Rebirth: The Time-locked Girl-Chapter 62 - 0 Staring in disbelief Sister Lan exposes fakes

Chapter 62: 062 Staring in disbelief, Sister Lan exposes fakes [2nd update]

Chapter 62: 062 Staring in disbelief, Sister Lan exposes fakes [2nd update]

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“Ah Lan, I’m really sorry.” Yan Tingyue removed her hat while speaking, “I invited you to accompany me to the art exhibition, but ended up neglecting you.”

“Teacher, you’re being too serious,” Ye Wanlan didn’t mind, smiling faintly, “Your work is more important, and our goal is to revive Kunqu opera.”

“Please, have a seat, no need to be so formal with me,” Yan Tingyue then noticed the other two people at the dining table.

Rong Yu stood up frantically, his mouth agape with an expression screaming ‘incredible’ and ‘he’s going to go mad’.

Who could tell him that Yan Tingyue’s disciple was Ye Wanlan?!

“Xiao Rong?” Yan Tingyue was slightly startled, “And Xiao Yan?”

She had a good memory, especially for someone with the appearance and bearing of Yan Tingfeng—a person she wouldn’t forget after just one glance.

“So you are Ah Lan’s friends.”

“The teacher Student Ye mentioned is you?!”

Two voices sounded at the same time.

Yan Tingyue was merely surprised, but Rong Yu leaped up, almost stumbling in the process.

Ever since his last visit to Yan Tingyue and learning that she had taken on a disciple, he had been curious about the identity of this apprentice, wondering who could be so distinguished.

Rong Yu had thought through all the sons and daughters of the families in Yunjing who knew Kunqu opera, but couldn’t match any of them.

He never expected to meet Yan Tingyue under such circumstances, completely unprepared mentally.

“Aunt Yan,” Yan Tingfeng’s eyes didn’t waver, his gentle smile faint, “It’s good to see you again, was the tea I sent last time to your liking?”

“Yes, it is good to see you again,” Yan Tingyue nodded several times, “The tea had an excellent taste; it must have taken quite some effort to cultivate, right?”

Without answering, Yan Tingfeng’s smile deepened, “If Aunt Yan likes it, I will have more boxes sent over.”

He spoke of “boxes.”

Yan Tingyue was taken aback, “Xiao Yan, that’s too extravagant, I’m quite simple with my food and drink, there is no need to waste money.”

“It’s not a waste,” Yan Tingfeng replied with a slight smile, “Just a little gesture, it doesn’t count for much.”

Yan Tingyue sensitively perceived that Yan Tingfeng had become friendlier than just polite as at their first meeting.

She pondered for a moment, then looked at Ye Wanlan and suddenly came to a realization.

So that’s how it is.

“You… how do you even know Kunqu opera?” Rong Yu stammered, “That shouldn’t be possible; you really don’t fit with Kunqu opera!”

He truly couldn’t imagine a girl who could sing opera being capable of knocking over a table with such resoluteness.

Ye Wanlan passed the menu back to the waiter, her eyebrows raising, “You never asked.”

Learning Kunqu opera, suppressing the heart, cultivating the character, molding sentiment – is there a problem?

“I… this…” Rong Yu continued to stutter, unable to maintain his cool.

He collected himself, finally burying his head in his arms on the table.

He went into reclusion.

“I was thinking this meal would make me uncomfortable since I’m used to living alone, and have not seen strangers for a long while,” Yan Tingyue laughed heartily, “But since everyone here is an acquaintance, that’s good. We can eat freely and talk freely, I’ll take care of the bill.”

It wasn’t until the dishes were served that Rong Yu finally regained his senses, “Aunt Yan, you’ve really done me in, if you had only reminded me earlier, my heart might not have failed me.”

“Xiao Rong, you still have the same temperament, you should grow up,” Yan Tingyue chuckled, “How’s your grandfather doing lately? Is he well?”

“He’s very healthy. Healthier than me,” Rong Yu said, “The old man has also been invited to the Northern Lands as a judge for a spirit communication show, and he happily went.”

“That’s good, that’s good,” Yan Tingyue nodded and then added suddenly, “I heard that at today’s auction, they sold an authentic work of Princess Yongning? Three hundred million indeed is not a small sum, but for the Princess Yongning’s painting, it’s worth it.”

“Teacher, that painting is a fake,” Ye Wanlan placed a peeled shrimp into Yan Tingyue’s bowl, “But the imitation is indeed quite good, worth perhaps three to four hundred thousand.”

“Fake?” Yan Tingyue was startled but did not doubt Ye Wanlan’s words, “If that’s the case, all the people responsible for the auction must be held accountable!”

“They have already started investigating the exact source of that painting,” Yan Tingfeng said calmly, “Passing off lesser works as national treasures is unforgivable.”

Yan Tingyue sighed lightly, “It’s also because of the war back then that we lost and destroyed so many cultural relics.”

“Aunt Yan, let’s talk about something cheerful. The reason my grandfather agreed to be a judge is because the Northern Lands invited him with three Shenzhou artifacts,” Rong Yu said beamingly, “Otherwise, he wouldn’t bother going.”

“That’s indeed something to be happy about,” Yan Tingyue smiled again, “In the future, we’ll bring back all those artifacts.”

Ye Wanlan’s eyelashes drooped down.

Three hundred years ago, in the war, Shenzhou crumbled, and the Starman Federal Empire took the opportunity to plunder many Shenzhou antiques.

Originally, the Northern Lands had a friendly alliance with Shenzhou, but there was a palace coup. The new emperor that took over immediately severed the alliance and followed suit after the Starman Federal Empire in looting treasures.

