CH26

Jo Soo-deok couldn't believe his ears.

"Forming a team?"

(It's preferable to find another appraisal team, but if that's not possible, we'll have to create one.)

"You mean… forming a team to massage the results in our favor…"

(Of course not.)

"Right? Phew, what kind of person did I think our boss is? I've become jaded by the ways of the world, hence my unnecessary worries…"

(A fair and scientific appraisal is enough.)

Fairness is a given.

'Scientific…'

As if reading Jo Soo-deok's thoughts, Park Ji-hoon continued.

(Watching the Oxford appraisal team made me question things. How can a professor's word singlehandedly decide all results? That's more like an opinion than an appraisal, isn't it?)

"You mean objective facts are more important than subjective evaluations, and the tool for objectivity is science."

(Exactly.)

As Jo Soo-deok quietly stroked his chin, Park Ji-hoon went on.

(It's a bit strange that a da Vinci researcher can authenticate a work just based on their authority, without scientific evidence.)

"That's true. Appraisals relying on authority is indeed a fact."

(But even that authority is questionable.)

"Pardon?"

(There are less than 20 oil paintings attributed to da Vinci. And no recent discoveries. So, even experts… how many chances would they have had to appraise genuine works?)

Da Vinci was from the 1400s.

The possibility of discovering an unpublished work is extremely low for an artist like him.

Even an Oxford professor would rarely have the opportunity to appraise a genuine piece.

"My guess is this was probably their first time."

(And yet they finish the appraisal after looking through a microscope a few times?)

"I completely agree with you, but…"

(…?)

"Even if we find another appraisal team, it'll be similar. The appraisal methods will likely be more critical than scientific. It won't be much different from the Oxford team."

(That's fine. We'll create our own team.)

"You mean forming a scientifically-based appraisal team?"

(Yes.)

"That team… I assume… I'll have to form it?"

(Of course.)

"Just to remind you, I'm just an art professor…"

(You should say it correctly. The most well-connected art professor in academia!)

"Hmm, well, as you say, I do have some connections in the natural sciences…"

(That's perfect then.)

"Hmm."

At this point, Jo Soo-deok had a reasonable suspicion.

'Emphasizing science so suddenly… does he already have a suitable candidate in mind?'

But due to his straightforward nature, he didn't voice his thoughts.

Just do what you're told!

Alright, let's do the work well.

Questions will naturally be answered.

"Understood, boss. I'll finalize the contract and return immediately."

(I'll count on you.)

The call ended there.

***

Meanwhile.

Martin was pacing in front of the professor's office.

'Although it seems similar to existing da Vinci works, there are subtle stylistic differences.'

The professor's evaluation lingered in his mind.

The Oxford Art History Department's appraisal team.

Especially when it comes to da Vinci, it was undoubtedly the most authoritative institution.

That's why he enrolled in Oxford's graduate program.

But after joining the appraisal team, Martin's concerns deepened.

The professor's appraisal method was too unilateral.

Unlike the professor, who considered himself an artist, Martin was a typical scientist.

From winning the Science Olympiad in his youth to sweeping awards in MIT's physics department.

Naturally, his mind was set in scientific thinking.

How can they just conclude the appraisal by mentioning 'stylistic differences'?

Martin couldn't stand this situation.

That's why he had dragged himself to the professor's office.

"Hmm."

He couldn't bring himself to knock on the door.

Perhaps it's the difference between the US and the UK.

Oxford had a clear hierarchy.

Questioning a professor's words was almost taboo.

Meanwhile, at MIT, students argued with professors constantly.

Even if a Nobel laureate made a mistake in today's numbers, it would be immediately pointed out.

So, who cares about authority?

In the colosseum created by mathematics, everyone must fight equally.

In contrast.

'Why is art like this?'

Instead of different opinions clashing…

Everyone crawls under the massive authority.

Challenging the system would result in being ostracized among students.

'Should I just endure this?'

As Martin hesitated in front of the tightly closed door.

Click.

The doorknob turned from inside.

Startled, he quickly turned toward the hallway.

"What are you doing here?"

A familiar voice stopped him.

"A-Assistant?"

"I came for a quick approval."

Clearly a lie.

He was probably returning after delivering the professor's bag.

"What brings you here?"

"Uh, well…"

"Do you need to see the professor?"

"..."

"Martin."

"Yes."

"Didn't I tell you not to approach the professor directly? If you have something to say, relay it through me."

"I'm sorry."

The assistant's stern gaze made Martin bow his head automatically.

Satisfied with this reaction, the assistant spoke in a slightly softer tone.

