11:47 PM, the black Mercedes drove back to Montlais Winery.
When Jiang Lin pushed the door and stepped out of the car, Martin was already waiting at the entrance.
"Mrs. Montclair is in the study."
Jiang Lin nodded.
"She hasn't slept yet?"
"No. After you finished your call, she has been waiting."
Jiang Lin walked into the study.
Isabella was sitting behind the desk, looking up at him.
"You're back?"
"I'm back."
"Where is the painting?"
"It's at Auguste's studio. Luca is guarding it there."
"So, you spent all the money from my brooch and brought back a receipt?"
Jiang Lin walked to the desk and put down the file bag.
"There is also Auguste's preliminary appraisal note."
Isabella opened the file bag.
There were only a few pages.
The handwriting was messy; it was the preliminary opinion the old man had hurriedly written down.
"Do you really suspect it's a Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres?"
"Now it is Auguste who suspects it."
"You knew there was something wrong with it from the beginning."
"Yes."
"How did you know?"
"If I said it was intuition, you wouldn't believe me."
"Of course."
Jiang Lin sat in the chair opposite her.
"Isabella, everyone has their own secrets."
"Is that your answer?"
"It's the only answer I can give you for now."
"The money was lent to you by me."
"I will pay it back."
"What if it is really worth ten million euros?"
"I will still pay it back."
"Only pay back the two hundred and fifty thousand?"
"Plus interest."
Isabella stood up and walked to the wine cabinet.
She took out two glasses and poured some wine.
She placed one glass in front of Jiang Lin.
"2005 vintage grand vin, the batch you dug out from the No. 3 cellar last night."
Jiang Lin picked up the glass.
Deep red, with brick-red tones already appearing at the rim.
Blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and a hint of damp earth.
Isabella stood by the window, holding a glass herself.
"The Asian buyer will arrive tomorrow."
"Lin Zhengting?"
"His people will arrive first, and he will arrive at noon."
"He knows the winery is in crisis, knows the bank and Pierre are pressuring you, and he will use this to drive down the price."
"What are you planning to do?"
"Turn him from a savior into someone who can't get the goods."
"You want to create competition."
"Make him realize that Montlais Winery is not short of buyers."
"We don't have a second real buyer right now."
"There will be."
Jiang Lin took out his phone and opened the list sent by Zhao Hong.
Names of people in several Chinese chambers of commerce who trade in wine.
Someone to inspect the goods, inquire about prices, and take photos.
Lin Zhengting won't consider himself the only buyer anymore.
Isabella finished reading the list.
"Their financial strength is not as good as Lin Zhengting's."
"But Lin Zhengting doesn't know how far we have negotiated with them."
"This is very dangerous."
"He is coming here to pick up a bargain as well."
At 1:30 AM, Alain called.
The court accepted the application for a temporary injunction, requiring the bank to submit an explanation by tomorrow afternoon.
Pale golden text appeared before Jiang Lin's eyes.
【Main quest progress increased】
【48-hour crisis progress: 60% → 75%】
【Target trust level increased: 42 → 50】
【Stage reward obtained: Cash flow compensation quota of 50,000 euros】
【Note: This quota can be transferred to a personal account through compliance consultant bonuses, channel service fees, etc.】
Isabella noticed Jiang Lin was briefly distracted.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Thinking about tomorrow."
"Will tomorrow be difficult?"
"Lin Zhengting won't sign the contract easily, and the bank and Pierre will continue to make moves."
"What else can they do?"
"Spread rumors."
"What rumors?"
"That you are being controlled by a swindler, the winery is in cash flow trouble, but he used your mother's brooch to buy a fake painting, and Mrs. Montclair has lost her judgment."
"Do we need to clarify in advance?"
"Not for now."
"Just let them talk?"
"Let them speak even louder."
She frowned.
Jiang Lin explained.
"The preliminary results of the painting will be out soon; the more unexpected it is, the greater the reversal."
Isabella looked at him.
"You want to use my reputation as a gamble?"
"No."
Jiang Lin looked at her.
"I want them to personally spread your story of a comeback."
Isabella was silent for a moment.
She put down her wine glass.
"I will raise the stakes one more time. When Lin Zhengting arrives, you have full negotiating power, but I reserve the right to final confirmation before signing."
"Have you thought it through?"
"From the moment you sat in my car, I have been thinking about it. Now, I have thought enough."
