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Viola nodded, a playful smile gracing his lips. “Dad, when someone asks about the painting, just say that you bought
it from someone whose appearance you can’t quite recall. As for the story of how you acquired it, let your
imagination run wild! You can brag and embellish as much as you want, as long as it doesn’t stray too far from the
main idea.”
Jacob looked surprised and suggested, “Good son-in-law, couldn’t I simply say that it was a gift from a friend or part
of my personal collection? Wouldn’t that save face?”
Viola’s expression turned serious. “Dad, other people may not know about this painting, but my client does. If they
discover that you’ve used someone else’s painting to boast, they might hold me responsible. Follow my advice
instead. If people find out that we are protecting their privacy and not trying to show off, they’ll feel more at ease.”
Jacob sighed with a hint of resentment. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtA slight smile played on Viola’s lips as he placed his hand on Jacob’s arm. He spoke earnestly, “Dad, from now on,
remember that you bought this painting near the gate of Thompson First. Someone whose face you can’t recall
stopped you and insisted on selling it to you for a mere hundred dollars.”
As he spoke, a trace of reiki subtly entered Jacob’s mind, planting a psychological suggestion that would only be
triggered when asked about the painting’s origin.
Subconsciously, Jacob nodded. In that moment, a seed had been firmly planted within him.
Viola smiled and inquired, “Dad, where did you come across this painting?”
Jacob exclaimed joyfully, “I found it! Let me tell you, my son-in-law, if it weren’t for my discerning eye, this painting
would still be hidden behind a fake! On Antique Street, someone tried to fool me with a counterfeit celebrity
calligraphy and painting. But my eye is keen, and I couldn’t be deceived by such a
scam. I noticed something off about the painting—it was thicker than usual! I suspected there was something
hidden within, so I pretended to fall for the trick and bought the fake painting for 5,000 dollars. When I returned
home, I tore it open and, behold, this Tang Dynasty masterpiece was revealed!”
Viola couldn’t help but be speechless. It seemed that Jacob, as an old man, possessed an inherent talent for
bragging.
However, what Viola wanted was for Jacob to naturally perform the role he had assigned to him.
He believed that Morgana wouldn’t dare to investigate the background of this painting. Nevertheless, he couldn’t
rule out the possibility that Jacob, being the father-in-law, might inadvertently blurt out nonsense, leading to rumors
that would reach Morgana’s ears. So, he had given Jacob this particular psychological hint to exercise caution.
Seeing that his father-in-law had fully embraced the act, Viola nodded with satisfaction. It appeared that not only
had Jacob remembered the psychological suggestions, but he also remembered the instruction to freely brag.
He knew that at this moment, deep in Jacob’s heart, he firmly believed that he had stumbled upon this painting
himself. However, to avoid giving the impression that it was purely luck, he had to concoct a legendary story to
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
enhance its intrigue and elevate his image.
Curiosity piqued, Viola probed, “Dad, don’t you think it’s a bit too much to brag to our family like this? Tell me
honestly, how did you really come across this painting?”
Jacob smiled, fully aware of the game they were playing. “My good son-in-law, you know me too well. Yes, I can
admit that I’m bragging.”
With a mischievous grin, Jacob continued, “But let me tell you the truth. I did purchase this painting, but it’s not as
mysterious as I just made it sound. Yesterday, as I was leaving, a man approached me near the entrance of
Thompson First and insisted on selling me this painting for a mere hundred dollars. I thought it looked good, and
even if it was a modern piece, it was worth more than a hundred dollars. So, I decided to make the deal!”
Viola nodded approvingly, a smile playing on his lips. “That’s the spirit, Dad! Now, hurry up and secure a place at
the Painting and Calligraphy Association. Otherwise, being the executive vice president, you might find it hard to
keep your position!”
Jacob’s eyes gleamed with newfound determination as he prepared to embrace his role in the exhibition.
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