"Mr. Li has arrived, that's wonderful!"
Upon seeing Li Yang, Xu Shenglong respectfully approached and invited him.
Li Yang couldn't help but ask curiously, "President Xu, what are you discussing? Did you specifically call me here, perhaps needing my help?"
"Yes, Mr. Li is now a renowned jade appraiser in the provincial capital. Naturally, we need Mr. Li's participation in our arrangements."
After bringing Li Yang before everyone, Xu Shenglong announced, "This is Mr. Li Yang. Many of you present saw him at the jade exhibition event and witnessed his skills."
"Today, I've invited Mr. Li to help us fulfill our long-cherished wish."
"I know Mr. Li well. Mr. Li is my benefactor. It is an honor for our Jade Association to have Mr. Li's help. I, Xue, agree first," Xue Xigui said, taking the lead.
"So, President Xu was referring to Mr. Li. I also agree to have Mr. Li join us," Zhang Shoufu said with a smile.
This Zhang Shoufu, named Zhang Fengchun, was the richest man in Tianlong City, primarily engaged in the jade business. His influence was immense, and his scale was rarely seen in the entire province.
Seeing their excitement, Li Yang couldn't help but ask, "President Xu, Uncle Xue, what exactly are you discussing?"
"Mr. Li, to be frank, we are discussing a matter of great importance to the entire antique world."
Xu Shenglong took the initiative to explain to Li Yang, "Recently, our informants from the Jade Association reported that the antiques sought by those Sakura Country bandits are not ordinary national treasures, but rather related to a batch of mysterious treasure."
"It is rumored that obtaining this treasure can make one as rich as a nation. Once this news spread overseas, it attracted many aspirants. Currently, the people from Sakura Country are the most active. They have been continuously sending experts to harm members of China's antique families because antique families have been continuously producing rare treasures. It is rumored that the treasure map is hidden within them."
"Treasure map?"
Li Yang's spirit instantly lifted. Didn't he have a treasure map in his hand?
Although he had one, he needed to collect eight pieces to find the whereabouts of the treasure.
These Sakura Country bandits were actually here for this treasure.
"We now know Sakura Country's secrets. Therefore, we have decided to gather the major antique forces of China to search for this treasure together, striving to find the treasure map and protect it before the Sakura Country bandits do."
Xu Shenglong said with conviction, turning to look at everyone present, "All the wealthy merchants renowned in the jade industry are here today. I have already informed them about this matter, and they are willing to assist the Jade Association in finding the treasure map and protecting national treasures."
"So that's how it is. Since it's something beneficial to China, I, Li Yang, will be the first to agree," Li Yang said very readily.
"If Mr. Li also joins, it would truly be an honor for our Jade Association. However, although our alliance has been formed, we still lack an alliance leader. I suggest that this position of alliance leader be given to Mr. Li."
"He is the youngest but possesses the greatest skill. I believe that under Mr. Li's leadership, we will be able to find the treasure map in the shortest possible time," Xu Shenglong said seriously.
"I don't think so!"
At this moment, an old man beside Xu Shenglong stroked his beard and said, "The mission to find this treasure is arduous and long. We must have a highly respected elder serve as the alliance leader."
"Mr. Li is too young. I worry that Mr. Li will not be able to complete the task and will even ruin things."
"Old Zhou, you underestimate Mr. Li's abilities. Let me ask you, if any of us were to become the alliance leader, who could stand up and contend with the experts from Sakura Country if they provoke us in the future?"
Xu Shenglong expressed his opposition and said seriously, "I believe that besides Mr. Li, no one is worthy of the title of alliance leader. Only Mr. Li can protect our alliance. Therefore, I wholeheartedly agree to let Mr. Li serve as the alliance leader."
"I also think Mr. Li is the most suitable," Xue Xigui nodded in agreement again.
"Me too, I also agree," Zhang Fengchun quickly raised his hand to agree.
"You all..."
Vice President Zhou saw the two richest men raise their hands, and several others present stood up to agree. He couldn't help but frown, holding a different opinion in his heart, but unable to resist.
"I agree that Vice President Zhou should be the alliance leader. Vice President Zhou's son-in-law is the eldest young master of the Bai family, a martial arts family. The Bai family holds a very high status in our provincial capital. Even if those Sakura Country bandits make a move, Vice President Zhou's son-in-law can still handle it."
"Yes, how could I forget my son-in-law? My future son-in-law is precisely the eldest young master of the Bai family, Bai Feilong. He ranks among the top three in martial arts strength in the entire province, and his family has Grandmaster Bai overseeing it."
Hearing this, Vice President Zhou instantly regained his confidence, stroked his beard, and said confidently, "If I am the alliance leader, I can have my son-in-law protect everyone's safety and drive all the Sakura Country bandits out of China."
"If they dare to disobey, they will die!"
"Old Zhou, but I heard that your daughter has not yet agreed to be with Young Master Bai. Are you sure you can marry into the martial arts Bai family?" Xu Shenglong asked with a doubtful expression.
"President Xu, what do you mean by that? I have already spoken with the head of the Bai family personally. In two days, Young Master Bai will come to my home to propose. Can this matter be false?"
"Everyone present, you are welcome to come to our home to celebrate then," Vice President Zhou said directly.
"That's excellent. Since Vice President Zhou has said so, I think the position of alliance leader can be temporarily set for Vice President Zhou. If he fails to deliver on his promises, we can change the person later," the old man who had spoken earlier stood up again.
Xue Xigui and Zhang Fengchun were clearly displeased. They still felt that Li Yang was the most suitable candidate for alliance leader.
But as they were about to speak up for Li Yang, Li Yang spoke up first: "I have no objections. I am not interested in being the alliance leader anyway. Since Vice President Zhou wants the position, let's just give it to him."
"Or if President Xu takes on the role, I have no objections either. President Xu has the highest status among us in the antique world, and he is definitely qualified to be the alliance leader."
"I cannot!"
Xu Shenglong resolutely shook his head and said, "Mr. Li, you flatter me. Although I am the president, I only know how to appraise treasures and have no great abilities. I am not at an advantage in this confrontation with Sakura Country."
"Since Mr. Li is not keen on being the alliance leader, it is not impossible for Vice President Zhou to temporarily hold the position of alliance leader."
"Haha, thank you all for your support. I, Zhou Yangfeng, will not disappoint everyone," Zhou Yangfeng said with a hearty laugh and cupped his hands.
"President Xu, someone is visiting outside. It's Song Wenxuan from the Song family," at this moment, a subordinate of the Jade Association walked in to report.