Chapter 2

The forensics lab colleague came in with the report. "The results are out. It's just regular sandalwood incense, no additives."

My heart sank. Hard.

Chloe immediately looked up, a triumphant glint in her eyes. "Harper, you see? I wasn't lying. I really don't know why you have such a prejudice against me…"

The Curator cleared his throat. "Harper, your accusation just now was a bit… over the top."

"Wait." I forced myself to stay calm. "Even if the incense is fine, it doesn't prove she can actually 'read' artifacts."

Chloe bit her lip, looking wronged. "Harper, why won't you just believe me?"

She relit the sandalwood incense, and the green smoke curled up again.

"I'll demonstrate again, to prove I really can sense the history of artifacts."

The experts in the room started whispering among themselves. Some were clearly impatient with this 'occult' performance.

"Ridiculous!" One expert directly stood up. "I don't want to waste my time watching this trick."

"Exactly! What era is this, still doing all this superstitious stuff?" another expert echoed.

Chloe's tears streamed down her face. She spoke in a trembling voice. "This ancient jade disc… it's crying out in pain. It's not the real legendary Dragon's Seal…"

The conference room erupted in laughter.

"She couldn't even tell that?"

"Everyone knows it's a fake!"

"You called us here just to hear this?"

A few experts directly stood up, ready to leave.

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This time, finally, it wouldn't…

"It's a celadon jade from the ancient lands, hardness 6.5, density 2.95, containing tremolite 87%, actinolite 11%, and other minerals 2%." Chloe suddenly spoke.

The experts who were leaving stopped dead in their tracks.

"The craftsmanship uses late ancient polishing techniques, but the carving style is clearly medieval. There's a clear anachronism."

"The patina on the jade surface is artificially aged, using tea water and smoke treatment…"

The laughter died down instantly.

These data points? I'd worked until 3 AM last night in the lab to get them! I hadn't even released them to anyone yet!

"There are three tiny air bubbles inside the jade, located at the dragon head, belly, and tail, which are characteristics of modern casting techniques…"

No! Impossible!

The Curator, shocked, flipped open my detection report on my desk. His face instantly changed. "This… these data points are perfectly consistent! Not a single word off!"

Everyone's gaze snapped to me.

"Harper, did you tell Chloe in advance?" an expert questioned.

"Impossible!" I quickly defended myself. "My report was just finished last night. I haven't shown it to anyone!"

Liam looked at Chloe in astonishment, his eyes starting to show a mix of curiosity and admiration. "Chloe, you really can sense all this?"

Chloe opened her eyes, tears welling up as she looked at me. "I don't know why either. Harper, you see, it's really talking to me. Now… do you believe me?"

I felt a wave of dizziness, as if the world was spinning.

History wasn't just repeating itself; it was crashing down on me even faster.

"This is incredible!" The Curator's attitude completely shifted. "Chloe, your ability…"

"It's simply a gift!"

"Our country's artifact appraisal field is about to see a prodigy!"

Praise erupted from all sides.

"No!" I suddenly stood up. "She must have seen my experimental data in advance!"

"Harper, what else do you have to say?" The Curator frowned.

"She broke into the lab last night!" I was nearly hysterical. "She stole my data!"

Chloe cried even harder. "Harper, I was in my dorm all last night. My roommates can prove it…"

The Curator's attitude completely changed. "Harper, this is getting tiresome. Chloe clearly has this talent. If you're jealous, just say so."

"Harper, that's enough!" Liam finally exploded. "Why are you pushing Chloe like this? Is it so hard to admit someone else is talented?"

"I'm not pushing her! I'm just trying to prove…"

"Prove what? Prove that you're jealous of her talent?"

That sentence hit me like a thunderbolt.

Everyone looked at me with strange eyes, filled with disdain, disappointment, and the mocking gaze reserved for a clown.

And Chloe, she stood there, tears in her eyes, yet unable to hide the triumphant smile playing on her lips.

Just like in my past life.

I closed my eyes, my fists clenched.

Was I truly unable to escape this outcome?