<CHAPTER  03>

FULL TRANSLATION

I Was Mistaken for a Genius Antique Appraiser – Episode 3

Si-woo turned on his computer when he got home.

Old Man Song’s words wouldn’t leave his mind.

‘If records remain in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, the item’s value would rise further.’

Si-woo knew information from the status window that Old Man Song didn’t.

He accessed the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty website operated by the National Institute of Korean History.

All records were digitized and accessible to anyone.

They contained 472 years of records from Taejo to Cheoljong intact.

‘Yi Jong-seong, Minister of Personnel.’

He entered the keywords in the search bar and pressed enter.

Search results appeared one after another.

Records from the Yeongjo era filled the screen.

Si-woo looked for information about the figure named Yi Jong-seong. As Minister of Personnel, a senior official of the second rank. He was certain there would be records if the king had personally bestowed a gift upon such a person.

‘Found it!’

【Annals of Yeongjo, Volume 52, Entry from March 15, 18th Year of Yeongjo】

[Bestowing a Blue and White Porcelain Dragon Pattern Vase upon Minister of Personnel Yi Jong-seong.]

[The King summoned Minister of Personnel Yi Jong-seong and said, ‘It has been over a month since you took charge of the Ministry of Personnel. In recommending talent, you are impartial and fair, and the court has become clearer, which I find highly commendable.’]

[Thereupon, he bestowed one Blue and White Porcelain Dragon Pattern Vase from the inner treasury, saying, ‘This vase was made with devoted effort by the master potter Jang Seok-chil of Bonwon. I bestow it upon you to honor your integrity!’ Yi Jong-seong bowed his head and expressed that the royal grace was immeasurable.]

“Jackpot. I really found it.”

Si-woo muttered without realizing it.

Official records that Yeongjo personally bestowed it upon Yi Jong-seong.

It even specified that it was made by Jang Seok-chil of Bonwon.

It perfectly matched the characters engraved on the vase.

He also found interesting material.

Now this vase was no longer a simple antique. It was an artifact containing records of long history.

The next morning. Si-woo took out the business card he received from Old Man Song.

Jeong Hae-won.

Only a contact number was written simply below the name. No title, no company name. Ordinary business cards usually have affiliations and positions densely written, but this card was different. Rather, that made it seem extraordinary.

Someone who didn’t need to explain himself. Someone whose name alone carried weight in this field. He cautiously sent a text message first.

-Hello. My name is Kim Si-woo. I’m contacting you on Old Man Song’s introduction. Regarding the blue and white porcelain vase matter, I would appreciate it if you could contact me when convenient.

He felt nervous after sending it. Was the message too stiff? All sorts of thoughts came to mind. But shortly after, a call came in.

Si-woo checked the number on the screen, took a deep breath, and cleared his throat.

“Hello?”

“Is this Mr. Kim Si-woo?” “Yes, speaking.” “This is Jeong Hae-won. Thank you for contacting me.”

A low, calm middle-aged man’s voice continued.

“I heard from Old Man Song. Jang Seok-chil’s inscription and a Yeongjo royal gift, you said.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“It’s rare for Old Man Song to personally introduce someone. That means it’s an item worth paying attention to.”

“You’re too kind.”

He tried his best to answer calmly.

“How is the vase’s condition?”

“There’s a crack on the side. But there are no restoration traces, and the characteristic color and patterns remain clearly.”

“Hmm.”

A hint of regret was slightly audible in Jeong Hae-won’s low hum.

“That much is acceptable. I’ll evaluate it in person first.”

Si-woo pulled out the card he had prepared.

“Yes. That would be best. Also, I found related records in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.”

“Oh. There were records remaining?”

Jeong Hae-won’s voice brightened considerably.

“Yes. In the Annals of Yeongjo, there was content about Yeongjo bestowing it upon Minister of Personnel Yi Jong-seong. Jang Seok-chil’s name was also specified.”

