Upon hearing Elder Sun's words, the others nodded again. Elder Sun's analysis was very reasonable, leaving them no room for rebuttal.
"Elder Sun, this only proves the item is extremely precious. How can it be determined to be a fake?" Elder Ji asked, confused.
The others also looked at Elder Sun in agreement. Clearly, Elder Sun had said so much about the item's origin, but it seemed to have no connection to its authenticity.
Elder Sun smiled and shook his head, "Everyone, please don't be anxious. I must explain one by one."
"After explaining the origin of the item, let's talk about its preciousness. Everyone, please look at the front of this silver hook. At the tip of the hook, three pieces of white jade are inlaid, and in the center of each piece of white jade, a hemispherical colored glass bead is inlaid. These three glass beads are lustrous and smooth, polished so finely that they can reflect a person's shadow in the sunlight. Such craftsmanship is not something ordinary artisans can achieve, clearly showing the item's extraordinary origin."
"The hook head at the front of the hook body is shaped like a goose head. From the side, it looks like a swan singing. The entire silver belt buckle is made with exquisite craftsmanship, employing multiple techniques such as inlay, gilding, and carving. Different materials are used in the most reasonable way to complement each other, making the entire silver belt buckle exquisite and luxurious, truly a treasure."
Elder Sun's explanation caused everyone to nod. Indeed, if such an item could not be called a treasure, then perhaps there would be no treasures in the world.
But the next moment, Elder Sun spoke again, "However, since the craftsmanship of this item is so exquisite, why use silver? Have you all considered that?"
As soon as Elder Sun's words fell, everyone frowned.
Yes, since so many complex and intricate techniques were used on this item, why was silver used as the base material for the buckle itself? Why not use gold instead?
Seeing everyone fall into thought, Elder Sun's smile grew wider. "Because silver is softer and more suitable for carving, that's why the craftsman chose silver. But the problem lies with this silver. You may know that in ancient times, due to the low level of refining technology, the purity of silver was very low and could not reach the technical level of today.
But the silver used in this silver hook buckle is 99% pure silver. Isn't this strange? An ancient silver artifact uses 99% pure silver, which can only be achieved with modern technology. What does this indicate?"
Elder Sun sighed, picked up his teacup, and took several large gulps, finally explaining clearly. It was indeed tiring to explain fakes. Next time there was such a matter, it should be handed over to someone else. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Seeing the sweat on Elder Sun's forehead, Ye Fan smiled, "Everyone, Elder Sun's words are very clear. Although this silver hook buckle has a nice design, fundamentally, it is just a very exquisite imitation, not as described by Young Master Qi, having circulated for over a thousand years."
With his words, even a fool would know that silver with 99% purity could not have existed a thousand years ago.
Qi Yuanhao was shocked and didn't know how to explain.
Elder Sun's words were very reasonable and could not be refuted.
"Elder Sun, how do you know it's 99% pure silver? Could you be mistaken?"
At this moment, Uncle Fu, who had been standing behind Qi Yuanhao, suddenly spoke.
Although he wasn't skilled in appraising treasures, he was a member of the Qi family and couldn't stand by and watch his family be disgraced.
Elder Sun looked up slightly, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes.
For an appraiser, to have such a basic matter questioned was a humiliation.
Ye Fan's expression also changed slightly, but he managed to remain calm.
"If this gentleman does not believe it, he is welcome to have someone test the purity. If the purity of the silver is not as Elder Sun stated, then my Boguzhai will purchase this item for eighty million. What do you think, sir?"
After all, he was the behind-the-scenes boss of Boguzhai, Elder Sun's superior. Therefore, at this moment, he naturally had to support Elder Sun.
Hearing Ye Fan stand up for him, Elder Sun cast a grateful glance. Ye Fan's action not only defended the dignity of the visible boss of Boguzhai but also the dignity of Boguzhai itself.
After all, for an antique shop, reputation was more important than anything else.
Currently, the reason why Tianyin Pavilion and Boguzhai could be famous in Jiangcheng and be considered the two most authoritative antique shops was their reputation.
Uncle Fu was rendered speechless by Ye Fan's words, but his face was clearly angry. Just as he was about to retort, he was stopped by Qi Yuanhao raising his hand.
"Uncle Fu, you shouldn't doubt Brother Ye's appraisal skills. Since he says it's a replica, then this item is definitely a replica. There is no doubt about it. Brother Ye's methods will never have even the slightest error."
Clearly, Qi Yuanhao had resigned himself to his fate.
Ye Fan nodded slightly. "Young Master Qi, before the appraisal fair began, I already stated that no fakes would be allowed in this appraisal fair, or there would be tenfold compensation. Originally, out of consideration for friendship, I wanted to buy this item to save face for you, Young Master Qi, but you did not appreciate it and were still thinking about the outcome of your gamble with Young Master Zhou. You must know that greed leads to ruin. I have already given you a chance, but you did not cherish it. Therefore, I can only proceed officially."
As Ye Fan uttered the last four words, Qi Yuanhao's head snapped up, and a cold glint instantly appeared in his eyes.
"You mean to say..."
His gaze towards Ye Fan was indifferent, even his address had changed.
"Brother Ye means that your Qi family has to pay tenfold compensation. Since you, Young Master Qi, offered eighty million for this item, it means one thousand times eighty million. How much is that? I apologize, I'm not good at math, and I can't figure it out right away."
Zhou Youde pouted, his demeanor quite infuriating.
Internally, he was extremely excited. He had been competing with Qi Yuanhao for so many years, and most of the time, he was at a disadvantage.
But this time, Ye Fan had helped him vent so much anger.
With this, Qi Yuanhao was probably finished, and not just him, but the Qi family as well.
"Young Master Zhou is known as a genius, why can't he calculate this simple amount? According to the regulations, Young Master Qi has to compensate Boguzhai with eight hundred billion. This amount is too enormous. However, as the eldest young master of the Qi family and a prominent figure in Haicheng, I believe Young Master Qi will certainly not renege on the debt."
Elder Sun said with a smile, looking at Qi Yuanhao with amusement.
Eight hundred billion, let alone that Qi Yuanhao couldn't afford it, even if he could, he probably wouldn't pay it.