Chapter 1232 Positioning (2/2)

Hans had not done anything to be sorry about. There was nothing negative to say about Li Du's relationship with Hans. Li Du treasured their friendship and hoped that they could remain as close for the rest of their lives.

Li Du brought out the ten paintings he had acquired in China. He said, ”Help me sell these off.”

For some time, other than the diamonds from Remonin, they had not had many high-value transactions. Instead, they had spent a lot of money. Seagull Island was in the process of development, and the diamond mine at Ahmengda just started operation. Both of those projects required a large amount of funding.

Fortunately, he had an opal mine at Lightning Ridge. There were many gemstone veins in the mine, which provided a steady cash inflow.

Hans unrolled the paintings and after looking at the signature, he was confused. ”Spoilum? Which painter is that? Why haven't I heard of him?”

Li Du replied, ”In any case, these are antiques. These paintings are at least two centuries old. You can sell them off, right?”

Hans hesitated for a moment and then said, ”If you just want me to sell them off, then, of course, it's not a problem. But if you want me to get a good price, I cannot guarantee that.”

Hans continued to explain, ”There needs to be a market for an antique collection. It's not as simple as the number of years it's been around. I believe in your foresight, and trust that these paintings are two centuries old. However, if nobody knows of the painter, and if people do not acknowledge his work…”

Saying that, Hans started to shake his head.

Li Du said confidently, ”He might not be as famous as some artists, but he's definitely got a name.”

Hans nodded. ”I will start the process, get an oil painting expert to verify the painting and then discuss the price.”

Li Du had an accurate assessment of Hans. Hans was an extrovert and was good at talking. He was confident in his work and was suitable for any task that involved talking to people.

In just two days, the paintings were all processed. Hans even got an expert from the oil painting gallery in Arizona to review the artwork.

It was not a simple task to work with the oil paintings. Most of the paintings had been sealed by wax. If the paintings were opened, the colors would be oxidized and lose their brightness.

To demonstrate this, Liu Shan Yang had opened two of the paintings. The colors of those paintings were now dull and they did not look as impressive as they first did.

Fortunately, he was knowledgeable and noticed the changes after he opened the paintings. Hence, he did not continue to unroll the rest of them and preserved them in pristine condition.

After undergoing treatment, the oil paintings regained their original colors, which were vivid, striking and impossibly sharp.

Hans repackaged the paintings and wrapped them in copper-plated picture frames, making them look more upscale.

Looking at the paintings, Li Du whistled. ”Wow, they're gorgeous.”

Hans had invited an expert in oil paintings named Logan Stanley. He was a consultant at the oil painting gallery in Arizona. In addition, he was a colleague of Sophie's parents. Logan was a professor at the state college.

After learning of his identity, Li Du brought along Sophie to welcome the expert.

Indeed, Sophie and Professor Logan knew each other. They greeted each other with a hug. The old man smiled. ”So this is little Sophie's fiancé. We heard a lot from that old boy Martin. Oh, seems like this is a fine man.”

Li Du grinned and nodded to be polite. Then he invited Logan to inspect the paintings.

The old man put on his customized glasses and said, ”Spoilum. That's an outstanding oil painter. It's quite remarkable that you guys found so many well-preserved works of his.”

Hearing that, Li Du felt more at peace. It seemed like those paintings would be worth something.