"My name is Li Yang. Mr. Xu, you don't need to praise me so much. My knowledge of antiques is far inferior to Old Wu's. Today, I just happened to notice something peculiar about this item," Li Yang said humbly.
He knew that Old Wu's status in the antique world was unparalleled, and he definitely couldn't steal the spotlight.
"Li Yang, then I shall call you Little Friend Li from now on!"
Xu Jianwen looked at Li Yang with great respect and said, "Little Friend Li, I have two more items here. Would you mind taking a look for me?"
"Mr. Xu, Old Wu is here. How can I possibly qualify to appraise antiques for you? My treasure appraisal skills are truly mediocre," Li Yang continued to be modest.
"Mr. Li, you don't need to be so polite. I also want to see how high your treasure appraisal level is. Why don't you appraise the remaining two items? If your appraisal is inaccurate, I will correct you promptly," Wu Lei also said seriously.
Wu Lei could sense that Li Yang's treasure appraisal skills were indeed not simple!
This young man had great ability but knew how to be humble; he was a rare talent.
Seeing that both elders thought highly of him, Li Yang could no longer refuse and agreed to help Xu Jianwen appraise the remaining two antiques.
As soon as the second brocade box was opened, a jade green rabbit appeared inside. The rabbit's design was exactly the same as the zodiac rabbit.
Moreover, the exquisiteness of this item was far superior to the sculpture from before.
Upon closer inspection, the style of this jade rabbit was that of an accessory worn by imperial concubines in the Han Dynasty. The number of true relics remaining in the world today is extremely limited.
If this item was genuine, it would undoubtedly be priceless.
After Li Yang held it and carefully appraised it, he curiously asked Xu Jianwen, "Mr. Xu, how much did you pay for this item?"
"I paid ninety million for this jade ornament. I bought it at an auction," Xu Jianwen replied truthfully.
"Then there's no suspense. This jade rabbit is also fake. If this item were real, you couldn't buy it even for twice ninety million. Its true relic was an accessory used by imperial concubines in the Han Dynasty, and they are basically extinct now."
"If it appeared at an auction, it would definitely not be sold for less than two hundred million. However, there's good news: Mr. Xu, you are not at a loss for buying this high imitation for ninety million, because its material is the same as the genuine article, both made from Han Dynasty jade."
"The only difference is that this rabbit was imitated in the Ming Dynasty. Although it's not a Han Dynasty item, its form and spirit have been fully captured. Its market price would be around eighty to ninety million," Li Yang announced seriously.
"Old Wu, what do you think? Is Little Friend Li's appraisal accurate?" Xu Jianwen asked Wu Lei, who was beside him, after hearing the result.
"Little Friend Li's eyesight is indeed exceptional. This jade rabbit is indeed a high imitation, but its imitation craftsmanship is extremely high. Ordinary people cannot discern its flaws," Wu Lei said.
As Li Yang announced the result, Wu Lei also carefully appraised the jade rabbit. He had almost exclaimed in amazement just now.
The difficulty of appraising this jade rabbit was even higher than the wooden sculpture from before!
Even a grandmaster of treasure appraisal would find it difficult to discern the origin of this item, yet Li Yang accurately stated that it was from the Ming Dynasty.
This result directly overturned his perception of Li Yang.
He had initially thought Li Yang was merely a master, with appraisal skills only slightly higher than his peers. But now he realized that Li Yang's ability far exceeded his imagination.
Even if his four disciples were present, they would be no match for Li Yang.
Most importantly, his four disciples were already middle-aged when they achieved their current appraisal skills and status. Yet Li Yang, in his early twenties, possessed such high treasure appraisal techniques, which truly astonished him!
"So that's how it is. It seems my trip abroad this time has failed again. However, although I lost some money, I have made the acquaintance of a treasure appraisal expert like Little Friend Li, and I feel deeply honored."
Xu Jianwen showed no disappointment at all. Instead, he looked at Li Yang and said with a smile, "Mr. Li, I have one last antique left. I hope you can help me appraise it as well."
After speaking, he instructed his subordinate to open the third box. Inside was a Seven-Star ancient bronze sword.
The item looked majestic and imposing. The moment the box was opened, a cold glint appeared from the sword's edge, and the atmosphere in the entire hall changed.
Only ordinary people could not feel the aura of this item; only Li Yang and the expert bodyguards present could sense the sword's power.
"Good sword, this is a peerless good sword!"
The moment Li Yang picked up the sword, he couldn't help but praise it. He looked at Xu Jianwen and said, "Mr. Xu, your trip abroad was not in vain. This precious sword is an ancient bronze sword from China's Western Zhou Dynasty."
"This sword is well-preserved and unique in the world. Although its surface is covered with bronze patina, its internal sharpness has not diminished at all. It is a blessing to China for this ancient sword to return to our land."
"Little Friend Li means that this sword is genuine?"
Xu Jianwen was still somewhat surprised, and a hint of pleasant surprise appeared on his face, because he hadn't spent much money on this sword. He had bought it from a market abroad, and it looked very ancient, so he bought it to have it appraised.
But he never expected that the items he bought at a high price were all fake, yet this bronze sword, bought for a few hundred yuan, turned out to be genuine.
Li Yang nodded very firmly and said, "That's right, this is indeed a genuine sword. It is not easy for Mr. Xu to acquire this treasure. The bronze patina on the sword can be soaked in white vinegar and then gently wiped."
"It won't take long for the patina to fall off naturally. After wiping it clean, preserve it well. This bronze sword still has great potential for appreciation."
"That's great! It seems my trip was not in vain. Old Wu, what do you think of the quality of this bronze sword?" Xu Jianwen said excitedly and then handed the sword to Wu Lei to ask.
"Mr. Li's treasure appraisal skills are superb. Since he says this bronze sword is genuine, then there is no problem. Whether I appraise it or not, the result will not be affected in any way."
Wu Lei had great trust in Li Yang's treasure appraisal skills. He took the bronze sword and observed it carefully. Indeed, there was no suspense, and he returned the ancient bronze sword to Xu Jianwen.
"Mr. Li, your property procedures are all completed. Here are your procedures and bank card. Please sign and take them."
At this moment, the property manager came to Li Yang's side and respectfully handed him the card and all the procedures.
"Thank you."
Li Yang offered a polite remark and took back the card, then casually signed on it.
Before he could finish signing, Xu Jianwen suddenly spoke, "Mr. Li, did you buy this property from me?"
"Yes, Mr. Xu. I came here today to buy a house. I happened to meet Old Wu, so I accompanied him here to chat," Li Yang nodded.
"I see. Xiao Zhou, go and refund Mr. Li for the house. From today onwards, Mr. Li will be our highest-level member, with the same treatment as Old Wu," Xu Jianwen immediately said to the manager after learning the situation.