The two walked inside side by side with smiles, a scene that once again stirred speculation about Ye Fan’s identity.
Among the medium-sized families especially, news about Ye Fan spread like wildfire.
“Did you hear? Our Jiang City has produced a young genius. Elder Lei personally sent a car to pick him up, and Mr. Jiang himself welcomed him.”
“I heard that young man is Elder Lei’s grandson, who was lost. He’s going to receive Elder Lei’s full support in cultivation, with limitless prospects.”
“You’re all wrong. I just got firsthand information; that kid’s abilities far exceed Elder Lei’s. He’s an unparalleled genius, and Elder Lei wants to recruit him into the Antique Association.”
People chattered amongst themselves, but all their discussions revolved around Ye Fan.
These medium-sized families, lacking sufficiently powerful patrons, had always been suppressed by the first-tier families.
Therefore, these people dreamed of climbing the social ladder and becoming someone important.
While Ye Fan was being described in神乎其神 (miraculous) ways here, the situation was entirely different on the other side.
The first-tier families had noticed Ye Fan, but they merely offered contemptuous smiles.
These families all had major patrons behind them.
Only the Wang family showed a different attitude. Wang Feng personally came forward and treated Ye Fan with great courtesy.
“Brother Ye, at this appraisal fair, you will surely shine and silence those who look down on others with their ignorant eyes.”
Wang Feng was quite displeased with the disdain shown by the first-tier families.
Before coming, the Grand Elder had personally instructed him to be courteous to Ye Fan, treating him with the same respect as he would himself.
As the eldest young master of the Wang family, a core member, and the future patriarch, Wang Feng naturally understood the Grand Elder’s intentions.
He had made it clear that the Wang family was forming a complete alliance with Ye Fan.
Ye Fan patted Wang Feng on the shoulder, “Brother Wang overpraises me. This appraisal fair is merely a formality; it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Even winning first place doesn’t necessarily prove one’s strength. Besides, great families like yours certainly won’t go all out.”
Ye Fan was right. Great families like the Wang and Feng families would never reveal their full strength in such an appraisal fair.
Reputation was no longer that important to them. After all, their family’s strength was evident, and not everyone could be underestimated.
Wang Feng smiled noncommittally at Ye Fan’s words. Ye Fan was correct; their great families were indeed not displaying their full capabilities.
But as the two chatted pleasantly, sounds of cheers and fawning voices drifted in from outside.
“Young Master Feng, you are our backbone! This time, you will surely make a splash at the appraisal fair.”
“We’ve heard long ago that Young Master Feng obtained a treasure, rumored to be a bronze dragon. We are all eagerly anticipating it.”
“In Jiangnan City, who dares to defy Young Master Feng’s will? Isn’t that courting death?”
Various flattering voices continuously reached Feng Xiao’s ears.
Feng Xiao, at this moment, wore a look of enjoyment, even sporting a faint smile on his face.
He waved his hand at the people around him, appearing like someone high and mighty, a true elite.
Given the Feng family’s status, Feng Xiao was accustomed to being praised.
However, Ye Fan could only shake his head with a wry smile at this.
“Isn’t it good to be a comfortable young master? Why must he be so ostentatious? With just his Feng family, even with vast wealth, it would be squandered by such descendants.”
Ye Fan sighed, clearly disapproving of Feng Xiao’s behavior.
Wang Feng, standing beside him, similarly let out a cold snort, “Feng Xiao has always been like this, never putting anyone in his eyes, always thinking he’s the favored one. But his actions are laughable.”
Given Wang Feng’s status, he naturally knew more about Feng Xiao, thus possessing the right to comment.
“Brother Wang, have you heard about Feng Xiao obtaining a bronze dragon?”
Recalling the flattery he had just heard, Ye Fan suddenly thought of something and asked Wang Feng with a smile.
Wang Feng nodded, “It seems there’s such a thing. Brother Ye also knows that although our Wang family and the Feng family are both subordinates of the Heavenly King’s Mansion, there’s also an undercurrent of competition. We have many family informants within the Feng family. According to the information they’ve provided, Feng Xiao’s subordinate, an antique appraiser, obtained a bronze dragon from somewhere, which is extremely precious. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a national treasure. After Feng Xiao got the bronze dragon, he treated it as a prized possession. I heard he even holds it while sleeping.”
Ye Fan suppressed a laugh. This Feng Xiao was truly peculiar, hugging a bronze dragon even while sleeping. Wasn’t he afraid of it being uncomfortable?
Sensing Ye Fan’s unusual expression, Wang Feng suddenly lowered his voice.
“Brother Ye, you must be careful at this appraisal fair. Since Feng Xiao is attending so conspicuously, he’s definitely determined to win. You must be wary of their trickery.”
Although Ye Fan was very capable, Wang Feng couldn’t help but worry. Many things couldn’t be achieved by capability alone; any mistake could lead to failure.
“Thank you for the reminder, Brother Wang. However, regarding this mere Feng Xiao, this brother doesn’t take him seriously.”
Ye Fan smiled, his gaze fixed on Feng Xiao’s face.
As if sensing something, Feng Xiao suddenly turned his head, his eyes meeting Ye Fan’s.
In that instant, a trace of malicious anger flashed in Feng Xiao’s eyes.
Ever since Ye Fan arrived in Jiangnan City, he had caused Feng Xiao to lose face repeatedly. Especially last time at the law enforcement team, he had instigated Lü Liang to have him arrested.
If not for his grandfather personally going to the law enforcement team to get him released, he would probably still be detained.
Although he was released, his grandfather had to post bail of one hundred million yuan.
Feng Xiao naturally held Ye Fan responsible for this debt.
“Prepare to die.”
Feng Xiao raised his hand and made a throat-slitting gesture.
Ye Fan, however, let out a cold laugh, gave Feng Xiao a thumbs-up, but then, before Feng Xiao could revel in it, he abruptly pointed his finger downwards, pressing down forcefully.
…
The appraisal fair had not officially begun, but it was already filled with a palpable tension. Ye Fan, the Feng family, Tianbao Pavilion, Chen Pangzi – practically everyone in Jiangnan City who had enmity with Ye Fan was present.
“Brother Ye, you’re the captain of our law enforcement team. Your brothers are all looking forward to seeing your brilliant performance.”
Lü Liang walked over from somewhere and said to Ye Fan with a smile.
Ye Fan’s appointment as captain of the law enforcement team did not cause much shock in Jiangnan City. Those familiar with City Lord Li knew that this City Lord was deeply strategic, and Ye Fan was merely a pawn in his hands.
More people simply didn’t take Ye Fan seriously. In their minds, Lü Liang was still the undisputed captain of the law enforcement team.
Knowing that Lü Liang was specifically ordered to maintain order here, Ye Fan turned and said to him in a low voice, “Brother Lü, keep a close eye on Zhao Dong from Tianbao Pavilion later. That kid’s hands are full of fakes. He might even try to deceive everyone with fakes at this appraisal fair. Such people must not be let off.”
Since these enemies had gathered here, he would deal with them all at once to eliminate future troubles.