“Oh ho, that’s quite fortunate.”

Satisfaction was clearly evident in Jeong Hae-won’s tone.

“Whether there are records or not makes a world of difference. The item’s value changes completely.”

“That’s right.”

“Mr. Si-woo, would you be available today?”

“Yes, I’m available anytime today. I’ll come to you.”

“If that’s alright, could you come to Cheongdam-dong around 2 PM? I’ll send the exact address separately by text.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

The call ended.

It was a short call, but the nervousness was unavoidable.

Since it was an item that could be traded for over 100 million won.

Shortly after, a text arrived.

-Please come to Eterna Gallery in Cheongdam-dong. I’ll inform the security office of Mr. Kim Si-woo’s name in advance.

‘Eterna Gallery?’

He entered the name in the search bar.

Seeing the results, Si-woo’s eyes grew wide.

It was one of the country’s top-tier art galleries.

Even the building exterior in the photos was extraordinary.

It was a place known by everyone among collectors. It was a unique building with black walls and exposed concrete. A curved roof reminiscent of a traditional Korean roof was placed atop the modern exterior wall.

It was architecture where East and West, tradition and modernity, coexisted strangely.

‘Transactions happen here?’

Si-woo began carefully packaging the vase.

He put it in a box and filled the gaps with cushioning material.

It absolutely must not shake.

When he finished preparing and checked the time, it was time to leave.

Cheongdam-dong,

Following the alley between high-end residential areas, a building of unique style appeared.

‘This is Cheongdam Eterna Gallery!’

A security guard stood in front of the main gate.

“May I have your name?”

“Kim Si-woo.”

“Yes. Confirmed. You may enter.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

After passing security with ID check, another staff member was waiting.

“Are you Mr. Kim Si-woo? We’ve been waiting. I’ll guide you.”

When he entered, a spacious lobby unfolded.

The building looked large from outside, but the interior seemed even larger. The ceiling was high, and subtle lighting enveloped the entire space.

“He’s waiting over there. I’ll take my leave here.”

Where the staff indicated, two people were standing.

One was a man in his early fifties.

Neatly dressed in a black shirt with a gray jacket.

Sharp eyes but a gentle impression. This was undoubtedly the owner of the voice from the phone. The woman standing beside him appeared to be in her late twenties. Long black hair fell below her shoulders, and she wore a simple outfit of a white blouse and black slacks. But as they say, the simpler the clothes, the more the wearer stands out. A strange sense of luxury was felt from her.

“Mr. Kim Si-woo?”

“Hello, I’m Kim Si-woo.”

“I’m Jeong Hae-won, appraisal consultant for Gallery Eterna.”

Jeong Hae-won extended his hand, and Si-woo shook it.

“And this is……………”

Jeong Hae-won looked at the woman beside him.

“I’m Shin A-young. I run the gallery here.”

Si-woo was surprised inwardly.

To operate a gallery of this scale at that age. He thought she couldn’t be an ordinary person.

“Kim Si-woo.”

“I heard from Old Man Song. He said a rare ceramic appeared.”

“Yes. I was fortunate enough to acquire it.”

Shin A-young nodded lightly.

“Let’s go inside rather than talk here.”

When they went inside, Si-woo was surprised once again.

An exhibition hall appeared. Various ceramics were displayed throughout. Each one shone under the lighting.

‘Beautiful.’

Even Si-woo, who knew nothing about fine art, could tell these weren’t ordinary items. Especially in the center, a white porcelain moon jar was displayed in a glass case. Soft curves, pure white color. It was an item worthy of being called the essence of Joseon white porcelain.

‘Everything here must be genuine.’

Si-woo unconsciously held his breath.

The air itself felt different. He couldn’t imagine how much money all the items here would amount to.

‘Don’t be intimidated. I’m here to sell a ceramic anyway!’

They were guided to a reception room and seated. Tea was prepared on the table. A staff member quietly poured tea and withdrew.

