Chapter 5 Sneak Attack

• After Jaziel had left, Vivian suddenly remembered Caleb and rushed onto the ring. Supporting him with concern, she asked, “Are you okay, Caleb?”
• Caleb rubbed his swollen cheek and shook his head, complaining, “I'm fine, but your cousin is pretty cunning. He caught me off guard with that sneak attack. I was worried about hurting him and held back since he's not an expert in fighting.”
• Vivian nodded sympathetically. “I understand. It was all his fault. I apologize for his behavior on his behalf.”
• As Vivian drew closer, the scent of her perfume overwhelmed Caleb's senses, sparking an intense desire within him.
• “Vivian, why don't we go to a bar? There's a new one I know about with stylish decor and a well-known singer performing tonight.”
• “Um...” Vivian hesitated, fully aware of the implication behind Caleb's gaze. As an adult, she knew that going to a bar, especially under the influence of alcohol, could lead to complications. While she was fond of Caleb, she wasn't ready to commit herself just yet. She needed more time to observe and consider her feelings before taking any further steps.
• “Vivian, are you afraid? Do you not trust my character?” Caleb pressed. “I'll be upset if you refuse. Besides, your cousin hit me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have let him off so easily. Can't you at least make it up to me?”
• Sophie, standing beside her, chimed in, “Come on, Vivian, let's all go have some fun together.”
• Reluctantly, Vivian nodded. “Okay then...”
• “Let's go now,” Caleb suggested, his eyes lighting up as he subtly placed his hand on Vivian's shoulder.
• Meanwhile, Jaziel had already left the boxing studio and arrived at a nearby antique market. Silas had gifted him both a company and a villa. Jaziel, knowing that Silas liked emeralds, planned to select a fitting gift to present to Silas the next time they met.
• As soon as Jaziel stepped into the shop, he noticed an elderly man engaged in a heated negotiation with Peter. “Sir, this is clearly a replica from the 1360s to 1900s. The original is housed in the Juxshire Museum. Asking a hundred thousand for a replica seems a bit excessive, don't you think?”
• The elderly man, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, had a touch of grey in his hair and wore glasses with golden wire frames. He was accompanied by two bodyguards, and his distinguished appearance suggested he held a position of some significance.
• The shopkeeper, Peter Castillo, wore a hat with a braid trailing behind it and had a large mole on his lip, giving him a shrewd, cunning appearance.
• With a chuckle, Peter said, “You can't say that, Mr. Zinnecker. Even though this painting is a replica from the late 19th to early 20th century, it's still considered an antique. Besides, if I set a price, it's only fair for you to bargain. Give it a try—you might just end up with a good deal.”
• “Fifty thousand,” Wesley Zinnecker said, extending his hand.
• Peter shook his head, a sly smile on his face. “Mr. Zinnecker, don't you think that price is a bit low? You're a wealthy man with billions to your name. Does this small amount really matter to you?”
• Wesley chuckled softly. “I didn't amass my fortune without effort. Besides, to me, this item is worth only fifty thousand.”
• Peter insisted, “Eighty thousand—final offer.”
• Wesley hesitated for a moment, then set the painting down. “You might as well wait for someone who truly appreciates its value.”
• Catching sight of the painting, Jaziel's eyes lit up. He stepped forward and said, “I'll take it, for eighty thousand.”
• Wesley, who had just set down the painting, looked stunned.
• Peter's face lit up with satisfaction. “I appreciate your straightforwardness, young man. Will you be paying by card or phone?”
• “By card,” Jaziel replied casually, tossing out a bank card.
• Wesley couldn't help but interject, “Young man, it's not my place to interfere, but trust me, this painting is worth no more than fifty thousand. You'd be overpaying by thirty thousand.”
• Hearing Wesley's words, Jaziel smiled confidently. “Not only will I not lose eighty thousand, but I could even make a profit of eight million.”
• Wesley burst into laughter. “What did you say? Young man, did you watch too much television and come here hoping to find hidden treasures? I've already told you this is just a replica by an unknown artist. I offered fifty thousand, which was already generous. To think you're expecting to make a profit of eight million—youngsters these days really do have some nerve, coming here to seek treasures without even understanding their value.”
• The two bodyguards behind Wesley gave Jaziel a disdainful look.
• Peter, worried that Jaziel might change his mind, quickly processed the card transaction. After Jaziel's card was successfully processed, Peter began to pack up the painting.
• “Wait a moment,” Jaziel said, halting him. “Do you know how to frame paintings?”
• Peter laughed heartily. “Kid, that's a funny question. Framing paintings is my business. Of course, I know how to do it. If you want this painting framed, I can handle it for two thousand.”
• “I've already spent eighty thousand on your painting. Can't you at least throw in the framing for free?” Jaziel said with a smile.
• Peter shook his head with conviction. “Framing is an art, you know. Two thousand isn't expensive for a sandalwood frame. I assure you, the quality is guaranteed.”
• He refused to lower the price.
• “Fine, two thousand it is,” Jaziel agreed. “But I'm not asking you to frame it. I need you to peel off a layer from this painting.”
• Older canvases used for painting in the past were often layered, making it possible to remove a layer for examination.
• Peter couldn't help but chuckle softly upon hearing Jaziel's request. He knew what Jaziel meant. Jaziel believed there was a hidden secret within the painting. As a professional antique dealer, Peter had not noticed anything unusual about it, and he thought to himself that this young man must have been watching too much television.
• “Sure, I can help with that, as long as you're willing to pay.”
• “Just peel it off,” Jaziel replied. “I won't shortchange you.”
• “All right.”
• Peter quickly brought over a basin of clean water. He then took out a brush, no larger than a nail clipper, dipped it in the water, and began gently applying it to the corner of the painting. The paper absorbed the water rapidly, becoming damp as soon as the brush made contact.
• After just three swipes, the corner of the painting was thoroughly soaked.
• Wesley, who had intended to leave, stood rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed intently on Peter's actions. Peter extended his hand, carefully rubbing the corner of the painting. To Wesley's surprise, the painting began to separate into two sheets of paper. However, the expected layers or hidden details did not appear. If the painting's secrets were so easily revealed, then the artist's meticulous efforts would have been in vain.
• “Young man, do you now understand that finding true treasures isn't easy? Perhaps you should go home and hone your skills. Consider the eighty thousand as the cost of a valuable lesson,” Wesley admonished, shaking his head.
• A trace of smugness crept onto Peter's face. If there was indeed a hidden layer within the painting, Peter would have been left embarrassed and at a loss. For now, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
• Unexpectedly, Jaziel's expression remained impassive. He simply said in a nonchalant tone, “Keep going.”
• Peter looked troubled. “Um... The painting was done on refined silk canvas, which is quite delicate. If we continue peeling it off carelessly, it might get damaged. If that happens, don't expect me to cover the costs.”
• “Don't worry. I won't ask you to compensate.” Jaziel spoke, his tone impatient.
• This young man is so stubborn. He really doesn't learn his lesson until he faces serious consequences. Peter thought, shaking his head as he picked up his brush again.
• Even Wesley felt a growing headache.
• As Peter uncovered the third layer of canvas, his hand trembled slightly.