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

"Take a small amount of oil paint from the painting and observe the particle size under a microscope. In the 50s, the average oil paint particle size was 15 micrometers. After the 70s, the particle size dropped to 8 micrometers." Anderson snapped his fingers as he spoke. "This data has been recognized by European industrial academia. I don't think it's difficult to find a microscope in the port city, is it?"

As soon as Anderson finished speaking, everyone present gasped. This method was simply ingenious, both simple and efficient. Chen Yang was secretly delighted; this bearded expert had truly been a great help.

"Mr. Anderson, you are truly amazing!" Chen Yang exclaimed sincerely. "You even know this method; you are far superior to the rest of them!"

Anderson smiled slightly, his beard twitching. "Young man, this is just basic common sense. In the field of art authentication, we must keep up with the times and use the latest technological means."

Jason and Yoshida's expressions instantly turned grim. They exchanged a glance, clearly not expecting such a turn of events.

“Wait a minute,” Jason suddenly interjected, “how do we know the microscope’s precision is sufficient? After all, the difference between 8 micrometers and 15 micrometers is very small.”

Anderson waved his hand dismissively, "Don't worry, the resolution of modern microscopes far exceeds this requirement. As long as it's equipment from a reputable laboratory, there won't be any problem."

Yoshida said through gritted teeth, "Even if we find a microscope, who will operate it? Who will judge the results? I don't believe just anyone can do it."

“You can rest assured,” Anderson said confidently. “I have received professional training in Europe and am fully capable of conducting this test. If you are not comfortable with this, you can ask other experts to participate.”

Chen Yang's eyes widened, his heart churning with shock. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, big beard! Your beard looks so cute now, I really want to touch it!" This sudden thought made him chuckle, but he quickly focused his attention on the key issue.

Anderson's suggestion was like a ray of dawn, illuminating the fog in Chen Yang's mind. His brain raced, considering the feasibility of this method. The authority of the Tank Nation in industry was unquestionable, and the whole world acknowledged it. Anderson's suggestion at this moment undoubtedly gave Chen Yang an excellent opportunity.

Chen Yang's eyes gleamed with excitement; he felt the scales of victory tipping in his favor. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing emotions, and his mind was already conjuring up the scene to come.

"Yes, that's the method!" Chen Yang clapped his hands excitedly, the gesture so exaggerated it seemed he wanted to pour all his joy into it. He pointed at the three people standing opposite him, his gaze firm and confident. "Just wait a moment and you'll see who really lost!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Yang felt a surge of excitement. He knew this would be a crucial contest, not only concerning his personal honor but also the image of China on the international stage. He clenched his fist, determined to give it his all in this competition.

The atmosphere at the art exhibition instantly became tense, with everyone's eyes focused on Chen Yang and the three others. The air seemed to freeze, with only rapid breathing echoing through the room. Chen Yang could feel his heart pounding, but his expression remained calm and confident.

He knew that every step from here on out was crucial. Finding the microscope, taking a sample, observing, analyzing... every step had to be flawless. Chen Yang silently planned everything in his mind, while also secretly praying that everything would go smoothly.

Just then, Anderson coughed lightly, breaking the silence. "We should solve this problem scientifically. I suggest we start preparing immediately and find a suitable microscope as soon as possible." His words were like a command, pulling everyone out of the tense atmosphere.

Chen Yang nodded, took a deep breath, and prepared to face the upcoming challenge. He knew that the truth would soon be revealed, and he would be the key figure in unraveling this mystery.

Upon hearing the suggestion, Dean Zeng immediately nodded in agreement. “The Gangcheng Art Museum has a high-precision microscope in the restoration room. I’m very familiar with the people there. I’ll arrange for someone to fetch it right away.”

Secretary Li quickly realized what was happening and took out her phone to call the relevant personnel.

However, at that moment, Jason suddenly shouted, "Wait! We haven't agreed to this plan yet!"

Seeing Jason jump out to object, a hint of disdain flashed in Chen Yang's eyes, and a mocking sneer curled at the corner of his mouth. He put his hands in his pockets, tilted his head, and looked down at Jason with a condescending attitude. "You disagree? Ha, what good is your disagreement! You're just a good-for-nothing who can only talk big. When I asked you to come up with a solution, you were like a wooden doll, not saying a word. Now that someone else has come up with a solution, you're the first to jump out and object."

"If you're incompetent, shut up and listen obediently. I agree to this!"

"Wait!" Smith suddenly stood up, his usual elegant demeanor gone, his voice tinged with impatience. He slightly raised his shoulders, casually straightened his tie, and said in a deliberately lowered tone, "I also disagree."

“Among all of us here, except Mr. Anderson, none of us know how to operate this machine. But the problem is that Mr. Anderson himself is involved in this betting. If he were to operate it, what if…” He paused meaningfully, “what if he were to tamper with it? Then the fairness of this betting would be nonexistent. For the sake of fairness, I think he should not operate it himself.”

