Reborn As Super Heiress

Chapter 819: Chapter 815: Something Feels Wrong

Qiao Zhenhuan stared intently at Huo Sining, his eyes filled with mockery and provocation. Clearly, he didn’t believe a single word of what Huo Sining had just said.

When Huo Sining saw Qiao Zhenhuan follow Director Bai into the meeting room, she had anticipated that this person would find a way to make things difficult for her. So now that Qiao Zhenhuan was speaking out against her, Huo Sining was not at all surprised.

But when it came to this porcelain bowl, Huo Sining really had no good explanation.

”I mentioned before that the aging technique on this bowl is very advanced, making it difficult for the average person to identify. But Mr. Qiao, don’t forget that compared to those porcelain identification experts, I have an advantage they don’t—the advantage of experience.”

”The genuine Yue Kiln Secret Color Porcelain was discovered by me. At that time, that bowl stayed in my hands for a long time, which is why I dare to say this bowl is a fake. Because having held the genuine article, and now comparing it with this fake one, the feel is completely different.”

”Mr. Qiao, since you also come from an appraisal background, you should know that holding old objects gives you a unique sense of historical weight. This feeling can only be understood and not described.”

Huo Sining’s talk of feelings, these somewhat mystical things, of course, did not have much persuasiveness. At least in Qiao Zhenhuan’s view, Huo Sining was just speaking nonsense.

Qiao Zhenhuan had returned from studying abroad, where antique appraisers differ significantly from domestic ones. In foreign countries, appraisal education emphasizes solid evidence. Meanwhile, domestic appraisal often relies on vague concepts, without particularly clear data, only talent and comprehension.

So after listening to Huo Sining’s words, Qiao Zhenhuan was utterly disdainful.

Because this porcelain was in the museum, it was certain that Huo Sining had already heard some news from Zhou Shitao. Given the circumstances, she would naturally judge that this item was fake.

But what if this item were in a private collector’s home?

Qiao Zhenhuan was sure that if it were privately collected, with the quality of this bowl, Huo Sining would not be able to distinguish real from fake!

This made Qiao Zhenhuan even more contemptuous of Huo Sining. This so-called famous disciple, Huo Sining, was just seeking fame and fortune!

Qiao Zhenhuan looked at Huo Sining disdainfully, smirked, and said, ”Miss Huo, are you saying that besides you, an average person can’t distinguish real from fake?”

Huo Sining understood that Qiao Zhenhuan was setting a trap for her and quickly explained, ”I never said that. I am still just a student and have only learned a bit about treasure appraisal. Besides, even seasoned experts and professors often make mistakes in their fields of expertise. That’s not uncommon in the antique world.”

”I’m just expressing my opinion that this bowl is a fake. If others have different opinions, I can’t force them to agree. The forgery technique on this bowl is exceptionally ingenious, so I just took the liberty to speak on it. Director Bai called my master just to have me take a look and didn’t insist on me providing evidence, right?”

Huo Sining didn’t want to argue with Qiao Zhenhuan, but Qiao Zhenhuan was relentless and couldn’t accept her argument:

”This is sophistry. I’ve been in the antique business since elementary school, handling old things for many years. How come I didn’t feel anything different about this bowl? I just want to ask Miss Fu, are you sure it’s a fake? Your feeling can’t be used as evidence—whether it’s the texture or the craftsmanship, everything is correct. You can’t just say you held the real bowl, think this feeling is off, and claim it’s fake! Miss Huo, you represent your master, Elder Zhou, aren’t you afraid of ruining his reputation?”

”Zhenhuan! Shut up!” Seeing Qiao Zhenhuan agitated and seemingly ready to argue with Huo Sining, Director Bai was furious. He couldn’t help but angrily rebuke, trying to stop Qiao Zhenhuan from causing trouble.

Unfortunately, Qiao Zhenhuan, already entrenched in his biased view against Huo Sining, persisted in making things difficult for her. Ignoring Director Bai’s attempt to stop him, he became even more aggressive:

”If this porcelain wasn’t here, I don’t believe you could really tell the difference! I think you’re just talking nonsense without knowing anything yourself!”

Director Bai was fuming. He had encountered foolish people before but never anyone as foolish as Qiao Zhenhuan. The experts invited here were all helping the museum for free. Even if they couldn’t identify something accurately, Director Bai always treated them with respect.

Even though Huo Sining was young, she represented Zhou Shitao. Even if she was guessing blindly, Director Bai wouldn’t dare to neglect her.

But not only did Qiao Zhenhuan disrespect her, he purposefully targeted her, making small moves from the beginning, and now openly exposing the dispute, clearly trying to undermine Huo Sining.

Initially, Director Bai thought bringing his returned overseas nephew to the museum would be a credit to him. Now he wished Qiao Zhenhuan had never appeared.

How could he have been so foolish as to bring such a brainless idiot into the museum? Watching Qiao Zhenhuan speak smugly after his speech, Director Bai felt an urge to storm up and give him a few slaps to wake him up.

Huo Sining knew Qiao Zhenhuan was intentionally targeting her and didn’t hold back when she mocked him:

”Mr. Qiao, you said you started in this field when you were in school. That’s quite a long time. No wonder you were able to work at the Provincial Museum. I’ve only been in this field for less than a year, so in terms of qualifications, I’m truly not up to your standard.”

”However, the antique field is not like other industries. Just having more time isn’t enough. Besides time and perseverance, one other thing is very important—talent.”

”You said you didn’t feel anything different with the bowl because you lack talent and proficiency. You can’t just say that since I felt something off and you didn’t, I’m talking nonsense.”

”You!” Qiao Zhenhuan was rendered speechless by Huo Sining’s words.

His face flushed red, glaring at Huo Sining, his eyes showing a mix of shame and anger. Suddenly thinking of something, he sneered at Huo Sining: ”Miss Huo, are you saying that talent is more important than experience? It looks like you rely on your ’feelings’ for appraising things?”