Chapter 131:She is My Girlfriend (1)
A few days later.
The TV program “Everyday Appraisal,” jointly organized by the television station and Sam Auction House, commenced filming.
Helena was the youngest among the appraisal experts, but with her nationally certified restoration expert credentials and proficient restoration skills and experience, her participation in the show was well-deserved.
First came the preliminary selection.
Enthusiasts from all over brought their family treasures to Sam Auction House for the experts to appraise.
Helena’s eyes were opened wide through this process.
It’s worth mentioning that there were indeed talented individuals among the common folk. Many of the seemingly ancient antiques were actually modern crafts, cleverly crafted to look aged and presented as genuine antiques.
Although these items were easily identified as fake, they added a touch of amusement to the TV show.
After the preliminary rounds, the actual appraisal activities began.
As per the program’s requirements, Helena had to undergo makeup and change into the clothes provided by the production team before going on stage.
Sitting in the dressing room, after the makeup artist finished applying foundation on Helena, she began working on Helena’s eye makeup.
The makeup artist, holding a makeup brush, said, “Helena, you are too young and beautiful. Compared to the male experts, your appearance may not have much persuasive power. Let me make your makeup look a bit more mature, okay?”
It was almost like pointing at Helena’s nose and calling her a flower vase.
Helena guessed the intention behind the words and smiled gently. “No need, just a bit of light makeup is fine. In our field, it’s about intelligence, not appearance.”
So, the makeup artist applied a layer of mascara and a light coat of lipstick.
Helena then went on stage.
She usually wore very simple clothes.
Today, to match the program, she wore a gem-red, sleeveless chiffon dress, revealing delicate collarbones and two arms as tender as lotus roots.
Her skin was naturally fair, and under the gem-red dress, it radiated a bright glow.
Her features were exquisite and radiant, a perfect blend of purity and elegance.
With a petite face and excellent bone structure, she stood out like a red flower among the group of experts in their sixties.
The male videographer couldn’t help but capture more shots of her.
The lighting technician couldn’t resist directing the light towards her.
Initially, everyone thought Helena was just a vase brought in to boost ratings.
However, after several rounds of appraisal, Helena was composed and performed exceptionally well, delivering professional explanations comparable to the experienced experts present.
Both the live audience and the production staff couldn’t help but change their opinion of her.
The last item presented was an ancient painting.
All the experts, armed with magnifying glasses, carefully examined the painting-observing the brushwork, scrutinizing details, inspecting seals, and assessing the silk canvas.
After the inspection, everyone unanimously agreed that the painting was authentic.
However, the painting was currently housed in a museum in China. How did it end up in the hands of this foreign collector?
Could it be stolen?
If so, it would be a serious matter, a criminal offense.
Just as the experts were about to ask the production team to call the museum for confirmation, Helena spoke up, “This painting is not authentic.”
Oscar, an old acquaintance of Helena, was also present.
Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, “Helena, why do you say that? This painting seems authentic based on the brushwork and details.”
Helena’s cheeks blushed slightly. “I copied this painting when I was fifteen, and it was later purchased by a client of my grandfather. At that time, I didn’t stamp it, and I didn’t make it look old. As for how it ended up with this foreign friend, I have no idea.”
The audience erupted in a chorus of gasps!
Surprised that this seemingly young girl had managed to replicate a painting at the age of fifteen, reaching the level of being indistinguishable from the original!
All the old experts present were completely astonished!
Astonished means surprised.
The foreign collector, named Hanson, explained that he obtained the painting from an underground auction abroad. Coincidentally, he was on a business trip to Kyoto and brought it for authentication.
Unexpectedly, he encountered the original artist.
Originally considered a valuable collectible, Helena’s revelation turned it into an interesting story.
After the program was edited, it went on air.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.
Due to this small incident, the viewership of this antique appraisal show reached its highest peak.
The entire antique community remembered this young girl!
At the age of fifteen, she flawlessly copied the “Ruihe Tu” by Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between the original and the replica!
While others were amazed, Helena took it in stride.
Trained by her grandfather, she had been imitating various ancient masterpieces since childhood. Painting a replica at the age of fifteen that could deceive even the experts was nothing extraordinary to her.
There was no need for undue astonishment.
After the program ended, Helena headed back to the dressing room to change.
On her way, she was stopped by Jay.