Si-woo carefully opened the box he brought and took out the vase.

Instantly, Jeong Hae-won and Shin A-young’s gazes changed.

Their eyes fixed on the vase.

Jeong Hae-won put on gloves and lifted the vase.

“I’ll examine it for a moment.”

His movements were cautious but skilled.

He checked the inside of the base, counted the dragon pattern’s claws one by one, and carefully examined the glaze condition.

Finally, Jeong Hae-won set the vase down.

“It’s definitely authentic.”

Sighing lowly, Jeong Hae-won continued speaking.

“There are fewer than five existing works by Jang Seok-chil. And this is the first with a royal gift inscription.”

Si-woo took out the documents he had prepared.

“Related records I found in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.”

Jeong Hae-won received the documents and read through them.

His eyes grew wider.

“Yeongjo mentioned Jang Seok-chil’s name directly. It’s extremely rare for an artisan’s name to appear in the Annals. Most artisans couldn’t even leave their names.”

Shin A-young also received the documents and spoke.

“I looked into the figure named Yi Jong-seong. I found interesting stories. He was the fifth-generation descendant of Yi Hang-bok, and his relative Park Mun-su lost his parents when young and was raised by his maternal family, so they studied together.”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“Especially during Yeongjo’s reign, there are many stories connected to Crown Prince Sado.”

That was the part Si-woo had also looked up.

[In 1758, as the Crown Prince’s illness and faults worsened, Yeongjo dismissed all officials of the Chunbang and held court at Myeongjeongjeon Hall, while the Crown Prince knelt on straw matting at Sigin-dang to receive punishment.]

[Yeongbu-sa Yi Jong-seong opposed Yeongjo, stating that Yeongjo’s method of excessively scolding the Crown Prince for his faults was wrong, and advised that even if there were faults, they should be taught and corrected without revealing them.]

“I also watched movies about Crown Prince Sado and saw how a person was destroyed from childhood by Yeongjo’s educational zeal and excessive expectations for his child. Thanks to that, Yi Jong-seong’s words resonated even more.”

She brushed her hair back and looked at Jeong Hae-won.

“I really like artifacts containing such stories. Mr. Jeong, how much do you think this item is worth?”

Jeong Hae-won fell into thought for a moment. Then he slowly opened his mouth.

“I think 500 million won is appropriate. The crack is regrettable, but the inscription and Annals record more than compensate for it.”

Shin A-young nodded.

“Not a bad price.”

She looked at Si-woo.

“I’d like to purchase it for 500 million won. How is the price?”

Could a number like 500 million really come out of someone’s mouth so easily?

This must be what they mean by different worlds.

His heart raced like crazy.

But he showed nothing outwardly as much as possible.

With a faint smile, he spoke calmly.

“It’s a very satisfactory price.”

The deal was concluded.

They signed contracts and completed the paperwork.

Jeong Hae-won confirmed the deposit.

[Deposit: 500,000,000 won]

Si-woo stared blankly at his phone screen.

500 million.

He couldn’t even imagine how many years he’d have to work at a company to earn this amount.

He’d been at a loss about what to do after leaving the company.

But at this very moment, 500 million won was in his account.

They say when one door closes in life, another opens.

He wondered if too big a door had opened.

As he was about to go outside to say goodbye after completing the transaction.

“Don’t shake it! Handle it carefully!”

An urgent voice was heard.

Turning around, several staff members were carefully transporting an item in a wooden box. It seemed to be a new item arriving at the gallery. The staff’s conversation was heard.

“To the storage room, right?”

“Yes, Consultant Jeong said he would appraise it.”

“The others couldn’t identify the exact item, but if it’s Appraiser Jeong Hae-won, he should be able to tell.”

“Of course. He’s the most famous in our country.”

Si-woo’s gaze turned to the box and his eyes grew wider.

Light was emanating from inside.

But unlike with the vase, it wasn’t a bright color—he saw black light.