As the saying goes, "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles." Ye Qiu had traveled across famous mountains and rivers, and due to his unique background, he had encountered many strange people and events. Even revealing a small fraction of these experiences could cause an earthquake in the hearts of ordinary people. The other students had come straight from high school, where the curriculum was divided into arts and sciences. With the pressure of preparing for the college entrance exams, they had little time to systematically study archaeology.
These students chose archaeology out of a genuine love for the subject or because they were drawn to the mystery that shrouds the field. Now, they were at a stage where they were desperately absorbing knowledge, their understanding of archaeology still a blank slate. Whatever the teachers inscribed on that slate would shape their understanding. In the history of the Archaeology Department, Ye Qiu was the second person to challenge a teacher's viewpoint on the very first day of class.
This alone piqued Chen Huaien's interest in Ye Qiu. However, he feared that Ye Qiu might just be spouting nonsense or repeating some other legend he had taken as truth, so he didn't give Ye Qiu's words much weight. In other words, Chen Huaien's attention was drawn not by the content of Ye Qiu's rebuttal but by the fact that he dared to stand up and challenge him.
After all, if so many experts and scholars couldn't verify certain things, how could a freshman possibly know more?
"Would you mind introducing yourself?" Chen Huaien asked, looking at Ye Qiu with a kindly smile.
Those who knew Chen Huaien would have been surprised by this question. Talented people often have their quirks, especially those in the arts or research fields. Chen Huaien's quirk was that he never took attendance in class. Students could come or go as they pleased, and he never forced anyone to attend. He also never asked students for their names unless they stood out in some way. If you had talent, he would remember your name; if not, he would quickly forget it, even if he asked.
For Ye Qiu to attract Chen Huaien's attention with just one rebuttal was somewhat lucky.
"Ye Qiu," he answered simply.
"Alright, Ye Qiu. Since you believe that 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' is still in the country, do you have any explanation that could convince us?"
"Professor Chen, it would be more appropriate for us to discuss this privately," Ye Qiu replied with a smile. He recognized Chen Huaien's talent and saw this as an opportunity to connect with him. The mention of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' was a bait he had set. If Chen could help him solve the mystery of the ring, Ye Qiu was even willing to show him the original masterpiece.
Chen Huaien, of course, understood that this was not a topic suitable for classroom discussion. If what Ye Qiu said were true, it could cause an earthquake in the archaeology and collecting communities, drawing countless people into a battle over this national treasure. However, hearing Ye Qiu's response, he felt a bit disappointed, suspecting that Ye Qiu was merely seeking attention.
Reflecting on how he had impulsively asked for the student's name earlier, Chen Huaien felt a twinge of regret. He nodded at Ye Qiu to sit down and resumed the lecture. The other students looked at Ye Qiu with disdain, thinking, "So you're just a fraud after all?"
The class ended with everyone captivated by Chen Huaien's fascinating lecture. As he prepared to leave with his teacup, Ye Qiu stood up and followed him.
"Professor Chen," Ye Qiu called out as he quickened his pace to catch up, smiling as he spoke. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Is it about 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival'?" Chen Huaien's tone carried a hint of irritation. Was this student trying to make a fool of him?
"Yes, but that's only part of it," Ye Qiu replied seriously.
"Alright. Come to my office," Chen Huaien said coldly, curious to see what Ye Qiu had to say.
Chen Huaien was a leading figure in the field of archaeology, holding professorships at both Shuimu University and Yanjing University. Because of his reputation, Shuimu University had provided him with a spacious, well-decorated office, although he rarely used it. Still, the office was much more luxurious than what most faculty members had.
"Sit down," Chen Huaien said, gesturing to a sofa as he filled his teacup with hot water from a dispenser.
After taking a sip of tea, he asked, "Why are you so certain that 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' is still in the country? I'm talking about the original, not a copy."
Ye Qiu wasn't offended by the lack of tea offered to him. After all, others might have already dismissed him as a lunatic. Smiling, he said, "I've seen the original."
"What?" Chen Huaien now thought Ye Qiu was indeed trying to toy with him. "Forget it, you can go. We'll discuss this later."
"I know you probably don't believe me. But if Professor Chen is interested, I can take you to see the real 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival.'"
Chen Huaien fell silent, taking another sip of tea while glancing sideways at Ye Qiu's calm expression. Shuimu University certainly didn't admit students with mental illness, but this student's confidence was puzzling. Could he really have seen the original? It seemed unlikely.
"How can you be sure it's the original?" Chen Huaien asked in a deep voice.
Ye Qiu described the version of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" he had seen, including numerous details he had noticed at the time. Chen Huaien listened carefully, and when Ye Qiu finished, he suddenly jumped up from the sofa, almost spilling his tea. Grabbing Ye Qiu's arm, he asked excitedly, "Where? Where did you see it?"
Most people wouldn't have been interested in the details Ye Qiu described. Even if they listened, they might not have been able to distinguish the genuine article from a fake. But Chen Huaien, who was deeply passionate about this piece of art and had studied it extensively, immediately recognized the authenticity of Ye Qiu's description. Though still somewhat skeptical, he was now about 70-80% convinced.
"I saw it at a friend's house. If there's an opportunity, I can take you there," Ye Qiu said, knowing he had successfully piqued Chen Huaien's curiosity. However, he was still working as Tang Guo's bodyguard at the moment. If Chen insisted on seeing the painting right away, what would he do?
Besides, if Chen Huaien didn't help him solve the mystery of the ring, why would he take him there? The painting didn't belong to him; it wasn't something he could just show whenever he wanted.
"Let's go. We'll go now," Chen Huaien said, pulling Ye Qiu toward the door, his previous calm demeanor replaced by excitement.
"Professor Chen, I'm afraid that's not possible right now," Ye Qiu said with a smile.
"Why not?" Chen Huaien asked, clearly agitated.