The entire antique association was in a flurry of activity throughout the day because of the competition scheduled for that evening.
Even though there were only two sides competing, the scene was no less grand than an appraisal fair.
This was, naturally, partly due to Elder Zheng’s instigation.
Since he was going to be demonstrating his skills tonight, he naturally wanted to put on a grand display. As one of the three Level 1 appraisers of the antique association, how could he show his abilities without a fitting environment?
Feng Xiao wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment.
He and Elder Zheng had already reached an agreement: after winning the competition tonight, the items brought by the latter would belong to Elder Zheng, while Feng Xiao only desired Liu Piaoxu.
As the eldest young master of the Feng family, and the protagonist of tonight’s event, Feng Xiao was certainly not content with a low-key affair.
He not only invited many influential figures from Jiangnan but also boasted loudly that a betting pool would be set up for the competition tonight.
He, acting as the bookmaker, personally wagered three million, betting on his side to win.
One might have seen shameless people before, but seeing someone this shamelessly brazen was truly a rare sight.
However, this betting pool attracted many, mostly Feng Xiao’s cronies, who were there to show their support.
At this moment, at the Wang family residence.
The Great Elder’s face grew increasingly grim as he listened to the report from his subordinate.
“The Feng family has been too arrogant these past few years. Relying on the protection of Master Shen, they act with impunity. Especially this Feng Xiao, who bullies men and women alike, has long incurred the wrath of heaven and people. And now, they dare to provoke Ye Fan, truly despicable to the extreme.”
Slapping the table fiercely, the Great Elder’s face was tinged with anger.
Although he only held the position of Great Elder, within the Wang family, his word was law.
The Wang family patriarch had died early. Before his death, the Great Elder was summoned to his bedside and entrusted with the care of the family. Decades had passed, and the Wang family patriarch had grown into adulthood. However, he was not keen on family disputes and had instead handed over all authority to the Great Elder, dedicating himself to calligraphy and painting.
The Great Elder was a direct descendant of the Wang family, and in terms of seniority, he was the current patriarch’s second uncle, and the most senior person in the Wang family. Therefore, everyone in the Wang family obeyed the Great Elder without question.
“Great Elder, the eldest young lady of the Feng family is Master Shen’s favorite. It is only because of this reason that the Feng family dares to act so wildly. It’s just a pity that our Wang family doesn’t have such good fortune.”
A middle-aged man sighed beside him, his face full of helplessness.
But what awaited him was a fierce slap from the Great Elder.
“Useless fellow, even if my Wang family faces utter destruction, we will not trade the future of our family’s daughters for benefits. All of you remember this: Wang family members must live honorably and act with a clear conscience. If anyone dares to act recklessly outside, I will deal with them according to the family rules.”
The eldest young lady of the Feng family was only around twenty years old, while Master Shen was already over fifty.
For the sake of family interests, the Feng family did not hesitate to send their closest kin to be used as playthings by others. How could such a family prosper for long?
Being slapped by the Great Elder, the middle-aged man dared not speak, lowering his head, but a trace of malice flashed in the depths of his eyes.
“Transmit my order and tell all the family’s industries to provide full assistance to Ye Fan. If the Feng family obstructs, counterattack directly. No reward is needed.”
The Great Elder decisively issued the order.
Regarding the matters in Jiangcheng, without Ye Fan’s help, the Wang family members would likely have perished there.
It was precisely because of Ye Fan that they not only achieved ultimate victory but also seized many items from the City Lord’s mansion. Although there were no particularly rare treasures, they were still immensely valuable.
Of course, it was unrealistic for the dignified Jiangcheng City Lord’s mansion to have no treasures at all, but everyone was intelligent enough not to speak of it.
Upon hearing the Great Elder’s command, those clan members responded in unison and then left to relay the instructions.
“Ye Fan, oh Ye Fan, what exactly are you planning to do? Could it be that the heavens of Jiangnan City are truly about to change?”
Looking into the distance with an increasingly profound gaze, the Great Elder sighed and murmured to himself.
…
As night gradually fell, Ye Fan and Liu Piaoxu, carrying the items, drove to the antique association.
By this time, the antique association was already crowded with people.
Feng Xiao had released the news that tonight would be a contest between Vice President Zheng of the Jiangnan Antique Association and Ye Fan, the appraisal master from Jiangcheng. This mere publicity was enough to capture everyone’s attention.
Currently, Ye Fan’s reputation preceded him. Even within the antique circle of Jiangnan City, he was widely known. Everyone knew that Jiangcheng had produced a young appraisal master who not only put many seniors in their place but also had never made a single mistake. Moreover, any item that he had appraised could be directly bought and sold without requiring further verification from anyone else.
With such a reputation, who wouldn’t want to witness his skill?
And Elder Zheng was a renowned appraisal master in Jiangnan City, not only the vice president of the antique association but also one of the few Level 1 appraisers in all of Jiangnan City. The number of items that had passed through his esteemed hands was no less than eight hundred, if not a thousand.
Now, with these two individuals competing, it was akin to a collision of stars, drawing immense attention.
Especially with the eldest young master of the Feng family setting up a betting pool, it made people’s blood boil.
“I didn’t expect that Young Master Feng would have such refined taste to even set up a betting pool. It’s truly interesting.”
Ye Fan wore a faint smile.
“I’ve already bought a million, betting on you to win.”
Liu Piaoxu looked up at him from the side, her gaze full of affection.
“What are the odds?”
Ye Fan was stunned for a moment, then turned his head and asked Liu Piaoxu.
“One to a hundred.”
Hiss, Ye Fan gasped.
This disparity seemed a bit too large, didn’t it?
Once he won, Liu Piaoxu would receive one hundred million.
He gave a wry smile, feeling helpless about Liu Piaoxu’s peculiar actions.
“Brother Ye, this old man has come specifically to support you.”
As soon as he entered the lobby of the antique association, Ye Fan heard a booming, powerful voice.
Unable to help himself, he smiled, “It’s been many days, Great Elder. You look robust and your voice is like a bell, truly a cause for celebration.”
He and the Great Elder had a deep mutual appreciation. In Taiping Town, they had even fought side-by-side, and their relationship had become much closer.
While not at the level of being able to speak frankly with Elder Lei, they had already become allies who advanced and retreated together.
“Brother Ye, I am confident in you for tonight’s competition. With your skills, it shouldn’t be difficult to defeat that old ghost Zheng. However, you must be wary of Feng Xiao. This scoundrel is ruthless. If he loses, he might resort to underhanded tactics. Brother Ye, you should be mentally prepared.”
Lowering his voice, the Great Elder whispered a warning into Ye Fan’s ear.
Ye Fan nodded with a smile, “Thank you for your concern, Great Elder. I am aware of the situation. Although Feng Xiao is full of schemes, I am not an ordinary person. This time, I will certainly make him realize my capabilities.”
Ye Fan spoke coldly, his frigid aura causing the surrounding temperature to drop significantly.
Only then did the Great Elder nod, “That’s excellent. I’ve also wagered a million that you’ll win. Tonight, I’ll be watching your performance.”