Hearing Ye Fan's question, Sun Yilang nodded, "We worked together before. Although we knew each other, our relationship was ordinary. My visit this time is merely using that as an excuse. Whether I can see the shop's treasured artifact is still unknown."
Ye Fan's plan was simple: take the initiative. He intended to visit every antique shop under the four great families of the Dark Alliance and then crush them fiercely.
Only by doing so could others understand the insidious nature of these four families and turn to Ye Fan.
Of course, if he could successfully persuade the bosses to hand over their antique shops, Ye Fan would be even more satisfied.
Soon, an old man walked down from upstairs, a look of suspicion on his face.
"Brother Liu, it's been many years. I hope you are well."
Seeing the old man approach, Sun Yilang cupped his fists and spoke with a smile.
After sizing him up, Liu Tianqi forced a smile, "Brother Sun, you are too kind. Please, come inside."
Clearly, this boss Liu did not recognize Sun Yilang.
It was no wonder Sun Yilang had said their relationship was ordinary and they weren't close.
Glancing awkwardly at Ye Fan, Sun Yilang smiled wryly and then walked into the living room shoulder-to-shoulder with Ye Fan.
The young shop assistant had already brought tea.
After taking a shallow sip, Sun Yilang put down the teacup and said with a smile, "Brother Liu, we have come today upon hearing that your shop possesses a treasured artifact. We have come specifically to witness it. I wonder if Brother Liu could accommodate us?"
Upon hearing Sun Yilang's request, Liu Tianqi immediately frowned.
"Brother Sun, you should know that while I am the owner of Tiancheng Antiques, there are bosses above me. That treasured artifact must have the approval of the main bosses before it can be brought out. Otherwise, I have no authority to make such a decision."
Liu Tianqi's face showed a hint of apology as he shook his head helplessly.
Seeing this, Ye Fan's expression darkened slightly, and a cold smile played on his lips. "Boss Liu, I've heard that your shop's treasured artifact is a bronze zun. However, bronze zuns are incredibly rare in the market nowadays, and anything presentable is likely a fake. Therefore, Boss Liu must be cautious."
Ye Fan's smile was broad, his intention obvious: the items in your Tiancheng Antiques are likely fakes. I'm here to help authenticate them.
Indeed, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Liu Tianqi slammed the table and stood up abruptly.
"What do you mean by that? My Tiancheng Antiques has always adhered to the rules of the antique circle and has never dealt in any fakes. Have you considered the consequences of questioning our antique business like this?"
Liu Tianqi's face was filled with anger, even his eyes burning with rage. There was no doubt that Liu Tianqi was on the verge of fury at this moment.
After all, as the owner of Tiancheng Antiques, a subordinate force of the Liu family, anyone would react this way when questioned.
Seeing Liu Tianqi's anger, Sun Yilang quickly explained with a smile, "Brother Liu, there's no need for this. This gentleman is one of the foremost appraisers in Jiangcheng, with exceptional appraisal skills. Any item he has appraised will be flawless. If Brother Liu is confident in the shop's treasured artifact, why not let him appraise it? That way, outsiders won't be able to say anything."
Sun Yilang's words were not a plea for peace; they were clearly fueling the flames.
Liu Tianqi's face was grim, as if water could drip from it, his eyes filled with fury.
"Tiancheng Antiques does not welcome the two of you. Please leave."
Without any regard for politeness, he issued a clear eviction order.
Hearing Liu Tianqi's words, Ye Fan not only did not stand up but instead let out a cold laugh.
"I didn't expect the renowned Tiancheng Antiques to be such a pretentious establishment that bullies its customers. Boss Liu's refusal to bring out the item is simply because he fears I will find flaws. How about this, we make a bet? If your treasured artifact is genuine, I will compensate you with an item or money of equivalent value. However, if that bronze ware is a fake, this Tiancheng Antiques will belong to me from now on. I wonder if Boss Liu dares?"
Since he had decided to stir up trouble today, Ye Fan was not afraid of escalating the situation.
He pressed on, leaving Liu Tianqi no room to maneuver.
Liu Tianqi gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with a rage that seemed to want to flay Ye Fan alive.
Having navigated the antique world for so many years, he had never been forced into such a predicament.
But as he had said, although he was the boss of this antique shop, the Liu family was behind it, and he dared not make the decision himself.
"You wait."
Abruptly standing up, Liu Tianqi said angrily and then quickly left, heading to the inner chambers to report to his superiors.
Watching Liu Tianqi leave, the smile on Ye Fan's face gradually faded.
"Mr. Ye, are you really confident? If that bronze ware turns out to be genuine, our losses will be substantial, at least half of Bogu Zhai."
Ye Fan narrowed his eyes, his expression serious.
"Bronze ware that has survived to this day is extremely rare, and those that have been preserved in good condition after thousands of years are even fewer. If the bronze ware he possesses is genuine, then there is only one possibility: it must have been excavated illegally. Shen Bao is waiting outside, ready to apprehend me at any moment. This time, his Tiancheng Auction House is doomed, no matter what."
This was Ye Fan's plan; he had already considered all possible consequences and made arrangements accordingly.
Tiancheng Antiques would not escape this time.
More than ten minutes later, Liu Tianqi returned with light steps, a cold smile on his face, clearly having communicated with his superiors.
"Fine, today my Tiancheng Antiques will fulfill your wish. The main boss will bring the chief appraiser shortly. I'd like to see what abilities you truly possess."
Liu Tianqi's eyes burned as he fixed them on Ye Fan, his face a mask of fury.
Ye Fan simply smiled lightly, "We shall see."
Another ten minutes passed before a graceful figure arrived.
"Mr. Ye's provocation at Tiancheng Antiques is likely not just about acquiring this antique shop, is it?"
Liu Piaoxu got straight to the point, her frankness earning even more admiration from Liu Tianqi.
This direct descendant young lady of the family always had such a personality, not showing the slightest bit of subservience even when facing elder masters.
However, such a personality was intrinsically linked to her strength. The young lady had a broad perspective and extensive experience, and her discerning eye was exceptional. Even some of the family's old veterans would act with propriety in front of her, daring not to provoke her in the slightest.
Seeing Liu Piaoxu, Ye Fan was not surprised. Although Liu Piaoxu was a woman, Ye Fan knew better than anyone that her capabilities surpassed those of eight or even ten men.
Furthermore, when she became ruthless, she was indifferent to kin and only sought profit.
This was what was called an elite cultivated by a prominent family.
"Miss Liu is joking. I am new to Jiangcheng and naturally need to consolidate some usable influence. Tiancheng Antiques has caught my eye. If Miss Liu is willing to part with it reluctantly, then this competition is unnecessary. Conversely, if Tiancheng Antiques loses, it will be the Liu family that loses face."