Chapter Four: The Retoucher Who Refused to Retouch

Hengyao’s representative demanded that the broadcast be stopped, but Su had already mirrored the evidence to six newsrooms. Comments poured over Obsidian’s logo like an avalanche. Lin delivered the final blow by displaying his honest repair beside the counterfeit. The real emerald retained its chipped edge and natural inclusions, yet possessed more life than the plastic perfection beside it. “Original Image Studio will never promise to make the false look true,” Lin said. “We make the truth worth seeing.” Before the event ended, Hengyao terminated its annual Obsidian contract and awarded Lin an eight-million-yuan imaging project. Three former clients waited outside to apologize.