Van Gogh, Don't Cut Off Your Ear! Your Top Trader Is Here
Takumi Asano, a painter from Kyoto, Japan, had copied tens of thousands of Vincent van Gogh's oil paintings. One day, he traveled through time to Arles, a small town in Provence, France, just before Christmas in 1888.
It could be said to be time travel, or rather, arriving in a parallel universe.
There, he became Marcel Duval, a 20-year-old local "chimney boy".
Right in front of him unfolded one of the most famous tragedies in art history: the impoverished and down-and-out Van Gogh, holding a razor, was pointing it at his left ear!
— "Mr. Van Gogh! Put down the razor!"
— "Tell Armand... I'll cut off my ear and give it to him right away!" Was there actually an untold secret behind Van Gogh's ear-severing incident?
— "Keep it, and it will bring you more and greater works!"
— "You're absolutely crazy! Who are you?"
— "I'm your top-tier manager!"
Years later, the Parisian art circle had undergone earth-shattering changes.
Van Gogh, who had grown into a great master, no longer had darkness in his eyes: "Marcel, it really was a good idea to keep my ear. Without you, none of this would have been possible!"
Takumi Asano, once a lowly copyist trapped in drudgery, had now become Marcel, the world's "Godfather of Art".
He smiled and raised his glass: "Come to my Provence manor this summer. I've planted a vast sunflower field—tens of thousands of mu—just for you... By the way, would you like to see my new paintings?"
【Time-Travel Redemption + Underdog's Rise + Rewriting History】!
Click to read, and join Van Gogh in defying fate to turn the tide, lighting up the stars on the canvas!
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Chapter: Chapter 20 The Art Dealer's Olive BranchTwo days later at noon. The Yellow House. Marcel carefully moved his right arm. The ointment Emily had prepared with cypress resin and plantain was indeed miraculous. Only a cool numbness remained where the wound had been, the burning pain greatly diminished, and it had almost completely healed. Marcel was carefully examining his bandages in the light from the window when Van Gogh suddenly popped his disheveled red hair from behind the easel, his fingers stained with ultramarine paint pointing excitedly at the canvas: "Look here! Marcel! The silvery-white luster Miss Emily mentioned—I've achieved it! Using zinc white with tiny amounts of ultramarine and emerald green!" On the canvas, the sun-facing side of the cypress tree indeed shimmered with an otherworldly metallic luster, as if gilded by the Provençal sun with a layer of eternal armor. The shadowed areas, however, settled into what Emily had called "sleeping blue-green," deep as the ocean floor, surging with dormant vitality
Last Updated: 2025-10-09
Chapter: Chapter 19 Art Consultant"You flatter me, Mr. Van Gogh. Treating the injured is my duty." Emily humbly lowered her head, her gaze inadvertently falling upon Van Gogh's unfinished painting.It was the cypress tree Van Gogh had just been frantically creating.On the canvas, the cypress was depicted with intense, swirling brushstrokes as towering flames of green fire. The sky was a whirlpool of cobalt blue and zinc yellow, while the earth blazed with passionate ochre tones.The colors were extremely saturated, emotions bursting forth.A flash of wonder crossed Emily's eyes, and she unconsciously stepped closer, studying it carefully.Van Gogh noticed her gaze, his initial excitement slightly restrained, tinged with the artist's characteristic sensitivity and nervousness about others' opinions: "Miss, what do you think of the painting?"Emily didn't answer immediately.She tilted her head, looking at the cypress burning like green flames on the canvas, then raised her eyes to see the real, sturdy, silent cypress
Last Updated: 2025-10-05
