Old Harden, can you handle having your vision-shifting abilities on all the time?

Zheng Mingyuan opened the specially made safe, took out a specially made shockproof box, and carefully took out some fragments.

When the fragment of the Qing Dynasty Qianlong Doucai and Famille Rose Eight Immortals Lotus Pattern Celestial Globe Vase appeared before everyone's eyes, even the well-informed Zhao Yongchang and Ma Jianguo couldn't help but gasp in shock.

The damage is indeed very serious.

The bottle broke horizontally into four sections from the belly, with jagged edges and two large fragments missing.

There is a long, arc-shaped rim that extends from the rim to the neck, and inside there is a complex network of forks.

There are multiple chips and peelings on the glaze, three of which have damaged the surface of the body.

The most striking feature is the damage to the decorative patterns.

The fish drum and jade tablet in the Eight Immortals in the Dark pattern are completely missing, and the surrounding lotus scroll pattern has also peeled off in large areas.

On the exposed body, you can still see the fine cracks left from the firing process.

Xu Xing put on white gloves, carefully picked up a fragment, and examined it closely under the light.

He activated his X-ray vision.

By looking through the glaze and the body, the microstructure of this porcelain piece can be clearly seen.

The thickness of the glaze layer in doucai, the color layers in famille rose, the degree of firing of the body, the distribution of crackles on the glaze surface...

Every detail was presented to him in perfect clarity.

He put down the fragment and picked up another piece, examining it repeatedly.

After a long while, he put down the last piece of debris and took off his white gloves.

"Mr. Zheng, the restoration of this porcelain piece is indeed very difficult."

Xu Xing said calmly, "The dual techniques of doucai and famille rose, the repainting of the Eight Immortals in shadow, and the large-scale restoration of the lotus scroll pattern are all extremely challenging."

Zheng Mingyuan's expression darkened: "I know, several masters in Yanbei have examined it, and they all said they dare not accept the task."

"but,"

Xu Xing changed the subject, "If conditions permit, I can give it a try."

Zheng Mingyuan's eyes lit up: "XCMG is confident?"

"I can't say I'm sure, but I have an idea."

Xu Xing explained, "The main difficulty in restoring this porcelain piece lies in the restoration of the pigments and the repainting of the patterns."

If I can find a similar but less valuable doucai and famille rose celestial globe vase, I can buy it to practice with.

If even a low-value, damaged artifact cannot be restored to its proper worth, then I can only apologize for this important piece.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Mingyuan's eyes flashed with surprise and admiration.

He had seen too many restorers who were either blindly confident or made excuses.

This was the first time he had ever encountered someone like Xu Xing who would first buy low-value broken pieces to practice on before taking on more complex ones.

This attitude reflects both a rigorous approach to technology and a deep respect for the collection.

"XCMG, what you said makes me feel much more at ease."

Zheng Mingyuan laughed and said, "To be honest, I do have a fragment of a celestial globe vase that was originally worth about five million. It is a doucai and famille rose celestial globe vase with lotus scroll pattern from the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty."

The damage is similar to this Qianlong piece, but its value is much lower.

He paused, then added, "However, even so, many master-level experts are unwilling to take on the task easily."

The only willing master craftsman specializing in traditional porcelain mending techniques.

But I still feel that mending porcelain is almost the same as not repairing it at all, and the metal staples will damage the already damaged glaze.

Xu Xing nodded: "Mr. Zheng is right. Although mending porcelain is a traditional repair technique, it is indeed not very suitable for important official kiln pieces in private collections of this level."

Using metal staples can damage the integrity of the glaze and makes it impossible to restore the original color and decoration, greatly diminishing the artistic value of the object.

He thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Zheng, I can pay to buy that Jiaqing celestial globe vase and take it back to Chang'an to try to restore it. After you see the results of the restoration, you can decide whether or not I should restore this Qianlong one."

Zheng Mingyuan looked at Zhou Zhihai.

Zhou Zhihai remarked with emotion, "Xu Gong has a methodical approach to things. These days, there aren't many restorers who can be so steady and reliable. Old Zheng, just do as Xu Gong says."

Zheng Mingyuan nodded: "Okay, it's settled then."

He turned around, took a document from the safe, and handed it to Xu Xing: "Engineer Xu, this is the relevant information about that Jiaqing celestial globe vase fragment. Take a look."

Xu Xing took the document, opened it, and looked at it.

The information is very detailed, including the size, age, damage, and estimated value of the original porcelain, and also includes several high-resolution photos.

