Babel Novel
Chapter 102
Carlisle felt like he was taking candy from a kid as he looked at Wanda’s extravagant pocket money. He chuckled. “Since you’re giving me all your pocket money, what will you live on?”
“I still have my savings and living expenses,” Wanda replied with a playful smirk.
Carlisle teased with a playful grin, “Looks like I’ve hit the jackpot with my rich lady here. I guess I can kick back and let you take cate of me from now on!”
“Sure, if y
don’t mind the gossip.” Wanda retorted with a chuckle.
Carlisle gently tapped Wanda’s nose. “I don’t want to live off you.
After checking out of the hotel, Carlisle took Wanda to an antique street by car.
The street was adorned with buildings dating back to the Eduarian era, while both sides teemed with farmers sporting patched clothes and straw hats.
In reality, these farmers were all actors. Dressed in modest vintage attire, they skillfully created the impression that their antiques had been unearthed from rustic villages or mountainous regions.
Holding onto Carlisle’s sleeve, Wanda whispered, “Carlisle, you’re not planning to buy antiques, are you?” “Why else would I be here?” Carlisle raised an eyebrow.
“Do you know about antiques? My grandfather has been in the business for over 30 years and still gets fooled
“Do you believe in luck?” Carlisle asked with a smile.
“Nope!” Wanda shook her head.
“You should. I’ve always had good luck,” Carlisle said with a wide grin.
“Really? I haven’t noticed,” Wanda replied.
“Well, think about it. If I didn’t have good luck, how could I have met such a wonderful girl like you?” Carlisle teased
“You’re trying to flatter me, aren’t you?” Wanda blushed, giving Carlisle a pinch on his waist.
“Ouch… that hurts!” Carlisle winced.
“I didn’t even pinch hard!” Wanda blinked innocently.
“It’s okay. Just massage it for me, and it’ll be fine,” Carlisle said,
“Hmph, you’re trying to trick me again!” Wanda blushed and turned her head away.
As they chatted, they arrived at a shop called Retrovintique.
Carlisle’s heart raced as he saw the sign board with the gleaming golden letters of “Retrovintique.” This was definitely the place.
He recalled Yuriel promoting Retrovintique in his Interview.
Entering the shop, they found only an elderly man with sharp features lounging in a chair.
He held a long pipe in his left hand while using a traditional–looking fan to Intermittently cool himself with his right.
On the coffee table nearby, a pot of tea was steeping, filling the air with its aromatic scent. Meanwhile, an old–fashioned radio played a classic soap opera,
The
old man squinted at them. When he saw two youngsters before him, he lost. The cheapest item in my shop costs at least 10 thousand dollars!”
“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” Carlisle said, tossing the plastic bag onto the nearby table.
The old man’s eyes widened when he saw bundles of hundred–dollar bills spilled out from the plastic bag. He sat up abruptly and picked up a stack of money to sniff it.
“Hmm… this is authentic,” the old man exclaimed, his demeanor changing instantly. He swiftly washed two cups and poured tea for them. With a flattering smile, he said, “Ah, the magpies‘ cheerful chirping this morning was a good omen, heralding the arrival of such an esteemed guest!”
Being able to pull out a hundred thousand at such a young age clearly marked Carlisle as a rich kid, a fact that the antique street loved.
Carlisle tucked away the money and asked with a smile, “Do you have any good paintings?”
The old man looked proud as he said, “Not to boast, but my shop has the best and the most paintings on
the whole street!”
Inviting Carlisle inside, the old man asked, “May I inquire which family you’re from? You dress quite
modestly.”
After glancing around, Carlisle leaned in and whispered, “I’m from the county, and my family isn’t into
business.”
The old man’s eyes sharpened, “I see.”
The old man quickly grasped that since Carlisle wasn’t involved in business, he must come from an aristocratic background. Aristocrats were not easily deceived. They had a keen eye for quality and demanded only the best.
He walked to a shelf and pulled out a wooden box from the bottom. Opening it, he revealed a collection of paintings.
“My grandfather’s birthday is coming up. He loves paintings, especially those of horses,” Carlisle said.
Images of Harold Delacruz’s “Galloping Horses” painting filled Carlisle’s mind.
Harold Delacruz was a celebrated modern artist, renowned for blending the essence of traditional art into his works. His pieces held significant value for collgetors, especially his depictions of horses, which carried profound symbolism.
Among them, the “Eight Gems” painting was valued at millions.
As the old man emptied the box of its contents, he quickly singled out two paintings with markings. “Here we have ‘Galloping Horses‘ and Thousand Stallions,‘ both masterpieces by Harold Delacruz,” he informed. “Which one are you interested in?”C0pyright © 2024 Nôv)(elDrama.Org.