A middle-aged man approached before the young shop assistant could speak.
"What kind of item could warrant him personally coming out to appraise it?"
The middle-aged man, walking with a measured gait and wearing a pair of round glasses, had an angry expression on his face.
The shop assistant quickly and respectfully replied, "Third Master, these two didn't let us see what the item is. But since you are here, a single glance from you can determine its value, and then we can decide whether to have Elder Wu personally inspect it. It's not too late."
One had to admit, this shop assistant was quite clever and astute. His words neither offended Ye Fan and his companion nor undermined Third Master's prestige.
Ye Fan couldn't help but look at the shop assistant more closely. He looked to be fifteen or sixteen, but his mind was already so developed. If he were properly cultivated in the future, he might indeed become a talent.
However, at this moment, Third Master's expression turned grim.
"I am a Grade Two Appraiser, esteemed throughout the land. What item haven't I seen? Young man, bring the item out and let Third Master appraise it for you."
Saying this, he reached out to grab the box held by Chang Jun.
Seeing this, Chang Jun took two steps back, skillfully evading Third Master's outstretched hand.
Meanwhile, Ye Fan said coldly, "As I've already said, we want Elder Wu to personally come and appraise it. If he doesn't show himself, we would rather not proceed with this item."
A chilling glint suddenly flashed in Ye Fan's eyes.
The coldness was so piercing that the shop assistant felt a tremor run through his body, and his heart filled with dread.
Even Third Master involuntarily took a step back, secretly astonished. Who exactly were these two people? Why did their gazes hold such terrifying power?
If they were older, it would be understandable for Third Master to feel this way. After all, many experienced individuals could inspire fear with a single glance.
But these two were clearly only in their twenties or thirties. Especially the one leading, who probably wasn't much older than the shop assistant himself. Why were they so intimidating?
"Ahem, for two young friends to hold such high regard for this old man, I am truly humbled. What is this item you speak of? Please tell me its name."
Aresounding voice drifted from a small house not far away.
Upon hearing this voice, both the shop assistant and Third Master displayed expressions of respect.
Clearly, the owner of the voice was Elder Wu.
He had initially not intended to bother with Ye Fan and his companion. After all, he held a respected position at Xiao Ran Pavilion. If every person who came to sell goods had to have him appraise them, wouldn't he be swamped?
Therefore, he generally did not personally appraise items; this was how he maintained an aura of mystery and attracted more customers.
Ye Fan was well aware of these underlying strategies. However, instead of exposing them, he revealed a faint smile.
"If one's value could be determined solely by the name of an item, then there would be no need for appraisers in the world. All an elder would need to do is hear the name, and its authenticity and value would immediately be known. Wouldn't that be much easier?"
Anyone who wasn't a fool could detect the sarcasm in Ye Fan's words.
Third Master flew into a rage. "You insolent brat! Who gave you the nerve to speak to Elder Wu like that? Do you believe I won't eliminate you?"
Saying this, he raised his hand to strike Ye Fan.
But at this moment, Chang Jun stepped forward, shielding Ye Fan. His gaze was fixed coldly on Third Master, his eyes flashing with icy frost.
Although he was the owner of the Jiangnan Grand Hotel and held some status, Chang Jun had never skipped a day of physical training over the years.
Therefore, his physical condition was extremely robust.
Third Master paused, frowning as Chang Jun suddenly stepped in front of Ye Fan. He eventually lowered his hand without striking.
"Who exactly are you two? How dare you cause trouble at Xiao Ran Pavilion? Are you not afraid that Xiao Ran Pavilion will refuse to do business with you?"
Finally, Elder Wu could no longer remain in his house. He walked out slowly, hands clasped behind his back, his face etched with anger.
Seeing Elder Wu finally appear, Ye Fan's face finally revealed a slight smile.
"I do not hold the mere Xiao Ran Pavilion in high regard. However, the item in my hand is of considerable value. If anyone other than Elder Wu were to examine it, it would only be a desecration of the item."
Ye Fan spoke again, his words utterly humiliating Third Master.
Damn it, I am a grandmaster in the field of appraisal, and I've never dared to call myself "this elder" in my life, yet this brat is taking all the credit. If I don't teach him a lesson, he'll remain arrogant forever.
Indeed, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Third Master's face contorted with fury, and he was about to explode.
But Elder Wu raised his hand to stop him.
His eyes were fixed on Ye Fan, as if trying to see through his very soul.
Ye Fan had truly shocked him. To possess such boldness and courage at such a young age was truly astonishing.
He stared at Ye Fan, and Ye Fan, in turn, looked at him.
Their gazes met in mid-air, neither yielding.
This made Elder Wu even more astonished. A young man in his twenties with such a sharp gaze was truly terrifying.
"Please, both of you, come inside. Let's discuss this indoors, shall we?"
Elder Wu's expression was no longer cold but softened with a faint smile.
Seeing Elder Wu finally become polite, Ye Fan also smiled with satisfaction. He then cast a provocative glance at Third Master, beckoned Chang Jun, and followed Elder Wu into the small house.
Seeing Ye Fan's provocative look, Third Master naturally felt displeased. However, he was helpless and could only follow them into the room.
This small house did not appear large from the outside, but inside, it was a different world. It was a hundred square meters large, furnished with a row of display shelves holding replicas of various items.
The reason these items were recognizable as high-quality replicas at a glance was that many of them were national treasures. If they were all genuine, the place would have long since been sealed by the authorities.
"May I know young friend's name?"
Elder Wu sat in the main seat and asked Ye Fan with a smile.
As they had passed the display shelves earlier, he had been observing Ye Fan. Seeing Ye Fan merely cast a cursory glance before looking away, the old man was inwardly greatly surprised.
He knew that although these replicas were fakes, the methods of imitation were extremely advanced, sufficient to deceive most appraisers. Even a Grade Two Appraiser would be unable to detect any flaws without closely examining them by hand.
Yet, Ye Fan had seen through the problem with just a casual glance, which truly astonished him.
"Ye Fan."
Ye Fan said calmly, sitting there.
Upon hearing the name, both Elder Wu and Third Master shot up from their seats. Their expressions instantly turned extremely grim, and they stared coldly at Ye Fan.
"You are Ye Fan?"
Elder Wu narrowed his eyes and asked in a deep voice.
"Brat, you actually dare to come to our Xiao Ran Pavilion again? Today, we certainly won't let you leave."
The attitudes of the two had changed drastically. Their expressions were as if they wished they could devour Ye Fan alive.