GIJS

Chapter 71 But isn't he an idol?

As the recording progressed, Gunja realized what kind of person Professor Won Gyeong-sang was.

At first, he thought he was just an excellent scholar. He believed that there were no bad people among those who study antiques.

However, when Professor Won mentioned that a paedo was a women's weapon and that the iron-painted white porcelain was blue-painted porcelain, Gunja cautiously corrected him.

It seemed that, having conducted so much research, he was confusing basic concepts.

But as these trap-like questions continued, Gunja couldn't remain unaware.

This person is testing him.

Perhaps the first conversation might have displeased him. Yet, Gunja still couldn't understand Professor Won.

Displeasure is one thing, but this was a situation for appraising old objects. It wasn't the time to bring up personal feelings.

Knowledge and character are not always proportional. Truly, he was a small-minded person.

Since sensing hostility towards him, Gunja began to scrutinize Professor Won closely. He noticed that his eyes were squinting and his gaze was harsh, indicating a negative disposition and an unappealing face.

Even his name was unpleasant. Won Gyung was a notorious figure during the Japanese invasions. And his name was Won Gyun-sang. As someone who had lived through post-Japanese invasion Korea, it was a truly ominous and creepy name.

When Professor Won's eyes sparkled with avarice upon seeing the painting, Gunja noticed it.

While others seemed oblivious, Gunja, who kept a close watch, saw it.

Facial features and eye expressions don't tell everything, but they provide enough clues to be suspicious. Professor Won was definitely having some greedy thoughts.

Then, Professor Won uttered the word "fake."

"Although the preservation is excellent... this is likely a fake."

"!"

At Professor Won's declaration that it was a fake, the client's expression darkened instantly.

"... A fake?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, that is my view."

"But it was passed down from my grandfather..."

"There is no guarantee that antiques are all genuine. In fact, fakes were even more prevalent then. It was an era when the authenticity of artworks couldn't be scientifically determined."

"I-I see..."

Gunja remained seated, observing their conversation.

A fake, really? Did he truly believe that?

But if so, the avaricious glint in Professor Won's eyes at that moment remains unexplained. If he truly thought it was a fake, he wouldn't have had such a greedy expression.

"The painting you submitted appears to be a copy of the master Jeong Seon's landscape painting from the late Joseon Dynasty. However, it does not replicate Jeong Seon's distinctive bold brushstrokes or his intricate and precise touch."

"Ah..."

"Jeong Seon's paintings, even in black and white, give a dynamic feeling as if the mountains are alive. But this painting has a rather simple and somber atmosphere."

"... It does seem that way..."

"Of course, the preservation state is excellent. Even if it is a fake, it is worth a certain amount due to its age."

"Ah..."

"Yes. But considering your grandfather, it would be better not to disclose this appraisal result on the broadcast."

"Is that possible?"

"Of course. If you agree, it can be done."

"That would be better."

Gunja, who had initially intended to observe the situation further, could no longer hold back upon seeing the client's increasingly despondent expression.

While it seemed that everyone in the studio was being swayed by Professor Won's words, Gunja was different. He knew the true value of the painting.

"May I say something for a moment?"

As Gunja opened his mouth, all eyes once again turned towards him. However, Gunja's gaze was fixed on Professor Won Gyun-sang. As soon as Gunja spoke, Professor Won's brows furrowed.

But Gunja had no intention of holding back.

Ignorance is not a crime. However, deliberately hiding knowledge and devaluing something is a serious offense.

"That painting is not a fake."

"Pardon?"

It wasn't "It seems to be a fake," but "It is not a fake."

Even the MC tilted his head at Gunja's assertion. Up until now, the appraisal of the painting had been entirely within Professor Won's domain.

Team Leader Seo Eun-woo and Manager Lee Yong-jung from the Solar System were equally perplexed. It seemed like the unpredictable variable was causing trouble.

"Gunja, shut your mouth! Shut your mouth!"

Manager Lee repeatedly gestured to his mouth with his index finger, trying to quiet Gunja.

"Open my mouth? Is that what you want?"

'Oh, I see, you want me to do my job with my mouth!'

This communication error only empowered Gunja.

"The painting you brought is not a copy of Jeong Seon's work but a landscape painting by Hyun Jae (玄齋)."

At the mention of Hyun Jae Sim Sa-jeong's name, both Professor Won and Professor Kang Yun-seong were startled.

"Are you referring to the Hyun Jae Sim Sa-jeong who is counted among the Three Jae (三齋) along with Jeong Seon and Gong Jae Yun Du-seo?"

"Yes, that's right."

Gunja, who had captured the attention of everyone in the room, continued his argument confidently.

"Unlike Jeong Seon's bright and vigorous style, Hyun Jae's paintings are imbued with a deep sense of loneliness and desolation. Despite coming from a prestigious family, Hyun Jae had no connection to official posts due to his ancestors' involvement in treason, and he lived in poverty. This miserable and lonely life is reflected in his painting style."

"..."

