I Got the Almighty Tongue - Chapter 209



Only Krnovel

209 Sotheby’s

As you open the heavy glass door and step inside, an open lobby appears.

The floor was made of high-quality marble, so you could hear the sound of your shoes clicking every time you walked. At the reception in the center of the hall, there was an information desk with the Sotheby’s logo engraved on it.

Jehee shows her ID at the reception.

“Welcome, Shin Je-hee. We have confirmed that you are a registered member.”

An invitation is required to enter Sotheby’s auction house.

In order to participate in today’s auction, Jehee had to submit documents requested by Sotheby’s and prove her financial ability.

As soon as I receive my pass, a security guard approaches.

“Mister, please proceed to the security checkpoint.”

After passing through a metal detector and undergoing a security check, the two were finally able to enter. They took the elevator decorated with luxurious wood panels and pressed the button for the seventh floor.

As you get off the elevator, another reception appears.

The lobby walls there were decorated with photographs of Sotheby’s historic auction scenes.

The 1958 Impressionist auction is considered the starting point of modern art auctions.

The 1987 auction of Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Irises’, which broke the world record at the time.

Auction of Monet’s ‘Water Lilies (Nymphéas) series in 1998.

And the auction of Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ just two years ago.

Jehee could see their pride in these photos that captured Sotheby’s glorious moments.

“I feel more nervous than when I defended my doctoral thesis.”

Margaret’s face turns pale as she rarely leaves the lab.

“Today, your role is important.

It’s funny how the chef is trying to present scientific evidence. Enjoy. Today will be the most exciting day of your life, Doctor.”

Margaret smiles faintly at Jehee’s words.

As I showed the invitation at the entrance and went inside, a large hall with an elegant and formal feel came into view.

A chandelier hanging from the high ceiling emits a soft light. The walls are neatly decorated in cream tones, with classic ornaments placed here and there.

In the center are luxurious leather chairs arranged in a semicircle, each seat equipped with an auction number and catalogue. There are also special seats for VIPs in front of the stage.

Today, their seats were general seating. Jehee looked at the number printed on his pass and went to find his seat.

On the stage was an auctioneer’s podium, next to which was a glass case displaying the auction items. Behind the podium was a large screen that displayed detailed images of the auction items and the current bid prices.

At the entrance to the auction house, security guards in black suits were stationed, and inside, employees in expensive suits were moving busily around, serving customers.

“Mister, would you like a glass of wine?”

A staff member approaches and makes a suggestion to Jehee in a soft voice. Jehee shakes her head and rejects him.

The appointed time has arrived, the heavy wooden door opens and the last of the VIP customers enter.

The main auction house on the 7th floor was already packed with wealthy people from all over the world and their agents, leaving no room to be seen.

Under soft lights, gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies in evening dresses converse in hushed voices.

The auction finally began in a strange atmosphere of tension and anticipation.

Auctioneer Jonathan Gregory takes the stage. The first lot of the day appears on the large screen behind him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present to you our first piece of the evening. This is the ‘Kochanski’ violin, made by Antonio Stradivari in 1723.

This instrument was made during Stradivari’s golden age and is considered one of his finest works. The name “Kocchanski” comes from the famous Polish violinist Paul Kochanski, who owned this violin in the early 20th century. During World War II, the violin was hidden from Nazi plunder and was purchased by a private collector in the United States, and has remained in his family’s possession ever since.

This masterpiece, boasting 300 years of history, is still in perfect playable condition today. Who will be the new owner of this masterpiece that combines musical history, craftsmanship, and outstanding investment value?

“The starting price is $3 million.”

“wow!”

Jehee was truly amazed. The auctioneer’s tongue danced dazzlingly, making the rich people’s hands twitch.

Before Jonathan could finish speaking, a Chinese man sitting in the front row raised his paddle.

“Thank you, $3 million. How about $3.5 million?”

A Sotheby’s employee who had been taking phone bids on the far right raised his hand.

“It came out to $3.5 million. Do you have $4 million?”

The numbers on the scoreboard go up.

“We got $4 million. Do you have more?”

There is a moment of silence. Jonathan begins a slow countdown.

“Four million dollars, three, two… .”

