Chapter 49 Three's a Crowd

Cheng Ziqiu looked on with cold detachment, a sneer plastered across his face.

These individuals put on a rather convincing performance, yet unfortunately for them, they had crossed paths with him.

"Well? What do you say, experts? There are no issues with these treasures of mine, are there?"

Zhao Qiankun asked, brimming with eager anticipation.

"Boss Zhao, congratulations! These collectibles of yours are truly rare and precious masterpieces!"

"Indeed, Boss Zhao, your discerning eye is remarkable. To think you managed to acquire so many fine pieces!"

"Boss Zhao, if you have any intention of parting with them, our Sotheby's auction house would be more than willing to acquire them at a high price!"

Hearing this, Zhao Qiankun's face lit up with joy, and the look he cast at Cheng Ziqiu was dripping with provocation.

"Brat, did you hear that? The experts all say these treasures of mine are genuine! What else do you have to say for yourself?"

Seeing the smug and complacent expression on Zhao Qiankun's face, a wave of disgust welled up inside Cheng Ziqiu.

"Boss Zhao, I advise you not to celebrate too early. These 'experts' of yours are likely part of a meticulously orchestrated trap, aren't they?"

Old Wang's expression shifted slightly, though he forced himself to maintain a calm facade as he retorted,

"What nonsense are you spewing? This old man has immersed himself in the antique trade for decades; how could my eyes ever deceive me?"

President Zhang and Director Li also wore ugly expressions.

They had not expected Cheng Ziqiu to pierce through their elaborate facade with such directness.

"Young man, one must take responsibility for the words that come out of their mouth."

"Youth, you can eat your words casually, but you cannot speak so recklessly."

"Oh? Is that so?"

The corners of Cheng Ziqiu's mouth curled up slightly.

He slowly walked over to a large Yuan blue-and-white jar, pointed at the patterns adorning its surface, and asked,

"What do you gentlemen make of this Yuan blue-and-white piece?"

stroking his beard, Old Wang said with an air of absolute triumph,

"This Yuan blue-and-white piece possesses a massive vessel shape, exquisite decorations, and a pure, vibrant blue color. It is the absolute pinnacle among Yuan blue-and-whites! This old man has spent decades immersed in the world of antiques, and while I may not have handled a hundred Yuan blue-and-white pieces, I've certainly handled eighty. This one is unquestionably among the very best!"

"Quite right," Director Li chimed in, nodding sagely all the while. "The clay body of this Yuan blue-and-white is delicate, the glaze is rich and lustrous, and the blue color is intense yet sophisticated. The complex patterns are intricate without appearing cluttered, especially these winding lotus motifs. The lines are fluid, the brushwork is vigorous, and at a glance, it is clearly the work of a master. It is an utterly rare treasure!"

"If this piece were put up at our Sotheby's auction house, the starting bid would be at least fifty million, and a final transaction price exceeding one hundred million is by no means out of the question!"

The three of them chimed in one after another, heaping boundless praise upon this "Yuan blue-and-white" jar.

Zhao Qiankun listened with sheer delight, the smile on his face threatening to overflow.

He cast a triumphant glance at Cheng Ziqiu, a look that practically shouted: "Well, kid, you see that? That is the judgment of true experts! What do you have to say for yourself now?"

Cheng Ziqiu merely offered a faint smile and shook his head, looking utterly dismissive of their "professional" appraisal.

"You 'experts,' are you truly certain this is a genuine Yuan blue-and-white?"

Cheng Ziqiu asked calmly.

"Of course we are certain! How dare you question our judgment?"

Provoked by Cheng Ziqiu's attitude, Old Wang stroked his beard and glared furiously.

"Questioning you would be putting it too mildly; I merely wish to remind everyone..."

Cheng Ziqiu strolled leisurely toward the large "Yuan blue-and-white" jar and gently tapped the side of the vessel.

"...Have you not noticed that this 'Yuan blue-and-white' appears somewhat overly 'brand new'?"

"Brand new?"

Old Wang was taken aback, then scoffed disdainfully.

"What do you know? This is what is called 'being kept in mint condition'! A treasure of this caliber is naturally cared for with the utmost diligence, surviving hundreds of years without a single blemish. What is so strange about that?"

"Precisely. Young man, you are simply too young and have never laid eyes on truly fine things."

President Zhang joined in to back him up.

"Being preserved well and looking as pristine as the day it was made are two entirely different matters."

Cheng Ziqiu sneered.

"A genuine Yuan blue-and-white, no matter how well preserved, will inevitably bear the marks of time—such as the 'clam-shell light' on the glaze or the 'firestone red' on the body. Yet this 'Yuan blue-and-white' is as immaculate as if it had just been pulled from the kiln. Isn't that just a bit too fake?"

As soon as Cheng Ziqiu uttered these words, the expressions of the three "experts" turned rather unnatural.

"You... you are talking nonsense!"

Old Wang forced composure into his voice.

"The antiques this old man has authenticated outnumber the grains of rice you have eaten in your life. How could I lack even this basic common sense?"

"That's right, young man. If you don't understand, don't flap your gums blindly, lest you make a fool of yourself!"

President Zhang also spoke with a show of blustery bravado.

"Young man, we know you're full of youthful vigor and eager to stand out, but you cannot simply make baseless accusations!"

Director Li chimed in, attempting to smooth things over.

"Whether I am talking nonsense or not, you know the truth in your own hearts."

Cheng Ziqiu swept a cold gaze across them.

"Let me ask you once more: have you examined the base of this 'Yuan blue-and-white' carefully?"

"The base?"

A jolt of panic struck Old Wang's heart.

In his haste, he had focused entirely on the vessel's shape and decorative patterns, completely neglecting to inspect the base.

Old Wang hurriedly crouched down, picked up a magnifying glass, and began inspecting the base of the "Yuan blue-and-white" with meticulous attention.

Not looking was one thing, but upon closer inspection, Old Wang's face turned as pale as bleached paper, and beads of fine sweat broke out across his forehead.

"Old Wang, what is wrong?"

Seeing this, Zhao Qiankun quickly asked.

"This... this..."

Old Wang's lips trembled, unable to form a complete sentence for a long time.

"Old Wang, what on earth is the matter? Speak up!"

Anxiety gripped Zhao Qiankun, bringing with it a profound sense of foreboding.

"This... the base has indeed been repaired..."

Old Wang's voice grew fainter, dropping to a near-whisper.

"Repaired?"

A sharp ringing echoed in Zhao Qiankun's mind, leaving a complete void.

He staggered back a few steps, nearly collapsing straight onto the floor.

Director Li and President Zhang exchanged anxious glances at the sight.

What were they to do now?

If Zhao Qiankun discovered this was a fake, wouldn't the three old foxes be torn to shreds by him?

"Ahem, ahem."

Director Li cleared his throat and stepped forward to mediate.

"Boss Zhao, do not be hasty. The base having been repaired does not necessarily mean the piece is a fake! Ancient porcelain, having been passed down for hundreds of years, inevitably sustains some bumps and bruises along the way. Craftsmen seeking perfection often restore flawed pieces of porcelain; that is a common occurrence."

"Yes, yes, yes! Director Li is entirely correct!"

President Zhang hastily chimed in.

"The shape, the patterns, and the glaze color of this Yuan blue-and-white are all top-tier; it is truly a rare and remarkable piece! Even if the base has a minor flaw, it does not diminish its value in the slightest!"