Sun Yilang's face darkened slightly as he fixed his gaze on Ji Nanshan. He had initially thought this would corner Ye Fan, but he never expected Ji Nanshan to step forward to defend him.
Sun Yilang could never have dreamed that Ji Nanshan's knowledge came directly from Ye Fan.
"Mr. Ji Nanshan is renowned throughout Jiangcheng, as everyone knows. To think he has also sided with someone else, it is truly regrettable."
Dealing with Ye Fan alone was already difficult. If Ji Nanshan were to join in, it would be extremely hard to deal with them.
Ability coupled with reputation was the most powerful safeguard in the antique circle.
Unaware of the coldness in Sun Yilang's eyes, Ji Nanshan let out a soft scoff. "In the antique trade, those with ability always come out on top. As for siding with someone, Young Friend Ye and I share similar interests and hit it off immediately. We can be considered friends across generations, which is far more genuine than many who collude for nefarious purposes."
A shrewd individual like Ji Nanshan would naturally not tolerate mockery. He skillfully retorted, while also heavily insinuating Sun Yilang.
However, Sun Yilang was not a fool. He was one of the organizers of this appraisal fair and would not cause trouble here, lest he shoot himself in the foot.
"If that is the case, then I was presumptuous. Since Mr. Ji Nanshan claims this is a fake, please explain to everyone present. We are all ears."
Knowing Sun Yilang's cunning intentions, Ji Nanshan gave him a contemptuous look before speaking confidently. "Actually, it is very simple to authenticate this fighting cock cup. The problem lies in the painted decoration of the cup."
Painted decoration?
Everyone frowned, their faces etched with doubt.
Even Sun Yilang asked, puzzled, "The painted decorations are exquisitely crafted and must be the work of a master. What could be the problem?"
His eyes were fixed on Ji Nanshan, as if trying to see through his thoughts.
Ji Nanshan, however, shook his head. "Boss Sun is the strongest appraiser in Jiangcheng, yet you haven't spotted the issue? This truly makes me doubt."
Seizing the opportunity, Ji Nanshan mercilessly taunted.
"If that is the case, I will be direct. Although the painted decoration is beautifully crafted and the artistry is exquisite, please look at the two roosters depicted. While they appear majestic, they are too calm. Since they are meant to be fighting cocks, why would the roosters be so placid? Moreover, this is supposedly a Chenghua fighting cock cup. How could such a mistake be made?"
His words were like a sudden enlightenment for many. Upon hearing Ji Nanshan's explanation, many in the audience suddenly understood.
"So that's how it is! No wonder Old Ji is so confident. It was because of this."
"Old Ji is a prominent figure in our Jiangcheng antique circle, truly deserving of his reputation."
"To think that items produced by Boguzhai would also include fakes. Today has been truly eye-opening."
As the crowd buzzed with discussion, a sinister glint flashed in Sun Yilang's eyes.
Two consecutive fakes had greatly impacted Boguzhai's reputation. Although he had offered some explanations earlier, it was unlikely that those present would accept them. If Ye Fan had identified the fighting cock cup as a fake, people might have dismissed it. But it was Ji Nanshan who had.
Suppressing his resentment, Sun Yilang slowly began to clap.
"Indeed, Mr. Ji, your eyesight is admirable. You are correct, this fighting cock cup is a fake. However, its craftsmanship is exquisite, and apart from minor flaws, everything else can be considered masterful. It still holds considerable collection value. Should anyone present wish to collect it, Boguzhai will not arbitrarily set a price."
With the situation as it was, Sun Yilang could only attempt to maintain his composure.
But the hall was silent. No one was foolish enough to buy a fake, no matter how exquisitely made. Collecting a fake would likely invite ridicule.
With a wry smile and a shake of his head, Sun Yilang clapped his hands, and the last item was brought forth.
"This is the final item Boguzhai is exhibiting today. Everyone, please take a look."
As the red cloth was lifted, a dazzling light emanated. On the tray lay a gilded double-faced Buddha.
The double-faced Buddha, also known as the joyous-angry Buddha, had two faces, one happy and one sorrowful, symbolizing the Yin and Yang extremes and the impermanence of life.
"This gilded double-faced Buddha, crafted by the renowned Northern Wei sculptor Tong Liuding, was purchased at a high price from Taoran Pavilion by Boguzhai not long ago. Today, Boss Jiang of Taoran Pavilion is also present, and he will preside over the appraisal of this double-faced Buddha."
This item was, of course, the fake prepared by Qin Zhonghe, specifically intended to be used by Sun Yilang to deal with Ye Fan. However, after suffering setbacks twice, Sun Yilang was not about to take any more risks. Boguzhai's reputation, accumulated over many years, had been tarnished today. He was naturally being more cautious.
Qin Zhonghe and Jiang Xiaobo would later engage in a heated argument, but it was too late to back down.
"Brother Jiang, you'll have to handle this situation. You must use this double-faced Buddha to bring Ye Fan to ruin." Qin Zhonghe said coldly, his eyes blazing with a terrifying gleam.
Although Jiang Xiaobo was extremely reluctant, he had no choice and had to step forward with a heavy heart. Upon seeing Ye Fan sitting there calmly, Jiang Xiaobo's heart burned with both anger and resentment.
"Ye Fan, this time, I will surely ruin your reputation." With a faint smile on his face, Jiang Xiaobo cupped his fists in greeting.
"Esteemed guests, this double-faced Buddha is the treasure of our Taoran Pavilion, with a history of over a thousand years, dating back to the Northern Wei period. It can be described as a masterful creation, capturing the essence of nature. Especially since this double-faced Buddha is believed to bring good luck, its value is immeasurable. I dare say, this double-faced Buddha is the most valuable existence in all of Jiangcheng."
Jiang Xiaobo praised the double-faced Buddha with convincing eloquence. If one were not well-versed in the subject, they might indeed be deceived by his presentation. However, Ye Fan narrowed his eyes and let out a cold snort.
"It seems that at Taoran Pavilion, that is how Boss Jiang described his items before, isn't it?"
Having been targeted by Jiang Xiaobo multiple times, Ye Fan naturally would not let him off easily and intended to use this opportunity to completely drive him out of Jiangcheng.
Jiang Xiaobo raised an eyebrow. "Are you, Mr. Ye, doubting this double-faced Buddha? You must know that it possesses a spiritual essence. If you doubt it like this, perhaps it will curse you."
"If it is genuine, from this moment on, I will leave Jiangcheng and never set foot here again. If I can prove that this double-faced Buddha is a fake, then you, Boss Jiang, will also leave Jiangcheng, and Taoran Pavilion will belong to me. How about it?"
Another bet. Just after forcing Hu Xiaofei to chop off a finger, the attention now turned to Jiang Xiaobo. The onlookers' eyes sparkled with anticipation. Who wouldn't want to witness such a spectacle?
"Ye Fan..." Shen Tianyin said softly, her beautiful eyes filled with worry. She did not want Ye Fan to take such a risk. If he truly lost, neither Jiang Xiaobo nor Sun Yilang would let him off the hook. In fact, even the people from the Jiangcheng Antique Association would not spare him.
Ye Fan smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, I won't lose." His eyes were full of confidence, and his demeanor was very relaxed. The more confident he appeared, the deeper Shen Tianyin's worry became. "Don't forget, you still have to help me acquire that treasure."
A moment later, Shen Tianyin forced a smile onto her face and reminded him.
"Of course." He replied. Then, his gaze shifted back to Jiang Xiaobo. "What? Have you not made a decision yet, Boss Jiang? Or are you afraid?"