Chapter 259 - Help!!!
The room was spacious, though currently sparsely populated.
Only individuals associated with or related to the organizers were permitted entry into the hall.
At the entrance of the exhibition hall hung several paintings, none of which were by renowned artists.
These paintings were directly mounted on the wall, enclosed by a protective barrier.
In the further sections of the hall, glass cases displayed highly valuable artifacts that had been excavated.
Adjacent to these cases, detailed descriptions of the displayed items were provided on signboards.
The most valuable items at the very back of the hall required more than just the protection of glass cases.
Surrounded by securely anchored fences and chains, and under constant watch, these artifacts were so secure that photography was not permitted.
These pieces could be considered genuine national treasures.
Nonetheless, all these were merely background settings.
The real highlight of today was the Bamboo Slip, positioned centrally within the hall.
The base of the Bamboo Slip was draped in red brocade, with two mirrors at 45-degree angles above it, projecting its image onto a large screen.
“Could this be a periscope?” pondered Su Ming.
Su Ming smiled to himself, impressed by the stringent security measures that shielded the Bamboo Slip from direct light and prying eyes, leaving most to view it only through its projected image.
Moving closer, Su Ming scrutinized the image on the screen.
He noticed significant changes in the Bamboo Slip.
The previously dark surface had lightened to reveal a pale yellow hue, with 108 barely discernible words.
While Su Ming struggled to fully comprehend the words, he recognized their style as transitional between hieroglyphics and ancient script, typical of that bygone dynasty.
These words were emblematic of the cultural heritage of the former Shang Dynasty.
“Mr. Su, despite seeing it numerous times, it still amazes me every time,” remarked Old Master Tang, leaning on his cane in front of the screen.
His gaze fixed on the Bamboo Slip, Old Master Tang sighed softly.
“This Bamboo Slip, dating back thousands of years, signifies fate in its journey through time to us,” Old Master Tang mused, expressing his gratitude to Su Ming for such an encounter in his later years.
“Old Master Tang, you give me too much credit. That day was merely happenstance,” Su Ming responded modestly.
For Xiao Ke'er, standing nearby, this was her first encounter with the Bamboo Slip.
Her attention was on the Bamboo Slip until she overheard Su Ming and Old Master Tang's discussion about the event, prompting her to focus on their conversation.
Hearing Su Ming's remark about coincidence, a spark of curiosity lit up in her eyes.
“Could it really just be a coincidence?” she wondered silently.
“Mr. Su, you're always so humble. There were many experts there, yet none but you recognized the Bamboo Slip. Such a coincidence seems unlikely,” chuckled Old Master Tang.
“I insist it was a coincidence, though you may not believe me. But let me jest; I possess clairvoyant eyes that spot treasures instantly,” Su Ming jested.
At this, Old Master Tang burst into laughter, appreciating Su Ming's humor.
“Could this gentleman be Mr. Su?”
“I've heard much about your reputation, and am fortunate to meet you today. Truly, you are remarkable!”
“Mr. Su, please share with us, how did you come upon this Bamboo Slip?”
As Su Ming and Old Master Tang engaged in lively conversation, they were interrupted by exclamations from a group of spirited old men approaching.
These elders, despite their age and white hair, maintained robust health.
Their evident dark circles suggested frequent late nights, likely spent studying the Bamboo Slip.
“Ah, you gentlemen have arrived early,” Old Master Tang greeted the newcomers with a smile.
“Mr. Su, these are esteemed friends and specialists in relic restoration and ancient cultural studies from the capital, instrumental in this Bamboo Slip’s repair and translation,” Old Master Tang introduced.
“Being a part of this has been a joy,” Old Master Tang remarked jovially.
“Indeed.”
“This cultural gem will secure our names in history if we publish a paper on it.”
The elderly experts smiled and shook their heads, their attention turning to Su Ming.
Upon hearing the news, they had hurriedly traveled from the capital.
Curious about the young man responsible for the discovery, they eagerly sought to learn more.
They were intrigued to meet the person who had unearthed the Bamboo Slip.
And now, they had.
He did quite well!
“Mr. Su, how did you manage to identify this national treasure? Could you share your technique with us?”
“Indeed, I used to trust my own judgment. Since this incident, I've lost confidence in my own instincts.”
“True, I've attended numerous auctions and often dismissed many items. This experience, however, has made me realize I might have overlooked valuable pieces.”
“Please, tell us about your technique.”
Su Ming found himself encircled by the group.
He felt quite distressed.
He was at a loss for words. What could he possibly say?
He couldn't reveal that he possessed a System that allowed him to scan the items.
Thus, he could identify them instantly.
These were details he couldn't share with anyone.
He looked towards Old Master Tang, seeking assistance.
Old Master Tang simply smiled and declined to intervene.
He discreetly left the scene!
He was terribly disloyal!
This was not how he had treated Su Ming just moments ago.
Xiao Ke'er watched from the side, trying to stifle her laughter.
She understood all too well the challenge of dealing with these seasoned men.
“Gentlemen.”
Su Ming, feeling utterly at a loss, admitted, “I really don't have much expertise. I don't have any special method of recognition; I've just been extremely fortunate.”
They rolled their eyes upon hearing his explanation.
They were skeptical.
Lucky?
Such feats were not merely the result of fortune.
Despite their age, they had never encountered such luck.
Yet, he was so young and had identified a national treasure simply by chance.
They were eager to continue their inquiry.
But suddenly, a disturbance arose at the doorway.
He glanced towards the entrance.
It was time to proceed.
The press surged in and quickly gathered around.
Photographers also crowded outside, snapping pictures.
The media presence effectively isolated Su Ming from the elders.
It was clear the media had prepared extensively in advance.
The reporters were aware of the elders' distinguished statuses, recognizing them as individuals of significant importance.
They started interviewing each of the elders in turn.
This temporarily halted their questioning of Su Ming.
Even though Su Ming was the one who discovered the treasure.
At that moment, Old Master Tang was the one overseeing the situation, and the photograph remained undisclosed.
So, no one was aware that the true VIPs were merely observers on the sidelines.
Su Ming finally took a deep breath of relief.
He was relieved to escape further interrogation.
He casually walked away from the crowd.
After all, the exhibition hall housed many other items of interest.
The hall featured calligraphy, paintings by renowned artists, antiques, jade pieces, and items from the tombs of emperors and ancient officials.
All of which were remarkable!
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