achieved nothing. He's still a former convict!"

Her daughter was so outstanding that she became the CEO of a company right after graduating from college. Her man should at least be someone like Alan Davies!

"Let me introduce you," Matteo pointed to a man with a square face next to him and smiled, "This is Cameron Simpson, the manager of Summit Construction. Just call him Mr. Simpson!"

Flynn politely greeted him.

Cameron nodded lightly and his gaze fell on the painting again.

"A few strokes depict clouds like brocade, ink dots portray inner feelings. This painting vividly expresses Timothy Master's proud spirit!" he said.

"Look at this lone pine tree standing halfway up the mountain despite being splashed by waterfall spray and blown by mountain winds," he continued.

"You can see from these brushstrokes that Timothy Master has an indomitable spirit in adversity!"

Cameron pointed to the pool below the waterfall and said, "Do you see that fish? Other fish are struggling towards Dragon Gate under the waterfall."

"What is this fish doing?"

"Lounging on the shore, carefree."

"Miss Kaur, what do you think this says about Master Timothy's state of mind?"

Cameron's question stumped Madeline for a moment. After thinking it over, she replied,

"I think Master Timothy is expressing a desire to live a peaceful life away from competition and strife through this fish."

"I don't agree," said Cameron, shaking his head.

"The dragon lurks in the depths, waiting for its chance to strike!"

"This fish may seem carefree on the surface, but if you look at the direction of its tail fin movement, it's actually gathering strength for a leap towards the Dragon Gate!"

"That's still an act of competition!"

Madeline chuckled awkwardly and gave Cameron a thumbs up.

"Mr. Simpson truly is Master Timothy's biggest fan. You analyzed that perfectly! I can't compare."

Flynn was momentarily stunned.

That pine tree was just something he had drawn with ink on paper out of necessity.

And that fish was just an accidental smear of tomato sauce that he covered up with some red ink strokes.

There wasn't all this deep meaning behind them!

Due to these two mistakes, Flynn was very dissatisfied with the painting and threw it into the trash can.

They actually scrutinized these two mistakes and talked about them with authority!

And, most importantly, the painting in front of him was a copy!

Flynn shook his head and a wry smile crossed his lips.

"What do you mean?" Madeline frowned, a hint of displeasure crossing her face.

A newly released ex-convict should not be standing there shaking his head and grinning at a famous painting. It was embarrassing!

"This painting doesn't have much collector's value, and it's just a replica." Seeing how delighted Cameron was, Flynn didn't want to deceive him and shared his thoughts.

"Nonsense!" Paulina finally got her chance and was furious. "Do you understand art? Do you know who Master Timothy is?"

"This painting was bought by Madeline for over 300,000 dollars. How could it be fake?"

"Nonsense, and you dare to blabber here! Get back to the living room!"

Matteo frowned and, with an awkward smile, said, "Mr. Simpson, Flynn doesn't quite understand etiquette. Please don't be angry."

After speaking, he gestured to Flynn and said, "Flynn, why don't you go to the living room and have some tea? Later on, you can accompany Mr. Simpson for a few drinks."

Flynn replied calmly, "This is clearly a replica. Madeline must have spent quite a bit of money on it. She should return it!"

He knew that Madeline had bought the painting to curry favor with Cameron.

If he didn't point out that it was fake and Cameron took it back only for someone knowledgeable in art to recognize its falseness later on, his reputation would be damaged and he would surely become enraged.

Cameron frowned at Flynn's words.

"Flynn, are you done yet?" Madeline glared at him angrily and said,

"When I bought this painting I had an expert verify its authenticity - someone who works at the Niarak Museum of Art Research Department! Do you think you're better than him?"

"Don't think just because you've seen a few pieces by Timothy that you can show off everywhere!"

In response to Madeline's scolding tone, Flynn's face darkened as he pointed at the seal, "This seal is almost identical to the original artist's seal which indicates that whoever made this replica has great skill."

"But if we look closely, we'll see there isn't any trace of gold or stone in this seal, which means it's probably just a photographic copy."

Cameron looked surprised as he quickly pulled out his magnifying glass and examined the painting more closely while Flynn continued speaking, "In Timothy's early paintings, there was an oppressive quality with ink heavy enough to make one feel melancholic but also full of changes."

"In his later works, however, there was an unrestrained boldness where ink flowed freely without constraint, creating powerful emotional tension."

"The style of the painting contrasts between the earlier and later periods, with one being restrained and the other being bold. The signature on the painting is from this year, so it should be executed with a free and uninhibited use of ink."

"However, upon closer inspection, there are areas where the ink usage is not up to par and the lines are too soft for Timothy's later style."

Cameron's expression suddenly changed as he threw his magnifying glass heavily onto the painting. He spoke in a cold voice, "The young man is right! The seal is a photocopy, and some of the lines are incorrect!"

"It's indeed an imitation!"

The entire Kaur family was stunned on site. Madeline was even more frustrated. She bought this painting to impress Cameron for their project but now not only did she lose her chance at that project but also angered Cameron.

"Hey! Mr. Simpson, distinguishing between real and fake art can be difficult sometimes even for experts like us."

"Don't get angry. Let me prepare some food and drinks for us." Matteo intervened by pulling him towards another room.

Paulina followed suit quickly with her best smile while Matteo took advantage of this opportunity to tell Flynn, "You two go to City Hall now to get your marriage certificate."

"I'll take care of things here. When you come back, dinner will be ready. We can all have a good drink with Mr. Simpson!"

"Mr.Kaur, aren't you rushing things?" Flynn rubbed his nose awkwardly before speaking up.

"Ten years ago, I had already discussed with your mother. What's the rush? Hurry up and go!" Matteo pushed Flynn and Madeline out the door.

Madeline looked unhappy but still went to the City Hall with Flynn to get their marriage certificate.

...

"Married?" Flynn was a bit dazed as he looked at the marriage certificate in his hand.

In the photo, Madeline's face was frosty, almost dragging on the ground.

"You're just a criminal with a record who can't find a job, while I am the CEO of the Kaur Group!"

"You need to understand that we are not from the same world."

"Even though we are married, I will not share a bed with you. We'll divorce once my father gives his approval!"

On their way back to the Kaur family's residence, Madeline stepped hard on the gas pedal all along and vented her frustration.

They arrived at the residence where Cameron was leaving while holding a scroll and laughing heartily.

"It's authentic! I've carefully confirmed it. This 'Scenery in Mist and Rain' is an original work by Master Timothy!"

"Mr. Kaur, I won't be eating here tonight! Have 10 million ready for me to sign tomorrow! Haha..."

Flynn glanced into the room where there was another man in addition to them.

He had slicked-back hair and wore an expensive suit that was spotless; his face full of smiles.

"This person is none other than Madeline's pursuer, Alan Davies.

"Fantastic!" Matteo tightly grasped Alan's hand, his face full of gratitude. "Mr. Davies, you truly came through for us! If you hadn't brought the painting over, we would have been in trouble."

"You don't need to worry about it," Alan replied with a faint smile. "Madeline is my friend."

"Her problems are my problems too," Alan insisted.

Flynn furrowed his brow and looked towards the entrance hall - his own painting 'Scenery in Mist and Rain' was missing!"