It was only in recent years, as Shenzhou began to rise again, that its former status still eludes, but it’s become a force to be reckoned with.

“I would also trouble the teacher to keep an eye out for antiques,” Ye Wanlan came back to her senses, “I am hoping to restore the Gold-threaded Armor of the King of Yan first.”

“Restoring the Profound Iron Silk Armor?” Yan Tingyue frowned, “Restoration is not an easy task, this armor is said to have shattered into a thousand pieces, it’s uncertain if all the fragments can even be retrieved.”

Yan Tingfeng turned his head upon hearing this, “There are a few pieces in the hands of a collector in Yunjing, I’ll help you get them.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Ye Wanlan fell silent for a moment, “This antique is very important to me, so feel free to ask for anything you need in return.”

The King of Yan was gone without a trace, not even a grave, and this armor was his only recorded relic.

“What I need…” Yan Tingfeng’s eyes shimmered slightly, he chuckled softly, “I will mention it to Miss Ye in the future.”

“You never saw it coming, did you? Student Ye is Aunt Yan’s disciple.” Rong Yu nudged Yan Tingfeng’s arm, lowering his voice.

Yan Tingfeng was noncommittal: “I didn’t expect that.”

“I thought so,” Rong Yu took pleasure in the misfortune, “After all, you said earlier that you weren’t interested. Should I just tell Student Ye—”

Yan Tingfeng’s expression did not change, his voice softer still: “Forget that remark, or, I might employ a certain method to make you forget.”

Rong Yu: “…”

He was somewhat afraid.

After the meal was over, Ye Wanlan stood up to see Yan Tingyue back to her mountain home.

Yan Tingyue waved her off: “I can get back on my own, I’ve taken up half your day already, you better head back.”

“Aunt Yan, let me accompany you,” Rong Yu offered attentively, “I’d also like to discuss my father’s matters with you.”

This time, Yan Tingyue didn’t refuse: “Let’s go.”

The two of them left.

Yan Tingfeng coughed twice: “I will take Miss Ye back to Jiangcheng.”

**

Two hours later, Ye Wanlan returned to the Lin Family.

She opened the door, only to find a stranger seated in the living room.

Lin Wenli nodded towards the person sitting on the sofa, his tone cool: “He’s here for you, arrived at eight.”

“Miss Ye.” Fang Qinghan stood up, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

He had actually been waiting for her all morning.

“What is it?” Ye Wanlan didn’t plan on dealing with these young masters and ladies from Jiang Circle and remained aloof.

“Indeed there is something. I came especially to thank Miss Ye.” Fang Qinghan was not offended, “That painting I purchased from you last time was a real steal. I feel bad about it and would like to invite Miss Ye to visit the Fang Family.”

Ye Wanlan looked up: “Oh? What makes you say it was a steal?”

“That painting helped the Fang Family secure a partnership. My mother insists on having Miss Ye over to thank you personally,” Fang Qinghan said with a wry smile. “Also, she wishes to discuss matters related to calligraphy and painting with Miss Ye.”

Others might have believed it, but he had never for a moment believed that the painting was a genuine find by Ye Wanlan.

“Interesting, I’ll accompany you for a visit. Wenli, I’ll be back tonight; please inform uncle and aunt,” Ye Wanlan nodded at Lin Wenli, and stepped out once more.

Fang Qinghan courteously ushered Ye Wanlan into the Fang home.

“Miss Ye, please wait a moment, my mother will be back shortly.” He personally poured her a cup of tea, “Please, Miss Ye.”

“Thank you.” Ye Wanlan nodded, accepting the tea and taking a sip, “This tea…”

“This tea is a carefully cultivated variety from the Yunjing Tea Center.” Fang Qinghan explained, “Both my grandfather and mother are fond of tea. My father brought back a box especially from Yunjing. If Miss Ye likes it, I can give you a few boxes.”

Ye Wanlan shook her head: “No need.”

The aroma of the tea was fresh, indeed it did not compare to the tasteful tea prepared by Yan Tingfeng.

“Brother! Brother, come quickly!” At that moment, Fang Qingya’s excited voice came from outside, “I brought Yunyi over, do you know what Brother Hechen bought for Yunyi? A painting by Princess Yongning, worth three hundred million!”

A painting by Princess Yongning!

These six words caused a flicker in Fang Qinghan’s expression.

But in a flash, he furrowed his brow again, wondering why he hadn’t received such big news.

“Yunyi, come and let my brother have a look,” Fang Qingya pulled Sheng Yunyi inside, “This is truly a painting by Princess Yongning, way better than that modern copy worth three million!”

Sheng Yunyi spoke softly, “Qingya, don’t say that. Princess Yongning was the founder of the Yongning Painting School; no one can compare to her.”

Ye Wanlan quietly sipped her tea without a word.

“Ye Wanlan? What are you doing in my house? Who let you in?” Fang Qingya’s voice carried both shock and anger, “Housekeeper, throw her out!”

“Fang Qingya!” Fang Qinghan called out with a cold voice, “You’ve just gotten out of detention and are already causing trouble. What did I tell you?”

“Brother, I…” Fang Qingya turned fearful, then incredulous, “You’re actually scolding me for Ye Wanlan?”

Fang Qinghan suppressed his rage: “Apologize!”

“Impossible!” Fang Qingya got angry as well, “Brother, I invited you kindly to see Princess Yongning’s painting. Can it compare to the one you bought from her?”

Ye Wanlan set down her tea cup: “Three hundred million for a fake painting, indeed no comparison.”

“A piece that has been authenticated by the auction, you’re saying it’s fake?” Fang Qingya laughed angrily, “Do you think you are Princess Yongning? Or did she personally tell you that she didn’t paint it? What do you know?”