"Despite this, Hyun Jae never abandoned his brush and through his relentless pursuit of painting, he developed the Joseon Nan-jong painting style. The painting you brought is from a period just before Hyun Jae established the Nan-jong style."

After finishing his statement, Gunja looked at the client with warm eyes. The client seemed greatly comforted by Gunja's words, even getting teary-eyed.

However, it was Gunja who felt the most gratitude.

To be able to see Hyun Jae's work again.

As a scholar, he had a keen interest in paintings, and among the works he had acquired, it was Sim Sa-jeong's pieces that had deeply captured Gunja's heart.

The subtle sadness and loneliness hidden within the beauty of his works seemed to comfort Gunja's own heart.

However, it seemed Professor Won still had much to say.

Professor Won, who had been lightly snickering and nodding during Gunja's remarks, opened his mouth again.

"You did quite a bit of research. While many people know about Jeong Seon, Hyun Jae is not widely recognized by the public."

"Yes."

"But calling this a painting by Hyun Jae is a bit of a stretch."

"..."

"Do you know much about Joseon Nan-jong painting? This painting is somewhat different from the Nan-jong style I know."

"As I mentioned, this painting is from a period just before Hyun Jae established the Nan-jong style."

"You seem quite certain. How strange."

"I agree. I also believe that Professor Won cannot fail to recognize the value of this painting."

"Then how do you explain the lack of a signature? Hyun Jae's paintings usually have signatures such as 'Hyun Jae' or 'Mok-seon.' But this painting has no signature or seal."

"Unfinished works often lack signatures. Sometimes, later generations add signatures after the artist's death."

"Hmm..."

"I assume you are not unaware of this."

The studio's atmosphere turned tense with the heated argument.

It was the first time there had been a dispute between a professor and a guest in the advisory professor panel, which caught everyone off guard.

"Alright, alright— Perhaps the painting is so intriguing that the atmosphere has gotten a bit heated. Let's take a 10-minute break and resume filming."

Veteran MC Son Seok-woo stepped in at the right moment to diffuse the tension. As soon as the break was announced, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo and Manager Lee Yong-jung rushed over to Gunja.

"Team Leader, we need to restrain him now, right?"

"Yes. That seems like the best course of action."

Up until now, Gunja had been performing admirably, but arguing with the professor wasn't beneficial.

However, Gunja had already disappeared during the break.

Gunja, too, needed to meet someone urgently during the break.

Gunja had a plan to thwart Professor Won's scheme, but he needed that person's permission to execute it.

"Hey? Where did he go?"

"...Sigh."

"Gunja! Yu Gunja—!"

As Team Leader Seo and Manager Lee searched for Gunja, the 10-minute break ended.

By the time filming resumed, Gunja had mysteriously reappeared and was seated quietly in his spot.

"Where did he go and then suddenly show up like that?"

Frustrated, Manager Lee shook his fists, but once again, it seemed Gunja misunderstood his intentions.

"Ah?"

'I know that gesture too. Manager Lee is encouraging me!'

Gunja raised his own fist and quietly whispered to the trembling Manager Lee.

"I'm also rooting for you (火理撑)!"

"Ugh, really!"

The recording resumed without mercy. All the staff and participants had taken their places. With the cameras rolling again, the filming would continue unless another incident occurred.

"..."

Team Leader Seo Eun-woo swallowed nervously while watching Gunja.

[Masterpiece Genuine Antiques] It's absurd to have a verbal clash with the advisory professor. If it were another celebrity, they might have jumped in front of the camera and halted the shoot.

However, Team Leader Seo strangely wanted to believe in Gunja.

Perhaps, just perhaps, he might create something unexpected once again.

But everyone except Team Leader Seo trusted Professor Won even more. It was only natural. Gunja was a celebrity guest, but Professor Won was the advisory professor for [Masterpiece Genuine Antiques].

Professor Won, reading the atmosphere, seemed more relaxed and opened the conversation first.

"How is it? Did taking a break help clear your head a bit?"

"..."

"I acknowledge that you have an eye for objects, which is impressive for someone so young. It's been a long time since I've seen such a knowledgeable young person, so I'm glad."

"..."

"But you shouldn't cross the line."

Professor Won's tone was reprimanding, but Gunja was smiling.

"Professor Won."

"Uh, wait a minute. My name is..."

"Could you please appraise the painting again?"

"Huh?"

"Whether it is just a cheap copy or truly a painting by Hyun Jae. I implore you to take another look."

"Well, it's obvious. This painting is a copy of Jeong Seon's style..."

"Then, can we burn this painting right here?"

"—!?"

"If Professor Won is correct, and this painting is truly a worthless copy, then it wouldn't matter if we burned it here."

"...Ah, no, what are you saying..."

Professor Won began to sweat profusely from his forehead at the unexpected turn of events. The other participants in the studio also started to stir with agitation.

"Burn it? Here?"

"Has the client agreed to this?"

"Seeing their silence, it seems they have."

"Ah..."

The PD, Han Gu-heon, watching the intense situation on the main monitor, could only smile wryly at the absurdity.

"This is all fine, but... isn't he an idol?"

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