The authorization document was pushed in front of Jiang Lin.
Pale golden text appeared again.
【Target trust level increased: 50 → 56】
【Permission obtained: Temporary full negotiating power for Asian channels】
【Investment relationship deepened】
"You will get the brooch back."
"I want those who are waiting for me to bow their heads to see with their own eyes that Montlais Winery has come back to life."
At 9:00 AM the next day, the winery entered a busy state.
The No. 3 cellar was cleaned up again.
The 2005 vintage inventory was boxed and labeled with new numbers.
The main building's reception room was set up as a temporary tasting room.
Alain rushed back to the winery with two assistants.
Chen Qian also arrived.
When Martin brought her to the study, she was very reserved.
"Mr. Jiang."
Jiang Lin was looking at a contract and looked up at her.
"Can you handle French accounts?"
"A little. I learned it in school and did it during my internship."
"English?"
"Yes."
"Work with Alain's assistants to organize prepayments, inventory, and expense details. The accounts must be clean."
"I will definitely do a good job."
At 10:30 AM, the first batch of Chinese wine merchants arrived.
Three people, two men and one woman.
They were all shills.
As soon as they entered the No. 3 cellar, their eyes lit up.
"There's still so much 2005 vintage?"
"The storage condition is good."
"If we can get Mrs. Montclair's personal endorsement, domestic high-end clients will definitely buy it."
"Is Lin Zhengting coming too?"
The last sentence was the key.
Jiang Lin did not answer, only smiling.
"Inspect the goods today. There isn't much stock left for follow-up."
At 11:55 AM, Lin Zhengting arrived at the winery.
In his forties, from Hong Kong.
Dark suit, understated Patek Philippe.
Followed by two assistants, one legal counsel, and one procurement consultant who knows wine.
Isabella greeted him personally.
She wore a black dress, her hair was tied up, and her pearl earrings were replaced with understated diamond studs.
Lin Zhengting shook hands with her.
"Mrs. Montclair, I've heard so much about you."
"Mr. Lin, you've come a long way. Thank you."
"It is my honor to come to Montlais Winery in person."
His gaze turned to Jiang Lin.
"Mr. Jiang, we have finally met."
Jiang Lin reached out his hand.
"Mr. Lin."
The two shook hands.
"Mr. Jiang, you have been quite famous in Paris and Bordeaux these past two days."
"News travels that fast?"
"Where there is wine, news travels fast."
Lin Zhengting looked at him.
"I heard that Mr. Jiang spent over two hundred thousand euros yesterday at the Drouot auction to buy a painting by an unknown artist."
"Mr. Lin, you are well-informed."
"In business, one must always know what their partners are busy with lately."
"The winery is currently facing cash flow issues, yet Mr. Jiang has the mind to buy paintings. It seems things are much better than the rumors outside."
"The situation of the winery is indeed better than the rumors outside, so for today's wine, the price needs to be renegotiated."
"Mr. Jiang, the price we discussed last night was already very sincere."
"Last night was last night."
Jiang Lin looked towards the No. 3 cellar.
"Besides you, there are three other companies inspecting the goods. Mrs. Montclair has also confirmed that the first batch of the 2005 vintage will not exceed ten thousand bottles."
He paused.
"Mr. Lin, yesterday Montlais Winery needed life-saving money, but today, Montlais Winery needs to screen its partners."
"Mr. Jiang, how much are you going to raise it by?"
"For the first batch of ten thousand bottles, the price will be increased by fifteen percent."
"Fifteen percent?"
The procurement consultant behind Lin Zhengting changed his expression.
"Mr. Jiang, this price already exceeds the current market circulation price."
Jiang Lin glanced at him.
"You are talking about the ordinary market price."
He picked up the file on the table.
"What you are selling is not ordinary Bordeaux; it is the French widow who just survived being hunted by the bank, it is the story of a century-old winery making a comeback."
The procurement consultant was speechless for a moment.
Lin Zhengting's eyes changed.
The wine itself is just the foundation.
The story, the scarcity, the sense of identity, and the threshold for purchase are the sources of the premium.
"I can accept a ten percent price increase."
"Fifteen."
"Add twenty thousand bottles, and keep the price from last night."
"There aren't twenty thousand bottles."
"Mr. Jiang, in business, one must leave room for maneuver."
"I only leave room for profit."
The two looked at each other.
The atmosphere in the reception room was tense.
