Aftermath of Old Affairs

Rachel Lambert was born in 1910. She was three years younger than Catherine Hepburn. The two could be considered to be from the same generation.

But now that someone she can call "older sister" has returned to the enviable state of a 20-year-old, how can she not be jealous! Even if that's just on screen, not in reality.

Rachel covered her mouth in disbelief and said, "Is that even possible?"

Henry frankly stated, "The limits of computer technology development lie in imagination and hardware capabilities. Whether it's aging photos causing color loss, or photos that were originally black and white, it's all about the ability to adapt to different environments."

Subtle differences in grayscale correspond to different colors. We only need to analyze this part and then restore the original colors.

"However, this analysis involved an enormous amount of computation, far beyond the capabilities of commercially available home computers. It was entirely thanks to Stark Industries ' supercomputers that such results were achieved."

Actually, a regular computer can run it; it can calculate the result of a single photograph even if it takes several days. However, there's no need for overly complex explanations. This lady isn't an engineer or technician, so she doesn't need to hear about such things.

"Oh, is that so?" Rachel Lambert looked visibly disappointed.

Sensing this sentiment, Henry opportunely said, "What If...? you have any old photos or videos that you would like restored, we can provide a project-based service for you."

"Really?" Rachel Lambert, who was initially excited, asked cautiously, "What If...? there's only one photograph left, and no negative? Is that still okay?"

Henry said, "These seem to be very precious memories. What If...? you're worried, Madam, you can bring the originals to Stark Studios. If there aren't many, scanning and archiving will only take a day."

"The original documents can be taken back then; there's no need to leave them with us. However, the subsequent digital restoration process will depend on your requirements and quantity, which will determine the completion date. Is that acceptable?"

Henry was busy doing favors, while Tony Stark complained, "Hey, I built this supercomputer. Don't you have to ask me first before you can use it? Do you think I'm a wall clock that only rings on the hour?"

"Is that not allowed?" Ms. Rachel Lambert looked aggrieved.

Faced with the old lady's watery eyes, even Tony Stark, as much of a scoundrel as he was, toned down his usual sharp tongue. "Alright, alright, stop looking at me like that. Go find that guy who claims to be a friend of women; he can solve everything."

Henry, who had inexplicably acquired an extra title, chuckled awkwardly.

Paul Mellon didn't just stand by and watch. He asked, "Mr. Brown, how much does this supercomputer you're talking about cost approximately?"

Henry didn't think much of it and replied, "The supercomputer used by Stark Studios Stark Industries made in-house, and many of its parts are custom-made, so it's difficult to calculate its price."

"But based on my current understanding, supercomputers that meet the needs of image processing are probably in the tens of millions of kilobytes, and will not exceed thirty million kilobytes. Since there is no need to compete in supercomputer rankings, there is no need to deliberately pursue the best and fastest."

"Thirty million dollars isn't actually that expensive," Paul Mellon said to his wife, making a statement reminiscent of Versailles. "How about we build one ourselves?"

Even Tony Stark was taken aback. He wasn't the world's richest man yet. He was just a young upstart who had just inherited his father's fortune, finally sorted things out, and was smug about bullying Sony.

Henry had no choice but to smooth things over. "Mr. Mellon, What If...? it's just for this small matter, let us handle it. The ongoing maintenance costs of the supercomputer and the salaries of the operating team are not cheap."

"What If...? you have any concerns, we can sign a formal contract to clearly stipulate all the important points to avoid future disputes."

"Well, that's fine too." Paul Mellon seemed oblivious to Tony Stark's somewhat confrontational tone, calmly defusing the situation.

It can only be said that after just one exchange, the outcome was clear. The fledgling Iron Man, despite his early days, was unable to overwhelm these traditional Blue-Blooded Aristocracy of United States.

Seeing the atmosphere getting a bit tense, Rachel Lambert stepped in to change the subject. "Henry, we came here specifically to see you."

"Oh, is there anything I can do for you two?" Since their relationship was so-so, Henry didn't think Old Money like him would come looking for him for tea and a chat. So he asked directly.

"Do you remember when you said at my house that the painting ' Lady with an Ermine ' might be an authentic work?"

"Yes, I remember. But that was three years ago. Looking back, I think I was a bit presumptuous. What If...? I said anything wrong, please forgive my youthful ignorance."

Rachel Lambert patted Henry's hand gently, reassuring him, "Don't worry, things are just as you said. After you reminded us that day, we tried to gather people who claimed to own the original to authenticate it."

"Getting everyone together and willing to contribute their paintings wasn't easy. After all, this included formal organizations like museums. It wasn't until the middle of this year that this appraisal meeting was finally arranged."

"We all invited trusted experts to the site, a total of more than ten, to conduct the appraisal. Ultimately, all the experts concluded that the painting you pointed out was indeed the closest to the original."

Henry exclaimed in surprise at this result, "The condition that is closest to the original! What kind of statement is that?"

Rachel Lambert said helplessly, "The rampant counterfeiting is beyond your imagination. It's not uncommon to hear of museum collections being forgeries. Sometimes, the artist even paints multiple identical works."

"Unless there are clear records, how can later generations make a judgment? Therefore, in many cases of authentication, as long as there are no obvious flaws, the comparison is about which one is more consistent with the characteristics of that era."

"This is really a headache," Henry sighed.

"Yes." Rachel Lambert took a cloth bag from her attendant and opened it. Inside was the world-famous Leonardo da Vinci painting, "Woman with a Silver Sable." Mrs. Lambert handed it out.

Henry, puzzled, didn't accept it rashly. "What is this?"

Rachel Lambert explained, "We have already donated the original to the National Museum in Washington. Other exhibits on loan from museums have also been returned in their original form, as per their contracts."

"But private collectors don't want to take the fakes back, so they keep them with us. This appraisal meeting was started because of you, and it's fortunate that you were there, otherwise the genuine article would be on my wall of fakes, not properly preserved."

"That's why my husband and I discussed giving you one of them. Although it's not an original, don't underestimate it. According to experts, it's very likely a 17th or 18th-century reproduction. It's still an antique painting in itself."

Taking the antique-quality forgery, Henry asked in surprise, "Can I really accept this?"

Paul Mellon said, "Of course. Your reminder saved us from doing something foolish. I just hope you won't use this reward for anything bad."

"Please rest assured, Mr. Mellon, I will cherish and preserve this collection."

That is to say, by saying these things in public, Henry wouldn't be able to fool other fools into selling the painting as an original. However, he also wouldn't sell the painting.