Old Li’s face wore a smile, a very relaxed one.
Ye Fan was quite impressed by Old Li’s detached demeanor.
After all, he was a near first-grade appraisal master, a figure of considerable standing in Jiangnan City.
Yet, he was willing to set aside his pride and work as a subordinate. This magnanimity was truly moving.
“Old Li’s spirit earns Ye’s admiration.”
Ye Fan sighed, “If I ever leave this place, Old Li, you can visit Xiaoran Pavilion in Jiangnan City. I am acquainted with the owner there. If you go, you will surely live a stable life.”
Ye Fan had his own plans. Old Li was exceptionally capable and had already let go of worldly attachments. Such a serene disposition was perfectly suited for an appraisal master.
Therefore, he could not simply let Old Li leave.
Nodding, Old Li smiled at Ye Fan, “If I can leave this place, I will certainly go. However, leaving here is not an easy feat. The forces behind this place are very powerful, and a single misstep could invite trouble. While I do not fear death, I am unwilling to throw my life away needlessly.”
Old Li was not a fool. Though he was willing to take a risk for his freedom, he would not easily gamble with his life.
Exchanging a knowing smile with Old Li, the elder then rose and departed. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Watching Old Li’s retreating figure, Ye Fan’s smile gradually faded.
It seemed that despite its peaceful appearance, this place was seething with undercurrents.
This was his opportunity.
The next morning, Fatty Chen eagerly ran to the appraisal counter, carrying over a dozen porcelain pieces.
“Old Wang, Old Li, these are the porcelain pieces replicated these past few days. Please examine them and tell me about their quality.”
These were porcelain pieces fired according to the method Ye Fan had provided. While they required more time and effort to produce, their quality had undoubtedly improved significantly compared to before.
Even to Fatty Chen, who was not an expert, these pieces looked more beautiful and perfect this time.
Elder Wang and Elder Li walked over slowly, took the items, and examined them carefully.
Then, smiles appeared on their faces.
“The quality of this batch is indeed several levels higher than the porcelain fired previously. It seems the improvement has been successful.”
Old Li’s face was full of joy.
At the same time, his admiration for Ye Fan grew. This young man, though often low-key and unassuming, was truly capable.
Moreover, at this moment, Old Li became even more certain that Ye Fan’s identity was extraordinary.
It seemed his guess was correct; this young man was indeed hiding his true abilities.
His anticipation of escaping this place grew stronger.
Elder Wang also nodded at this point, offering a two-word evaluation: “Good.”
With the appraisal masters giving their approval, it was confirmed that the quality of these items had indeed seen a qualitative improvement, which was a fortunate development.
Fatty Chen couldn’t help but ask, “Sirs, who proposed this improved method? I will report it to Manager Hu immediately. This time, we must reward them handsomely.”
In his mind, whoever came up with such a method must be either Elder Wang or Elder Li. As for Ye Fan, he had long been overlooked.
Ye Fan was too young to be considered, and even if he stayed, he likely only knew rudimentary appraisal skills.
Elder Wang had already returned to his seat, his expression returning to its cold demeanor.
Old Li, however, smiled and said, “Steward Chen, these were all conceived by Xiao Qiang. So, if Manager Hu wishes to reward someone, he should reward him.”
Ever since Fatty Chen gave Ye Fan this nickname last time, Ye Fan had been referred to as such here.
Only Old Li and Old Wang knew his real name.
Hearing Old Li’s words, Fatty Chen froze, his face filled with shock.
“He really thought of it?”
He found it hard to believe. How could a newcomer possess such insight? It was truly difficult for him to accept.
Old Li nodded, “If we had this ability, we would have told you the method years ago. Why wait until now?”
Old Li chuckled wryly and shook his head. It seemed he had underestimated Ye Fan’s capabilities.
This young man not only possessed astonishing eyesight but also formidable appraisal skills.
Perhaps following him in the future would not be a bad outcome.
At this moment, Ye Fan wore a faint smile, saying little. Sometimes, silence was the best form of expression.
Although Fatty Chen was still reluctant to accept it, the facts were laid out, and he could only concede. He said indifferently, “I will go and report this to Manager Hu shortly.”
After that, he left the appraisal counter.
Ye Fan held no good feelings towards Fatty Chen. This man was driven by immediate gain, narrow-minded, and ruthless. Therefore, Ye Fan felt nothing about how he had been treated.
Old Li, however, looked at Ye Fan with a smile.
“Talented people have always been envied since ancient times. You will get used to it. Besides, he is the nominal head here. You have just arrived, and you have already overshadowed him. Naturally, he is displeased with you. But since you are approved by Manager Hu, no matter how displeased Fatty Chen is, he wouldn’t dare make a move against you easily.”
These words were meant as comfort for Ye Fan.
Ye Fan smiled slightly, “He and I are not of the same path. Whether he is jealous or not is irrelevant. But if he tries to play dirty with me, I will not stand idly by.”
Now, Ye Fan’s body had fully recovered. If Fatty Chen dared to cause trouble again, he would certainly fight back.
With his skills, Fatty Chen might not be his match.
However, Ye Fan had not yet figured out the situation here, so he had not acted rashly.
Seeing a flicker of coldness in Ye Fan’s eyes, Old Li was slightly taken aback but said nothing further.
Some things didn't need to be understood. Moreover, given Ye Fan's personality, he would certainly not want to be seen through.
After returning, Fatty Chen called Manager Hu. As expected, Manager Hu was delighted and told him to come over to take a look tomorrow, even personally requesting that Ye Fan accompany him.
Fatty Chen had no choice but to agree and then sent someone to notify Ye Fan.
Ye Fan felt nothing about this. Whether it was Manager Hu or Fatty Chen, they were all birds of a feather.
…
While Ye Fan had finally found his footing here, outside, chaos had erupted due to his disappearance.
In the office of Elder Lei at the Antique Association.
Upon hearing the report from his subordinate, Elder Lei’s teacup suddenly shattered on the floor.
“The person just disappeared inexplicably? How is this possible? This matter must be related to Tianbao Pavilion. It must be Mr. Bai who did it.”
Elder Lei, his beard bristling and eyes wide, was extremely anxious about Ye Fan’s disappearance, as he was the one with the deepest friendship with Ye Fan.
Jiang Zhong, standing beside him, also wore a grim expression, “I have already sent people to constantly monitor every move of Tianbao Pavilion, but there are no clues whatsoever. Teacher, should we personally go to Tianbao Pavilion to take a look?”