Jiang Zhong was naturally not afraid of the stage. With his level of skill, he had long surpassed many senior appraisers.
Especially after following Elder Lei, a prominent figure in the antique business, he had learned a great deal over the years.
Not to mention that he could now lead the Antiquities Association, he was at least capable of handling things independently.
Walking to the front with grace and ease, Jiang Zhong had a faint smile on his face.
"It is truly a blessing in life to be able to exchange ideas with the esteemed antique connoisseurs of Jiangnan City. I, Jiang, am untalented but willing to engage in a friendly competition with all of you."
Jiang Zhong's tone was sincere, neither arrogant nor pretentious, which greatly impressed people.
"My teacher, Elder Lei, has already introduced it. This is a Happy Buddha, considered a gem within our Antiquities Association.
Although its quality is average, it is still very rare. As it belongs to the Antiquities Association, we have studied this Happy Buddha for a long time, and are fully aware of every aspect. Next, I will introduce it to everyone in detail."
Jiang Zhong smiled and picked up the Happy Buddha, placing it in front of him for easier operation.
"The Happy Buddha is an ideal representation in Buddhism; it is merely a symbolic concept, not a reality. Buddhism has three precepts: anger, desire, and hatred; it also has three temptations: lust, speech, and mind. Therefore, some enlightened monks, utilizing their lifelong learning, created this Happy Buddha, embedding their life's obsessions into the statue to achieve inner peace."
Everyone's understanding of Buddhism differs, and thus, their interpretations of the Happy Buddha also vary.
However, this does not hinder people's faith. Buddha is the solace of the heart, the yearning for a better life.
"And this Happy Buddha is the most famous among them. The male body symbolizes the Dharma, the law of nature, while the female body represents wisdom. Only with boundless wisdom can one save all beings in this world. Hence, one Buddha with two bodies, exquisitely crafted."
Jiang Zhong spoke in great detail, not only explaining the characteristics of the artifact but also incorporating his own understanding, making it quite brilliant.
However, his explanation, though brilliant, did not impress everyone. Fatty Chen,
had long grown impatient. "Just tell us if there's anything special about this Happy Buddha, why are you rambling on so much?"
Fatty Chen was a fearless individual, and after being humiliated by Ye Fan several times, his heart was filled with rage, wishing to vent his anger on everyone.
Fatty Chen's words stunned almost everyone, including Feng Xiao, who was also taken aback. But soon, a cold smile curved Feng Xiao's lips.
"Fatty is right. This is a treasure appraisal fair, not an occasion for you, Mr. Jiang, to show off. Just tell us the background of this Happy Buddha directly. Why are you wasting everyone's time here with your mumbling?"
The two were naturally allies. Since Fatty Chen had spoken, how could he not chime in?
Their back-and-forth banter instantly made the atmosphere awkward.
Given Mr. Jiang's status and position, he naturally disdained to argue with them. But his non-engagement did not mean others were without their own principles.
Elder Lei's face darkened. This old man, despite his extensive experience and shrewdness, had one major flaw: his temper was too fiery. With the slightest provocation, he could erupt in furious rage.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhong quickly smiled, "You both have a point. I was indeed a bit long-winded, but as you just said, this is a treasure appraisal fair, and not solely for your participation. We should respect the opinions of the majority. If everyone present wishes to learn about this Happy Buddha, then I have the responsibility and obligation to explain it clearly. Of course, if everyone is unwilling to listen, I will announce the answer directly."
Jiang Zhong's words were very clever. They not only diffused the awkwardness but also handed the choice over to the audience.
Many of those present might have been displeased with Ye Fan, but they could not harbor any dislike for Jiang Zhong or the Antiquities Association.
After all, to make a living in the Jiangnan City antique circle, one had to maintain good relations with the Antiquities Association.
Being locals of Jiangnan City, they naturally would not easily provoke the Antiquities Association.
Moreover, these people were driven by self-interest. Why would they provoke a powerful enemy for themselves without sufficient benefit?
For the sake of Feng Xiao and Fatty Chen? Was it worth it?
Ye Fan spoke first, "Since this is a treasure appraisal fair, it is naturally best to explain things clearly. Otherwise, even if I win, it would not be a victory achieved with integrity."
Ye Fan was indifferent. He had already seen through this Happy Buddha and had all its details firmly in his mind.
What Jiang Zhong said was of no consequence to him.
However, he had to save face. They were on the same side, and at this moment, if he did not stand up to support the Antiquities Association, he would likely be criticized.
Especially seeing Elder Lei's slightly resentful gaze, Ye Fan felt helpless.
He wondered if he owed the old man something from a past life. Ever since he met Elder Lei, Ye Fan had been constantly manipulated by him.
First, during treasure hunting, he was completely at the old man's mercy, with no recourse.
Later, on several occasions when he encountered the old man, although there were mutual benefits in their interactions, Ye Fan ultimately gave more.
Finally, wanting to use the old man to cause some trouble, the old man returned to Jiangnan City from Jiang City, and he hadn't been able to help himself.
Now, he was still being manipulated by him, which made even Ye Fan feel speechless.
Seeing Ye Fan speak up, Wang Feng followed suit, "We kindly ask Mr. Jiang to enlighten us."
With both of them stating their support for Jiang Zhong and the Antiquities Association, the remaining few, although not as decisive, eventually nodded their heads.
Seeing everyone express their stance, Jiang Zhong could not help but sneer, "It seems everyone present wishes to hear my explanation, except for Young Master Feng. In that case, Young Master Feng is welcome to leave first. This way, I will not offend your ears."
A desperate counterattack, leaving Feng Xiao with no room to resist.
Even the arrogant Young Master Feng of the Feng family was at a loss for what to do now.
"Why should we leave? Did you invite us to participate in the treasure appraisal fair? The fair is not over yet, so on what grounds should we leave?"
Fatty Chen, seeing that things were not going well, quickly retorted angrily.
It seemed he had forgotten that he was the one who initiated it, and now Feng Xiao was also being ridiculed as a result.
Jiang Zhong cast a cold, indifferent glance at them, then sneered and ignored them.
These two were like buffoons now, posing no threat whatsoever.
In fact, even if they wanted to cause trouble, they would not be able to stir up any significant waves.
"Let's get back to the point. Although this Happy Buddha is merely an artifact in Buddhism, it possesses a profound symbolic meaning. This is why I chose it to participate in the treasure appraisal fair."