With Zhou Youde and Qi Yuanhao in attendance, the scene instantly became lively.
The influential families of Jiangcheng were now even more eager for this appraisal fair.
Soon, everyone, guided by the staff, took their seats. The once chaotic venue gradually quieted down as Ye Fan appeared.
Walking onto the stage, Ye Fan smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting.
"This appraisal fair is jointly organized by Boguzhai and Tianyin Pavilion, and we have also cordially invited friends from Haicheng."
As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Zhou Youde and Qi Yuanhao.
Seeing Ye Fan's gaze, the two smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
"As everyone knows, the antique industry in Jiangcheng is currently facing its greatest predicament. Due to the Antique Association, President Zheng died in a foreign land, leaving the industry leaderless. In this time of crisis, I, Ye Fan, am willing to join hands with everyone present to overcome difficulties and help the Jiangcheng antique industry quickly regain its vitality."
Ye Fan's voice was loud and filled with genuine emotion.
These words immediately touched many hearts.
"Mr. Ye, you are the undisputed icon of our Jiangcheng antique industry. We are willing to advance and retreat with you."
"As long as Boguzhai and Tianyin Pavilion are here, our Jiangcheng antique industry will never fall."
"Brother Ye speaks well, our Jiang family will always follow Brother Ye's footsteps."
A thunderous applause erupted from the crowd below, with everyone praising Ye Fan.
With their support, Ye Fan's figure seemed particularly tall and imposing.
He raised his hand to signal for quiet.
"Thank you all for your trust. I, Ye Fan, promise not to let down everyone's good intentions."
...
Admittedly, Ye Fan's eloquence was astonishing, capable of moving heaven and earth. His stirring words captivated everyone present.
Seeing that he had garnered enough support, Ye Fan announced, "The appraisal fair officially begins. Everyone is welcome to bring their treasures to the stage for appraisal. However, I have an unwritten rule: everyone present is my friend. I hope this appraisal fair brings you absolute benefits, so I do not wish to see any fakes. If anyone passes off a fake as genuine, they will be liable for tenfold compensation, and there will be no mercy."
Ye Fan's words were sonorous and earned him more admiration, with continuous cheers.
Ye Fan's words brought joy to some and worry to others. Those confident in their items beamed with excitement, finally able to participate in a fair and just appraisal.
Everyone’s items were genuine, so they could judge quality based on merit, without worrying about fakes.
However, some with troubled expressions quickly concealed their items, fearing the severe consequences if fakes were discovered.
"Uncle Fu, are our items alright?"
Despite his confidence in the items he brought, Qi Yuanhao couldn't help but ask.
Uncle Fu nodded heavily, "These items were taken from the family's treasure vault. There will be no problems."
As one of the top families in Haicheng, the Qi family possessed many treasures that had been appraised by several senior appraisers, ensuring their absolute quality.
Hearing Uncle Fu's words, Qi Yuanhao nodded with satisfaction.
As the organizer, Ye Fan was the first to have a batch of items brought onto the stage.
These items were treasures, including bronze wares brought from Taiping Town, as well as rare artifacts acquired by Boguzhai and Tianyin Pavilion recently.
As each item was revealed, the audience below gasped in shock.
"Bronze wares from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, porcelain vases from the Tang and Song dynasties, calligraphy and paintings from the Han and Liang dynasties, these are all priceless treasures."
Someone's voice trembled as they spoke.
Then, the crowd below began to murmur.
Ye Fan was very pleased with this reaction, though it was also within his expectations.
At this moment, Old Sun slowly walked onto the stage.
"Everyone, this batch of items has been personally appraised by Mr. Ye. There are no issues with authenticity, guaranteed to be genuine, so everyone can purchase with confidence."
Upon hearing Old Sun's words, the crowd became even more excited. Ye Fan's reputation preceded him; anything he personally appraised was undoubtedly flawless.
"This bronze jia is in excellent condition. Such exquisite pieces have never appeared on the market. Everyone should cherish this opportunity."
Those interested in bronze wares immediately had their eyes light up, fixated on the bronze jia, unable to look away.
After the appraisal, a fierce bidding war ensued.
In the end, this bronze jia was sold for a staggering thirty-two million.
Ye Fan was indifferent to these matters. Nowadays, money was no longer his primary concern.
With his appraisal skills, making money was simple.
Next were the porcelain and jade pieces. Soon, these dozen or so items were snapped up, leaving many who failed to acquire anything very dissatisfied.
After all, Boguzhai and Tianyin Pavilion were now different from before.
To purchase items from these two antique shops, one not only needed money but also good character, otherwise, no matter how much money you offered, they wouldn't sell to you.
This was the power of a leading industry; there was nothing one could do.
Seeing Old Sun's apologetic smile, more people in the audience had their eyes gleaming.
If the items from Boguzhai and Tianyin Pavilion were so sought after, then their own items would surely fetch a good price.
Next, it was time for these people to present their items.
Instantly, dozens of items were placed on the stage, and many knowledgeable individuals began appraising them one by one.
For satisfactory items, they inquired about the price. For those they couldn't understand, they observed, waiting for experts to explain.
The busiest person here was undoubtedly Ye Fan. Due to his outstanding appraisal skills, he was already the center of attention, and many implored him to help authenticate their items.
As an organizer, Ye Fan obliged everyone, often discerning the quality of an item at a glance.
However, Ye Fan did not offer commentary, only stating its authenticity.
Undoubtedly, these dozens of items were all genuine.
However, their quality was generally mediocre, with little selling appeal.
But these were matters for those with insight to judge for themselves; if they couldn't see clearly, they could only blame themselves.
Soon, people became interested in the items and began bidding.
In such matters, both buyer and seller had to be satisfied with the price.
Ye Fan did not intervene in these dealings.
After a full hour, the buying and selling of items by these individuals finally concluded.
The next segment was the showcase by the two major families from Haicheng.
The reason for inviting them was merely for support.
Zhou Youde and Qi Yuanhao exchanged glances, then simultaneously stood up and walked onto the stage.
Each was followed by a few attendants, carrying boxes.
Perhaps, aside from Ye Fan's items, those prepared by these two families were the best.