At the last moment, a turbaned Middle Eastern tycoon raises his paddle.

“$4.3 million. Three, two, one! It’s sold.”

Applause erupts along with the sound of the auction gavel. It was a Sotheby’s-like scale from the first work. The auction began to heat up.

Next, a painting by Andy Warhol, a sculpture by Alberto Giacometti, a suit worn by George Washington (complete with his DNA test result), an Omega Speedmaster wristwatch from the 1960s, and a perfectly preserved 19th-century Chinese teacup set were all successfully sold.

Margaret lowers her head and looks down at her clothes.

It was a suit I bought at Walmart with great courage when I got my Ph.D.

She was wearing $90 shoes that were painful every time she put them on, but her feet didn’t feel uncomfortable because the floor was covered with luxurious carpet.

The faint scent of perfume surrounding you, the flashy attire of the people, and the excited atmosphere that spreads to those around you.

‘I have to run out here and shout that the wine is fake?’

Margaret’s body trembles.

Before I came here, I had no idea what I was supposed to do.

She felt like an alien intruder in the billionaires’ space, living in another world.

Then Jehee grabs her shoulders with both hands. Then he looks straight into her eyes and says.

“Margaret, look at me.”

Margaret’s wavering eyes come into focus.

“Your knowledge is a jewel of humanity. It is nothing compared to a meaningless painting or a cheap tea set.

There is no one here more valuable than you.

Let us show them that the treasure they so desperately desire is actually a cheap concoction. It is your knowledge that makes it possible.”

Jehee’s words awakened Margaret’s intellect, who had been awarded the Priestley Medal (an award given to the best chemist in the United States).

Margaret takes a deep breath and remembers her role. The gun returns to her eyes.

“Thank you. I’m ready now.”

Margaret opens the suitcase and inspects its contents.

And finally, the time they had been waiting for had come.

“Ladies and gentlemen, here’s another highlight to celebrate tonight.

“17 cases of Chateau Petrus 2005 vintage (premium wines are sold in boxes of 6 bottles).”

As the auctioneer introduces, 17 boxes made of high-quality pine are revealed.

The front of the box is engraved with the Chateau Petrus logo and the vintage year.

Jonathan opens one of the boxes to reveal what’s inside.

Each bottle was separated by wooden partitions and sealed with wire so that it could not be opened without removing the seal. Inside the box was a certificate of authenticity and provenance, which confirmed the authenticity of the wine.

“As everyone knows, 2005 is considered one of the most perfect vintages in the history of Bordeaux, with ideal climatic conditions that allowed the grapes to ripen to perfection.

Chateau Petrus produces only 30,000 bottles a year, so it is a miracle to be able to see 100 bottles of the 2005 vintage in one place.

Robert Parker, the most famous wine critic in history, gave this wine a perfect score of 100. To quote his assessment, the 2005 Chateau Petrus vintage is perfection and a gift from God.

Over the past decade, Chateau Petrus has gained an average of more than 15% per year in value, a rate of return that outperforms most stock and real estate investments.

It also has the potential to age for over 50 years, so it will shine in your wine cellar for over 40 years to come. Starting at $2 million. Who will be the new owner of this legendary wine?”

‘As expected of Jonathan.’

Vincent, who was watching the auction from the terrace, smiles with satisfaction.

That auctioneer has closed dozens of big deals. This one won’t be a problem.

As the end of a project he had been preparing for for months became apparent, Vincent felt his tension ease.

The auctioneer’s voice begins to grow louder as he announces the winning bid.

“It came out to $4.5 million. Is there no higher price?”

Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the back of the hall. Jehee and Margaret tried to break through the security guards’ blockade and come out onto the stage.

“Just a moment!”

Jehee shouts.

“This auction must be stopped immediately.”

Margaret follows him and shouts.

“Everyone, please calm down.”

Jonathan, the auctioneer, tries to control the situation. Vincent’s brow furrows.

“Who are you? You have to give us an explanation that we can understand. If not, we will sue you here and now for obstruction of business.”

Jonathan says, glaring at Jehee and Margaret with a cold face.

“I am Shin Je-hee, the owner chef of the Michelin two-star restaurant Segreto.