Chapter: Chapter 18 Herbal ExpertThe hills on the outskirts of Arles seemed particularly tranquil on this New Year's afternoon of 1889.The winter sunlight generously cascaded down, painting the withered grassland with a layer of warm gold.In the distance on the hills stood a grove of cypress and olive trees.The air was filled with the mixed scents of hay, earth, and pine resin."Right here, Vincent!" Marcel set down the easel from his shoulder and pointed to several cypress trees with peculiar, twisted forms at the top of the slope. "Look at their lines—how much they resemble writhing green flames!"Van Gogh's deep-set blue eyes immediately blazed with fervent light.He almost pounced toward the chosen spot, nimbly setting up his easel while muttering to himself: "Yes, yes! They're not trees—they're staircases to heaven! The vigorous force of life! I must use chrome yellow, emerald green, cobalt blue... no, that's not enough! I need to use the entire palette to sing of them!"Marcel watched Van Gogh instantly imme
Last Updated: 2025-10-04
Chapter: Chapter 17 DeliveryJanuary 1, 1889. The New Year's sunlight pierced through the sky of Arles, spilling across the windows of the Yellow House.Forty religious paintings were neatly stacked against the wall, emanating the faint scent of linseed oil and resin.Marcel let out a long breath of relief.He had done it—completed the arduous task of painting forty religious icons, even finishing two days ahead of schedule!On the other side of the easel, Vincent van Gogh was studying "The Virgin and Child in Sunlight," his fingers twisting a tube of chrome yellow paint that was nearly empty.On the table beside him lay scattered sketches and small studies, each bursting with vibrant colors and brushstrokes filled with wild passion, forming a stark contrast to Marcel's precisely replicated classical techniques."They're here," Sorel Dupont said, looking out the window. "Mr. Armand's carriage."Marcel remained calm: "Go open the door, Sorel."Soon, Armand entered the Yellow House, still wrapped in his thick dark
Last Updated: 2025-10-03
Chapter: Chapter 16 Critical ArticleAurier smiled slightly: "He is Mr. Vincent van Gogh!"The words weren't loud, yet they struck like a massive boulder hurled into a lake, instantly stirring up enormous waves!"What? Him?!""How good could his paintings possibly be?!""Mr. Aurier, surely you must be joking?"The room immediately erupted with barely suppressed gasps, scoffs, and incredulous whispers.The smile on Lemaigne's face completely froze, as if he'd been punched in the face. The color rapidly drained from his features, then surged back with a vengeance, turning purple-red.The lackey artists beside him looked as though they'd heard the most absurd joke in the world, exchanging glances with undisguised mockery curling at the corners of their mouths.Van Gogh was also stunned, his blue eyes widening enormously, lips slightly parted, even forgetting to wipe the breadcrumbs clinging to his beard. He instinctively looked toward Marcel, his gaze bewildered, as if asking: "Is he talking about me?"Marcel's heart pounde
Last Updated: 2025-10-02
Chapter: Chapter 15 Artists' BanquetFive-thirty in the afternoon."Gentlemen, may I really accompany you to the Saint Martin Restaurant?" Sorel asked."Of course, Sorel." Marcel patted his shoulder. "You're our assistant now, and our friend. It'll do you good to see the world and hear how art critics speak."Van Gogh nodded vigorously as well: "Albert Aurier—he's someone who truly understands art! I'm very much looking forward to the dinner we arranged with him."The three walked through the twilight toward the Saint Martin Restaurant in the town center.The Saint Martin Restaurant typically served merchants of modest means, tourists, and self-proclaimed refined artists.On Christmas night, the restaurant's windows glowed with exceptionally bright and warm gaslight, silhouettes moving within, and the faint sound of violin music drifting out.However, as soon as they reached the oak door decorated with brass handles, they sensed something amiss.A waiter in black formal wear with a stern expression stood at the entrance.
