"As everyone knows, Xia Hewan is an impressionist painter who excels in landscape paintings. She usually visits natural sites in person before painting, and sketches based on the real scenes she observes. At different times and in different seasons, when the Sun hangs in the same position, the light and shadows it casts are different."
However, in this painting, the light and shadows on the "Spring" and "Autumn" sides are almost the same in length and intensity. It's clear that the imitator only copied the surface and failed to grasp the true craftsmanship and essence of the artist, making the fake quite obvious."
Her assertion was confident and well-reasoned, leaving the guests at the event momentarily startled.
All were lords, ladies, young masters, and young misses from prominent families, each with a certain aesthetic insight. What he said... seemed to make sense.
"There's some truth to it~"
"Upon closer look, this painting really isn't as exquisite as Xia Hewan's other works…"
"Could it actually be a fake?"
The crowd began whispering among themselves, and even Bo Tingshen lifted his gaze, eyeing Ye Xian.
Feeling the unfathomable stare of the top-tier mogul, Ye Xian hurriedly flashed an ingratiating smile.
"You..." Cheng Jingshu began to panic as it seemed everyone was believing it, "Don't talk nonsense. You don't know anything about painting. How can you speculate about the artist's intentions?"
Ye Xian crossed his arms. "I may not understand, but even an outsider like me can spot the improper handling of light and shadows. Could Xia Hewan, a nationally renowned artist, possibly overlook this detail?"
"That, that's because…"
Cheng Jingshu's eyes darted around, her mind scrambling as she tried to formulate an argument to refute his ridiculous theory.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Bo interrupted her, "Jingshu, you might really have been deceived and ended up buying a counterfeit."
"What?" Cheng Jingshu couldn't believe it, looking innocently at Mr. Bo, "Uncle, it's not possible, I..."
Before she could finish, Mr. Bo brought up his phone in front of her, displaying a voice message sent by Xia Hewan's assistant.
"... 'Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits' was a love token I gave my husband. How could I possibly sell it? Also, to create this painting, I waited from spring until autumn, a full year to complete it. It's like my most beloved child. By the way, President Bo, who just now pointed out that shadow on the painting?"
After the voice message finished, Cheng Jingshu's face turned a furious shade of green.
How could this be, how could this happen...
"I was worried you might be conned, so I specifically asked for Xia Hewan's studio's contact information just now. As suspected... But no worries, Grandpa's birthday today is what counts, but you must get back the money you were cheated out of. We can't let the fraudster get away scot-free."
"I, I..."
Cheng Jingshu, with her head buried deep, had already lost all face, her teeth grinding loudly, wishing she could tear Ye Xian into pieces.
Now Mr. Bo, Mother Bo, and Grandpa Bo must all think she lied, bringing a fake painting to the celebration.
She had bought the painting from a collector and never suspected it could be fake. Now, having it turn out this way...
All thanks to Ye Xian! This disgusting dead gay had made her lose face! She was waiting to get even!
Ye Xian observed her shame and frustration, his tongue teasing the corner of his mouth.
The revenge for being deceived into drugging Jiang Wanze was finally avenged.
"Miss Cheng, don't forget to go to the scammer and get your money back. Twenty million is no small sum, and it's not worth it for a lesson~"
You...
Cheng Jingshu glared at him, wishing she could literally carve a piece of flesh from his body.