Espionage: I Have Photo Editing Software

"Tell me what the misunderstanding is?" Matsumoto Shigeharu asked, his face full of distrust.

"This was indeed my negligence. It's only right that Mr. Matsumoto blames me," Wei Renming admitted his mistake first, then explained, "After developing the photos last night, I had my assistant send them to major newspapers. I originally named the work 'The Sun Never Sets' to represent the glory of the empire. But my assistant forgot to write down a word, and it became 'Sunset'."

"Heh, what a coincidence," Matsumoto Shigeharu sneered.

"Sigh..." Wei Renming said with a worried look, "Don't worry, I've already asked my assistant to contact major newspapers. Tomorrow, I will publish an article to explain things clearly to the public."

"Explanation? That's more like throwing dirty water on you! In the end, you Chinese will definitely think you were coerced by us," Matsumoto Shigeharu said.

"Should I also send the photos I took yesterday to the newspaper?"

"It's too late to mend the fence after the sheep are lost. If you post it now, it will definitely attract gossip."

Wei Renming spread his hands. "Then what should we do?"

Matsumoto Shigeharu said, "If Mr. Wei is truly willing to help, I do have a way. However, I'm afraid it will require you to make some sacrifices."

Wei Renming patted his chest and said:

"I had a very pleasant conversation with Mr. Matsumoto; we hit it off immediately. How could I stand idly by when a friend is in trouble? Even if it meant going through hell and high water, I wouldn't flinch. Just tell me what to do, and I will do my best."

"Really?!" Matsumoto was surprised that Wei Renming agreed so readily.

"Absolutely true," Wei Renming affirmed.

First, agree to the request.

As for how it will turn out, that's another matter.

Matsumoto Shigeharu said, moved, "I misunderstood Wei-san before. From now on, you're my friend!"

"We don't talk about these things with friends."

Wei Renming reached out his hand, and Matsumoto Shigeharu grabbed it.

The two exchanged knowing smiles.

"What was the method you just mentioned?"

"I will invite a top photographer from Japan to participate in the China-Japan Fashion Competition. He will challenge you, and all you need to do is pretend to have a bad day and lose to him."

Wei Renming's expression changed. "Mr. Matsumoto, feelings are feelings, and business is business. If I lose, my appearance fee will definitely plummet, which may affect my livelihood."

Shigeharu Matsumoto:? ? ?

Dude, are you performing Sichuan opera?

"I understand! It costs extra, right?"

"Mr. Matsumoto understands me best!" Wei Renming said with a smile.

Matsumoto Shigeharu held up five fingers. "I'll give you 50,000 yen to make up for your loss! In addition, after this matter, I can provide funding for you to develop your career in Europe and America. There, you can access the latest photography theories."

"I'm terrified of being poor! I won't stand on ceremony with you. I'll take the money, but forget about going to Europe and America. My photography theories are advanced in the world; let them come and learn from me," Wei Renming said.

The two chatted for a while longer before Wei Renming, clutching the check, took his leave.

A path along the riverbank said, "This Wei Renming is a bit cunning."

Matsumoto Shigeharu laughed, "His cunning and greed are a good thing for us. If he were without desires, it would be difficult to win him over, let alone get him to work for us. Fifty thousand yen isn't much, but if he dares to play tricks, Yamagami Ryosuke and his gang won't let him off the hook!"

……

"Look at the photos taken by that unscrupulous businessman you're talking about!" Xue Wan handed the Shenbao newspaper to Xue Ning.

Xue Ning glanced at it, frowned, and said:

"Photographing myself in a kimono for a competition? That's practically becoming a lackey of the Japanese!"

"Look carefully first!" Xue Wan covered her mouth and laughed.

"Huh?" After seeing the words "Sunset" clearly, Xue Ning suddenly realized and said embarrassedly, "I misunderstood him. His move was truly killing the heart."

"Indeed! With Wei Renming's works as a benchmark, the Japanese who want to show off their meager skills should be prepared to be outdone."

The Japanese can't even photograph their own clothes as well as the Chinese, so how can they have the face to talk about photography competitions?

Moreover, the photograph "Sunset" is a satire of the Japanese.

Now, let's see how the Japanese respond.

Xue Ning said, "Surely the Japanese consulate won't come out to protest again?"

Xue Wan smiled so much her eyes narrowed. "They started the competition, so what's there to object to? The Japanese are in a bind now. I suspect they might bring in a photographer to challenge Wei Renming. Only by winning can they save face."

"Will Wei Renming lose?" Xue Ning asked.

Xue Wan analyzed:

"It's hard to lose, and it's hard to win. Aesthetics are like people's tastes; everyone has their own preferences. Once a photograph reaches a certain level, it's difficult to objectively distinguish between good and bad. Unless the Japanese resort to underhanded tactics and secretly threaten him."

"The whole of Shanghai is watching this. Are the Japanese really going to resort to such underhanded tactics?"

"It's precisely because they get so much attention that they can't afford to lose. So resorting to dirty tricks becomes their only option."

Xue Ning clenched his fist. "No. Wei Renming can't lose. If he loses, it means China has lost."

Xue Wan teased, "Are you planning to protect him?"

"Is it okay?" Xue Ning asked hesitantly.

"Of course! I will fully support whatever you want to do," Xue Wan said earnestly.

"Then I'll give it a try." Xue Ning touched the gun on his body.

Xue Wan smiled and said, "It's a good opportunity to become an apprentice and learn photography at the same time."

"Okay," Xue Ning said shyly.

After the two finished their meal, Xue Wan went to work first. As she passed the villa's gate, she stopped and said to the security guards at the entrance:

"Sister Xiaoning might go out today, so arrange for two bodyguards to protect her discreetly. Remember, don't let her know."

"Yes, Miss."

At the same time, at the entrance of the Peerless Elegance Photo Studio.

The crowd was enormous.

They were all reporters from newspapers of all sizes.

Is Master Wei here?

"I want to do an interview! I want to do an interview!"

"The door's closed, don't push!"

……

The noise was chaotic, like a morning market.

Wei Renming clutched his head, writhing in pain.

He didn't dare to open for business at all.

"Brother Wei, why don't we call the police to come and drive the reporters away?" Feng Xiaotian suggested.

Wei Renming gave him a thumbs up. "You're really bold. You dare to offend the uncrowned king."

"What should we do then?" Feng Xiaotian asked, embarrassed.

"Let's just wait and see!"

Wei Renming walked behind the counter, opened the package, took out the clothes inside, and shook them.

"Wow, Liu the tailor's skills are really impressive. These Hanfu outfits are very accurate in their reproduction. Excellent, excellent!"

"This outfit is really beautiful. It's a bit like a theatrical costume, but not exactly the same."

"This is Hanfu. Our ancestors wore this kind of clothing before the Tartars entered the pass."

"I've never seen clothes like this before. Brother Wei, how did you know?"

"Based on research from ancient books!"

"Keep these outfits a secret for now, don't show them to anyone. Also, go to Liu's tailor shop later and tell him not to talk about it, and bring back the clothing sketches I drew."

"I'm going right now!" Feng Xiaotian gripped the door latch.

Wei Renming quickly said:

"Climb over the wall! Don't open the front gate!"