The First Heir

Chapter 32

At this thought, Charles glanced at Philip, who was standing idly in a corner. He snorted in annoyance and mumbled, “What a useless man!”

Philip noticed his father-in-law looking at him, so he gave him a bright smile, but the older man only rolled his eyes at him. Okay, so the older man really did think nothing of him.

Just then, outside of Civil Gallery, a luxurious Bentley stopped at the entrance. A few female receptionists quickly rushed over.

Russell Field had specifically come to Civil Gallery today because he heard that there would be a treasure from China’s Ming Dynasty displayed today. An authentic painting by Tang Bohu! He was very intrigued. The man was a famous collector in the country, so when he heard that there would be a rare piece on display, of course, he had to see it with his own eyes!

Soon after he stepped into the gallery, Russell’s identity caused an uproar.

“Oh god! Isn’t that President Field from Civil Trading Group?”

“The grandmaster of collectors is actually here!”

“This is too shocking. Charles’s painting has even intrigued this great man!”

Many of the aristocrats in Riverdale greeted Russell respectfully upon seeing him and started fawning over the man. Not just because he was a famous collector, the man was also president of a company and had a net worth of more than three billion dollars!

Of course, the term ‘grandmaster of collectors’ was only an exaggeration by the local folks. Russell was only just a little well-known. But within the country, he was definitely at the level of a grandmaster, no doubt!ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

By then, Charles had rushed out from the innermost corner of the gallery with a bright smile. There was a group of people following behind him, all of them his friends.

“Oh my, it’s an honor to have Master Russell personally visit my exhibition. Please forgive me for not going out to meet you.” Charles was very excited. For the grandmaster of collectors, Russell Field, to make a personal visit, meant that his fame was about to shoot up tremendously for the grandmaster of collectors.

“Mr. Johnston, you’re too kind. I’m just here today because I’ve heard great things. I will be imposing on you.” Russell politely shook Charles’s hand as he smiled.

“It is my honor that Master Russell could come. Let me show you around. These are just some of the pieces that I tinker with in my free time. They can’t compare to Master Russell’s collection.” For Charles, meeting Russell was like a beginner meeting a great teacher. Charles was extremely humble toward Russel.

Upon seeing Russell, Aiden wanted to get acquainted with him by all means. He went over and ardently shook the older man’s hand, saying, “President Field, how do you do? I’m Aiden Grant, the manager of Stardream Media. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Russell politely shook his hand and was about to say something when Aiden continued, “President Field, I was the one who set up the exhibition today, why don’t I show you around myself?”

Just after he spoke, the facial expression of Charles, who was standing behind Aiden, turned dark. Did this brat not see that he was standing there? Did anyone need him to show the man around?

However, Aiden had completely forgotten about Charles by now as he proactively started to introduce Russell around the place. Although Charles was annoyed, he still followed them and added explanations wherever he felt necessary. The group behind Charles kept nodding as they went, acting as Russell’s entourage.

Many people were mumbling on the sidelines.

“Now that Russell Field is here, Charles will surely get famous.”

“Right? Whatever Master Russell admires would at least be worth about tens of millions.”

“Although the man has a useless son-in-law, he has a rich future son-in-law.”

The crowd was gossiping quietly with envy and admiration on their faces.

Russell did not actually think much of the collection displayed in the outer gallery. In other words, they were trash. After forcing himself to take a look, he came to the most luxurious part of the exhibition hall with Aiden.

There was a painting hung behind a glass display. In front of that display stood a young man.

When Russell looked over and saw the familiar silhouette, he got excited! Mr. Clarke was here too!

Seeing Philip stand in front of the painting made Aiden flare up in anger. He walked over with a sullen face and pushed Philip away, berating him, “Get lost. Can’t you see that President Field is here? What are you standing there for? Do you even know how to admire art?” This trash was acting like a know-it- all!

Charles, too, was irked. Everyone had come out to welcome Russell, but Philip was just standing there, dazed in front of a painting. What garbage with poor sight!

Philip shot an annoyed glance at Aiden but said nothing. He quietly moved aside.

Seeing Aiden behave so rudely and unreasonable to Mr. Clarke made Russell’s blood boil in anger. He was just about to go over and admonish Aiden when he saw Philip frown at him. Russell immediately stopped in his tracks, understanding Philip’s message. President Thomas had told him before that Mr.

Clarke disliked being conspicuous. However, he had to think of something to shatter this Aiden’s arrogance! Humiliating Mr. Clarke meant humiliating himself!

“Master Russell, please take a look. This is the greatest piece of this exhibition, an authentic painting by Tang Bohu, the Companionship at the Spring Mountains.” Charles immediately jumped out and introduced his greatest collection with much enthusiasm. This is too exciting! For Master Russell to see for himself personally would mean that I, Charles Johnston, will henceforth be famous within the collectors’ community!

However, after he spoke, Russell’s expression turned odd. Was this a joke? Companionship at the Spring Mountains…? As he stared at it, Russell found the painting within the display glass to be very familiar. Was this not the painting that he had kept as a treasure for so many years and then gave it to Mr. Clarke? Wait! No, this painting was a little odd.