Rebirth 93: Break off the engagement at the beginning and marry Bai Fumei

"Kid, don't be so arrogant!" Jason finally couldn't hold back any longer. He jumped up from his seat, rushed over to Chen Yang, pointed at him fiercely, his face flushed red and veins bulging. "Don't think you're so great just because you know a few clocks. Do you even know what oil painting is? Oil painting is a profound and complex art form; how could an outsider like you possibly understand it?"

Facing Jason's aggressive approach, Chen Yang remained calm and even deliberately stretched and yawned, completely unconcerned about Jason's anger. This action further enraged Jason, whose finger nearly poked Chen Yang's nose. However, Chen Yang didn't budge, staring directly into Jason's eyes, his gaze piercing and unyielding. The air between them seemed to freeze, and the atmosphere became tense and fraught with danger.

Seeing this, Smith quickly stepped forward and pulled Jason aside, whispering a few words, seemingly trying to calm him down. Jason then reluctantly took a few steps back, but still glared fiercely at Chen Yang.

Chen Yang, however, scoffed, hands in his pockets, head slightly tilted back, his gait leisurely and casual, every movement exuding nonchalance. A slight smirk played on his lips, his eyes revealing an air of superior confidence and composure: "I may not understand oil paintings, but I believe I know better than any of you how to authenticate them! If you don't believe me, I can give you a lesson in front of everyone later, showing you what true 'eagle eyes' really mean!"

As soon as Chen Yang finished speaking, the atmosphere became even more tense. Smith and Yoshida exchanged a complicated look, seemingly wondering whether this young man was truly capable or just bluffing.

"Chen Yang!" At this moment, Secretary Li hurriedly stepped forward and stopped Chen Yang, who was walking over. Her expression was both tense and helpless, fearing that his words and actions would cause a greater conflict. "If you don't understand, don't talk nonsense. You'll only make everyone misunderstand."

She lowered her voice, her brow furrowed, "I admit what you said about clocks was correct; you do have unique insights in that area. But this is oil painting; you don't understand oil painting at all..."

Before Secretary Li could finish speaking, Chen Yang shrugged, chuckled, and said in a relaxed yet firm voice, "I may not understand oil painting, but I do understand ancient paintings..."

His tone revealed an undeniable certainty: "In my eyes, a painting is a painting, whether it is Eastern or Western, and they cannot escape some basic rules and traces."

A moment of silence fell over the room as everyone awaited Chen Yang's next words. He glanced around, noticing the skeptical or curious gazes of the crowd, a slight smile playing on his lips, seemingly enjoying the spotlight.

"Chen Yang, oil painting is different from our ancient Chinese paintings," Dean Zeng finally couldn't help but speak up. He looked at Chen Yang, his face showing a hint of anger, and his tone was serious with a hint of warning. "These are two different fields of art, and the principles are completely different. Please study them carefully before you speak. Your reckless remarks will only make us a laughing stock among our international peers!"

Before Chen Yang could respond, a deep voice suddenly interrupted Dean Zeng's words.

"No, no, no," the bearded man suddenly stood up, his eyes bright as stars, his face full of excitement. After all, he had just realized that Chen Yang had seen through the forgery, and now was the perfect time to ask him for advice. He eagerly beckoned to Chen Yang, his expression incredibly enthusiastic, "My friend from China, could you come over and tell us? I'm very interested in your insights!"

The bearded man's reaction surprised everyone, even Chen Yang was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly recovered, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and walked towards the bearded man. The atmosphere at the scene immediately became unpredictable, everyone's eyes focused on this young man, wondering what would happen next.

“Mr. Anderson, he doesn’t understand oil painting at all,” Secretary Li said from the side, her brows furrowed and her tone revealing obvious displeasure and contempt. “We don’t need to waste our time on him…” Her gaze drifted to the expert team beside her, as if implying that the intervention of such “outsiders” was a desecration of the entire appreciation event.