Lin Zhengting finally laughed.
"Mr. Jiang, it's a good thing for young people to have an edge."
"Mr. Lin, young people are short of money, it can't be helped."
"Fine, the first batch of ten thousand bottles, increased by fifteen percent."
"The one million euro advance payment will be converted into a contract deposit, with an additional two million euros added today," Lin Zhengting continued.
"But I have a condition."
"What condition?"
"I want priority negotiation rights for the second batch of goods."
"Priority negotiation is fine, but the price is negotiable."
"Mr. Jiang, you are very greedy."
"Mr. Lin, didn't you come all this way for profit?"
Lin Zhengting nodded.
"Deal."
Isabella looked at Alain.
Alain immediately took his team to revise the contract.
Chen Qian sat nearby, her fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard, organizing payment accounts, taxes, inventory numbers, and batch lists.
She was nervous at first, but once she got into the flow, her movements became increasingly steady.
At 1:30 PM, the contract was officially signed.
Lin Zhengting signed.
Isabella signed.
Jiang Lin signed to confirm as the authorized consultant.
The additional two million euro payment would enter the escrow account within twenty-four hours.
Lin Zhengting capped his pen and looked at Jiang Lin.
"Mr. Jiang, if you have the chance to come to Hong Kong, I'll treat you to tea."
"I will."
"We'll discuss the second batch then."
"Bring enough budget."
Lin Zhengting shook his head with a smile.
"Someone like you is suitable to be a friend, but even more likely to be an enemy."
"Then let's be friends first."
After Lin Zhengting left, the study was quiet for a few seconds.
Alain spoke first.
"With the additional two million euros, we have a better chance with the court."
Martin also rarely showed a smile.
"Mrs. Montclair, the winery's cash flow has temporarily stabilized."
Chen Qian sat on the side, unable to stop herself from looking at Jiang Lin.
Isabella walked to the window and looked out at the vineyard.
Sunlight shone on the vine leaves.
Workers were walking between the rows.
Several trucks were parked outside the wine cellar, waiting for boxing and transport arrangements.
The winery was still in danger.
But it had truly come back to life.
Text appeared before Jiang Lin's eyes.
【 Main Quest: Prevent the bank from forcibly collecting debts within 48 hours 】
【 Task Completion: 75% → 90% 】
【 Milestone: First Asian order signed, additional advance payment of 2,000,000 euros 】
【 Target Trust Level Increase: 56 → 64 】
【 Rewards Obtained: Enhanced Business Negotiation Skills, Wine Industry Channel Information Pack, Cash Flow Compensation Limit Released 】
【 Cash Flow Compensation: 50,000 euros available for entry 】
Jiang Lin had just finished reading when his phone vibrated.
Zhao Hong sent a message.
【 Boss Jiang, Pierre is getting desperate 】
【 His people are spreading rumors in Paris, saying you used Mrs. Montclair's money to buy a fake painting, and that she is completely fooled by you 】
【 Bernard is also checking the location of Auguste's studio 】
【 Should I stop them? 】
Jiang Lin replied.
【 No need 】
Zhao Hong sent a question mark.
Jiang Lin did not explain.
Isabella noticed his actions.
"Pierre?"
"Yes, he has started spreading rumors."
"How do you plan to handle it?"
"Wait for Auguste's report."
Just as he finished speaking, Martin's phone rang.
He answered it, listened for a few moments, and his expression quickly turned serious.
After hanging up, he looked at Isabella and Jiang Lin.
"Mr. Auguste has sent the preliminary test results."
The study quieted down.
Martin projected the email onto the screen.
The first image was under UV light.
Under the murky surface, a large number of old restoration marks were clearly visible.
The second image was a close-up of the bottom right corner.
There was a string of lines that were almost covered.
Auguste had marked a word next to it.
Signature trace.
The third image was the back of the frame.
After the damaged paper label was enlarged, a small section of a crest and a few letters were revealed.
WEN...
Alain read aloud in a low voice:
"Wendell?"
Isabella looked sharply at Jiang Lin.
"The Wendell Family?"
Jiang Lin nodded.
Martin's expression also changed.
"The Earl of Wendell Family from England."
"Madam, twenty years ago, the old Earl of Wendell visited Montlais Winery."
Isabella certainly remembered.
It was a very old noble family in England.
High reputation, heavy assets, and heavy debts.
