Elder Lei's expression was grim, his eyes filled with anger: "Boss Zhao, I've noted this down, and we'll discuss it later." Elder Lei said coldly, then with his hands behind his back, he strode into the warehouse.
A chill emanated from within. Although it was still somewhat cold inside, it was not enough to freeze someone. Thus, even though the few people felt a bit chilly, they didn't mind.
In this underground warehouse, over a dozen rows of antique display shelves were arranged, with items placed on every available space. Below each item were its appraisal certificate and a description.
The underground warehouse, spanning three to four hundred square meters, housed over a thousand items, a dazzling array.
Ye Fan marveled inwardly, "Is this the backing of the Heavenly King's Mansion? Before, he had always thought that the backing of prominent families with centuries of history was more than enough, but today, seeing the depth of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Ye Fan was utterly astonished.
Compared to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, those so-called prominent families were truly far behind.
The Heavenly King's Mansion was indeed formidable, truly deserving of being the largest power in Jiangnan City.
Seeing the look of astonishment on Ye Fan's face, Zhao Dong felt immensely proud.
"The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is directly under the Heavenly King's Mansion. The Heavenly King's Mansion has existed for hundreds of years, and cannot be compared to those so-called prominent families. All the treasures collected over these centuries are here, and every single piece can be considered priceless. Therefore, everyone, please be careful. If you cause any damage, it is likely beyond your ability to compensate."
At this moment, Zhao Dong had regained his demeanor as the owner of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. However, this was only natural; anyone who possessed so many treasures would likely behave this way.
But Ye Fan scoffed, "Boss Zhao worries too much. With the wealth of Elder Lei and myself, we wouldn't dare to act recklessly. However, Boss Zhao still needs to accompany us. If anything happens here after we leave, and Boss Zhao tries to shift the blame onto us, Elder Lei and I cannot afford to bear such consequences."
He continued to mock Zhao Dong, finding him truly detestable.
Arrogant and looking down on everyone.
No matter if you are the owner of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion or the representative of the Heavenly King's Mansion in Jiangnan City.
What you are doing is still the antique business, isn't it?
As long as you are in the antique business, you must adhere to the rules of the Antique Association in Jiangnan City.
Afterward, Elder Lei and Ye Fan slowly moved forward, searching the display shelves one by one.
It had to be said that Zhao Dong had not lied. The items displayed here were almost all treasures. Even a simple porcelain bowl was a "fencai" imperial kiln piece from the Yongzheng period.
Any single item here could fetch over ten million, and that was the minimum price. With at least a thousand treasures here, it was truly astounding.
Even Ye Fan and Elder Lei, both men of considerable experience, could not help but feel a sense of shock upon seeing so many items stored here.
"Is this the backing of the Heavenly King's Mansion?"
Finally, Ye Fan was shocked, his eyes showing a hint of infatuation.
As appraisers, seeing treasures was like a glutton seeing delicacies; they were unable to move. However, Ye Fan and Elder Lei, after all, possessed exceptional composure. Despite their shock, they quickly regained their composure after a brief moment.
"Examine them carefully, and inform me immediately if you find anything amiss."
Elder Lei instructed.
His sole purpose for being here was to find those forgeries, so not a single clue could be overlooked.
Ye Fan nodded heavily and separated from Elder Lei. They began their inspection from opposite sides, moving towards the center.
After a full half hour, Ye Fan and Elder Lei finally returned to where they had initially separated.
Ye Fan's expression was solemn: "Nothing unusual."
Elder Lei's face was equally grim: "I haven't found anything either. These over a thousand items are truly too precious and exceedingly valuable."
"Did I guess wrong? But that valuable porcelain shard was clearly a high-quality forgery?"
Ye Fan furrowed his brows tightly. Elder Lei trusted him unconditionally, just as he trusted Elder Lei.
Therefore, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Elder Lei had brought his men here without any hesitation.
But as it stood now, they seemed to have been too reckless.
Ye Fan narrowed his eyes, his brows deeply furrowed.
This matter was too mysterious. He couldn't believe that the entire Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only had that one forgery.
"We must have overlooked something, but what could it be?"
Ye Fan's face was solemn as he tried to recall.
Meanwhile, Zhao Dong walked over with a look of excitement.
"How is it? Elder Lei? Have you discovered anything?"
Zhao Dong asked knowingly, clearly intending to humiliate Elder Lei and the others.
Elder Lei's face darkened, his gaze filled with coldness: "The inspection is not yet finished. Is Boss Zhao in a hurry? Or is there something unsavory happening here?"
At this moment, Elder Lei was also extremely anxious. The decision to come to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for inspection was already a violation of public expectation. If they couldn't find any problems, not only would he be disgraced, but the entire Antique Association would likely be criticized.
Yet, they had searched everywhere and found nothing, which was truly bizarre.
But at this moment, Ye Fan's expression was one of deep thought, so they still had a chance.
"Elder Lei is a first-class appraiser in our Jiangnan. Logically, if he found a problem, he could identify it with just one glance. Why is he so slow today? Could it be that he hasn't found anything and intends to fabricate an issue?"
Zhao Dong sneered disdainfully.
Hearing Zhao Dong's words, Elder Lei's complexion grew even uglier. He had indeed considered that option just now, but he hadn't expected Zhao Dong to see through it.
Just as Elder Lei was in a dilemma, not knowing what to do, he heard Ye Fan let out a soft hum: "So that's how it is. Truly deep scheming."
Upon hearing his words, both Elder Lei and Zhao Dong turned to look at him.
"Brother Ye, what are you talking about?"
At this point, he had already considered Ye Fan his last hope. If Ye Fan didn't step forward to speak for him, then this matter would truly be perilous today.
Hearing Elder Lei's anxious inquiry, Ye Fan smiled slightly and then chuckled to Elder Lei, "Elder Lei, no need to panic. I think I know the answer."
Saying this, he looked back at Zhao Dong: "Boss Zhao is indeed a trusted confidant of the Heavenly King's Mansion. Managing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion alone in Jiangnan, one would be hard-pressed to succeed without sufficient composure. I was wondering earlier, if I were entrusted with such a large antique store, where would I hide the valuable items? After much thought, I couldn't find any clues. After all, I've never been as wealthy as Boss Zhao. But even so, I know one thing: no matter what, I wouldn't place the most precious items in plain sight."