“Who says I don’t understand oil painting?” Chen Yang turned around with a grin to look at Secretary Li, completely ignoring the questioning glances from all around. He stood still, hands in his pockets, head slightly raised, looking confident. “Isn’t this Jackson Pollock’s Untitled…” His voice was unhurried, full of an indescribable confidence and composure. Standing in front of the painting, his eyes narrowed slightly as he repeated what Secretary Li had told him earlier.

Before Chen Yang could finish speaking, Secretary Li glared at him fiercely, her eyes like sharp swords piercing him, her face filled with undisguised anger. "Chen Yang, can't you have any shame? Didn't I tell you this before the exhibition started?"

Although she spoke in a low voice, everyone around her could hear her clearly. "You're just showing off what you've learned. Is that interesting? I don't know what you're so smug about. Why don't you go back now!" With that, she waved her right hand slightly and gave Chen Yang a disdainful look.

"Hahaha!" Upon hearing Secretary Li's words, Smith and the others burst into laughter, their laughter filled with sarcasm and disdain. Some even clapped exaggeratedly, as if watching a farcical spectacle. Smith stroked his well-trimmed beard, his eyes gleaming with superiority. "So you're just putting your newfound knowledge into practice, kid. You don't actually think you can just talk about oil painting and be done with it, do you?"

“Exactly,” Jason jumped out from the side and said fiercely, striding over to Chen Yang. He leaned forward slightly, almost touching Chen Yang’s face, his breath carrying the bitterness of coffee.

"Kid, didn't you say you could appraise oil paintings?" His eyes were fixed on Chen Yang, like a hunter eyeing its prey, a malicious smile playing on his lips. "If you can't explain this painting today, you'll be here..." His words trailed off, leaving an unsettling silence.

Jason pointed to his feet, looking at Chen Yang with a wicked grin, his eyes gleaming with victory. "Kneel down for me, represent your China, kowtow and admit your mistake, and use your tongue to lick my shoes clean!" As he spoke, he deliberately raised one foot to show off his shiny Italian handmade leather shoes, as if they were some supreme treasure.

“Kid,” Yoshida stood beside him, arms crossed, a wicked grin on his face as he looked at Chen Yang, his eyes narrowed to slits, examining Chen Yang as if he were some interesting toy. He walked over to Jason, forming a human wall, “If you’re not confident, kneel down now and kowtow three times to Mr. Jason, and he might let you go!”

His tone carried a feigned goodwill, yet he couldn't hide his gloating expression, as if he were watching a good show.

The air around them seemed to freeze instantly, all eyes fixed on the sudden standoff. Some whispered, some shook their heads and sighed, while others wore expectant expressions; everyone was waiting for a spectacular performance. The exhibition hall lights seemed to become even more glaring, illuminating everyone's expressions clearly.

"Bang!" As soon as Yoshida finished speaking, Song Kaiyuan slammed his hand on the table. The sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet exhibition hall, like a thunderclap shattering the silent night sky. He stood up abruptly, his eyes wide with anger, his face flushed red, and veins bulging at his temples.

"You foreign devils, don't push your luck!" His chest heaved violently, his voice trembling slightly with anger. "Chen Yang, ignore them, don't fall for their tricks. Come back now, I'll stand up for you, let's see who dares to stop you!" Song Kaiyuan's words were firm and authoritative.

Old Geng stood up at this moment, his movements slow but firm. He looked at Chen Yang with a serious expression, his eyes filled with concern and worry. He adjusted his glasses and said in a deep and powerful voice, "Chen Yang, come back first. We can talk about it slowly."

Although Old Geng's tone was calm, it revealed an irresistible authority, as if reminding Chen Yang not to act impulsively.

The atmosphere in the exhibition hall instantly became tense, with the two sides facing off, and invisible sparks seemed to be flying in the air. The audience had forgotten about the painting; all their attention was focused on this sudden conflict.

Chen Yang turned to look at the two men, seeing the concern and anxiety in their eyes, but he smiled calmly, a smile tinged with disdain and confidence. He raised a hand to interrupt them, his movements elegant and composed. "Old Song, Old Geng, it's alright. You two rest, I'll play with them!" His voice was neither loud nor soft, but full of confidence, like a fine old wine, soothing and comforting.

