CHAPTER 6: YOUNG MASTER ZHAO IN ATTENDANCE

"Well, considering that the incident involved a forgery of that caliber, absolutely."

Mrs. Ma leaned in closer to Tang Lin, her voice dropping significantly to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Between us, I heard that second young master Yang tried to pressure Professor Zhang into displaying it anyway. Probably to avoid getting into trouble with some power hungry family members. Is it true?"

"Oh. I'm not sure I'm privy to such details. Even if I was, I would not be in the position to say."

Even though she could guess from Mr. Yang's reaction earlier in the week that Mrs. Ma's gossip could hold some water, Tang Lin's response was diplomatic, not one to get involved in such petty exchanges.

For one, she was too lazy to do it.

Plus such exchanges often tended to spiral out of control and end up messy.

She did not want to put her career and reputation on the line like that.

"I simply offer my professional assessment when contracted to. What happens after that and between who, is beyond my paycheck."

"Aiyoo, you put it so nicely. But I understand."

Mrs. Ma smiled, understanding and respecting her boundaries.

"Well, have you happened to see the Song Dynasty inkstone in the gallery on the westside yet? I'm very curious about what your thoughts are, unofficially of course."

"Oh, I'm afraid I haven't yet. Perhaps we'll get the chance to chat about it later." Tang Lin vaguely gestured in the general direction of where the said gallery was.

Catching the hint and taking it, Mrs. Ma smiled again.

"Don't let me hold you back then. Have a fun evening, Miss Tang."

As Tang Lin continued her rounds in the hall, she unintentionally eavesdropped on a few conversations.

From the price estimates of some popular antiques, to provenance debates, and the usual social backs and forths.

Not too far away, a famous film director with a slight pouch and a drink in hand attempted to impress his much younger companion with his supposed knowledge of jade carving.

Tang Lin could not help the helpless twitch of her lips as she noted at least three errors in quick succession with the so-called facts in his explanation.

She came to a stop in front of a display case that contained a pair of porcelain cups from the Ming Dynasty.

The delicate pale blue greyish patch showed a simple and crude design that flowed from one cup to another when placed side by side.

This pair was indeed a masterpiece, with the obvious imperfections of authentic antique pieces from that era.

For a moment Tang Lin immersed herself in the work, admiring the subtle differences in the cobalt that modern replications likely failed to achieve.

She took a covert glance at her watch and noted that she had been there for the socially acceptable minimum time.

In a little over fifteen minutes from now, she would be able to make her excuses and leave without appearing rude.

The thought caused a sense of relief to wash over her. While these events were professionally necessary, she found them to always drain her energy.

The constant need to be vigilant that was important for maintaining her public persona, and keeping Tang Mei at bay, was exhausting for her.

From across the room at a table close to the snack's area and champagne fountain, she spotted her assistant involved in an animated conversation with one of the junior appraisers from the National Museum.

Zhou Qing had come in as one of the attendants for the evening, which meant she didn't need an invitation. Just a carefully issued tag was enough.

Even that being highly sought after!

She wore a simple but elegant black dress for the occasion, and had her makeup done and looked like a pretty doll.

When she turned to look in Tang Lin's direction, the latter smiled and gave her a little wave.

Then she made a sign at her, gesturing something about needing to leave in a short while.

Zhou Qing smiled and nodded back, indicating her agreement.

"Ah, it's the famous Eagle Eye, in solitary observation as always," a gruff voice sounded from behind her.

Tang Lin turned her body slightly to see Dr. Ming, a renowned archaeologist and leisurely appraiser.

His short salt-and-pepper beard had been neatly shaved and trimmed since she last saw him.

In his eyes, she could see the usual mix of professional cordiality and respect as well as personal challenge.

"Dr. Ming. I didn't hear that you had returned from your latest dig-around in Xianyang."

She responded cooly, her face remaining less. It was hard to tell what she was thinking.

"Oh, just three days ago. I found some particularly fascinating artifacts suspected to be from the early Northern Wei era."

Tang Lin nodded, allowing him to continue.

"I've arranged for them to be safely sent to the provincial museum for authentication and documentation," he had a smile on his face, quite pleased with himself.

"I must say though, the entire landscape of T City is an archaeological site of its own kind, right? Carrying layers upon layers of buried secrets and hidden meanings."

Tang Lin raised an eyebrow at his sudden change of subject, partly amused.

"What are you reading lately that you should not be reading? Nevermind. You should slow down, Dr. Ming."

Then she slowly turned around to fully face him.

"You are not that young anymore. Besides, some secrets or hidden meanings are best left alone."

Then she turned back to keep looking at the objects on display.

"Perhaps." Dr. Ming's gaze swept the room. Not done yet, he turned to her again.

"I heard an interesting piece of rumor earlier. Young Master Zhao is expected to be in attendance tonight."