Despite the two questioning him relentlessly, Ye Fan remained tight-lipped and refused to divulge anything.
Helpless, they could only cast Ye Fan a disdainful glance and leave Bogu Studio with reluctance.
Watching them depart, Ye Fan returned to his room and took out the metal detector.
As expected, the metal detector began to beep, and Ye Fan knew his guess was correct.
This large stone was definitely not from Earth; it was likely from beyond the heavens, a piece of meteoric iron.
Its high iron content was why it was called meteoric iron.
However, its irregular shape was probably not its original form. It was likely forged, then buried deep underground for years, accumulating a thick layer of soil and rock on its exterior.
Once this dirt and rock were polished away, its true contents would be revealed.
But there was no rush for these matters. The stone was in his possession now, and anyone who wanted to take it would have to go through him.
After a simple tidying up and checking the time, Ye Fan left Bogu Studio. He instructed the two remaining young assistants to look after the shop and then took a taxi directly to the Jiangcheng Antique Association.
As a subordinate of the Jiangnan Antique Association, the Jiangcheng Antique Association was located in a very quiet, secluded spot on the east side of the city.
For those in the antique business, quieter places were always better.
These were the ideal locations for them to study antiques without being disturbed.
This was Ye Fan's first time visiting the Jiangcheng Antique Association. Seeing its antique-style layout, he felt a sense of anticipation.
However, due to the previous incident with Qin Zhonghe, he had harbored a bad impression of the Jiangcheng Antique Association.
"Halt, what are you doing here?"
Seeing Ye Fan stroll in leisurely, the two doormen at the entrance immediately shouted angrily.
"Please trouble yourselves to report. Say that an old friend of Elder Lei is here."
Ye Fan hadn't given his name at the time, so he could only say this.
The doormen were taken aback, then sneered. "An old friend of Elder Lei? You think you're worthy? Kid, go take a look at yourself in the mirror. I'm telling you, be sensible and scram, or I'll get rough."
Who was Elder Lei? He was a figure whose stomp could shake the entire Jiangnan antique circle. And Ye Fan, at a glance, was clearly of ordinary background. How could he possibly be Elder Lei's old friend?
Ye Fan frowned, his expression gradually darkening.
"I strongly advise you two to report, otherwise, if something is delayed, the consequences may be more than you can bear."
His voice grew colder. At this moment, even with Ye Fan's good temper, he was finally provoked.
Snobs who look down on others were everywhere. Indulging them would only make them more presumptuous and arrogant.
However, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, the two doormen not only did not curb their behavior, but one of them, filled with anger, quickly stepped forward and threw a punch at Ye Fan.
"You're looking for death..."
Ye Fan's brows furrowed immediately. Was this the Jiangcheng Antique Association? Even without Qin Zhonghe, it was still a den of corruption.
"Presumptuous."
He shifted his shoulder, dodged the doorman's punch, and instantly grabbed his wrist.
"Who gave you the authority to dare to be so impudent?"
"This is the Antique Association, not the City Lord's Mansion. Your arrogance and high-handedness are a disgrace to the antique circle."
Saying this, he raised his other hand and slapped down.
The doorman had no time to resist before he felt a searing pain on his cheek.
The slap stunned the doorman, who was now bleeding from the nose and disoriented.
But Ye Fan had no intention of letting him off. He released his wrist and struck him with both hands.
"Slap, slap..."
The sounds of impact were incessant. The doorman's cheeks swelled to the size of a pig's head.
The other doorman, seeing his companion being beaten, wanted to step forward to help, but seeing Ye Fan's dominance, he knew he was no match. He turned and ran back for reinforcements.
A few minutes later, hurried footsteps sounded, and several people, led by Elder Lei, quickly came out.
Upon seeing Ye Fan, Elder Lei's face was filled with joy.
"Young friend Ye, you've finally arrived."
After returning from North Street, Elder Lei had sent people to investigate Ye Fan's identity. Upon learning his name and past, he couldn't help but frown. This person looked exactly like the long-faced man in his memory.
But why did the information indicate he wasn't?
However, Ye Fan's appraisal skills were outstanding. Regardless of his identity, he wanted to befriend this person, as a way to make up for past regrets.
Seeing Elder Lei emerge, Ye Fan let out a cold laugh and kicked the doorman, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"I can certainly feel Elder Lei's warmth, but it seems the Jiangcheng Antique Association does not welcome me. In that case, I think I should leave first. If Elder Lei wishes to chat, you can come to Bogu Studio; that's where I'm staying."
With that, he turned to leave.
Setting aside the fact that he wasn't well acquainted with Lei Shi, even if they were old acquaintances, he would likely be angered by such treatment.
Moreover, Lei Shi sending people to investigate him also displeased Ye Fan.
"Young friend Ye, please wait."
Seeing Ye Fan's resolute departure, Lei Shi quickly called out to him.
Then, he turned to the middle-aged man beside him, "Qiu Zhou, what is going on? Is this how the Jiangcheng Antique Association entertains guests? I've always told you not to put yourselves on a pedestal, unwilling to accommodate anyone. Compared to ordinary people, you merely possess the skill to make a living. Is that your capital for being so rampant and arrogant? I don't want to see these two again."
Pointing at the two doormen, Elder Lei said indignantly.
Hearing Lei Lao's roar, Qiu Zhou trembled. As the vice president of the Jiangcheng Antique Association, he had always been cautious and meticulous.
However, he hadn't expected to suffer such undeserved calamity today.
"Elder Lei, I will immediately instruct people to handle this. Please calm your anger for now. I apologize to you on their behalf."
This Jiangcheng Antique Association was originally a branch of the Jiangnan Antique Association. How could the branch members not be terrified upon seeing the leaders of the main organization?
Elder Lei snorted, "What use is apologizing to me? Apologize to young friend Ye? If he doesn't forgive you, you can wait to go home and take care of your children."
These words were indeed giving Ye Fan considerable respect.
Qiu Zhou quickly turned and walked up to Ye Fan.
"Mr. Ye, it is all the fault of our Antique Association. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against the subordinates. I assure you, this will never happen again. Please forgive us."
Saying this, he bent over with a very sincere attitude.
Since Elder Lei had already done this, if Ye Fan still insisted on holding a grudge, it would be unreasonable of him.
With a faint smile, Ye Fan personally helped Qiu Zhou up. "President Qiu, you are too kind. How can I possibly bear such an apology?"
These words were akin to a severe slap in the face for Qiu Zhou.
But in this situation, no matter how wronged Qiu Zhou felt, he had to endure it, otherwise, he would have nothing more to do with the Antique Association.