After speaking, Chen Yang turned to look at the three men, his face still bearing a bright smile, but with a hint of unfathomable meaning within it. His gaze calmly swept over their faces, finally settling on Jason's. "Not bad!"

Chen Yang nodded slightly, his tone very relaxed, as if he had everything under control, "But if you lose, what will you lose to me?"

This simple statement carries a chilling confidence and provocation, as if he has already seen the dawn of victory.

The tension in the air intensified, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the duel to continue. Chen Yang stood there, his figure exceptionally tall and straight under the glaring lights, like a drawn sword, gleaming with a cold light.

At this moment, Dean Zeng, who was standing to the side, felt a tightness in his heart and frowned. He gave Secretary Li a meaningful look, which contained anxiety, command and hidden worry, signaling her to go up and pull the fearless Chen Yang over.

Dean Zeng sighed inwardly. Although Chen Yang was a relatively outstanding young man in the field of antiques, and could even be considered one of the best among his peers, oil painting, a Western art, required a foundation and accumulated skill. It was not something that could be mastered in a day or two, or by listening to others and reading a few materials. This kid was clearly pretending to be an expert when he was an amateur. If he really made a bet with those old foxes like Yoshida, it would not only be a disgrace to himself, but also a loss of face for China on the international stage. At that time, these Westerners and Japanese would make a big fuss about this.

Secretary Li, having received instructions from Dean Zeng, reluctantly stepped forward, her small, hurried steps landing on the exhibition hall carpet. As soon as she reached Chen Yang's side, she felt the mocking gazes of the three foreigners, as if they were watching a farce.

Secretary Li suppressed her embarrassment, reached out her slender fingers, and took Chen Yang's arm with just the right amount of force—a gesture that showed both determination and politeness. She leaned close to Chen Yang and whispered in his ear, "Chen Yang, don't be stubborn, come back quickly."

Seeing that Chen Yang remained unmoved, she had no choice but to raise her voice, trying to bring the young man back to his senses, "Chen Yang, stop making trouble! You're bringing shame to China!" Her voice was both commanding and pleading, and her eyes flickered with worry and helplessness.

Chen Yang gently raised his arm and lightly shook off Secretary Li's hand, his movements elegant and composed, showing no sign of panic. He turned to look at Secretary Li, a cryptic smile on his face, his eyes full of confidence and composure.

Chen Yang lowered his head slightly, leaned close to Secretary Li's ear, and said in a voice that was not loud but clear enough, "Secretary Li, don't be in a hurry, the show is just beginning."

As he spoke, Chen Yang took a half step back, gave her a meaningful smile, a sly glint in his eyes, and raised his voice, "Secretary Li, if you hadn't mentioned that you had told me about this painting before, they wouldn't have known I don't understand oil painting. You're the one who made me lose face in front of them first. Even if it's a disgrace to China, it's you who made me lose face first!"

His voice was calm and clear, each word distinct yet sharp like a sword pointing directly at Secretary Li's mistake, catching her off guard. Chen Yang's expression remained relaxed and natural, as if he were simply stating a fact rather than blaming her.

"You..." Secretary Li was stunned by Chen Yang's words, her eyes widening in shock, and for a moment she didn't know how to refute him. A blush quickly spread across her face, from her neck down to her cheeks, even her ears turned bright red. Her once neat hair was slightly disheveled, with a few strands falling across her forehead, making her look somewhat embarrassed.

Secretary Li opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but was speechless, because what Chen Yang said was indeed true. She hadn't expected Chen Yang to pin this on her, and she hadn't expected that her momentary negligence would give him such a huge handle. Her eyes went from shock to anger, then to helplessness, and finally settled on an indescribable sense of defeat.

Secretary Li looked at the arm that Chen Yang had easily shaken off, feeling powerless and aggrieved. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but couldn't help stomping her foot hard, the heel of her leather shoe making a crisp "tap" on the ground. "You're shameless! You're talking nonsense, I'm not going to care about you anymore!"