Zhao Dong, having been publicly humiliated by Ye Fan, was feeling extremely disgruntled.
His subordinates, seeing their boss with a dark expression and on the verge of an outburst, dared not approach him.
"Damn it, I've been in Jiangnan City for so many years, and I've never suffered such humiliation. Ye Fan, I will definitely make you pay."
After Ye Fan left, his subordinates came to report his name.
After all, Ye Fan's battle with Feng Xiao had many witnesses. Ye Fan's name had spread by then, and many people knew about this formidable young man from Jiangcheng.
Zhao Dong gritted his teeth. He had not forgotten the rage he felt at being insulted by Ye Fan.
Just then, a subordinate rushed in.
"Get out! Who the hell taught you to enter without knocking?"
Zhao Dong was already fuming, and seeing the subordinate's breach of etiquette, he naturally vented his anger upon him.
Startled by Zhao Dong's reprimand, the subordinate trembled violently, his face instantly turning deathly pale.
He wanted to retreat, but thinking of the important matter at hand, he could only brace himself and say, "Boss, something terrible has happened."
"Explain yourself. What terrible thing has happened?"
Zhao Dong casually flung the teacup in his hand.
Fortunately, the subordinate dodged in time and was not hit.
"The Antiques Association, the Antiques Association is conducting a surprise inspection. You should go and see quickly."
Still shaken, the subordinate said nervously, relieved that he hadn't been hit. If he had been, he would have been bleeding profusely.
"The Antiques Association? Who the hell dares to inspect Tianbao Pavilion? I want to see if the sky in Jiangnan City has truly changed."
His face contorted with anger, the humiliation he had just suffered from Ye Fan now erupted completely.
It was a case of misfortune never coming singly, and that's precisely how Zhao Dong felt at that moment.
His heart burned with rage, instantly clouding his mind and obliterating all reason.
It must be said that Zhao Dong was indeed imposing at that moment, but his imposing demeanor was somewhat foolish.
He strode outside and saw Elder Lei with a somber face, his eyes filled with anger.
The moment he saw Elder Lei, the furious Zhao Dong paused, his brow furrowed.
But soon, some of the anger on his face gradually dissipated.
Having reached his current position, Zhao Dong was certainly not foolish. Without considerable wisdom, he would not have held the prestigious position of Tianbao Pavilion's owner.
At this moment, seeing Zhao Dong emerge, Elder Lei, who had observed the subtle changes on his face, snorted coldly, "Boss Zhao, the Antiques Association is conducting a surprise inspection. We request Tianbao Pavilion's cooperation. Otherwise, I have the right to seal Tianbao Pavilion."
Elder Lei's tone was icy, and his expression was as cold as frost.
Zhao Dong's previously relaxed brow furrowed once more.
He wondered what had gotten into this old man today.
Previously, the Antiques Association had conducted similar spot checks, but they were merely a formality, a perfunctory gesture.
A situation as serious as this had never occurred before.
But after some thought, Zhao Dong smiled faintly, "It is truly Tianbao Pavilion's honor to have Elder Lei personally conduct the inspection. May I ask where Elder Lei intends to begin?"
Elder Lei cast him a indifferent glance and said nothing more.
He walked directly towards the antique display cabinets.
If Tianbao Pavilion truly possessed counterfeit items, they would surely be displayed openly. This was Elder Lei's opportunity.
However, after examining all the display cabinets, he found only genuine items and no anomalies.
Elder Lei could not help but frown. At that moment, Ye Fan slowly walked in from outside.
Seeing Elder Lei's grim expression, he knew that his attempt had not been successful.
He smiled helplessly.
If it were that easy to find evidence, Zhao Dong would have been dismissed long ago.
As the representative of the Tianwang Mansion in Jiangnan City, Zhao Dong's depth of character was not to be underestimated.
Seeing Ye Fan enter, Zhao Dong's face was once again consumed by rage. "What are you doing here?"
His voice was filled with fury, as if he wished to slice Ye Fan into a thousand pieces.
Seeing Zhao Dong's icy demeanor, Ye Fan smiled slightly, "I heard the Antiques Association is conducting a surprise inspection of Tianbao Pavilion. Naturally, I came to see if I could be of any assistance. After all, I just took someone away from Boss Zhao, and I feel rather bad about it."
Upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Zhao Dong's body trembled slightly.
He had seen shameless people before, but never anyone as shamelessly as Ye Fan. This young man was clearly intent on provoking him to death.
"Tianbao Pavilion does not welcome you. Please leave."
Zhao Dong said angrily, showing no goodwill towards Ye Fan.
However, at this moment, Elder Lei let out a cold snort.
"This is Ye Fan, a consultant for the Antiques Association. He is accompanying me on this operation. What? Boss Zhao, are you guilty that you want to drive away the members of the Antiques Association?"
Elder Lei's words were concise but struck directly at the heart of the matter.
Hearing Elder Lei's words, Zhao Dong froze.
Ye Fan, a consultant for the Antiques Association? How had he never heard of this?
But seeing Elder Lei's solemn expression, it did not seem like he was lying.
Although filled with doubt, Zhao Dong's expression quickly returned to normal.
"So, you are a consultant for the Antiques Association. To be so young, it is truly impressive."
Regardless of Ye Fan's relationship with the Antiques Association, he could not act too rashly at this moment. Otherwise, if Elder Lei seized upon an opportunity, he might not be able to explain himself.
Upon hearing Zhao Dong's words, Elder Lei's perpetually cold face finally revealed a faint smile.
"Boss Zhao is indeed someone valued by the Tianwang Mansion; you have true courage. However, I must remind you that regardless of who it is, as long as they conduct antique business within Jiangnan City, the Antiques Association has the right to inspect them. All you need to do is cooperate unconditionally. Now, please open the warehouse doors. We need to select a few items for inspection."
Elder Lei's words were extremely intimidating. It had to be said that a person seasoned by years, like Elder Lei, with vast experience and keen insight, made Zhao Dong appear like a mere mouse before him.
Hearing Elder Lei's words, Zhao Dong wanted to retort. After all, for anyone in the antique business, the warehouse was their core. If their warehouse was inspected, and items were even taken for examination, it would not only be a loss of face but also invite ridicule from all their peers. How could they continue their business in the future?
Thinking this, Zhao Dong's expression changed slightly. "Elder Lei, the Antiques Association has its rules, but Tianbao Pavilion also has its requirements. The warehouse is a restricted area. Without instructions from higher authorities, no one is allowed to enter. Even I, the owner of Tianbao Pavilion, cannot easily enter. Therefore, I ask for your understanding in this matter."