After he carefully reviewed the agreement and confirmed that there were no problems, both parties signed the transfer agreement.

Xu Xing transferred the money on the spot, and the Jiaqing Doucai and Famille Rose lotus scroll pattern celestial globe vase, originally worth five million but now only worth a little over four hundred thousand, officially became his property.

"Mr. Zheng, it's a pleasure doing business with you."

Xu Xing put away the agreement and shook hands with Zheng Mingyuan.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

Zheng Mingyuan smiled and said, "Engineer Xu, I've already had a meal prepared. Why don't you all stay for a simple meal?"

"Then I shall respectfully comply."

Xu Xing smiled.

The group moved to the main hall, where a sumptuous feast was already laid out.

The dishes are exquisite, including steamed shad, braised sea cucumber with scallions, crab roe tofu, matsutake mushroom stewed chicken, and several other traditional dishes from northern Hebei.

During the meal, the group toasted each other in a harmonious atmosphere.

Zheng Mingyuan's impression of Xu Xing improved more and more, and he frequently toasted him during the meal.

"XCMG, it's an honor to meet you today."

Zheng Mingyuan raised his wine glass. "I hope you'll have the opportunity to restore that Qianlong celestial globe vase."

"Mr. Zheng, you're too kind. I will do my best."

Xu Xing clinked glasses with him.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Zheng Mingyuan put down his chopsticks and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, would you be interested in taking a tour of my collection after the meal?"

Zhao Yongchang's eyes lit up: "That's great! I've long heard that President Zheng's collection is among the best in Yanbei. Today I finally have the chance to broaden my horizons!"

Ma Jianguo nodded repeatedly, "I couldn't be happier!"

Xu Xing naturally had no objections.

After the meal, Zheng Mingyuan led the three of them through the courtyard to a two-story detached building in the backyard.

The building has a simple and unadorned exterior, but its access control system is top-of-the-line, featuring iris recognition and fingerprint locks.

After Zheng Mingyuan's verification was successful, the heavy security door slowly opened.

When the lights inside the door came on, Xu Xing, Zhao Yongchang, and Ma Jianguo were all stunned.

The entire first floor is an open-plan exhibition hall of nearly 300 square meters, with a ceiling height of nearly five meters and a constant temperature and humidity system humming.

All four walls are made of custom-made glass display cases, which are equipped with motion-sensor lights that automatically turn on as people approach.

The display cases contain hundreds of artifacts, including porcelain, jade, bronzes, gold and silver wares, calligraphy and paintings, and miscellaneous items—a dazzling array of treasures.

"Mr. Zheng's collection is richer than many private museums I've ever seen."

Zhao Yongchang praised sincerely.

"You flatter me, you flatter me."

Zheng Mingyuan spoke modestly, but there was still a hint of pride on his face. "I've been collecting for over thirty years, and I've gradually accumulated these things."

Please feel free to look around. If you find anything you like, please let me know, and I may consider transferring it to you at market price.

He put it subtly, but what he meant was that he could sell, but at most one or two items, and that wouldn't include any important pieces.

Zhao Yongchang and Ma Jianguo exchanged a glance and both revealed knowing smiles.

The two began to slowly wander around the exhibition hall, their eyes scanning the display cases.

Xu Xing also began his treasure hunt.

He activated his X-ray vision, his gaze penetrating the glass of the display case, passing through the surface of the artifacts to their internal structure.

Hundreds of items in his collection were laid bare before him.

He examined each item one by one, from porcelain to jade, from bronzes to gold and silver wares, from calligraphy and paintings to miscellaneous items...

The microstructure, chronological characteristics, and craftsmanship details of each piece were clearly presented to him.

Zheng Mingyuan's collection is indeed full of fine pieces, the vast majority of which are genuine and in excellent condition.

Some of the pieces are even museum-quality artifacts, such as a bronze square ding from the early Western Zhou Dynasty, a celadon plate from the Ru kiln of the Northern Song Dynasty, and a landscape scroll by Qiu Ying from the Ming Dynasty...

Xu Xing was increasingly alarmed as he looked at the collection; this Mr. Zheng's collection was far superior to Zhao Yongchang's.

He hadn't expected to find a bargain from a collector of this caliber.

Zheng Mingyuan's eye for collecting is definitely not bad, given that he has been collecting for over thirty years. Moreover, he clearly has a professional appraisal team, and the items that are put into his collection have all undergone strict quality control.

However, his gaze stopped when it swept over a display case in the corner.