“A counterfeit wine was recently discovered among the expensive wines delivered to our restaurant. The supplier of that wine is the same person who bid on this auction.”

Jonathan’s face hardens at Jehee’s words.

“How did you know it was fake wine? Is there any way to prove it?

We thoroughly inspect the products we offer.

The Chateau Petrus released today has perfect provenance and has passed strict ingredient tests. Can you take responsibility for what you just said?”

Symbols from all over the world are watching the stage with interested expressions. For those who do not speak English well, attendants are attached to interpret the situation unfolding in real time.

“I am embarrassed to say this myself, but I have a palate more sensitive than any sommelier, and my tongue tells me that Vincent’s wine is a fake.”

Jonathan chuckles at Jehee’s words.

“That’s ridiculous. Is that all you have to do to disrupt the auction?”

As Jonathan raises his hand to call security, Margaret steps forward.

“Of course not. I am Dr. Margaret Thompson, Professor of Chemistry at MIT and Priestley Medalist. MIT verified the allegations raised by Chef Shin Je-hee. The wine was indeed fake.”

Groan, groan.

Margaret’s words caused the guests to become agitated.

“Even if it was fake, it has nothing to do with today’s product.”

Jonathan tried to keep his composure and handle the situation.

“Of course. That’s why I prepared this.”

Margaret places the suitcase on the table and unlocks it.

widely.

widely.

Opening the suitcase reveals a custom-made foam lining, containing several small vials and test tubes.

At Jehee’s request, Margaret stayed up several nights preparing a reagent that could distinguish anthocyanins.

“Anthocyanins are pigments in plants and each fruit has its own unique chemical structure. The anthocyanins in grapes are mainly composed of peonidin-3-glucoside and malvidin, while fruits such as blueberries and elderberries have different ratios and structures.”

She continues her explanation, holding up a small glass bottle.

Everyone’s eyes are on her hand. Someone takes out a cell phone and starts recording the situation.

“The reagent we developed is an organometallic complex with chiral properties.

This compound selectively interacts with the methoxy group (-OCH3) on the B ring of malvidin-3-glucoside, the major pigment in grapes.

Under slightly acidic conditions between pH 3.5 and 4.5, this complex forms a coordination bond with malvidin, resulting in a unique electronic transfer.

Accordingly, a strong absorption peak appears around 540 nm in the visible light range….”

“Margaret!”

Margaret looks at him in surprise at Jehee’s words.

“Please speak in English.”

Everyone in the auction house was listening to Margaret’s explanation with rotten eyes.

“Ah… I’m sorry.

Simply put, we have created a solution that, when mixed, turns normal wine purple, and wine containing pigments extracted from plants other than grapes turns green.

And this is exactly what I will reveal in my paper that I will publish later. The reliability of this reagent was confirmed by Professor Robert Miller, a Nobel Prize winner and president of MIT.”

She rummages through her clothes, takes out an envelope, and hands it to Simon.

No one here would know the value of the Priestley Medal.

Jehee, who was concerned about this, asked Professor Robert to send her a letter. If he had the assurance of having won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry two years ago, Margaret’s statement would have sufficient authority.

“I understand perfectly. Would you like to take a test?”

Jonathan asks her, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

“that’s right.”

“Since we can’t proceed with the auction like this anyway, do whatever you want.

But remember, if it was a fuss, you will soon be contacted by our lawyers.”

Margaret’s expression froze at Jonathan’s menacing warning. But Jehee just smirked.

“No problem.”

Jehee goes up on stage with a hammer, removes the seal, and takes out the wine.

thud.

Creak.

“ah….”

The guests sigh at his bold action. He has now damaged a product worth millions of dollars.

“I… I… !”

Jonathan stutters in embarrassment.

Vincent, who was watching this, quickly packed his bags and looked toward the entrance to leave.

“Eagle 1, this is the nest. Target confirmed.”

Vincent’s heart sinks.

An agent blocking the entrance was glaring at him and transmitting a radio message.

Before coming to the auction house, Jehee went directly to the FBI to explain the situation and ask for support.

“Shit.”

Vincent’s legs give out.

All he could do was sit there, bite his fingernails, and pray that the chef would just pull out the real deal.