Chapter 3734
Chapter 3734
Kathleen heard Jacob's empty praises, and firmly believed that the man was faking it.
Even so, she went along with him. "Mr. Wilson, you're absolutely right. This is indeed a marvelous work. Although incomparable with the likes of the top calligraphers such as Xephr Walker, it's still one of the best artworks connected to Aurous Hill."
At the same time, Jacob approached Mr. Bay and casually asked, "President, how much are these worth?"
Mr. Bay answered sternly, "Finnegan Jonas's works aren't as high-valued as compared to the world's top calligraphers. However, the auction price of excellent works had gone up to at least one million dollars and above recently. Besides, as you're already aware, anything that's in a complete set carries a higher value in the collector's eyes. If the works are sold in a complete series, the price will become more expensive! If anyone were to put the Octad series for auction, it can be sold for at least tens of millions of dollars!"
Jacob was stunned. He glanced at Kathleen and thought to himself, 'This girl must be from a very rich family! Why else would she donate such expensive works worth tens of millions of dollars?!'
Mr. Bay spread opened the eight scrolls one by one
and read them. The more he looked at them, the more delighted he became. He had to ask Kathleen to reconfirm her intentions. "Ms. Jane, are you really sure about donating these works to the Aurous Hill's Calligraphy and Painting Association?"
Kathleen replied without hesitation, "Of course! If you're alright with it, Mr. Bay, I can sign the donation form anytime and confirm the donation in writing."
Mr. Bay was elated. "Oh, dear! Ms. Jane, that's so kind of you! The return of the Aurous Hill Octad will be a sensational event to the painting and calligraphy circle here. I would like to represent the Aurous Hill Calligraphy and Painting Association, calligraphers, calligraphy, and painting lovers, and thank you for your generous donation!"
Kathleen said with a smile, "Mr. Bay, don't worry about it. I'm just donating the Octad on behalf of my grandfather."
Mr. Bay asked, "Ms. Jane, may I know your grandfather's name? I'll promote his name to Aurous Hill's calligraphy and painting circle and let everyone remember his great contribution to Aurous Hill's culture!"
However, Kathleen replied sternly, "Mr. Bay, my grandfather is a low-profile man. He does not wish to reveal his identity. He's just very keen on promoting the cultural history in Aurous Hill."
"My grandfather has also given me the instruction to hold a local art exhibition in Aurous Hill. Thus, I'd like to request your help to hold the event. As for the event funds, our family will sponsor all costs. Once the exhibition starts, my grandfather will come to Aurous City to
participate. By then, he will have the opportunity to speak with you two face-to-face."
Mr. Bay nodded and said earnestly, "Well then, I'll wait and meet your grandfather when the exhibition starts."
After that, Mr. Bay asked tentatively, "Ms. Jane, what's your family's budget for the local art exhibition?"
Kathleen said casually, "Let's set it at fifty million dollars for now. If it's insufficient, we'll increase the amount later."
The amount, however, had already left Mr. Bay dizzy.
The Calligraphy and Painting
Association mostly depended on the
public funds given by the
government. However, the annual
appropriation was at most a few million dollars, or close to ten million
dollars. Whenever the funds became insufficient, Mr. Bay wouldBelonging to NôvelDrama.Org.
encourage everyone to generate extra income to ensure the association's continuing smooth
operation.
The members of the association were used to living with a tight budget. Mr. Bay could barely believe his ears upon hearing that he could have a budget of fifty million dollars for a mere local art exhibition.
Jacob was now very excited. "Mr. Bay! With that amount, we'll be able to hold a grand exhibition! Let's hold the even with the right degree of pomp and show it to the other art societies in Aurous Hill, including those from Senior University!"
Kathleen could sense that the timing was right and offered, "Dear sirs, how about I invite the two of you to dinner tonight? Let's discuss the art exhibition while we eat."
Mr. Bay accepted the invitation with great delight.
Jacob had been a little frustrated to see Yolden Hart taking all the limelight at the exchange meeting earlier. Knowing that he had a chance to do something big, he happily accepted Kathleen's invitation without hesitation.
Unfortunately, these two supposedly old wise men did not realize that the young lady came with ulterior motives!