In recent years, there had been rumors in the European upper-class circles.
The maintenance costs for the Wendell Family castle were enormous.
Internal strife was constant, and several batches of old art collections were quietly being put on the market.
Jiang Lin looked at the incomplete label on the screen.
"This painting might come from the old collection at Wendell Castle."
Just then, Auguste's call came to Jiang Lin's phone.
Jiang Lin answered and put it on speaker.
The old man's hoarse voice came through, filled with irrepressible excitement.
"I can't say for sure it's Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, but the old signature traces are very close, as is the age of the pigments, and the label on the back looks like an old collection label from the Earl of Wendell Family from the late 19th century."
Isabella asked:
"Mr. Auguste, if we continue the appraisal, how long will it take?"
"It will take at least two weeks for preliminary scientific tests, and a complete expert opinion will take longer."
The old man paused.
"It's best to do it as soon as possible; Bernard is already asking about this painting, and others have even asked at my studio."
Jiang Lin said: "Let them ask."
Auguste cursed.
"What are you trying to do again?"
"I want them to be louder."
The old man was silent for a few seconds.
"You young lunatics are always so annoying."
The call ended.
Isabella looked at Jiang Lin.
"You've been waiting for this moment since last night?"
"Since I bought the painting."
"You want Pierre to promote it for us?"
"He is more anxious than us, and dirtier."
Jiang Lin looked at the Wendell label on the screen.
"This kind of person is best suited for dirty work."
At 4:00 PM, Alain received a call from the bank's lawyer.
The other party's tone had softened significantly.
The bank had taken a step back.
After hanging up the phone, Isabella stood in the center of the study, silent for a long time.
System text appeared before Jiang Lin's eyes.
【 Main Quest Completed 】
【 Prevent the bank from forcibly collecting debts within 48 hours: Completed 】
【 Task Evaluation: Excellent 】
【 Rewards Obtained: Montlais Winery Equity Advancement Rights, Target Trust Level Significantly Increased, European Wine Industry Resource Pack, Primary Capital Operation Experience Enhanced 】
【 Target Trust Level: 64 → 72 】
【 Fate Investment Relationship Upgraded: Temporary Partner → Core Partner 】
【 Equity Cooperation Official Negotiation Unlocked 】
Jiang Lin looked at Isabella.
She walked up to Jiang Lin and extended her hand.
"Jiang Lin."
"Hmm?"
"Welcome to becoming a core partner of Montlais Winery."
Jiang Lin took her hand.
Her fingers were still slightly cool, but much stronger than last night.
"Thirty percent?"
Isabella looked at him.
"The negotiations can begin."
"It seems we will continue to fight."
"Of course."
She gently pulled her hand back.
"Saving the winery doesn't mean you can easily take it away."
Jiang Lin smiled.
"That's what makes it interesting."
Just then, Martin knocked and entered.
"Madam, a call from London."
Isabella frowned.
"Who?"
Martin glanced at Jiang Lin, his expression somewhat subtle.
"The private secretary of the Countess of Wendell."
Jiang Lin looked at the incomplete old collection label on the screen.
Isabella took the call.
Martin pressed the speaker button.
A woman's voice with a standard British accent came from the other end.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Montclair."
"Ms. Victoria Wendell has heard that your consultant purchased a painting in Paris that may bear the old collection label of the Wendell Family, and she wishes to confirm if this is true."
Isabella did not answer immediately and looked at Jiang Lin.
Jiang Lin nodded slightly.
Isabella spoke.
"It is currently still in the preliminary testing stage."
The other end paused for a moment.
"Ms. Wendell would like to meet that consultant in person."
"When?"
"As soon as possible. If it really comes from the old collection of Wendell Castle, it is not as simple as just a painting."
Pale golden text appeared again before Jiang Lin's eyes.
【 Second S-rank Fate Target Officially Connected 】
【 Name: Victoria Wendell 】
【 Identity: British Countess 】
【 Current Predicament: Family Castle Debt Crisis, Trust Asset Transfer, Loss of Old Art Collections 】
【 Initial Contact Mission: Go to London, enter Wendell Castle 】
【 Mission Rewards: Ticket to the British Old Aristocracy Circle, Castle Asset Clues, S-rank Fate Investment Qualification 】
Isabella looked at Jiang Lin.
Jiang Lin spoke.
"Tell Mrs. Wendell."
"I will go to London."