A threat, a blatant threat.
Liu Piaoxu frowned, her gaze towards Ye Fan tinged with complexity.
He hadn't expected Ye Fan to make a sudden move, nor did he give him any time to react.
As Ye Fan had said, no matter the outcome, the Liu family could not afford to lose face.
But if they didn't compete, then Tiancheng Antiques would likely have no foothold in Jiang City.
As long as Ye Fan stirred up trouble, Tiancheng Antiques would inevitably become the target of public criticism in an instant.
By then, it would truly be impossible to explain themselves.
"Mr. Ye's visit is a show of respect for my Liu family. Since that's the case, what reason do we have not to compete?"
A smile graced her face, betraying no hint of her true feelings.
"Miss Liu is indeed a woman of exceptional caliber. Today, I, Ye Fan, have witnessed it. If that's the case, let us sign the wager agreement and proceed with the competition."
The situation had reached this point, and there was no longer any room for them to breathe.
Today, Ye Fan was determined to take over Tiancheng Antiques.
Liu Piaoxu smiled and nodded, then ordered Liu Tianqi to prepare the agreement.
"Mr. Ye is called an elder of the Ghost Market. I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet. From now on, Mr. Ye will surely soar to new heights, becoming the youngest prodigy in the antique industry. This is a momentous occasion for Jiang City, unprecedented in decades."
Liu Piaoxu spoke softly with a smile, her voice like heavenly music, causing many onlookers to tremble.
Such a beauty was truly captivating.
But Ye Fan had already experienced her charm and remained as steadfast as a rock, unmoved.
"Miss Liu is too kind. The Ghost Market is an important part of the antique industry. I am honored by Mr. Cao's recognition and invitation to join the Ghost Market. I will definitely make a contribution to our Jiang City antique industry. From now on, there will be more and more items circulating in the Jiang City antique market, and the prices will be fair and reasonable. Chaos, exorbitant pricing, and even forced sales like in the past will no longer happen."
These words directly targeted the Liu family.
Liu Cheng had engaged in forced buying and selling on Antique Street, and many people had witnessed it at the time.
Therefore, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, many people applauded.
"Mr. Ye, despite his youth, has gained the favor of Mr. Cao of the Ghost Market. His future is bound to be limitless."
"I've long heard that young friend Ye has exceptional eyesight. Even the masters in our Jiang City respectfully call him 'Sir' in his presence. This is the rising star of Jiang City!"
"Mr. Ye's magnanimity and lofty aspirations will surely lead to the removal of all the black sheep in the antique industry, bringing clarity and a brighter future to our Jiang City antique market."
People praised Ye Fan one after another, as if, at this moment, Ye Fan were their savior.
Even Ye Fan felt a little embarrassed by such widespread praise.
However, to integrate Jiang City's antique industry, he needed to be admired by everyone, which was a necessary step.
Liu Piaoxu had intended to attack Ye Fan using the shadowy organization of the Ghost Market, but unexpectedly, he had resolved it so easily and instead gained public acclaim, making her feel like she had shot herself in the foot.
But in front of so many people, she could not lash out.
She could only force a smile, "Mr. Ye's grand aspirations are admirable. It's just a pity that with the strength of a few individuals, nothing can be changed. Mr. Ye should also act within his means."
The implication was that Ye Fan's desire to change the world with a single blow was simply a pipe dream.
In response, Ye Fan shrugged, "Isn't it better for someone to do something than for no one to do it? Besides, I, Ye Fan, have always acted according to my conscience. Even if I can shut down one black shop, that is my achievement."
Resilience, persistence, strength.
This was Ye Fan's character.
These words again earned Ye Fan a great deal of favor.
"Brother Ye, we all support you. From now on, we are your solid backing."
"We must eliminate those damned black shops and bring us light."
"We will fight them to the end, to the death."
"Light has finally arrived in the world. Brother Ye is with the light."
...
A shadow flashed in Liu Piaoxu's eyes. Ye Fan's eloquence was truly formidable. He had easily avoided the two traps she had set, and instead, he had gained fame for himself.
Such a person was truly difficult to deal with, as you never knew which of his words were true and which were false.
Just then, Liu Tianqi finally arrived with the wager agreement. After both parties signed, the wager was officially effective.
Then, Liu Piaoxu ordered the shop's treasure to be brought out.
A sandalwood box, half a meter square, emitted a faint fragrance and was very well preserved.
The square box was placed on the table, and Liu Piaoxu said with a faint smile, "This item has been appraised by our Liu family's numerous top appraisers and is confirmed to be without any issues, a genuine piece. Therefore, Mr. Ye can feel free to appraise it. If you can indeed convince us that it is a fake, then this Tiancheng Antiques will henceforth be known as Ye's."
Liu Piaoxu's expression was calm, her words carrying a noble aura.
This woman seemed to possess an innate dominance and an imposing presence.
Upon hearing Liu Piaoxu's words, Liu Tianqi slowly opened the wooden box, and immediately, a fragrance wafted out, quickly filling the entire hall.
"It's made of Tianshan Snow Yellow Pearwood! This single square box alone is worth at least three million yuan."
Even the box used to hold the item was so luxurious, it was clear how precious the item inside must be.
"Mr. Ye, please take a look."
Liu Tianqi made an inviting gesture, his expression cold, his eyes showing displeasure.
He would never have dreamed that someone would dare to set their sights on the Liu family. Had the Liu family's long period of obscurity made people underestimate them? Did they want to take a piece of the pie from the Liu family?
Ye Fan slowly stepped forward, his gaze indifferent as he looked into the box.
A bronze tripod, of the hu-style with double heads and double ears, rectangular in shape, with sturdy four legs supporting the bronze cauldron firmly.
On the head and tail of the bronze cauldron were decorations of beast heads, with ferocious faces, long tongues, and large ears, indistinguishable from the mythical Taotie.
On the other two ends of the bronze cauldron were double ears, convenient for the owner to use.
A layer of dark green patina had appeared on this bronze cauldron. The four sides were all carved with dragons, tigers, phoenixes, and other patterns, vividly and realistically depicted.
It was known that this bronze cauldron had weathered at least several thousand years, yet the carved patterns were still clearly visible, indicating the excellent quality.
"How is it, Mr. Ye? Can this bronze cauldron still catch your discerning eye?"
Liu Tianqi let out a disdainful snort, looking at Ye Fan with disdain and indifference.
He had long known that Ye Fan was a country bumpkin who had never seen any proper markets. Now, his uncouth image was completely exposed.