Last Updated: 2025-10-01
Chapter: Chapter 10:GunfightJack and Isabella had just walked out of the private room when, before they could leave the restaurant, a burst of intense gunfire suddenly rang out!"Bang! Bang! Bang!"Bullets whistled through the air, hitting the dining tables with shrill "thuds."Plates and wine glasses crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.The restaurant’s customers screamed, scrambling under the tables to hide.The once lively restaurant turned into a living hell in an instant."It’s a gang shootout!"someone shouted, their voice filled with fear."Run!"Jack immediately pulled Isabella behind him, his body leaning slightly forward as he stared warily in the direction of the gunfire.His eyes turned sharp—like a hunting eagle.Years of battlefield experience kept him absolutely calm in the face of danger.A group of men in black jackets and baseball caps marched through the restaurant, pistols in hand, searching table by table.A ferocious skull tattoo covered each of their forearms. Cigarettes hung from
Last Updated: 2025-10-14
Chapter: Chapter 9:BankruptcyThe celebration dinner continued, but the atmosphere had turned awkward.After being scolded by Arthur, Ethan huddled in a corner with his head down, not daring to speak—like a child who’d done something wrong.Richard and Martha kept toasting Jack, spouting flattery in an attempt to make up for their earlier mistake."Jack, let me toast you with this one!" Richard held up his wine glass, a fawning smile on his face."I was blind before—I wronged you. Please don’t take it to heart! From now on, you’re our son-in-law—we’re family!"Jack took the glass but didn’t drink it, just placing it on the table."There’s no need for drinking. Isabella and I will handle our wedding ourselves—we won’t trouble you."Richard was rebuffed, his face growing awkward. But he didn’t dare say anything more—he didn’t dare offend Jack now.Jack held the White’s Resort contract and had connections with General Manager Anthony Thompson.If Jack got angry, the Hart family would be finished.Just then, the priva
Last Updated: 2025-10-06
Chapter: Chapter 8:Stealing CreditThat afternoon, Anthony Thompson, the general manager of White’s Resort, indeed personally delivered a brand-new contract to the Hart family’s villa.Only Ethan Martinez was at home—Arthur, Richard, and Martha were all out and hadn’t returned yet.The general manager was extremely humble as he presented the contract, explaining that the amount had been increased from the original one million dollars to two million dollars.The terms were so favorable they exceeded the Hart family’s expectations."This is all thanks to Mr. Brown and Miss Hart. It’s our small apology and sincerity," the general manager said respectfully.After seeing the general manager off, Ethan stared at the two-million-dollar contract.An evil idea popped into his head.He picked up the contract and called Arthur."Grandpa, look! I’m the one who finally got the contract! That Jack—he just got lucky and knows some people. The real reason we got it is definitely the reputation you’ve built up for the family all these
Last Updated: 2025-10-06
Chapter: Chapter 7:NegotiationsOn the way from the Hart family’s house to Jack’s villa in the Washington suburbs, Isabella stared out the car window, a worried frown on her face."Jack, about the White’s Resort contract... I heard Manager Powell is really hard to deal with. And Daniel will probably try to sabotage it...""Don’t worry," Jack held her hand, his eyes steady."The real owner of White’s Resort owes me a huge favor. The contract won’t be a problem."Even though Jack’s tone was certain, Isabella still felt uneasy.She didn’t want to put all the pressure on Jack—or let him be humiliated by her family because of her.An idea popped into her head: she would try to handle it herself.Even if she could only help a little, even if she could just buy Jack a small chance, it would be worth it.Early the next morning, Isabella didn’t wake Jack.She took a taxi alone to White’s Resort, which was located by a lake in the suburbs.She found the manager’s office on the second floor of the project department, took a de
Last Updated: 2025-10-06
Chapter: Chapter 6:Breaking the EngagementEarly the next morning, Jack wore a well-tailored light gray suit, which made his tall figure even more imposing.Isabella chose an elegant white dress, pulled her blonde hair up, and applied a light touch of makeup.Now that her appearance was restored, she was radiant—stunningly beautiful.Raymond Brown—Jack’s loyal butler and driver—chauffeur-driven them to the city hall in a black armored car.The city hall was a typical Gothic building—solemn and dignified.They waited in line excitedly, ready to register their marriage."You two make such a handsome couple—perfect for each other!" The middle-aged female clerk in charge of registration smiled and praised them as she handed over the forms.Jack was about to hand over the identification documents that Raymond had specially prepared when suddenly—Bang!The lights in the city hall flickered violently, then went out completely!At the same time, noisy shouting and the sound of breaking glass came from outside the window!"What’s goin
Last Updated: 2025-10-06
Chapter: Chapter 5:TreatmentInside the helicopter cabin, the roar of the engine was muffled by high-end soundproofing into a low background hum.Isabella, wrapped in a soft cashmere blanket, sat in a spacious, comfortable aviation seat.Her body still trembled slightly with excitement and anxiety.She glanced secretly at Jack beside her.He was focused on the golden-red clouds outside the porthole, dyed by the sunset.The sharp lines of his profile softened slightly under the warm cabin lights."Where... are we going?" She summoned her courage, asking in a small voice.Jack turned his gaze to her, the coldness in his eyes fading. "To a place where you can finally say goodbye to the pain of the past." His voice was calm, but carried a reassuring power.Finally say goodbye to the pain?Isabella lowered her head, twisting her hands nervously.These scars were not just physical torture—they were a twenty-year nightmare and a mental shackle. How could it be so easy?"Jack..." She hesitated, "Thank you. But you might
Last Updated: 2025-10-06