“That’s right!” Yoshida jumped out as if he had grasped a lifeline, crossing his arms in front of his chest, looking completely at ease.

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Anderson and the instruments, his tone filled with obvious suspicion, "Who knows what era these oil paints are from? What if they really are from the 50s, and Anderson deliberately altered the test results to show they're from the 70s in order to win? Wouldn't we all be fooled? We can't be careless about this kind of thing!"

Upon hearing this, Anderson's face instantly darkened. He whirled around, his eyes piercing as he stared at Yoshida. "Mr. Yoshida!"

He gritted his teeth and said, his voice filled with suppressed anger, "What do you mean by that? Are you questioning my professional competence, or are you implying that there's a problem with our country's industrial technology?"

"Oh, don't be angry, don't be angry." Seeing this, Smith quickly tried to smooth things over, forcing a professional smile and waving his hands frantically. "Mr. Anderson, you've misunderstood. We all greatly respect your professionalism and fully acknowledge your country's outstanding achievements in the industrial field. It's just..."

He carefully chose his words, "Since it's a bet, it should be 100% fair and just, don't you think?"

"Hmph!" Yoshida snorted coldly, his expression colder than ice, his eyes flashing with distrust. "If there's even the slightest unfairness in this bet, I absolutely will not admit it!"

Anderson's expression darkened further. He looked around, his gaze lingering on each person's face for a moment, before finally sighing helplessly, his tone tinged with stubbornness and resentment, "Then tell me, what should we do now? Either you come up with a better solution, or you find someone who knows how to operate this machine!"

Although a solution was found, the situation reached a stalemate again. Neither side was willing to back down, and neither trusted the other; even bringing in a microscope wouldn't help. A tense atmosphere hung in the air, and the gazes of the group shifted back and forth, as if a silent battle was unfolding.

Anderson stood there, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty, sometimes frowning, sometimes sneering. Smith, meanwhile, toyed with his pen impassively, a hint of wariness in his eyes. Yoshida stood with his arms crossed, displaying an unwillingness to compromise. At this moment, Zhou Yuqing, standing to the side, bit her lip slightly, her gaze shifting among the group, seemingly weighing something.

Finally, she took a deep breath, slowly raised one arm, and softly said, "Teachers, perhaps I have a way."

Her voice, though soft, was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. Hearing Zhou Yuqing speak, everyone turned to look at her. Some cast curious glances, others looked on with suspicion, and still others flashed a hint of disdain.

When Jason saw the bilingual commentator, a contemptuous smile curled at the corner of his lips. He couldn't help but sneer, his eyes filled with condescending arrogance. "A commentator? What can you do? Mind your place and do your job!"

Seeing Jason's disdain, a fleeting hint of hurt crossed Zhou Yuqing's face, but it was quickly replaced by determination. She looked at Chen Yang, drawing strength from his resolute gaze. Having made up her mind, she straightened her back and took a step forward. Her movements were elegant and composed, showing no trace of her earlier hesitation. Speaking to Jason in fluent English, she said, "Mr. Jason, you may be disrespectful, but I believe my father can help you. You cannot underestimate my father!"

Her voice was clear and firm, and her English pronunciation was standard and beautiful, which surprised the foreigners present.

"Your father?" Jason remained unfazed, offering only a slight, cold laugh. His gaze swept contemptuously over Zhou Yuqing, as if she were an insignificant nobody. "What about him? Is he a guide at the Port City Museum? Haha!"

His laughter, filled with disdain, echoed in the exhibition hall, sounding slightly grating. However, he failed to notice the flicker of confidence and certainty in Zhou Yuqing's eyes.

“My father’s name is Zhou Jiqing!” Zhou Yuqing straightened her back and met Jason’s contemptuous gaze with piercing eyes.

Her voice was calm and measured, yet carried an unwavering strength: "Graduated from the Royal College of Art with two degrees, awarded the Royal Gold Ribbon! His teacher was David Hockney, known as the Godfather of American Art!"

Upon hearing Zhou Qingyu mention Zhou Jiqing's name, Smith, Jason, and Yoshida were slightly taken aback. Zhou Qingyu's tone carried a hint of pride, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, "My father was once the chief restorer at the National Gallery in London, and he restored more than a dozen famous paintings, including Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Even the British Museum extended an invitation three times, hoping he would serve as its chief appraiser."

Zhou Yuqing's voice grew more and more firm: "In the European art world, everyone knows the name 'Oriental Zhou'."

At this point, she raised her head slightly and tossed her long hair gently. "Last year, he was invited to authenticate a work in the Louvre that was suspected to be by Leonardo da Vinci." She looked directly into Jason's eyes. "So, Mr. Jason, I think my father is fully qualified to solve our current problem."

Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm, "Or do you think you know more about art appraisal than my father?"

“If you want a truly authoritative expert, then I can say with certainty that in all of Asia, you probably can’t find a more suitable candidate than my father.” Zhou Yuqing’s gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Jason’s face. “So, Mr. Jason, before you rush to dismiss someone, you might as well find out who they are first.”