Chapter 354

"This place doesn't even have a water vendor. Just wall-to-wall people!" Linda Lombardi stomped her foot irritably, the crowded exhibition hall making her skin crawl.

"Let's go. We need to get out of here—" Margaret Evans started to turn when her peripheral vision caught a familiar figure.

Evelyn Langley stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Sophia Laurent, accompanied by a middle-aged couple.

The man was photographing artifacts in the display case while the woman leaned close to examine them through the glass. Margaret squinted—the woman's delicate features mirrored Evelyn's perfectly.

"The craftsmanship on this beaded vestment is extraordinary..." William Langley marveled as he snapped pictures. "Look at these patterns and color combinations. It's pure artistry."

This was their second visit. William remained enthralled.

An elderly tour group clustered around them. The guide grinned. "Young man, you're quite knowledgeable. Could you share some insights?"

William obliged cheerfully. He didn't just recite exhibit descriptions—he supplemented with expert commentary:

"Beaded vestments often featured ivory, gold, and gemstone embellishments. They were ceremonial garments for Buddhist statues in Qing dynasty palaces..."

"According to 'Research on Imperial Buddhist Robes,' the Suzhou Weaving Bureau produced seventeen multicolored sets during Emperor Qianlong's reign..."

More visitors gathered. When he finished, enthusiastic applause broke out.

"Sir, could you tell us about this phoenix crown?" A young man pointed to the adjacent display.

William adjusted his glasses. "This dragon-and-phoenix crown belonged to Empress Xiaojing from the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty. Excavated from Dingling Mausoleum. Observe the kingfisher feather and pearl craftsmanship..."

A tourist flipped through the exhibition booklet. "Every detail is accurate! Are you a history professor?"

"I teach physics." William chuckled, waving a dismissive hand.

The crowd erupted.

"A physics teacher with this much historical knowledge? Incredible!"

"Must be a homeroom teacher—they know everything!"

Sophia teased from the sidelines: "Uncle, you're amazing! And Auntie is stunning!"

All eyes turned to Victoria Langley. She stood gracefully beside her husband, radiating quiet elegance.

Margaret lingered at the periphery, watching William hold court as awed murmurs rippled through the audience.

She glanced back at Linda and her son impatiently urging her to leave. An inexplicable bitterness welled up in her chest.

The contrast couldn't have been starker.