Ken whispered to Daniela, "This James seems to be very familiar with our culture. He keeps using idioms and speaking very authentically."

Daniela understood what he meant.

This guy must have deliberately learned about China's national quintessence and appeared here to challenge Leroy and mock the entire Chinese painting community.

It seemed that he was also the one who deliberately competed with Sebastian for the red glazed double-eared vase last time.

Genevieve couldn't bear to see someone treating her great-uncle so rudely. She immediately shouted, "You don't understand, so stop talking nonsense!"

Leroy's face turned cold, and he let Genevieve reprimand him.

He thought this person was sincerely seeking restoration, but now it seemed that he had come with malicious intent.

Today's lecture was open to the public. Not only were there hundreds of people in the auditorium, but tens of thousands of people were watching the live stream. Famous figures in the Chinese painting community and aspiring artists were all watching.

If he couldn't restore the painting, it would not only damage his reputation but also be a stain on Chinese painting.

However, he didn't have the confidence.

Ken sighed. He truly empathized with Leroy.

He was a few years younger than Leroy and had felt a bit overwhelmed with restoration in recent years.

Firstly, his eyesight had deteriorated. Secondly, his hands weren't as nimble as they used to be.

He couldn't restore the paintings that Daniela could. It wasn't that his painting skills were inferior to Daniela's, but his physical condition was simply not as good as hers.

However, Daniela was indeed skilled, and he had learned a lot from her. He admired her greatly.

"Miss Flores, do you think you can restore this painting?" Ken asked Daniela in a low voice.

Daniela just glanced at the painting briefly. She didn't have a clear understanding of the specifics and could only cautiously reply, "I'm not sure. I need to examine it closely."

Ken knew her cautious nature. Her refusal was not a definitive rejection, indicating that she had at least a six or seven out of ten chance of success.

"How about we go take a look?"

Daniela hesitated for a moment before nodding.

The two quietly approached the painting.

Daniela tilted her head and examined the painting carefully.

Seeing that Leroy didn't answer for a long time, James lost his patience. "Even you, a renowned master, can't restore it. It seems that Chinese painting has truly declined."

"Humph. It's useless keeping this painting. When I go back, I'll burn all the remaining paintings."

"After all, with your abilities, you can't pass these things down. You might as well use them for firewood."

These words were like a heavy slap across everyone's faces.

Everyone's faces darkened, and they glared fiercely at James.

Those were treasures of our country, and he said he wanted to use them for firewood.

This was unbearable.

Ken whispered to Daniela, "Miss Flores..."

Daniela shook her head slightly. "This painting is indeed difficult to restore, but it's not impossible. Mr. Jones is experienced and should be able to handle it."

It would just take a long time.

As expected, as soon as Daniela finished speaking, Leroy immediately agreed. "If that's the case, then I'll give it a try."

"Good!" James exclaimed. "Mr. Jones, you truly have great courage."

"However, you have a saying in China that goes, 'It's better to be ugly at the beginning.'"

"If you ruin the painting, you'll have to compensate me for the three sections in your museum."

Upon hearing this, Leroy's brows furrowed deeply. He immediately rejected the request. "That's absolutely impossible!"

James removed the smile from his face. "Mr. Jones, is this a lack of confidence in yourself?"

Leroy snorted. "You don't need to provoke me. These things in the museum belong to the country. Even if I wanted to agree, I wouldn't have the authority. Don't even think about it."

He was old, but he wasn't senile.

James laughed. "Just a joke, Mr. Jones. Don't get angry."

"But this is a painting that was found with great difficulty. If Mr. Jones' skills are not up to par and you ruin it, wouldn't that be a huge loss?"

Leroy chuckled coldly. "There's no need for idle chatter. What exactly do you want?"