281 Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute

Li Dan took Shen Xi’s two paintings and examined them carefully. Then, he led the judges over to study the two paintings. A hushed round of deliberation ensued. Not long after, Li Dan picked up the microphone and said, “Our judges have concluded that Shen Xi’s submission is valid. The participating work is her creation.”

With the stamp of approval from the judging panel, everyone believed Shen Xi did not cheat.

Only Jiang Xue was unhappy with the result. Grabbing the microphone, she said, “I have a question. If Shen Xi’s work is her own, how do you explain the painting in the photo?”

Slyly, she continued, “Are the judges insinuating that the Young Master Guan of Beijing stole Shen Xi’s works? I’m sure that can’t be it. Perhaps the organization that appraised the paintings isn’t as reputable as we would like, and their assessment may not be accurate.”

Jiang Xue’s words had offended all the judges, but she could not care less. She could not admit defeat or lose face at this critical juncture.

No one had expected Jiang Xue to have the guts to question Li Dan.

“The young miss is right. We were entrusted with this task, so we shall do our best to appraise the work on the spot.” A voice in the crowd spoke out, instantly silencing the clamoring crowd.

All eyes looked toward the back of the hall, where six individuals in black suits and white gloves walked up to the judging platform.

Jiang Xue sized up the six people and asked, “Who are you all?”

The leader stepped forward with a smile, “My name is Liu Ming. I’m the branch head of Rong City’s Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute.”

The judges’ eyes widened in recognition. Who would have thought the Rong City Cup would attract people from the Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute?

The head office was located in Beijing, and the appraisers all had extensive qualifications in the field. Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute was the authority in China’s calligraphy and painting industry.

Ordinary paintings would never enter the eyes of the Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute. Just their appearance fees alone barred all but the most famous paintings from entering their sights. It was so exclusive that there was an unspoken rule that artists without sufficient renown could not have their paintings appraised by them.

Yet, for reasons unknown to many, the Rong City Cup, a small art competition, had attracted six appraisers from the illustrious institution. It was no wonder people were surprised.

Li Dan politely enquired, “May I know who entrusted you with this task?”

Liu Ming bowed to Li Dan and spoke with the utmost respect, “Mr. Li, I’m sorry. I’m afraid I cannot disclose this piece of information.”

Even so, it did not take much for Li Dan to guess who had sent them. His eyes drifted to Guan Lei, who stood in the crowd. He would have to be a fool not to know who was behind this.

An evaluation by the authority in the field would be the most powerful and effective way of exonerating Shen Xi from any accusations of cheating.

Still, regardless of the results, Guan Lei would likely be beaten up by Old Master Guan. It would be an embarrassment if anyone outside the family learned that he had hired outside help to paint on his behalf.

Li Dan did not expect Guan Lei to value Shen Xi so much that he refused to allow her to be wronged. He did not even care about his reputation!

Then again, it was not all that surprising if one looked at it from another perspective. Young Master Guan was infamous in Beijing, after all.

Li Dan did not make things difficult for the appraisers. He gestured for them to take their seats and allowed them to begin their appraisal as soon as they wished.

Shen Xi knew about the Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute. People from the institute could not be invited to such a small competition even if money was thrown in their faces. It was almost surreal.

Was either of her grandpas responsible?

Shen Xi looked around but did not see any familiar figures, and the doubts in her heart grew.

It was not long before the results of the appraisal were released. Liu Ming addressed the gathered crowd calmly, “The Pingxi Painting and Calligraphy Appraisal Institute has concluded that the same person painted these paintings. There can be no doubt that Miss Shen is the artist of these works.”

Liu Ming’s words caused ripples like a rock impacting the surface of a pond, creating an uproar. It turned out that some big wig from Beijing had been passing off Shen Xi’s paintings as their work.

While most arrived at this realization, no one dared to speak up, fearing they would offend someone powerful.

Guan Lei smiled bitterly. He was preparing himself to be beaten up when he got home.

Shen Xi could not help but think of San Shi, who had bought those paintings from her, and an intense guilt overcame her. She hoped they would not get into trouble, whoever they were.

Shen Xi felt it was only right that she said a few words in San Shi’s defense when the award ceremony came around.