105 is actually real!

"Yes, the three of us unanimously agree that this must be an authentic Leonardo da Vinci, but this is only a preliminary conclusion. We still need to use specialized equipment to conduct further detailed examinations to definitively confirm it," said the silver-haired appraiser, his demeanor calm yet his eyes shining with unmistakable excitement.

"Mr. Xiao, this is truly an original da Vinci! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?" Wang Xiaoxian exclaimed, his shock giving way to a radiant smile. "I never imagined you had an authentic da Vinci in your collection. I was completely blind, thinking it was just a masterful imitation. Mr. Xiao, thank you—I won’t let you down!"

"Since this is a collaboration, both sides should contribute," Xiao Yao replied politely. "Mr. Wang has offered me such favorable terms, so I must do my utmost to support your efforts."

He continued, "My master came across this painting by chance back in 1996. Cleaning and authenticating it took ten full years. The world’s leading da Vinci experts, along with major museums and collection institutions, have all taken part in the authentication. In other words, this painting has received widespread recognition—it’s unquestionably a true da Vinci."

"I also have numerous appraisal certificates from professional experts and authoritative institutions. You can take a look," Xiao Yao said as he pulled a thick stack of documents from a box and handed them to Wang Xiaoxian.

Wang carefully examined the documents, his confidence growing stronger. These certificates were issued by some of the most renowned oil painting experts and authoritative bodies worldwide. To have so many top-tier appraisers and institutions unanimously affirm the painting’s authenticity meant there was no room for dispute.

Contested artworks and undisputed ones differ vastly in value. Especially for a world-class masterpiece, every potential buyer exercises extreme caution before bidding. Without broad recognition, no auctioneer would dare to put it up for sale. That recognition process is absolutely essential; otherwise, once the piece enters auction, its final price would inevitably be affected, making it difficult to achieve an ideal result.

He hadn’t expected Xiao Yao to have already completed this crucial step. Now that the painting had widespread acceptance, he could immediately start promoting it.

There are only sixteen surviving authentic da Vinci paintings in the world, including this "Salvator Mundi." Once this piece goes to auction, countless collectors will compete for it, and major museums will surely fight tooth and nail to acquire it.

Just thinking about the uproar the auction announcement will cause sent waves of excitement through Wang Xiaoxian’s heart.

With this da Vinci alongside Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers," Yiyun Auction House finally had a chance to rise to the ranks of world-class auction houses. He was determined to seize this promotional opportunity and make Yiyun’s name resound across the globe!

"Mr. Wang, I advise you not to get too excited, or your heart condition might act up," said Lu Yahong. Although equally stunned, his knowledge of art was limited, and he held fewer shares in Yiyun than Wang Xiaoxian. Unlike Wang, he was able to calm himself quickly.

"My heart is already racing; it feels like it’s about to burst. Thankfully, I brought my medication," Wang Xiaoxian said, pulling out a bottle and swallowing two pills with tea. "Both of these oil paintings are genuine originals. I’m convinced this gemstone relief vase must be extraordinary as well. It looks very similar to the Portland Vase; perhaps it was made during the same era."

"I wonder if I’m right, Mr. Xiao?" Wang’s eyes gleamed with expectation.

Before Xiao Yao could answer, Lu Yahong interjected, "Let’s have the three appraisers examine it first. Considering the Portland Vase’s status in world art history, do you really think your guess is plausible? If this is truly another Portland Vase, I doubt even your medication will help—you’d probably have a heart attack. For your health, I suggest you stay calm and patiently await the results."

Lu’s skepticism was understandable—the Portland Vase holds an immensely prestigious place in world cultural heritage.

Even by modern standards, the Portland Vase is an exquisitely crafted masterpiece. That ancient artisans created such a high-caliber work of gemstone glass two thousand years ago is astonishing and awe-inspiring.

If one compares the Portland Vase and da Vinci’s "Salvator Mundi," which holds a higher place in world cultural history?

Undoubtedly, the Portland Vase.

Da Vinci’s works epitomize the pinnacle of Renaissance art, while the Portland Vase represents the apex of ancient Roman artistry from nearly two millennia ago.

Only sixteen authentic da Vinci paintings survive, but the Portland Vase exists as a single restored fragment housed in the British Museum.

Its significance needs no further explanation.

The Portland Vase’s role in Western artifact history is akin to that of the Four Rams Square Zun in Eastern art history. There is only one Portland Vase, whereas the East still has other similar treasured pieces like the Simuwu Ding.

Lu Yahong is a pragmatic man; he simply did not believe Xiao Yao could present a second Portland Vase.

In truth, Wang Xiaoxian himself was skeptical, but after having two masterworks authenticated back-to-back, his excitement naturally soared.

"Mr. Wang, how serious is your heart condition?" Xiao Yao asked.

"Coronary heart disease—a chronic issue, but not severe. As long as I take my medication on time, it’s manageable," replied the hefty Wang Xiaoxian, for whom heart trouble was not surprising.

"Then you really need to control your emotions. When the appraisal results come back, I worry your health might not hold up," Xiao warned.

"Could it really be another Portland Vase?" Wang’s anticipation deepened.

Just as he asked, the three appraisers finished their examination. After consultation, they reached a unanimous conclusion.

The vase’s material and stylistic composition were highly characteristic and perfectly matched the Portland Vase.

Thus, dating the vase became the crucial next step.

As long as the dating was accurate, the appraisal result would be finalized.

This was unlike authenticating the paintings earlier, which required identifying the artists—a far more complex and specialized process.