Seeing someone make the first move, Jiang Xiaobo's eyes were filled with joy. He quickly stood up and chimed in, "Mr. Ye's appraisal skills are outstanding. He once personally slapped my face. Today, I really want to see Mr. Ye display his might again and compete with the esteemed peers in Jiangcheng."
To those who didn't know the inside story, these words might seem innocuous, but many present were aware of the past conflict between Ye Fan and Jiang Xiaobo. They could detect the mocking undertones in Jiang Xiaobo's speech.
"So, Ye Fan, you have exceptional eyesight, don't you? And you slapped Jiang Xiaobo's face? Today, facing the bigwigs of the entire Jiangcheng antique circle, let's see how you can still be so arrogant!"
"Truly despicable."
Shen Tianyin, furious, clenched her fists, wishing she could immediately rush forward and teach Jiang Xiaobo a harsh lesson.
Beside her, Ji Nanshan also wore a grim expression. "I initially thought Jiang Xiaobo was quite upright. But now it seems this man is ruthless and malicious, utterly detestable."
For Ji Nanshan to make such a remark indicated how enraged he was at the moment.
For a time, many appraisers present began to chime in, their insults towards Ye Fan incessant.
Yet, Ye Fan's expression remained calm and unruffled. His eyes were like a tranquil pool, unperturbed by any wind or rain.
Seeing the crowd's agitation, Jiang Xiaobo quickly raised his hand to stop them and smiled at Ye Fan.
"What? Mr. Ye, are you timid now? Where is the boldness you displayed at the entrance?"
"Heh."
Ye Fan finally moved, letting out a cold snort. He raised his eyelids and merely glanced at Jiang Xiaobo's face.
"A defeated general dares to spout such nonsense? How laughable."
Without further words, a single sentence served as the most incisive counterattack.
These words left Jiang Xiaobo speechless, but he was powerless against Ye Fan.
Then, Ye Fan slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping across everyone's faces. "I said I would challenge the Jiangcheng antique circle today, and I will not go back on my word. Today, I will appraise all the exhibited items."
His expression was exceptionally calm, as if he were strolling leisurely. This composure stirred something within Shen Tianyin's heart, causing her own heartbeat to quicken.
Walking over a dozen steps to the blue and white large plate, Ye Fan already had all the information about it in his mind.
Ye Fan leisurely began, "The 'Five Fish Playing in Lotus' blue and white large plate is a fake. This plate has vibrant glaze, and the painting of fish playing in lotus is lifelike, with excellent craftsmanship. However, the problem lies with the plate itself. The clay used is not from the early Ming Dynasty, but a replica from the mid-Qing Dynasty. It must be known that blue and white large plates fired in Ru kilns all use specific clay and never involve mixing or diluting. Therefore, this plate is absolutely not an item from the early Ming Dynasty."
"Nonsense! Just because you say this plate isn't genuine, does that make it so? Kid, how many days have you been hatched from your eggshell? What do you know? Aren't all the seniors and elites in the antique business here more knowledgeable than you? Moreover, the shopkeeper of Bogu Zhai is the most powerful second-tier appraiser in Jiangcheng. How could an item personally inspected by him be a fake? You are speaking recklessly, and it's truly detestable."
As soon as Ye Fan finished speaking, someone stood up and began to curse and roar.
Even with Ye Fan's composed demeanor, he couldn't help but frown upon hearing such abuse.
In the rules of the antique trade, cursing and interrupting were the most frowned upon offenses. This person had committed both.
Suddenly turning his head to face this person, Ye Fan coldly stated, "If I can prove this is a fake, what then, sir?"
Some people, if not taught a harsh lesson, would never learn to restrain themselves.
Even though Ye Fan was challenging the entire Jiangcheng antique circle, many second-tier appraisers hadn't spoken up. For an insignificant nobody to dare to be the first to provoke him, it would be a disservice not to use him to establish his authority.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, the man hesitated, his expression showing difficulty. After a moment of thought, he stated with determination, "If you can appraise this as a fake, I will withdraw from the Jiangcheng antique circle permanently and never again engage in the antique business."
If this man were a major figure in the antique world, such a punishment would have some meaning. However, he was merely an antique enthusiast, and this punishment would have no real impact on him.
Ye Fan sneered, "Are you treating us all as fools? If you only have this much courage, I advise you to sit back down obediently. This is not a place for you to try and take the lead."
Such mockery directly hit the man's face, leaving no room for politeness.
"Kid, you're looking for death."
Enraged, he glared at Ye Fan.
At this moment, Jiang Xiaobo smiled and said, "Why don't the two of you wager a finger? If Mr. Ye can indeed appraise this as a fake, then this brother will chop off a finger, and vice versa. What do you say?"
When it came to sinister and malicious suggestions, no one could surpass him. These words were equivalent to forcing both of them onto a dead end.
As long as someone was dealing with Ye Fan, Jiang Xiaobo felt extremely at ease, regardless of the cost.
"Fine. Words are not enough. Let's draw up a written agreement. Do you dare, sir?"
Ye Fan readily agreed, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
He hadn't engaged in a wager with anyone for a long time, and that exhilarating feeling seemed to be slowly returning to his core.
As a tomb keeper, gambling was a pleasure and a motivation for them to improve their eyesight. However, Ye Fan's eyesight in his previous life was so exceptional that few dared to wager with him.
He never expected that after his rebirth, he would be able to experience that feeling again. How could he not be excited?
All eyes turned to the young man. Since it didn't concern them, and they were just watching the show, no one found the situation too chaotic.
Forced to the forefront, the young man frowned, feeling extremely guilty. However, he was in too deep to back down. Finally, he gritted his teeth fiercely, "Fine, I'll risk it all today and wager with you."
Soon, Jiang Xiaobo had someone print the wager agreement. After Ye Fan and the young man signed it, they each held a copy.
Seeing the wager become official, Jiang Xiaobo's smile grew wider. "Mr. Ye, please proceed."
If Ye Fan lost this time, not only would he be driven out of Jiangcheng and utterly disgraced, but he would also forever carry this shadow in his heart.
Ye Fan let out a breath, calming his excited emotions.
Then, he spoke in a low voice, "The difference between blue and white porcelain from the mid-Qing and early Ming dynasties is not very significant. The simplest way to appraise it is by listening to the sound."
Saying this, Ye Fan put on his white gloves and gently picked up the blue and white large plate.
In front of everyone, Ye Fan slightly bent his right middle finger and then flicked it sharply.
"Ding..."
A clear sound rang out, echoing throughout the hall. Almost everyone could hear it clearly.
However, most people frowned, not understanding.
Only a select few showed expressions of shock.
Ji Nanshan's body even trembled slightly.
"Flick-finger appraisal... this is actually the long-lost flick-finger appraisal..."