"Tell me. I'll pass it on."

"No, it's fine."

"What is it?"

"Um…"

"Speak up."

"It's about the appraisal…"

"What about the appraisal?"

The tone turned harsh again.

Martin considered remaining silent, but he squeezed out his remaining courage.

"My opinion is…"

"Why is your opinion needed?"

"Pardon?"

"The appraisal is the professor's job. Why is your opinion needed?"

"But for a more accurate judgment…"

"You should step aside."

"...?"

"For an accurate judgment, someone like you should step aside."

Ha!

If the assistant wouldn't listen to a word, what about the professor?

Martin decided to keep his mouth shut.

Or rather, he closed his heart.

'So pointless.'

Did I come to the UK for this?

Leonardo da Vinci, the greatest genius in human history.

The role model who perfectly fused art and science.

Wanting to know more about him, he came to Oxford.

'Damn it.'

Art, science… Here, it was all about politics.

Martin turned away without a word.

He walked down the long hallway, his steps heavy.

He vaguely heard the assistant shouting behind him, but he didn't care.

Walking with his hands in his pockets, something touched his right hand.

'How should I live now?'

Distracted, he checked his pocket out of habit.

Hmm?

He found a small note with a phone number.

Below the number, the hotel name was written.

And below that, a crooked sentence.

'From Art to Science.'

As he stood there, he looked at the note.

'From Art to Science.'

Then he stood still, staring at it for a while.

As if smiling at the sunlight that finally broke after the monsoon.

***

Hotel, Park Ji-hoon's room.

Riiing!

The phone rang, and I hurriedly picked up the receiver.

Martin's face came to mind.

Wait.

If he speaks in English… how should I respond?

Suppressing my unease, I answered the phone.

"Yes, this is Park Ji-hoon."

But the voice that came through was fluent Korean.

(Boss, it's the assistant.)

"Yes, assistant."

(Sorry to call so late.)

"No, no. Go ahead."

(It's about the German appraisal team. They've reached a conclusion.)

They said it would take quite a while.

Is it possible this time too?

My eyes narrowed as I looked at the reflection in the window.

(It's confirmed to be authentic.)

"You said it would take a week? How did the appraisal period shorten so much?"

(Well, the handwriting was clear, making it easier. While lines can be imitated, the precise touches at the end are hard to replicate. Moreover…)

"...?"

(While it's difficult to appraise layered oil paintings, this is a single drawing, making it relatively easy to confirm.)

"So it's definite?"

(Yes, it is.)

Whew.

I knew the result, but…

Perhaps because of the da Vinci matter, hearing it's authentic felt strangely good.

"You've done well. I'll come over early in the morning."

(You've worked hard too, boss.)

"I didn't do much. It's thanks to the staff who worked hard to find the painting."

Oh, words aren't enough.

"Of course, bonuses will be given. It'll be a surprising amount, so look forward to it."

(I'll serve you for life!)

Just like Jo Soo-deok's student, such flattery!

As I was about to end the call.

"By the way, has anyone contacted or visited from the Oxford appraisal team?"

(No, nothing happened while I was here, but I'll check again.)

"No, that's not necessary…"

(Just in case. I'll ask the juniors and get back to you.)

I felt there was no need but agreed and put down the receiver.

Riiing!

What's this?

How could they have checked so quickly?

I answered the phone, surprised.

"Yes, assistant."

But then.

(Hello.)

An unexpected voice came through.

***

Since phone conversations were difficult, we met at the school lab.

So, a graduate student had to stay late to help with translation.

I sat down with the interpreter, and Martin sat across from us.

Martin was dressed similarly to before.

His red checkered shirt had turned green.

Oh!

Wearing glasses now, he fully completed the nerd look.

"Thank you for contacting me."

As I bowed my head, Martin waved his hand.

"I'm just a graduate student… but you asked for my opinion. I appreciated that. So I contacted you. I didn't expect to meet so soon."

"Is it uncomfortable?"

"No. It's not that. I was just surprised."

Martin scratched his head, embarrassed.

We exchanged light conversation to ease the awkwardness.

But ultimately, the conversation had a destination.

"You want to know my opinion on whether it's genuine?"

"Yes."

"To put it simply, I think it's impossible to know."

"Impossible to know?"

Martin nodded emphatically at my question.

TL/n - 

You can read

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Chaebol up to Chapter 55+

An Investor Who Sees Future up to Chapter 53+ 

Hollywood Actor up to Chapter 53+

Perfect Hero up to Chapter 56+

Devil's Idol up to Chapter 17+

Soar to Stardom up to Chapter 25+

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