Chapter 263: Chapter 263: Appraisal Event Slap in the Face (6) Chapter 263: Chapter 263: Appraisal Event Slap in the Face (6) Deng Hui couldn’t help but clasp his hands together in respect, “Then there is no mistake, I had not considered this point before. I also thought it was merely a legend. I apologize for almost stopping you from buying the painting just now.”

“You were well-intentioned, and I appreciate that.” Jiang Zhe, though still appearing indifferent, seemed to show Deng Hui a measure of respect.

People nearby hadn’t understood the riddle they were discussing.

“Professor Deng, what are you talking about?” a staff member asked, “Jiang Zhe’s actions do have an impact on us, right?”

Ding Xuexue was stunned when she heard about the Bone Stripping and Separation Technique.

Then Deng Hui asked, “Jiang Zhe, would you be willing to give everyone a brief explanation on this knowledge point?”

“Certainly,” Jiang Zhe replied.

There were already quite a few people gathered around from their debate, and now even more had congregated.

Fen Ye and the others had all returned as well.

Ding Xuexue stared blankly once again upon seeing so many people around.

Qin Jingchen was also watching Jiang Zhe with great interest, eager to hear her explanation.

Jiang Zhe began casually: “This ‘Tiger Picture’ by Tang Bohu can be separated into four paintings from the middle. I was fortunate to buy two of these today, which was indeed a pleasant surprise.”

“How can it be separated? Aren’t they all the same?” someone asked without understanding.

“It uses the Bone Stripping and Separation Technique. Ancient paper was different from today’s, and the paper used for painting was of better quality, multi-layered and laminated. With a specialized method, one can separate a painting into four layers, creating four pieces that look identical, but there are slight differences in the depth of the color, with the topmost layer being the darkest. As each layer descends, the color lightens, and correspondingly, in the brushwork, the topmost layer is the most forceful, while the bottom layer is slightly affected,” Jiang Zhe explained.

Everyone had a sudden realization: “So there is such a technique! That’s very enlightening!”

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes today, I would’ve thought it was fictitious, something made up in a novel or movie.”

“That’s amazing!”

Jiang Zhe glanced down at the painting in her hand and said, “This technique is very difficult to begin with and it’s highly influenced by the paper itself; only a few paintings can be layered in this way. Based on what I can see, the two pieces I have acquired are the second and fourth layers.”

Ding Xuexue’s face flushed with embarrassment; she had argued so insistently for much of the day, and all her words reflected back on her only deepened the impression of her lack of professionalism.

She had heard a bit about this technique before, but she never really imagined that it existed in real life.

Seeing the admiration in the eyes of those around Jiang Zhe, she bit her lip in frustration.

“Jiang Zhe, that means the painting at my home must be the top layer, for its hue is the most intense and the brushwork is indeed the most vigorous,” Deng Hui said excitedly.

“That should be the case,” Jiang Zhe did not disagree, nor deny.

Deng Hui nodded repeatedly; Jiang Zhe’s understanding of the subject proved her appraisal method to be exceptionally noteworthy.

Deng Hui then stepped forward to take a closer look, using the tools he carried with him for a thorough examination.

As of now, both the materials and details of the two paintings seemed identical to the one in his home.

After finishing his observation, Deng Hui spoke, “Jiang Zhe, would you be willing to sell these two paintings to me?”

He wanted to possess a complete set, and as for the third layer, he could continue his search at a later time.

“Is Professor Deng planning to restore the complete painting once he has collected all the pieces?” Jiang Zhe inquired.

“Yes, I do have such plans. A masterpiece like this should be fully restored to better appreciate the charm of art,” Deng Hui replied with utmost respect for Jiang Zhe, “although I still do not know how to restore it yet.”

Jiang Zhe nodded, “Professor Deng, your idea is indeed excellent, but I’m sorry, I have already promised to give these paintings to a friend.”

Deng Hui was quite disappointed, but seeing her determined attitude, he knew it was inappropriate to press the matter further.

Jiang Zhe then turned to Song Xingming and said, “The third layer of the painting is with me, I can give it to you together. If you can wait, I will merge these three layers for you.”

When it came to merging the three, Jiang Zhe’s eyes and brows revealed some irritation.

“That would be great. I’ll trouble you then.” Song Xingming did not even mention the matter of money.

It always felt crass to talk about money in front of Jiang Zhe; if she really wanted money, she wouldn’t have agreed to help with this in the first place.

Everyone was again shocked to hear that Jiang Zhe could completely restore the paintings.

Everyone could imagine that given the difficulty of the separation technique, reuniting the three would be even more challenging.

Overlaying, adhering, and restoring—in the field of antiques and paintings, any one of these technical difficulties is beyond human imagination.

These staff members, having worked here for so long, although not having had a hand in many tasks, had heard of them.

Now Jiang Zhe was saying she could actually restore it?

Deng Hui asked in astonishment, “Jiang Zhe, did you say the three layers could be merged? Did I hear you correctly?”

“No,” Jiang Zhe replied calmly.

“What about merging four layers?” Deng Hui asked.

“That’s possible too.”

Ding Xuexue bit her lip harder and harder, unable to control her expression anymore.

How could this be possible?

How did Jiang Zhe know how to do this? Born in that kind of family, where did she learn these skills?

After a moment of cautious consideration, Deng Hui said, “Well, in that case, I’ll give my piece to you.”

“Teacher Deng! How could you?” Ding Xuexue exclaimed in shock.

Jiang Zhe hadn’t expected him to say that either.

Deng Hui sincerely said, “Although I am very reluctant to part with it, at the end of the day, the complete restoration of a masterpiece by a famous artist is a precious asset to human artistry. Since I don’t have such ability yet and Jiang Zhe is unwilling to give it up to me, my giving up one-quarter of the painting to Jiang Zhe can be considered a small effort and contribution of mine.”

Ding Xuexue was unconvinced; the painting by Teacher Deng was something she had worked hard to authenticate.

But upon reflection, since Deng Hui had given her enough money and had not treated her unfairly, and had supported her greatly in various activities, Ding Xuexue had no stance to stop Deng Hui.

After hearing his words, Jiang Zhe responded evenly, “Then since that’s the case, I will accept it.”

Song Xingming nodded in Deng Hui’s direction, “Thank you, Teacher Deng.”

After dealing with so many things, Jiang Zhe was also somewhat tired and said, “The event should be almost over by now, let’s go eat.”

“Miss Jiang, please help me take a look at this! Just this once, please!” Someone came rushing in with something in their arms.

They had hesitated until seeing the exchange between Jiang Zhe and Deng Hui, which finally made them determined.

“Didn’t you hear we were going to eat?” Xia Enci reached out trying to stop him.

But the person was adamant.

Unable to hold back, Ding Xuexue said, “Bring it here, I’ll take a look for you.”