My Best Friend Is Actually The School Diva Dressed As A Man - Chapter 24

Chapter 24 Isn’t This Too Difficult?

“Master Zhang, what do you think? Have I passed the first round?”

After stating all the information provided by the system, Tang Feng then beamed at Master

Zhang.

“Ahem ahem…”

Master Zhang hurriedly put away his shocked expression and nodded at Qin Yanan. “This young man’s understanding of ancient coins is indeed very deep. I’m ashamed to admit this, but my knowledge is inferior to his.”

Qin Yanan heaved a sigh of relief before hastily cheering up Master Zhang. “Master Zhang, you’re being modest. I know of your abilities…”

She originally wanted to protect Master Zhang’s dignity by doing so.

However, Master Zhang firmly shook his head. “You don’t have to deliberately flatter me. Young Master Tang has indeed surpassed me when it comes to knowledge regarding ancient coins.”

“Much of the information that he has provided were things that I’ve never even heard of. I truly feel like I’ve learned a lot from the exchange.”

Tang Feng’s impression of Master Zhang immediately improved.

Usually, appraisers at his age would be extremely proud.

Not many people of his age would willingly admit their inferiority to others.

Even more so when the other party was more than 30 years younger than themselves.

Yet, Master Zhang had willingly admitted that his skills were indeed inferior.

His openness regarding this issue was admirable.

Master Zhang turned to look at him and nodded approvingly. “President Qin did not misjudge. With your ability, you are indeed qualified to take over the Chief Appraiser’s role within Elegant Garden.”

“However, since we have two more questions to go, I hope that you’ll cooperate with me a little longer.”

Tang Feng had no objections. “Master Zhang, please continue.”

Master Zhang pondered for a moment, as if he was thinking about what difficult questions he should give next.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly stood up and walked to the store room. After a while, he walked out with a scroll.

“I wonder if Mr. Tang has done any research on calligraphy and paintings before?” Master Zhang asked before giving the actual question.

“I dabbled in it a little,” Tang Feng replied indifferently.

“That’s good. Then please tell me whether this calligraphy is real or fake,” Master Zhang gave the question as he slowly opened the scroll.

The scroll was a four-foot long. On it was written one of Su Dongpo’s famous poems.

Unfortunately, since the calligraphy was not well-preserved. Part of its inscriptions were badly damaged, and the name of the calligrapher who made the piece was illegible.

However, the handwriting was highly reminiscent of Su Dongpo’s own.

“What a great piece!”

Although Tang Feng’s own calligraphy was as ugly as a toddler’s, it did not prevent him from appreciating other people’s calligraphy.

Even without using the Scanning System, he could tell that the author had put in great effort in creating the piece of writing.

Upon witnessing the piece, Qin Yana immediately exclaimed in surprise. “Master Zhang, why did you take out this piece? Don’t you think that it’s too difficult?”

Master Zhang, however, did not share the same sentiment. With a shake of his head, he answered, “I made some last-minute changes to the question. I felt that my original question would’ve been way too easy for Mr. Tang to solve. As such, I decided to raise the difficulty slightly for him.”

Qin Yanan shook her head and smiled bitterly. “What do you mean by slightly? This is simply hell-level difficulty.”

Master Zhang chuckled and glanced at Tang Feng. “It’s alright. Although I said that you needed to clear two out of three questions to pass this assessment, that is no longer the case. Even if you answer this question incorrectly, it wouldn’t affect the outcome.”

Tang Feng was speechless.

Isn’t this just a piece of Su Dongpo’s calligraphy?

Surely there’s no need to act so exaggeratedly, right?

With this thought in his mind, Tang Feng immediately activated his Scanning System.

When seeing the results obtained, he immediately realized why the two had acted as they did earlier.

This is… Rather interesting…

Master Zhang had a faint smile on his face. “Again, you have half an hour to determine the authenticity of this piece of calligraphy.”

Tang Feng stared at the calligraphy for a moment before looking away. “I think the answer is already very obvious. There’s no need to waste any time.” “Oh? Do you already have the answer?” Master Tang’s revealed a strange expression.

“Of course. I feel that anyone who has some knowledge in calligraphy would be able to tell at a glance.” Tang Feng stated confidently.

At this moment, Qin Yanan hurriedly reminded him, “Little Tang, I advise you to take a closer look. There are a lot of pitfalls in this piece of work. Unless you act carefully, you’ll miss out on a lot of them.”

Despite her kind reminder, Tang Feng only pursed his lips and smiled. “Sister, I believe in my own judgment. I already have the answer.”

Qin Yanan could only helplessly shrug upon hearing his words.

Meanwhile, Master Zhang shook his head in disappointment. “Since you already have an answer in mind, please tell me.”

Tang Feng pointed at the handwriting on the calligraphy. “The handwriting is very obvious. One look and you can tell that it’s Mr. Dongpo’s handwriting. Moreover, it’s reminiscent of the earlier forms of his work, when his style has yet to been concretely established.”

At this moment, Master Zhang revealed a meaningful smile. He picked up his teacup and took a sip from. “It’s surprising that you could tell that this is Su Dongpo’s early handwriting.”

Although he was complimenting him, Tang Feng could tell that there was a hint of mockery behind the compliment.

Nevertheless, he pretended not to hear it and continued to speak with confidence. “Of course. since Mr. Dongpo is one of the top calligraphers during the Song dynasty, it’s only natural for me to recognize his handwriting.”

“So, you’re saying that this is actually Su Dongpo’s original work?”

However, Tang Feng waved his hand. “That’s not what I said. I only said that the style of this calligraphy is reminiscent of Mr. Dongpo’s, not that it was actually written by him.”

Master Zhang and Qin Yanan, who were disappointed just moments ago suddenly looked up in surprise.

“Why did you say that this calligraphy was not written by Mr. Dongpo?” Master Zhang asked impatiently.

Tang Feng kept up with his antics and said to Qin Yanan. “Sis, the tea you gave me earlier has already gone cold. Could you pour me another cup?”

Qin Yan wanted nothing more than to punch Tang Feng in the face.

Why do you constantly pause at the most critical moments! Couldn’t you have requested for another cup AFTER you’ve finished explaining?

In the end, she suppressed the anger in her heart and went to change his tea for him.

Tang Feng took the teacup from her hand and took a good whiff from it. He praised cheerfully, “It smells so good!”

It was unknown whether he was talking about the tea or her.

Qin Yanan glared at him. “Drink it quickly. I want you to hurry up with the explanation.”